Issue 2, 2015 - Club Cascadas de Baja

Club Cascadas de Baja
M E M B E R S ’
J O U R N A L
/
F A L L
2 0 1 5
MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Hola amigos, and greetings from
Cascadas!
Once again, maintenance weeks have
passed and I am reminded of what we
went through one year ago with the
aftermath of hurricane Odile. Since
then we have been working non-stop
to restore the property. Club Cascadas was the first resort to
react to the hurricane damage and we were among the first
to re-open. Even still today, there are leading hotels here
which have been unable to return to their normal activities.
I look at the post-hurricane photos and then look at the
resort today and I feel so proud to have such an efficient
team on board here.
I would like to express my appreciation to Mark Giddings
who ended up being the one responsible for all of the
reconstruction efforts and was an inspiration to all of us.
Mark is looking at ways to keep the Club fresh and new
while sticking to the philosophy which distinguishes us
from the rest and makes us unique; something that our
members like so much.
This past year has also been one in which we have focused
on the training of our employees. We contracted specialized
professionals to come to the resort to coach our staff on
things such as attitude and service, and we are going to
continue this program as it has produced very good results
so far.
The Cascadas Beach Grill has also been totally renovated.
We still serve the same specials as we have in the past
(which I’m sure you know well), but don’t forget that
you can always request “off-the-menu” items with a little
advance notice.
Once again, I want to thank Mrs. Patricia Giddings and
her family for their invaluable and constant help with
the Club. Thanks also to the board of directors for their
unconditional support and confidence in me over this past
year of so many changes; and to the Legacy Committee
for their selfless support. Thanks also to Trading Places,
and especially Luis Moran for his careful oversight of the
association’s funds. It is an honor to belong to this great
family. And to each and every one of you – many thanks!
Daniel Holzkan
General Manager
Employee Spotlight – Israel de la Torre
My name is Israel De La Torre Darancou. I was born in Juarez Chihuahua Mexico on October 10, 1978. I have
four beautiful children: Jehzeel-17, Jahzeel-15, Vianca-11, and Marlene-3.
When I was 13 years old we moved to the state of Utah in were I attended high school. At the age of 18 I moved
back to Mexico and started teaching English and working at local hotels as a waiter and front desk clerk.
Thirteen years ago I came to Cabo for a visit and never went back to my home in Puerto Vallarta. Twelve years ago
I started working at Club Cascadas de Baja for the first time. I have worked for Club Cascadas de Baja a total of three times. First, as a
front desk clerk, then as an English teacher for the staff, and the third time as both a Front Desk clerk and an English teacher. About
four years ago I was about to quit my job when, amazingly, our Assistant General Manager, Reyna Gerhardus came to work that day
and said, “Israel keep working hard we have a position for you,” as if she knew what was on my mind that day.
I was named Guest Services Manager that December and have felt like that puppy that gets its leash taken off. I really feel blessed
to be able to help any way I can with the great support of our Cascadas team. I am very thankful to Club Cascadas, The Giddings
family, Daniel Holzkan, and especially Reyna for giving me this opportunity and always believing in me and the entire staff.
I hope to work here for the rest of my working years, always enjoying the pleasure of helping our members have the best vacation
ever...until next time they are here and live a better one yet. I strongly believe that service is what makes a company be remembered
and recommended. In the case of Club Cascadas de Baja, service is what makes our members love us and look forward to their next
visit...I wanted to be part of that. While in Cabo you are not alone, because I am right here with you.
Israel
Cascadas Staff and Management
Receive Recognition
A Message from your Board of Directors
Dear members,
At the Club Cascadas annual meeting last June,
the board of directors gave special recognition for
outstanding effort to the staff, management and
Mark Giddings, by presentation of a special bronze
plaque. Everyone pitched in to get the resort back
up and running in record time after hurricane
Odile. The repairs even included some upgrades
to make the resort as good, or better, than before.
“It was an amazing job by everyone, miraculous
actually,” said General Manager Daniel Holzkan.
