Auston Grove Apartment Homes Blog

Auston Grove is excited to host the first ever Community Garage Sale! This is a great opportunity for you to make some money on those items you no longer need!

Your trash is someone else’s treasure!

Please set up your station around the outside of the community, ensuring you are not blocking any of the breezeways for your neighbors. We do ask that you clean your station in its entirety. Please do not leave unsold items at the trash compactor, but you can rather donate them to the GFC Donation Center.

The address to the Knightdale Center is: 7025 Knightdale Blvd.

For home pick-up, please call them at: (919) 878-3933.

These are Triangle events for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Friday

• Wake Tech Community College Stop Hunger Now Challenge, 9 a.m., followed by MLK Celebration Program, noon at the Student Services Building, 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh. Students, faculty and staff will pack 10,000 meals to be distributed to schools and orphanages around the world.
• Durham Technical Community College's 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration and Luncheon, 11 a.m. in the Phail Wynn Jr. Student Services Center multipurpose room at Durham Tech.
• Bell-Ringing and State Employees' Martin Luther King Observance Program. 11:55 a.m. on the Bicentennial Plaza near the N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh. Members of the N.C. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission will initiate the bell-ringing tribute before the State Employees' Observance Program, which will get under way at noon at First Baptist Church, 99 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh.
• Wreath-Laying, 6 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens, 1300 Martin Luther King Blvd., Raleigh. Keynote speaker will be Norman Camp, chairman of the Southeast Raleigh Parks Advocacy Council and the South Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council.

Saturday

• Durham Parks and Recreation program, 2 p.m. at W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville St., Durham. The theme is "MLK Day: Remembering the Legacy Through Art."
• MLK Concert Celebration, 7 p.m. at the Durham Armory, 220 Foster St., Durham. The University Choir of N.C. Central University will perform with the Durham Symphony.

Sunday

• Duke University's Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration, 3 p.m. in Duke Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham. Veteran political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile will give the keynote address.
• Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., 4 p.m. at the Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W. Garner Road, Garner. Keynote speaker will be Reuben Young, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.

Monday

• 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7 a.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Research Triangle Park. Keynote speaker will be Cynthia Marshall, president of AT&T of North Carolina. For the first time, the breakfast will be televised live on WRAL-TV. Doors will open at 6 a.m.
• Triangle Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties will host nearly 30 community service projects to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King. Durham's Signature Project is 9 a.m. to noon at American Tobacco Campus, Bay 7, where volunteers will help with a variety of projects, including assembly of homeless hygiene kits, computer drop-off and cleaning, and writing letters and creating valentines for veterans and active military. Johnston's Signature Project is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pizazz Thrift Store, where volunteers will collect diapers, new underwear, clothing and nonperishable food. Orange's Signature Project is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, where volunteers will work on projects such as assembly of health kits. Wake's Signature Project is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at White Plains Children's Center, where volunteers will assemble hygiene kits, sort books, and write letters for veterans and active military. See www. unitedwaytriangle .org /mlk/ .
• Stop Hunger Now project. 9:30 a.m. at Duke University's Freeman Center, 1415 Faber St., Durham. Members from Duke, N.C. Central University and the Durham Rotary Club are coordinating the Million Meals Project, which is expected to package 80,000 meals.
• 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Memorial March. Assemble at 10 a.m. on the grounds of the State Capitol, and depart at 11 a.m. The theme for this year's celebration is "From The Dream to Reality ... Economic & Social Equality ... More Work to Be Done."
• Birthday party held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. for area children at Northgate Mall, 1058 West Club Blvd., Durham. A reading at 10 a.m. of "Child of the Civil Rights Movement" by Paula Young Shelton, daughter of civil rights activist Andrew Young, will be held for preschool children. A reading at noon will be held for school-age children. Between the readings, Young Shelton will sign the book.
• 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Ecumenical Observance, noon at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. The Rev. Nelson Johnson, executive director of The Beloved Community Development Center in Greensboro, will be the keynote speaker.
• 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Evening Musical Celebration, 5:30 p.m. at the Progress Energy Center in downtown Raleigh. Headlining will be national recording artist Ernest Pugh from Maryland.

