The MOA Ice Castle Is The 'Coolest'

You have heard the adage, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Minnesotans have this advice beat by miles. Here in the cold, frozen north we say, "If life gives you winter - make an ice castle." The coolest ice castle you can see right now is at the Mall of America in Bloomington. 

You still have time to check it out - but hurry! The Ice Castle was originally scheduled to close yesterday, however with the spectacularly cold weather we've been having the Ice Castle's season has been extended until March 2nd.

Here's a description of this amazing structure, from the Mall of America website:;

It all starts with an icicle. Unlike typical ice structures that are built with ice blocks, the Ice Castle is made of icicles organically grown from 4 million gallons of water and then fused together. The castle will join 50 large ice towers together to create a series of shimmering archways, tunnels, walls and caverns. In the center courtyard looms the largest frozen tower, reaching more than 40 feet high. Latticed icicles connect the icy columns to the tower, creating roomy caverns. Inside the Ice Castle, there will be several “Throne Rooms” with a chair large enough sit several people. At night, the castle will take on a magical look as thousands of LED multi-colored lights illuminate the ice from within.

 Here's a link for more information on visiting the Ice Castle at the Mall of America.

Slam Dunk Deal For Salem Green Residents

Salem Green Apartments residents are eligible for discounted tickets and a buy-one-get-one offer from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The "Renter Appreciation Nights" lets you get a free ticket when you purchase another, just for being a resident of Salem Green Apartments. Plus, the ticket you purchase is already discounted!

In order to get this special deal you'll need to contact Timberwolves Account Representative Kate LaFerriere at (612) 763-1686 or laferriere@timberwolves.com. You'll need to contact Kate directly, as it can't be accessed online through the Timberwolves ticket website. Mention "Salem Green Renter Appreciation Nights" for the special offer.

Getting to the game downtown is made easy as well. When you show your game-day Timberwolves ticket you can ride Metro Transit buses and light rail for free. Simply show your ticket to the driver and you can ride for free up to two hours before and after the game. Consider parking at the Mall of America or Fort Snelling and riding the light rail into downtown Minneapolis.

For more information check out the flyer below.

We're Pretty Sure Josie Is The Cutest Baby Ever

The Salem Green community has been abuzz lately about Shawn and Julie's newborn babe. Josephine Alice, better known as "Josie", was born in the evening of January 7th. Julie is Salem Green's Community Manager and Shawn is Condor Corporation's Maintenance Supervisor. Please join us in welcoming Josie to our community and congratulating Shawn and Julie on their beautiful baby. We all wish them the best of luck with the newest addition to their family.

Of course, we HAVE to share a photo of the world's cutest baby. Nope, we're not biased at all - cutest ever!

So happy and adorable! Congratulations on your beautiful baby, Shawn and Julie!

Valentine's Day Specials Near Salem Green

Valentine's Day is almost here, have you made your plans? Here's some ideas for making last minute plans to celebrate this special day.

Reginas Candies
Perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth and conveniently located near Salem Green. These candies are handmade and absolutely delicious.
1905 South Robert Street, West St. Paul. (651) 455-8864

White Castle
Nothing says 'I love you' like a slider, right? This tradition requires a reservation. Get great American food and value at White Castle.
4515 South Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights. (651) 455-0403

Pazzaluna

A more upscale experience than the quirky White Castle date night! Pazza Luna has a special Valentine's Day dinner menu. Be sure to make a reservation.
360 St Peter St, St Paul. (651) 223-7000

Glassing Florist
Everyone loves to receive some fresh flowers. Glassing Florist is a great local florist that can put the finishing touches on your romantic day.
7301 Babcock Trail, Inver Grove Heights (651) 457-2500 

AMC Theaters 

For a romantic movie, check out the premier of Safe Haven at 10:00.
5567 Bishop Ave., Inver Grove Heights (651) 453-1916

Free Children's Museum Admission On February 17

These cold winter days can leave you looking for something to do with the kiddos that is fun, free and indoors. Check out the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Did you know that the Children’s Museum offers free admission on the 3rd Sunday of every month? The next free Sunday is February 17th. Everyone gets in for free from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Three-hour parking is available for only $4.00 when you park at the World Trade Center parking ramp, simply bring your parking ticket stub to the museum to get your discount.

The Minnesota Children's Museum is a wonderful place for children to explore many topics and learn while they play with hands-on, interactive exhibits and displays. For more information visit www.mcm.org.

