Reality star is cut out of billionaire husband's will
A Movable Timetable: How MPTF's Deadline Shifted
Last weekend TheWrap spoke to Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation CEO Ken Scherer in an interview that focused on MPTF’s controversial transfer of nearly 100 elderly residents of the fund’s Motion Picture Home to outside nursing homes.
In that interview, Scherer denied that MPTF had ever set a timetable in motion to satisfy a specific deadline.
However, within hours of the interview’s appearance, TheWrap received copies of two letters, dated Jan. 14 and 22, 2009, in which MPTF Chief Operating Officer Seth Ellis informs a state health department official of the fund’s intention to close the home and adjacent acute-care hospital “by October 2009.” In the second letter, Ellis requests a suspension of the fund’s acute-care license for a period of two years, beginning in October 2009.
If October wasn’t a deadline, it sure sounded like one. TheWrap contacted the fund again, and asked Seth Ellis for clarification.
“Our goal,” Ellis replies, “has always been to close by the end of the year and we are optimistic that we can reach that. If it doesn’t happen we’ll have to deal with it.”
Ellis said Oct. 31 initially emerged as a logical date to close the home because that's when its license expires. However, that was before the public outcry against the home’s closure and the emergence of an activist group, Saving the Lives of Our Own, that has been fighting the shutdown.
With 66 residents currently remaining on the Woodland Hills campus, MPTF had to pay to extend its license. Ellis says that renewal is good for one year – raising the theoretical possibility that the drama could drag on at least that much longer.
According to Ellis, the fund could at some point be forced to issue 30-day transfer notices. If that happens, he said, residents would have an additional month to appeal – meaning 60 days from the time such notices are issued.
In hindsight, the vociferous pushback by residents and their families might have been foreseen by MPTF when it publicly announced in January that it was closing the home, which it claimed was pushing the fund $1 million a month in the red.
“It was not anticipated,” Ellis admits. “It certainly elongated our time frame.”
The question on everyone’s mind, of course, is what would happen in a worst-case scenario, if there remain holdouts who refuse to leave.
“Again, our goal,” Ellis says, “has always been to close by the end of the year and we are optimistic that we can reach that."
Comments
Rights and wrongs Says
"According to Ellis, the fund could at some point be forced to issue 30-day transfer notices."
Forced to issue notices? Forced? Issuing notices was part of the plan. David Tillman said it. Seth Ellis said it. Susan Poprock said it. Their plan was to put residents on "lists" and move them out in "phases" - we heard it loud and clear. Now they are spinning it around to say the residents are forcing MPTF to issue the proper notices that would inform residents of their rights. This trio of administrators is cold.
Curious Says
Will the board members be held personally responsible for the MPTF decision and its aftermath when this goes to court?
Thank you Mr. Mikulan Says
Sounds like the CEO & COO may have told the Board and the industry one date, while telling the DPH and families another date. Integrity vanished.
How else has this administration misled the Board?
Philanthropy with strings Says
MPTF's strategy now seems to be room by room, bed by bed, wheelchair by wheelchair, until the proverbial last man standing. Call it Let's Make a Deal. And then what, a courtroom? Now that will require a steadfast commitment from blindfolded donors. The unconscionable actions MPTF continues to take against the people in its care, are proof positive that power and influence come from the money, not the moral standing of Board leaders.
Philanthropy with strings Says
MPTF's strategy now seems to be room by room, bed by bed, wheelchair by wheelchair, until they reach the proverbial last man standing. Call it Let's Make a Deal. And then what, a courtroom? Now that will require a steadfast commitment from blindfolded donors. The unconscionable actions MPTF continues to take against the people in its care, are proof positive that power and influence come from the money, not the moral standing of Board leaders.
DG Says
You've had quite an effect with your reporting, Steven. On record, MPTF management staff members are now steering clear of discussing a closing date. Scherer was indefinite about any closing date at the MPIPHP Retirement Planning Seminar last Sunday, and Residents in assisted living who were invited to a meeting two days ago with Seth Ellis were told LTC is closing with no date given.
Let's Get Real Says
Despite all the claims of financial difficulties a few facts need to be remembered:
1. When the MPTF surprised the patients in January with the decision to close LTC, they stated in the family meetings that "NO AMOUNT OF MONEY" would keep the Unit open. It is clearly not a financial issue.
2. MPTF has never posted their 2008 IRS filings (form 990) or 2008 Annual Report on their website as with prior years. It is clear they are trying to hide their financial condition as long as possible from the public scrutiny.
3. Dr. Tillman stated MPTF was economically hurt by the downturn in the stock market in late 2008. I'm sure that was true a year ago but it is safe to assumed MPTF had more conservative investments and these have recovered (as mine have).
