REVISTA PALMAS July | Ago | Sept 2022

PALMAS

Un equipo de primera

Plaza del Mar, Carr 3 Km 85.6, Candelero Arriba, Humacao (next to Palmas Bake & Deli)

Sirviendo nuestra comunidad desde 1993

CHELAS 70’S C ELEBRATION

Los 70 de nuestra amiga y pionera Palmeña... Chela Roig se celebró con el torneo “ 2 Ladies Scramble”. Chela es uno de nuestros pilares Palmeños. Una mujer fuerte y dulce, de grandes principios y de Palmas. Fue un día hermoso de grandes satisfaciones! Las ganadoras “Gross” con un 81 fueron: Norka Morales y Chela Villafañe Ganado-

70’s

ras neto con un 76 fueron: Marilyn Hernández y Mari Prado

“Celine y Daniel Vasse de Chez Daniel at the Club así como su equipo de trabajo, se esmeraron y además de estar todo lindo estaba todo muy sabroso, El representante del PAC, Rafa Flores, nos trajo dos

se rifaron entre otros premios. “ dijo Chela Roig.

By Chef Fernando Jose Rivera

the happy feeling of living in a community

By Ginnette Rosado

Very often people think of Palmas Del Mar as a vacation resort with luxury homes and facilities. But Palmas Del Mar is more than just homes and apartments. We are a community of neighbors who support and take care of each other.

Recently, I had surgery on my leg and in less than a week my neighbors brought me crutches and a wheel chair. They have brought me meals, desserts and fruits for both myself and my husband. When they go to the grocery store they ask if I need anything and deliver to my front door. For entertainment, they have brought me books and magazines.

It’s not easy to be sitting all day long; but, the support of family, friends and neighbors made it much easier to handle.

Thanks to everyone for all your kindness and special attention. Enjoy community life!!

At our get together at Volea, an impromptu concert by a young man who was at the restaurant. The reunion of our dance group was held in part to celebrate my recovery! Life is good!

PALMAS DEL MAR...

Great place to raise your kids!

By Maria Cristina-Robinson Brown

My husband was raised in Germany and I was born and raised in Ecuador, so for us, it was important to raise our kid(s) in a multicultural environment. We had moved from Ecuador to Miami, Fla., to San Diego, CA to Henderson, NV and then we heard from some friends about this place they called Paradise: Palmas del Mar in Puerto Rico!

We had never been to Puerto Rico, but it was in the Caribbean so it already sounded exciting! When looking for the best place to raise your kids, some things that come to mind are safety, home prices, schools, family activities, and diversity, but one thing that makes Palmas del Mar stand out is the amazing community. Sure, it is comforting to know that you live in a guard-gated community, and that school is just a short golfcart ride away. Still, there are also many other school options within a 10-20min drive and if you decide to Homeschool, we have a thriving homeschooling/unschooling group that’s organized by age group. We joined the homeschool group during the pandemic/lockdown in 2020 and it was great to have that support; to join a POD so kids could learn but also socialize, and explore different parts of the island. My oldest son enjoys going to school at The Palmas Academy, especially because they go to different classrooms for special classes like Music, Computers, Art, and Physical Education, where they practice different sports like volleyball, tennis, basketball, and soccer. In addition, some of the extended-care classes they offer are karate, chess, dance, and cooking classes. Once your child is in the third grade, there are even more sports they can practice, as well as the joining the drama club and the school band. We love that our kids can grow up in a place where they can speak English and Spanish every day. The community is so diverse that we’ve met people, not only from different areas in Puerto Rico and the United States, but also from Mexico, Poland, Ukraine, Colombia, India, New Zealand, and Sweden, among other countries. I like that we can be exposed to this diversity while learning more about Puertorrican culture. I think that this diversity has translated also into different entertainment options for kids, where people share their talents and volunteer to coordinate these exciting activities. Some of the activitiesneur faire for kids, chess club, and unlimited playdate opportunities at

comfort communi pandemic/lock

the park, the Pterocarpus forest, Beach club, or any one of the community pools. One thing that captured my heart is to see how in all of these activities you see parents really care and go the extra mile to keep an eye not only on their own children, but all of the kids. Also, I was positively overwhelmed when I had my baby and some friends organized a MealTrain where different people from our community were bringing us a meal every day to help us focus on caring for our newborn and for mommy (me!) to heal. I’ve seen this act of kindness being extended to other mothers, people who have lost a loved one, and people who became sick or injured and therefore needed some help.

If you like being outdoors and enjoying nature, then you will love all the opportunities your kids will have in our community, which extend from playing on the beach, hiking trails, biking, skateboarding, and even horseback riding. We have signed up our kids for almost all of the activities to see which one they develop an interest in. Part of the amenities in Palmas del Mar is the Palmas Athletic Club where, even if you’re not a member, you can enroll your kids in tennis, golf, or swimming lessons. Our son also is part of the Boys & Girls Scouts Group that meets at the forest on Saturdays, and he’s been able to explore and learn while having fun.

I have young kids, so most of the activities we’ve experienced are focused on that age group. I talked to a couple of friends who have teenagers, and one of them told me that she feels at peace knowing that we live in a community where it feels like we are all part of a big family. Knowing that if her son is out with his friends and needs help, she is certain that someone will be there to help him. At the same time, it’s great to see kids grow up and excel in different areas of their lives like sports or academics and become mentors, tutors, babysitters, and other community service helpers. I vividly remember when we moved here 4 years ago and I was taking my son to play tennis. Now my friend’s teenage son is an assistant coach and that’s a great way to develop their leadership skills too. The little ones also feel proud to see an older “friend” as the “teacher”. As kids grow, going to Palmanova Plaza for ice cream/pizza and hangout with friends, or going for a Golfcart ride becomes some of their activities and it’s good to know that they’re still within the Palmas “bubble”. Younglife & Wildlife is a great way for them to connect with other middle schoolers and high schoolers while playing fun games and learning about Jesus.

“ We love that our kids can grow up in a place where they can speak English and Spanish every day. The community is so diverse that we’ve met people not only from different areas in Puerto Rico and the United States, but also from: Mexico, Poland, Ukraine, Colombia, India, New Zealand, and Sweden, among other countries”

Our Little Free Library

at Palmas Del Mar for kids was inaugurated!

By Maria Cristina-Robinson Brown

“I’m so happy to share a project we’ve been working on with some members of our community.

This is our Little Free Library at Palmas Del Mar. Thanks you, Palmas Athletic Club Tennis, for letting us use the

to the Dog park and Children’s park. We have books for adults and children in English and Spanish,” said Maria Cristina Robinson, the motor behind this beautiful initiative.

