Issuu

Palmetto PERSPECTIVE

News

BOARD ELECTION RESULTS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kurt Faires, CHAIR 423-757-0226 | kfaires@chamblisslaw.com

Alice Bettencourt 703-216-7315 | abett.pdpoa@gmail.com

Karen Booth 203-906-8227 | karenb29928@gmail.com

Kelly Brown 513-477-8245 | kelly.brown7200@gmail.com

Ed Garino 843-310-4646 | egarino.pdpoa@gmail.com

Doug Luba 843 247-2527 | dougluba@gmail.com

Barbara McFadden 843-686-2465 | barbaramcfadden774@gmail.com

Bob Talbot 630-608-8278 | talbots83@gmail.com

Lee Whitehurst 703-727-1593 | albert.lee.whitehurst@gmail.com

ON-SITE STAFF

Accounting Administrator, KRISTEN CAPOZZI

843-785-1109 x103 | kcapozzi@pdpoa.org

ARB, MONICA STITES

843-785-1109 x104 | mstites@pdpoa.org

Administrative Coordinator, KATHLEEN RYAN

843-785-1109 | kryan@pdpoa.org

CEO, ANDREW P. SCHUMACHER 843-785-1109 x108 | aschumacher@pdpoa.org

Communications, ELIZABETH SIMPSON 843-785-1109 x106 | esimpson@pdpoa.org

Facilities Maint./Lagoon & Lakes, SYDNEY WAN 843-298-2359 | swan@pdpoa.org

Security, JIM GRINER 843-785-1120 | jgriner@pdpoa.org

Visitor Management, ZOE SLINGLUFF 843-785-1125 x126 | zslingluff@pdpoa.org

The election of directors was held in advance of the Annual Meeting and facilitated by Vote-Now. The election period commenced on September 1st and closed on October 1st.

The results of the board election were announced at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 12. The three newly elected Directors are Karen Booth, Barbara McFadden, and Lee Whitehurst.

Chad Terefenko, the board secretary, resigned from his position as secretary and board member since he has sold his home in Palmetto Dunes. At the Annual Meeting, the membership elected Kelly Brown to fill Chad's remaining term until October 2025.

Congratulations to the new Directors and we look forward to their valuable contributions to the community!

BYLAW AMENDMENT RESULTS

Proposed bylaw amendments were also presented to the owners for a vote during the month of September. The membership approved the amendments as presented. The approved bylaw amendment can be found on our website: pdpoa.org/bylaws.

The Association's legal counsel has certified the Election of Directors and Bylaw Amendment results. The results are available on our website.

POLLING LOCATION

The Association's office will be serving as a polling location for HH7A (north of Queens Folly Rd) in Palmetto Dunes for the 2024 Statewide General Election on November 5. Due to the anticipated increase in traffic, the administrative staff will be working remotely on that day. We encourage owners to bike, walk, or carpool.

LAGOON LOWERING

November 6 & December 11

Our lagoon system is periodically lowered to promote the health of the waterway. Please note that dates are always subject to change/cancelation.

CEO's Report

As I prepare to leave my role as CEO of Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association (POA), I want to take a moment to reflect on my 30-year journey here and extend my heartfelt thanks to the many people who have played a part in it.

My story with Palmetto Dunes began 30 years ago when, at 24 years old, I left Long Island, New York, and moved to Hilton Head. On October 10, 1994, I started working at the Arthur Hills Golf Club and spent the next six years in the golf business, enjoying my twenties to the fullest. By the time I approached 30, I realized a long-term career in golf wasn’t sustainable for me, so I made a move to another Greenwood property in Charleston while pursuing my master’s degree at the College of Charleston.

With my graduate degree in hand, I returned to Hilton Head and was given an opportunity to work at the corporate office for Greenwood Communities and Resorts. Over the next four years, I learned the ins and outs of resort and POA operations. Then, on January 1, 2006, along with 50 other coworkers, I became an employee of the Palmetto Dunes POA, marking a new chapter as the POA transitioned from the Developer. Alongside Bob Sharp, the General Manager at the time, I played a key role in shaping the Association as we know it today.

