Plantation Voice
In this Edition President’s Report pg. 2 POA Update pg. 3 GM Report pg. 4 COVID-19 pg. 5 Forward Tees pg. 6 Caring Neighbors pg. 6 Security Update pg. 6 ARB Report pg. 7 Rose Hill Golf Club pg. 8 Alligator Safety pg. 9 Election Results pg. 9 TLC pg. 10 Rose Hill Roundup pg. 11 Welcome New Owners pg. 11 Page 1
March 2020
www.rosehillplantation.net
I have made several attempts at writing this quarter’s contribution to the Plantation Voice. As you can imagine, Covid-19 has been the priority along with our response and actions to protect our community. I will take this opportunity to address the Covid-19 virus and then speak to what I’ll call “the elephant in the park”. Covid-19: As everyone is aware, this virus has created unprecedented times for our society as a whole and our community as well. This virus knows no bounds. It affects everyone in some way, shape, or form. Our state has 456 confirmed cases and Beaufort County has 3 known cases. Our own Equestrian Center has one known exposure to a confirmed case outside of Rose Hill. They are taking excellent measures to quarantine those exposed, working with authorities, and caring for the horses boarded at the Center. This is shared, not to induce panic, but to let you know, we are not immune to what is happening around us. We have thus far, and will continue to take necessary steps to protect our members. Our General Manager and her team have the full faith and support of the Board as we deal with this major issue. Through all of this, they are still maintaining the normal day to day Plantation operations of Rose Hill. At the same time, realize that given the workload and this virus, some aspects of operation will need to be prioritized. Be kind, be patient; We may not agree with every action taken, but now is not the time to swim upstream. They and your Board are doing our best to keep our members aware and safe as possible. Be cognizant of the issue, take precautions, follow federal, state and local authorities and we’ll get through this together.
Congratulations to our newest Board Member, Ty Klopke! Ty brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as the perspective of a younger family indicative of the changing demographics of Rose Hill Plantation. Also, congratulations to Sean Casey as he was reelected for another term and I, myself, am pleased to serve you for another term as well. We have challenges as we move through this unsettling time. However, your Board has members with a host of talents and experience. Our goals for the coming year are to continue the improvements in communication, guide our new committee, Common Grounds (with their new Chair, Bill Dorson), develop both the Rose Hill Strategic Plan and the Rose Hill 10 Year Master Plan. As these efforts take shape, you will be in the loop as to how they progress and have the opportunity to provide input. There are many capital improvements scheduled for 2020. However, as a Board, we will continue our Quarterly Financial Reviews to determine in the current environment what expenditures are priority and what expenses can be held until we have a better grasp of what financial impact the virus will have on our community. To all our members, Rose Hill continues to be one of the best places to live and enjoy the Low Country of South Carolina. Stay safe, stay well, Best regards, Tony Board President
51st Annual RBC Heritage April 13 - 19 For information on schedule of events, pricing and parking please check out the RBC Heritage website at www.rbcheritage.com Cover photo courtesy of Kate Chiaffolo. Marsh Walk at Colleton Point on March 7, 2020 Page 2
March 2020
www.rosehillplantation.net
Dear Rose Hill Residents: There is nothing more important to us than the health and well-being of our Rose Hill residents. Our decision making is rapidly evolving with the COVID-19 situation. We continue to diligently follow government and public health guidelines concerning the COVID-19 virus. Our priority is to support our community during these uncertain times. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. We truly value your feedback, thoughts and feelings, and we will get through this together. Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, and each other. To minimize the health risks as much as possible, the Board has chosen to follow state and federal guidance. Below are the actions we are taking: 1. The POA Office will be closed to foot traffic but will continue to conduct business through email, phone calls and other electronic means till further notice. 2. We encourage residents to contact the staff by email or phone with any concerns. Our Office number is 843-757-2450 and our email addresses are listed on the back page of this publication. 3. The ARB will be accepting change requests and new construction applications by email at arb@rosehillpoa.com. The ARB will temporarily waive all deposits; however, fees are still required if applicable. 4. The ARB is working on a set of Pre-Approved Guidelines for small, common change requests such as repainting a house the same color, re-roofing and general repairs. This list will be eblasted to residents and uploaded to the Rose Hill Member’s website once it is available. We will continue to conduct ARB inspections. 5. Most of the Office staff is working remotely from home. Please be patient as we work to answer everyone in a timely manner. 6. We encourage residents to pay their assessments online or use the locked drop box located at the front door of the POA Office to drop off checks. 7. We will keep the website & message boards updated with messages from the Board, committees & staff. 8. We encourage committees to meet via our free conference call number or to reschedule meetings till further notice. 