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Tag: Mesa Auto Insurance

Father’s Day – Time to Honor Dad
With summer drawing near and the weather warming up, Arizona’s neighborhoods come alive with the sights and sounds of the season: lawnmowers, power tools and backyard barbecues, to name a few.

For many people, those things all bring to mind one specific person: Dad. And since Father’s Day is just around the corner, we at Saks Insurance thought we’d give you some gift ideas – and some fun history trivia, too!

The history of Father’s Day

Marked on the third Sunday of June in the United States (and in many other countries), Father’s Day was first celebrated in 1910 to complement Mother’s Day. According to Wikipedia, the day was created by Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash., who wanted to honor her father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart.

Although Dodd originally suggested her father’s birthday in early June, she had not provided organizers with enough time to arrange the event – and the celebration was delayed until the third Sunday of the month.

Although Mother’s Day has been an official national holiday since 1914, Father’s Day had a tougher road. Congress refused to make the celebration official in the years immediately following Dodd’s first observance, fearing that the day would become commercialized. (Some would say those fears were well-founded; the creator of Mother’s Day later came to regret the commercialization of that holiday.)

It wasn’t until 1966 that Father’s Day received an official proclamation, thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson. And six years later, President Richard Nixon signed a law making the day a national holiday.

Facts and figures (from government website USA.gov)
- There are an estimated 70.1 million fathers across the nation
- An estimated 1.7 million men are single fathers
- Approximately 176,000 fathers are stay-at-home dads
What to get Dad?

Once you’re past the age of, say, 10, the “Old Spice and a tie” routine probably won’t cut it anymore when it comes to getting a gift for your father. Here are some better ideas from AskMen.com:
- Grilling tools (this way, perhaps he’ll even cook for you on Father’s Day!)
- Alcohol (to be enjoyed in moderation, of course)
- Fishing gear
- Golf clubs, balls or other sporting goods – or take him out for a round of golf
- Books (particularly grilling cookbooks)
- Gadgets (such as a GPS; after all, many dads don’t like asking for directions)
- Landscaping services (so he can take a break from mowing the lawn)
Aside from ties and cheap cologne, you’ll probably want to avoid the most clichéd gifts, especially “World’s Best Dad” items (even if it’s true!) and socks.

As with all gifts, though, it’s the thought that counts. And we’re sure your dad will appreciate simply being appreciated. And if you’re a dad yourself – Happy Father’s Day! We hope you’ll enjoy your day.
June 15, 2015
Summer Kid Activities
Summer’s Coming – What to Do With the Kids?

It’s the age-old question that parents in Arizona face every year: How do we keep the kids occupied this summer?

Well, there are always the biggies, such as theme parks or camping. But, with work and other obligations getting in the way, not to mention your budget, you can’t always get away from home. So, we here at Saks Insurance have compiled a list of some activities that are both educational and fun — and that your kids are sure to enjoy!

Art Projects

There are a number of ways you can encourage the young artist in your family, from programs and offerings at local museums to do-it-yourself art projects. Try these ideas from The Artful Parent, a website focused on encouraging art and creativity in children:
- Splatter painting: Spread an old sheet out in the yard, grab some watered-down acrylic paint and a brush or a spoon. Then, have your kids dip the brush or spoon and flick their wrist to splatter the paint! Try different colors and motions to make interesting patterns.
- Body painting: Kids love to paint themselves! Washable, nontoxic tempera paint is just the ticket, and it comes off with soap and water.
- Grape and toothpick sculptures: This is as easy as it sounds. Get a bowl of grapes and a box of toothpicks. The grapes hold their shapes well and are easily pierced by the toothpicks to create towers and other structures. And, when you’re done, you have a healthy snack!
Science Activities

Have a budding scientist around the house? Try these basic projects from PBS:
- Grow something. Having your kids grow flowers, herbs or vegetables creates a long-term learning activity that encourages monitoring and observation.
- Cook something. Working together in the kitchen invites all kinds of questions: What does baking soda do? Why is gelatin such a weird consistency? How do ingredients interact?
- Get outside. The outdoors is full of things for kids to examine — plants, worms, frogs, bugs and more! Even running through the sprinkler can be an educational opportunity, once the rainbow appears.
- Go Camping… There are many places to cool off up north while exploring the different plants and wildlife.
- Stay up late … and look up. A clear summer night is perfect for checking out stars and pointing out constellations. You can talk to your kids about the various planets, and maybe even catch a firefly or two.
Reading — It’s Not Just for School

Encouraging your kids to read over the summer can help them when school gets back in session, so don’t miss an opportunity. You can share the newspaper in the morning, or simply read the cereal box at breakfast. Even a few minutes a day can have a big impact.

You might also consider the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge, a free online program for children from May 4 to September 4. Last year more than a million kids from 29 countries took part, and this year’s program features free book lists, a sweepstakes and the chance to set a world record.

Of course, there are thousands of things you can do with your kids in Arizona over the course of the summer. If these ideas aren’t up your alley, consider summer camp, local music and sports programs or volunteering in the community.

Summer will be over before you know it, so make the most of it!

Contact Us!