Maria Cristina also thanked Jorge “ Yoyo” Rivera and Marilyn González for building and donating the mini-library. Also, special thanks to Maressa Berlingeri, Sales Manager at LP Universal Printing, Inc. for designing, printing and donating the sign. Lots of love and appreciation to the Cub Scouts Troop 32 for helping us paint the little library and to the friends who donated books: Cristina Guerra, Katie Jorgensen Gray, Vanessa Alvarado, Stacey Borkowski, Myriam Mercader, Keta Tito Ortiz, Kim Lower Farina, Marcie Ann Sparrow , Jenna Barnett, and Jillian ‘Mace’ Leone.

“Take a book/Share a book”

You can take a book to read at home and you can bring it back, or keep it and donate another book. Books need to be in good condition and they can be either in English or Spanish (no academic books please).

You can contact Maria Cristina Robinson at Macrisbrown@gmail.com if you have lots of books to donate; she can pick them up. Also, message her if you’d like to volunteer to help us keep it clean and tidy. This is a project for the community that was put together with lots of love from our community members. Enjoy!

No doubt, Palmas de Mar is a wonderful community!

:

Servicios

Botox y Neuromoduladores Rellenos Faciales

Próximamente Vella Pro Shape para reducción de

Coming soon!!

We are pleased to announce that very soon we will be operating from our new facilities located at 125 calle Font Martelo in the town of Humacao. e “Casa Pereyo” is a house from 1930s renovated in the style of the times, preserving the elegance and beauty of our regional architecture.

THE PRESIDENT SAYS! ERASMO REYES

Hi everyone:

The summer has arrived and it will be a very hot one. We will have plenty of sunshine and summer fun. At PHA we are hoping that the sea currents don’t bring up too much of sargassum for all of us to enjoy the beach. But as we all know that is in the hands of Mother Nature. We will continue our efforts on the cleaning of the beach in accordance with our budget

Our renewal and maintenance plan is in effect and being performed. Finally, our main gate entrance has been completed with the structural renovation and the repair of the entrance and exit roads. We also performed the repair of Port Road. The Pterocarpus Forest is also undergoing maintenance and repair to the tower and

at an advanced stage. We have also been trimming tree branches and performing electrical repairs for the improvement of our security and surveillance system and many other tasks to provide our members, the homeowners, with the best quality of life.

Hola a todos y todas:

El muy esperado verano ha llegado y este aparenta que va a ser uno muy caliente en temperatura y al parecer no tendremos escasez de sol. Las altas temperaturas históricamente ocasionan que grandes cantidades de sargazo lleguen a nuestra playa. Esperamos que las corrientes marinas nos favorezcan y no nos traigan cantidades de sargazo que causen que nuestras playas sean inutilizables sino que al contrario estén listas para nuestro uso y disfrute. Esto a pesar de que como todos sabemos es un asunto de la Madre Naturaleza. No obstante, nosotros en PHA continuaremos con nuestros esfuerzos de limpieza de playa en

Nuestro plan de renovación y mantenimiento se ha estado llevando a cabo. Ya hemos terminado con la estructura de nuestra entrada principal y la repavimentación de las vías de entrada y salida. También hemos repavimentado a Port Road y estamos inmersos en obras de mantenimiento y reparación en nuestro bosque Pterocarpus. Las dos rutas de caminos y ejercicios se encuentran en los escritorios de dibujo y diseño en etapa avanzada. También estamos realizando el desganche de árboles, corte de arbustos y reparaciones eléctricas para mejorar nuestro sistema de monitoreo por cámaras. Estas y muchas otras cosas se hacen para proveer a nuestros miembros y propietarios con una mejor calidad de vida.

Hurracane preparedness and emergency contingency plans

By José Quiñones, Esq., PHAExcecutive Director

The month of June marks the start of Hurricane Season 2022, which will take us all the way to the month of November, a total of six (6) months to maintain unprecedented readiness and preparedness levels. In order to successfully undertake any potential natural adverse weather condition, as individuals, foremost as a community, prior preparation is of paramount importance.

PHA has already published within our website the 2022 Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Contingency Plan, outlining readiness guidelines for our community, contractors and regimes operators, following the general preparedness model from municipal, state and federal emergency management agencies. This plan will be promptly activatedsibility, providing processes and procedures geared towards a successful recovery phase.

Immediately upon activation of referenced plan, normal operations at Palmas del Mar will be altered, and guidance contained in the plan as well as the directives issued by the Emergency Committee becomes standing operating procedures to be implemented. As the Emergency Plan is put into effect, all residents, business and entities operating within Palmas

driven instructions and information pertinent to readiness and potential response operations before, during and past hurricane impact.

As part of the Emergency Plan, an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) will be established at PHA Building, to coordinate all activities and issue

instructions and guidance geared to protect property, foremost the safety and security of Palmas residents. This Emergency Center is organized by PHA staff in coordination with the Hurricane Emergency Committee and can be reached through the (787) 852-7775/45. All responses, incidents and emergency calls will be channeled through this Emergency Center Lastly, to successfully handle any emergency or contingency operation, each stakeholder shall understand the operational, logistical and is expected from residents, business operators, service providers, work centers, employees and managers. Such understanding is essential to a successful implementation of referenced response plan. As a matter safety and security precautionary measures, residents must have a clear understanding that once this plan goes into effect, normal operations at Palmas will be are altered, with guidance imparted by the Emergency Committee and security personnel to be followed.

and business will be provided, to include table top

Documents will also be translated to Spanish language.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Community safety and security responsibilities

By José Quiñones, Esq., PHA Excecutive Director

There is a unique drive from our Municipal, State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to engage 100% within their respective communities, driving neighborhood safety and security matters to be undertaken as a crime preventive method, rather responsive events. This engagement can be seen with increased interaction and patrols within communities, with full engagement at neighborhood security councils, or surveillance coordination with private security staff.

Rico, well established within an security action plan in coordination with the Municipal, State and Federal law enforcement agencies, in which numerous stakeholders contribute their essential part. It is not perfect but it

problems surface and are addressed for immediate action when needed.

The Palmas del Mar Security Council was developed by Palmas del Mar Board of Directors, established as a tool to coordinate and implement preventive measures to avoid crime related activities, and to provide ap-

been established with seasoned members from our community, as well as interaction with local law enforcement agencies, coordinated by PHA’s Private Security staff, who oversee PHA’s Security Plan and Protocols.

