David's Anthem Journal

Welcome, Readers

Welcome to the Anthem Journal, a blog established by David Berman to provide Sun City Anthem residents with an independent, literate, responsible channel for sharing timely news and information about SCA and the immediate world around us. Here you can post your own comments and questions, and you are free to express your (respectful) opinions, whether you agree or disagree with what I or other readers have to say on a subject. If you like the Anthem Journal, consider using the box in the left sidebar to become a subscriber, which will allow you to receive e-mail notices when I've posted new content on the blog. Note: By subscribing to the Anthem Journal, you are agreeing to receive political content and understand that the blog will be used by its owner to express SCA-related political opinions from time to time. (Note: All posts by David to David's Anthem Journal are copyrighted (c) by David Berman and may not be used, in whole or in part, without his permission, except for material quoted from other sources)

On This Memorial Day Weekend …

 

 

On this beautiful Memorial Day weekend, please take some time out of your schedule to remember and honor the more than one million American men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in all our wars, including more than 6,400 and counting from our two most recent conflicts.

We remember and pay tribute to the patriots who died long ago on battlefields near to home with familiar, sacred names such as Valley Forge and Gettysburg.

We remember the troops who gave their lives on foreign battlefields and shores such as Meuse-Argonne, the beaches of Normandy, and Iwo Jima.

Still fresh in our memories and hearts are the men and women who have fallen on battlefields with names like Inchon, Khe San, Tora Bora, Fallujah and Kandahar.

We live in freedom because of them.

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And to bring it very close to home, we salute the Sun City Anthem Veterans Club for all it does to keep memory alive and allow us to share in the stories of our own cherished veterans who have put country above self.

Consumers Corner: For Short People, A Solution To A Vexing Problem

 

 

When Roz and I began attending events at the magnificent new Smith Center, Roz immediately discovered a serious problem that created great discomfort for her, and perhaps you or your loved ones have run into the same problem.

Regardless of where we sit in splendid Reynolds Hall, Smith Center’s main auditorium, Rosalyn’s feet cannot reach the floor. As a result, her experience becomes increasingly uncomfortable due to the added pressure on her legs and thighs.

Roz is five-foot-two, and I imagine anyone whose height is in this range is likely to experience similar issues.

Seeking a solution, I went online to search for a product I was sure exists: a folding, portable footrest.

In short order, I discovered the Econo-High Footrest, a high-quality device made of sturdy UBS plastic, weighing a bit less than 1.5 pounds, and capable of fitting into many styles of women’s handbags or carried in its velvet drawstring carrying case.

 

This footrest, which locks into place when opened, raises the user’s feet five inches off the ground.

The cost from the vendor is $29.95 with free shipping, and it comes in a variety of colors.

The vendor’s impressive marketing materials stress the product’s value for alleviating deep vein thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots in the veins, usually in the calf or thigh muscles.

 

 

The footrest has many more uses than in a theater. It is valuable, for instance, on long plane trips, in the home, and in other scenarios where some elevation of the feet is needed.

We put the footrest to the test for the first time this week when we attended a delightful performance of “Mary Poppins” at Smith Center. It was the perfect solution, and Roz reported that it left her with a complete feeling of comfort, not present when we attended previous shows.

I should probably ask the seller for a commission, because four audience members inquired about the footrest, due to having the same issues as Roz does. They all expressed enthusiasm for the product, and I gladly gave them the company’s web address so they could look into it.

 

 

Here is a promotional video that shows the footrest in detail and discusses its benefits and uses:

 

 

 

And finally, here is the link to the company's website.

Note: If anyone with an interest in the folding footrest would like to examine it in person, contact me and I will be happy to arrange a hands-on (feet on?) demonstration for you.

Potential Restaurant Operators Named

 

 

At the May 24 Board meeting, Treasurer Dan Forgeron, who is coordinating the search for a tenant to operate the restaurant in Anthem Center, released the following names of operators who have toured the facility and have been sent a Request for Information:

Bernard’s Bistro

Supernova Entertainment, c/o Republic Kitchen and Bar

Robert Lomeli

The Mad Greek

Carlos’ Kitchen

The Landings HND

Las Vegas Caterer

Divine Events

David Rosinsky

Gaylord India Restaurant

Dom DeMarco

Giuseppe’s Anthem

Café 5

Fatal Accident in SCA

 

Shortly after 7 a.m. today (May 25), a Sun City Anthem resident was struck and killed by a motor vehicle while walking along Hampton Road in Sun City Anthem.

