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Earth Day has been celebrated annually around the world on April 22 since 1970. The day is designated as a way to acknowledge the environment and consider ways to make the earth a healthier place to live. Often it is the small things that together make a difference. The possibilities for getting involved are endless! Clean up the environment Head outdoors and do what you can to clean up the environment in your own neighborhood. Pick up trash along roads, sidewalks and hiking trails. Recycle items that are recyclable and dispose of other items in proper trash receptacles. Plant trees or vegetables Because plant-life increases the quality of the air around you, consider planting on Earth Day. Plant a tree in memory of a friend or loved one. Get a head start on the summer growing season by planting vegetable seeds indoors. Plant flowers in your yard, if possible. Start an ongoing program While focusing on the environment for one day is a positive move, an ongoing effort for environmental preservation is even better. Consider using Earth Day as an opportunity to launch an environmental program in your community. Start a recycling program. Organize a community garden. Enjoy nature Even if you do not actively participate in Earth Day with a personal project, take the time to get outdoors and enjoy the nature in your community. Visit a park you have never visited. Take a hike in a state park. Enjoy a picnic near a local nature preserve. Make every day Earth Day You can make every day an Earth Day in your household. Make a commitment to become more environmentally conscious and reduce your environmental footprint. Conserve utility resources by turning down your thermostat when you are not home, reducing water usage and opening your windows instead of using air-conditioning. Purchase food from local farmers and independently operated businesses, or grow some of your own fruits and vegetables. Start a composting bin, in order to recycle vegetable and yard waste and use the compost for landscaping or gardening. Make your own cleaning products, instead of using toxic commercial products. Recycle whenever possible. Walk and bike when weather allows and enjoy your natural surroundings. Volkswagen continues to promote sustainable mobility, eco-friendly living and is involved with many projects from all around the world. Do you Think Blue? Volkswagen does!

Rumor has it that the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is going to take over the Wagen industry and this might be the end of Subaru Outback. The Volkswagen Golf family already has a great reputation and the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is a great new addition to the award winning family. The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is not only bigger than the Subaru Outback, but is also lighter (137 pounds lighter) and the price tag is significantly less. Plus the All-Wheel-Drive VW Golf SportWagen will be here in 2016 as a 2017 model. Check out our available Golf SportWagen models and test drive one today!

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Over 7,000 Vermont children are abused or neglected each year. For over 38 years, PCAVT has been working effectively to prevent child abuse and neglect through parent education, support and pubic awareness. PCAVT promoted and supports healthy relationships within families, schools and communities to eliminate child abuse. The National symbol for child abuse prevention is the Pinwheel. Help support PCAVT and spread public awareness by joining us in planting a Pinwheel Garden. Shearer Volkswagen purchased 100 pinwheels from Prevent Child Abuse Vermont and we are planting them around the building and displaying them on various vehicles to show our support. Last year several towns, libraries, business, fire departments and individuals planted " Pinwheel Gardens " in support of child abuse prevention. From 1990 to 2014, all forms of child abuse in Vermont were down by over 50%! We need to continue to unite as a statewide community to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for every child growing up in Vermont. Together we can prevent child abuse. Contact PCAVT at 802-229-5724 and order your pinwheels today for only a $1 each. Other ways you can get involved and show your support: Walks and Run for Children Sponsor Volunteer Host a Walk for Children Make a Donation

A new child is diagnosed with autism every 21 minutes. April is Autism Awareness Month and Shearer Volkswagen is proud to be a sponsor at the Autism Puzzle Foundation's Annual Casino Night Fundraiser in Central Vermont this year. You too can participate and help educate, raise awareness and support the lives of children and families living with autism!   The Autism Puzzle Foundation is dedicated to serving those with autism and raising awareness about its effect on children and families impacted by the disorder. Join their Annual Casino Night Fundraiser Saturday, April 11th, 2015. This event raises funds to provide education and services for Vermonters on the autism spectrum. Funds go to support The Autism Puzzle Foundation family grants and Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Join the festivities and help enhance the lives of children and families living with autism! Date: Saturday April 11th, 2015 Where: The Barre Auditorium in Barre, VT Time: Doors open at 5pm Dinner: 6pm Silent Auction Live Auction Blackjack Craps Roulette Raffle Prizes Speakers Tickets are limited so RSVP today and reserve your tickets. If you can't make the event donations are always greatly appreciated. Donations go towards research for a cure or are given to a Vermont family in need of financial support for equipment or services for their children who live with autism. Get involved, help us support and spread awareness this month!

