Just for the Guys....Let Us Entertain You

The Search for the Perfect

Valentine's Day Card

Like most husbands (whether or not they are willing to admit it), my Valentine's Day planning normally commences on the afternoon of February 13th, when panic strikes and I quickly realize....

What do I do this year?

...but in 2017, this would be different...I would "do the deed" early, so as to avoid the male rush on the 13th.

While sneaking through the candy aisle....

...that location committed to memory by men, but women consider a felony...

... I thought,  let's get this done now !

I was on a quest to find..."the perfect Valentine's Day card" for that woman who often reminds me that she has given me the best of her last 30+ years !

OK....off I went on my quest, only to find others, obviously in a similar situation...actually 3 of us, all searching through that massive display of cards.....

... while noticing a woman "snickering" !

She didn't have to say a single world...all she did was POINT...

...straight at the Valentine's Day Card display !

She knew what we were after !

As the 3 of us guys searched through the "mountain" of cards, we would constantly look at each other in bewilderment...getting frustrated with each passing moment.

Is this the right one?

Is that the right one?

We even started to ask each other....why are we subjecting ourselves to this annual (deleted expletive)?

And then it happened....

Up stepped another woman....who overheard our "frustrations"...and she too expressed her opinion...saying....

"Because for everything that woman probably has done for each of you over the years, my guess is, she deserves a lot more than you boneheads standing around complaining about a card"

As she preceded down the aisle...she too...with somewhat of a different attitude...

...POINTED at the cards !

That was it...all 3 of us looked at each other and one guy said...

"Let's get this done already. This is a concealed carry state and she's watching us!"

We even began choosing cards, asking each other for an opinion.

While 2 of us chose humorous cards, one guy went rogue...he "went romantic". 

We looked at him and in guilt, thought we better "go romantic" too....

...until he admitted...

He wasn't married...that it was for his 3 month girlfriend.

Needless to say, the other guy and I went back to the "humorous" option !

Does the story end there ? 

Hell no...

As I was at the check-out line, who do I run into? 

You guessed it !

"Pistol Packin'Annie" herself.

"Show me the card", she demanded. 

I couldn't do it...

I knew..she knew...something wasn't right....

...and I once again, got..."that look" ....and "that thought"... about Nevada being a concealed carry state !

So what does any intelligent man do when confronted with "shopping rage?"

You promptly leave the check-out line and travel back to the display for the "romantic" option...

...and...the flower department as well !

(just in case "Annie" was lying in wait )

So...thanks "Annie"....you made me realize "the evil of my ways"...

And...to that wonderful woman who has given me over 30 years of her life...

Thank you...

...for the smiles, the humor, the putting up with a guy who has adored you for all those years, but never seems to say it enough.

I'd like to take a line from one of my favorite movies of all time...

...perhaps quite applicable to this true tale...

... starring Errol Flynn and Olivia DeHavilland.

It's the story of General George Armstrong Custer. 

As he was leaving for his last battle, he looked at his wife, Libby, and said to her...

"Walking through life with you ma'am, has been a very gracious thing"

And to you Mrs. Arendt...

I couldn't imagine a more pleasant journey.

PS...

What time is dinner going to be ready?

1. 
   February 13, 2017 at 4:48 AM

   
   From Mary Jannell...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Ha ha. Loved it.
2. 
   February 13, 2017 at 4:49 AM

   From Sarelle Povitsky of Solera...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Very very cute!
3. 
   February 13, 2017 at 4:51 AM

   From Cary Chubin of Ft. Lauderdale, FL...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   The usual well written story. The truth hurt...
   
   After my wife read it, she hurt ME.
4. 
   February 13, 2017 at 4:51 AM

   From Mary Lee Duley...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Life is a gracious thing!!
5. 
   February 13, 2017 at 4:52 AM

   From Margie McKee of Grayslake, IL...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   That old evil eye will get you every time.
   
   Glad you are happy and can still joke about it.
6. 
   February 13, 2017 at 4:52 AM

   From Linda Dawson...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Oh boy! I'd like to say Marla is one lucky woman! But I know you too well!
   
   LOL

Fly Smart...Fly Cheap !