9. Rose Hill Operators (Golf Course, Equestrian Center, Restaurant and Tennisclub of the Lowcountry) are independently managed and each operator will be making their own action plan. Please call the operator for business hours and conditions. 10. Rose Hill Equestrian Center is currently in Phase 3 Lockdown. Please see the attached Equestrian Plan of Action for more details. 11. In following with Governor McMaster’s requirements, Oak Terrace at Rose Hill will be closed till further notice. Delivery services will not be available during this time. 12. All Rose Hill amenities are suspended till further notice. This includes Colleton Point Pavilion, pools, playground, etc. If you have reserved Colleton Point, please make alternative arrangements. 13. All food deliveries, including Instacart, Publix, or restaurant deliveries are not charged a gate fee. Above all, our thoughts are with those affected by the virus, particularly those who are sick. We wish them a speedy recovery, and we remain inspired by our healthcare workers and others who are caring for people in our community and around the world. A moment like this is a reminder about how we all need to band together to overcome challenges and complexities. Our staff and Board of Directors are here for you, and we’ll continue to keep you updated and informed. Stay well, Crystal, GM
Hello Rose Hill Residents! Spring is in the air and we know this not just because we lost an hour of sleep, but because a nice blanket of yellow pollen has kissed every outdoor surface we see. A bittersweet time for all of us with allergies. As the weather warms up many of you will take this opportunity to go outside, enjoy the sunshine and get some fresh air. We kindly ask that you take this time to look at your property and see what may need power-washed or spruced up. This is also a great time to lend a hand to those neighbors who could use a little help around their property. The POA has been following the Coronavirus and has included information on how to help keep yourself from becoming vulnerable to this virus. Some of our committees that have members with distressed immune systems have opted to hold their meetings through web conferencing. The POA staff is working remotely. We can be reached by email, phone, and text. The first quarter of 2020 has been a busy one. Your Board & POA Staff has worked tirelessly on numerous projects and developing policies that create a greater level of transparency within the community. COVID-19 The POA Office has put a plan of action in place to help keep residents, staff and guests safe during this time. We ask that you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your neighbors safe. If you have a guest coming to visit form out of state please ask them to self-quarantine for 14 days. The safety of our residents is extremely important and we appreciate your cooperation 278 & Rose Hill Intersection Senator Davis contacted the SCDOT Director of Government Affairs about our safety issues at 278. In early March, SCDOT asked the District Traffic Engineer to review the safety issues at our intersection. DOT has reviewed the traffic data and the number of serious collisions that have occurred at this intersection, and they agreed that the left turn signals should be switched to green/red. You may have already noticed this change. They are going to leave it blinking yellow only in the nighttime hours when traffic is very light. This is the first step in cutting down on the number of serious accidents we have at this intersection. We will continue to request additional attention to this intersection.
lems in common areas and making suggestions for the betterment of the whole community. 5B Bluffton Parkway and Connector Road At the February Board Meeting, Jack Diver spoke about the proposed Connector Road, which would border the west side of Rose Hill from 278 to the proposed realignment of Bluffton Parkway (5B). The Board has authorized the formation of an ADHOC committee to keep Rose Hill informed and active on this new development. The 5B committee was scheduled to have its first meeting on March 26, but was postponed due to COVID-19. Equestrian Center Many improvements have been made and continue to be made at the Equestrian Center. Stalls have been updated, bathrooms, the tack room, and laundry room are being renovated, and a new manure pad is being installed, just to name a few. We have a temporary occupancy agreement in place with Allison Campbell and after further negotiations, we anticipate a contract in place soon. Overflow Parking With the increase in golfers, tennis tournaments and restaurant events, the parking lot is filling up fast leaving motorists scratching their heads on where to park. The Board has approved one area past the current blacktop, under the power lines to be sectioned off as overflow parking. There is another area that is under consideration, as well. Once the overflow parking is available, we will ask that motorists to not park alongside the road. This is not a safe place for drivers or golfers. Your safety is our number 1 concern. Last, but certainly not least, stay well, stay healthy, stay safe. Respect the social distancing order and rely on reputable means for the most up-to-date and accurate news regarding COVID-19. Below are some links that you may find helpful: DHEC - https://www.scdhec.gov BCSO - https://www.bcso.net/ Office of the Governor - https://governor.sc.gov/
Kindest Regards,
Crystal, CMCA, AMS General Manager
Common Grounds Committee We could not ask for a better group of volunteers for our new Common Grounds Committee. They have hit the ground running and are being chaired by Mr. Bill Dorson who has done an excellent job in keeping the committee focused and engaged. They have been busy driving the community, assessing probPage 4
