REVISTA PALMAS OCT | NOV |DEC 2022

CONECTÁNDOTE CON P U E R T O R I C O P U E R T O R I C O

Enterprise Rent-A-Car te conecta con los lugares y personas que más te importan. Cuenta con nosotros en 17 sucursales por todo Puerto Rico, y más de 9.500 oficinas en todo el mundo. Ahora presentes en el Hotel Wyndham Palmas del Mar de Humacao. Comienza tu reservación hoy en Enterprise.com.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car connects you to the people and places that matter most. Count on us at 17 locations throughout Puerto Rico, and more than 9,500 worldwide locations. Now open at the Wyndham Hotel Palmas del Mar in Humacao. Begin your reservation today at Enterprise.com.

Palmas del Mar Wyndham, Humacao: 787-463-3890

Luis Muñoz Marin - San Juan Airport: 787-253-3722

Marriott Condado San Juan: 787-501-3775

El San Juan Hotel & Casino: 844-794-8598

Marginal Los Angeles Carolina: 844-874-6751

Fajardo: 844-794-8594

Bayamon: 844-794-8590

Rio Mar Wyndham Rio Grande: 939-216-3630

Rio Piedras: 844-794-8597

Guaynabo: 844-794-8592

Condado Conrad Hotel & Casino: 844-794-8599

Caribe Hilton: 787-608-3202

Dorado: 844-874-6750

Ponce: 844-794-8595

Mayaguez: 844-794-8596

Caguas: 844-874-6748

Aguadilla Airport: 787-890-3732

Wine tasting @

Exquisite Wine Tasting by Ambrosía Fine Wines at Chez Daniel at the Club for PAC members. New Bordeaux vs California… both good but as you know, every palate is different. And the winner depends on your taste. Great evening!

Doña Brava

A new, beautifully made 39ft. boat built by the experts at Bertram Yachts.

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.

By Chef Fernando Jose Rivera

VISION

Vision in style!

34th Caribbean a mateur Junior Golf ChampionshipOpening at Palmas

The “34th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship” officially began on our course. On a beautiful summer afternoon, an emotional initiation ceremony was held with the participation of all the Caribbean teams, their parents, coaches, and members of the Caribbean Golf Association—a real exciting activity.

As part of the ceremony, a well-deserved and emotional tribute was paid to the Executive Director of Palmas Athletic Club, Seth Bull, who has been an outstanding leader in the promotion and development of golf locally and internationally.

The emotional ceremony took place at the PAC putting green where flags of the represented countries were raised. As the sun set, the kids were all dressed in their uniforms and the anthem of Puerto Rico was played while the proud parents of these talented golfers watched—it seemed taken out of a movie set.

We are proud that our field witnessed this historic moment that culminated in a gold medal for Puerto Rico.

Recognition to Seth Bull... words by Edd Siller ...

I came to Palmas del Mar 30+ years ago and one of the first persons that I met was Seth Bull. Seth was the Director of Golf. He was very nice to me and invited me to join him playing some golf after work. We would play until it got dark. We did this often. This was the start of a very long and great friendship. I will always remember those times. Great memories and great friendship.

Let me tell you about this great friend;

• Seth is a PGA Golf Professional

• He turned Pro 1967

• He was Head Pro of Palmas del Mar Country Club 1972

• After Suffering a Heart Attack in 1974, the Birth of the Seth Bull Open was Born, this tournament became the most well-known golf tournament in Puerto Rico. It raised more than Two Million Dollars for the Puerto Rico Heart Association.

• Seth brought to Puerto Rico The Golf Digest School of Golf.

• Seth Hosted the Puerto Rico Invitational with 24 PGA Tour Players.

• In 1991 Seth traveled to the World Amateur Championship in New Zealand to petition their next site in Puerto Rico.

• He brought the Shell Wonderful World of Golf to Palmas del Mar in1995, where Chi Chi Rodríguez played a head to head match with Lee Trevino. Chi Chi won.

• In 2004 Seth was inducted into the PRGA Hall of Fame.

• In 2005 Seth earned The Presidents Council Award from the PGA of America

• Seth has been a strong Juniors Development Leader from the beginning.

• Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association has named a street after him; “Seth Bull Boulevard”.

• In 2018 Seth was awarded The PGA Island Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Seth Bull a Great Golf Professional, a great Friend and today we dedicate this Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship to him. s

Kelvin Hernandez champion on the 18 & under category, with Eduardito Figueroa, Puerto Rico Golf Juvenil Team Coach and Palmas Golf Pro

“Golf is not just a game, not just a competition, it is a place where you will make great memories and great friends. These will last a life time”.

Marilina Silen, Manager PR National Juvenile Golf Team

Seth Bull and Sidney Wolf, President Golf Federation of Puerto RIco and the Caribbean

Edd Siler, former Director of Property Management for Palmas del Mar Inc.

The happiness of victory

My name is Elsa Rosa-Sosa, and I am so proud to say I am now an official Grape Crusher, the 2.0 (Beginners) Palmas del Mar Tennis Team!!!

When I was a child, I was always told that sports were not my thing. As of today, I can’t ride a bike, never played any sports and learned a bit of swimming about 13 years ago, and I’m still not confident in water. A little more than a year ago, due to the pandemic, me and my husband started watching our friends play tennis on Sundays. I watched how one of our cousins, who had a very bad accident and has bolts in her foot, was playing tennis. I was totally inspired by her, after all that she has gone through. I asked myself “why can’t I do this?” And that is how all of this started.

I have so many people to thank, first of all, God for blessing my life with the opportunity of living and being part of the great community of Palmas del Mar, my husband for being my partner in crime, and for being so patient when I couldn’t even hit a ball; Coach William Brown, Coach Elizabeth Cusack, Coach Luis Flores, Raymond Abarca, my team players, who welcomed me and made me feel part of the team, and all my friends who patiently let me play with them on Sundays. Finally, Esther Almodóvar, Captain of the Grape Crushers, who gave me the opportunity of practicing with the team to see if I could be part of it. At first, I met the team players, (just saying) most of them can be my daughters, some my sisters, but I am the “oldest”. First, I said to myself, oh my God can I really do this? Much older than them, overweight and not too self-confident, my journey began. I kept taking lessons, improving my skills, practicing as much as I could and lost 30 pounds in the process… which I also love!