Source: Newsobserver.com

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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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Downtown Raleigh is a treasure trove of surprises, whether you’re in the mood to eat, shop, play, or browse. It’s a special downtown full of fascinating people and places that’s simply Raleigh. It’s the perfect place to start your next urban adventure.

First Friday is a Raleigh tradition year-round. On the first Friday of each month, museums, art studios, restaurants and shops offer extended hours, and all the participating restaurants offer specials. Many of the art venues have live music and the museums offer special programs. Look for the First Friday Flags to easily locate participating venues. A detailed map and guide is available at each location for this free self-guided tour of downtown Raleigh’s cutting edge cultural hot spots.

Local art galleries, art studios, alternative art venues, and museums stay open late the first Friday of every month welcoming enthusiasts’ downtown. Generally the event runs from 6 pm-9 pm, but some venue hours may vary.
Visit the galleries and listen to live music. Enjoy a culinary experience and take advantage of the First Friday Specials offered by all participating restaurants. Experience art in all of its forms in Raleigh! Many of the First Friday participating retailers offer specials for you to take advantage of as well.

The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! And Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday, but it should be. Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810. And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.

So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862.

The French had landed in Mexico (along with Spanish and English troops) five months earlier on the pretext of collecting Mexican debts from the newly elected government of democratic President (and Indian) Benito Juarez. The English and Spanish quickly made deals and left. The French, however, had different ideas.

Under Emperor Napoleon III, who detested the United States, the French came to stay. They brought a Hapsburg prince with them to rule the new Mexican empire. His name was Maximilian; his wife, Carolota. Napoleon's French Army had not been defeated in 50 years, and it invaded Mexico with the finest modern equipment and with a newly reconstituted Foreign Legion. The French were not afraid of anyone, especially since the United States was embroiled in its own Civil War.

The French Army left the port of Vera Cruz to attack Mexico City to the west, as the French assumed that the Mexicans would give up should their capital fall to the enemy -- as European countries traditionally did.

Under the command of Texas-born General Zaragosa, (and the cavalry under the command of Colonel Porfirio Diaz, later to be Mexico's president and dictator), the Mexicans awaited. Brightly dressed French Dragoons led the enemy columns. The Mexican Army was less stylish.

General Zaragosa ordered Colonel Diaz to take his cavalry, the best in the world, out to the French flanks. In response, the French did a most stupid thing; they sent their cavalry off to chase Diaz and his men, who proceeded to butcher them. The remaining French infantrymen charged the Mexican defenders through sloppy mud from a thunderstorm and through hundreds of head of stampeding cattle stirred up by Indians armed only with machetes.

When the battle was over, many French were killed or wounded and their cavalry was being chased by Diaz' superb horsemen miles away. The Mexicans had won a great victory that kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year, allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. This grand army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War.

Union forces were then rushed to the Texas/Mexican border under General Phil Sheridan, who made sure that the Mexicans got all the weapons and ammunition they needed to expel the French. American soldiers were discharged with their uniforms and rifles if they promised to join the Mexican Army to fight the French. The American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico, City.

It might be a historical stretch to credit the survival of the United States to those brave 4,000 Mexicans who faced an army twice as large in 1862. But who knows?

In gratitude, thousands of Mexicans crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. Armed Forces. As recently as the Persian Gulf War, Mexicans flooded American consulates with phone calls, trying to join up and fight another war for America.

Mexicans, you see, never forget who their friends are, and neither do Americans. That's why Cinco de Mayo is such a party -- A party that celebrates freedom and liberty. There are two ideals which Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect, ever since the 5th of May, 1862. VIVA! el CINCO DE MAYO!!

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Tornado Safety: Best Location in an Apartment

Tornadoes are very quick and usually come without much notice, having your plan in place will protect you and the items in your apartment. First and foremost, once you hear that there is a possible tornado near your apartment, or that the conditions are right for a tornado, move to shelter immediately.

If you live in an apartment that is on an upper floor, get to the lowest level of the building that you can immediately. This could be an underground parking garage or a neighbor’s first floor apartment. If you live in a high-rise apartment building, you may not have enough time to get to a lower level, so picking a place in the hallway in the center of your building is the best idea. A closet, bathroom or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a tornado.