News reports from multiple sources say the driver of a 2008 Jeep Commander veered off the road and struck the victim from behind.

The victim, age 71, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the shrouded body remained at the scene for some time while police investigated.

Though another blog has reported the name of the victim, I don’t feel comfortable naming him due to the fact that news outlets reporting the story said the name had not been released pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the motor vehicle has been identified in news reports as 78-year-old Chester Budd, whose name appears in the SCA Resident Directory.

According to the reports, Mr. Budd was not charged in the incident, pending results of an investigation of why his vehicle left the road and struck the victim.

The following photos were taken by a resident of the area where the accident occurred.

 

 

 

An Early Look At Your 2013 SCA Dues

 

 

If viewed in terms of our pocketbooks, probably the most important news coming out of the May 24 SCA Board of Directors meeting was contained in these seven words, constituting a single line item in the 2013 Budget Guidelines approved by the Board:

Assume no increase in quarterly homeowner assessments.

If there are no unexpected developments, this means our current annual assessment of $1,100 –our dues- will remain unchanged next year.

Don’t Miss The Fabulous Genevieve

 

 

In a city famous for one-name entertainers, such as Frank, Dean, Sammy, Elvis, Cher, and so many others, a young lady named Genevieve has been making her mark in the Las Vegas area since arriving here in 2003.

At 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1, Genevieve and her live combo will be performing a special show in Freedom Hall. Tickets, available at the Customer Service Desk in Anthem Center, are priced at an amazingly low $12.00 for what should be an outstanding event featuring a classy song stylist.

Without missing a beat, Genevieve could easily fill the cabaret at the splendid new Smith Center, but we have the opportunity to enjoy her talent without having to leave Sun City Anthem.

 

 

Genevieve Dew, a St.Louis native, has already won a bevy of “best entertainer” and “best jazz vocalist” awards, with singing styles ranging from the R&B sounds of Aretha Franklin to the seductive music of Whitney Houston and the legendary Billie Holiday.

By the age of 16, Genevieve was performing with the St. Louis Philharmonic, where, over a four-year period and while studying classical piano, she learned to sing in seven languages. Her natural beauty also led her to gain experience as a model, with her emerging talents resulting in roles in a number of off-Broadway original shows and revivals.

Attending a performance by Genevieve is like a personal visit with some of the greatest female vocalists of this and past generations.

Editor’s Note: There is another important reason why I want to urge readers to turn out for this event. Through her music, Genevieve supports a number of charities and worthy causes, and she has always been willing to lend her talent to Sun City Anthem charitable events when called upon.

As SCA Pet Club President Shirley Cheri says, “Charities such as SPCA and other animal-related causes are especially dear to Genevieve’s heart. She is a spiritual person, and a close personal friend, who believes that when you have a gift, you must give back. We are truly honored that she will be appearing here in concert, and she deserves our support.”

Here is Genevieve in a recent video, delivering her unique, bluesy version of the iconic “New York, New York.”

 

Meetings & Events for Week of May 21

 

It’s good to be in the know. That’s why I’m a faithful reader of David’s Anthem Journal – Sherryl Daly

 

 

Here is a preview of significant meetings and events for the week beginning Monday, May 21, 2012. The listed activities are open to all residents with a valid Member Identification Card. Venues are subject to change.

 

Monday, May 21

 

The Community Management Task Force will conduct its second public meeting at 1:00 p.m. in the Arlington Room at Anthem Center. This group is tasked with identifying HOA management companies qualified to submit bids to become the management company for Sun City Anthem.

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At 7:00 p.m. in the Delaware Room at Anthem Center, the Center for Lifelong Learning is pleased to present, as its guest speaker, Sun City Anthem resident Bob Passaro, executive producer of our own Channel 99.

 

 

Passaro will talk about our community broadcasting service, staffed entirely by resident volunteers.

A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Bob was an independent consultant and video producer for many years, producing videos for Fisher Scientific, H.J. Heinz, Alcoa, Westinghouse, and many others.

Come and find out what it takes to operate a television station right here in Sun City Anthem, and learn about the exciting opportunities for volunteers. 

