The Dominican Republic Alumni Chapter (DRAC) ~ 2 nd Annual Charter Anniversary Celebration ~ Dates: January 15-20, 2025 Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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“La Vida Diamante” (Diamond Life)
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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM CHAPTER POLEMARCH SHERMAN LARKINS
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To all of our guests, we say “Hola” - and to our Kappa brothers we say “Yo.” Welcome to the Dominican Republic Alumni Chapter’s 2nd Annual Charter Anniversary Weekend Celebration. We hope you enjoy your stay at the luxurious Barceló Bávaro Palace in Punta Cana, the premier vacation destination in the Caribbean. The host committee has meticulously planned an exciting and fun-filled agenda that includes both activities and excursions. To help make the most of your experience, we encourage you to participate in as many events as possible. Thank you for joining us for this special celebration. We extend to each of you our best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable stay in Punta Cana!
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Punta Cana Fun Facts … The Punta Cana we know today is only about 45 years old. In 1969, it was just 30 square miles of undeveloped, impenetrable brush that stretched for five miles along the easternmost coast of the Dominican Republic. The name Punta Cana was a commercial brand name for the group of investors, chosen for the fan shaped Cana palm leaves that flourish in the area. The group has now changed their name to the one-word title “ Puntacana ” due to the popularity and use of Punta Cana as a generic brand. The Dominican Republic’s number one source of income is tourism - and Punta Cana is the country’s most important tourism region, bringing in more than a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product. Punta Cana has recently become one of the premier golf destinations in the Caribbean. Punta Cana has 10 different beaches, some of which have been ranked the world’s best by the European Blue Flag Organization and UNESCO.
DRAC 2025 Charter Anniversary Celebration Itinerary Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Time Event Location/Comments
Barceló Bávaro Resort (Airport To Resort Transfers Are Available From the Resort For a Fee) Coffee, Rum & Cigar Lounge Bar, Barceló Bávaro Palace Resort (Location/Details Forthcoming)
12 noon - 5pm
Arrival At Host Hotel
6pm - 8:30pm
Meet & Greet
6pm - 8:30pm
Evening Entertainment
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time
Event
Location/Comments Place of Your Choosing
8am - 9:30am
Breakfast On Your Own
2 nd Mile Missions (Transportation Provided by DRAC; Pickup in Barceló Bávaro Resort Lobby) Coffee, Rum & Cigar Lounge Bar, Barceló Bávaro Palace Resort Barceló Bávaro Resort (Various Options on the Resort) (Location/Details Forthcoming)
10am - 12 noon
Community Service
5pm - 7pm
Meet & Greet
7pm - 9pm
Dinner On Your Own
9pm - Until
Evening Entertainment
Friday, January 17, 2025
Time
Event
Location/Comments
Excursions: Catamaran (8:30am - 12 noon) Buggy (1:30p - 4:30p)
8:30am - 4:30pm
(see “Excursions” page for info)
2pm - 6pm
Golf Outing
Barceló Lakes Golf Course
6:30pm - 9pm
Dinner On Your Own
(Various Options on the Resort) Part 1: Coffee, Rum & Cigar Lounge Bar, Barceló Bávaro Palace Resort Part 2: Barceló Bávaro Resort Club (Next to Casino)
9pm - Until
White Party
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DRAC 2025 Charter Anniversary Celebration Itinerary Saturday, January 18, 2025 Time Event Location/Comments 8am - 10am Breakfast On Your Own (Various Options on the Resort)
Excursions: Buggy (7:30am - 11am)
7:30am - 12 noon
(see “Excursions” page for info)
Barceló Bávaro Resort Convention Center; Attire: Kappa Polo/Black Slacks Barceló Bávaro Resort Convention Center; Attire: Kappa Polo/Black Slacks Barceló Bávaro Resort Convention Center; Attire: Kappa Polo/Black Slacks (Location/Details Forthcoming)
3pm - 4pm
Chapter Photo
4pm - 5:30pm
Chapter Meeting
5:30pm - 8pm
Chapter Meeting Repast
9pm - Until
Evening Entertainment
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Time
Event
Location/Comments Place of Your Choosing Barceló Bávaro Resort Beach (Location/Details Forthcoming)
8am - 9:30am
Breakfast on your own
1pm - 5pm
Beach Fest
9pm - Until
Evening Entertainment
Monday, January 20, 2025
Time
Event
Location/Comments Place of Your Choosing (Resort To Airport Transfers Are Available From Resort For a Fee) Safe Travels Nupes!
