This year INFINITI of South Atlanta and Heritage Volkswagen of Union City were able to donate 100 bikes to the Newnan Chapter of the Metro-Atlanta Boys and Girls Club for our 2019 Bikes for Kids Project. We’d like to thank everyone who was able to make this donation possible. Every donation, big or small, can and will make a difference!

A special Thank You to the following:

ECR Body Shop
Marietta Wrecker
Group Access
Tracey Kinney
John Abate
Johnny Hamer
Newnan Utilities
Heritage Volkswagen of Lithia Springs
Jonathan Nelson
Sean Eason
Casey McGraw
Cynthia Hoskins
Team Velocity Marketing
CSP Up Fitters
Ryan Daniel with Shift Marketing
Sunnyside Glass
EasyCare
Ally Bank
Kaland Chambers
BG Fuel Additives
Ramone Ramos, The Wheel Guy
Stewart Recon

To make a tax deductible donation, click here.

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The 2020 INFINITI QX50 has received the 2020 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award in the premium compact crossover/SUVs category, marking the second year in a row the vehicle has won this award. The Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award was awarded after more than 150 new vehicles were test-driven.

Award Recognition

“We are honored to have won the Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award for the second year in the row,” said Jeff Pope, Group Vice President of INFINITI Americas. “This award shows that our planners, designers and engineers understand what consumers want year over year and we are proud to deliver that with the QX50.”

The 2020 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award is based on objective ratings and by distinguishing itself through performance value compared to others in the class. The 2020 QX50 hits all the premium compact SUV high points, with its stylish design and revolutionary VC-Turbo engine to offer both power and efficiency on demand.

2020 QX50 Features

The 2020 QX50 continues the excellence established in the 2019 model with unmistakable INFINITI signature design elements. The addition of new QX50 SENSORY and QX50 AUTOGRAPH grade levels, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and a new-generation infotainment system with dual HD displays elevates the 2020 QX50 into a commanding crossover with strong character lines.

The 2020 QX50 also offers a highly flexible interior space with a sliding rear bench, a panoramic moonroof, and driver-centric, asymmetric interior design to enhance the driving experience. The vehicle is powered by INFINITI’s 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, representing a breakthrough in combustion engine design. The competitively efficient vehicle delivers fuel economy of 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 25 mpg combined with all-wheel drive models. The 2020 QX50 is the total package with available technologies such as ProPILOT Assist, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and ProACTIVE.

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Would you try to walk a few miles in the rain wearing just flip flops? How about loafers in the snow? Those are examples of using the wrong equipment for the conditions. If you don’t want to walk to work this winter, it’s time to make sure your car has the right footwear.

Even in regions that don’t see significant snowfall or freezing temperatures, road conditions can turn from clear and dry to dark and treacherous in the span of just an hour – even less in some cases. Nobody wants the stress of getting caught unprepared, and it can put you and your loved ones in danger. What kind of shape are your tires in? If your car has all-season tires, it’s important that those tires have enough tread depth and proper wear. Get a few years and tens of thousands of miles on your tires, and they may not have what it takes to grip when you need it most. Your dealer’s service department knows what to look for and will be able to suggest the best course of action.

Winter Tire Benefits

In other parts of the country, many drivers opt for a full set of winter tires. Winter tires can make all the difference in regions where temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the approximate temperature below which the rubber in regular tires begins to get stiff and lose its ability to grip the road surface. Winter tires are made from special rubber formulations designed to provide maximum traction in even the worst conditions. They stay flexible in colder temperatures for better grip, and the tread design cuts through snow, instead of clogging up and letting you down.

When you consider the difficulty, expense and potential danger of an accident, a set of winter tires seems like an easy choice. Many dealerships make it simple, too. They know exactly what will fit your car and how to install it right. Your dealer can easily change over your tires and wheels for you, and many offer seasonal specials.

This winter, make sure you can stop, steer, and get moving. Get the right equipment for the job. If you live where temps dip below 45 degrees, winter tires are the right equipment for maximum performance. Even if you don’t live where it freezes or snows, make sure your tires are ready for whatever you might encounter. They are, after all, the only thing connecting you to the road.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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The end-of-year holidays are a popular time to volunteer at charities and non-profit organizations. However, many people might not realize that as they help others, they also help themselves.

