EXPERIENCE
ISSUE
JAN-MAR
2019
RIVERS CLUBWHERE PITTSBURGH’S DYNAMIC LEADERS COME TO CONNECT, WORK, HOST AND PLAY
UNPLUG. GET CONNECTED. PLUG IN. STAY CONNECTED.
#RiversClub | @RiversClubPGH
EVENTSPOTLIGHT
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MEMBER APPRECIATION
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CLUBPROGRAMMING
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WELCOME
ext. 239
MEET YOUR TEAM
MICHELE FISCHERPrivate Events Director412.391.5227 ext. [email protected]
ALI NICHOLASMembership Director412.391.5227 ext. [email protected]
CLIFF OLIVERService Director 412.391.5227 ext. [email protected]
JIM GELZHEISERExecutive Chef412.391.5227 ext. [email protected]
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR GENERAL MANAGER JACK KIMBELL...
AMANDA RAPACHPrivate Events Director412.391.5227 ext. [email protected]
JESSICA HOOTMANAthletic Operations Director412.391.5227 ext. [email protected]
DOUG BARANIAKFitness Manager412.391.5227 ext. [email protected]
ANTHONY DEFAZIOFacility Director412.391.5227 ext. [email protected]
2 | | RIVERSCLUB.COM
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes…
We were hiking in the Sierra Mountains and both saw him at the same time. It was a mountain lion, directly across the ravine and he was watching us. We both stopped and so did the big cat. Finally, we continued and so did he, parallel to us on his trail. For several minutes we kept an eye on each other. Then he was gone. We stopped and looked at each other as if to ask did that just happen. We were safe as it was at least a 300-foot sheer drop into a ravine with a fast running river, but we slept that night nervously. I’ll never forget those few minutes or others like it in back country I’ve experienced.
So, why bring this up? On our Flexstriders in athletics you can hike interactive courses and one of them is the Sierras. Each time I do one section of the trail this memory comes rushing back to me. Last Friday morning it started making me think about the song from RENT that speaks to the number of minutes in a year. Why? Earlier this fall a friend I’ve known for 35 years took his own life. Then, just a short time ago we lost a Member to a heart attack. Both men were only in their mid-fifties. It made me think again about how precious all the minutes we live are and how we take them for granted.
I’m lucky. I’ve had times where I felt really down and life wasn’t worth it. Plus, for years, I was walking around with coronary heart disease. Luckily, I sought help when I was down and talked with someone. And, after feeling odd one morning I went to my doctor and tests revealed the CHD before I had a heart attack and I had surgery. Let’s be honest though, that’s not typically what we do - instead we all just soldier on. We’re too busy to stop we tell ourselves. We simply do not have the time to do all the things we need or want to do. However, we all have to learn to take time for ourselves. It’s actually simple - eat healthy, exercise effectively, manage stress, avoid smoking, and keep a positive attitude. Then again, if all was that simple everyone would be doing it…
In 2019, we’re going to partner up with area health & wellness professionals to help us learn how to do these things. More news will be coming on this soon. In the meantime, if you work out please take advantage of our offers to get a free Myzone belt to work out even better. If you don’t work out, make a New Year’s resolution to start doing so. It will make a difference in your life!
Jack Kimbell, CCM, CHE, General Manager
HEY JACKI often get the same questions from Members. To provide answers for the benefit of all, I’ll answer them with straight forward answers (w/o names). I believe this serves a purpose to get things in the open for all to read & make our club a better place. Thanks…Jack Kimbell, CCM, CHE, General Manager
As you can see from the questions, Members have varied opinions about the club, which we expect. Everything is shared with Department Heads and action plans developed weekly.
We hope you appreciate we ask for feedback and you’ll be pleased with the results.
RIVERSCLUB.COM | 3
HEY JACKWill there be a dues increase in 2019?
Yes, and the state of the club went into some detail why. In general, ClubCorp takes annual dues adjustments (as do most clubs). However, unlike most clubs we do not have food & beverage minimums and/or capital assessments. This is something to consider since we’ve invested over $5,000,000 in the club since 2015 at no cost to Members. Almost every other area club would have divided this by the number of Members and sent out a bill and had dues increases. Plus, 90% of area clubs charge a F&B minimum you must spend monthly and if you do not do so, you are automatically billed.
HEY JACKPlease talk about capital improvements in 2018 and 2019?
