Lucky Student To Receive Free Kia Soul From Gary Rome Kia

Gary Rome Kia of Enfield will be giving away a brand new Kia Soul to one eligible student from Enrico Fermi High School.

Enfield, CT -- Education is the stepping stone to a successful life, to becoming a productive member of society, and to bettering the world at large.  The British writer Gilbert K. Chesterston once said, "Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another."  The Gary Rome Kia dealership of Enfield, CT agrees that a good education is both timeless and priceless.  In concordance with this sentiment, Gary Rome Kia is holding a raffle to reward one deserving student at the local Enrico Fermi High School with his or her very own Kia Soul.

To qualify for an opportunity to win the raffle students had to show a dedication not only to their studies, but to outside interests and to their communities, as well.  Each potential winner has a grade point average of at least 8.0 out of 12.  He or she cannot have been absent more than 8 times, nor can he or she have any detentions, suspensions, expulsions, or been arrested in school or in the community.

Academics is only half the equation, though.  Being a good student also entails being well-rounded and socially active.  In order to earn a chance at the Kia Soul, each student must participate in at least 2 extracurricular activities in school.  Outside the schoolyard, each student must devote at least 50 hours of his or her own time to community service.

The drawing to declare the winner will take place Friday, June 1st.  Gary Rome Kia would like to recognize the achievements of all 14 finalists who qualified for the Kia Soul giveaway:

Stephen Ballard

Stephen is very talented and involved in the music program here at Fermi High School. Stephen has donated his time and expertise to the program by tutoring other students. He has also participated in the Program of Studies evening, Safe Graduation Auction, String Festival, Jazz Festival as well as working at the concession stand at some of the Boys home Basketball games.

Sean Bridges

Sean is a very active member in the Enfield community and has donated his time to many worthwhile causes. Some of these causes included the Enfield Food Shelf, 4^th of July Road Race, Enfield Garden Club, Enfield Library Drop and Shop Event, Enfield’s Family Day Event and donations to NADA Women’s Shelter. His volunteer services do not stop there, for he has also had the ability to show his leadership as a co-facilitator of the Names Can Really Hurt Us Program.

Jennifer Coffey

Jen’s community service has involved helping her fellow students as well as stepping out into the community. Jen has been involved in various venues here at Fermi which include Fermi Fest, Freshman Orientation and LMC Tutoring. Her outside services span to include Toys for Joy Event, Rays of Hop Walk, Firefighters Book Drive and the Brownie Troop Pencil Project.

Bryan Cressotti

While overcoming obstacles of his own, Bryan still finds time to participate in many different activities and duties at a Child Development Center in East Windsor. His help and contributions to the center are greatly appreciated by not only the staff members but the families as well.

Gordon “Trey” Duggan

Trey has served the community well as a volunteer on the North Thompsonville Fire Department. He made his presence known during Winter Storm Alfred responding and assisting Enfield residents through emergency situations while supporting the other 5 fire departments in Enfield. He also serves the community on a daily basis through NTFD by responding to fire calls and attending weekly drills.

Michelle Cunha

Michelle is serving the Enfield community admirably by volunteering on the North Thompsonville Fire District #10 first as a cadet, and now as a regular volunteer firefighter. This developmental program has Michelle responding to emergency incidents and performing exercises to assist those in distress.

Marie Czarnecki

Marie is part of the LEO Club and has contributed many hours helping out our Senior Citizens within the community. Either it is a Holiday Party, Bowling or Rock-a-Thon at the Little Sisters of the Poor or a Pancake Breakfast at the Enfield Senior Center Marie is a welcomed volunteer. Mario also participates at a Physical Therapy Partners helping in the rehabilitation and wellness of their patients.

Alicia DiVito

Alicia has divided her community service hours assisting in numerous community service events held by the Enrico Fermi High School Instrumental Department as well as many outside organizations. With her music credentials being key, Alicia has assisted in the Enfield String Festival, Fermi Jazz Festival, Fermi Talent Show and new students to Music Freshman Orientation Program. Alicia has also volunteered at Shop Rite food drive, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen and Network against Domestic Abuse collecting items for women and children and then assembling them into baskets for delivery.

Allison Dufour

Alli is a skilled violinist and has volunteered many hours working with younger students as part of a music team helping them to hone their skills. Whether it is organizing practices, scheduling rehearsals or giving additional hours to make sure the music would be top notch, Alli has been an example for young people to follow.

Victor Hipolito

Victor’s community service has included a wide variety of volunteer hours serving his community, school and church. His array of service has incorporated a Pot-luck supper, Jack-O-Latern Festival—Lego Competition—Faculty Holiday party and as a church usher.

