Christmas Tree Disposal

Now that the holiday season is coming to a close many of you have been asking where to dispose of your old trees. There is a place beside the cardboard dumpster at the recylcling area by the QQ building. Public works will come and pick them up, but they ask that the trees be completely free of any and all decorations.

Please use this area only and do not dispose of your trees at any of the other dumpster areas as they will not be picked up.

Please ask the leasing staff if you have any questions, and have a safe and Happy New Year!

A Message from the Poplar Place Staff

We would like to let the Poplar Place Community know we had a break in over the weekend.

Our Courtesy Officer and the Carrboro Police Department are involved. This is most likely an isolated incident however, crime can happen anywhere and at any time to anyone.

There a few things you can do to help prevent crime from happening to you:
Please remember to keep your windows and doors locked at all times.
When you are not at home keep your blinds closed.
Keep your car locked.
Do not keep anything out in your car. This includes purses, bags, laptops, Ipods and GPS's. Also, the chord to charge your GPS, or cell phone is a clue that those items may be in your car. So, please hide the chords as well.

If you have any concerns please feel free to call the leasing office at 919-967-0955. We will be happy to speak with you.

Red Cross seeks blood donations..............

Charlotte, N.C. — The North Carolina American Red Cross is urging people across the state to donate blood following a serious wreck involving a tractor-trailer and a church van in Transylvania County.
The wreck, which sent 15 people to the hospital late Wednesday, has depleted type O negative blood supplies across the state. Type O negative blood is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type, Red Cross officials said.
The American Red Cross is utilizing resources to send units of blood to Asheville from other parts of the state, but this could further impact supplies region wide as donations have already been lagging during the holiday season.
Find a Red Cross location to donate blood
To schedule a blood donation appointment by phone, call 1-800-RED CROSS.
The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet the needs of patients.
Most healthy people 17 or older who weight at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate. Donors 16 and younger who meet specific height and weight requirement and have parental consent can also donate blood.

Office Closed

The leasing office will be closed December 24-26.
Don't forget to pick up your important packages prior to those dates!

Happy Holidays!

With a new year comes a new face at Poplar Place........

Please welcome Yona McMillan to the Poplar Place Management Team!

Yona will be the Community Manager of Poplar Place beginning tomorrow.  She has over ten years of experience and six years with Westdale Asset Management.  We are very excited Yona has accepted the position at Poplar Place.  It is a well deserved promotion!

You may be wondering where I am going?  I have accepted a Community Manager position at a Westdale property in Durham.  I am excited to begin my new adventure in management however, I will miss Poplar Place very much.

Stop by the leasing office and welcome Yona to Poplar Place!

Happy Holidays!      -Ann

Carrboro one of two reality show finalists!

It’s official – Carrboro is one of two finalists in the running to become the setting for Lovetown, USA, a new reality dating show to air on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). But producers say they need more male applicants.
The show is being produced by the BBC for OWN, and on Tuesday the production team visited Carrboro and hosted a town hall meeting to answer questions and get a better sense of the town.
Bruce Toms, Lovetown’s executive producer, said the team had been searching for the right town over the past several months, and last week presented eight towns to OWN. Those were narrowed to two, but producers would not identify the other town.
According to the Kingsland, Ga., town website, Kingsland is still in the Lovetown running as well, and producers held a similar town hall meeting there on Wednesday.
Toms said producers have been very particular in finding the right town for the show.
“[Network executives] fell in love with this town. I love this town because it’s a unique town,” Toms said. “What popped off the tape for me and for the people at OWN was just that there’s such a great community spirit here.”
Rob Bagshaw, an executive producer for the show, said Winfrey has been very supportive of the show.
“She loves the idea of Lovetown, USA, and she’s seen some early footage of Carrboro, and loved it too,” he said.
The show seeks to guide eight singles on the quest for love over a 30-day period, while examining the effects it can have on a community. Bagshaw said the show is more of a documentary series than a reality television show.
“There’s no reality competition here. We are not eliminating,” he said.
“You wouldn’t see this on a big network, and that’s because we really want to follow the singles that we choose. We want to really follow their journey and find the right match for them,” Bagshaw continued.
The producers said that in selecting a town, they were looking for a place with a picturesque downtown, a strong community spirit and a population of about 15,000, including a good number of singles.
“We just think that Carrboro encompasses all of those things,” casting director Katie MacIntosh said.
However, MacIntosh emphasized that the show needs more male applicants.
“Without single people that want to fall in love, there is no show,” MacIntosh said. “We need to balance out the scale a little bit.”
The producers said they would welcome applicants of any age or sexual orientation from Carrboro and its surrounding areas, including Chapel Hill. Singles still have the chance to apply – email LovetownUSA@gmail.com for details.

Maintenance Meeting Today

Don't forget to come to the clubhouse today at 3:00pm for our maintenance meeting with Harry!

