Happy Thanksgiving From Eagle Ridge!

A Season For Celebrating

Perhaps this Thanksgiving you would rather do away with all of the food preparation and cleanup. Here are some restaurants in Maple Grove that are offering Thanksgiving Dinner specials! Be sure to call ahead for reservations!

Buca Di Beppo

• Opens at 11 AM
• Serves 3 for $49.95 or serves 6 for $89.95
• Serving turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and their homemade favorite spicy Italian stuffing

Claddagh Irish Pub

• Open 11-7 PM
• Cost: Adults $22.95, Kids $9.95
• Salad bar, balsamic chicken breast, seafood pasta, turkey, ham, shepherd’s pie and an assortment of house-made desserts.

Old Country Buffet (Carry out buffet!)

• Open 10:30- 7 PM 
• Cost: Adults and Kids: $10.99 
• What’s on the menu: All the traditional holiday staples, including ham and turkey along with side dishes and desserts. 
• No reservations necessary 

A Season For Giving

One of the best feelings in the world is giving back to others, so why not help out this Thanksgiving? There are a few ways to get involved and volunteer this Thanksgiving.

Meals on Wheels - Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels, Inc. prepares 14,500 meals consisting of turkey, dressing, potatoes, peas, com, cranberries, rolls, pumpkin pie and milk, and delivers those meals to more than 2,700 families in need between 8 am and noon on Thanksgiving Day.

People Serving People - You can make a difference for the families at People Serving People by collecting much needed items for children and families staying with us this holiday season. Make a donation drive part of your family fun or invite a group of friends or colleagues to collect items together!

Salvation Army Holiday Volunteers, Twin Cities - Many of the opportunities don't need any experience, just the willingness to help out. The Salvation Army needs people to prepare and serve Thanksgiving meals, deliver Thanksgiving food baskets, distribute winter coats, and many other tasks.

A Season For Giving Thanks

Earlier we asked you what you were thankful for. We also asked the Eagle Ridge Staff what they will be giving thanks for this Thanksgiving. Here's what they said:

• Ginny: I am thankful for my beautiful life that includes great friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.
• Coty: I am thankful for friends and family and as an added bonus, Twizzlers Red Licorice
• Kelsey: I am thankful for my supportive family, friends and boyfriend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support. 
• Scott: I am thankful for friends old and new.
• Sam: I am thankful for my family.
• Chris: I am thankful for my beautiful girlfriend, Samantha.
• Cindy: I am thankful for a roof over my head and family.
• David: I am thankful to have a job in this struggling economy.
• Ashley: I am thankful for family.
• Jesse: I am thankful for family.
• Pam: I am thankful for my family. I love my two grand-kids, daughter and son in-law.
• George: I am thankful for my treatment that is going well, Patty and Eagle Ridge.
• Gary: I am thankful for my friends, family and co-workers
• Dave: I am thankful for my daughter's health and happiness.

Way To Go, Joe!

Congratulations to Joe, one of our Eagle Ridge residents, who recently won the Turkey Day drawing! Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest, we greatly enjoyed hearing about what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Joe displaying his prize: a gift card to Cub Foods and Baker's Square!

Decorations Merry And Bright! Reminder About Decorating Your Apartment

We love to see holiday decor around the community and we encourage our residents here at Eagle Ridge to make the season merry and bright with decorations. We ask that it also be safe. Please remember that real trees and wreaths are prohibited in your apartment, on patios and balconies, and on hallway doors because they can be a fire hazard.

Feel free to decorate with lights, ribbon, artificial trees and garland. We love seeing all the creative ideas our residents come up each year. Plus, we have our Holiday Balcony Decorating Contest which will be judged in December and a cash prize will be awarded!

Our New Clubhouse Caretaker Celebrates Her Birthday!

We recently celebrated a birthday for our newest staff member! Pam is our new clubhouse caretaker here at Eagle Ridge Apartments and just a few days ago we had a birthday celebration for her in the clubhouse Party Room. We got her a chocolate cake since we know that's her favorite.

Pam started working at Eagle Ridge just a short while ago. She likes to spend time with her grand kids and tries to spoil them. Her grandson, Owen, is 6 years old and Maggie, her granddaughter, is 10 years old. Pam enjoys boating and swimming and has been known to dance the night away. She also likes to sew when she has the time.

We are excited to have Pam on the staff here at Eagle Ridge, and we were so glad to celebrate her birthday with her! If you see Pam around, welcome her to Eagle Ridge and tell her happy birthday!