 

Tuesday, May 22

 

The Sun City Anthem Board of Directors will conduct its monthly Board Book Review at 10:00 a.m. in the Arlington/Bristol Rooms at Anthem Center.

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The SCA Board of Directors will conduct a General Counsel Workshop at 1:30 p.m. in the Arlington/Bristol Rooms. This workshop will be devoted to developing criteria to be used in selecting a law firm to serve as the Association’s general counsel.

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Beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Delaware Room, the Henderson Senior Citizens Advisory Commission is pleased to sponsor an educational forum, “Getting Ready For Medicare.”

Representatives from the Social Security Administration and the State of Nevada will be among the speakers.

Editor’s Note: SCA resident Rana Goodman is a member of the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission.

 

Wednesday, May 23

 

What do the following animals have in common?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are all expected to be presented at the SCA Pet Club Meeting, starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Courtyard at Independence Center.

Bringing these “special guests” to the meeting will be Nancy Rouas of Petting Zoo 2 U.

Nancy, an experienced animal trainer who has worked with a wide variety of species over the years, including at many Las Vegas Strip resorts and shows, is an expert in animal behavior modification. In addition to showing the animals pictured above, all native to South America, she will discuss various training methods and shaping of behaviors.

All residents are encouraged to attend, and refreshments will be served. PLEASE – do not bring pets to this meeting, in order to avoid scaring the pets or the animal guests.

 

Thursday, May 24

 

The regular monthly meeting of the SCA Board of Directors will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Freedom Hall at Anthem Center.

 

Liberty Center Spa Closure

 

The Association has issued the following notice today (May 17) regarding the Liberty Center Spa:

The Liberty Center Spa will be closed tomorrow, 5/18/2012 for a repair on the heater systems. This will most likely be our final attempt in repairing the intermediate issues that are occurring with our current heater. Because of the nature of the repairs, this repair will require a closure on Friday, May 18 & Saturday May 19 for the PVC glue to cure. It will re-open on Sunday May 20. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Theft Alert

 

 

The Association has distributed the following theft alert from the Community Patrol today (May 17):

 

The Henderson Police Department has alerted us to the recent theft of air conditioning units outside of houses in the Coventry area at the base of the Anthem hillside. The houses affected have mostly been vacant, with posted "For Sale" signs on them, or with overgrown landscaping, and/or foreclosure or "short sale" notifications posted on the premises.

Please be alert to this type of activity, especially around vacant houses. If you see something suspicious or out of the ordinary occurring at a neighbor's house, try to contact them to get information. Or call 311, the Henderson non-emergency hot line, and report the activity. Be ready to provide information, such as vehicle color, license plate number, description of the suspicious individuals, the activity observed, etc.

To help foster increased security in our neighborhoods, consider joining the SCA Neighborhood Watch Program by calling 638-5770. Or call the SCA Community Patrol office at 614-6751 for more information.

Ed Miller

Chief SCACP

Can Your Club Use Some Extra Money? Volunteer for Coffee Shop Staffing!

 

A six-month trial of afternoon hours for the Anthem Center Coffee Shop has been so successful that the Coffee Shop is now operating without a break from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Coffee Shop is staffed entirely by volunteers from SCA chartered clubs, who take turns for one-month intervals, one group of clubs working the first shift until 11:00 a.m. and a different group of clubs taking over for the second shift.

The Shop sells coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bottled water, Coca Cola, Diet Coke and Caffeine-Free Diet Coke, along with snacks that include muffins, cookies, nuts and trail mix.

 

 

Every six months, the money earned by the clubs during the previous period is divided among them, after deducting for expenses and a small reserve amount to maintain the coffee machine. One pool of revenues is shared by the morning volunteers and a second pool of revenues is shared by the afternoon volunteers. The amounts earned by the clubs are substantial, and the money they receive is free for the clubs to spend as they see fit.

In the past, when the Coffee Shop operated only in the mornings, there was a long waiting list of clubs that wanted to participate. But now that afternoon hours have been added, there are openings for three clubs to join the ICCC, Pet Club, Tennis Club and Party Bridge Club on the afternoon schedule.

If you are a member of a club that would like to serve the community while enhancing your treasury and enjoying the social aspect of meeting and chatting with fellow residents and visitors, consider enrolling your club in the afternoon Coffee Shop volunteer program.

For more information, please call Coffee Shop coordinator Phyllis Washburn at 719-2882.