Palmetto MAY
2020
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WWW.PDPOA .ORG
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VOLUME
25
ISSUE
3
P E R S P E C T I V E
JANUARY 20178 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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News BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian Fahey, CHAIR
860-830-0374 | faheybri@gmail.com
Wilbur Strickland, VICE CHAIR & ARB CHAIR 843-290-9384 | wcstrick@mac.com
Mark Carroll,
SECRETARY
417-839-3804 | maccbs@aol.com
Gayle Cleaveland, TREASURER 843-341-6614 | glc09@aol.com
Jerry Bowling
508-685-8869 | oldtown1926@gmail.com
Bill Caywood
803-342-2466 | billycaywood@gmail.com
Ric Gorman
The cheerful Happy Easter sign was displayed in front of a home on Mooring Buoy. Lenore and Marty Gleason saw this on their Easter morning walk and stopped for a photo!
704-609-1807 | ricgorman@gmail.com
Lee Smith
917-319-4931 | lsmith@i-decide.com
Michael Vaccaro
843-290-3076 | mikevaccaro7@yahoo.com
Bill Watkins, GREENWOOD C&R
843-785-1106 | wwatkins@greenwoodcr.com
ON-SITE STAFF Accounting, JASMINE MILLEDGE
843-785-1109 | jmilledge@pdpoa.org
ARB Manager, MONICA STITES
843-785-1109 | mstites@pdpoa.org
CEO, ANDREW P. SCHUMACHER
843-785-1109 | aschumacher@pdpoa.org
Communications, ELIZABETH SIMPSON 843-785-1109 | esimpson@pdpoa.org
Community Standards, KENYA CARSWELL 843-785-1109 | kcarswell@pdpoa.org
Facilities Maintenance, SYDNEY WAN 843-321-3217 | swan@pdpoa.org
Finance, MATTHEW NEMES
843-785-1109 | mnemes@pdpoa.org
Human Resources, LORETTA HOOVER 843-785-1109 | lhoover@pdpoa.org
Pass Office, ELIZABETH REGAN
843-785-1125 | eregan@pdpoa.org
Planning/Lagoon & Lakes, BEN BROWN 843-785-1109 | bbrown@pdpoa.org
Reception, SARA MANESIOTIS
843-785-1109 | smanesiotis@pdpoa.org
Security, JIM GRINER
843-785-1120 | jgriner@pdpoa.org
Cover photo courtesy of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. The Palmetto Perspective is published bimonthly by the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association. ©2020 PALMETTO DUNES POA, INC.
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MAY 2020 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
COVID-19 UPDATES
Palmetto Dunes POA continues to monitor procedures for mitigating and containing the COVID-19 virus, as well as adjusting our operating procedures. To stay informed of all PDPOA updates, please visit www.pdpoa.org/coronavirus.
COMMUNICATIONS
It's more important than ever that the PDPOA be able to reach owners with important information and updates. If you or someone you know isn't receiving emails from the PDPOA, please contact Elizabeth Simpson at esimpson@pdpoa.org.
NEW TURN SIGNAL
The new left turn signal at the entrance to the community is now operational. This signal is for leaving both Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove. Please be cautious as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern.
SEA LANE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
In an effort to improve the quality of life and infrastructure in the community, Sea Lane will receive new drainage infrastructure, grading, paving, and pathway realignment. Sea Lane, Lee Shore, Weather Shore, and Starboard Tack will all be impacted during construction. We anticipate a September 2020 start with the goal of substantial completion by March 2021. Please note that weather or other unforeseen events may affect the schedule. We will be sending out more specifics on areas of construction and timing through Tidings emails and text alerts. If you live along Sea Lane and would like to receive daily updates during the project, please sign up at www.pdpoa.org/sealane.
OSPREY NEST
Oprah and Oscar, the osprey who make their nest on top of the Palmetto Dunes Water Tower, returned late March. Oprah is currently sitting on three eggs speckled with beige and brown dots. The chicks should be hatching any day now. Take a peek at www.pdpoa.live.
LAGOON LOWERING
May 13 & June 10 Our lagoon system is periodically lowered to promote the health of the waterway. Please note that dates are always subject to change/cancellation.
