Americana Cove

Watch Those School Crossings!

Aug 31, 2001

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY
By Rosann Decola

BROOKS, Louis
116 Mt. Piney Avenue
(Previously MIA Property)

NOS, Edwin and Elko (HI)
7136 Mt. Georgetown Drive
New Home 521-1180

PETERS, William (WI)
226 Mt. Curve Avenue
(Previously Bearley Estate)

Stairway To Heaven - by Charlotte Anselmo
(Submitted by Gerri Bassett)
To climb the stairway to Heaven
And stay upon the road
Can sometimes be quite difficult
For life brings a heavy load.

Temptation opens many doors
And a blind eye you must turn
Be true to yourself and others
And the joys of life you'll learn.

A new day brings another chance
To change the life you've led
So don't give up, stay on the path
That stairway is straight ahead.

EDWARD KELLY: PRESIDENT
I have received many phone calls regarding Nick's Contract, calls both Pro & Con. Remember every resident has a right to their opinion. It shows they have an interest in the Park. The calls I don't care about (we only had a few), are the ones telling me that if Nick goes, the Park will falter, this is absolutely not true. I learned a long time ago, no one person is indispensable, the only one who can't be replaced is God and no one has attained this status.
I realize the Residents do not have access to all the facts but the board does their best to make the correct decisions based on the data received from day to day.
The Park has had adversity at the beginning, but we have come a long way in 7 years. Sure the Manager and the Board have helped in our success, but the nucleus of what makes a Park great are the Residents. In this Park I am proud to say we have the best. It is their compassion for each other and the comradeship that makes this Park one of the best in Pinellas County. Remember, think Positive and not Negative and we will succeed as we have done since we bought the park.

MAA Events For September
Betty Chase, Pres.
We hope everyone has their Luau Tickets by now! If you have just returned to the park give me a call and maybe we can accommodate you.
You're invited to come to the Council Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 4th at 10:00 am in the clubhouse.
Then on Wed., Sept. 5th at 12:00 noon will be our first Luncheon Meeting of the season. This is free to all residents.
There will be an Ice Cream Social with special music by Bo Glover, Two Feathers Productions, Inc. He is a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. This will be on Sat. Sept.15th from 6:00 PM till 9:00 PM. Tickets are $3.00 and will be sold preceding the MAA Luncheon on Sept. 5th. Wanda Spetz and her helpers will be dishing up your favorite concoctions!!
Don't forget to mark your calendars for Sept.24th to buy your tickets to the Oktoberfest which is Sunday, October 7th. There will be dinner, beer and a German Band from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Won't it be fun to get back in the swing of things?? It's been a long hot summer!! Let's party down!!

NOTICES
There is located at the maintenance shed on Mt Piney Avenue, an air pump which you may use 24 hours a day to pump up your bicycle tires. Please replace the air hose on the hanger.
Forecaster
All items and other information for the Forecaster may be placed in the box just inside the entry doors to the Atrium. All items to be in BLACK INK. Deadline for October(now 5.OOpm); for general articles, the 19th of September; for last minute items, the 21st. Please note that the minimum font size is number eleven (11).
My thanks to RosAnn DeCola for all her help over the last couple of years, in looking after the distribution to the home deliverers on the north side of the park. This is an important task, and makes my life so much easier.
Harold Mallory passed away on August 11th in a nursing home up north. Our Sympathy goes out to Harold's family and Esther, his long time friend. He was very active in the park and will be missed.
God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around him and said "Come with me", His golden heart stopped beating and his hard working hands were put to rest God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the Best
Gerri Bassett
The new Mobel Americana web site can be reached at mobelamericana.com. Put the usual www at the front.

Aerobic Exercise Class
Exercising with Sally will begin Monday, October 15th at 8:15am in the Atrium. These 45 minutes of exercise include warm-ups, stretching, aerobics, strength and tone, use of light-weights, and a cool-down time. This exercise experience leaves participants applauding their own efforts as well as the instructor.
An informal group will resume exercising in the Atrium to one of Sally's tapes on October 1st on the regular days of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:15am.

