Christmas party and decorating common areas

Started by KarenC15 • 38 replies • 5396 views

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KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

I just noticed a sign on our association board inviting everyone to a Christmas party at the pool at which food will be served and the pool will be decorated for Christmas. I do not wish to pay for this type of activity (food for a religious celebration, extra electric, etc.). Is it typically ok for a FL HOA to spend funds on religious celebrations and decorate the common areas for one specific religion? I have done some research and seem to be finding that this is not permitted. Suggestions please?

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Karen

You are assuming the HOA is footing the bill. Be sure they are. If so, I agree that they should not foot the bill.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Karen

NO EDIT.

That said party pooper...party pooper......LOL

KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

Well, if Christmas lights are put up in the common areas, who would be paying for that? We have a multicultural neighborhood and have never had the association promote a culture/religion before. In fact, we all enjoy the decorations that are put up outside individual homes for all kinds of occasions, allowing the individual to choose. Why would the association adorn the property with the decorations of one religion when we have Muslims, Buddhists and Athiests here? Why not just have an end-of-year party? I'm not a pooper--I'm all in for that. Otherwise, I think we must have a holiday celebration for all religions.

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Karen

I philosophically agree with you but often it becomes the win the battle but lose the war discussion. As I age, I believe in the battles mean little but the wars do mean something.

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

I am curious. What religion is promoted by colored lights, decorated trees, reindeer, and Santa Claus?

KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

On the flyer put up, it says "it's a party with Christmas decorating of the pool." Their words, not mine.

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

I agree with John - no, the Board shouldn't use association money to promote a specific religion. On the other hand, many feel the Board should also try to promote community spirit, and nothing does that like a party, so you ARE being a bit of a party pooper. Sometimes when you get people in a festive atmosphere, they enjoy themselves so much, they might be persuaded to get involved with Association activities in some way, perhaps run for the board. After all, apathy is often the root of most of the problems you read about on this board and social activities can be a way to fight it.

However, you may want to check your association budget to see if there's a line item for community activities - if so, a holiday party, open house, etc. would fit in this category. If not, it would be best to make the celebration more of a potluck or keep the costs down by just offering cake and punch. One party once a year isn't going to kill the budget for the clubhouse by the way, so quit griping about the electricity.

As for the decorations, "Christmas decorations" may actually mean the pool will be decked out with the colored lights, snowflakes, snowmen (and women!), and other generic decorations. Those don't promote Christianity over other religions, so that shouldn't be a problem. Note I didn't list angels or Santa Claus, which do connect to Christianity (if you read the history of Santa Claus, I believe it's a variation of St. Nicholas, who is a Christian saint, so technically, it might be best to leave them out.)

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

BTW... Christmas, Easter, and Hallowween are all PAGAN traditions the christians modified. Originally thse were to signify the change of seasons. Which there was only 3 seasons. Considering the bible mentions NOT to celebrate Jesus Bday and no one knows when he was born. Winter best fit the description due to the appearance of the North Star at its brightest.

This is just a quick synopsis. However, I have never believed Christmas to be Christian but a holiday. It is comercialized event I wish we had more of. We need a little chance at the spirit of peace and presents.

Just do not attend the party. I am sure the HOA spends money on a whole lot of other things you do not agree with. Why pick and choose? Going to protest them spending money on buying paper towels for the clubhouse because people who rent it will use them?

I hate it when people try to ruin a holiday with their belief system for all. Get over it cause you can still have Kwanza, Passover, Hanakka, and any of your traditions. No one stopping that...

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Karen,

would you have been ok if it was called a holiday party or neighborhood party or summer party or celebrate the fourth of July?

What I'm asking is, is the issue the name or the actual function (i.e. a party)?