There will be prizes!

Packages

Remeber to bring an ID with you when you come to pick up packages!

Don't forget to pay rent by the end of the day!
Late fees will be added tomorrow, December 6th.

Maintenance Meeting with Harry!

Saturday December 10th at 3:00pm in the clubhouse

Ever wonder about the whys/hows/whats regarding plumbing, electric or appliances?

This is an opportunity to learn a little about maintenance at Poplar Place!

Service Supervisor, Harry Anthony, will cover a few common topics, give do-it-yourself tips and answer any questions you may have.

We will be raffling off a tool kit with case, and there will be other opportunities for prizes!

Rent Reminder

It's the 1st of the month! Don't forget your rent!

Looking for Love?...

Here's your chance! (<-- click there)

Free Laundry Weekend

Do your laundry for free this weekend!

This Friday evening (December 2nd) through Monday morning (December 5th) the laundry facility will be free of charge!

Take advantage of the free laundry weekend and leave your coins at home!

AND WE HAVE A WINNER!

Congratulations Olga!  Your ticket was drawn by Lieutenant Trombley of the Carrboro Fire Department to win the food drive raffle.  We thank all our residents who helped out their community this year.  We were able to donate 300 items to the Carrboro IFC! 

Carrboro Police Department Email Alert

"We are experiencing additional daytime residential break-ins. Areas hit recently include Robert Hunt Dr., Bolin Forest Dr., Westbrook Dr., and Prince St. Items taken include laptops, electronics, jewelry, medications, cameras, currency. We recommend that you record your serial numbers on valuables and take pictures of jewelry. Call 911 promptly to report suspicious people of activities...Please this message as needed."

Please attend our community meeting November 21st at 6:00 pm in the clubhouse. You will have the opportunity to speak directly with members of the Police and Fire Dpartments. As a treat for the kiddos, a dog from the K-9 unit will be here too!

Community Meeting

Don't forget our community meeting is Monday, November 21st at 6:00 pm in the Clubhouse.

We will have Members from the Fire and Police departments there as well as our Courtesy Officer and a State Farm Insurance Agent.

We will also draw the winning ticket for our food drive at the meeting.

This is the perfect chance to ask questions and meet your neighbors. We look forward to seeing you there!

In case there is severe weather...

Please follow this link for tips from Duke Energy regarding power outages.

Follow this link for more severe weather safety tips.

Holiday Closings

The Leasing Office will be closed on the following days:

• Thursday, November 24th
• Saturday, December 24th
• Sunday, December 25th
• Monday, December 26th

Be sure to pick up your important packages before December 24th.

Food Drive

There is only one week left to make donations for the food drive.

Anything helps! Please drop off your donations by 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 20th.

You will be entered to win $100.00 off of your December rent. You receive a raffle ticket per item donated. The more you donate the better your chances!

Thank you!

Rent Reminder

Don't forget to pay your November rent by the end of the day tomorrow! Late fees will be added to accounts with outstanding rent on November 6th.

Ice Warning!!

As the weather continues to get colder please be cognizant of potential ice patches accumulating across breezeways and bridges over night.

We have a limited salt supply, especially this early in the year. Though we will salt when possible, we want to make sure you are aware of the conditions and are being cautious and safe!

Congratulations Harry!

Your fabulous Service Supervisor, Harry, just competed in this year's Maintenance Mania through the TAA. He did exceptionally well in the maintenance competitions and his homemade car placed just behind the top three out of 30+ competitors!



Food Drive

By now you all should have received a paper grocery bag to use for food donations. There are plenty of extra bags at the office if one isn't enough!

We've already had three people make donations and we hope for many more!

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Don't forget about the trash pick-up!!

This Wednesday the PPA staff will take out your trash for you. Simply place your sealed trash bags outside your front door by 9:00 am on Wednesday and we'll bring it to the dumpsters.

Blood Drive!

 

OWASA, Anna Maria’s and the American Red Cross invite donors to the annual Halloween Blood Drive at OWASA on Friday, October 28^th  

On Friday, October 28^th, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority, Anna Maria’s and the American Red Cross will co-sponsor the annual Halloween blood drive at OWASA from 11 AM to 3:30 PM at 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro.

"The supply of all blood types at the American Red Cross has dropped to critical levels. As donors, your help is needed now to prevent the delay or cancellation of surgeries.   Patients are counting on Red Cross blood donors at this very moment," said Caroline Allison, American Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative for the Carolinas Blood Services Region. 

To participate in a blood drive, donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds (donors under 19 years old will have to meet certain height and weight requirements), be in general good health and have photo identification.

Anna Maria’s and OWASA will provide food for the blood drive. Presenting donors will receive the chance to win two Delta Air Line tickets.

OWASA’s Community Room will be festively decorated and OWASA staff will be in costume. Donors are invited to join in the fun!