If questions, please call Sharon S. Miller at 527-8150 after September 20th.

THANKS and affection for Kay Jones and the Ladies' Pool Exercise Group - their expression of concern was so welcome. Also, belated thanks to Richard and Carolyn Norcross - Dick called from the Guardhouse one night to alert me that my car trunk was open, bad for the battery - Carolyn came by and closed it for me. And so many others - where else in the world do you find such wonderful beautiful neighbors!
Dorcie Langer

Thank you's
Thank you to all who sent me cards and messages on the recent passing of my close friend Harold Mallory - Esther Louzon

INTERNET CHAT ROOMS FOR YOU?
Conrad Weiser
Let's set aside, for the next few minutes, those stereotyped images of pedophiles and perverts lurking in dark Web corners to prey on the young or gullible. (I find much satisfaction and comfort in reading of the many law enforcement specialists who snare and prosecute these Web predators). There are two chat room opportunities right on our doorstep, our Neighborhoodlink park home page, and the chat room facilities of Yahoo, (our listbot host). The latter can be accessed only by our listbot subscribers, the chat facility on Neighborhoodlink, however, can be shared with any friends or relatives on our planet! Let me describe the first easy steps.
Anybody on the Web can log onto our Neighborhoodlink Web site:www.neighborhoodlink.com/stpe:ersburg/mobel
On our Home Page, (clearly labeled Mobel Americana), on the left side of the screen near the top is a blue underlined link labeled: "Please Sign In". If you don't already have an I.D. and Password from Neighborhoodlink, click your mouse on that link. (if you have previously registered, there should be a "Welcome" rather than "Please Sign In").
You will next see a screen titled: "Sign In to NeighborhoodLink". If you are not a member, click on the blue word "HERE" on the line below "NO". This will take you to a new window full of boring legal wording "Terms and Conditions" Click your mouse in the little square preceding: "I confirm that I am 13 years old...." A checkmark should appear in the square. Finally, click on the box that says: "I Agree".
Next you'll meet a lengthy registration form on which you'll be asked to create a username and password for yourself. (Let me suggest your name followed by our ZIP code for your username. For a password, give one you are using somewhere else so you'll have less to remember.) If you make a mistake, or duplicate with somebody else, they'll tell you and give you a chance to try again. At the bottom of the registration form, click on the button labeled: "Click ONCE to Register".
(If you have registered before, enter your Username and Password in the labeled boxes below "YES". Then click on the small square after the words "Always sign in automatically". A checkmark should appear in the little square).
Meanwhile back at the ranch, our Mobel Americana Home Page, you'll see a vertical row of icons, (I call them cartoons), down the right side. Select, (click on), the one labeled "Live Chat".
That will open a new screen with several empty entry boxes. To the right in this window you'll see a blue underlined link reading:
"Create New Chat Account". Click your mouse on that option.
Next you will see a questionnaire form. Note that all of the items on the right are optional, you may leave them blank! After entering the mandatory and elective information, click your mouse on the button labeled "SUBMIT". You will return to the previous page where you will need to click your mouse pointer on the empty circle that precedes the words "HTML Chat". A dot should now appear in the circle. While you're here, click your mouse in the small square preceding the words" Save login information". This will cause a check mark to appear in the little square, eliminating the need for a lengthy login, hereafter. Last, click on the "ENTER NOW" button.
You are now on stage. Take a bow! We'll try to ignore the advertising, hey it's free! The big window is where it all happens. At the top is a terse announcement: "You have logged on to chat." To the right of the main window you will see notification that you are in the "Room - Lobby" followed by the number of other inhabitants.
[This seems a good point to mention that the chat room is a mighty lonely edifice unless you've agreed to meet some friends there to converse with. Just e-mail a friend to meet you there at an agreed time, but... they will need to register for an I.D. and Password, (just as you did), before they can be present in the chat room.]
The skinny, long box at the bottom of the chat window is where you type in your comments. [Don't worry, the text will automatically scroll so there will always be room for whatever you want to say.] After typing in your words of wisdom, mouse click on the adjoining button labeled "SEND" In just a moment your words will appear on the big screen for the world to view, following the credit line: You says.
There are a whole lot of other cool things you can do in this Neighborhoodlink chat room, but this should be enough to get you started. Back on the first screen of the live chat feature, they have links at the top left for "Getting Started", and "FAQ's". You can click on them, print these items to get extensive information on how to use these facilities.