Kaycee Hubbard

Behind every charity is a group of volunteers who make things run smoothly. Kaycee Hubbard is one of those people. She has contributed many hours of service by hosting meals for the poor and needy at a soup kitchen facility located in Chicopee, MA. Kaycee has helped in meal preparation, serve and clean up. Besides being a great addition to the volunteer staff, Kaycee’s allegiance to individuals and families in need is heartwarming.

Matthew McKinney

Matt has been of assistance to his teachers by providing various services to them on a daily basis. Whether it be running copies, sorting files, setting up labs or making solutions Matt can be seen in every department here at Fermi High School willing to lend a hand and make every ones job a little easier. Matt also organized his Eagle Scout Project, allowing him to obtain the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting Program, as well as benefiting the community. Matt’s project was to paint and fix up the exterior of a church in East Windsor.

Maxwell Partyka

Max’s diversity has shown through by the variety of ways he has volunteered his time over the last year. It could be as simple as helping to prepare for Family Science Night, or playing his viola for the church orchestra every Sunday or a little more painful like donating blood at the Student Senate Blood Drive. Max has also enjoyed his time spent at the local food shelter or helping Friends of the Library at its annual book sale.

Kim Sweeney

Kim has volunteered over 80 hours in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Johnson Memorial Hospital. Kim’s dependability, compassion and energy have made contributions to the lives of these residents by providing comfort and friendship is appreciated by both the staff and patients alike.

###

Gary Rome Kia of Enfield serves Bristol, East Hartford and West Springfield, MA with new and used Kia cars. The staff at Gary Rome Kia of Enfield is ready to help you purchase a new Kia or used car in Enfield. When you visit our car dealership, expect the superior customer service that you deserve. With years of experience and training, the Gary Rome Kia of Enfield team is your Connecticut Kia dealer, and will get you into the Kia that was built for you. Get the new or used car by Kia in Enfield that you have been dreaming of by calling or visiting Gary Rome Kia of Enfield today.  Check out our website at http://www.GaryRomeKia.com.

USAA Names Kia Sportage To 2012 Best Value List

Being a younger sibling myself, I know the feeling of sometimes being overshadowed by an older sibling.  In the overall Hyundai Corporation, which includes both Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors, it is Hyundai (especially the Elantra) that has been accumulating accolades and awards left and right.  But little sister Kia is catching up and making a name for herself as well.

2012 Kia Sportage

The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) came out with their second annual "Best Value" vehicles list, which identifies the top 2012 automobiles in 16 categories that give consumers the most bang for their buck.  The Kia Sportage was crowned "Best Value" in the small SUV category for the second consecutive year, recognized for offering a competitive price and low insurance costs as well as being one of the Small SUV Top Safety Picks for 2012 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that typically offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category," said Steve Thompson, an assistant vice president at USAA.  "The Kia Sportage rose to the top as a vehicle that offers these key elements, making it a great buy for the value-minded consumer."

In addition to the "Best Value" list, the USAA also compiled a Top Ten for Teens list. The USAA commissioned a survey of parents asking what they value most in a car for their teenage children.  The top three parental considerations are reliability (81%), safety (73%), and affordable auto insurance (62%).  Another Kia model, the Kia Forte, ranks as one of their top ten cars based on these factors.

These new titles of high value are just some of the latest positive press Kia Motors is garnering.  Kia Motors America (KMA) has seen 20 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth, and has been saluted by NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, by having three of its vehicles - Rio 5-Door SX, Forte SX and Soul + - named to the publication's "Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K" list. Kia placed more vehicles than any other automaker on the top ten list.

"Having three of our vehicles named to NADAguides' 'Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K' list validates how far our brand has come in terms of quality, packaging and features development in such a short period of time," said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, KMA. "With the presence and eye-catching style of Rio, Forte and Soul, Kia's complete vehicle line is comprised of a wide breadth of capable offerings at very affordable price points."

Teenage Dream

What 16 year old with a brand new license doesn't imagine hitting the road in his dream car with all the works?  And what parent of a 16 year old with a brand new license doesn't dread that same fantasy?  With the Kia Rio, both the parent and the child can feel happy with that teenager behind the wheel.

According to Vroomgirls.com, the premier automotive website for and by women, the Kia Rio has been dubbed one of the "Six Best New Cars For Your Teenager."  The combination of safety features, excellent fuel economy, and affordable pricing with a stylish exterior, USB connectivity, and easy-to-use dashboard makes for a car that appeals to both the parent and the teenager.