Volunteering improves physical health

There are many ways that volunteering helps improve mental and physical health, though it may benefit the latter even more. In 2002, doctors studied more than 6,300 retired persons at senior centers and found that those among them who actively volunteered had less than half the risk of dying than those who did not. This is because volunteering-at any age-is associated with lower blood pressure. According to Harvard.edu, high blood pressure is an important indicator of health because it contributes to heart disease, stroke and premature death. As a result, volunteering directly reduces the risk of heart disease and other symptoms of chronic pain.

Volunteering improves mental health

Happiness is hard to measure, but not impossible. Researchers who looked at hormonal and brain activity discovered that being helpful to others generates immense pleasure. In fact, a study reported in Natural Health magazine in 2007 showed that 95 percent of volunteers said they gained a “helper’s high”-a feeling of euphoria and energy-and HelpGuide.org says that volunteering causes the same dopamine rush that one might feel after vigorous exercise. Volunteering can give people a sense of identity and pride, helping improve self-confidence and giving them a more positive outlook on life and their goals. People who volunteer regularly have also been shown to have better thinking skills and find it easier to cope with everyday tasks. Overall, volunteering helps people feel less depressed and angry and makes them more likely to find purpose and meaning in their lives.

Social interaction reduces stress

Volunteering, especially if it involves working with animals, has been repeatedly shown to reduce stress and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can be exceptionally beneficial to one’s psychological wellbeing, as is the building of a meaningful connection with someone through volunteer work, whether they be fellow volunteers or the recipients of help. Perhaps even more positive to one’s mental and physical health is interaction with animals, particularly dogs. Numerous studies have shown that simply petting or hugging an animal can quickly reduce stress, and the American Heart Association has found that pet owners are less likely to be depressed, less likely to experience heart disease and have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Even if you don’t own a pet, that’s a compelling argument to volunteer at an animal shelter.

Volunteering helps improve disabilities

It may seem to people with chronic health conditions or disabilities that volunteering is out of their reach, yet it is just the opposite. HelpGuide.org says that adults with disabilities or health conditions-everything ranging from diabetes and digestive disorders to heart disease and hearing or vision loss-have shown significant health improvements after volunteering. You don’t need to be mobile to get involved with the community: many modern organizations need help with web-based tasks like writing, email and graphic design, and some may allow volunteers to do their part completely remotely.

Volunteering is more powerful than we commonly think. These holidays, help your community by volunteering and you will find that the act of giving is giving you something back in return.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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Earlier this month, INFINITI announced the 2017 INFINITI Q50 has been recognized by TrueCar, Inc.’s data and analytics subsidiary, ALG, with the 2020 ALG Pre-Owned Value Award. The Pre-Owned Value Award (POVA) recognizes three-year-old vehicles that are forecasted to depreciate the least over the subsequent 36 months in the used market.

Based on ALG’s residual value forecast for the 2017 model year, the pre-owned INFINITI Q50 has a higher residual value than other vehicles in the premium midsize market. This is the second year in a row an INFINITI vehicle has won ALG’s premium midsize POVA, with the 2016 INFINITI QX70 securing the award in 2019.

Award Recognition

“We are proud to see that the 2017 Q50 has received the Pre-Owned Value Award,” said Jeff Pope, Group Vice President of INFINITI Americas. “This award showcases the commitment our engineers have to consistently creating long lasting, quality vehicles for our customers while also ensuring that our customers feel they are making a wise investment.”

The 2020 POVA’s are based on ALG’s proprietary forecast model, which uses a variety of macro, industry, segment and vehicle factors to arrive at the most accurate prediction of a vehicle’s future value. 2020 POVA’s are awarded to vehicles with the lowest forecast depreciation from two to five years of age.

