Located only a few minutes from The Blairs, the park is filled with majestic trees and a wide array of woodland animals. Visitors are immediately greeted with all the sights and sounds of the forest before eventually reaching the steady creek whose ebb and flow offers a tranquil retreat from urban life.  It was a shame to see such arboreal splendor taken for granted and scattered with debris.  However, this is also why I’m thankful we were able to make such a big difference with our efforts.

Staked out along a bend in the 33-mile stretch of Rock Creek, our team collected 28 bags worth of material and over 400lbs of bulk trash!  Teamwork was key—especially for some more unusual items we found—as we traversed the hills and lowlands of our clean-up site to search out stray bottles and loose trash from among the leaves scattered across the forest floor.

After several hours of making our way across hill and glen, our determined team of do-gooders journeyed back home to feast on sandwiches and swap stories about their individual experiences.  Can you believe we found everything from old bicycles to a refrigerator!?

Overall, this year’s Rock Creek Clean Up was a great success, fielding a small army of volunteers and collecting 1,193 bags of trash—what a great way to celebrate Earth Month!  Special thanks go out to everyone who joined us that Saturday.  We hope to see you again soon!  To catch up on all our Earth Month adventures, check out our social media pages (#blairsearthmonth) or stop by the Lifestyles Center to hear about it in person!

National Take-Back Day is April 27, 2013 from 10AM-2PM.  As part of our Zero Waste efforts, we hope you’ll take your unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs to our local, secure drop off site:

Montgomery County Police, 3^rd District Station

801 Sligo Ave.

Silver Spring, MD

National Take-Back Day is an effort organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to prevent the abuse of prescription drugs and ensure that traces of these substances are kept out of our nation’s lakes and streams.  Across America, this day provides citizens with the opportunity to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications at local law enforcement agencies in a manner that is safe and secure.

From an environmental standpoint, it is absolutely essential that prescription drugs are disposed of in a way that is sound and responsible.  While many believe that it is acceptable to simply throw away or flush these medications down the toilet, this is not the case because doing so can contaminate the ground and waterways.  Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove or break down many of the components found in prescription drugs.  Instead, harmful materials are discharged into our waterways as a consequence of improper disposal.

Contaminants from pharmaceuticals found in our waters have been known to cause serious harm to fish as well as wildlife living in these areas.  Humans can also be affected by drinking contaminated water or consuming fish and wildlife that have done so—the long-term health consequences of which are not yet known.

Thank you for joining our zero waste efforts and happy Earth Month!

What is Resident Appreciation Week, you ask?! We dedicate seven days to celebrating our residents – this year it’s March 11^th-17^th. Each day gives us an opportunity to say thank you for choosing The Blairs as your home. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Here’s what we’ve got on the schedule:

Monday, March 11th: Breakfast on the Go

From 7:30-9AM, we’ll have fresh Einstein Bagels ready to eat on the go and jump-start your week.

Tuesday, March 12^th: Treat Yourself Tuesday

Visit the Blair East Club Room from 5-8PM and peruse what vendors we’ve summoned to help you treat yourself! From accessories to skin care products and chocolate, plus a cooking demonstration, there will be something for everyone!

Wednesday, March 13^th: Yappy Hour

Bring your furry friends to Lucy’s Landing from 5:30-7:30PM and let us pamper them! We’ll have a Hydrant Bar with samplings of designer waters, a Bark Bar with all kinds of treats, and a grill with doggie sliders and a side of sweet potato fries! You know we love our Blairs pets!

Thursday, March 14^th: Happy Hour

Boordy Vineyards is bringing the wine, Jackie’s is bringing the hors d’oeuvres – all we ask is that you bring the fun to the Blair East Club Room from 6-8PM! Beer will also be available.

Friday, March 15^th: Lunch on the Go

Don’t worry about packing a lunch – we’ve taken care of it for you! Grab a sandwich, chips, and a cookie on your way out the door! We’ll be in the building lobbies wishing you a happy Friday from 7:30-9AM.