If it's just the name, then suggest that the Association change the name so that non-christian people don't feel excluded.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I should add that I do not believe a HOA should fund parties, gift cards, flowers, or meeting treats. A Hoa budget is for meeting the daily/yearly budget of the operation of the HOA plus some reserve funding. However, if there is a fund and the majority of owners agree to have a budget item for such activities, then it is okay. I do not care what then it is spent on if it is the scope of that budget item. I may think a board member deserves a gift card from Barnes and Noble. However, I did agree to that budget item.

Just request to change the name like most schools already do. Do not expect to be the popular one for it. Sorry but whatevef religion or non religion you are, no one likes someone making a holiday about them....

Former HOA President

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Our Annual Winter Festival. Sacrifices will not be allowed.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

LOL!!! John... I am not sure if Turkey or Ham qualifies as sacrifice? There will be plenty of potatoes killed and mashed to pieces at mine...

Former HOA President

JonD1
Posts: 2,350

Posted:

For years we made no effort in regards to the holidays.

Silent, cold, uninvolved during the holidays just like some people seem to like it.

Then it was decided to decorate a small part of the common property.

Few lights, some artificial tress that play Christmas music and we don't require anyone who might enjoy them to convert!

Christmas for many is not a religious holiday that requires debate and faith of one kind. Maybe it can simply be a time of year when people act better than normal.

Here we had not one complaint or challenge as to the increased electric costs or the promotion of religion. What we do have are parents wandering up to the lights with their small kids listening to the music. And some older folks who look forward to the lights being set up and lit. No doubt someone should put a stop to that!

Sad world we live in when folks live to find problems and take issue. When lighting Christmas lights becomes grounds for action.
When your purpose is to take away what others might enjoy in the name of what you think and feel is right.

Don't attend the party. Close your blinds so the view of the lights doesn't get in. And do some simple math as to your portion of the increased electric costs might be and perhaps you might come to see there should be more important things in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year whether you like it or not!

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

This is mind-numbing....next.

JohnB26 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,001

Posted:

Do NOT hold a Christ Mass party.

DO hold a holiday party.

Do NOT decorate for Christ Mass.

DO decorate for the solstice.

Lights, tree, Santa, EVERYTHING (just not Christ Mass).

Seasons greetings and Merry Christmas to all

KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

It's interesting that my post created what reads like frustration and ill will among some of the posters. The question had nothing to do with my own beliefs; but what is legal and appropriate and some of you went to town making all kinds of assumptions.

If the Christmas celebration is supported by a board, then my belief* would be that the board MUST allow other celebrations with equal time, effort and funding for all requested religious-based holidays. I wonder if those of you so fired up will close your blinds and pay the bill for lights and food for Ramadan, Diwali or any other holiday where there's a chance to get together and decorate (or will you only defend the holiday for your own primary belief). Maybe you will, maybe you won't.

But, the question is not about personal feelings; it's about whether it is legal for a BOARD to recognize and promote a single religion and use association funds, time, electric money, etc. This has not been done here before, so there is no precedent or tradition (and, not even a vote either -- just three people on the board deciding to do it). Again, it is not a tree lighting or winter decorating -- it was promoted as a Christmas celebration in a neighborhood with many Muslims, Jews and Buddhists. I doubt any of them (as neither do I) object to a party or the winter festivities surrounding Christmas Holidays; but this HOA a business (with NO committees I should add and where input is strongly discouraged), not a social club or department store.

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

Religious holiday recognition, I believe, violates the following term (in full further down):

Provide different housing services or facilities

Fair Housing in Pinellas

The Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), which has the authority and responsibility to enforce the anti-discrimination provisions of Title VIII, has determined that the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights fair housing ordinance is substantially equivalent to Title VIII. As such, HUD will refer your complaint to the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights agency for investigation and notify you of the referral. That agency must begin work on your complaint within 30 days or HUD may take it back

What is Fair Housing?

The Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, and Pinellas County Chapter 70 prohibit discrimination in housing because of: Race or color, National origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation (Complaints Jurisdictional to Chapter 70 PCC only), Familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children -under 18, Handicap (Disability)

What Is Prohibited?