March 2020
The members of the Rosebuds and the Ladies Golf Association are certainly enjoying the warmer weather for their golf rounds. Both groups have increased their memberships bringing in participants from Rose Hill as well as other plantations. We have also had the opportunity to play at other area courses through golf exchanges and competitions in the Coastal Carolina Ladies League. Many of our members, along with the Men’s Golf Association, participated in a mixed tournament held at Rose Hill on New Year’s Day. This was a great outing with the golfers enjoying the camaraderie of their Rose Hill neighbors while at the same time participating in some friendly competition. If you are interested in joining either of these groups to play 9 holes with the Rosebuds or 18 holes with the LGA, please call the Rose Hill Golf Club at 843-757-9030 for more information. Jane Phipps
As many of you know, we have had several serious motor vehicle accidents on 278 by our entrance/exit driveways. We are currently working with the state DOT to make this intersection safer for everyone. When making a left hand turn from either the North or South entrance onto 278, straight traffic has the right of way. Jumping in front of straight traffic has resulted in multiple near misses. Sitting in the middle of the intersection while waiting to make a left hand turn into either the North or South entrance makes you vulnerable to accidents. Pulling forward of the Stop Line while waiting to make a left hand turn from either the North or South entrances onto 278 blocks the view of residents making a right-hand turn. Running the red light while going straight across 278 from North to South or South to North, Running the red light to make a left turn from the South or North onto 278, Running the red light when entering either the North or South side from 278, All these actions are putting our own residents and other travelers at risk. Slow down, be patient. The accidents that occur just aren't worth it. Additionally, make sure to stop at the entrances so the Guard can identify you. Don't roll through. Turn your headlights off at night as you enter the Plantation so the Guards can read your sticker.
Caring Neighbors continues to be actively involved in helping the residents of Rose Hill and the surrounding Bluffton area by assisting those in need on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. The services we provide include the following: ● ● ● ●
Transportation to appointments, shopping, or errands. Assistance with minor chores and maintenance. Telephone calls or home visits. Providing meals during recuperation from surgery or illness.
As spring approaches, the pools will be opening soon. Please remember to be respectful of everyone at the pools and to follow the rules. We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe time. Chief Joe Schetting
DOT Real Estate In February, we had a Valentine gathering for our volunteers and the people we assist. Colleton Point was decorated, and a simple meal was served by our Board of Directors. It was a lovely evening with the participants enjoying the opportunity to socialize with others who are a part of our organization. Our current Board members include Sheryl Inglefield, Ginnie Lee Chalmers, Jane Phipps, and Cathy Michael. For more information about Caring Neighbors, visit our website at caring-neighbors.org. Page 6 March
2020
Global Reach With A Local Touch
C o lle e n J a c q u e s R e a lto r
704-877-6122 Lowcountry@ColleenJacques.RealEstate
www.Col leen Jacq ues. RealE stat e
www.rosehillplantation.net
New Construction New Construction Conceptual Re-Roof Exterior Painting Patios Trampoline
Page 7 March
5 3
Windows Pools
3 3
10 4 1 1
Hot Tub Screen Enclosures Fence Replacement Garagre Door Replacement
1 2 1 1
2020
Change Request
App Fee
Insp Fee
Owner Dep
Builder Dep
New Construction
$1000
$450
$3500
$4500
Addition of Outbuilding
$250
$450
$250
$2500
Swimming Pools
$250
$100
$100
$2500
Porch/ Deck Enclosure
$250
$50
$100
$1000
Fences (survey required) $250
$100
$100
$1000
Roofs
$0
$100
$100
$1000
Driveway / Paver
$0
$100
$100
$500
Docks & Bulkheads
$1000
$100
$100
$2500
Painting House
$0
$0
$100
$300
Windows
$100
$100
$100
$1000
Misc. Modifications
$0 - $150
$100
$100
$1000
www.rosehillplantation.net
Greetings all from the Golf Shop, As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve had a very successful new player drive. Thank you for welcoming these new players to rose hill. The hospitality you’ve demonstrated to these new players on and off the course is a credit to you as golfers, and as a community. We are now fortunate enough to be able to book nearly all “prime time” tee times. The success we’ve had bringing new customers to the course is essential not only in being able to continue to improve the course but is essential in breaking the cycle of business failure and degradation of course conditions that has been prevalent in Rose Hill’s past. In fact, we are so confident in the future of our golf operation that we’ve already exercised our option to extend our lease of the golf property for five additional years. We remain committed to continued improvement of the course and to stabilizing the golf operation into the future. While we are very pleased to have the additional interest in playing our course, we realize that this is a very different situation than many of you are used to. Just a few short months ago you were able to just walk on any time you felt the urge. While it may have been nice from a convenience standpoint, it was a trajectory towards very certain business failure and yet another collapse of the course conditions. Presently, our platinum (premium) members can make tee times up to fourteen days in advance. Our new anniversary members can make tee