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"The Garden Wizard"
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
Going Away ? Notifying Post Office May Not Be the Best Option
Goin’ Postal in
Henderson
by
Robert
N.
We took a
trip back East to visit family and friends. To prepare for our absence, I went
to the Seven Hills Post Office and dutifully filled out that yellow “Vacation
Hold Mail” card. I completed the card to request that our mail be held until I
picked it up at the Post Office.
The day we
returned we decided to first go to the Post Office from the Airport (since it
was ‘on the way’).
After
waiting in the obligatory line, we told the Clerk that we had returned and
wanted to pick up our mail. She returned after a few minutes to report that
there was NO mail on hold ‘in the back’. She said
it “may” have been
delivered”.
She jotted
down a phone number on a scrap piece of paper and told us that if there was no mail in our mailbox, we should call this
number “before 9 AM tomorrow” so that they
could “look for your mail”.
So, yes,
it was a stressful ride back to SCA, and we found 6 days of mail crammed into
our mailbox – luckily we didn’t have to ‘call this number before 9:00 AM
tomorrow’.
It is a
very stressful situation when you go to the Post Office and request your “held”
mail only to be told that it doesn’t exist; it’s also disturbing to find that
you’ve followed ‘all the rules’ and properly filled out a form requesting that
the mail be held (only to find out that Bureaucratic Incompetence failed to
complete your request)...
...the
most disturbing fact was the cavalier attitude of the Clerk who basically
shrugged her shoulders told us to call a number tomorrow IF there was no mail in
your mailbox.
Does
anyone wonder why people are disgusted with “Government Service”?????
Please
note that our “Postal Woman” does a banner job and is NOT responsible for this
screw-up…..we dread the Christmas season when (apparently) she takes vacation
and ‘temporary’ help delivers the mail…..
BUT...
I’m old
enough to remember when stamps cost 3 or 5 cents. In those days your mail was
delivered to your house without fail; your Postman (no Postwomen then) knew who
you were; the Postmen wore Postal Uniforms; and the service was
excellent.
I strongly
recommend to all the readers that you do what we have
done:
When you plan to be away from your home (vacation,
etc...
...give your post box key to a trusted neighbor and have them pick up
your mail...
Do NOT trust the Post Office.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Have some advice we can give our readers?
Have a "postal nightmare" you'd like to share?
Send it to us at:
-
From Art Goldsmith...to...Anthem Opinions
Re Robert N, get in the modern age and use the USPS.com website and fill out the info on line.
You get a numbered receipt and your mail is held and delivered on time.
We have been doing this for five years and never a screw-up!
When I moved from Florida, over six years ago, I did the same thing and my mail was forwarded and delivered in a timely manner. -
From Jeff Graber...to...Anthem Opinions
When we travel we go online to the USPS web site and fill out the Mail Hold Options section.
We have never had a problem and you will get a receipt of your request with a receipt number saying they have it and the dates of the hold and when to start redelivering the mail or to go to the post office and pick it up yourself.
You get the two options when filling out the form. That is your best option!
You can speak from strength when you have a form that shows your mail hold was received and recorded with a receipt.
Thanks for the good job in bringing these items to our attention.
-
From Ellen Dryer...to...Anthem Opinions
Before a trip I usually stop the mail a day (or even two days) before I leave as a "test."
It's too bad we have to anticipate errors by a bureaucracy and micro-manage them. -
From Ellen Korchek...to...Anthem Opinions
You can go on US postal website and place a mail hold on line.
I have done this often without a problem.
-
From Phyllis Chappell...to...Anthem Opinions
Simply go online and stop your mail.
We do it all the time, and when we get home it is delivered to us.
No trouble, no stress.
Try it.
Another Strip Show to Close Shortly
Last
Call
Another Strip Show to
Close
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"Entertainment Bargains for Sun City Anthem
Residents"
Sunday, August 28, 2016
That Fence Getting a Bit Ugly...Get it Painted
Need Your Fence Painted
?
Is the wrought fence of yours looking a bit shabby, rusty, and/or weather beaten? Nevada sunshine certainly takes its toll over the years.
...and...if you
live in the right village, there's a deal available that you might wish
to consider.
Sun City Anthem contracted a
company named "Charger Construction, LLC" to do fence
painting in certain areas.
They agreed to honor the same pricing
they are charging Sun City Anthem for any resident in the Big Sky, Desert
Sky, Arroyo Vista, and Shadow Canyon villages.
If you are interested, either go to the Administration Office in Anthem Center or call (702) 614-5816 to sign up for a FREE quote from this company.
The Deadline to do this is September 15th.
That company will provide you a quote.
Payment is then made directly to the
contractor.
For more details, contact a lady
named Anneliese Gamboa at (702)
614-5815.
We've also checked them out as well.
