12 december gv

Holiday Safety to Make Your Season Merry!

Being prepared for a disaster or emergency also means preventing them. In a continued effort to make ACPM properties prepared, we felt it was good to share these important holiday safety tips with you:  Never use lighted candles near trees, curtains, drapes or any other flammable item.  Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord.  If you have a live tree, make sure it is well watered to avoid dry branches catching on fire from the heat of the bulbs.  If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant.  Turn off all lights on trees and decorations before you go to bed or leave the house.  Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.  Use only indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights outdoors). Don’t use if you see cracked sockets or frayed wires.

At ACPM, we want you to enjoy your holiday and stay safe!

Justin’s Tips The holidays are just around the corner and to me that brings to mind the smell of fresh pine. Here are a few helpful tips to keep that tree fresh and alive. 

Select the freshest looking tree. Gently shake the tree to test for freshness. Very few needles should come off in your hand.

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Make a fresh, slightly angled cut about an inch from the bottom. Place into water as soon as possible so it starts absorbing water right away.

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Make sure you have a tree stand that will hold at least three

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Keep the tree as far away from heat sources as possible.

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Don’t leave the lights plugged in for long periods of time.

fourths of a gallon of water.

Heat from the bulbs can speed up the drying out process.

You’ll be sure to enjoy your tree all throughout the holiday season by following these simple steps.

White Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles What would the holiday season be like without an abundance of chocolate and candy canes? This recipe combines the fun of both for a great treat to share and enjoy!

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt by the heart.

Wishing you happiness.

-Helen Keller

Ingredients 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 ¼ cup white chocolate chips, melted ½ tsp. peppermint extract 1/3 cup crushed candy canes Directions 1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

2. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave.

Careful not to burn them!

3. Add white chocolate and peppermint extract to cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and well combined.

4. Cover and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

5. Use a food scoop to measure out chocolate, roll the ball in between your hands into a smooth ball, and then roll it in the crushed candy canes.

6. Place in mini cupcake liners for a perfect presentation.

Note: Roll in candy canes the day you plan to serve them or else the candy layer will get sticky from absorbing the moisture in the chocolate.

Yields 15 Truffles This great recipe and many others available at www.yourcupofcake.com

Gramercy Villas December Newsletter Manager Sue Dominiak

Plan Ahead – With A Kit!

Maintenance

Being ready for an emergency or disaster only takes a small amount of preparation and planning. An Emergency Preparedness Kit is a great way to have your household prepared.

Many people don’t think of having items on hand “just in case”, but in the event of an emergency, they’ll wish they had. The items to be included in an emergency kit will need to be customized to suit the needs of the family or individual, however, there are some basics that everyone should plan to have in their home kit:  A flashlight with extra batteries  Battery powered radio with extra batteries  First Aid supplies  Three days of non-perishable high calorie food that can be eaten cold  One gallon of water per person, per day for sanitation and drinking (enough for 3 days)  Candles and waterproof matches  Manual can opener  Extra blankets and/or sleeping bags  Any necessary medications and/or personal hygiene items  Infant formula and diapers (if you have an infant)  Moist towelettes and garbage bags  Important family documents In continuing to make ACPM properties ready for any disaster, we highly recommend your household putting together an Emergency Preparedness Kit. If you have questions about other items to include in your kit, go to www.ready.gov for additional information.

Nate McFain Eric Sallee

Porter Rick Allen

Office Hours Monday – Friday 12 pm to 6 pm For after-hours emergencies, please call our office phone and follow the instructions below: -Press 0 for an emergency -Press 9 to repeat the menu

Back It Up! Just a reminder as you park your vehicle to keep it backed away enough from the sidewalk that your bumper is not over the walkway so the snow plow can get those walks properly cleared.

December Office Closures Dec. 24 – Closing at 1 pm Dec. 25 & 26

KEEPIN’ IT WARM During the winter months it is especially important to keep the heat in your apartment at a minimum of 60 degrees – even if you are going to be gone, whether for the day, on vacation or vacating the apartment. By maintaining the minimum 60 degrees and keeping interior apartment doors open, frozen pipes can be avoided.

Additionally, by keeping your apartment at a steady temperature, you will save money on your heating costs.

Thank you to all at Gramercy Villas who have been picking up after your pets. Your effort in helping to keep our property beautiful is noticed and appreciated!

Do You Want To Roll A Snowman?

Looking for a fun winter themed game? This easy game is fun to play with all ages.

Object- Be the first to collect all the pieces to five snowmen.

Set up- Cut out of paper or felt snowman pieces (template can be found on www.somewhatsimple.com/snowman-dice-game How to Play- Youngest person begins by rolling two dice. Collect the piece for your snowmen that corresponds with the number you rolled. First one to collect all the pieces to the five snowmen wins.

6=body 2=arms 5=head 10=nose 4=head 3=scarf Roll a number you already have all five pieces for, play passes to the next player. Make it more difficult by requiring each player to roll a 6 to get a body before they can collect any other pieces.

If you don’t want to cut out the pieces just give each player a pencil and paper and have them draw the snowmen parts as they roll the various numbers.

Have fun!