Rental Property for Everyone

More and more people are investing in rental property these days. Whether you have a small apartment in your house to rent, or decide to invest in an apartment or office building, rental property can provide extra income for you and your family. What does every landlord need to know?

Leaees

A lease is an agreement between a landlord and a tenant. Standard leases are available at most office supply stores, and many property owners find them quite satisfactory. _______________. You may want to make some additional provisions. You may want to add a pet clause, for exam- ple, or make diflerent specifications pertaining to the security deposit. If you decide to make changes to the standard lease, you should meet with a lawyer. The lease is the most important tool you have if you need to resolve a dispute with your tenant. When you have a lease written by a lawyer, you are assured that you have the protection you need.

When purchasing a new appliance, check to make sure that a warranty is included. _________________. If you decide to return a product that is under warranty, you will have to demonstrate that any damage was not caused by misuse or mishandling. Also, make certain that you return a damaged product before the warranty expires. Companies do not have to accept products that are returned after the date stated in the warranty.

Smart consumers compare prices before they buy. That's why nine out of ten shoppers choose Star Brand household cleaning products. Star Brand products are the most efficient cleaning products around. ______________. Every Star Brand product comes with the company promise: If you are not 100% satisfied, your money will be returned with no questions asked. Next time you are shopping for cleaning products, consider Star Brand. We know you'll be happy you did.

Are you looking for a place to hold your next conference? The LiNeton Convention Center offers a convenient location at an affordable price. Whether your event is big or small, our site can accommodate your needs. We offer meeting rooms, several auditoriums, and a large exhibition hall. Catering services are also available. Get in touch with us at 555-0964 to make arrangements for your event. _____________________.

To:  All office staff

From: Office Manager

Re:  New photocopier

__________________. Technically, it is a great improvement over our old one. It can assemble documents so you don't have to put them together yourself. It also folds documents for mailing. However, it does not correct mistakes in your writing. When making multiple copies of a document, please proof it beforehand and correct any errors. This will save us a great deal in both paper and time. Please let me know if you have any questions about using the new machine.

The use of computers has revolutionized the workplace. Thirty years ago, many people had never touched a computer. Now almost everyone uses a computer for work. Computers facilitate work so that jobs can be completed more efficiently. Documents are easily duplicated and distributed with computers. The Internet has made it easy to search for information. _______________________. Even the smallest businesses are able to buy them.

To: George Stanley

From:  Marya Obermeyer

Subject: Photocopierissues

George,

We are almost out of paper for the photocopier. There is just one package left in the supply closet. I would appreciate your ordering a new box today. In the future, please stay on top of things like this. The order should have been made much sooner.

_______________________. We need a new one that doesn't break down so often. Please start researching this and see if you can find one that is affordable. I would also like one that is not complicated to use.

Marya

_________________. It means your company recognizes your merits. When you are promoted to the position of supervisor, your work life changes. You are now in a position of responsibility. It is important to set a good example because your staff looks up to you. If you carry out your job responsibilities confidently, you will gain their respect. This is the key to success in your new position.

When your company has a job opening, it is important to hire the right person for the job. The job interview offers you, the employer, an opportunity to get to know each candidate and assess his or her ability to do the job. You will have many questions for the applicants, but you should also be ready for questions from them. In addition to understanding the job duties, they may want to know about benefits offered by your company. _______________________.

Thank you for your interest in working at Plytel Corporation. To apply for a position, please submit a résumé and a letter explaining your background and interest. __________________. If your qualifications match available openings, we will call you in for an interview. Please do not call us; we will contact you if we have a position suited to your abilities.

To: Joanne Simmons

From:  Bill Smithers

Subject:  Supplies

Joanne,

It's time to order some supplies. We need several boxes of stationery, including large and small envelopes as well as letter paper. Don't order this from XYZ Printers. I was not satisfied with the quality of the paper in our last order. It tore very easily. _____________________. Let's try them this time. It might be a good idea to get some ink cartridges, too. Why don't you check to see how many we have on hand? If we have just one or two boxes left, you should order more.

Thanks.

Bill

To:   Betsy Barnes

From:  Lighting Limited Customer Service

Subject:  Your order

Dear Betsy Barnes,

We have received your message about your recent order of a desk lamp with a glass shade. You state that theshipment arrived in damaged condition. We will be happy to replace the damaged merchandise at no extra charge to you. You will not have to pay anything. Simply place the damaged item back in the box and affix the ”postage paid” sticker to the outside. As soon as we receive it, a replacement lamp will be promptly sent to you. ________________________.

Manuel Gozanlez

Lighting Limited Customer Service Associate

Memo

To:  Floor Managers

From: Head Manager

Re:  Spring Sale

_____________________. Before the store opens on Monday, all sale items should be placed on racks near the checkout area. This ensures that customers will see them right before they pay for their purchases. We expect large crowds in the store during the sale, so it will be important to maintain order. This means picking up any items that fall on the floor or end up on the wrong shelf, and making sure that all items are clearly marked with the correct price. Remember, an attractive store attracts more customers.

_____________________. They consider it well worth their money. An accountant can help you avoid penalties for underpayment of taxes and, in general, ensure that your tax form has been filled out correctly. But remember, accountants have deadlines too. Be sure to give all your tax information to your accountant early, then you can be sure that your taxes will be ready to file on time. No one wants to pay a fine for sending in their tax form too late.

______________________. However, the process of borrowing money to buy a house is not very complicated. First, you will have to fill out a form giving information about your financial situation. You need to show that you have a good income. It is also important not to have a lot of debt. If you already owe a lot of money, the bank may hesitate to lend you more. Then, you will have to make a down payment, usually about 10 percent of the total price of the house. The bank lends you the rest of the money for the purchase.

At Grover Investment Services, we understand that you work hard to earn your money, and it is important to invest it wisely. __________________. We offer our clients a full range of investment services. Whether you are a conservative or aggressive investor, we can help you develop an investment plan that suits your needs. At Grover, we are committed to helping you get the best possible return for your money. Call us today.

Dear Mr. Wilcox,

Your lease for the office you occupy at 121 North Main Street will expire next month. I will be very happy to have you renew the lease if you desire. You have occupied that space for a decade, and during those ten years you have always been a reliable tenant. Unfortunately, due to rising costs everywhere, I will have to raise the rent on that space by 20 percent. ____________________. Please let me know if you are still interested in renewing the lease, and I will have my assistant send one over to you.

Sincerely,

Amanda Brightwood

Our job here in the Quality Control Department is to make sure that no garment leaves the factory in less than perfect condition. ________________________. We throw out all defective garments. It is important to protect our brand and make sure that the name of our company is always associated with top-quality products.

To: m_schwartz@donner.com

From:  j_hoImes@bIitzen.com

Subject: Board Meeting

Mary,

We all missed you at yesterday's meeting, but you will be happy to know it went well. We were able to adhere to the agenda and cover all topics in the allotted time. Wilbur gave a lengthy explanation of the budget, and now I feel we all understand it quite thoroughly. He plans to e-mail you a copy of his notes. ______________________. The next meeting is scheduled for June 16.

John

Do you have what it takes to become a professional chef? The first requirement, of course, is an interest in the culinary arts. There is no point in becoming a chef if you don't love fine food. You will also need to be willing to work long hours because this is a very demanding profession. _______________________. A working chef has to coordinate the work of everyone in the kitchen.

To:  Sue Evans

From:  Ron Smith

Subject: lunch tomorrow

Sue,

George will be out of the office all week, so it will fall to you to order the lunch for tomorrow's staff meeting. We always order from Sam's Deli. We'll need enough for 15 people. Look at their list of sandwiches and order three or four different kinds. Don't forget to order a variety of desserts, too. __________________. Please make sure that the food is delivered by noon tomorrow.

Thanks.

Ron

To:  Robert Hughes

From:  Betsy Wyman

Subject: re: places to eat

Hi Rob,

I got your message asking for ideas about places to take your clients to dinner. I have a great suggestion for you. ______________________. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the food is very good. If you arrive before 6:30, you can get the dinner special—a complete three-course meal including a glass of wine—for only $30. It's a great deal. I really think this is the best place in town to enjoy an elegant meal at a reasonable price. Let me know how you like it.

Betsy

If you plan to pick up a rental car at the airport, it's best to reserve a car ahead of time. This is easy to do on the Internet or by phone. When you pick up your car, you will have to show a valid license that proves you have legal permission to drive. Read the contract carefully and make sure that the rate it states is the same one you were originally quoted. You don't want to have to pay more than you expected. Also, remember that certain features, such as stereo systems, are optional. ____________________________.

To:  Margaret Berdan

From:  Spring Flower Hotel Management

Subject:  Your reservation

Dear Ms. Berdan,

Thank you for making a reservation at the Spring Flower Hotel for the nights of May 11-14. We suggest that you call the hotel to confirm your reservation 24 hours in advance. Payment in fuII is required at the time you check in before we can give you your room key. Remember, your status as a guest at the Spring Flower Hotel entitles you to unlimited use of the hotel fitness room and swimming pool. _____________________.

Sincerely,

The Spring Flower Hotel Management Office

Do you need to economize? Trains are a great way to save money when it comes to travel. __________________. On the other hand, if comfort is more important to you than saving money, you will be happy to know that most trains offer deluxe accommodations. When you reserve your ticket, simply notify the agent that you want a first-class seat.

The new play, Sunflower Sunset, opened at the Westwood Playhouse last night. A lot of effort went into this production. The actors rehearsed for months, and an elaborate set was constructed. ________________________. It was easy to see that the audience was bored—snoring was heard throughout the theater, and many people left before the end of the play. The actors made a fine effort with their performance, but the best acting in the world cannot save a poorly written play.

