Organization Offices Departing Sun City Anthem...Now What ?

Changes Resulting

From Foundation Assisting Seniors Departure

from Sun City Anthem  

Many people are aware that there will be some changes as a result of what we will refer to as an "impasse" in negotiations between Sun City Anthem and The Foundation Assisting Seniors.

...but how will this affect those who reside in Sun City Anthem?

We thought we would summarize the changes that will take place in order that our readers can more fully understand the changes that are taking place.

Coffee Shop

It WILL remain open, but unlike the past where the funds were collected by The Foundation Assisting Seniors and only a PORTION of them returned to the respective Club providing the volunteer staffing by way of having to make a FORMAL REQUEST FROM The Association, they will now be shared by the Community Service Group and the Club that volunteers its services to the Coffee Bar.

The prices will remain the same.

Voluntary Donations Made by Residents

All donations made will go directly to the respective Community Service Group the individual making the donation wishes to support. 

Each Community Service Group will retain what they collect from residents without passing through the hands of The Foundation Assisting Seniors.

Medical Equipment

The Foundation Assisting Seniors will take charge of receiving all medical equipment.  Those residents requesting usage of the equipment should make requests DIRECTLY to the Foundation Assisting Seniors.

Calls made to Community Services Groups will be directed directly to The Foundation for such services.

This arrangement is being conducted on a trial basis for a short period of time.

Other Services

All other services will continue to be run by the respective Community Service Group.  (ex. home maintenance, support groups, etc.) 

There will be no change and residents should continue to contact the respective group if they need assistance.

Resulting Changes to Sun City Anthem Residents

The Foundation Assisting Seniors will now be considered an OUTSIDE organization.

They will now be required to seek permission from the Sun City Anthem Activities Department to conduct various activities on Sun City Anthem premises. (Ex.  Bingo, raffles.)

The Foundation will be BARRED from going directly to Clubs to solicit donations.

Finally, The Foundation will be required to remove their headquarters and supplies to a location outside Sun City Anthem premises.

1. 
   February 27, 2017 at 7:11 AM

   From Virginia Finnegan...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Your discussion of the Foundation and the CSC as it applied to the coffee shop was certainly very one sided. Many of the facts were misrepresented, perhaps because you didn’t know or perhaps it was deliberate.
   
   As you are aware, the Foundation is a Charity, so all donations to the Foundation are tax deductible.
   
   The same is not true for the CSC.
   
   You also implied that somehow the Foundation was cheating the Clubs that worked the Coffee Shop.
   
   The money raised from the Coffee Shop, less expenses was divided 50/50 with the clubs and the Foundation.
   
   The CSC, as a private entity will probably have to raise their prices because they will have to charge sales tax on the all the sales. If they don’t, the association members will have to pay this tax.
   
   There was no “banning” of the Foundation from making solicitations.
   
   As for the CSC having to “ask” for “it’s” money back from the Foundation, as a charity the Foundation gives money via grants.
   
   All the CSC had to do was to make a request.
   
   I served on the Board of the Foundation for several years and the requests for grants from the CSC were never questioned nor were any denied.
   
   This is merely a test of wills of very strong people.
   
   The complaints presented at the last Board Meeting by the CSC were very petty things such as “They don’t treat us as equals”.
   
   I don’t even know what that means.
   It sounds like teenager talking to his parents.
   
   I know that there are people on both side of this issue, but you demean the integrity of your blog when you presentation is so one sided.
2. 
   Dick ArendtFebruary 27, 2017 at 7:17 AM

   Virginia,
   
   We have in no way demeaned anyone or any organization, and we are sorry you interpreted our fact based article in the manner in which you did.
   
   I can assure you that we received our information from a very reliable source.
   
   I believe most of the people in Sun City Anthem have questioned a number of aspects of the Foundation Assisting Seniors for years, and evidently the Sun City Anthem Board has determined that the best manner in which to solve the issue, is to separate the parties.
   
   Please...don't shoot the messenger. Should this be an issue with you or others, we suggest you contact those in Sun City Anthem who made the decision.