Give it a try. Explore a little and give me a call if you get stuck.

MY FORGETTER
Submitted by Lucy Laberge
My forgetter's getting better
but my rememberer is broke.
To you that may seem funny
but, to me, that is no joke.
For when I'm "here" I'm wondering
If I really should be "there."
And, when I try to think it through,
I haven't got a prayer!
Oft times I walk into a room,
say "what am I here for?"
I wrack my brain, but all in vain
a zero, is my score.
At times I put something away
where it is safe, but, Gee!
The person it is safest from
is generally, me!
When shopping I may see someone,
say "Hi,' and have a chat.
Then, when the person walks away,
I ask' "who the heck was that?"
Yes, my forgetter's getting better
While my rememberer is broke.
It's driving me plumb crazy
and that isn't any joke.

Elderly
Submitted by Gerri A Lyons
There were two elderly people living in a Florida mobile home park. He was a widower and she a widow. They had known one another for a number of years. One evening there was a community supper in the big activity center. These two were at the same table, across from one another. As the meal went on, he made a few admiring glances at her and finally gathered up his courage to ask her, "Will you marry me?" After about six seconds of 'careful consideration,' she answered. "Yes. Yes; I will." The meal ended and with a few more pleasant exchanges, they went to their respective places. Next morning, he was troubled. "Did she say 'yes' or did she say no'?" He couldn't remember. Try as he would, he just could not recall. Not even a faint memory. With trepidation, he went to the telephone and called her. First, he explained to her that he didn't remember as well as he used to. Then he reviewed the lovely evening past. As he gained a little more courage, he then inquired of her, "When I asked if you would marry me, did you say 'Yes' or did you say 'No'?" He was delighted to hear her say, "Why, I said, 'Yes, yes I will' and I meant it with all my heart." Then she continued, "And I am so glad that you called, because I couldn't remember who had asked me."

Afternoon of Bridge
By Gerri Bassett
Summer is here, so for September we will just play bridge. The one for September will be on the 19th, please be there by 12:30p.m. so we can start by 12:45p.m.
Prizes will be given, so bring a Dollar. Hope to see more of you there. Gerri Bassett

Potpourri - from the Editor's desk (additional contributions from Gerri Bassett, Lucy Laberge and Nancy Hubartt)
Thought - If the Indians had discovered Europe, before Europe discovered America, what would the result have been?
Dilbert' rules of order - When we were together you said you'd die for me. Now we're apart, how about keeping your promise!
Chinese proverb - Don't frown, because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.
You're getting marvelously mature when - Getting "lucky" means you found your car in the parking lot.
Fun definitions - Egotist: Someone who is knee deep in me-conversation.
Remember when - (from John Stewart) Being old referred to anyone over 20.
Translations - "Honey, can I help with dinner" translation "Why isn't it already on the table?"
Simple Signs - Pizza Shop" 7 days without a pizza makes one weak".
An old preacher was dying. He sent a message for his Doctor and his Lawyer to come, both of whom were church members. When they arrived, they were ushered up to his bedroom. As they entered the room the preacher held out his hand and motioned them to sit on each side of the bed. The preacher grasped their hands, smiled and gazed at the ceiling. For a time no one said anything. Both the Doctor and lawyer were flattered that the old preacher had asked them to be with him in his final moments. They were also puzzled; the preacher had never given them any indication that he particularly liked either of them. They both remembered his many long uncomfortable sermons about greed, covetousness and avaricious behavior that had made them both squirm in their seats. Finally the Doctor asked, "Preacher, why did you ask the two of us to come? The old preacher summoned up some strength, then said weakly, "Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I want to go, too".
I have recently completed a review of all lot assessments. It is up to you, as the individual owners, to be sure your assessments accurately reflect the current state of your property. Those of you who live on the waterfront should ensure that you are not being assessed for improvements, such as docks, that you do not have.