If you are looking for an activity that the whole family can enjoy, consider visiting one of our city's fine museums. It is the perfect way to combine fun with education. Depending on your family's interests, you might choose to visit a science, history, or art museum. If your children are older, they will want to visit exhibits that particularly interest them and take the time to give each one a thorough look. _________________________. Museums with interactive exhibits are best for them.

Because of DVD players and cable TV, it is no longer necessary to leave home in search of entertainment. ____________________. Nevertheless, going out to the movies is still a popular way to spend a weekend evening. Many people enjoy going to movie theaters because they like to see new movies as soon as they are released. They may also prefer to spend an evening out in public rather than quietly at home.

_____________________. Take it as instructed by your doctor. It is most effective when taken with meals. Consult with your doctor before taking any additional medications to avoid potentially harmful interactions. Possible side effects of this medication include sleepiness and irritation of the stomach.

Memo

To:   All company staff

From: Human Resources Office

Re:   Dental insurance

Dental insurance is now available to all company personnel. We can offer you a policy that covers all the usual dental procedures, such as cleanings and fillings. _____________________. If you are interested in applying for this insurance, please notify our office before the end of this month. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to obtain affordable dental care for yourself and your family.

_____________________. By visiting your doctor once a year, you can feel sure that any changes in your health will be detected. Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, that you will need to make in order to maintain your health. The best way to prevent serious disease, after all, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Cloverdale Pharmacy

The neighborhood pharmacy that you can rely on!

Cloverdale is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unlike other pharmacies with limited schedules, we're open all the time. You can rely on us in an emergency at any time of day. And, our schedule makes it convenient for busy working people to fill prescriptions after work or on weekends.

You're always safe with us! When you fill a prescription at Cloverdale, we keep a careful record. This way, we can easily monitor the medications you are taking and inform you of any potentially harmful interactions.

Do you need help selecting over-the-counter medications? _______________________.

Cloverdale Pharmacy. We're here to serve you.

City Hospital

Admissions Procedures

— When you arrive, check in with the nurse on duty at the front desk.

—  All patients must have signed authorization from a doctor before entering the hospital. Please give the signed form to the nurse.

— The nurse will also need to see a form of identification and proof of insurance. _______________________. There will be no exceptions.

— The nurse will complete the pertinent paperwork and assign you to a room.

— Please wait in the designated area. A hospital staff member you to your room.

— Family members are not permitted to accompany patients to their rooms. They must wait until the usual visiting hours to see their loved ones. A schedule of visiting hours is posted in the main lobby.

Memo

To:   All personnel

From: Human Resources Office

Re:   Health Insurance

Many of you have expressed an interest in certain alternative health care treatments such as acupuncture and massage. In response to this, we have negotiated a new health insurance policy with our provider, and benefits now include a discount on visits to acupuncturists, massage therapists, and naturopaths. In order to take advantage of this discount, you need only to present your insurance card on your first visit to an approved provider. ____________________. Please notify this office if you would like a copy of the list of approved alternative health care providers.

"The state of dental health in our nation is a cause for concern," according to Dr. James Hibbard, president of the National Society of Dentists. Dr. Hibbard expressed his concerns in an article appearing this week in Our Dental Health magazine, which is distributed among dentists and other health care workers throughout the country. “Most people don't have good dental habits,” he says. "When people aren't careful about keeping their teeth clean," Dr. Hibbard warns, "the result is irritated gums, cavities, and even tooth loss." "________________________. Dentists need to do more education with their patients, and patients need to follow their dentists' advice,” recommends Dr. Hibbard.

Welcome to the office of Dr. Shaw. The following office policies are in effect:

— Please check in with the receptionist when you arrive. If you were given a referral, please tell the receptionist the name of the doctor who referred you.

— We recognize that sometimes you must cancel your appointment. Cancellations must be made 24 hours ahead of time or you will be assessed a missed appointment fee.

— Please don't call us to find out the results of diagnostic tests. __________________.

— Effective January 1, all bills must be paid in full at the time of your visit. We accept all major credit cards.

Stay on top of what's happening in today's world by subscribing to News Story Weekly, the weekly news magazine that is read by politicians, corporate executives, and ordinary citizens like you.

News Story Weekly provides you with in-depth coverage of the week's most important news, both national and international. News Story Weekly thoroughly investigates worldwide events that have an impact on your life and delivers this news to your mailbox every week.

News Story Weekly is disseminated throughout the country and is read by citizens from all walks of life. People who care about what's happening in the world choose News Story Weekly. _____________________?

To subscribe to News Story Weekly, call our offices at 888-685-9321, or visit us online at www.nsw.com.

Thank you for visiting the Museum of History. This brochure has been developed to provide you with information to make your visit more enjoyable.

Viewing the Exhibits

Our main exhibits are located on the first and second floors of the museum. They cover all aspects of local history up to the present and are organized in chronological order. You are invited to join one of our regular guided tours at no extra charge, or you can visit the exhibits on your own and view them at your leisure.

Group Tours

School groups and other groups that wish to visit the museum may schedule special group tours. Please contact the Museum Tour Office for more information.

Museum Bookstore

The Museum Bookstore is located on the first floor next to the cafeteria. This store specializes in books about local history. Gift items are also for sale. In response to the requests of many of our visitors, the bookstore hours have been extended. _________________________.

Music Library

User's Guide

The library's music collection is divided into the following categories: classical, jazz, musicals, rock, folk, and international. The map below shows where each category is located. To find out if a particular CD is currently available, please use the computers up front to check the catalog. If you remove a CD from the shelf, we urge you not to attempt to replace it yourself. _____________________. CDs can be enjoyed in the adjacent listening room. Patrons who prefer to enjoy the CDs at home may use their library card to check out up to five CDs at a time for a period of two weeks. If you need help for any reason, please ask the librarian on duty.

To:   Jack Sprague

From:  Sabrina

Subject:  Clark Play

Hi Jack,

I just saw that play that opened recently at the City Theater. You really ought to see it, too. I know you would enjoy the experience. The play combines elements from both comedy and drama, so it's funny, but it also has an important message. Some people say this play is boring because there isn't a lot of action, but I think the dialogue is very creative. ________________________. The whole performance is superb; you can tell that the actors rehearsed a long time before the play opened. You should call the theater today to get a ticket because they will probably sell out soon. Let me know how you like the play.

Sabrina

The Silver Screen Movie House is a new entertainment option in the downtown area. The Silver Screen is not your typical movie house. It combines a movie theater with a coffeehouse, so that patrons can relax with coffee and snacks while they enjoy the show. In addition to a menu of delicious homemade sandwiches and tempting pastries, the Silver Screen offers a range of movies to suit all tastes. _________________________. Prices are reasonable, and frequent customers can take advantage of the ticket special. A booklet of five tickets for the price of four is available, or individual tickets can be bought separately for each show. The place tends to fill up for the evening show, but if you like quiet, you can stay later. The crowds disperse when the last movie is over, but the café stays open until 1:00 A.M., so night owls can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee into the wee hours. We predict that the Silver Screen will soon attain the status of one of the most popular entertainment venues in the city.

Are you looking for a reliable rental car? Look no more.

Riverton Rent-a-Car ofters the most reliable and economical rental cars in town.

You are sure to find the car you want at Riverton Rent-a-Car. We have several tiers of cars, from budget to luxury.

Our rates start at $19.99 daily for a compact car, with several options available including two-door and four-door sedans and hatchbacks.

Have you always wanted to experience the thrill of driving a luxury sports car? Live your dream by renting a sports car from Riverton Rent-a-Car. Daily and weekly rates are available. Contact us to find out more.

Rent a car from Riverton Rent-a-Car. __________________.

Welcome to the Springflower Radford Hotel. We are part of the Radford Hotel Group, one of the top hotel chains in the world.

Your comfort is important to us. When you check in, please let us know if you will need any special services during your stay.

_______________________. Please notify her if you need any extra supplies for your room.

The exercise room and pool are available for the use of all guests. Exercise classes are offered daily. Registration is required in advance. Please see the front desk clerk for more information.

You can book city tours through us. See the front desk clerk for a price quote. If you have already made a reservation for a city tour, we can confirm it for you.

Thank you for choosing a Radford Hotel. Have a pleasant stay.

Dear Henry,

I have made your train reservations for you. The tickets are enclosed. Your train leaves Sunday morning at 11:15. You should arrive at the train station on time since the trains all leave punctually. All the first-class tickets were sold out, so I wasn't able to get you deluxe accommodations. The tourist-class ticket I got you is considerably cheaper than a first-class ticket, so I hope the lower fare offsets your disappointment in not getting to ride first-class. I think you won't notice the difference since the trip is relatively short. I am sure you will be quite comfortable for the duration of the ride. I will be waiting at the station for you when you arrive. I look forward to seeing you.

Eliza

Renovated City Airport Now Open

Frequent flyers will be happy to know that the renovations at City Airport are finally finished. The airport renovations were scheduled for completion at the end of last year, but the construction team fell behind schedule and extended the deadlines twice. Now the work is completed, and travelers no longer have to deal with the noise, dust, and inconvenience of construction work. Passengers can move more easily and comfortably through the airport, and everything is easier to find. One of the biggest improvements in the renovated airport is the signs indicating the location of the various airlines' check-in counters. The new signs are much more distinguishable than the old ones, and it is easier for passengers to find the airlines they are looking for. In general, now that the work at the airport is finally over, the situation there has substantially improved.

Information for Travelers

“We make every effort to leave on time. To avoid delays, please plan to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled departure time. This is especially important because all passengers must pass through security control. “ Scissors, nail clippers, and other sharp instruments are prohibited on board. Leave these items at home or surrender them to the security officer in charge.