"Parents want a safe, reliable car for their kids, but teens only care about what's cool," said Tara Weingarten, Vroomgirls.com Editor-in-Chief. "The 2012 Kia Rio checks both of those boxes."

The Rio comes as both a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback.  Both models offer the kind of amenities everyone can appreciate, no matter what your age.  The estimated 30 MPG city and 40 MPG highway means the Rio is the most-fuel efficient car of the six listed.  A USB-compatible stereo with steering-wheel controls allows teens to listen to their music without taking their eyes off the road.  The Rio also has either a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty for the whole car, or a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty on the engine, transmission and driveline.  Any way you look at it, this car gives you a great deal, no matter if you're 16 or 46.

You Are What You Eat

The President of the United States will host the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 9, 2012. Obviously, President Obama wants only the best for his guests. Therefore, he’s hired Willow Tree, a family owned business from Attleboro, Massachusetts to serve their famous chicken salad at this prestigious White House event.

While hearing about this prized dish makes you want to go all the way to Attleboro, Massachusetts just to try Willow Tree’s chicken salad, learning Starbucks’ key ingredient in their Strawberry Frappuccino may make you rethink your coffee store of choice. One would assume the red coloring of the Strawberry Frappuccino would be from the strawberries. Unfortunately, that’s apparently not the case. Starbucks uses cochineal, a red extract made from dried out cochineal bugs.

Starbucks says they want to move away from artificial ingredients. While this is a nice sentiment, the thought of drinking something that has crushed up bugs in it is a huge turn-off for me. While the FDA has announced cochineal as safe for consumption, one wonders what the Phantom Gourmet would have to say on the subject.

For those of you who aren’t from New England and have never heard of the Phantom Gourmet (or for those of you who are from New England yet haven’t heard of him), the Phantom Gourmet is a mysterious food critic who visits restaurants all around New England and provides the public with reviews.

The company was founded by the Andelman brothers, Dave, Dan, and Mike. These three, together with twelve others, make up the Phantom Gourmet team. The only mystery man is the Phantom himself; his identity has been kept a secret since 1993.

Thanks to the Phantom Gourmet team, Massachusetts passed its Restaurant Rejuvenation Act, which states that restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol Sunday at 10 AM. They then went on to form the Restaurant and BusinessAlliance, a state-wide trade association meant to give restaurants and businesses a strong voice in government and media.

Check out the Phantom Gourmet’s website, where you can find all you need to know about him, the various restaurants he’s visited, and any upcoming events.

You can watch the Phantom Gourmet on television. In the greater Boston area on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 and 11:00 AM, in Maine, on Sundays at 11:00 AM, and in Rhode Island at 10:00 AM on Sundays. The show is also live on the radio, on station 96.9 FM on Saturdays from 4 to 7 PM.

2012 Kia Sorento Named to "10 Best Family Cars of 2012" List By Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com

Kia's Popular CUV Receives Honor for Second Year in a Row

 -- The brand's best-selling vehicle delivers safety, comfort and functionality for true family car appeal

-- Sorento's affordability and low cost of ownership make it an impressive overall value


IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The award-winning Kia Sorento is again in the limelight, this time being named to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com coveted "10 Best Family Cars of 2012" list.  The ultra-popular CUV enjoys this accolade for a second year in a row.  Lauded for its outstanding drivability, functionality, refinement and comfort, the Sorento has defined a number of milestones for Kia, including becoming the first model in the product line to surpass 100,000 sales in a single year as well as being Kia's first U.S.-built(1) vehicle at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in West Point, Ga.

"Sorento's achievement of being recognized as one of the '10 Best Family Cars of 2012' by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com is a testament to its exceptional safety, comfort and feature content," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America.  "As Kia's best-selling vehicle, Sorento's low cost of ownership has resulted in strong consumer ratings, making it a favorite among family buyers."

Editors from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com evaluated vehicles based on several main criteria important to family car buyers, including safety, child-friendliness, comfort, economy of operation – which factors fuel consumption, insurance premiums and repair costs – and resale value.  The kbb.com editors selected the vehicles that offer the best combination of these characteristics and the highest overall value for everyday families.

Kbb.com editors underscored the Sorento's available three row seating capacity and highway fuel economy of 32 miles-per-gallon(2).  "Good fuel economy is only part of the story," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.  "The Sorento starts under $24,000 and offers a voice-controlled infotainment system plus a great big panoramic moonroof."