8am - 9:30am
Breakfast on your own
All Day
Departures
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DRAC Chapter Meeting Agenda
Saturday, January 18, 2025 – 4pm Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89029972173 Agenda Item Presenter
Sherman Larkins
Call to Order
Sherman Larkins
Approval of Agenda
Keeper of Records Report Previous Meeting Minutes Meeting Minutes Passage Statement Keeper of Exchequer Report Exchequer Report DRAC Membership Polemarch’s Report Welcome State of the Chapter 75 th Southern Province Council Vice Polemarch Report Board Summary Report Tips While in Punta Cana
Virgilio Soler, Devon Nelson, Scott Williams
Ken Frazier
Sherman Larkins
Christopher Lemmie
Committee Reports
John Ellington & Greg Duncan Lee Edwards John Ellington Sherman Larkins
DRAC Charter Anniversary Guide Right/Room To Read
Golf Raffle Update DRAC Foundation
Guest Speaker
Linnes Finney Jr., Esq.
Sherman Larkins
New Business
Brothers All
For the Good of Kappa
o February 19, 2025 – General Membership Mtg (Virtual) o March 20-23, 2025 – General Membership Mtg (Puerto Plata) o March 27-30, 2025 – Southern Province Council (Jacksonville, FL)
Calendar Announcements
Sherman Larkins
Closing Remarks & Adjournment
COMMUNITY SERVICE/GUIDE RIGHT EVENT
Date: Thursday, January 17, 2025 Time: 10am - 12 noon Location: 2nd Mile Missions (Bávaro, Punta Cana) Activities: Room To Read Donation of School Supplies Student Sponsorship
2nd Mile Missions is situated in the Bavaro region, close to Punta Cana. The organization is highly focused on serving the needs of Dominican children through education and community development programs. As part of our chapter ’s continued commitment to serving communities in the Dominican Republic, we will be visiting the organization to conduct a Room To Read Program, donate school supplies, and provide student sponsorship. We hope you will join us for this meaningful endeavor.
The Dominican Republic Alumni Chapter (DRAC) Presents ~ 2 nd Annual Dr. Ruben Bakkar Golf Outing ~ Date: January 17, 2025 Location: Barceló Lakes Golf Course (Barceló Bávaro Resort)
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The Dominican Republic Alumni Chapter proudly presents the 2nd annual Ruben Bakkar Golf Outing. The event is part of our Annual Charter Anniversary Weekend Celebration, and it
promises an abundance of fun and fellowship. Gift Certificates will be awarded for the following:
Closest to the pin on holes 9 and 14 Longest drive on holes 4 and 16
NUPE
We look forward to teeing it up with the Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.!
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EXCURSIONS
PUNTA CANA EXCURSIONS
Excursion #1
ADVENTURE PARK PRIVATE CATAMARAN
Excursion #2
“ADVENTURE BOOGIES BLAST” BUGGY EXPERIENCE
EXCURSION #1
BAVARO ADVENTURE PARTY BOAT PRIVATE CATAMARAN
DATE: Friday, January 17 th TIME: Pick up from hotel at 8:30am sharp COST: $100 Per Person RECOMMENDED: Sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, water slippers, and swimsuit (on) DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a relaxing and exclusive ride aboard a catamaran through the crystal-clear waters of the Bavaro coast. We make a stop at the coral reefs where you’ll enjoy a unique snorkeling experience, plus a stop at the natural pool. We stop in a private area where you can enjoy the spectacular beach and nature.