In the Sale and Rental of Housing:

No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial status or handicap:

Refuse to rent or sell housing
Refuse to negotiate for housing
Make housing unavailable
Deny a dwelling
Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
Provide different housing services or facilities
Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) or
Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing.

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

JonD1
Posts: 2,350

Posted:

Putting up Christmas lights for many people does not promote a religion. Only in the minds of the religious equalizer.
And your points truly do ring hollow with a fake concern about your share of increased electric costs.

Now you would like to equate decorations and fair housing? And sadly it appears you are serious.

In my opinion you should have more to do with a life. Or if not find a lawyer and file suit and that might make things the way you want.

Forget you ever saw the notice and move along.

My God.......

AnnH5 (Florida)
Posts: 304

Posted:

I think your question is more about how HOA funds are spent and not so much a question of discrimination. I am not against a HOA spending a small amount on neutral holiday décor (wreaths, bunting, garlands, lighting). Neutral, tasteful, timeless decor has the potential to enhance the communal property. I would avoid any décor specific to religion. Very do-able IF the people choosing the décor actually have good taste. In my own observations good luck with that though.

Using HOA funds for parties, food, and gifts should be a no-no. If owners want to donate their own money to these items then they should do so at their own discretion. It isn't the job or function of the HOA to fund someone's party.

AnnH5 (Florida)
Posts: 304

Posted:

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KarenC15 on 11/17/2014 4:45 PM
Religious holiday recognition, I believe, violates the following term (in full further down):

Provide different housing services or facilities

I, and I believe others, would disagree.

You are not being banned from the party - therefore, you are not being provided different services.

You never answered my previous question:

Do you have an issue with the party being called a Christmas party?

OR

Do you have an issue with the Association throwing any party (swim party, fourth of July, etc.)?

If you have a problem with the name, then (as I suggested earlier) contact the Board and explain that calling it a Christmas party may offend those who are not Christians and suggest that they use a different name for the party (Holiday).

If you have a problem with the Association throwing any party, then I would also have to ask is if parties have been organized in the past for other events (summer, fourth of July, etc.)? If they were, did you complain about those parties?

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Stop making Christmas or Easter a RELIGIOUS holiday. It can not be if the Federal Government recognizes it. Seperation of church and state. A religious holiday is like Ramada, passover, and celebrations exclusive to that religion.

Fair housing act??? Seriously? Close your blinds and do not attend the party. Get over it. I do when I hear about someone elses religious or non religious beliefs. It is their belief and I RESPECT that by allowing that person to celebrate their own way. Why stop someone in a Free country from persicution of their beliefs? Or did I read the consitution wrong and the purpose of our country???

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 11/17/2014 7:00 PM

Stop making Christmas or Easter a RELIGIOUS holiday. It can not be if the Federal Government recognizes it.

Melissa,

Without facts, I believe that that statement is a poor argument.

Here are some facts:

resident Ulysses S. Grant signed into law a bill declaring Christmas to be a national holiday. See Federal Holidays: Evolution and Application by the library of Congress.

In 1998, an Ohio lawyer named Richard Ganulin sued the federal government, seeking to remove Christmas from the list of federal holidays. Enduring the inevitable comparisons to the Grinch who stole Christmas, Ganulin argued that the official status of the Christmas holiday amounted to a government endorsement of Christianity, in violation of the Establishment Clause.

In 1999, the federal district court dismissed Ganulin’s lawsuit, holding that “the establishment of Christmas Day as a legal public holiday does not violate the Establishment Clause because it has a valid secular purpose, it does not have the effect of endorsing religion in general or Christianity in particular, and it does not impermissibly cause excessive entanglement between church and state." That decision was later upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

See: Richard GANULIN, Plaintiff, v. UNITED STATES of America, Defendant

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KarenC15 on 11/17/2014 4:37 PM

But, the question is not about personal feelings; it's about whether it is legal for a BOARD to recognize and promote a single religion and use association funds, time, electric money, etc.

For legalities, you would need to ask an attorney for a legal opinion.