During our practices, one of the team players, Loyra, who I now consider a friend and another blessing, started

nominating and naming the most valuable players of the practice and/or Queen of the Court. On our fourth practice I was named Queen of the Court and was given a plastic medal, which I completely cherish and has a special place in my heart and in my house.

We recently had our first Round Robin as a team, yes a team, my team. We played with the help of our Palmas 2.5 Team captained by Khadine Kubal, our sisters. We had so much fun together, I won a 2” trophy and an Honorable ribbon, which is now next to my plastic medal; it was a night of many different emotions, all good, full of sisterhood and laughter.

I am now registered in USTA as a Team Member of “The Grape Crushers”. The season begins September 10 and lasts until November 19, so wish us luck. We will do our best to represent Palmas in the best way possible. So, with this said, I am so proud to be a part of a team for the first time, at this stage of my life, I LOVE TENNIS!!! If you want something make it happen, yes, you can do it; I did! s

The PReSIDeNT SAYS! erasmo reyes

There is always a reason to be thankful. We must not forget what I pointed out at the beginning of these lines. While it is true that we were all affected by FIoNa, we cannot forget that:

1. We had a lot of sun in our summer

2. We had our family and friends by our side

3. We had fun and summer joys

If we think about it, we must recognize that the effects of FIoNa were temporary and brief. your loss of comfort due to lack of electricity was overcome, water was always available, the security was always present, the cleaning was carried out promptly, the fumigation was established, trees were replanted, the signage was replaced and the services in PHa were provided as usual every day.

Certainly, we all collect more lessons and in such a collection PHa is included. This is because of our commitment to service in your favor, our neighbors and friends, owners of Palmas del mar. Today after passing this test, in my name and the entire PHa Board of Directors I reaffirm the commitment of service under normal circumstances or emergency; with sun, with rain; with calmness or hurricane.

Siempre hay motivos para agradecer. No debemos olvidar eso que he señalado al comenzar estas líneas. Si bien es cierto que todos fuimos afectados por FIONA, no Podemos olvidar que:

• Tuvimos mucho sol en nuestro verano

• Tuvimos a nuestra familia y amigos a nuestro lado

• Tuvimos diversión y alegrías veraniegas, Pero si pensamos un poquito más, tenemos que reconocer que aquello que nos afectó por FIONA fue bien pasajero y breve. Tu perdida del confort de la electricidad se superó, el agua no nos faltó, la seguridad dijo presente, la limpieza se realizó prontamente, se estableció la fumigación, se replantó, se reemplazó la rotulación y se brindó como cosa de todos los días los servicios en PHA.

Ciertamente todos acopiamos más lecciones y en tal acopio PHA está incluido. Esto es por nuestro compromiso de servicio en favor de ustedes nuestros vecinos y amigos, propietarios de Palmas del Mar. Hoy con la prueba superada este servidor, toda la Junta de Directores se reafirma en el compromiso de servicio en la normalidad y en la emergencia; con sol, con Lluvia; con calma y con tempestad.

erasmo reyes

PUERTO RICO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ACTIVATES PROTOCOLS WITH SUSPECTED LEPTOSPIROSIS AND CONFIRMED DENGUE FEVER CASES AFTER HURRICANE FIONA

By Ja Quiñones, esQ PHa executive Director

Puerto Rico health officials are advising residents, given the increase suspected leptospirosis cases, to avoid having contact with water, soil, or food that may have been contaminated with urine (or other secretions) of infected animals. To date, a total of 72 suspected cases have been reported after the passage of Hurricane Fiona.

The Department of Health indicates that a person with a fever, headache, muscles aches, bloodshot eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice (skin and eyes yellowish), rash and cough, who has been walking barefoot through flooding areas, or has been collecting debris without adequate protections, could be infected with this disease. If you meet the above reported criteria, seeking immediate medical attention saves lives.

Here are recommendations issued by the Health Department to avoid getting infected with leptospirosis include: (1) Use protective shoes, do not walk, swim, bathe, submerge your head or swallow flood water or from any body of water that may be contaminated with urine from animals or flood water, (2) Cover skin cuts with waterproof bandages or Band-aids or other type of material that does not allow the entry of water, and wear long-sleeved clothing, cover most part of the skin, wear gloves, safety glasses and closed shoes, (3) Do not use flood water or water bodies to clean the house or wash clothing, and (4) Keep food and garbage in closed containers and, if you can, put up rat traps.

Similarly, health officials have reported an increased number of Dengue Fever cases, with a total of 236 confirmed and 50 other probable cases. The passage of Hurricane Fiona has aggravated this situation, primarily due to the accumulation of non-running water which fosters

mosquito hatcheries. The Puerto rico Department of Health have reported that at least 107 confirmed cases have required hospital treatment, and 10 have been deemed a severe case of Dengue Fever. No fatalities have been reported.

recommendations issued by the Health De partment to avoid getting infected Dengue fe include: (1) remove standing Water around dences Where mosquitos Lay eggs, and empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers as mosquitoes lay eggs near water, (2) Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs, and containers without lids, use wire mesh to protect, (3) fill tree holes to prevent them from filling with water, and use larvicides to treat large bodies of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out, always follow label instructions, and (4) the appropriate use protective mosquito repellent is recommended.

Puerto rico residents, especially zones affected by Hurricane Fiona, have been urged to establish preventive measures within their respective homes, by overseeing patios and properties as mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture or under the carport or garage. The use of insecticides is recommended, always following label instructions. s

The Pterocarpus Forest...