Right now the Tiguan model is in the works of a redesign to offer a 3rd row seat version,  hitting the market sometime in 2017. This Tiguan version will be based on the VW Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. For years Volkswagen has lacked a full array of SUV types but come 2017 they plan on becoming a good contender in the SUV world.

It is the last weekend of our Grand Re-Opening Sales Event and we would like to celebrate it with you and the classic taste of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola was invented 128 years ago by Dr. John Pemberton who mixed the first batch of what would soon become Coca-Cola on March 29th, 1886. Come check out our new facility and celebrate Coca-Cola's Birthday with us this Saturday, March 28th, 2015. Take advantage of the huge discounts and specials, enter to win great prizes, enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers (11:30 - 2:30) and refreshing Coca-Cola beverages. See Sales for details. Fun Facts About Coca-Cola: 1. Coca-Cola was originally sold in a pharmacy Coca-Cola was invented March 29th, 1886 by John Pemberton.  John Pemberton was a pharmacist and a wounded former Confederate soldier from the Battle of Columbus. This new soft drink he came up with was first sold at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta on May 8, 1886. It was initially sold as a type of medicine to cure-all specifically to cure impotence, dyspepsia, neurasthenia, headaches, nausea and morphine addiction. 2. The name and logo came from Peberton's bookkeeper The Coca-Cola name stemmed from the two key ingredients: extracts from the coca leaf and kola nut. The name was suggested by Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, who was also the one to first pen the now classic cursive "Coca-Cola" logo. Frank Robinson also wrote the slogan, "The Pause That Refreshes." 3. Coca-Cola contained up to 9 milligrams of cocaine per serving All the versions of Coca-Cola sold contained cocaine, with some estimates of up to nine milligrams of cocaine per serving. By 1903 cocaine was removed from Coca-Cola by using "spent" coca leaves leftover but this still resulted in Coca-Cola having traces of Cocaine. They now use a company, Stephen Company in NJ, that uses cocaine-free coca leaf extract. This company also happens to legally make cocaine for medical purposes. 4. Originally cost only 5 cents a glass Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images 5. Cure Morphine Addiction John Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-COla, originally concocted the beverage while trying to come up with a cure for his Civil War-induced morphine addiction. 6. Coke invented the 6-Pack In 1923, the company began selling bottles in packages of six, which became common practice in the beverage industry.

Spring brings in longer days, warmer weather and the all new 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. They are finally here and ready for you to check out and test drive! The Golf SportWagen is the new replacement for the Jetta SportWagen and is BIGGER, BETTER and BOLDER than ever. Here are just a few perks the Golf SportWagen has over the Jetta SportWagen: Lower Costs - $22,215 - $33,955 S Models starts around $22, 215 Nicely equipped with: Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth, Alloy Wheels, Touch Screen Stereo and more. SE Models starts around $27,815 Additional features include: Premium Stereo, Panoramic Sunroof, Automatic Lights and Wipers, Heated Front Seats, Keyless Entry and Ignition, and an Automatic Transmission (in gas version only). SEL Models start around $30,165 Fully loaded with addition luxurious features: Navigation, Automatic Climate Control, 18" Wheels, Full-power Driver's Seat and more. Larger 10% Increased Cargo Space - 30.4 cubic feet, as much space as a decent-size SUV. With rear seats folded down the cargo space equals up to 66.5 cubic feet. 1.1 inches longer 0.7 inches wider Almost an inch lower The cabin gains about 0.5 inches of extra headroom More passenger legroom in the back seats with additional arm and elbow room. Weights Less More Powerful - the Sportwagen offers two of Volkswagen's best and brightest powertrains. 1.8 liter turbocharged four-cylinder - 170 horsepower with signifigant better fuel economy 5-speed Manual in the basic S Model 6-speed Automatic in the SE and SEL models. 2.0 liter TDI turbodiesel - 150 horsepower with ridiculously good fuel economy. The TDI can be had with either a 6-speed stick or a 6-speed DSG (twin clutch) automatic in all 3 trim levels More Fuel-Efficient - 10% Less Drag 1.8 gas manual - 25 MPG city/36 MPG highway 1.8 gas automatic - 25 MPG city/35 MPG highway 2.0 diesel manual - 31 MPG city/43 MPG highway 2.0 diesel automatic - 31 MPG city/42 MPG highway More Utility and Sophistication - Even the entry-level S model looks good and comes with all the interior bits Volkswagen always does well. The 2016 Models will likely bring the addition of an all-wheel-drive version and built-in USB port that the 2015 edition still lacks. The Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen is everything a small station wagon should be: Commodious and practical, good fun to drive, and reasonably priced. Schedule a test drive today!

