A “Shining” Day at The Stanley Hotel Outrigger® Hotels and Resorts

®
A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA
September 21, 2013
Outrigger Hotels and
Resorts Steps Up as
a Diamond Corporate
Partner of UH Athletics
®
By Kathy Hansberry
Outrigger®
Hotels and
Resorts,
a proud,
longtime
Corporate
Sponsor of
University
of Hawai‘i
Athletics,
elevated its
commitment
from Platinum
to Diamond
Corporate
Outrigger President and CEO David Carey
Partner this
and UH Athletics Director Ben Jay
month, the
highest level of sponsorship. As a Diamond Corporate
Partner, Outrigger expanded its tournament sponsorship
with the addition of the Rainbow Wahine Outrigger Hotels
and Resorts Volleyball Challenge, which took place at the
Stan Sheriff Center this past weekend from Sept. 12-14.
A joint press conference with UH Athletics, Outrigger
Hotels and Resorts, and Hawai‘i Pacific Health (HPH), also
a new corporate partner, was held last week at the Stan
Sheriff Center’s Wong Hospitality Room to announce the
UH Athletic department’s strategic plan and to address
the various urgent needs in responce to a rapidly changing
national landscape in intercollegiate athletics and in order
to position UH Athletics as an NCAA Top 50 program.
Outrigger President and CEO David Carey took to
the podium and spoke about the company’s long-term
commitment and continued community support for the
student athletes. UH Athletics Director Ben Jay praised
both Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and Hawai‘i Pacific
Diamond Corporate Partner >> 3
A “Shining” Day
at The Stanley Hotel
By Dr. Richard Kelley
During the past week parts of the state of Colorado
have experienced unusually heavy rainstorms, which
caused extensive flooding and property damage,
particularly in the towns north of Denver along the eastern
slopes of the Rocky Mountains. My wife Linda and I were
right in the middle of it and, when we checked into the
historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, we saw a team of hotel
workers come together to keep their property running
and their guests safe and comfortable in a tradition that I
have also proudly observed on a number of occasions at
Outrigger and OHANA hotels across the Pacific.
The Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909, is located a
few miles from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National
Park, which receives over 3 million visitors a year. It
became famous when novelist Stephen King, traveling
through the area, got snowed in. He checked into The
Stanley Hotel and was the only guest for the evening.
That night he was inspired to write “The Shining,” which
was later adapted into the 1980 horror movie of the same
name (produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick) as
well as a television mini-series. (While parts of the TV
mini-series were filmed at The Stanley, the movie was
shot not there but mostly at a film studio in England and
at another resort, Oregon’s Timberline Lodge, which is
where readers who might wish to spend a sleepless night
in a cold sweat should consider a visit. Just kidding!) The
Stanley also “starred” as one of the locations in the film
comedy “Dumb and Dumber.”
The Stanley Hotel >> 16
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Saturday Briefing
Page 1
Happy Birthday!
Employment Opportunities
Oct 2: Marilyn R. Castillo, Philip R.O. Gagala,
Olivier Maokhamphieu, Teresita P. Moore, Jack
Opelin, Pakorn Tantayakorn and Suxian Zhou.
If you are interested in a position listed below and meet the
qualifications, you may apply online. Please go to Outrigger.com, click
on ABOUT OUTRIGGER, then EMPLOYMENT. We only accept online
applications for the open-listed positions from internal candidates. If
you have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 921-6989.
Application deadline for the following positions is September 27, 2013.
Oct 3: Ricol H. Akana-Phillips, Milton T. Kami,
Unaloto V. Latu, Charlene A. Luning, Brian
Mohammed, Estrelita Sagadraca, Glenda W.
Shirley and Emilie P. Vincent.
Oct 4: Tammy A. Awong, Rory Gibb Campbell,
Ruchia Cousins, Kristina K.S. Flores, Monica
L. Kauhane, Susana P. Macadangdan and
Adisak Senlee.
