Sienans spread `Sunshine'

A helping hand, a smiling face and a caring voice are just part of what make the Siena Sunshine Club one of the most unique organizations at Siena, an age-qualified community in Summerlin.

"One of the great things about Siena is that all of the clubs have been created and organized by the homeowners," said Vivian Dreyfuss, a founding member of Siena Sunshine Club. "Because this is an adult community, I saw that there was a need for a club of volunteers that would be available to assist members of the community when they are in need, such as following a surgery."

Dreyfuss discussed the idea with Rosalie Cavanaugh, a friend who is a member of the community's welcome committee, and the idea took off.

"The Welcome Committee is a wonderful introduction for new residents to some of their neighbors and to familiarize themselves with the amenities and codes, covenants and restrictions of the Siena Community Association, but when Vivian told me about her idea for the Sunshine Club, I knew it had to be something separate. The Sunshine Club is a true neighbor-helping-neighbor community service club," Cavanaugh said.

Since the club's first official meeting in January, committees for food, transportation, telephone contacts, hospital/home visits and shopping/errands have formed.

"We have focused on helping our fellow residents who have critical needs following surgery or during a confining illness who may not have family to help them. We take them flowers, clean their house, call them on the phone, and anything else they might need," Cavanaugh said.

Cavanaugh didn't realize the full effect of the club until recently, when her husband died.

"I lost my husband six weeks ago and it's hard for me to put into words the support I've received from the Sunshine Club. I've stepped down from the club's board for this year, but I'm dedicated to take my recent experience and translate it into a brochure that the club can use to let everyone know we are there to help," she said.

The club is one of more than 20 organizations offered for residents.

"Between the endless variety of events, classes and social activities planned by the activities staff, there is never a dull moment for residents at the adult community of Siena," said Kristyne Blake, the on-site activities manager.

Among the activities are golf, swimming, dancing, bocce ball, tennis, craft clubs and social organizations.

Amenities include a golf course and a 13,500-square-foot golf clubhouse with pro shop and restaurant. A health and fitness center features indoor and outdoor pools, spas, exercise rooms, saunas, steam rooms, lighted tennis and bocce courts, wellness center, and beauty salon and day spa.

Construction is under way on a 17,600-square-foot community center, which will be the site of classes, club gatherings and social events. An interim social center houses a computer lab, billiards and card rooms, and a sewing center.

Homes in the community are priced from the $140,000s. Eighteen single-story floor plans are offered, ranging from 1,040 to nearly 3,200 square feet.

Also available are "paired homes," ranging from 1,040 to 1,378 square feet and priced from $145,900.

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

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