Posts about apartments in mount vernon

Baltimore Pride: Embrace Love and Diversity in 2023!-image

Baltimore is a vibrant and inclusive city known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong LGBTQ+ community. As Pride celebrations continue to evolve each year, 2023 promises to be an extraordinary time to embrace love, equality, and diversity. 500 Park Apartments are luxury apartments located in the heart of Mt Vernon, a hub for all things Pride! Baltimore Pride’s theme this year is “ One Heart, One Love, One Pride ” and will celebrate June 19-25, 2023.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)   June 16, 2023 - Twilight on the Terrace Start off the first weekend of Pride at Gertrude’s for Twilight on the Terrance, the largest gala benefiting The Pride Center of Maryland. Head to Gertrude’s for a night of dancing, performances from incredible local artists, fine food and craft cocktails.   June 17, 2023 – Pride of Mt Vernon Stop by Mt Vernon from 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM for a pride filled, family and dog-friendly street festival featuring a stage with musical entertainment, shopping with artists, local vendors and more.   June 23, 2023 - Ridin’ the Rail at the B&O Head to the B&O Railroad Museum and hop aboard the Pride Train for a Pride celebration you won’t want to miss! Catch one-of-a-kind drag performances, followed by a night to remember with food, drinks, music and dancing under the stars.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)   June 24, 2023 – Baltimore Pride Parade & Block Party Starting at 1:00 PM, at North Charles and 33 rd Street, The Baltimore Parade kicks off the day’s activities. The parade leads directly into The Block Party on Charles Street between North Avenue & 23 rd Street. Check out a variety of vendors, DJs, great food from local vendors and incredible talent that you won’t want to miss!   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)   June 25, 2023 – Pride in the Park Head to Druid Hill Park on Sunday to continue the festival with music, vendors, incredible drag performers and so much more starting at 12:00 PM. Get there early so you don’t miss a thing and don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket and sunscreen!   Baltimore is a city that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and the spirit of Pride. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, celebrating Pride in Baltimore is an experience like no other. 500 Park Apartments offers luxury apartments, world class amenities, and a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.  

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8 Official Symbols of Maryland State-image

How many of these Maryland state symbols are you familiar with?   Bird | Baltimore Oriole The Baltimore oriole is a distinctive inhabitant of Maryland's suburban areas and parks. The Baltimore Oriole migrates north from Mexico and South America in the spring and returns south for the winter. The Oriole weaves bag-shaped hanging nests often found on shade trees and feeds on fruit, insects and nectar. The Baltimore oriole is also the mascot and namesake for Baltimore’s baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. The Oriole Bird has been the mascot of the Baltimore Orioles since 1979.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by John F. Kennedy (@jfkwildlife)   Reptile | Diamondback Terrapin The official reptile of the state of Maryland is the diamondback terrapin . Diamondback terrapins are the only turtles adapted to live in brackish water, as such, you will find these turtles living in costal marshes in Maryland. Diamondback terrapins have made their way to mascot status, becoming the official mascot of The University of Maryland College Park. In addition to being the mascot, The University of Maryland College Park donates a portion of sale proceeds from their “Fear the Turtle” merchandise to fund terrapin conservation and research efforts.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Reptile Report (@thereptilereportofficial)   Flower | Black-eyed Susan The Black-eyed Susan has been the official flower of Maryland since 1918 when it was designated the “Floral Emblem” of Maryland by the General Assembly. Black-eyed Susans are members of the sunflower family and are perennial daisies or coneflowers. They are native to the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. The root of the black-eyed Susan is used in traditional and folk remedies to treat colds. These beautiful flowers are commonly found in fields and on roadsides, blooming between May and August.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claudia Gaupp (@between.gardens)   Gem | Patuxent River Stone The Patuxent River Stone became the State Gem of Maryland effective October 1, 2004. This stone can only be found in Maryland and the colors of rent and yellow reflect the Maryland State Flag. Have you ever seen one of these stones around Maryland? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andi Jumalon Witherow (@andiro1969)   Crustacean | Blue Crab The Chesapeake Bay is famous for blue crabs , which Maryland designated its official state crustacean in 1989. Blue crabs are omnivores, eating both plants and animals, typically consuming thin-shelled bivalves, annelids, fish, plants and nearly any other item that they can find, including carrion. The blue crab's scientific name ( Callinectes sapidus  Rathbun) translates as "beautiful swimmer that is savory." In Maryland, blue crabs are the most valuable commercial fishery.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Larry White (@wildgamegourmet)   Dessert | Smith Island Cake The Smith Island Cake became the State Dessert of Maryland on October 1, 2008. Named after Smith Island, Maryland’s last inhabited island that is reachable only by boat, the Smith Island Cake consists of eight to ten layers of yellow cake with chocolate frosting between each layer and slathered over the whole. Many variations of the cake have evolved, both in flavors of the cake itself and frosting. Have you ever tried Smith Island Cake?   View this post on Instagram A post shared by beazleybakes (@beazleybakes)   Dinosaur | Astrodon johnstoni Astrodon johnstoni was designated the state dinosaur of Maryland in 1998. Astrodon johnstoni, who were herbivores, lived in Maryland from 95 to 130 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. These giant sauropods weighed up to 20 tons. Astrodon johnstoni had small heads, long necks, long tails, and strong, solid legs. Fossilized teeth of the Astrodon johnstoni were found in Maryland in 1858, marking one of the earliest dinosaur finds in the country and the first in state.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Page about prehistoric fauna (@extinct_animal_facts)   Fish | Rockfish In 1965, Maryland designated rockfish , also called striped bass, as the official state fish. Between April and June, rivers feeding Chesapeake Bay provide spawning grounds for most Atlantic Coast rockfish because adult rockfish swim in the ocean but lay their eggs in fresh water. Rockfish that are born in the Bay spending their first 3 to 5 years there before migrating to the Atlantic where they may live up to 30 years.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Central Coast Fishing Charters (@central_coast_fishing_charters)   Be sure to keep an eye out for these state symbols next time you’re out hiking or just driving around our great state of Maryland!

