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WESTWIND CLUB
WESTWIND CLUB
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MANAGERS REPORT First of all, I would really like to thank all of our owners
and guests who were considerate of others and refrained from smoking
in the units. Hats off to you all – we really appreciate it! Since
putting up the “ No Smoking” signs, we’ve only had one week where an
RCI guest disregarded our request; the unit was so bad upon checkout
that we had to move the incoming guests to another unit. Because of
this, we are considering a fee for cleaning smoke-filled units. The
Board has approved the purchase of 20 umbrellas for the patios just
for you smokers, how about that! For this year our main goals are to replace the roofs on
units 11/12 and 14/15 and reseal the driveway, weather permitting.
Also, the Board has just approved the purchase of closet organizers
for the master bedroom closets now that the doors have been removed;
these organizers will also allow for more storage space.
Last but not least, some units will be recarpeted and others
retiled, as needed. A fun, new amenity for the club is the purchase of a
glass-bottom, two-man kayak! This will be a winner
for all, especially when the water is cold, because you can
still go snorkeling without getting wet! Our bar will now be
serving finger foods, hot dogs and ice cream bars after grill hours
from 3 pm to 6 pm. Ice may also be purchased by the bucket for only
$1.00. We will now open the grill on Saturdays an hour earlier at
11:00 am.
Looking forward to another great year ahead with all of you.
PRESIDENTS LETTER We just completed our 28th
Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, January 15th. There was a
good turnout of members that were at the club which led to an active
and productive meeting.
Also, we had an excellent response on proxies.
Thanks to all for showing so much interest in the well being
of Westwind. It so
happened that the meeting fell on the same day that RCI came to the
club to again present Westwind with the Silver Crown Resort Award.
Congratulations to all, especially our staff.
It gave the Board of Directors an opportunity to meet with
our account executive and discuss trading issues and policies.
Westwind has an excellent relationship with RCI.
They hold our club in very high esteem. As I stated in my last
letter, the SUNFISH is back.
Through the years the sailboat has come and gone for various
reasons but there has always been an interest expressed on the part
of some owners on having one.
However, since it is back, the usage has been very minimal.
I know weather has a big effect on sailing and this has
played a big part on it being idle.
If there are any other reasons, I would appreciate some
feedback. It does
represent a fair investment for the club and we would like to see it
utilized. Send me an
E-mail if you have any comment. We initially approved
the purchase of 6 additional patio table umbrellas which would have
given us a total of 10 for sign-out at the office.
However, it was decided that this would have been a storage
and a transportation nightmare.
Thus, umbrellas are being purchased for all the units and
will be kept in the units so they are readily available for use when
wanted. Remember to
collapse them when not in use to prevent damage. With few exceptions,
the acceptance of our “NO SMOKING” policy has been phenomenal.
Thanks to all for your cooperation. Finally, more good news
on the Defibrillators, we have not had to use them yet. JUNKANOO 2008 Donnie’s club
The Valley Boys
took First
Place in the New Years Eve Parade.
Congratulations to Donnie and his club!
TREASURES REPORT The books for 2007 will be sent to the auditor within a
month’s time. The year was a very successful one from a financial
standpoint. We stayed within our budget while adding many
improvements to our resort. The major items in the budget for 2007
were the re-roofing of units 16, 17, 18 and 19 and the replacing of
all wooden soffit and fascia boards with a termite resistant,
weather resistant hardy board.
Outside the budgeted items Steve was able to refurbish unit
22 and completely redecorate and re-equip the bar and kitchen area
using the revenue from the sale of unit 22. This was done without an
additional surcharge or increase in our fees.
Going into 2008 some areas of concern are coming to light
not the least of which is the world economic situation and the
possibility that travel to the Bahamas may decrease. This would see
a loss of some vital revenue from the rental of units and visits
from our RCI guests. Director Weigel is working on a “Extend Your
Stay” rental program in an effort to encourage owners to add a week
to their holidays by renting at an attractive rate. But I will let
Ray tell you more about this as it comes together (keep an eye on
our web site at www.westwind1.com.)
It is very important that all our owners are aware that all
the sources of revenue at the Club help to keep our fees as low as
they are. The more you support the bar, the store and rental of the
recreational items at the Club the easier it is to keep our fees in
check and avoid needless surcharges.
