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August Newsletters
2008
(Weeks 29-30, 31-32, and 33-34)
PelicanNews - Week 29 & 30 - sent August 4, 2008
Editor - Judy Young
Bi-Weekly Newsletter
PelicanNews - Week 29 & 30 - sent August 4, 2008
Editor Judy Young
Be sure to check the web site for postings of rentals and sales
@ www.pelicannews.net or email judy@navnet.net
**** IMPORTANT*** Be sure to put pelicansxm@yahoogroups.com
on your list of email addresses to receive the newsletter.
Visited the Resort web site - Pelicanresort.com
Register on line for your next stay www.pelicanresort.com
Read:
1st Quarter minutes 2008
2007 AGM minutes
the monthly financial information
on line in the owners section.
ELECTION INFORMATION For the Nomination Sheet and Election
Procedures for the 2008 Election of three (3) Members to
the Board of Directors Tenants' Association Pelican Resort
Club (T.A.P.R.C.). All nominations must be submitted
by August 25, 2008.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on
December 2nd and 3rd 2008 at the Pelican Resort Club.
Owners renting their unit please notify the Resort by
email: memberservices@royalresorts.com
*************************************************
All the members Pelican can make the payments of
the AMF on via internet on the web page of Pelican.
**************************************
Notice:
Cherie's will be closed from
September 8 to October 7, 2008
****************************
Hi Everyone:
Sorry for the delay in sending out the newsletter, I was at meetings
at the Resort and just returned. I have not processed all of last
week's emails. The postings will be on the web site as I get to
them and in the next newsletter. Judy
-------------------------------------------------
From: TsRia523@aol.com
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008
Hi Judy, This is in response to Steve Sylvestros email suggesting
the Pelican should add a $1000 assessment to all of us to SPRUCE
up the place as he put it. I for one don't care if I have marble
counters or fancy appliances. We are one of the ones who say its
pretty well dated but we love the place and aren't in our rooms
that often. (because we are at the pool or out to dinner with our
St Maarten friends) As long as it is clean and everything is
working the Pelican is fine the way it is. we are in the D building
and lost most of our view to the new marina building and aren't
happy with that but we go to the Pelican every year week 18 because
its like going home to a great family reunion with all the friends
we have made there the same week. With the price of gas and fuel
oil, airline tickets and everyday expenses going up adding a $1000
one time assessment to any of us would only make it the last straw
for allot of us and there would be allot more foreclosed units
the pelican would have, is that worth a new marble countertop
and refurbishing? Keep up the good work Judy, it is really
appreciated!! Maria Ruberto...owner week 18 unit D15
PelicanNews
- Week 31 & 32 - sent August 14, 2008
Editor - Judy Young
Be sure to check the web site for postings of rentals and sales
@ www.pelicannews.net or email judy@navnet.net
**** IMPORTANT*** Be sure to put pelicansxm@yahoogroups.com
on your list of email addresses to receive the newsletter.
Visited the Resort web site - Pelicanresort.com
Register on line for your next stay www.pelicanresort.com
Read:
1st Quarter minutes 2008
2007 AGM minutes
the monthly financial information
on line in the owners section.
ELECTION INFORMATION For the Nomination Sheet and Election
Procedures for the 2008 Election of three (3) Members to
the Board of Directors Tenants' Association Pelican Resort
Club (T.A.P.R.C.). All nominations must be submitted
by August 25, 2008.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on
December 2nd and 3rd 2008 at the Pelican Resort Club.
Owners renting their unit please notify the Resort by
email: memberservices@royalresorts.com
*************************************************
All the members Pelican can make the payments of
the AMF on via internet on the web page of Pelican.
**************************************
Notice:
Cherie's will be closed from
September 8 to October 7, 2008
****************************
******************************************************
Judy's comment: Brian Ermeling has asked me to announce
that he is requesting signatures by email to run for the
2009 Board of Directors. Brian only has two weeks to
collect signatures, please support him by sendibng an email with
your name, contract number, week number (s) and unit number.
CANDIDATE BACKGROUND INFORMATION FORM
Name: Brian L. Ermeling, DVM Telephone Numbers
Address: Home: 603-448-4033
82 Buckingham Place Businesss: 603-650-6604
Lebanon, NH 03766 Fax: 603-650-6603
e-mail: brian.ermeling@dartmouth.edu
Candidate Statement:
I seek election to the Board of Directors to use my leadership and
negotiation skills to represent the interests of the Pelican Resort
and owners. We are clearly in a period of growth that has caused
many to experience “growing pains” as we build the Marina Residences.