Chairman's Report When I last wrote to you, it was the holiday season and many of us were making plans for the new year. What a difference a few months makes! While some of us like to think of the island as a bit of an oasis from the outside world, we of course know we are not immune to the significant changes that have occurred recently. These changes impact many of us on a very personal level such as greater concern for the well-being of family and friends and of course on how we go about our daily lives such as grocery shopping, exercise, socializing and even how we use our beaches. In addition, our surroundings have changed. Typically, at this time of year, The Heritage PGA golf tournament marks a significant increase in traffic and the buzz of tourism starts humming in earnest. In PD, a number of properties that might normally be rented are currently occupied by their owners and it seems many part time owners have made their way here to spend time at their properties. Palmetto Dunes Resort has halted tennis and pickleball operations and their restaurants are limited to take-out only. Disney and the Omni have temporar-
taken, there’s sure to be some controversy
board meeting online. On May 21 at 2pm,
surrounding those decisions. Our CEO,
our Board members will be participat-
Andrew Schumacher, continues to follow
ing through a Zoom conference meeting,
the, sometimes daily, changes in the laws
while property owners will be able to
and guidance provided by our elected
watch the meeting or call-in and listen.
leaders. He has done an excellent job of staying in contact with town officials and
Even in these uncertain times, there is
keeping the board and our broader com-
one certainty; we will get through this.
munity well informed of these changes
We will likely be stronger and perhaps
through our Tidings emails. As always, I
even a bit more appreciative of each other
am deeply grateful to Andrew, Chief Gri-
and how truly fortunate we are to be part
ner and the entire staff for their dedica-
of such a wonderful community.
tion, but never more so than in this time of uncertainty.
In closing, I’ll also pass along a suggestion I received from an owner regarding
Andrew recently mentioned in one of the
charitable donations. He reminded me
Tidings updates, that the PDPOA is well
that some people tend to wait until year
positioned financially. While there is not
end to sort out their charitable donations.
yet a clear picture of what the ultimate
Many of our local workforce find them-
feel at the moment.
economic impact will be on the island or
selves in the unique position of needing
specifically the Association, our staff will
help to support their families. Charities
Similar to other areas around the
continue to provide updated revenue and
need our support right now, so this year,
expense forecasts to the Finance Commit-
please consider an action sooner rather
tee and will take necessary and prudent
than later.
ily closed their doors and the Marriott is operating at an extremely low occupancy rate. Overall, the island and our community have a very different
country, our state and local leaders are working diligently to find the best way forward. Like many things, there’s no simple answer and no matter what actions or inactions are
financial actions. Stay safe and I wish you the best. There was no board meeting scheduled for April and we will be holding our May
—Brian Fahey, Board Chairman
MAY 2020 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Courtesy Property Inspections With so many people staying home, as well as the warm spring weather, many owners have been using this time as an opportunity to work outside on their homes. While you are spending time outside, it might be the perfect time to
Finance Report During the first quarter of 2020, management and the Finance Committee not only monitored the financials, but engaged an outside CPA firm to perform the annual audit and reviewed the key risk document.
get a jump start on some items we may have noticed during our inspections last
PDPOA received an unqualified opinion
investment portfolio is split between fixed
year, such as ground cover to planting
on the 2019 financial statements. This
income and equities. The percentage
beds or powerwashing. Inspection
means the financial statements were
breakdown is 75% to 25%. Due to Covid-19,
reports won’t be sent out until later, but
fairly and appropriately presented
our portfolio has declined over the past few
if you’d like an advance report on your
and in compliance with accounting
months. Our portfolio is extremely con-
property, please email Kenya Carswell
standards. An audit helps to identify
servative, and the equities are invested in
at kcarswell@pdpoa.org.
weaknesses in the accounting system,
Dividend Aristocrats. Dividend Aristocrats
helps reduce the risk of fraud or poor
are companies that have paid an increasing
accounting, and assures the members
dividend for twenty-five consecutive years.
that PDPOA is running in accordance
Over the past two months, PDPOA’s invest-
with the financial information they are
ment portfolio has outperformed industry
receiving.
benchmarks.
