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Contacts
General
The Arbutus Club
2001 Nanton Avenue Vancouver, BC 604.266.7166 arbutusclub.com
Club Reception reception@arbutusclub.com
604.266.7166
Recreation Services Desk registration@arbutusclub.com
604.269.8800
Accounting admin@arbutusclub.com
• Make dining
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604.269.8787
Communications communications@arbutusclub.com
604.269.8785
Membership membership@arbutusclub.com
604.269.8770
Catering Sales catering@arbutusclub.com
604.266.7169
The Shoppe concierge@arbutusclub.com
604.269.8919
Spa at Arbutus spa@arbutusclub.com
604.269.8919
Physiotherapy & Wellness physio@arbutusclub.com
604.269.8771
One of our smaller members enjoys the Spring Carnival – Arbutus Club Olympics
MANAGING EDITORS, DESIGN, & CREATIVE DIRECTION
Jeremy Reay & Dorcas Markwei
PAST ISSUES Online at arbutusclub.com
THE PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear Members,
Summer is officially here, and what a fantastic start we've had with our "Raise the Roof" party on the Rooftop Patio on Friday, June 30th. The Rooftop is open for dinner service Monday through Friday all summer, starting at 4:00 pm (weather permitting). Enjoy a chilled beverage, including the best of BC's white wines, and live music with Brian Flannigan every Thursday in August.
I'm happy to announce that the renovations of the Quilchena Terrace Patio will be completed just in time for summer. The newly expanded terrace boasts breathtaking views of Kerrisdale, making it a must-visit spot. Keep an eye out for several special events exclusively planned for our members in the upcoming months.
Speaking of patios, we have also enhanced the Bistro Patio, creating an inviting space to relax and savour the season. We are offering some fantastic summer specials poolside as well. With all the incredible offerings right here, who needs to go to any resort?
In this issue of The Bark, we have the pleasure of highlighting our three new directors: Louise Kim, Brian Scherb, and Garry Wong. Their collective expertise in the committee system, spanning areas such as Tennis, Finance, Recreation Services, and Membership, brings a wealth of knowledge to our Board. They have wasted no time familiarizing themselves with their roles, and we eagerly anticipate their invaluable contributions this term.
I want to thank our House Committees for promptly diving into their mandates. They have a busy year ahead, and their dedication is commendable. This year, we have introduced an Ad-Hoc Long-Range Planning and Development Committee, which will work with all House Committees, our senior management team, and the Executive. Together, they will shape a vision and roadmap for our long-term strategic plan. The Committee began with a detailed behind-the-scenes tour of the Club, laying the groundwork for their preliminary discussions. Their next step involves seeking proposals and hiring an architectural design firm to assist in developing a plan and then engaging the membership for input. Although we have recently finished the Arbutus 2020 project, we must continuously look toward the future.
In conjunction with the Long-Range Planning and Development Committee, the Planning and Facilities Committee will focus on identifying facilities that require renovations and enhancements in the coming years. For instance, the main pool, a cherished asset
of our Club, is showing signs of aging and will likely require an upgrade soon.
We have taken note of concerns raised by several members regarding the suitability of the Billie Mitchell Room for socializing and group activities. The Board of Directors addressed this matter at our June meeting and wished to clarify that the Billie Mitchell Room is not designated as a quiet space. The Billie Mitchell Room is an area for the enjoyment of all adult members. Members may gather, socialize, play games, and read, work, or study. The front half of the Shaughnessy Youth and Family Room is open during the day, and the seating area above The Shoppe is another excellent spot for those needing a quieter space.
I recently sent an update on behalf of the Board of Directors, announcing the appointment of Larry Ho as our new CEO. Larry will start on Tuesday, September 5th, with his first Board meeting on September 7th. Larry brings extensive experience in the club industry, having served as the General Manager of Jericho Tennis Club for seven years. When you are around the Club this fall, please drop by and welcome Larry to our Club.
Lastly, please mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 6th, when we will gather again for a special event to welcome you back. The Fall Funfest is the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to summer and reconnect with your fellow members before we delve into fall programs. Enjoy food, drinks, games, exhibitions, and interactive sports. Full details will be provided in August. Hope to see you there!
I wish you all a fun-filled summer.
Warm regards,
Jeff Thorsteinson Club President president@arbutusclub.comBoard + Committee
2023/2024 President
Jeff Thorsteinson
Vice President
Brooke Moss
Treasurer
Hollis Bromley
Secretary
Ramon Solinas
Immediate Past President
Alan Bailey
Directors
Kristen Baur
Stanley Chiu
Harv Phandal Dhanda
Katie Henderson
Louise Kim
Brian Scherb
Jordan Sengara
Darren Turecki
David Williams
Garry Wong
Chief Executive Officer
Brent Elkington
Activity Committee Chairperson
25 Year Club: Judy Simonett
AAHL: Toby Treweeke
Bridge: Pamela Moore, Margaret Duncan
Dance: Moira Stilwell
Fitness Centre: Rick Richardson
Karate: William Arlotta
Minor Hockey: Brian Pearson
Pickleball: Terry Buckley
Squash: David Cluff
Tennis: To be determined
Totems Hockey: David Yu
events calendar
JULY
WEDNESDAY, JUL 19
• National Hot Dog Day in The Bistro. Hot dog specials continue until Tuesday, July 25
SATURDAY, JUL 22
• Red Cross Babysitting Course from 10:00am - 5:00pm (location tbd)
SATURDAY, JUL 1
CANADA DAY
No group classes The Bistro service only
CANADA DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST in the South Gymnasium, Shaughnessy Room, & Mini Rink Turf from 8:30 - 10:30am
MONDAY, JUL 3
• Summer en Blanc wine specials begin in The Fireside and on The Rooftop, continuing all July
TUESDAY, JUL 4
• Summer hours in The Fireside commence. See arbutusclub.com for details.
