Daddy's Poem....NEW!
Without a Vision, the People Perish
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13 Reasons to Join AMHRO (NEW)
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Daddy's Poem
Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home... About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls. There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats One by one the teacher called a student from the class. To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, a man who wasn't there. 'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,' another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.' The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom. And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique. But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so. He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone. I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart.' With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress. Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud. 'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far. When a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught Americans to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away' And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day. And to her mother's amazement, she witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. 'I know you're with me Daddy,' to the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose. -----------------------------------------------------------
But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all.
'My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away.
He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike.
'Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart
And from somewhere there in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears.
You see he is a Marine and died just this past year
author unknown
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
There must be many children in the same boat as this little girl, thanks to our servicemen and their families for the sacrifice they are making to keep our country free.
“Without a vision, the people perish”
The following true story was told to us:
Sometime ago, a man who lived in a manufactured home community was tired of having his lot rent increased yearly by the new community owner. He learned that there were those out of state who formed a co-op to purchase their community and be their own boss. The idea of that intrigued him. He had a vision. He had heard Martin Luther King say, “I have a dream.” If this man was part of a co-op he would have control of his own destiny. He asked around his community and found that many others were tired of the same constant increases in rent.
After inquiring, he learned that at a national convention he could learn information that could be used and shared with many others.
He decided to take his wife and attend the national convention. It was held out of state many miles away and so it was a two (2) day trip. They drove their car, stayed at a nice hotel, and ate modest meals. The convention lasted 2 days and then they came home. All of this at their own expense ($1,500).
The convention had many excellent speakers with a wealth of information. Many contacts were made with others from across the states. Everyone excitedly went home with much information. Much of the information supplied was regarding Resident Owned Communities.
One year later, September 27, 2008, AMHRO had an Annual Meeting for their members. This same man helped arrange for the same speaker who was at the National Convention, to be the speaker at the AMHRO Annual Meeting. The topic was Resident Owned Communities. Again, much valuable information was given. The subjects included how to finance the purchase, how to manage, how to organize, how to find lenders, etc. All who attended left with the same excitement this man still has after one year.
This man lived to see his vision about to become a reality - - - to have co-ops in
Notice Change of location and time for this meeting with AMHRO Board
Jan. 7 Board Meeting at Lodi Library 1:30 P.M.
MINUTES OF AMHRO ANNUAL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 27, 2008
The fifth AMHRO Annual Meeting was held at the Radisson Hotel in
Bill announced that the following changes have been made on the Board:
Jim Demitrus – Former Position Present Position
Vice-President Assistant Vice-President
Russ McPherson - Assistant Vice-President Vice-President
Sherrie Shugrue - Secretary Assistant Vice-President
Note: Sherrie is to assist Russ regarding the Resident Advisor for the Web Site. The Resident’s Advisor
will now be on the Web Site. In addition to this, there will be a mailing of the Resident’s Advisor
to those without access to a computer.
Bill presented a bouquet of flowers to his wife Martha, and to Brenda, Sherrie, Kathie, Lois and Terry Nelson, in appreciation for their help.
Bill took this time to state that he and this board pledge themselves to bring about the changes that need to be made for the residents. He stated he will always be available.
Bill introduced Jim Demitrus who represents AMHRO on the OMHA board. Bill stated we have a common goal with OMHA and the future is in our hands. He assured those in attendance that he is only as far away as the telephone. He thanked everyone for coming.
Jim was the moderator for a question and answer panel consisting of the following people:
George Engle - Former HUD Executive Director - He has served in
Mike Foley - Ohio State Representative elected to the State House in 2006. He formerly was the
Director of The Cleveland Tenants Organization. He stated that the new state assembly
begins in Jan. 2009 and new legislation will have to be presented in 2009.
Dave Thalman - Park owner of Troy Oaks since 1992 - He shared the fact that he has been on many
committees over the years; has served on the OMHA Board, served also as President of
OMHA, was employed by Parker Hannifin for many years and learned much by just being
involved. He encouraged residents who have issues to contact AMHRO, so that they, in
turn, would share these issues with OMHA.
Many questions were fielded by the panel and it was a profitable time.
Terry Nelson, President of M.H.O.A.I. from
Bill stated that the folders which were distributed to every attendee contained the treasurer’s report, as well as other pertinent information.
Jim Demitrus reported the following results regarding the recent vote:
President - Bill Geniella
Secretary - Lois McPherson
Treasurer - Kathie Demitrus
Paul Bradley from ROC-USA and John Wiltse from Rural Opportunities, Inc. gave very detailed explanations of the process in purchasing, managing and financing homes for those residents who have the opportunity to do so. It is necessary to have a homeowner’s association in order to become a resident owned community with ROC-USA. An
In closing, Bill stated that his goal for membership at this time next year is 500 members. He stated that we will be meeting in the near future with Mike Foley regarding legislation and with Toby Fey, co-sponsoring seminars for training lawyers to work with manufactured housing issues. There will be a need for residents to attend hearings whenever a bill is in front of legislators in
Gwen Luzius was the winner of the Afghan Raffle and the 50/50 Raffle was in the amount of $78.00.