The plaque will be delivered to Club Cascadas
and will be installed in a special place for all to see
and commemorate this amazing event. Here is the
wording on the plaque:
“
On September 14, 2014, Hurricane Odile
unleashed a devastating blow to the entire
southern Baja peninsula, and Club Cascadas
in particular. With sustained winds of over
125 MPH, this category 4 hurricane left
92% of the population without power and
water, and caused over 1 billion dollars of
destruction.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Patricia Giddings, President
Club Cascadas de Baja Board of Directors
While the damage to Cascadas was
devastating, within 24 hours Mark Giddings,
who was on the property during the
hurricane, began the process of documenting
the damage, securing the property, removing
debris and creating a plan for the repair.
In spite of suffering their own personal
losses, the hard working staff made it back
to Cascadas to pitch in. Along with the
management team led by Daniel Holzkan
and Reyna Gerhardus, to help in the
restoration process.
Website News –­
No More Password Required!
Miraculously, the resort re-opened to its
members 42 days later, with all amenities and
a majority of the villas repaired and available.
Over the next several months, a daily crew
of approximately 120 workers completed the
balance of the restoration.
June 20, 2015
2
Unlike the majority of resorts where members buy a week and then
use that week to trade to another resort (seldom returning to the
original resort), we are just the opposite, with our members returning
each year, several times, continuing to include more villas to their
“home” away from home, and more friends who vacation at the same
time. It is such a joy for the Giddings family to participate in this
unique phenomenon. I for one, look forward to my personal “fourth
generation” cavorting on the beach!
It is our belief that our owners always come first. We strive each
year to make Cascadas de Baja more beautiful. This has been a
challenging year and I wish to thank each member, the Board of
Directors, the Legacy Committee, Trading Places, on-site management,
and Sales for their dedicated support.
In Appreciation of Mark Giddings and the
Club Cascadas de Baja Staff and
Management Team
On behalf of the board of directors, Legacy
committee and Trading Places, we say thank
you to each of your for this extraordinary
effort.
When I walk through the meandering
paths at Club Cascadas de Baja I have the
exhilarating experience of talking with our
members: The stories they share, finding
the club “an oasis on Medano Bay” and
making the decision to become part of the
Giddings dream. Now, for many of our
members, there are four generations of their
family who call Cascadas de Baja “home!”
”
Now it’s easier than ever to check into the Owners Corner of
your club’s website! The password login has been removed,
enabling you to more easily access information about your resort
including board communications, meeting minutes, governing
documents, financial statements, maintenance fee payments, and
more… Simply go to your website: www.clubcascadas.com, click
on “Owners Corner” at the upper right-hand side of the screen
and “voila” you are there!
Recent Photos
Club Cascadas Fourth of July Fireworks Show
2015 Club Cascadas Annual Meeting
Post-Maintenance
3
Messages and Memories from Our Members
Our Family’s Club Cascadas Life
By Susie Lipps
I did not want to go to Club Cascadas. It didn’t sound like a resort. I traded my Costa Vida
in Puerto Vallarta for someplace new. My family lives in Guadalajara and had a house in
PV so we always went there to be with them. I wanted to see Cabo San Lucas, so I took my
two youngest boys, Jamison, 9 and Jeremy, 19.
We saw the low-lying building as we drove up in the shuttle and it looked kind of pretty…
those domes and all the blue, glinting in the hot sun. We got a Perlita and we fell in love
with it. We could hardly wait to bring our father, Jere. I traded again the next year and brought my
husband and oldest son. Finally, after driving the sales crew crazy, and receiving a commission for
selling a house, I had enough money to buy Catalina 1.
One by one, (or maybe two by two,) the kids married and had children. The babies are now heading
to college at one end, and new babies are arriving at the other. Jere and I like to sneak down for
breakfast, but it seems the children and grandchildren have radar because we are always pushing
tables together for the crowd that joins us one by one.
In 2013 Dennis and Lisa Dearbaugh bought a villa. On their week, they brought their kids, Corey and
Kayla. Jamison, now 27, met Kayla at the pool and there was no looking back. This year, at the Mexican
Fiesta, he got on his knees and with a diamond ring formally asked her to
marry him. Their family watched, along with their son, Jackson, a oneyear-old “Cascadian.”
All the grandchildren think Club Cascadas is theirs. I asked them each
what they liked about Cascadas and they all said “being all together with
family.”
