Plantation Voice Quarterly - Winter 2019

In this Issue President’s Article General Manager’s Report Community Security Tennis & Wing Nuts Story of the Quarter Golf Oak Terrace Events Rose Hill Round Up

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Plantation Voice Winter

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December 2019

www.rosehillplantation.net

From the desk of Tony LaMartina…

As we close out 2019, let's look at some highlights of the past year. While we continue to focus on making improvements in how we manage our Plantation resources, we can now devote time to looking toward the future of Rose Hill and our position within the greater Bluffton Community.

Over the past year, we have begun to measure how well we manage Rose Hill by tracking and analyzing specific performance criteria. As someone once said to me, "In God we trust, all others bring data." In other words, we can say we are improving or doing well, but where's the proof? Our success isn't just measured by the bottom line (Net Income) on the P(L). Our success is reflected in many ways that can be measured, but also by the pulse of Rose Hill as a community; Are we communicating better? Are we adding to the overall enjoyment of Rose Hill? Last quarter, I mentioned the balancing act we must achieve to please the greater good of the community. We cannot please everyone as you know.

What is important to one may not be important to another.

One way to understand what is important to the majority is through our Member Survey. A survey was done in 2016 and again here in 2019. This year’s response rate was excellent at over 50% of households responding. There are significant findings learned in the survey and in 2020 many of these findings will be put into action through objectives and tasks for the new year.

In terms of what we now measure, here are a few highlights: Covenant Violations to resolution.

Property values based on historical data.

Enhanced Security data.

Vendor/ Contractor performance and evaluations.

Quarterly Financial Reviews, both Operational and Capital needs.

In depth analysis of Receivables.

These are some of the performance indicators that allow us to focus on the arPage 2

December 2019

eas in need of attention and to realize where we are successful and where we need work.

Coming in January 2020 will be our first Rose Hill Plantation End of Year Report that encompasses all of the performance indicators above and then some.

This report will cover the basic fundamental building blocks of Plantation performance; Financial, Organizational, and Operational; as well as a look at the coming year of 2020.

As you know, the most important part of our success is the residents, volunteers and employees that put so much of themselves into making Rose Hill a great place to live. Since your Board of Directors serve you, the residents of Rose Hill, I'll turn the tables upside down and start with all the volunteers that give of their time and talents:

Crystal Higginbotham- Office Manager (and new General Manager) Kristen Williams - Office Manager (Welcome aboard!)

Toni Dowling - Reception (Welcome aboard!)

Lisa Darazs- Bookkeeper Ed Greene- ARB Administrator Joe Schetting and his team of officers Tony Booker- Maintenance Supervisor Beau Higginbotham -Junior Maintenance David Nettles – Senior Maintenance Technician DanBack–JuniorMaintenanceTechnician And now your Board of Directors: Minerva Castro-Hernandez Fran Richards Jack Diver Mike Small Sean Casey Larry Beckler Tony LaMartina

ARB Committee: Jeanne Scott John Hobbs Bob Berman Joe Huff George Casey Bill Dorson

The largest Thank You and appreciation to each and every one. Without all of you, the business of Rose Hill just wouldn't happen.

Communications Committee: Joe Huff Mary Britton Dana Marsh Tom Farrand George Casey

So as we close out 2019, we look forward to all that 2020 has to offer. We will continue to make improvements, listen, communicate and work diligently for the betterment of Rose Hill as a community.

Long Range Planning Committee: Richard Chiafolo Steve Brown Sheri Fox Heather Galvin Wendell Haight George Kelly Carmen Traywick

May the holidays bring you much happiness, blessings, and joy to you and your family.