* Each passenger is allowed two small carry-on bags. Check your excess luggage with the attendant. You can claim it at the end of your trip.

“We request that passengers remain in the waiting area until the attendant announces the embarkation time. Please don't attempt to board ahead of time.

” Your comfort is our priority. Snack service is available on board. Please ask the attendant for pillows and blankets if you require them.

Thank you for traveling with us. Have a safe and happy trip.

The most important part of planning a successful event is to give yourself plenty of lead time. You don't want to leave important details untit the last minute. Ideally, you should give yourself several weeks to plan your event, or several months if it will be a large affair. The first step is to find a suitable site for your event. You want a place that is pleasant and convenient. You also need a place that is the right size. If you have even a general idea of the number of guests you can expect to attend, it will be easy to calculate the dimensions of the room that you will need. Many places that rent rooms for events can also provide food and entertainment, and may also assist you with your plans.

More and more people are choosing to become professional chefs. The number of students enrolled in culinary schools is growing every year. People choose this career for different reasons. Some are drawn to a cooking career because of a love of food. Others find that cooking is the perfect outlet for their creativity. People traditionally think of Paris as the city where professional chefs are trained. However, fine culinary schools can be found all over the world. The demands of a cooking career are great, but there are also many rewards.

Memo

To:  All department staff

From:  J. Holtzman, Manager

Re:  Ordering Lunch

It has long been the practice in this department to order lunch to be served during department meetings. While this is a custom we all enjoy, it has become a burden on our budget. Therefore, I have developed the following guidelines for ordering meeting lunches.

—  We cannot afford to constantly order elegant lunches. Please limit your orders to common, everyday lunch choices such as sandwiches and salads.

—  There are many restaurants in the area that offer take-out lunches. I will narrow the choices down to three or four places that have reasonable prices, then let you know which they are. Please order only from the restaurants on the approved list.

—We will no longer pay for delivery. All lunch orders must be picked up in person.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

One of the joys of traveling abroad is taking the opportunity to try out different kinds of food. Travelers should always make a point of eating the local dishes. It is exciting to try out dishes made with unfamiliar ingredients and unusual flavors. Daring travelers can order randomly from the menu. Or, they can look at the dishes that other patrons are eating and order one that looks appealing. A traveler who doesn't speak the local language well can order by pointing

to the dishes he wishes to order. That is the easiest way to avoid a mix up. Finally, dessert should not be forgotten. A sweet treat at the end of the meal will complete the experience of enjoying foreign cooking.

Are you looking for a delicious lunch experience that won't empty your wallet? Try the Blue Shutters Café. Our varied menu appeals to all tastes. We're famous for our homemade soups, garden-fresh salads, and freshly baked breads and pastries. Try our homemade pies in all flavors from familiar favorites like apple pie to exotic choices such as loganberry and chestnut meringue. But don't rely on our word alone. Come on down and try for yourself. We're open Monday through Saturday from 11:0O A.u. until 2:30 .u. Read about the Blue Shutters Café in the recent edition of the local restaurant guide “Restaurants of Riverdale.”

For Rent

Large, sunny office in prime downtown location. We are seeking a tenant to take over the lease from the current occupant, who must leave due to unforeseen circumstances. The new tenant will take over the six months remaining on the lease and will have the option to renew for an additional year. The office has been recently repainted and is in excellent condition. Call 567-0943 between 10:00 and 4:00 Monday through Friday to make an appointment to see the space.

In order to stay competitive in today's market, companies must continually work to develop new products. Through systematic research, a company can ascertain what consumers are interested in buying. Then products that match those interests can be developed. Nothing should be assumed about consumer interests. Product developers need to examine all the data carefully before spending money on a new product. This is only logical. Consumers will buy products that meet their needs and desires. The money and effort spent on market research will be repaid many times over by a product that sells well.

Thank you for buying a Flexco product. Flexco is a top name in women's clothing, and the Flexco brand carries a reputation for excellence. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and all Flexco garments carry the Flexco guarantee. All our products must conform to high standards. They are inspected by trained professionals before they leave the factory. If your purchase is defective in any way, you may take it back to the store for a complete refund.

&Aemo

To:   Department Staff

From: Alison Roth, Department Manager Re:   Meeting

All members of the department staff are requested to attend a department meeting next Friday morning. As you know, we meet periodically to review our work of the past months and finalize plans for the coming months. The goal of this Friday's meeting is to set our priorities for the next six months. The meeting agenda is attached for your review. Let's agree to follow the agenda and not bring up other matters at this time so that we can finish the meeting in a timely manner. The most important item on the agenda is the budget. We need to take a careful look at our spending practices. We have wasted too much money over the past six months. Please come with ideas about how we can use our funds more efficiently in the future. Please arrive at the meeting on time so that we can conclude before 12:00.

Notice

In order to maintain a professional office environment that is conducive to work, all staff members are asked to observe the following guidelines.

• Be considerate of your coworkers. When using an open work area, do not speak in loud voices or turn on radios.
• Our clients are important. Do not disrupt your coworkers when they are meeting with clients.
• Remember that the lobby is the first place our clients see when they enter the office. Please cooperate by doing your best to keep this area clean and neat.

Memo

To:  Department Heads From: Roy Jones, Manager Re:  Planning Meeting

As you know, our quarterly planning meeting will take place in two weeks. I want to let you know some of the topics that will be discussed, to give you a chance to prepare.

First, the overall economic situation in the country looks very good for the coming year. Economists forecast an increase in consumer spending, especially in our sector. Therefore, we should look into increasing production. I believe that a 15 percent increase by the end of the year is a realistic target.

Second, since the company plans to increase sales overseas, we will need to hire several translators. We will need to discuss how many we need and which languages should have priority.

These are the most important topics for the meeting. If anyone desires to put a special item on the meeting agenda, please let me know by the beginning of next week.

Smith & JohnBon

Tax Preparation

We take away the headaches of tax time. Preparing your own taxes can be frustrating and often leads to costly errors in calculations. Are you ready to give up trying to fill out your tax forms on your own? Smith & Johnson Tax Preparation can help you. People who use professional tax preparers get larger refunds and avoid penalties for underpayment and missed deadlines. Make tax time easier. Call us today. You owe it to yourself.

Many people try to save money by acting as their own investment advisors. This is not usually considered to be a wise choice. In the long term, it can actually end up costing the investor more money because of poor investment decisions. A professional investment advisor understands investment options more thoroughly than the layperson ever could. A good investment advisor becomes familiar with her clients' attitudes toward investing and gives advice accordingly. The advisor makes certain recommendations to clients who are conservative investors and makes different recommendations to clients who prefer to invest more aggressively.The best way to create a strong investment portfolio that matches your needs and preferred investing strategy is to work with a professional investment advisor.

Wilson and Jones, Ltd.

Accountants

We specialize in small businesses.

Are you having trouble reconciling your accounts?

Do you need to improve your tax situation?

Do you want to get out of debt and make your business profitable?

Wiison & Jones, Ltd., is a full-service accounting firm that can help small business owners like you with all aspects of your accounts. Our budget planning service will help you pay off outstanding debts so that you can start accumulating savings. Our tax service provides tax planning assistance, tax return preparation, and preparation for audits. Our bookkeeping service guarantees that your accounts are always up to date. Call us today for an appointment. You'll be out of the red and free of debt tomorrow.

Dear Customer,

Our records show that you qualify for our new automatic mortgage payment plan. Under this plan, your monthly mortgage payments are deducted from your savings account automatically. Now you no longer have to worry about making your payments on time! We do it all for you. You must maintain a sufficient balance in your account to cover the monthly payments. If you are interested in participating in this plan, simply complete the enclosed form. Certain restrictions apply to this plan, so read the explanation on the back of the form carefully. You may return the form in the enclosed envelope. Don't forget to sign it at the bottom. Your automatic deductions could begin as early as next month.

Notice

Our new cash registers will be installed over the weekend so that we can start using them next week. The main reason we have bought these new machines is that they will make it easier to keep track of our inventory. When you scan customer's purchase into the machine, it will automatically record the purchase in the inventory files of our computer. This will help us track sales and reorder items promptly. It will save us the tedious work of manually entering data into the computer and ensure that our numbers are accurate. All staff members are required to attend a training

session on Friday afternoon during which you will learn how to run the new cash registers. See you there.

Part 6 Terri Completion

Invoices are an essential part of any business and should be given their due attention. Without invoices, after all, a business would not receive payment for services rendered. The terms of the invoice must be stated clearly, that is, the customer needs to know exactly what he is being charged for and when the payment is due. If a customer discovers a mistake on the invoice, it should be rectified as soon as possible. If a final charge is much greater than the original estimate, the reason for this should be explained as clearly and simply as possible on the invoice. Some businesses impose a late fee on late payments. In such cases, this must also be made clear on the invoice. Finally, the invoice must be sent to the customer promptly in order to encourage timely payment.

Packing GuidelineB

In order to minimize breakage of merchandise and loss of shipments and to ensure accurate fulfillment of orders, please observe the following guidelines when preparing packages for shipment:

1)  Check the order form carefully to make sure the item number matches the item number and description in the catalog.

2)  Make sure that the address label has been accurately filled out, and particularly that names have been spelled correctly.

3)Each box must be sufficiently filled with packing material to protect the contents from damage.

4)Packages must be ready to be picked up by the carrier before 3:3O p.m. daily.

Following these guidelines is of the utmost importance. Lost and damaged shipments cost the company valuable time and money.