We also see significant growth everywhere on the island. I will
try to ensure that our voices are being heard regarding the need
to upgrade the island infrastructure, e.g. roads, law enforcement,
etc., to keep up with the pace of growth. This is an exciting and
uncertain time of growth and these things cannot be left as they are.
If elected I can commit to doing my very best for the resort owners,
resort management and employees. Our resort can be a great place
to relax and enjoy, while maintaining a fiscally sound future,
and providing necessary jobs for island residents.
-------------------------------------------------------
Re: Special Sales Program at Pelican Resort Club (PRC)
Date sent: Fri, 01 Aug 2008
From: Janet DeCesare
Just returned from a month's stay at my other home PELICAN RESORT CLUB.
I had a glorious time except for the fact that each and every place I went
on the resort, each and every notice at the resort was dedicated to the
Marina Residences. Have we, who so supported the problem solving during
the bankruptcy, etc have been forgotten? Does the Board forget that if it
wasn't for the original owners there would be no Pelican at all? It is
just shameful as to what is happening. Yes, the resort is in good shape
and all appears well....thanks to maintenance fees. Have you seen the
cabana at the C pool? During the entire month of June it was a disgrace.
Filled with stoves and refrigerators evidently meant for the residences
filled the place. What has happened to the cool, pleasant atmosphere
we had for relaxing, reading, etc? It's apparently gone. No place for
either adults nor children to enjoy the comforts we used to have.
I could go on and on but what's the point. Royal has a strong hold
on our resort, especially on our so called board. No, I won't stop going
back because that's my second home but there has to be some thought
given to those who have supported the place through thick and thin.
In my mind, I am wondering whether or not this will appear in your blog.
Janet DeCesare
Judy's reply: I am sorry to hear you are disappointed in the promotion
of the new Pelican Marina Residences. If the Resort wants to sell weeks
in the new project they need to advertise to all those who are visiting
our Resort. Look at it this way the more we add to our Pelican family
the more owners we have to pay the expenses at the Resort.
---------------------------------
From: Audrey Hong
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008
We bought our Marina unit in 1992. For 2008, we were at the
Pelican for weeks 1, 2, 19, 20, 29 and 30. Here are my comments.
During weeks 29-30, I concluded what I believe is a disturbing trend.
In prior years, the staff has been helpful in providing service with
a smile. However, virtually every service that is offered has a tip jar
associated with it.
Examples of this trend include the manager’s reception, at which there
are tip jars located on the food table and the drinks table. Since I do
not drink either wine or beer, which guests can avail themselves to, my
soft drink is poured by Jean Marie. The child preceding me received an
unopened soft drink can. I placed a $1 tip into the jar, and asked if
I could have a can as well. Instead, Jean Marie poured what was left
of an open can and topped off my cup with another open can. He told me,
“you can could come back for more!” I was surprised by this attitude.
Another example is at the Wednesday night movies in which the free
popcorn now requires a $1 mandatory tip for EACH bag of popcorn.
There seems to be less graciousness at the resort . Tipping is voluntary.
I gladly tip the deserving maid, an unseen staffer, who cleans our unit
from top to bottom.
As I thought about the tip jars, I wondered if this is one of the lessons
that comes out of the hospitality fee that we are also expected to pay
every day that we are at the Pelican. If demanding tips is what the
students learn at the hospitality school, then they are missing a very
important message. This practice at the Pelican does not reflect will
on the Pelican Resort or its employees.
I believe that tips should be voluntary and not a requirement to
guarantee service.
Other observations:
The Pelican wireless internet does not function well. In particular,
the access point located at the Marina, which we could see from our
balcony, was broken for most of weeks 29 and 30.
Orientation: I was disturbed with the orientation presented during
week 30 at the Bistro. I thought the purpose of the orientation
session was to familiarize visitors towards what the island has to
offer. Week 30’s session did not do that. Most of the orientation
time was taken up with introducing and praising individual members
of the sales staff for its work.
In addition, a significant amount of time was set aside to lead up
to a moment of silence for peace on the planet. Neither of these
activities provided any orientation for the visitors about the island,
resort, or customs exit procedures, which Frank covered in detail
in the old days.
Again, I believe this particular orientation did a disservice to the
visitors and does not represent the resort or its employees well. In
fact, when I thought about it later, it seemed spending so much time
about the sales staff was really intended to facilitate sales calls
during the week rather than helping visitors learn more about the
week they were to enjoy.