In addition, PHA’s Security Staff has incorporated security tools like innovative AVI passes, Visitors and Employees Entry/Exit Cameras, peripheral video surveillance, digital checkpoints, etc., all intended to prevent and deter any particular crimes from our covered area. However, we are not exempted from a encountering a potential gap within our preventive measures, leading to an unfortunate responsive mode once a crime is committed. Video surveillance, community watch initiatives, gate entry restrictions, AVI passes, essential tools and outstanding security initiatives as a community, but, we need each neighbor, at each regime, or residence, fully engaged with security matters in order to function properly.

Our local Municipal, State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies are predicating the fact that safety and security preventive measures commence at the community level, each regime or resident becoming

a primary stakeholder. This changes any security complacency status at the lowest operational level, allowing each residential owner now to become part of a solution, action preferred over a response when a crime has been committed.

PHA’s security systems includes State of the art surveillance cameras, gate entry restrictions, security patrols, service animals, amongst otherster criminal activity, as they constitute increased security measurements. Regardless, the upmost increased security measures are to be taken as Home Owners, and as residents of a larger community, to include at a minimum, locked doors/windows, locked vehicles, residential alarms and video surveillance/monitor. These tools have been highly recommended within our community by local law enforcement agencies, as we and respond to criminal acts within our premises.

Lastly, residents must be cognizant of what constitute “Suspicious Activity” within our Palmas del Mar premises, and must take the initiative to report matters to our security staff immediately. Suspicious activity has be involved in a crime or about to commit a crime” which requires immediate reporting and appropriate entity response. At Palmas del Mar, our security staff will respond to any reports of suspicious activity by calling (787) 852-7775/45, or will coordinate with 911 Operator for an active response.

As a PHA community we will drive forward toward implementing a state of the art, and legally compliant, security measures/software/ hardware within our premises, as preventive and deterring tools against criminal activity. Security patrols will be increased within the upcoming months with checkpoints in order identify suspicious activity within our premises, and our current Security Plan and Private Contract will be revisited. Additional measures will primarily impact Visitors and Employees entry points, assuring accountability of vehicles and personnel at various access points, remaining cognizant of legal compliance for a community

HAPPY

10TH ANNIVERSARY PTEROC

In March 2023, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Pterocarpus Forest nature reserve in Palmas del Mar. The unique 51-acre swamp forest is one of the largest remaining in Puerto Rico and serves as habitat

of fauna, of which 13 are considered endemic. It is also unique because of its accessibility and the multiple ways in which we teach about the ecology of Pterocarpus forests to the public, physically and virtually. The forest is a unique “outdoor classroom” that explains in layman’s terms the functions and value and roles of Puerto Rico’s increasingly rare Pterocarpus, the ecology of herbaceous wetlands and the variety and

This celebration would not be possible, were it not for the vision and invaluable support of the Palmas del Mar Homeowners’ Association, which committed to restoring a once-dying wetland with a dilapidated infrastructure into the gem that the Forest is today. Since that time primary responsibility for the preservation, protection and promotion of the Pterocarpus Forest, including its infrastructure has been carried out in close collaboration with PHA Pterocarpus For-

as the Friends of the Forest.

The Friends work to ensure that the Forest remains available to all as a place for passive recreation, environmental education and as a center for invaluable research on this rare ecosystem. The Friends also raise the money that is used to maintain and improve the interpretative signage, provide tours, promote research and manage the Forest’s website, social media presence and Tour application.

The Friends are taking the opportunity of this milestone in the Forest’s history to launch a number of important initiatives in order to sustain the appreciation and existence of the Pterocarpus ecosystem, for present and future generations. We want to share these with you, our friends and neighbors, and all lovers of nature and welcome your ideas and support.

Over the next three years, with the help of our current benefactors and new friends of this

unique ecosystem and ecotourist attraction we will:

Update the Palmas del Mar Conservation Easement Supplemental Baseline Documentation Report. The new report will update the previous report by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust (Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico) from December 2010. The revised report will be on-line and provide detailed descriptions of the geological and natural features of the Forest. It will also contain an updated in-

2010, including changes that might be attributable to the devastation caused by Hurricanes María and Irma in 2017.

Update the Forest Tour App. Our app was created 2 years ago. To enhance the app’s content we will periodically update it with “seasonal” changes within the Forest, such as the appearance and disappearance fungi and mushrooms, increases and decreases in water levels and the incursion of turtles from the nearby pond

Broaden our fundraising initiatives. The Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association generously provides most of the Forest’s funding

maintenance. Annually, however, the Friends of the Forest augment the budget with tax-deductible donations from generous people like you. The fundraising efforts are directed toward the Forest’s education programming and long-term conservation management and is a task that the Friends of the Forest have embraced, as demonstrated by their individual gifts in support of the Forest. To continue and augment that support, our initiatives for 2022-2025 include:

ATH Móvil Donate to facilitate giving As of May 2022, supporters of nature and the Forest can make their tax-deductible contributions through ATH Mobile “Donate”: /BosquePterocarpus [or (787) 718-1447, or scanning the QR code below].

Forest Online Store. In the early fall 2022 we hope to open the Bosque’s online “store”

where hats, water bottles, tote bags and other items for personal use and gifts will be available for purchase while supporting the Forest.

“Night in the Forest”. At this event, planned for November 2022, benefactors will

Forest and discover another, darker but equally beautiful and enchanting side of this unique ecosystem.

Melodies of Love concerts. After the hiatus forced upon us by Hurricane Maria and subsequently Covid, we hope to resume the annual Melodies of Love concerts in February 2023.

The Pterocarpus Forest Conservation and Education Fund. Finally, the Board will follow up on a proposal to create an endowment fund through which the Forest’s educational and community-oriented initiatives and

in perpetuity. With the help of the community,cal businesses and corporations, our goal is to launch the Fund with at least $100,000.

As with any such fund, the corpus will remain intact and only the interest will be used for expenses. The Endowment fund will actively solicit, accept and welcome gifts of cash, appreciated stocks, planned gifts (including will and legacies) and gifts of insurance, among others.

The Friends of the Bosque are looking forward to another 10 years of successful forest conservation, education, passive recreation,

you will visit the Forest soon and realize the importance of supporting this unique Pterocarpus Forest.

Additional Forest information is available at Pterocarpus.org. Keep abreast of our activities and educational programming at https://www. facebook.com/PterocarpusPR/, https://www.instagram.com/pterocarpuspr/, and https://www. youtube.com/. Or write to us at bosquepterocarpus@gmail.com.

PTEROCARPUS FOREST

AT PALMAS DEL MAR!