For more information or to schedule an appointment

Information is also available from the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.

, please contact Ms. Kelly Chapman of OWASA at 537-4370 or kchapman@owasa.org. Getting an appointment will make the donation process faster for everyone who participates. Walk-ins are welcome after noon.  WWW.OWASA.ORG;  E-MAIL: WEBMASTER@OWASA.ORG

                                

400 JONES FERRY ROAD, CARRBORO, NC 27510

PHONE: (919) 968-4421; FAX: (919) 968-4464

WEB SITE:

Clubhouse Update

All the flooring has been put down! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Over the next week or so the business center will be put back in place, furniture will be delivered and some final touch-ups will be done.

4th Annual Food Drive

Our 4th annual food drive to help the

Inter-Faith Council of Social Services Food Pantry in Carrboro will begin within the next week.

We will leave a paper grocery bag and instructions at the front door of each apartment. If you'd like, you may fill the bag with your donations and drop it off at the leasing office.

You will receive a raffle ticket for each item that you donate. One ticket will be picked at the end of the raffle and the winner will receive $100.00 off of December rent. The more you donate, the better chance you have of winning.

The winner will be announced at our community meeting being held on November 21st.

We want to give a special thanks to Food Lion Grocery Stores! 

They generously donate all the grocery bags for our food drive each year!

Trash Pick-up

Want us to take out your trash?

On  Wednesday, October 26th we will do just that!

Please leave your properly closed trash bags outside your front door by 9:00 am on October 26th and the PPA staff will make the rounds and take it out for you.

Happy Columbus Day!

 

Signs

 of

 Progress!

 

The new windows are in! The next step will be a new paint job!

Rent Reminder

Don't forget today is the last day to pay rent before late fees are added!

It's that time of year!
Please test your heat in the next few weeks before it becomes really cold outside.
Report any possible heat issues to our office.

When you first turn on your heat you may notice a burning smell. This is caused by dust that has settled over the months of nonuse. That smell is normal and will go away with regular use of your heat. When you do test your heat, let it run for a few hours.

When using your heat, remember to "set it and forget it!" Keeping your thermostat at one constant temperature all day, verses turning it down when you leave for the day and cranking it up when you return,  will keep your electric bill down. It takes more energy to heat up than to sustain heat.

Remember, your heat not only warms the air in your apartment but your furniture, appliances and walls as well. If all that gets too cold, it will keep your apartment colder. Having your blinds and curtains closed can also help keep your apartment warm.

If your heat isn't working and the office is closed, switch your thermostat to emergency heat and call the office in the morning. Our service team is unable to work on heaters after hours. They are happy to take care of anything the following morning. During extreme cold it is normal to have a temperature variance of 2-5 degrees. Heat pumps struggle when it is really cold for an extended period of time.

If your power goes out, please call Duke Energy before you call the service team.

Did you know? You can schedule an appointment with the service team to learn how to properly use your fireplace. Snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. Peppermint Schnapps complements hot cocoa very well for our residents of legal age.

In the event of snow or ice (or both), we do our best to treat walkways and stairs with salt. We are not able to treat the driveway or parking lot. Please use caution when walking or driving in extreme weather and please stay home when possible. If you must travel in inclement weather, feel free to park on higher, flat ground. You can also park in a sunny area that will melt more quickly than a shaded one. Also remember parking first come, first served.

As always, if you have a question please call or email us. Stay Warm!

Breakfast on the run...

Tomorrow morning, at 8:00 am, our wonderful Maintenence Team will be handing out breakfast on the run!



State Fair

The North Carolina State Fair is October 13-23 at the fairgrounds in Raleigh.

Click here to visit the website for details.

Thursday, October 20th is Food Lion Hunger Relief Day.

Clubhouse

Thus far the clubhouse has had structural issues addressed and some new flooring put in. The next step is windows!

Congratulations to Kelly and Christy

for each winning $20.00 off their rent!

Thank you for your generous donations to the pet drive!

Early Bird Special!

Don't forget about our Early Bird Special! Anybody who pays their rent early will be entered into a drawing for $50.00 off the next month's rent!

Don't forget to make your last minute donations today for our pet drive.

Stop by the model apartment, number VV11, today between 1 and 3 to meet a few adoptable animals!

last week for pet drive

This is the last week we will be collecting items for the pet drive!!

Please make your donations by Saturday, September 24th.

Check out this previous post for a list of possible items to donate.

Plus, stop by to meet some adoptable animals on Saturday from 1-3 pm!

Adopt from the Orange County Animal Service by the end of the year and get $100.00 off your pet fee!!

You're Invited!
The Friends of RMH
invite you
to join them for a Benefit Night
at
Ben and Jerry's

September 8, 2011
6-8pm

102 W. Franklin Street
Chapel Hill

Bring your friends and family for a sweet treat for a great cause!  The Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill
will receive 20% of the sales from the evening!

