Piney Ridge Apartments & Townhomes | Blog

Helpful Tips to Deep-Clean Your Apartment for the New Year

We’re glad to welcome 2021 and get a fresh start. Why not give your apartment a fresh start, too? Not sure where to start? This guide is here to help you get a plan for getting your apartment in shape for the new year. Have Your Cleaning Supplies Ready Take stock of the supplies you already have. The easiest way to create a list is to gather all of your cleaning products in one place. From there, it’s easy to see that you need more bathroom cleaner, dusting cloths, or window cleaner. Make a list of any cleaning supplies you’re running low on or missing. If you’re on a budget, consider creating your own cleaning supplies! Remember that certain chemicals can be harmful to you and/or your pets. If you need to get new supplies, just remember to do research to find out how safe the product is and how it may react with the surfaces you’ll use it on. Also check for sales and check wholesale clubs such as BJ’s or Costco to find out if any savings are available. Online retailers like Grove Collaborative offer natural cleaning products delivered right to your door. Make A To-Do List The answer to this should be everything, but that can feel overwhelming to hear and tell yourself. The easiest way to combat cleaning fatigue is to write out a list of everything you would normally clean, and then add any extras you can think of. Be sure to include commonly overlooked areas such as ceiling fans, baseboards, the top of your refrigerator, your kitchen cabinets, and window treatments. The main thing here is to clean your house from top to bottom and not forget any of the small things. If the list is overwhelming, spread the cleaning out over several days or a week to make it more manageable. Clean the Outside of Your Apartment, Too The outside of your home is just as important as the inside. Wipe down your windows – inside and out – and sweep your patio or balcony. Take a look at your front entry door and make sure it sparkles just like the rest of your apartment. Give your doormat a thorough shake outside and, if it’s washable, toss it in the washer for a good cleaning. Declutter If you have extra stuff or a pile of items you’ve been meaning to donate, now is the best time to do so. Are there any clothes you’ve been wanting to sell? Go through your cabinets and see if there are any mugs or extra cups that should be cleared out. Review the books on your bookshelves and see if any can be donated to your local library or a nearby Little Free Library. Scour your pantry and cabinets for any food that you can donate to a local food pantry or food bank. If there are any items you’re looking to hold on to but are just taking up too much space, consider renting a storage unit to free up extra space in your home without getting rid of valuable items. This is also a great option for items like seasonal clothing and holiday décor, keeping it out of the way in your home until needed. Organize Once you’ve decluttered, you have the opportunity to organize or even redecorate! If a whole new look doesn’t fit in your schedule or budget right now, there are still some fun ways to add color to your home while organizing. Select some pretty organizers and boxes to add some shine or color to your home. Great places to shop include the Container Store, Ikea, and Target. For inspiration, check out a show or blog such as The Home Edit. Set Solid Habits Now that you’ve cleaned up, decluttered, and organized, it’s time to set some new habits for the new year. Set a regular cleaning schedule to help your apartment look this great year-round. Apps likZenDen, Motivated Moms, or Dirtfree can keep a running schedule and to-do list to help you stay on top of things. Prefer a paper option? Check out these beautiful home planners by Passionate Penny Pincher. Make Sure Your Apartment is Clean for the New Year! Using these helpful tips to clean your apartment, you’ll have it shining in no time. An even easier option, move in to an already clean apartment and set it up in an organized way. When you’re ready to make your next move contact us and we’ll help you tour in person or online.

2020 Recap: The Rachuba Family Foundation

At Rachuba, we’re committed to giving back in ways that make the biggest impacts within the communities we serve. This legacy of philanthropy was handed down through the generations, beginning with our grandfather, Ralph DeChiario, and father and founder of Rachuba, Larry Rachuba. In continuing our family’s tradition of giving, The Rachuba Family Foundation was created to support a number of local and national non-profit organizations. These include the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society , Zaching Against Cancer , Helping Up Mission , The Shrine of St. Anthony, and Our Lady of Hope, and many others. The foundation’s funding comes solely from our money generated from our family’s properties without outside fundraising or solicitation of funds. Over $20,000 in donations were made to various organizations in 2019. However, this year we have been able to increase our donation amount by 500%. As of November 2020, The Rachuba Family Foundation has made $99,150 in donations. We anticipate well over $100,000 in donations to be made by year’s end. Our Family Foundation looks forward to contributing significantly throughout the year in 2021. Follow our corporate blog or Rachuba on Facebook , Instagram , or LinkedIn to stay up to date and learn more about how we give back all year long.

Rachuba Adopts a Family for the Holidays

Rachuba Adopts a Family for the Holidays In the true spirit of giving, The Rachuba Family Foundation has adopted a family this holiday season through Springboard Community Services , a local Maryland nonprofit offering crisis intervention, counseling, case management, and psychiatric support to individuals and families. Our team collected lots of gifts for a family who were victims of domestic violence. Gifts included clothing for the entire family as well as educational toys, games, books, coloring items, LOL dolls, and bedding for the kids. American Express and Target gift cards, as well as others, were also added to the donation. If you’re looking to get involved, there are a number of ways to help Springboard Community services ranging from volunteer opportunities, sponsorship opportunities, and fundraising events. The Rachuba Family Foundation remains committed to our community and the organizations that help make them a better place to live for all. Click here to learn more about The Rachuba Family Foundation and how we give back throughout the year.