Oct 5: Diane M. Cox, Prapaporn Kamsen, Lavinesh
Naidu, Jeff A. Nelson, Tita Rechy, Doreen M.
Regohos and Kyle W. Springfield-Richards.
Oct 6: Cinderella M. Cacayorin, Michael
Fogden, Chi-Man Mar, Sisilia Nadore, Emilio
A. Puyot Jr., Thaveewut Sawatthanee, Sheila
C.Y. Shinn, Narongsak Sinto, Shanil Siwan and
Chao Hong Xu.
Oct 7: John Henry Q. Acosta, Rishad Ali,
Sauiluma Fonoti, Robert D. Garcia, Sujittra
Jantawee, Peerawat Jompong, Chun Chan
Liang, Francis Magbutay, Sarote Petkong,
Geoff Powell, Deelight A. Quezon, Adonis II
Ronquillo, Erica Selinger, Megan Shorrocks
and Kavita Singh.
Oct 8: Shannon Coughlan, Ornina Karen,
Suwanna Klongyuan, Charischanunt
Muangma, Tuyen Nguyen, Amorn Pongkhan,
Boonlap Prayooncharoen, William
Saukalou, Kanya Sithisak, Chayutpong
Thirawattanasoonthorn, Kallaya Tongchoo
and Yee Wan Wong.
Housekeeper I (Full-Time)
Must be able to work well with others, follow instructions and
communicate in English. The ability to work flexible days and shifts
is required. Experience in cleaning and servicing guest rooms and/or
public areas preferred.
Assistant Housekeeper (Full-Time)
Minimum of four years housekeeping supervisory experience or hotel
managerial experience preferred. Must be able to read and understand
various correspondence, literature and reports. Must have excellent
mathematical, computer and written/verbal communication skills. Must
be able to work any day and shift and conduct training and inspections
in areas of responsibility. Must also be able to demonstrate successful
employee relations skills.
Maintenance Manager (Full-Time)
A minimum of five years experience as a maintenance manager in a
full-service hotel required. Excellent computer and basic mathematical
skills with previous experience in preparing schedules, performance
appraisals, budgets, monthly variance and productivity reports,
and ability to read technical and training manuals, schematics and
blueprints also required. Must possess excellent knowledge of building
systems, the permit process, licensing and new and existing codes
pertaining to public building and fire safety. Additional knowledge of
electrical systems, components and devices, HVAC systems, boilers and
mechanical systems required. This position requires being skilled in the
proper and safe use of all equipment, tools and products. Must be able to
work any day and shift.
OGM Welcomes
Tourism Education Council
By Lisa Lencowski
Saturday Briefing is published by and for
employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)
Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley
Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson
Senior Editor: Kathy Foley
Proofing Assistant:
Char Luning
Contributing Writers: Employees of OEG
Visit us online at:
www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com
Submissions to Kathy Foley
at kathysb@outrigger.com,
via interoffice mail to OEH/HR,
or by phone at (808) 921-6957.
© 2013 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii
Saturday Briefing
Page 2
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Outrigger Guam Resort (OGM) General Manager John Wigsten welcomed Tourism Education
Council’s WAVE Club (Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically) to the hotel for their annual Mixer on Sept.
12. The WAVE Club is a school-based program for public and private school-aged children that promotes
the importance of Tourism in Guam, mainly through WAVE Club events in the tourism industry.
Diamond Corporate Partner << From 1
Health for stepping up to meet the challenge at a crucial
• Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Volleyball Invitational
time when the Athletics program’s expenses are increasing
(Men’s volleyball)
at a significant rate.
• Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Baseball Season-Opening
“We certainly appreciate the unwavering support
(Baseball)
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts
Outrigger also will continue
provides UH Athletics and its
to elevate the game-day fan
recent decision to substantially
experience by providing various
increase its commitment speaks
incentives including resort stay
volumes of this local company’s
giveaways, restaurant certificates
commitment to our community
and other prizes to the winners
and student athletes,” said Jay.
of the “Outrigger Hotels and
As a Diamond Corporate
Resorts Paddle Cam” at all
Sponsor, Outrigger is excited
men’s and women’s volleyball
to add the Rainbow Wahine
and men’s basketball games at
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts
the Stan Sheriff Center and onVolleyball Challenge to the
field giveaways during Rainbow
list of Outrigger-sponsored UH
Warrior football home games.
tournaments, which include:
Want to help Outrigger
• Outrigger Hotels and Resorts
UH Scoreboard
support
the Rainbow Warriors
Rainbow Classic
and Rainbow Wahine this
(Men’s basketball)
season? Watch for future articles for your chance to
• OHANA Hotels and Resorts No Ka Oi
volunteer at upcoming events, or email Marisa Sakamoto
(Women’s soccer)
at marisa.sakamoto@outrigger.com to secure your spot as
• Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Soccer Classic
an Outrigger volunteer at the next exciting UH sporting
(Women’s soccer)
event. Go ‘Bows!™
Continuing to Celebrate Our Housekeepers
By Barry Wallace
Sept. 8 – 14 was a very special week – a time
Highlights of the week were games like Black
to celebrate and show our appreciation to the best
Jack, Spin the Wheel, Toilet Paper Toss, friendly team
housekeepers in the world! Known for their friendliness,
competitions and everyone’s favorite, Bingo. Prize
cleanliness and for taking care of our guests, our employees drawings were held, breakfast was served and special
and our properties, our
daily treats like malasadas,
housekeepers are, as Dr. Kelley
pizza, manapua, melona bars
shared last week, Outrigger’s
and even personalized water
“MVPs” (Most Valuable Players).
bottles brought lots of smiles.
As is tradition, properties
Throughout the year,
in Waikīkī were filled with fun,
we receive numerous guest
laughter and of course, ‘ono
comments sharing memorable
grinds. As we visited each
housekeeping department to
housekeeping encounters. I am
give thanks for their hard work,
always delighted to remind our
they, in return, thanked us for
housekeepers that it is because
the opportunity to work for such
of them that Outrigger enjoys
a great company. At property
such a high return guest rate.
lunches, many housekeepers
I am so very proud of each
requested to cook their
one
of you. Mahalo, once
favorite ethnic dish and were
again, for your MVP-caliber
proud to share them with all in
Barry Wallace, Susan Young, Tereza Gapuzan and Nenita Nerveza
performance all year long.
attendance. Wow! What a treat!
Our Housekeepers >> 4 - 13
Saturday Briefing
Page 3
Our Housekeepers << From 3
Sitting: Estrella Antonio, Irene Vidal and Eddielyne Sarmiento. Middle: Marilyn Castillo Sitting: Cristina Tamayo, Editha Rafael and Lydia Suniga. Middle: Larina Galla
and Carnita Encomienda. Standing:Bruce Schneider, Barry Wallace and Steve Winter. and Mitchel Gusman. Standing: Bruce Schneider Barry Wallace and Steve Winter.