Clubhouse

As most of you know our clubhouse is getting a bit of a face lift.  A few structural issues will be taken care of and some redecorating will be going on. 

During the construction phase the clubhouse will be closed.  We will continue to operate our normal business hours upstairs.  The business center will not be accessible during the construction. 

The great news is we are able to keep the pool and restrooms open durning the construction!  Please use caution on the pool deck.

 As we know more information we will continue to update our blog. 

Packages

As you know we are happy to accept packages in our office for you.  For the most part we have not had many lost packages over the years.  In efforts to lessen the chance of mistakes we are changing how packages are picked up.

Our package system will change October 1, 2011.  To pick up your package you will need to provide a photo ID.  This is required for everyone.  Even if your my Great-aunt Betty, you need a photo ID to pick up a package. 

Roommates and Spouses will not be able to pick up packages for each other.  Sorry!

This is to ensure privacy and streamline the package system to make things better, not to inconvenience anyone.

Please remember, we are happy to deliver small packages to your home!  If you call us before 4pm on weekdays we will put your package in your foyer for you.  The name must match the apartment number and lease to be delivered.

Thank you,
Ann Dyer

Business Center/Clubhouse Under Construction

Starting Monday, September 5th, the business center and clubhouse will close for construction. The leasing office and pool will remain open.

We will keep you posted as to a probable timeline for reopening. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions!

Take Part in a Local 6K!

Think Global, Run Local

The Dan Okun UNC Chapter of

Engineers Without Borders

4th Annual 6K

Run to Make Water Run

September 25th, 2011

______________________________________________________

Why 6K? Because it is the average distance that women and children in the

developing world must walk each day to collect water!

REGISTER TODAY

$15 for students, $22 for non-students, $25 on race day

First 25 people to register will receive a free EWB tote bag and notebook!

Starts at Old Well at 9am on September 25th; Register starting at 8am.

All proceeds will support our sustainable engineering and

development projects locally and worldwide.

here's another little contest...

If  you live in the RR, KK, or GG building and are the first to mention this post to Margot, Ann or Michelle in the office, you will get $5.00 off you rent!

We will post again once someone has won.

Early Bird Special!

Don't forget about our early bird special! Anybody who pays their rent early gets entered into a drawing for $50.00 off the next month's rent!

make your donations!

Don't forget about our pet drive! Make your donations now through Sept 24th!

See this previous post for a list of items you may donate.

Remember, the apartment that donates the most will win a prize!

Do your good deed for the day/week/month and help out animals in need right here in Orange County.

Plus!...There will be some adorable, adoptable animals in the clubhouse on September 24th from 1-3 pm. Adopt a pet from Orange County Animal Service now through the end of the year and get $100.00 off your pet fee!

How can you resist these precious faces?

Click me!       Click me!

Labor Day Closing

The office will be closed on Monday, September 5th for Labor Day.

For maintenance emergencies, please call the office and follow the prompts from the answering machine.

Happy Labor Day!



ATTENTION!

Monday, Leaf and Limb tree service will begin a tree pruning and removal project.

This will most likely take one week.

All the dead/dangerous trees will be removed and branches will be pruned away from buildings.

Please visit the blog for daily updates regarding the project.

Thank you
-Poplar Place Management Team

HURRICANE IRENE

Hurricane Irene is on her way.  Our area should prepare for a windy and rainy day on Saturday.  If you have anything on your porch that could blow away please take it inside tonight. 

We are still having a party tomorrow!  It may not be outside but we have plenty of fun planned for inside.  The pool/Irene party begins at 1pm. 

For the latest information please stay tuned to your local news and radio.

http://www.wral.com/weather/

Gym Code: Update

The gym code has not been changed.  A new door handle is being installed today and the code should remain the same.  Please call or come by the office to confirm, or if you have any questions.

Update: Gym Code

We will be replacing the lock on the fitness center door and keeping the same code as before to unlock it.

Severe Weather Reminder

Just in case there is severe weather this weekend, here are a few reminders...

Should there be a power outage, report it to Duke Energy by calling 1-800-769-3766

• Keep in mind that if there is a power outage, the phones and email in the office will be down.

Maintenance is unable to respond to emergencies during severe weather or rain. Please keep that in mind when submitting emergency maintenance requests.

Visit here for Carrboro weather updates.

The pool party is still on for Saturday. If anything should change, the blog will be updated.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Pet Drive

We are going to kick off our pet drive this Saturday

at our pool party!