Sun City Board Director Still Looking to "Association Assisting Seniors" for Financials

Board Director Still Waiting for Association

to Comply

with

Reporting Requests

Several months ago I brought to the attention of my friends and neighbors here at  SCA that it has been eight years since the Foundation Assisting Seniors provided us with a DETAILED annual financial report of their activities. 

My  attention to this unacceptable situation came forward when I learned that our Board was going to sign a lease with the Foundation Assisting Seniors for space and services the Association would provide to them. 

The lease called for a rental fee of $1000 per month and the Association was going to forgive the rental fee as a "donation" to F.A.S. 

For one thing, I question whether the Association has the right to "donate" member funds to ANY organization without membership approval. 

It is my belief that It is rather routine for a  donor to know something about the financial activities of the "donee".

Efforts have been made to require the Foundation Assisting Seniors to  issue a complete detailed financial report which shows the following:

1.  Sources of income

2.  List of bequests and amounts

3.  Operating expenses other than bequests.... including a detailed list of expenses charged on the F.A.S. national credit card.

The reason I am asking for this (as both a Sun City Anthem Board Member and Unit Owner...and...potential donor?

I obtained four years of the Foundation Assisting Seniors Federal Income Tax Returns which showed their expenses (outside of their bequests) have run between..
.

 30% and 60%

 of their contributions. 

Much of this money has been used to further develop their presence here in the Valley (outside of SCA), and as a result,  I question whether we should be funding their activities not related directly to this Association.

All monies paid by Unit Owners and Members in our association donate regularly as follows:

All monies paid by Unit Owners and other Members to our Community Service Group

Funds received at Golfing Tournaments

Raffles

Coffee shop

Soliciting money from SCA clubs

I had the opportunity to talk with the F.A.S. Treasurer, Dan Forgeron,  who informed me that the reason there has been no financial disclosure since...

2008

?

....was the report created considerable problems for the Foundation Assisting Seniors President Favil West.

Mr. Forgeron would not elaborate as to what those problems might have been or would be, but he stressed that the F.A.S. President did not want to face those kinds of problems again. 

I told the Treasurer that secrecy was worse than possibly having to answer questions about a financial report.

 If you can't stand the heat...

 GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN!

I want to make it quite clear that I appreciate and personally support the charitable work the Foundation Assisting Seniors does for the Anthem communities and other aspects of the Las Vegas valley....

However....

They just have to be more open about their affairs while they continue to ask for our association's financial support!

Carl Weinstein

Two Term Sun City Anthem Board of Directors

&

Association Member since 2002

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now it's your turn.

How do you feel about Director Weinstein's comments and concerns?

Send them to us at:

scaopinions@gmail.com

OSCAR Letter: A Fraud Perpetrated on the Sun City Anthem Communty (Part Three of Four)

OSCAR

and

David Berman

Frauds that Require Exposure

(Part Three of Four)

Referring back to Page 3 of the OSCAR letter, it further states:

“All meetings are announced to the community and include a published agenda.”

That is clearly misrepresenting the facts.

The letter and the Sun City Anthem Board are saying workshops are not meetings.

No matter what they have written, the board is holding secret meetings regardless of what you call them.

Again, why not the full truth?

On the last page of the letter, it states:

“The Foundation Assisting Seniors is not an official Association entity but has been occupying the Independence Center Annex.”

There is no such thing as the independence Annex.

In all fairness, I  believe it refers to the  Community Services Building which, according to Favil West, the man who negotiated this building for us, and current President of FAS, is now and always has been the Community Service Building.

Continuing, the letter then states: 

 “It is illegal to convey our unit owners common space in perpetuity to any organization (NRS 116.3112) and your board has taken action to correct this situation.”

After examining numerous documents, this building was negotiated, designed, built, and occupied by the Foundation. 

We could find no evidence that there was an intent to “convey” the property to the Foundation,  just as there was never an intent to use the words "in perpetuity" in the use of the facilities.

The actual words used by Del Webb/Pulte were:

“that the Minuteman Foundation shall, as long as it continues to serve the needs of the residents of the community, continue to conduct the business of the foundation from that area known as The Minuteman Foundation Rooms consisting of a meeting area, small counseling office, larger inventory/counseling office; and THE MINUTEMAN FOUNDATION will store, distribute, maintain an inventory, and control all equipment in the storage area as long as they continue to serve the residents of the community; and THE MINUTEMAN FOUNDATION will have sole use of 2 parking spaces located immediately in front of the storage area for their van and truck as long as they continue to serve the community.” 