An Outdoor Classroom at the heart of Palmas

By Dr. Ivelisse Irizarry, Universidad del sagrado Corazón ms. melany Flores, Center for academic research

Exploring the Pterocarpus Forest allows us to understand the importance of natural resource management, conservation, and gain knowledge about biodiversity.

-Dr. Ivelisse Irizarry

The Pterocarpus Forest Nature reserve in Palmas del mar is a unique swamp ecosystem where people from all ages can connect with nature and benefit from what the forest has to offer. From being a space for relaxation, recreation, and overall family enjoyment, the forest also serves as an outdoor classroom for students, academics, and nature lovers alike.

To understand the importance of ecosystems such as the Pterocarpus Forest, a group of students from the Biology & society summer Camp of Universidad del sagrado Corazón recently paid a visit where they explored the forest and learned about forestry, water quality, and identified species they had never seen or noticed before.

students were given a guided tour through the forest where they learned how to measure trees and made an inventory of species using the iNaturalist phone app. They also learned about distinct types of plants, fungi, and insects; and even learned how to properly catch and hold a frog! memorable learning experiences like these help youths interact with nature and gain a greater appreciation for our natural resources, flora, and fauna, as well as gain the skills and confidence that will spark their interest towards science.

This summer camp was intended for youths to gain insight into the diverse disciplines and careers within the field of Biology and their impact on societal issues through field trips, laboratory activities, workshops, and seminars by diverse speakers. This “outdoor classroom” experience aligns with sagrado’s approach to active learning, for which the forest made a perfect venue.

Their visit to the Pterocarpus Forest Nature reserve was supported by professors including Dr. Ivelisse Irizarry from sagrado, Dr. rita Cáceres-Charneco from UPr-Cayey and the san Juan Bay estuary Program, and Ph.D. student Christian D. del Valle Colón who shared their knowledge with students during the visit.

We are grateful to the Palmas del mar Homeowner’s association and the Palmas del mar community for welcoming us to the Pterocarpus Forest Nature reserve and we encourage everyone to support the Friends of the Forest in their continuous conservation efforts.

spaces like this forest are havens for wildlife and offer a unique opportunity for visitors and Palmas del mar residents to learn more about nature. It should be protected at all costs.

The Biology and Society Summer Camp 2022 was a two-week experience created by the staff of the Center for Academic Research (CAR) led by Dr. Gerónimo Maldonado and Dr. Peter Barbosa and supported by faculty of the School of Health and Sciences and the Vice-presidency of Academic Affairs at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. CAR is created under the grant “A Culture of Research Achievement at Sagrado” sponsored by the United States Department of Education in order to advance research efforts in the fields of science in Puerto Rico. For more information on CAR’s opportunities and future activities, please write us at car@sagrado. edu.

2022 SARGASSUM SEASON

response & events

By Ja Quiñones, esQ PHa executive Director

sargassum accumulation negatively effects everyone in Palmas by making many of our beaches and large swaths of our coast difficult to use for several months of the year. Interior regions are also affected by the unfortunate smell emitted as sargassum dries in the sun. as large amounts of sargassum are continuing to reach our shores, the PHa has recently substantially increased its efforts to remove sargassum from our beaches and coastal areas and is continuing to explore ways to keep sargassum offshore.

In the last 6 months, the PHa has: Conducted active sargassum Collection at our coastal zone shoreline, from marbella to shellcastle Beach, employing contracted services of a beach raker and tractor, hand collection and use of specialty equipment designed for our coastal zone conditions. The slip owners association (soa) has been employing a unique design of a floating conveyor belt and collection barge to clean the inner harbor from sargassum.

on a routine basis we are in communication with our municipal, state and federal allies at the Commonwealth Department of Natural resources, the environmental Protection agency, the environmental Quality Board, regional Us Fish and Wildlife service, Noaa (area mapping and GIs), and army Corps of engineering, among others, to help manage the sargassum situation.

PHa has received the unconditional support, free of cost, of many Not-for-Profit Corporations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Research Institutes, and other field experts, such as sea Grant Puerto rico, Texas a&m University HarTe research Institute, CarICoos, and the University of Puerto rico (mayaguez, rio Piedras and Humacao Campus).

PHa and university researchers have established monitoring stations for water and air quality and will be working in the near future to install underwater aerators at the Palmas del mar inner harbors (soa), an installation that was delayed as prompted by the army Corps of engineers. once complete, this installation should substantially clear up water at inner harbor..

Collection areas include coastal zones (PHa), Barriers and surface collection (soa), employing numerous collection methods. Challenges include constantly changing conditions including currents, rain, hurricane season, winds, sun, tides and other variables that are outside of our control. These challenges affect consistency and nature of the sand, as our Coastal Zone has two cycles of ebb/tide maintaining

wet sand 24/7 at sargassum accumulation areas. Further, our permits are employed in a way that is monitored by state and federal agencies, in a way that such collection will not cause erosion damages to our fragile coastal zone, nor affect seasonal endangered species seeking safe refuge.

our efforts start with our Habitat Conservation Plan, a unique tool that has a Fish and Wildlife section 7 Consultation to municipal, state and Federal agencies, under the endangered species act (esa). PHa has the appropriate permits to reduce the impact of sargassum within our coastal zones, and are actively employing numerous methos of collection, all in accordance with the Commonwealth of Puerto rico Department of Natural Resources Guidelines (Published 2015). In addition, PHa under the leadership of HarTe Institute, participated within the 2022 Virtual Legal Considerations on the Removal of Sargassum from the Coasts of Puerto rico, assisting local state and federal agencies to develop “an all approach” process for monitoring, collection, and disposal of sargassum. The current model used by Palmas del mar community has spearheaded numerous efforts within Puerto rico coastal areas, serving as a starting guide for state and federal environmental agencies as well.