Click Here To Reserve and Pay For The Private Catamaran
ITINERARY Private transfer from the hotel to port of embarkation Arrival and safety briefing with your guide Board the boat Sailing along the Bavaro coast with music, snacks, tropical fruits and entertainment Unique snorkeling experience Return to the boarding point Transfer back to the hotel
INCLUDES Private round-trip transportation Animation Unlimited open bar Tropical fruits Snacks
YOU CAN’T MISS THIS UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!
EXCURSION #2
“ADVENTURE BOOG IES BLAST” BUGGY EXPERIENCE
DATE: Friday and Saturday January 17 th and 18th TIME: Friday: 1:30pm - 4:30pm Saturday: 8:30am - 11am COST: $80 (Single); $140 (Double) DESCRIPTION: Discover the most beautiful landscapes of the East on an unforgettable midday adventure, driving in buggies, through the rural area passing through plantations and coconut trees. During the tour, we will make a stop at Domitai Park to go back in time and enjoy a Taíno show. We will also enjoy a refreshing swim in the largest cave in Punta Cana (IGUABONITA) and learn and taste organic products, as well as tropical fruits and soft drinks.
Click Here To Reserve and Pay For The Buggy Experience
Travel to Punta Cana From the U.S.
A valid passport is required to enter the Dominican Republic . Here is a link that will take you to the website where you can apply for a passport, or to renew or replace an existing one: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements
Visas are not required for visits shorter than 30 days All airline passengers are required to fill out an E-Ticket when entering and exiting the Dominican Republic. The QR code generated upon completion of the form can be presented at the airport on a digital device. The E-Ticket website will provide you with an opportunity to complete your entry and exit form at the same time. You will be provided with 2 QR Codes, one for entry and one for exit. The QR code must be shown to the airline ticket agent when checking in and/or going through customs. Here is a link to the website where the form can be accessed: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/Home/ NOTE: In addition to the above requirements, proof of return from the Dominican Republic (or an onward ticket to another destination) must be shown. To make your travel experience as efficient as possible, it’s important that you review all travel requirement documents pertaining to the specific airline you will be traveling with.
Transportation In Punta Cana
Transportation to and from the airport: Because transportation in Punta Cana is controlled by unions – and the unions operate the airport taxi service as well as public transportation, it’s suggested that you travel from the Punta Cana airport to the resort by taxi. Transfers to/from the resort are available. Contact the resort for information regarding transfer fees and logistics. The cost of a taxi for one-way travel between the airport and the resort is approximately $30-$35 per person. Traveling within Punta Cana area and the surrounding area: Ease of travel within Punta Cana and the surrounding area is largely dependent on where you are staying (hotel, Airbnb, etc.). The most convenient means of travel in the area is by taxi, but they can sometimes be expensive (depending on your final destination). The least expensive means of travel during your stay in the Punta Cana area is via Uber. The following DRAC members will be available to assist you with questions you have regarding transportation logistics:
Name
Contact Info
James Garrett, Jr.
james@4rmula.com; 651-775-3594 (m)
John Ellington
pirataglobal@gmail.com; 301-520-6184 (m)
DRAC Member Contact List
SPANISH SPEAKING MEMBERS
Name
Contact Info
James Garrett, Jr.