About the 2017 INFINITI Q50

The 2017 INFINTI Q50 sports sedan includes INFINITI InTouch Navigation, and combines stylish, purposeful proportions and aggressive stance, providing a powerful statement of the sports performance awaiting the driver. The lean, robust body sides anchor the performance stance with a strong, solid “bone” and arched roofline. The interior environment offers a powerful blend of three-dimensional textures, combining modern luxury and user-focused technology.

More information on the Q50 is available at www.infinitiusa.com.

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Every Thanksgiving morning, more than 3.5 million people pack the streets of New York City, and 50 million more Americans crowd in front of their TV sets to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, according to NYC Tourist. America’s most popular parade includes large balloons, famous singers, the Rockettes and more marching down Central Park West to celebrate Thanksgiving and usher in the holiday season with the arrival of Santa Claus. But how did this tradition first start out?

The inspiration

In the early 1920s, Macy’s was king in department shopping, and competition was fierce. Thanks to great business and demand, R.H. Macy & Co. was spreading nationwide, and in 1924 it expanded its Manhattan Herald Square location to the whole city block. It was a very impressive feat, and Macy’s billed the location as the “World’s Largest Store.”

As a result, Macy’s executives were looking for a way to bring more customers into the store, stand out from the competition and make a bigger deal of the Christmas shopping season as a whole. The team started to look for inspiration around the country.

According to History.com, the Gimbel Brothers Department Store in Philadelphia was the first major department store to have a parade on Thanksgiving, starting in 1920. That parade reportedly had 15 cars, about 50 marchers and a fireman who volunteered to dress like Santa to welcome in the holiday season. The executives at Macy’s thought it was a great idea, and began to plan their own event for 1924.

The first parade

The parade that took shape was called the Macy’s Christmas Parade, as it was all about promoting the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, as opposed to Thanksgiving. To get New York excited, the store took out full-page advertisements in city newspapers. The first year’s route was six miles and ran from Harlem to the flagship store. In comparison, the current parade route is only two and a half miles long.

As Macy’s developed the parade, it became clear that it would also help solve a New York City problem. At the time, it was tradition for children to dress in rags as “ragamuffins” and go door-to-door begging for candy and other treats, asking “Anything for Thanksgiving?” like modern-day Halloween trick-or-treaters. This new parade tradition would offer children a different kind of entertainment on Thanksgiving morning and keep them out of trouble.

Originally, there were no character balloons in the parade. NYC Tourist reports that the first balloon, Felix the Cat, didn’t arrive on the scene until 1927. Instead, the floats, still a big part of the modern event, were the stars of the show and were pulled by teams of horses.

According to History.com, the first parade had a Mother Goose and nursery-rhyme theme, so the floats were of Mother Goose herself, Little Miss Muffet, Little Red Riding Hood and other nursery characters. The Central Park Zoo also brought several animals, including elephants and camels, to walk the parade route. Just like today, Santa Claus, his sleigh and the reindeer brought up the end of the parade. In 1924, however, he descended from his ride to become “King of the Kiddies” and unveil the Macy’s window displays for the inaugural year.

The legacy today

Macy’s deemed the parade such a success (and such a boost to store sales) that just a few days later the store ran another advertisement in the papers to announce that the parade would return the following year. Besides a break for World War II, the now-named Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade continues to celebrate America’s national holiday and usher in the Christmas season for shoppers and revelers alike.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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INFINITI of South Atlanta is a proud sponsor and regular donor of Meals on Wheels of Coweta!

Meals on Wheels of Coweta is a non-profit organization offering free services to seniors who are homebound because of disability, chronic illness and don’t receive regular assistance from others. Since many are unable to prepare meals for themselves, Meals on Wheels volunteers prepare and deliver home-cooked meals 5-7 days a week.

What many don’t know is Meals on Wheels of Coweta offers services other than providing meals! They also offer handyman repairs, friendly visits to combat loneliness, as well as, pet food/care assistance. 

Meals on Wheels of Coweta does not receive financial support from the government so, without donors, grantors or volunteers, this organization would not exist. If you are interested in donating, volunteering or simply want more information about this amazing organization, visit, www.MealsOnWheelsOfCoweta.org. You can also email them at mowcoweta@numail.org.