SATURDAY, JUL 15
• Junior Ambassador Training in the Shaughnessy Room
• Youth Fitness Orientation in the Fitness Centre from 12:00-1:30pm
TUESDAY, JUL 18
• Fall Junior Program Registration on arbutusclub.com at 7:00am
• Family Summer Movie Night on the Mini Rink Turf from 7:00-9:30pm
AUGUST
TUESDAY, AUG 1
• Rosé Coloured Glasses wine specials begin in The Fireside and The Rooftop, continuing all August
THURSDAY, AUG 3
• Hot August Thursday w/ live music by Brian Flanagan on The Rooftop from 4:00-9:00pm.
MONDAY, JUL 24
• Music with Marnie concert in the Quilchena Room from 10:30-11:30am
MONDAY, AUG 7
• BC Day No group classes The Bistro service only
THURSDAY, AUG 10
• Hot August Thursday w/ live music by Brian Flanagan on The Rooftop from 4:00-9:00pm
SATURDAY, AUG 12
TUESDAY, JUL 25
ADULT PROGRAMS REGISTRATION on arbutusclub.com at 7:00am
TEEN ARCHERY TAG NIGHT on the Mini Rink Turf from 6:00-8:00pm
ADULT ARCHERY TAG NIGHT on the Mini Rink Turf from 8:00-10:00pm
FRIDAY, JUL 28
• Youth Teen Night Out (12-14 yrs) from 4:00-8:00pm
• Home Safe Course in Room C from 10:00am - 12:00pm
• Youth Fitness Orientation in the Fitness Centre from 12:00-1:30pm
• CPR Certification from 9:00am5:00pm (location tbd)
THURSDAY, AUG 17
• Family Summer Movie Night on the Mini Rink Turf from 7:00-9:30pm
• Hot August Thursday w/ live music by Brian Flanagan on The Rooftop from 4:00-9:00pm
FRIDAY, AUG 18
• Youth Kids Night Out from 4:00-8:00pm
SUNDAY, AUG 20
• Red Cross Babysitting Course from 10:00am-5:00pm (location tbd)
MONDAY, AUG 21
• The Arbutus Club Minor Hockey Camps (U7-U15) on the Main Rink Week 1 from August 21-25 Week 2 from August 28-Sept1
SEPTEMBER
SUNDAY, SEP 3
• Final night of summer hours in The Fireside. See arbutusclub.com.
• Last night of service on The Rooftop patio
MONDAY, SEP 4
• Labour Day No group classes The Bistro service only
TUESDAY, SEP 5
• The Lounge reopens for service at 4:00pm
WEDNESDAY, SEP 13
• Chef to Go online ordering returns. See arbutusclub.com for dinner bundle details
SATURDAY, SEP 16
• Junior Ambassador Training in the Shaughnessy Room from 10:30am-12:00pm and 12:30-2:00pm
THURSDAY, SEP 21
• Chef to Go Thanksgiving items go on sale at 11:00am on arbutusclub.com
FRIDAY, SEPT 22
• Music with Marnie concert at 10:30-11:30am (location tbd)
THURSDAY, AUG 24
HOT AUGUST THURSDAY with live music by Brian Flanagan on The Rooftop from 4:00-9:00pm
FRIDAY, AUG 25
• Youth Night Out from 4:00-8:00pm
SATURDAY, AUG 26
• Youth Ambassador Training in the Shaughnessy Room from 10:00-11:30am
SUNDAY, AUG 27
• 25 Year Club: Vancouver Canadians Game (19+) at Nat Bailey Stadium beginning at 1:05pm
THURSDAY, AUG 31
• Hot August Thursday w/ live music by Brian Flanagan on The Rooftop from 4:00-9:00pm
WEDNESDAY, SEP 6
FALL FUNFEST WELCOME BACK PARTY will take place Club-wide from 5:00-8:00pm
WEDNESDAY, SEP 6
• The Fireside reopens with fall hours (Thursday to Sunday)
MONDAY, SEP 11
• Fall Recreation Services Programming begins
SATURDAY, SEP 23
• Home Safe Course from 10:00am-12:00pm in Room C
STAY UP TO DATE
For all the latest news, important notices, and upcoming events visit arbutusclub.coM
Club Life
Split Second Basketball
Food & Beverage Offerings
Club Life
Karate Year End Display
Meet the Team FEATURED STAFF
Mark Arviola step competition winner / janitor
In April, The Arbutus Club had 142 employees participate in a Club-wide Step Competition. The initiative was brought on by the Human Resources department as a way to generate fitness activity and community.
Our winner for the Step Competition was Mark Arviola, from our Janitorial department. Mark walked 800,085 steps in April, with an amazing daily average of 26,669 steps per day.
Walking and jogging has always been a part of Mark’s lifestyle, competing in several half and full marathons. Mark’s motto is “hiking is life." He has climbed many mountains in both the Philippines and Canada. For anyone who is trying to increase their step count, Mark recommends walking 30 minutes per day, progressively increasing the speed and duration of their walks.
Mark and his wife Crizle Ann, became parents to an adorable baby boy earlier this year. Congratulations Mark for this milestone and for leading such an active lifestyle.
Bobby Fan executive sous chef
On behalf of Executive Chef, Michael Couzelis, we are pleased to announce Bobby Fan as our new Executive Sous Chef at The Arbutus Club. He has been with the Club since June 2005; his first initiative was to start our Sushi program. This program has turned into our Sushi department, which is now very successful and is the envy of many in the club industry.
Michael Couzelis shares that he is very grateful for Bobby’s help with creating menu items for The Lounge and The Fireside. Bobby continues to be a trusted ally to Chef Michael, a mentor to many in the Kitchen, and is an amazing team player – often bringing treats to share with the staff.
Bobby’s favourite restaurant in Vancouver is AnnaLena, a Michelin star restaurant located in the heart of Kitsilano. His taste buds are known to take him abroad with one of his favourite trips being to Spain. “It is a great destination for foodies,” he says. However, whenever Bobby’s in a pinch, his go to meal is spam, fried eggs, and rice.
When Bobby is not in the kitchen, you might find him playing soccer as he is an avid soccer player and fan.