Be aware that “pickpockets” are at the casino. Report to the casino
management ASAP so that the surveillance tape will not be erased and
can be viewed. We could not determine if this was the reason that
a K-9 team was outside the casino door during week 30.
We noticed that, upon entering SXM, the immigration officers are not
as “friendly.” Arriving travelers must carry a copy of their airline
itinerary and be prepared to show the officers that they have paid
tickets to leave SXM.
Lastly, the resort tap water during weeks 29 and 30 had a definite
saline taste, as if the salination process was not working. Previously,
I had been able to use the resort tap water for drinking.
As a meeting planner for over 20 years, having earned my certified
meeting professional credential, I am familiar with the standards
and procedures of the "players" in the hospitality/tourist industry.
Audrey Hong
-------------------------
From: Marge & Jim Baralo
Date sent: Thu, 7 Aug 2008
Subject: RIPOFF ON ONE NITE RENTALS
Hi Judy,
We're long time owners and planning our 45th trip down to the
Pelican. A couple of weeks ago I got the shock of my life
when I contacted the Reservations Dept. regarding a one nite
rental, as we are coming in a day earlier. I was quoted
$608 for the Flamboyant and $587 for the Marina. I told the
lady I would take a studio in the Marina. She told me the
price was $211. I told her I paid $120 a nite 7 weeks ago.
That's the price she said. Well we're seniors and we
can't "do the hill", so I gave her the necessary credit card
information. Five minutes later I got a call from her stating
that she misquoted me and that the price was another $77 for the
nite - total of $288. Well I told her to forget about it and
called the Flamingo for a one nite rental. They were happy to
help me, very courteous and obliging. In fact they found me
in their system from years ago. The price is $136.50 for the
night. By the way, two other owners in the same situation as
us, also were given outrageous prices from the Pelican and
they are using Flamingo also. Who's getting this money (if
indeed, anything is being rented at these prices)? I know
for sure it's not the owners!!!!!! Marge & Jim Baralo
PelicanNews
- Week 33 & 34 - sent August 28, 2008
Be sure to check the web site for postings of rentals and sales
@ www.pelicannews.net or email
judy@navnet.net
EDITOR - Judy Young
**** IMPORTANT*** Be sure to put pelicansxm@yahoogroups.com
on your list of email addresses to receive the newsletter.
Visited the Resort web site - Pelicanresort.com
Register on line for your next stay www.pelicanresort.com
Read:
1st Quarter minutes 2008
2007 AGM minutes
the monthly financial information
on line in the owners section.
ELECTION INFORMATION For the Nomination Sheet and Election
Procedures for the 2008 Election of three (3) Members to
the Board of Directors Tenants' Association Pelican Resort
Club (T.A.P.R.C.). All nominations must be submitted
by August 25, 2008.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on
December 2nd and 3rd 2008 at the Pelican Resort Club.
Owners renting their unit please notify the Resort by
email: memberservices@royalresorts.com
*************************************************
All the members Pelican can make the payments of
the AMF on via internet on the web page of Pelican.
**************************************
Notice:
Cherie's will be closed from
September 8 to October 7, 2008
****************************
From: MARTIN ROSOL
Subject: Pelican
Date sent: Thu, 14 Aug 2008
I just finished reading the latest Newsletter and, as usual,
was annoyed with the negative comments about the Resort.
I don't know how I manage to have such a wonderful time every
year that I go down there, now for some 25 years, when so
many people find nothing but complaints about the place. Come
on,
are we really upset about voluntary tips to people who don't
make a lot of money and treat us in a very friendly manner
when we are there? Or do they only treat in a friendly manner
to those of us who treat them likewise? Dr. Martin Rosol
From: Debbie and Mike Greenspan
Date sent: Thu, 14 Aug 2008
Hi Judy,
My husband and I spent weeks 28 and 29 at our "Caribbean Home"
(The Pelican Resort) with our very 'special' yearly friends.
We found that the resort was well kept and the Marina pool had
brand new chairs, tables and umbrellas that made finding
a comfortable seat at the manger's party much easier.
Unfortunately the menu has not changed, but then again
we weren't expecting a meal! Cans of soda and beer
were plentiful, and given out with a smile!
Our Marina units were clean and fresh smelling, so we knew
that the musty, mold issue had been taken care of. Who cares
if the drapes didn't match the bedspread, we weren't
entertaining the Queen in our room! We came for the beach,
the pool, the weather (which was absolutely superb!) and
to visit with friends! None of
those things disappointed us at all!
