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C O N T E N T S
July 2007
President´s Corner
PHA Board of Directors
PHA Executive Committee
PHA Board Changes
New Delegate President
Grafitti
Toddler´s Recreational Park
Beach Access
Beach Patrols
Beach Safety
Summer Youth Recreational Program
Youth Sailing Program
PHA Building Update
Emergency Medical Services
Hurricane Season
2007 Annual Homeowner´s Activities
John Wallace Award
Recordar es Vivir
A Palmas Bright Star
President´s Corner
As I begin my first year as President of the Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association. I want to thank you for your support and vote of confidence. I am counting on you. Our Delegates and my fellow Board members to help me guide this community through a dynamic period of growth and change that not only poses many challenges but also great opportunities. It is my intent to perform the duties as President with the same commitment and dedication I have given to every task you have entrusted to me in the past.
Enhancing our quality of life, improving our property values, providing a secure environment and good community services are my established priorities. I look forward to working with you as we move forward with projects and initiatives to support these priorities. Together we can make Palmas the dream community we all want it to be. Thank you.
Julio Bagué, President
PHA Board of Directors
Mr. Julio Bagué - President
Mr. Manuel Morales - Vice President
CPA Salvador Ramos - Treasurer
Ms. Rita Molinelli, Esq. - Secretary
Maj. Gen (Ret) Felix Santoni-
Director Mr. Jaime Morgan-Stubbe, Esq. – Director
Mr. Walter Fournier, Esq.
Architect Raul Rivera - Director
Mr. Victor Nieto - Director
Mr. Servando Diaz - Director
Mr. Daniel Vasse - Director
Mr. Edd Siler - Director
Mr. Luis Rodriguez, Director
PHA Executive Committee
Mr. Julio Bagué
Mr. Jaime Morgan-Stubbe, Esq.
Mr. Manuel Morales
Mr. Walter Fournier, Esq.
Ms. Rita Molinelli, Esq.
PHA Board Changes
At the PHA Annual Meeting three new Directors were seated at the PHA Board of Directors. Mr. Victor Nieto from Fairway Court was elected as the Director representing Voting District Three (3) replacing Joseph Maqueda. District Three (3) includes Fairway Courts, Montesol, Palmas Doradas, Aquabella and Palmanova Village.
Servando Diaz from Costa Verde was elected as Director representing Voting District Four (4) replacing Luis Lomba. District Four (4) includes Palmas Reales. Villa Franca, Palmas Plantation, Flamboyan Greens, Costa Verde and the Woods.
Rita Molinelli was elected for a full term as the Director representing Voting District Eight (8). Rita was serving an interim term replacing Lilliam Morales. District 8 includes Palmanova Plaza, Harbourside, Club Villas, The Plaza Resort and Montecarlo.
We thank Victor, Servando and Rita for stepping forward to serve the community in this most important role.
New Delegate President
The PHA Board of Directors has appointed Jose Juan Martinez as the new President of the PHA Delegates Committee replacing Julio Bagué. Jose Juan is the PHA Delegates from the MonteCarlo Neighborhood Area Association. He is a permanent resident of Palmas who is actively involved in several community activities and, in particular, the Youth Committee and the development of the youth program for Palmas Del Mar. Congratulations Jose Juan!
Grafitti
A new wave of vandalism in the form of graffiti is again impacting our community. Help us bring this situation under control. Acts of vandalism are punishable under law regardless of age. Please be vigilant and report immediately any acts of vandalism to PHA Security.
Toddler's Recreational Park
PHA has negotiated with Mr. Joaquín Soler, Palmanova Village Developer and long-time Palmas resident, the transfer of a 1.2 acre parcel located between the Tennis Center and the old Oliva's Restaurant. PHA's objective is to develop this centrally located parcel into a park for small children open to the entire Palmas community. This is a much needed community recreational facility. The parcel will be transferred to PHA at no-cost. The Permits Administration has already approved the parcel for a recreational park.
Beach Access
A new beach access to the Candelero Point area has been established between Crescent Beach and the new Solarea Project. The access is six meters wide with parking for 33 golf carts, landscaping and turn-around loop at the end. This access was provided by the developers of the Solarea project following a series of consultation meetings with a Dialogue Committee appointed by the PHA Board of Directors. Additionally, Palmas del Mar Properties, Inc. has also agreed to provide another beach access in the Candelero Point area between the Solarea project and the Beach Club. The establishment of this easement is pending review of the overall construction plan for the Candelero Point area. With these two easements, beach visitors will continue to have access to one of the best beach areas in Palmas del Mar.
Beach Patrols
The beach rescue mission has been recently added to PHA Beach Patrol services. Beach patrols have been trained and equipped to provide beach rescue services in the event of a drowning situation in addition to their primary security surveillance role.
Beach Safety
Beach Patrols are doing an excellent job keeping our beach areas safe and secure. However, be mindful that our beach areas are also known for very dangerous rip-tides and under-tow currents which can quickly turn your enjoyment into a deadly nightmare. As the summer gets hotter and the beach becomes more attractive, you need to exercise extreme vigilance when near the water. Keep children close to you and observe basic safety precautions.
Summer Youth Recreational Program
As recommended by the PHA Youth Committee and the Palmas Academy Student Advisory Council, PHA has coordinated a summer youth recreational program consisting of field trips, sporting events, dances and community service activities. These activities are being held during weekends commencing June 1, 2007 and will continue through June 29, 2007. Initial focus of this program is on youngsters age 12 thru 17. Trained and certified staff will be in charge of organizing and directing the activities. Medical certifications, authorization and release forms will be required. For more information contact PHA at 787-285-6430.
