Meet the Team

FEATURED STAFF

THE ARBUTUS CLUB

After a 3-year delay, The Arbutus Club was finally able to celebrate all our Long-Standing Service Award recipients. Astonishingly, we gave out 90 awards and there were 124 employees who have been with the Club for over 5 years. We are immensely grateful for the hard-working and diligent team. Our loyal staff is a testament that this place truly is a home away from home. The Board of Directors joined our Service Award Luncheon and helped celebrate our long-standing staff. This year, we awarded pins for employees who have been with the Club for over a decade, bronze for 10+ years, silver for 20+ years, and gold for 30+ years. If you see an Arbutus Club staff member wearing a service pin, please thank them for their continued service. Here are a few employees who are celebrating their 30 to 35-years service anniversary.

Jojie Misenas

receptionist lead hand

An employee who needs no introduction is our amazing Lead Hand, Jojie Misenas. Jojie can light up any room with her bright smile and amazing energy. “I am the kind of person who always has something to say,” Jojie explains. “I’ve stayed at the Club for over 30 years because I’m happy where I am and have always felt respected in my role.” Jojie first joined the Club in September 1989 as part of the Food & Beverage department, working in banquets, the dining room, and The Bistro to help cover holidays. Later, she was recruited by Christine Piner to work in Reception and the rest is history. Jojie explains that working at the Club comes with feeling like part of a community, “I love when I see managers helping staff by filling in odd jobs. It shows me that we all work together as a team to get things done," she continues. "This is a team that cares about helping each other out." "I overhear members saying, ‘Wow, she remembers my name' or when a child looks for me when I’m not at the desk, it means a lot,” explains Jojie. “It reminds me that people may forget what I say to them, but they’ll never forget how I made them feel.” “Over the years, I have received so much support, love, and kindness from members and staff. I’m really proud to be a part of The Arbutus Club family.”

Meet the Team

FEATURED STAFF

THE ARBUTUS CLUB

Christine Piner

director of membership

Our longest serving Senior Manager is our Director of Membership, Christine Piner, who joined The Arbutus Club as an Aerobics Instructor in March 1990. Since then she has had a role in several departments, including Catering, Accounting, the Spa, the Shoppe, and now Membership. During International Women’s Day, HR held an Inspirational Women Contest, asking staff to nominate a woman at the Club who inspires them. Unsurprisingly, Christine won this contest, with staff sharing that she "exemplifies authentic leadership” and that they “respect and admire her leadership.” Christine has a ton on her plate, but she always makes time to connect with members and staff. “It’s a great work environment and I love building relationships with our amazing members and wonderful staff," says an enthusiastic Christine. "I’m so proud to be a part of such an incredible community.” The Club is incredibly lucky to have her, not only as a role model, but also an exemplary leader for 32 years.

Ronnie Shee aka Raymond

chef de partie

Ray has been a dedicated and happy Arbutus Club employee since July 1990. He is known for his sleek, neatly coiffed hair and remarkably calm demeanour (even under the stresses of a kitchen, mind you). Ray started as a Prep Cook and was soon promoted to 2nd Cook and then 1st Cook. This year he has been promoted to a distinguished Chef De Partie – it has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Raymond loves that everyone is like family at the Club. “I love cooking for members and staff.” Ray is quite the popular man at the Club, with plenty of friends amongst coworkers and members – largely due to his unwavering positive attitude at work. In his personal life, Ray makes a goal of travelling to at least one new place each year. He also enjoys gardening, watching trending television shows, and – you guessed it – cooking. We are so lucky to have such a talented and loyal chef in our kitchen. Cheers to 32 years of extraordinary service.

Get to know some of the faces you see walking the halls of The Arbutus Club a little bit better. From those working behind the scenes to our front line service staff, we are here to help enhance your Club experience. Help us celebrate major milestones, welcome new staff, or learn more about certain roles with our quarterly Meet the Team feature.

Gabriela Surgeson

laundry lead hand

Gabe has been a hardworking employee and an enthusiastic leader in our laundry department since March 1991. “I was raised to be family-oriented and the Club is my family. I came here as a part-timer and I’ll leave as a 'lifer,'" says Gabe jokingly. "If I ever needed anything, I could trust that the Club would do whatever they could to support me...I greatly appreciate the membership; I like watching the children grow up," explains Gabe. "Our membership has always been so kind and respectful. The Club has always taken care of me and has graced me with the life I have.” Outside of work, Gabe is a music lover. She enjoys going to concerts and dancing. In fact, one time she even bumped into our CEO, Brent Elkington, at an Alice Cooper concert of all places! Rocking out at a show aside, Gabe also enjoys baking, and makes the most delicious cookies that she often shares with The Arbutus Club staff – her second family.

Mark Schlossarek

head bartender

Our Head Bartender, Mark Schlossarek, celebrates his 38th year at the Club. Mark is a veteran in the hospitality industry. He is a knowledgeable leader who always motivates his fellow employees to deliver exceptional customer service. Brent Elkington, CEO, shares that “If Mark ever left, we would have to replace him with 2 bartenders. He’s one of the best in the industry, he’s a great listener and he always knows how to make a drink.” Christine Piner, Director of Memberships, compares Mark to Sam Malone from Cheers, adding that “Mark is adored by members and staff, and he has a huge group of loyal regulars.” Mark is kind, modest, and very active, sometimes he rides his bike all the way from Delta to The Arbutus Club. What does Mark love the most about the Club? He loves working with the members and the staff. Mark shares that he is grateful to be part of such an incredible organization.

Meet the Team

FEATURED STAFF

THE ARBUTUS CLUB

Johnny Cervantes

janitor

Johnny Cervantes celebrates 35 years at The Arbutus Club. Thank you, Johnny, for your positive attitude and for keeping the Club sparkling. Shelley Garland, Director of Operations shares that “Johnny is a master at his role. If there are any additional tasks, he’s always willing to adapt and accommodate the team.” Johnny loves The Arbutus Club’s environment, and he feels appreciated by management. “Brent always makes an effort to get to know all staff, and that’s something I really appreciate from management.” Johnny is proud that he stayed here for so long and shares that the Club feels like family. Did you know that Johnny has competed in 8 body building competitions? His last competition was in 2008 when he won overall in his class. He also competed in full contact kick boxing. Johnny offers to help other departments whenever heavy lifting is involved. Johnny is the definition of an outstanding team player.

Marlene Hershfield

director of dance

Our longest serving staff member is Marlene Hershfield, the Director of Dance, who has been a passionate leader at the Club for 44 years. In September 1977, Marlene began with a tiny dance program of 3 students and has transformed the program into the success it is today. Marlene is a natural leader, who has taught hundreds of lucky students. “I value the relationship with my students,” says Marlene, adding that she has been invited to many of her student’s graduations and weddings.“When you’re invited to be part of people’s life milestones, you become family.” Marlene explains that it’s the “continuity of long-term staff that make The Arbutus Club so special.” When Marlene is not at work, she values her family time. She is a loving wife, mother of 3 children, and grandmother of 8 – with her 9th grandchild expected to be born in January 2023. Congratulations Marlene and thank you so much for sharing your love, leadership, and passion. We are so lucky to have you. ♦