Salem Green Wishes Tom A Fond Farewell

Tom has been a painter at Salem Green since 1991 and has dedicated twenty-two years to improving our homes. Tom will be retiring from his painting career in January. We will miss this witty, funny and hardworking guy. Tom is looking forward to other activities that will keep him occupied once he is finished working at Salem Green. Tom plans to read more non-fiction books, golf, catch up on the sporting events on TV, and exercise at the Community Center. We think that sounds like a great way to start out the new year. While living here at Salem Green all these years Tom has enjoyed making many friends along the way, having conversations with staff and residents, and living in a cared for community. Thank you, Tom, and we wish you the best!

Have you made your New Year's resolutions yet?

It’s getting to be that time of year again: The holidays are over, the calendar is preparing to roll over to a brand new year and everyone is looking for a fresh start. Even if 2012 was a great year, there is always room for improvement and the New Year, though really just another date, is the perfect day to start a change!

So, whether you’re looking to get more in shape, save money, eat healthy or start a new hobby with the New Year, you can never go wrong setting a resolution. Best of all, you can make your resolutions simple and easy to keep, meaning that they may stick around long after you’ve abandoned some of you other well-intended changes.

We all have our New Year’s Resolution every year. What's your number one resolution for 2013? Did your New Year resolutions make the top ten list from 2012?

*According to Squidoo.com “The Ten Top New Year’s Resolutions for 2012”

1.) Stop Smoking
2.) Get into a Habit of being Fit
3.) Lose Weight-Battle of the Bulge
4.) Enjoy Life More
5.) Quit Drinking
6.) Get Organized
7.) Learn Something New
8.) Get out of Debt
9.) Spend More Time With Family
10.) Volunteer and Help People

Make those Resolutions stick! Make this the year for success.
· No matter what you haven’t achieved in the past, that was then and this is now!
· Start by thinking about the future and then reflect back. Think about the end of 2013 and ask yourself, "If everything happens perfectly, what will it look like?" Nothing is perfect but even a small change for the better is always better than nothing.
· Write down your goal.
· Write down a list of all the little steps you have to take to reach your goal.
· Prioritize those steps.
· Do something every day to take yourself along the steps towards your goal.

Fight Cabin Fever With Fun

Do you have the winter blues? Are you already bored from being indoors? Here are a few fun-filled places to visit near Salem Green.

The Grove

8055 Barbara Ave
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
(651) 450-2480
The Grove is the Inver Grove Heights community center. They offer a variety of activities such as indoor swimming, a workout facility, aerobic classes and more.

The Grove has an indoor pool and water play area.

The Grove has some great exercise equipment.

Skyzone

595 Hale Ave, Oakdale, MN 55128
(651) 200-3383

Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park located in Oakdale. Sky Zone offers fun and fitness for all ages. Perfect for winter birthday parties or just an evening out with the family.

Hours
Monday: Closed
Tues-Thurs: 3 pm- 8 pm
Friday: 12 pm- 9 pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 11 am- 7 pm

Pricing:
30 Mins- $8
60 Mins- $12
90 Mins- $16
120 Mins- $20

Water Park of America
1700 American Boulevard East
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 854-8900

The Water Park of America is located off of 494 just south of the Mall of America. You can have hours of fun in this water park. With attractions from waters slides, lazy river, hot tubs, wave pool, over 70 arcade games and much more!

Staff Spotlight - Introducing Chelsea - 1455's New Caretaker

We're excited to introduce you to Chelsea, she is our new Caretaker for the 1455 building at Salem Green. Chelsea grew up in Minneapolis with her two brothers and two sisters. She recently moved to Inver Grove Heights and is working at the local Applebee's. Chelsea enjoys spending time with her beautiful two-year-old daughter named Rihanna. Please welcome Chelsea to the community when you see her around Salem Green.

Make Your Apartment More Heat Efficient

It’s that time of year again when the weather turns frigid. To ensure you stay warm this winter, we've created some helpful tips for you to follow.

1. Make sure your thermostat is to the on position.

2. Make sure your heat registers are open and furniture is pulled away from the wall.

3. Place covers on all air conditioning units.

4. Be sure both windows and all patio doors are closed and locked. 

If all the above items have been followed and you are still having heating issues, please contact the rental office and we will send Daniel and Steve over to take a look.

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate - Keeping Warm & Toasty & Tasty

Oh my, look at what happened over the weekend. We went from fall-like weather to full-on winter wonderland! It may be cold and wet, but it sure is pretty. Now we just need some hot chocolate, a cozy blanket and a good movie! Did you know that you can make hot chocolate in a crock-pot and keep it nice and warm all day? You can! Check out this recipe.

Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
1 (14 oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
6 Cups Milk (use whole milk for extra thick hot chocolate)
2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions:
1. In a large Crock-Pot combine all ingredients and stir.
2. Cover with lid and cook on low for 2 hours, whisking every now and then to combine the melted chocolate chips with the milk.
3. Ladle into mugs and serve with marshmallows or whipped cream or turn Crock-Pot to warm and stir every so often until you are ready to serve.

