Dawn Levinstein

Hi all! Summertime is officially here, and I hope we will soon be able to see your smiling faces and that Covid-19 will be a distant memory. Yes, I know I keep saying this but I’m hoping if I say it enough it will come true! Seriously, I hope all of you are well and are doing what you need to stay healthy.

I have only two minor things to mention this month but don’t worry I will surely ramble on again next month.

First, a reminder that it is time for the PGA PO Annual Assessment due on July 1st. Last year the Board of Governors needed to increase the assessment but deferred it in consideration of the many residents who were out of work due to the virus and related restrictions. Your Board of Governors work hard to ensure that the PGA National community is well maintained and remains competitive with newer communities. Of course, you all know that PGA National is the best place to live!

The PGA POA annual assessment will be $765.00 this year. The notices were mailed June 1st so if you don’t have your assessment package by June 15th, please contact the POA office for a duplicate coupon.

The other reminder is regarding sidewalks within PGA National. We all learned to be courteous and to share by first grade so please re-live your childhood (heaven knows I do) and alert pedestrians when riding a bicycle and coming up behind someone. Headphones, ‘ear buds’ and other devices that detract from hearing should only be used over one ear or the volume lowered so that you can hear warnings. Everyone must share the same sidewalk; there are no bicycle paths in PGA National. Please be courteous and be careful!

Except for vehicles specifically designed for the disabled, motorized equipment is not allowed on the sidewalks. We are seeing more ‘electric bicycles’; they are prohibited on the sidewalks.

Section 6.14 of the PGA POA Rules states, “Golf carts, mopeds, gopeds, gocarts, scoters and other motorized equipment are not allowed on pedestrian/bike paths, sidewalks, parks, parking areas or grass and swale areas except in the course of maintenance duties….”

Thank you for abiding by the deed restrictions under which you purchased your home and for being courteous to your neighbors. Remember to practice smiling: we will soon see it without the mask!

Hi!  I’ve missed you! Hope everyone is staying healthy and continuing to use caution to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. 

Many of the seasonal residents and renters were back this year which is one reason why the POA office continues to work remotely.  We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are trying to protect you (and us) and keep everyone healthy.  We appreciate your continued cooperation.

Directions for getting a vehicle barcode; lease, sale, and ARC applications; and other info and updates can be found here on the POA website and of course you can always call our office at (561) 627-2800 if you have questions or need assistance.

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR INFO:

The POA now has the ability to send PGA property owners notices via email.   It is NOT the Board’s intention to regularly send email blasts but there are sometimes matters that are important to share quickly so please be sure we have your email address(es).   You can drop a note at the POA office with your name, PGA address and your email address or you can email same to me at DawnL@LangManagement.com and please copy JoAnnP@LangManagement.com so we can ensure the information is updated.  Remember to include your PGA Address when you respond.

ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS:

The PGA POA held the annual meeting (with masks, social distancing, sanitizers, and other protections in place).  In the PGA Resort Ballroom with the potential to seat approximately 1,000 people, we spaced seating to accommodate 300.  There were 73 property owners in attendance so here are some updates for those who did not attend:

Election Results:   Please welcome Ginny Luongo, Jack Hughes, and Sam Boyd back for another two year term and welcome new Board member Bill Health.  It was a good election with nine candidates.  Thank you to all who ran for election – the residents of PGA National are lucky to have so many dedicated and qualified people wanting to serve the community.    Many candidates will be joining POA Committees and will hopefully run again in the future.

Community Improvements:  The POA Board of Governors have tentatively selected an artist to design the sculpture planned at the “ellipse” at the main entry to PGA National.  I’ve mentioned it and some other projects for more than a year but the virus and other factors slowed the process.  Over the next few months, the POA will share the design with all the residents.  Funds for this work and the PGA Blvd enhancements still on the long range plans, have been collected in the annual budget’s Capital Improvements line item.

Playground:  Those in residence probably noted that the playground in Burwick park has been closed for 2 months.  There were some areas of rust and deterioration on the decks and a couple of the spring animals are damaged so please stay away from the play equipment.   The Board is in the process of selecting new equipment for BOTH Marlwood Park and Burwick Park, but it has to be manufactured and installed so it will be a while.   Residents may take children to Marlwood Park until we are able to have both play areas replaced.