Continual evasion and misrepresentations only question the true motives of MPTF Management.
k Says
Looking at it as objectively as I can for one who has volunteered both time and money, the intractable position MPTF holds is untenable. It seems that the residents and their families do have an excellent case or else MPTF would have issued eviction notices starting last March as was repeatedly stated. Would it not be smart to reinstate the continuum of care and restore MPTF’s commitment to taking care of its own by operating the SNF at 99 beds or less? Remaining 66 residents could be moved to the newer building, plus those in Harry’s Haven and there you would be at full capacity almost immediately, MPTF would be able to bring back some of the former residents who are now miserable in other facilities, or move over those in the Lodge who really need more care but are afraid of being expelled. MPTF has always had a way out. It’s a matter of desire to preserve the legacy and the lives it serves. The board could hire some of those “discontents” who seem more committed to saving the Fund than Ellis, Tillman or Scherer - and for the right reasons.
A Son Says
Grandpa Al -
You are right! Molly Forrest and the Jewish Homes are an
AMAZING organization AND Richard Stellar's wife Nuala happens to be in the admissions department. Also, word is that CJH is "tripling their LTC department."
Seeking Spartacus Says
And this isn't just mismanagement. Consider that the management team responsible for the situation at MPTF may not be incompetent; they may be accomplishing exactly what they intend in hijacking the fund.
The MPTF may be essentially broken and failing to fulfill its mission, but the ship can be righted. The responsibility to do so lies squarely on the board's collective and individual shoulders. Start with a show of good faith by firing the management. The sigh of relief you will hear is coming from you. Stop the closure, start the resolution. Do it now!
"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." George Orwell
Grandpa Al Says
When we focus on the Saban Center, we are losing sight of what this fight is all about. True, the money was ill-spent, but we need to get over that. We are dealing with a world class facility that does deserve, in some part, a state of the art gymnasium and pool with all the bells and whistles.
The fact that it is under utilized is a symptom of this management-gone-amuck that couldn't run a malt shop. You bring up good points on how this shrine to the excesses of MPTF management is being wasted.
But that's the point - it seems that everything this management team touches turns into a joke. The joke unfortunately is on the working stiffs that have built up this industry to what it is today. They've ruined the hospital, they've ruined the LTC, and they're ruining the Saban Center.
Return control of the facility to professionals who would never vacate the promise of care. The Jewish Homes has Molly Forrest - her vision is clear and her commitment to the elderly unwavering. She runs a tight ship and does not suffer fools gladly.
We unfortunately are employing a handful of schmucks who have fucked up royally, and now it's up to us to set this right.
We will set this right.
Seeking Spartacus Says
Interesting, I forgot all about the health club.
Answer the question, Seth. How much is it losing to keep 12 people an hour happy and well? Do you enjoy your posh digs subsidized by donor dollars?
Why don't you get bids from your contractor friends to convert the building into a brand new, state-of-the art, skilled nursing facility? Ken Scherer will sell the 'naming opportunities' and you'll meet your movable deadline.
Keep the Health Club Throw out the Handicapped Says
Seth,
How much money is the Fund losing on the brand new multi million dollar Aquatic and Fitness Center?
It costs $25.00 per month for a membership and includes: personal trainers at no extra charge to members, use of state of the art equipment, aquatic and exercise classes at no extra charge, use of the heated swimming pool with a temperature of 87 degrees, conference rooms, changing rooms, showers, nice fresh towels, etc. It is quite beautiful, with its floors of Brazillian wood and travertine marble. It is a huge complex. On average, it's open about 12 hours a day and it services about 12 people each hour.
I was told by your rep that there are 600 active members. Hard to imagine because you see so few people there, but let's do the math and use the 600 figure. $25.00 X 600 equals $15,000 per month.
Tell us, how much money do you lose here each and every day? It has to be an absolute fortune.
It must have been a tough choice, close the Motion Picture Home and dispose of the handicapped elderly or stop other "vital" services like the Aquatic Pool & Fitness Center.
If you plan on building Leisure World for the wealthy, healthy, elderly seniors in the Industry, then you've made the right choice. Keep the pool and throw out the handicapped.
Keep the Health Club Throw out the Handicapped Says
Seth,
How much money is the Fund losing on the brand new multi million dollar Aquatic and Fitness Center?
It costs $25.00 per month for a membership and includes: personal trainers at no extra charge to members, use of state of the art equipment, aquatic and exercise classes at no extra charge, use of the heated swimming pool with a temperature of 87 degrees, conference rooms, changing rooms, showers, nice fresh towels, etc. It is quite beautiful, with its floors of Brazillian wood and travertine marble. It is a huge complex. On average, it's open about 12 hours a day and it services about 12 people each hour.
I was told by your rep that there are 600 active members. Hard to imagine because you see so few people there, but let's do the math and use the 600 figure. $25.00 X 600 equals $15,000 per month.
Tell us, how much money do you lose here each and every day? It has to be an absolute fortune.
It must have been a tough choice, close the Motion Picture Home and dispose of the handicapped elderly or stop other "vital" services like the Aquatic Pool & Fitness Center.