Great Desserts and Even Better Company: Dessert Night

What fun it is to meet your neighbors and share delicious desserts! All of us at Salem Green want to thank everyone that came out for our annual Dessert Night.

 We had every kind of pie you could possibly imagine, cupcakes, candy, hot chocolate, and more. It was great to see some familiar faces along with some new smiling faces. We truly appreciate all of you and we are glad that you have decided to call Salem Green your home. We hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed their night with their neighbors and the Salem Green staff, we sure did!

A Salem Green Winter Wonderland

The world around Salem Green has been turned into a beautiful winter wonderland by the weekend's winter storm! Weather Forecasters were saying that our area of the metro received around 10 inches of snow. The storm was the largest snow event in two years. Check out some pictures of our beautiful community that are posted below.

These Salem Green kids were so excited for the snow!

Snow Rhymes With Tow!

Winter is here and Salem Green Apartments would like to remind you that we do not allow non-motorized, non-moving, non-operable or un-licensed vehicles to be parked in the lots. All vehicles must be moved on a regular basis to allow for necessary snow removal. 

Vehicles that are in violation of this Community Policy are subject to be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

Our staff works hard to ensure a safe environment during the winter months by continually plowing and salting walkways and roads during times of snow, but it is still important to use caution while walking on side walks, going up and down stairs and entering or exiting your vehicle. Proper footwear with non-slip tread is vital to surviving a Minnesota winter!

Enjoy the beautiful snow, but be careful out there!

New Movies Are In... Just In Time For Snowstorm Hibernating

There's snow coming, and if you like to snuggle in to the comfort of your apartment and attempt to hibernate during a snow storm, well then you need a movie from the Salem Green office! Make one last adventurous trip through the snow to the office and check out our ever-changing selection of movies. Perfect for keeping you entertained and indoors during a snowstorm.

Our new releases this month are:

No Other Month Knows How To Party Like December

December is a month packed with holidays and commemorations. Check out some of the major celebrations and observances that take place during this month.

December - 7: Pearl Harbor Day:
December 7, 1941 the US Naval base in Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan. On that day this year government flags will be flown at half staff as we remember those who lost their lives during this attack. The day after this attack the US declared war on Japan.

December 8 - 16: Hanukkah

This Jewish holiday commemorates historical events that took place in 168 B.C.
According to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s central texts, Judah Maccabee and the other Jews who took part in the re-dedication of the Second Temple witnessed a miracle. Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply. This wondrous event inspired the Jewish leaders to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival.

Interesting Facts about Hanukkah

• Traditional Hanukkah food is cooked during the festival with oil as the key ingredient. Jelly donuts, fried potatoes, pancakes and deep fried puffs are the most common foods served during the festival.
• Gift giving is another popular Hanukkah tradition. The Jewish children receive small gifts from their elder family members on Hanukkah.

December 25: Christmas
Christmas is an annual Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus would come to be called the son of God. Jesus’ story is detailed in the Bible recounting many miracles he preformed from healing people with diseases, feeding 5,000 people with only 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread and even raising the dead.

One cannot talk about the history of Christmas without mentioning Santa Claus. Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna, who lived in the 4th century A.D. in what is known today as Turkey, was a very wealthy and generous man who especially loved children. He was known to throw gifts into the houses of poor children in order to brighten their spirits. He was later titled Saint Nicholas, and became the patron saint of children and seafarers. His story evolved into the legend of Santa Claus – the jolly man who brings gifts to children all over the world on Christmas Eve.

Fun Facts about Christmas:

• Most of Santa’s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzer, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeer shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are likely not male, but female.
• Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S. since 1850, the trees are usually grown for about 15 years before they are sold.
• Mistletoe (Viscum album) is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means “little dung twig” because the plant spreads though bird droppings.

December 26: Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a fairly new holiday that was first celebrated in December 1966. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach. The name for Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase meaning first fruits. The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia. Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of Continental African "first fruit" celebrations: in gathering; reverence; commemoration; re-commitment; and celebration.

There are seven values that are emphasized during Kwanzaa, they are: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Kwanzaa culminates in a big feast on the last evening of the holiday, on December 31 called Karamu; it is celebrated with festive songs, dance, toasts, prayers, and a feast of foods.

Interesting facts about Kwanzaa

• The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green as noted above and can be utilized in decorations for Kwanzaa. Also decorations should include traditional African items, i.e., African baskets, cloth patterns, art objects, harvest symbols, etc.
• Kwanzaa can be celebrated by anyone. Kwanzaa is the holiday to remember African-American cultures.
• Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol.

December 31: New Years Eve

The last day of the year is celebrated by many people in many different ways. Some people stay up until midnight and party at home or with friends, or a lot of people will go out to different restaurants, bars or even some cities have outdoor events. The most popular outdoor event in the US is the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City, NY. There are many New Year’s Eve traditions throughout the world.