"Charter Construction LLC" is located
at 525 W. Sunset Road in Henderson. Their phone number is (702)
807-4137.
They are properly LICENSED and INSURED
to a maximum liability limit of $950,000 according to the Clark County
Contractors Association.
Anthem Opinions
Administration
-
And the BIG question is, why only those villages? Are there plans for the rest of us? The front office did not seem to know when a neighbor checked.
-
Lawrence, I believe they are going to do it piecemeal. Over time, all of the villages will get the same opportunity.
As Time Passes...They Become a Necessity
Installing a Handicap Shower
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"Mr. Fix-It's World of Home
Improvement"
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Today's Smile
Guess Who We Found to
Entertain You ?
As many of you know, Anthem Opinions devotes a great deal of time to bringing our readers information as to the amazing entertainment available on both a local and "Strip" basis.
Unlike other publications it's always been our belief that Sun
City Anthem is where we "sleep"...that fun exists well
beyond the walls of our community that should be enjoyed to the fullest
!
We have our sources to bring entertainment venues to you, and
recently we were made aware of one that brought a smile to our
faces...
...a smile (or perhaps a frown) that we had to share with you !
...a smile (or perhaps a frown) that we had to share with you !
A week ago, we noticed that the headline
act at the Bourbon Street Cabaret in the Orleans
Hotel & Casino ...
...featured an individual whose face many (or few of you according the revenue) may have seen at one time or another a year or so ago.
Recognize him?
Vic
Moea
Yup...
...same guy who started
"Vic's" excellent restaurant in Sun City
Anthem.
We have no idea as to what his act was
performing, but we hope it didn't include his skills at running a bistro
!
Just wondering....
Did the members of the previous board of directors
receive comps for his show ?
After all, they did make sure he and his partners
"walked away" from over $40,000 in unpaid loans !
Only in Sun City Anthem, huh folks
?
Anthem Opinions Administration
-
From Karen H...to...Anthem Opinions
Wow! I can't even begin to imagine what type of entertainment Vic could provide at the Orleans. I looked on Facebook for possible clues, but all I found was his favorite places to eat.
Perhaps that was his gig at the Bourbon Street Cabaret--eating a big pile of food??
Or, maybe he feels bad about stiffing our Association, and is trying to make amends by working some side jobs to pay us back? LOL
Thanks for today's good laugh! -
Folks, looks like we got it wrong about "Vic Moea"...
...and we apologize.
Turns out it was his papa who was singing at The Orleans, not "our" Vic.
His dad is a member of the local group, "The Nite Kings", that has entertained people for years in the Las Vegas valley.
Not many "Vic Moea's" in this world, so we figured we had it right, but...
we didn't, and the article was meant as a joke, which Anthem Opinions readers enjoyed and took in the manner it was intended, namely humor.
Oh well, "Dirty Dave" couldn't possibly pass up an opportunity between his compulsive pounding away at beating up and talking to slot machines at Green Valley Ranch to actually take the time to write a complete "breaking news" article on a topic that was meant in fun.
What seems to have been missed from his quoting Anthem Opinions is the part about Vic Jr. and his partners "stiffing" Sun City Anthem for the $40,000 in unpaid loans...
...you remember...the restaurant he constantly touted while promoting his "victorious" board candidates...
...those "special" individuals whose decisions were selling Sun City Anthem residents down the river with their constant infusion of money every time our restaurant "night king" and his partners, where taking us to the cleaners.
Oh well, "Dirty Dave" is what he is, and by now all of us know that his day wouldn't be complete without figuring out some way to criticize a publication whose readership has grown to 10 times more than his own !
...and I'm sure his loyal group of nameless minions will jump on the bandwagon with their insulting comments and continue to make complete asses of themselves.
So...we apologize for the booboo and while "Dirty Dave"..."trolls"... the halls of Anthem Center talking about such things as pool heaters and yet another vender who "stiffed us" to tune of $37,000 for The Spirit advertising....in between his Green Valley Ranch video poker machine beatings....
...instead we'll concentrate on providing you the fun that exists over the entire Las Vegas valley.
-
A Tool Kit Has to the Have the Right Tools
The Perfect Cabinet, Counters, and Storage Tool Kit
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"Mr. Fix-It's World of Home
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Monday, August 22, 2016
Foundation Assisting Seniors Financials Create Concerns...Need Answers
Community Reacts to
Board Member's Demand for
Foundation Assisting
Seniors Financials
We originally published an article
written by Sun City Anthem Director Carl Weinstein on
August 2, 2016 that uncovered a number of concerns as
to the Association Assisting Seniors request that they
NOT PAY Sun City Anthem any rental
subsidy.
Mr. Weinstein brought out the need to
examine that organization's financials in order to determine if such a request
was reasonable, and will likely
be brought up at the August 25, 2016 Board
Meeting.