For seven years, I served as Controller/ Assistant General Manager, helping grow the organization, reinvest in community infrastructure and strengthen our financial standing. In 2006, our reserves stood at $400,000—today, we have over $25 million. In 2013, I was honored to be promoted to CEO following Bob’s retirement, and for the past 12 years, I have worked to build on the solid foundation he laid.

Looking back on my three decades here,

I feel proud of all we’ve accomplished. Under my leadership, we’ve seen a number of significant achievements:

• Implemented the Association’s first strategic planning process

• Strengthened financial stewardship, with a $10 million operating budget and a forecasted 10-year $33 million capital investment plan

• Built a talented, high-performing team with a focus on collaboration

• Launched a charitable initiative supporting community youth and the environment, granting over $300,000

• Increased property values by 14% annually, driven by reinvestment in community resources

• Invested $20 million in infrastructure projects and community enhancements over the last decade

• Expanded community-building events and enhanced communication efforts

• Promoted environmental stewardship to protect our natural resources

Of course, with success comes challenges. One of my few regrets is not being able to deliver a community passive park at Lee Shore or an oceanfront owners’ amenity at the Dunes House.

I owe a great deal of thanks to the many people who have been a part of this journey.

To Past Board Members:

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with numerous board and committee members who generously dedicated their time to improving Palmetto Dunes. Your passion, intellect, and leadership have been invaluable in guiding this community forward. I’d like to especially thank Mike Vaughn, Brian Fahey, Wilbur Strickland, Mark O’Neil, Lois Adams Rodgers, Carol Schembra, Bill Caywood, Jerry Bowling, Mark Carroll, Sean Moore, Ray Pfeiffer, Marty Gleason, Sue Kerr, Joe Maggi, Wes Warren, John Joseph, Jim Gant, Ben Kin-

nas, and Gayle and Grover Cleveland. Your mentorship and support have had a lasting impact on me, both professionally and personally.

To Greenwood Communities and Resorts:

I want to thank the Self family for giving me my start at Palmetto Dunes. Working in the golf business allowed me to meet many of the members and future property owners of this incredible community. Together, we have played a role in making Palmetto Dunes one of the top residential beach resorts in the Southeast. Special thanks to Brad Marra, Bubba Self, Samm Wolfe, Clark Sinclair, Karen Kozemchak, and the rest of the resort team.

To the Team:

Finally, I cannot express enough gratitude to the Palmetto Dunes team. Your professionalism, dedication, and camaraderie have made all of our successes possible. It has been a privilege to work alongside you all. I want to give a special thanks to Elizabeth, Monica, Matt, Jim, Sydney and his team, and Loretta Hoover. You all have made this workplace fun, and while leaving is never easy, knowing I’ve had such incredible colleagues by my side makes it just a little easier.

Looking Forward

As I move on from this chapter of my career, I do so with my head held high. The Palmetto Dunes POA is in a stronger position than when I first arrived, and I am confident that the team and the community will continue to thrive. The memories and friendships I’ve made here will stay with me forever, and I wish nothing but the best for the entire Palmetto Dunes family.

Thank you for being a part of my life, and thank you for allowing me the honor of serving this community.

—Andrew Schumacher, CEO

Sea Turtle Friendly Light Bulbs

Now, during the post-nesting season, is the time to make beach facing properties Sea Turtle Friendly. Please visit pdpoa.org/guests/wildlife to access Sea Turtle Friendly light bulbs that should be used on and in ALL beach facing properties. Additional preventative steps can be taken by installing light blocking drapes and blinds and by ensuring landscape lighting timers are set to the correct time.

Sea Turtles are a threatened species and are protected by federal, state, and local laws. Females nest May 1 through August 31 above the high-water mark on beaches along Hilton Head. Sea Turtles nest on Hilton Head Island beaches in the darkness to avoid overheating and disturbance. They are distracted by interior and exterior lights from beach front houses.