Piney Ridge Wins Bronze Star Awards for 2020

Our Rachuba team is feeling GROOVY! This week we were awarded MMHA's Bronze Star Award for both Prospect Hall Apartments & Piney Ridge Apartments - making them some of the most fab communities to live at in Maryland. Our 70's-Themed Flash Mob Video also won our team a pizza party and our snazzy threads got us a prize in the photo booth contest!

Our Top Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Carroll County

Holiday Events in Carroll County This holiday season is different for sure, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting in a little holiday cheer in a safe(r) way. There's lots going on around Carroll County and we’ve rounded up our top events this month. Nightly Light Show Set to Music Every Night Through January 6 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM 5565 Compton Lane | Sykesville, MD Some of our neighbors in the Sykesville/Eldersburg area have created quite a holiday display and want to share it with the community. The Lewin family has organized this display to benefit The Shepard’s Staff in Westminster, MD. Drive up to their home and park on the side of the road. Sit back and enjoy the music, then if you choose to donate, visit https://www.shepstaff.org/giving/ways-to-give/donate-online . The Holiday Market Weekends Through December 20 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Old Westminster Winery | Westminster, MD The wine masters at Old Westminster Winery have put together a special outdoor holiday market full of beautiful goods from local Carroll County vendors. Taste some of the best wines Maryland has to offer while checking off your holiday list. Wood fired pizza will be available as well as bottled and canned wines. For information visit oldwestminster.com . The Great Westminster Baking Run December 12 | 8:00 AM RunMoore | Westminster, MD RunMoore’s annual event is still on this year! Bake up your best and favorite holiday treat (bagged individually to comply with COVID-19 precautions), lace up your running shoes, and meet up at RunMoore for a group run ranging from 2.2-5.5 miles. Not a baker? Bring in 3 non-perishable food items or an unwrapped toy. Learn more at letsrunmoore.com . Drive-Thru Saturdays with Santa December 12 & 19 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Westminster Family Center | Westminster, MD Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus to drop off your letter to the man in red. The first 75 participants to drive through will receive a special stocking filled with goodies! This event is free to the public. Socially Distant Santa December 12, 13, 19, & 20 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Carroll County Farm Museum | Westminster, MD Santa visits the Carroll County Farm Museum in true pandemic fashion. Take a photo with Santa from a safe distance and pick up a free holiday craft kit while you’re there. Masks are required and this event is rain or shine. For information and up-to-the-minute event information visit carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org . Drive-Thru Wreath Crafts December 22 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Westminster Family Center | Westminster, MD Drive up to the Westminster Family Center and pick up a craft kit to take home. December 22 features holiday wreath craft kits. These are free to children, so bring your favorite youngsters with you. This is a great activity to do on a cold day at home.

Top 10 Things that Make Carroll County Living Great

With our own Piney Ridge Apartments and Townhomes being located in Carroll County, we thought it only appropriate to list some of the things that make living in Carroll County great. From lots of outdoor activities to abundant arts, our county has lots to offer. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are the top 10 things we thought of as to what makes living in Carroll County so great. Lots of Open Space and Fresh Air As you drive through Carroll County, one of the most beautiful and simple aspects of it is the abundance of farm area and green space. Some of these passed down properties provide fresher and cleaner air for the whole county. Some of them even provide local meats and produce to residents. There are farmers' markets and stands on the side of the road that sell fresh fruits and vegetables. Close to Baltimore and Washington, DC Although Carroll County is more rural, it is only a stone’s throw away from both Baltimore and Washington, DC. With this metropolis nearby, there is a plethora of opportunities, including job opportunities and other activities. You can have the best of both worlds, being so close to a city, while still living in a calmer and quieter area. Good Schools With great teachers and great families to go to school with, Carroll County has outstanding public and private schools. Our public school system is very highly rated. They also have the excellent Carroll Community College and McDaniel College for secondary education opportunities. Rich in History Carroll County is very rich in history . Dating back to the Civil War and even before, residents and visitors alike can learn all about the history of the small towns and the county’s farming heritage. Step back in time by visiting one of the many museums we have, such as the Carroll County Farm Museum or the Union Mills Homestead and Grist Mill . You can also learn about the Mason-Dixon line during the Civil War Driving Tour . Local Breweries and Wineries Home to Maryland’s Wine Festival for more than 30 years, Carroll County has many wineries , breweries and distilleries to offer. Speckled across the countryside, each establishment is filled with delicious, homegrown products that you will not want to miss out on. Treat yourself, but also pace yourself as you take a mini wine tour across Carroll County . Good Home Values With Baltimore and DC being so close, the prices of homes in Carroll County are not as steep as surrounding counties. With grocery stores, restaurants, extracurriculars to participate in, and good home values, Carroll County is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Lots of Outdoor Activities Carroll County does not just have farmland as their green space. We also have many parks and recreation areas where residents can get outside . No matter the season, there is always something to do. You can golf, fish, horseback ride, or even take an airplane tour through the skies. They have countless hiking trails and biking trails at their ten public trails. If you just want to relax, have a picnic at one of our local parks! Places to Shop There is an array of shopping opportunities located in Carroll County. There are many local stores that people can support where you can find some of the cutest gifts. There are also many antique stores where you find beautiful, hidden treasures. And of course, there are malls and shopping centers where you can go for never-ending retail therapy. Abundant in Arts With theaters, galleries, and studios scattered around the county, art and culture run throughout Carroll County. Local artists display their work and actors perform on a live stage to keep residents entertained and smiling. Homegrown Community Overall, Carroll County is a very homegrown place to live. With a tight community and a never-ending list of activities to do, you will never be bored.