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Henderson Police Department Needs Help Searching for Suspects Seen Near Break-Ins

Henderson Police Seek Assistance 

 

 

It should come to no surprise that there has been a substantial increase in home break-ins within the Anthem communities within the past few months.

 

And...the Henderson Police Department's presence has increased dramatically within the past week with patrol cars, officers on motorcycles, and signs located at both entrances to the communities.

 

They are seeking the help of the public in questioning the occupants of two particular vehicles.

 

Have you seen these cars in your neighborhood?

 

 

 

 

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"Keeping Our Neighborhood Safe"

Seven Candidates File for Four Seats on Sun City Anthem Board

Seven Candidates File for Sun City Anthem

Board Election

The following individuals have filed forms to run in the 2017 Sun City Anthem Board election:

Mark Burton

Arthur Lindberg

Forrest Quinn

Jack Reho

Nora Tobin

Rex Weddle
(current SCA president)

Carl Weinstein
(current SCA Board member)

Sun City Anthem Departing Board Member Advises Residents...Look to Relevant Experience During Upcoming Board Election

Exiting Board Member

Sees Critical Need for

"The Right Stuff"

in

Sun City Anthem Board Seats

After serving two terms on the Sun City Anthem Board of Directors, Jim Mayfield has determined that the "baton be passed" to others...

...but...

..he warns...

Make sure the right people are chosen, because those previously elected, are far from what should be expected in a qualified representative.

From Director Mayfield, here are his comments as he prepares to leave the Sun City Anthem Board.

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

Plea for Qualified Board Candidates

The last six years, it has been my privilege to serve my neighbors in SCA as your representative on the SCA Finance Committee and on the SCA Board of Directors. 

As I announced two years ago when I sought a second term of the Board, I will not seek a third term on the Board. 

But, during the last six years I have learned much about the importance of being involved in the governance of SCA and issues affecting our community. 

I want to share with you my thoughts regarding the reason that the next Board will be instrumental in making decisions that will have long-term, significant impacts on our quality of life, the cost of living at SCA, and the value of our homes.

Issues

The Restaurant

The Board seated in May will be responsible for determining the future of SCA’s restaurant.  

Since achieving owner control of SCA, multiple approaches have been implement and failed to create a restaurant operation that serves the need of SCA residents at a cost that does not require subsidizing a restaurant.
 
My assessment is that the failures are attributable to two factors. 

1.  The desires of the community have not been heeded in the development of a concept for the restaurant. 

2.  The economics of the restaurant have been repeatedly analyzed and proven that a restaurant cannot be operated without a substantial subsidy. 

Another attempt to disregard the desires of the market or the financial realities of operating one at SCA will lead to another costly failure. 

Various personal agendas and schemes that attempt to overlook the realities of a restaurant operation must be disregarded.  

The members of the Board must have the resolve and business acumen to work through the restaurant issues.

Governance Under Self-Management

The transition of management operations is being successfully navigated.  

But the Board has failed to address the issues of needed changes to governance. 

Board governance functions include:

1. Appointing, defining expectations, supporting, and assessing the performance of the General Manager.

2. Establishing policy and strategic plans.

3. Oversight of financial and physical resources.

4. Fiduciary accountability for the organization.

5. Communication with unit owners.

No process has been established for oversight of the General Manager. 

The Policy Manual and other Board controlled governing documents have not been systematically reviewed and changed to address the realities of self-management. 

The promised financial benefits promised from self-management have not been achieved. 

Compliance with state law is often ignored.

Communications with residents lacks transparency, completeness, and easily understood content.

Board officers, particularly the president, often make decisions in secret meetings and without the participation of all Board members or input from committees. 

The General Manager is frequently asked to perform governance functions that are the responsibility of the Board.

The Liberty Center Construction Defect Law Suit

The next Board will oversee the legal and financial aspects of the Liberty Center CD litigation. 

Frankly, the cost of correcting the construction defects at Liberty Center spiraled in 2016. 

The legal technicalities require Board members with management experience of legal affairs. 

If the litigation and probable settlement are not handled properly,

Homeowners at SCA will be embroiled in multiple law suits, including the right of the Board to pursue the Constrution Default lawsuit. 