Pam and chocolate cake - lookout!

Be Sure To Enter The "Giving Thanks" Contest!

Thanksgiving is almost a week away and it seems like everyone is getting ready for the big day. This year we would like to hear what our residents will be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Holiday.

Eagle Ridge's Thanksgiving "Giving Thanks" Contest

This Thanksgiving one of our residents could be lucky enough to be selected for our "Giving Thanks" drawing! All you have to do is visit our Facebook post and leave a comment telling us what you are thankful for this year. On Monday, November 25 we will hold a random drawing to select a winner from everyone who shared their Thanksgiving thoughts with us.

The Prize

We will be giving away a gift basket to one lucky winner containing:

• $25.00 gift card to Cub Foods (For a Thanksgiving Turkey!)
• $10.00 gift card Baker's Square (For Thanksgiving pie!)
• Festive Thanksgiving decorations and disposable dinnerware

Let us know today what you're going to be giving thanks for this Thanksgiving!

Winter Evergreen Display Workshop

Next Monday we are having a fun workshop on how to transform your garden containers into decorative holiday evergreen displays. Meet your neighbors, have fun, and be creative! You will learn tips for decorating your holiday patio pots during this hands-on workshop. We will provide all the materials you will need, plus you get to take home the patio pot you decorate.

Time and Place

Eagle Ridge Party Room

Monday, November 25

7:00 to 7:45 p.m.

Sign Up:

Contact the office at (763) 533-7303, or register on our Facebook event.

Cost: $15.00

Please make checks payable to Eagle Ridge Apartments. We are excited to offer this workshop and to defray some of the cost of materials so that you can go home with a beautiful pot that you have decorated.

Safety Tip

Never place cigarette stubs in a flower pot containing potting soil or evergreens... it could catch fire!

Find Unique Gifts At The Holidaze Sale

Have you resolved to start your holiday shopping early? If you are looking for something unique and interesting then head over to the Holidaze Vendor Show tomorrow at the Maple Grove Community Center. There will be booths set up with gift ideas and items that you often can't find at retail shops. You might just find the perfect gift for that special someone!

Holidaze Vendor Show

Maple Grove Community Center
12951 Weaver Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369

Sunday, November 17 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free admission and free parking!

Here's a list of product lines that will be available:

Advocare

Aihu

Anna's events and more

Avon

Beauty Control

Cookie Lee Jewelry

Dove Chocolate

Girlz Crazy Glass

It Works

Jamberry Nails

Kati Knits

L’bri Pure N Natural

Le-vel Thrive

Mary Kay

Meg’s Mittens

Mialisia

Miche

Nerium

Norwex

Origami Owl

Pampered Chef

Paparazzi

Partylite

Premier Jewelry

Pure Romance

Purse Shop

Rosie’s Crafts

Scentsy

Sideline Chic

Simply Irresistible Custom Jewelry

Slumber Parties

South Hill Designs

Tastefully Simple

Thirty-One

Tupperware

Usborne Books

Vault Denim

Wildtree

Young Living Essential Oils

Younique and many more.

Coty Shares Six Steps For Keeping Your Apartment Warm

With the weather getting cooler, it is time to think about winterizing your apartment to stay warm and cozy! The heat has been turned on in each of the buildings. Coty, from our leasing office staff, has a few helpful tips for making sure your apartment keeps the heat in and the cold out. If you need help with any of these steps, please contact the Eagle Ridge Apartments rental office so we can have someone assist you.

How To Winterize Your Apartment

Step 1

Check your thermostat and adjust it to a comfortable setting, usually between 68 to 75 degrees.

Step 2

Place the cover on your air conditioner.

Step 3

Make sure all of your windows are tightly shut. Do the same with your patio doors, however keep the screen door in the open position to keep it from freezing shut. Keeping the screen door open is important in case you need to exit your apartment quickly through that door. Once you have shut the sliding doors tightly, go ahead and lock them to help seal out the cold and keep the heat in.

Step 4

Open the metal flaps on your heat registers. This helps circulate more warmth into your apartment.

Step 5

Make sure that window drapes are not covering the heat register. They could funnel all of that warmth up to the window and the cold outside, instead of heating your apartment!

Step 6

Leave at least three inches between furniture and the heat registers to allow for air circulation. If you need help moving your couches or other furniture away from the wall, please contact the office so we can have our maintenance crew assist you.