Also, management and the Finance
PDPOA is very fortunate that several years
Committee reviewed the Key Risk
ago the Finance Committee set up the Gen-
document that the committee created
eral Fund. This fund is used to account for
in 2019. This document identifies vari-
excess operating funds to support future
ous items that create risk to PDPOA.
operating shortfalls or future board ap-
Management and the Finance Commit-
proved projects. As of the ending of March,
tee will review this document annually
PDPOA had approximately $2,700,000 in
and make sure the organization has
this fund. PDPOA can use this money to
mitigating factors to offset the risk.
help support operations due to the antici-
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Palmetto Dunes POA has launched "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" to meet the needs of our community through safe individual acts of service, such as help with grocery delivery, take-out food dropoff, pharmacy pick-up, etc. specifically to those who cannot get out of the house during this time.
pated shortfall in revenue. By the end of the first quarter, the Finance Committee transitioned to
Management reviewed Sea Lane and future
We encourage you to check on your
monitoring the effects of Covid-19 on
capital projects to determine if timing
neighbors, especially the elderly or those
PDPOA’s financials. Management and
adjustments have to be made to conserve
who are living alone. While social media
the Finance Committee are aware that
cash. Since these projects are funded by
is a great resource to connect, many of
Covid-19 will have a financial impact
the R&R Fund, these projects are expected
the people who are at high-risk for serious
on the organization. We are proactively
to continue as planned.
illness from COVID-19, may not be on
monitoring our revenue and expenses
Nextdoor or other social media sites.
during this unprecedented time.
Management and the Finance Committee will continue to monitor the Covid-19
If you are or know a member who may
In March, the Finance Committee
pandemic and take steps to preserve the
need assistance or if you would like to
selected two members of the commit-
organization’s assets.
volunteer to help, please visit www.pdpoa.
tee to meet with PDPOA’s investment
org/coronavirus or call 843-785-1109.
advisor on a weekly basis. PDPOA’s
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MAY 2020 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
—Gayle Cleaveland, Treasurer
Marine Patrol One of our most precious amenities is our 11-mile lagoon system, which meanders through the Palmetto Dunes and Leamington communities. Within Palmetto Dunes, there are approximately 2,200 residential properties. Of these, there are approximately 335 lots that are situated on the lagoon system. Leamington has approximately 850 residential properties in which approximately 113 of these lots are situated on the lagoon system. Last year, I was invited to attend several Lagoon and Lake Advisory Group meetings. During the initial meeting, I was informed that the group was concerned about compliance issues within and along the lagoon system. Some of the concerns that were shared included boats travelling too fast and creating wakes (potentially causing property damage), illegal dumping (yard debris, insecticides, pool discharge), noise from the rear of homes and towel violations. Palmetto Dunes has never provided patrol services from within the lagoon system. However, it was clear from these meetings that the Lagoon and Lake Advisory Group was seeking the presence of security within the lagoon system as both a deterrent to nuisance activity and to enforce covenant violations. As such, a business case was prepared and subsequently approved to purchase a gas-powered boat for the purpose of deploying security resources within the lagoon system. During the first quarter of 2020, the security department purchased a 16-foot gas powered Carolina Skiff fiberglass boat. The type and size of the boat was based on input from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, a local police department marine unit, and the Lagoon and Lake Advisory Group. For the first year, staffing will be provided by existing security personnel on a part-time basis. The goal is to provide 12-24 hours of patrol service per week, weather permitting. As this is a new program for our security department, we expect that the first year will provide valuable information to help us plan for future staffing and deployments. Although the outbreak of COVID-19 has caused some changes in security operations, we anticipate meeting our goal of deploying our marine patrol during the week of May 11. Also, listed below are a few friendly reminders to help with safety and security in our community: • Continue to exercise social distancing and follow the recommendations of reputable sources. • Be prepared to stop as you approach the gate attendant. • Please abide by all posted speed limits. • Decals must be affixed to the assigned vehicle. Also, passes
Captain Darryl Johnson on marine patrol.
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must be displayed at all times. Parking on lawns is not permitted. Motorcycles are not prohibited. Cyclists and pedestrians must use leisure paths where available. Automobiles have the right of way. Loud music or excessive noise is not tolerated at any time. Do not feed any wildlife. SC Law prohibits the feeding, enticing or harassing of alligators. Fireworks are not permitted. Do not hang towels and swimwear from railings.