If you plan on building Leisure World for the wealthy, healthy, elderly seniors in the Industry, then you've made the right choice. Keep the pool and throw out the handicapped.
David Says
I'm no bean counter but doesn't that add up to around a million dollars a month that management is losing? The fund really is losing that much now and they are the ones to blame. It's not residents who need eviction notices, it's the management.
Robin Says
The Fund is losing at least $10,500 per month per empty bed. Isn't that a huge waste of donor money? The execs should be fired. Why do board members continue to defend these guys?
A daughter Says
The outcry against the closure is not just by and for the families. The fight to save the LTC is for everyone who cannot speak for themselves - that includes my mother and all LTC residents, it includes the wonderful staff who must go along with what they are told or lose promised incentives, and it includes residents in every campus area who are afraid. While silence may imply consent in the real world, silence on the campus is out of fear. It's an overall ugly ugly situation.
Ken Scherer must be dizzy from his own spin. I read that Seth Ellis has been seen in the halls with contractors and blueprints. The residents are standing in the way of his plans. They are an obstacle. What is he saying, or not saying here in The Wrap? Whatever it is, he has no credibility.
Another family member Says
Why the request by Mr. Ellis to suspend the license for TWO YEARS? After they toss out our loved ones, do they plan on re opening a new long term care for only the rich and famous?
Close - Open - Close - Open - Close????????? Says
Steven Mikulan - a real journalist - not afraid to investigate and question the MPTF Closure. Do you know, Steven, that you are the first to really look closely at the talking points and actually see the lies and print them out? Ken Scherer October 25h "Actually, I never said that." Ken Scherer - theWrap August 25th - "But what is the timeline? By Thanksgiving." Keep it up Wrap - there is so much more for you to uncover - in just reading all the blogs and their comments, all the video bites and articles - here are a few below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/movies/26fund.html?_r=1
and one of my personal favorites:
http://mediaguru-mayopr.blogspot.com/2009/07/entertainment-publicists-sp...
"Jeffrey Katzenberg came out to help brand and promote the nonprofit"
Anyway just want you to know that we appreciate your honest, fearless reporting and hope it continues right up to the finale - the court date.
Flower Child Says
They are lying through their teeth and their breath stinks!
T.L.C. vs. L.T.C. proposed closure
Sing along with me:
"How can people be so heartless
How can people be so cruel
Easy to be hard
Easy to be cold
How can people have no feelings
How can they ignore their friends
Easy to be proud
Easy to say no"*
And we have said "NO" . We have said it once and we'll say it again... HELL NO WE WON'T GO!
The "Goal Counter" Says
MOVABLE GOALS - The Motion Picture & Television Fund
IMMOVABLE GOAL - Saving the Lives of Our Own
Cheerleader Says
Give me an "F"
Give me an "R"
Give me an "A"
Give me a "U"
Give me a "D"
What have you got?
Gimme Some Truth Says
I’m sick and tired of hearing things
From uptight, short-sighted, narrow-minded hypocritics
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth
I’ve had enough of reading things
By neurotic, psychotic, pig-headed politicians
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth
No short-haired, yellow-bellied, son of tricky dicky
Is gonna mother hubbard soft soap me
With just a pocketful of hope
Money for dope
Money for rope
I’m sick to death of seeing things
From tight-lipped, condescending, mama’s little chauvinists
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth now
I’ve had enough of watching scenes
Of schizophrenic, ego-centric, paranoiac, prima-donnas
All I want is the truth now
Just gimme some truth
I’ve had enough of reading things
By neurotic, psychotic, pig-headed politicians
All I want is the truth now
Just gimme some truth now
All I want is the truth now
Just gimme some truth now
Katzenjammer Says
It seems that the more the MPTF puts out in the media, the more they fuck themselves.
Can I say that? Media?
"You ain't seen nothing yet" Says
A little veracity problem in a court of law? I'd say so.
Dear legal advisor:
What are the penalties for perjury?
If you make really good animated movies, are you still subject to the law?
Concerned Family Member Says
Score one for the families. They had always been told that there was a definite date. The lies that frame the closing of the LTC are now beginning to reveal themselves. The veneer of fraud and deceit are being peeled away like the skin of an onion.
Ken Scherer lies. That's now a fact.
Seth Ellis lies. That's now a fact.
Are you reading this Jeff Katzenberg? If these people were in your employ at Dreamworks, they'd be summarily fired.
Scherer and Ellis are typical of the problem that motion picture healthcare is facing. It's not just about the LTC - it's about entrusting the care of our needy, sick, elderly, infirm and handicapped to these men who play fast and loose with the truth in order to forward their own selfish agendas.
Wake up people who rely on motion picture health insurance - the future of your care are in these incapable hands.
I'll be surprised if we hear another word from Ken Scherer, unless it's "paper or plastic?".