PHA has invested over $65,000.00 this season to collect and dispose sargassum from our coastal zone, and the Palmas slipowners Association (SOA) at least $140,000.00 since the season started back in March 2022 [Differences in Costs Prompted by Specialized Equipment for shore/Water Collection]. That amount could easily be double if we counted the volunteer hours from scientists, research students, national/international subject matter experts, and most importantly our community volunteer leaders who were engaged on this problem throughout the season and who are helping us with long term planning for years to come.

Long term plans are being looked at with numerous experts, to include a Biodiesel generation site requiring fresh sargassum to be collected, but, additional permits from the environmental Protection Agency are required as the floating sargassum is considered a biomass with potential endangered species using to feed and nest. The named all comprehensive plan is being put in place by our municipal, state and federal authorities, perhaps under the stafford act that will allow for added funds. In the interim, members of our PHa Board of Directors will be seeking additional funds and looking ahead to the upcoming season to prepare a more active response, with the assistance of private funds from residents [Endowments/Trusts/Etc.] and Non-for-Profit organizations.

a succinct description of sargassum monitoring, collection and disposal efforts was provided, but, the best so far has been witnessing an unprecedented comradery within our Palmas del mar residential/resort community, teaming up to make our Coastal Zone the most pristine and biodiverse location for our residents/tourists to enjoy. s

Palmas

historygolfstrokes, sweat & tears

Rosado, Golf Correspondent

When we see Palmas Del Mar’s golf courses these days, we don’t realize how much sweat, tears, and strokes (Hearth Attacks) it costs to become one of the primary golf destinations in the Caribbean. Palmas Del Mar is the product of a group of people that came together at different times and each one of them contributed something to the final product that is today the Flamboyan and Palm golf courses.

Going back in time, and reviewing some history, in 1966 C. Brewer Caribe, a sugar company stationed in Hawaii was expanding their business to Puerto Rico. They had a big piece of land in Humacao and contracted architect Esteban Steve Padilla to study the terrain and develop a project. Three years later, C. Brewer got the initial approval of the Puerto Rico Planning Board.

Later, between 1969 and 1970, the property was sold to Charles E. Fraser, who was a real estate developer of a very successful project called “Sea Pines” in Hilton Head; Sea Pines is home of the Harbour Town Golf Links and Amelia Island Plantation, both located in South Carolina.

But the story of how Fraser bought this property is interesting. Fraser was visiting Hawaii looking for a place where the Hilton Head residents could travel to during the winter season, but he could not find anything that convinced him. During that trip, he visited the C. Brewer Company and there he saw a photo that caught his attention immediately...it was a picture of Palmas. “Why hadn’t you shown me that property before?” he asked a C. Brewer executive. What happened next? Charles Fraser bought Palmas del Mar. He fell in love just by a photo! Fraser then contracted Architect Esteban Padilla to work on the development of Palmas and later to oversee the designing of the resort. At that time, Palmas used to have around 400 employees: architects, engineers, landscaping architects, planners, CPA’s, among others; there was construction all over.

The force and the continuity behind Palmas Del Mar Golf becoming a premium destination is thanks to our own Seth Bull. With complete confidence he says that Palmas is among the very best destinations in the Caribbean for golf, taking into consideration all the other amenities Palmas has to offer to our visitors.

In 1973, Seth arrived in Puerto Rico employed by Sea Pines to take charge of what was to become the golf courses of Palmas del Mar. At the end of that year, the first nine holes were completed when the Good Lord

“Both golf courses in Palmas are environmentally sound and they adapt to the land where they are built to disrupt the ecosystem as little as possible. The original owner Mr. Fraser, also a developer, was an environmentalist before it was cool to be one”

Luis

In the late 1970, Palmas Del Mar was host to numerous local tournaments, but Seth decided to amplify the scope of the tournaments to bring Palmas from a local golf venue to an international one.

BEfoRE

THE SJ STAR 1997

PRESENT

decided to test Seth. He suffered a series of heart attacks. Seth believes that Toñin Casillas is the reason he is alive today. He is the one who suggested that he should see Dr. Eladio Castrodad, where he was treated with great dedication. Dr. Castrodad recommended that he should go to Boston for further care, and that ended in a successful open-heart surgery.

The Palm Course, a Gary Player design, opened nine holes for play in November 1973, with the grand opening of the full 18 holes in May of 1974. It was not until 2001 that the Flamboyan course opened, designed by Rees Jones, the US Open doctor who has redesigned golf courses where major tournaments are played. Among the golf courses designed by Rees Jones we can find Hazeltine National, where the 1970 US Open was played, Bethpage Black, and Torrey Pines East; all of these have delivered memorable US Opens throughout the years.

Both golf courses in Palmas are environmentally sound and they were designed to adapt to the land where they were built as to avoid disrupting the ecosystem. The original owner, Mr. Fraser, also a developer, was an environmentalist before it was cool to be one, just ask Seth about his fights to keep a tree, a bush, a mangrove etc. His motto was that nothing could be built in Palmas that was taller than a palm tree.

Palmas del Mar golf courses have had a 56-year evolution with a lot of challenges and setbacks, economically and nature wise but thanks to our General Manager, Seth Bull, together with his incredible team that he has been able to pull together through the years, we can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

It takes a lot of hard work to become a great golf destination-- it is a combination of great golf tournaments, great facilities for their members and guests and, another important piece of the puzzle, is the creation of programs that foment the game of golf between their members, especially the young ones.

In the late 1970s, Palmas Del Mar was host to numerous local tournaments, but Seth decided to amplify the scope of the tournaments to bring Palmas from a local golf venue to an international one. Some of these prestigious tournaments were the TWA Pro-Am championships, celebrated for seven consecutive years. By the mid-90’s we had the Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf with Lee Treviño and our own Chi Chi Rodriguez which aired on ABC.

Another important event that put Palmas on the map was the Cheito Oquendo Scholarship Fund Tournament which was sponsored by Budweiser for four years to benefit the Hispanic Youth Foundation. These tournaments attracted a lot of baseball celebrities like Ed Figueroa, Juan Marichal, Candy Maldonado, Don Zimmer, Eddie Murray just to mention a few. Another important event that was celebrated in Palmas was an NCAA tournament for the top 5 college golf teams representing both men and women.