times seventy-two hours in advance. They are further limited on weekends and holidays to play after 11:00. This means that platinum members have 14 day in advance tee-time reservations to secure premium tee-times well in advance whereas, our new Anniversary members will be limited to only 72 hours in advance tee-time reservations leaving them with only the tee-times our Platinum members didn’t want. Further, Anniversary members must tee-off after 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays freeing up prime early morning play for our Platinum members. Initially, we tried to further accommodate our platinum members by letting them know that we would squeeze a tee time between our regular spacing in those cases where they for one reason or another, didn’t make a tee time. This was a sound solution for what at the time was an infrequent occurrence. Unfortunately, some took what was intended as a rare accommodation as their normal, including walking on with a half-dozen players and requiring two squeeze times. This obviously had significant negative impacts, displacing regularly scheduled play and setting back pace of play. Ironically, on at least one occurrence these “walk on” players comprised of platinum members and anniversary members refused another walk on anniversary member who was sent to join them at the tee box by the starter. Effective Monday the 16th of March, we will be holding a full hours’ worth of tee times for platinum members. These times will be 9:40; 9:50; 10:00 and 2:00; 2:10; and, 2:20. These are going to be open for platinum members only from fourteen days in advance until thirtysix hours prior to the tee time. At thirty-six hours prior any unused tee times will be released to the public or anniversary members. Per the previous policy, the Saturday, Sunday and holiday morning tee times will not be available to anniversary members. With this addiPage 8
March 2020
tional set aside for platinum members, we are discontinuing the squeeze policy. This relatively new reality of full tee sheets means that every unused tee time represents the certain loss of revenue. Revenue needed to continue golf course improvements and to sustain already improved playing conditions and course operations. Therefore, to safeguard continued business viability we need to take measures to ensure we greatly reduce or eliminate this too frequent loss of revenue. Subsequently, we are adopting a tee time cancellation policy. The policy has already been communicated to our Anniversary members, has been added to our website booking page and other online booking engines for application to the public, and has now communicated to our Platinum Members by email. The policy simply requires a thirty-six-hour notice of cancellation of tee times you will not be using. Players are still encouraged to reserve space for as many players as they may reasonably expect, but this policy gives us one full day prior to the tee time to reassign those times you don’t want or won’t use to other members, or to sell them to the public. MGA and LGA event electronic sign up will be automatically closed out thirty-six-hours prior to play and any unused tee times will be returned to the open play pool for use by other members or the public. Late additions to a closed event are still permitted, but only to the point they complete the used foursomes. Owing to pace of play realities, additional tee times will not be added to a closed event. For other than MGA and LGA, the first occurrence of unused or missed tee times will result in a polite reminder from a staff member. Though we’ve added information about this policy to our website and, this may be where a member of the public will learn about. The second will result in a notation of the occurrence being placed in your customer record and loss of your privilege of having recurring tee times if previously allowed. A third or subsequent occurrence of unused or missed tee times will result in being assessed a charge for the unused tee time at our present rate for local area residents. Failure to make good on the assessed charge results in suspension of tee time privileges and for Anniversary members, loss of membership. We’re very excited about the future of Rose Hill Golf Club. The market has recognized the improvement in our product and our rounds are up to where they should be. Our Management team and staff is in place and ready for the upcoming season, and our Superintendent and his staff have been very busy preparing the course for a healthy awakening from what has been a bit of a confusing dormancy this year. We’ve several maintenance efforts scheduled for the next couple months that the course hasn’t seen in many years, and others that we’re able to start earlier in the year than usual. In short, its going to be a great year and we’re happy to have you with us. Thanks, and see you on the tee, Ownership and Staff Rose Hill Golf Club 4 Clubhouse Drive Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-9030 www.rosehillplantation.net
Being safe around alligators is straightforward. Concerns about having negative encounters with alligators can largely be dissolved with common sense and an understanding of alligator behavior. To put in the risk of alligator attack context, you are more likely to get struck by lightning or win the lottery than you are to be seriously injured by an alligator. In South Carolina only 11 alligator bites have been recorded since 1948, none of which resulted in fatalities. Just think of all the people, pets, and children that coexist with alligators every day with no incident. Still, alligators are large carnivorous predators that demand respect. Enjoy encountering them in the wild, and you can feel safe by taking into account the following: *
Don't feed alligators.