Host Your Holiday Gathering In The Party Room

The holiday season is almost here and that means there are lots of parties to host and attend. Do you want to have a party but can't accommodate everyone in your apartment? Consider renting the Eagle Ridge Party Room. It is a fantastic space for hosting up to 40 people.

The beautiful kitchen has recently been remodeled and it is stocked with the usual kitchen appliances and kitchenware that you would need. There are couches, tables, and chairs for all your guests. Plus there is a fireplace which makes the room cozy and inviting. We have extra buffet tables that can be pulled out and used for your special occasion.

Renting the party room costs $50.00 and requires a $300.00 deposit, which is a great value when you compare it with other rental venues. We suggest contacting us soon to reserve the Party Room for your event before the holiday season gets into full swing, so you can be certain to get the date you want. Call or stop by the office to book the Party Room today!

The fireplace makes the Party Room cozy and inviting

Plenty of seating available

The newly remodeled kitchen is beautiful!

Cool Running November Style

November is the perfect time for a run, right? Well there are some fun runs coming up this month that will certainly keep you moving, smiling, and hopefully warm.

You + Fitness Room Treadmill = 5K Training

Do you wish you were a runner or do you want to get in shape for these events? We have two treadmills in the fitness room at Eagle Ridge Apartments where you can work toward your fitness goals even when it's cold and snowy outside! If you are starting out as a new runner it is a good idea to have a plan to work up to your goal. A popular program is a training regimen call Couch to 5K which helps you prepare over the course of a number of weeks to be able to run a 5K, or 3.1 miles.

November 16 - Touring Beer Run 5K

Get a guided running tour through Minneapolis. You will stop and visit local restaurants, bars and pubs along the way. Your reward at the end is… yep, you guessed it, BEER!  http://www.cityrunningtours.com

November 23 - 5K Cherry & Spoon Group Run

Enjoy a run starting at the Mary Tyler Moore statue in downtown Minneapolis and finish at the Cherry & Spoon in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. http://www.cityrunningtours.com

November 28 - St Paul Turkey Trot

Burn those calories before you devour the BIG feast. This is a scenic run along Sheppard Road looking over the Mississippi River in St. Paul. You are encouraged to have your turkey swag on as you run & have fun. www.turkeytrotsaintpaul.com

November 30 - Moustache Run

This is an 5K run event for the fight against prostate cancer. Make sure you wear your mustache and blue with pride. This run starts and finishes in the City of Minneapolis. www.moustacherun.com

November 30 - Ugly Sweater Run/Walk

This is the Original fun run. If you enjoy being silly, like hot cocoa, enjoy a lager or 2 and running is your thing this is a great way to wrap up November and start feeling festive for the holidays. This event is held at Harriet Island. www.theuglysweaterrun.com

Thank You To All Our Veterans!

Veterans Day is Monday, November 11 and it is a special day to thank the men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the nation's armed forces. Thank a veteran on this day! Below we have compiled some Veterans Day events as well as some local businesses and restaurants that are giving free meals or discounts to veterans.

To all of the veterans who live at our apartment community: thank you for your service!

Veterans Day Events

3rd Annual Military Service 5K around Como Lake, St. Paul
9 a.m. on Sunday, November 10
1360 North Lexington Parkway
Pre-registration is closed - Race Morning Registration Opens 7:45-8:45 a.m.
Website: http://www.charitieschallenge.org

Honor Your Veteran 

Heritage Park Wayzata Blvd at Hwy 101, Wayzata MN

Sunday, November 10

The Lake Minnetonka Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will honor veterans through its second annual Veterans Day salute, the “Plant a Flag for Freedom” event, on Sunday, November 10.

Sources

• TheMilitaryWallet.com has a great compilation of restaurants and companies that are offering discounts or free meals to veterans. You can see their updated list here: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/. We have posted some of that information below, as well as updating it for locations that are local to our area.
• Military.com is another great resource for finding discounts for service members on Veterans Day. Check their list out here: http://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html.

Two notes before jumping in:

1. Always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. 
2. Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include:

• Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired)
• Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Drivers License with Veterans Designation
• Photograph in uniform, Simply wearing uniform (if your service permits)
• Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW)
• Discharge Paperwork (DD214)
• Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.

Restaurant Discounts & Free Meals

Find an updated deals list at:  http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/. 

