Auston Grove Apartment Homes Blog

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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Yoga classes seem to be everywhere, from the local gym to boutique studios. But what is yoga exactly, and why is the practice so popular? Check out this yoga guide for answers that will help you decide if a yoga class might be right for you.

What is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient method of exercise, stress-relief and meditation that has been practiced for around 5,000 years. As ancient Eastern medical practices have continued to become more popular in the West, yoga classes have become more accessible, with a growing number of choices. Increasing flexibility, strength, lung capacity, relaxation and mental clarity, yoga offers an arsenal of health benefits. It can also lower blood pressure and help inhibit heart disease, while decreasing the risk of stroke.

Most Western presentations of yoga focus on a set of poses. You may have heard of yoga postures such as the downward facing dog or the child’s pose. Once you learn the basic poses, you can practice them whenever and wherever you want — at home, on the road, with or without a video to follow.

Different Types of Yoga

Though based on the same general poses, yoga varieties differ in their intensity and emphasis.

Hatha yoga is slow-paced and gentle, and provides a great introduction to yoga principles and poses.

Vinyasa yoga generally focuses on breath-synchronized movements. Encompassing a number of movements called sun salutations, this method is more rigorous than Hatha.

Ashtanga, usually the basis of a power yoga class, is one of the most strenuous kinds of yoga. In Ashtanga, the same series of yoga postures are performed in a specific order, one after the other. The rigorous flow between poses makes this method physically challenging.

Iyengar yoga is most focused on body alignment, the precise way your body should be held in each posture to avoid injury and get the most benefit. This method emphasizes holding poses, rather than moving quickly between them.

Bikram yoga, known as hot yoga, is performed in a room that is 95 to 100 degrees, which helps loosen tight muscles and promotes sweating, part of a cleansing process. Bikram usually uses 26 yoga postures, though not every class makes use of them all.

Kundalini yoga focuses on freeing the energy of the lower body and moving it upward, while using controlled breathing.

What to Know Before You Start

First, choose the style of yoga that is right for your level of physical fitness. If you’re a beginner, Hatha or Vinyasa are good places to start. Then begin researching a convenient and reputable yoga studio. You can search online or in health magazines. If you already see an alternative health practitioner, such as a massage therapist or acupuncturist, that person might also be able to recommend a particular yoga class. Many studios will offer a free introductory class, so be sure to ask.

Each class will begin with a warm up, so be sure to make use of it and ease into the postures. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling any awkwardness or discomfort in a yoga posture. Be prepared to be a little sore after your first class, and be sure not to push too hard. Yoga is about ease of movement — nothing jerky or sudden.

What to Bring

Check with the facility where you’ll be taking your yoga classes to see what they’d like you to bring. You can buy yoga-specific clothing, but non-binding, comfortable exercise clothes will work fine. You can bring your own yoga mat, or use one at the studio, sometimes for a small rental fee.

Ready to see if yoga is right for you? Don’t be afraid to experiment, trying different facilities and types of yoga to see which one is the best fit. Then get ready to reap the benefits of this powerful tool for healthy living.

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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.

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Greater Raleigh's Heartbeat

Music is the heartbeat of a city, and in the Raleigh area, this especially rings true. Thousands of fans make the pilgrimage to Greater Raleigh for big-budget touring shows at major venues like Time Warner Cable Music Pavillion at Walnut Creek or the RBC Center, but there are a large number of smaller, more intimate venues that serve as brief stops on the road to fame.

Featured Event - NHL® All-Star wide open - January 28-30

The “all-star” line-up will feature not only hockey’s best, but a free Friday night show at the Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater from the multi-platinum Three Doors Down. The band’s debut sold more than six million albums and produced the smash, “Krypotnite.” Its album, “Seventeen Days,” debuted at Number One on Billboard’s album chart. Click Here to Learn More.

Also this Month...

Music Maniac calendar of events

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