Club Cascadas and Perla #3
By John Appleby
Mrs. Giddings,
Mary and I would like to thank you and all of the wonderful employees at Club Cascadas
for all of the hard work and tremendous accomplishments in restoring the club to its former
level. Case in point is Perla #3. We were the first owners to have the privilege of staying in
Perla #3 when the renovation was complete. To say we were pleased and astonished with the
changes and upgrades is an understatement. Some of our favorites are the upgraded kitchen,
the dome roof with amazing blue stone work, new air conditioning, new flooring and
furnishings. Our family’s favorite was the new pebble tec pool with palapa. The palapa was
especially welcome early in the morning when it blocks the morning sun. I think you saw a photo of our 2 year old grandson
in the pool. We could not get him out! Having the use of Perla 3 literally made our vacation.
We would like to recognize several employees who helped make our stay especially
memorable. Israel who took a personal interest in completing the unit on time and in
pristine condition, along with the many workmen and women who took such pride in their
work. Rory King is a real asset to Club Cascadas and always keeps us up to date on re-sale
opportunities, and the front desk staff is very professional and helpful to us during our stay.
Finally we as Club Cascadas owners are extremely fortunate to have the Giddings family so
deeply involved in the day to day operations of the Club. Your continued involvement is
deeply appreciated by us and the many owners of Club Cascadas!
Sincerely,
John and Mary Appleby
4
Dear Cascadas Board of Directors and Owners,
I have asked Mark Giddings to share with you our horrible experiences at Club Cascadas de Baja. Relax; these are horrible
experiences with tremendous outcomes!
In August 2011 I was walking to the Sales office to sign the papers on our purchase of a week in Villa Sol when I felt a
crushing pain just above my stomach. I tried to lean against a wall and knew I was going to pass out. I suffered a heart attack
and severe concussion and as I regained consciousness my family, Pedro Patina, and some resort staff were standing over me.
I could tell by the expressions something bad had happened to me. My wife, children and friends were crying and the staff
had expressions of deep concern. I asked what happened and Pedro explained to me, I had fallen. As I gazed upwards all I
could see was the balcony of Arco 2 and I uttered “how did I fall from Arco 2, I don’t own that unit?” A trip to the hospital
with Pedro, Israel, and resort manager Daniel ended with me getting numerous stitches in the back of my head. At the
hospital they kept asking if I had heart problems and my wife insisted it was just stomach problems as I had passed a heart
stress echo just 2 weeks earlier.
Upon returning to the US and not feeling up to par I went to the cardiologist and learned I had suffered a heart attack. I
joked with Pedro Patina the price of the Villa Sol was the cause of my heart attack and that I remember my wife standing
over me in tears begging me to come back to her, don’t leave me with all these children and grandchildren and please sign
the papers to Villa Sol before you go.
They say lightening doesn’t strike twice in the same spot and leave it to me to disprove that theory. August 6th 2014, exactly
three years after my Cabo Heart Attack, I was again walking by the sales office and fell to my hands and knees. I have no
recollection of this but was able to convince Israel, Pedro, and my friend Gary Brokaw to relive the event so I could share it
with you.
Rebecca called out to Pedro that Dr. Minnis was not well. Pedro was talking with his father, dropped the phone and ran to
find me semiconscious and having difficulty breathing. He held me in his lap and instructed other staff to call an Ambulance
and get Israel on the radio. As Israel arrived I quit breathing and in his words, “your face and tongue turned purple Senior
and I knew I must interfere and start CPR.” Israel performed CPR masterfully until he was exhausted and Alberto and Jesus
took over CPR until the ambulance finally arrived. I was defibrillated and taken to the hospital.
I later learned that I had suffered “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” where the heart goes into VFIB due to an electrical problem.
Blood ceases to flow to the brain and organs and clinical death occurs. If CPR is not administered within 3-5 minutes the
patient does not survive. A chance of survival when this happens is 2%. When CPR is administered chances of survival
increase to 10%. Apparently when 3 trained Mexicans lay lips and hands on you, you beat ALL odds. Israel and I joke now
as he confesses that I am the first man he has ever kissed.