Hearing someone's personal story about Multiple Sclerosis gives you a different perspective on the disease and how it effects their lives. We are sharing these stories for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in hopes to help spread the word, build awareness and continue to educate each other about this disease. Feel free to share your own stories on our Facebook page. Cathy Chester, an award-winning blogger has a positive outlook on her life and living with MS. She blogs a lot about her journey in hopes to help educate others about what it feels like to live with MS and a disability. Invisible Illness: Six Things I Want You To Know About Multiple Sclerosis and Me My MS Diagnosis: A Story About Living A Positive Life Why I'm Thankful For My Diagnosis Would I Still Be Me If I Wasn't Disabled? Families Coping With Illness: How Our 2006 Video For A Local TV Program Is Still Relevant Today Read more blogs By Cathy Chester Living with Multiple Sclerosis Videos Below:

HOW TO ENTER: Simply test drive a vehicle of your interest on our lot! It really is that simple. RAFFLE PRIZES: A Pair(2) of Red Sox Tickets for Opening Game Day* Monday, April 13th, 2015 @3:05pm at Fenway Park in Boston, MA New Kayak & Volkswagen Roof Rack** Includes: Pelican Trailblazer 100 Kayak Quest Advance Kayak Paddle Volkswagen Base bars*** Volkswagen Kayak Holder *No cash value. No purchase necessary. Limited time offer. not all will win. See dealer for complete details. Do not need to be present when winner is drawn. Raffle ends 3/31/2015. Winner announced 4/4/15. ** No cash value. No purchase necessary. Limited time offer. Not all will win. See dealer for complete details. Do not need to be present when winner is drawn. Raffle ends 4/30/2015. Winner announced 5/4/15. *** Volkswagen Passat and Beetle models do not have a Volkswagen option for Base Bars. Shearer Volkswagen will pay for aftermarket Base Bars equal to or less than a Volkswagen Base Bar to accommodate these models.

The American Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. During American Red Cross Month, Shearer Volkswagen would like to recognize those everyday heroes who help change a life by donating blood or make a financial donation. Present your donation pin, sticker or receipt from this month and Shearer Volkswagen will reward you with one of the following offers: $500 towards a new or pre-owned vehicle purchase at Shearer Volkswagen* 10% off in-house Volkswagen accessories at Shearer Volkswagen** Blood donations help millions of patients in need. The American Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply and provides blood for patients in approximately 2,700 hospitals across the U.S. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood. Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from generous donors. One donation can help save the lives of up to three people. Give Blood: Find a Drive Near You Make A Online Donation: Provide people in crisis today with help for tomorrow *$500 towards a new or pre-owned vehicle purchase this month only, March 2015. Donation Pin, Sticker and/or receipt must be present and dated within the month of March 2015. Offer ends March 31st, 2015. See Sales for details. **10% off in-house accessories this month only, March 2015. In-house products only. Must buy at Shearer Volkswagen. Donation receipt must be present and dated within the month of March 2015. See Parts department for details.

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, specifically the central nervous system. In humans, the nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. MS is a chronic and often disabling disease where symptoms vary greatly from person to person; they can be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Vermont continues to have the highest prevalence per capita of people with MS, as one on 400 Vermonters have been diagnosed. This month help build awareness and help support those who are affected by this disease! Raise Awareness & Get Involved: 2015 Vermont MS Walks Burlington, April 11, Burlington High School Montpelier, May 16, Montpelier High School Rutland, May 16, Rutland High School Upper Valley, May 16, Hartford high School St. Johnsbury, September 26, St. Johnsbury School Bike MS: Green Mountain Getaway August 1, 2015 Burlington, VT Make A Donation: Support an Event Participant Donate Online Give in Honor or Memory

We just launched our new website and we are excited to share the new fun features our site has to offer that will enhance your user experience. Get ready for a better shopping and buying experience whether you are on your laptop, tablet or mobile device. Responsive Website Our new website is a Responsive Website which means no matter what device you are using you can view our website and information clearly and navigate through our site with little to no effort. Stay Connected Our social media buttons are displayed at all times in the header so you can easily click on them and stay connect with us. Remember to subscribe to our blog to stay up-to-date and receive our current VW related news and events right to your inbox. Print, Email & Send to Mobile Now you can send any vehicle in our inventory right to your inbox or mobile device to remember your favorites and to share it with your family and friends. Rather have a hard copy? No worries, you can now print the vehicle details too. Get Pre-Approved No more long forms to fill out and complete. Four quick easy steps to complete our credit application and we will contact you right back with your customized financing options.Check out our website and let us know what you think!