vanderbilt mansion the - fisher island clubfisherislandclub.com/files/fic mar_apr newsletter...

2 | FIC News Mar/Apr 2013

ContentsFrom the CEO.2 FrOm thE CEO

3 summEr mEmbErship

hr

4 thE vandErbilt mansiOn:

a nEw Era

5 FrOm thE bOard

6 at thE links

7 spa intErnaziOnalE

8 wElCOmE nEw mEmbErs

9 On thE COurt

On thE dOCk

10 past EvEnts

11 EvEnts CalEndar

impOrtant numbErs

Dear Members:

As we prepare for the official start of spring – even though we get a head start in south Florida -- on March 20, the days will get longer and the Club will have quite a few activities to fill the warm – and mostly sunny – days.

our extensive list of upcoming events includes a concert by renowned Russian pianist, Vladimir Feltsman, an art lecture by Thom Collins of the Miami Art Museum, a fashion show by neiman Marcus of Coral Gables, Havana night with famous Cuban duo Hansel y Raul, Passover Dinner, and, on March 31st, the Club will be hosting its annual easter Brunch and egg Hunt. I am particularly looking forward to our Kids Fishing Workshop and Fisher Island sailfish tournament featuring spectacular days of competition and fun for the entire family. speaking of events, I would like to recognize the sponsors of our very successful Russian old new Year event - we continue to hear great feedback. A special thank you to Graff Diamonds, elit by stolichnaya and Caviar & Caviar for their generous contributions.

There is so much going on at the Club this spring, it will be June before we know it. I would like to thank the Club Board and Fisher Island’s members and staff for making my first year on Fisher Island so delightful. It has been my pleasure to represent such a beautiful community.

I look forward to seeing you at the Club.

Warm regards,

Bernard Lackner CEO

FIsHeR IslAnD CluB neWs

The newsletter of the Fisher Island Club

Mar/Apr 2013 - Issue no.3

The purpose of the Fisher Island Club news is to build community amongst members by sharing news and updates related to Fisher Island Club. It is published bi-monthly.

Editor Joanna santana, Director of Membership

Art Director Julie Dull, Communications Manager

one Fisher Island Drive Fisher Island, Fl 33109 Direct 305.535.6076 | Fax 305.604.2395 www.fisherislandclub.com

For comments or suggestions on content, please email us at: [email protected]

Correction: In the Jan/Feb newsletter, John Thackwray (JT) was omitted from mention of the Fisher Island Sailfish Committee. We apologize for the omission.

FIC News Mar/Apr 2013 | 3Employee of the Year, Tes Perez (center).

2 FrOm thE CEO

3 summEr mEmbErship

hr

4 thE vandErbilt mansiOn:

a nEw Era

5 FrOm thE bOard

6 at thE links

7 spa intErnaziOnalE

8 wElCOmE nEw mEmbErs

9 On thE COurt

On thE dOCk

10 past EvEnts

11 EvEnts CalEndar

impOrtant numbErs

Please advise your friends that the Club will be offer-ing a special limited summer Membership*. summer Membership includes access to the Club amenities: the pristine beach, Beach Club, sunset Bar and sushi Bar, historic Vanderbilt pool, spa Internazionale, salone di Bellezza, 18-court tennis center with two grass courts, deep water marinas & dining venues with preferred rates at The links P. B. Dye Golf Course and historic cottages.

For information about summer Club Membership, ask them to contact the Membership office at 305.535.6007 or [email protected].

*this offer does not apply to property owners or tenants.

Kay Fisher Director of Membership Sales

summErmEmbErship

hr.The Forbes executive training Program is now complete! You’ve heard so much about it, but now prepare to experience it first-hand.

All management and supervisory staff were trained on the core set of standards that most heavily contribute to a guest’s experience, and we are confident you will see the differ-ence throughout the Club. our focus on improving overall customer service as well as our attention to the details that truly make the guest experience extraordinary – body language, appropriate verbiage, etc. -- should make Fisher Island Club the five-star stan-dard by which all others are measured.

We are excited to put all of our training into practice and welcome your feedback as we improve for you.

Celebrating those improvements is what we did best at the 2012 employee Recognition event held on Monday, February 25, at the Golf Grill. Congratulations to all of those employees that were recognized for being our shining stars. We hope our Forbes training will give each and every employee the tools they need to be our hospitality heroes!