Sitting: Tereza Gapuzan, Conrada Corpuz, Agricola Molina and Antonio Rubi
Standing: Susan Park, Amador Manzano, Nenita Nerveza, Herman Chiu,
Susan Young, Julieto Boniel and Anna Lau
Sitting: Elena Ballan, Noemi Atanes, Narysa Serazon and Kiyo Kaneshiro
Standing: Imelda Guillermo, Marites Tagala, Marivin Nastor,
Narita Fangon and Lillan Acosta
Sitting: Anna Lee Managad, Jie lie Huang, Consolacion Caraang and Eufemia
Saoit. Standing: Shao Fei Wei, Marylou Dela Cruz, Bobbie Jean Asato,
Josephine Villar and Valeriana Domingo
Carl Kruse, Susan Young, Narita Fangon, Agricola Molina, Josephine Villar,
Lillian Acosta, Neil Murakami, Valerina Domingo,
Nenita Nerveza, Elena Ballan and Consolacion Caraang
Saturday Briefing
Page 4
Our Housekeepers << From 4
Agricola Molina, Nerita Fangon, Nenita Nerveza, Elena Ballan and Susan Young
Bruce Taunuu and Mandy Fang play ping pong drop
Feng Ping Lau spins the wheel while Teresa Shepherd looks on
Lily Lee, King Fong Lau, Shun Rye Lee
and Rosalina Saclayan claim their prizes
Sitting: Joanna Lee, Herminia Agbayani, Pik Yi Lau and Hanna Liang
Standing: Melvin Fiesta, Renato Dela Rosa, Lily Lee and Edmund Villanueva
Sitting: Elizabeth Aguinaldo, Jackie Balubar, Lilia Arca, Evelyn Ceredon
Standing: Erlinda Barredo, Rosalina Saclayan, Emely Tacbian and Sonia Lorenzo
Saturday Briefing
Page 5
Our Housekeepers << From 5
Sitting: Jenny Wu, King Fong Lau, Deolito Ballares and Cynthia Thom
Standing: Cecilia Yip, Yue Ling Xu, Issara Praphanwong and Larisa Xu
Sitting: Hai Shan Peng, Mandy Fang, Eileen Rosaro and Lori Lai
Standing: Shao Huan Liu, Pureza Baptista, Jie Li Liang and Nena Liang
Sitting: Kay An, Shun Rye Lee, Chu Ja Oh and Cristina Agmata
Standing: Tae Ok Koo, Judy Lui, Li Yuan Hwang and Feng Min Liang
Saturday Briefing
Page 6
Sitting: Dana Sato, Wan Wun Liu, Wo Shun Kam and Qun Hao Huang
Standing: Hui Hong Lu, Feng Ping Lau, Feng Mei Liang and Xiu Qing Li
Sitting: Leilani Adap, Angie Padua, Norilyn Pagaragan and Sonia Damaso
Standing: Conseta Serdinia, Corazon Mendoza,
Susana Macadangdang and Julita Sadang
Sitting: Wan Ruo Kwock, Rui Mei Qiu, Lorraine Sales and Joeffrey Garcia
Standing: Xue Cong He, Yuan Zhao Tang, Daisy Chun and Diana To
Our Housekeepers << From 6
Eva Burd, Helen Chen, Linda Wang, Elsa Tacus, Maricon Nacario, Noemilyn Galanto,
Virgi Asakawa, Arsenia Bactat, Marylin Fermin, Bibiana Taylan and Loida Gamatero
Alan White, Qiao Lian Li, YongRao Lie, Nina Agonoy, Estrelita Untalan,
Suzanne Mendoza, Zhi Yi Chen, Marilyn Gacula, Charlene Goo and Virgi Asakawa
Alan White, Jo Ader, Lina Asuncion, Julie Rivera, Jeanette Andrada, Letty
Dacanay, Ella Sablan, Poldo Valencia, Dean Nakasone and Charlene Goo
Susan Banag, Rosario Abad, Ana Marie Castel, Fina Salvador, Myna Elcano,
Marcy Martin, Florence Corrales, Hyang Suk Yu, Evelyn Garcia and Xorda Laurin
Jo Ader, Poldo Valencia and Xorda Laurin
Charlene Goo, Dean Nakasone, Allen Lei, Ana Marie Castel, Hyang Suk Yu,
Myna Elcano, Fina Salvador, Marcy Martin, Florence Corrales and Alan White
Saturday Briefing
Page 7