Memo

To:   All office staff

From: Luis Mendez, Office Manager Re:   Ordering office supplies

There has been a lot of confusion recently regarding the ordering of office supplies. In order to maintain a consistent stock of essential supplies, from now on all supply orders must go through me. There are forms in my office that you may use to order the supplies that you need. I can obtain suppliesfor you within three days of receiving your order form if it is filled out properly. By following this procedure, the office will function more smoothly, and we san be sure that we will always have quality supplies on hand when we need them. We will also avoid the problem of ordering supplies that we already have. Thank you for your cooperation.

Attention Bargain Hunters!

Greene's Department Store is having its biggest sale ever. Every single item in the store is on sale at unbelievable prices. That's right—all merchandise, including clothes, shoes, toys, sports equipment, home furnishing, music, and music equipment, is 25 to 75 percent off the usual price.

“ Have you always wanted to explore the underwater world† We have diving equipment on sale at 50 perœnt off.

Would you like to sleep in a more comfortable bed? The prices of beds, mattresses, and bedroom furniture have been reduced by 35 percent.

” Do you dream of Expanding your CD collection? Now you can, at a more than affordable price. All CDs, including classical, jazz, rock, and pop, are on sale at three for the price of one.

Visit Greene's for the bargains of a lifetime. Sale ends Sunday.

Dear Harry,

We are pleased to inform you of your promotion within our company. Starting the first of next month, you will begin in your new position as manager of the Fulfillment Department. During your years as a member of the Fulfillment Department staff, you have made many contributions to the productivity and smooth operation ot the department. We have always valued your dedication to your job, and now we are pleased to be able to recognize your hard work and fine skills with this promotion. We know you will do a wonderful job. The Personnel Department will contact you soon regarding the changes in your salary and benefits. We look forward to welcoming you to your new position next month.

Sincerely,

Madeline Kovacs President

To all union members:

Your union has been working for you. You may be aware that we have been negotiating with management for improvements in the benefits package. Yesterday an agreement was reached on the following points:

1)  All employees of the company will be eligible for an increase in wages every six months, following a performance review. Reasons for refusal to give a raise must be carefully documented according to union guidelines.

2)  Employees will be compensated at one and a half times their usual hourly wages for overtime hours. Any time worked beyond 40 hours a week counts as overtime.

3)Part-time employees can now receive full health benefits. It is each employee's responsibility to complete and submit the application forms. Part-time employees are also guaranteed five days of paid vacation per year. These Mo benefits apply to employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week on a permanent basis.

Mentoring

In order to ensure the success of new hires, many oompanies have implemented a mentor program. This is a formal way to provide new hires with the guidance they need to stay on track with the responsibilities of their new position. With a mentor in place, the new hire knows exactly who to go to when confused about policies and procedures. In addition, many mentors conduct regular meetings with the people they are responsible for. This way they can make sure that no serious problems arise. A mentor does not necessarily replace formal training programs. In fact, they ohen go hand in hand. New hires may need a lot of support initially. Mentors are a good way to provide this.

When you go on a job interview, the mom important thing to remember is to present yourself well. Before you go, prepare yourself by dressing neatly and professionally. When you arrive, enter the interview room confidently. Look the interviewer in the eye when you shake hands. When you talk about yourself, do not be shy about your abilities. You are there to prove that you can do the job. Explain your work and educational background briefly and discuss the skills you have developed through experience. Don't hesitate to point out areas in which you have expertise. The worst thing you can do is discuss your experience weakly. Remember, if you believe in yourself, other people will, too. Don't forget to follow up the interview with a thank-you note before a week has passed.

Attention Job Seekersl

Attend the National Recruiting Fair to be held next Saturday, May 11, at the Hinton Hotel. This fair brings together representatives of over 150 major national corporations. They are all looking for qualified candidates to apply for thousands of currently available job openings. Attendees are advised to bring 15 copies of a current r4sumé that lists education, job experience, and professional accomplishments. Many interviews will be conducted on site. Now you can stop that time-consuming job search, making call after call and sending out râsumé after résumé. All the companies you want to work for will be together under one roof. You are sure to find the company that is the best match for you. Admission is free.

Memo

To:  Production Staff From: George Jones

Re:  Document Preparation

In order to avoid extra work and waste of supplies, please observe the following guidelines when preparing documents for reproduction and distribution. The goal is to keep things simple and avoid complications.

• When you work on the final revision of a document, pay special attention to the layout. The presentation of material is as important as the content itself.
• Don't rush to the copier as soon as the final revision is complete. Proof each document carefully beforehand.
• We have technology to help with the assembly of documents. The large copier on the second floor can fold paper in addition to stapling. This will help you complete tasks efficiently.

• If a document needs to be delivered the same day it is finished, please use a courier service.

Computer technology has brought about a revolution in the workplace. Now employees all around the country do all or part of their jobs from home. This phenomenon is called telecommuting and has been made possible by the widespread use of the Internet. Telecommuting has become popular among employees, although the reactions of employers are mixed. Some like telecommuting and some don't. But most agree that it facilitates work for employees who live at a distance from the worksite. Telecommuting enables companies to keep skilled employees who move out of the area or who have family obligations that require them to stay close to home. Will it replace the regular nine-to-five office job? Probably not entirely, but we are sure to see more and more of it in the future.

Notice••••Casual Fridays

A number of staff members have expressed an interest in Casual Friday. I realize that this custom is practiced in many offices nowadays. I appreciate the Jact that many of you have discussed this matter with me  verbally. and pointed out that our strict dress code is outdated. Because so many people have expressed an interest in dressing casually once a week, we will have Casual Friday in this office starting next week. While we want to be relaxed, we do not want to expose our coworkers to styles of dress that may make them feel uncomfortable. So, while the dress code will be relaxed. it does not mean that you can wear anything you want. Shoes and shirts are required, and beach and gym attire are unacceptable.

Amanda Jones, Director

Memo

To:   Miriam Ketonen, Office Manager

From:  Jason Roberts, Assistant Office Manager Re:   Photocopier

There have been recurring problems with the office photocopier, particularly with paper jams. I believe the problem is with the type of machine we have. A machine of this size simply does not have the capacity to handle the amount of copying we normally do. Obviously we can't reduce the number of copies we make. I suggest that it's time to order a larger and more durable machine. I have looked through the catalogs and discovered several that I think would suit our needs. I have selected the most affordable ones, as I know we have a limited amount of money to spend. I have attached their descriptions. Since you are in charge of making large purchases like this, I will need your approval before I go ahead and piace the order. Let me know which of the machines you think is best, and I will fill out the purchase order.

Thanks.

Memo

To:  All Office Staft From: IT Department

Re:  Avoiding Computer Problems

We are here to help you with any problems you may have with your computer. Please make our job easier by observing the following guidelines.

• If you have problems seeing the display., check to make sure that your monitor is turned on.
• If your computer crashes, write down any warning message that appears. We can figure out a problem more easiiy if   we have this information.
• Please do not install any new software without our approval. Some software is not compatible with what is already on the computer and can cause problems.
• Some parts of the company web site are inaccessible without a password. If you need a password, please let us know and we will assign you one.

All members of the Countywide Small Business Owners Association are invited to take part in our annual conference, to be held on March 31 at the Grand Hotel in Marysville.

The conference begins at 8:30 A.M. with an address by this year's guest, Cynthia Quinn, owner of Designs by Cynthia, Inc., and winner of numerous business and community awards. Morning small group sessions begin at 9:30. Attendees can select from a variety of session topics including Financing Your New Business; Selecting the Best Location; and Formulas for Success. Lunch will be served at 12:30, followed by afternoon small group sessions at 2:00.

This is the Association's most popular event, so register early to assure your place. Fill out the form below and send it to the Association Secretary by March 1. To arrange overnight accommodations at the Grand Hotel, gat in touch with the hotel reservations clerk at 498-1231. Mention the conference in order to get a special discount price.

Memo

To:  Stephen Saunders, President

From:  Willa Richardson, Marketing Department Re:  Changes in market

In order to address the changes that are currently taking place in the market, I believe we need to modify our busi- ness plan. 1 have been gathering data for the past several months. The information clearly shows that younger and younger peo- ple are becoming interested in purchasing products such as ours. We need to develop a strategy to reach this younger age group. We need to redirect some of our resources toward this goal. I think that if we make this a priority over the next year, we will have a much strongest position against our competitors. If we don1, we risk losing the market share that we already have. I would like to share the results of my research with you. It demonstrates the need to focus our energy toward this younger age group. Please let me know if we can meet this week to discuss it.

One-Year Limited Warranty

This warranty protects the purchaser from all malfunctions of the product due to defects in materials or workmanship. Only the original purchaser of the product is covered. Resale of the product automatically invalidates this warranty. This warranty requires the manufacturer to repair any defective product or to refund the full purchase price to the pur- chaser, at the manufacturer's discretion. The manufacturer's liability does not excead the purchase price of the prod- uct. This warranty does not imply that the purchaser has any rights in the case of a defective product beyond those stated herein. This warranty will expire one year from the date of purchase. A receipt or other proof of purchase is required in order to make claims under the terms of this warranty.

Dear Valued Customer,

Smart consumers like yourself are concerned about your family's nutrition. Health is a top priority, and so is value. You want high-quality food products at competitive prices. That's why we are introducing Farm Fresh, our new line of 100% natural and organic frozen dinners. We know you'll love the great natural taste of Farm Fresh dinners such as Turkey and Wild Rice, Wild Salmon with Spring Greens, and Country Chicken with Vegetables. Farm Fresh dinners are attractively packaged with 100% recyclable materials. But we don't have to use a lot of fancy words to convince you to enjoy Farm Fresh frozen dinners. We will let their great taste persuade you to keep coming back for more. Please use the enclosed coupons to buy up to six Farm Fresh dinners of your choice at 25% off the usual retail price. We know you will be satisfied by the great taste and the great price.

