Resident's Advisor
Association of Manufactured Home Residents in
Every now and then things happen very unexpectedly. Lee Aldrich unexpectedly announced
his resignation July 28, 2008. Lee stated in an email to AMHRO, “For some time now, I have
had a declining interest in continuing my relationship and duties with amhro……..i am here
with advising the members of the amhro board that I am resigning, effective august 10, 2008.”
In addition, we received the following e-mail from Maureen Koshar, “Do to unforeseen
circumstances, I find it necessary to resign effective immediately from my position as
membership coordinator.”
Both Lee and Maureen will be missed.
Your AMHRO Board immediately appointed Bill Geniella as President, to fill the remainder
of Lee’s term. As you are aware, it was publicized that the election of officers would be
determined by the ballots being mailed to members. They in turn were to mail their ballots to
Brenda Kocevar. At the Annual Meeting held September 27, 2008 the following results were
announced:
Bill Geniella, President
Lois McPherson, Secretary
Kathleen Demitrus, Treasurer
Due to some family responsibilities, Jim Demitrus resigned as Vice-President. Russ
McPherson was appointed by Bill Geniella to fill Jim’s remaining term. Jim then would serve
as Assistant Vice-President where Russ previously served. All officer contact information is
listed elsewhere within.
The following is a growing list of AMHRO’s accomplishments in the last few months under
the new l eadership:
AMHRO has been attending the Ohio Manufactured Home Commission (OMHC) monthly meetings held in
Quarterly Leadership Meetings have been held for leaders of various communities.
A very interesting and educational Annual Meeting was held where information was
given on the details of a Resident Owned Community (management, financing, benefits, etc.).
Two members of our staff attended the National Association in
Russ was elected to serve as Secretary for the Manufactured Home Owners Association
of America (MHOAA).
AMHRO has been involved with several communities where there have been problems. Success in solving these problems has occurred.
AMHRO has established a new web site that is fresh and clean. It contains the following:
A Weekly Recipe, a Schedule of Upcoming Events, Contact Information for the
Officers, A True Story, Minutes of the Annual Meeting, Pictures, The Purpose of the
OMHC, How Can We Increase Attendance at Our Home Owners Association Meeting? The Rights and Privileges of a Manufactured Home Owner and Other Points of Interest.
But we are not done. We still have goals to achieve and projects to finish. We have not
turned anyone away or turned a deaf ear. We are looking for volunteers to help us.
AMHRO is making changes. Our new president has BIG dreams. He served as a Marine.
That in itself says a lot about his determination. He has contacted many people in their own
state organizations across the nation to learn their contacts and success stories. He has met
with various legislators, committees (ODH, EPA, etc.) many local officials and key personnel
in many areas.
Intimidation - - - Are you intimidated? - - - What is intimidation?
Intimidation plays a big role in the strategy of some community owners. But why do they do it?
Here is the definition of intimidation:
1).To make timid; to fill with fear.
2).To coerce or inhibit by, or as if by threats.
Intimidation implies the presence or operation of a fear-inspired force.
The synonyms are: browbeat, bulldoze, bully, coercion, threatening, demoralizing. These
verbs mean to frighten into submission, compliance or acquiescence. Intimidation is as
follows:
· Threatening to use power or control to get others to do what you want them to do.
· Using punishments such as seven-day notices or threats of eviction. Using quick temper,
anger or rage to get people to do what you want them to do.
· Acting in such a way that no one would dare question or stand up to you over any of your
decisions, opinions or directives.
Using dictatorial “Gestapo” or autocratic behaviors to get people to do what you want. The
affects of intimidation of residents in manufactured home communities are obvious. Residents
a are afraid. They are afraid of making the manager upset, afraid of retaliation and ultimately
afraid of being evicted. They don’t dare question what management says or does. They don’t
dare “make waves.” They try to live under the management’s radar. In essence, they submit
to the will of management. The management’s goal is then realized. So what should residents
do?
1. Don’t go it alone. Management wins as long as you go it alone. Remember the saying,
“Divide and conquer”? That’s exactly the strategy of management. As long as it’s one on
one with management, management always wins.
2. Knowledge is power. Understand your rights. Understand the reasons management gives
to evict you. Know when you are being intimidated.