Ahora puedes donar al Bosque desde tu teléfono celular con la ATH móvil. conviértase en Amigo del Bosque al donar. La preservación del Bosque Pterocarpus cuenta contigo.

PALMAS

by Lissette Rosado, Editor

The Rancho Buena Vista started with a dream in 1998 with a trailer and 10 cages; the actual paddock was inaugurated with 64 cages in 2004. This project is the dream come true of Dr. José “Chequie” Benítez, Ophthalmologist, and wife, Darlene Bajandas, both long time Palmeños. Both are horse lovers who passed on their passion for the equestrian life to their children and now to their grandchildren. As everything that is created with love and passion, Rancho Buena Vista has been a big success and part of our community. Nowadays, the Rancho has more than 89 cages with 20 more in the pipeline. The horses are divided into “Paso Fino”, Paseo (a lateral step horse) and “Trote y Galope” (a diagonal step horse).

THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

ivera

René is not a newcomer; Rancho for nine years and ou tell

he began adRancho Buena Vista at the beginCOVID ené Trails); sou-io, character!! I love internd there

ené’s who has a back-

René Rivera Díaz has been administering Rancho Buena Vista for the past two years. he has been working at the has been surrounded by horses since he was a kid. You can tell how comfortable and enthusiastic he is about this ranch. Unfortunately, he began ad ministrating ning of lock downs. But, despite all the limitations, he has done a great job. The rancho has been growing: more cages; René brought back the horseback riding rental (now called Buena Vista Trails); equine therapy for kids; special pony rides for children; a sou venir shop; bicycle rentals and many many animals--the ranch has become almost a en, geese, turkeys, beautiful horses, and a macaw called Rio, who is a character!! I love just to walk around and see the animals inter act with the kids and some adults, like me. I always say that I personally visit the ranch to have my equine and animal therapy. And next to a successful man, there is always a woman and that’s the case of René’s wife, Loraine, who has a back ground in the hotel industry. “I didn't know anything about horses, but life brought me here and I have learned

to love the equestrian life and the horses.” I saw her riding and she does it very well and elegantly. She is also in charge of the Souvenir shop, bicycle rentals and the administration of the ranch in general.

The ranch also has a dedicated and enthusiastic equestrian following that ride often and holds amazing events like when, for Loraine’s birthday, a truck brought all the food and drink so by the time the riders arrived at the camp, everything was ready. Riders enjoy breathtaking views

while on events like the ones held by Rancho Buena Vista--a very familiar atmosphere with great camaraderie.

I don’t ride (because I’m a coward and because I have weak bones), so

to taking so many photos and writing our magazine, LOL! But I always say that riding a horse is on my bucket list for when I reincarnate. In the meantime, I just love to see them.

the views

a kids paradise

Hacienda Buena Vista is a true paradise for children because in addition to the many animals it has, it has programs aimed for kids such as equine therapy, riding classes, the Pony Club, the pony tours, and the bicycle Rental among others.

Equine Therapy - Equine Therapy, is intended for children with a broad variety of conditions, from Autism to dyslexia, to speech problems etc. But what is equine therapy? It is horse-assisted therapy that includes various therapeutic modalities. The objective of the therapy offered will depend on what the therapist believes is the best method to achieve the proper development of each participant. The therapy can range from Hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, adapted riding, therapeutic turning, horse-assisted learning or coaching, psychotherapy or counseling assisted with horses and therapeutic dressage.

Riding lessons - These lessons are intended for kids 5 years and older, but they are also available for adults.

The Pony Club - Once a month they bring the ponies so that the children get to know and interact with them; they brush them, walk them etc.

The Pony Tour - for kids ranging from 2 to 6 years old - 15 minutes to an hour around the facilities.

equino therapy horseback riding classes pony tours petting zoo

Riding & bicycle tours

tours & rentals

Hacienda Buena Vista has 60 rental horses and offers 3 riding tours daily9am, 11am and 3pm. They also offer private Sunset Tours at 4pm. You can make a reservation on their web page www. haciendabuenavistapr.com

BICYCLES

You can rent bikes or take a bike tour; rent for half a day, full day, weekly or monthly.

El Picadero Bar & Grill

El Picadero Bar & Grill will open its doors in the next couple of months with a great terrace overlooking the “picadero” (horse riding arena) where patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy different events and competitions such as: Paso Fino, dressage, and show jumping. The restaurant will dishes. This is great news for our community, and we wish them great success!

Our Palmas riders and Amazons

Our new Pickleball Coach... MIGUEL “MIKE” VÁZQUEZ

Palmas Athletic Club is glad to welcome our new Pickleball coach, Miguel “Mike” Vazquez to our team.

Mike is a life-long tennis player with a passion for the sport. During his college years, he became a tennis coach, teaching kids of various age groups in the summer. He has been happily married for 3 years to wife Sandrysabel Ortiz, who has been a Palmas del Mar resident for 30+ plus years. Mike has more recently undertaken the sport of Pickleball, excelling at it as a tournament competitor. Moreover, the sport has become a family affair since his very active 7-year-old son, Mikolas, enjoys every activity that Palmas del Mar has to offer, including Pickleball.

As the captain of the men’s National Pickleball team, his aspirations are to represent Puerto Rico in the highest level of competition and develop the best Pickleball players in Palmas del Mar to represent the island in the near future.

Offerings

International Pickleball Teaching Professionals Association (IPTA™)

International Pickleball Teaching Professionals Association (IPTA™)

“As one of the most advanced Pickleball players on the island and in Palmas del Mar, I have been fortunate to become very involved with the local community andleballers to become members here at PAC; thus, making Palmas del Mar the hub for Pickleball in the Carib-

With the full weight of the Palmas Athletic Club (PAC) behind me, I intend to make this dream a reality and am fully vested in making it so.

I thank you in advance for considering my skills, interest, and commitment to the sport. I hope to be “tearing it up” at the courts daily very soon.” –Mike Vazquez

“I have been fortunate to become very involved with the for Pickleball in the Caribbean.”

QA & ...with David Hurwitz

’s

Master Developer Palmas del Mar Property, Inc.

Q: There has been a lot of buzz about the Town Center, what details can you share?

A: The Town Center will be located on Palmas Drive between Country Club Drive and Candelero Road. Leasing is going on now, major tenants are expected to be a gourwill also feature over 100,000 sq ft of open space, outdoor dining and gathering areas and will also have a pedestrian path on the east side of the property. Groundbreaking is expected to take place late this year.

Q: Do you have any updates on The Palmas Academy?