As financial information for non-profit
organizations is public information, we uncovered the
Income Tax filings for that organization from 2011 through
2014.
As such, we had an opportunity to
examine them and after that review, we too had concerns that we
strongly believe should be addressed before any decision is
made.
Here are our
findings:
Gross Revenue $103,664 $136,393 $81,865
Expenses 54,285
Net Income 49,379
Total Assets 544,542
Grants 19,613
Other Grants 0
Accounting
Fees
Investment Mgmt.
Fees
Golf Tournament
Net Income after
Expenses
25,246
Net Income
from Coffee Shop
0
Volunteer
Recognition
(party?)
Gross Revenue 121,201
Expenses 58,
Net Income 62,773
Total Assets 667,205
Grants 35,124
Other Grants 11,845
Accounting
Fees
Investment Mgmt.
Fees
Golf Tournament
Net Income after
Expenses
30,321
Net Income
from Coffee Shop
0
Trosper
Communications*
1,500
Volunteer Recognition
(party?)
Notes:
*Trosper Communications
is owed by a woman named Elizabeth
Trosper....she was also a 2014 Trustee for the Foundation. This firm has
to do with social media.
For the fours years reported the percentage
of administrative expenses ranged from 30-62% which
appears to be very high in relation to donations
collected.
Trustees have also been named on each
return.
Because there was such interest in this
organization, we have also reprinted the reaction of our readers and hope you
too will further comment on these findings.
As you can see, in each case, concerns
were expressed.
We also would like Director Weinstein
to let us know if any progress has been made in obtaining the information he
requested.
From Keith
Coffin...to...Anthem Opinions
We should keep the income generated, at least until we see their financials.
My guess is their administrative expenses are higher than some of the charities listed as not good for donating.
We should keep the income generated, at least until we see their financials.
My guess is their administrative expenses are higher than some of the charities listed as not good for donating.
From Ruby Leong...to...Anthem
Opinions
- I totally agree that FSA needs to pay rent to SCA and SCA should NOT donate the rent received back to them since they are now an outside organization.
SCA can't and should not
provide free rent to outside organizations. If we do, how is it different than
any other organizations coming to SCA for free rent.
As a matter of fact since they are an outside organization, they should rent outside of SCA.
Yes they must provide a financial statement. We need to know what percentage is truly going to charitable causes versus administration expenses.
As a charitable organization I believe they must file with IRS and it should be made public.
I do not donate to charitable organizations if I don't know how much or what percentage is going for the true charitable causes.
August 2, 2016
As a matter of fact since they are an outside organization, they should rent outside of SCA.
Yes they must provide a financial statement. We need to know what percentage is truly going to charitable causes versus administration expenses.
As a charitable organization I believe they must file with IRS and it should be made public.
I do not donate to charitable organizations if I don't know how much or what percentage is going for the true charitable causes.
August 2, 2016
- From Joe Mihalich...to...Anthem Opinions
- The key thing to know is this
The financial report of a
charity should cover their ENTIRE operation so that givers can determine what
percentage of the funds go to "administrative" expenses versus what percentage
goes into reserves or for charitable uses.
August 2, 2016
- From Dorothy Yu...to...Anthem Opinions
- As I understand, charter clubs also asked to donate to this foundation annually. The transparency of this foundation's financial report is so important for donors as well as for events organizers to choose which charitable organization to handle a disastrous situation.
I believe this is a very
reasonable request.
We, a group of Chinese American residents, sponsored two major events right here at Sun City Anthem, (before Chinese Heritage Club was established).
An Ad Hoc Committee was formed and studied each charitable organization's administrative cost online before our decision to have Tzu Chi be the charitable organization to handle those two disastrous events.
One happened in Sichuan, an earthquake in 2008, and the other one happened in Taiwan's flood in 2009. Due to the administrative cost ,Tzu Chi was the lowest.
After we found out how much Red Cross pays it's Director, I never donated a dime to that organization again!
There were a lot individuals who contributed not only money, but time to those two events.
They were: Bob Chang, Wen-dar Cheng, Meisheng Chou, John Hsu, Shirley Shiuh, Peter Tu, Joe Wang, Kenneth Wu, Betty Yuan, and Emily Chu (Tzu Chi Representative)
We are caring, loving and retiring residents here at Sun City Anthem.
Most of us were privileged and be able to sustain and take care of ourselves, yet, we also want to extend our hands to other less privileged ones within our community and making this Sun City Anthem a true Heaven for retirees to spend our golden years.
Volunteering is just like Charitable, both respected words in my dictionary, unless people misuse them.
We, a group of Chinese American residents, sponsored two major events right here at Sun City Anthem, (before Chinese Heritage Club was established).