Meet the Team FEATURED STAFF
TH E A R BU T US C L U B
Mizuki Pryer senior sous chef
Mizuki, our Senior Sous Chef has been a warm and supportive leader in our Food & Beverage department since June 2017.
Executive Chef Michael commends Mizuki as a very dedicated employee who is well respected by all kitchen and service staff. Mizuki originally joined the Club as a Grill Cook in July 2010. She left in 2012 for another opportunity, but came back in 2017 because she missed the work environment at the Club. Mizuki says that kind and supportive Kitchen leaders, like Chef Michael and Bobby, are hard to come by.
When Mizuki is not at work, she is a dedicated Yogi. Yoga always makes her feel focused and calm. Mizuki also loves succulent plants and says that they changed her life last year. "House plants make us feel more comfortable and improve the quality of indoor air," she says.
Mizuki’s favourite cuisine is Japanese, but she also has a penchant for French pastries and desserts. Fittingly, Mizuki’s favourite restaurant is Au Comptoir, a lively French bistro in Kitsilano. And her favourite dish to cook is creme caramel and Goya Champuru (an Okinawan bitter melon stir fry).
Darren Moraga sous chef
We are excited to announce the promotion of Darren Moraga into the position of Sous Chef. Darren has worked at the Club since April 2014 and has strong leadership skills with loads of charisma. We are confident that he will be very successful leading the Catering Kitchen team.
Darren’s favourite cuisine is Filipino and for anyone who hasn’t tried it, he recommends chicken adobo and Kare-Kare. Darren’s favourite restaurant changes quite often, but currently, for a sit-down dinner, he likes Anh and Chi and if it’s a quick bite, Tacofino. He highly recommends their Lemongrass Chicken Burrito with a side of Tater Tots.
If Darren ever had an opportunity to compete in a reality show, he would choose to join Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, joking that he would like to see how long he would last before he breaks down in tears.
Darren’s favourite vacation was a trip to Singapore where he discovered hawker centres, which are food halls with stalls serving everything from full meals to snacks and drinks. He would highly recommend trying chili crab and black pepper crab, promising that they won’t be hard to find.
Tina Phillips gardener
Tina joined our Operation's department, as our full-time Gardener in March of this year.
During her free time, you'll find her out adventuring with her dog, biking, hiking, paddleboarding, or basically anything to do with the outdoors. You can also find her on her deck tending to her own plants. She’s very excited to put her passion into the grounds at the Club.
When Tina’s indoors, she loves spending time in her kitchen trying new recipes and hosting dinners with good company. Before gardening, Tina used to be a hairstylist (Cut Educator for Aveda). She travelled and did many hair competitions. Now her hair clients are of a greener hue.
Tina’s favourite trip has been her trip to Costa Rica. She says the flora and fauna alone were incredible. It was one of her first backpacking trips, full of botanical teaching moments and provided her with lots of memories.
Pauline Yu athletics and recreation coordinator
Pauline is a fitness enthusiast who first joined The Arbutus Club as a Group Fitness Instructor in October 2021. She transitioned into her new role as Athletics and Recreation Coordinator in March.
Pauline has been teaching fitness since 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and learning. Pauline also loves spending quality time with friends and taking spin classes. She shares that “spin is one of the best ways to release stress.” Exercise must be Pauline’s secret as Pauline is always positive and continually smiling.
Pauline is a foodie; she loves food so much that she is considering competing in the next Trattoria meatball eating contest. Some of her favourite places in Vancouver include Yugo and Le Coq Frit.
She lived in Hawaii for 4 years and recommends visiting Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. It’s less busy than Maui, but it’s equally stunning.
Pauline brings an amazing energy to her role in Recreation Services. ♦
These employees are exemplary team players, who have been praised for their attitude, their work ethic, and their problem-solving skills. These Arbutus Club all stars are reliable and they embody the attitude “we work as a team, and not as individuals.”
2023/2024 Board NEW DIRECTORS
Fresh Perspectives and Expertise: Meet the three new Directors helping to guide the way forward
Our newly appointed members, Louise Kim, Brian Scherb, and Garry Wong have wasted no time in leveraging their extensive committee experience and professional acumen to help pave the way forward. With their unwavering dedication to our mission, values, and long-term success, these active Club members embody the spirit of progress and are ready to make a lasting impact.
House Committees
FINANCE
Chair: Hollis Bromley
Vice Chair: Ramon Solinas
Director: Garry Wong
RECREATION SERVICES
Chair: Stanley Chiu
Vice Chair: Darren Turecki
Director: Kristen Baur
Club Member Since: 2017
Profession: Lawyer
MEMBERSHIP
Chair: Harv Phandal-Dhanda
Vice Chair: David Williams
Director: Brian Scherb
PLANNING & FACILITIES
Chair: Katie Henderson
Vice Chair: Louise Kim
Current Committee: Planning & Facilities
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME IN THE HOUSE COMMITTEE SYSTEM?
I've gained an incredible appreciation of the Club's efficient management and the efforts invested by its leadership, members, and volunteers to benefit our community.
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT THE CLUB?
The Club is genuine in its goals in “Putting Families First.” The sheer breadth of activities allows each of my family members to try new things, develop areas of interest, and make new friends along the way.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS THE CLUB ENRICHED YOUR LIFE?
Over the past few years, the Club feels like “a home away from home” more than ever before. It fosters quality family time and facilitates meaningful connections for my children with their friends.
Club Member Since: 2016
Profession: Wealth Plannning Associate Current Committee: Membership
IN WHAT AREAS OF THE CLUB DO YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME?
I enjoy spending time in the Fitness Centre and the pool, and hope to spend more time on the pickleball courts this summer.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME IN THE HOUSE COMMITTEE SYSTEM?
I've learned that so many members are incredibly invested in the Club's continued success.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CLUB EVENT AND WHY?
It's a tough ticket to get a hold of these days, but I enjoy going to Grapes and Hops and mingling with other members.
Club Member Since: 2002
Profession: President & CEO Bancorp Financial Services Inc
Current Committee: Finance Committee
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME IN THE HOUSE COMMITTEE SYSTEM?