Benches:  The POA used to have an “In Honor Of” program where property owners could purchase a tree, plant or bench in Masters Park.  The program was discontinued years ago but the benches and plants remain (of course).  The benches, that were supposed to be all recycled lumber and aluminum had one metal component that failed and cannot be placed so the benches are being replaced within approximately the next 30 days.

ABOUT THE MONEY

The Board is currently working on the budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year.   The new assessment notices will be mailed June 1^st and the assessment to PGA POA will be due July 1^st.  For the past few years, the annual assessment has remained at $740.00 but at this time it appears there may be a need for a small increase.   The Board deferred this last year due to the pandemic and they are doing their best to prevent an increase this year, but it might be unavoidable.

HAVE A GOOD SUMMER

For seasonal residents who are returning to your ‘northern’ homes, don’t forget to have someone available to secure your property in case of a storm.   It is also critical that you remember to set your alarm (which you should always do but certainly while you are away!).

Hi Everyone – We’ve missed you! This has been a stressful time for everyone and we would first like to thank you for your patience and understanding with the ‘social distancing’ requirements and our inability to meet with you in person. The POA staff has been in the office every day working to ensure that your community continues to be maintained and to ensure that ARC, sale and lease applications are all processed in a timely manner but the office remains closed.

We especially appreciate your understanding regarding the postponement of issuing new barcodes; the Board of Governors did not make the decision lightly. With businesses being closed and directives to stay at home, we hope this was not too much of an inconvenience. The good news is that the POA is now issuing barcodes for those who comply with the below restrictions. If your barcode is working you do not need a new one.

Please monitor this website for updates and info on when the POA office will re-open. When that occurs, we respectfully request that anyone coming into the office abide by the below restrictions.

In this article is information regarding the paving of Ryder Cup Blvd and other important changes that are taking place. If everyone continues to abide by the necessary restrictions and maintains their patience, we can prevent this pandemic from becoming a paindemic (sorry; just trying to maintain my silly, warped sense of humor).

PGA POA OFFICE:  The official re-opening date has not yet been determined but when it occurs, anyone entering the PGA POA office will be required to wear a face mask of some type (or a bandana/handkerchief if you don’t have a mask).  Social Distancing rules will remain in effect for your protection and ours.  A Plexiglas shield has been installed at the front reception area and yellow lines are marked on the floor for everyone to maintain social distancing. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation while we continue to work together for our mutual health and safety.

PAVING RYDER CUP BLVD: Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District (“NPBCID”) maintains the main roads in PGA National. Sometime during the month of June (or possibly early July) they will be paving Ryder Cup Blvd. They will mill (scrape down) the surface of the road then install a new lift (or layer) of asphalt. In an effort to give you as much advance notice as possible, we are mentioning it here but we do not yet have specific details. Signs will be posted prior to the commencement of the job and flagmen will assist with traffic once the work begins. As soon as the POA has information, we will contact each association President and Property Manager and ask them to send an email “blast” to their residents so be sure your management office has your email address on file.

BARCODES:   If your barcode is working you do not need to get a new one but if you are a new owner or tenant; if you have a new car; or if your barcode has failed and needs replacement, the following procedures must be followed to get a barcode. Only approved renters and PGA owners may receive barcodes and the vehicle must be registered to the property owner or approved tenant.  For the past 10+ years, the price of each barcode has been $5.00 but beginning July 1 st the cost will increase to $10.00 each to cover the POA’s purchase price. To get a barcode:

1. Make a copy of your vehicle registration (note: do NOT give us the original registration; you will not get it back)
2. Submit a check or money order payable to PGA POA in the amount of $5.00 (note: if your submittal is received on or after July 1, 2020, the cost will be $10.00 to PGA POA).
3. Be sure to include a note with your PGA Address and a phone number where you can be reached. Upon staff’s receipt of the above three items at the POA Office (7100 Fairway Drive #29 in the LA Fitness Plaza either via mail or by dropping the items through the mail slot in the bottom of the door) we will enter all required data in the computer and call you to let you know when you can stop by for your barcode.  When you are notified and arrive for the barcode to be attached, please DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR while staff attaches the barcode.  They are attached to the outside of the rear passenger window so doors and windows can remain closed.