Saturday, March 16^th: Food Truck Fair

Have you ever experienced the awesomeness of the local food trucks? If not, we’re bringing a selection to you! From 12-4PM, you’ll be able to choose from Red Hook Lobster, CapMac, DC Empanadas, Fojol Brothers, and last but not least, Curbside Cupcakes!

We’re also hosting the Barkley Square Mobile Grooming Truck with 15% off grooming services for Blairs residents! Please set up an appointment by calling Shelly at 703.329.1043. You can grab a snack from a food truck while your dog or cat takes a bath!

Sunday, March 17^th: Ice Cream Party

Join us in the Blair East Club Room from 1-3PM and make your own sundae! We’ll have all the toppings you need – plus a little green for St. Patrick’s Day!

We can’t wait to see you for Resident Appreciation Week! Thank you so much for choosing The Blairs as your home.

Email lifestyles@blairapartments.com with any questions, and share photos on Twitter and Instagram with #residentappreciationweek !

Jim Crow on the Streetcars, an exhibit at the National Capital Trolley Museum in nearby Colesville, MD, examines the history of segregation in our area.  Open on weekends throughout the month of February, the exhibit recalls the struggles many faced in our area just 50 years ago through the lens of public transportation.  This is a great opportunity for younger generations to see how those who came before us were able to change something many of us experience every day on our morning commute.

National Capital Trolley Museum
1313 Bonifant Road
Colesville, MD 20905
301-384-6088
www.dctrolley.org

Another great event I want to mention is an exploration of African American Artists in the Smithsonian Collection.   On February 19^th and 26^th at 12:30PM, special docent-led tours will look specifically at the contributions of black artists to the permanent collection.  This event showcases a range of styles that come together to tell the story of the African American experience.  The museum is easily accessible from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro Station on the red line.

Smithsonian American Art Museum
8^th & F Streets NW
Washington, DC 20004
‎202-633-7970
www.americanart.si.edu

Feel like listening to music from two DC natives while seeing the sights and sounds of the Washington waterfront?  You can do just that on the Black History Month lunch cruise on February 23^rd from 11:30AM-1:30PM.  Sail the Spirit of Washington as you glide across the water listening to live performances of musical selections from African American musicians such as Washingtonians–Duke Ellington and Marvin Gaye, as well as many others.  You’ll embark from the Waterfront station, so it is easily accessible by Metrorail.

Spirit of Washington
Pier 4 at 6th & Water Streets SW
Washington, DC 20042
866-302-2469
www.spiritofwashington.com

I hope you find this information helpful as you observe Black History Month.  If you’re ever looking for something to do in the area or here at The Blairs, feel free to contact your Lifestyles Team!

Contact: lifestyles@blairapartments.com

From board game nights to exercise classes to events for kids and everything in between, the goal of the Lifestyles Program is to ensure there is something here for everyone. However, our clubs and events depend on you to make them a success. We want to hear your ideas so we can keep The Blairs connected and alive with the vibrancy of our community!

Thanks to some great tips from our residents, this month we rolled out new and exciting events that now meet on a monthly basis! Back by popular demand, we’ll continue to host a gathering for all board game enthusiasts on the third Tuesday of every month in the Blair East Club Room at 7PM. So if you are a Monopoly wizard or an ace when it comes to Apples to Apples, we hope you’ll join us at our Board Game Night! Last Tuesday, we rolled out another monthly gathering called Mix & Mingle, where neighbors had the opportunity to get to know each other over light refreshments. Mix & Mingle will continue to be in the Blair East Club Room on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7PM. Our first gathering was a great success and we’re looking forward to bringing more people together through this event!

Our first board game night!

And don’t worry – we haven’t left out the kids! This month we started providing a time for children and parents at The Blairs to meet each other at our Friendship Fridays Playdate every week at 2PM in the Blair East Club Room. We had a great gathering of youngsters last week so if you haven’t already, bring your little ones and a toy for show and tell to next Friday’s Playdate!