The House Committee members are a dedicated group of individuals that are passionate about the Club. I appreciate the diversity of our Committee members that offer different points of view.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FONDEST CLUB MEMORIES?
Spending time with my kids playing tennis and attending Breakfast with Santa when they were young.
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT THE CLUB?
I appreciate the Club's commitment to high standards, constantly updating and maintaining various areas like The Lounge, Adult Changerooms, catering space, and fitness equipment. It ensures a top-notch experience for members. ♦
We proudly introduce three exceptional individuals who have recently joined our team of esteemed Directors. With their arrival, the Board gains a fresh injection of perspectives, each enriched by their unique backgrounds and expertise.Brian Scherb Garry Wong
Insufficient Lighting
Of course, this one must be at the top of the list! Lighting is always a main stress to plant parents. If a plant isn't receiving the light it needs, it will not grow and thrive for you, it's as simple as that. Once we get lighting down, the rest of plant care can follow.
Many plant parents are not providing their house plants with enough light. Unfortunately, many plants are sold with vague instructions about light requirements. Almost all plants need at the very least medium, indirect light. When in doubt, go bright to be safe. If a plant isn't happy with its current positioning, test a few options out. Make sure to give some time for the plant to adjust.
For your plant needs, it is always best to do a quick Google search for the preferred plant location and lighting needs. Feel free to ask Tina any questions and she'd be happy to help.
COMMON HOUSE PLANT MISTAKES
Overwatering
Haven't we all killed a plant by overwatering? Plant parents are just drawn to watering plants.
Don't allow your plant to sit in a pot with no drainage. When water collects at the bottom of the pot, it leads to root rot and the declining health of the plant.
In the wintertime, adjust the watering schedule of your plant. Less light and shorter days mean less growing for plants.
Most people plant directly into decorative pots with no drainage. An easy way to eliminate overwatering is to leave your plant in a nursery pot and put it in a decorative pot – this makes it easy to dump out excess water. If you're looking to level up your plant game, you can put a layer of stones at the base of your potted plant to create proper drainage.
Purchasing Based On Aesthetics
This almost made number one on the list! We have all chosen a plant because we love the look, without considering the kind of care it needs. For example, a big, beautiful cactus away from a window. When your plant turns yellow, develops a fungal disease, or has its leaves dropping, it usually has to do with location and how much light your plant is receiving. Placing a plant in a corner, where none of the plant leaves can receive light will make for one unhappy plant baby. Key takeaway: Purchase plants that will fit the environment your home provides. This will allow for fuller happier plants and less trips to your compost bin.
Plant care is not one-size-fits-all. Plant needs changes depending on the season and humidity levels in your home. Remember gardening is supposed to be fun. Don't let striving for perfection stop you. We have all lost a few plants along the way and learnt a lot from those errors. Now let's get to filling your indoors with some beautiful plant options. ♦
Our resident gardener, Tina Phillips, provides helpful tips on caring for your indoor plants.
safety at the club
SOS! The Club prioritizes your safety by providing you with safety protocols and instructions on what to do in case of an emergency.
No matter what we do, incidents and accidents happen. Fortunately, we are prepared for emergencies, and you can be prepared too.
You don’t need to be a professional to help. We know that it can be stressful to witness a medical emergency, especially if you’re unsure of what you can do to assist.
if you feel compelled to help, you can follow three simple steps:
1 Check 2 Call 3 Care
YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL TO HELP: CHECK CALL CARE
First Aid
1 Check
Check if a person is conscious, responsive, and if they want your help. If they are unresponsive, you can assume you have permission to help, and proceed accordingly.
2 Call 8500
Typically, a ‘call’ would just entail calling Emergency Medical Services (EMS). However, at the Club calling 8500 on any of our courtesy phones is included in this step. If EMS is needed, a timely call is important, followed by calling 8500 to notify staff. If you’re unsure about whether an EMS call is needed, call 8500 and let the lifeguard team evaluate the situation.
Depending on your location in the Club, it may seem quicker to come to the pool directly for help; however, calling 8500 is the best way to facilitate a quick response. Our staff are trained in specific procedures that revolve around responding to the sound of an 8500 call or the sound of the emergency alarm in the aquatics area. If this procedure is not initiated, it can result in a slower arrival to the scene. They will still do their best to get there as fast as they can, but the fastest way to get our staff where they are needed is to call 8500.
3 Care
Care for the life-threatening injury first. Depending on your level of training, and level of comfort, this can look a few different ways: Starting CPR if it’s necessary, administering basic first aid until further help arrives, or rest and reassurance – keeping the patient comfortable and still, reassuring them, and most importantly, staying with them until help arrives.
It is important to remember to only act within your scope of training. If you are not trained in emergency procedures or first aid it is best to wait until someone with further training arrives on scene.
ONCE HELP ARRIVES
Give space and let either the lifeguards or paramedics evaluate the situation and respond appropriately. The most helpful thing you can do is let them know what happened, provide any related information you have about the patient, help keep the patient calm, and help keep other members clear of the area.
IF CARE INVOLVES AN AED
An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator. These are small portable devices that can be used when an individual is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Once applied it can identify a patient’s cardiac rhythm and deliver an electric shock, if a shockable rhythm is detected, to help re-establish an effective heart rhythm. If immediately available, an AED can increase the likelihood of survival in a patient experiencing sudden cardiac arrest by 75% or more.
We currently have 8 AED’s on site:
• Fitness Centre Cardio Mezzanine
• Fitness Centre 3rd Floor
• The Shoppe
• The Lounge
• Main Rink
• Club Reception
• Tennis Building
• Pool
First Aid
If you’re in a situation where you have retrieved an AED, but help has not yet arrived, you can do the following three steps:
While all AEDs are different, all of the ones we have on site are straightforward to use. Once you open the AED it will turn on right away. While it is important to apply an AED as soon as possible, if you do not feel comfortable using the AED you can wait for help to arrive.