Racquel Johnson Director of Human Resources

Manager of the Year, Jed Yonge (center).


expanded outdoor decking for City View Café, transformation of the second floor snooker Club (originally the Vanderbilt’s bedrooms) into a lounge area to appreciate the ocean and marina views, and the addition of private din-ing space on the second floor. The Vanderbilt Pool was also artfully resurfaced and features all new pool equipment.

The dining venues inside the Mansion have also been undergoing a rejuvenation with the development of stronger identites. Coupled with new menu items (as well as many favor-ites) Garwood lounge will offer members a traditional steakhouse ambiance; City View will specialize in fresh seafood with a relaxed, al fresco experience; and the snooker Club will return to its former glory as the jewel of the Mansion, offering equity members small plates and cocktails before dinner followed by cordials and desserts after.

The grand re-opening of the Vanderbilt Man-sion will mark the end of a masterful 6-year renovation and restoration, as well as a new be-ginning for the heart and soul of our fine Club.

signed. The Courtyard Villas were refurbished and include dark wood plank flooring, new upholstery with a light gold and blue-green palate and intimate patios with pri-vate Jacuzzi’s. The Historic Cottag-es — which are original to the Van-derbilt estate —feature light stone flooring with blue and white tones throughout. Additionally, Rose-mary’s Cottage, which was built for Vanderbilt’s stepdaughter, was converted from a two-bedroom home to a three-bedroom villa, and the original chandeliers in the units were restored. lastly, the five Junior suites, also historic to the Vanderbilt estate, feature a sim-ilar palate to the Historic Cottages. The two smaller original rooms set on the second floor of the Cottages were combined to make one comfortable, spacious suite.

The historic Vanderbilt Mansion — the fi-nal renovation phase in the renaissance of Fish-er Island — has undergone the most notable transformation. executed by architect of re-cord, Richard Heisenbottle— well known for historic renovations in Miami — and interior design firm Hirsch Bedner & Associates, the overall goal of the Mansion renovation and res-toration project was to both enhance the prop-erty and restore it to reflect the home’s family history. Paying homage to the Mansion’s sto-ried past, much of the millwork was stripped and restored to its original glory, while other parts were left untouched due to their histor-ical nature. upgrades to the Mansion include

After a year of renovation, Fisher Island Club is ready to welcome back the center

of its activity -- the Vanderbilt Mansion.

Fisher Island was named after Miami Beach founder and developer, Carl Fisher, when he purchased the island from Dana A. Dorsey, south Florida’s first black millionaire, in 1919. In the 1920’s, Carl Fisher’s path crossed that of William K. Vanderbilt II. Fisher coveted Van-derbilt’s 250-foot yacht and Vanderbilt desired Fisher’s island. “My island for your boat,” Fish-er proposed. Vanderbilt promptly accepted, and the legendary trade became history.

In 1926, Vanderbilt began conceptualizing a $1.5 million private retreat on the now-named Fisher Island with a baronial Med-iterranean-style mansion, where he and his wife, Rosamund, enjoyed entertaining the luminaries of their time. The estate over-looked the Atlantic ocean and the striking Miami skyline with its grand ballroom, snook-er parlor and napoleon-vintage, walnut-pan-eled rooms. Vanderbilt surrounded his man-sion with lush landscaping, gracious guest homes and a swimming pool, now all part of our magnificent Resort at Fisher Island Club.

seeking to return Fisher Island to its Vander-bilt-era opulence, a rejuvenation project began in 2007 which included a renovation to the historic Vanderbilt mansion and its surround-ing grounds.

The lot of spectacular accommodations -- six Courtyard Villas, four Historic Cottages and five Junior suites – were completely rede-

Feature.

Top: The Vanderbilt Mansion circa 1967. Below: Fisher Island, pre-Fisher Island Club.

MansionVanderbilt

The

- A New Era -

FIC News Mar/Apr 2013 | 5

From the board.Dear Members,

our annual election was held January 25th, where we welcomed Daniel Azoulay to the Board for a 3-year term. subsequently, the Board met and elected the following officers for the coming year: President- Jack loeb; Vice President- Howard lorber; treasurer- Jose Val-des-Fauli; secretary- Daniel Azoulay. We sincerely appreciate the participation of the other candidates who ran for election and thank those members who cast their votes.

