Siena residents open hearts, homes to valley's stray animals

Siena will soon take in some of the valley's homeless animals. Earlier this month, several residents of Siena gathered to form a group dedicated to giving forgotten animals a second chance.

The Siena SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Foster Care Group is the pride and passion of resident Annette Gelhaar.

"Before my husband, Larry, and I moved to Siena 2 1/2 years ago, I used to volunteer my time as a foster mom at an animal shelter in Colorado. Helping animals has always brought me great joy and I wanted to be able to share that joy with my fellow Siena residents," Gelhaar said.

As it is envisioned, residents who have the flexibility, time and ability to become SPCA foster parents will help the animals become more desirable for adoption.

"These special animals, which are either sick, recovering from surgery or just need some extra gentle help in trusting humans, need the tender loving care that only a foster parent can provide. The love of a foster parent can help get these animals back on track and boost their chances of being placed into a permanent loving home," Gelhaar said.

In the coming months, members of the group plan to work with the Dewey Animal Shelter to provide temporary homes for special needs animals.

"Getting the group up and running is a very exciting endeavor and we are so fortunate that we are able to do this in a community like Siena. This community is very tightknit, and those who have already expressed an interest in opening their homes to these very special animals are comforted in knowing that they also have some built-in support systems with their fellow residents. We have members who can be called on to `baby-sit' or assist whenever it's needed," Gelhaar said.

Special interest groups such as the foster care group are a big part of the social makeup of Siena, according to activities manager Kelley Clement.

"Groups focused on art, literature, ceramics, croquet, horseshoes, poker, pool and much more gather on a regular basis," Clement said. "And, in addition to our special interest groups, between the endless variety of social activities, classes and events, our residents have numerous opportunities to share common interests with each other."

Located in Summerlin, the 665-acre age-qualified community will comprise more than 2,000 homes at buildout.

A community center will include a lobby, lounge and grand ballroom. Additional amenities include a business center, as well as arts and crafts, card and game rooms.

A health and fitness center features a swim pavilion, spas, lighted tennis and bocce courts, exercise equipment, an aerobics room, saunas, steam rooms, wellness center, and beauty salon and day spa.

A clubhouse, which anchors an 18-hole daily-fee championship course, includes a pro shop, restaurant with indoor and patio dining, and a bistro. The Siena Golf Club is open to all ages, however residents receive preferred rates.

Sales executive Jimmy Jones said about 70 percent of the new homes have been sold and fewer than 130 home sites remain along the golf course.

There are 18 single-story models, each with customization options through an on-site design studio. Floor plans range from 1,040 to 3,000 square feet and are priced from the $160,000s to the $420,000s, plus home-site premiums.

For a limited time, golf course home site purchases include a golf cart and an incentive credit package. The credits may be used on golf merchandise, lessons or rounds; food and beverage; lifestyle enhancements such as massages, manicures, fitness classes and personal training; homeowners association dues; or design studio choices.

To visit, take Sahara Avenue or Interstate 215 to Town Center Drive and go south to Siena Monte Avenue. The sales office and model homes are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Real Estate home