Our Housekeepers << From 7
Ken Huang, Daniel Ou, Huan Qiu Li, Chung Wing Chee,
Fu Chao Wong and Yat Sam Yip
Andres Malong, Gilbert Cui, Hans Sakurai and Hui Lung Weng
Chung Wing Chee, Fu Chao Wong, Yat Sam Yip, Ed Case,
Ken Huang and Hui Lun Weng
Yu Bing Li, Koon Lin Cheng, Yu Ming Liang, Barry Wallace,
Sharon Zhang, Shirley Lee and Jessica Hua
Cresilda Justo, Marylene Lagasa, Elpidio Oviedo,
Melanie Chan and Virginia Trinidad
Karen Villarmia, George Poon, Dr. Chuck Kelley and Kea Parker
Saturday Briefing
Page 8
Our Housekeepers << From 8
David Carey, Barry Wallace, Chuck Shishido and Ivy Kwok
Sigfredo Raguino, Jay Velasco, Russell Helton and Jonathan Gelacio
Hipolita Rosete, Lilia Domingsil, Elvira Maluyo,
Ester Viloria, Esmeralda Ancheta and Carmelita Cascasan
Roy Beppu, Tante Pascual, Hung Da Ngo, Ed Case, Nui Kauhane, Ming Fang,
Yong Soo Kim, Evan Leung, Andres Malong and Keith Yamane
Karen Villarmia and Janice Ng
Virginia Trinidad, Cresilda Justo, Marylene Lagasca and Melanie Chan
Ivy Kwok and Janice Ng
Saturday Briefing
Page 9
Our Housekeepers << From 9
Philip Wong, Chang Keun Cho, Shin Ling Vat, Milagros Javier and Xin Jiang Zhou
Jing Yun Wu, Yuet Oy Au, Kimo Miguel and Suzanne Lee
Sitting: Yuk Doong Chee, Agripina Agyapas, Cecilia Ferrer and Shao Yu Miu
Standing: Kimo Miguel, Alan Naito and Yuet Oy Au
Shu Wen Chen, Mei Qing Tan, Joyce Su,
Jie Zhen Li, Jing Yun Wu and Wai Heng Leong
Sitting: Elvie Amor, Shao Qun Liang, Mei Lin Ma, Lin Heung Lo
and Feng Fei Poon. Standing: Kimo Miguel and Alan Naito
Jing Yun Wu, Mei Qing Tan, Joyce Su, Ka Wan Fong and Elvie Amor
Saturday Briefing
Page 10
Our Housekeepers << From 10
Nova Geronimo, Thomas Apilado and Jasmin Tanicala
Left: Donna King, Eugenia Pasion, Elena Souza, Josie
Corpuz, Eduardo Cadavona, Ceto Andres, Yoly Ingeniero,
Editha Udarbe, Liza Ramos, Agnes Orlando, Lorna Subia,
Julia Tambio, Antonia Langundino and Mila Niau
Singing along with “Elvis” are Josie Corpuz, Fida Pagdilao, Agnes Orlando and Eugenia Pasion
Oliver DeLeon, Eduardo Cadavona, Dado Eschavez and Ceto Andres
...and Julia Tambio, Lorna Subia and Editha Udarbe
Nova Geronimo, Vangie Fernandez and Mila Niau
Saturday Briefing
Page 11
Our Housekeepers << From 11
Sitting: Nora Valdez, Winnie W.L. Ho, Nieves Libed and Jenny Bao Hong
Standing: Feng Na Leong, Sophia Luo, Charlotte Kananu and Un Ha Zheng
Sitting: Carlita Herring and Nelia Navarro. Standing: Zeanida Cachola,
Tinay Acidera, Gina Maneja and Filomena Mercado
Jenny Bao Hong, Wai Yin Ho and Shanly Wu
Standing: My Le Pham and Yuet Chun Liang
Sitting: Ok Soon Kim and Laura Li
Isaac Namdrik, JayR Tesoro, Kin Chan and Daniel Spracklen
Jane Chen, Carol Lopes, Ofelia Valdez and Leonida Lumantas
Saturday Briefing
Page 12
Our Housekeepers << From 12
Tagumpay Garcia and Elman Pagaduan
Ferdinand Obille
Mindy Nakagawa
LivingWell Just Got Easier!
By the LivingWell Committee
Outrigger’s annual
Wellness Fair provided
the convenience of free
health services at the
OHANA Waikiki East and
Outrigger Reef on the
Beach over two days this
past week.