The declarant can do anything he wants during the period of declarant control.

The building was negotiated in 2002, approved in 2003 and delivered to the Foundation in mid-May 2005.

Sun City Anthem transitioned from Builder control to independence on May 31, 2005.

In speaking with Mr. West, he brought up this question:

"Is the Board also taking action to move the Neighborhood Watch out of the office they occupy, or the IT group out of the area they occupy, or the massage group out of the area they occupy?”

Good question !

These are outside organizations as well...and it would be interesting as to a full response.

The NRS is clear about equal treatment.

Sadly, there is a rumor about utilizing the space occupied by the Foundation Assisting Seniors.

General Manager Seddon, though unofficially wanting to convert the space for a dressing room and/ storage of props for Performing Arts and Spotlight Club entertainment venues, in reality may indeed want the Community Service Building for staff offices.

When we learned about these options, Mr. West also informed me that  97% of Foundation Assisting Seniors activity was conducted in Sun City Anthem.

So, just what are the priorities of Sun City Anthem as it continues to mature?

Should the Foundation Assisting Seniors offices be replaced with a dressing room or additional offices for Sun City Anthem employees?

Tomorrow: Page Four

Got a comment:

Send it to us at:

scaopinions@gmail.com

1. 
   October 5, 2017 at 9:43 AM

   From Robert Zinn...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Are the ballots being sent out to each household and who is going to be counting the ballots?
   
   Apparently these four feel they are above the law.
   
   Is it possible they may be looking at jail time?
   
   Spending our money like drunken sailors.
2. 
   Dick ArendtOctober 5, 2017 at 9:44 AM

   Robert, they are being sent by the CPA firm, and THEY are going to receive them. They will then apparently transport them to SCA for counting.
   
   You will shortly see some documentation regarding that procedure is a VIOLATION of Nevada Statutes.
   
   Stay tuned.
   
   Jail time?
   
   For the way this bunch has "rigged" the mechanics of this election, they should be ashamed of themselves.
   
   I wish "jail time" was available, because what they are doing is unethical in the minds of ethical people.
3. 
   October 5, 2017 at 9:44 AM

   From Norma Bain...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   I have been reading much about recall of officers, but nothing about the status of petition regarding General Manager.
   
   What has been done regarding this petition?
4. 
   Dick ArendtOctober 5, 2017 at 10:08 AM

   Norma, the 836 signed "No Confidence" petitions are nonbinding; however, you should be aware:
   
   a. The demand they be included in her employment file for consideration in future income and/or benefit increases.
   
   If the removal is successful...
   
   b. it is hoped their replacements will "read" the will of the people, and promptly REMOVE her and those she has conspired with to harm the Sun City Anthem community.
   
   Norma, what has taken place might be legal, and the efforts of those who oppose the removal constantly bark about not committed an illegal act.
   
   That has to be determined by the Nevada Real Estate Division by way of the numerous complaints that have been filed.
   
   Most advocates believe this recall is about ETHICS:
   
   ...treatment of residents with respect; open communication, wasteful spending of our assessments, secret meetings, and resuming an atmosphere of good feelings in a retirement community that all of us believed we entitled to when we all moved here from the various parts of the country and world.
   
   These people and their actions have robbed us of the wonderful aspects of life we believed we had, but over years have financially and emotionally, have sadly been allowed to erode to a point where so many people have finally stood up, signed petitions, and wanted their voices to be heard.
   
   ETHICS...that's what all us want...ETHICS.
5. 
   October 5, 2017 at 10:15 AM

   From Valerie Lapin...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   After reading Ron Johnson’s article this morning it has shown exactly what the situation is at SCA!
   
   Ron is a very bright and fair individual and has taken the time to dispel all the bs that we have had to cover up the lies we have been fed by Berman, the Board and the General Manager.
   
   Maybe the truth will finally set us free and we can become a community we are happy and proud to live in!
6. 
   Dick ArendtOctober 5, 2017 at 10:16 AM

   Valerie, in spite of his critique which agrees with the Anthem Opinions summaries, you might want to ask him why he refused to sign the removal petitions?
   