Saturday through September 24th we will be collecting donations for the Orange County Animal Service. There is always a need for the following items:

Cat Care Items

• Dry Food: Southern States, Purina, Science Diet and IAMS brands
• Canned Food: any brand canned kitten food
• Other Cat Supplies: Southern States Pellet Bedding, ACES "Stretch and Scratch," Frontline plus, Advantage, cat towers

Dog Care Items

• Dry Food: States Complete Adult, States Complete Puppy
• Canned Food: any brand canned puppy food
• Other Dog Supplies: dog treats and chews, toys, Frontline Plus, Advantage. heartworm preventative, collars and leashes, Kuranda Bed

General Care Items

• bleach
• laundry detergent
• bath towels
• paper towels

The apartment that donates the most will win a prize. Also, from now until the end of the year, if you adopt a pet from the OCAS you will get $100.00 off your pet fee!

On September 24th, from 1:00-3:00 pm, a member of the OCAS will bring some adoptable animals to the clubhouse for you to meet. Stop by any time to mingle with the animals!

Visit here for more info on OCAS.

Blood Drive

On Thursday, August 25th, OWASA, Anna Maria's and the American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive from 11 am to 3:30 pm in the Community Room at the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro.

OWASA will dedicate the blood drive in honor of Engineering Technician, Sandy Beckham, who will retire on September 1st with 32 years of service to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community. In 1982, Mr. Beckham began OWASA's blood drive program.

There is a need for all blood types, particularly O negative.

To participate in a blood drive, donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds (donors under 19 years old will have to meet certain height and weight requirements), be in good general health and have a photo ID.

Anna Maria's and OWASA will provide food for the blood drive.

Presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free box of chocolate-dipped fruit from Edible Arrangements.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Ms. Kelly Chapman of OWASA at 537-4370 or kchapman@owasa.org. Getting an appointment will make the donation process faster for everyone who participates. Walk-ins are welcome after noon.

Tree Trimming Update

Tree Trimming will begin on August 29th pending weather and other variables that could delay work. It should be completed by the end of the week. Let us know if you have any questions.

Gym Code

We will be changing the code to the gym door on Monday. Starting Friday, please call, stop by or email the office for the new code.

Property Wishlist

The annual budget meeting is in our near future and there are two items we are really pushing for this time around. Once again, bike racks, and in addition to that, window cleaning for the outside of every building.

Approval is, at times, based on our ability to prove a need. We have ideas in mind but we are also extending this opportunity to you as well.

If you would like to submit a letter on why Poplar Place needs bike racks or why the outside of our windows should be cleaned, we would greatly appreciate it and welcome you to turn in something we may pass along.

If you would like to submit a letter, please do so by September 9th. Let us know if you have any questions.

Upcoming Grounds Work

In the near future you may notice some extra work being done on the grounds.  We are having the dead trees removed and most trees trimmed. All the Gutters will be cleaned early next week.  Contractors will be on ladders, so we ask you to keep your blinds closed on Monday and Tuesday while you are away.  We thank you for your patience during the work.  Let us know if you have any questions.

Pool Party

Don't forget about our upcoming pool party on Saturday, August 27th!

Join us from 1-3 pm for food, games and prizes.

And remember to let us know in advance if you are attending so we plan for the proper number of residents.

Rent Reminder

Today is the last day to pay rent before late fees are added. If paying with a check, be sure to get it to us by 6:00 pm. You may still make online payments after 6:00 pm with a VISA.

break in update

"We have made an arrest in several of our daytime residential break-ins. This investigation is continuing and we anticipate more charges. I have attached the media release. I keep stressing the importance of recording your property’s serial number when I send out email alerts. In this case, serial numbers were very helpful. Please call 911 if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Please forward this email as needed."

Sgt. Chris Atack

Carrboro Police Department

100 N. Greensboro St.

Carrboro, NC 27510

Pest Control

Orkin comes out the first four Fridays of every month for pest control treatments.

To get your apartment on the schedule, just call/email/stop by the office and let us know.

About six apartments can be treated each week and it is scheduled on a first come first serve basis.

Rent Time

The first of the month is upon us again! Don't forget to pay rent!

Don't Forget!

Tomorrow evening from 6-8 pm we are having a cookout to celebrate National Night Out.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy free food and camaraderie!

Early Bird Special!

Don't forget about our early bird special! Anybody who pays their rent early gets entered into a drawing for $50.00 off the next month's rent!

Folks, We Have a Winner

Congratulations Kevin! You were the first to mention the blog post and won five dollars off your rent.

Everybody keep an eye out for the next one...

Do you want to save $5.00?

The first person to see this post, and mention it to Ann, Michelle or Margot in the office, will get $5.00 off of August rent.

We will post again once someone has won.

National Night Out

National Night Out

August 2, 2011

6:00 pm

At the Poplar Pool/Clubhouse

What is National Night Out?

It is America's night out against crime!

National Night out is designed to:

• heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
• generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs
• strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
• send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Please turn on your porch light and join the Poplar Place team, Carrboro Police Department, and your Neighbors to a BBQ at the Poplar Place Pool/Clubhouse. Rain or shine!