Nursery Rhymes
By Gerri Bassett

Mary had a little lamb,
Her father shot it dead.
Now it goes to school with her,
Between two chunks of bread.

Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet,
Her clothes all tattered and torn.
It wasn't the spider that crept up beside her,
But Little Boy Blue and his horn.

Simple Simon met a Pieman,
Going to the fair,
Said Simple Simon to the Pieman,
"What have you got there?
Said the Pieman unto Simon,
"Pies you square head!"

Jack and Jill went up a hill,
To have a little fun. Jill, that dill
Forgot her pill and now they have a son.

Georgie Porgy, puddin' 'n pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry,
When the boys came out to play,
He kissed them too, cause he was gay.

Duplicate Bridge
Gerri Bassett Director
Howell Movement
July 24, 2001
1. Gerri & John Bassett
2. Elizabeth Copeland & Maretta Dimke
July 29, 2001
1. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
2. Esther Louzon & Tex Batchelder
3. Elizabeth Copeland & Maretta Copeland
August 5, 2001
1. Elizabeth Copeland & Maretta Dimke
2. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
August 12, 2001
1. Elizabeth Copeland & Maretta Dimke
2. Gerri & John Bassett
August 19, 2001
1. Lucy & Roger LaBerge
2. Gerri & John Bassett

Eighth Grade Test
Could any of us have passed the 8th grade in 1895? This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 Salina, KS. USA. It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina, KS and reprinted by the Salina Journal.
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters.
2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have no modifications
3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph.
4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb? Give Principal Parts of do, lie,
lay and run.
5. Define Case, Illustrate each Case.
6. What is Punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation.
7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you
understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels
of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cents a
bushel, deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
6. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
7. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
8. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per
meter?
9. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
10. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre( the distance around
which is 640 rods.
11. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and
Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849,
1865, Orthography
English, Spelling, Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography,
etymology, syllabication?
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
2. What are the following, and give examples of each:
Trigraph, sub vocals, diphthong, cognate letters, lingual?
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'U'
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e'. Name two exceptions
under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word:
Bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the
sign that indicates the sound: Card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise,
blood, fare, last
9. Use the following correctly in sentences, cite, site, sight, fane, fain,
feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use
of diacritical marks and by syllabication.
Geography (Time, one hour)
1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America.
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba,
Yukon, St. Helena, and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the
sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give inclination of the earth.
Please don't write and ask for the answers! I would have flunked!

Newspaper's and Magazine Recycling
All newspapers are to be placed in the newspaper bins. Please do not put brown paper or plastic bags in the newspaper bins. The bins are only for newspapers.
A magazine bin is located at the storage compound on Americana Drive. Please take all your magazines to this bin.
Aluminum Cans and Scrap Metal
Please put these out on Tuesdays only or take to one of the Oldtimers Aluminum sheds. Do not put in the garbage compactor It is for household garbage only.
Yard Brush and Tree Trimmings
Pace all yard brush and tree trimmings at the side of the road separate from the garbage and it will be picked up. Do not put it with the regular garbage. This only increases the amount we must pay to have hauled away.
Help the Boy Scouts - There is a shed at the Americana Drive compound where you can place your old phone books. By keeping as much as possible of all these materials out of the garbage we save on garbage hauling costs as well as generating some funds, not only for us, but for the Scouts as well.
Bertram Zanaglio, MAROA board member.