Kat, the owner of the pool and beach bars, has added so many new
choices to the menu! Not only is there a wide variety of food,
they now have a 'Happy Hour' every day. She is such a sweet,
concerned, and dynamic person! She never stands still! Her new
staff people, David and Matthew, are a great addition to the
Pelican Resort 'Family'. My husband and I can't wait to see
how many changes there will be when we return next summer.
As for the new bakery...their croissants are out of this world!
The Peli deli staff are so pleasant and cooperative. The little
breakfast restaurant next door has also added more to their
menu, and The Red Piano Bar is expanding! How anyone could
complain about The Pelican...it's growth is so evident! Tourism
has finally become an occupation in Sint Maarten!
Pierre, over at Pineapple Pete's, is also branching out! He now
has a nightclub a few doors down from the restaurant, and has
mentioned that a few more "surprises" are in the works! There is
also a party bus driving around!
As for tip jars, I really didn't notice them all over the place.
After all TIPS means To Insure Proper Service. That doesn't
always apply to food, maid, or bar service does it?
As for the OUTRAGEOUS FEES that The Pelican is charging for
individual nights (mostly Friday, Saturday nights) it is VERY
unfair for them to charge their owners those fees. We found that
the Atrium charges $86.00 a night if you book online! The rooms
have an efficiency kitchen and are quite spacious! What a
bargain!
Can't wait to see all you week 28 and 29'ers again...have a safe
and healthy year! Debbie and Mike Greenspan
--------------------------------------
Subject: Pelican Owner's Newsletter
From: MARY DAMM
Date sent: Tue, 19 Aug 2008
Please post this in your newsletter. Thanks
To all Pelican Owners:
As a reminder, please let Interval Servicing/ISCO
know if you are planning to use your unit. It's really
frustrating to owners when you call to see if a unit is
available for exchange and they say they have nothing in
the exchange inventory. How is this possible when in fact
you know that the resort is not busy especially in
October and November. They simply tell you that the
owners haven't listed their week. Most often the 60 day
rule comes into play and then you loose your exchange
privilege. I have tried on numerous occasions to
exchange my weeks and the same sad story is given
to me every time. Too bad they just can't accommodate
us as owners, and setup a special
last minute (30 day) request list. Thank you
--------------
Subject: El Gauchos Restaurant
Date sent: Tue, 19 Aug 2008
From: "McLean, Susan D"
Hi Judy,
My daughter and I just returned from a week at the Pelican
Resort. We had and extraordinary time. One of the highlights
was eating at El Gauchos restaurant. We were so impressed
with the view, the meals and the personal attention we received
from Liesa all 3 times we ate there. I hope this goes in your
newsletter so everyone coming to stay will get to experience
what we did. Hoping to come back and enjoy your
island again soon. Susan D. McLean
----------------------
From: "Elaine Lefebvre"
Subject: Note from Elaine Lefebvre
Date sent: Tue, 26 Aug 2008
Dear Judy & Pelican Owners,
My husband and I, along with 4 other couples, spent a wonderful
3 weeks @ Pelican in July. We were celebrating our 25th
anniversary, which made it even more special. Pelican & SXM
have been so much a part of the wonderful memories we have had
with our family and friends over the past 24 years as owners.
For those of you who read my SXM Update on the website, I am
working on revising it, and will shortly send a new copy to you
for posting. As I always say, the one constant about SXM is
that it is always changing! We don't like some of the changes,
like the overbuilding and resulting traffic issues,
commercialism on some of the once-natural beaches, and the poor
exchange rate on the Euro, which reduced our ability to dine as
much on the French side this year. The old airport was
"quaint", but the new airport makes arriving and departing such
a joy, so that is a PLUS! Somehow, despite the not-always
positive changes, we leave the island thinking about when we can
return again. Some things, like the wonderful people we meet @
Pelican and around the island, the wonderful restaurants, great
entertainment, tempting shopping and that beautiful Caribbean
Sea don't change!
A few comments about Pelican.....As we did an exchange to France
last year, it had been two years since we were at the resort.