More than 300
employees made it a
priority to visit the Fair
and take advantage
of the many wellness
experts on hand who
provided blood pressure
checks, flu shots, glucose
screenings, massage and
lomilomi. Information
on essential oils, dental
and eye health, exercise
and joint care, cancer
Neal Wong from doTERRA shows Janice Yee how to reap
and nutrition were also
the digestive benefits of peppermint essential oil
available. Fruit and
healthy snacks were
available for the taking, and Chef Guido from Kani Ka Pila Grille
created vegetarian wraps that demonstrated that food can be eyeappealing, delicious and healthy too!
For those who were unable to attend the fair, Doctors On Call,
located at the Sheraton Princess Ka‘iulani, will accept any Outrigger
employee who would like to receive a free flu shot. No appointment
is necessary; just remember to bring your Outrigger I.D., your medical
insurance card and valid U.S. government-issued photo I.D.
If you haven’t turned in your Wellness Fair Evaluation found in the
booklet you received upon entry, please do so and send it to Human
Resources. Your feedback will help us to improve upon the services
offered at next year’s Fair.
Mahalo to all those who helped to make
the fair another successful Outrigger initiative:
Arthritis Foundation, BettyAnn Kamakani, Chef
Guido, Doctors On Call, doTERRA, Employee
Assistance of the Pacific, HBHC, Hawaii Central
Federal Credit Union, HDS, HMSA, Healthways,
HTI Federal Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente,
Kapi‘olani Women’s Center, OHANA Waikiki
East, Outrigger Reef on the Beach and
VSP. Most of all, thank you to Outrigger for
continuing to provide convenient opportunities
for us to keep a pulse on our health.
Until next year, stay healthy and LiveWell!
Check-in at the
Outrigger Reef
on the Beach
Wincy Helm gets a glucose check
LivingWell >> 14 - 15
Saturday Briefing
Page 13
LivingWell << From 11
Ellie Agustin gets BP educated!
Chef Guido creates healthy
veggie summer rolls
Sandy Kama (seated) and Faatali Malepeai
experience lomilomi at the hands of BettyAnn
Fending off the flu is Marsha Kapu
George Poon and Dr. Chuck Kelley
Marisa Sakamoto laughs off the flu shot
Healthyways’ Stephen McCall is happy
to give DJ Nash her good numbers!
Lorene Liu-Fajota and Napua Ho
Taking care of business is Raymond Sparber
Jerry Dolak demonstrates his superior grip strength IC in the house! Kyle Richards, Sun Wong, Shilla Lee and Thaila Kaikana
Jonathan Gelacio grins and bears it!
One can only imagine...
Chad Teramae, Lauren Chow and DJ Nash
Saturday Briefing
Page 14
Manny Nicolas is happy
to get his free flu shot
Judd Winchester gives the grip
strength meter a good squeeze
Chef Guido’s vegetarian summer rolls
LivingWell << From 12
Luana Maitland gets some dental direction
Napua Ho, Mady Agcamaran and Chad Teramae
Jhon Pelayo, Calvin Ng and Eva Hang checking in
Rey Soriano - cool under pressure
Gerry Daez and Milton Kami
Come on, Bruce Taunuu, you’re a big boy!
Ferdinand Llamas, Bruce Taunuu, Bev Fidel and Jana Matsunaga
Colleen Tanioka, Lauren Chow and Kathy Foley
Joey Fukuoka, Jamie Wong, Kelli-Ann Morihara, Ivan Paik and Shae Gallardo
Tracy Crofton, Jo Christian and Kathy Oyadomari
Janice Yee and Colleen Tanioka welcome Tante
Pascual, Evan Leung and Salvador Antonio to the fair
Saturday Briefing
Page 15
The Stanley Hotel << From 1
We arrived at the Stanley late in the afternoon on
September 12 after driving in heavy, blowing rain through
Rocky Mountain National Park on Trail Ridge Road at
altitudes as high as 12,000 ft. (nearly 3,700 meters). We
found the nearby river overflowing its normal bed and
onto the main street, pouring into the shops, thanks to a
gargantuan increase in its volume from a normal 100 cubic
feet per second to a phenomenal 5,280 feet per second.
