30 years--WOW!

This month Cornell celebrates 30 years with Americana Finnmark.

You all know Cornell, he is the guy you wave to during the day- the guy with the Americana Finnmark uniform- going from unit to another, making repairs, checking on problems, helping a resident.

You know the guy who comes out here at two in the morning when there is an emergency.

Cornell Smith has worked at Finnmark for 30 years.

During those 30 years he has had the opportunity to leave for greener pastures- associations with more money maybe better benefits-- instead he aalways made the decision to stay at Finnmark.

You do not find many people who work at the same job for 30 years.

You do not find many people who are friendly, helpful and will go out of their way to help you.

You do not find many people who are like Cornell Smith.

Congratulations Cornell Smith on your time with Americana Finnmark.

Congratulations on a job well done.

Thank you Cornell Smith for being a good friend.

Bob Fustero

Heidi Harris

A few years ago when I got word that Julie was leaving Americana Finnmark-I was concerned that no one could replace her.

Julie was very efficient, kind, and understanding.

She knew how to get things done- and she knew how to deal with certain residents who were considered troublesome or perhaps too demanding

Julies replacement was Heidi Harris.

I did not think she would measure up to Julie, but I gave her a chance- and as it turned out we became good friends.
As a past member of the BOD I relied on her for many answers concerning contracts, rules and regulations.
She was always quick with the reply and always had the right answers.
Over the years she had to deal with a major fire, a few troublesome residents, and the daily demanding routine of a job that paid less than what she was worth.

This year the staff did not get their Chritmas bonus.
Somekind of cost saving reason is probably the excuse- but for a staff that is underpaid. and overworked-- this is not how you treat them.

Today I received word that based on the recommendation of the BOD CMI fired Heidi.
In todays economy no one wants to hear this news and have it happend to them-but the BOD does not seem to appreciate the time and hardwork of our staff and their decisions have demonstrated this.
It is a sad day for Americana Finnmark.

Carlo Romano with Gabriel's Oboe (E. Morricone)

On a cold winter day it is so nice to sit back and listen to this melody and imagine a warmer climate.

A Slap in the Face

How many times has a resident asked one of our staff for a problem- such as a leak or help carrying a heavy object from car to unit.?

How many times do residents wait at the managers office door- waiting for Heidi to arrive- and without even giving Heidi a chance to settle in and check her phone messages and emails - go into a tirade about some problem- sometimes trivial sometimes not- but seldom anything that can not wait until Heidi checks in.?

How many people have called Cornel or Billy at home to complain about something, when they should be calling CMI.?

How many times have our staff worked beyond their normal schedule?

Did you know that our staff is underpaid?

Do you know that Cornel has had many chances to leave and make more money . but he has always decided to stay here?
Do you know how many times Billy and Cornel have done favors for residents, without compensation,?
Do you know how many times Carlos has helped people carry their groceries .?
Do you know how many rude and obscene calls Heidi receives on a daily basis?
Do you know that Heidi has been physically threatened more than once since she has been here.

We should be extremely grateful to such a great staff.

They usually get small raises- sometimes just the COLA.
This year they did not get a raise.
This is understandable- neither did most retirees. our staff understands this.

But we could have given them a Christmas bonus to show our appreciation.

Instead- the BOD slapped them in the face and gave them nothing..

This is very wrong-- very very wrong-

Let the BOD know your feelings.

Our staff deserves a bonus.

Warning - Phone scam

To all residents- beware the phone call claiming that you owe money for a non-existent loan,

I have received two calls this wek from a male with an Indian Accent- but an American name- claiming that I took out a loan about a year ago and never paid it back.

He claimed that with court cost and such I now owed $5,000.
He said it was a payday loan.
I have never used a payday loan.
Yet this man had my SS# and knew what my bank was.
He said he would send someone out to my address with papers to sign and I could go to court, or I could pay $500 and settle out of court.

I told him to go to HELL.
If you get a call like this- copy the number and call the loan company he claims you have a loan with- let them know about this fraud.

Do not freak out and become upset- it is a fraud and it is a well known fraud.

It's Halloween, It's Fall and it's Budget Time.

Hey everyone- its my favorite season-- Fall - the air is crisp, the apples are crisp, decent apple cider is available at road stands and the leaves are changing.

I suffer from pulmonary problems and the hot humid air of the Summer makes my life miserable- but now I am feeling good.

I have yet to turn my thermostat to heat- I am enjoying this cool weather-

So lets see- besides the Fall it is also budget crunch time for Americana Finnmark-
I am sure there is going to be an increase- but with the economy the way it is- I hope the Board of Directors keep it low- it may be difficult but it is possible.

I have talked to some members and I understand that CMI has suggested a zero increase- I find this hard to believe- but I have been involved in the budget process in the past and the BOD usually takes CMI suggestion and tweaks it and makes a few changes.
I would venture a guess and expect a 3.5% increase.
Let's see what happens.

Next- It is goblins and spooks time- I have been living here for 15 years- the first year I bought candy and decorated my balcony and windows- no one showed up- and it has been that way for 15 years- so I do not bother anymore--but I do miss the days when I had a house and would have costumers stop by- my house had a skeleton on the porch, decorations on the roof and windows and I would play a CD of haunted house sounds.
Those were the days.

We have a Christmas party coming up- it is a catered affair- but not formal- feel free to bring a dish - and even if you do not-please show up and meet some of your neighbors.

My Mercedes Benz

I received a phone call the other day.
The caller said I won $2 million and a brand new green Mercedes Benz.

They would arrive at my condo the enxt day with my car and a check.
I asled them how I won and they said since I was a loyal Walmart shopper , my name was chosen at random.

For the record- I have never shopped at Walmart.

The next day I waited for their phone call notifying me that they would be in the parking lot.

At 11:45 AM I received my call-

The caller said there was a delay- as there were not enough tow trucks to deliver at the stated time. There would be a two hour delay

Meanwhile-- he stated that we could handle some paperwork- perhaps I could wire him $500
to cover insurance and shipping.
I told him to take the money out of the $2 million.
He gave me the run around and hung up on me.

Oh well= no Mercedes Benz-- I guess I can keep on dreaming.