If you want to learn more about CPR, how to use an AED, or any other first aid procedures, The Arbutus Club offers CPR and First Aid classes every season. For more information contact our Aquatics Manager, Sydney Benmore, at sbenmore@arbutusclub.com.
PLAY SAFE!
The best way you can help with an emergency is to make sure it does not happen in the first place. Prevention is the number one best way to make sure emergency services are not needed. While some things are not always preventable, many things are. Prevention can look different depending on what activities you’re doing, and what facilities you are using. It can be anything from making sure you’re doing a proper warm up or cool down before or after participating in an activity; knowing your limits; or knowing and following Club and facility specific rules and protocols. ♦
Place the AED on the ground ensuring it is positioned on the same side of the patient as you Open the AED Follow the promptsCANADA DAY BREAKFAST
SATURDAY, JULY 1
The tradition continues! The whole club will be in a flap – flapjacks, that is – as we welcome summer and celebrate our great nation’s birthday in the best way we know how: eating pancakes and sausages! Fun family activities, live music and great breakfast are all on the bill for this year's Canada Day, to be held rain or shine inside the friendly confines of our beautiful South Gymnasium.
SUMMER EN BLANC
MONDAY, JULY 3 ONWARDS
The summer is going to be white-hot this year! We will be featuring the best of BC’s white wines all summer long on both The Roof Top and in The Fireside. Ask your server or bartender “what’s on special today” when you visit as we sample the best of the Island, Okanagan and beyond. It’s a road trip without the road weariness, just the joy of summer sippin’.
COOL CATS ON A HOT TIN ROOF
TUESDAY, JULY 4 ONWARDS
All the cool kids (16+) are hanging out on The Rooftop. With the best view, summer breezes and full service, it’s the place to be. Open Monday to Friday all summer (weather permitting) from 4:00pm to close. The patio on the roof provides a great place for a bevy, bite or full meal from The Fireside menu. Draft beer specials, great wines by the glass, and more await your summer desires.
NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY
WED, JULY 19 – TUES, JULY 25
July 19 is National Hot Dog Day and it kicks off our week-long celebration of the continent’s truly favourite dog. Be it short, fat or foot-long, the hot dog truly is our go to hand food. Easy to carry, great to load up, let us do the heavy lifting and critical thinking and provide you with the menu items that will make you howl with delight. No dog’s breakfast here, just tube steak heaven.
Food & Beverage Events
HOT AUGUST NIGHTS FOR THROWBACK THURSDAYS
THURSDAYS IN AUGUST
Live music with our favourite warbler, Brian Flanagan, singing favourites of yesteryear while sampling free wares from our favourite suppliers? It can’t get better than live and free, right? Join Brian every Thursday in August and sip on samples from our local and imported selections while you enjoy your night in the sun. Throwback to a simpler era, truly a season in the sun.
FALL FUNFEST
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
It’s over already?! Wow summer went by fast… but thank goodness there is The Arbutus Club’s famous welcome back party, the Fall Fun Fest. Held in the South Gymnasium, Mini Rink, Main Rink, and the third floor banquet rooms, join us for food, drinks, games, exhibitions, interactive sports, and much, much more. Full details to come later this summer, we hope to see everyone back at the Club and ready for our fall programs and activities. Let’s kick it off together in style
CHEF TO GO THANKSGIVING
ITEMS ON SALE THURS, SEPTEMBER 21
Thanksgiving creeps up on you so don’t forget to order the fabulous Turkey Bundle or the infamous Turkey Gravy. Both of these highly sought after items go on sale on September 21 for two weeks only, so don’t delay, order online at arbutusclub. com, or order your gravy with Claudia Luna and her team in The Bistro. Have questions? Contact Don Robinson, our Director of Food and Beverage, at drobinson@arbutusclub.com and he will help solve any concerns or queries you may have. ♦
Quilchena Terrace Patio
Talk about decked out!!! Wow, the gorgeous new structure and sparkling renovation is (finally!) complete and it looks –in a single word – stunning. Boasting state of the art fixtures, finishings, and operations; the retractable roof pergola will be an amazing amenity for all our member events all yearround, including spring brunches, summer parties, Grapes & Hops, and Breakfast with Santa alike. Featuring a permanent bar, TV’s, accordion doors and sliding panels that open the entire deck to the Kerrisdale Valley; once members and guests arrive they may never want to leave. Call or email Kim McBurney, Catering Manager, for details on how to book the space for your next celebration or how to sign up for one of our famous member events at catering@arbutusclub.com.
NEW Club Service Village
Located on P1 of The Arbutus Club Parkade, the newest service amenity for fall is going to rock your world with convenience! Situated next to the Chef to Go kiosk and the bike lock-up, you will find The Arbutus Club Service Village smart-lockers featuring drop-off and pick-up service for drycleaning, shoeshine, skate sharpening, sports apparel and sundry items, as well as parcel pickup for online orders. No more trips to different places to get your dry-cleaning, sharpen your skates, or pick up your online orders. The Arbutus Club Service village provides all the services you need in one neat little box, with a pull up waiting zone parking stall to boot. All ordered and controlled easily with your phone, no muss and certainly, no fuss.
The Bistro Refresh
BEGINS TUESDAY, SEPT 5
Beginning Tuesday, September 5, you'll begin seeing changes in The Bistro with new items available in our to-go section, our roundabout heat and serve section, and a soonto-be revamped Capp Bar, which will feature new healthy-conscious options, portion size options, and more. Be sure to ask Claudia and her team all about the hard work they have put in over the summer to get ready for the busy fall and winter in The Bistro at the Club.
Lounge Weekends
BEGINNING, SATURDAY SEPT 16
Starting Saturday, September 16, The Lounge will be opening at 12:00 noon on Saturdays and Sundays to help our amazingly popular Club provide an adult alternative to the busy Bistro on the weekends. Serving all the amazing drinks we are famous for, as well as a sandwich and benny menu to satisfy the midday hunger pangs, join us to watch your favourite game or just hang out while the rest of the family does their thing elsewhere. ♦
The Recreation Services department incorporates member feedback to continuously improve the Club experience for all. While we receive and implement feedback and suggestions on a wide range of areas, in this segment of The Bark we are highlighting five broad member questions that we have addressed.