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9 Tips for Sustainable Apartment Living-image

Creating a positive environmental impact starts at home. Through sustainable living, we can live a lifestyle that attempts to reduce society’s reliance on the Earth’s natural resources. Apartment dwellers can take earth-conscious steps towards making their home an eco-friendly zone and reap the numerous benefits that come along with sustainable living, which include cost savings and a healthier life. To help you take the first step into sustainable apartment living, here are 9 tips:   Reduce Your Energy Use   There are numerous ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption, like making sure to shut down your computer, unplugging idle electronics, and turning off lights when they’re not in use. Speaking of lights, make sure you’re using LEDs , which are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan.   Conserve Water   Did you know the average American uses an average of 82 gallons of water a day at home? What’s more, nearly 1 in 10 people around the world lack access to clean water . Do your part to reduce water consumption by turning off the water when it’s not in use (this includes while washing hands), taking shorter showers, only running your dishwasher when its full, and reporting all water leaks to your Leasing Office. Conserving water protects our ecosystem and can also save you money on your energy bills!   Use Green Cleaning Products   Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthy conditions - the removal of dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, certain cleaning products may contain chemicals associated with eye, skin, or respiratory irritation, or other human health issues . Making the switch to green cleaning products can help to reduce the human health and environmental concerns that come along with cleaning.   To identify greener cleaning products, consult the EPA’s Safer Choice program , which certifies products that contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment.   Opt for Energy Efficient Appliances   While you may not have a say in the type of larger appliances used in your apartment home, swapping your smaller appliances for eco-friendly alternatives can make a huge difference in your energy bill and carbon footprint. Though they can cost more up front, energy efficient appliances will save you enough in utility costs that they’ll often pay for themselves in a short time.   Shop Sustainable Furniture   Often made of cheap single-use materials derived from questionable working conditions, fast furniture is manufactured quickly and en masse to keep up with passing trends. That kind of consumption is having real ramifications on the planet. The EPA estimates that over 9 million tons of furniture is tossed in landfill each year. What’s more, as furniture decomposes, it can emit harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide.   When furnishing your apartment home, first opt for secondhand pieces to help keep them out of landfills. If secondhand isn’t an option, opt for pieces made from sustainable materials and by brands that are doing their part to reduce their environmental impact .   When it comes to floor coverings, choose rugs made with natural materials like organic cotton, seagrass, jute, and wool.   Control Temperature Naturally   Besides adding a touch of design and personality to your apartment, window treatments provide shade against the sun in the summer and trap heat during winter. When choosing window attachments, look for products certified with the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) Energy Improvement rating for increased energy savings and added comfort.   Control the temperature in your home more naturally by opting for an open window vs air conditioning or adding or removing layers of clothing. And when it is time to turn on the thermostat, make sure to schedule your programmable thermostat for optimal energy savings.   Reduce Your Overall Consumption   Recycling items you’re no longer using is a great way to reduce your footprint, but reducing your consumption in the first place has an even bigger impact.   Buying less isn’t about purchasing only sustainable brands or shopping secondhand. It’s about being thoughtful with what you buy, thinking about the future, and spending your hard-earned cash on things you’ll actually use.   Opt for Zero-Waste Consumables   Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture and reflect our tendency to prioritize convenience over durability and consideration of long-term impacts. Of the 300 million tons of plastic waste produced each year worldwide, half of that is for single-use items.   Zero waste alternatives can be found for nearly every single use plastic consumable – like toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent and more!     When it comes to living a low waste lifestyle, perfection isn’t the prime objective. Simply swapping out one or a few of your “normal” items for these zero waste products is a significant move.   Compost Food Waste   Tossing food waste into a garbage bin might seem like no big deal, but food waste sent to landfills can seriously impact climate change. When food waste is trapped in a landfill without air, it releases methane, which is a potent gas that contributes significantly to global warming.   One way to avoid this is to compost your food waste . Composting is a process of naturally recycling organic materials like leaves and food scraps into decomposed matter that enriches the soil. Composting simply speeds up the process of decomposition by creating the ideal environment for microorganisms to feed on them.   You can add compost to your window boxes, mix it with potting soil for indoor plants.   Creating an eco-friendly apartment has immense benefits, from ridding your space of dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, improving your health by avoiding products and materials that contain toxic chemicals, and saving energy by using lights and electrical appliances that are power efficient. Practice the tips mentioned above and create an eco-friendly apartment. Not only will you save money, but you will be doing your part in saving our planet.