There are two areas of concern this coming year that could
impact future charges to our owners. Our Club pays the Bahamas
Telephone Company (Batelco) a substantial fee to maintain a
telephone system in each unit for the convenience and safety of our
guests. With the popularity of cell phones these days the use of our
telephone system has been in decline to the point that we may not be
able to cover the costs of the system. Although I am not an expert
in the costs and use of cell phones, it was brought to my attention
that the use of cell phones from the Bahamas is substantially
greater than at home on the continent. It was also pointed out that
your provider picks up your location in the Bahamas as soon as you
turn it on. At that point you are paying a bigger fee for your calls
than you would at home. In an effort to help our guests and restore
the use of our telephone system the Board has lowered our rates to
be far more attractive than the rates that you will be paying when
using your own cell phones. Check this out when you are at the Club
and, if we can save you money, please use our land-lines.
The other option would be to have an
intercom system in the units and go back to the telephone booth near
the pool filtering system. But we all know that this is classified
as an extreme sport in a thunderstorm.
The second area of concern is due to the Board’s decision to
stop charging owners for the use of the televisions in the units.
With the availability of wireless internet as a revenue source it
was felt that revenue from this source would replace the revenue
realized from the rental of the televisions. Our internet charges
will be competitive with the charges in the area and, although we
have had some troubles setting up the system, we know that this is a
very desirable service for our guests in their units.
At the recent Annual General Meeting several suggestions
were made to the Board and the Board has reacted to some of these.
See Stephen’s report regarding the expanded food service.
We have had several guests request a larger more up to date
television set at the Clubhouse. This will be in our future planning
but the security of a large screen TV will take some planning from
Steve. It appears that this request is more evident during play-offs
in some sports like the World Series and the
NFL play-offs.
SALES AND RE-SALES At the AGM meeting Ray Weigel reported
a good year for new sales at the club.
Unit 22 sales have been robust.
31 weeks have been sold and only 19 remain. We now have many full
weeks of occupancy through out the year.
The summer activity/ownership
is stronger then ever.
In an attempt to have a
full house at all times
we will try to
increase occupancy
through our rental program.. We are working on a system using the
web site to alert owners what units are available for rental
before—during—after their ownership week(s).
This will provide you the information you need to “EXTEND
YOUR STAY” or “BRING A
FRIEND” Details have not
been worked out as of press time but keep watching on the web site
for information on this program.
Time is running out if you still want to be
in on part of the action for unit 22.
Call Ray or Lauren to reserve your week!!!
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER UPDATE
WIRELESS INTERNET
ACCESS
We have installed a “complex wide” wireless Internet system.
We’ve had some growing pains while the bugs were worked out but
all Villas now have direct access with decent signal
strength. The following new rates have been established. 1 hour
- $5.00 If you leave your laptop at home,
the club’s notebook with wireless access may also be rented
at $10 per hour. Purchase your internet time at the office. You will be
issued an I.D. and password. Each account allows one computer online
at the same time.
TELEPHONE
SYSTEM We installed a new telephone system
about a year ago. The system has worked fine, but we have had
difficulty getting timely service for
recent problems. By the time you read this, everything should
be back to normal.
Due to the extremely competitive nature of the telephone
system, we recently met with Credit Card Calls
------ $1.25 WEB SITE
There appears to be some confusion primarily from our renters and
RCI traders about the procedures at our club. More detail will soon be
presented on the website and in the Information Books found in each
unit at the Club.
Another new item for the website is a listing of all
timeshare weeks that are available for rent by the club.
Reservations must be made through Lauren or Steve at
Westwind’s office. Please note
that this listing is only available for units rented through the
Club. DINING OUT
We enjoyed a fine dinner at the recently opened restaurant—–MOSO
GRILL.
It is located on the second floor at the Cable Beach Resort &
Crystal Palace Casino. It features Chinese cuisine
both classic and contemporary.
Some of their signature dishes are
Aromatic Crispy Duck,
Ma Po Tofu,
Ribbon Noodles with Eight Flavors, and
Mongolian Style Chicken. I enjoyed one of my
favorite Chinese appetizers, Hot and Sour Soup.
