NOVEMBER 2018
INFORMER MySunriseCommunity.com I 727-216-7903
How Cycling Helped Me Help Others C ongratulations! You’ve just received the very first edition of Sunrise Communities’ newsletter. My team and I are excited to share our tips and tricks to making mobile home communities a better place for your residents and a better investment for you. My wife will even be including some recipes you can try at home. I’ll be getting to know you right here on the cover. Call me old-fashioned, but I like the people I work with to have a sense of who I am, where I’ve been, and where I’m coming from. Rather than kick things off with the story of how I became an entrepreneur or discovered my passion for humanitarian work, I want to talk about the hobby that bound those two parts of my life together — cycling. I got on my bicycle and started my first job when I was just 12 years old. I’d waited for the high schooler working the paper route in my neighborhood to graduate, and I even asked him to refer me for the job when he left. Every morning, I rode out to meet the newspaper truck a quarter-mile from my house to distribute the news to my community’s doorsteps — and a few rooftops. Riding this paper route was my first real taste of freedom. For the first time, I had money of my own to spend! At 16 years old, I was able to buy my first car. Throughout my days tossing papers, cycling itself seemed little more than a tool, a means of getting me from place to place quickly. It was only after reaching the grim realities of adulthood that I discover a newfound love for seeing life on two wheels. Like so many Americans, times were tough for my family. During the difficult years after the recession, I started training for triathlons to stay active and relieve WHEN RUBBER MEETS ROAD
stress. I even found cycling to almost be a form of meditation. There was something about gliding down the road with the wind on my face that made the world seem brighter. I became so infatuated with the sport that in 2010, I got on my bike and rode from Florida to Washington, D.C. A lot of naysayers tried to talk me out of this ride, and they weren’t being mean- spirited. I was not in the kind of shape one should be in to ride for 1,154 miles in humid conditions, but I needed to try anyway. I ended up surprising even myself, rolling into our nation's capital exhausted, sore, and triumphant. In many ways, cycling had liberated me once again. I felt like I accomplished something bigger than myself, but couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d only done it for myself. I was no stranger to charity work; in fact, I had been helping an old friend with his great nonprofit organization, Tiny Hands. For those unfamiliar with the charity, they provide much-needed resources, such as food, school supplies, and holiday gifts to underprivileged children. Sunrise Communities is even going to start bringing Tiny Hands’ inspired “Backpack Brigades” to our own communities this coming school year, distributing new backpacks full of notebooks, pencils, paper, and other necessities for kids who may not be able to afford them. My work with Tiny Hands gave me a real taste for philanthropy, and I found myself wanting to donate more than just time. Completing my ride to Washington, D.C. provided me with a moment of inspiration: Why not combine my love of philanthropy with cycling? That’s when the idea for 72 Hours to Key West was born. Within five months of my ride to Washington, D.C., I’d organized another three-day ride, one I wouldn’t do alone. Partnering with Tiny Hands, we attracted a small but dedicated group of riders to make the grueling but beautiful 280-mile journey for a good cause. This year, we had 75 riders from all over the country compete, raising over $40,000 that will provide food and gifts to impoverished children this holiday season. I’m so glad I discovered my love of cycling when I did. Being able to take something I was passionate about and turn it into a cause that brings joy to others has been an incredible adventure. No matter what you enjoy doing, my advice would be to ask yourself, “How do I take this further? How do I take this beyond just my own experience?” Chances are, you just might surprise yourself!
So, dear reader, what brings you joy?
–Kevin Bupp
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Surviving the Season of Sweets Cookies, cakes, and pies, oh my! The holiday season is brimming with sweet treats of all kinds. Sometimes it can feel like candy and sugary desserts are around every corner, and yet you still want to indulge. However, when you consider that over 50 percent of Americans are insulin-resistant, prediabetic, or diabetic, that piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream starts to look more dangerous than appetizing. During the holidays, how can you satisfy your sweet tooth without worrying about consuming excessive sugar and calories? How to Indulge Your Sweet ToothWith Less Sugar
Skip the candy and go for the fruits and nuts. Keeping a bowl of fruit and nuts nearby can help keep sugar cravings at bay. Dried fruits, such as cranberries, pineapple, or apricots, are both sweet and nutritious. Just be sure to check the packaging for added sugars. You can even make your own dried fruit with a food dehydrator. This way, you are completely in control of the ingredients. No matter what you do, just be mindful not to overindulge. Dried fruit is high in sugar and calories, but the fiber and vitamins make fruit much healthier than just about any other sugary treat. Another way to cut down on your sugar intake is to use dark chocolate in all your chocolate-based treats. Dark chocolate has about half as much sugar as milk chocolate, twice as much healthy fat, less cholesterol, 4–5 times more iron, twice as much potassium, fewer carbs, and more flavonoids and theobromine. The antioxidant properties of the theobromine and flavonoids Success Story Winning Over the Mayor
make dark chocolate as good for your heart as it is for your soul. If you have a recipe that calls for chocolate, reach for the dark stuff, whether it’s dark chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or baking chocolate. While it may seem as though everyone and their grandma is overindulging in sugar this season, know that you have the choice to opt for healthier sweets. And come New Year’s, you won’t have to spend the first few months of 2019 working off that extra cookie weight.
