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Helping Hands: Taste of Home
During the pandemic, Hunter and Sydney Guthrie started donating baked goods to the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, a food-insecure community in Fairfax county.
“Biscuits, brownies, cookies,” Sydney said. “We found out as we kept doing this that there was a greater need for this because they weren’t turning anyone away.”
Along with their mom, they created a nonprofit called A Taste of Home. Food requests are not turned away as a result of a no-refusal policy implemented at the shelter.
“They were accepting more people, so we felt a moral obligation to provide more goods so that we would be able to make up for that,” Sydney explained.
More than 100,000 servings of baked goods have been donated to the shelter with help from Panera. Sydney and Hunter were also joined by students across Fairfax County in their mission to provide baked goods for as many people as possible.
Amazed by their drive to help feed others Joel Bassam with Easterns Automotive Group surprised Taste of Home with a 7News Helping Hand.
“Nothing touches our heart more than feeding people who are hungry. The fact that you have done over 100,000 servings through A Taste of Home is absolutely amazing, and we want to support your cause by donating $2,200 so you can keep helping those who are in need. Keep doing the amazing work that you are doing!”
Hunter and Sydney will be able to bake more for those in need with the help of Easterns Automotive, but their vision is to do even bigger and better things in the future.
“My hope is that we can ask grocery stores to discount items so that this can go even further,” their mother, Keira Guthrie, said.
Helping Hands: Operation Earnie’s Plate
As the winter months are approaching, the need for food is increasing for families. Eric and his wife, Bridgette, have been feeding 1000s of people every day for the last six years through their nonprofit, Operation Earnie’s Plate.
They feed 2,000 to 3,000 people in just one month. Due to the rising prices of groceries, Hawkins shared that the need is growing throughout the community.
“We have received 50 to 60 calls for Thanksgiving,” Hawkins said. “This is the busiest time of the year because when the winter gets here, you’re talking [about] the homeless community – socks, blankets, and tents.”
We were inspired by what Operation Earnie’s Plate is doing to improve our community and wanted to lend a hand. Joel Bassam surprised them with a special message on the 7News Helping Hand.
“Operation Earnie’s Plate is such an amazing organization,” Bassam said. “Feeding those that are hungry is such a noble cause and something that I really have a personal attachment to, both myself and my family, and doing so right in Prince George’s County. It’s simply amazing and we are so happy to support you. We want to donate $2,200 to your cause so you can continue to feed those who are hungry. Keep doing the amazing work you are doing.”
Holding back tears Eric was shared that we have no idea how much this donation is needed. To learn more about Operation Earnie’s Plate and how you can help visit earniesplate.org.
How To Reset the Maintenance Light in Your Toyota Camry
It’s happened to every Toyota Camry owner at some point. You’re driving down the highway when you notice a new symbol glowing behind the wheel. Do you know what to do when that Maintenance Required light comes on in your vehicle?
What Does the Maintenance Required Light Mean?
If your Toyota Camry needs to be serviced, the maintenance required light will light up on your dashboard.
Although the warning may seem serious, this light can be deceiving. This indicator is generally set to automatically activate at 5,000-mile intervals to remind car owners of the need for oil changes, regardless of actual urgency or the type of oil you use. Some car owners may prefer more or less frequent oil change intervals, meaning the activation of the light might not be entirely relevant.
Maryland and Virginia drivers can implement a simple fix in a matter of minutes if their sole desire is to turn the light off. If you suspect the light came on for a less mundane reason than exceeding a preset number of miles, it may be in your best interest to have the vehicle checked.
How To Reset the Maintenance Light in a Toyota Camry
It can be a hassle to drive around with the maintenance light on, but the most important thing to remember is that it serves a purpose. Your maintenance required light lets you know when it’s time to have your Camry serviced.
If you’re like most drivers, you probably find the light disconcerting, distracting or annoying, and you may decide to turn it off now that you know it’s time to schedule a visit with your preferred mechanic or oil change shop. You can reset the maintenance light in your Toyota Camry with these easy steps:
- Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to position one. This is the position right before starting your vehicle.
- Push and hold the odometer button while you turn your key to position two.
- Hold down the odometer button until the maintenance light begins to flash. The light should turn off during this time.
- Release the odometer button and start your car.
- Check and see if the maintenance light is still on. If it’s not, then you’re done. If it is, repeat the above steps.