   Does he still feel that way?
7. 
   October 5, 2017 at 10:24 AM

   From a Highland Village resident...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   No sir, we are all home owners. This was sent to me:
   
   “The particular carrier route that includes us has 395 homes, with our 145 in SCA and the others not. When this split route was mapped out for the OSCAR mailing, Highlands was overlooked."
   
   The election date was moved back to 10/9 so the letters mailed today should get to Highlands homes before the ballots.
   
   Our Director of Neighborhood watch received this information mentioned above.
   
   I am sorry this is just an excuse from whomever is doing the mailing.
   
   My friends on Logansport do not fall under this excuse.
   
   And yes they own their own homes, too.
   
   I will let you know if I receive the information in the mail.
   
   I am not holding my breath.
   
   The following letter is to be sent to everyone.
   
   I am sorry I do not get all of this.
   
   It all seems a run around. We definitely need to get these people OUT.
   
   Thanks for answering me back and listening to me.
   
   Keep up the good work you are doing to inform us.
   
   PS. Forgot to say, my neighbor who owns the house across the street lives out of state part of the year, she didn’t get her information.
   
   So if it gets the ballots late, how will she be able to get it back in time ?????
   
   More lost votes.
8. 
   October 5, 2017 at 10:30 AM

   From Mary Lee Duley...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   I may have moved from SCA, but I still continue to love what I felt I had to leave.
   
   Many residents do NOT know all of the types of equipment the foundation provides when residents are In Need and they rush to the nearest medical supply store and rent hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, etc. the Service the Foundation provides is INVALUABLE to SCA residents.
   
   IF, as agreed, I had not deleted my personal SCA data base, I would forward the information and comment.
   
   To even consider using the space for Props or additional staff rather than storing medical equipment and a place for volunteers that deliver this equipment to homes and set it up for them, is alarming.
   
   This service is NEEDED in the SCA Active Adult Community.
   
   What ignorant thing will be done next without any thought to Residents and their needs???
   
   Another informative editorial.
   
   What a shame the Official site doesn’t have a space where info as important as this can be shared, giving residents a chance to comment.
   
   Sadly the community appears to remain pretty apathetic, and when it hits their pocket book its too late!
   
   I really do not know what it will take to get more residents involved or when they will stop believing the BS Berman and the Board puts out!

2. 
   October 5, 2017 at 11:07 AM

   From Phyllis Washburn...to...Anthem Opinions
   (Part One of Two)
   
   Friends and Neighbors:
   
   In the 15 years the Foundation Assisting Seniors has been serving Sun City Anthem, its participation in local events has never been refused. 
   
   With the advent of Sandy Seddon and this SCA board of Directors the Foundation has been attacked and put under severe strain. 
   
   The board has made statements and claims in public meetings that are far-fetched, erroneous or at best grossly misleading. Unfortunately, some believe them, severely damaging FAS’ reputation and interfering with our ability to provide services, at no cost, to our senior clients. 
   
   Since SCA terminated the FAS affiliation agreement, we have seen the demand for service from SCA residents rise by more than 50%. 
   
   FAS is meeting the demand. 
   
   FAS is now providing its services directly to SCA residents; including transportation, maintenance, durable medical equipment, counseling, etc. 
   
   The Foundation van is out up to 6 days per week servicing every SCA request.
   
   In a letter received October 3, from Sandy Seddon, (attached) she denied the Foundation’s right to participate in the Craft Fair returning its check. 
   
   Resident Carol Chapman paid for the table for the upcoming Craft Fair to sell tickets for the October 29th FAS Basket Raffle to be held at Green Valley Resort. There are no rules or regulations that prevent outside groups from participating in the Craft Fair. This continuing attack on FAS is unprecedented. SCA allows others like Neighborhood Watch (an HPD program) which is similarly situated to participate.
   
   Basket Raffle tickets are available from the FAS office located in the Community Service Building, next to SCA TV. 
   
   For details go to www.foundationassistingseniors.org or call 725 244.4200.
   