Sincerely, Tony LaMartina Tony LaMartina, Board President

Audit Committee: Michael Burnce Bob Kulach Ron Stovall John Fruit Jay Parks Next is our POA Management Team: www.rosehillplantation.net

General Manager’s Column In addition to the projects shown on our 2019 progress chart there are some additions that I would like to include: ● Kristin Williams was hired to fill the office manager position that Crystal Higginbotham will be vacating on January 1, 2020 to assume the General Manager position. Kristin has proven to be a great choice to fill Crystal’s position and she compliments our staff very well and is a very fast learner. ● Security continues to do a great job at the gates and on patrol and we have a really good group of guards working in the Plantation. ● Our POA maintenance crew never gets enough credit for their hard work throughout the year but especially when the weather is unbearable in the summer and very cold in the winter. These guys are out in all of it and very seldom do they complain. If you happen to see them out on the property, please take a minute and thank them for all they do.

January February

March April

May June

● Meet & Greet the Candidates ● Oak Terrace Grand Opening ● Cut the Cable Seminar ● Family Game Night ● Valentine Gala - Caring Neighbors ● Annual Board Meeting Mailing ● Gate Arm Repairs ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Annual Meeting & Election Pools Open for the Season AARP classes New Chief of Sec - Joe Schetting Captain Gant - Cert. Of Excellence Toy Drive Spring Newsletter Published “What the Health” Film Viewing Library Opens at Clubhouse

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New flowers at entrances 4th Kayak Rack built Acoustical Panels at Clubhouse AED installed at Clubhouse Summer Newsletter Published New Superintendent at Golf Club

● Last but not least many thanks to the POA office staff who are friendly, professional and always willing to help the residents, their guests, contractors and anyone who needs assistance.

It has been another productive year in Rose Hill! I would like to thank all of the Board Members and Volunteers for their hard work and dedication. The Volunteers give freely of their time in order to keep Rose Hill the great community that it is and the place you call home.

This is my final annual report as I move forward to join the ranks of those who have already retired. It has been an honor to spend the last seven years working for Rose Hill and I wish you the best!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!

Jane Jane Pritz, CMCA, AMS General Manager

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Colleton Point Painted Mansion property mowed Satisfaction Survey to Residents WLTennis Courts Resurfaced Hargray Contract Negotiated Kristin Williams - New Office Manager

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Town Hall Meeting Joe Moffa - Meet the Critters Barn at EQ Center Painted Blood Drive - Caring Neighbors Polo 4 Heroes Halloween Hay ride Cpt. Zeoli - Emerg. Preparedness Author Series at Oak Terrace Meet the Candidates - Special Elec.

Committee Restructuring Meeting

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Special Election & Town Hall Mtg. Minerva Castro Hernandez new BOD Winter Newsletter Jane’s Retirement Party Christmas Hay ride & Cookie Party Sinkhole Repairs on Whiteoaks Annual Assessment Mailing Coggins Mailing to Equestrian Lots Allison Campbell selected for EQ

July August

September - October

November December

Community CARING NEIGHBORS Jane Phipps Caring Neighbors was organized in 2010 by Betty Miller, a retired nurse who was residing in Rose Hill at the time. Betty had a passion for helping people and recognized that there were adults living in the Plantation who were dependent upon the assistance of others but had no one to call upon for help. Betty eagerly took on the task of finding out exactly what needed to be done to start a volunteer organization that would benefit this group of individuals. Using the model provided by “Beacon Hill Village” of Massachusetts, and with the help of a few people who would eventually become the first Board of Directors, Betty spread the word about her idea and volunteers responded. Before long, Rose Hill residents were contacting the newly- formed, non-profit organization and enjoying the help and friendship that Caring Neighbors provides.

Services that are available include transportation to and from doctors’ appointments, food shopping, telephone calls to shut-ins, meal preparation and help after surgery, temporary dog walking, assistance with chores, and home visitations. Some of our clients require short-term help while others may need a much longer time commitment from us. Both can be addressed as long as we have the necessary number of volunteers. Typically, we service Rose Hill residents but on occasion will assist those in the greater Bluffton area if we are equipped to do so at the time of the request. We provide services (free of charge) that support and enhance independent living and wellness. Our volunteer contact number is 843-368-2096.