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​How to Care for Your Stainless-Steel Appliances-image

Stainless steel appliances look great and blend with most decors. Here at 500 Park Avenue, our luxury apartment homes feature fully equipped kitchens with Energy Star, stainless steel appliances sure to compliment your personal design style. Keep your appliances looking pristine and free of marks from grease, fingerprints and water drops by following these guidelines. Wipe in the Direction of The Grain   When cleaning stainless steel appliances, the main goal is to do it without damaging the surface or leaving unsightly streaks on it. Find the direction of the grain by looking for little horizontal or vertical lines in the stainless steel. If the stainless-steel grain is horizontal, wipe from left to right. If the grain is vertical, wipe in a downward direction.   Use a Designated Stainless-Steel Cleaner Avoid using any harsh chemicals or multi-purpose cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia on your stainless-steel appliances, as these can cause scratches and damage to the appliance. Instead, use a designated stainless steel cleaner , which is formulated to dissolve grease without scratching. Many also leave behind a protective coating to help deter future fingerprints. Wipe With Microfiber Cloth After cleaning your appliances, avoid allowing them to air dry, which can lead to streaks. Instead, buff them dry with a clean microfiber cloth, which lift and trap dirt and grease and do a better job zapping streaks more quickly than plain cloths or sponges do. Apply a little extra elbow grease when you come to any oily smears or stubborn fingerprints. Steel brushes and steel wool pads should not be used since they can scratch the surface of your appliance.

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How to Make Friends in a New City-image

Moving to a new city can be tough for a lot of reasons, not least among them is having to make new friends. However intimidating the idea of finding new friends may be, though, it’ll be worth the effort! To help you get started, here are 5 great ways to make some new connections in your new town! Pick Up a Group Activity Joining a group activity is a great way to not only meet new people, but to meet new people who share your interests and hobbies! Like to cook? Join a cooking class! Into fitness? Try a local yoga class.   Attend Community Events In cities of all sizes, organizations often host meetups and events to encourage mingling and welcome newcomers. Not only are these events a great way to make new friends, they’re also a great way to discover your new favorite bar, restaurants, art gallery and more! And don’t forget the events hosted right here at 500 Park! Make sure you’re following 500 Park Avenue Apartments on Facebook  to stay in-the-know about the Resident events we have planned for you! Connect with Colleagues Don’t overlook the office; it can be a great catalyst for social connections.  To spark new friendships in the workplace, try: Eating your lunch in the break room Participating in work events Posting about events or fun ideas in your work’s communication channels Inviting colleagues to join you for lunch, dinner, happy hour, a group activity, or other social events.   Use Your Building’s Amenities Community amenities are a great way to find common interests with your neighbors. Plus, you’ll quickly learn who the regulars are. Start by waving or saying hello to the people you recognize. Whenever the chance presents itself, strike up a conversation! If you’re not sure what to talk about, make a comment or ask a question about the amenity you’re both using. For those new to 500 Park, start your morning off with a workout in our 24-hour Fitness Center, wind down after your busy day in our billiard lounge, or enjoy some time outdoors in the courtyard. Regularly spending time in these communal spots is a great way to meet your neighbors who also call 500 Park home. Throw a Housewarming Party While you obviously don’t know your apartment neighbors yet, it’s quite possible that they don’t know each other, either. A housewarming party is a great way to not only meet them but to provide opportunities for them to connect with each other as well. Having a theme for your event might help take away some of the anxiety. Try hosting a game night, ice cream social or wine tasting to help break the ice.

