9700 Parking Lot Closure Extended To July 31

Well, the major work to resurface the 9700 parking lot is finished, but we're not quite able to open the lot for use yet. We've had to extend the closure of the parking lot until July 31st to allow it time to properly cure. We're required to keep motorized vehicles off the lot until that time. You may continue to use the garage entrance door for entry and exit during this time, by using your remote. Please use caution when accessing the garage!

During the resurfacing we captured some of the action with a camera; check out the photos below.

Who Just Said $1 Cupcakes?

Tomorrow is a big day. It's the grand opening of Nadia's Cupcakes in Maple Grove! Nadia's Cupcakes brings some west-coast fame to our city; the original store in Los Angeles was the winner of the Cupcake Wars on the Food Network in January 2012! What's more is that during tomorrow's grand opening Nadia's will be selling cupcakes for only $1 on Thursday, July 26th.

Premium, gourmet cupcakes has been a growing trend in foodie culture lately and tomorrow is your chance to see what the buzz is all about.  Using all fresh fruits, juices, imported chocolates and finest ingredients, Nadia’s cakes is the new craze for the sweet tooth. Nadia’s Cakes Cupcake Shop and Custom Cake Studio is now open daily with gourmet cupcakes, cookies, cakes and desserts.  They are available on a walk in basis and beautiful show room of custom cakes to peruse. Check them out at 11650 Fountains Drive in Maple Grove, MN.

Well, That Takes The Cake!

The Eagle Ridge staff has reached a consensus on the best cake ever: Ginny’s Ice cream cake. She was willing to share her recipe with us! This picture is the Pumpkin spice version. 

The Best Ice Cream Cake EVER! 

Ingredients; 

1 box of 12 ice cream sandwiches 

1 pkg pumpkin spice jello pudding 

1 8 oz container of thawed cool whip 

½ c caramel ice cream topping warmed 

12 golden oreos crushed 

12 ginger snap cookies crushed 

Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil approximately 20” long – enough to go over the whole cake when completed. 

Mix ½ of cool whip with caramel topping and pudding. Stir in crushed cookies. (should be like frosting consistency – add a little cream or milk if too thick) 

Line 4 ice cream sandwiches on aluminum foil. 

Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the four sandwiches. 

Line 4 ice cream sandwiches on top of the pudding mixture.
Spread remaining pudding mixture on top of the sandwiches.
Put the remaining 4 sandwiches on top of the pudding mixture.
Frost the entire cake with remaining cool whip.
Cover and freeze at least 4 hours.
Slice length wise for layered look.

Other variations:

Chocolate oreos, chocolate pudding and fudge topping
Berry oreos, white chocolate pudding and strawberry topping
Nutter butter cookies, white chocolate pudding and peanut butter
Or make up your own variation!

Caution: Brazen Back-Patting Ahead

We welcome feedback from our residents and former residents. We get comments from a variety of ways. Some come to us from our former resident surveys and some from surveys on our website. Here's a collection of some of the positive feedback we've recently received that we'd like to share with you.

“Very spacious and neat. I really enjoyed my stay at Eagle Ridge” Adrianne

“They were able to accommodate an early move in and can’t think of one thing they could have done to make my transition easier” Jane

“The staff is great, the girls in the office are beyond terrific and the area itself is the best. It’s my second time living in an apartment and all though I make enough to own a home, I see no reason to move from here” Anonymous

“There was nothing they could have done better to make our transition easier. We appreciate your cooperation and flexibility with our lease.” Kari

“We liked most of all that the apartment community is very clean.” Sandy

Thank you to all of our residents, both former and current, for your kind words of encouragement. We're continuously striving to go "Beyond the Expected." If you would like to share your thoughts and experiences of living at Eagle Ridge please do so by filling out a survey at our website here.

Parking Unavailable In The 9700 Lot Next Week

Steamrollers, Dump Trucks And Loaders, Oh My! If you're a fan of hot asphalt and large equipment then next week should be interesting for you. The parking lot at Eagle Ridge's 9700 building is scheduled to close for five days to be resurfaced.

Beginning Monday, July 23, at 7:00AM weather permitting; we will be starting the process of resurfacing the 9700 parking lot (see map below). Due to the cure time needed for the new blacktop parking will be unavailable in this lot through 5:00PM on Friday, July 27.

Because the garage exit door will be closed during this project you will be able to use the garage entrance for both entry and exiting. Please be careful when entering or exiting the garage! Also parking will still be available in the other lots at Eagle Ridge. We have also made arrangements with the police department to allow overnight parking on Magda Drive and 69th Avenue. Be sure NOT to park in the boat parking areas or you will be ticketed.

We apologize for any inconvenience during this project, and we thank you for your cooperation to move vehicles out of the designated area. We're always striving to make Eagle Ridge Apartments a great place to live, and doing maintenance like this is a necessary part of that.

If you have any questions please be sure to contact the office.

Parking will be unavailable in the 9700 lot next week; it's indicated in yellow highlight.

Happy Birthday Ginny And Danni!