Sincerely, Rosa Martello

National Frozen Foods, Inc.

To:  Belinda Tuttle

Frt›m:  Mark Wallaby

Subject:  n: Amazon Tours

Dear Ms. Tuttle,

In response to your request for information on guided tours in the Amazon region, I have found two excursions that may interest you. Both are led by reputable companies that are known for organizing interesting and educational trips at a reasonable expense. One led by Jungle Tours, Inc., goes to all the destinations you're interested in visiting and lasts two weeks, the length of time you requested. However, it leaves on November 10th, a week earlier than the date you mentioned. I don't know whether or not you should be all right to leave this early. There is a tour leaving on your designated date, run by Paradise Adventures.  It doesn’t, however, go to all the destinations you're interested in, and it lasts three weeks, not two, so you wouldn"t return until December 8th. I  don't know whether or not you would be able to extend the length of your vacation. If either of these two prospects interests you, let me know. Otherwise i will keep looking for a tour that will suit you.

Mark Wallaby

Southern Travel

To:  Prisca Haines

From:  Peter Richards

Subject:  Event room

Date: September 22

Dear Ms. Haines,

I saw the ad for event rooms at the Starlight Hotel in the Weston Daily News of September 20th. 1 am coordinating our company's annual awards banquet, which will be held on the 18th of next month. We would like to stage a simple but elegant affair. We don’t expect more than about 7M.5 guests. We would like to have a dinner followed by speeches and presentations of awards. Other than that. We don't plan to have any special entertainment. I would like to discuss the menu with you. Ideally, we would like to provide our guests with a choice of a meat entrée and a vegetarian entrée. I would like to know if your hotel kitchen can provide that, and which dishes you would specifically recommend.

Please call me before the weekend to discuss planning this event.

I can be reached at 953-0955. Thank you.

Peter Richarils

Hold your next event at the

Starlight Hotel

The grandest hotel in Weston

Are you planning a party, banquet, recertion, or conference? We have the idea. location for you. We can accommodate groups of all sizes. Choose from any of our elegant event rooms:

The Carclen View Hoom—holds up to 100 people

The Starlight Room—holds up to 200 people

The Banquet Hall—holds up to 250 people

The Stardust Ballroom—holds up to 350 people

We are ready to assist you with planning food, entertainment, iiivitati‹ins, and decorations.

We are conveniently located in the heart of the downtown Toronto district, in proximity to our bus and subway lines.

Contact Frisca Haines, Site Coordinator,

phone: 953-9172

e-mail: p_haines@starlight.com

Don't miss the Yorktown Festival of Food. This exciting annual event will take place May 10—16 at the Yorktown Fairgrounds.* Over 100 local restaurants will participate. Which are the best restaurants in town? You be the judge! The price of admission includes:

—Samples of food from all participating restaurants

—Cooking demonstrations by local chefs

—Copies of recipes of some of Yorktown's favorite dishes, including ingredient lists and preparation instructions

—A free Festival of Food chef's hat and apron

Fifty festival ticket holders will be randomly selected to enjoy a meal especially prepared for the festival by world-renowned chef Jean Pierre dc la Farge, director of the Paris School of Cuisine. You could be one of them! Get your tickets today. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed.

Tickets are available at all participating restaurants and at the Yorktown Office of Tourism. Ticket prices are 15 $/day or 50$ for the entire week.

*If rain is predicted, the event will take place in the Yorktown Sports Arena.

To:  Margaret Smithers

From:  Anna Simpson

Subject: Dinner out

Hi Margaret,

Did you read the review of the Mountain View Inn in this Sunday’s Falls Village Times? It sounds great. I usually read the restaurant reviews in that paper, and the majority of them are quite accurate. I rely on those reviews a great deal more than the ones in our local restaurant guide. I think we should take the inn. Are you free Saturday night? I think we should arrive at IIit tiint' suggested in the paper. Then we can have a relaxed meal and still have time to go to an 8:30 movie afterwards. Can you do it? Let me know before you leave work today.

Anna

The Mountain View Restaurant is a charming dinner location that just opened up in Falls Village. The menu provides an interesting mix of both meat and vegetarian entries. The chef, who trained in Paris, has introduced some exotic dishes, such as Octopus Soulflé and Three-Tuber Salad. For the less daring diner, the menu also abounds in such familiar choices as Baked Chicken and Pepper Crusted Steak. Whether you choose to rely on a familiar dish or try something exotic, you are sure to be delighted with your meal.  All the selections I tasted were delicious, and the Prices are quite reasonable. Don't forget to leave room for dessert. I especially suggest the chocolate cake. It's the best in town. Unfortunately, the charm of the menu selections is not matched

by the charm of the decor. It is rather drab and uninspiring. 11’ you visit the inn on a weekend evening, arrive by 6:00 since the restaurant does not take reservations, and it is difficult to get a table after 7:00 unless you are willing to wait half an hour or more.

February 16,

Dean Ayers

Marketing Department New Age Systems, Inc.

475 Cutter Avenue

Sellingharn, WA 90576

Dear Mr. Ayers,

Thank you for your letter expressing interest in applying for the position in the Product Development Department. Unfortunately, the rositic›n you are interested in has already been filled. However, I have communicated with your supervisor,  and he speaks very highly of you. I have also examined your work record. It is clear that you would be a good asset to our department. I expect that we will have another opening before the end c›f this year. As soon as I have ascertained the availability of that position, 1 will be in contact with you. I look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Hollinger

Manager, Product Development Department

February 12, 20—

Kathleen Hollinger

Product Development Department New Age Systems, Inc.

475 Cutter Avenue

Sellingham, WA 90876

Dear Ms. Hollinger,

I understand that the company has an opening in the Product  Development Department. I am interested in applying for this position. I have been working for New Age Systems for close to a decade. Currently, I am a research assistant in the Marketing Department. During my time at New Age Systems, I have worked in several departments at the company and have had the opportunity to learn a great deal about its work. I feel that I am now ready to assume the responsibilities of a higher-level position. I am anxious to speak with you about working in the Product Development Department. Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Dean Ayers

October 10, 20__

Customer Service Department

Flexco Women's Clothing

234502 Anthony Place Wootton, NY 12M9

Dear Customer Service,

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with a recent purchase of a Flexco garment. Last week I went to our local department store to buy a gift for my wife. I chose a very handsome Flexco raincoat and gave it to my wife on her birthday last Saturday. She was pleased with the gift and wore it yesterday because we had a big rainstorm. We were both surprised to find out that the raincoat is not water repellent at all. My wife returned from her walk very, very wet. In addition, the fabric of the coat became wrinkled in the rain. I bought the Flexco raincoat for my wife because Flexco is one of her favorite brands. She already owns several Flexco dresses, skirts, and blouses. We never expected to be disappointed by a Flexco product.

I took the raincoat back to the store this morning. The manager there said that he did not see any defects in the oil, but he offered me a different coat in exchange. Since I understand that Flexco guarantees a complete refund on all its products, I did not accept the manager's offer. I hope that Flexco will stand by its guarantee. I am returning the raincoat with this letter, together with the receipt from the department store. and hope to receive a complete refund before the end of the month. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Thomas Jamison

To:  Cynthia Weinstein

From:  Samuel Lyon

Sub]eet: yesterday’s meeting

Hello Cynthia,

We all missed you at yesterday meedng. We were concerned that a medical emergency prevented your attendance, but are glad to know that you are all right now. The meeting went well, and we were able to adhere to the agenda for the most part. There was only one small change. Jean gave his presentation on finance right after Robert, since he had to leave early. Tour secretary faxed a copy of your report to me, and I read it in your place. There were a few questions that will be submitted to you by email. The meeting was not lengthy at all. In fact, even though we had scheduled three hours for the entke meeting, we actually concluded half an hour earlier than that. You see how efficient we have become. A copy of the meeting minutes will be faxed to you before 5:00 today. I hope to speak with you soon.

Samuel

Memo

To:  All office staff

From:  P. Windermere, Office Manager

Re:  Parking situation

As you may be aware, starting next week, the parking garage will be closed for repairs to the upper level due to damage caused by the heavy rains last month. There will be no parking allowed on any level of the garage while the repairs are taking place, as parked cars may hamper the work. Cars parked in the garage will be towed at the owner's expense. While the garage is closed, you may opt to park on the street or in the lot adjacent to the building. Remember that it is a private lot and a fee will be charged. I realize that the parking options will be limited, and I am open to any suggestions for solutions to this parking situation that any of you may have. Unfortunately, the repair work will take more than a few weeks. We cannot expect the garage to open again until two months

from now. In the meantime, I thank you for your cooperation.

To:  Shirley Haines

From:  Matthew Rockwell

Subject:  Financial planning

Attach: Financial Plans for Small Businesses

Shirley,

Have you seen the attached article on financial planning? It appeared in this week's issue of Smdlt BuMness Ckuror magazine. It has given me a new perspective on things. I can't believe we have already been running our business for six months, but we still haven't sat down together to write out a financial plan. Overall, I believe our business is doing well, and we certainly have enough clients. But I now understand that our future success depends on having a good financial plan. We need to project our earnings for the next year and set financial targets. We should get to work on this right away. Can we meet tomorrow afternoon? Three o'clock is a good time for me. Let me know soon.

Matthew

Do you have a sound financial plan for your small business? You should. The majority of small businesses fail during the first five years, typically because they have not made realistic financial plans. A new business owner may start out with the necessary funds, a qualified staff, and office space and equipment. These things may not save the business from disaster, however, if the business owner hasn't set realistic targets and made plans to reach them. Everyone who contemplates starting a new business should sit down and write out all the details of a financial plan before doing anything else.

