manager`s message - Club Cascadas de Baja

Wishing You a Wonderful 2014 at
M E M B E R S ’
J O U R N A L
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MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Hello Friends,
I love this time of the year when I can
communicate with you via our newsletter.
Once again, we have already been
through our maintenance weeks period. Thank God, each year
I have less to report as there are fewer things that need to be
changed here. We had more than 220 workers divide into five
teams working on various projects: the palapas, pest control,
plus three construction teams.
Perhaps the most significant change this year was the
transformation of the Tortuga pool area. First, an excavator
and bobcat went to work digging up the old cement, then
cantera tile was laid, even in areas where there used to be
sand, making the pool area itself much larger. Also, for your
comfort, we’ve added two rows of cushioned chaise lounges to
the new deck area.
We’ve done an exciting, complete remodel of Estrellas A and
B, and in the Perlas we’ve added a third bathroom, as well
as a new closet and king-size bed on the first level. We also
added a closet and bed in Magdalenas 5 and 7. Palmas 212
was remodeled and a closet was added to each of the Las
Palmas units. We are embarking on a project to change out
all of the wooden window and door frames with high-quality
aluminum, as we have already in Arcos 1, 2, and 3, the villa
Luna, Margaritas 8, 10, 11, and 13, Bahia 18A and Porfin
6A. We are continuing our program of replacing window
air-conditioners in all the units in buildings 8, 13, and 19;
Margaritas, Escondidos and Perlitas 1 and 16, with highefficiency, low energy-consuming units.
We’ve constructed new palapas at both the Tortuga and
Tiburon pools and we’re modifying half the restaurant palapa
as well. This job will be completed over the 2014 maintenance
weeks period.
The entire Club was fumigated for all varieties of insects. Each
palapa at each of the villas has at least three coats of different
types of bug-resistant chemicals. These chemicals were also
applied to the wood frames and equipales. Additionally, a
flame–retardant agent was applied to all of the palapas.
My friends, it’s impossible to describe
the amount of work that has been done.
Perhaps you will be able to judge for
yourself on your next visit. I would like all
of our members to look at the path this
administration is taking, because sooner
or later we will get to working on your
villa with the same philosophy: “The same,
only better.”
As far as those of us who serve you, we have held several
training courses throughout the year. As you are probably
aware, we received the distinguished TripAdvisor “Certificate
of Excellence” for 2013 – the first ever for the Club. Many
thanks to Israel (Guest Services), Enrique (Front Desk) and
Sergio (Security).
Of course, all of these accomplishments and big changes are
not the work of just one person – it is an entire team, the
Cascadas team! There are the visible employees such as those
I’ve already mentioned, but there are also “unseen” employees
who do a large part of the work as well!
I would like to thank Mark Giddings who spearheaded the
2013 maintenance weeks. He is the person who conceived and
achieved the great changes around the resort. Thanks also to
Reyna Gerhardus who has such a good eye for details. I must
also acknowledge our chief engineer, Jorge Murua and his
team who worked so hard under the hot, burning sun. Thanks
also to Teresa Calderon, chief housekeeper, and her entire staff
who worked hard on the draperies, cushions, sheets, towels,
etc. in all of the villas.
I would like to once more give enormous thanks for the
support received from Pat Giddings and her family, from RJ
Jackson, Gail Turner, Tricia Ciaccio and Luis Moran from
Trading Places; from your board of directors and Legacy
committee members for their dedication and interest in the
Club, and to all of you – our members – and the main reason
we make all these efforts, I wish you the very best!
Saludos cordiales,
Daniel Holzkan
A Message from your Board of Directors
Staff
Spotlight
Teresa Gutierrez
Teresa Gutierrez, Executive
Housekeeper, was born in the
Mexican state of Guanajuato.
Shortly after her birth, her family
moved to the city of La Paz. When
she was 14, her family moved again,
to Cabo San Lucas. Teresa has been
a resident of Cabo for 26 years now!