Dismissal was at 3:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lois McPherson, Secretary
What is the purpose of the OMHC?
THE
It is believed that most problems with a new home result from defects missed during the factory final inspection or improper installation at the home site. The Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000 requires HUD (the Federal Housing and Urban Development Department) to establish new standards for installing manufactured houses and implement a dispute resolution program. States may elect to institute their own programs as long as they meet or exceed HUD’s regulations. In 2004,
The Ohio Commission has nine members, one representing the Health Department, an expert on building standards, another six people from the manufactured housing industry, such as a homebuilders, retailers and installers. The ninth member is a manufactured home resident. The Governor of Ohio appoints all members and requires each Commission member to take an oath of office, and sign a pledge of ethical conduct. Commissioners are expected to act not only in their own interests but act for the good of everyone in
The Commission trained and licensed all installers and certified inspectors of manufactured housing in the state of
The procedure is as follows: a residents’ complaint will initiate an inspection by a trained specialist, employed by the Commission, to determine the extent of the problem. The second step is for the Commission to work with all parties to resolve the problem. If a resolution is not reached to the satisfaction of the home buyer the next step is to bring in a neutral mediator initiate nonbinding arbitration. The Commission will review the report of the independent arbitrator and then issue orders to dismiss or repair the defect. In the event the responsible party fails to comply with the Commission order, the matter will be enforced through the courts.
The Ohio Commission is working to advance the manufactured home business and improve the home buying experience for the consumers. Anything we do to reduce the uncertainty from that purchase will raise the image of manufactured homes and manufactured home communities.
What would you like to see the Commission do in the future? The best way to make government work for you is to express your wishes to our lawmakers. The best way to get the legislators attention is to be organized, such as a homeowners association and AMHRO. There is strength in numbers. As a member of the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission and AMHRO, I am interested in your questions and concerns; I can be reached at 440-465-8236.
James Demitrus
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Frozen Fruit Salad Makes about 16 servings 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk 1 21 oz can peach or cherry pie filling 1 15 oz can mandarin orange sections 1 8 oz carton Cool Whip thawed 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple in juice, drained In a large mixing bowl combine milk and pie filling. Add oranges and pineapple. Gently stir in whipped topping, Spread in a 9 x 13 pan. Cover with plastic or foil and freeze overnight. Can be prepared and frozen several days in advance or frozen over night. Remove from freezer a short time before serving so it will be easy to cut. Source: Plain Dealer Take Five and Jeanette Mann, |
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13 Reasons to Join AMHRO 1. NUMBERS COUNT The power in numbers of homeowners cannot be overemphasized. There 2. UNITY COUNTS As a team we can AND will make a difference in the laws, rules and regulations 3. NETWORKING THE STATE Why reinvent the wheel? Networking with home owners in 4. NETWORKING THE COUNTRY We just joined the national advocacy group MHOAA and will 5. NETWORKING THE WORLD We network the world. We have discovered groups in the 6. MONEY COUNTS Groups can afford to do what individuals cannot afford to do. When you join 7. KNOWLEDGE When you are our eyes and ears, we know what’s happening across the state. 8. RESPECT & TRUST AMHRO has now almost a four year history providing members information 10. WE LISTEN TO YOU In fact we want you to call, write or email us. We listen to your 11. WE DO NOT CENSOR We do not censor the information we publish to make us look good or 12. NO SUBJECT IS TABOO We write about anything that affects manufactured home residents. 13. WE ARE HONEST. YOU CAN TRUST US. AND WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS. adapted from CoMoCal in California www.comocal.org
are enough manufactured home residents in
Can and will make a difference.
that affect your everyday life. Why feel powerless and alone.
communities across
many who have already invented that wheel. Let’s take advantage of them.
network with other state organizations.
and
AMHRO, your dues are nominal. Any financial burden is spread out among thousands of residents.
We also give you periodic accountings about how your money is being spent.
We are a terrific resource for information. If we don’t know something, we have the resources to
find out about it.
and advice. We answer our phones and reply to our emails quickly, and in a professional manner.
9. COMMUNICATION We communicate with you more than any other advocacy group in
publish quarterly the Resident’s Advisor. This is critical. We want all manufactured home owners
to know what’s happening.
suggestions and comments. We try to address your issues and we often ask you questions in
our “surveys.” You count!
to benefit our leaders or friends.
We write the truth - we can back up anything we write.