If the issue is not handled properly, SCA homeowners could end up with the tab, which I believe will likely exceed $1 million.

Strategic Planning

No process has been developed for long-term, strategic planning.

The lack of a long-term plan results in year-to-year operational financial planning. 

The absence of strategic planning also results in failure to establish legally compliant reserves that balance the needs to provide adequate reserves without creating excessive reserves that burden existing owners with cost that should be provided by future owners.

Summary

As of today, my assessment is that an inadequate group of qualified candidates have offered their service to SCA. 

Waiting for someone else to step forward will result in negative consequences for everyone. 

I am concerned that without better candidates, inferior Board members will be elected and that the transition to self-management will not meet the expectations of SCA homeowners, the long-term cost of SCA assessments will increase unnecessarily, and homeowners will be uninformed on issues on which they deserve information. 

Over the next few weeks, I will post traits critical to serving on the SCA Board and questions you should ask of the candidates. 

For now, I ask the many members of our community with excellent backgrounds and previous service on Boards to please apply for a seat on the SCA Board.

Jim Mayfield

Director

Sun City Anthem Board

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

We at Anthem Opinions wish to point out that this is the FIRST time any Board member has shared thoughts as to the future of Sun City Anthem while preparing for retirement from the governance of our community.

We have long advocated the importance of choosing COMPETENT and QUALIFIED individuals to care for the financial well-being of Sun City Anthem, but unfortunately there have been elements in the association who have ignored those needs...leading us to the position we now face as a community.

Do we see changes taking place in our community governance? 

Sadly, we DO NOT.

Why?

Because of those individuals who have met secretly, chosen candidates of their own incompetent mind set, and in cooperation with other independent community communications, have, through their own INCOMPETENCE and LACK OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE, lead the residents of Sun City Anthem down a path that has resulted in the problems we currently face...

...and rather than acknowledge those failures, constantly look for avenues to "sugarcoat"THE TRUTH by committing act after act, so notably explained in the discourse provided to us by departing Director, Jim Mayfield.

He will be sorely missed and forever be known as the "voice of reform"...

...a voice rejected so often due to the insecurity of those whose relevant knowledge of financial matters, have proven far INFERIOR to his.

We sincerely thank and salute you Mr. Mayfield....on a "job well done" !

You sir, did have...

Have a comment?

Send it to us at:

scaopinions@gmail.com

1. 
   February 9, 2017 at 5:14 AM

   From Jerry Lafavor...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   I have lived in the Anthem community for 16 years. I have always thought of the restaurant as an amenity and as such, realize it probably needs funding.
   
   However,I truly believe a "Denny's" type restaurant is what is needed.

1. 
   February 9, 2017 at 6:12 AM

   From Mike Vail...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   

   Sad to say Dick, I'm in a SELL NOW mode...

1. 
   February 9, 2017 at 7:37 AM

   From Robert Nusser...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   I'd like to thank Mr. Mayfield for his efforts over the years.
   
   Unfortunately, if history is any indication, he likely MAY be replaced with yet another incompetent.
   
   As stated by the comedian Ron White: "You can't fix Stupid"

Great Valley Dining Options as we approach Valentine's Day

 

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 "Dining Bargains for Sun City Anthem Residents"

Resident Pursues Legality of Sun City Anthem Construction Default Litigation

Sun City Anthem Resident

Fires Back

at

Community Manager

for

Construction Defect Litigation Response....

Demands Legal Accountability 

from

Sun City Anthem Board of Directors

On January 30, 2017, Sun City Anthem Resident, Nelson Orth, sent an email to the Sun City Anthem Board of Directors that summarized his views and that of the Nevada Attorney General regarding the construction defect lawsuit action against Pulte Homes of Nevada.

Here is that original article on Anthem Opinions that included the original email:

http://anthemopinions.blogspot.com/2017/01/resident-objects-to-sun-city-anthem.html

He received a response...but soundly disputes that email....essentially asking the Sun City Anthem Board, General Manager, and Association Attorney...

...Prior to our filing legal action....

Did you Check your Information with the Nevada Attorney General as I did ?