The Master Plan is nearing completion, and we are happy to announce that the Vanderbilt Mansion, tennis pro shop and conference center are scheduled to be delivered to Club management by March 1. tennis operations will be up and running the first week of March followed by the Vanderbilt Mansion (Garwood, City View, snooker Club) phased soft opening during the first two weeks of March. The tennis Center patio replacement of all terra cotta tiles will be coordinated with the roof tile installation during early summer after the end of the season.

Additionally, the renovation of the existing Golf maintenance building and the construction of a new 5200 square foot laundry/storage building is planned to commence midsummer with an early fall completion date, thus concluding the entire Master Plan renovations.

As previously announced, the Club moved to discontinue the operation of the hotel rental pool program in order to concentrate on our 15 owned Club suites. The Club intends to continue to work with the owners and agents of these units for the mutual benefit of all par-ties. We recently partnered with the Miami firm of Kreps DeMaria, Inc. to develop a branding strategy for our boutique 15-room hotel operation as well as to ensure that the Club and Fisher Island is properly reintroduced as we complete the Master Plan projects.

Finally, the Board is pleased to announce that the employment contract with our Ceo, Bernard lackner, has been extended thru April 30, 2015. Bernard joined us this past July and his intent is to upgrade the quality of product and service standards throughout the Club. He has utilized third parties to work with his team in this effort and has had positive results based on member comments. Bernard’s cur-rent focus is on building a strong management team to support all aspects of Club operations. Further, the purchasing power of sherman Associates who works with many regional 5 star properties is being utilized to ensure that waste is eliminated and that we obtain the best possible pricing and consistency from current and new vendors. Anticipated savings from operational efficiencies will be directed to rewarding top performing employees, contributing to our capital account, and possibly reducing member dues.

We are pleased with the successes we have had throughout the year in maintaining and elevating the image of the Club and hope that you and your family enjoy the rest of the season with all that Fisher Island has to offer.

For the Board,

Jack loeb President


Welcome to spring! The entire golf staff is committed to making sure The links

offers all of our members the most enjoyable golf experience possible. to that end, the Golf Committee would like to take this opportu-nity to remind you of some important player responsibilities when playing at your Club.• All divots are to be filled with sand.• Each player should repair at least TWO ball marks on each green.• Always rake all bunkers when exiting.• Obey any daily cart restrictions and AlWAYs keep carts on cart paths around greens and teeing areas.• All play is to begin on Hole #1 unless

otherwise in-structed by the Golf starter.• Always keep up with the group in front of you; allow fast-er groups to play through. Follow all in-structions giv-en by the Golf starter and/or Ranger.

GolF ClInIC - tuesDAYs (4pm)

lADIes DAY - WeDnesDAYs (9am shotgun start)

Men’s DAY - tHuRsDAYs (9am shotgun start followed by lunch and prizes)

at the links.• Members entertaining guests are responsible for guests complying with all rules.• All scores must be turned in if 7 holes are completed (9 hole score) or 13 holes are completed (18 hole score).• Range balls are not for use on the golf course.to ensure every member and guest playing The links has a pleasant experience, players not complying with the above responsibilities may be directed to the Golf Committee for review.It is also important for all members and guests to maintain our world-class standards with re-spect to dress code on the golf course. • No denim.• No bathing suits or fitness-style shorts.• No tee shirts.• Women’s tops must have a collar or sleeves.• Shorts are to be of Bermuda length; cargo shorts/pants are not permitted.• Men’s shirts must be tucked in at all times.By observing these standards, you provide a better golfing experience for all players. Thank you for your consideration and we all look for-ward to seeing you on the course soon! Don’t forget that we have a great deal of reg-ular and special events scheduled each month

From top left: 2012 Mixed Team Champions Gala Cohen and Linwood Paul; Ladies Opening Day - “Under Construction” December 5th, 2012; 2013 ladies match play champion - Alla Barash; 2013 Match Play Champion Tony Fano.

