2 minute read
Staff Announcements
welcome our new director of food & beverage don robinson
Back for his second tour of duty, Don first worked at The Arbutus Club for three and half years in the late 90’s. Hired two weeks prior to Chef Michael Couzelis and worked with Christine Piner (then in Catering Sales) and Brent Elkington (then the Clubhouse Manager) closely at that time, Don took care of catering, The Lounge and Dining Room and was part of the team that originated many of the special events that members have enjoyed throughout the years such as the Parking Lot Party and Lobster Bash. Don left the Club to further his career, firstly at Grouse Mountain where he was the Food and Beverage Manager for over four years and then settled in as the Director of Food and Beverage at the River Rock Casino Resort. There Don oversaw the entire food and beverage department, which became the busiest free standing food and beverage operation in the city. Next, fulfilling a lifelong entrepreneurial dream, Don started his own business called The Don Solutions Inc. Investing and consulting in small to medium sized businesses, Don worked with several businesses and charities around the city including the Vancouver Giants, the Township of Langley, the Canadian Cancer Society, Blue Sky Clothing Co. and countless others. Born in Vancouver and raised in Marpole, Don lives in the West End with his partner Kim McBurney (who also worked at the Club for over ten years) and his young son Grady. Don spends most of his free time chasing his two biggest passions, playing hockey and eating great food.
It is with great sadness we announce that Assistant Recreation Services Manager, Chrystal Stone, has made the decision to take on a new position with CanLan Ice Sports. Her last day of work will be Friday October 30, 2020. Those fortunate enough to work or interact with Chrystal are very familiar with her dedication to The Arbutus Club, the Recreation Services Department, and our members. She was a key player in ensuring that Recreation Services ran smoothly and was always available to assist both members and staff. She has touched so many peoples lives. Her contributions span every program and service that the Club offers, such as our registration system, programs brochures, special events, facility allocation, marketing, the 25 Year Club, Bridge, Karate, Music, Squash, and the list goes on. She also was a key player with the logistics needed to provide exemplary member service throughout Arbutus 2020 and the strategic planning throughout COVID-19. She was tireless when it came to ensuring our members received the best service possible under these extenuating circumstances. Many of you may recall receiving emails from her late into the evenings and on the weekends. Chrystal was always ready to lend a hand, put on a costume, pack up 100 goodie bags, even when her plate was already full. Words cannot express how much we will miss her. Her 11 years here went by so quickly and all of us would love to have had 11 more. We wish her the best in her new position. We all know that her new employer is so fortunate to have her on board.
