Residents,

Please remember that the water will be shut off today beginning at 10AM for a few hours. Please understand that the city of Durham must do this in order to repair a water leak and we appreciate your patience.

- Beech Lake Management

Residents,

The pool is OPEN today! Sorry for the inconvenience earlier...so come on out!

:)

- G

Water....

Residents,

Due to some repairs that we are doing around the property, there is a chance that some of the buildings will loose water for a period of time. We will do our best to minimize these, but do ask your patience.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause anyone!


-Beech Lake Apartment Team

Residents,

Sadly the pool will be closed for the next few days due to broken glass. Please remember that glass is not permitted in the pool area and anyone that is found violating this rule will no longer be allowed in the pool area.

We will let you know once it has re-opened.

Sincerely,


Beech Lake Management Team

Wacky Wednesday

Just something fun and silly (and wacky!) for you all :)


What to do: Look at the black dot in the picture below. Stare at the dot until the countdown ends, and the black and white picture should look like it’s in color . . . until you move your eyes!

Bags o' Breakfast on the run!

Good day!

Some of you were able to take advantage of our "Breakfast on the run" yesterday morning, which was carried out by our fantastic maintenance staff. Here are some photos to commemorate the event. (Not the best quality photos, sorry!)

Those of you who were able to snag a bag of breakfast, I hope you enjoyed!! :)

- G

Time to make a splash...

We are so excited to announce that our pool is officially open!

Have fun and remember the rules!

Hours: 8am to dusk
No pets allowed
No smoking allowed
NO GLASS allowed including the BBQ area
This includes, mustard, relish and any other condiment!

Must have on swim wear in the water
Children must be accompanied by adults at all times
Guest must be accompanied by residents at all times
Only two guests per resident
Remember to be polite, you are not the only
person at the pool and residents live around the pool

Take a moment and read the signs at the pool for rules and regulations and safety

Please note: Management will remove anyone not following the rules or being disruptive.

Water Issue

Attention Residents:

During the course of our parking lot repairs a main water line has been cut. We have notified the city and we are doing everything we can to get this matter resolved in a timely manner. At this time we do not know how long it will take to be resolved, and we ask for your patience.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause anyone!


-Beech Lake Apartment Team

SECRET WORD: Beaver


*The first resident to tell us the secret word (via phone OR in person) will get $25 off their next month's rent!

Let's see who our lucky resident shall be! :)

- G

Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

For those of you who may not be aware, Bed Bugs are a SERIOUS issue. If you see one, there are more. It is imperative that you report any signs of bed bugs ASAP!!

Every Wednesday our Pest Control inspector, Jesse Crabtree, comes out here to service outside buildings as well as inside apartments for those who request it. Please take a look at his blog http://crabtreepestcontrol.blogspot.com/ as it has a lot of useful information about bed bugs as well as other pests.

Pest control is included in your rent, so definitely request service when you feel that you need it!

Ta-ta!

-G

Dear Residents,


Exterior construction will begin just a couple of weeks.  We will begin with buildings 29 and 30 and work our way around.  Everyone will be notified each step of the way.  Parking lot repairs will be done around the same time.  *Please pay attention to the notices sent to your door and posted at mailboxes*  Several projects will be going at one time.

It will be very exciting to see the transformation of Beech Lake and all the improvements on the way!

We thank everyone for your patience and understanding during the construction this summer.

Sincerely,

Beech Lake Management Team

For your Safety

Residents of Beech Lake,

Please DO NOT under any circumstances disable your smoke detectors and/or CO2 detectors. These are put into each apartment for your safety as well as your neighbors. If either of these is beeping they need the batteries replaced and we would be happy to do that for you.

If you have further questions please contact the office.


We graciously thank you,


Beech Lake Management Team

Low Water Pressure?

Residents,

I am sure many of you have noticed the low water pressure over the past day or two. This is due to the City of Durham, who has their employees working on a water pipe, which, in turn, is affecting buildings 1 - 12 here at Beech Lake.

We have not been given a deadline for when this is to be finished, but most likely it should be completed by tomorrow some time.

Unfortunately we are not in control of this situation. This is a matter of the City of Durham, but we just wanted to  bring you all into the loop.

-graham

Drink me, I'm Irish!

Thanks to everyone who attended our Irish themed beer tasting! We hope everyone enjoyed learning about the different Irish brewing techniques and history behind the different Irish beers that were featured at last night’s event. Beech Lake would also like to thank Total Wine, for putting on yet another fantastic event for our residents to enjoy! For those of you who were unable to attend, below are some pictures of last night’s festivities!

-Lb

A look into other parts of the World

Eye opening video that I wanted to pass along.

A bit of tornado info as we approach the spring:

Watch vs. Warning - What's the difference? 
  
A tornado watch is issued when there is a threat of large hail, damaging wind, and the possibility of multiple tornadoes.


A tornado warning is issued when a tornado (or sometimes a funnel cloud) has been spotted or is denoted by radar. When a tornado warning is issued for your area you should seek shelter immediately.