A: Things are going very well at the school. We’re on track to have a record increase in enrollment this year, we’ve interviewed some truly excellent permanent head of school candidates, we’ve raised teacher pay and plan to continue doing that, we’ll be bringing in new teachers, adding new programs and upgrading the entire curriculum. We search we’re looking for bold and innovabe part of TPA. Our goal is to make TPA the best school in the Caribbean – but we need everyone’s help! Please volunteer, buy bricks for the library campaign, attend our great fundraisers and please donate!.

Q: What can you share about the new cell tower?

A: gets published - target date is the end of from many residents that cell service needed to be improved. So we found a developer (QMC Telecom) and a well-located parcel for them to build. The initial service provider will be Claro, but they’re expecting to get all of the major carriers. Once fully operational, cell service should be subgenerator so cell service can work even during extended blackouts.

Q: Many residents in Palmas have expressed interest in modernizing ARB guidelines, what’s your stance on this?

A:signs in Palmas. A proposed update was recently released and we’ll be working hard to make sure that the new guidelines incorporate modern design elements and an understanding that most building materials, like windows for example, have improved substantially over the last few decades and can be incorporated into homes without compromising safety. We want to make sure homeowners and developers have much

David Hurwitz

A: working a lot with Jose Quinonez, who’s doing a fantastic job, to re-think how all of our sargassum remediation how to prevent it from reaching shore a group who’s doing a lot of on-thewater sargassum removal in the Doa visit from a global marine engineering company headquartered in Denmark. We’re exploring many other ideas as well.

SITE P LAN

A: This Q&A is happening in May but won’t be published until July so this all may be out of date come publication, healthcare/concierge medicine options, a self-storage facility and we are in discussions with third party developers for for which plans have been submitted for permitting Plans are underway Community Church near the PHA building and we have recently renewed the lease for The Pescaderia – we’re glad to have this popular restaurant is secured for another 5 years.

Q: Are there any ongoing efforts to control sargassum?

Villa Franca Park

TOWN CENTER:

Q: What other real estate developments are underway?

TOURNAMENTGOLF homeowners week 2022

PHA Kids Easter Party

What a wonderful PHA Easter party for our kids. A truly beautiful show with some of the most beloved Disney charactersMickey, Daisy, Donald Duck and the Easter bunny. The kids were mesmerized (and also some adults) It was a very very very good show! The activity also included:

PHA Kids Easter Party

PHA Kids Easter Party

PICKLEBALL…

By Bill Daily

From its humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island near Seattle in 1965, Pickleball slowly gained momentum before exploding around 2010. There are now nearly 5 million people playing Pickleball in the United States and it is rumored to be on track to become an Olympic sport.

With two professional tours and fanatical clubs and leagues around the world, it is impossible to deny that Pickleball is, well—a thing. A really big thing!

And Puerto Rico is no different.

with the Puerto Rico Pickleball Association (PRPBA), interest in Pickleball here on the island is skyrocketing.

And, of course, Palmas Athletic is the epicenter of all things Pickleball on the island. Thankfully, Jose “Pepito” Vazquez and Vicky Lopez saw the potential that Pickleball could offer and, together with General Manager Seth Bull, set to converting two tennis courts that had been badly damaged during Hurricane Maria into six sparkling new Pickleball courts which opened in February 2021. Soon

wh knew?

after, lights were installed to take advantage of the cooler evening temperatures for players, especially for those who work during the day. We have built an amazing com-

morning and evening.

The inaugural Palmas Pickleball Open, organized by Jeanine Lavergne and her team, was contested March 19-21 of this year and proved to be the largest and most successful Pickleball Tournament ever on the island with 142 unique participants and 225 total entries. With great sponsors and a wildly successful Saturday night party at showed the island that Palmas del Mar knows how to run an event. Next year’s event will be even bigger and better!

I am so very proud that I was able to have a hand in training more than 300 people to play Pickleball here in Palmas, as well as to create and build the largest and most enthusiastic community here on the island. So now, I will turn my attentions,

along with my wife Marilyn, to helping to grow the sport island-wide with our new endeavor called Pickleball Del Pueblo, which seeks to jumpstart Pickleball programs in high schools and in concert with municipalities across Puerto Rico. We have already provided equip-

The Palmas Academy.

So, armed with my new mission as a USA Pickleball Ambassador, I Mike Vazquez, who I am sure will continue the tremendous growth of the sport here in Palmas.

If you are one of the few Palmenos who hasn’t yet tried Pickleball, I recommend you stop by the courts any Friday evening at 5:00 and participate in Dinks ‘N’ Drinks, a very lively open play opportunity where one of the gang will be happy to show you the ropes. You will be addicted--just like the rest of us!

Las Amigas

Spanish Circle

by Amaryllis Alsina

This is what got this started amongst a group of new girlfriends who regularly got together to play tennis. So the idea of a combo Tennis-Spanish group came to be and I agreed to help out with the Spanish, although I don’t pretend to be a Spanish instructor.

So we set up weekly Tennis and Spanish “dates” sometimes followed by dinner and drinks. Well, why not? I was excited about helping my friends learn the language and happy to see their interest and motivation in learning our culture and our native tongue. I also looked forward to spending time with them and getting to know my new friends. Also our spouses joined in on the extra-curricular activities and so the experience only got better.

At our Spanish meetings we work on conversation and grammar exercises. Although my background is in science, I’ve been able to teach them some basic language skills that should help my friends carry on a conversation in Spanish. We have been doing this on and off for about a year and a half and I can see the improvement they have made in their quest to learn Spanish. Plus they are so appreciative and sweet that they make me feel really important! They also claim that I’m strict and demanding and the truth is that I do like to push them to get better and learn more. Plus I also like surprising them with quizzes and special guests that make them nervous and excited!

Palmas Del Mar is a happy place with many possibilities. Palmas brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities. It’s great to see this culture integration and how this merging opens up the opportunity for new experiences and learnings. It’s exciting to interact and socialize with everyone and to learn from each other. It’s also very rewarding to be able to contribute to the learning of others and to build new relationships in the process.

Las Amigas, as we call our group, are all very dear to me, and I’m very proud of their efforts!

PALMAS

295 Palmas Inn Way. Suite 123.

Lisa Feazel, Rose Kessler, Amaryllis Alsina, Veronne Bustos,

“ I’d like to learn Spanish! Can you teach us?”

Sheila Camacho González, President

Management & Consulting Group for 25 consecutive years!

Palmanova Plaza. Humacao, PR

DEL MAR Mango The Tree

FRANCA

PALMAS

an animal lover who has rescued many stray dogs and has found them forever homes.

