So Many Reasons To Celebrate!

The end of December is here and you know what that means: it's time to party! There are so many reasons to celebrate coming up in the next week and a half. There's Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve! Here's a little information about each of these festivities.

December 25: Christmas

Christmas is an annual Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus would come to be called the son of God. Jesus’ story is detailed in the Bible recounting many miracles he performed from healing people with diseases, feeding 5,000 people with only 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread and even raising the dead.

How much do you know about the history of Santa Claus?

Christmas traditions are also chock full of references to Santa Claus. Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna, who lived in the 4th century A.D. in what is known today as Turkey, was a very wealthy and generous man who especially loved children. He was known to throw gifts into the houses of poor children in order to brighten their spirits. He was later titled Saint Nicholas, and became the patron saint of children and seafarers. His story evolved into the legend of Santa Claus – the jolly man who brings gifts to children all over the world on Christmas Eve.

Interesting Facts about Christmas:

•Most of Santa’s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzer, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeer shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are likely not male, but female.

•Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S. since 1850, the trees are usually grown for about 15 years before they are sold.

•Mistletoe (Viscum album) is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means “little dung twig” because the plant spreads though bird droppings.

December 26: Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a fairly new holiday that was first celebrated in December 1966. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach. The name for Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase meaning first fruits. The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia. Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of Continental African "first fruit" celebrations: in gathering; reverence; commemoration; re-commitment; and celebration.

Kwanzaa celebrations include harvest symbols.

There are seven values that are emphasized during Kwanzaa, they are: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Kwanzaa culminates in a big feast on the last evening of the holiday, on December 31 called Karamu; it is celebrated with festive songs, dance, toasts, prayers, and a feast of foods.

Interesting facts about Kwanzaa

•The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green as noted above and can be utilized in decorations for Kwanzaa. Also decorations should include traditional African items, i.e., African baskets, cloth patterns, art objects, harvest symbols, etc.

•Kwanzaa can be celebrated by anyone. Kwanzaa is the holiday to remember African-American cultures.

•Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol.

December 31: New Year’s Eve

Happy New Year!

The last day of the year is celebrated by many people in many different ways. Some people stay up until midnight and party at home or with friends, or a lot of people will go out to different restaurants, bars or even some cities have outdoor events. The most popular outdoor event in the US is the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City, NY. There are many New Year’s Eve traditions throughout the world.

February Is "Kind Of A Big Deal"

If February could talk it would probably say something like, "I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm kind of a big deal." In fact this month, despite its short number of days, packs in quite a few important holidays and observances.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month. This observance was founded in 1915 originally as a one week holiday to celebrate and acknowledge African Americans who have made a difference in America. In 1976 the African American History week was extended to the entire month of February. This month was chosen for two important dates: President Lincoln was born on February 12 and Frederick Douglass, one of the nation’s leading abolitionists, was born on February 14.

February 2: Groundhog Day 
The legend of Groundhog Day originates from European weather lore that used a badger or bear to predict the end of winter. Germanic immigrants in Pennsylvania began the tradition of using a groundhog. The largest Groundhog Day celebration is in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the star of the show is Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow spring will be just around the corner. This year he predicted an early spring!

February 12: Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, a French phrase that means Fat Tuesday, is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. For some it’s a day of feasting, drinking, and revelry before the season of Lenten fasting. The largest and most popular celebration of Mardi Gras in the United States takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. They celebrate with parades, costumes, music and food.

February 13: Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent
Ash Wednesday and Lent are Christian observances in which they will fast or give up something important to them for forty days before Easter. This is a remembrance of Jesus fasting for forty days in the desert and is a spiritual preparation for Easter. 

February 14: Valentine’s Day 
This day originated as a Christian feast day to remember at least three martyrs named Valentine. Some Christian traditions still celebrate St. Valentine as an official holiday, while others do not. This holiday was first linked to a celebration of romantic love by Geoffrey Chaucer, an author from the Middle Ages. This observance has morphed into a day to give loved ones presents of flowers, sweet confections, or cards known as “valentines”.

February 18: Presidents Day 
Presidents Day is officially a federal holiday celebrating George Washington’s birthday. Washington was actually born on February 22, but the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance to the 3rd Monday in February. A majority of states declared a concurrent celebration of the office of the President for this day, thus the two conflicting titles for this holiday. George Washington’s birthday was the first federal holiday honoring an American citizen.

Decking The Deck And The Halls!

It is great to see that some of our residents are already getting into the spirit of the holidays by putting up lights and decorations on their patios! Decorating inside your apartment and out is encouraged, so feel free to put up your lights, colored garland, artificial wreaths, etc. Please be careful not to damage the exterior of the building by hammering in nails or drilling holes. A Holiday Balcony Decorating Contest will be judged later in December and a cash prize will be awarded to the best display.

