Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Resident Highlight: Pat

In this resident highlight, we would like to recognize Pat, who has lived at Salem Green for 6 years. Her parents were residents here for about 34 years, and she had spent a lot of time with them over all that time! Something interesting about Pat is that she is an author of a book called Building a Home for the Heart. It highlights the use of a circle process of developing relationships and healing. It was written around her work with restorative justice here in the cities.

Pat is very passionate about photography! She likes to capture nature and people in a way that speaks of their passions, revelations of their beauty, struggles, and accomplishments.

Pat's favorite thing about Salem Green is the surroundings because they are so beautiful, with the lake and park across the street for hiking. She loves the management team and all that are employed here because of the services provided with unique spirit. She likes the pride taken to make this place a home for everyone.

We are proud to have Pat as a resident and look forward to providing her with a great home for many more years to come!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Planning a Holiday Party?

Planning to host a holiday party? Consider renting out the Salem Green party room for your event. Your guests will love the warm and comfortable ambiance in the seasonally-decorated party room with a kitchenette and large screen TV. This space rents for just $40/day on a first-come, first-served basis. Hurry and reserve your date today -- the calendar is filling up fast!

Party Room at Salem Green

Friday, November 25, 2011

Holiday Fun in Your Community

Looking to get started on those holiday activities this weekend? Gerten's Garden Center just a few minutes away in Inver Grove Heights has some festivities planned!

On Friday November 25, Saturday November 26 and Sunday, November 27 visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and their Reindeer from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Remember to bring your camera!
On Wednesday November 30 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm join the Gerten’s Staff for Girls Night Out! Enjoy an evening of gift shopping and learn some new holiday decorating ideas while enjoying yummy appetizers!
On Saturday December 3 and Sunday December 4 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm is Gerten’s Annual Christmas Open House! Santa, his wife and his Reindeer will be there for picture taking and be sure to grab some free cookies, coffee, and cider!
Gerten’s GreenHouse
5500 Blaine Ave
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
651.451.1501
Hours: M-F: 9am-8:30pm ,Sat: 9am-8p, Sun: 10am-6pm




You can also head north for the St. Paul Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday Nov 26th at 5:00pmTree lighting Celebration at Rice Park in St. Paul. Downtown Saint Paul’s historic Rice Park transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland from November 26, 2011 to January 1, 2012.
Landmark Center Corner of W 5th and Market Street downtown St. Paul
Sponsored by Make A Wish Foundation -- donations accepted.
Activities: Ice Skating, Fireworks, Entertainment, Music, Santa’s Workshop, Food & Vendors.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions for Salem Green Staff

Happy Thanksgiving from the Staff of Salem Green! 

How are you celebrating this holiday? Here are some of the favorite Thanksgiving traditions for Salem Green staff:
  • Watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – airs at 7:00pm on ABC on Thanksgiving night – Mindy and Janelle
  • Catching up with family – Mindy and Daniel
  • Decorating for the holidays – Mindy, Janelle, Christine, Myrna
  • Eating a huge Thanksgiving Feast – Jamie, Tim
  • Football! – Myrna, Jamie, Eric
  • Black Friday shopping – Christine and Janelle
  • Homemade Macaroni and Cheese - Eric
  • Making Fluff - Janelle
          3 containers of Cool Whip
          4 T white chocolate pudding powder
          2-3 granny smith apples diced
          2 Snickers Bar diced

          Mix all ingredients together – Yum!
  • Making a co-worker tortilla wraps to go with her tacos! - Mindy   
Myrna was nice enough to share her recipe for her Crown Pork Roast. Thanks Myrna!


Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup peeled, cored and chopped tart apple
  • 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 pound ground seasoned pork sausage
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 9 pounds crown pork roast
Directions
1.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.     To Make Stuffing: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When foam subsides add onion and saute, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Stir in celery and apples; saute (without browning) about 5 minutes longer. Scrape skillet contents into a large mixing bowl. Add bread crumbs, ground pork, sausage meat, parsley, sage, salt and pepper. Mix together gently but thoroughly. (Note: Do not taste the uncooked stuffing, for it contains raw pork; instead, fry a small ball of the stuffing in the skillet, then taste and season with more salt and pepper as necessary).
3.     Fill the center of the crown with the stuffing, mounding it slightly. Cover it with a round of aluminum foil and wrap the ends of the chop bones in strips of foil to prevent them from charring and snapping off.
4.     Place the crown on a rack in a shallow roasting pan just large enough to hold it comfortably, and roast in the center of the oven, undisturbed, for about 3 hours or until internal temperature of meat is 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). (Note: 30 minutes before pork is done, remove the foil from the top of the stuffing to allow the top to brown.)
5.     Carefully transfer the crown to a large, heated, circular platter, strip the foil from the ends of the chops and replace it with paper frills. Let the crown rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving. To Carve Pork: Insert a large fork in the side of the crown to steady it and, with a large, sharp knife, cut down through each rib to detach the chops. Two chops per person is a customary portion accompanied by a generous serving of the stuffing.


    Wednesday, November 23, 2011

    Thanksgiving Office Hours

    Just a reminder that the Rental Office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. It will be open until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, and then re-open at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 25. If you need emergency assistance please contact the on-call staff member at 651-455-2278.

    We are thankful to have such wonderful residents! Have a great Thanksgiving holiday!

    Tuesday, November 22, 2011

    Thanksgiving Break Begins

    Thanksgiving break for the kids starts Wednesday, November 23 at noon and goes through Sunday, November 27. How will you be spending the time off?