This tree is not only the most famous tree for Palmas’ residents, but also for Palmas’ visitors. This tree bears the most delicious mangoes I have ever tasted and gives the most amazing shade and needed breeze in such a hot and humid country. Mango season begins in May and ends by September, so visitors and neighbors pretty much enjoy mangoes forkistan and the Philippines. Mangoes are rich in nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants, and is extremely refreshing for a typical hot day in Puerto Rico. Mangoes make a great snack for everyone and anyone who passes by. I live across the street from the tree and I see people, not only climbing the tree to pick the mangoes, but taking the fruit home by the buckets. Some of the neighbors who live across the street from the tree have taken ownership of it, and get extremely jealous when they see anyone else picking the mangoes. I think it is so funny because the tree is here in Palmas so that everyone can enjoy delicious mangoes.

If this tree could talk, it would tell romantic, sad and funny stories. When I spoke to the neighbors, they were able to name those couples who met under the tree and got married. Elderly residents who have gone out for a walk and gotten lost, know to wait under the tree until they are found. It also serves as a GPS for people where they can meet up in Palmas. It is said that a mango tree lives for nearly a hundred years, making it a silent witness to change. This mango tree has survived hurricanes, such as Maria, and small earthquakes but, thankfully this year, it is growing delicious mangoes for everyone who passes by to enjoy.

Sleek, fast, & powerful, Doña Brava is captained by a young, experienced fisherman, who we call the “Fish Magician”. We specialize in sport fishing for Wahoo, Swordfish, Mahi & Tuna.

At last the

TENNIS HIGHagain!

This is a good photo of my group

For the last 5 years, my husband Gary Penna and I, have been snow birds in our new home at Harbour Lakes. We started for 3 months, then 6 months per year, which I guess makes us snow-spring birds or 5050 “locals”. Gary is well known in the golf circles and has made great friends and business contacts. I play golf with a group of wonderful women from the US and Boricuas, which I baptized The Sisters of the Perpetual disorder. The name, which they love, gives you an idea of the informality of the league. We have had good times and new friendships.

tennis. I played informally but consistently for years, and loved my stress relieving, invigorating TENNIS HIGH. But we “matured,” they transitioned into golf and I lost my group. When I met my golf obsessed husband 17 years ago, he

coached me to start golf and I evenskills.

As much as I enjoy golf, the parties around it, and the friends, golf feels like hard work to me. I feel punished looking down at a tiny ball with no inertia, which expects me to

distracted by the beauty of the sky and the glorious landscapes of thenitely have never felt a golf high.

Every time I went to Volea I felt the nostalgia for my beloved tennis days, but did not think I could play at the level of performance of the young and vigorous players here.

About 6 weeks ago I was at the Beach Club Grill and a group of about 8 couples, about my agepeared full of life and were having a good time. I told Gary: this is my league. I mustered enough courage to introduce myself and told

love. They generously invited me to play on Sundays and explained that plenty of rest and party time. I knew then that if I brought some food and “happy juice”, I would be alright.

my 15 year oversized racket, feelday of school. I have lost my overhead serve shot, but to my surprise I found myself chasing the ball, hustling for net points, and occasionally winning a set. I even got good reviews for a tough volley. Ahh! At last the TENNIS HIGH again.

But most important has been meeting this extraordinary group of people, full of energy, intelligent, living life joyfully, world travelers, but above all, kind and caring of each other, as family and friends.

Hasta pronto, mis nuevos amigos y gracias por lo que nunca creí volver a sentir: A TENNIS HIGH

The Palmas Homeowners’ party at the Beach Club! It was a spectacular night under the stars— a nice tropical breeze, pleasant music, good food and great camaraderie. Here are some photos of the night.

home owners week 2022 the party

home owners week 2022

the party

the party

the party

By Carol Arant

Baby Showering in Style..

An Unforgettable Day

Living in Palmas del Mar and throwing a good party go hand-in-hand; and throwing an unforgettable baby shower for a lovely mom-to-be is no exception! With the perfect breeze blowing off the coast, guests arrived at Abby Mida’s baby shower greeted by harpist Efrain, who set the joyful, peaceful mood for this special shower. Friends gathered in the beautiful backyard, overlooking the ocean as they celebrated the stunning mom-tobe. The elegant, long table set up in the yard, cozy pillows, pristine decor, and intimate place settings complemented the picturesque, sunny day. Not a detail was missed by the talented Yavelardo, who provided a seamless decor for the event. Pinks and whites created a soft, light, airy feeling, which paired beautifully with her, Abby felt honored and loved beyond measure. We all can’t wait to meet Baby girl Bella. It was truly an unforgettable day in Paradise... Palmas!

EasterEggHunt

It was a beautiful were excited to see the Easter Bunny arrive in the golf cart. All of them wanted to have a picture taken with the bunny. As always, the Beach extra mile for our

@ the cLub

EasterEggHunt @ the cLub

At Palmanova Plaza

The exclusive performance is a part of the prestigious South Arts: Jazz Road Creative Residencies Grant, recently awarded to famed artmusician to receive the coveted grant.

Thanks to the South Arts award, the four-time Grammy nominee will bring to life one of his most ambitious music endeavors, the band” format with 22 musicians. Under Cepeda’s masterful direction, the initiative will establish precedents of great importance for the local jazz scene, featuring an exciting repertoire that fuses main traditional folk genres with jazz.

“The [South Arts] grant has afforded me the opportunity to create greatest passions, jazz and Puerto Rican music. By touring the island with the big band and my AfroRican Quintet, I hope to energize communities through music and inspire future generations of musicians with our extraordinary music and culture,” expressed William Cepeda, adding that the June 4th concert will be a memorable evening of Puerto Rican jazz under the stars.

A cultural icon in his own right, Cepeda is the creative genius of the music genre known as Puerto Rican Jazz. Trombonist, caracolero and producer within the jazz and folk music of Puerto Rico, he hasposer of more than 150 original compositions for different types of ensembles, including chamber ensembles, big bands, symphony

Cepeda, who studied jazz composition and arrangement at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and Music Education at the Puerto laureate Dizzy Gillespie, who invited him to join the United Nations Orchestra.

A truly musical banquet with William Cepeda’s Puerto Rican Big Band Jazz Orchestra.

Hurricane season

Hurricane season is upon us once again. But, as we have learned by experience, those who do not make the necessary preparations are the ones who struggle the most with getting back to normal after a catastrophic event. Let’s go over a few suggestions that can make your life easier and help prevent further complications other than the ones brought on by an atmospheric event.