In order to receive our help, one must go through an interview process to determine if we can actually meet the needs of the potential recipient. This is done in the privacy of one’s home with a qualified person from our organization. If CNI cannot assist you with your request, we can provide a list of vendors that may be able to help you.

Caring Neighbors relies on fundraisers in order to meet our financial needs, with insurance coverage being our biggest expense. In addition, we utilize a smart phone and computer so that we can readily accept calls requesting our services, and then promptly take steps to meet the needs of the caller. Other monies are needed in order to pay for an online volunteer sign-up calendar as well as our Caring Neighbors website (www.caring-neighbors.org). During the year, money is also needed to hold an appreciation event for our volunteers and a party for the people we are assisting.

Our group also strives to give back to our Rose Hill Community by sponsoring Blood Drives, CPR classes and annual Medicare seminars – all of which are free to the participant. Last year, with donations and fundraising monies, we were able to donate an AED to the Golf Club and Oak Terrace Restaurant.

Although you or a loved one may not currently need our help, your support will assure that the services listed here will be available in the future. Donations are gladly accepted and greatly appreciated. They can be sent to Caring Neighbors, c/o Rose Hill POA, 1 Rose Hill Way, Bluffton, SC, 29910.

As our brochure states, “Caring Neighbors was established on the premise that when neighbors help neighbors, everyone benefits.” It is our hope that this commitment will continue within our beautiful community.

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December

2019

www.rosehillplantation.net

Security Holiday Security Tips 1). Play it safe on social While it’s common for people to check-in at the airport and post pictures on vacations, it can put them at risk. Even with the highest level of security on social accounts, you still can’t be sure of exactly who on the web will see that you're not home. Wait to post pictures until returning home and avoid announcing social activities that highlight you being out of town.

2). Ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail A full mailbox and packages piling up on the front porch are obvious signs that no one's home. We encourage our residents to ask close neighbors to grab their mail while they’re gone, and pickup any packages left on the front porch.

3). Safety-first lighting Plugging in outdoor Christmas lights can be a tricky task.

Never run external lights through windows. A slightly cracked window makes it easy for burglars to pry open. Also, do not overload electrical outlets. If you are planning to leave town, utilize timers for lights, making it appear that you are home when you are not.

4). Guest procedures During this season, there is an increase in guests visiting the community. Be sure to call in your guests and visitors. If you have several guests please send security an email. Remember the rules about parking and remind your guests they must be with you while out exploring the neighborhood. Be vigilant.

Even though there will be an increase in unknown guests, you are still encouraged to report suspicious behavior or characters.

5). Lock it Up Whether you are out shopping or parked in your driveway, always remember to lock your car doors. Be sure to lock all the doors to your home. Keep wrapped gifts out of view from the outside.

6.) Fraud It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations over the phone for charitable causes although no charity is involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate. Donate to a recognized charitable organization. Never give out your personal information like social security number or bank account number over the phone.

Season’s Greetings From the Rose Hill Staff. We would like to wish you Happy Holidays and a Very, Merry Christmas. ~ Jane, Crystal, Kristin, Lisa, Toni, Joe, Ed, Tony, Beau, Daniel & David.

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2019

www.rosehillplantation.net

Tennis & Wing Nuts in Rose Hill Tennisclub of the Lowcountry There is a lot going on at TLC. Exciting times as the weather improves, with more tennis programs for all to enjoy. We have recently added a Sunday session for our popular ball machine clinic which gives players the opportunity to groove their strokes without worrying about playing points. A variety of skills from baseline ground strokes to transitioning to the net game are all worked on during the hourlong clinic.

January always brings the TLC New Year’s Open tournament which is held January 10th – 12th 2020 and we have divisions for all levels. This is not a USTA ranked tournament but is very competitive and well supported. Go to our website for the entry form and get signed up asap.