It’s no secret: Mobile home parks (MHPs) aren’t always appreciated by local municipalities. They are sometimes viewed as eyesores or, in the worst cases, havens for criminal activity. In our years of working with these communities, we’ve found that some simple changes in
purchased by Lovejoy MHP, LLC (i.e., Kevin Bupp) and renamed Country Oaks. Lovejoy MHP made dramatic façade changes to the community and put in place an effective management system. They were able to drastically reduce the number of vacant homes in the park fairly quickly. In a matter of months, we saw a decrease in crime and a complete turnaround for the neighborhood. This convinced me that mobile homes were not the problem; it’s essentially about the management. The city and owners have an open line of communication, which has made a world of difference in resolving issues that were left untouched during the previous owner’s tenure. This community is now widely sought out in our area and has become a great choice for potential homebuyers. The park is located just a few hundred feet from our Municipal Building, and I no longer have to worry about this being an eyesore to our visitors. Lovejoy MHP has truly done wonders in revamping that community and have proven that they are great at what they do.
management style and an increased dialogue with local officials can do wonders to change public opinion. Here’s an excerpt from a letter one mayor wrote about our efforts to improve an MHP in his town. “For many years, the City of Lovejoy had a mobile home park that was unsightly and always an issue for the city and our police department. We had code enforcement complaints, petty crimes, and an all-around distaste for the happenings in this community. In 2013, the park was
–Bobby Cartwright Mayor, City of Lovejoy
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The nonstick pan is a kitchen staple. It’s useful, convenient, and easy to clean. But after a few months of use, it always seems like food starts to stick to it and “easy to clean” becomes a thing of the past. The life span of nonstick cookware is generally supposed to be about five years, depending on use, but as many can attest, that rarely seems to be the case under real-world conditions. However, there are steps that you can take to significantly extend the life of your nonstick cookware. If your nonstick cookware is starting to show signs of wear, you can repair existing damage — as long as that damage is minor, such as small scratches or blemishes. Using a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water, gently scrub the surface of the pan with a cloth or sponge. This helps even out imperfections. Rinse and dry. Then, wipe a small amount of cooking oil over the surface of the pan, wiping away any excess. Repeat this seasoning process regularly for even better results! If your nonstick cookware is flaking or chipping, it’s time to replace it. Those flakes and particles will get into your food and your body. While modern nonstick surfaces, such as Teflon, are technically considered safe, Teflon flakes are, of course, unappetizing in all situations. How to Extend the Life of Your Nonstick Cookware
Another way to extend the life of nonstick cookware is to avoid using cooking spray. These sprays often contain additives that cling to nonstick surfaces, even after washing. Instead, use a purer form of fat, such as butter or coconut oil — or don’t use anything at all! And during cooking, always use soft utensils, such as wood, plastic, or silicone. Never use metal utensils, which will scratch nonstick surfaces. Another tip is to keep nonstick cookware off of high heat. High heat shortens the life span of nonstick surfaces. Save this cookware for low and medium heat only. For high- heat cooking, rely on stainless steel or cast iron. When it comes to cleaning your nonstick cookware, skip the dishwasher. While many nonstick pots and pans are labeled “dishwasher safe,” regular exposure to scalding hot water and detergent will shorten the life of the cookware. To keep your pans in good shape, hand wash them using dish soap, warm water, and a soft brush or sponge. Following these simple steps will keep your nonstick cookware looking great for years to come!
The History of Mobile Homes A LEGACY OF OPPORTUNITY Mobile homes and the parks that house them are deeply interwoven in the history of our country. From the whims Enter the Automobile Fast-forward to the United States in the 1920s. Henry Ford succeeded in making cars affordable to the middle class, and our nation was suddenly more interconnected than ever before. With this newfound mobility came the rise of car camping as more and more Americans traveled for recreation and employment. The foundations of the first mobile home parks would be laid during this time. Car-camping communities sprang up across the U.S., and the first live-in trailers were developed.
of vacationing families to the needs of wartime production, trailers and manufactured homes have played a vital role in the
Wartime Needs When the U.S. entered World War II, there was ample need to bring workers to military manufacturing centers. The mobile home was an ideal way to house the influx of workers quickly and affordably. Trailer parks sprang up from coast to coast as our nation came together to fight fascism. A Lasting Legacy The post-war boom saw the adoption of mobile homes and campers by many elderly “snowbirds” who traveled south for long winter vacations. Soon enough, the first permanent luxury mobile home parks opened in Florida, California, and other popular sunny destinations. Today, mobile home communities come in all shapes and sizes and are made up of folks from all walks of life. Each is connected to a shared legacy of dreamers who crisscrossed the country looking for brighter opportunities. We look forward to delving into the people, innovations, and events that shaped this unique part of the American experience.
