Auston Grove Apartment Homes Blog

The triangle has garnered more than its share of national accolades in the quality-of-life and business-climate categories over the years.

Now Businessweek.com has dubbed Raleigh simply "the best American city."

Businessweek.com based its ranking on 16 criteria, including the number of recreational amenities, strength of the local economy and the education level of the population.

Raleigh edged out Arlington, VA and Scottsdale, Ariz., for the top ranking.

New York ranked 14th, Chicago finished near the rear, in 75th place out of 100.

In lavishing praise on Raleigh, the magazine mentioned the usual highlights, like Research Triangle Park (not in Raleigh, but close enough). Then there are three world-class universities - N.C. State University, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University - only one of which is physically in Raleigh.

Raleigh got bonus points for a great State Farmers Market and its good air quality.

The city has also "been home to an array of celebs including Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi, Dexter star Michael C. Hall, and singer Clay Aiken (whose dog was even named Raleigh)."

Businessweek.com counted 867 restaurants, 110 bars, 51 museums and 12,512 park acres.

That's right; 51 museums. That's one museum a week for an entire year with a weekend to spare.

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Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Auston Grove will be hiring part time grounds help this Summer and wanted to see if any residents were interested before we posted to the public. This position is for grounds assistance and will entail outside work, climbing stairs and light lifting. Duties will include but not limited to help with many different projects, cleaning and grounds trash pick up however, no experience is necessary. The position is for the months of May, June, July, August and September. It is for 20 hours per week (almost any schedule can be accommodated). This position will pay $13 hour but doesn’t include any benefits or rent reductions. It is simply a way to make some extra Summer cash. Please contact Chris Jones at (919) 217-9995, cpjones@hhhunt.com, or stop in the office.

Apartment Homes in Raleigh, NC

Auston Grove will be hiring part time grounds help this Summer and wanted to see if any residents were interested before we posted to the public. This position is for grounds assistance and will entail outside work, climbing stairs and light lifting. Duties will include but not limited to help with many different projects, cleaning and grounds trash pick up however, no experience is necessary. The position is for the months of May, June, July, August and September. It is for 20 hours per week (almost any schedule can be accommodated). This position will pay $13 hour but doesn’t include any benefits or rent reductions. It is simply a way to make some extra Summer cash. Please contact Chris Jones at (919) 217-9995, cpjones@hhhunt.com, or stop in the office.

Apartment Homes in Raleigh, NC

Do you like to attend music concerts or art gallery openings? Do you enjoy live theater or improv comedy? If these activities are exciting to you, you will want to locate arts and culture opportunities that are convenient to your apartment community.

Read on for suggestions to help you find the creative outlets you are looking for.

Find your “scene”
What brings people who live elsewhere to visit your community? Perhaps people visit your city because of interesting things it offers to see and do. If you look for information tailored to guests of the area, you may discover that you have access to all kinds of creative outlets.

If you enjoy viewing fine art, keep your eyes open for museums and art galleries open for your patronage. Check for show openings or performance art “happenings” to take part in, and frequent your local music store to keep your finger on the pulse of your local music scene. To satisfy your craving for live music, look for everything from small clubs to large arena venues.

Maybe movies or live comedy are more your thing. You may want to investigate the types of cinema available near your home. Perhaps your town has an art-house cinema in addition to a large multiplex theater. Or look for a stand-up comedy club or a theater that specializes in improvisational comedy.

Start your search at home
Start with your computer. Go online and let your fingers do the searching for theaters and concert halls in your area. You might enter your zip code and the type of creative activity you enjoy. You may discover local venues which cater to your interest. Check their online schedules and get an idea of how often they hold concerts or gatherings. Try both general and specific searches: either way, an online search should help you narrow down local options for an artistic night out.

Keep up with local arts and culture
Look for information about arts organizations from local publications and blogs, including your local newspaper’s arts and culture pages. Getting into the habit of regularly checking these sources — such as an art council’s Web site — will both help you find the options of most interest to you and keep you abreast of what’s going on in your artistic community.

Also, visit your chamber of commerce, either online or in person. These organizations are great places to find information about your community, including active arts opportunities. Your city’s chamber should be able to provide current and comprehensive listings of open art galleries, working theaters, and live music venues. Remember to sign up for newsletters from your Chamber, retail stores, or news outlets that will send information to you regarding the kinds of art you are most interested in.

Get involved with the arts
You may wish to start a deeper involvement in a particular area of arts interest. When you visit your local museum, you might stop by the information desk and inquire about groups that meet regularly, for instance, to help you do this.

A community’s commitment to its art and artists can tell you a lot about who lives there. Show your support by finding and attending the arts and culture events that fire your imagination. You are sure to meet like-minded individuals who share your excitement about experiencing the world of artistic expression.

Apartment in Raleigh, NC

THE AUSTON GROVE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2011 FOR AN OFF-SITE MEETING IN RICHMOND, VA.

IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT HAVING A MAINTENANCE EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL 217-9995 TO LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR THE MAINTENANCE STAFF. FOR ANYONE WITH QUESTIONS OR LOOKING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO LEASINGOFFICE@AUSTONGROVELIVING.COM OR CALL LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN ALL CALLS AND EMAILS ON FRIDAY.

