Mat-Su Elder Watch keeps tabs of WASI

During Thanksgiving week, I started trying to talk with board members of Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. regarding concerns about modifications to the fitness program, which were causing distress in many seniors.

I learned very quickly that the culture of leadership at WASI is that the affairs of WASI are “nobody’s business.” That reaction was like waving a red flag at a mad bull. I started asking more questions and learned that others were also upset. Very quickly, a group of seniors started meeting to brainstorm and to combine efforts. That group has developed into Mat-Su Elder Watch.

Along with probably 30 other seniors, I spoke at a Wasilla City Council meeting during which $36,000 funding was being considered. A large majority of seniors asked the council to defer funding until we could get better access to the WASI board of directors. The council agreed.

Shortly before Christmas, I asked — in writing — for financial reports, including current balance sheet, profit and loss and department reports. A week later, on the date I named, I was given only the profit and loss statement as of Dec. 29, 2010, and the balance sheet as of the same date. Even though the organization’s bylaws very clearly state that the members are able to obtain all financial reports, with reasonable notice. I was very rudely informed that I would get no other reports. When I sent another request to the executive director, I was informed that the “board and legal counselor” told her she could release nothing else.

Another red flag.

In reviewing what little information I was given, I noted that there appeared to be significant problems with cash flow and that WASI was $81,000 in the red at that point. I also noted that the reported $135,000 grant from Mat-Su Health Foundation was not reported as receivable. Through various sources, I was able to obtain bits and pieces of financial records over the past two years and noted that the prior year’s audit had a concern about whether WASI was a “going concern.” Also, it was noted that United Way of Mat-Su had stopped funding WASI, presumably due to poor management practices.

At the board meeting in January, Executive Director Sondra Kaplan complained that Mat-Su Health Foundation hadn’t paid the requested reimbursement in a timely manner. So, I checked on that and learned that the request had been for a period prior to the eligible period of the grant. A question remains about whether that funding is still available since the fitness program it was designated for has now been closed.

Which brings up another question: for about 15 years, there was a viable exercise program at WASI run by volunteer leaders who didn’t claim to be professional. WASI was advised to drop that program for one administered by trained and certified professional fitness instructors — thus the EnhanceFitness physical therapies unit and the hiring of Karla Atwood. After about six weeks of arbitrary shuffling of the schedule and various employment/contractual issues, Ms. Atwood resigned last week. Prior to her resignation, the board announced at its membership meeting that the gym would be closed and would re-open the first of February with volunteers. The question is, if a viable program with volunteer leaders caused insurance concerns, why are they going back to that model?

Regarding insurance, several folks have explored the overall insurance coverage carried by WASI and have yet to get assurance that it is adequate.

Another issue is the building rental agreement emphasizes that there is to be absolutely no alcohol on the premises (no exceptions). I wonder why the employee party shortly before Christmas, which was held at WASI was bring your own bottle? I also wonder if the recent party for the board of directors, which was partially prepared in the WASI kitchens and held in a private home, used any staff time of employees on duty? Did the host pay for utility expenses? Were any WASI food supplies used? Since the party was a board event, was WASI business discussed and/or decided upon?

Thanks to the persistence of the Mat-Su Elder Watch advocates, the board of directors had no choice but to allow additions to the membership meeting agenda (can you believe that was even an issue?) last week and we were able to get a concession that the members will be able to select candidates and elect three new board members at a special meeting at 12:15 p.m., Feb. 22.

If you share our concern that the current board and administration is not exercising good faith and due care for the financial and legal health of WASI, please consider allowing your name to be placed in nomination and, above all, please be sure you’re a paid-up member and attend the meeting to vote.

Elsie M. O’Bryan lives in Wasilla.