We love our 10 and under tennis program here at Tennisclub of the Low Country. Our program caters to ages 4-10 and is continuing to see tremendous growth. Our Mini Shots program is designed to introduce 4 and 5-year olds to the game of tennis in a fun and exciting setting. We also have a Red Ball program that focuses on further developing the tennis skills of those ages 6 to 10. Our programs run Monday-Thursday afternoons. If you are interested in getting your kids involved in a fun sport that they can play the rest of their lives, now is the time! Come see us at TLC and we will take good care of you.

We have many teams signing up for the spring season of USTA leagues. It will be a busy spring with over 16 teams playing out of TLC this year. The club also has a very active adult program with clinics and social play for all levels. Watch the website and the weekly emails for more information. Weekly adult clinics, social play and special events for all levels are available for TLC members and non-members to join in the fun. Private lessons with one of our seasoned certified tennis professionals may be scheduled at your convenience. Information is available on our website www.tlcrosehill.com or by contacting the Club at 843-271-6401 to sign-up.

Rose Hill Resident for over 14

Wing Nuts Present the Rose Hill Christmas Bird Count On December 17th a small but determined group of Rose Hill’s ‘Wingnuts’ members participated in the annual National Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This census is taken in late December or early January as bird populations are stable at this time of year with minimal migration taking place. We covered both the North and South sides of Rose Hill Plantation and incorporated count data from several feeder watchers.

Highlights included a pair of adult Bald Eagles flying over Hidden Lake and several Pileated Woodpeckers in Bill Baker park. The star of the show however was a Bullock’s Oriole seen and identified by Mindy Cawley at her feeders. This is a west coast species which at this time of year should be wintering in central or southern Mexico. How it got here is anyone’s guess but even the large Bird Club over at Sun City was impressed and had never seen one before. This bird is something like a Baltimore Oriole that we often see here in Springtime but with slightly different plumage.

In all we counted 294 birds of 41 species thanks to Rose Hill’s diverse ecology. As all the counts are done within 15 mile diameter circles (there are over 2500 of them counting data throughout the Americas) our numbers get added into Sun City’s along with other neighboring communities. This was the National Audubon Society’s 119th consecutive Christmas Bird Count, one of the largest citizen science projects.

For more information, including the details from the Rose Hill count or of the Oriole, contact kevinfbrady@outlook.com.

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December 2019

Story of the Quarter James Edward Alexander

When you travel, you should have three traveling companions: patience, stamina, and money. As you get older, the need for those essentials increases.

Patience: My most recent travel began when I made round-trip airline reservations for a Saturday departure from Savannah, Georgia, to Santa Barbara, California. A few days before travel, I changed the return reservation to depart from Los Angeles, rather than Santa Barbara. The reservation agent made the requested change. When I attempted to check-in and print my boarding passes, I was electronically informed that I should get the changes at the check-in counter. So, on Saturday morning at 4:10 am, I reported to the Savannah airport, to be informed that my departure date had been changed to the next day, Sunday.

My habit is not to blame workers at counters for corporate mistakes. It is not their job to correct somebody’s errors. While the supervisor tried for at least forty minutes to do her best, I still returned home.

On my drive, I patiently outlined my next approach. I telephoned the airline and told the robot that he was not yet able to address my problem, and I was eventually transferred to a live helper. Again, I patiently and calmly asked for a flight, if not to Santa Barbara, at least to Los Angeles. Within five minutes I was asked to return to Savannah for an 11 am flight to Los Angeles.

I reserved a rental car for the drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Because of airline and baggage handling delays, I reported to the rental car counter an hour later than the requested time for pickup. The agent informed me that the cost would be another $150. It was a company I had never used before. End of patience.

Stamina: I refused the new rental car terms and walked out, carrying, at age 84, a large golf bag carrier and a medium-sized piece of luggage. Both seemed heavier than they did last year. My intent was to stand at the curb on busy Century Boulevard and hail a taxi to take me to another rental car counter. Then, my patience having been exhausted, defiance and determination engaged my stamina. I began to roll my luggage to an alternate car rental agency two blocks away. Twenty yards from where I started to walk to the alternate car rental, I spotted two men sitting and staring at the fast-moving traffic. Anything moving seemed faster than their idleness. I hastily determined by their appearance and posture, they had not eaten a meal that day, or their intake might have only been a bottle of wine. I might have been wrong, which is often the unfair consequence of rash judgment.