The tournament that is closest to Seth Bull’s heart, no pun intended, is the Seth Bull Open which has raised a whopping 2 million dollars in benefit of the Asociacion Puertorriqueña Del Corazon (Puerto Rican Heart Association).

Hole #1 Flamboyán golf course and Driving Range

In 2013 a young Eduardito Figueroa was hired by Seth for the position of assistant pro and is currently our Golf Director, which involves everything related to golf. Eduardito has been instrumental in promoting Palmas Del Mar as the place to be if you are a junior that is interested in becoming better in the game that we all love.

Eduardito is the coach of the Puerto Rico National Golf Team (Ladies) and has extensive experience coaching young players. He has been a PR National Champion and he has been involved with the PRGA Junior League for many years. We have Juniors that come from all over the island for three to four days for intensive training under the supervision of Eduardito and his staff, Rafi Velez, and our other teaching pros such as Fernando Bobonis.

Palmas is the only golf course in Puerto Rico that welcomes the juniors by allowing them to play for free or at very low rates (this has made Palmas a favorite golf course for them.) This year alone we have had three island wide junior tournaments PRGA Junior League, plus we had the Caribbean Junior Championship 2022 (the most important junior golf tournament in the Caribbean) where Puerto Rico won and this win that counts for points for those juniors that in the future want to pursue a scholarship.

We can say that Palmas has become and all-around golf facilities that can be enjoyed by players of all levels; we have juniors’ programs, ladies league, members tournaments, big local tournaments that are played every month.

All of us can remember fondly all the great people that have been part of the evolution of Palmas; pro’s, bag room guys, locker attendants, starters, bartenders, green keepers that have always been there welcoming everybody and going out of their way to make everyone feel welcomed and part of a great family. We must give credit to the PAC board of directors and to all the members that throughout the years have put their grain of sand to move forward.

Back 9 of the Flamboyan Course

“Our golf courses runs through all Palmas and were design to embrase the housing developments and others amenities”.

The beginnings of the Flamboyan Course

May 1974: Gary Player and Ron Kirby, Architect

2000 Flamboyan Construction Luis Lomba, Rees Jones, Luis Ortíz

PEOPLE THAT HAVE MADE THIS HAPPEN

In addition to the exceptional support of all the members throughout the years, Seth wanted to mention some people that have been his support and have been there for him all through his journey, the following members have given much of their time and dedication in the continued growth of Palmas Golf.

PPC

Toñin Casillas

Luis Lomba Sr.

Pat Wangen

Graciela Roig

Berta Bull

Hector (Tui) Lavergne

Gladys Cabrer

Juan Botello

PAC

Servando Díaz

Luis Lomba Jr.

Juan (Cuco) Ramos

Heri Jove

Juan Gracia

Tony Maldonado

Dave Oschman

José Vázquez

TThis article has been a group effort put together in the middle of another challenge, tropical storm Fiona. We held meeting with Seth, Eduardito, and our editor extraordinaire, Lissette Rosado, in the PAC facilities so we can have our electronic gadgets charged and running. We met on different occasions looking over the trove of information and memorabilia that Seth had accumulated throughout the years, that he didn’t even know he had. But we pulled through and here we are, overcoming another challenge, what doesn’t break you, makes you stronger!

See you next time. Keep it in the short grass, away from the pangolas…s

oUR CoVER MoDElS

Meet Maricel Cobos and Jorge Rodríguez, our cover models. Jorge is an excellent golfer with a 15 handicap. He is not a professional golfer but he enjoys the game very much. “It's a great way to release stress and share time with good friends,” said Jorge. This year he finished 3rd place in the Member & Member 2022 tournament. Other tournaments: - 2021 ADG tournament 1st place - 2018 Palmas Member and Guest Scott Flight 2nd place - 2015 Bayamón Golf Tournament 3rd place - 2021 Palmas Member Tournament Finau Flight 3rd place - 2022 Caribbean Golf Classic (1st place) Maricel, although she plays golf, her main sport is competitive cycling. Maricel and Jorge, like many of our residents, moved to Palmas del Mar full time during the pandemic "and there is no going back", they stated. They have 3 girls: Icel S. Rodríguez, Gicela Z. Rodríguez and Paola N. Rodríguez.

SUNGLASSES BY

By Mike Vazquez, PAC Pickleball Pro

It is an honor to continue the hard work that Bill Daily has dedicated in introducing Pickleball to our community. As the new Pickleball Pro, my only mission is to support the tremendous growth of the sport in Palmas del Mar, through actively molding new players and providing a great platform for their development.

Today there are about 4.8 million people worldwide playing pickleball, doubling the numbers from just five years ago. There are already two national professional tournaments, corporate sponsors to help grow the sport and a league called Major League Pickleball. There are over 10,000 places to play in the U.S. and that number continues to grow by about 12 every month. Hotel groups, including Marriott and Hilton, are either converting tennis courts to pickleball courts or building new ones. This lets us know that the sport is here to stay.

Pickleball

a huge hit in Palmas

Celebrities that play – Yes! We are not alone! As pickleball is the top growing sport now being televised, even celebrities are getting in on the action. Celebrities like Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Phelps, Mathew Perry, George and Amal Clooney, tennis stars Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi are all now playing pickleball. More celebrities are becoming fans of the fastest-growing sport in the world!

In Puerto Rico there are already at least nine municipalities that have pickleball courts and/or established pickleball clubs; Caguas, Dorado, Guayama, Guaynabo, San Juan, Gurabo, Lajas, Toa Alta and of course Humacao. There are also many other municipalities that have temporary courts and people can just set up their own courts when they want to play. These clubs will continue to pop up as more people start to play. So far in the Puerto Rico Pick-

leball Association, there are about 450 registered players, and it is believed there are about 1,000 players playing pickleball around the island so far.