james@4rmula.com; 651-775-3594 (m)
John Ellington
pirataglobal@gmail.com; 301-520-6184 (m)
Christopher Lemmie
clemmie@verizon.net; 240-350-8633 (m)
CONTACT INFORMATION (HOST HOTELS/EVENTS)
Event
Contact Person
Contact Info
Host Hotel Info; Local Travel
John Ellington
(see contact info above)
Click Here To Reserve And Pay For The Excursions
Excursions
Community Service/Guide Right
shermanlarkins@gmail.com 313-310-1457 (m) shermanlarkins@gmail.com 313-310-1457 (m) marquesholland@bellsouth.net 954-790-0667 (m) marquesholland@bellsouth.net 954-790-0667 (m)
Sherman Larkins
Golf Outing
Sherman Larkins
White Party
Marques Holland
Beach Fest
Marques Holland
Chapter Website
Link To DRAC Website
RESORT ROOM RATES
Rates are valid 1/15/25 thru 1/19/25 Rates are also valid three (3) days pre and three (3) days post-event at the (discounted) group rate
JUNIOR SUITE
Room Type
Nightly Rate
Double
$170 $289 $119
Single
Extra Person
JUNIOR SUITE OCEAN FRONT PREMIUM LEVEL Room Type Nightly Rate Double $272 Single $462 Extra Person $190 SUPERIOR ROOM OCEAN FRONT PREMIUM LEVEL Room Type Nightly Rate Double $264 Single $449 Extra Person $185
Click The Link Below For Hotel/Resort Booking Instructions: Link To Hotel Booking Instructions
Communication And Financial Tips
CELL PHONE SERVICE: It’s highly recommended that you contact your cell phone provider to determine if they offer an international plan while in the Dominican Republic. As an option, you can utilize the WhatsApp mobile app to make phone calls and send text messages via the internet. Wi-Fi is complimentary at the resort. TEXTING & PHONE CALLS: It is highly recommended that you download the application “WhatsApp” on your phone and use th is application for all texting and voice calls while in Punta Cana. To help minimize cost, connect to Wi-Fi prior to using WhatsApp. FINANCIAL TIPS: Inform your bank that you will be using your bank cards (ATM, Credit Card, etc.) while traveling in the Dominican Republic. Take a photo of your passport page and keep it on your mobile phone. Have a physical copy of your passport page available for yourself, and provide a copy to members of your family. U.S. Dollars can be converted to Dominican Pesos at the airport, but a better exchange rate is generally offered at banks/other locations.
Cultural Tips For Your Stay In Punta Cana
At all times, respect the locals/natives If/when traveling outside of the resort, stay aware of your environment and ensure that you exercise appropriate decorum Avoid confrontations with locals at all times If you decide to rent a car, exercise patience while driving and stay alert for pedestrians and motorcycles at all times DO NOT wear a lot of exposed jewelry
Assistance With Cultural Challenges
If you happen to encounter cultural challenges or issues that require assistance, the following Dominican Republic Alumni Chapter (DRAC) members will be available to offer guidance or direction: Name Contact Info Culture/Politics Familiarity
Semi-proficient in Spanish and has a strong familiarity with the culture in the region Proficient in Spanish and has a strong familiarity with the culture and politics in the region Proficient in Spanish and has a strong familiarity with the culture and politics in the region
John Ellington
301-520-6184 (m)
James Garrett, Jr.
651-775-3594 (m)
Christopher Lemmie 240-350-8633 (m)
Event Polo Shirt and Wristband
A Polo Shirt and Wristband are available for brothers to purchase in commemoration of the “ La Vida Diamante ” (Diamond Life) 2 nd Charter Anniversary Celebration. Click on the links below to purchase each one.
Click Here To Purchase The “ La Vida Diamante ” Polo Shirt
Click Here To Purchase The “ La Vida Diamante ” Wrist Band
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The Dominican Republic Alumni Chapter (DRAC) members are thrilled to celebrate the second anniversary of the chapter’s chartering. We made significant strides and accomplishments during our first year as a chartered chapter, and w e’re eager to build on this success through the many Community Service and Guide Right programs conducted across the island. DRAC remains steadfast in upholding the ideals, goals, and objectives set forth by our fraternity’s founders , and we are fully committed to continuing this legacy well into the future. We welcome you to join us in Punta Cana for what promises to be a joyous and fun-filled celebration, and we hope to see you there! “La Vida Diamante” (Diamond Life)
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