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It’s time to start thinking about it. Winter. Even as we enjoy the onset of autumn’s splendor, we know winter is not far behind. Is your vehicle ready? While the weather is pleasant, take a few minutes to do some simple checks.

Lights: Do all the lights on your car or truck work properly? It’s easy to tell if a headlight has failed, but burned out brake lights, blinkers, and marker lamps aren’t always apparent. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to replace the bulbs yourself; especially now, with so many vehicles using LED lighting elements, fixing a problem may require the help of a dealer technician, but you can spot the lights that are out yourself.

Make sure the headlights, both low and high-beam, are operating correctly. To check the other lights, turning the vehicle on to its “accessory” position might be necessary. Make sure the blinkers all work, left and right, front and rear. Many vehicles now have additional blinkers in the mirrors or sides of the vehicle, so be sure to check those if your car or truck has them. Get an assistant to step on the brake pedal while you make sure all your brake lights – left, right and center high-mounted – are working. Remember to check license plate lights, position lights, reverse lights, running lights and parking lights.

Wipers and Windshield: Is it hard to see out your windshield at night or in the rain? If the answer is yes, you’ll want to correct the situation. Wipers that smear, chatter, or otherwise fail to clear the windshield are a big danger you can fix quickly and inexpensively. If you don’t remember the last time the wiper blades were changed, now is a good time to replace them. Check the operation of your windshield washer system, too. Do the nozzles spray a strong stream on the windshield? If you can’t see, you’re more likely to hit things. 

The windshield itself can pick up rock chips and other damage that reduces visibility. Keep the windshield clean, inside and out; physical damage to the windshield glass can sometimes be repaired, and windshield replacement, if necessary, may be covered by your car insurance, depending on your coverage.

Tires: Even if you’re not in a region where winter tires are necessary, you need good tires for maximum safety. Look for uneven wear patterns or low tread depth. Worn tires are more likely to hydroplane, and they give up dry traction, too. Any obvious damage–– including chunks missing, nails or screws in the tread, bubbles or cuts in the sidewalls, suspicious bulges or flat spots in the tread, etc.––can be an immediate hazard and should be addressed right away.

Fluids: This one is possibly the simplest. Make sure all of the fluids are at the proper levels, especially the windshield washer fluid. It’s a good idea to carry an extra bottle or two of washer fluid, as well, because it’s easy to go through a lot of it when you need to keep salt spray off the windshield. Power steering fluid, engine coolant and brake fluid are vital to safe driving, as well; if you don’t feel comfortable checking these fluids yourself, your service department will happily take a look.

Most of these checks are included with a routine vehicle maintenance visit, so you could make it easy by heading in for an oil and filter change and multi-point inspection. Then you can head into the winter months confident that your car won’t let you down when you need it the most.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA. 

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No matter how much work you put into keeping your vehicle’s exterior looking clean and shiny, passengers are likely going to be more interested in how you take care of it on the inside. If your vehicle’s upholstery is dingy, stained or emitting some strange odor, you’ll want to take steps to ensure that your interior is looking every bit as good as your exterior. Not only will this prevent passengers from turning up their noses at you, but it will also help your vehicle retain more of its value over time, which helps if you decide that you’d like to sell it one day.

Stock up on the right supplies
Before you dive into cleaning your interior, be sure you have everything you need at your disposal. Running in and out of the house or to and from the store for cleaning tools will make upholstery care a much bigger chore than it needs to be.

YourMechanic’s Mark Vallet recommends essentials such as microfiber cloths; a soft, clean sponge or cloth; a vacuum; a bucket of warm water; and a bristled, yet soft scrubbing brush. You’ll also need some kind of upholstery cleaner, but you should take care to ensure that the product that you choose is appropriate for the material in your vehicle.

Apply care 101
Before you get into the nitty-gritty or nooks and crannies of upholstery care, it’s good to start by removing any clutter on, under or around your seats. You’ll also want to take out any floor mats to ensure that you clean the area beneath them. Once your seats and floors are bare, use your vacuum to remove dust, dirt and debris. Vallet recommends a wet/dry vacuum due to its superlative cleaning power and an extended cord and hose.