Check your windows and doors for crevices, loose sheets or separations which might let water in. As we have mentioned before, water damage caused by water that seeps through windows or under doors is not covered, unless there is a breakage. If you have storm shutters, see to it that they are properly anchored, so they don’t vibrate and become loose, or get breached by strong winds.

Another aspect is your responsibility as a policy owner to make sure your property value is up to date. As real estate properties values go up, it is up to you to make sure your policy reflects those changes. Why is this important? Because of coinsurance penalties. For example, if your property is insured for $1,000,000, but the property value went up to $1,250,000 and you did not raise the limits on your policy by the time of a loss, the company will state you are underinsured, and will pay up to only 80% of the damages (1,000,000/1,250,000=80%).

As for your personal property (contents), make sure you understand the limit that insurance companies apply to the value per item that can be covered under this coverage. If you have jewelry, fine arts, an expensive set of golf clubs, or any other high valued item, your best option is to talk to your insurance representative to prepare a schedule of those items with the respective evidence of their value.

If you own an apartment, you should take the time to check with the condo’s administration or association the type of master policy that the complex has. If the policy is “Barewalls”, then it’s up to you to insure the property inside the apartment that is attached to the floor, walls, or ceiling. This property is known as original private elements.

While on the subject of apartments, you need to inform your insurance representative about any changes in structure you make or any renovations. Once the property inside the apartment is changed, it stops being original private elements and must now be covered as Betterments & Improvements.

Now if you own a house, you should include in your policy any type of system that provides alternative electric power, such as generators or solar systems. It is very important to provide pictures and invoices of the cost you incurred installing said systems. If you have patio furniture or any other property outside the house that may be affected by a windstorm, it is your responsibility to secure it inside the house or any other safe structure. This, in the language of the policy, is called preservation of property.

If you’re going to travel or won’t be present at the residence at the time of an atmospheric event, please make sure you leave your property secured and with properly installed storm shutters. Also, coordinate with someone to check on your property from time to time.

For more information about this and other coverages you can stop by our office at Palmanova Plaza Suite 119-C, call us at 787-850-9209, or email us at palmasinsurance@outlook.com.

Steve Santiago, Kathy Burleson, Esteban Santiago, Cecilia Virsida, Rafael Nigaglioni your local Insurance brokers

microplastics

Imperative to create awareness!

By: Astrid Lázaro, Palmas Academy Student

Microplastics are small particles from a wide range of manufactured goods and frequently wind up in our rivers and oceans. Long-term exposure to physical, chemical, and biological processes reduces bigger pieces of plastics into microscopic trash. There are six categories of microplas-ment, and others. The application ortic, often transparent in color, usually derived from polythene bags of food packaging. Foam is used for thermally insulated jugs, jars, food packaging, or storage containers. Pellets are residual of, for example, plastic bottles or toothbrushes. Fragments are complex angular pieces of plastic formed from the degradation of more oversized plastic items.

It is imperative to create awareness of the consequences of microplastic pollution in the marine environment. Environmental pollution caused by uncontrolled human activity is occurring on a vast and unprecedented scale around the globe. Every year, more than ten million tons of plastic trash enter the oceans in practically all marine layers.

able water bottle, grocery tote bags, and multi-use straws, buy fresh food and bulk items at the grocery store to minimize plastic packaging, among other things.

However, if you prefer single-use plastics, always recycle them. Only 9% of plastic gets recycled globally now, and recycling keeps plastic out of the ocean and cuts down on the amount of "new" plastic on the market. Participate in, or organize, a beach or waterway cleanup to help remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from entering in the

ocean waste is volunteering. Visit a beach or a river on your own or with friends or family to collect plastic debris or participate in a cleanup effort hosted by a local organization.

Changing the way you do your laundry is one method to help reduce microplastic contamination. A single load of laundry can discharge overwater generated by washing machines and the exhaust from dryers. can also use a lower setting on your appliances so that the garments

utilize natural materials like cotton, silk, wool, hemp, and linen. If you only wear clothes made of natural fabrics, you reduce your risk of microplastic pollution to zero.

Purchase non-plastic cosmetics. Plastic is commonly found in personal care items and lotions and skin creams to aid absorption, while microbeads are commonly found in tubes of toothpaste and exfoliators. Most of these items are packaged in small plastic containers that

Those microplastics denser than seawater will accumulate in the deepest part of the ocean. The oceans are potentially becoming a collection ground for microplastic waste. Microplastics could be ingested by marine animals, potentially ending up in the human food chain, affecting the health and wellbeing of every living organism. Microplastics need

caused. Furthermore, microplastics accumulated in the sand and acted as an insulator preventing heat from reaching more profound layers of the beach and affecting the temperature of the deeper sand layers. This, in turn, affects some coastal species, such as the leatherback turtle, that reside in sand nests.

Stopping the spread of microplastic contamination requires each of us to act. Eliminate the use of single-use plastics. Almost all plastic degrades into microplastics over time. As a result, reducing the amount of plastic you use in your daily life can have ateraction with plastic by purchasing a reus-

eliminating plastic components and investing in alternative packaging.

Education is vital for everyone, not only for beachgoers because every time trash is discarded near any body of water, but it also reaches the ocean. As important as changing our behaviors, such changes alone are all community members to reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and make plastic manufacturers responsible for the waste they generate.

She has been working on this project since 7th grade. I started by analyzing the presence and characteristics of microplastics in the sand, taking sand samples at different distances from the seashore. Then the next phase was to take sand samples from 4 different beaches in the northern area of the island and compare the presence of microplastics. The most recent phase was to compare the presence of microplastics on the seashore versus their presence at a depth of 10 feet on 4 beaches in the north, south, east, and west areas of the island. Has won the following awards: Broadcom Masters International 2020 First Place Environmental Science Middle School Year 2021 Best Videos 2021 Naval Science Award Recipient 2021 Grand Prize: Intermediate PR Metropolitan Science Fair Year 2021 US Air Force Outstanding Science Project PR Metropolitan Science Fair 2022 Naval Science Award Recipient 2022 Place Environmental Sciences Higher Level year 2022

By Maria Fernanda Vega

Eight students from The Palmas Academy participated in “Berklee en Puerto Rico 2022”. Berklee College of Music offered a camp from

Caballero, Adriana López, Carolina Berrios, Savian Molina, Amanda Pérez, Juan Carlos Devarie, and María Fernanda Vega participated. On Sun-

student performed with different ensambles. The ensambles varied in music styles, from jazz, salsa, rock, and gospel. Most of the students had incredible solos throughout the concert, which lasted four hours. At the end of the concert, they gave out special awards to students that had auditioned for such awards. They started presenting the awards, and we were all so happy and proud when we heard Alejandro Caballero’s name being called out from the microphone, a soon-to-be 12th grader from TPA. Alejandro Caballero won a $30,000 annual scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music. Alejandro started his music career in the TPA when he was elementary school and he entered the rock band “Galactic Rebels.” We look forward to seeing where this journey takes him. We are extremely proud of all of the students that participated and of Alejandro Cabello for all of their accomplishments. Go Dolphins!