Men’s Stableford Champion, Ken Heithoff

including our Men’s Day every Thursday be-ginning with a 9am shotgun start with lunch and prizes to follow. Visit the Golf shop for a full calendar of events.Jim Curran Director of Golf

GOlF CalEndarMarChtuesday, 5th: “nine and Dine” 3:00 pm shotgun

sunday, 10th: Husband & Wife Club Championship

Thursday, 21st: Men’s Interclub Match – Fisher Island

saturday, 23rd: stroke Play Club Championships

sunday, 24th: stroke Play Club Championships

aprIl

Wednesday, 3rd: ladies “Guest or not”

Wednesday, 10th: ladies Interclub Match – Fisher Island

Wednesday, 17th: ladies Closing Day Member-Member Format

Wednesday, 24th: ladies shoot-out


We had a great January and February at the spa and salon with our six Weeks of Well-

ness series: healthy lectures, complimentary la Bella Donna make-overs and Guinot treatments, raffle winners, great training and classes and an all-around very busy time.

March and April promise to be just as busy with more exciting events:• La Bella Donna will be back with more fun events and great promotions.• Guinot will be providing wonderful complimentary and introductory services with more raffles.• Re-vita Lash and Aromatherapy will host special events and promotions.• Complimentary nutritional and gyrotonic sessions.

• We are expanding our retail to include logo out-fits; heart rate monitors, workout gloves and aqua socks.

We have very talented new staff in both the spa, salon and fitness depart-ments, adding to our world-class existing staff:

Carmenza Castano - Medical Massage Therapist with 26 years of experience Christina Maskeroni - Registered Dietitian, Mas-ter trainer who has relocated here from new YorkCrista Villella - Gyrotonic Instructor, who was with Miami City Ballet Olema Gonzalez - nail technician who comes from ocean Reef Club Jendry Oporta - nail tech and Waxing specialist amy Bernsten - Barre Instructor who was also with Miami City Ballet teaching pure barre classes

We are also instituting a user Rating system for our fitness classes and appreciate your participa-

spa internazionale.

tion. This will assist us in customizing your class programs and recognizing your special teachers. It will be prompted quarterly through the website, and an e-mail will be sent out to notify you.

Additionally, you can now access your wellness program in the Fitness Center through your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and the computer.After completeing the MyWellness application on your device, scan the QR code on the cardio equipment, and your personalized program will appear to help you track your workout.

to start your spring with health in mind, take a note from our Holistic life Coach, Adita lang’s recent lecture:

“optimal health is a balanced combination of ex-ercise and movement, downtime and sleep, nutri-tion, happiness and fulfillment.”

Wishing you a relaxing rest of the season!

Cheryl Patella Assistant Spa Director


adult tEnnis CliniCs:eVery MONday

& Thursday (10am - 12pm)

- Equity -Frank Gilligan and Mario Russo

susan Weber Jose Alberto and Irene souto

April Gamble Albert and Anya salama

Richard Gorman

- Annual -Richard Palumbo

Glenn and shannon Andrewstracy Maitland and Kimberley Hatchett

Membership is by invitation only. In the spirit of a fine Club, all Members are encour-aged to nominate their friends and associates for membership.

Please call Kay Fisher, Director of Membership sales at 305-535-6007 if you would like to recommend someone.

WelCoMeneW MeMBeRs

saTurday, MarCh 9, 2013 Men’s / Women’s Pro/Am Doubles Invitational

TeNTaTIVely MarCh 18 aNd 19, 2013 exhibition

suNday, aprIl 14, 2013 Member / Guest Mixed Doubles Invitational

tEnnis CalEndar 2013

adult tEnnis CliniCs:eVery MONday

& Thursday (10am - 12pm)

To kick-start spring, we had a very special event on Friday, March 1. The former #1 player in the world, Mats Wilander, brought the Wilander on Wheels clinic to the Fisher Island tennis Center. Many members took part in this great opportunity to work on their game and pick up tips from the professionals.

While at the shop, try out the latest tennis gear from Wilson, Babolat and Head. And, if you are looking to speed up your footwork, come try the newest line of Wilson, nike, and Adidas shoes, now at your tennis Center!

You can also help welcome Antony emerson to our ten-nis staff! Antony is a graduate and All American from the university of southern California. He is also a world-class player and former touring professional in singles and dou-bles as well as being ranked top 100 in the world in dou-bles. He is a two-time quarterfinalist in doubles at the Aus-tralian open. not only is he a great player, he also possesses an extensive teaching background, and we are very excited to have him as part of our staff!