It was one of the best bowls I have had for some time.
Other dishes enjoyed by our group were Fried Rice with
Vegetables and Seafood,
Mongolian Style Chicken and Beef Hot Pot,
Ribbon Noodles with Eight Flavours,
and Grilled Shrimp.
You can top off the
meal with a selection of desserts including Crispy Lotus Buns with
Caramel Orange Wedges; Cinnamon Banana Spring Roll with Green Tea
Ice Cream; and Fresh Fruits Ginger Preserve and Almond Jelly.
We are looking forward to returning and hopefully the restaurant
will survive the new
construction
TRY SOMETHING NEW Take a ride on the newest addition to the Westwind Water
Fleet. The Glass Bottom
Canoe arrived in late January
and had its
maiden voyage with owners Ernie and Carla Kemper
(week 3&4). They
report it very sea worthy
and handles quite
well. It is lighter than
our Kayaks and sits a bit lower in the water.
Their trip took them to Sandy Port and then to Crystal
Palace. Several schools
of fish plus starfish, were some of the sights along the way. This boat rental will become a popular adventure for all, so
hope for a calm day and make your reservations
as early as possible. Enjoy your trip. If you prefer you can
stay with the Sunfish,
kayaks or the power boat
for your day on the water.
Be sure you follow all safety rules.
WE
NEED YOUR HELP
We as owners do have some responsibilities at our home away
from home. Here are a few suggestions that will help us save money. 1.
Keep in mind that when the A.C. is turned on, keep all
windows and doors closed.
This will help
save electricity and prevent the A.C. evaporator from icing up.
It will also save the A.C. units from over heating. Another
way to save expensive electricity is not to run the units below 72F.
2. The property is well
lit at nights. Please
turn off the lights when you
leave your unit. 3. We have ordered new
umbrellas ( See
Stephen’s report) for each unit. It is important
to keep them in a down position when not in use to prevent
them from being damaged by sudden gusts of wind. 4. Review the Westwind
Club rules and regulations
in your unit Information Book.
Please note that the last page is a maintenance page.
Fill out the form if your unit needs some attention, and
bring it to the office. This is the best way to help Steve and his
staff maintain the units
in top condition
FROM THE FRONT DESK
The cable beach area
is rapidly becoming more commercial with all the impending
development getting underway, and we now have a beautiful men's and
ladies clothing store called Rubins at the roundabout before city
market. More stores will soon be opening
in the plaza where city market used to be as well. With a new year comes
new ideas and changes, so we ask all of you to please keep us
informed of any changes in your mailing address, phone contacts and
email. This is so
important for our club records and mail outs.
We so much enjoy and appreciate hearing from you throughout
the year, but our inbox is getting overwhelmed, so we ask that you
please keep ‘miscellaneous’ emails to a bare minimum!
BEACH BOOKS Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen, takes you into the
fascinating world of a Depression-era traveling circus. The memories
of ninety-year-old Jacob Jankowski reveal a world of sideshow
characters, clowns, a clever terrier, and Rosie the elephant. Rosie
was the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus, if
Rosie only had an act. The author explores the bonds of trust
between animals and people and creates an emotional tale that will
please history buffs as well. This is truly a great
“Beach Book.” My book discussion group gave Water For Elephants rave
reviews.
REMEMBER WHEN————
—–you stood at the pool and looked down the lane toward unit 10 and
admired those large fig trees?
If you do you might be one of our original owners.
They were exceptionally
messy
as they affected
the unit interiors and roofs.
The Board debated long and hard before agreement was reached
to remove them. Looking
at the view today they did arrive at a good decision. This is the view today!
RECIPES One of our favorite fish meals in Nassau is the grouper.
GROUPER
AU GRATIN 2 Cups Cooked Grouper Beat flour into melted butter.
Add milk slowly to make a sauce,
Add cheese, fish
and season. Top
with breadcrums. Bake at 400, about 20 minutes to brown.