April 1, 2

Mr. Roger Earnshaw

2943 Northern Boulevard, New Orange, NH

Dear Mr. Earnshaw,

Enclosed are your completed tax forms, which I have prepared for you at your request. I am sorry to report that you will not receive the $500 refund that you expected. Instead, my calculations show that you owe $450 in taxes, as well as an additional penalty of $45 for underpayment of taxes. The reason for this is that you and your spouse have chosen not to file your taxes jointly this year. You may want to reconsider this for the future since, as you can see, it is more costly for married couples to file separately. If you and your spouse wish to continue to file separately, you may want to ask your employer to withhold a greater amount from your paychecks so that you don't end up owing money again next year. This will be even more important if you get the salary increase that you have been hoping for.

Write out a check for the taxes that you still owe and the penalty, and mail it together with your tax forms before the April IS deadline. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Kathleen O'Hara

CPA

To:  Peter Simpkins

From:  Amelia Waddell

Subject:  Re: Investment

Hi Peter,

I would be happy to help you out. As a matter of fact, I just talked with my investment advisor this morning. And she mentioned that she is looking for more clients. Her name is Susannah Oliveros. I have been working with her for several years and have always been satisfied. I have gotten good returns on the investments I have made with her. I will call you this afternoon, and we can discuss all the details then. I will also give you her phone number so you can call her tomorrow. I know you will like her.

Amelia

To:  Amelia Waddell

From:  Peter Simpkins

Subject:  Investment

Hi Amelia,

I wondered if you would give me the name of your investment advisor. My business is doing very well this year. In fact, I am now making a lot more money than I did when I had a job with a salary. I would prefer to invest my profits in the stock market as I'm sure I would earn more money that way than just letting it earn interest in a bank account. Of course, I want to invest wisely, so I am looking for professional advice. You know I tend to have a conservative attitude toward money, and I hope your advisor can help me make some safe investments. Please get back to me as soon as I'd like to get started on this before the end of the month. Thanks.

Peter

Buzzi Accountants

128 Waterford Drive, New Hanover, VA

Dear Ms. Buzzi,

I have just found out that my tax records will be audited by the government. I would like to hire someone from your firm to help me prepare for this. I run a small editing business, which I started five years ago. I initially took out a loan from the bank to get my business started. My business has always been profitable, and I was able to repay the loan quickly. As of now, my business has no outstanding debts. My staff is quite small. I started out with one assistant, who is still with me. As I built up my client list, I hired a second assistant, who is also still working for me. Thus, I have not had a problem with staff turnover. In short, you can see that my business and financial situation are quite stable.

I have always prepared my taxes carefully, and I keep thorough records. I imagine that this audit will be fairly routine. However, I want to be sure that I am correctly prepared for it, and I feel that hiring an accountant is the best route to take. Please call me so that we can discuss the matter. I can be reached at my office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. One of my assistants is also usually in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the occasional Saturday, and will take messages for me.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Stein

July 16, 20

Customer Service Office

National Bank of Augusta

1398 State Street, Augusta, MD

Dear Customer Service Office,

I am a new customer at your bank. I opened an account with you last month, and I have recently received my first monthly statement. I find that there is a service charge on three of the checks that I wrote. I understood that this account had free checking, so I was surprised to see this charge. Perhaps it is a mistake. I am enclosing a copy of the statement. Please clarify this matter for me. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Marvin Gardner

August 3, 2

Marvin Gardner

145 Merrywood Lane

Augusta, MD

Dear Mr. Gardner,

We recently received your letter asking about charges to your account. While it's true that your account has free checking, some restrictions apply. You may write five checks a month free of charge. After that, you must maintain a minimum average balance of $600 in your account in order to continue with free checking. Since your average account balance last month was only $435, you were entitled to only five free checks. A service charge was applied to the checks you wrote beyond that minimum. I hope this explanation is satisfactory to you.

Let me take this opportunity to make sure that you are aware of other services you can get with your account. You can arrange to have your monthly utility bills deducted from your account. You are also eligible to borrow small amounts of money from the bank at a low interest rate. If you are interested in thèse or any other services, please visit us at the bank, and an officer will be happy to explain all the details to you. Thank you for being a  National Bank of Augusta customer.

Seriously,

Eloise Lockwood

Customer Service Officer

To:  All store staff

From:  BillJones, manager

Re:  Next week

This is a reminder that we will be closing the store for two days at the end of next week, Friday and Saturday, for inventory. This is a long and tedious job, and we will need the assistance of each and every one of you to get it done. Therefore, no vacation days will be granted during that time. During the inventory process, we will verify the numbers in our computer files, clear up any discrepancies we may find, and adjust our records as necessary. We need to make sure that our records accurately reflect the stock that we actually have on hand. When you report to work on Thursday, your supervisor will give you your assignment. Some of you will be required to work in the stockroom taking a physical count, and others will be asked to work in the office, entering data on the computers. We won‘t reopen the store until the following Tuesday since Monday is a national holiday. I hope that will give you a chance to rest up a bit after the big job. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this crucial work.

November 15, 2W

18 North Main Street

Dear Ms. Clary,

I am writing to dispute the charges on the invoice I recently received from your company. The invoice contained several mistakes. First, I was told that I would not be charged an initial consultation fee if I decided to use your services. Since I did go ahead and hire you to organize my closets, I should not have to pay this fee. Second, the final charge for organizing my four closets was $250 higher than the original estimate. I think this is too much and that I should be charged no more than the original estimate. Finally, I was charged for supplies that you ordered without my authorization. I could have obtained these same supplies myself at a lower price. Since I did not authorize this charge, I thlak I should pay a lower price for the

I chose Clary Closets to organize my closets because several of my friends and business associates have been satisfied customers of yours. However, I find it difficult to believe that an organizing business can be so inefficient when it comes to Invoices. Please rectify these mistakes and send me a corrected invoice promptly.

Sincerely,

Millicent Pensky

ApM15

Customer Service Department,

Fleetwood Fashions

21986 North Featherstone Avenue,

Hiawatha, MN

Dear Customer Service,

I am writing about an order I made from the Fleetwood Fashions catalog over a month ago, which I have not yet received. When I called to order two new purses and several spring shirts, the customer service representative assured me that there was sufficient inventory on hand to fulfill the order. He told me that it would be shipped before the end of the week and that I would receive it within ten days. When I still had not received the shipment after 14 days, I called the company. The customer service representative checked the ordering information on the computer, and we discovered that my address had not been accurately recorded. He promised to reship the order with my correct address and told me I would receive it within ten days. That was over two weeks ago, and I still have not received the shipment. I cannot understand this. Perhaps the carrier that you use is not reliable. In any case, I am tired of waiting for my order and would like to cancel it. I am not sure whether I will mâke an order from your company again. This is unfortunate since it is one of the few places that carry dresses and shoes in my size and at a reasonable price. However, this is the second time I have had a problem with an order, and I don't want this to happen again. Please email my order 420857631.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Lucinda Walker

Memo

To:  Gisela Freeman

From:  James Riley

Re:  New supply store

Please see the attached letter from the Supply Closet, Inc. I think we should try them out. I know we maintain an account with the Riverdale Supply Company, but I am not completely satisfied with them as a source for supplies. I would like to find a supplier with more diverse merchandise. I'd like you to visit the Supply Closet sometime this week and purchase some stationery. We need to do a big mailing at the beginning of May, so we'll need some manila envelopes and letter paper. You can use the coupon that came with the letter. Look at the items they have for sale and see how it compares with the Riverdale Supply Company. If it looks like they're a better source for supplies, we can start ordering from them regularly. Thank you.

April 12

Dear Business Owner,

The Supply Closet, Inc., is a new office supply store in your neighborhood. We opened last month right across the street from the post office. We are your local source for quality office supplies, including all office stationery, packing materials, folders, pens, and note Pads. and more. We provide you with the everyday items you need to keep your business functioning smoothly. In order to introduce ourselves to you, we are enclosing a coupon for 20 percent off your entire purchase during your first visit to the Supply Closet. Please visit us soon.

Sincerely yours,

Martha and Bill Heywood

Owners

Coupon expires June 30.

To:  claude_duboisBstarco.com

From: Marilyn_freelandHstareo.com

Subject: Nomination

Hi Claude,

I would like to nominate my coworker, Janet McGhee, assistant manager of the research department, for an award. Her dedication to her job is far above average. She always works long hours to make sure she gets her job done. If she is working on an important project, she will come into the office on weekends if she thinks it's necessary to complete her job on time. The rest of us in the department always look to Janet as an example of how to get a job done right. If anyone deserves the recognition of an award for loyalty and dedication, it's Janet. I hope you will consider her as an award recipient.

Thank you.

Marilyn

To:  All company staff

From: Claude Dubois, Personnel Manager

Re: Annual Awards Ceremony

It is time to start getting ready for the company's annual awards ceremony. It will take place at the Merrimack Hotel on Friday, November 10. Up to 15 staff members will receive awards from the company president that evening. We look to you, our company staff, to help us select deserving award recipients. Please send in your nominations for colleagues who you think merit the recognition of an award. Obviously, we would like to see names of people who have contributed more than average to the company. Send me your nominations by email before October

15 so that we can have the list finalized before November S. Thank you.

To:  James Porter

From:  Helene Bourassa

Subject:  Re: Benefits questions

Dear James,

I will try to clarify for you your questions about retirement benefits.

