Palmetto Perspective-May 2020

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.

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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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