In my layman's opinion, most CC&Rs contain language similar to:

"The assessments levied by the Association shall be used exclusively for the purpose of promoting the recreation, health, safety and welfare of the residents in the properties (including administrative and overhead expense) and in particular for the improvement and maintenance of the Common Areas, services and facilities devoted to this purpose and related to the use and enjoyment of the said Common Area and of the homes situated upon the properties . . . "

Now, I agree that it can be argued that promoting recreation can/should be limited to simply providing facilities to recreate within/upon. However, it can also be argued that this same language can be considered authority for the Association to sponsor various parties within the Association - providing all members are invited to participate.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

So where does "Boxing day" fall under??? LOL!!! sorry but I feel it is a poor argument for those who do not want Christmas because it violates some kind of personal freedom. I have the personal freedom to NOT celebrate it just as I do if I do.

No Santa is not putting a gun to my head and forcing me to celebrate Christmas... Nor is anyone else... Plenty more held guns to protect my right to do so or not....

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Melissa,

Have you read the court order for dismissal?
I suspect that once you do you will see that it appears the judge in that case agrees.

ORDER GRANTING MOTIONS TO DISMISS

DLOTT, District Judge.

THE COURT WILL ADDRESS PLAINTIFF'S SEASONAL CONFUSION ERRONEOUSLY BELIEVING CHRISTMAS MERELY A RELIGIOUS INTRUSION.

WHATEVER THE REASON CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHER CHRISTMAS IS NOT AN ACT OF BIG BROTHER!

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT JOY AND GIVING AND SHARING IT IS ABOUT THE CHILD WITHIN U.S. IT IS MOSTLY ABOUT CARING!

ONE IS NEVER JAILED FOR NOT HAVING A TREE FOR NOT GOING TO CHURCH FOR NOT SPREADING GLEE!

THE COURT WILL UPHOLD SEEMINGLY CONTRADICTORY CAUSES

DECREEING "THE ESTABLISHMENT" AND "SANTA" BOTH WORTHWHILE "CLAUS(es)!"

WE ARE ALL BETTER FOR SANTA THE EASTER BUNNY TOO AND MAYBE THE GREAT PUMPKIN TO NAME JUST A FEW!

AN EXTRA DAY OFF IS HARDLY HIGH TREASON IT MAY BE SPENT AS YOU WISH REGARDLESS OF REASON.

THE COURT HAVING READ THE LESSONS OF "LYNCH"1 REFUSES TO PLAY THE ROLE OF THE GRINCH!2

THERE IS ROOM IN THIS COUNTRY AND IN ALL OUR HEARTS TOO FOR DIFFERENT CONVICTIONS AND A DAY OFF TOO!

DaveD3 (Michigan)
Posts: 796

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimB4 on 11/17/2014 6:57 PM

Posted By KarenC15 on 11/17/2014 4:45 PM
Religious holiday recognition, I believe, violates the following term (in full further down):

Provide different housing services or facilities

I'll re-ask what Tim already did twice.

What is the problem?
a) HOA funds are being used for a party, regardless of name or theme
b) It's being called a CHRISTMAS party

If it's "a" you may have a legitimate gripe
If it's "b" get over it and find something that matters to worry about. Christmas is as secular as it is religious.

BobD4 (up north)
Posts: 1,002

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LarryB13 on 11/15/2014 5:33 PM
I am curious. What religion is promoted by colored lights, decorated trees, reindeer, and Santa Claus?

Excellent question in a country that gave the world Thomas Jefferson & the separation of church from state ( but without necessarily tolerance within communities). What would happen to a proposal to spend association funds and dedicate a common amenity area for a Ramadan celebration or for Passover or whatsoever ? In late 2014 isn't there yet some sort of party theme that doesn't dredge up some divisive past scenarios ?