Money: I also had miscalculated my stamina, so I called forth my third traveling companion. I stopped and asked, “For five dollars, which of you would like to help me with my luggage to the car rental?” All of us could see the distance as nearly two blocks. The down-and-out don’t have accessories to hide their discomfort and the aging process, so I guessed it was the older looking man who rose and accepted my offer.

He stood erect, steadied himself, put on his hat, and took my bags. I followed, admiring his engagement which countered my earlier assessment. I was witnessing a man whose resources seemed depleted. But he was not poor. His last asset was his most valuable — his dignity. For five dollars, he promised to perform, and I watched as he carefully maneuvered the luggage to the edge of the curb. He was a man hired for a brief encounter, and he was performing with such pride in his employment. When we arrived at our destination, I offered to assist him with the luggage up the steps. He declined. I immediately withdrew, recognizing that my assistance would have diminished his moment.

As I handed him two five-dollar bills, I acknowledged his zeal. He said, “I ain’t got much left, but I did well enough for you to pay me double what you promised. I thank you, mister.” His smile reinvigorated my patience, and his toil preserved my stamina.

Dignity is an asset that is not devalued by poverty.

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December 2019

www.rosehillplantation.net

Forward Tees Jane Phipps Rose Hill Golf Club offers 2 women’s leagues for players of various abilities and interests. The Rosebuds are a 9-hole group that meets on Mondays and Fridays. They enjoy an informal approach to golf with the purpose of socializing and having fun while also improving their skills. Periodically, they are invited to participate in Exchanges held at other courses in the Bluffton/Hilton Head area. Dues are $20 from January 1 to December 31. After July 1, dues are $10. If you are interested in joining the “Buds”, contact Linda Miller at linda.miller.0527@gmail.com.

The Ladies Golf Association is our 18-hole league that plays on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To participate in this group, one must have, or establish, a GHIN handicap through the Pro Shop. These players enjoy various golf games which include cash prizes on each of their play days. Those with a handicap index of 20.1 – 40 are also eligible to play in the Coastal Carolina Ladies League with women from 9 area courses. LGA dues are $25 per year plus an optional $5 to join the Chip-in and Birdie pool. For more information, contact Carol Fruit at 843-706-5005.

To join either of these groups, a golf membership at Rose Hill is not necessary – nor is it required that one be a resident of the Plantation. Come join us for some great golf on our beautiful course!

DOT Real Estate

Oak Terrace at Rose Hill

Global Reach With A Local Touch

Open for Brunch on Sun. Lunch Sun. - Wed. Dinner 5-9pm Thurs. - Sat. Happy Hour Daily 4-6pm

C o lle e n J a c q u e s R e a lto r

704-877-6122 Lowcountry@ColleenJacques.RealEstate

843-757-4030 • oakterraceatrosehill.com

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Thank you to our Christmas Elves for Lighting Up Our Holiday Season A BIG holiday Thank You to Dave Kostka, Keith & Lu Klaiber, Mike & Nancy Kirkland and Bob & Pat Adams, (Debbie Kostka, Nancy Lee, & Tara Smith not pictured). We recognize all the time and hard work you put into decorating the entrances. The decorations are absolutely beautiful and appreciated by all those who pass through Rose Hill.

We also want to say thank you to the Rose Hill Elves (Maintenance Department) for their help and assistance with preparing the guard houses for decoration.

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December 2019

www.rosehillplantation.net

Oak Terrace at Rose Hill The 3rd Rose Hill Author Series is Set for January 21st From Noon-2:30 and Features Dana Ridenour, author of Below the Radar The next Rose Hill Author Series lunch will be held on Tuesday, January 21, beginning at noon and will feature former undercover FBI agent turned thriller novelist Dana Ridenour, author of Below the Radar, the third book in the Lexie Montgomery Series.