Youth Sailing Program 
Congratulations and many thanks to Dr. Ivan Aponte and his wife Tuti who organized this past April a beautiful sailing boat clinic for young teens and children. The event was a huge success and we hope is the precursor for a major program of this nature in Palmas. Plans are already underway and coordination is being effected by Ivan and Tuti to get this program going on a permanent basis at Palmas within next months. For additional information please contact Tuti Taboas Aponte at 787-473-4548.
PHA Building Update
Construction of the PHA Building is in its final stages and should be complete by the end of August.
Emergency Medical Services
PHA has reached an agreement with the government medical emergencies department to have paramedics assigned to Palmas during holidays, Holy Week and the summer from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. These medical technicians will be using a specially prepared golf-cart equipped with the required emergency equipment to respond to all type of emergency calls within the Palmas community. They will attend to the emergency, stabilize the person and, if needed, they will call for an ambulance to have the person moved to a treatment center. The paramedics will work in close coordination with PHA security and the Beach Patrols. Please call Palmas security at 787 852-7775 to request emergency medical assistance.
Hurricane Season
The Hurricane Season is here again (June 1- November 30). Now is a good time to review your preparations and your own contingency plan. As in years past, PHA will be set to go with its emergency planning and response teams to handle preparations, damage assessment, road clearing and security. You should review insurance policies, have videos/photos of your property, recheck your emergency equipment and identify a safe haven for your family. Go over the inventory of your survival kit: cash, medicines, gasoline, food-stuff, water, flashlight, batteries, radios, infant necessities, camera and film, pet supplies, toiletries, matches, etc. Don't forget to keep you telephone fully charged and the emergency numbers handy. The official Civil Defense Shelter for Palmas del Mar is the Luciano Rios School on Road 923 at Buena Vista ward.
2007 Annual Homeowners Activities
The Golf and Tennis Tournaments were a great success, the participation was superb! The highlight of the events was Annual Party- it was fantastic!
2007 Tennis Tournament Winners:
1st Place: Edgardo Montanez
2nd Place: Ingrid Mendez and Juan Jose Cruz
3rd Place: Maria del Pilar and Sandra Surillo
Special Award: Edgardo Montanez, Jr.
2007 Golf Tournament Winners:
2007 Dream Team: Fairlakes III
Ladies Special Awards:
Closest to the Pin #4, Tati Oliver
Closest to the Pin #8, Chela Villafane
Closest to the Pin #12, Millie Fuentes
Men's Special Awards:
Closest to the Pin #4, Tom Boucher
Closest to the Pin #8, Harry Torres
Closest to the Pin #12, Jaime Miranda
Other Special Awards
Straightest Drive #9, Nick Trogan
Longest Drive #16, Octavio Diaz
Congratulations to all the Winners!
John Wallace Award
The 2006 John Wallace Award was presented to Luis Lomba at the Annual Meeting. The John Wallace Award was instituted in 1991 to recognize distinguished members of the Palmas community whose outstanding contributions through community service go far beyond the expectations and distinguishes that person for its selfless dedication to improve the quality of life of Palmas del Mar. This award is presented in memory of John Wallace, a distinguished member of the Palmas community whose exemplary dedication to Palmas left behind a legacy of community service worth emulating.
With this award Luis Lomba was recognized for giving himself selflessly to the task of improving the quality of life of Palmas through his involvement in a myriad of projects, solving community problems and instituting community improvement initiatives. Luis served as a member of the PI-IA Board of Directors for nine years, Treasurer of PHA for six years and President of PHA for two years. He also served as Director and Treasurer of the PDMU Board for six years and as a PHA Delegate for nine years. Additionally, he served in nearly every committee constituted at Palmas to deal with issues affecting the entire community. Through his involvement in community affairs, Luis became a force to reckon with as he immersed himself totally in every major issue and problem affecting the community. A true champion of the Palmas community, he tackled the community's most difficult issues, handled the toughest volunteer assignments and generously gave of his time and personal resources to make Palmas del Mar a better place.
Well done Luis!!!
Recordar es Vivir
"Remembering Yesterday" is a Palmas del Mar Humacao community event held every year at the recreational plaza in front of the Catholic Cathedral in Humacao. This is a beautiful activity that allows people to live again the customs and traditions of past decades. It includes music, dancing, folkloric groups, artistic shows, antique car exhibition, typical food and artisan displays.
Last years event was dedicated to Jose (Toñín) Casillas, a Humacao native and a long time Palmas resident. Toñín has the distinction of being the first athlete from Humacao to participate in an Olympic event (Basketball).
Don't miss this great community entertainment event. Mark your calendars: Saturday, July 14''1. 6:00-11:00 p.m. Everyone is invited.
A Palmas Bright Star
Recently the University of Marquette Women Tennis Team performed a series of exhibition games a: Palmas del Mar. The highlight of this event was the participation of Francina Bonnelly daughter of Frank and Ninoska Bonnelly long time members of the Palmas community. Francina has been playing with the Marquette Team for the past four years and is currently the no. 3 Racquet of the team.
Francina's involvement in tennis began at Palmas del Mar and in 2003 was the Puerto Rico's National Champion in doubles earning her a full sports scholarship with the University of Marquette. She is a former Palmas Academy student and the Valedictorian graduate of San Antonio Abad. Francina graduates this summer as a Biomedical Engineer from the University of Marquette.
Congratulations Francina! Well done!
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