We are very excited to bring your ideas to life and we look forward to hearing more from you in the future!

You can contact us at lifestyles@blairapartments.com.

by Alexandra Stickelman, Senior Property Manager 

“It is one thing for us to believe that we are the best. It is quite another to have our belief confirmed and recognized by our industry.” – Property Management Association

On October 18, 2012 The Blairs was honored with a PACE Award for the best apartment community in our class in the metropolitan Washington area.  It’s like winning an Emmy — except we’re a community instead of a TV show. (It’s just as exciting if you ask us!)

The PACE awards are presented by the Property Management Association to recognize and celebrate excellence in apartment management. We competed against other communities that charge similar rent and were evaluated based on resident services, property condition, community outreach, and other factors that make a difference in our residents’ lives.

What makes The Blairs stand out above the rest?

•     The appearance of our community shows a commitment to our residents that their homes should be pristine, clean and inviting.  It’s one of the things that we do best.

•     The Blairs is always working to improve the place that you could call home!  Our common areas and amenity spaces are tailor-made to meet our residents’ needs and desires.

•     We appreciate our residents!  From an entire week each year completely dedicated to appreciating our residents by showering them with gifts and fun events, to our new Lifestyles Program encouraging residents to live happier, healthier and more sustainable lives, The Blairs does it all!

If you don’t already live here, we can’t wait for you to join The Blairs Lifestyle.

Our PACE Award is on display in our Business Office and Leasing Office, so stop by any time to check it out. It’s gratifying to know that we have been honored by our industry for our commitment to resident service and we look forward to seeing you soon!

This Saturday, October 27^th, stop by Blair East (that’s at 1220 East West Highway in Silver Spring) for the LIFESTYLES EXPO. From food to recycling, green living to 5 minute lifestyle, yoga to Zumba, you can do it all at The Blairs, and we want to prove it to you. Not only show you, but let you participate this very Saturday.

Consider this your itinerary planner:

Come on out at 10 a.m. We’ll be ready for you, waiting with coffee, bagels, and smiles. Get used to it – this is your typical Friday routine at the beginning of each month with Breakfast on the Go.

Grab a raffle ticket to be one of the lucky lifestyles winners of the day: a Community Supported Agriculture basket, an iPad, or something to make your house a little greener (and your air a little cleaner!).

At 11 a.m., we’ll have a yoga class (we’ll bring the mats!) in the outdoor Whispers Lounge, and a Zumba class at 1PM. Grab a snack in between – we like to be seasonable (that’s what fresh and local is all about, right?) – so snag an apple and cider while you recharge.

From 1-3 p.m., mosey on over to Lucy’s Landing – one of our two dog parks – for a Saturday Yappy Hour with all the best friends. That’s right… we want you to bring your dog. We’ll have treats and a hydrant bar to pamper their lifestyle as well.

In the meantime, you’ll be able to talk with some neighbors, and The Blairs team. Don’t be shy – we’ve got some conversation tips:

If you’re a foodie, you should probably check out our new Community Supported Agriculture program with South Mountain Veggies. Tony from SMV will be sharing what’s fresh out of the ground, and how SMV’s service works. We’ve heard some great things (fresh and local, too) are in the pipeline for the holidays…

We’ll also have a solution for the other end of the foodchain: you can sign up for our new pilot composting program. That’s right – now you can not only Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, but you can also Rot. We promise to make it an easy addition to your green lifestyle.

Fitness experts and amateurs will be excited to learn more about our wellness programs. From running and walking with your neighbors, to yoga and Zumba classes like the ones on Saturday, you’ll be set. We’ll even leave you with something to look forward to: water aerobics classes for the spring. (Did I mention these are FREE all the time?)