Servicing Your Toyota Camry
The maintenance required light turns on when it’s time to take your Camry to the shop. This is common at around 5,000 miles and is when you should look into getting one or more of these services:
- Oil change
- Filter change
- Brake check
- Overall inspection
- Tire rotation
Resetting the maintenance light in your Toyota Camry is a quick fix for drivers who don’t want to be distracted by a blaring light, but it’s often best to take your vehicle in for service and let the technicians handle it. Drivers with busy schedules run the risk of simply forgetting that they reset the light and failing to have needed maintenance performed.
The maintenance required light does not indicate that your vehicle is unsafe to drive, but it should not be left unattended for long. Regular maintenance extends the life of your vehicle and increases your safety as a daily driver.
Why Did My Maintenance Required Light Turn on Early?
Mechanics generally reset the light’s mile countdown when they change your oil and filter, but they might forget that step. When the light goes on early, it’s often because your mechanic forgot to reset it.
Check Out Pre-Owned Toyotas at Easterns Automotive Group
The team of experts at Easterns Automotive help DC, Maryland and Virginia car shoppers find automobiles with the best value. We encourage you to browse our selection of pre-owned Toyotas or visit one of our eight locations.
You can trust our experienced team to guide your purchase so that you leave with a car that meets your exact needs. We provide a wide variety of financing options and can help you sell your car as well. Contact us today by calling (888) 650-4775 to learn more.
A Brief History of Nissan
Loyal Nissan buyers or car shoppers just interested in learning more about this popular brand of vehicles may be curious about Nissan’s place in the auto market. Like many Japanese automakers, their history dates back many decades and is full of both industry successes and the occasional struggle.
The Origin of Nissan: 1928 -1958
Nissan originated in Japan and was founded by Yoshisuke Aikawa, who became president of Nihon Sangyo in 1928. Nihon Sangyo merged to become what is now known as Nissan Motor Company in 1931.
In 1933, Nihon Sangyo was officially added to the Tokyo Stock Exchange by its ticker name Nissan. Nissan then expanded into Australia, Mexico, and in 1958, America.
Expansion Into America: 1958 -1983
In the 1950s, Nissan began its global growth and expanded into the Australian and United States auto markets. In 1957, Nissan released the Skyline, which was nicknamed “Godzilla” for its sheer power on the racetrack. The first wave of performance-based cars started here, in large part thanks to Japanese innovation that combined efficiency with luxury.
Nissan was officially established in America as Datsun in 1958. The late fifties were filled with imported Datsun sedans and compact pickups that greatly influenced the American automotive market.
Notable sports car models imported to the US during this time included:
- 1961 Datsun Fairlady 1200 Roadster
- 1965 Datsun 320 Truck
- 1967 Nissan Patrol
- 1968 American Inspired
In 1973, Nissan sold its one-millionth vehicle in America, and by 1975 it had become the top US vehicle importer. The first American Nissan production facility opened in Smyrna, Tennessee in 1983, where the first American-built Nissan truck was born.
Evolution of Nissan Production: 1983 – Present
Nissan continued to develop and soon stood out amongst its competitors as a brand that balanced luxury and performance with functionality.
In 1985, the first American-built Sentra replaced the 1982 model and became so popular that it was fast-tracked to production in Smyrna.
In 1991, Nissan received an environmental award from the EPA and shifted into green technology with its Future Electric Vehicle concept car. The Environmental Protection Agency dubbed Nissan “Best of the Best” and the first Altima made its debut in the US.
Less than a decade later Nissan released the first four-door compact truck, the Frontier Crew Cab.
Nissan doubled its model options and sales thanks to a surge in state-side popularity in the early 2000s. Notable models released during this time included the:
- 2005 Frontier
- 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
- 2009 GT-R
Presently, Nissan continues to be a major player in the automotive market as we ascend into an electric vehicle-focused era. The Nissan Leaf debuted in 2010 followed by the Nissan Kicks Crossover in 2018, both of which prove innovation is in no short supply at the automaker.
In more recent years, Nissan has updated the Altima with a sedan body and all-wheel drive. This year, Nissan is releasing the Ariya, an all-electric crossover, to herald a greener future for the U.S. auto market.
Who Owns Nissan Today?
Nissan is currently owned by Groupe Renault and has been a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999.
Where Are Nissan Vehicle’s Manufactured?
Nissan has international production centers in Japan and Mexico, as well as three manufacturing facilities based in America. The three US-based centers are in:
- Smyrna, TN
- Decherd, TN
- Canton, MS
Is the Nissan Altima a Good Car?
The Nissan Altima is a good car to buy pre-owned because it can last up to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. It has low annual repair costs compared to similar-sized vehicles and newer models have exceptional fuel economy.