Ginny and Danni celebrate their birthday today.

Today's a special day for two of our staff members - they share today as their birthday! What's more is that they are mother and daughter. Our property manager Ginny and her daughter, Danni, who is the clubhouse caretaker, both are celebrating their birthday today.

Ginny and Danni like to celebrate their birthday by going out to dinner. This year they're planning to go to The Melting Pot. They also have a family gathering at the Eagle Ridge Party Room every year.

If you see either of them today be sure to stop and wish them a happy birthday!

Mother and Daughter 22 years ago at United Children's Hospital

 

Staff member Ryan surprised Ginny with candles and a piece of cake.

Gardens Galore

What a beautiful, hot summer we have been having! Have you noticed the bright and colorful flower pots and beds throughout the community? Thanks in part to the work of Jeremiah, Eagle Ridge residents can enjoy them all summer long.

Jeremiah isn't afraid to get dirty for the sake of the beauty of Eagle Ridge

Cool Tips For Hot Weather

Boy is it hot outside! Below are some tips to stay cool and safe from the Red Cross:

• Never leave children in a vehicle for any period of time during heat waves. The temperature inside a car can increase 19 degrees in 10 minutes, and it will continue to rise. 

• Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially those who live alone or who do not have air conditioning. Are we ever lucky to have air conditioning at Eagle Ridge! If your air conditioning is not working properly please the office and let us know.

• Stay out of the sun if possible, especially in the middle of the day. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by 15 degrees. 

• Drink plenty of fluids, but leave the alcohol and caffeine behind. Drink hydrating liquids regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. 

Have a cool and safe summer from your staff at Eagle Ridge Apartments!

Quick! Grab Your Party Hat!

The City of Maple Grove is getting its party hat on! Today kicks off Maple Grove Days, a four day community celebration. Check out some of the events that will be happening around the town. For more information about the festival you can visit the website here.

Sidewalk Sale:

Main Street

On Thursday and Friday there will be a Sidewalk Sale featuring merchandise from local businesses with special discounts during the event. Check out the selections available at the Sidewalk Sale on Main Street. 

Pierre Bottineau Parade:

89th Ave. & Zachary Lane to 89th Ave. & Elm Creek Blvd. Thursday, July 12th from 6:10PM – 9:30PM

Find a spot on the curb to see marching bands, Maple Grove Ambassador Candidates, clowns, local business entries, candy, visiting royalty, scout troops and much more.

Kids Parade:
Maple Grove Town Green, lawn area 7991 Main Street, Parade starts at 7:15PM on Friday, July 13th. Participation only requires a decorated bike, trike, wagon or yourself and you are part of the parade! No registration or fee required.

Friday Outdoor Movie:

7991 Main Street

Despicable Me will be playing outside at the Maple Grove Town Green Band Shell area at dusk and this is a free event.

Art Fair:

Saturday, July 14th, 10:00AM-6:00PM and Sunday, July 15th, 11:00AM-5:00PM, free event.

Visit with artists and view a variety of art mediums. Purchase paintings, sculptures, ceramics and much more.

Bed Races:

Main street and Arbor lakes parkway in front of the government center bldg. Saturday, July 14th 7:00PM-9:00PM.
5th annual 40 winks bed race- local business’s compete by designing a bed to race and 40 winks provides the mattresses that fit all participating team beds. After the race, 40 winks will donate all the mattresses to C.R.O.S.S. 

Fireworks:

West Arbor Lake, behind Maple Grove Community Center. Saturday, July 14th, 10:00PM.

New Movie Selections Are In The Rental Office

We've recently had a new selection of movies arrive at the Rental Office. We have a variety of films available, as well as some newer releases. So get the popcorn popping and stop by the office to get a movie for the weekend.

Recipe For A Perfect Summer: Lemonade And Sun

Hot Summer days are upon us and it's the perfect weather for a cool lemonade! One of our staffers was looking for that perfect home-made lemonade and we thought you'd enjoy the recipe as well. It's the perfect drink to enjoy by the pool at Eagle Ridge (in a plastic pitcher and cups, of course!)


Old - Fashioned Lemonade recipe 

Ingredients
6 lemons
1 cup white sugar
6 cups cold water

Directions
1. Juice the lemons to make 1 cup of juice. To make your labor easier, FIRMLY roll the lemons between your hand and counter top before cutting in half and juicing.

2. In a gallon pitcher combine 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, and 6 cups cold water. Stir. Adjust water to taste. Chill and serve over ice.

Use in a clear pitcher and add a few slices of lemons for decoration!

For a twist try:

8 cups cubed seeded watermelon
1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup white sugar
2 cups water

Directions
1. Combine the watermelon, strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and water in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Add a strawberry and lemon slice to glass for decoration!

Did You Know? There Are More Holidays in July than Just the 4th!

July Holidays

July 4^th- Independence Day

We all know what this one is, and many of us look forward to it all year! Independence Day is a day to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  The Declaration was signed on July 4, 1776, which declared the United States of America’s independence form the Kingdom of Great Britain.  Throughout the USA, there are many celebrations held in most cities which typically include fireworks, parades, armed forces ceremonies and carnivals. How did you celebrate?