For much of 2018 capital dollars were on hold, so all we did was emergency need based. Much of this was behind the scenes but critical to your comfort and enjoyment of the club. Things like hot water in showers and heat & air-conditioning. It doesn’t sound like much but it added up to $65,000. Once we got the go ahead, in December we purchased a new combi-oven for the kitchen and moved forward with sanding & refinishing the squash court & exercise room floors, plus replaced the front wall on squash court # 2, another $65,000.
For 2019, carpeting & flooring in athletics in locker rooms, yoga room and open areas will be the main focus. Plus, we are moving forward with the outdoor terrace project as our contractor is applying for permits for design & construction. If successful, this will be great for the club to have an outdoor dining area for a la carte and private events.
HEY JACKThe recent directive shoes must be kept in lockers means I have less room in my locker & my clothes smell like my shoes.
Sorry, but it was out of control and was unsightly, smelled and shoes often would disappear, etc. We have offered the following solutions – we will install a shelf in your locker for free, a second locker for half price and we sell Sneaker Ball deodorizers at cost for Members to place in their shoes.
HEY JACKWhat is with accounting, my autopay credit card stopped working and my billing has been incorrect this past fall?
ClubCorp moved to a new Cloud-based billing system last fall and there were many bugs with it including autopay cards not converting. It is evolving and getting better each month, but is a work in progress. You can access your account now from our www.riversclub.com, member login, account. If you need help, please call our accounting team to guide you.
HEY JACK How did the recent Member survey turn out?
We did very well overall. We had some things going on Members were not shy talking about – particularly parking and accounting. We have 1,800+ memberships and got many opinions on what is good & bad and what we should and shouldn’t do. All comments are valuable as they make the department head team think. The important information we look for is trends in comments or scores and that is what we plan to do in January as we get out of the holiday rush.
Overall, the club scored up in all major areas compared to ClubCorp. Many new questions were added this time in the survey so comparing to the company is our only benchmark.
We did score down a little in a couple of areas compared to our own last survey in 2016 when we were coming off the $3.5 million-dollar reinvention which is to be expected, but we will drill down in these areas more to improve in 2019. One of them is communication which is puzzling as we send a lot of information out to Members via a variety of methods (email, social media, our app, etc.). The hardest thing we seem to be up against is many Members do not read what we send out. We all are overcome with communication from too many sources, but please make sure you’re getting what we send from the club and open it and just press delete if it does not interest you. If you are not getting it or just deleting it without seeing what it is, you will miss a lot of good stuff.
HEY JACKOnly inconsistency on service is ordering food in the touchdown room – should there be a more formal process for it?
After the holidays we will look at this. When we opened the rooms, they were not intended to be food service areas other than Members going to the Club Table buffet during lunch.
HEY JACKRecently the club obtained more fitness equipment and now there is very little room to move around and work out.
In January we plan to move some of older cardio equipment off the floor to rearrange. We had a lot of equipment that was very old and in 2017 we were very lucky to be able to update the entire athletic level with C/V, resistance & free weight equipment. We did this as our membership is growing and we saw the need to update and add equipment.
HEY JACKThe Holiday Mixology class was unorganized and started late.
Thank you, this was because we had reservations for 15 and ended up with 30 people in a room set for 23 and not capable of handling 30 with the set-up for the speaker (who was prepared for 18-20 people). This is why we need RSVP’s.
