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

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

One of the most popular home ownership myths in Raleigh, NC is that owning a house is a huge tax break as compared to renting.  I don’t know how many times people have personally told me that they want to buy a home because they NEED a tax deduction!  I just shake my head in disbelief because I have done the math.  

If your mortgage interest and other qualifying expenses such as charity contributions aren’t more than the standard deduction, ($11,600 for joint filers in 2011), there is no tax advantage to owning a home as opposed to renting an apartment in Raleigh, NC.  Assume that you buy a $200,000 house with a 5% downpayment at a 6% interest rate.  Your mortgage interest for the year would be $11,336.  The Standard Deduction for joint filers is $11,600.  

In this example, there is NO TAX BENEFIT.  Even when there is a tax benefit, you most likely paid much more money to maintain the house than you are saving in taxes.  If your mortgage interest is more than the standard deduction and you choose to itemize, there is little to no advantage.  

For example, assume that your mortgage interest in 2011 is $15,000.  You would get to deduct an additional $3400 if you itemize BUT you spent $15,000 in mortgage interest to save $850 on your taxes (assuming 25% tax bracket).    

Don’t forget that you would also have all of the other expenses of home ownership that you would not have incurred when renting an apartment in Raleigh, NC in an HHHunt community.

Brain Tumor 5k

Saturday, October 22, 2011
Registration 8am - 5k & 1m Fun Run - 9am

Fred G. Bond Metro Park
Kiwanis Shelter,
801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27512

5K Run/Walk
1 Mile Family Fun Run

Register or Donate online:
www.BrainTumorEvents.org/Raleigh

*Registration Fee: $20 per person; $25 per person after 10/07/11 through day of event
(Fee includes: Entry fee, Bib Number, Event T-Shirt, Breakfast & Finish Medal)

Miles for Hope
501(c)(3) non-profit organization
1684 N Belcher Road, Clearwater FL 33765
727-781-HOPE (4673)
Info@MilesForHope.org

Download the Flyer - click here

Auston Grove Apartments Pool Party

Help us kick off the summer at our first Pool Party of the year on
Tuesday, June 7th from 6 PM to 8 PM!

A Live DJ will be present and Pizza will be served!

We will be hosting the First Annual Auston Grove Corn Hole Tournament!

The winner will receive a $50 Best Buy Gift Card!

*Call 866-766-7492 or email leasingoffice@austongroveliving.com
to enter your 2-person corn hole team into the tournament*

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

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!

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Can cats and dogs live together in peace? Could your cat get along with another cat?

Whether you’re blending households with a roommate or partner who’s bringing a pet or adopting another animal for your current menagerie, you will have to figure out how all these creatures will share space. You may need to play guidance counselor for your furry friends, and we’ve got some tips to help you get started.

When You Can Choose Your New Pet
If your current pet is an older one, consider how it will feel about having a young puppy or kitten underfoot. Youngsters can often make an older pet feel young again. On the other hand, if your current pet is a real curmudgeon, you might want to avoid a young animal that may make it crankier. In either case, don’t leave old and young pets alone together until you see how they get along together.

Consider how different breeds might get along. If you are looking to adopt a new pet, you might be successful in choosing its characteristics and temperament based on the new pet’s breed. Also, if possible, make a point to spend some time observing the new animal before you adopt. It’s a good idea to try to match energy levels and easygoing natures to difficult ones, though the truth is that chemistry between animals, like people, is fairly unpredictable.

If you bring together two or more dogs or cats of different sexes, make sure they are all spayed or neutered so you don’t end up with a litter on your hands!

Making Introductions
Whether you are inheriting pets from a new roommate or a significant other or bringing a newly-adopted pet into your household, the way the animals meet could have a lot to do with how they end up getting along. For dogs, meeting in a neutral location, such as a park that neither one has been to before, is a great way for them to get to know each other without territorial disputes. Be sure the dogs are each on a leash and handled by a different person, in case they have to be separated.

Watch the animals’ body postures. If there is teeth-baring, deep growls, or stiff-legged stances, separate them, encourage them, and then reintroduce them. Once the dogs are in the same space, use plenty of positive reinforcement with each one to encourage them to get along.

With a Cat in the Equation
Cats, typically temperamental, can become even more so around dogs or other cats. Before introductions happen, keep the animals in different, but nearby, rooms so they can get used to the smells and sounds of the other. After a few days, let them share space in small bursts to see how they get along.

You may discover that a cat ends up claiming a certain part of the apartment for its own, at least initially. Keeping the dog’s bowls and the cat’s bowls, litter box and scratching post in separate places should help give your persnickety kitty the space it needs.

No matter what combination of pets you try to unite under a single roof, make patience and gentle support your priorities. Your new animals will need to adjust to new humans and a strange apartment, as well to their peer critters, so give them a chance to be scared and uncomfortable while they settle into their new home. In most cases, with time, animals that initially can’t stand to be in the same room together end up becoming good friends – or they at least learn how to tolerate each other.

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

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.

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

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.

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

History doesn't have to be boring, especially when it involves dinosaurs, past presidents, scandals and the relocation of the state capital based on the Cherry Bounce, a drink once made at a local tavern.

Featured Event - Animal Grossology - October 2, 2010 through April 24, 2011

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each other’s rear ends, why cows need four stomachs to digest their food or why cats spit up hair balls? Here’s your chance to find out!

Animal Grossology, a new special exhibit at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh, takes a unique and scientific look at nature’s slime-making, vomit-munching and dookie-loving creatures. Learn more »

Apartments in Raleigh, NC