February Is "Kind Of A Big Deal"

If February could talk it would probably say something like, "I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm kind of a big deal." In fact this month, despite its short number of days, packs in quite a few important holidays and observances.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month. This observance was founded in 1915 originally as a one week holiday to celebrate and acknowledge African Americans who have made a difference in America. In 1976 the African American History week was extended to the entire month of February. This month was chosen for two important dates: President Lincoln was born on February 12 and Frederick Douglass, one of the nation’s leading abolitionists, was born on February 14.

February 2: Groundhog Day 
The legend of Groundhog Day originates from European weather lore that used a badger or bear to predict the end of winter. Germanic immigrants in Pennsylvania began the tradition of using a groundhog. The largest Groundhog Day celebration is in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the star of the show is Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow spring will be just around the corner. This year he predicted an early spring!

February 12: Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, a French phrase that means Fat Tuesday, is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. For some it’s a day of feasting, drinking, and revelry before the season of Lenten fasting. The largest and most popular celebration of Mardi Gras in the United States takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. They celebrate with parades, costumes, music and food.

February 13: Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent
Ash Wednesday and Lent are Christian observances in which they will fast or give up something important to them for forty days before Easter. This is a remembrance of Jesus fasting for forty days in the desert and is a spiritual preparation for Easter. 

February 14: Valentine’s Day 
This day originated as a Christian feast day to remember at least three martyrs named Valentine. Some Christian traditions still celebrate St. Valentine as an official holiday, while others do not. This holiday was first linked to a celebration of romantic love by Geoffrey Chaucer, an author from the Middle Ages. This observance has morphed into a day to give loved ones presents of flowers, sweet confections, or cards known as “valentines”.

February 18: Presidents Day 
Presidents Day is officially a federal holiday celebrating George Washington’s birthday. Washington was actually born on February 22, but the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance to the 3rd Monday in February. A majority of states declared a concurrent celebration of the office of the President for this day, thus the two conflicting titles for this holiday. George Washington’s birthday was the first federal holiday honoring an American citizen.

Snow Rhymes With Tow

With the recent snowfall we've received here we 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!

Howling At The Moon And Snowshoeing

When's the last time you took a moonlit walk with snowshoes strapped to your feet? Next week you'll get your chance if you sign up for the Full Moon Snowshoe Hike at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Lebanon Hills Park is a hidden gem in Dakota County, with miles of cross country, hiking and snowshoeing trails. The park is located at 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN.

On Friday, January 25th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM there will be a guided snowshoe hike under the full moon. There's also a beginner cross-country ski lesson for adults scheduled for Sunday, January 20, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Registration is required for both events, and equipment is included in the registration fees. Can't make the sessions? You can rent equipment at Lebanon Hills and explore when your schedule allows.

So, if you're tired of feeling cooped up inside this winter, get some warm clothes on and head out to Lebanon Hills to make the most of this season.

Learn more about the programs offered at the park by visiting their calendar here. 

Staff Spotlight: Meet Jackie!

Jackie is a new member of the Salem Green Staff and is the caretaker for the 1405 building. She grew up in Circle Pines, Minnesota. Jackie has lived in this area now for 27 years, which, as it happens, is the number of years she has been married to her husband, Bill. Jackie and Bill have two daughters and four grand-kids. Jackie chose to live at Salem Green because it is close to her family, has heated underground parking, great swimming pools, spacious floor plans with a breakfast bar and a large balcony. She enjoys her job as Caretaker for the 1405 building because she gets to meet new residents and work independently.

When Jackie isn't working she enjoys spending time with her family and playing her luck at either Little 6 Casino or Treasure Island Casino. She also likes watching a favorite movie and cooking one of her favorites, either Lasagna or Roast beef. If you see Jackie around make sure to say "Hello."

Resident Highlight: Meet Juan!

For our next edition of our Resident Highlight column we'd like to introduce you to Juan. Juan moved to Salem Green in October. He chose to live here because we had concrete construction, friendly staff, great amenities, and convenient access to freeways for work. Juan's passion right now is his work as a insurance agent. He is currently setting up his business plan to buy and then own two insurance agencies. He loves his work because he gets to meet so many new people. 

When Juan is not working he enjoys spending time with his friends and family. You could find them all together at the movies, playing hockey, getting a steak and lobster dinner or watching one of his favorite Minnesota sports teams play. Make sure to say "Hello" to Juan if you see him around.

We're so glad Juan chose to live at Salem Green!