Once you are satisfied that you’ve vacuumed up as much of the dirt as you can, Vallet suggests going over your surfaces with a moist cloth and spot-testing your cleaning agent.

Refresh cloth seats
If you would prefer a more natural solution to cleaning your cloth seats, or even just a more affordable choice, you can easily concoct a home remedy that is as effective as anything you’ll find at the store. Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks suggests combining a gallon of water with a cup of vinegar and a touch of dish soap. Using a hard-bristle brush, lightly apply this mixture to your fabric surfaces and let sit for 30 minutes. Once it’s sat long enough, apply warm water and blot dry.

If you want something more fragrant, you can include a few drops of essential oils to your cleaning mixture. This provides a fresh scent without the heaviness of a chemical solution.

Condition leather upholstery
Leather upholstery requires a softer touch than fabric upholstery, which is why DIY Network recommends against using ammonia- or bleach-based cleaners. If you don’t want to invest in a leather-specific cleaning substance, you can make your own homemade solution by mixing five parts warm water with one part liquid dish soap in a bucket. Apply to a cloth and wipe down your seats and surfaces thoroughly. Use a second cloth, damp with water, to wipe clean and a towel to dry.

If your elbow grease is just not enough to renew your car’s interior satisfactorily, or your schedule is just too packed to do your vehicle justice, consider reaching out to the professionals to get the job done properly. Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, and spending a little time or money to make sure that its interior is well-maintained is well worth the return.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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Fall is finally here! With the weather getting colder, soup is the perfect dinner to keep you warm without weighing you down. Check out these healthy soups designed to keep you full and guilt-free.

Protein-Packed Chili

Ingredients for 8 servings

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped, seeded
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 4 tomatoes, cubed
• 28 oz crushed tomato, 1 can
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 ½ cups quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup red kidney bean, drained
• 1 cup pinto bean, drained
• 1 cup black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
• avocado, for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large pot, over medium heat, combine oil, garlic, onion, pepper, jalapeño, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Sauté until onion is translucent, 5-6 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, quinoa, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 25-30 minutes.
4. Add corn, lime juice, oregano, and cilantro, cover again and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Allow to cool 2 minutes. Serve topped with avocado and cilantro.
6. Enjoy!

Potato Leek Soup

Ingredients for 8 servings

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 large leeks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lb potato, cubed
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
• hot sauce, to taste

Preparation

1. Melt butter on medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped leeks and stir until coated with butter.
2. Cover the pot and lower heat, cook for around 10 minutes until the leeks have softened.
3. Increase to medium-high. Add garlic, potatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then add vegetable broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat and cover pot with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and easily speared by a fork.
5. Uncover and remove thyme and bay leaf.
6. Use an immersion or countertop blender to blend the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in chives and hot sauce (optional).
8. Allow to cool 2 minutes and serve.
9. Enjoy!

Cauliflower Parmesan Soup

Ingredients for 8 servings

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 heads cauliflower, riced
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• ½ cup vegetarian parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh chives

Preparation

1. Melt butter on medium heat in a large pot. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté 1-2 minutes until onion is translucent. Stir in salt and pepper.
2. Add the cauliflower, vegetable broth, and water, then stir.
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the thyme then cover and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Uncover and remove the thyme.
6. Use an immersion or countertop blender to blend the soup until smooth.
7. Mix in vegetarian Parmesan and chives.
8. Allow to cool 2 minutes then serve.
9. Enjoy!

Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients for 8 servings

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup fresh basil
• 28 oz crushed tomato, 2 cans
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Preparation

1. Combine oil, onion, celery, and garlic over medium heat in a large pot. Sauté for 3 minutes until onions are translucent.
2. Add salt, pepper, tomato paste, basil, crushed tomatoes, broth, baking soda, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
3. Lower heat and cover, simmering for 15 minutes.
4. Uncover and remove thyme.
5. Use an immersion or countertop blender to blend the soup until smooth.
6. Allow to cool 2 minutes and serve topped with basil.
7. Enjoy!

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