Pickleball in Palmas del Mar - Currently we have about 170 consistent players that play on a weekly basis. This number continues to grow week by week as the younger crowds are starting to get into the sport and more tennis players are transitioning to Pickleball. I’m excited to say that I have seen a lot of progress in the Palmas Pickleball Community and many players that have taken the time to drill and practice, are moving up in categories and elevating their pickleball game. We are offering clinics twice a week, private and semi-private lessons and soon we will start implementing an open play concept divided by levels to follow the more traditional type of play pickleball has to offer. s

Palmas shines!

PALMAS DEL MAR shines in the San Juan Yacht Club International Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament, obtaining 2nd and 3rd place. --- The DRILL HOUND from Palmas del Mar, kept her second place from the first day and led the pointer of 14 boats that hooked and released twice each. In third position as a boat was La Pícara, followed by Prisa and EUPHORIA, also from Palmas del Mar.

The Sari Victoria boat lived up to its name and brought home a comfortable win when two of its fishermen won the first position on the rods of its owner. Tito Saavedra (2 pejes) and Carlos Luis Rodríguez (2) won first place on this 72-foot boat from the San Juan Nautical Club (CNSJ).

Thanks to our friends at the SJ Yacht Club for keeping us informed.

The full statement can be accessed at the following link: https://rb.gy/nrlsul or visit www.sanjuaninternational.com s

PHA Architectural Review Board A R B

By Raúl Rivera-Ortiz, AIA, NCARB | ARB Executive Director

Welcome to the PHA Architectural Review Board (ARB) column in Live & Life!

In this first issue, we will explain in general terms what is the ARB and what it does (and does not do). The PHA-ARB is a non-profit corporation, separate from the Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association (PHA). Its creation responds to the mandate of the Covenants to maintain a body of subject matter experts charged with preserving the architectural character of Palmas del Mar. PHA selects the ARB president, who in turn selects the other members of the ARB, except for one who is appointed by PDMPI. In a way, the ARB is the architectural consultant of PHA. As such, the ARB reviews all construction and development projects in Palmas del Mar.

To comply with its responsibility, the ARB needs homeowners and developers to help in preserving our architectural character. This is done, not only with new construction, but with painting, landscaping, additions, alterations, remodeling, and any other work that may affect the architectural harmony of the community. If you plan to do any of these in your property, you must first obtain the endorsement of the ARB. Only ARB-endorsed projects can take place in Palmas del Mar, and only the contractors of endorsed projects are allowed to enter the gates and work within the community. Only ARB-endorsed projects are considered by the Permits Office of Humacao in issuing required permits.

All projects in Palmas del Mar must comply with the requirements of the PHA-ARB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES. In accordance with the Covenants, these Guidelines are developed by the ARB and ratified by PHA and PDMPI. The Guidelines provide rules and procedures to follow in submitting projects to the ARB. They also include development, architectural, landscaping, and signage standards aimed at preserving the character and harmony of the Palmas community. All projects in Palmas del Mar require drawings and construction documents prepared and

signed by design professionals licensed in Puerto Rico. All licensed professionals are encouraged to meet with the ARB Executive Director prior to starting project designs, to discuss and become familiar with the rules and procedures established by the Guidelines.

For new construction, exterior modifications, and landscaping, conceptual designs must be submitted to the ARB a least one week before the board’s monthly scheduled meetings. These include the installation of solar panel systems and new emergency generators to serve existing structures. Minor maintenance work requiring NO construction, exterior painting complying with the Guidelines, and interior modifications may be submitted anytime using the Maintenance or Miscellaneous Projects Application Forms. Normally, these are reviewed and endorsed by the PHA-ARB Executive Director within seven days. All projects proposed within a Regime, must provide the ARB with the endorsement of the Regime before being accepted for review. All new construction projects will also require the endorsement of PDMU.

Now, what does the ARB not do? The ARB does not resolve or endorse any issues that are covered by the Condominium Law. If you live in a condominium, authorization to modify the exterior of your villa must be given first by the condominium association. The ARB does not settle conflicts between neighbors due to operational issues. Those are handled by PHA. The ARB does not issue construction permits or use permits. These must be obtained at the Humacao Permits Office, which will require the endorsement of the ARB. The ARB does not authorize any

actions that require prior authorization of government agencies. For example, pruning and cutting trees requires the authorization of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA).

We will review specific requirements of the Guidelines in coming issues of Live & Life. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email us a note at pha_arb@live.com. s

Seth Bull Recognitions & Fairwell homages

The group of golfers from the PAC (Palmas Ladies Golf Assoc.) acknowledged Seth Bull for his extraordinary work during his 42 years of service. From the beginning, he taught us the sport of golf, the rules, the types of tournaments, among many other things. We also value his continued support in annual Member & Guest tournaments. We wish him a well-deserved retirement and we know that we can always count on him!

Moments of gratitude…. A thank you from a few staff for Seth Bull’s commitment as General Manager with Palmas Athletic Club and a congratulations on retirement! Doris Muñoz’ voice says it all!

Seth Bull says goodbye to the field golf employees with an emotional message of gratitude while acknowledging their dedication for so many years.

Seth Bull

By Graciela Roig

In 1981 Seth Bull arrived in Palmas del Mar (PDM) from Atlanta to work at the Country Club, for the then owners, Chase Properties / Michael Colon, President. A few months later, he met Berta. They got married and established their primary home in Puerto Rico. As he expressed to the Ladies, “she took care of integrating both families and making one big family full of love.”

Seth started with a club that had less than one hundred members and took many of us by the hand to teach the game of golf, the rules, the etiquette, and the different tournaments we could participate in. It was among the most active clubs in Puerto Rico oriented towards family. Some of the activities were cook outs, special occasion parties such

as New Year’s Eve, putting contests and different types of tournaments. He retired from his position as Golf Director in 2002.