We are also excited to announce our 2013 Men’s & Wom-en’s Doubles Club Champions. Congratulations to Marcus Katz and samuel libnic and Marta Babson and Marika Colt. Great tennis, everyone!

to watch a bit more amazing tennis, join us on saturday, March 9, as we host our annual Pro/Am Men’s and Women’s Doubles Invitational! Come out to watch exciting tennis with professionals from all over!

see you on the courts!

Meredith Laughlin & George Bezecny Directors of Tennis

On the Court.

spring in Miami is the perfect time for boating, but it’s also a great time to just enjoy the outdoors, on land or on the water.

Visit the Marina from March 12 – 14 as the neptune Florida Yacht Club makes its way to the island for a festive yacht rendezvous, and get ready to drop your lines – and dip your toes – in the water on easter weekend as the Club hosts its annual Kids Fishing Workshop. sign up – and then share all of your stories about the one that got away – at the Marina store.

While there, members can shop for many great items at 20% off. It’s the perfect time to pick up everything you need for a day at sea. And plan to spend sunday, April 13, doing just that as the Club hosts another great event. sign up today for Fisher Island’s own sailfish tournament featuring entertainment on and off the water with prizes for the biggest catch and something to bring out the fisherman in all of us.

Jim Watkins Director of Marina Operations

On the dock.



past Events.

intErnatiOnalCup dinnErFEbruary 22-24 at thE links

Phot

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Island Market 305.535.6599Membership office 305.535.6076 Post office 305.535.6058 Real estate sales office 305.535.6071Restaurant/special event Reservations 305.535.6001 salone Di Bellezza 305.535.6033 security office 305.535.6065 spa Internazionale/ Fitness 305.535.6030 switchboard 305.535.6000 tennis Center 305.535.6010trattoria 305.535.6090Vanderbilt Mansion 305.535.6027 (under restoration)

Accounting office 305.535.6053AKAM 305.673.5537Beach Club 305.535.6038 Café Porto Cervo 305.535.6039 Catering office 305.535.6013 Clearance 305.535.6022CsI 305.672.8724 Dockmaster’s office 305.535.6098 Chief executive officer’s office 305.535.6029 Concierge 305.535.7011Golf Club 305.535.6016Golf Grill 305.535.6014 Hotel Reservations 305.535.7011

Events Calendar.miami arEa EvEnts.

important numbers.

FlaMeNCO FesTIVal MIaMI 2013 MARCH 14 - 17, 2013 At the Adrienne Arsht Center

Jazz rOOTs: a larry rOseN Jazz serIes MARCH 22, 2013 CUBOP - CELEBRATING DIZ & CHANO At the Adrienne Arsht Center

hOMe desIGN shOw MARCH 22 - 25, 2013 Miami Beach Convention Center

dIaNa krall APRIl 2, 2013 At the Adrienne Arsht Center

Jazz rOOTs: a larry rOseN Jazz serIes APRIl 12, 2013 GENERATION NEXT: PIANO At the Adrienne Arsht Center

savE thE datE!MOTher’s day BruNCh sunday, May 12, 2013 11:30am at the Vanderbilt Mansion

MeMOrIal weekeNd dINNer wITh eNTerTaINMeNT saturday, May 25, 2013 7:30pm at the Beach Club

MeMOrIal day FaMIly BBQ sunday, May 26, 2013 6pm at the Vanderbilt Mansion

MARCH3 esmia Children’s orchestra Concert @ Cafe tangier, 4-6pm7 An Afternoon of Fashion with neiman Marcus @ Cafe tangier, 4-7pm14 Piano Concert with Vladimir Feltsman @ Cafe tangier, 5pm18 An evening with Thom Collins from MAM @ Cafe tangier, 6pm23 Havana night with Hansel Y Raul - Vanderbilt Mansion, 7:30pm25 Passover Dinner - Vanderbilt Mansion Ballroom, 6pm27 Full Moon Party @ Beach Club, 7:00pm30 Kids Fishing Workshop @ Vanderbilt Mansion Dock, 9:30am31 easter Brunch @ Vanderbilt Mansion, 11:30am & 2:30pm easter egg Hunt & Games @ Vanderbilt Mansion Grounds, 1:30-3:30pm

APRIl13 Fisher Island sailfish tournament @ Beach Club, tBA25 Full Moon Party @ Beach Club, 7:30pm

For event reservations, please call 305.535.6001.

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