If you are away from home and your house is unoccupied, we encourage you to sign up for our complimentary house check program at www.gateaccess.net. Please also remember to take care of the basics, such as locking cars and residences, immediately reporting suspicious activity, and immediately reporting aggressive wildlife or wildlife that is being harassed or fed. If you have access to a smart phone, please download the free ABDI mobile app for easy access to entering passes and much more. As with all of our services, we are here to help. Should you have any questions or need assistance with security related matters, please do not hesitate to contact me at (843) 7851120 or via email at jgriner@pdpoa.org. For other helpful information, you can visit our website at www.pdpoa.org. —Jim Griner, Chief of Security MAY 2020 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Palmetto Dunes Cares Seeks Advisory Council Applicants Give a little, get a lot! Your community charitable organization, Palmetto Dunes
Palmetto Dunes Cares Awards 2020 Grants
Cares, is looking for interested applicants to join the advisory council. The Hilton Head community needs Palmetto Dunes Cares’ assistance and we need you. With the many impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are looking for innovative ideas and local non-profits need our engagement more than ever.
Palmetto Dunes Cares awarded over $39,000 in grants to 14 recipients as
Palmetto Dunes Cares has a dedicated
well as an additional $5,000 to the
and creative advisory council - but this
Low Country COVID-19 Response
year, three members will roll off and we
Fund in 2020.
are looking for new property owners to join and provide a fresh perspective and
The 2020 Grant recipients include:
insight as we continue our endeavors.
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Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
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Backpack Buddies
Interested applicants will meet with the
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Bluffton Community Soup
Palmetto Dunes Cares nominating com-
Kitchen •
Hilton Head Island Safe Harbour
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The Literacy Center
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Memory Matters
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Operation R&R
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Outside Foundation
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Project Safe
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The Sandbox
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Sea Turtle Patrol
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Second Helpings
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Turtle Trackers
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Volunteers in Medicine (VIM)
Established in 2018, the Palmetto
mittee in late May. Those chosen will serve a 3-year term starting on July 1, 2020. We are planning these as video or phone interviews rather than in-person meetings to ensure everyone's safety and compliance with current state and local requirements. If you are interested and would like to be considered, please submit your resume and a short statement of purpose to Ben Kinnas at inhk@mac.com. Deadline for submissions is Monday, May 18. We promise, this will be an informal meeting in order to get better acquainted with each other.
Dunes Cares is a charitable fund created by property owners in Pal-
Not able to make a 3-year commitment,
metto Dunes. In just two years, a to-
but want to help Palmetto Dunes Cares by
tal of $58,650 has been awarded to
volunteering? We always welcome help-
local non-profits. Grants are funded
ing hands and new ideas.
from proceeds of the Turtle Trot 5k series, Turtle Education Talks, as
Don’t have the time, but want to contrib-
well as Palmetto Dunes Cares com-
ute? Donations can be made at
munity fundraising events.
www.palmetodunescares.org.
If you have any questions, please contact info@palmettodunescares.org or feel free to reach out to your neighbors that are current advisory council members (listed below). For more information about the Nominating Committee, procedures, and selection process please visit www.palmettodunescares.org. Current Palmetto Dunes Advisory council members: • Ben Kinnas - Chair • Joe Maggi - Chair Grants Committee / Treasurer • Phyllis Napoli - Chair Events Committee • Cindy Strickland - Secretary • Dr. Raymond Cox • Kerry Case • Lauri Davis • Neil Hilson • Lenore Gleason • Kathy Sanders - Communications Liaison • Abby Wells - Greenwood Representative • Andrew Schumacher - PDPOA Representative
About Palmetto Dunes Cares Palmetto Dunes Cares mission is to support the charitable interest for all those who live, invest, work, and play in the Palmetto Dunes community. Our purpose is to provide resources and grants which benefit the greater Hilton Head Island area. The goal is that a charitable fund will create a closer sense of community among our full-time residents, investment property owners, and commercial businesses. Our aim is to show that Palmetto Dunes Cares through contributions to the greater needs of our community.
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MAY 2020 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
Sea Turtle Nesting Season Sea turtles begin nesting on Hilton Head Island's beaches the first and second week of May! A female turtle may travel over a thousand miles to make it back to the same beach where she hatched as a baby, and it’s this same beach where she will lay her own eggs (about 120 per nest!) as an adult. What can you do to give them the best chance of survival? Leave only your footprints on the beach. Be sure to flatten sandcastles and fill in holes when you're headed home for the day. Uneven and treacherous sand can deter mothers from nesting and trap hatchlings, making them vulnerable to prey and exposure.