If you would, please email or call our office to let us know if you are able to join. We would appreciate it very much plus we want to make sure we have enough food and beverages for everyone.

For more info call us at 919-967-0955 or email us at ppa@shared.westdale.com.

Also visit the National Night Out page.



Community Saftey Meeting

We encourage all residents to come to the community safety meeting tomorrow (Wednesday the13th) to discuss recent events and have a chance to ask the Courtesy Officer questions. It will be held at 6:00 pm in the clubhouse. There will also be an Allstate rep. here to talk about renter's insurance.

Lazy Days of Summer

Don't forget to stop by the clubhouse this Saturday between 10:00 am and noon to discover your sleep number thanks to our friends at Select Comfort.

 A representative will be here to demonstrate the fabulous sleep number bed and snacks will be provided on behalf of Select Comfort. As an added bonus, anyone who comes out for a demo will receive a raffle ticket for a $20.00 gift card.

Saturday Brunch

On Saturday, July 23rd there will be brunch set out in the clubhouse for all our residents.

Check back at a later date for more details!

Independence Day

 

Happy 4^th of July!

Have a safe and joyous holiday!

Our Office Will Be CLOSED

On Monday, July 4, 2011

In Observance of

Independence Day!

A note from Ann

I would like to let the Poplar Place Community know we had a break in this afternoon. 

Our Courtesy Officer and the Carrboro Police Department are involved.  This is most likely an isolated incident however, crime can happen anywhere and at any time to anyone.

There a few things you can do to help prevent crime from happening to you:
Please remember to keep your windows and doors locked at all times.
When you are not at home keep your blinds closed.
Keep your car locked.
Do not keep anything out in your car.  This includes purses, bags, laptops, Ipods and GPS's.  Also, the chord to charge your GPS, or cell phone is a clue that those items may be in your car.  So, please hide the chords as well.

If you have any concerns please feel free to call the leasing office at 919-967-0955.  Michelle, Margot, or myself will be happy to speak with you.

Thank you,

Ann Dyer
Community Manager
Poplar Place Apartments

Correction to 4th of July Article in July's Newletter

We would like to make a correction to an article in July's newletter.  Originally, fireworks were to be held at Kenan Memorial Stadium, however, we have since been informed they have decided not to have the fireworks display this season. For more information and details you can visit www.carrboro.com/july4/july4schedule.html or www.visitchapelhill.org/blog/entry/celebrate-the-4th-of-july-in-orange-county/, or call the Town of Carrboro at 942-8541.

OWASA News Release

OWASA's offices will close for the Independence Day holiday on Monday, July 4th: University Lake will be open Friday through Monday and the Cane Creek Reservoir will be open Saturday and Monday.

OWASA's offices at 400 Jones Ferry Rd, Carrboro, will close for the holiday on Monday, July 4th but OWASA personnel will be on call to respond to service interruptions, leaks in OWASA water pipes, wastewater overflows, etc.

Customers are welcome to call OWASA at 968-4421 at any time. OWASA personnel at the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant are on duty at all times and they  receive calls to OWASA after normal business hours.

Customers may get account information of make on-line bill payments at any time through the Manage My Account link on the OWASA website homepage.VISA and MasterCard are accepted. (If you receive this information in paper form, you can get on-line OWASA account information by going to the Manage My Accounts link on the OWASA homepage.)

Customers may also get information about account balances, payment due dates, etc. by calling OWASA's 24-hour Customer Service line, 5374343. It is necessary for a customer to use the 14-digit account number from her or his OWASA bill to use this line.

Customers may leave bill payments in the box at the driveway in front of OWASA Administration Building or in the box next to the front doors. The Administration Building at 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro is next to the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant. Customers are asked to include their account numbers on checks.

Lake Recreation

University Lake will be open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm for fishing, boating and other recreation from Friday, July 1st through Monday, July 4th.

The Cane Creek Reservoir will be open as usual on Saturday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm and also for the same hours on the holiday Monday.

University Lake is on the west side of Carrboro and can be reached via Jones Ferry Rd, Old Fayetteville Road and University Lake Road. The Cane Creek Reservoir is about eight miles west of Carrboro with an entrance to the recreation area on the north side of NC 54 just west of Sanford Road.

University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir are alcohol-free facilities. Small private boats (without gasoline engines) may be used in the lakes if brought in or on a vehicle and after being checked by a lake warden. Private boats should be cleaned before they are brought to either lake. Fees apply to lake use, boat and electric trolling motor rental, private boat use, etc.

For more information:

Heidi Lamay, Finance and Customer Service Manage, 537-4293 or hlamay@owasa.org

Eric Barnhardt, Lakes Warden, 942-5790 or ccreek@owasa.org

Bob Glosson, Senior Assistant Lake Warden, 942-8007 or ulake@owasa.org

Snow Cones for All!