Decking The Deck And The Halls!

It is great to see that some of our residents are already getting into the spirit of the holidays 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 display.

Please remember that due to their fire hazard 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!

Meet Brittney - Salem Green's Newest Leasing Consultant

Condor Corporation is excited to welcome Brittney to our team! Brittney will be working at Salem Green as our newest Leasing Consultant. She is originally from Hastings and moved to the metro area in 2005 to attend the University of St. Thomas. Over the past few years she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, worked as a marketing manager for a local business, and also as a manager of a tanning salon.

When she is not busy planning her upcoming wedding, Brittney likes to shop, spend time with family, watch football, and bake. Brittney has a passion for meeting and working with new people. She is looking forward to meeting all the residents at Salem Green and at all of the Condor properties. If you are ever around the Salem Green office, stop in and say hi!

The Early Bird Caught The... Cash!

Congratulations to  Jenny and Roald, they are the winners of the Early Bird contest this past month! They will get to enjoy $50.00 off of their rent in December. Next month it could be you - all you have to do is get your name into the drawing by paying your rent on or before the first of the month. Then your name goes into the drawing at Salem's office and a winner is randomly selected. 

Cyber Monday And Package Delivery

For the deal-savvy shopper who didn't get their fill yesterday during Black Friday, or for those who would rather do their shopping online, Cyber Monday is a great opportunity. In just two days retailers will offer special deals for their online customers.

Cyber Monday shopping is a very different experience than Black Friday. There's no lines and you can do your shopping in your pajamas sipping hot cocoa. Heck, you can shop and get your laundry done at the same time! With a few simple clicks you can place your order and have it delivered to your home.

There are some websites that gather the deals from many retailers to make your shopping online even easier. Check out http://www.cybermonday2012.com/ or http://www.cybermonday.com/.

As the holiday season ramps up we see an increase of packages coming in for our residents. Everyone also gets much busier. The office staff is happy to help out by delivering packages to your apartment. If you receive a notice that a package has been dropped off at the office and you would like it delivered to your apartment simply give us a call, email, or use the Ask The Office form on our website to request that your package be delivered to your apartment.

Be Dazzled By The Holidazzle

Once again it’s time to bundle up and head to the free Target Holidazzle parade! The parade starts Friday, November 23, and can be viewed every Thursday through Sunday night until Sunday, December 23, all at 6:30PM.

Take in the bright lights of illuminated floats, enjoy music, see celebrity Grand Marshals and Santa in his sleigh. The parade first began in 1992. Every year since then the parade has marched down Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis during the holiday season, drawing over 300,000 spectators. Check out more information on the Holidazzle Parade at their website.

Black Friday Hotspots

There's always a bit of a buzz about what deals can be found on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when many businesses begin their holiday shopping season with big discounts for a limited time. Salem Green is near quite a few businesses that will be featuring Black Friday deals, should you feel adventurous enough to venture out.

If you need a little help planning your Black Friday shopping, visit blackfriday.com, which posts the  advertisement flyers from most major retailers.

Here’s a list of some places, and the times they open for Black Friday, that our residents and staff like to shop:

Target

Robert Street

12:00AM Friday, Nov. 23rd

Best Buy

Robert Street 

12:00AM Friday, Nov. 23rd

Burlington Coat Factory

Robert Street Hours

6:00AM Friday, Nov. 23rd

Game Stop

Robert Street

12:00AM Friday, Nov. 23rd

Walmart

Robert Street

8:00PM Thursday, Nov. 22nd

Kmart

Robert Street

Triple Door Buster: Thurs, Nov. 22 6:00AM-4:00PM, Thurs, Nov. 22nd 8:00PM – 3:00AM & Friday, Nov 23rd 5:00AM-11:00AM.

Menards ( Robert Street ) Hours = 5am Friday, Nov 23rd

Local Restaurants Offer Special Thanksgiving Dinners

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. If you don’t feel like cooking this year there are several local restaurants featuring special Thanksgiving meals.

Jensen’s Supper Club

(651) 688-7969
3840 Cedarvale Boulevard,  Eagan.

Featuring a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet starting at 11:30AM and going until 5:30PM. On the menu you will find carved ham and turkey, mashed potatoes, hash brown casserole, apple stuffing and many more wonderful selections.

DeGidio's

(651) 291-7105 

425 W 7th Street, St. Paul. 

Offering the choice of a Traditional Thanksgiving menu or an Italian menu. On the Traditional menu you will see turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and other delicious dishes. On the Italian menu you will see turketta, sausage stuffing, sweet potatoes and other Italian favorites. There are two seating times, the first at Noon and the second at 3:00PM, by reservation only. 

Bakers Square

(651) 455-1546
1949 South Robert Street, West St. Paul.

And if you just need help with the dessert part of your Thanksgiving feast, Bakers Square is taking reservations for their fantastic pie selection. You can chose from Country Apple, Southern Pecan, Original French Silk, Pumpkin with real whipped cream, and much more.