    Here are some fun things for everyone to do on break: 

    -     The Holidazzle Parade starts this weekend on Friday, November 25, and runs Thursdays through Sundays until December 18. Bundle up and enjoy the parade down Nicollet Mall, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

    -     Macy’s in Minneapolis has a holiday display on the 8th floor, themed “A day in the life of an Elf.” It started a few days ago (November 19) and runs through December 30 (closed on Thanksgiving Day), and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
     
    If  Don't feel like wandering away from home? You can enjoy the break by staying close to Salem Green! You can:

    -       Swim in the indoor pool at Salem
    -       Rent a movie
    -       Bake holiday cookies
    -       Decorate for the holidays – put up lights on your balcony
    -       Thanksgiving Crafts
    o   Draw a Turkey by tracing your hand on paper
    o   Paper bag turkey – Disneyfamilyfun.com
    -       Visit the Water Park of America – waterparkofamerica.com
    -        or visit The Grove Community Center – http://www.invergroveheights.org/
    o   Aquatic center
    o   Fitness center
    o   Ice arena
    o   Indoor Water Park

    Monday, November 21, 2011

    Holiday Decorating Reminder

    It is great to see that some of our residents are already getting into the spirit of the holidays and the winter season by putting up lights and decorations on their patios! Decorating inside your apartment and out is encouraged, so feel free to put up your lights, colored garland, artificial wreaths, etc. Please be careful not to damage the exterior of the building by hammering in nails or drilling holes. A Holiday Balcony Decorating Contest will be judged later in December and a cash prize will be awarded to the best displays!

    Please remember that due to the fire hazard it creates, live and real trees and wreaths are prohibited in your apartment, on your patio or balcony, and on the doors in the hallways. We appreciate your help in keeping our community both festive and safe this holiday season!

    Latest New Releases

    The Salem Green office currently has these new releases available for you to check out for just $1:

    Horrible Bosses

    Bad Teacher

    Green Lantern

    Monte Carlo

    Zookeeper
    As always, there are plenty of your old favorites available to check out, as well. Come pick out your next evening of entertainment at home!

    Saturday, November 19, 2011

    Reminders for the First Snow

    Snow has finally arrived at Salem Green! The snowplow crews need your help to clear the lots quickly and safely. Under normal snowfall conditions, the lots will be plowed whenever we get more than 2" of snow. The crews will clear the entrances and driveways around 6:30 a.m. and then return between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to clear the rest of the lot. It is imperative that cars be moved between those hours so that the snow can be removed from the stalls where they were parked. All vehicles must be moved daily. Vehicles that are not moved daily are subject to towing at their owner's expense.

    If you have overnight guests, please inform them of these snow removal procedures. Also, if you plan to be out of town or are unable to move your car for some reason, please call the Rental Office and make arrangements to drop off keys so someone can move it for you. The caretakers salt and sand the sidewalks and steps whenever they are icy. Please be careful on steps, sidewalks and in parking lots, so we can all stay safe this winter!

    Friday, November 11, 2011

    Honor a Veteran Today

    Veterans Day is a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

    A Short History of Veterans Day

    An Act approved on May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation  on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars (history of Veterans Day provided by www.va.gov).

    Salem Green wishes to thank all of those who have served, especially those veterans who make our community their home. We appreciate your sacrifice and courage.

    In a special way we would like to recognize and honor the veterans who work for Salem Green for their military service.

    Tom is one of our painters, and was an Air Force firefighter.
    Tom in the cab of a fire truck called T6 P-8


    Tom has been painting for Salem Green since 1993














    Another one of our veterans is Shawn, our maintenance supervisor. Shawn was stationed at Hohenfels, Germany from 1990-1994 during the Gulf War.


    Thank you to all who serve! Happy Veteran's Day!

    Monday, November 7, 2011

    Welcome to the Condor team, Charity

    Please welcome Charity to the Condor team
    Condor Corporation would like to welcome Charity to our teamCharity will be working at several of our communities while she is learning about property management, including Salem Green. Charity is originally from Mankato and moved to the metro area in 2003. For the past 10 years Charity was the Manager of a Pac Sun clothing store. 


    When she is not busy enjoying her amazing 11 month old son Harrison, Charity loves dance of all sorts (both participating and watching), trying new foods, and the outdoors. She describes her perfect day as one that would include spending time with Harrison, camping, a fire, coffee, her homemade tacos and guacamole, and a pedicure! Aside from all that, she would love to learn to knit. Charity is enjoying getting settled in their new apartment and looking forward to the opportunities ahead at Condor Corporation!

    Saturday, November 5, 2011

    Welcome Back, Rick

    Rick is so excited to be back at Salem Green!
    We are happy to welcome back Rick, one of our residents who lived at Salem Green in 2009 and now has returned to make Salem Green his home once again. You can tell by the smile on his face that he is so excited to be back! Rick says that his favorite thing about Salem Green is the office staff and the wonderful location. Welcome back, Rick!

    Wednesday, November 2, 2011

    Updated: Halloween Costumes of Salem Green Kids

    We had a great turnout for kids of Salem Green coming to the Rental Office to get their treat. Here are some pictures of their fabulous costumes!











    So adorable! Thanks for a fun Halloween, and see you all again next year!

    Tuesday, November 1, 2011

    Halloween Costumes of Salem Green

    Yesterday we saw some great Halloween costumes at Salem Green. Even the office staff got into the spirit!

    Happy Halloween from the Salem witches -- Janelle, Mindy, and Christine
    We hope you had a safe and fun Halloween!