Flooded main shopping street in Estes Park
Fortunately, The Stanley Hotel is located on high
ground and we found the entrance. However, the parking
attendant was not in his booth. We ran through the rain
into a ground-level snack shop and found a number of
hotel staff coping with water that was seeping up between
the floor tiles. A bellman suddenly appeared and helped
us with our luggage. Despite the record-breaking storm,
the hotel sustained very little damage in comparison with
other hotels nearby.
The front desk personnel were efficient and
courteous. Matthew, the front desk manager, advised
us that dinner was available in the dining room but that
it would be from a limited menu. He added that over
12 inches (30 cm.) of rain had fallen over the past 24
hours and, due to washed-out bridges and roads, many
staff members could not get to the hotel for their shifts.
Telephone service in the area was not functioning either,
so the hotel could not predict who might be available to
help with dinner. Most restaurants in the town were either
flooded-out or inaccessible.
In the dining room, the “limited menu” was more
than adequate and despite everything was even freshly
printed for the menu folders. Dinner was excellent and
as we were enjoying dessert, a gentleman named Ian,
wearing a chef’s hat and jacket, came to the table to ask
if everything was satisfactory. We complimented him
on his cooking but asked why his jacket had the Hilton
Hotels logo on its pocket. He confessed that he was not
the regular chef but actually the director of Food and
Beverage. He said he was assisting the chef who was
stuck in a nearby community, cut off by washed-out roads.
Saturday Briefing
Page 16
However, as the
normal attire for a
director of Food and
Beverage would be
coat and tie, which
would hardly do in
a busy kitchen, he
had pulled out of the
closet the chef’s garb
he still had from a
previous position at a
Hilton hotel.
The next evening,
we attended a
cocktail reception
in honor of Lady
Washed-out bridge in Estes Park
Geraldine Dunraven,
an old family friend from Ireland, our guest on this trip,
and, as best we know, the first Dunraven to visit the Estes
Park area since the fourth Earl of Dunraven, a hunting
companion of “Buffalo Bill” Cody, fell in love with the area
in the 1870s. Lord Dunraven left his name on several local
landmarks – e.g., Dunraven Inn and Dunraven Restaurant
in Estes Park, and Dunraven Peak and Dunraven Pass
in nearby Yellowstone National Park – so despite the
flooding, wind and rain, over 100 guests turned out for
the gala event honoring our guest. The hotel prepared
a delicious traditional Irish buffet and once again the
limited staff, many of whom had worked multiple shifts,
did an outstanding job, providing first-class service.
Mayor Bill Pinkham presented a proclamation to
Lady Dunraven, declaring September 13, 2013, Dunraven
Day in Estes Park. Lady Dunraven (widow of the seventh
Earl of Dunraven) and her daughter, Lady Ana, were
each presented with a book, Art of the National Park, by
The Stanley’s general manager, Rick Benton. Lady Ana’s
husband, Duncan Johnson, was presented with a Denver
Broncos jersey with the name “Johnson” on the back, a
happy coincidence as the team has two Johnsons (Jeremiah
and Steven) on its roster. In return, Lady Dunraven
presented the hotel with a beautiful color reproduction of
her portrait of Lord Dunraven (Buffalo Bill’s companion,
that is), to replace the black-and-white photo of the
painting until now hanging in the hotel lobby.
Local historian John Meissner also took our group
to visit the Dunraven Cottage and other nearby historic
buildings. Stanley Hotel Sales Manager Patty Twogood
told me that she and her colleagues at The Stanley and
the people of Estes Park were honored that our group
made the trek to Estes, despite the virtually biblical
flooding the town had experienced.
Warmest congratulations to The Stanley Hotel staff
for their efforts and accomplishments in the face of a
flood of challenges! We wish them and all the residents
of Estes Park the best as the town recovers from this
devastating deluge.