At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!
June 8, 2015
Why Use An Independent Agent [Video]

May 29, 2015
Mark Your Calendar For These May Events

May Events

Now that the warm spring weather is here, it is the perfect time to spend more time with your friends and family in the local community. Make sure to mark your calendar for these exciting events in May that people of all ages will enjoy together.

The Mom Expo is taking place on May 1^st and 2^nd at the Mesa Convention Center. Being a mom creates a special bond with not only your child, but other moms as well. The two day tradeshow is designed to nurture this bond between women by inspiring, motivating, and rewarding moms for all that they do each day. Various exhibitors will be on site that will cater to special interests, including moms of young children, educational content and demonstrations, play zones, entertainment, music, and more.

Motorcycles on Main takes place on the first Friday of each month, starting on May 1^st. The family friendly event takes place on Main Street in Downtown Mesa where the roads are closed to car traffic and open to all motorcycle traffic. There is live music to keep you entertained all day, as well as food, beer gardens, and other vendors.

On May 3^rd, head out to the Mesa Arts Center for the Pictures at an Exhibition – Presented by Salt River Brass. The event allows you to enter in the magical world of music based on artwork. Salt River Brass will use brass strokes to bring various piano pieces to life.

All of us at Saks Insurance Agency in Mesa, Arizona would like to invite you and your family out to enjoy these exciting local events next month!

April 29, 2015
A Little Extra Caution Can Go A Long Way While Driving At Night
Summer has ended, and while fall and winter have their own pleasures — and cooler temperatures — longer nights mean increased danger on the roads.

You might think you drive just as well at night, but consider this: Even though nighttime driving accounts for just 23% of vehicle miles traveled, more than 50% of fatalities for vehicle occupants 16 and older occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the National Safety Commission (NSC).

Because we’re big advocates for safety at Saks Insurance, LLC., we thought it would be helpful to take a look at why night driving is more dangerous, and what you can do to decrease that danger.

What’s dangerous about night driving?
1. Decreased vision. We won’t go into all the biological details, but different parts of the eye (such as iris, pupil and retina) work differently at night. Your peripheral vision is actually slightly improved, but it’s more difficult to focus on objects ahead of you. And traveling between well-lit areas and darker roads creates issues as well.
2. Driving too fast for your headlights. Depending on vehicle speed and headlight setting, many people “over-drive” their headlights. That means, by the time they see something on the road, it’s too late to stop in time to avoid it.
3. Impaired judgment. Whether due to drowsiness or the use of alcohol or drugs, it appears that drivers at night often don’t use good judgment. According to the NSC, 66% of fatalities at night involve vehicle occupants who weren’t wearing seat belts.
So what do you do?

Sometimes, there’s no way around driving at night. So here are some tips to help you make a safe trip — whether you’re just running to the store, or you’re headed all the way to Flagstaff.

Make sure your vehicle’s lights are in good working condition. And not just headlights, but turn signals, tail lights, etc.
1. Avoid speeding. Leave a bigger cushion between you and other cars than you would during daylight hours. Leave yourself more time for the trip.
2. Be more aware of your surroundings. You shouldn’t be using your phone, messing around with the radio or trying to find something on the floor while you’re on the road anyway — and distractions are even more deadly at night.
Of course, if you’re not comfortable driving at night, the best thing is to avoid it altogether if possible. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a ride from a trusted safe driver or waiting for the sun to come out!

Contact Us!

At Saks Insurance, LLC., we can work with you to make sure you have the coverage that you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 480-545-1144 or send us an e-mail to service@saksinsurance.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!
December 7, 2014
The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars and Trucks According to The National Crime Bureau.
1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Toyota Corolla
5. Chevy Silverado
6. Acura Integra
7. Cadillac Escalade
8. Ford F350
9. Nissan Altima
10. Chevy Tahoe
Arizona is number 7 on the top 10 states with the highest amount of auto thefts. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your car is always where it should be.
- If you are parking your car in a parking lot or on the street, try to park under or close to a street light.
- Roll up your windows. Leaving your windows cracked even a little bit can make it much easier to for thieves to make their way into your car.
- Take out all valuables. Leaving any valuables in your car attracts the attention of thieves or vandals. Don’t give them a reason to break-in to your vehicle.
- Even if you are just running to the store for a minute, always lock your car. Also make sure that you never leave your keys in your car.
Contact Saks Insurance in Mesa, Arizona, we can provide you with an insurance policy that ensures that you are covered in any situation.
August 29, 2014
Can Traffic Tickets Save Lives?

Each year, more than a million people are killed in car crashes, and more than 25 million people are permanently disabled due to car accidents.

There is new research that suggests that getting a traffic ticket may actually help to save lives According to studies done in Canada and California getting a traffic ticket can reduce your chances of being in a fatal car accident by up to 35 percent for a few weeks after getting the ticket. However, within three to four months of getting the ticket, drivers go back to speeding.

So the next time you get a citation, smile and say thank you to the nice officer.

For all of your auto insurance policy needs in the Mesa, Arizona area contact the insurance professionals at Saks Insurance. We can provide you with the most comprehensive coverage options to ensure that you are protected from any situation while on the road.

August 25, 2014