DEATHS
Vivian Robertson
Jim Love
John Bzowski
Harold Mallory

NURSING HOMES
Earl French Maria Manor
Jane Bryant Maria Manor
Bob Evans Bay Pines V.A.
Mitzi Delzell Shore Acres
Milton Johnson Shore Acres
Erna Wring Carrington Place
Anita Perrault Fountain Senior Properties
Carl Rosenquist Westminister Shores
Alice Connors Carrington Place

BIRTHDAYS
03 Paul Beauregard
Betty Chase
04 Gary Costanzo
10 Nora Clifford
13 Lee Cote
16 Ken Bryant
Harriet Haring
17 Ruth Horncastle
Dorothy Banks
21 John Bassett
23 Bob Doyle
Bill Gilfillan
25 Lillian Garrett
Midge Bull
27 Ron Undieme
28 Bridget Gricus
30 Albert Dion

ANNIVERSARIES
11 Muriel and Nical Lapointe 24 years
13 Marie and Gary Costanzo 10 years
21 Doris and Leo Laberge 61 years
25 Dorie and Philip Tarpley 56 years

Two Paths - By Grace E. Easely
Submitted by Al Nosek
Two paths laid before me
A long time ago
When summers were long
And yet I didn't know
The meaning of heartache
Or recognize pain
And took it for granted that youth would remain
Two paths laid before me
And each of them led
To what I could only imagine laid ahead
Though I wanted to wander down both for a bit
Life just shook her head
And would have none of it
For one path alone
Is given a man
And we must journey down it
The best that we can
And whether we win
Or whether we lose
Largely depends on the path that we choose.


7 Years of Superior Service
by Nick Ferraro, Asset Manager

Last month, we had two articles appear in the Forecaster. One article was from Board member Dick Nemi, and one from John Bassett.

I can assure all residents, that under my leadership during the past seven (7) years, we have exceeded every milestone in resident ownership and our performance is superior compared to all other resident owned communities. As a matter of fact, Bank of America stated that they wish all their communities were operated by like ours under professional management. If you don't believe me, ask Ed Kelly.

New Home Development
I would like to shed some light on new home development. Perhaps my short answer "attrition," was not explained thoroughly at the last Board Meeting. During my tenure, we have placed 63 new homes in the community.
When we purchased the community from Deanza Investments in 1994, there were 47 vacant lots and now we have 58. From first glance, it appears that we have 11 more vacancies than before, which is true. What has happened in the past seven years? Remember the Virginia Curtis leadership years? When the Board of Directors was working toward increasing values by removing older homes in preparation for redevelopment? During the past seven years, an additional 31 homes were removed from the community. As a matter of fact, I know of three homes removed by homeowners just this year alone. If you add up the numbers (47 original & 31 pull-outs = 78 total) we should have 78 vacancies at this time. The Community's financial reports show only 58 vacancies - Where do you think these lots went?
20 New Homes on Association Owned Vacant Lots. As I stated
previously, there were 63 new homes placed in the community, that leaves 43 homes still unaccounted for. Well, sixteen (16) homes were custom homes, purchased by residents who believed in the communities continued redevelopment. The balance of twenty-seven (27) homes, were placed on homesites owned by the Association containing poor quality singlewides. The Board realized that directing our redevelopment campaign internally (using select poor quality Association owned homes) would provide several benefits: 1) Upgrading the Community at large, 2) Minimize expense to the Association because removal costs are factored into the new home and 3) Disposes of poor quality homes which the Association was responsible in maintaining. In total, out of 63 homes, 47 have been placed on Association controlled properties. If we were to estimate an average purchase price of $60,000, the actions of my company produced a $2,820,000 benefit to the overall development and upgrading of Mobel Americana, excluding the benefits of share sales or rental income.

