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What's New
Winter/Spring 2005
Newsletter
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P.E.C.E.S.
The Program for Community Education through Commitment and Service, Inc. (P.E.C.E.S., Inc. using the Spanish initials) was created to respond to the overwhelming social problems of unemployment, alcoholism, drug abuse, school desertion, violence, and family disintegration that abound in the rural cities and villages of southeastern Puerto Rico. The mission of P.E.C.E.S., Inc. is the educational, economic, and social development of southeastern Puerto Rico with a particular emphasis on Punta Santiago in Humacao. The mission is fulfilled by training youth leaders, by having a licensed accredited high school for school dropouts, by economic development programs and the creation of community businesses, by prevention oriented programs dedicated to the prevention of the abuse of drugs, alcohol, violence and tobacco, as well as by a community counseling and therapy center. In 2003, P.E.C.E.S., Inc. won the Tina Hills Award for excellence as a Puerto Rican nonprofit organization.
Although P.E.C.E.S., Inc. receives support from foundations, corporations and government agencies; these entities only give for specific designated purposes and often there are long, long delays before funds are received. What makes the realization of its mission possible and effective are the donations that are received from individuals. The donations made by individuals are the only source of funding for daytoday operations and make the difference in peoples lives. These donations are urgent and necessary for P.E.C.E.S. to continue its work. For this reason P.E.C.E.S. is requesting that you become a part of its mission and the transformation of lives through southeastern Puerto Rico. Your donation may be sent to:
Proyecto P.E.C.E.S., Inc.
P.O. Box 647
Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico 00741
Another way to make a donation is to donate a used car that could later be sold to raise funds for the organization. If you own a store or business you could also donate some items that can be raffled. Please remember that all donations are tax deductible in both Puerto Rico and the United States. P.E.C.E.S. responds to all donations with a letter than may be used for tax deduction purposes. You are invited to share the task of transforming lives. For more information contact Sister Nancy at (787) 852-5888.
PalmasPHA.com Back to the Top
Very soon you will be able to login through the internet and connect with PHA to find out the latest community news, obtain general information and get quick answers to your questions. This will be possible through a new web site being created for PHA and expected to be operational by midAugust. PHA's web development will be done in three stages:
Phase I publish information on PHA administration, governing structure, residential areas, covenants, rules and regulations, access control procedures, emergency plans and community news.
Phase II expanded community news, service directories, FAQ and answers, calendars and upcoming events, minutes of meetings, security data, chat rooms, email dropoff center.
Phase Ill set up additional emails, maintenance payments, classified ads, forms, surveys and polls, newsletter archive, page for Palmas youth, searchengine optimization and traffic monitoring individual and Regime pages.
Keeping Palmas Clean Back to the Top
Please help to keep our community and beach areas clean and beautiful. We encourage you to use the trash containers installed along cart paths and along the shoreline. Pickup any litter you may find as you walk or drive around in your golf cart and drop it at the next trash container along your way. Also, as many of your neighbors already do, carry a trash bag with you in the golf cart and fill it up with those unsightly treasures others may have left behind.
Please help us by setting an example others can follow. THANK YOU!
Security Follow Through Back to the Top
As parents, we all know what a difficult task it is to report a neighbor or friend's troublesome teenager to Palmas Security or even to the Police.
We are asking you to please followthrough. If the problem was bad enough for you to call for assistance, please take a minute to followthrough with the appropriate paperwork. Even though it may be difficult, everyone will win in the end.
Water Problems Back to the Top
On Thursday June 24, 2004, the 30" pipe from Rio Blanco Treatment Plant that supplies potable water to Humacao and Palmas del Mar was taken out of service for repairs. Consequently, PDMU water tanks at Buena Vista stopped receiving water at 6:30 a.m. that same day. However, thanks to the water reserve available at the Harbourlights tanks, Palmas del Mar continued to enjoy water service until Saturday noon.
It usually takes PRASA approximately 30 hours to repair this pipe and repairs were completed on Friday June 25th. The problem was that when PRASA tried to put the two pumps at the Rio Blanco Treatment Plant in operation, one of them failed, and the third pump, used for emergencies, had been sent to the maintenance shop for major repairs. Under these circumstances, the PDMU water system was unable to receive water from PRASA for almost four days. However, PDMU established a waterrationing plan that allowed water service to the community during the morning and evening, also providing five oasis (cistern trucks) to provide additional water service during the emergency.
On the night of June 27th, PDMU started to receive water from PRASA and reestablished the water service on Monday June 28th. PRASA finally repaired and reinstalled the failed pump the morning of June 29th and the water service was permanently fully restored. On July 4th, the 30" pipe broke again, but PRASA was able to repair the pipe on time and PDMU maintained water service throughout the community in spite of the problem.
Palmas Academy News. Back to the Top
Academic year 20042005 will start August 9th for elementary school and August 10th for secondary school. Enrollment is expected to reach 500 students with at least half from Palmas del Mar. The year plans include the construction of new facilities including the new library, which will be open to all Palmas del Mar residents. The track and field project is under way with the restored soccer field in the center. Tours are being offered throughout the months of July and August. For appointments please call (787) 850-9120.