Westwind Club Association Limited To benefit all Residents and to insure proper use of the entire Premises of Westwind Club Association Limited (“Club”); consisting of the grounds of the Club, units, pool, club and patio area and beach (“Premises”), Residents agree to comply with the following Rules and Regulations. These Rules and Regulations were updated and duly adopted by the Board of Directors on November 13, 2006, and are part of the time-share documents governing the Club. 1. Residents will use the Premises for residential purposes only, comply with these Rules and Regulations and the terms and provisions contained in the other time-share documents and will do nothing that may injure the reputation of the Club or condition of the Premises or the comfort and enjoyment of the Club by other occupants. 2. Residents will not do anything or keep anything in or about the Premises that will increase the risk of fire or that may conflict with fire or insurance regulations. 3. Residents shall respect the rights of all other Residents of the Premises to peace and quiet and will not disturb Residents by shouting or other loud use of his or her voice, with noise, music, radios and televisions, odor, or in any other way. All abusive, disorderly, violent, or harassing conduct by a Resident, including but not limited to abusive and/or foul language, sexually explicit comments toward Residents, occupants, or management is prohibited and is grounds for immediate termination of occupancy and additional remedies set forth below, regardless of where on the Premises this activity may occur. 4. Vandalism of any kind by a Resident on or to the Premises is prohibited. 5. The swimming pool is for the exclusive use of Residents and their guests as well as invitees and staff. Swimming pool rules are posted at the pool. Residents and guests shall obey those rules. Noncompliance with any rules may result in loss of swimming pool privileges. 6. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests. Such persons shall abide by these Rules and Regulations. 7. Residents are responsible for any damages, including clean-up resulting from the conduct of themselves and their guests. 8. Animals are not allowed at any time, under any circumstance. Club animals are not permitted in the units. 9. Residents will not paint, paper, or otherwise decorate any unit. 10. Unsightly vehicles are not permitted on the Premises. Any vehicle of Resident or of Residents’ guests that leak oil or hydraulic fluid (which damage blacktop) must be removed, and Resident is responsible for any cleanup and repair. 11. Residents will act reasonably to conserve water and energy, and will report running toilets and faucets to Management for service. Residents will not make unreasonable use of air-conditioning. 12. Residents will not remove or tamper with safety equipment or remove batteries from smoke detectors or in any other way disarm them. 13. Possession, sale, or use of any illegal drug or drug paraphernalia on the Premises or in the units is prohibited. 14. Possessing, using, or storing lethal weapons anywhere in the units or on the Premises is prohibited. “Lethal weapon” is defined as any deadly weapon which, from the manner used, is calculated or likely to produce death or serious bodily injury. This includes, but is not limited to: all firearms, hunting knives, switchblades, bows and arrows, machetes, or other knives. 15. Maintenance requests shall be submitted in writing to Management. Specifics of the problem, to the extent possible, shall be included in the request. 16. Residents shall reimburse the Club for repair of any damage to the premises, including the units caused by violation of any of these Rules by Residents or their guests. 17. The Club through its Board of Directors may impose fines up to $10,000.00 for behavior and conduct contrary to these Rules and Regulations which significantly interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Premises of other Residents. 18. A lien shall automatically attach to an Owner’s time-share interest unit for sums charged to him/her as a Resident for violations of these Rules and Regulations. If the sums charged pursuant to these Rules and Regulations are not paid within 30 days, the Club may forfeit the Owner’s interest in his/her unit and foreclose on the same or prohibit use of the unit by Resident until all sums are paid.
WESTWIND CLUB ASSOCIATION LIMITED SWIMMING POOL RULES
1. NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY. Management assumes no liability for persons swimming in the pool. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. 2. No diving in the pool. 3. No rough-housing or dangerous play. 4. No loud or obnoxious behavior. 5. No foul language. 6. No running. 7. No glass containers in the pool area. 8. Improper use of lifesaving equipment is prohibited. 9. Proper swimming attire is required at all times. 10. No pets. 11. After 10:00pm, the pool area is to be quiet. PASSPORT///PASSPORT///PASSPORT/// THE USA STATE DEPARTMENT IS REQUIRING A PASSPORT FOR ENTRY BACK INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM THE BAHAMAS!!!
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CURRENT BOARD OF
DIRECTORS |
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Donavan Meyer, President |
Michael
O’Connor, Secretary Pete Seibert , Webmaster Raymond Weigel III, Sales and Resales Stephen Darville, CLUB MANAGER |
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