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ELBOW TO ELBOWEnjoy cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres, and good company while mixing & mingling with fellow Executive Directors, local non-profits, and Members of the Club. This is a great opportunity to make long-lasting connections with your fellow philanthropists throughout Pittsburgh at the Rivers Club!Tuesday, January 29 | 5:30 p.m. | RSVP 412.391.5227
VALENTINE’S DINNER Enjoy a romantic evening of gourmet food and drinks accompanied by the exceptional musical stylings of Etta Cox. To accommodate those that cannot celebrate with your loved one on Thursday, we will be offering a second night of romance for you on Friday. Thursday & Friday, February 14 & 15 | 5:30 p.m. | RSVP 412.391.5227$59.95++ per person
FATHER DAUGHTER DANCEDads, take your special girl out for an extraordinary night of dinner and dancing. A special guest princess will be here to treat your little princess to a night of royalty. We will have a live DJ, a delicious buffet, and much more!Saturday, March 2 | 6 p.m. | RSVP 412.391.5227$29.95++ Adults | $12.95++ Kids 4-12 | $4.95++ Kids under 4
MARDI GRAS TRIVIA NIGHTHosted by the Young Executives, bring your friends and compete to test your knowledge at a Mardi Gras themed Trivia Night! Tuesday, March 5 | 5:30 p.m. | RSVP 412.391.5227
WINE TASTINGSEnjoy a variety of wine tastings curated by Robert, including a “Chilly, Chili, Chile” Tasting in January, Bubbles & Diamonds Tasting in February, and our Spring Wine Dinner in March featuring Duckhorn wines. Bring your friends and enjoy a very special night created especially for you!Tuesday, January 22 | Tuesday, February 12 | Tuesday, March 19RSVP 412.391.5227$35++ per person | $35++ per person | $95++ per person
INTERNATIONAL SQUASH TOURNAMENT Join Squash Professional Duilio Costas as he hosts the Pittsburgh stop of the International Squash Tour for the Professional Squash Association. This nearly 20 year old event continues to grow in importance, as this year’s stop in Pittsburgh lands just between the large New York City stop of the tour and the Chicago Event which is the largest Squash Tournament in the world. Come watch as up to 28 players from about 18 different countries showcase their incredible talent! For more information contact Coach Duilio at 412.600.6181 or by email at [email protected] February 6 - 10
Enjoy the clubLIFE at these fun-filled events.
NEW NIGHTLY HAPPENINGSEVENT SPOTLIGHT
RSVP for these great
events at 412.391.5227
Click to connect online!
#WeAppreciateYou#clubLIFEOffers valid through March 31, 2019
TUESDAY - FRIDAY DAILY POUR5 - 7 p.m.Featuring complimentary light bites in the Hearth AND, half price on ALL draft beers, well drinks and house wines by the glass.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVEIndulge in our ever changing Wednesday Night Live buffet while listening to local live music! Members receive 50% off the buffet, normally $25++ per person.
FRIDAY 50% OFF WINEWine down with wine for the weekend with 50% off all bottles of wine that are $50 or less.
GAME NIGHTEnjoy a Certified Angus Beef Burger for $10++ on Penguins game nights.
RIVERS CLUB301 Grant Street, One Oxford Centre, Suite 411Pittsburgh, PA 15219412.391.5227 | riversclub.com
RIVERSCLUB.COM | 5
48-hour Cancellation
PolicySo that we offer
you the best experience possible at
Club events, we ask that
you make reservations for you and
your guests. If your plans do
change, we understand. If
you cancel 48-hours or
less, you will be charged 50% of
the event cost
6 | RIVERSCLUB.COM
JAN
FOODIESEMERGING LEADERS
PITTSBURGHERSWOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
WE ARE
EVENTS
Interested in attending one of our Member Events? Please make a reservation by calling the Club at 412.391.5227 or responding to any event email or weekly newsletter.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
CLUB CLOSED2
No WNL3 4
50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
5
6 7Dining closes at 3 p.m.
8 9
clubLIFE 101WNL - Jessica Lee
10 11
50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
12
13 14Community Relations Committee
Dining closes at 3 p.m.
15
Networking LunchSocial Committee Meeting
16
WNL - Frank Cunimondo
17Membership Ambassador Meeting
18
50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
19
20 21Dining closes at 3 p.m.
22
Chilly, Chili, Chile Wine Tasting
23
clubLIFE 101WNL - Luccarelli
24Sous Vide Cooking Class
25
Women’s Leadership Breakfast 50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
26
27 28Dining closes at 3 p.m.
29
Elbow to Elbow30
clubLIFE 101WNL - Jessica Lee
31
RIVERSCLUB.COM | 7
FEB
Interested in attending one of our Member Events? Please make a reservation by calling the Club at 412.391.5227 or responding to any event email or weekly newsletter.
FOODIESEMERGING LEADERS
PITTSBURGHERSWOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
WE ARE
EVENTS
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
2
3 4Dining closes at 3 p.m.
5
Social Committee Meeting
6
Young Executive Council MeetingWNL - Tubby Daniels
7 850% off bottles of wine that are under $50
9
10 11Community Relations CommitteeDining closes at 3 p.m.
12
Bubbles and Diamonds Wine Tasting
13
clubLIFE 101No WNL
14Valentine’s Dinner
15
Valentine’s Dinner
16
17 18Dining closes at 3 p.m.
19
Networking Lunch
20
WNL - Roger Humphries
21Membership Ambassador Meeting
22
Women’s Leadership Breakfast 50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
23
24 25Dining closes at 3 p.m.
