Greetings!
It's our favorite time of year!  The holiday season is in full swing, and whether you are busy trying to find the perfect gift or cramming for those end of semester exams-we want to help! This month we are focusing on great DIY ideas for decorations, gifts, and stress relievers to get you through the month.  We also will have some great contests, giveaways, and exam relief ideas.  We hope you enjoy!


Wishing you joy & happiness this holiday season,
The MSC Team :)

  No Hassle Pet Adoption Day 12/5                                           
The holiday season is a purrfect time to bring a little joy into your life by adding to your family!  MSC will be hosting the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA on Friday 12/5 from 4-6 pm.  MSC & the SPCA will cover your adoption fee!  Also, Petco & Sammy Snacks will be providing goodies! If you have questions about breed restrictions and/or if your property is pet friendly please give us a call today!

For a sneak peak at some of the cute animals up for adoption check out the SPCA's website here!
Exam Relief Week 12/8 - 12/12
During exam week we will be hosting several different events geared towards helping you succeed!  Be sure to come check us out for one of these!

12/9: Breakfast at the bus stop
12/11: Pizza delivery for you
12/12: Stress Relief Friday-Chair Massages at the MadHouse

For full details be sure to check out our Facebook Page!Like us on Facebook
Getting in the Holiday Spirit
Love gingerbread houses, but are too lazy to actually make gingerbread? Here's a great tip: use graham crackers instead!

Check out our Pinterest page for other great tips & keep an eye on our Facebook page for MSC's Gingerbread House contest!

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Feeling Festive?
Check out these great holiday events around Charlottesville:

Dec 5 - For a great laugh go see Elf at The Paramount Theatre!  If you're looking for more of a Christmas Classic they are also showing It's A Wonderful Life on Dec 14th!

Dec 7 - The Great Russian Nutcracker will be performed at the paramount. Visit their website for times! www.theparamount.net

Dec 10- The Annual Holiday Yuletide Extravaganza at Blue Mountain Brewery

Dec 14- Pet Holiday Photo Night at Fashion Square Mall! Bring your furry friend to have his/her photo taken with Santa!

For a full list of events happening this month check out www.visitcharlottesville.org

Les Miserables 12/5 - 1/10
 
Come out and support your neighbors!    Two of our residents are starring in Live Arts' production of Les Miserables.

Shows start at:
    2:00pm on Sundays
    8:00pm on Wednesdays
    7:30pm on Thursdays
    8:00pm on Fridays

The play runs from December 5th to January 10th. Three of the performances are already sold out, so get your tickets soon!

Winter Maintenance Tip...
We know this time of year a lot of you will be going home for the holidays. In order to prevent frozen pipes and the risk of water damage, please make sure to leave your heat on 65 degrees and lock up tight before you leave. Don't forget to throw out any food that could go bad, make sure all your dishes are clean, and take your trash out.

If we get winter weather we will be out trying to clear sidewalks as quickly as we can, but always be careful when there is snow or ice.

As always, please call our maintenance number 434-971-6811 anytime should you have an emergency.
Recipe of the Month
Hosting a holiday party? These easy stuffed meatballs are sure to be a hit!

What you'll need:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • � teaspoon black pepper
  • 3-4 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
  • marinara or alfredo sauce, for dipping

  1. Chop each cheese stick into half inch pieces (about 6-8 pieces for each cheese stick). Place on a plate and chill in the freezer until ready to use.
  2. Add ground beef, bread crumbs, egg and egg yolk, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to a bowl. Combine.
  3. Remove cheese from freezer. Scoop out about 4 tablespoons of meat mixture and roll into a ball. Gently push a piece of chilled mozzarella into the middle of the meatball. Roll the ball in your hands to cover the hole. Place inside a greased slow cooker and repeat with remaining meat and cheese.
  4. When all meatballs are in the slow cooker (*see note for alternate cooking method), cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low 3-4 hours until meat it cooked through (no longer pink). The cheese may start melting out of the meatballs, that's okay.
  5. If desired, sprinkle with a bit of fresh chopped parsley or dried Italian seasoning for garnish and serve with your favorite marinara. Enjoy!

*For a quicker method, the meatballs can be baked. Follow directions to make meatballs, but instead of placing in the slow cooker, place meatballs 1 inch apart on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes until browned and cheese is melty.  


The first person to post a photo of finished puppy chow on our Facebook page will win a $25 gift card, so get cooking!
Holiday Hours
Don't forget we'll be closed the following dates for to celebrate the holidays:
12/24: Christmas Eve 
12/25: Christmas Day 
 1/1: New Years Day 

We will be open our normal business hours all other days. Happy Holidays!