ASSESSMENTS:  The annual assessment notice has been mailed.  If there is any reason you cannot pay the $740.00 annual assessment to PGA POA by the July 1st due date, it is important that you contact the POA by phone (561) 627-2800) or email to DawnL@LangManagement.com

ARC SUBMITTALS:  The POA ARC has been holding its regular meetings and will continue to do so in order to process your requests in a timely manner.  If you have questions regarding work you are planning, please call Lori at (561) 627-2800.  We respectfully request that owners with items to be reviewed not attend the meeting personally or if you wish to attend, please call Lori prior to the meeting date as special procedures (e.g.: attendance via conference call) will remain in effect for all attendees.

Don’t forget that storm season has officially begun (so I can’t use the “H” word) but remember that ARC approval is needed if you plan to install storm protection, generators (or make any changes to the outside of your home).

PARKS:  As of the date this article was drafted, the PGA POA Parks remain closed in accordance with Palm Beach County Emergency Orders. The equipment is not sanitized. 

CHILDREN’S PARTY: For the first time in 33 years the Children’s Party in the Park had to be cancelled. We sincerely hope that D&D BBQ Catering (who have done an excellent job handling the event every year) will be able to survive this difficult economic time and that next April everyone can safely come to the Park for the rescheduled 33rd event!

The residents of the PGA National community have been wonderful through this unprecedented event. We hope you will continue to abide by self-distancing restrictions; be diligent with hand washing and surface sanitation practices; and use caution at all times to remain healthy.

Wishing you a safe and happy summer!

First, the PGA POA Board and staff would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Below are the updates regarding the POA office as of the end of March as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We hope that by the time you read this in April, things will have changed for the better.

Regarding the CHILDREN’S PARTY IN THE PARK, planned for April 25th, we are unsure at this time, whether the event will go on as planned. Please check back here at the website for updates. The website will also show updated information regarding PGA-POA office hours and operations.

As of Monday, March 23, 2020, the POA office remains open for business but the POA LOBBY IS CLOSED. Lang Management’s POA team is taking calls and of course, responding to emails. Contact information for PGA POA services is listed below. Both Lori (ARC/Compliance) and I are on site regularly; POA related service orders are being handled; and POA landscape personnel are working per usual. Staff will continue to respond to all calls, we will just miss seeing you in person!

THE ISSUING OF ALL BARCODES WAS SUSPENDED AS OF MARCH 26, 2020.  Returning approved renters who have an inactive PGA Barcode can call (561) 627-2800 and we should be able to re-active it.  All others (owners and renters) who need a barcode will not be able to obtain one at this time.  You will still be able to enter; you will just need to show the guard a photo ID during access-controlled hours We regret the inconvenience.

FISHING LICENSES ARE NOT BEING ISSUED AT THIS TIME. We appreciate your understanding.

ALL PGA POA Parks (i.e.: Marlwood Park, Burwick Park and Masters Park) ARE CLOSED. Equipment is not being sanitized. Signs have been posted.

Some residents or their tenants are putting household trash in the trash receptacles in the parks and on certain street corners. This is NOT permitted. Please be aware that cameras are in use and removal and dump fees as well as fines will be issued to anyone dumping. If you or your tenant have household trash that cannot be placed at the curb on collection days, you can bring it to the LA Fitness Plaza and put it in the POA’s dumpster which is located behind the plaza at the far north end (i.e.: closest to the Green Turtle Car Wash area).

CONTACT INFO FOR PGA POA:

ALL CALLS: (561) 627-2800 – For urgent after-hours calls, please contact PGA Security at 561-627-1600

PGA SECURITY: (561) 627-1600

SALES AND LEASES: Above phone number or email LaurenU@LangManagement.com (copy to
DawnL@LangManagement.com)

ARC/COMPLIANCE MATTERS: Above phone number or email: LoriM@LangManagement.com (copy to
DawnL@LangManagement.com)

GENERAL ADMIN: Above phone number or email: JoAnnP@LangManagement.com (copy to
DawnL@LangManagement.com)

This PGA POA website has all the forms and information that you may need… please check here first.