3. You are first a human being. We are all Americans living in
4. Managers can’t take your power. You have to give it to them. So, DON’T GIVE THEM
YOUR POWER!
5. We will support you in your community. But the first thing to do is start talking with your
neighbors and friends. Form a small group. Meet in someone’s home. Form a homeowner’s
association. Take back your community NOW!
Quoted from CoMo-Cal www.comocal.org
expressly for that purpose. Verbal complaints are worthless without documentation. (This is
especially true if you need an attorney—don't expect your verbal story to carry any weight
unless you have documentation to back up your claims. S/he will need proof of your claims
and you must provide this proof prior to visiting one.) Keep a file of all pertinent
communications/letters you send or receive, and all receipts.
Write a letter (documenting your side of the story) to your park owner. Quote verbatim any
and specific language (pertinent paragraphs) from park rules and regulations; your lease; fair
housing law; statutes and/or administrative code; as may be applicable. Note all CC. (copies
sent) on your letter.
Keep a copy with attachments for your own records, and send the original to the park owner.
Create a paper trail by sending copies to: Consumer Protection, an attorney (if you have one)
AMHRO; the local paper; your legislator/s; and any other agency or person who has a need to
know. This way you have a permanent record, should events escalate. Many cc’s also put the
park owner on notice that your problem is being made public.
Attach copies of any documents (from which you quoted) to your letter, plus other supporting
documentation such as a physician's statement, etc. to the original; keep your own set of
copies.
Generally, verbal complaints disappear into thin air, and follow up is less certain.
In an effort to make information available to you any time and quickly AMHRO would greatly
appreciate having your e-mail address if you have access to a computer. This would help us
prudently control our expenses. Your name, address and phone number is not and never will
given or sold to anyone or any company. We would use it to apprise you of items that need
your support (a Bill being introduced in
keeping you informed).
HINTS TO USE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Store your open chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. They will stay fresh much longer and not
mold.
For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt
pour over warm brownies. Let it set for a wonderful minty frosting.
Leftover Snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Chop them up with a food
chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the
chopped candy over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Serve alone or with vanilla ice
cream. Yum!
To make easy deviled eggs, put cooked egg yokes in a zip lock bag. Seal the bag. Mash until
the eggs are thoroughly mixed, cut the tip of the baggy and squeeze mixture into the egg.
ust throw the bag away when done. Very easy clean up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our only desire is to inform you. Please advise us if you have relocated, changed your phone
number or e-mail address or do not desire to receive this information again in the future. This
can be accomplished with a phone call, e-mail or snail mail. Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the light of the current financial conditions AMHRO has made the decision to extend the
membership fee to December 31, 2009 as in the application noted below. Memberships
start immediately.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMHRO needs you as a member. Without members and your support we will cease and decease.
With your voice we will have the voice of a lion………...not just a pussy cat. There is strength,
power and volume in numbers. A single strand of string is not as strong as a multi-strand rope.
Here is how you can help us:
· Complete and return the Application for Membership Form.
· Encourage your friends and neighbors to join AMHRO. Explain why.
· Visit our web site (www.amhro.org) often for information.
· Be a part of AMHRO by volunteering to help. Even an hour a month will help. Is that too much to
ask?
If you would consider renewing your membership, it would be much appreciated. If you cannot, we
ant to know why because you are important to us. We are including an appication. The best
value is the 3-year option for a great savings. Thank you for your help and we look forward to your
support.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMHRO Membership Application
Mail to:
Please complete the following. Thank you.
Individual membership fee: $15.00 per year per person _____
Additional membership fee same address $10.00 per year per person ____
Three (3) year membership fee: $37.00 per year per person____
Add’l (3) year membership fee same address $20.00 per year per person ____
Membership good through December 31, 2009
As a reminder, AMHRO is a 501c3 Non-Profit . Thus, donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible under the IRS guidelines.
Donation amount to AMHRO________ Total Amount Submitted _________
Check Number _______
Name ________________________Address ___________________________
City ______________________County ____________________Zip ________
Phone (____) _______________E-mail ________________________________
Park Name _______________________Number of Lots in Your Park _______
Other: Name of Homeowner’s Association ____________________________
If none, would you be willing to help start one? Yes _____ No _____
Thank you for your membership to AMHRO.