For more information about kbb.com's "10 Best Family Cars of 2012," visit http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-best-family-cars-of-2012/.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(3) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(4).  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan(5).  Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies.  Kbb.com provides consumer pricing and information on minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs.  Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

(1) Assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts

(2) EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg/city and 32 mpg/highway for 2012 Sorento 2WD with optional 2.4L GDI engine.  Actual mileage will vary.

(3) Source:  Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study

(4) Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis

(5) Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG

Kia, Hyundai Both Named Most Economical Cars Of 2012 By Forbes, Kelly Blue Book

Initial cost is not the only thing that makes a car an economical purchase.  It's actually the long-term investment aspect that plays the biggest role.  A cheaper vehicle up-front may, in actuality, cost more to maintain over its lifespan.

“Car shoppers should take the time to compare vehicles on their consideration lists to fully understand the financial implications involved with cost of ownership,” says Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book.  “While a vehicle might be less expensive up front, the cost of fuel for that model, insurance and other expenditures could make it the less appealing choice for their wallet in the long run.”

Forbes recommends doing thorough research before making a purchase.  They consulted Kelley Blue Book, which recently announced its inaugural Total Cost of Ownership Awards.  The kbb.com website focuses on these variables of cost, among others:

1) Depreciation Value: How will the car hold up over time?  kbb.com bases its predictions on historical data (how the model has performed in the past) and economic factors.
2) Fuel Economy: Gas is expected to rise going into the summer months.  Significant amounts of money can be saved by buying a more fuel efficient vehicle; estimates put savings due to fuel costs at close to $900/year.  That's close to $4500 of savings over the standard 5-yr span.
3) Auto Insurance: Insurance is mostly based on the driver's past experience, age, credit rating, address, etc., but it is also based on the model of the car.  Luxury brands and sports cars tend to have higher insurance costs to start, while family minivans and SUVs will have a lower starting insurance cost.

According to kbb.com, the Best Brand for 2012 in their Total Cost of Ownership Awards is none other than Kia.  Kia is sweeping the Unites States car scene off its feet with its stellar fuel economy and resale value.  The Kia Soul heads KBB's Compact Car category because "its lowest-in-category fair purchase price matched with outstanding fuel and insurance cost figures combined to give it nearly a $1,300 advantage over the Hyundai Elantra."

In the Mid-Sized car category Kia and its sister company Hyundai switched places; the Hyundai Sonata beat out Kia's Optima to win the top spot.  Similarly, the Hyundai Santa Fe outpaced the Kia Sorento in the Crossover category "based on its combination of lowest fair purchase price and lowest long-term depreciation coupled with lower maintenance and insurance costs."

Best In Show: Kia Optima

2012 has been a very good year already for the North Korean automaker Kia.  Kia cars have been garnering awards and accolades for their newest models left and right.  The latest of these honors is the Kia Optima's title of "2012 Car of the Year" by Canada's Motoring TV, a weekly national half hour magazine style television program.  The Optima also scored Motoring TV's "Best New Family Car" and the Kia Rio won "Best Small Car Under $21,000" category.  Kia's win marks the first time in the 22-year history of giving out these distinctions that Motoring TV has awarded the same company "Car of the Year" back-to-back.  The Kia Sportage earned the designation last year.

"The Kia Optima can be all things to all potential customers," said Brad Diamond of Motoring TV. "You have the regular sedan, the go faster model with its 274 turbo charged horsepower, and hybrid for those looking to do their bit for the planet."

"The 2012 Optima is a world-class vehicle encompassing a dynamic modern design, a driver-oriented award-winning interior, technology and top safety elements that have all contributed to make it a "Car of the Year" winner," said William Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Canada Inc. "Having some of the top automotive journalists in Canada from Motoring TV validate the Optima and Rio further supports our flourishing brand value."

A big reason for the win was the Optima's new five-star safety rating under the recently revamped crash safety testing system conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA).  Only 12 other car models have earned the NHSTA five-star rating.  The new system includes tougher crash tests, and, for the first time, provides consumers with a single overall safety score per vehicle. Standard safety features on the Optima include: 

• Six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain)
• Anti-whiplash front active headrests
• Side-impact door beams
• Height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners
• Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
• Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Vehicle Stability Management system (VSM),
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Hill Assist Control (HAC)

Available in several trim variations - LX, EX, SX and Hybrid - the Optima is sure to offer a vehicle that suits your needs.  Each variation maintains impressive mileage; the 2012 Kia Optima delivers EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, among the highest in the class and on par with some smaller cars.  For maximum economy, the Optima Hybrid delivers 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.  The Optima combines the amazing fuel economy with an elegant design, everyday comfort, and an exciting array of technological features like  Bluetooth wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and auxiliary input jacks, and Sirius XM satellite radio capabilities.