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WINTER PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR HOME

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As our thoughts turn to fall and the end of the year, Autumn Cove’s staff is busy preparing the community to withstand colder temperatures without damage. A major part of this is to winterize all water lines before the beginning of October. To do so, we need residents to insure their heat tape is working properly and to insulate the pipes under their homes. Doing so will help prevent damage to the water lines caused by freezing temperatures. If your heat tape and/or pipe insulation is damaged or insufficient, you can purchase replacements at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Local plumbers also carry these items. Autumn Cove also requires residents to assist with winterization of the community by notifying us immediately of water leaks underneath your home. Please check for these as soon as possible and notify us by email, voicemail, or a note placed in the mail slot. That way we can inspect the problem and take action before temperatures drop. PLEASE BE AWARE: You must properly prepare your pipes...

HOLD ON TO SUMMER A BIT LONGER

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As we move into September, it won’t be long until cooler temperatures have us nostalgic for summer. But you don’t have to let go of summer just yet! You can bring some of that sunshine into your house even when the leaves start turning. A simple change is making your home smell like summer. Choose citrus or lavender scented candles or air fresheners. A simple DIY recipe for your own non-toxic spray contains ¾ cup of water, 2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol, and your favorite essential oil or combination of oils (around 10-20 drops total, depending on how strong you want it.) Pour this mixture into an 8-ounce spray bottle. Try out a few combinations and see what you like. Grapefruit and eucalyptus or lavender and lemon are good places to start. Each season has associated colors, and summer is no exception! Bringing in bowls of lemons, limes, or oranges give your home a summery vibe. Bright pillows on your sofa or bed have the same effect, even when temperatures drop. Freeze some su...

AN EVENING OUT FOR A GOOD CAUSE

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Summer means lots of outdoor activities and events in Idaho Falls. On Wednesday nights through September 6 th , you can enjoy an event that not only brings together the community but also provides long-term benefits. The Idaho Falls Civitan Club is hosting the Alive After Five evenings featuring live music, food, and beverages. The events runs from 5:00p.m. to 7:30p.m. at Civitan Plaza in Historic Downtown at the corner of Park and B. Street. Each week features a different sponsor, food vendor, and band. The remaining event nights this year are August 23, August 30, and September 6. Proceeds benefit local community projects of the Civitan Club, including Shop with a Cop, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, Adopt a Highway, Festival of Trees, Homeless Stand Down, and the Guns and Hoses Tournament. For more information, check out their website here . Autumn Cove wants to help you maintain your active lifestyle! If you have any service requests, you can submit them using the online Service Manager ...

SPEND A SUMMER EVENING WITH SOME GREAT MUSIC

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Outdoor concerts are one of the great things about summer, and the Idaho Falls Arts Council has a great series going on right now. Every Tuesday evening through August from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the EIRMC River Concert Series brings a different artist or group to perform, sponsored by various community members and local businesses. The concerts are free to the public and take place on the Greenbelt Stage, located between D & E on Memorial Drive. August 1st brings The Not Brothers to the stage. Start warming up those vocal cords, because on August 8 th , the audience gets to join in as the series brings a Broadway Sing-A-Long. August 15 th features the Eastern Idaho Jazz All Stars, which is sure to have you tapping your toes. Jacie Sites is the artist for August 22 nd . The Mike Banks Jazz Quartet ends the concert series on a high note on August 29 th . Make sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and feel free to pack a picnic dinner to make the most of your night along the ...

STAYING COOL WHEN THE HEAT IS ON

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The warmer months bring lots of great reasons to get outside and enjoy nature, but the heat can sneak up on you. Here are some ways to beat the heat while still enjoying yourself this summer. Outdoor activities are best in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of mid-day. But if you need to be out in the sun, there are many options to deal with the increase in temperature. Loose, light clothing, preferably cotton, won’t absorb heat and will let air flow between the fabric and your skin. If your activity level makes you break a sweat, look into moisture-wicking fabric as well. Maintaining a good fluid and electrolyte balance is key as well, even if you’re more armchair quarterback than quarterback. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help you stay hydrated, but if you’re spending long periods outside, especially in the sun, make one of those bottles electrolyte water. One-time use ice packs can easily be thrown into your bag and activated when you need a cool-down. Place...

IDEAS FOR WHEN IT’S TOO HOT TO COOK

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When the heat of the summer bears down on us, cooking can begin to lose its appeal. The oven heats up the home too much, and warm food can sometimes seem unappealing. But you don’t have to settle for the same old salad or boring sandwich. There are options to fix a great meal with no or minimal cooking. Pasta salads are an easy way to get a good meal on the table, and you can make them to satisfy any craving. First, cook up a bunch of pasta— penne, spiral, or bowtie pastas are great options because their shape and texture lets ingredients cling to them. Italian dressing is the standard to bind and flavor pasta salad, but ranch or green goddess will  give your salad a different tanginess. Chop up your favorite veggies and meats to add texture and taste. Feta or goat cheese is also a good addition. Here’s an easy recipe to try: Prepare 8 ounces of pasta as directed on the box and let cool. Peel as much meat as desired from a cooled rotisserie chicken and add it to the cooled pasta in a l...

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW

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Retirement is a great time to try all those things you always wanted to make time for but couldn’t around work and family schedules. With so many options to keep your mind active, your new favorite activity is just waiting to be discovered! Keeping your brain active is just as important as moving your body. Hobbies you enjoy can help you cope with health issues and periods of loneliness, as well as keep you from falling into a rut and help fight off the boredom that often accompanies retirement. There are many activities that are designed to challenge your brain, like crossword puzzles and trivia games. Learning a new language has the added benefit of helping you communicate if you travel, but it also opens up a world of entertainment options. Movies are much more enjoyable if you don’t have to read the sub-titles! As we get older, we’re often less willing to try something outside of our comfort zones. But even something as simple as taking a different route on your daily walk or readi...