Also ask your apartment leasing manager if there are any storm shelters in your complex or building.

Tornado Safety: Other Apartment Safety Tips

Once you have relocated to your safe place, lie down on the floor and cover yourself up with pillows, blankets and even mattresses for protection from falling objects and debris. If your apartment’s safe place has a heavy piece of furniture, such as a large table, get under that for extra protection. Wearing a bicycle or similar helmet will help protect your head from injuries caused by flying debris.

It is also a great idea to keep an evacuation kit handy. This kit should include a portable radio, flashlight with extra batteries, credit card and cash, first aid kit, spare set of keys, personal identification and anything else of importance or of value to you. Having all of this together near the safe place of your apartment will save you time and worry during a tornado threat.

Tornado Safety: After the Tornado

If a tornado does come near your apartment, please use extreme caution when exiting your home. Watch out for fallen utility lines and tree limbs that may not have fallen yet. Make sure that everyone is alright and provide assistance to your neighbors that may need attention. Finally, remember to take pictures of damage to your property for your insurance claim.

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Your pet may not be able to recite Shakespeare’s sonnets or sing the Star-Spangled Banner, but, believe it or not, your furry, four-legged friend can talk. If you pay close attention, your dog or cat can communicate with you when something is wrong with his health.

Check out this list of common pet health care issues, and learn how to identify when your pet is trying to tell you that something’s wrong.

Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common health care problems for dogs and cats. If you neglect brushing your pet’s teeth regularly, bacteria living in the mouth can enter the bloodstream through decaying, infected teeth and gums. The harmful bacteria can cause swelling and bladder infections. Rotten teeth also make it painful for your pet to chew her food and get proper nutrition.

Dental hygiene problems are common, but can be easily avoided with regular brushing and veterinary care. In between vet visits, watch out for the signs of tooth decay. Notice whether:

• Your pet’s gums bleed when chewing on toys
• Your pet only uses one side of her mouth to eat food or doesn’t really chew at all
• Your pet pulls away when you massage her cheeks

These signs may let you know that your pet needs veterinary dental care.

Obesity
Obesity is another of the most common pet health problems. You may be tempted to laugh off Fido’s “big-boned” heft, but obesity can actually cause a number of pet health problems including skin inflammation, heart disease, and diabetes, among others.

Your pet can tell you that he is overweight in a number of ways. If you see a large tummy from his profile view, can’t feel his ribs, or notice that he is often short of breath, it is probably time to consult veterinary care about a diet plan for your pet. The ideal size of a pet varies by breed, so rely on your vet’s help to determine the proper weight range for your particular pet.

Skin Problems
Skin problems are another of the most common health issues that veterinarians treat. Your pet can tell you that his skin is bothering him if he licks, chews, or scratches a certain spot excessively. Look for skin patches that are red and irritated or have lost fur — these are possible indications that your pet has skin problems, perhaps caused by allergies, bacterial infections, or bug bites. Raw areas on the skin may also indicate an internal problem, such as a break or sprain, as dogs will lick a painful area in an attempt to heal themselves.

Fleas
Fleas are a specific type of pet skin problem that you can also easily identify. More than just a nuisance for you and your family, the presence of fleas can lead to serious health care problems like anemia in pets.

Your pet will tell you if he’s got fleas: he’ll scratch! Also watch for the usual signs of skin problems and check his belly regularly for small, black spots known as “flea dirt.” You may even be able to see fleas crawling on his skin — especially around his hindquarters or neck.

Your Pet’s Demeanor
A pet’s health problems will often manifest as pesky behavior issues that might include destructive chewing, excessive barking, or urinating indoors. Fido isn’t simply being a bad dog when he does these things repeatedly; these behavior problems might be his way of telling you that there’s something wrong with him physically. When behavior problems persist, a vet visit may be a good idea to determine whether there’s a health issue behind the bad behavior.

Also keep in mind that a pet may “act out” when her routine is altered or she gets over-excited. As you live with a pet, you will come to recognize the differences in the clues that your pet’s behavior tell you.

