Newsletter March 2009 - Vanderbilt Beach and Harbour Club

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Spring 2009
March 2009
A Message from Nick Berger
Hello Again Everyone!
Your Home
Away From Home...
“Destiny is not a
matter of chance;
but a matter of
choice.”
-William Jennings
Bryan
First let me inform you that due to
year end paperwork and January billing duties, the staff has asked that we
produce our newsletter in the Spring
and Fall, hence, the first Spring Edition.
As most of you know, SunStream has
been managing now since October 1,
2008. The Board is pleased with the
results so far and will continue to
work closely with the new manager to
improve the quality and service for
your home away from home.
A few updates on things to come for
2009:
• Elevator modernization
• Completion of the remaining 13
•
•
•
•
•
units kitchen refurbishment with
appliance package
Landscape beautification
New commercial cleaning service
(complimented weekly in owner
comment cards)
Business Center computer upgrades
Pool and spa necessary upgrades
Adding new table, umbrella and
chairs to Bayside pool area
We welcome your suggestions and
comments.
Please contact us
through the website or through our
manager, Denise Vaters. Email her
at denisev@sunstream.com. As always, I wish you and yours a happy
and healthy vacation at Vanderbilt
Beach & Harbour Club!
Nick Berger,
President of the Board of Directors
Thank you, Dennis and Max
Max and I want to thank you ALL
for the overwhelming kindness and
support
we
rec ei ve d
while
I
was going
through
surgery,
and
for
the tremendous generosity while recovering from the medical procedures and the medical expenses!!
SunStream Notes...
I am so pleased to be managing your little piece of paradise on
Vanderbilt Beach. The owners and staff have been incredibly
helpful in getting me caught up on the events of the past 27
years or so! It has been a pleasure meeting everyone and joining such a lovely “family of vacationers”. Please note that I
have an open door policy and welcome any comments, questions, suggestion and yes, even criticisms! Feel free to contact
me at any time and I look forward to seeing all of you during
you next visit to VBHC!
Denise Vaters, General Manager
Wireless Internet
VBHC has added three antennas to
provide high speed internet access
to all units and the common areas.
This project was completed due to
the overwhelming number of
suggestions turned in on the
comment forms. Please do not forget
to ask for the password at check-in
Page 2
VBHC Newsletter
Cozier Home Away From Home
Every bed has a new
Marquis® flocked blanket
with year round comfort,
machine washable, hypoallergenic 100% nylon
flocked face on an
insulated base of
polyurethane foam.
Every unit has a new
Eureka maid saver commercial canister vacuum. These vacuums are lightweight and are bagless, filterless and a definite cost
saver.
All master bedrooms have been redecorated. The
improvements include new bedspreads, artwork,
curtains, lamps, and lounge chair upholstery.
Please take time to look at the design boards on
the website:
http://www.vbhctimeshare.com/docs/DesignBoards.pdf
All king size mattresses have been replaced as of
November 2008. VBHC received all new mattresses in September 2008, however, most were
defective. Due to the diligence of our management, all mattresses were replaced at no cost.
Future refurbishment for units:
2009 Guest bathroom curtains and rods
2009 Completion of kitchen remodel
2009 Twin mattress replacement
2010 Guest bedrooms total redecoration.
John’s Vacation Fun in the Sun
From a person who has lived in southwest Florida
for over 23 years, I am eager to see every person
who visits our lovely resort, enjoy our area and
every moment included in your stay with us!
I would like to take this opportunity to recommend
some of my own personal favorite things to do,
places to eat, and just mention some good ole fashion cultural places in our area of southwest FL.
Here are just a few fun things to do while staying
with us:
1. Sun and Fun Lagoon: A full on fun time water
park located right here in Naples, FL @ 15000
Livingston rd. 239.252.4073
2. The Naples Zoo: Experience our areas most recognized wildlife in its own habitat, sure to be fun for
the entire family. Located @ 1590 Goodlette Rd.
239.262.5409
3. The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts:
One of the best art centers in the country, see
broadway shows and much, much more while visiting “The Phil” Located @ 5833 Pelican Bay
Blvd. 239.597.1900
4. Randy’s Fresh Seafood Market and Restaurant:
Enjoy the very freshest fish in the entire world,
located here in Naples, FL @ 10395 U.S 41.
239.593.5555
5. First Watch Breakfast Restaurant: The very best
of the best—a hot spot for a great morning meal
to start the day just right. I eat there all the time
and never leave hungry! The plates are huge and
there’s plenty of breakfast items on the menu to
choose from. Located @ 225 Banyan Blvd.
239.434.0005.
6. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: If you are looking to see what “The Real Florida” is all about
then do not hesitate to visit this gem— a
beautiful homegrown park. The Corkscrew
Swamp Sanctuary is a true version of old Florida with original residents on site to observe
and witness, such as native birds, mammals,
reptiles, and a host of gorgeous FL. Plants and
flowers; not to mention the beautiful wild orchids. Located @ 375 Sanctuary Rd. West.
Naples, FL 34120. 239.348.9151
7. Whole Foods Market: This brand new 52,000
square ft. market specializes in a wide variety
of fresh food items stocked on a daily basis,
from fresh fruit, veggies, to all organic food as
well. Newly constructed at 9101 Strada Place
near Vanderbilt Beach Road & US41.
239.552.5100
Please feel free to stop into the Management office anytime during your stay and simply ask for
“John”. I would like to offer my concierge services and look forward to assisting you in creating your extraordinary vacation experience.