American experience. In future editions, we’ll delve into the innovations and trends that were a part of this rich history, but seeing as this is our first edition, we want to start by looking at the big picture. The First Mobile Home Identifying the first mobile home largely depends on your definition of what constitutes a “mobile home.” Some historians consider the wagons used by the Romani people in the 19th century to be the earliest historical precursors to the modern trailer. These “vardos” or “living wagons” featured beds to sleep on and built-in chimneys to combat harsh European winters. However, the intricate woodcarving and the fact that vardos were drawn by horses made them very different from what we think of as mobile homes today.
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Listen to Something New
The Best Podcasts to Start in 2019
Though podcasts have been around for over a decade, they have only recently found their stride in popular culture. And they don’t all feature nerds talking about “Game of Thrones.” In this form of audio entertainment, there really is something for everyone. A number of podcasts have broken into mainstream pop culture, like “My Favorite Murder,” “This American Life,” and NPR’s “Planet Money.” But these are only the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few lesser-known podcasts that are seriously worth your time. Start Something Fun: ‘Spirits’ The title “Spirits” is a play on the stories told and drinks enjoyed on this podcast. Co-hosts Amanda McLoughlin and Julia Schifini offer a fresh take on myths, legends, and folklore. From Greek classics to the tale of the Javanese Mermaid Queen, these lifelong friends and mythology enthusiasts examine what the stories we tell say about our culture, traditions, and values. If you’re eager to fill your year with something kinda creepy and kinda cool, you can’t go wrong with “Spirits.” Start listening at SpiritsPodcast.com. Go on an Adventure: ‘The Far Meridian’ Audio dramas are back and thriving in the world of podcasts. “The Far Meridian” explores the story
of dopamine — a chemical that controls the brain's reward and pleasure centers — which causes your pupils to dilate. In this sense, beauty really is “in the eye of the beholder.” In the last decade, researchers have determined that from a romantic and reproductive standpoint, both men and women are attracted to partners with bigger pupils. Studies demonstrate that when women are at their peak fertility, they might subconsciously be more attracted to a person with sizable pupils because it could indicate a partner’s attraction to them. Likewise, researchers have reported that men seek out women with dilated pupils due to the association of larger pupils with youth and longevity. The connection between the eyes and enthrallment has inspired some of Shakespeare’s most iconic sonnets, and the science behind our eyes validates some of the Bard’s romantic claims. But does this connection between larger pupils and attraction corroborate the idea of love at first sight? If you believe that attraction equates to true love, then absolutely. But if your definition of love requires a little more depth, then you may have to toss aside the idea of love at first sight and instead view your partner’s eyes as mere “windows” to their soul. of Peri, a lighthouse keeper whose brother disappeared long ago. Peri is terrified of leaving her home, so she’s never discovered what happened to him. That changes when her lighthouse begins to appear in a new location every morning, initiating her search for her brother. Fantastically fun and painfully real, this is a story about the courage it takes to leave home behind. Join the girl in the lighthouse at TheFarMeridian.com. Tackle Your NewYear’s Resolutions: ‘The Marie Forleo Podcast’ We all need some advice. Why not get it from someone who knows what they’re talking about? Marie Forleo is an entrepreneur, writer, and philanthropist. And according to Oprah, she’s a thought leader for the next generation. Her mission is to help you become the person you most want to be. On the podcast, Marie and her guests discuss business, relationships, fear, love, and so much more. Get inspired at MarieForleo. com/marietv. This list is just a start to the wealth of amazing, diverse podcasts out there. News recaps, sports history, true crime, pop-culture throwbacks, and plenty more fantastic audio entertainment awaits on your phone’s podcast app. Start listening to your new obsession today!
What Your Eyes Can Tell You About Love Is Love at First Sight Real?
The idea of love at first sight is wonderfully romantic. Two strangers see
each other across a crowded room. There's an instant, magnetic attraction, and suddenly
they've found their match for all of eternity. In a world in which dating often requires a lot of work — work that comes with disappointment, rejection, and uncertainty — falling in love at first sight has strong appeal. But can it actually happen? Can your eyes tell you anything about love? The connection between the eyes and love has been described in poetry and prose since time immemorial — it’s the stuff of heroic epics and fanciful fairy tales. And evidence has increasingly shown that the human brain is hard-wired to both display and notice visual cues when gazing at a potential love interest. Enlarged pupils are one such cue. When you survey a person or object you are interested in, your brain releases a surge
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The Value of Metering Are Individualized Meters Right for Your Park?