Recreation Services
PROGRAM ACCESS AND WAITLISTS
Can you increase access to programs and reduce your waitlists in Aquatics, Tennis, Gymnastics, and Pilates?
The 2022 Club Survey showed that members wanted more access to Aquatics, Tennis, and Gymnastics. Since the survey, Pilates has been growing exponentially, so we have also made big moves to increase access for all members in this area (see page 36 for a detailed look into Pilates).
We increased access and reduced waitlist pressure in programs by hiring additional staff to increase program sizes and offerings, developed new staff roles and responsibilities, provided additional programming, and developed new policies to maximise the use of our facilities.
The Recreation Services Team continues to work on reducing waitlists and providing more opportunities for members to enjoy our wide range of programs. See a snapshot of our progress below:
Recreation Services
• Starting this fall we will have different registration dates for Juniors (0-18 years old) and Adults (19+) in order to relieve stress on parents and on our registration system. This is in keeping with the Club’s motto of “putting families first.”
• We created a Program Registration and Cancellation Guide to provide clear guidance to members on what to do prior to registration day, our registration day procedures, cancellation policies, and frequently asked questions. These guides can be picked up at Reception, The Shoppe and at the Registration Desk.
• We created a communication plan to remind members of our cancellation policies, by adding reminders throughout the Programs Brochure, within registration confirmation emails, and through e-blast and digital display screen reminders.
• On registration day we have staff on hand in the Recreation Services office, tennis and Aquatics offices from 7:00am onwards to assist by phone, email, and in person.
• We updated the allocation of the gymnasiums and ice rinks to increase usage during non-peak times and to provide balanced access for multiple user groups.
• We developed open hockey and general skating policies to improve member safety, their experience and to increase ice usage.
• We added designated Drop-in Basketball times in the North Gymnasium to provide more access and a better experience for our basketball players.
• We added the option to book pickleball courts at designated times in the South Gymnasium to provide more booking opportunities for the growing sport.
• We created Pickleball booking policies to increase access to courts for all members. Since the policies have been in place there has been an increase in court usage and individual member bookings.
Last year, Recreation Services created an event survey template and structure to receive member feedback, analyse trends, and improve the members' event experience.
• 13 events across different programs were surveyed
• The feedback was analysed and improvement plans were presented to the Recreation Services Committee, who provided their input.
• Improvement plans were put into action throughout the year, and further feedback has shown high levels of member satisfaction.
• Our staff will continue to survey key events and use feedback to continuously improve the event experience.
Recreation Services
• You likely have seen the notices on the screens around the club to dial 8500 on house phones for First Aid. We also have been increasing member awareness to safety concerns through the “Dive into Spring Safety'' and “Habit Building at the Club" articles in our spring issue of The Bark. Please check out the “Safety at the Club'' article on page 15 to learn about the Club’s First Aid protocols and AED’s.
• The Aquatics team continues to run training days for its lifeguards, and more guards are pursuing higher certification in First Aid. Continuous education, training and improvement of our staff is a major component to fulfil our safety standards and we will continue to do this on a regular basis.
• We created the Head Guard positions at the Club to increase supervision of swim programs. This adds an extra layer of staff and member care and provides an additional guard on deck.
• Starting this fall each member registered in an Aquatics program will receive an email with safety reminders, prior to the first class, to encourage and educate participants on water safety. ♦
The Recreation Services Team welcomes your feedback. Please feel free to email Craig Mercer, Director of Athletics and Recreation, at cmercer@arbutusclub.com if you have any questions, suggestions or feedback. He will be happy you ASKED and will LISTEN.
Spring Carnival
Our family loved the sports theme at the Spring Carnival this year, there was something for all ages!
- MICHELLE O’CONNOR, MEMBER
It was my first big event at the Arbutus Club and it was really fun getting to meet members, and see the kids practise their Olympic skills at the event!
- HANNAH, YOUTH LEADER
Our kids loved taking some slapshots, free throws, and the bouncy castles of course. The photo of the kids on the "podium" is still on our fridge
- MICHELLE O’CONNOR, MEMBERFall 2023 Programs
Registration will now take place on two dates.
All junior programs
(0-18 yrs) will take place on Tuesday, July 18 at 7:00am
All adult programs
(19+ yrs) will take place on Tuesday, July 25 at 7:00am
This includes all monthly Pickleball, Tennis and Pilates (16+Yrs) programs that start in September.
How The Arbutus Club can help you achieve your healthy ageing goals.
As we age, our bodies undergo a range of changes that affect our overall health and well-being. For many seniors, maintaining good health becomes a top priority. By focusing on three important factors for healthy ageing, seniors can have control of their health and well-being and enjoy living their life to the fullest.
Adults & Healthy Ageing
the
ACTIVITY 1
Physical activity is important across all ages. It is particularly important for seniors to improve their strength, flexibility, balance, and mental health. Regular physical activity also lowers the risk of falls and helps prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It’s best to try to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day. If you can, try to incorporate a range of different activities into your routine, such as running, skiing, walking, gardening, yoga, or swimming. What’s most important is that you find an activity that you enjoy doing.
Recommendations for improving your physical fitness at The Arbutus Club:
SENIOR FITNESS MONTHLY WORKSHOPS
These monthly 4-week programs are designed for senior adults, including those with chronic conditions or mobility challenges, to learn how to exercise safely and effectively. Every month there is a different focus that is specific for seniors, such as posture and body awareness, mobility and correctives, or balance and perceptual motor skills.
GENTLE FIT
Gentle Fit is a popular fitness class at the Club, which focuses on mobility, stability, and fall prevention. Stay strong and stable throughout this stable and encouraging environment. Gentle Fit classes currently run twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00pm. Members can do drop-in classes or join our FitPass program.