Please remember that due to their fire hazard live and real trees and wreaths are prohibited in your apartment, on your patio or balcony, and on the doors in the hallways. We appreciate your help in keeping our community both festive and safe this holiday season!

Holiday Cheer Comes To Lexington Heights

Today Lexington Heights got a bit more festive when Steve and Jeremiah decorated the clubhouse. Check out the decorations in the party room and the TV lounge in the lower level. 

Steve and Jeremiah caught in a completely candid and absolutely not posed photo...

Local Restaurants Offer Special Thanksgiving Dinners

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. If you don’t feel like cooking this year there are several local restaurants featuring special Thanksgiving meals.

Jensen’s Supper Club

(651) 688-7969
3840 Cedarvale Boulevard,  Eagan.

Featuring a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet starting at 11:30AM and going until 5:30PM. On the menu you will find carved ham and turkey, mashed potatoes, hash brown casserole, apple stuffing and many more wonderful selections.

DeGidio's

(651) 291-7105 

425 W 7th Street, St. Paul. 

Offering the choice of a Traditional Thanksgiving menu or an Italian menu. On the Traditional menu you will see turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and other delicious dishes. On the Italian menu you will see turketta, sausage stuffing, sweet potatoes and other Italian favorites. There are two seating times, the first at Noon and the second at 3:00PM, by reservation only. 

Bakers Square

(651) 455-1546
1949 South Robert Street, West St. Paul.

And if you just need help with the dessert part of your Thanksgiving feast, Bakers Square is taking reservations for their fantastic pie selection. You can chose from Country Apple, Southern Pecan, Original French Silk, Pumpkin with real whipped cream, and much more.

Happy Birthday To Cookie Monster!

November is an exciting month - it is the start of the holiday season and everyone seems to get busier. As stressful as these times can be, in the end it is always worth it because of all the quality time you get to spend with the ones you love.

In chronological order here's Novembers special days, some well known, and a few obscure events.

November 1st All Saints Day: 
All Saints Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the lives of saints in the Christian church, many of whom were martyred for their faith or lived a particularly holy life.

November 2nd Cookie Monster's Birthday:

The adorable and voracious monster that loves to eat almost anything, but most especially cookies, has his birthday celebrated today. Get into the spirit by reading Happy Birthday, Cookie Monster!

November 4th Daylight Savings Time Ends:

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Sunday, November 4, 2012, 2:00AM.

November 6th Election Day: 
This is the day that we as American exercise our right as “We the People”. We will be selecting not only our president for the next 4 years, but also state and local offices as well. Check with your local municipality for polling places.

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 (WW1). The war ended on November 11th 1918 at 11:11 (11/11 at 11:11). The first official Armistice Day was marked 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 15th The Great American Smoke Out:
No need to wait another month and a half to start your New Year’s resolutions; since 1977, on the third Thursday of November, The American Cancer Society has been encouraging all smokers to snuff out the cigarettes on this day. 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 22nd 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 in its current incarnation as a national holiday 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 23rd You’re Welcome Day: 
A bit more obscure than Thanksgiving Day, You’re Welcome Day is a newer holiday. Believed to have originated in a blog back in 2002, it always follows the day after Thanksgiving. The day is an attempt to bring manners back to society. After all, after saying “thank you” the day before isn't it only proper to say “you’re welcome”?

November 23rd Black Friday: 
A shoppers dream (or nightmare)! Black Friday seems to be starting earlier and earlier as the years go by. Years ago, sales started between 8:00AM and 11:AM depending on the retailer’s hours of operation. Then they started with “Door Busters” that started as early as 5:00AM, then 3:00AM! As of last year many stores opened at midnight following Thanksgiving dinner. Before we know it, Black “Friday” will be on Wednesday.

The Term “Black” in Black Friday is a financial term, 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”. If you are not a fan of Black Friday, another, “day after Thanksgiving” holiday may be more to your liking. It is a 24 hour moratorium on holiday shopping that began back in 1992 called “Buy Nothing Day".

It's Fire Prevention Day Today! Plus Other Important Days In October

October 9-Fire Prevention Day
Fire prevention efforts were sparked by the Great Chicago fire in1871. Take time today to re-evaluate your fire prevention measures and practice a home fire drill. Do you and your family have a plan on what to do if there is a fire in your home? If you don’t have a plan, today is a perfect day to make one!

October 11- Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day
Yes! It’s an excuse to feel like a kid, even for just a moment.

October 16- Boss’ Day 
Celebrate your boss today! Let them know how much you appreciate them.

October 20-Sweetest Day
Originally founded by Herbert Birch Kingston in 1922. Herbert wanted to bring happiness to orphans and under-privileged children and began this holiday by giving them small gifts and candy. Today, this holiday is celebrated almost as a second Valentine’s Day by acts of giving flowers and candy to loved ones. However, in addition to showing your love to people close to you, use this day as Herbert intended and show kindness to those in need.