Time of retirement: The time at which an employee can retire is ‹nlculated on the basis of age and number of years of service to the company. An employee of the company can retire with full benefits at age SS if he or she has worked a minimum of 30 years for the company. Employees can retire at age 60 or above with M years of service to the company. Since you are younger than 60 years old and have worked for the company for 22 years, you won't be eligible to retire for another few years.

Benefits for your spouse: I know this is a delicate matter, but it is important to know about. If you die before your spouse, she will continue to receive full retirement benefits for the rest of her Life.

Health insurance: Retraces are eligible to receive health insurance. There are several packages to choose from, and I will send you brochures about them. Your spouse will also be eligible for health coverage when you retire. If you happen to have any dependent children under the age of 21 and living at home, they, too, will be eligible for health coverage.

I hope this answers your questions. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any further information.

Helene

To:  Edwin Mallory

From:  Amelia Foote

Subject: Training session

Dear Mr. Mallory,

I just learned from your memo that I will be required to attend the training session on October 12. Unfortunately, I had already planned to be out of the office that week, attending my niece's wedding. My supervisor has given me permission to take that time off, and I have already purchased my plane tickets. 1 didn't know about the date of the training session when 1 set up these plans, and it will be very difficult to change them now. My mentor suggested that I ask you for permission to miss this training session. I am willing to attend the next session instead. I hope you don't reject this offer. It is very important to me to be able to attend this family event. Thank you.

Amelia Foote

Memo

To:  All new hires

From:  Edwin Mallory, Human Resources Director

Re:  Training session

All new hires are required to attend a training session which will take place on Friday, October 12, from 9:30 A.M. until 3:30 UM. The session will be conducted in Meeting Room 3, and lunch will be provided.

During the session, you will get an overview of company policies and procedures. You will also be updated on changes in the benefits package and learn about professional development opportunities you will be required to participate in so that you can keep up with changes in your field. Attendance at this training is mandatory for everyone hired since June of this year. There will be no excuses.

Matilda Moreno,

Human Resources Director Milestone Marketing, Inc.

1476 Honeycutt Avenue, Riverdale

Dear Ms. Moreno,

I am writing in response to your ad in last Sunday's newspaper. I am interested in applying for the marketing research assistant position. I have the background and abilities you are looking for. I have recently graduated from a four-year university program with a degree in Marketing. My work experience includes three months working as an intern for a local marketing firm, so I have on-the-job marketing experience in addition to my university training. I have also worked for the past two years as a part-time office manager while going to school. My experience at this job allowed me to develop important managerial and organizational skills.

I currently live in Deerfield but am interested in relocating to Riverdale. I will be visiting Riverdale during the first week of next month and am ready to come in for an interview any time during that week.

I am enclosing my résumé and three letters of reference. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information. I believe I am a good match for your company, and I am confident that I can do the job. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Samuel Rutherford

To:  Bill Smlthers

From:  Marjorie Morgan

Subject:  re: Recruiting Attachment: ad draft

Bill,

Here is my plan for recruiting new staff members for this summer. I will place ads in our local newspapers, in two major national papers, and on the major websites by April 1. The deadline for submission of applications will be April 30. We will start Interviews on May 8. In the ads, I will carefully outline the qualifications we are looking for. I am attaching a draft of the ad. Please look it over and send me your comments. I want to make sure it contains all the details you want.

Marjorie

To:  Marjorle Morgan

From:  Bill Smithers

Subject: Reeruiting

Marjorie,

We need to start looking at recruiting some new staff members over the summer. Our company has gotten lots of new contracts recently. We have abundant work and need to take on two or three new employees to help with it. We should advertise the positions as entry-level with room for promoÖon. We should choose the job candidates carefully, as I  don't want to have to end up firing anyone who turns out to be a bad match. I would lilœ the new staff members to start work by June 10. Therefore, we should ask interested rundid*tes to submit their applications before the end of April so that we can start interviewing in early May. Please come up with a recruiting plan and let me know. Thanks.

Bill

To: fred@acme.com

From: mary@acme.com

Subject : re: software training

Fred,

I have written up a schedule that will facilitate the training process. There will be eight weekly training sessions all together. Since we have four departments, the easiest way is to send one person from each department to each training session during the first month. Of course, it will be a different person each week. We can repeat the process during the second month for the follow-up sessions. This way, everyone will have a chance to develop their skills on the new software. I am attaching a copy of the schedule. Please let me know what you think.

Mary

To:  mary@acme.com

From: fred@acme.com

Subject: Software Training

Mary,

As you know, we have decided to replace our old software with a new program that will facilitate our work better. Although the new software is not technically difficult to use, it is significantly different from our old software. The entire staff will need to be trained to use it. Of course, not everyone can attend a training session together, because we need some staff members to be in the office at all times. The trainer suggests that each person attend one training session and one follow-up session. The sessions will last three to four hours each. The trainer can be here once a week. Please develop a training schedule so that everyone can be trained over the next two months. Thank you.

Fred

Dear Ms. Baker,

Thank you for the information on the 300X Office Goffeemaker. I think it will meet our needs for large-capacity coffeemakers at an affordable price. Our office is large, so I would like to order two at this time. I don't think we will need the regular deliveries of oot- fee and tea. Our need for these varies so much from week to week that it is better to order them on an as- needed basis. My assistant is good at staying on top of these things, so we don't have to worry about running out. Currently, we don't have a need for ovens or a refrigerator, although we may in the near future. I will keep you informed. Meanwhile, we will send you a purchase order for the coffee makers. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Matthew Conner

Office Manager

April t9,

Dear Mr. Conner,

I am writing to follow up on our conversation last Monday. You said you were looking for a new provider for kitchen supplies for your office, and that your particular need at this time was for a large-capacity coffeemaker. I have looked through the caffeemakers we have available, and believe I have found the best one to suit your needs. The primary advantage of the 300X Office Coffeemaker is that it reduces mess. The cof- feemaker is filled with water daily. Then, to make a cup ot coffee, the user simply inserts a pre-measured package of coffee into the machine and presses the ‘on' button. The coffee is ready in one minute. There are no pots to clean or filters to change. The machine can make tea and other hot drinks as well. The 300X is also the most durable machine on the market.

I am enclosing a description of the machine and price information. We can also deliver refills of coffee and tea to you on a weekly or monthly basis. In addition, we stock other kitchen appliances such as microwave ovens and office-sized refrigerators. Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing such items.

Sincerely,

Jim,

I have decided to get a new computer for my home office, and I need your advice to help me select the right one. I have allocated a certain amount of money from my budget for thls. I think it is enough (or a completely new system including computer monitor, printer, and scanner. I would like to continue using the software I already use, so I need a system that is compatible with my current system and software. However, I think I should get a different brand. I have had nothing but trouble with the computer I have now. It often shuts drum without warning, and sometimes I can't access my files. I haven't been able to figure out the reason for these problems, and no one has been able to 8a it for me.

I plan to go to some stores this Saturday and Sunday to search for my new computer. Would you be able to go with me? If not, I'll call you before the weekend to get your advice. I have a big project coming up next month, so I would like to get my new computer up and running soon. Let us know if you can help me this weekend.

Janet

To:  Martha Reynol&

From:  Max Sullivan Subj:

Re: Conference

Martha,

In regard to selecting a location for the conference, I think the Convention Center is better than the Mayfield Hotel. The hotel is much too small. Remember, we plan to hold at least five sessions at a time. We couldn't do that at the hotel. We expect more people to take part in the convention this year, so it is important to have a space that can accommodate everyone. About the price, I think we can rearrange the budget a bit in order to be able to pay for it. So go ahead and reserve the space at the Convention Center.

Max

To:  Max Sullivan

From:  Martha Reynolds

Subj:  Conference

Max,

I have been working on the arrangements for our upcoming conference. I've looked into the Gty Convention Center, and I think it is the most convenient location. It is close to public transportation and hotels. The accommodations are also excellent. The rooms are large, and we can reserve up to ten meeting rooms. However, the price is almost 50% more than we agreed we could spend. The other choice is the Mayfield Hotel. Many associations hold their conventions there. It is a nice place, and the price is reasonable. However, it is not close to the subway. Also, it is much smaller than the Convention Center. I think we could only get three meeting rooms. Would that be enough? Please get in touch with me today to let me know what you think. I need to reserve a place soon.

Martha

NovemMrl, SP

Matthew Bodine

Customer Service Manager Kitchen Electronics, Inc. 1B4294 Honeywell Boulevard Victoria Springs, AL

Dear Mr. Bodine,

I have received your letter offering to send me a refurbished toaster in place of my defective one. I had not realized that my warranty had already expired. After considering the matter, I have decided to accept the refurbished toaster. Tour company has a good reputation, and I frequently use your products. In fact, this is the first time I have ever had a problem with anything I have purchased from you. Therefore, I am sure that the refurbished toaster will work as well as a brand new one. However, I would like to be assured that the refurbished toaster will be protected by a warranty the same as a new toaster would be. H thls is the case, then please send me the toaster as soon as possible. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sophie Bordeaux

The newly released romantic comedy, West Wind, opens this week at the State Street Cinema. The combination of a great script with superb acting talent results in a movie that you won't soon forget. The show is entertaining from start to finish, and you'll still be laughing when you leave the theater. If you've been bored to tears by movies recently, don't give up on the cinema yet. Give West Wind a try. You're sure to love it.

West Wind continues at the State Street Cinema through next week with shows at 5:15, 7:00, and 9:15 nightly.

To:  Madeline Wriyhtwood

From:  Dan Green

Subject: Let's go to the movies

Hi Maddy,

Did you see the review in today's paper of West Wind? I think it's worth seeing. I don't usually go for romances, but you know how I love comedies, and the description of this one sounds really good. There's also an action movie playing next door. But I know you don't like that kind of movie, and I don't really, either.