Applebee’s: Free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members. There will be 7 entrees to choose from. Military ID and proof of service required.
7901 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
(763) 424-2730

Champps Americana: All veterans and active-duty service members will receive a free burger. Proof of service required.
13521 80th Circle North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 494-4515

Chili’s: Free meal for veterans, past and present. Offer valid from 11am-5pm. Proof of military service required.
4000 Vinewood Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55442
(763) 557-7000

Denny's: Free all you can eat pancakes
6405 James Cir N
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
(763) 566-0073

Little Caesars Pizza: Free crazy bread with proof of military service.
7607 West Broadway Avenue
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
(763) 315-0018

Outback Steakhouse: A week of free bloomin’ onions and cokes during the week leading up to Veterans Day. Offer valid with Military Personnel with an ID.
8880 Springbrook Drive
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
(763) 792-9159

Subway: Free six inch sub with Military ID.
9660 63rd Avenue North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 533-5125

The Olive Garden: Free entrée with proof of service and even better, 10% all month for Veteran’s.
12520 Elm Creek Blvd N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 420-9699

Retail Discounts

Find an updated deals list at: http://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html.

Bed Bath and Beyond – 20% off entire purchase on Nov. 9, 10, and 11. This is good for active duty, DoD, reserves, guard, retirees, veterans, and military spouses.
7950 Wedgewood Lane North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 416-3965

Big Lots – Veterans, active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel and their immediate family receive 10% off their entire purchase on Saturday, Nov. 9.
5930 Earle Brown Drive
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
(763) 503-9833

Great Clips – On Monday, Nov. 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.
7621 West Broadway Avenue
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
(763) 425-8326

Home Depot –10% discount to all veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Home Depot offers the 10% discount year round to for active duty and retirees.
6701 Boone Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
(763) 533-1200

JCPenney – Veterans, active duty and family members receive an extra 20% off in stores Nov. 6-11 with coupon. Simply visit www.jcpenney.com and select coupons and you can print off the coupon.
13701 Grove Drive
Maple Grove, MN 55311
(763) 416-1708

Lowe's – 10% discount. The offer is available in stores only.
11201 Fountains Drive
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 488-2001

Walgreens – Walgreens is offering 15% off eligible store items and 20% of Walgreens brand items.
13611 Grove Drive
Maple Grove, MN 55311
(763) 420-7788

Mindy's Halloween Cookers - A Heartwarming Story

One of the great things about working for a family-owned apartment management company is the close-knit relationships that develop between the staff. One recent heartwarming example of this was the annual Twin Cities Kidney Walk where the staff of Condor Corporation came together to show support for one of their own.

Mindy is the Community Manager at Raven Hill, which is a Condor apartment community in Burnsville, and she has been battling kidney disease for some time. Last month the Condor Corporation staff stood in solidarity with Mindy by walking with her in the Annual Kidney Walk held at the Thompson-Reuters campus in Eagan, MN. They had an awesome team name and costumes to boot! They dubbed themselves "Mindy's Halloween Cookers" and had all sorts of fun dressing up for the event. Staff from each of our apartment communities in the Twin Cities, plus members of Mindy's family, took part. Our very own Ginny and Coty, from the Eagle Ridge staff, were part of the team!

The National Kidney Foundation, which is the sponsor of the event, says this on their website:

"With your help, we raised $262,000 to fight against kidney disease. Your contribution will help fund our initiatives in awareness, prevention and treatment. Without your dedication, enthusiasm and support, we truly could not accomplish all that we do."

Everyone had a great time and the weather for the event was perfect! The team theme of Halloween Cookers was creative and prompted some fun costumes. Mindy would like to thank everyone who came out for the walk; she was encouraged by everyone's enthusiasm and felt loved by their show of support.

Of course, we have to share with you some awesome photos from the walk! Enjoy!

Mindy's Halloween Cookers - banner, costumes, and big smiles. These people know how to do it!

Mindy and her family all dressed up for the walk!

Ginny and Coty from the Eagle Ridge staff all dressed up and proud to be a part of Mindy's Halloween Cookers team!

The Minnesota Wild Mascot was even there!

Yeah! Mindy's Halloween Cookers had a great time!

Way To Go Jackie - She Is The November Early Bird Winner

Congratulations to Jackie, the winner of our Early Bird Drawing this month! We do this drawing every month and you have a chance to be the winner if you pay your rent on or before the 1st of the month. Everyone who pays their rent on or before the 1st of the month can put their name put into the Early Bird Drawing. Out of all the entries, a random name is selected and the lucky winner gets $50 off of rent for the following month.

So when December’s rent comes around remember the Early Bird Drawing and get your rent payment in quickly. We all know what the Early Bird gets... that's right, a chance to get $50 off of rent the next month!