This Saturday, June 18th, from 1 - 3 pm we will be having a pool party paired with a snow cone truck!

Snow cones will be available for all residents and guests, there's no cost at all!

These tasty treats plus a dip in the pool will be sure to cool you down on a hot summer day.

There will be munchies in the clubhouse as well!

Sidewalk Art Contest

Let's make Polar Place even more beautiful!

Weather permitting, June 11th and 12th we welcome all our residents of all ages to create a sidewalk art masterpiece.

We will provide the sidewalk and the sidewalk chalk! Refreshments and prizes will also be provided.

Please only color in the yet to be determined spaces. Sign up in the leasing office so we know how much chalk and sidewalk space we will need.

As always, if you have any questions please contact Ann, Michelle or Margot

Adopt a cat month!

June 2011 is adopt a cat month with

Orange County Animal Services!



All throughout June you can adopt a cat for only $50.00. That is 1/2 off the regular adoption fees!

PLUS, If you are a current resident of Poplar Place and you adopt a cat in the month of June, you will receive $100.00 off your pet fee!

Here is the contact info for Orange County Animal Services:

1601 Eubanks Rd. Chapel Hill, NC 27516

(919) 942-PETS

www.co.orange.nc.us/animalservices

Orange County Animal Services is also holding and OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, June 4th from 1pm-4pm.

There will be:

• free food and facility tours
• on-site spay/neuter surgeries
• tours of the POP-NC mobile surgical unit
• other animal organizations
• adoptable animals and cat adoption month specials

Do something wonderful in June and adopt a pet in need!



Benefit Concert

When tornadoes ripped through North Carolina on April 16, they left behind $115 million in damages in Raleigh alone. The devestation has been staggering. Now Disaster One has partnered with Rise Up Raleigh to present a concert and celebration with three purposes:

• benefit tornado victims
• thank the first responders and volunteers who've been helping with recovery
• celebrate the Raleigh spirit of optimism and togetherness

Rise Up Raleigh will feature concerts from an incredible lineup of talent, plus street performers and vendors. Please make plans to support Rise Up Raleigh on June 3.

Visit this link for details on the event!





Storm Tips from Duke Energy

Severe weather can strike quickly creating a variety of dangerous situations. We all have a responsibility to stay tuned to the National Weather Service, local media and emergency management for special warnings or instructions during severe weather events. The following tips are designed to help you safely endure the severe weather anytime it impacts the Duke Energy service area.

Before Severe Weather Strikes

• Have a portable radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor official weather forecasts and other important information in your area.
• Have a plan to move yourself and your family-especially those with special needs-to an alternate location in case you have to evacuate or experience an extended power outage.
• Keep a supply of non-perishable food items on hand.
• Ensure first aid supplies and all medicines are readily available.
• Make sure flashlights are readily available and working and that a supply of extra batteries is on hand.
• Consider the need for specialty items such as prescription medications, baby food, additional warm clothing and a safe heat source.
• Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency water supply in case power to their electric water pumps is interrupted.
• If you have an emergency heating or power source, learn how to use it properly.
• Have at least one traditional analog phone in your home that does not require electricity to operate. Cordless phones and phones with built-in answering machines will not operate during a power outage.

During Severe Weather

• Continue to monitor the media for important information.
• If you experience a power outage, please alert us by calling Duke Energy's toll-free automated outage reporting system at 1-800POWERON (1-800-769-3766). Spanish speaking customers should call 1-866-4APAGON (427-2466) for outage reporting assistance. Those with access to the internet may report an outage using our online report form.
• If you anticipate an extended outage, consider moving yourself and your family-especially those with special needs-to an alternate location.
• Consider checking on others who may benefit from your assistance.
• Consider all downed power lines and anything touching them energized and DANGEROUS! Do not get near them and report the problem to Duke Energy.
• Don't open freezers and refrigerators any more than absolutely necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw more quickly.
• During severe weather or power outages, turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This will reduce the potential for damage or fire. After the power is restored, wait 5 to 10 minutes before turning them back on.

After Severe Weather

• Replenish your supplies of batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food items in preparation for future storms.
• Have a licensed electrician disconnect your generator unless the generator has an automatic disconnection device.

Safety Around Power Lines

• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and do not touch anything that is on or near a power line (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders).
• Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, school yards, etc.).
• If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire of other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of te car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
• Report all power line hazards to Duke Energy of your local emergency services department or agency.

What to do About Solicitors

Not only does the springtime bring about warmer weather and longer days, it also tends to welcome solicitors.

Soliciting is not permitted on Poplar Place property. If you see a solicitor going door-to-door please call 911 to report it. You will be able to give the most accurate description and location of the person.