Sea turtle hatchlings usually emerge from the nest at night. They orient themselves toward the brightest horizon and dash towards the sea. Visible lights from buildings or streets near the beach disorient the hatchlings, and they wander inland where they are almost certain to die.

The Town of Hilton Head Island requires that lights visible from the beach be shielded or turned off from 10pm to 6am from May 1 to October 31. Any windows facing the beach must also be covered with draperies or shade screens.

Community Open House & BBQ

On October 9th, the Association hosted its Second Annual Community Open House and BBQ at the Administrative and Security Offices.

This event provided an excellent opportunity for owners to tour the building, interact with various departments, and enjoy a barbecue lunch catered by Smokehouse.

Leamington Security Contract

Palmetto Dunes Security recently negotiated a new 3-year contract (effective January 1, 2025) to provide security services for Leamington Association. As in previous years, officers will provide 8 hours of patrol service per day and 24 hours of on-call patrol to Leamington. Additionally, the dispatch service will continue to be provided 24 hours per day.

Currently, Palmetto Dunes provides the following gate coverage in Leamington:

• Ocean Lane Gate | 7am-1pm, MondayFriday

• Hwy. 278 Gate | 9am-7pm, seven days per week

Under the new contract, and beginning January 1, 2025, Palmetto Dunes will provide the following gate coverage in Leamington:

• Ocean Lane Gate | 6am-6pm, seven days per week

• Hwy. 278 Gate | 6am-6pm, seven days per week

• As these hours are new for Leamington, they will be regularly evaluated and could be

adjusted to 7am-7pm. Should this occur, Palmetto Dunes POA and Leamington will make advance notifications to all property owners.

In previous years, Palmetto Dunes Security has provided dedicated staffing for Leamington gates. This was done as the result of their shifts not aligning with Palmetto Dunes shifts. Now that they will be aligned, gate officers will rotate between Palmetto Dunes and Leamington gates.

We anticipate that the rotation between the Palmetto Dunes and Leamington Gates will allow each employee to have a betterbalanced work schedule, offsetting a fastpaced gate with a slower-paced gate. We hope that this will also improve retention.

Palmetto Dunes Property Owners in possession of a valid Palmetto Dunes Property Owner Decal can drive into Leamington (via the Ocean Lane Gate) anytime the gate is

staffed. Outside of these hours, entry is only allowed with a valid Leamington Visitor Pass. Palmetto Dunes Property Owners who wish to bike into the community must possess a Leamington Bike Tag, which can be obtained by visiting IMC Resort. If entering Leamington via bike, cyclists must do so through the Ocean Lane or Heath Court West Bike Gates. Exiting the community via bike is permitted through Ocean Lane, Heath Court West, and Hwy. 278 Gates. Bike entry is not permitted via the Hwy. 278 Bike Gate. For more information on obtaining bike tags or bike gate codes, please contact IMC at 843-785-4775.

Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5k: Volunteers Needed

The Association will host its fourth annual Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day-Thursday, November 28, 2024. The family-friendly Turtle Trot is a 5-kilometer run/walk on Palmetto Dunes' beautiful beach The race starts at 9am from the Dunes House. Registration is $40 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under. Race registration includes a t-shirt.

Race volunteers are needed to handout waters along the route, as well as help direct runners during the race. If you would like to volunteer for the Thanksgiving Turtle Trot, email Elizabeth Simpson at esimpson@pdpoa.org.

Race proceeds benefit Palmetto Dunes Cares, a charitable organization whose motto is: giving back while building community. Its mission is to support local youth and enhance the natural environment in the greater Hilton Head Island area through grants and scholarships.

Upcoming Owner Events

First Friday Food Trucks

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 5-7PM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 4-6PM

Join friends and neighbors to enjoy food from local vendors! Food trucks will be located at the Administrative and Security Parking Lot, 16 Queens Folly Rd.

Annual Owners Oyster Roast

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 4-7PM

Join us at the Omni's Shorehouse for an oyster roast including shrimp, BBQ, live music and fun with neighbors! A cash bar will be available. This event is only for Palmetto Dunes property owners.