I was life-flighted, via air ambulance, to San Diego where I underwent surgery and had a Pace Maker/Defibrillator placed.
Another surgery in Kansas City a month later and I was deemed safe to travel.
Every day patients and friends say “Doc, I bet you never go back to Cabo” and my response is I am lucky I was at Club
Cascadas when I had my heart problems because the staff saved my life. Had I have been anywhere else I had little or no
chance of survival because the Cascadas staff was ready for emergencies and trained to provide life support when guests or
other staff have emergent needs. There is not a day that goes by I am not grateful for purchasing time at Cascadas because
this purchase has afforded me extra time in my life to enjoy my children and grandchildren.
I just wanted to say thanks to all the Management and Staff of Club Cascadas for developing and maintaining a 5 Star
Resort that can handle every member’s needs no matter how trivial or critical that need might be.
Sincerely,
Dan and Jeannette Minnis
5
PRESORTED FIRSTCLASS MAIL U.S.
25510 Commercentre Drive, Suite 100
Lake Forest, CA 92630
POSTAGE PAID
LITHTEX NW
Write to board members c/o TPI at the above address.
Front Desk: 011 52-624-14-31882
Resort Fax: 011 52-624-14-31881
Mexico Tourism Office
800-262-8900
E-mail:[email protected]
Website:
www.clubcascadasdebaja.com
TPI Corporate From Mexico 001 949-448-5150
Club Cascadas de Baja disclaims any responsibility for claims made or
the performance of goods and services advertised in this newsletter.
OWNER SERVICES
800-365-7601 ext. 1 | [email protected]
• Deposit your week (TPI, II) / Inquire about your contract
• Re-confirm your arrival date - this can also be done online at
www.clubcascadasdebaja.com/reservationrequest
• Pay maintenance fees
Important Maintenance Fee Information
Regular association dues are billed annually and are due and payable
per your ABC policy. A statement is mailed to you as a courtesy; nonreceipt of a statement does not relieve you of your financial obligation.
Pay Online at www.clubcascadasdebaja.com/pay
Questions about your Maintenance Fees or Assessment
Billings? Call the Accounting Department at 800-365-7601
ext. 7 or e-mail [email protected]
EXCHANGE
800-365-7601 ext. 3 | [email protected]
• NO MEMBERSHIP FEES
• Popular locations
• Low exchange fees & ONLINE exchange option 24/7 at
www.tradingplaces.com/EXCHANGE
TRAVEL & CRUISE
800-365-7601 ext. 6 | [email protected]
• Air, car, hotel, cruise, and vacation packages
www.tradingplaces.com/TRAVEL
CST # 1008862-10
RENTAL
800-365-7601 ext. 4 | [email protected]
• Rent additional time at Club Cascadas, or other TPI resorts
• List your Club unit for rent
• Rent additional nights at Club, or other TPI resorts
GOT BOOKS?
Don't forget to toss a few books into your suitcase next time you visit Club
Cascadas. The lending library is hungry for some new reading material!
Did You Know?
Getting from the Los Cabos airport to Club Cascadas is a breeze when you book
your transfer with TransCabo. For the reasonable price of $22.00 per person
(including tax), you will ride in a cool, clean and comfortable shuttle van straight
to the front steps of your home-away-from-home.
Please go to www.tradingplaces.com/travel/caboground for more information
and to make your transportation reservations.
www.tradingplaces.com/CONDOCONNECT
• Up to 70% off last-minute vacation rentals
www.tradingplaces.com/HOTDEALS
• Great weekly rates. . . Plan ahead!
www.tradingplaces.com/SUITEDEALS
RESALES
To buy, sell or inquire about the Cascadas Vacation Legacy, contact the
on-site sales team at 888-846-5571, 949-640-8742 in California,
or e-mail [email protected]
RESORT MANAGEMENT
As your management company, Trading Places is dedicated to making
your property the best it can be. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
WANT THE LATEST NEWS about your resort and association?
Visit your Owners Corner online at www.clubcascadasdebaja.com/owners
Username: ccdbPassword: baja
It is also important for us to have your most current e-mail address, which can be
updated online at www.clubcascadasdebaja.com/changeofaddress.
We will keep you up to date with important notices, special offers, and general
communication from your board.