*
Keep your distance.
*
Do not attempt to move alligators out of the road.
*
It is illegal to harass or throw things at alligators.
*
Never disturb nests or small alligators.
*
Do not attempt to keep alligators as pets.
*
Keep your pets and children away from alligators.
*
It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators
*
Do not corner alligators
Thank you to each candidate who participated in the 2020 Annual Election. We appreciate your interest in serving on the Board. We want to thank Jack Diver for his years of duty and commitment to the Rose Hill Board of Directors. Jack was a true asset to the Board and will continue to be an asset to Rose Hill Plantation. Thank you for your hard work and loyalty to Rose Hill Plantation! Congratulation to the newly elected directors: Sean Casey, Tony LaMartina & Ty Kopke.
Page 9
March 2020
www.rosehillplantation.net
Leagues are back in full swing at TLC with more teams competing at all levels. It has been great to see the different age groups out there playing from 18+ to 70+. The best thing about tennis is that it is a sport for a lifetime. Our Junior tennis program is a monthly program and we have something for everyone ages 4-15 years. Go to our website at www.tlcrosehill.com for the junior schedule and information about our programs, or call the Pro Shop at 843-271 6401. We have had some great social events at the club – 4.0+ afternoon socials; Valentine’s event; parent/child tennis; Sunday socials; evening tennis for men and plenty more. With all this tennis going on, you do not want to miss the opportunity to be involved! Stop by, call us at 843-271-6401, or visit our website at www.tlcrosehill.com With the severity of the Coronavirus we will keep you posted if activities at the Club change. You can check out website or Facebook page for the latest news at TLC. See you on the courts!
Oak Terrace Regular Hours of Operation Lunch 11am - 6pm Sun - Wed., Until 5pm on Dinner Nights Dinner 5pm - 9pm Thurs., Fri. & Sat. Only Happy Hour Daily 4pm - 6 pm + Appetizers 4-Close daily Sunday Brunch 10am - 3 pm
Page 10 March 2020
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Board Meeting 6:30pm @ Colleton Point Good Friday Office Closed Easter Sunday
Tony LaMartina - President tony@rosehillpoa.com
Sean Casey - Treasurer sean@rosehillpoa.com
May 5
Board Meeting 6:30pm @ Colleton Point Cinco De Mayo
May 10
Happy Mother’s Day!
May 25
Memorial Day POA Office Closed
April 7 April 10 April 12 May 5
Larry Beckler - Vice President larry@rosehillpoa.com
Mike Small- Secretary mike@rosehillpoa.com Fran Richards - Director fran@rosehillpoa.com Minerva Castro-Hernandez- Director minerva@rosehillpoa.com
NANCY A. & KENNETH F. BULLARD THE NATHAN ALPHONSE CARON ROSS A. COX LUCAS IVAN JOFRE LOPEZ KENNETH H. KRAUSS LAUREN L. MARTEL DENNIS & SUSAN MCGOWAN BENJAMIN T. MCKENZIE PEGASUS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TED M & JILL M PRZYBOCKI PAMELA A. RYAN JOHN W. & WENDY R. SONDERMANN ROBERT J. & LYNN K. ZIPSE
Ty Kopke- Director ty@rosehillpoa.com
Crystal Higginbotham - General Manager crystal@rosehillpoa.com Kristin Williams Knight - Office Manager kristin@rosehillpoa.com Toni Dowling- Administrative Assistant toni.dowling@rosehillpoa.com Ed Greene - ARB Administrator arb@rosehillpoa.com Lisa Darzas - Accounting Administrator accountant@rosehillpoa.com
Joe Schetting - Chief of Security joe@rosehillpoa.com North Gate 843-757-3001 rosehillnorthgate@gmail.com South Gate 843-757-3000 rosehillsouthgate@gmail.com Page 11 March 2020
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