Lincoln & So. Brewery Owners Social

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 4-6PM

Join fellow property owners with drinks at Lincoln and South Brewery-138 Island Drive! Lincoln and South Brewery is a Vermont-inspired brewery rooted in the Hilton Head Island community, and their team of local craft beer enthusiasts stays engaged in producing the best beer possible. Registration fee: $10/per person (includes one drink.)

Oyster Shell Christmas Ornament Decorating

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 12-2PM

Join friends and neighbors in the Admin Conference Room for a fun afternoon creating festive Christmas ornaments out of oyster shells! Host Jill Moore will provide a fun and informative experiential workshop! You will be provided with art supplies and oyster shells to create beautiful Christmas ornaments. Registration fee: $15/per person. Includes art supplies and snacks.

Event Registration

Thanksgiving Turtle Trot

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 9AM

The Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association will host its fourth annual Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning.The family-friendly Hilton Head 5k is a 5 kilometer run/walk on the beach and starts at 9am from the Dunes House, 14 Dunes House Lane. Registration is $40 and includes a t-shirt. Children 12 and under run for $20. Advance registration is required at pdpoa.run. Race packet pick-up will be November 25-27 at the PDPOA Admin Office-16 Queens Folly Rd. Please arrive early on race day as parking is limited.

Palmetto Dunes Cares Charity

Golf Tournament: Tee Up for a Great Cause!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21

11AM SHOTGUN START

Palmetto Dunes Cares is thrilled to announce its second annual charity golf tournament at Arthur Hills Course in Leamington. This exciting event promises an unforgettable day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and most importantly, making a positive impact on our community. Registration is $150 per player or $600 per team. The deadline to register is Thursday, November 14 at 5PM. Come out and enjoy golf while making a meaningful difference in our community. Register: palmettodunescares.org

Holiday Social & Toy Drive

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2-4PM

We invite you to stop by the Association’s office to meet other property owners and PDPOA staff for an afternoon of holiday cheer! We will be collecting toys to donate to children in need. If you cannot attend the event, we encourage you to drop-off a toy in the PDPOA administrative and pass office lobbies at 16 Queens Folly Rd. by December 5.

You can register for all Community Events online at: pdpoa.org/community/ events. If you need any assistance registering for an event, please contact Kathleen Ryan at kryan@pdpoa.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 NO DECEMBER MEETING Community Safety & Security Meeting

2pm. Chief Jim Griner hosts the online meetings and registration is required at pdpoa.org/community-security.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 NO DECEMBER MEETING Chat with the Chair

Noon. This monthly event gives owners an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues facing our community with Board Chair Kurt Faires. Online registration: pdpoa.org/chatwith-the-chair.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 NO DECEMBER MEETING Board Meeting

5:30pm. Meetings are open to Palmetto Dunes property owners to attend in person or via Zoom.

Resort Happenings

Palmetto Dunes Charity Golf Tournament

Thursday, November 21 at 11 a.m.

Save the date for Palmetto Dunes’ 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Palmetto Dunes Employee Assistance Fund & Palmetto Dunes Cares. The event will be held at the Arthur Hills Course with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Visit GreenwoodCR. com/charity-golf-tournament for more information and to register.

Upcoming Wine Dinners at Alexander’s Dec 12: Chappellet

Spend the evening at Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar from 6-8:30 p.m. as the culinary staff deliver a prix-fixe meal, each course paired with a different glass of wine. Priced at $135 per person. Learn more and reserve your spot at AlexandersRestaurant.com/ wine-dinner.

New Luxury Pontoon Boat Rentals at Shelter Cove Marina

These brand-new spacious Aloha pontoon boats feature room for up to 12 people comfortably, a 9-foot Sunbrella Bimini for shade, Bluetooth speakers, Garmin GPS & depth finder and more. Enjoy 20% off pontoon boat rentals on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays during the month of November! Use promo code SAVE20MN3. This promotion is available for new Mon, Tues & Wed boat rentals from now through November 2024, and is not valid with any other promotions. Excludes tax, fees and fuel. Must be applied at time of booking. Expires 11/30/24. Learn more and reserve at ShelterCoveMarinaBoatRentals.com.