The Nissan Altima has a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 85/100, making it a strong choice for those in the market for a mid-sized sedan.
What is the Nissan Skyline?
The Nissan Skyline originally entered the market as a luxury sedan and was built by Japan’s Prince Motor Company. The first Nissan Skyline was in production from 1957 to 1966 until Prince and Nissan merged, resulting in the transformation of the Skyline into a sports car.
Gone were the sedan builds, and in its place, the first performance-bred Skyline GT-R was released at the Tokyo Motor Show. Historically, the Nissan Skyline is predominantly known as the predecessor to the current GT-R.
Shop Nissan With Eastern Automotive Group
Eastern Automotive Group possesses a diverse inventory of pre-owned Nissan vehicles for DC, Maryland, and Virginia car shoppers. We work with all credit backgrounds to provide financing that works within nearly any budget.
Contact us at (888) 650-4775 or visit one of our eight locations to find your dream Nissan today.
Is the Ford Focus a Good Car?
The determination of whether a car is “good” will often be determined by performance, longevity, rating organizations and reviews from previous buyers. Good and bad are very subjective concepts. What’s good for one driver might not appeal to another motorist.
There are many loyal Ford Focus fans who passionately advocate for the model as a great car. What is it about the Ford Focus that makes it so popular among these consumers?
Like Any Vehicle Model, There Are Hits and Misses
Ford Focus models 2010, 2011 and 2018 are highly rated for their reliability and durability. Unfortunately, the models released from 2012 to 2013 fell short on their ratings. That doesn’t mean those were quantifiably bad vehicles, just that other Ford Focus years earned more praise.
Key Points About the Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a reliable vehicle that can, with proper maintenance, last up to 200,000 miles. They offer competitive fuel efficiency with an average of 30 MPG for city driving and 40 MPG for highway driving. For drivers who typically drive between 13,000 and 15,000 miles annually, a Ford Focus is a quality vehicle option. It’s particularly great for daily drivers making short to medium trips consistently.
Not every Ford Focus year was created equal. The 2012 to 2013 models suffered from persistent problems for some Ford Focus owners, including but not limited to:
- Powershift transmission problems
- Power steering failure
- Premature engine failure
The highest rated years for a pre-owned Ford Focus are 2018, 2011 and 2010.
Best Ford Focus Years as Ranked by Value
Many Ford Focus owners are highly satisfied with the vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy and affordable upgrade options. Some of the Ford Focus years that earned consistent high ratings included:
2010
The 2010 Ford focus is the original third-generation model. It delivers on value, engine performance and overall affordability. It showcases solid fuel economy performance at 28 MPG.
2011
The 2011 Ford Focus has been subject to zero recalls and low levels of registered complaints. It is a reliable vehicle but there have been rare reports of battery drainage overnight and, in a handful of cases, brake failure. Overall, these issues were far from consistent occurrences, so the 2011 Ford Focus is high on our list of good Ford Focus years.
2018
The 2018 Ford Focus is the newest model on this list and comes with high-tech features like Bluetooth, a reverse camera and a touchscreen display on the base S trim. It’s a value buy for those who want a compact car with a sporty feel and a high-reliability rating.
Ford Focus Years to Avoid and Why
Not every Ford Focus model is created equal, with some suffering significant problems for daily drivers. On average, these issues faced drivers of model years prior to the vehicles reaching the 100,000-mile mark, cutting the expected life of a well-maintained Ford Focus nearly in half.
Here are the Ford Focus years pre-owned vehicle drivers may want to avoid:
2007 – Reports of premature alternator death
2008 – Faulty electrical systems and door handles not working properly were the most common complaints
2012 – Reports of steering wheel failure and consistent transmission issues
2013 – Transmission failure, plus jerking and steering wheel failure were reported in some vehicles before they hit the 100,000-mile mark
The 2012 to 2013 period was a rough time for up-and-coming Ford Focus models, with many facing consistent reports of transmission and steering wheel failure. These Ford Focus years were subject to one of the largest transmission recalls in history and have unfortunately earned their reputation as some of the worst Ford Focus models to date.
Shop With Easterns Automotive Group
At Easterns Automotive Group, we offer the best selection of pre-owned vehicles to the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas. We offer financing options tailored to your situation and will work with you to find a car that fits your needs.
Whether you’re after a dependable Ford Focus model or a flashy Charger, our team is ready to assist you during your decision-making process. If you’re in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, check out our inventory online or visit one of our eight locations today.