AQUAFIT
This low impact, water-based exercise class is designed to build strength, flexibility and cardio, as aid in providing joint pain relief. Aquafit classes run three times a week during July and August on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:00am in the shallow end of the pool. The fall 2023 schedule for Aquafit will be posted under Recreation Services > Schedules on arbutusclub.com. Members can do drop-in classes or join our FitPass program.
Adults & Healthy Ageing
As people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. A variety of situations such as health limitations or caring for a loved one can lead to feeling socially isolated or lonely. Maintaining social connectedness provides huge mental and physical benefits, such as decreased rates of depression and stress, lower risk of cognitive decline, and an increased sense of belonging and self-confidence.
Recommendations for staying socially active at The Arbutus Club:
25 YEAR CLUB EVENTS
CONNECTIVITY2
The 25 Year Club puts on a variety of events and activities for adult members. These events range from Cocktail Receptions, educational speaker events, day trips or sporting events. Events are promoted through the 25 Year Club emailing list and through Club publications.
BOOK AND BOOKLESS CLUB
These two member-ran ‘Clubs within the Club’ meet once a month. Our Book Club meets the first Monday of each month to discuss their readings and share experiences. The Bookless Club meets the first Wednesday of each month to discuss topics of interest that range from motivating, to intriguing, to hilarious…without ever opening a book! Both Clubs offer the opportunity to gather with members who share common interests.
Adults & Healthy Ageing
3
CREATIVITY
On top of working out your muscles, it’s important to exercise your creativity as well. Research is showing that participating in creative activities such as singing, theatre performance, visual artistry and music can help improve your overall well-being. Creative endeavours foster a sense of playfulness and joy, lowers stress levels, and even promote the development of new brain pathways. While an act of creativity may be grand, it can also be an everyday phenomenon. To be creative simply means to express yourself in an original way.
Recommendations for being more creative at The Arbutus Club:
ADULT ART WORKSHOPS
Starting in Fall 2023, the art department will be offering regular adult art workshops led by the super talented Lena Savic. Program details will be listed in the Fall 2023 Programs Brochure.
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
We offer private and semi-private music lessons, including piano, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, and voice lessons. Our lessons are available for members of all ages and skill-levels. It’s never too late to learn a new musical instrument. ♦
stand tall & play ball
Split Second Basketball had an incredible season and looks forward to helping our young members hone their skills this summer.
From primary school athletes just starting out, to grade 12s repping their schools at Provincials and heading off to play university basketball in September 2023, The Arbutus Club has some serious ballers. Hats off to all of you who show your love for the game by continuing to push yourselves and get a little better every day.
For any athletes between 5 and 14 years old, we have great Summer Camps to choose from. Registration is open at arbutusclub.com.
Basketball Camp 1
TUESDAY, JULY 4 - FRIDAY, JULY 7
9:00-11:30am in the North Gymnasium
Basketball Camp 2
MONDAY, JULY 17 - FRIDAY, JULY 21
1:00-3:30pm in the North Gymnasium
Basketball Camp 3
MONDAY, AUGUST 14 - FRIDAY,AUGUST 18
9:00-11:30am in the North Gymnasium ♦
"I improved my handles and I am more confident in driving to the hoop during games."
– JACOB SANTOS
the core of our growth in pilates
Pilates has quickly become one of the swiftest growing Recreation Services programs at the Club and we look at why the exercise is muscling it's way to the forefront of member's workout regimens.
Pilates programming at the Club has seen an unprecedented rise since 2020. Initially created as a means of rehabilitation from injury and to strengthen the body’s posture, Pilates is now widely used to build strength and empowerment through efficient movement patterns, proper engagement of muscles and of course, a strong core! At the Club, we continue to offer programs led by a team of some of Vancouver’s top Pilates instructors to maximise our 5 reformer beds and 1 Cadillac. You can expect impeccable service in each of your sessions, whether it be a class or private.
The Data
20
What does this all mean?
First and foremost, Pilates is here to stay. That means we will continue to adjust to accommodate the many members that are currently participating, and welcome new members to the program.
We love that members love Pilates, and the priority is giving you more of what you love. To do so, it means adjustments in some areas as new policies get introduced.
What have we already done?
SPRING 2023
Class hours vs. private slots available per week
FALL 2023
34 hours (classes) vs. 34 hours (privates)
45 hours (classes) vs. 25 hours (privates)
Members can register into a maximum of 2 classes on registration day, which allows more members to enroll into a class. This was successfully implemented in the Winter of 2023.
We opened up the room during private lesson slots to allow for more than 1 private at a time. This enables multiple members to practice with his/her favourite instructor on the day and at the time of their preference.
What are we going to do next?
We are adding 15 more classes this fall, which will allow for 75 more spots to participate in our program than we have this current year.
We will continue with the 2-class max on registration day, removing the ability to waitlist into a class if you’ve registered for 2. After registration day (24 hours), any member can register in more classes or waitlist themselves into classes that are full.
We will continue with multiple privates in the room at the same time, ensuring at least 2 beds remain vacant to create more space between the members & instructors (a maximum of 3 members & 2 instructors).
We will open 4 class slots as All Levels Focus Training. Pre-registration is required but there is no commitment to class sessions – you can register in one or a few throughout the month! We feel this will allow members to come and practice more frequently in a day and time that fits, particularly if they didn’t get into a class of their choosing. Registration will be July 25th for September/October classes and October 3rd for November/December classes.
We will transition from 4-month seasonal sessions to offering bi-monthly sessions beginning in the fall. This initiative will provide more members with the opportunity to experience a class, without needing to wait until the next season’s offerings. Sessions will be September/October and November/December. Registration for these bi-monthly sessions will take place on Tuesday, July 25 and Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00am, respectively.
For more information, please refer to the Pilates page of arbutusclub.com (nested under Recreation Services in the main navigation) as it is regularly updated.
If you are new to Pilates, we politely require you to schedule a minimum of two private sessions to give yourself time to learn the reformer, the terminology, and get comfortable in the environment prior to registering for classes. Please contact our Group Fitness & Pilates Coordinator, Daniela Tempesta, at dtempesta@arbutusclub.com if you have any questions about our Pilates programming. ♦
We are confident that these changes will increase opportunities for all members to experience the amazing Pilates program that we offer.