   The Foundation Assisting Seniors began its life right here in Sun City Anthem in 2002. It was founded by Sun City Anthem residents. It has made over 100,000 assists just to SCA residents over the 15 years it has been active. It has never participated in nor taken an active part in any SCA politics and has never supported one candidate or issue over another. To date, it has not participated in the removal election. Perhaps that should change considering that the Foundation is being singled out by Ms. Seddon and the SCA Board while other outside entities are allowed to participate. This is, in our judgement, prejudicial and vengeful and will result in nothing less than harming our SCA seniors. This is an example of corporate bullying at its worst. Keep in mind, 97% of the assists made by the Foundation are made right here in Sun City Anthem and, 15 of its 20 trustees are Sun City Anthem Residents.
3. 
   October 5, 2017 at 11:16 AM

   From Phyllis Washburn...to...Anthem Opinions
   (Part Two of Two)
   
   Yesterday, as is the tradition of service by the Foundation, FAS donated 100 pieces of Durable Medical Equipment to senior victims of the recent hurricane in Houston. 
   
   The Durable Medical Equipment donated by the Foundation to the seniors of Houston is being packed by the McGoverns at the UPS Store in the Smith Center and shipped, at no charge, to Houston as part of a Las Vegas humanitarian effort.
   
   In 2003 the Foundation submitted a grant proposal to Pulte for a community service building. 
   
   Pulte accepted the proposal. 
   
   The Foundation President negotiated the design of the building, a building worth more than $550,000, to house the Foundation and services it started; SCA TV, Community Service, and Emergency Preparedness (all originally part of the Foundations Community Service Building). The result was that the building would be provided to the Foundation, with Pulte’s condition that the space would be dedicated to FAS so long as it serves SCA seniors. 
   
   This was evidenced by the original plans showing and referencing the Foundation space allocation. 
   
   This term was accepted by SCA and was documented by a board resolution at the SCA Board meeting in April 2007. 
   
   The Foundation Assisting Seniors has served and will continue to serve the SCA community as long as it is able..
   
   Now ask yourself this question, what has Ms. Seddon and/or this SCA board done to help anybody here at Sun City? except themselves ? 
   
   The Foundation is being harassed, lied to, misrepresented, bullied, and sued by this board, without the required member approval 
   
   For what? 
   
   We believe it is because Ms. Seddon and this SCA board want additional space for staff, or because they think they have the power and are out to harm the Foundation. 
   
   Is this how SCA should be managed?
   
   The Foundation Assisting Seniors continues to do the job that it set out to do 15 years ago and with your help we will continue to do so.
   
   Thank you for your continued support.
   
   M. Favil West, President
   The Foundation Assisting Seniors
4. 1. 
      October 5, 2017 at 10:15 PM

      From Barbara Sidary...to...Anthem Opinions
      
      This is just a terrible situation....So disheartening how our Community declining in Good Will.
      
      This Foundation does so much for all of our Community.
      
      I hope that you can find the time to go to their offices to buy a FAS BASKET Raffle ticket.

Former Sun City Anthem & Foundation Assisting Seniors President Displays Board & General Manager's Treatment of Medical Equipment Provided Community for 16 Years

Former Sun City Anthem Board President

&

President of Foundation Assisting Seniors

Displays Sun City Anthem Treatment

of 

Medical Equipment

Favil West

Because of  the unprecedented salaries paid to the top 4...

...the fact that our accounting is handled off campus...

...our legal fees are so far out of budget, it is criminal...

This board is, apparently planning to subsidize a restaurant, and due to the cavalier way this group spends our money, I have decided to vote for only two of the candidates. 

Namely Gary Lee and Clif Wigen.

They are the only two who are not in lock step with the rest.

This is what this Board and  Sun City Anthem General Manager, Sandy Seddon, did to the furniture and durable medical equipment owned by the Foundation.. 

A number of pieces were damaged so badly we had to discard them.

This displays a small amount that was returned to the Foundation, and how  badly damaged it was handled.

Pretty pathetic.

Anthem Opinions Comment:

The Foundation Assisting Seniors has served the Anthem communities for the past 16 years...and...continues to do so despite this ugly display of disrespectful treatment toward that organization.

While this travesty took place, the Sun City Anthem Board subsequently authorized and purchased $5,000 of medical equipment to serve the needs of Sun City Anthem.