Tornado Safety Tips:

Before a Tornado
•To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
•Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
•Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
•Look for the following danger signs: 
•Dark, often greenish sky
•Large hail
•A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
•Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
•If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately

During a Tornado
If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately!  Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head. If available, put on a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect yourself from head injuries.

If you are in: 
A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)


Then:
 •Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
•In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
•If available, put on a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect yourself from head injuries.
•Put on sturdy shoes.
•Do not open windows.

If you are in:
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home
Then:
Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. 


If you are in:
The outside with no shelter


Then:
•Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
•Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
•Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
•Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.



For addition information regarding tornado safety visit: www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Local Dog Parks

Here at Beech Lake Apartments, we pride ourselves on being a pet friendly community, and love to see healthy, happy pets! We also understand that it can sometimes be a hassle to make sure that your pet is getting the essential playtime they need in order to keep them mentally happy and physically healthy. Therefore, we have found three of best local dog parks in the area, that will make it easier for you and your pet to get out and have some fun!!


Downtown Durham Dog Park-Located on the corner of Elliott and Roxboro Street. This dog park features separate areas for small and large dogs, and is owned and maintained by the local neighborhood. Therefore all trash, including dog waste must be removed when leaving the park.

Northgate Park- Located off Lavender Avenue, and includes two separate enclosed areas for small and large dogs. This park also features water fountains, waste receptacles, benches and a kiosk.

Pineywood Park- Located at the intersection of Woodcroft Parkway and Woodlake Drive, this park consists of more than three acres of land, and features four separate fenced in areas.

Dog parks are an incredible resource for dog owners and animal lovers. So, go ahead and get out there! I'm sure it will be just what your dog barked for!



*Please note that some of these parks do require that your dog be registered with Durham Parks and Recreation. To find out more information about the park you and your pooch are interested in, just go here!


-Lb

Staying Safe!

So I would like to take a moment to go over a few things that can help prevent us all from becoming victims of break-ins and theft.

Remember to keep all of your windows and doors (even those patio doors!) locked and keep your blinds closed. Also, make sure that all valuables are removed from your vehicles or at least stored out of sight. These are very easy ways to keep yourselves from becoming targets of theft and robbery.

We do have an on-site courtesy officer as well as local Durham police who frequently patrol the property. We have had a few break-ins recently and just wanted to remind you all how to keep this from happening to you.

SO BE SAFE! - and look out for each other :)

-G

More "tastings" to come :)

Hello hello!

Thanks to all of you who came out to the Wine Tasting event last week! I hope you all learned at least a little something. (I know I learned not to inhale while pinching my nose and drinking). I have posted some photos below! And much thanks to Matthew and Total Wine for hosting the event. To those of you who couldn't make it this time, look out for our Irish Beer tasting event in March! 

REMINDER: The first of the month is getting close, and you all know what that means! Time to pay March rent! Don't forget!

Smile! It's a beautiful day!


-G

Pet Waste

Dear Residents,

Please pick up after your pets. Not only are other residents having to put up with these party favors left by your pets, but so am I and other staff members. It's not a hard thing to do and it is part of your responsibility as a Beech Lake resident with a pet.

I appreciate your compliance with this request and I know that others do as well :) .

-G

Donate Blood, win Roundtrip tickets!

Beech Lakers!

Click the link below for information about Farrington Lake's blood drive!

https://docs.google.com/open?id=1LeKB-SQ0IDTK49T3DOfNf9PoFv5GWEu3B4KgNacTN1_cE1yGvW7oy3PhB1CJ

Free Food!

Come get your free food in the clubhouse! Saturday Feb. 11th!!



Do it.

10 Terrific Ways to Save Water (and some Moolah!)

Ok. so. Water bills. Let's discuss.

I think we can all agree that there have been at least a few times where we open up our water bill envelopes and gasp out of pure shock at the amount we owe for the past month.

First thought. "Oh. Em. Gee. I am calling them up. This is totes ridic."

Chances are you hang up the phone only to find out there is no mistake. All they have done is come out to read your water meter and compare it with where it was last month. That IS the amount of water usage in your apartment. So what can we do to decrease our usage, and ultimately, decrease our bill? Well, here I present to you 10 very effective ways to do just that.

#1. Run your washing machine and dishwasher ONLY when they are FULL.

If you do this you could save 1000 gallons/mo. (Also, if you run them past 7:00 pm and/or before 8:00 am you can save on energy too.)

#2.  Don't let the water run while brushing your teeth.

You could save up to 4 gallons a minute.

#3. Grab a wrench to fix that leaky faucet.

Yes ladies, even you! It's easy, inexpensive, and could save you up to 140 gallons / wk.

#4. Match the water level to the load size when washing clothes.

In doing this you won't accidentally over water the load. (Also try to only do laundry when you have a full load. It will decrease that electricity bill as well!)

#5. Get some "low-flow" shower heads.

Ok. I know this one isn't very appealing to those of you who like your water pressure, but it truly is a great way to cut back that water usage. It can save up to 900 gallons/wk. 

 

#6. Re-use that shower towel!