We Purchase Mobile Home Communities
Nationwide Quick and Confidential Closing References Available Upon Request
In most cases, utility companies only bill mobile home parks using their master meters, leaving the park manager to sort out who owes what. In the old days, when utilities were relatively cheap and in smaller demand, many park managers decided to simply roll the cost into their tenant’s monthly rent. Today, however, this practice discourages responsible utility usage and decreases the value of your park significantly. But there is another option. More and more mobile home parks are installing individual utility meters and divvying up the bill according to usage. If you are on the fence about instituting such a policy shift in your park, you should consider the benefits. Reward Responsibility The problem with rolling the total utility usage into your residents’ rent is that it punishes those who make an effort to conserve or reduce their usage. For many, the logic is simple: Why take a two-minute shower when you’ll still be footing the bill for your neighbor who takes 30 minutes? Dividing up the bill equitably ensures that those who make the extra effort to use utilities responsibly are compensated for their efforts, while those who abused the earlier system are penalized. Encourage Maintenance Reports Residents are less likely to feel the need to report a leak if it isn’t affecting their pocketbook. Individual meters give mobile home owners a greater sense of ownership of the utilities they use and the conditions they are in. Once a leaky sink begins to cost them money, people are far more likely to bring it to their maintenance team’s attention. Untether Rent From Utility Costs One of the biggest disadvantages with using the old “rolled in” system is that it ties your rental rates to the rising costs of utilities. This makes it almost impossible to compete with more modernized mobile home parks already making use of individualized meters. Increase Value All of these benefits combine to create an overall increase in value for your park. In many cases, we’ve seen an appreciation of upward of a quarter million dollars in value from this one simple investment. If you’d like our recommendations on the installation process, give us a call at 813-999-9999.
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Joanna's Recipe Corner Creamy Sweet Potatoes
Recipe by Joanna Bupp
• 5 pounds sweet potatoes • 1 cup canned coconut milk • 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste INGREDIENTS 1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over INSTRUCTIONS
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Uncover potatoes and dot
with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot.
low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
P1 Meet Kevin Bupp
P2 Indulge Your Sweet Tooth With Less Sugar This Holiday Season
Praise From the Mayor of Lovejoy
P3 Joanna's Recipe Corner
Are Individualized Meters Right for Your Park?
P4 My Favorite Podcast
What Your Eyes Can Tell You About Love
P5 Are You Damaging Your Nonstick Pots and Pans?
The History of Mobile Homes
P6 The Biggest Black Friday Lawsuit in History
Fake Discounts and Angry Shoppers A Massive Black Friday Lawsuit
Shoppers flock to retailers every Black Friday in hopes of securing the best deals on the year’s hottest products. There are many nasty aspects of Black Friday — the long lines, the overzealous shoppers, the limited stock of items — but phony pricing and fake sales shouldn’t be among them. But that’s exactly what happened to folks in Los Angeles during the 2016 holiday season, leading to the biggest Black Friday lawsuit in history. In December of 2016, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office sued J.C. Penney, Sears, Macy’s, and Kohl’s for a practice called “false reference pricing,” a nefarious tactic whereby retailers lie about the original price of an item to make a discount appear bigger than it actually is. For example, Sears sold a Kenmore washing machine at a “sale price” of $999.99, compared to a “regular price” of $1,179.99. The problem was the so-called sale price was actually the price that product was offered at every day. Therefore, it wasn’t actually on sale. Duping your customers is a bad business practice, but what makes it illegal? Well, California law requires that retailers post a retail price no higher than what the product was sold at within three months prior to the ad. "Families today … are striving to get the very most they can get from an extremely hard-earned holiday shopping dollar," said LA City
Attorney Mike Feuer. "They deserve to make an informed decision." After the suit was brought against them, the retailers all quickly moved to settle, promising to never engage in false reference pricing again. Most retailers offer discounts around the holidays to encourage shoppers to come into their stores or visit their websites. Promotions and sales are great tools in any business’s arsenal, provided they aren’t out to mislead customers. Big-box stores may try to manipulate innocent people, and it’s up to aggrieved customers to hold those corporations accountable. Nearly every year, you’ll read about a class-action lawsuit that develops in response to the shady tactics of businesses eager to secure those holiday shopping dollars. Are there great bargains to be had on Black Friday? Of course. But if something sounds too good to be true, it very well might be. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t let retailers trick you into a purchase you wouldn’t make otherwise.
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