In 1992, Teresa joined the Club
Cascadas team, working as a
housekeeper, after nine years, she
was promoted to supervisor and
finally executive housekeeper, which
is the position she has held for the
past seven years.
Teresa has four children; she gave
birth to her first child at the age of
16 and that daughter has now given
Teresa two lovely grand-daughters.
Teresa feels it has been a great honor
and privilege to be a part of the
Cascadas family and she is “grateful
for each and every moment that this
family has given me.”
Dear members,
The amount of work done over this year’s maintenance weeks was unprecedented
and yielded incredible results. Under the direction of Mark Giddings, Daniel
Holzkan, and Reyna Gerhardus, the two-week feat went extremely well.
Twenty-one units were upgraded with great effort to have them ready in time for
the re-opening of the resort.
• The Estrellas underwent major improvements with new Pebble Tec™ in the
pool, new roofs, enlarged and resurfaced outdoor pool bar, new countertops
in the kitchens, new appliances, and repair and improvements on every
design feature within the units.
• The Arco units had all the windows replaced with the aluminum sliders and
double-paned windows for noise reduction and long-term durability.
• The Perla units have been going through a great transformation with the
addition of a bathroom to the pool level, and an extra bed and privacy
room downstairs.
• The Tortuga pool area was completely redone with new decking, lighting,
lounge chairs, and umbrellas. This added feature has created about 30
percent more space and takes pressure off the beach area for a place to relax
in the sun.
• Another big undertaking was the building of a new and larger restaurant
palapa. By enlarging it and pushing it up higher, it provides a better view
of the bay and creates a more expansive dining area.
• Another exciting project that was completed was the remodel of Las Palmas
212. Everything is new: A bar countertop in the kitchen, a new built-in
armoire for more storage, and new appliances. It is a must-see!
There was so much more that was accomplished throughout many of the villas.
It was by far the most effective maintenance weeks period in the history of
Cascadas. For further details and pictures, you can visit the Cascadas page on
Facebook.
Sincerely,
Owner's Corner
FAST, CONVENIENT, SIMPLE!
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about your resort. Just visit
www.clubcascadasdebaja.com/owners
Username: ccdb | Password: baja
and log in to find the latest newsletters,
rules & regulations, and more!
It’s easy… and saves time!
Patricia Giddings, President
Club Cascadas de Baja board of directors
A Global Plan for the Longevity of Club Cascadas
Your board of directors and Legacy Committee have been meeting to
devise a global maintenance and upgrade plan for the future health and
longevity of the Club. Currently, the Club’s project director, Mark Giddings,
is working extensively with Legacy Committee member Larry Greenberg,
general manager Daniel Holzkan, and assistant manager, Reyna Gerhardus,
on creating a long-term budget and three-to-five-year global plan to upgrade
Cascadas de Baja. The board of directors, TPI and the Giddings company
are working together diligently to create a sustainable resort that will only get
better over time.
There is a lot to be accomplished with regard to upgrading the property,
improving the functionality of the working systems, and enhancing the
individual villas. If you have been to the Club lately, you will notice that many
great improvements have already been made, and we will continue on this path
for the betterment of all our members.
Whether you are a Palmas owner or Perla owner, our goal is to bring
attention to all the needs of the resort and, over time, we are confident that we
will have a resort that we can all continue to be proud of. As everyone knows,
"seeing is believing" and we will keep you informed about our improvements
via the Cascadas website and Facebook page as we progress with our vision. We
encourage you to give us your comments and suggestions.
Happy Member Comments
“Genevieve and I had an AMAZING time and are thrilled at the idea of owning. We truly appreciated the
books and have read them cover to cover. What an amazing family and [it] solidified our satisfaction with
purchasing a week, beginning in 2018 (although I imagine we will see
you much sooner).