The website also has the contact phone number for your community’s management company. Please do not call PGA POA for information about your community’s policies and procedures during this difficult time. You will need to call your association’s management office.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding and hope that you will remain diligent about following directives. Stay Safe and we will re-open for regular business as soon as it is safe to do so.

FUN THINGS FIRST

The Annual Children’s Party in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Masters Park. This event is open to residents and their guests and is fun for all ages. If you haven’t been, you have to stop by! Carnival type rides and games and, of course, prizes. There will also be popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones free of charge but if you want a hotdog or hamburger you have to buy a Food Pass in advance. The first official notification will be in the next issue of this newsletter and the postcards will be mailed to every address in PGA National on approximately March 27th so that you can RSVP in plenty of time. Hope to see you there!

THANK YOU

We wanted to thank you for your patience and cooperation during the last week of February and for another successful Honda Classic event! PGA POA appreciates the residents’ understanding and delaying projects on their homes that cause noise to carry along the Championship Golf Course.

SEASON ENDING

As the seasonal residents prepare to return to the summer homes, please take a moment to ensure the following items are addressed: If you have newspaper delivery, please remember to cancel it before you go. Nothing says “I’m not here so go ahead and break in” like several newspapers piling up on the driveway! Also, please remember that while you are at your other home enjoying the lower temperatures (and I wish I was too) that June 1 through November 30th is Hurricane Season. Please be sure that you have made arrangements for someone to secure your property in your absence. This means picking up and storing patio furniture as well as putting up or closing hurricane protection devices. I was shocked at how many owners left plywood in place last year after the storm passed and past the November 30th deadline. Shame on you if you were one! Aside from violating PGA POA deed restrictions, it is an insult to your friends and neighbors (and golfers along the courses) to have to look at the boarded up house and, again, is an announcement that you are not in residence.

The POA annual assessment is mailed on June 1st and payment is due July 1st so don’t forget to let us know if you need your mailing address updated (call 561-627-2800).

Here are some other reminders if you plan to be away for an extended time:

LIGHTS: Leave some exterior lights on and have your ‘house-sitter’ or a friend replace bulbs as needed. Remember, the “bad guys” like to hide in the dark. By lighting the outside of your house, your neighbors and the security patrols will be better able to see anyone who may be in your yard or near your home. Remember, POA Architectural Review (“ARC”) approval is needed for any exterior changes, including installing exterior lights. Inexpensive timers can be placed on lamps throughout the inside of your home. If anyone is watching the house, this will help give the appearance of someone being home.

AIR CONDITIONER: Under no circumstances should the air conditioning be turned completely off. Doing so will cause mildew inside your home! Set the thermostat at approximately 80 degrees and set the fan switch on ‘automatic’. You may want to place an anti-algae tablet in the drain pan below the Air Handler to help prevent a blockage in the drain line and subsequent water damage. If you have a humidistat, follow manufacturer’s directions.

REFRIGERATION: If you will be gone for an extended period, empty the refrigerator, clean it and turn it off but LEAVE THE DOORS OPEN on both the refrigerator and freezer.

WATER: Turn off the master valve if possible. Do this at least 3 hours before leaving and, after one hour, check the valve for leaks. If it is not possible to turn off the water, have your house-sitter or a friend check the washing machine valves when they inspect the home weekly. If you will be gone for a month or longer, it is suggested that your house-sitter run water in the sinks and flush the toilets to keep internal components from drying out and causing odors.

TOILETS: Remove bluing containers from the tanks, they are caustic and may cause rust or damage to components in the tank.

ELECTRIC: Unplug major appliances such as televisions, radios, etc. or turn off the breakers in the breaker (“fuse”) box. DO NOT TURN THE BREAKER OFF FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER OR FOR THE REFRIGERATOR (UNLESS YOU ARE CLEANING OUT THE REFRIGERATOR AS ABOVE). Please be sure breakers are left on for any circuits controlling exterior security lights and/or lamps placed on timers.

Have a wonderful summer!

