Local Activities Tips & Ideas

Never Write a Rent Check Again! It’s the beginning of the month-you got things to do, places to be, and bills to pay. We know how busy you are and how long that ‘to-do’ list can get.

That’s why we’ve made it as easy as possible to mark “pay rent” off the list every month with our convenient and secure, electronic payment and mobile app option!

You can make a one-time rent payment online or with our app without purchasing a money or-der or standing in line. It’s fast, easy and can be done when you want, from where you want.

Plus it’s FREE! That’s right, FREE! Save time and money by paying your rent online or with our app!

Please contact Susan McMichael at (215) 557-8414 x3211 to sign up today!

Health Tip of the Month: Eat Healthy When You’re Out!

The average American eats out 2-3 times per week. While eating out, we are often tempted to get fries instead of salad, and eat portions large enough to feed two people!

Here are some ideas to help you eat well:

• If you know where you are going to eat, check out the menu beforehand.

• Look for terms that may signal healthier dishes: baked, braised, broiled, grilled, poached, roasted and steamed.

• Avoid dishes with words like: fried, buttered, creamed, crispy and breaded.

• Split your order. Share a large portion with a friend or take some home for another meal.

Source: philaurec.prestosports.com/fitness/healthandfitness

Stopping Unsolicited Mail, Phone Calls, and Emails

Tired of having your mailbox crammed with unsolicited mail, including preapproved credit card applications? Fed up with getting telemarketing calls just as you’re sitting down to dinner? Fuming that your email inbox is chock-full of unsolicited advertising?

You can opt out of prescreened offers of credit and insurance for five years by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visiting: www.optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies.

To begin the permanent Opt-Out process go online to www.optoutprescreen.com. To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request.

The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request.

For more information, please visit: www.consumer.ftc.gov

Source: ftc.gov.

Grievance Procedure for Residents

A resident may ask CPM to reconsider any adverse decision should a dispute not be resolved through normal procedures at the site level. Request for reconsideration must be in writing and must set forth the specific reasons why the resident or prospective resident believes the decision was in error. Any reconsideration request must be limited to the allegation and issues directly related to the alleged adverse action. The complainant must identify all relevant information that he or she believes is incorrect or that was omitted from previous consideration. The request must include all new and material information believed to support the reconsideration request. All grievances will be reviewed by a company officer and will be responded to within 10 business days of receipt.

Please direct all grievances to: Columbus Property Management, Attn: Grievance/Complaint, 2042-48 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or by email to: corporate@columbuspm.org

4 DIY Natural Insect Repellents to Protect Your HomeAh, summer. Warmer weather, gardening season, and bugs. Bug repellents from the hardware store work well and are fairly affordable, but some contain dangerous chemicals that are toxic to humans and animals. Check out some of these inexpensive, effective natural insect repellents to protect your home without the side effects:

Garlic, Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper PowderPick up a couple of bottles at the dollar store or get some huge bottles from a warehouse store for a few bucks. Sprinkle heavily around the foundation of your home every month to create a bug-proof barrier around your home.Vinegar, Herbs and WaterVinegar is a super multitasker around the home. Grab a large spray bottle and fill half of it with white or apple cider vinegar. Next add any or all of these herbs: mint, lavender, catnip, sage or thyme. Top it off with some water, shake well, and let it steep overnight. The next day you’ll have a super-pungent bug repellent.Vinegar and Essential OilsFor an even more effective bug repellent, fill a spray bottle with half parts vinegar and water and add 10-15 drops of any of these essential oils: mint, tea tree, spearmint, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, clove, citronella or eucalyptus.Witch Hazel, Water and HerbsThis recipe is pretty much the same as the vinegar one above. Simply substitute witch hazel, which you can get at most grocery or drug stores, for vinegar, and distilled water for tap water.