Contract Negotiations
Another item which was discussed, was the insinuation that I was not responsive enough to preserve a lucrative contract. We met with the attorney; I took notes and provided various scenarios and proposals which incorporated each increased service the Board desired. I was prepared to implement those increased services relating to both management and sales within 30 days from receipt of a signed Letter of Intent. With respect to increased costs, I am no longer able to subsidize this community with my money. I am not the park owner, you are! The Association pays me a $70,000 management fee. I reinvest up to $14,000 to pay for one-half (1/2) of the advertising expenses. I reinvest $12,000 a year for staffing the sales office, $4,800 a year for telephone expenses, $1,200 per year for clubhouse electric, and approximately $12,000 per year for my part-time person, Gene Nowak, to be immediately available for customer service issues which may arise at Mobel Americana in my absence. That equates to a total reinvestment back into Mobel Americana in the amount of $44,000. I see approximately $12,000 after taxes. Perhaps now you can see why the success of the sales campaign and filling lots is so vital to my company. We share the same interests. I've always believed that the incentive should be placed on filling Association controlled lots/homes.

3 Services - One Company
There are three (3) type services offered by my company 1) Management, 2) Brokerage - This is facilitating transactions between two parties, and 3) Dealership/Redevelopment - This is where I use my money to place models within your community. It's different for a street dealer. They have their homes sitting on wheels on their street lots and are available to be sold to anyone and delivered any place, both communities as well as private land. I don't have that option as a community dealer. The homes must meet community standards.
In our scenario, once we receive the home, my company invests approximately $25,000 for each home to complete the outside improvements. Once the home is set, it is here for good. I bear all the costs associated with the home, such as monthly interest expense, insurance, maintenance, advertising, etc. For this service, if I'm not going to manage the property, I require an added incentive when filling a vacant lot. This service has nothing to do with brokerage.

Nick's Never Here
This seems to be the standard response from people you talk to, but the fact of the matter is I'm here whenever I need to be. Whether it be for Park inspections, Architectural Review Meetings, contractor coordination meetings, resident appointments, or any other function requiring my personal attention - I'm Here. If you violated one of our Rules and Regulations, you will deal directly with me.
My role is simple-Implement the policy of the Board. Policy is created by the Board with input from management. When a plan is implemented, the plan contains elements from both parties and because of this, we are one cohesive front. This is not an adversarial role like we have today. This was a properly functioning Board, acting in the best interest of the residents, both shareholder and non-shareholder alike.
One of the concepts we created is similar to what you are seeing today. People shop at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Home Depot. The smaller hardware stores and clothing stores of years ago have all gone out of business. Why? They didn't have the purchasing power of these giants and consequently went out of business.
The former Board recognized that collectively (Resident Owned Communities) had the same buying requirements whether it be lawn service, paper products, advertising expense, lawn services, management fees, legal fees, accounting fees, etc. There is virtually no goods or service we use that would not be affected by volume. We implemented the plan several years ago, and it has paid big dividends, especially in the advertising arena. We purchase advertising space at discounted prices.

New Services for NFC Communities
This year is a very exciting time for my company. Because of our size, we are able to have an office at the Palm Harbor Model Center. This office will be staffed by a full-time salesperson, who will have brochures and marketing materials available for each community the company represents. This is an added benefit for all communities wanting to fill vacant lots or upgrade existing homes. On select communities, we will be implementing a "cost plus" pricing system where all invoices will be shared with the Buyer and everyone pays the same price. This is a huge benefit for all my company's managed communities.

Last year, during the implementation of this joint marketing campaign, one of our Board members said I was marketing other communities out of Mobel Americana. Yes, this was true. My paid staff was answering the telephone which was paid by me, and they were also mailing marketing materials to individuals also paid by me. There was no expense ever paid by Mobel relating to another community. Just ask Mary in the Business office; she bills me faithfully. This Board member felt there was a conflict. I thought it was a big benefit to Mobel.

___________________________________
Fun Facts
It is interesting to see some Mobel Americana Community Facts:
1995 2000 Gain(Loss)
Occupancy 698 658 (40)
Vacant Lots 47 58 +11
Co-op Homes 13 42 +29
Association Owned Rental Income
$7,574 $146,804 1,938%
Income Over Expenses
$61,542 $289,899 471%
Total Revenue Generated During Term
$1,389,839
Total # Homes Turned Back to Association Since Acquisition
103-47 Resold 27 New Homes 29 Remain

This information was taken from Association Financial Reports and available to any shareholder.