Think about it. The towel isn't dirty because you are CLEAN when you use it. Duh. So go ahead an re-use it a few times before tossing it in the hamper and you can decrease laundry loads.

#7. Make sure you have ZERO leaks!

Hidden water leaks are common in many residences. Read your water meter before and after a 2-3 hour period where you don't use ANY water. If the water meter doesn't read exactly the same, there is a leak.

 

#8. Hand wash dishes in half-filled sink.

Instead of letting the tap water run while you hand wash your dishes, try filling the sink part of the way and washing them that way. Letting the sink run constantly can use up to 3 gallons/min whereas filling the sink only uses about 10 gallons total.

#9. Take quick showers!

I know I know. Sometimes it is hard to do, but if you really wanna save on your water bill...

 

#10. Thaw frozen foods in advance.

Instead of running tap water over your frozen goods, remember to pull them out in advance.

 

So these are just 10 of the MANY ways in which you all can conserve water and lower your bills. All of this information and much more is available to you all on the internet so I encourage you to research it if you really want to lower your costs.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

geeW

      

Wine Tasting Event

Ok! Here it is! An event for residents right here at Beech Lake!

On Wednesday February, 22 we will be having a wine tasting hosted by Total Wines. There will be various selections for tasting that centralize around a theme (which we have not decided on yet). Our wine host will go into detail about each individual wine as we sip our samples.

Once we have finalized the specifics of the event (time, theme, etc) I will update everyone. Until then, have a fabulous day!

Cheers!

geeW

Bull City Culture

Hiya!

Well we are almost to February and it looks like ANOTHER unusually warm week! Today's high is 58 with the rest of the week trending temperatures in the 60's! I don't know about you all, but I sure am not complaining.

Speaking of it almost being the start of February, don't forget to pay rent! And for those of you who have not already gone to the Beech Lake website (www.beechlakeapartments.com) you can now register on it and pay through the website. You can even view your ledger so you know exactly what your balance is! I really encourage everyone to do this, it will really help you all keep up with your payments and help you remember how much you owe.

So last week was restaurant week here in the triangle. I don't know if anyone had the opportunity to at least make it to one participating restaurant, but I did manage to make it out to one on Saturday night. 604 at West Village is a fine dining Italian restaurant located in historic downtown Durham and was a delightful dining experience to say the least. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Italian food and a trendy atmosphere. While I am on the subject of downtown Durham, I have to say it is truly one of my favorite places to be. The Brightleaf district is such a historic yet trendy part of downtown and a big part of the Durham night scene. If you are looking for really great places to go either for a great dining experience or a fun nightlife, definitely make sure you check it out. Mt. Fuji has some really great sushi and places such as Alivias, James Joyce, and The Federal are popular places to grab a drink (or ten?). And of course there is the tobacco district with popular places such as Tobacco Road (where you can watch Durham Bulls games during their season!) and Tyler's Restaurant and Pub. Of course those are only 2 of a ton of great places to check out.

Anyway, just thought I would bring some Bull City culture to this blog as I have found that I am pretty much in love with Durham. If you get out an explore it you can really find some awesome places.

Until next time be cool, stay in school

-geeW

Here are some good sites to visit if I have sparked an interest:
http://www.downtowndurham.com/
http://www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com/
http://historicbrightleaf.com/

Don't let the bedbugs bite!

So it is pretty likely that everyone has at least heard of bedbugs, but a lot of people don't REALLY know the details. Bedbugs will not give you diseases or make you sick, but they will bite you. And annoy you.

Bedbugs don't really travel from place to place on their own, but rather get carried from place to place. If you find bedbugs in your home, you (or visitors) are the bedbugs' means of transportation. You are the one who picked them up from "point A" and brought them into your home ("point B"). If you see a few, there are probably more where that came from and it is time to call a professional in pest control.

More postings to come, but until then SLEEP TIGHT!

-geeW

2012; New Year. New Blog. New Beech Lake. (good new, I promise!)

So here it is. Beech Lake's first blog post ever (At least I think so?) and mine too. I hope that everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday and that 2012 is treating you all well thus far.

So let us first talk about the obvious management change. Beech Lake is proud to announce Westdale Asset Management as our new management company and there should be some really great changes coming as well just in time for the new year. You can expect various updates to the property (such as the clubhouse) that will lift and enhance the appearance of Beech Lake :) .

I would also like to take this time to address the water bill issue that has been so popular this past month! Yes, you all received 2 water bills in the same month. There is a very good and logical explanation for this, I assure you. Argen is no longer the company Beech Lake uses for water and the last date of their final billing cycle was December 22. This is sooner than the billing period would normally end, which is why each of you received a bill that is due sooner than normal. If there is still any confusion out there just contact the office and we will be happy to explain it to you.

So as the changes to Beech Lake begin to take place you can expect to read about them here. You will also most definitely find some random topics as well, as there are many interesting and funny things out there in the world to speculate over and share. But until then you all can learn about Beech Lake's new management company on their website.

Cheerz to Change AND first-time blogging! - geeW