We got to see first hand what all your readers have been talking
about. The increased efficiency & consistency was immediately
noticable. The Front Desk area looks classy, the staff was
welcoming. We had registered online, some of our friends were
not owners, but we all agreed that check in and check out was
easy and pleasant. The way they handle changing units each week
was a HUGE improvement in service and we were amazed at how
smoothly it went. Despite the fact that the Front Desk staff
were very friendly, we did have a couple of issues with
"communication" with them. We had a problem with our Voice
Mail and someone from the U.S. who had an urgent need to contact
us, spoke with someone at the Front Desk and was assured that
the message would be promptly delivered...it never was. When we
had a couple of maintenance issues...one major, a flood in the
kitchen from our dishwasher, and left a message with the Front
Desk as requested, the messages never got to the Maintenance
Dept. When we called the Maintenance Dept directly, they were
very responsive and a supervisor even called back later to make
sure everything was taken care of! So, a couple of gripes,
but overall we...and our guests...were very happy with the
service. The Towel Hut lady up the hill was a delight, beach
staff great as usual. The Pelican News magazine in the unit
clearly and concisely told you everything you needed to know....
Never even had a toilet issue in our 3 week visit :-)
It is always interesting to hear comments from "newcomers" to
Pelican and two of the couples were surprised that they could
not charge drinks/food to their unit and said they definitely
would have spent more $$ if that were possible. I seem to
remember that this option is being looked at?? Anything that
will bring more money to the resort is a good thing!
For those of you going down to the island, make an app't with
Judy Besta to see the Marina Residences....just beautiful! I
know that many people were unhappy with that building going up,
but we were very impressed with what they have done and think it
adds class to the Pelican property. The glassed in bar/lobby
area is dramatic...what a view! We tried to go there for a drink
on 3 separate occasions, though (twice we actually called &
were told the bar was open)...and it was always closed?? Not
sure what the issue was, but hope they resolve it, as it is an
enticing spot!
Due to the poor exchange rate with the Euro, we did a lot less
dining on the French side this year, but have heard that some of
the French restaurant owners plan on opening on the Dutch side
in the near future, which we would look forward to. There are
numerous good choices on the Dutch side, now, too and I'm
updating those suggestions in my guide. Your suggestion, Judy,
about the Calypso Dinner cruise to Marigot was great , our group
thought it was excellent & such fun! We skipped Los Gauchos,
after hearing some negative comments, but did have a drink one
night at the Bistro outside the restuarant and wouldn't even
return there. The coasters looked like they had been reused
numerous times, the bartender had a hard time even coming up
with a glass of white wine and certainly didn't exude that
"friendly island" attitude...too bad. Speaking of bad
attitude...and mediocre food....The Boathouse is permanently off
our list...we gave them yet another try this year.
We have used Leslie Bruce at Kenny's for years for a car rental,
but he had a computer issue this year, so we used Rent 4 Less,
who also gave our group excellent service. A bargain hunting
friend told us about this site, where she found an older, but
decent car with airco for $100- a week in July and included was
one of those buy one/get one Caribbean Cards for dinners on
island. www.caribbeancars.com Also, check out
www.sxm-services.com/packlight for chair/umbrella rentals and
other items....friends rave about their prices and great
service...they deliver & pick up items to you @ Pelican.
I could go on and on...but then you wouldn't want to read my
updated guide...25 pages now....hope you all find it helpful!!
Before I close, I just want to make a comment on a totally
different topic. A few weeks ago, one of your readers brought
up an interesting point in regard to TOTALLY renovating our
Pelican units, with the cost being broken down to about $1,000-
per week owned, if I'm remembering correctly. Now, some of you
may want to throw rocks at me for even bringing this up.....and
maybe a little bit of knowledge on the situation is a bad
thing... but have to say his suggestion made sense to me. We've
been putting bandaids on something that needs major surgery and
I'm wondering how many owners out there would be willing to pay
an assessment to have their units stripped out and rebuilt like
the ones at the Marina Residences, for example. Just some food
for thought and discussion.... Elaine Lefebvre
SKYMED--
SkyMed - skymed. com
SkyMed is pleased to offer to Pelican owners a valuable new benefit.
SkyMed is a member based Company that provides its members with
emergency air transportation to their own medical providers when
they suffer a critical illness or injury when traveling more than
100 air miles from home. Area of coverage is the United States,
Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Rates vary.
Further information can be viewed on our web site at www.skymed.com
or you can call our office at 800-475-9633. (Dave and I are members).
*****This newsletter is intended solely for Pelican Resort
owners and may
not be distributed or copied, in whole or in part to any other
party without
prior written consent. I
will not publish defamatory e-mails ********
Judy Young, Lower Sackville, N.S.
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