How to Listen to Your Pet
The key to identifying pet health care issues is to pay close attention to your pets. Pay special attention to each animal every day, and watch for any sudden changes in a pet’s behavior. Be open to listening to what your pet has to tell you about his health; he’ll also be able to communicate to you when he feels great!

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When you’ve got a pet, you benefit from the unconditional love that your furry friend showers on you. Research shows that besides making you feel warm and fuzzy, the love you experience as an animal owner can actually lead to better health for you, too. Read about these benefits here in these tips for healthier living with a pet in your apartment.

Health Benefits of Pets for All Ages
As a source of unconditional love and comfort, pets just make us feel good. When we dote on these lovable buddies, our brains release powerful mood-enhancing chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which make us feel calm and happy. Some of the benefits of living with a pet include lower blood pressure, an immunity boost, and a healthy dose of social interaction.

Fido, the Fitness Coach
One reason why life with pets leads to healthier living is that pets encourage us to get up off the couch and get physical. It’s easy to forget about exercise or make excuses not to go to the gym, but when your beloved pet is demanding playtime, it is hard to say no. Whether you’ve got a cat who likes you to toss her feather toy across the floor to chase or a dog who begs you for walks, spending time with pets helps you get healthy amounts of physical activity, as well. In this way, Fido or Kitty can become your unexpected fitness coach.

Allergy Fighters
There’s also research to indicate that living with pets in an apartment can help children overcome sensitivity to allergies. While the traditional school of thought was that allergy-prone families should avoid having furry pets, current studies show that children who grow up in homes with pets end up decreasing their chances of developing severe allergies or asthma. It turns out that exposure to these animals helps children develop a stronger immune system against allergens.

Friend (or Date) Magnets
Regular social interaction is another cornerstone of healthy living, and owning a pet is a shared experience others enjoy relating to. Dogs are like friend magnets because they are cute and are such great conversation starters. It’s nearly impossible to take a dog to the park without having someone ask to pet the animal or inquire about the breed. These social exchanges can mean a lot when you are looking to make new connections with people, say, after a move to a new city. And if you’re a little on the shy side, walking a dog can really help you break out of your shell.

Pets and Unconditional Love
Because dogs and cats encourage physical activity and social interaction, it’s not hard to see why life with pets can lead to healthier living. For the chronically ill, these benefits are just the tip of the iceberg. For those who may be dealing with a health crisis, living with a pet can be a big mood booster. That’s because caring for a pet takes the focus off of one’s own troubles. In fact, studies show that AIDS patients who live with pets are less likely to suffer from depression, and those with high blood pressure who live with pets are more likely to remain calm in high-stress situations.

Pets, then, are like powerful non-prescription medicine — not to mention that having a snuggly pet curl up next to you nightly can make you feel loved and needed. It seems amazing that something as simple as scratching your dog behind the ears can make you feel so good, but the simple truth is that living with pets is a meaningful way to help improve your overall sense of health and well-being.

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Tax Day and Earth Day are not official holidays, but that doesn’t stop retailers from treating them as such. Each year, more merchants tie giveaways and other promotions to the two days, turning April into a freebie fedding frenzy. But businesses aren’t just being nice when they offer “tax day bites” and other goodies.

They get something out of it, too. Offering free products or samples is a good way to introduce a new product, generate lots of foot traffic, get positive buzz and possibly make some additional sales. Here are a few “freebie” samples:

1. Participating Cinnabon shops will give away two free Cinnabon bites from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays.
2. Maggie Moo’s stores will offer free minisundaes as part of the chain’s Sundae Stimulus from 3 to 6p.m Mondays.
3. Get a free massage at HydroMassage from Thursday to Monday. Find a list of participating locations at http://bit.ly/fjluep
4. Target stores will give away a free reusable shopping bag with any purchase to the first million guests Sunday. Stores will have a limited number of bags each, so go early.
5. Starbucks will offer a free cup of coffee or tea to anyone who brings a reusable mug to a store April 22
6. Get into any national park for free from Saturday through April 24. The parks are celebrating National Parks Week, but it coincides with Earth Day. See: www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm.
7. Ben & Jerry’s is hosting Free Cone Day from noon to 8:00pm today. The event is not tied to Earth Day or Tax Day, but it’s a popular freebie.

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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.

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