October 31- Halloween 
Trick or Treat! That’s right; it’s that time of year where little ghosts and goblins roam the neighborhood seeking sweet treats. Some local businesses have indoor trick or treating available; check your local listings to see if there are any in your area. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Summer And Holidays Pack June With Fun

With summer upon us there's plenty of reason for cheer, and yet June insists on giving us more reasons for merriment with several holidays.

June 14- Flag Day
Flag Day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption our national flag. The Second Continental Congress passed a resolution adopting the flag of the United States on June 14th, 1777.
 

June 17- Father’s Day
Today is the day to celebrate your father or a father-figure in your life. Honor the one who took his role as “Dad” and lived it to the fullest. The one who played with you, spent time with you, and was there for you in the difficult times. Do something special today for the father in your life.

June 20- First Day of Summer
Yeah! It’s finally here! It's time for outdoor music festivals and great summer fairs. Some of our favorite summer activities include: eating watermelon and grilled corn on the cob, going to the Minnesota State Fair and just enjoying the warm weather with some friends.

June 28- Paul Bunyan Day
The legend of Paul Bunyan dates back to the 1800’s. This legend is believed to originate from French Canadians during the Papineau rebellion of 1837. There are many tales of Paul Bunyan and many have been incorporated into children’s books; including stories of how Paul scooped out the Great Lakes to get water for his big blue ox named Babe. They also say the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota were formed from Paul and Babe’s foot prints when they were wandering through a blinding blizzard.

Get Your Green On!

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, on Saturday, March  17. Minnesota has had a long history of celebrating St. Patrick's Day, which is a semi-national celebration for the Irish. Our local traditions around this holiday stem from the strong Irish community that immigrated and settled in St. Paul. As you can imagine, there are some exciting events coming up! Check them out:
  
Start your St. Patrick Day out right with the Saint Patrick Day Parade in St. Paul!

For 46 years, the St. Paul Saint Patrick Day’s Association has successfully hosted the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in downtown St. Paul. The SPA is a non-profit, 100% volunteer organization that holds this family oriented parade. Come watch the St. Paul St. Patrick Day’s Association Parade this Saturday at noon starting on 5th Street east of Broadway with the parade wrapping around Rice Park and turning around on Washington Street and east on 4th Street. The parade will host the Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers, 2012 Miss Shamrock, the Wild players and so many more fun people and floats to see!

Add to that a stop at O'Gara's, St. Paul's renowned Irish Pub.

After the parade stop by O’Gara’s located at 164 N Snelling Avenue in Saint Paul. O'Gara's will be hosting free entertainment,and their very own 21st Annual Parade led by the Brian Boru Pipe Band at 3:00PM. The party continues with events in each of their three bar venues located right at O’Gara’s. In one of their bar venues,The Tent, they will have  Gina of Orange Whip from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, and Will of Dazy Head Mazy from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, plus Northern Comfort Trio from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. To end it they'll have a DJ Dance Party with JMCLOVN from 10:00PM to 2:00AM. And that's in just one of their bar venues!

Also, don’t forget about Shamrocks off W 7th Street!

 

Getting all Irish close to home!

Lucky’s 13 off Hwy 13 in Mendota is a great place to end your four leaf clover adventure that’s close to home. Lucky’s opened their doors in October 2007 and has a friendly staff and fantastic food. Play bingo while listening to Robin Foder starting at 9:00PM.

Enjoy your St. Paddy’s Day and be safe. May the luck of the Irish be with you!

The Party Isn't Over Yet, March Has A Couple Holiday's Too!

The month of March has some noteworthy days and some fun holidays! Check out these all-important dates compiled by one of our staffers:

March 11
Daylight Savings Time - Don’t forget to set your clock one hour forward on Sunday the 11th!


March 17
St. Patrick’s Day is a day to honor the patron saint of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Many Irish and Irish-Americans celebrate this day on March 17th because this day is believed to be the day that St. Patrick died. There are huge celebrations in Ireland on this day, most businesses are closed and since this is also a Christian holiday, there is a tradition of many Irish attending mass and offering prayers for missionaries. In America, many celebrate by wearing green, many cities have parades and many people listen to Irish folk music and partake in Irish foods and drinks.

Each year the Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day.

 
March 20 (Two today! Bonus!)
Spring Begins - Hooray! Finally warm, sun, flowers and rain instead of snow! But, um, yeah, didn't spring begin in January this year? Here's to an unusually warm winter and the chance to start your balcony flower pots early!