Come in to see me for directions, travel advice,
transportation needs, or anything else you, your
family or friends may need. I continue to strive
for complete customer service. I welcome questions, comments and most importantly, your continued input. One last thing: Don’t forget to enjoy the beach and wear sun block!!!!
Spring 2009
Page 3
Lydia’s Sausage Strata
2 ½ cups of croutons
12 oz package of shredded cheddar
cheese
1 lb bulk or link sausage (sauteed &
drained)
4 eggs
2 ½ cups of milk
1 Tbs of dry mustard
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 ¼ cup of milk
Layer croutons, cheese and sausage in buttered
baking dish. Combine eggs, milk and mustard
and pour over. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Combine mushroom soup and milk, pour over.
Bake uncovered at 350 for 60 minutes. Let stand
for 10 minutes to set. Add chopped green chiles
for spicy strata.
Maintenance Projects
Resorts Marketing Corporation
Steve Beck, Maintenance Supervisor, has returned to work better than ever. After two
months recovering from a severe heart attack.
We are SO happy for his healthy return and his
ambitious schedule of improvements!
Some items already accomplished are as follows:
• New Bayside drinking fountain
• Pool probes and controls were replaced and
computerized
• New laundry room doors installed in all units
• All stairway railings have been stripped and
repainted
• Instituted complete key control throughout
the property
• Fire sprinkler faulty riser pump was repaired
A few planned projects soon to be accomplished:
• Roofs to be resealed with FPL rebate
• New roof insulation on A/C condensers will
be installed by maintenance staff
• Walkway and lanai repaint/reseal begins
• Grill replacements
• All air handlers will be removed and cleaned
• AND Much More……….
BON APPETITE!!!!!
Greetings from your on-site Sales and Rental
Team. Despite the economic issues going on in
our country, I am proud to report we have had a
successful season! I do want to make you aware
that we have a “wait list” for next year, so please
get your rental agreements to us. Dan Pittman is
doing a fantastic job on re-sales. Please contact
him for the most up to date inventory. Remember
that units sell best during and around their occupancy time, due to having a captive audience of
renters and exchangers. Once again, my staff and
I thank you for your business and your continued
loyalty. See you at the cookout!
Fran Parker, Broker/Owner
Introducing the Pots ’n’ Pans Band
One guitar, one keyboard,
one flute and pots ‘n’ pans
are the ingredients for a
family night with the
Vaters. Please make note
of our new Resort Manager,
Denise Vaters, and welcome her to our VBHC family.
Denise’s musical entourage consists of husband/scientist, Glenn, first born, Trent, and finally
the twin surprises, Daria and Vivian. Denise was
born in Utica, NY and was raised in Camden, NY.
She moved to Florida in 1993; obtained her CAM
license in 1995 then she began working with SunStream, Inc. When they are not creating beautiful music, the Vaters family is walking. Calusa
Nature Center and Planetarium, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Estero Park, Three Oaks
Park, and Lakes Park are their local favorite
places to enjoy hiking and the natural wildlife of
Southwest Florida.
Feedback and Extra Items
Our staff continues to upgrade items throughout the resort, always keeping your safety and security in mind.
We have restructured the key lock box system for late
arrivals. The code over the past years has remained unchanged. With our new system the code will change on
a regular basis to ensure proper security. If you happen
to be running late for check in or you know you will be
arriving after 5 p.m. you can either call the office for the
code between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or just follow the instructions on the lock box. Either will allow you access
to the box to retrieve your key. Just a reminder: Please
come to the office the next morning to register and we
will give you an extra key at that time.
As you may know, your comments are being taken very
seriously regarding recommendations for your home
away from home. Please remember to fill out the
comment cards and hand them to John at check
out so that we can continue to meet your needs.
As an example, here are some past comments from owners and guests who stayed during this past year:
• J.R. Doolin, Jr., Pottsville, PA (409/39): Suggested
“purchasing beach chairs and umbrellas and rent
them to guest.”
• Clarissa Bugs, Pewaukee, WI:
On cleanliness,
“Perfect! Better than other RCI places.”
• Tom Pantazis from Parkland, FL(108): “Kitchen looks
great!”
• Christine Austin from Cape Coral, FL( 104/23).: I
would like to recognize “John” for a very stress-free
check-in (we had some very ‘cranky’ in years past).”
• Aime Michel Keroack, Dorval, Quebec (103/1): I
would llike to recognize “Rachel” for her
“personalized attention to detail.”
• M. Burt, Bexhill, England (304/2): I would like to
recognize “Michelle” for “help and advice when
needed. Very hard working and friendly.”
We listen and thank you all for your input….Keep it
coming!
REMEMBER WHEN...
The staff is working on the display case area to
showcase the history of VBHC through years of
changes and a plethora of people! If you have
information, stories, photos, newspaper articles, etc.,
that you could share with us to join our adventure,
please contact our office. If you share originals, we
will copy and return to you promptly. We may also
create an Owner’s Lounge collage with photos we collect to preserve the memories of the Vanderbilt family. We would greatly appreciate you sharing whatever you can to help us!
Dwight Killian: Our part time maintenance staff
rescued two pelicans in need!! After being informed by
owner, Angela Lauer, of their plight, Dwight and owners Mr. & Mrs. Rod Phelps brought the pelicans in
from their place of captivation. Dwight proceeded to
help remove the fishing line completely entwining one,
then removed a fishing lure from the back of the
other’s head—setting them free! Thank you Dwight!
Job well done!!!
Your Home Away From Home...
239-597-5098 Office
239-597-9183 Fax
1-800-370-7731
www.vbhctimeshare.com
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