Dana Ridenour spent most of her career as an FBI undercover operative infiltrating criminal organization. Dana's first novel, Behind the Mask, is based on her personal experiences working as an undercover agent. Behind the Mask won numerous literary awards and was named one of the best indie books of 2016 by Kirkus Reviews. Beyond the Cabin, the second novel in Dana's FBI undercover series, is set in the South Carolina lowcountry and was awarded the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Thriller or Suspense. COME TO THE EVENT TO HEAR ABOUT HER THIRD BOOK, BELOW THE RADAR. The Rose Hill Author Series is a partnership between the Pat Conroy Literary Center, the Rose Hill Readers book club, and Oak Terrace at Rose Hill to highlight the exceptional stories of lowcountry authors in engaging lunchtime discussions.

Hosted by the Rose Hill Readers book club and held at Oak Terrace at Rose Hill (4 Clubhouse Dr., Bluffton), this special literary event is open to the public. Registration for the lunch is $25.00. Menu: TBD. Books will be available for sale and signing following the discussion. A portion of the proceeds from this event helps support the year-round educational mission of the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center. Register in advance by Friday, January 17.

To register for the event, go to https://rosehillauthorseries3.bpt.me.

Oak Terrace has Reloadable Giftcards!

ROSE HILL RESIDENTS “or employees of rose hill�

UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR WILL RECEIVE, $100.00 will receive $110.00 gift card $200.00 will receive $230.00 gift card

As our way of saying thank you to the residents of Rose Hill for all of the support they have given us over the last year we would like to extend a special Christmas Eve pricing event for Rose Hill residents only. We are offering 50% off any item on Tuesday, December 24, that includes food and beverage. We have been honored and blessed with such a great community!!

Merry Christmas from Oak Terrace!

$300.00 will receive $350.00 gift card

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www.rosehillplantation.net

December 22

Hanukkah Begins

December 24

Christmas Eve - POA Office Closed

December 25

Christmas - POA Office Closed

December 30

Jane’s Last Day

December 31

New Year’s Eve - POA Office Closed

January 1

Happy New Year -POA Office Closed

January 1 January 14

1st Quarter Assessments Due ARB Meeting

February 2

Ground Hog’s Day

February 14

Valentine’s Day

March (TBD)

Annual Meeting

March 8

Daylight Saving Time

March 17

St Patrick’s Day

Board of Directors Tony LaMartina- President tony@rosehillpoa.com Larry Beckler - Vice President larry@rosehillpoa.com Sean Casey - Treasurer sean@rosehillpoa.com Mike Small- Secretary mike@rosehillpoa.com Jack Diver - Director jack@rosehillpoa.com Fran Richards - Director fran@rosehillpoa.com Minerva Castro-Hernandez - Director minerva@rosehillpoa.com

Administration Crystal Higginbotham - General Manager crystal@rosehillpoa.com Danny & Charlotte Hieronymus

Lloyd Mosher

Ronald & Suzette Meyers

Lisa Knoll

Thomas & Diane VanLaarhoven

Jody & Shannon Fisher

Peter Granata

Allen & Sarah Gerstner

Williams & Tiffany Kyle

Donald Rocks

Kelly & Alexa Clauson

Justin Robinson

Marshall Steele Kenyon

James & Melanie Bannon

Scott & Jennifer Hastings

Alan & Karen Jordan

Edward & Minnie Boys

Roger Arn, Jr

Marinko Bevanda

Karl & Polly Yoas Daniel & Laura Taylor

Kristin Williams - Office Manager kristin@rosehillpoa.com Toni Dowling- Administrative Assistant toni.dowling@rosehillpoa.com Ed Greene - ARB Administrator arb@rosehillpoa.com Lisa Darzas - Accounting Administrator accountant@rosehillpoa.com

Security Joe Schetting - Chief of Security joe@rosehillpoa.com North Gate 843-757-3001 rosehillnorthgate@gmail.com South Gate 843-757-3000 rosehillsouthgate@gmail.com

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