With the permission from Sun City Anthem, Nelson Orth, we have published the recent email he sent to the Sun City Anthem Board of Directors. 

...and we send him our thanks for pursuing this matter on behalf of the unit owners of the Sun City Anthem Community Association.

Anthem Opinions Administration

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

Members of the Board:

First, I would like to respond to the Community Manager's response to my email of January 30.

The specific question of whether language such as "Unless the declaration provides otherwise..." is required or not required in NRS 116.31088 in order for the governing documents to be controlling needs to be answered.

The answer is NO.

The governing documents are controlling over NRS 116.31088.

The Community Manager raises other issues, but they are all mute since there is no question that the CC&Rs take precedent over NRS 116.

Second, what do I care what John Leach thinks.

If he doubts the veracity of what I reported or what Ms. Jackson said, why doesn't he call Ms. Jackson, and ask her what she said.

Or why doesn't anyone of you take 10 minutes and call?

Or why doesn't someone from management call, and discover the truth instead of insinuating that I am either lying or do not know what I am talking about?

Third, your argument is not with me or Ms. Jackson.

Your argument is with Michelle Briggs, the Attorney General of the State of Nevada representative to NRED, and considered the most authoritative and knowledgeable person in the state on NRS 116.

She is the person who affirmed the words Sharon Jackson provided to me.

If you are so sure that I am wrong and John Leach is correct, then I challenge you to call or meet with Ms. Briggs, and explain your version of the law to her.

Moving on - as you continue to argue with me, the dollar count continues to mount.

I know that the mailing cost for one mailing to homeowners is around $2600, and homeowners have received two letters on this subject.

Does this include the cost of envelopes and other associated materials?

We do know it does not include the many, many hours that have been, and still continue to accumulate?

Only you (maybe) know how many hours have been devoted by staff, lawyers, and others in pursuit of achieving the right to litigate.

This spending is the height of hypocrisy. 

You have raised our assessments by 10% for 2017 with the possibility of another 10% for 2018. Yet you continue to spend our money like there is a never ending supply.

It is my opinion that you are trying to sue Del Webb/Pulte in order to cover up the inappropriate actions and behavior of past boards.

And you need a scapegoat.

If you were going to sue, why not sue FSR?

They were responsible, under the oversight of the board, for the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of Liberty Center.

Did they perform a quarterly or semi-annual inspection of Liberty Center?

Do you have those reports from the past seven years?.

Or does the prospect of having to explain why no independent audit of the payroll exists, or why SCA overpaid RMI/FSR $2.9M during the years 2009 through 2013 bother you.

You have 8 days left before the Intervention Affidavit (I.D.)  is mailed.

Nelson Orth

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

Have a comment on Mr. Orth''s email to the Sun City Anthem Board?

Let us know.

Send you comments to:

scaopinions@gmail.com

1. 
   February 7, 2017 at 8:32 AM

   Mr. Robert Nusser...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   FINALLY - someone with both the knowledge AND fortitude to confront the misinformed arrogance.
2. 1. 
      February 7, 2017 at 12:06 PM

      
      From Mary Lee Duley...to...Anthem Opinions
      
      Good for you, Nelson. I don't always agree with you, BUT your research is excellent and you hit the nail on the head.
      
      Call the Source!
   2. 
      February 7, 2017 at 12:07 PM

      
      From Mike Vail...to...Anthem Opinions
      
      SCA Members thank You Mr. Nelson Orth for your efforts in the Construction Defect issue.
      
      Much Appreciated..
   3. 
      February 7, 2017 at 12:07 PM

      
      From Laura Shapiro...to...Anthem Opinions
      
      Thank God someone is finally taking action.

      ReplyDelete
   4. 
      February 7, 2017 at 12:08 PM

      From Valerie Lapin...to..Anthem Opinions
      
      Is the manager worth the money being paid?
      
      Is she controlled by the Board?
      
      Who does she have to listen to - the Board or property owners?
      
      Are we better off or worse off with her here?
      
      Are any decent people running for the Board this year?
   5. 
      Dick ArendtFebruary 7, 2017 at 12:16 PM

      Valerie, in my personal opinion, this one is a no-brainer.
      