Both Genevieve and I firmly believe we found a place that embodies our
values: comfort, service, and community. The entire team did an AMAZING
job at making our vacation (honeymoon) truly memorable. I have left
feedback on Global and Club Cascadas.”
- Bill and Genevieve (Conley)
“We truly enjoyed our stay and the resort is beautiful. It's super clean, peaceful and as gorgeous as the first
time we stepped foot on the property 23 years ago. I'm very happy that we bought into the legacy program
as this is a place that we'd love to visit more often....Club Cascadas is truly a timeless beauty!!!!”
- Cindy Morgutia, Owner
“Israel, I wanted to send you an email to say Gracias for going above and
beyond for Strider and I when we were sick. I appreciate your thoughtfulness
and consideration with my apprehension and nervousness in regards to
the doctor's visit and antibiotics. You
are a very caring and sweet person.
Thank you again!!!”
- Heide Corley
About
Barbara Merrill
There may be no other Cascadas
member who has quite the level of
passion for the Club that Barbara
Merrill has.
Barbara has been a bright light
for the Club on many levels. She
served on the board of directors
for three-and-a-half years, helping
the Club accomplish many things.
She has always looked at ways to
improve the Club and its members’
experience, and she has been a
great communicator through
her words and deeds. Barbara
was instrumental in creating a
new online survey for improved
feedback from the guests. She also
produced the “Cascadas News”
newsletter, chock full of fun and
informative reports on the resort’s
happenings over the past four
years.
Another fun thing Barbara
spearheaded was the 2012 Cascadas
Photo Contest that resulted in over
350 hundred submissions, and the
three lucky winners received $100
gift certificates to the restaurant.
Barbara is also the proud owner of
seven weeks plus five Legacy weeks,
and she spends her vacation time
almost exclusively at the Club. She
recently resigned from the board
of directors to pursue a career
opportunity in real estate, working
for Diane Williams and Associates
in Windermere's luxury real estate
office in Indian Wells, California.
If you see her on the beach, be sure
to thank her for all the hard work
she devoted to the Club over all of
these years.
Way to go, Barbara and good luck
with your new endeavors!
2013 ANNUAL MEETING SUMMARY
Missed the 2013 annual meeting last June? Here is a recap of the meeting to fill you in on
some of the activities and topics of discussion:
SUMMARY
CLUB CASCADAS de BAJA ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
JUNE 22, 2013
Overview of 2012
Club General Manager, Daniel Holzkan, reported on
the Club’s lowered water expenses since purchasing the
new desalination plant. Additionally, with the installation
of more energy-efficient, 22-seer air-conditioners, the
electrical expenses have been significantly reduced. His
presentation also provided a visual of the new security
cameras installed throughout the resort.
Update for 2012 - 2013
• Mark Giddings reviewed the most significant
improvements made over the past year, including:
the new decking planned for the Tortuga pool, the
Estrella improvements; the Margarita, Porfin, and
Bahia window replacements, as well as his plans to
install new in-room safes in the villas.
• David Giddings then announced the TripAdvisor
award given to the Club and talked about the Silver
Jubilee book published last year for the members of
the Club.
Update of Financial Status of Club
Luis Moran reported the income, operating expenses and
capital replacement expenses for the years 2010, 2011
and 2012. He indicated that each year had produced a
surplus, which has contributed to the increases in the
funds’ balances.
Mr. Moran announced that the Club is operating under
budget for the current year and he expects to end the year
with favorable results. Also, the rate of delinquency is
decreasing. This is attributed to the hard work from the
developer, the onsite team and the TPI accounts receivable
team.
Sales Update
Dave Stoenner and Barbara Montgomery gave an overview
of 2012 sales. They closed a total of 333 sales, which
resulted in a payment of $116,000 to the association. With
only one-third of “Casa” weeks still available, the sold weeks
contribute $360,400 to the association.