Jackie holding her Early Bird Winner certificate - Congratulations!

November Holidays

November is an exciting month! It is the start of the holiday season and everyone seems to be traveling somewhere. All of these holidays can bring added stress as we prepare for them, but they are also occasions for joy as they are great opportunities to spend quality time with those you love. We've already passed two big days: All Saints Day and the end of Daylight Saving Time - but there is so much more coming in November.

Here's your list of reasons to celebrate this month

November 11th - Veterans Day

Originally called Armistice Day, we celebrated the cease fire that ended the “Great War” now known as The First World War (WWI). The war ended on November 11th 1918 at 11:11 (11/11 at 11:11). The first official Armistice Day was observed with the U.S., England, and France each burying an unknown soldier at 11:11 on November 11th 1921. President Eisenhower changed the holiday to Veterans Day in 1954, as a national holiday to honor all of our U.S. soldiers who have valiantly served or died in any wars or conflicts.

November 21st - The Great American Smoke Out

No need to wait another month and a half to start your New Year’s resolutions. Since 1977 The American Cancer Society has been encouraging all smokers to snuff out the cigarettes on the third Thursday of November. With a short term goal of extinguishing the “butts” for one day, their obvious long term goal is to give smokers the boost to kick the habit for good.

November 27th - Hanukkah

Wow, that’s early! Hanukkah is in November this year! This holiday begins on the evening of November 27th and lasts until Thursday, December 5th. The fact that it overlaps Thanksgiving is actually quite unusual. It's so unusual that it's not expected to happen for another 77,798 years. This has prompted some Jewish Americans to combine the two holidays and dub it "Thanksgivukkah."

Hanukkah commemorates historical events that took place in 168 B.C. According to the Talmud, one of Judaism’s central texts, Judah Maccabees and the other Jews who took part in the re-dedication of the Second Temple witnessed a miracle. Even though there was only enough untainted olive oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued flickering for eight nights, leaving them time to find a fresh supply. This wondrous event inspired the Jewish leaders to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival.

November 28th - Thanksgiving Day

The first Thanksgiving was 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. The feast lasted 3 days and was a time to be thankful for a bountiful fall harvest, and to thank the natives for their kindness. Thanksgiving as a national holiday today has evolved quite a bit over the years. The Continental Congress declared the first national Thanksgiving holiday in 1777 following the American Victory at Saratoga. In 1789 George Washington was the first President to proclaim a day of Thanksgiving. He set aside November 26th (a Tuesday not a Thursday) as a day to thank God for our new Constitution. 

November 29th Black Friday

A shoppers dream (or nightmare)! Black Friday seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year. This day is called Black Friday because many retailers operate in the red, or in debt all year long, that is until the Holiday shopping season where there ledgers are finally in the black.

Best. Mom. Ever.

We think we've found a good candidate for the "Best Mom Ever" award. Recently one of our residents' mom called us and said she wanted to get her daughter, Katelyn, an underground heated garage spot as a gift. What wonderful idea! Katelyn has been a resident at Eagle Ridge for a few months and now she's going to be warm and cozy all winter long. No scraping ice and snow off the windshield for her when she parks in her underground heated garage spot!

Katelyn stopped by the office to pick up her garage remote and we gave her with a gift certificate to celebrate her mom's awesome gift.

Katelyn stopping by the office to pick up her garage remote.

Remember To Set Your Clocks Back Tonight

The end is nigh - for Daylight Saving Time. Remember to set your clocks back tonight before you go to bed. Technically Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, but we recommend adjusting your clocks before your head hits the pillow.

With it getting dark outside so early now, we want to make sure all of our yard and parking lot lights are in working in order. If you happen to notice any that are not lit please let the rental office know. We do regular checks on the lights but always appreciate our watchful residents who help us keep our communities safe.

Enjoy the extra hour of sleep (hopefully...)!

The Awesome Halloween Costumes Of Our Residents and Staff

We had a wonderfully spooky time at Eagle Ridge Apartments this week! Thank you to all of our residents, kids and parents alike, who stopped in to pick up goodies from the office on Halloween. It was such great fun to see all of your cute and spooky costumes. Plus the Eagle Ridge staff got into the spirit (spooky choice of word, right?) of the holiday and dressed up in some fabulous costumes. We'll post some of those photos below, and you can see even more on our Facebook page.

As you can see, life at Eagle Ridge is lots of fun!

Eagle Ridge Residents and Staff Halloween 2013

The Eagle Ridge leasing office staff 'sporting' their costumes.