When the Palmas Athletic Club (PAC) started in 2010, after the Palmas del Mar Country Club filed for bankruptcy, the organizers asked Seth Bull to join the effort and come back as Club Director. Seth had to put on many different hats and work with so much effort to achieve the goals with an extraordinary team.

We have been fortunate in having Seth Bull in our club for so many years. He is in the PRGA Hall Of Fame and is a very respected GOLF PRO among his peers and in the community of golfers. He has received many recognitions during his career. We thank him for his knowl-

edge, dedication, and productivity and for so many other things! He has contributed to what is PAC today. All the activities surrounding his retirement have been very emotional because it is not easy to let him go; but we all know that is a well-deserved retirement. We wish Seth Bull the BEST and we know he will be always there for us! s

Wishing you a healthy and enjoyable well-deserved retirement

Lynnette Collazo

Member Member &

The PAC Member & Member Golf 2022 was a colossal success…. We received 240 enthusiastic players despite the rain that fell on Friday morning. The golf courses were in pristine conditions and the members were able to enjoy the competition with joy and camaraderie during the three days of the tournament. Everything was a success, and our PAC members anxiously await August 2023 to arrive so they can enjoy it again. s

registro

The welcome cocktail...

The welcome cocktail...

The best

dressed... Member Member &

LIVE & LIFE IN PALMAS'

Tashion Award 2022

1st place

The winners of the Live & Life in Palmas Fashion award instituted last year. This year, without a doubt, the winners were once again Alberto Cruz and Freddie Hernández. This year with a driver and integrated music on arrival at the Starting Point. The decision was not difficult. Alberto and Freddie won a pair of fashion and modern REVO sun glasses.

Tití me preguntó si tengo muchas novia’ Muchas novia’ Hoy tengo a una, mañana otra

Alberto Cruz & Freddie Hernández

2nd place

2nd prize Live & Life Fashion Award....goes to Carlos Martínez & Mario Haddad with a gift certificate of $100 each from IMPEC. We must admit that they gave their best effort this year. But, against Alberto & Freddie... it is hard to compete.

3rd place

3rd prize Live & Life Fashion Award...goes to Jaime González & Jaime Arias with a $100 each certificate of Quick Lube , Humacao. Very colorful and coordinated. s

Member&Member

Girl’s afternoon

This year, the Member & Member Ladies event was a monumental success. The girls had a lot of fun with this year’s Cowgirls’ theme and, as you can see in the photos, they went all out with the it. It was an afternoon of hats, boots and even toy guns were not lacking. Total fun!

As part of the ladies’ activities, our dear fashion designer, David Antonio, gave us a preview of his NY Fashion week collection. Always exquisite!! Thank you, David Antonio, for always being available for us. s

David Sanabria, the Incoming Head of School

as she does, and who has done so much for the school community.

In 2016 I visited Palmas Academy as part of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation team to assess the school for accreditation. During that week I met some great people who truly loved their school, who saw the immense potential around them, and I soon realized that it was truly a wonderful, very special place. Not knowing that it would one day be a reality, I remember thinking “wow...this would be an awesome place to work”. Then earlier this year I learned of the opportunity to become Head of School of Palmas Academy, and immediately became excited to enter the process. I was further convinced that it was the right place for me once I met the members of the Board of Trustees and saw a group of extraordinary individuals, with a unified vision, who are passionate and selflessly committed to take Palmas Academy to new heights. The entrepreneurial spirit in me helped me to see the chance to go on a journey to turn Palmas Academy into the best college preparatory school in the Caribbean.

My goal is to learn from her as much as possible about the culture of the school, the people, their needs, and make conscientious decisions with those considerations in mind as we move to the future. Dr. Morales is a pillar of Palmas Academy and I am blessed to be able to collaborate with her in this transition.

Our collaboration only helps to secure the chances of success of this transition and strengthen the school moving forward. Together, we will be working on important aspects such as making curricular revisions, revising school structures and protocols, finding ways to optimize our human resources, strategic planning for the future, professional development for the faculty and updating or creating key core documents. I look forward to getting to know the faculty, the students and their families in the year ahead.

What is your vision for The Palmas Academy?

My tenure as Head of School officially starts in August of 2023. However, throughout the 2022-23 school year I will be working very closely with the current Head of School, Dr. Lilliam Morales, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in the leadership, paving the way for the next chapter in TPA’s history, and that work has already begun. I have already been in the school several times, met with administrators and other members of the faculty. I could not feel more fortunate to be able to work with someone of Dr. Morales’ caliber, who knows and loves the school and its people as much

My vision for the Palmas Academy is bold and ambitious. I will work ceaselessly to lead a transformation to turn Palmas Academy into the top college preparatory school in the Caribbean. From day one, I intend to work to create the best value in the offerings at TPA for students and families, so that they will find the same quality of education and support programs that they would find in the best independent schools in the mainland. It will be a place that will not only offer top academics but also unique, signature programs in interscholastic athletics, the arts, entrepreneurship and STEM, to offer all students a path to success in all fields of study, and eventual admission to the best

What interested you in the opportunity to become the next Head of School of The Palmas Academy?

When do you start and what can you tell us about the transition to your new role as Head of School?

Ana de Palmas

colleges and universities in the world. It all begins in the early grades, by continuing to develop, support and strengthen the Early Education and Elementary programs. This is a crucial progression to build the continuity and readiness needed for success in the upper grades. I intend to work with the team to also strengthen open, structured communication with all constituents. Most importantly, we will continue to build a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated, particularly the teachers, administrators and staff, and where students are supported to take risks, and pursue their interests and develop their special talents. Strong relationships and a culture of care are perhaps the most important ingredients for success. Another key component will be the continuous opportunities for professional development of teachers and instructional administrators, so that they can work with students using the most current, effective and advanced practices in teaching and learning. As we begin to cultivate successes in the near future, I anticipate that the enrollment will continue to grow and it will not be long before we will see the healthiest numbers in school history. I also see a place that will embrace and thrive on the diversity of current families, local families from surrounding communities, and all the families that are choosing to relocate to Puerto Rico and call Palmas del Mar home.