However, if you are uncomfortable calling the police, then please let someone in the leasing office know and we will be happy to take care of it.

No time for breakfast?

Breakfast on the run...

Drive or walk by the office or bus stop on May 24th at 8:00 am and the Poplar Place service team will hand you your breakfast!

Umstead Drive Closed

Joint news release by the Town of Carrboro and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority

Umstead Drive to close to through traffic for five to seven months starting on Monday, May 9th between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Umstead Park

On May 9th, Umstead Drive will close for about five to seven months between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Umstead Park during OWASA sewer replacement project.

The Town of Chapel Hill and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) encourage drivers, cyclists and others to use alternative routes around the sewer project. The closure will affect access to Bradley Road, Pritchard Avenue Extension and other nearby streets. However, the driveway to Umstead Park will be accessible from Estes Drive Extension and the western part of Umstead Drive. OWASA's contractor will maintain access to the closed area for residents and emergency vehicles.

Please click here to see an OWASA webpage including a map showing the area of Umstead Drive to be closed, the location of the sewer installation, Umstead Park, etc.



Access to Umstead Park and its adjacent Tanyard Branch greenway trail will be affected during the construction. Parking at Umstead Park is now restricted to about 10 spaces. The youth ballfield is closed. The remainder of the park is currently open. The park will be completely closed later this summer for about two months. The date of closure will be announced.

Chapel Hill Transit routes A, N, JN (Saturday) and T (Saturday) will be detoured during the closure. Bus stops along Umstead Drive, Pritchard Avenue Extension, Longview Street and Bradley Road will be closed. For additional details, please visit here or contact Chapel Hill Transit at 919-969-4900 or chtransit@townofchapelhill.org. Additional detours and stop closings are expected as the project progresses. The detours will increase travel times for customers in the affected area. EZ Rider service will not be affected by the project.

OWASA's contractor also plans to close the intersection of Village Drive and Umstead Drive from mid-October through mid-November, 2011. This estimated timetable is subject to change due to weather and other factors.

Need to replace the sewer

The project is needed because wastewater flow in the existing sewer is approaching the pipe's capacity. If wastewater flow exceeds a pipe's capacity or is blocked, untreated wastewater would overflow from a manhole and could affect Bolin Creek. The existing sewer is also deteriorating as it ages.

"We recognize that this road closing will affect many people in the nearby neighborhoods and in the community, and we ask for everyone's understanding and patience as out contractor moves forward with this very important project. Preventing wastewater overflows in our of our highest priorities," said Stuart Carson, Engineering Manager for OWASA's capital improvement program.

Carson emphasized that the duration of the road closing to through traffic is subject to change because of weather conditions, the amount of underground rock that will need to be removed so the sewer can be installed and other factors.

Additional background information

The sewer work will include digging a trench for the new sewer; fracturing and removing rock where necessary; installing new sewer pipes in the trench; refilling the trench and restoring the work area including pavement where the trench was dug, sidewalk, soil/grass, etc. affected by the sewer installation.

The $4.85 million project will include 6,100 feet of new sewers along Umstead Drive and Bolin Creek and 2,500 feet of new water pipe in Umstead Drive. The work will:

• Involve blasting to remove underground rock.
• Involve noise, dust and mud.
• Affect traffic and transit as indicated above.
• Normally enable access to individual residences for emergency service vehicles and residents in the project area. (Access to a driveway will be limited during installation of pipes in front of the driveway.)
• Include arrangements by the contractor so that sanitation, recycling, postal deliveries, etc. will be accomodated in the project area.
• Include temporary planned and unplanned interruptions of utility services such as water and sewer. The contractor will inform residents in advance of planned service intteruptions.

The contractor plans to work eight hours a day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

The project may be complete by late January 2012, but weather and other conditions may affect the duration of the project.

For more information:

The Town and OWASA will work together to send e-mail updates to interested citizens who sign up here and select "Chapel Hill eNews." (OWASA will also continue to send updates to customers on OWASA's ditribution list.)

OWASA (questions about the project purposes, location, contractor's activities and schedule, detour signs and related matters)

• Stuart Carson, P.E., Engineering Manager, 919-537-4247 or scarson@owasa.org
• Greg Feller, Public Affairs, 919-537-4267 or gfeller@owasa.org

OWASA is a public, non-profit agency providing water, sewer and reclaimed water services to the

Carrboro-Chapel Hill community.



Town of Chapel Hill (questions about the impact of the project on Town services and facilities such as Chapel Hill Transit, Umstead Park, greenways, etc.)

• Catherine Lazorko, Public Information Officer, 919-969-5055, or info@townofchapelhill.org
• Brian Litchfield, Chapel Hill Transit, 919-969-4908, or chtransit@townofchapelhill.org
• Bill Webster, Parks and Recreation, 919-968-2819, or bwebster@townofchapelhill.org