Several of our other communities have asked us to locate in their communities. Why? Because they feel that the company's home office is always the showplace. They know that there will be additional staff available to service their needs without additional expense - and they will receive personal and immediate service. These concepts were foreign to several of our Board members unfortunately. Consequently, I was asked to vacate the property.
_________________

As John Bassett stated, perhaps this is a move for the Board to change direction, to do things on their own. I accept their decision, and am
prepared to move on. I do not, however, appreciate some of the actions of the Board regarding our operations or management.
I think it is clear by the financial information provided (Fun Facts) that the community is quite healthy. I do believe however, that despite the financial health, and progress we have made, there was never an option to extend the Contract. However, I do know that just as change has occurred....

Change will Come Again!

I wish you luck in your new endeavor, and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be a part of Mobel Americana's revitalization.

Nick Ferraro, Asset Manager



FOR RESERVATIONS CALL PHYLLIS BURG 538-8119
MT. NEW CASTLE, ST. PETE.

DAYTRIPS SEPTEMBER 2001
SEP 6, THU - "THOSE WERE THE DAYS" at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Ft. Myers, Matinee... $53
SEP 7, FRI - FLORIDA AQUARIUM with lunch at The Colonades. . $41.
SEP 8, SAT - "ALL NIGHT STRUT", a 30's & 40's Review, Show Palace Dinner Theater in Hudson... $53
SEP 10, MON - STERLING CASINO, 5 hour Gambling Cruise from Cape Canaveral with meal, entertainment & beverage/cocktail service while gambling included... $22
SEP 11, TUE - RIVERSHIP ROMANCE, 4 Hour Cruise from Sanford, Meal, Entertainment, Shrimp and Sticky Buns.. $60
SEP 12, WED - SENIOR FUN FESTIVAL at Channelside in Tampa,
FREE entertainment, Health Screenings, Bingo, Food Samples and much more.. $16
SEP 13, THU - LUNCH BUNCH, Food, Fun & Friendship... $TBA
SEP 24, MON - "AMAZING JOURNEYS" at IMAX, feel what it's like to fly like a bee, a bird & much more, with lunch at Too-Jay's in downtown St. Petersburg.. $38
SEP 25, TUE - ARABIAN NIGHTS in Orlando, great food with a terrific show, matinee...$42
SEP 26, WED - CAPONE'S Meal and Show from the Cabaret and Speakeasy Days...$42
SEP 27 THU - SHOPPING WITH GAIL at the NEW International Plaza Mall in Tampa near TI.... $16
SEP 29, SAT - DISNEY THEME PARKS, transportation only special... $25

DAYTRIPS OCTOBER 2001
OCT 1, MON - STERLING CASINO, 5 Hour Gambling Cruise from Cape Canaveral with meal, entertainment & beverage/cocktail service while gambling included... $22
OCT 2, TUE - ROCK CRUSHER CANYON Matinee... $44
OCT 5, FRI - WINTER PARK, a free day with time to browse and have lunch on your own... $24
OCT 11, THU - LUNCH BUNCH, Food, Fun & Friendship... $TBA
OCT 16, TUE - "WHEN RADIO WAS KING" at The Stage Door Dinner Theater in Plant City... $50
OCT 19, FRI - IMAX THEATER "Cirque du Soleil, Journey of Man" with Lunch... $39
OCT 20, SAT - FISHERMAN'S VILLAGE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW in Puenta Gorda... $20
OCT 21, SUN - HOMASSASSA SPRINGS NATURE WORLD with meal.. $40
OCT 29, MON - WEBSTER FLEA MARKET... $19
OCT 31, WED - CHRISTMAS HOUSE in Brooksville with lunch at Goden Corral...$29