Re-Paving and Illumination Back to the Top
Soon Phase IV of the replacement of the old temporary wood poles installed in common areas after hurricane Georges will begin. This is a continued effort by PHA paid by homeowners' funds. Phase IV includes Harbourview, Ridge Top, Cedro and Roble Valley streets. Phase V to begin in February 2005 will include Harbourlights and the remaining common areas within the complex.
Repaving of Palmas Drive from the Palmas Inn/Palmas Drive intersection to its end and repaving of Surfside and Shell Castle streets is scheduled at the end of July. This project may present some inconveniences to the neighbors in those areas. A flyer will be distributed announcing the exact days and times for the roadwork. Your cooperation, patience and understanding are highly appreciated.
Security Note Back to the Top
Recently, two individuals were apprehended by PHA Security and turned over to the State Police after burglarizing three homes in Palmas del Mar. Unfortunately, the individuals were set free by the judicial system as the homeowners' subject of the burglaries did not followthrough to prosecute the perpetrators. We now have these thieves running loose and again threatening the entire community. As a matter of fact, the evidence of another burglary following those cases point to the same suspects.
This is not what we want nor expect from responsible members of our community. The security and safety of our community starts and ends with each individual resident. We are all called to do whatever is necessary to keep our community safe and secure. This may require a little inconvenience on your part, but it is entirely worth it. Wouldn't you like your neighbor to do the same?
Beach Safety Back to the Top
Palmas del Mar Homeowners and visitors can enjoy the beauty and the pleasure that our beach areas offer. However, Palmas beach areas are also known for very dangerous rip tides and undertow currents which can quickly turn your fun into the worst nightmare. One drowning was experienced in July and several other people were rescued from having the same fate. The Department of Natural Resources has posted our beach areas as dangerous and swimming is not recommended. Although Security patrols have pulled several people in trouble, beach visitors should keep in mind that there are no lifeguards in these areas and thus extreme caution must be observed at all times when nearby the water. Please be particularly vigilant of children in beach areas.
Medical Emergency Exercise Back to the Top
On August 7, 2004 PHA will be conducting a drill to exercise the Palmas Contingency Plan to respond to medical emergencies in the event of a major catastrophe. The plan has been in effect for three years now. Its objectives include the identification of health professionals within Palmas that may be able to assist during a medical emergency and to prepare the community to act in an organized manner to deal with a major emergency until such a time as the appropriate authorities arrive to take over the situation. Should you wish to participate in this exercise, please contact Dr. Loyda Sánchez at (787) 850-1478.
Welcome New Board Members Back to the Top
The PHA Board of Directors welcomed its three new members at the Annual Meeting held in April 2004. They are: José E. Rossi representing District One; Manuel Morales representing District Five; and Lilliam Morales representing District Seven.
Hurricane Response Back to the Top
The Hurricane season is here again (June 1st through November 30th) and the experts are forecasting a rough time for the Caribbean. PHA is coordinating hurricane contingency planning with close collaboration from PDMPI and other entities within Palmas. As in years past, in the event of a hurricane, an Emergency Response Team with security and maintenance crews will be ready to handle last minute preparations and immediate deployment after hurricane passage. These teams will be performing the critical jobs of initial damage assessment, road clearing and property security.
It is imperative that you remain at home during the first hours after the hurricane to allow emergency response teams to perform their function so later on you may be able to move around in a safe manner. Palmas Security will be exercising strict control of movement of people and vehicular traffic throughout Palmas. Only emergency response vehicles will be permitted to circulate initially. Access to Palmas will be limited to residents and official vehicles. Security checkpoints will be established to exercise control of major residential and development areas. Only properly authorized personnel will be allowed through these points. This is being done for your security and safety as well as for the protection of the property.
Your cooperation, patience and understanding in the event of a hurricane emergency are a must. Please help!
PALMAS DEL MAR
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Back to the Top
The Palmas del Mar Business Association is an approved Neighborhood Association under the PHA. We are very proud of our contributions to Palmas and the community and encourage you to utilize and enjoy our services. Your support of our businesses is vital to the continued success of not only the businesses but the overall community. We appreciate any feedback, which in turn, helps us improve our services to you and the community. Feel free to call any member of the Board.
2004 Board of Directors
Mike Feeney (Pennysaver, 285-4040) President
Ninoska Bonnelly (Casa Bonita, 649-6361)
Jerry Uldry (BDI Golf Carts, 850-3260)
Diane Marsters (PDM Real Estate, 852-8888)
Frank Bonnelly (BBC Realty, 850-5800)
Listed below are the members in good standing -- Stop By and Visit Them!
Palmas Supermarket
Pennock Plants & Design
VIP Properties
The Flying Pizza
Caracoles
Plaza Steak House
Carts Pro
Dream Maid Service
K's Beauty Boutique
Palmanova Real Estate
Jack's de Puerto Rico
RE/MAX de Palmas
La Brochette
Marsters Real Estate
Native New Yorkers
Olivas Restaurant
Vias Car Rental
PDM Real Estate
Palmas Dive Center
PDM Country Club
Banco Popular
BBC Realty
Mailbox International
BDI Golf Cart Rental
Empresas Santana
Blue Hawaii
CPM Realty
GEMS Real Estate
Casa Bonita
WIF Slip Rental
Chez Daniel
Coconuts Cafe
Palmas Transport & Tours
Daniel By The Sea
DCI of Puerto Rico, Inc.
El Varadero General Store
Pennysaver
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