For when you’d like to prop your feet up a bit, we’ve got you covered as well: our book club meets once a month (currently reading The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides). We’ll also be unveiling our newest resident club next week: a knitting & crochet club.

Have an idea for another resident club, activity, or amenity? Collaborate with us on our idea board. It could be the next big thing at The Blairs. What do YOU want to see? This is your lifestyle, after all.

If you don’t already live here, you can discover the 5 minute lifestyle – we like to keep things simple. The leasing team will also be available to talk about making this lifestyle your lifestyle.

As for me — I’m most excited about the opportunity to meet YOU. As the Lifestyles Program Director, it’s my job to know what you like and don’t like, what you want to see out of this community, and how to make it smarter, greener, and better yet. I don’t take that lightly!

Look for me! Come introduce yourself. Ask me a crazy question (hint: I’m not a vegetarian. What’s the most out-there meat I’ve ever eaten?). Be prepared to answer one back.

We’ll call it a day at 4 p.m., and by that point I hope you’ll be energized and excited about your home. There are so many ways to get involved in this community, with opportunities to get to know your neighbors and stay active or engaged. I’m your resource for healthier, more sustainable living – but this is your program. Come out and see what your lifestyle will look like at The Blairs.

The Street Fest has evolved from a block party to a full-fledged festival, celebrating the drastic evolution of the neighborhood over the years. Once an industrial suburban area, south Silver Spring has become a walkable, desirable community for people of all ages and interests – and the festival flaunts this vibrancy.

Several local bands performed, including 2Blinks4Yes

The Street Fest’s food and drink offerings will highlight some of the best restaurants in the area, not to mention that most of the arts and crafts vendors were found on Etsy.com via the “Shop Local” option. It will be an exciting opportunity for these select local vendors to participate – for some, their first street festival ever.

The Street Fest is organized by the South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association, a group of residents invested in building community among residents and supporting local businesses.

Vendors, many found through Etsy.com’s local search option, filled the street with everything from handmade jewelry to funky household accents.

The SSNA’s past president Evan Glass took a few minutes to chat with me about the festival. He emphasized that the event is organized by residents, for residents. “We want to celebrate all the best that we have in our community,” Glass said. “It’s also another way to get to meet your neighbors, over a beer in the beer garden, or having your kids meet at the Moon Bounce. We want to get residents out of their apartments and into the street to celebrate this community.”

People of all ages had a lovely Saturday afternoon!

From funky jewelry and accessories to home goods, pet adoptions and self-serve dog washing stations, and music from several local and regional groups, it seems that there will be something for everyone at the Street Fest this Saturday. The great thing is that “something for everyone” doesn’t just hold true on the day of the street fest – this is everyday life in the South Silver Spring community.

-Molly King, Lifestyles Program Director

Don’t fret – you’re surrounded by fabulous people at The Blairs, your apartment in Silver Spring, MD.  Fabulous people who live near you and have felt like you do right now a time or two in their lives.  What did they do about it?  They borrowed – a style tip or a trendy uplift from a book, a magazine, an era of fashion.

So invite your fabulous friends over to your apartment and host your very own style swap event.  It’s a different kind of house party where you plan a great menu of finger food and drinks, gather up your besties, and have everyone bring an item of clothing they can no longer stand to the party.  (If the idea of having someone wear your favorite little black dress grosses you out, feel free to swap jewelry.)  Have each attendee gift the item in question to a person in the room with a style boost in mind.

And have fun with it – enjoy a dress-up party that’s better than the ones you had when you were five and all you could swap was your mother’s favorite (but weird) sequined boa.

Through all of the fun and the craziness, suddenly you’ll find that the skirt with risky hemline for your friend will set you apart as that fashionista diva at The Blairs.

For more information on living at The Blairs, follow this link: http://www.blairapartments.com/.

Pictured (L-R) below accepting the award:
Allen Sager, Jennifer Czumalowski, Arniece Green, Rasy Chhoeuy, Alex Stickelman, Sue Garcia, and David Borchardt