ANNUAL MEETING

Thank you to everyone who mailed in their ballot. There were some very qualified candidates again so thanks also go to the Nominating Committee. The POA Board members elected this year are Keith Ahronheim, Bob Brown, Mike Engelsher, Ralph Infanti and Bob Kramer.
Congratulations everyone!

For those who were not able to attend the meeting, you missed a good one! The POA celebrated its 40th Annual meeting and everyone was given a re-usable shopping bag containing discount coupons for local businesses, umbrellas and golf towels. The Board then held a raffle of a number of great items including cash gift cards, dinners, and a Best Buy $500.00 Grand Prize. Thank you to Patty Pond and the Special Events Committee who organized the event. Patty completed the second year of her Board term; she will be missed. Llywd Ecclestone, the Developer of PGA National, was kind enough to attend this year and gave a brief history of PGA National. It was interesting to hear how PGA, one of the first planned unit developments in South Florida came about and how far the community and the area have come over the years.

BICYCLES

I think I mentioned that there would be some detailed information in this issue regarding bicycles. Please see the enclosed article titled “BICYCLES”. In PGA National, there are no marked bicycle lanes so drivers must share the road. Cyclists should also have lights on the front and back of their bicycle. I came upon a cyclist properly riding along the right curb but it was dark and they were wearing dark clothes with no lights or reflectors. Another car was approaching so I had headlights in my eyes and if both of us did not have our guardian angels with us it could have been tragic. I saw my headlights glint off the aluminum wheel and realized they were in front of me and was able to go around them.

It is important for cyclists and drivers to read through the article. I certainly learned a lot but it boils down to what we learned in first grade: Be courteous and share! In this case, share the road and be patient.

CENSUS

It is again time for the US Census. Everyone must respond and it is suggested that you fill out and mail back the form you will receive in the mail; otherwise, someone may be knocking on your door. To get more information about the census, go to www.2020census.gov Please be aware that information collected may only be used for statistical purposes and no other purpose. For information about the Census Bureau’s data protection and privacy program go to www.census.gov/privacy

Only three things to discuss this month:

FIRST – THE JOY DRIVE (Toy Drive)
Last month I challenged everyone to beat the POA staff in filling up a box in the POA lobby for the City of Palm Beach Gardens’ annual toy drive. Congratulations to Eagleton Estates HOA who had the clever idea of asking owners attending their holiday party to bring a new unwrapped toy. YOU GUYS ROCK! The generosity of not only Eagleton Estates but of ALL the PGA National residents certainly made the holidays special for some well deserving young people in the area.

Lori Moody and I also had the opportunity to help out with the wrapping and I have to tell you the Palm Beach Gardens staff who coordinate this massive undertaking do a fantastic job. It is a lot of work but I’ve never seen such a well-organized and coordinated operation. Thank you to all who made the event a success. We look forward to doing it again next year.

SECOND – THE ANNUAL MEETING
You should have received the meeting notice and balloting info for the PGA POA Annual Meeting being held on Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:00 p.m. in the Masters Ballroom at the PGA National Resort.

It is important that every property owner take the time to vote. It only takes a moment to send in your ballot but sadly, only a little over 25% of the owners typically cast their ballot. There are nine members of the PGA POA Board of Governors and this year, owners will be electing five Board members who will serve a two year term. If you have any questions about the voting procedure, just call the POA office (561-627-2800) and we will be happy to assist.

The secret is that this will be the 40th Annual meeting of the PGA Property Owners Association. PGA National has come a long way in the past 40 years and the Board of Governors has decided to recognize this milestone. I don’t want to give everything away but at the end of the meeting in addition to the Honda Classic ticket drawing, the Board will be having a separate drawing for prizes. You must attend the meeting and be present for the drawing in order to win.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST – A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO ALL OWNERS
One of the things that make PGA National such a great place is the people who live here; an example is evident in my opening paragraph of this article. The POA office has a staff of only four and while we are often the big meanies who send you reminders when something needs attention at your home or in your community, the property owners always step up and address the items right away. When we put out the call for assistance, you step up and help out and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding. As we all start a New Year, we wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks for making our jobs easier and for all you do to keep PGA National looking good (even after 40 years) and for making this a great place to live.