EmmaH1
Posts: 674

Posted:

Most of the entrances in neighborhoods are decorated with holiday lights/wreaths where I live. Christmas is a religious holiday but it is so commercial now its hard to tell anymore. Don't have an answer I can see both sides but would it be worth the fight to you personally? (tough decision believe me I know.) (my personal opinion would be that Christmas decorations are EVERYWHERE and that a fact so it wouldn't be worth it to me to fight it if I didn't want them.) Just my an opinion.

KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

Yes, I get it. You guys are all asking if I'm being petty. So, there is a long history with this board and that does have something to do with me objecting when they continue to take liberties that I don't believe they have. Note: not one member of our board has attended training and regularly violate docs while sending official letters to people about things they would prefer are done, even though it does not violate a rule.

Let's see if I can address the questions:

I have a problem with it being called a Christmas Party. The main features of the party were eggs and sausage; which does exclude me since I don't eat those things. Basically, I could go stand there and not participate because they never considered anything outside themselves?

I encourage parties and have tried in the past to encourage and scheduled as board/committee member not only parties but also community-wide "clean up days," etc.

I have a problem with three board members making a choice to celebrate and not discussing it in a meeting or setting up a a social committee and, thus, basically preventing other ideas, considerations, holidays or events from being considered.

I did send a very nice email to ask why we are having a Christmas party and they emailed back to say they didn't mean to say Christmas, we have no committees, and some "volunteers" just wanted to decorate the common area. Then they immediately changed the sign to say a volunteer decorating party. After that, they took the sign down and two board members decorated the pool with lights and changed the lighting around the community to red and green bulbs.

We have NEVER had any parties, religious celebrations, etc., in our community before. We tried committees for a while and the BOARD members (remember, we've had mostly the same people for 15 years who do whatever they want like cut down trees they don't like, add speed bumps, put signs everywhere, change policies without a vote, etc.) said they don't want committees because it allows too many opinions in matters.

When I was on the board, we had an egg hunt for kids one Easter and the BOARD was made because the kids looked for eggs in the garden. We had a community wide clean up day, and most of the BOARD did not participate in that.

Whew. I hope they are not mad when I decorate the common area for Diwali.

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

You seem to be a very a hostile person. That doesn't help move the discussion forward.

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

This is the part that I really feel is different accommodations. Without committees and debate on these things, the board is basically spending money, time and effort on celebrations that promote themselves and the people who agree with them. Without any debate, there will be no recognition of other holidays or issues. When we have gay pride, I will go out to the pool and decorate with flags -- that's cultural. People can close their blinds, right. Will they give me a budget for food? Ok, just playing with words here, but I think you get the point.

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Karen,

Alright, you don't have an issues with Associations having parties. You have had them in the past when you were on the Board (Easter egg hunt)and you support having them in the future.

You have an issue with the name of the party and the menu. You brought the name issue (it is unclear if you brought the menu issue) to the Board. The Board acknowledged the issue, called it a mistake (may or may not have been) and took the following steps:
Changed the decorations
Changed the name on the sign (and finally simply removed the sign)

To me, based on what you have posted, the Board is trying to do the correct thing. Granted it would have been better if the issue never arose, but once it was brought to the Boards attention, they took steps to correct it.

My suggestion now is - offer to make an alternative dish for the party and go and enjoy it.

Tim

KarenC15 (Florida)
Posts: 118

Posted:

Tim - it's over. It was two board members, one's husband, and only one person attended (out of 150 units). Did I mention the people/Board Member who put up the sign is so mean to neighbors that no one speaks to her?

Yes, I had written politely and she responded in kind. I do agree that she addressed my question about the party - not the menu (I've served with her--she know I'm a Buddhist and don't eat meat). Covered dish would have addressed the money and food issue -- and, part of my original concern was having to pay for them to not only decorate for their holiday but also buying their food with my HOA dues.

Since it's over. I'll see what happens next holiday. I can decorate my common area now and asking me not to will be different accommodation. They just opened my door to decorate, and I think that's a good thing for my freedom.

Thanks for all the input.