July 15- Tapioca Pudding Day

No questions about what you are supposed to do this day, EAT TAPIOCA PUDDING!  Tapioca pudding is a great treat for a hot summer day.  If you haven’t tried tapioca pudding, go ahead and try it today, the most common flavors are vanilla and chocolate.  Fun Fact: Tapioca is made from the starch of a cassava root; the starch forms tiny soft balls in the pudding which gives the pudding a unique texture. 

July 19- Flitch Day

Flitch Day is a holiday that is rooted in an old English custom.  Since the year 1104, any married couple that could prove via a trial that they had been faithful and loving to each other for one year would win a prize of sorts.  The prize was a half of a pig which at the time was called a flitch of bacon.  Supposedly this is where the term “bring home the bacon” originated.  Even to this day they hold flitch “trials” but now they only hold the trials once every four years. 

July 20- First Day of Ramadan

Ramadan is noted as an Islamic tradition.  It is known as one of the 5 pillars of Islam and is a mandatory fasting period.  Muslims believe this month is a month of revelations of God to mankind because the first verses of the Qur’an were written by the Islamic prophet, Muhammad during this time.

July 22- Parent’s Day

Founded in 1994 by Former President Bill Clinton; Parent’s Day was established for "recognizing, uplifting and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children." So celebrate, parents!

Important Days in History for the Month of July:

Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California, 1955

Amelia Earhart and her airplane were lost in Pacific Ocean, 1937

The first All-Star baseball game was played in Chicago, 1933

The first man (Astronaut Neil Armstrong) to set foot on the moon, 1969

Bank robber John Dillinger was shot and killed by F.B.I. agents outside a Chicago theatre, 1934

Benjamin Franklin became Post-Master General and the Postal Service was established, 1775

Reminder: Garage Sweeping On Friday, July 6

Last week we did a little housekeeping and had the parking lots swept. Thank you for your co-operation, it was a big help and we were able to give the parking lots a good cleaning.

The garages at Eagle Ridge are next up for sweeping. We'll be sweeping the garages on Friday, July 6 from 11:00AM to 7:00PM and parking will be unavailable in the garages during that time. It is imperative that all vehicles are moved from the areas being swept during this designated day and time so we can get to all the nooks and crannies.

We would never intentionally inconvenience any resident by towing a vehicle without attempting to contact the owner first. However, we will be unable to place calls on this day. Vehicles that are not moved during the hours of 11:00AM to 7:00PM will be towed at the owner’s expense without further warning.

As a reminder, garages and lots are ONLY for parking vehicles (cars, motorcycles, boats, etc.); storage of other items are not permitted, by order of the Fire Marshall. If you have any questions on where you may park, please contact the Rental Office.

We apologize for any inconvenience and we thank you in advance for your co-operation. We're sure you'll agree with us that maintaining Eagle Ridge helps to make it such a wonderful place to live!

Where To Get Your July 4th Ooohs And Aaahs

The weather is shaping up to be a warm and delightful Independence Day this coming July 4th. So just where can you find some fantastic fireworks to fill your yearly quota of ooh and aah exclamations? Glad you asked, we've put together a list of a few communities around Eagle Ridge where you could go to enjoy bright, multicolored explosions.

PLYMOUTH:
Celebrate by attending the 40th annual Music in Plymouth on Tuesday, July 3rd at 10:30PM. An evening of music and entertainment will be concluded by a fireworks display which is choreographed to music.

DELANO:
Starting at 10:30AM there will be a parade, and at 10:30PM will be the fireworks. There's also softball tournaments, an entertainment tent, and a 5k race. For more information check out the website here.

MINNEAPOLIS:
The Minneapolis "Red, White & Boom" celebration on the Minneapolis Downtown Riverfront begins Tuesday, July 3rd with a 5K Fun Run at 6:30PM at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. You can listen to live music and watch movies in the Nicollet Island Pavillion starting at 7:00PM with the band "Romantica" and a showing of "Captain America" at 9:00PM.

On July 4th, the day begins with the TC Half Marathon at 6:30AM on Historic Main Street. Then four stages featuring live music kick off at 3:30PM, family activities and entertainment start at 6:00PM at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, and finally, fireworks at 10:00PM.

There are also celebrations at Powderhorn Park which start at noon with live music, food vendors and a fireworks display at 10:00PM. The park is located at 3400 15th Avenue South.

More information about the Minneapolis events can be found at this website.

ST. PAUL: Harriet Island
Watch fireworks at dusk on the 4th of July launched from Harriet Island, which begins at dusk.

MAPLE GROVE:
While Maple Grove is not having a fireworks display on July 4th, you can still get plenty of fireworks on Saturday, July 14, as a part of Maple Grove Days. Fireworks are scheduled for 10:00PM and will be launched from West Arbor Lake, behind the Maple Grove Community Center.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!