We 're adding moreclasses this fa
15
unleash your inner rockstar
Accomplished Music Instructor Chris Fraser is helping Arbutus Club students let their fingers do the talking, one chord at a time.
When long-time guitar teacher Adam Rohrlick retired last year, the Music department hired Chris Fraser to start in September 2022. Chris’s easygoing attitude and passion for teaching music made him stand out as the best fit for the job. Since then Chris’s popularity has risen and he has been able to add in two more days of lessons.
From a young age, Chris always understood that he had a talent for music. He started playing guitar early on and took to it naturally. From then on, he knew that music would be his path. During his teen years, Chris started performing professionally at music events, dive bars, and house parties with his garage band. Eventually, Chris was accepted into Capilano University, where he focused his efforts on becoming a jazz guitarist. Since he graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, Chris has recorded an album, was awarded a grant to pursue an eight-week mentorship with the great jazz guitarist, Peter Bernstein in New York, and led multiple groups at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Today, on top of teaching, Chris plays regular engagements around Vancouver. When it comes to teaching guitar, Chris works one-on-one with a student and finds himself constantly being pushed to
try out new things because of what his students wish to learn. After these lessons, he feels more motivated by his student’s creativity, and to continue to practise what he preaches to his students – good habits like practising everyday, going slow, and practising with a metronome.
Chris’s teaching style is focused on the positive experience of the student, not just in the 30 minutes of one lesson, but over the long term as well. It is imperative to him that the students feel comfortable and confident in their lessons, as students learn more effectively when they are in a calm state of mind. Chris is all about building friendly rapport with his students and loves to cheer on their progress. His philosophy is that mistakes are not only okay to make but necessary when learning music, and to never feel ashamed if they play the ‘wrong’ note. If he can provide students with the peace of mind that they will not be judged for making errors, then they will have the confidence to try something new in their music.
The Club is thrilled to have Chris join us, and we are excited to see how the music department will continue to thrive with him as part of the team. ♦
squash pathways
The Squash department has been actively working on the development of our Adult and Junior Pathways. With the aim to provide guidance and support for Squash players in reaching their goals, whether it be at a competitive or recreational level, the pathways offer an easy guide to what classes and events to take part in.
Camps
Our camps aim to instill the love of squash in each child through providing a caring and active environment where children are motivated to improve their skills, make friends, and have fun.
Our Junior Pathways specifically outline the direction that both recreational and competitive junior players will follow as they advance in Squash. On the other hand, our adult pathways offer a range of options for adults to engage with Squash, including opportunities for learning, playing, and enjoying social squash.
Recreational
This stream includes 3-18 year old children and provides a fun inclusive environment using progressive squash methods to maximize each players development and enjoyment.
Competitive
Whether you wish to simply learn to play, compete at tournaments, or socialize with your friends, Squash has something for everyone. junior
We aim to enhance training for players who compete at local, provincial, or national level tournaments. Evaluations and the approval of each player by the head squash professional is required.
adult pathways
Membership Survey Results Squash
Learn Practice Play Socialize Events
Learn new skills and improve your technique.
Improve your skills and overall ability through high volume training.
Enjoy competitive and casual match play in singles.
Meet new people and a new squash partner or friend.
Partake in parties, tournaments, and exhibitions.
Registration for the 2023 - 2024 Minor Hockey season is now under way and we are welcoming new players. It's a great way for our newbies to develop life lessons through sport – all while forging friendships that last a lifetime. To register, or to obtain a Minor Hockey Information booklet, please contact jfothergill@arbutusclub.com.
ITEMS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
VUORI
Volley Skirt - Black (left)
Volley Skirt - White (right)
STAPLES
Stay summer-ready with fashion finds for a vibrant season.
CORKCICLE
Sun Soaked Pink (top)
Luxe Zebra (mid top)
Dragonfruit (mid bottom)
Sun Soaked Lilac (bottom)
ALOHA
Day Tripper, Pua (top left)
Mid Pouch, Pua (top left)
Day Tripper, Monstera (top right)
Mid Pouch, Monstera (top right)
Mid Pouch, Shipwreck (bottom)
LEFT ON FRIDAY
Sunday Suit - Jet (left)
Sunday Suit - Wipeout (right)
SAXX
Women's NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 (top)
Women's NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro (mid top)
Men's NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 (mid bottom) Nike DFADV Club Cap (bottom)
Oh Buoy Volley 7" - Krakken Toilet (left)
Go Coastal 7" - Palm Springs (middle)
Go Coastal 5" - Made in the Shade(right)
LEFT ON FRIDAY
Pool Days Top - Jet, Wipeout & Popsicle (top), High Tide Bottoms - Popsicle, Jet, & Wipeout (bottom)Spa at Arbutus
led light therapy
The SPA AT ARBUTUS welcomed a new treatment to its wide range of services with a Glow Up event this spring.
The Spa at Arbutus is excited to finally offer the Zemits Lumia Activa LED Light Therapy among our treatments. On Tuesday, April 25 we launched the service at the Spa with our Glow Up event, where members pre-booked a 30-minute handson demonstration to see what the LED light is capable of. Members were really excited about the treatment and the results witnessed. This machine is able to counteract many skin-related blemishes, including sun spots, rosacea, acne, wrinkles and age spots!
The Spa offers various treatments with LED light therapy. You can choose between a full facial with the light therapy, add it to any facial, or book the service on its own.
The Estheticians are ready to guide you through an accurate skin analysis, selecting the correct treatment for your skin's needs. Contact the spa for a consultation. ♦
The Spa at Arbutus is delighted to assist you with bookings or inquiries. Use our online booking tool to make an appointment today. For all other inquiries contact Maria Grazia Postiglione, Spa Manager, at spa@arbutusclub.com or call 604-269-8772.
Glow up this summer with monthly specials from the Spa.
Book any body wax and receive a complimentary upper lip and chin wax. Receive 15% OFF an any eye product from Jane Iredale.
**Gift cards are available at the Spa