Helping Hands: Mind Wellness Foundation
An honorable non-profit focused on mental health is being founded by a couple in memory of their son. Reggie and Dedeen Vaughn’s son, Chris, was diagnosed with PTSD and suffered from mental health issues before taking his own life a year ago. Before his passing, his last words were “Listen to your strong friends.” People often appear to be strong and okay but really may be battling other struggles.
During this tragedy, they sought to create a foundation in honor of Chris, called the Mind and Wellness Foundation. It was created to help others with mental health issues but especially young people.
Joel Bassam joined virtually with a special message as 7 News and Easterns Automotive Group surprised the family with a Helping Hand.
“The Mind and Wellness Foundation is an incredible organization. Committing yourselves to eradicate the stigma around mental health and changing the narrative to help others after the loss your family has experienced is an amazing way to help others,” said Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group. “We want to support your cause by donating $2,000 to continue helping those in need.”
To learn more about the Mind & Wellness Foundation, click here.
Legacy Farms
Lorie Young and Billie Jo Bevan are two Loudon County mothers that started Legacy Farms together to offer apprenticeship-style opportunities for the neurodiverse community. Both Lorie and Billie Jo’s sons are in the program, and they wanted to create a program where neurodiversity is celebrated and people understand their gifts and talents.
The program works with volunteers and paid physicians for those who may need it. They not only get to grow vegetables and flowers, but they also get to see their work sell.
“If you have ADHD, dyslexia, or different kinds of executive functioning delays, we support all of those young people ages 16 and up,” Bevan said.
For their outstanding contributions to the community, Eastern Automotive Group surprised Legacy Farms with a 7News Helping Hand. Joel Bassam joined with a special surprise for Kegacy Farms.
“I want to congratulate Legacy Farms on celebrating 10 years of working towards your mission of offering opportunities for our neurodiverse community of individuals looking to take their next steps in education,” Bassam said. “We want to donate $2,000 to your cause so you can continue sharing what you know and helping others grow.”
Pay It Forward: Fan DC
FAN D.C. is an organization working to lessen the impact of the foster care system for children in our area. On this Pay It Forward with Fox 5, we had the opportunity to learn more about FAN D.C. from Executive Director Josphine Mayzck and program participants Aaliyah and Jaylah.
They provide youth in foster care opportunities to nurture their interests and talents, acquire new skills, and gain a sense of personal and group recognition in an atmosphere of hope. The name FAN has deep roots in the foundation of the organization and is an acronym for Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso which means Safe Places, Linked Hearts. Fihankra is a communal housing compound in the Akan culture of West Africa, meaning a “safe enclosure” or “safe house.” Akoma Ntoaso means “linked hearts,” and is a symbol of understanding and agreement. Sadly, many young people lack access to such safe environments., which is critical to their development. They recently took several children to learn about Vermont to learn about farming. The children shared that they love that is is a safe space for them that allows them to have fun.
Eastern Automotove Group heard of the amazing things they are doing to help children in the foster care system and wanted to contribute to their cause. We donated $2,000, so they can continue to impact the lives of others.
If you know someone who should be featured on Pay It Forward, you can nominate them at wttgpayitforward@fox.com. Don’t forget to include their name and why they deserve recognition in your email.
Helping Hands: Jill’s House
Jill’s House is a non-profit that provides short-term, overnight care to families raising children with intellectual disabilities in the DC metro area, and around the country. While their kids engage in fun activities tailored to their interests and abilities, parents receive 24-48 hours to rest and recharge.
“The first thing I felt when I walked in the door, complete peace, joy and serenity and absolute love and compassion, no judgment,” mom Holly Sorell said. As a military family, Holly and her family do not have relatives in the area to watch their children, including their son Jacob, who needs care 24/7. It is designed to look like a resort for those who visit, and because of Jill’s House families, like Holly’s, can get rest.
“For the vast majority of the of the parents, the families we serve, we think around 85percent of them have never had their child spend the night away from them,” Dana Hecht, vice president of Compliance and Family Support Services of Jill’s House.
“Jill’s House seems like an amazing organization helping renew and recharge the relationships between children’s intellectual disabilities and their families. I know firsthand what it’s like to have a family member with a disability and how much it means to the families who are part of your programs the way that you help them. We want to help you continue to do that by donating $2,000 to your cause so that you can continue to build these relationships and improve the lives who need it most. Continue to do the amazing work you’re doing,” Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group said.
“I have no words but thank you very, very much. There are so many families that this will bless. Thank you so much,” Sorell said, floored by the surprise donation.