Today the Palmas Academy finds itself in a historical juncture where the combination of its natural resources, facilities, the influx of new families to the community, and the resolve of a leadership team and board of trustees, are all becoming aligned to make this transformation a reality.

What do you foresee to be your greatest challenges ahead?

The greatest challenges will be securing the needed support to make the vision of the future of Palmas Academy become a reality.

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We want to become the premier college preparatory school in the Caribbean, be at par with the best schools in the U.S., build state-of-the-art facilities, as well as create unique programs and offerings. While we set out to achieve these lofty goals, we want to also keep the tuition affordable to all current families and accessible to other prospective families. We also want to enhance and offer our faculty and staff competitive salaries and benefits in order to retain and attract the best talent possible. This all costs money, lots of it. So while this will inevitably imply some increases in tuition, we intend to make these manageable and worthy of the value families will receive. Also, we foresee increases in enrollment, and most importantly, we feel very optimistic that we have a community that is generous and who will see the worth in investing in the future of the Palmas Academy. Their contributions will not only afford a worldclass education and unique experience to generations of students for years to come, but will also enhance the value and allure of the Palmas del Mar community to the rest of the world. Serving Palmas & Humcao since 1986. List with a Pro! More than 750 homes sold! Call Ana Rodriguez Smith 787-397-7491 (Lic. 3798) Email: anamrsmith@gmail.com

A very special Club...Palmas Dance Club

By Estela Osuna

Palmas has different support and fraternization groups. Beautiful people who care about their neighbors and friends. Among them, this magnificent group of women who meet every week to dance. But...when someone is missing because she is sick or in trouble... the troops come to the rescue.

“All of us need company and joy in our lives. Thinking about that one day we decided to get together and create a dance club. With the collaboration of many people we did it. Every Monday afternoon we met with the best attitude of dancing, laughing, singing, enjoying, and sharing that little moment that gives us so much encouragement. Once a month we go on a "roadtrip" to a Chinchorreo to one point in the Island, we celebrate our birthdays, but we are also aware if someone gets sick or has any situation to always offer support. The idea is that they know that we are always there for each other. Let's stay united in those chains of love, we need each other,” one of the leaders of this beautiful group told us. They are the “solidarity” dancers of Palmas del Mar. s

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

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

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.

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

GOLFMember&Member 2022

Award ceremony and Party

at the Beach c lu B

This year the Member & Member Golf Tournament Award was held at the Beach Club. It was a very different award ceremony and Pool Day. We enjoyed a fun and creative afternoon amongst PAC members. After the ceremony, everybody enjoyed the pool. Fun, fun, fun. s

And then...everybody to the water!

After the Award Ceremony... everyone enjoyed the pool. Great camaraderie and overall great times creating memories among PAC members.

Your donations... in good hands!

The Palmas Ladies Community Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, qualified to accept tax exempt charitable donations, including Puerto Rico Act 22 and 60. PLCC has helped support local charities for over 30 years. Help them support our community. When making your year-end donation, consider PLCC charities, by sending a tax exempt donation to PLCC, 295 Palmas Inn Way, Suite 104, PMB 240, Humacao, PR or ATHMovil Business. PLCC welcomes all Ladies of Palmas for more information about PLCC, please contact PLCCBoard@gmail.com Thank you for your continued support of Palmas Ladies Community Club. Here some of the institutions the Club has served.

Palmas Ladies Community Club has helped support local charities for over 30 years!

great evening at Wyndham hotel

Winner! of a Carts Pro golf art

As you can tell, Saturday night’s party was a riot! Good music, good food and the best company. And....after many jokes and intrigue, Pipo Ortiz announced the lucky winner of the golf cart donated by Carts Pro. And the winner is ....

Jorge melendez.

at Cocos SandrySabel

In appreciation for the support that the Sandrysabel.com collection has received at Coco’s At The Yacht Club, the boutique delighted its customers with a sunset cocktail celebration. The female turnout from the Palmas Community was stupendous, with most of them showcasing pieces from Sandrysabel’s curated line. The event was held at the Palmas del Mar Yacht Club’s Tiki Bar enjoying the sunset with a beautiful ocean backdrop while dancing to calypso music and sipping on refreshing Aperol Spritz.

What golf teach your kids

Julian Rodríguez, Becado de Macalester

Response from Gabriel Rodríguez, father of Julián Rodríguez

editors

Here comes October and with it, all the Halloween activities that we have in Palmas del Mar! I have not seen a place where the month of witches is celebrated more than in Palmas. The celebrations are numerous, there are parties everywhere for children, adults, PAC, PHA and in private homes. Creativity sparks and everyone gets involved in creating impressive costumes and troupes. You have seen the coverage over the years!

This is also the time of the year when our snowbirds start coming back and you start running into them throughout Palmas. They are so happy to be back, and we are also excited to see them back as many of them have been with us for 20-25 years. Palmas is effervescent and completely fulfilled, with full time residents, Snowbirds, and tourists. The vegetation is super green with all the rain we’ve had this past season and hopefully soon it will start getting a little cooler. This summer has been particularly hot! We finally have a slightly less tense environment due to a more controlled pandemic and soon it will be the end of the hurricane season.

On the other hand, October is the month in which my daughter, Gabriela, who many of you know, was born. So, for me it is the celebration of my existence as a mother, the month when some years ago I discovered the purest and most perfect love... that of a mother for children. October is a very special month for me, full of memories and great emotions that are accompanied by little witches and ghosts.

And then, after October is over, comes Thanksgiving, the PHA golf Cart Parade, all the 1,000 Christmas parties, the 3 Kings Horseback Parade, etc. You will see the coverage in our Jannuary 2023 edition, which also marks the 15th anniversary of our magazine. s

Lissette Rosado.