Apartment in Raleigh, NC

The Wake Education Partnership presented a student assignment proposal for the Wake County Public Schools at a media briefing Feb. 11. This proposal, made in response to the school board’s request for input on student assignment, provides the stability and predictability families need without sacrificing the quality of educational options in any part of what is a large and growing country.

This assignment proposal is built on four pillars, which are given equal treatment:

1. STABILITY. In the initial year, all families can choose to be grandfathered in their current schools with transportation. Once enrolled, you remain in your school unless you choose to leave.
2. CHOICE. Families choose the schools they prefer from the options provided. The choices include 10 elementary, five middle, and five high schools. Most choices will be the schools closest to home, with magnet and year-round options provided.
3. Proximity. Families residing within a walk zone (1.5 mile radius) are given a strong enrollment preference. For those outside of a walk-zone, preferences are based on their closest school.
4. Student Achievement. When granting choices, attention must be given to the academic mix of a school. No school should enroll a heavily concentrated number of low-performing students. The achievement mix will be determined by the school board.

This plan represents a fundamentally different way of assigning children to our schools. It would replace our current student assignment system. For more information, visit www.wakeschoolchoice.com. You can download an executive summary and a copy of the full plan on the site, and review possible school choices if you are a Wake County Resident.

Apartment in Raleigh, NC

It was originally known as St. Valentine's day and shortened to Valentine's Day over time, but the sentiment remains the same. It's a day of celebrating love and affection between one another. The day is named after an early Christian martyr named Valentine and was first associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages, when courtly love was popular.

The date derives its name from several Christian martyrs from the early hundreds, AD. There were several different martyrs that the name was taken from and at the time they had no romantic leanings. One specific Valentine is said to have been martyred in Africa on February 14th and that's where the date came from. The romantic aspect of the holiday comes from Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote, "For this was Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate." These words were included in a poem that honored the engagement of teenagers King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia.

Critics mistakenly assumed he was referring to St. Valentine's Day of February 14th, although that is not a time when birds would be mating. In his text, Chaucer makes it seem like it it's an old tradition, although it doesn't appear to have existed prior to his writing it.

It seems only just that the city of love, Paris, adopted a High Court of Love on February 14, 1400. This was run by women on the basis of their poetry reading ability or the earliest written valentines. The holiday flourished and England embraced the celebration with the forming of factories that assembled paper valentines.

While the earlier forms of valentines were hand written poems, they eventually gave way to the manufactured forms. From paper valentines to gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and other romantic gifts, the traditions surrounding Valentine's Day have blossomed like the roses so popular on that day. It is estimated that 190 million valentines are sent each year in America alone, mostly among children. Although it's jokingly called, "Singles Awareness Day," it's still a time for all people to remember to express to their loved ones their un-dying love.

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Tuesday, February 8, 5:30 to 8 pm
Preview to Valentine's Day at La Belle Chateau Salon & Spa
7400-C Siemens Drive in Wendell
Sample some Valentine gift ideas - mini-facials, polish changes, massages, cupcakes, chocolate fountain, etc! Call 365-7516

This event is also a Business After Hours for Wendell's Chamber.

Friday, February 11, 8 to 11 pm
"Small Town Charm" Valentine Ball at Wendell Community Ctr
Featuring the NC Revelers Orchestra
Fundraiser for East Wake Education Foundation, 365-5901
Tix available at Wendell Chamber, EWEF, and other sites

Saturday, February 12, 5:30, 7:30, or 9 pm
Cattails Valentine's Dinner, $40 per person at Five County Stadium; call 861-7501 for reservations
This event continues on Monday, Feb. 14th at same times

Monday thru Friday, February 14 - 18, 9 am to noon
Scholastic Book Fair at Zebulon United Methodist Church Preschool
For more info, call Jennifer Hogg, PVA leader, at 404-0633

Wednesday, February 16, 11:45 am to 1 pm
East Wake W.I.N. luncheon at Fargo Cattle Co. Steakhouse

Wednesday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 pm
Feel the Beat CPR Anytime Road Tour at Zebulon Comm. Center
For more info, call Parks & Recreation Dept. at 823-0432.

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Triangle Events on Monday, January 17th to Mark Martin Luther King Day

• 31ST Annual Martin Luther King Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
  8 AM, Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Research Triangle Park.
• 31st Annual Martin Luther King Holiday Memorial March
  Departs at 11 AM from the Morgan Street side of the State Capitol in downtown Raleigh
  For more information, visit www.king-raleigh.org
• 31st Annual Martin Luther King Noon Ecumenical Observance
  Noon, Meymandi Hall, Progress Energy Center For the Performing Arts, downtown Raleigh
  For more information, visit http://www.progressenergycenter.com
• 31st Annual Martin Luther King Evening Musical Celebration
  5:30 PM, Meymandi Concert Hall, Progress Energy Center For the Performing Arts, downtown Raleigh
  For more information, visit http://www.progressenergycenter.com