Students Corner

cademy cademic

Palmas Academy in the International Academic Competitions

Last April 20, a group of students from the Palmas Academy went to the International Academic Competitions in Washing

level. On Thursday, April 21, Diego Collazo and Alanis Morales participated in the category of Political Sciences Bee. On Friday, April 22, Isabel Vega and Ava Bitler participated in the US History Bee and Andres Ortiz and Marlon Rivera participated in the Geo Bee. On Saturday, April 23, Alejandro Campillo (11th grade), Drew Dillingham (11th grade), Andres Ortiz (11th grade), Isabel Vega (11th grade), Gabriel Negron (11th grade), and Camila Andrea Rivera (11th grade) participated in the History Bowl Varsity and Maria Fernanda Vega (10th grade), Alanis Morales (9th grade), Julianis Segarra (9th grade), Isabella Rodriguez (9th grade),Gian Rosario (9th grade), and Ava Bitler (9th grade) participated in the History Bowl Junior Varsity. On Sunday, April 24, Drew Dillingham and Ava Bitler participated in the History Bee. The students got to meet people from all over the country, and an interesting competition was Puerto Rico vs Hawaii even the readers had a blast on this one. It was a great experience where the students got the opportunity to learn new values. They learned how to support each other and had an amazing time. They visited the Capital, monuments, museums, and even had time to go watch an MLB game. Two students from the Palmas Academy Drew Dillingham and Ava Bitler passed to the International Academic Competition in the categories of History Bee Varsity and History Bee Junior Varsity which will be held in Princeton University. I asked these two students how they felt about representing Puerto Rico Competition in Princeton University, and these were their rehere in Palmas. It’s very exciting to experience new competitions and participate in the school in general.”(Drew Dilingham, 2022). “ It’s very exciting! I’m incredibly honored, and I hope it inspires more students to compete next year.”(Ava Bitler, 2022).

first PAC Pickleball Open

first

PAC Pickleball

Open

the fans...

and the Winners are...

the Party...

at the Beach Club

Jeanine

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

By Jennifer Rand

Jeanine, Jeanine, you’re always there with a smile on your face like you haven’t a care

But behind the scenes that’s far from true as a barrage of Picklers start coming at you

Emails and texts from every direction Requiring your time to make a correction

Must collect unpaid fees A player drops out ‘cause he hurt both his knees

Deadlines are posted, but always missed For those who are waiting, you must make a list

you diligently sent You still will be asked, “What time’s the event?”

Though others might crumble, you never do Our Mother of Pickleball, know that we love you!!!

ANDTHEWINNERIS...

Fernando José Rivera (Fernan)

TASTE COLLECTIVE

Battle of the Chefs was the second installment of the Taste Collective Series. The event was organized by Cristina Colón, Raúl Cosculluela, and Jason Maddox from The Palmas Academy Board of Trustees’ Fundraising Committee. The goal of this event is to raise money for The Palmas Academy. The event offers a unique and memorable experience to the Palmas del Mar community.

Battle of the Chefs consisted of a culinary festival, where the audience was able to enjoy cuisines from 10 different restaurants and had the opportunity to vote for their favorite. The event also included an intense live chef battle, where Chef Fernando Rivera from Volea, Chef Yia Medina from Trova, and Chef Luis Gómez from La Burguesía squared off for the title of Chef Champion. Palmas’ own Chef Fernando came out victorious!

SUMMARY

Attendance: Fund Raising: Chef Fernando Rivera Restaurant Popular Vote Winner: Trova Mr. José Álvarez (TPA Athletic Director), José Quiñonez (PHA Executive Director), Sandrysabel Ortiz SPECIAL

Sitting: José Alvarez (Mr. José), Sandrysabel Ortíz & José Quiñones, PHA Exceutive Director.

Standing: Raúl Cosculluela, Cristina Colón, Oski Morales and Jason Maddox

14INPALMAS YEARS

Live & Life in Palmas is a quaterly publication intended to reach the Palmas del Mar community and its visitors with the purpose to inform and communicate. You can send us your comments to live.lifeinpalmas@gmail.com www.seepalmas.com live.lifeinpalmas@gmail.com www.facebook.com/seepalmas

Lissette Rosado, Editor Live.lifeinpalmas@gmail.com 787.433.1022 | Assistant Editor | Zenaida Sanjurjo

Editorial Colaborators

Obed Borrero | Luis Rosado, golf corner | Luis Rivera Flores | María Fernanda Vega Maria Cristina Robinson Brown | Amaryllis Alsina Ginnette Rosado | Astrid Lázaro

Accounting & Receivables Sales & Marketing | Lissette Rosado Graphic Design | Sandra Rodríguez

Cover photography | Alfredo León Printing | Model Offset Printing (MOP)

Live & Life in Palmas is a co-production of Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association and Live&Life in Palmas LLC.

All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association 170 Palmas Drive. Apt 36 Humacao, PR 00791

To advertise, contact us at 787-433-1022 or live.lifeinpamas@gmail.com

Dear Palmeños

editors

LETTER

Here is a new edition of our magazine— a magazine whose intention is to collect our history as a community, communicate relevant issues, entertain and have fun while documenting all the activities and events that take place here; which are not few! On this occasion, our cover story is the equestrian world of Palmas, an unknown world for many. Rancho Buena Vista is a well-kept secret by a wonderful team of people who love horses and know how to have tons of fun. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate René Rivera Díaz, the new administrator of Rancho Buena Vista; a young man with great passion and knowledge of the equestrian world. Although René has only been in charge of the Hacienda for 2 years, he worked for Dr. Chegui Benitez for many years. I hope you enjoy the story.

On the other hand, as many of you may or may not know, I am running a serious campaign against the use of plastics— a message that I want to emphasize. Together we can do it! A plastic free community!! Let’s serve as an example to the rest of Puerto Rico. I call upon restaurants, businesses in general and Palmeños to eliminate their use of single-use plastics from their lives. Don’t buy water bottles (our water is good), don’t use cutlery or plastic straws, and don’t use plastic plates. Let’s do this Palmas!

I truly believe we can do this!

palmasacademypto@gmail.com