Legacy Committee Update
Larry Greenberg gave the update on the Legacy Committee’s
contributions for the year. He pointed out that Tom Lieb
was responsible for saving money on taxes, after reviewing
previous years’ tax returns. Richard Bort was responsible for
guarding against peso fluctuations, also saving the Club a
significant amount of money. He added that the committee
is working on long- term planning for items such as the
desalination plant, to ensure they are budgeted for properly.
Election of One Member to Board of Directors
Marianne Breen was elected for a two-year term as a board
member for Club Cascadas
Drawing for Prizes
The winners of the drawing for a variety of prizes were as
follows:
Winner of drawing for turning in proxies on time :
(Contributed by Trading Places)
• 7-Night Vacation Stay – Paul Barry
Raffle Winners:
(Contributed by Trading Places)
• 7-Night Vacation Stay – Carol Alford
• 7-Night Vacation Stay – Joe McGowan
• 7-Night Vacation Stay – Joe Garrison
• 7-Night Vacation Stay – Steve Akers
Raffle Winners:
(Contributed by the Giddings Family)
• 7-Night Club Cascadas Stay – Thomas Lieb
• Las Palmas Legacy Week – Susie Lipps
Questions and Answers
Following are the questions submitted to the board, and the board’s responses to them:
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Can the lighting in the Escondido 1 common area please be improved?
Yes. This will be taken care of in the near future.
Have theft incidents decreased since the installation of security cameras?
Oftentimes, “theft” incidents turn out to not be theft after all. The cameras are more of a deterrent. There haven’t been
any reported incidents in the past 6 – 8 months. Daniel will review theft reports and report them to the board.
Can you install a full-length mirror on the 3rd floor of Perlas 14 and 15?
We will look into it.
Are the modern, aluminum sliders really such an improvement? I loved opening my beautiful French doors in
the Perlas… Is this change really necessary?
We are looking at traditional French doors as well as the sliding ones, but the sliders provide more ventilation
and space to the room.
Great job with armoires and dressers in Perlas. Is there still a plan to put dressers or armoires in the Perlitas?
No.
On Friday morning, please have a representative from the local police department. Why not include in the
newsletter what to do if you have to talk to the local police.
We recommend you advise the Front Desk whenever you are in an emergency situation.
Will Ocho Cascadas in Puerto Vallarta continue to exclude children?
Due to all the open spaces and multi-levels of the resort, children under the age of 14 will not be permitted at the resort.
Can we get our bills earlier? We own weeks 2 and 3 and have difficulty with banking.
The maintenance fee bills go out the end of November, after the budget has been approved. This is over a month
prior to week 1.
Has anyone considered putting solar or wind turbines in at the Club?
The board have investigated this over the decades and continue to do so. When there’s something substantive
and feasible, it will be implemented.
The palapa situation in week 24 is crazy. People set their alarms for 4:30 a.m. to fight for a palapa. Each owner needs
to be assigned a palapa for at least one day without having to fight for it.
Daniel Holzkan does his best to accommodate everyone. Over the years, we have continued to add more palapas to
the beach. Hopefully additional seating at the pool area will help out.
Will there be a wall built between the Club and Pueblo Bonito Rosé?
We have plans and are looking at the budget to build a wall around the Las Palmas area.
Are there any plans to upgrade the stoves and refrigerators in the Perlitas?
Yes, it is in the capital replacement budget.
Are you planning to make available an owner’s weekly (numbered) calendar? The current one expires in 2013.
Yes, we will be updating the use time calendar.
The pool hand railings don’t extend to the large, top step. Can this be addressed in the pool maintenance?
We are looking at hand railings and all water elements at the Club. A report will be submitted to the board of directors.
Where may a guest find a procedure for accessing assistance if injured?
Phones are located throughout the resort that ring directly to the front desk. The front desk staff is always available to
help in the event of an emergency and the front desk staff do speak English.
Please update us on the wireless internet status.
We are still finishing up with the installation of antennas.
Hard Work = Beautiful Results!