Turtle Trot 5k The Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association (PDPOA) will host the third annual Turtle Trot this summer on Wednesday mornings, from June 10-August 19. While we had to cancel our April runs, we are hopeful that we can still hold the 2020 summer events with modifications to allow for social distancing, and we will be making a final decision closer to the race start dates. The family-friendly Turtle Trot course alternates weekly; the beach course is used on weeks with a low tide and the road course is used on high tide weeks. Both routes feature some of the best Palmetto Dunes has to offer by leading participants over sand, under canopies of trees and along pristine lagoons and lakes. Registration is $25 and includes t-shirt, snacks and drinks. Kids under 12 run free and can purchase a t-shirt for $10. Race proceeds benefit the Palmetto Dunes Cares Fund. Registration is available prior to the event at www.pdpoa.run or at 7am on the day of the race at the Dunes House. All races begin at 8am. If you would like to volunteer to help with the Turtle Trot, please email Sara Manesiotis at smanesiotis@pdpoa. org.
After hatching, the young turtles navigate to the ocean by following the slope of the beach and light reflected off the ocean’s surface. Lights that are brighter than this natural light, such as a flashlight, disorient the hatchlings and cause them to move inland, where they often die. Don’t use flashlights, flash photography or cell phone lights on the beach at night. You can, however, use a special red flashlight. Oceanfront homes MUST turn off outside lights at 10pm May through October. Blinds/drapes should be closed as well. To report beachfront light violations, contact the Town of Hilton Head Island Code Enforcement at 843-341-4643. Protect the nests. We know you wouldn't disturb a sea turtle nest, a nesting sea turtle, or a hatchling. However, sometimes our pets have different ideas. If you have your dog on the beach, ensure that they are supervised and kept away from nests. Spread the word. Every time you share what you know about sea turtles with your neighbors and guests, you help ensure these magnificent creatures will be around for generations to come.
MAY 2020 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Resort Operations Support our local shops & restaurants at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Visit www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com/updates to view up-to-date information on shops & restaurants.
PD Women's Club
Closures Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center remains closed until further notice. Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar remains closed until further notice.
Resort operations update as of April 29, 2020 All three Golf Courses (Jones, Hills & Fazio) are open select days. Course closures (this includes course & grill): Hills closed May 4 - 8 for spring aeration Big Jim's is open 7am-9pm for take-out or to go. NEW FAMILY PLATTERS & SPECIALS available! Free delivery for orders over $50 within Palmetto Dunes Resort. Please call 866-420-4478 or visit www.bigjimsbbqcatering.com/order-online to order online. •
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Mother’s Day To Go serves 4-6 people, priced at $118 (inclusive of tax and gratuity). Free delivery within Palmetto Dunes Resort on Sunday, May 10 between 11am-5pm. Orders must be placed by noon on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Cinco de Mayo: Enjoy family-style tacos to go! Add on a pitcher of margarita for a special treat!
The Dunes House is open 11am-5pm for take-out only, weather permitting. 843-5939104 Shelter Cove Marina is open 8am-5pm. Visit www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com/updates to check out our Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Updates page. The Palmetto Dunes General Store is open daily from 6am-9pm. Hilton Head Outfitters & Bike Rentals is open daily from 8am-5pm. 8
MAY 2020 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
The Omni Hotel located inside Palmetto Dunes Resort remains closed through May 21. For our full list of current resort operations information, please visit www.palmettodunes.com/resort-update.
The Palmetto Dunes Women's Club group is 198 women strong, all residents of Palmetto Dunes, Leamington, or Shelter Cove. We share 40 unique interest groups, ranging from book clubs, to food interests, to game activities. Until coronavirus struck, we all had participated in social activities together. This has made for some great friendships. These friend-
Event postponements & cancellations
ships can be very strong, in fact the
The APP Pickleball Tournament has been rescheduled for October 22 - 25, 2020. Sign up online at www.pickleballtournaments. com/tournamentinfo.pl?tid=3769.
PDWC is celebrating its 20th year
Monday Golf Exhibitions are canceled until further notice.
our interest group activities again.
of operations this year! We will meet again, and enjoy On October 22 we celebrate our 20 years as a group, and toast to
Spring Music & Taste on the Harbour at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina has been canceled. The Hilton Head Island Art Festival scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend (May 23 & 24) has been postponed and tentatively rescheduled for Labor Day Weekend, September 5 & 6.
many more. For more information on joining the women's club, check out our new web page at: www.pdwc.wildapricot.org.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HILTON HEAD, SC PERMIT NO. 759
MAY 2020 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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