An Ad Hoc Committee was formed and studied each charitable organization's administrative cost online before our decision to have Tzu Chi be the charitable organization to handle those two disastrous events.
One happened in Sichuan, an earthquake in 2008, and the other one happened in Taiwan's flood in 2009. Due to the administrative cost ,Tzu Chi was the lowest.
After we found out how much Red Cross pays it's Director, I never donated a dime to that organization again!
There were a lot individuals who contributed not only money, but time to those two events.
They were: Bob Chang, Wen-dar Cheng, Meisheng Chou, John Hsu, Shirley Shiuh, Peter Tu, Joe Wang, Kenneth Wu, Betty Yuan, and Emily Chu (Tzu Chi Representative)
We are caring, loving and retiring residents here at Sun City Anthem.
Most of us were privileged and be able to sustain and take care of ourselves, yet, we also want to extend our hands to other less privileged ones within our community and making this Sun City Anthem a true Heaven for retirees to spend our golden years.
Volunteering is just like Charitable, both respected words in my dictionary, unless people misuse them.
-
August 4, 2016
- From Keith Coffin...to...Anthem Opinions
- I agree with carl..we shouldn’t donate the space for free to the foundation. He is correct in stating that since they do work for other than sca, then they should be treated like any other outside charity group. And, as all charities that get donations, they should reveal on an ongoing basis a full accounting of their income, income sources, and all expenditures.
Keep posting updates and
how the responses are please.
Thanks for the good work you do.
Thanks for the good work you do.
August 21, 2016
- From Robert
Leclerc...to...Anthem Opinions
- I believe Mr. Weinstein is on the right track. Why would we select one group, a Foundation about whose financial affairs we know nothing, and give them a free pass? More must be known. Foundations do not enjoy universally good reputations when it comes to financial stewardship.
- August 21, 2016
- From Robert N...to...Anthem Opinions
If F.A.S. has nothing to
hide, it should readily submit the requested documents...and yes the rent could
be returned to F.A.S. as a humanitarian gesture, but SCA should withhold any
costs of occupying the SCA space (e.g. utilities, etc.). Anyone with any
business experience understands that.
- August 21, 2016
- From Jerry
Eisenberg...to...Anthem Opinions
If the foundation has moved on, to other communities,so should an equal cost of their expenses. Other communities should be responsible for costs i.e. rentals, maintenance of vehicles, cost of vehicles, etc. Communities benefiting should also provide volunteers from their own communities without pulling volunteers away from SCA. Volunteers from SCA should not leave the boundary of SCA.
The foundation should definitely provide financials.
From Irv Prail...to...Anthem Opinions
Regarding the matter of The Foundation, I agree with Mr. Weinstein that there is no “legitimate” reason for the secrecy, but there is a reason.
The obviousness of the situation screams “Fraud!”, or at the very least, unethical/immoral activity.
If the obfuscation continues for longer than 89 days from notice, my vote would be to bar The Foundation from our property, and urge county/state and/or federal (due to TF’s special IRS non-profit status) investigators to take a very close look at this organization’s operation.
There is no doubt there is something very wrong with our association with this organization.- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: Anthem Opinions is not a CPA
firm, but we are also aware that The Association Assisting Seniors Treasurer, Dan Forgeron, (also a former Sun City Anthem Board Treasurer) does not, hold a CPA
certification.
Also, this is in NO
WAY any attempt to condemn the Association Assisting Seniors,
only an active search to obtain a full disclosure as to its fund raising
activities, financial income, and miscellaneous expenditures in order that
individuals and organizations many feel secure in their
contributions.
Would you like a copy of the Income Tax
Returns?
Do you have an additional comment?
Let us know by sending us an email at:
-
-
Anthem Opinions Administration
-
Unfortunately the blog format cuts the cross column format of the table so some of these bizarre numbers are difficult to compare. In summary:
From 2011 to 2014
Income increased 33%
Assets increased 23%
Accounting increased 700% (yes, that is the correct number)
Expenses increased 50% (in relation in income increase this seems weird?)
Social Media increased over 2,500 % (and the owner is a trustee?)
Doesn't having a trustee also being an outside paid vendor cross some ethical guide for non-profit charitable organizations? Expenses includes salaries too, so what portion of expenses are salaries and who gets them?
And one wonders why they need free rent. I don't believe they pay rent even for the coffee shop, which nets them over $20,000. That is $20,000 which the Sun City Association could be earning. I suspect they do good work, but it should not be at the expense of the Sun City Anthem homeowners.
-
There are two ways that this can be done.
One is through the written hold mail and the second way is through the online system.
I have found that the old written system is just as Robert describes.
I've also found that the online system works very well. You get a confirmation and a receipt so you know it has been done.
I have used the online system about a dozen times in the last two years and it has worked perfectly.
Maybe technology is the answer for the post office.