Villa Estrella
Tiburon Pool ("Shark")
Tortuga Pool ("Turtle")
Restaurant
Palmas
Villa Bahia
Magdalena Closet
Members and Memories…
“Hi, Scott and Karen Caldwell here. We take credit for the long and continuing relationship with
the Giddings and with Cascadas. We lived in Southern California and a tight nuclear family.
However, Karen and I had both accepted positions in Dallas in 1985: we didn’t know how to
deliver that message to my parents, Jack and Nancy Caldwell. It was never going to be an easy
pill for them to swallow, and to hear that 1/3 of their kiddos would no longer be within earshot!
We were about 50 miles into the Sea of Cortez, sitting on the swim-step of a chartered boat,
eating freshly caught lobster tacos and sipping Pacificos, when we announced our plans to segue
from SoCal to Texas.
Three months later, my Dad walked up the beach and bought Perla 2, Perlita 2 & Perlita 3. All
still under construction, but with a vision that Cascadas would be our family retreat for our clan.
Jack and Ed Giddings were complete ying and yang personalities; but, just enjoyed each other’s
company. Thank goodness for Nancy and Pat to even out the character bumps!!!
Amazingly, that vision is more fresh today than when Jack and Nancy walked the property
with Ed and Pat.
My Dad passed in 1999, and my mother passed as I returned from week 45 on November 14th. She loved the sand, the palapas and the
water in front of Cascadas. My sisters and I now own our units, my son owns an Arco and my niece is also an owner. My neighbors just became
owners embracing the vision of their 3 girls and their families looking forward to family assemblage. What a great legacy that the Legacy is
providing. 28 years of great memories and a lifetime for Caldwells in front of us.
Thanks Pat and your kiddos.”
Coming Soon…
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME
OPPORTUNITY!
The beautiful, beachfront Casa
Giddings is now available for
private ownership as part of Club
Cascadas de Baja. This ownership
is on a weekly basis and includes
the Legacy, which provides
forever ownership.
Comment Cards Really
Are Important!
Anyone in the service industry knows the
importance of customer feedback. Club Cascadas
is no exception, which is why we strongly
encourage all of our members to take a few
moments to complete a comment card. It’s easier
than ever to do now – all you have to do is go to
www.clubcascadasdebaja.com and click on the
red “How Are We Doing” button. This will take
you directly to the online form.
A few moments of your time helps us make
improvements where necessary, making your
resort the best it can be!
PRESORTED FIRSTCLASS MAIL U.S.
23807 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 100
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
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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]
• Bank your week (TPI, II) / Inquire about your contract
• Re-confirm your arrival date
• 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
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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!
TRAVEL & CRUISE
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• Air, car, hotel, cruise, and vacation packages
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Did You Know?
RENTAL
800-365-7601 ext. 4 | [email protected]
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.
• Rent additional nights at Club, or other TPI resorts
Please go to www.tradingplaces.com/travel/caboground for more information
and to make your transportation reservations.
• Rent additional time at Club Cascadas, or other TPI resorts
• List your Club unit for rent
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.
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Bonus
Weeks
Offer!*
Deposit your week and receive
2 Bonus Weeks!
Call 800-365-7601 ext. 1 to deposit today or
visit us online at www.tradingplaces.com/exchange
*Mention code 1401CCDB: Week must be deposited by 3/31/14 and at least 60 days before start of reserved use week. Not all weeks are eligible. Valid for new deposits only. Bonus Weeks are
subject to a $189 service fee and valid for new reservations made within 45 days of travel. Offer is based on availability, not combinable with other offers, and is subject to change without notice.
Remember your
exchange benefits:
TPI Exchange
• Priority access to Cascadas
exchange inventory
• FREE membership
• Low exchange rates
• Great destination options
• Online exchange 24/7
• No-cost search first
• And more!
Contact your dedicated Club Cascadas Exchange Agent, Nick Burson, today!
[email protected]
800-365-7601 ext. 5177