Wishing all of you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year!

This month’s article is mostly about animals but for those with “In Honor Of” markers in Masters
Park, we have an update: The replacements for the stones will be installed in the next 60 days.
The stones were on the ground and constantly being knocked over and they were always
muddy. After several alternate designs for new markers that wouldn’t be moved by malicious
people, we found an engraved marker which will be mounted at a 45% angle on a post. We
appreciate your patience while a suitable replacement was found for the stones. For anyone
wanting to purchase or install a monument, please note that the program was discontinued quite
some time ago so new gardens/trees/memorials/markers cannot be purchased.

GATORS: Just a reminder that Alligator Mating and Nesting Season is here again. Use caution
around bodies of water and NEVER let dogs swim in the lakes or canals or get close to the
water’s edge. All of the water bodies are connected which means that alligators that are
normally in the western preserve can have access to any other area. Never feed them under
any circumstances. When they associate humans with food, it becomes a dangerous situation.
If the animal is aggressive, you can contact your community’s Property Manager or the FWC
Alligator Nuisance Hotline at 866-392-4286 [Read more…] about Property Manager’s Report – March 2019

YOUR PGA POA BOARD OF GOVERNORS
For those who were unable to attend the PGA POA Annual Meeting last month, I’ve listed the names of the POA Board and their titles. Nancy Hebel was welcomed as a newly elected member. Your Board of Governors include Mike Engelsher, President; Jack Hughes, Vice President; Bob Kramer, Treasurer; Ginny Luongo, Secretary; and Directors Keith Ahronheim, Sam Boyd, Ralph Infanti and Patty Pond. Board meetings will continue to be held on the 4th Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the POA Office. Meetings notices for Board and Committee meetings are posted in the POA office storefront and here on the website. All Board and Committee meetings are open to all property owners.

WHAT IS GOING ON?
You probably recall that the POA Long Range Planning Committee has mentioned plans to enhance the ‘ellipse’ (a/k/a the traffic circle) but it will be several more months before the Maintenance and Long Range Planning Committees have plans finalized enough to share details. In summary, the elevation will be raised (similar to the height of the Mirasol entry opposite Ryder Cup Blvd) and a free-form sculpture will be placed in the middle. Low stone accent walls will be added near each of the four intersecting roads (ie: Avenue of the Champions, Fairway Drive, and the office building driveway) and, of course, spectacular landscaping so that the entry is worthy of the PGA National community.

The aforementioned committees will also be working on improving the PGA Blvd frontage. The POA would like to remove all of the ficus trees and totally replace the landscaping and trees; however, this is a HUGE project and City approval is, of course, required. Details will not be available for a least another year and, as indicated, this is on the long range plans so actual work won’t start for quite some time.

General maintenance and improvements are always on-going. Your Maintenance Committee and Board of Governors work closely and they will continue to address areas that need improvement. The gardens in Masters Park are due for an “overhaul” and the Northlake Blvd landscaping along the wall (west of Ryder Cup Blvd) will be replaced within the next year. Each project is completed on a schedule that allows the work to be done without special assessments or a large impact on your assessments. Your feedback is always appreciated.

NOTE THE DATE FOR FUN
Plans for the Annual Children’s Party in the Park are being finalized. If you are new to PGA National, please make a note of the April 27th date so you can be at Masters Park from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The event is fun for children of all ages (including those young at heart) and is for residents of PGA National and their guests. Hotdogs, hamburgers, popcorn, cotton candy and other treats are available. This year the climbing wall is back but will now have a few sides so a couple climbers can compete to get to the top; the giant slide will be back (of course!); the bungee trampoline, bounce houses, and other carnival type rides will available. Attendees can also make Frisbee Spin Art or get their photo taken with ‘Photo Magic’ and have it attached to key rings and other items (yes, you get to keep your designs!) and the ‘games master’ gets everyone organized for relay races, sack races, water balloon toss, etc. Naturally, stuffed animals are awarded to the winners of all games. Postcards with all the details and the required RSVP info will be mailed to each residence in PGA National in March and a notice will also be included in this newsletter next month.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY
Happiness depends upon ourselves (Aristotle).