      1. Absolutely not.
      
      2. Absolutely so.
      
      3. Verdict still out, but when it comes to "guidance", this current Board is incapable of guiding a kindergarten class.
      
      4. As of today, not a single person has declared; however, it appears that both Carl Weinstein and Rex Weddle will both be running for re-election. There is a rumor floating around that a former Finance Committee Chairman, Forrest Quinn, will throw his hat in...a good man...but...unfortunately there will be little if any change in 2017.
      
      Amazing the affect incompetence can have in a community, isn't it?
      
      A situation with 7,144 unit owners, and with a the filing deadline 3 days away, not a single person has come forward.
      
      Thank you Unity Party, your descendents, and most of all, one blogger who has recommended EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM; one blogger who wrote a disgusting and malicious piece about a previous candidate's supposedly "hating women", and a third blogger who felt it his "duty" to reprint that garbage.
      
      Of course the ultimate blame can only FALL on the STUPIDITY OF THOSE who chose to believe them.
      
      My 2017 prediction as a result of the above factors...
      
      ...even if there is a Board election, this will be the lowest number of votes cast in the history of Sun City Anthem.
      
      Congratulations to all of those above named parties for assisting in the nightmare we suffer today.

1. 
   February 7, 2017 at 12:52 PM

   From Dorothy Yu...to...Anthem Opinions
   
   Thanks, Nelson. This is worth keeping in my collection.
2. 1. 
      February 7, 2017 at 5:02 PM

      From Barbara Sidary...to...Anthem Opinions
      
      I know that we have to pay for "expert's" opinions whether we go to court and win or don't go to court.
      
      Any idea how much we have spent on expert opinions to date?
      
      Also if we have taken any depositions, we are also responsible for those costs.
      
      This doesn't even take into account the cost of the mailing that didn't even count.
      
      Would be nice if we could be kissed before we get screwed.
   2. 
      Dick ArendtFebruary 7, 2017 at 5:08 PM

      Barbara,
      
      I have tried desperately to find out how much we've spent on "expert" opinions. No one will provide the total costs we've paid to date.
      
      Regarding depositions, they are paid at the end of the case...if we win or settle.
      
      For example, let's say we settle for $300,000 (this number is completely out of the air), because the $1.5 million is a joke.
      
      No way will that total be paid or be considered as part of the defect. We have already paid $1.9 million and still more bills to come. That's the amount we've paid to date to literally renovate the entire Liberty Center.
      
      Only a fraction of that could be deemed as a "construction defect" in my estimation.
      
      So, using my example, if the total settlement is $300,000, one-third comes right off the top and is paid to the attorney, or in this example, $100,000.
      
      From the remaining $200,000, the lawyer "costs" are then deducted (our depositions and well as copies Pulte would take, mailings, expert witness fees, filing costs, etc. So let's say that amounts to another $100,000.
      
      We subtract that amount from the remaining $200,000 after the legal fees, and that's we WE GET.
      
      In this example, $100,000.
      
      That's if we settle. It if goes to court, the normal attorney fee is 40% instead of 33%.
      
      What this board has no concept of, is the "fun" they will be going through in the next few years.
      
      Depositions that are scheduled, will be canceled, then rescheduled just to name one.
      
      Keep in mind there is no incentive for the Pulte to settle anything. Their pockets are as deep as the Pacific Ocean, and perhaps, during the process some of our former Board members who will be deposed, could DIE.
      
      Now, if it does go to court, and we win...Pulte would probably appeal.
      
      If that takes place, a reduced settlement would likely result.
      
      Why? Appeals cost BIG BUCKS !
      
      Because appeal law is "pay as you go" or in other words, attorney fees that would probably be between $600 to $700 per hour. No more contingency at that point.
      
      Now...while all this goes on, EVERY PERSON SELLING A HOME, MUST DISCLOSE THAT THE ASSOCIATION IS INVOLVED IN A SUBSTANTIAL CIVIL ACTION THAT COULD RESULT IN UNIT OWNER ASSESSMENTS.
      
      This is no game, Barbara, and if the litigation goes forth, these proponents don't have any idea how much of their remaining years on this earth will be spent on it !