Come visit us.(Consumers Union open house, Oct 20, 2001)(Editorial)

From air conditioners to automobiles, from ranges to restaurant chains, we've rated 'em and you've read about them. Now we invite you to see our labs and meet our experts on Saturday, Oct. 20, during our annual meeting and tours at our National Testing and Research Center in Yonkers, N.Y.

At 10 a.m., Board Chair Sharon L. Nelson and President James A. Guest will present their annual reports to Consumers Union members. Nelson and Guest have long been associated with CU, although they're new to these positions.

Votes will be cast for the election of new board members, and CONSUMER REPORTS raffle winners will be announced. Lab tours will begin approximately at noon and will end by 2:30 p.m. This year we'll demonstrate how we test air conditioners, televisions, and, weather permitting, exterior stains and paints.

The center, at 101 Truman Ave. in Yonkers, is an easy trip from Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York.

From points north: Take the N.Y. State Thruway (I-87) south to the Saw Mill River Parkway south, or take the Taconic Parkway south to the Saw Mill River Parkway south. Get off the Saw Mill at Exit 9 (Executive Boulevard). The building is past one light, on your right.

From points south: Take the N.Y. State Thruway (I-87) or the Hutchinson River Parkway north to the Cross County Parkway west to the Saw Mill River Parkway north to Exit 9 (Executive ...