Extraterrestrial Abductions Day - No one can seem to figure out who created this day, (maybe they were abducted!). Celebrate today by watching your favorite sci-fi flicks about UFOs and make sure to keep an eye on the sky! Call the office to see what sci-fi movies we have available.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine’s Day has its origins as a holiday to honor an obscure saint named Valentinus, but now more commonly it is a day to celebrate romantic love.

This new meaning of Valentine’s Day is credited to Geoffrey Chaucer, an English poet from the middle ages. Eventually this holiday evolved into a day to express your love to your partner by presenting them with flowers, different confections and cards known as “valentines”.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas From The Staff!

Are you still looking for some last minute ideas for Valentine's Day? Here's some great ideas from businesses near Lexington Heights Apartments!

Tip #1: Get your flowers at Glassing Florist (651) 457-2500
They have several Valentine's Day specials and are located at: 7301 Babcock Trail E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.

Special #1: This lovely arrangement of pink roses and asiatic lilies, dark pink alstroemeria, white stock and seeded eucalyptus are arranged in an exclusive Pink Reflections vase. $49.95 

Special #2: Send this 3-in-1 bouquet for that special someone in your life! This beautiful Valentine's Day bouquet includes red roses, hot pink spray roses, white asiatic lilies, hot pink miniature carnations and pink heather accented with assorted greenery. Delivered in a red ceramic vase with an expandable XOXO bracelet she’ll be sure to love! $62.95



Special #3: Send Teleflora's adorable little bear with enchanting flowers, and your valentine will think you're just as sweet as can be. Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums and asters arrive in a glass vase with a Teleflora keepsake bear. $34.95

Check out all their deals on their website: www.glassingflorist.com


Tip #2: Homemade chocolates made from Regina's! (651) 455-8864
1905 Robert St. W. St. Paul, MN 55118 (Southview Square Shopping Center)
Some treats to look for:

Mint Truffles: A layered mint with rich dark chocolate & green ice coating in assorted Valentine foils. 24 pieces for $8.79.

Love & Kisses: 8 oz. bag of Milk, Dark, and Crisp rice hearts and lips. $7.99

Tip #3: Dinner at a restaurant with a Valentine's Day special!

Underwater World at The Mall of America: Go experience the Sea Of Love!
120 East Broadway, East Entrance, Level One, Bloomington, MN 55425 (952) 883-0202. Experience a romantic night and delicious appetizers under the ocean. You’ll be able to tour the Aquarium and spend Valentine's Day with thousands of amazing sea creatures!


The details:
Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Time: 7:00PM - 11:00PM - come and go as you please!
Price: $39.99+tax/per person (save $10/per ticket when you purchase tickets online).
Your ticket will include:
Aquarium admission ($20 value)
2-Hour Sky Deck game card ($20 value)
Delicious H'orderves served throughout the Aquarium
Menu includes: Carving Station with 12-Pepper Encrusted Beef and served with Spicy Mustard, Roasted Red Pepper Aioli, Wasabi Sauce and Rolls, Bourbon Glazed Pork Skewer, Cajun BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewer, Mac & Cheese Tart, Rainbow Fruit Shooter, Champagne Salad, and Red Velvet Cake.
Plus there will be a full cash bar and music & dance floor.


And for that extra special Valentine's Day dinner... any White Castle near you!
Enjoy a nice candle-lit dinner with your honey from 5-8pm! Reservations only, call quick! Closest White Castle near you: 4515 S. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. (651) 455-0403.

Sounds like a great time for you and your sweetheart or a night out with friends!

New Years Resolutions From The Staff

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow, and your staff at Lexington Heights Apartments would love to share their New Year’s resolutions with you!

Jon’s resolution is “making sure all the residents at Lexington Heights feel special!"

Your new leasing consultant Amanda’s resolution is to become the number one leasing consultant in the company!

Your Sunday leasing consultant Christina’s resolution is to learn something new about each of the residents that she meets.

Your Assistant Manager Patty’s is to improve on her "watering skills" and not kill the plants of the resident’s when she is plant sitting for them.

Sara your Community Manager’s resolution is to continue to give great customer service!

Stop in the office, and let us know your New Year resolution and we'll put you on the blog! Happy Holidays!

A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety

 A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Holiday Lights

• Maintain Your Holiday Lights
  Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
  Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday Decorations

• Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
  All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
  It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers, and may result in a chimney fire.
• Artificial Christmas Trees
  If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care

• Avoid Using Lit Candles
  If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
  Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed throughout your home, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Kitchen

During the holidays much time is spent cooking, so it’s critical to take precautions in the kitchen. Be sure to keep pot handles and electrical appliance cords out of the reach of children. Put a lid on a pot or pan to extinguish a food or grease fire - never use water, and in the event of an oven fire, turn off the heat and close the oven door. Avoid wearing loose or baggy clothing, and always use potholders while working in the kitchen.

Information provided by www.usfa.fema.gov