Big Jim’s Thanksgiving Family To-Go Pack

Have a no-fuss Thanksgiving celebration at Palmetto Dunes Resort! The Big Jim's Thanksgiving To-Go Family Pack feeds 4-6 people for $135 and includes herb roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, choice of 2 sides and choice of dessert. Add-ons are available. Pickup is available on Thanksgiving Day only from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Orders must be placed by Monday, November 25 at noon. Or, dine-in at Big Jim’s—Thanksgiving menu available from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day only. Visit PalmettoDunesThanksgiving.com for more information and to place an order or call 877-497-2068.

Santa

at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

Shelter Cove Harbour will be hosting a dayafter-Thanksgiving “Santa and Shopping Day” on Friday, November 29 with Santa arriving at 12 noon aboard a fire truck! Children can share their Christmas wish list and snap a pic with Santa at the Neptune Statue until 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but please bring a new unwrapped toy or canned items for The Deep Well Project. Learn more at ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com/santa.

The Dunes House

To view the Dunes House November calendar and current hours of operation, please visit PalmettoDunes.com/DunesHouse.

Holiday Parties at Alexander’s Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar is the perfect lagoon-side setting for any special occasion or your year-end celebration. You can enclose the porch with the lagoon view for seating of up to 40. For lunches and brunches when the restaurant is closed for regular business, there is restaurant seating for a maximum of 120 guests not including the private dining room or bar area. View details at Alexandersrestaurant.com/holiday-parties or call 855-427-3989 for more information.

Holiday Parties Made Easy with Dunes Catering & Events

We can deliver a no-hassle end of year celebration you’ll be proud of. Ask about hosting your party at our Toptracer Range, which includes 14 covered golf bays plus a VIP area all with high-speed cameras, TV monitors, games, and casual seating. Or, check out our newly renovated Veranda at Arthur Hills room which accommodates up to 160 people. Visit DunesCateringAndEvents.com for more information on our venues or call 855-427-3989.

Brunch with Santa at Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar

Join us for our annual Brunch with Santa event featuring a buffet and complimentary photos with Santa on Sunday, December 15. There will be two seatings at 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $43++ per adult | $25++ per child (12 & under). Reservations are required. We will be accepting new unwrapped toys during

this event benefiting The Deep Well Project. Make a reservation at AlexandersRestaurant. com/santabrunch.

Shop Christmas Gifts at Southern Tide

Stop by the first and only Southern Tide Signature Store on Hilton Head Island and stock up on great Christmas gifts for the whole family! Visit SouthernTideHiltonHead.com or call the store at 888-974-0519.

Palmetto Dunes Gift Cards make the perfect holiday gifts!

The Palmetto Dunes Gift Card is like sending a fun-filled getaway to your loved ones. Purchase at Pro Shops, Welcome Center or PalmettoDunesStore.com (e-giftcards available!)

Holiday Lights Display at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina

This December, take a stroll through our version of a winter wonderland, as Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina transforms into a colorful affair. Stroll the promenade, where the harbour & marina will be decorated with holiday lights, and enjoy everything a Lowcountry "winter" has to offer. View more information on holiday happenings at ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com/holiday-lightsat-shelter-cove.

Happenings at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort:

HH Prime Restaurant – Daily Breakfast served from 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and Dinner from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Dinner reservations through OpenTable are suggested.

XO Sports & Spirits – Enjoy an extensive cocktail menu, local craft beers, delicious island fare, and state-of-the-art televisions making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiast and those searching for an authentic taste of the island. Open daily 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. 843.341.8487.

Palmetto Market – Open 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. for coffee, beverages, fresh-made breakfast items, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and market items. 843.341.8025.

Ocean Tides Spa – Check out our featured products and treatments! Call 843.341.8056 for services, appointments, or gift cards. Visit www.omnihiltonhead.com for more information.