I can't leave work before 5:15, so we should go to the second show. I'd like to invite you to have dinner afterwards. Ican make reservations at that restaurant you like for 9:00. We should make it there late, then easily. Since we'll each be coming from work, we'll have to arrive at the theater separately. If you get there first, would you mind getting the tickets?

Thanks. See you tonight.

Dan

Will your next trip involve a rental car? With a little careful planning, you can prevent some common headaches. If your travel plans coincide with a holiday, you need to plan well ahead of time. Car rental agencies are very busy at such times, and you won't be guaranteed a car unless you make your reservation well in advance. Contact the car rental agency and specify the kind of car you want and the dates you will need it. It's a good idea to call the agency again shortly before you begin your trip to confirm your reservation. This is the best way to avoid disappointment.

Another common problem that car renters face is extra charges. Some agencies add charges for options without letting the renter know about them. Sometimes renters aren't aware of this until they receive their credit card bill. Read the contract carefully before you sign it to make sure that you are paying only for what you requested. And don’t be tempted to pay for things you don't need. It might be fun to drive a large, luxury car, but if you are traveling alone and are on a budget, it probably isn't worth paying for such a car.

June 17,20_

Andrew Wyatt

23 North Cuttersville Road

Greek Lake, MI

Dear Mr. Wyatt,

Thank you very much for your letter of June 10 notifying me of the fine service you received during your stay at the Springflower Radford Hotel. I am pleased to know that you had such a good experience as our guest. We at the Radford Hotel chain pride ourselves on the high quality of our service. As the hotel manager. I sometimes hear complaints about my staff, but it is just as important for me to hear about the fine work that they do.

I am enclosing a coupon for the hotel restaurant so that the next time you stay with us. You can enjoy a meal free of charge at the Springflower Restaurant.

Sincerely,

Gisela Fried

To:  Mark Wallaby

From:  Belinda Tuttle

Subject  ne: Amazon Tours

Dear Mr. Wallaby,

Thank you for the information on trips to the Amazon. Unfortunately, I cannot change the dates of my vacation because of my work situation. The end of the year is a very busy time for accountants, and I will have a lot of work to deal with as soon as I return from my trip. On the other hand, I don't really need to economize, so I am flexible about the expense. The exact destinations don't really matter either. I will be happy just to visit that part of the world. So please keep looking and let me know what you find.

Thank you for your efforts.

Belinda Tuttle

April 19,

Mark Conway

1255 Park Place, Apt. 10, Bluefield, MA

Dear Mr. Conway,

Thank you for your letter of April 12 inquiring about a position as a reporter. We are constantly looking for reporters to work for our magazine, and we currently have an opening for a reporter to cover regional news. You seem to be well- qualified, and we would welcome your application. I would need to see your reference letters as well as a resume. The closing date for this position is May 15. We will make our choice after that date and let you know what we decide by the first of June. Thank you for your interest in Neues Story Weekly.

Sincerely,

Michelle Richards

April 12, 20_

Michelle Richards

News Story Weekly

346 Howard Avenue,

White River, NH

Dear Ms. Richards,

I am a journalist and an avid reader of News Stony Weekly. It has long been my dream to write for your magazine. I graduated from National University a year ago with a degree in journalism. For the past six months, I have been working as an investigative reporter for the Bluefield Daily, my hometown newspaper. This newspaper is disseminated throughout the state. I work on assignments involving local politics.

In my opinion, News Story Weekly is the top news magazine in the country. It has had a great impact on my life. I started reading it at an early age, and it inspired me to pursue a career as a reporter. If there is a position available for a reporter at News Story Weekly, I would be interested in applying for it. I believe that my educational background and work experience qualify me for such a position. I am enclosing several of my articles that appeared in the Bluefield Daily as writing samples. I have letters of reference available if you need them. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Mark Conway

Caring for Your Health

Your health is one of your most valuable assets, so caring for it properly is very important. Regular visits to the doctor can help prevent any health problems from becoming serious. You should visit your doctor annually if you are in good health. If you have certain health conditions or if your doctor recommends it, you may need more frequent appointments.

It is important to have a doctor you can trust. The best way to find one is to get a recommendation from a trustworthy person, such as a friend or relative. Call to make an appointment several weeks or even a month ahead of time. When you call, you can also ask a few questions about the doctor's background, such as which university he got his degree from and how long he has been practicing in the area. You will also want to find out which hospital the doctor is affiliated with. When you arrive for your appointment, make sure you bring a copy of your medical records with you.

When you meet with the doctor, you will want to ask him what his approach to treatment is and what diagnostic tools he uses. This way, you can find out something about his style, as well as whether or not he is a person you can talk to and feel comfortable with. Also, take a look around the office. Is it comfortable and organized? Do the instruments look clean and well-maintained?

If your appointment goes well and you feel comfortable with the doctor, then don't forget to make an appointment for your next physical before you leave the office. If you have any doubts, look around for another doctor. Having a good doctor is an essential part of your health care plan.

To:  pdaly@dentaloffice.oom

From:  drbarb@dentaloffice.oom

Subject:  office equipment

attach:  Acme Dental Supply

Peter,

Take a look at the attached ad. I think we should order a few things. I like the lighted mirrors and probably could use have or six sets, but maybe it's better to spend no more than $300 on them for now, so I can see how well they work first. We probably need the upgrade for the record-keeping software, too. It will help you stay caught up with the patient records. I think we could do without those CDs, though. We do better with the radio. You might as well go ahead and order paper, envelopes, and anything else you need for the front office at the same time.

Barbara

Barbara Hendricks, DDS

Attention dentists!

You know how important it is to have the best equipment for your office. So why settle for less? Evidence shows that outdated, under-functioning equipment can reduce a dentists efficiency by 50 percent or more. The Acme Dental Supply Company offers state-of-the-art dental equipment at affordable rates.

—Our special lighted dental mirrors illuminate all tooth surfaces better than any other light on the market. These mirrors are on sale this week at just $150 per set of three. That's 2S percent off the usual price.

—Our automated patient chairs automatically adjust their positions so that you can always work comfortably, without back or shoulder strain. Available in several models and colors.

—Our Dental Office Systems computer software streamlines record-keeping so that you will never fall behind with your paperwork. Full version available at $500. Upgrade is $175.

—  Our special edition Dental Office CD set provides hours of soothing music that will keep your patients re1axe‹l You can focus on your work without being distracted by patient anxiety. Choose from String Quartet, Contemporary Jazz, or Sounds of Nature. $35 per boxed set.

Workshop

Did you know that full medical coverage is available to all company employees and their families, regardless of position or salary? If you need to know more, attend the workshop that will be held in Conference Room 3 next Friday at 11:00. All aspects of our health care policy will be explained. This workshop will be particularly useful to new personnel, although all are welcome. However, you must register to attend. Please contact the Human Resources Office before 5:00 Thursday.

We will go over the various alternative plans available to company employees and discuss what criteria you need to consider in selecting the plan that best suits your needs. We will explain exactly what is covered and what is not under each alternative, and what portion of each doctor's visit or treatment that you must pay out of pocket. We will leave time at the end for a question-and-answer session to make sure that all your concerns are addressed. This workshop will last two hours.

To:  Henry Rice

From:  Annabelle Pope Subject:

Re: Surgery

Hi Hemy,

I am sorry you need surgery, but I am sure you will feel it is worth it. I had my procedure done at Upstate Hospital, and I would recommend that place to anyone. The procedure I had was similar to yours, except it was my hip, not my knee. My surgeon was excellent, and I received good care from all the staff. The mission of the hospital is to provide the highest level of care possible, and the entire staff works hard to fulfill that mission. I was originally told that I would need to be in the hospital for a week, but when it became clear that I wouldn't be recovered enough by that time, the doctor didn't hesitate to keep me there for an extra three days. They wouldn’t permit me to go home until they were sure I was ready. I really think Upstate is the best hospital for your surgery. Let me know when it is scheduled, and I will visit you there.

Annabelle

To:  Annabelle Pope

From:  Henry Rice

Subject:  Surgery

Hi Annabelle,

I was wondering if you could help me out with something. My doctor has recommended that I get knee replacement surgery. I am trying to identify the best hospital for this sort of procedure. My doctor says she usually recommends Gity Hospital, but I have heard that Upstate Hospital specializes in this kind of surgery. You had a similar procedure last year, didn't you? I think you broke your knee, or was it your elbow? Which hospital did you go to? Were you satisfied with the results of your treatment, and were you well cured for by the staff? I would appreciate the benefit of your advice. I need to make a decision soon since my doctor thinks this should be done before another month goes by. Thanks.

Henry

Many people don't realize that their pharmacist is an important member of their health care team. If you always fill your prescriptions at the same pharmacy, then you will have a pharmacist who is familiar with your medical issues and can detect any possible problems with your medications. In fact, it is a good idea to volunteer information about medications you are already taking when you visit a new pharmacist. Then, she can add this information to your records and have a complete file of information. She can monitor the drugs you are taking and let you know of any potential interactions or harmful side effects.

If cost is an issue for you, your pharmacist can help. Ask her if there are any less expensive brands of your medication available. Or, you can request that she fill only half the prescription, to give you a chance to try out the medication before paying for the entire amount. You can also ask your doctor for a few free samples. Once you have ascertained that the prescribed indication is working for you, you can go ahead and ask your pharmacist to fill the prescription for you. When you pick up your prescription, don't forget to ask the pharmacist to explain to you how to take it if you have any doubts. She can also supply you with written instructions.

Your pharmacist can provide you with important support. But there is a limit to what she can do. If you suspect that you have a problem that requires medical attention, you should always consult your doctor right away.