Hatred is contagious, so one should work to avoid it.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KarenC15 on 11/23/2014 6:38 AM
This is the part that I really feel is different accommodations. Without committees and debate on these things, the board is basically spending money, time and effort on celebrations that promote themselves and the people who agree with them. Without any debate, there will be no recognition of other holidays or issues. When we have gay pride, I will go out to the pool and decorate with flags -- that's cultural. People can close their blinds, right. Will they give me a budget for food? Ok, just playing with words here, but I think you get the point.

Karen,

It appears that we cross posted.

I do understand what you are saying.

Per your previous posting, you held an Easter Egg Hunt when you were on the Board. That action, unless you voted against it, can easily be used to indicate that were guilty of the same thing you accuse this board being guilty of. I certainly am unqualified to make an informed opinion as I don't know all the facts. I simply want to point out how others may see it.

Perhaps the solution to this whole issue is to propose a policy on what parties the Association will financially support (if any). Perhaps, because of your history with the Board, it may be better to gather others who agree with you and propose the policy as a group - even volunteering to be a social committee.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KarenC15 on 11/23/2014 6:52 AM

I can decorate my common area now and asking me not to will be different accommodation. They just opened my door to decorate, and I think that's a good thing for my freedom.

Actually, I disagree with that conclusion.

The Board, who has the authority over the common area, chose to decorate. It may or may not have been a bad choice on their part. However, they indeed had the authority to make that decision. You appear to know this.

Even if it's common area for your exclusive use, you must comply with the rules.

DaveD3 (Michigan)
Posts: 796

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KarenC15 on 11/23/2014 6:31 AM
Yes, I get it. You guys are all asking if I'm being petty. So, there is a long history with this board and that does have something to do with me objecting when they continue to take liberties that I don't believe they have. Note: not one member of our board has attended training and regularly violate docs while sending official letters to people about things they would prefer are done, even though it does not violate a rule.

Let's see if I can address the questions:

I have a problem with it being called a Christmas Party. The main features of the party were eggs and sausage; which does exclude me since I don't eat those things. Basically, I could go stand there and not participate because they never considered anything outside themselves?

I encourage parties and have tried in the past to encourage and scheduled as board/committee member not only parties but also community-wide "clean up days," etc.

I have a problem with three board members making a choice to celebrate and not discussing it in a meeting or setting up a a social committee and, thus, basically preventing other ideas, considerations, holidays or events from being considered.

I did send a very nice email to ask why we are having a Christmas party and they emailed back to say they didn't mean to say Christmas, we have no committees, and some "volunteers" just wanted to decorate the common area. Then they immediately changed the sign to say a volunteer decorating party. After that, they took the sign down and two board members decorated the pool with lights and changed the lighting around the community to red and green bulbs.

We have NEVER had any parties, religious celebrations, etc., in our community before. We tried committees for a while and the BOARD members (remember, we've had mostly the same people for 15 years who do whatever they want like cut down trees they don't like, add speed bumps, put signs everywhere, change policies without a vote, etc.) said they don't want committees because it allows too many opinions in matters.

When I was on the board, we had an egg hunt for kids one Easter and the BOARD was made because the kids looked for eggs in the garden. We had a community wide clean up day, and most of the BOARD did not participate in that.

Whew. I hope they are not mad when I decorate the common area for Diwali.

Hmmm.... "petty" might not be the right word.

Vindictive seems more appropriate. You seem to be upset because of past events and are looking for an opportunity to express such. You're using what I would consider petty reasons to justify such. e.g. "I don't like the menu, so I'm excluded" I didn't realize eating the provided food was mandatory to participate in a get-together.

JonD1
Posts: 2,350

Posted:

Obviously, Karen has her own agenda.

The party was held Karen's threat to humanity has come and gone and more than likely the sun will rise in the morning.

Karen t seems is itching for a conflict. Everything property has one never happy, never satisfied never done the way I say so.

PIA. Was this holiday get together even worth the effort used in the OP HARDLY.

Time for Karen to find her next issue.

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