Source: www.quickenloans.com/blog/5-diy-natural-insect-repel-lents-protect-home

How to Plan a Family ReunionFamily reunions are a memorable way to reconnect with loved ones, but according to Jeanne Pena, a reunion planner, they need careful planning to pull off successfully. Here’s her recipe for a family reunion you’ll remember for the right reasons:Set the Date Far in Advance: Getting a large group together takes lot of coordination. It’s best to start planning the trip at least a year in advance so everyone can save the dates, and book flights.Consider a House Rental: Homes offer many benefits for family reunions including multiple bedrooms, full kitchens and communal living and outdoor spaces. Look for rentals on Airbnb.com, HomeAway.com or Vrbo.com, or seek out resorts that have private residences.Pick a Destination With Activities: It’s important to find a destination where everyone can have a good time. “You want a hotel or home that offers or is near a golf course, a pool, a spa, a lake, hiking trails, bike rentals and more,” Ms. Pena said.Plan a Themed Event: The purpose of a reunion is to spend time with your family, but Ms. Pena said that in many instances, people tend to go their separate ways. To help make your reunion a success, plan time together as a group. For the complete article, please visit newyorktimes.com Source: New York Times. Shivani Vora

Catch a Washington Nationals Home Game this May!

Arizona Diamondbacks May 2-4Baltimore Orioles May 10-12

Philadelphia Phillies May 12-14Seattle Mariners May 23-25San Diego Padres May 26-28

Funk Parade: Saturday, May 6The Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind street fair, parade and music festival in the U Street neighborhood of Washington, DC, on Saturday, May 6. It will feature over 150 hours of live music and dance programming, art installations, large-scale activations and more. Location: The U Street Metro Station is within walking distance to all of the events. Street Fair: noon-7 p.m. Music, dance, dragon and lion dancers, art and workshops will be located along U Street from 9th to 16th St. NW.Mighty Funk Parade: 4-5 p.m. The parade will begin at T Street NW and Florida Avenue NW, in front of the Howard Theatre, proceeding west on T Street, turning right on Vermont Avenue, and left onto U Street. It will proceed on U Street NW for several blocks ending in front of the Lincoln Theatre.Music Festival - 7-10 p.m. Free performances at a variety of venues throughout the U Street Corridor.

Newsletter for Columbus Property Management Residents May 2017

Management and Resident Services wish a “Happy Birthday”

to all residents born in May!

Volume 1, Issue 8Table of Contents

Page 2

Funk Parade

How to Plan a Family Reunion

Tips & Ideas

Page 3

DIY Insect Repellent

Never Write a Rent Check Again

Grievance Policy

Page 4

Recipe of the Month: Lemon & Dill Chicekn

Monthly Quote

May is National Stroke & High Blood Pressure Awareness MonthWhat is high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force that your blood creates on the walls of the arteries in your body. High blood pressure, or

hypertension, is a term we use when that force is higher than it should be. Typically, blood pressure is stated using a fraction. The top number of that fraction is called systolic pressure. It is the pressure on the arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number represents diastolic pressure. It is the pressure between heartbeats, when the heart is resting. When a person’s systolic and/or diastolic numbers are too high, they are “hypertensive” or have high blood pressure. Causes of high blood pressure can come from a variety of sources, including stress, unhealthy diet, and family history among other factors. The first step in treatment and prevention is to get screened.

Here are some simple tips to help manage and reduce blood pressure:

• Take all medications as prescribed even if you feel better; if you experience any side effects, speak with your doctor

• Exercise regularly • Limit salt intake • Maintain a healthy weight• Minimize alcohol use • Quit smoking

What is a stroke?A stroke is a “brain attack.” It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost.

How a person is affected by their stroke depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. For example, someone who had a small stroke may only have minor problems such as temporary weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be permanently paralyzed on one side of their body or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability.

The American Stroke Association recommends that you think “fast” when recognizing a stroke. Face drooping? Arm weakness? Speech difficulties? If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, it’s time to call 911.

Source: American Heart Association

Recipe of the Month: Lemon & Dill Chicken Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (1-1¼ pounds)

• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, or canola oil, divided

• ¼ cup finely chopped onion

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 2 teaspoons flour

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, divided

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1½ teaspoons oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until well browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.

2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1½ teaspoons oil to the pan. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk broth, flour, 1 tablespoon dill and lemon juice in a measuring cup and add to pan. Cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

3. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan; reduce heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a warmed platter. Season sauce with salt and pepper and spoon over the chicken. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.

Source: eatingwell.com

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a member of Mission First Housing Group

www.columbuspm.orgwww.missionfirsthousing.org

twitter: @MissionFirstHG

CPM Connections is written by CPM’s Resident Services

Department.

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