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Tips for Moving During Winter-image

Let’s face it… moving during any time of the year is stressful , but moving during winter can seem especially daunting. On top of having to pack up all your belongings, changing your address and finding a mover (or convincing your friends to help), a wintertime move comes with the added burden of inclement weather, fewer daylight hours, and moving during the holidays. To take the stress our of your wintertime move, we’ve gathered the best tips and tricks so you can get back to enjoying the cozy season and focusing on the joy of moving into your new home! Focus on the Positives Yes, moving during winter comes with its cons, but there are also many benefits to moving in the winter! For one, it’s cheaper! Summer is the most popular moving season, which means moving companies and rental trucks are in high demand with higher prices. During the slower winter moving season, it’s easier to find a deal or discounted prices on moving companies. Plus, they’ll be more flexible on availability as well! Check The Weather After you’ve shopped around to find the best deal on a moving company, check (and keep checking) the weather. You’ll potentially need to plan your move around snowstorms, ice conditions, or freezing temperatures. Be prepared to have to reschedule a move; ask your moving company about cancellation policies and inclement weather policies. The safety of yourself and your movers is the top priority. If bad storms are predicted, make the call on whether to postpone the move. Pack Safety Items Make a list of everything you need for your move. In addition to the usual packing supplies, stock up on kitty litter, salt, and shovels for melting ice and clearing snow, moving blankets and plastic tarps for preserving furniture and floors, and plastic moving boxes for your most valuable items to prevent water damage from snow or icy conditions. While planning to take care of your items during the move, remember to plan to take care of yourself as well. Have a first-aid kit readily available for moving day equipped with thermal blankets and a flashlight. Before you pack away your clothes, set aside a warm, layered outfit along with non-slip boots and gloves to wear on moving day.  Make a Plan for Pets and Children Moving day can be hectic, so you’ll want to make sure your pets and young children are in a safe and warm spot out of the way. While preparing for your move, check that your pet has a collar and an ID tag and that they’re microchipped with up-to-date information. If you’re moving locally, plan to either board your pet or have a trusted family member or friend watch them while you move. If you’re moving locally with children, have a trusted person watch them for the day. If you’re moving a long distance, you’ll need to factor in the trip while you’re preparing to move. Set aside everything your pet and children might need for the journey, like food, medicine, water, and comfort items. Plan to make stops along the way to give everyone time to stretch their legs and use the restroom. Once you get to your destination, put pets in a designated room of your new home with the door closed and heat running. Apartment moving is stressful for animals, so make sure they’re comfortable by providing them with access to water, their crate or cage, and other comfort items like a bed and favorite toys. For children, bring a trusted person along so that they can help watch your child during the move and make sure they have snacks and toys with them to occupy themselves as well. Pack Early Two weeks before the big day, make sure your packing is going according to plan. Everything should be packed before moving day, so it can be loaded onto the truck and unpacked at the new place as quickly as possible. Remember, it gets dark early during the winter, so don’t waste time packing while you’re supposed to be moving.  While on the topic of packing, make sure to set aside delicate items (like electronic) that should not be exposed to freezing temperatures.  Place these items in a secure container where they will remain dry, and temperature controlled. Ensure Utilities are Transferred About a week or so before your move, double check that your utilities are transferred and ready to be switched on at the new place. Even one night without heat is dangerous in freezing weather. You’ll want to confirm that at least your water, power, electricity, and gas will be on by moving day.      New Year = New Home! A winter move is the perfect time to start fresh in the new year, and by following the tips above, you’ll make it as stress-free as possible. 500 Park Avenue is now leasing studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment homes in Mount Vernon! Call us today to schedule your tour.

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