A Waste of Association Funds

Who voted to remove the Foundation Assisting Seniors from Sun City Anthem and needlessly spent those funds?

These Incumbents running for reelection to the Sun City Anthem Board:

Aletta Waterhouse

Robert Burch

James Coleman

Do these individuals represent the "thanks" Sun City Anthem has owed this foundation for 16 years?

We believe none of them do, and should be sent packing as a result.

For those of you who need medical equipment, here is the current information of their new "home", conveniently located to continue the valued community service they have provided.

Foundation Assisting Seniors

2518 Anthem Village Drive

Suite 102

Henderson, NV 89052

(702) 244-4200

And...They Have an Open House on Tuesday, April 17th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Cake & Coffee will be served.

Please contact "Linda" to RSVP at:  

fassca@cox.net

Got a comment?

Send it to us at:

scaopinions@gmail.com

1. 
   April 10, 2018 at 7:23 AM

   From Robert Nusser...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Why do I feel that the SCA residents are being treated just like the FAS equipment (dumped in a pile like trash)?
2. 1. 
      April 10, 2018 at 9:18 AM

      From Barry Goldstein...to...Anthem Opinions
      
      Just disgusting. Whoever did that has no class.

1. 
   April 10, 2018 at 11:15 AM

   From Favil West...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   The question is:
   
   Did Sandy take a pay cut to come here as the board and David Berman tell us?
   
   It appears that her 2015 salary, bonus etc. was about $215,000.
   
   Did the board do a back ground check on Sandy.
   
   Is she fit for the job?
   
   So far from what I have experienced, have seen, and have heard excuses for, it appears that our board did not look into her background.
   
   If a Senator, a Congressman, a judge, a City Manager,  a teacher, or an executive had inappropriate activities showing a lack of judgement would that person be found to be fit for the job? Would that person be able to keep the job?
   
   Admittedly these questions are rhetorical----------------------or are they?
2. 1. 
      April 11, 2018 at 5:47 AM

      
      From Linda Buckhardt...to...Anthem Opinions
      
      I was at a City of Henderson meeting and I challenged City Atty. Josh Reid’s salary.
      
      He said that his salary was $300,000.00, including benefits.
      
      Now, don’t feel sorry for him, but Sandy is paid very well.
   2. 1. 
         Dick ArendtApril 11, 2018 at 7:47 PM

         Looks like the Sun City Anthem President, Rex Weddle, has confirmed that he is part of the Berman bull sheet.
         
         We couldn't care less about a blogger who acts like a pig enjoying his daily mud bath; but as to Weddle, we have a few comments and questions for him regarding his latest insulting display of unprofessional behavior.
         
         Did Weddle obtain a Document Request Form and what punishment will he face for disclosing information to a third party?
         
         Did Weddle forget that HE LED THE PACK with having 1,283 residents consider him unfit for office a few months ago?
         
         How pathetic is it that he needs a guy who lost a law license to defend him?
         
         What does that say ?
         
         Weddle, how about we subject you to a lie detector test so we can ask REAL QUESTIONS and get REAL ANSWERS, rather than witness you dance around, saying NOTHING but MAKING SUBJECTIVE EXCUSES for what your're trying to peddle as the full truth?
         
         And if you're going to open that little big mouth, STOP using an expensive association attorney to do it. All of us can't afford it much longer.
         
         And, since you intend to use an official association publication, The Spirit, in May, to sound off, how about letting others REBUT what you write?
         
         Better yet, how about letting Favil West do so?
         
         Are you scared?
         
         We tried to get your bunch to allow a rebuttal to the biased report of the Treasurer during the removal election, but you shut that down, didn't you?
         
         Why?
         
         Scared to let people know more than what you'd like them to know?
         
         How much did the attorney charge the community  to stonewall that attempt?
         
         This latest tirade of yours on DAB, just proved you're "in the pocket" of a man who will do anything to con a community...
         
         ...and in the minds of at least 1,283 owners, that put YOU in the same "con" category.
         
         Let's see if the community believes YOU or Favil West, the guy who was a former Sun City Anthem Board President and President of the Foundation Assisting Seniors for years?
         
         By the way, West never had people sign petitions to get rid of  him or just barely got elected to a Board, but you certainly did.