26 27
clubLIFE 101WNL - Jessica Lee
28
8 | RIVERSCLUB.COM
MAR
FOODIESEMERGING LEADERS
PITTSBURGHERSWOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
WE ARE
EVENTS
Interested in attending one of our Member Events? Please make a reservation by calling the Club at 412.391.5227 or responding to any event email or weekly newsletter.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
2Father - Daughter Dinner Dance
3 4Dining closes at 3 p.m.
5
Mardi Gras Trivia Night
6
BOG MeetingWNL - Mary Ann Mangini
7 850% off bottles of wine that are under $50
9
10 11Community Relations Committee
Dining closes at 3 p.m.
12
Social Committee Meeting
13
clubLIFE 101WNL - Soulfemme
14 15
50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
16
17 18Dining closes at 3 p.m.
19
Networking LunchDuckhorn Spring Wine Dinner
20
WNL - Etta Cox21Membership Ambassador Meeting Spring Lamb Cooking Class
22
50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
23
24 25Dining closes at 3 p.m.
26 27
clubLIFE 101WNL - Jessica Lee
28 29
Women’s Leadership Breakfast 50% off bottles of wine that are under $50
30
31
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JOIN THE CLUBSJoin our clubs within the Club and become more involved today!
MEMBERSHIP AMBASSADOR COMMITTEEThe strength and influence of this committee, helps ensure the long term viability and success of the Club. The role of the Membership Ambassador Committee is to assist the Club in reaching and maintaining a full compliment of Members. To keep a level that will ensure optimum utilization of the facilities, maximum enjoyment by the Members, and therefore will generate the financial support necessary to provide the very best in facility updates, programming, services and staffing. Without placing undue strain on the level of dues required of each individual Member. Also, this committee will help the Club staff connect new Members to the Club by being the :Member Liaison.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEEThis committee’s role is to recognize, honor, celebrate, connect and inspire our Members. This committee recognizes and honors specific Members for their outstanding contributions to our Club and community and their personal and professional achievements. They provide ways to celebrate and acknowledge our Members’ great efforts and commitment to improve our communities and the world through charitable philanthropic and civic causes they support. This committee also helps to promote pride in belonging by ensuring the public knows our Members represent the largest single gathering of influential leaders engaged in noble and charitable purposes in the world.
SOCIAL COMMITTEEThe Social Committee is as a liaison between the Members and the Member Relations Director to assist in steering the social activities of the Club, increasing Club usage, promoting Member events and acting as ambassadors for the Club. The committee, along with the MRD, is responsible for creating a sense of community within the Club, identifying popular event trends and producing a variety of menus and activities that will appeal to a brad range of Member tastes and will stimulate interest in Rivers Club membership.
YOUNG EXECUTIVE COUNCILThis Council was established for Members age 40 and under. The role of the Young Executive Council is to assist the Club with programming development and events that are conductive to enhancing and developing networking opportunities for our younger membership base. The Young Executive Council works closely with Club personnel to identify ways in which the Club can help foster the penetration is the Young Executive Membership in all Club capacities, including building our Young Executive Membership base. This committee is comprised of active Young Executive Members who want to make a difference.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP FORUMThe Women’s Leadership Forum at the Rivers Club promotes professional, educational and social exchange to foster an environment in which the women of the Rivers Club may enhance their circles of influence.
WINE SOCIETYAs a Wine Society Member, There are many benefits outlined in the application- including: discounts on Club wines, wine tasting and dinners, optional personalized wine locker and opportunity to carry in or periodically purchase select wines not always available to the public in Pennsylvania.
CLUB HOURSATHLETIC FACILITYMonday - Friday | 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
DINING FACILITYMondayBreakfast | 7 - 9 a.m.Lunch | 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.Dinner: CLOSED
Tuesday - FridayBreakfast | 7 - 9 a.m.Lunch | 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.Dinner | 5 - 9 p.m.Bar is open until 10 p.m.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIPFORUM BREAKFASTJoin us for a delicious Breakfast while you meet fellow Rivers Club women and their guests from all industries! On the last Friday of each month, these ladies get together to share ideas and make new contacts. Each breakfast, the WLF will present a new speaker and a special topic for discussion.RSVP 412.391.5227Friday, January 25 | Kelly Radomski: Personal BrandingFriday, February 22 | Heidi WenholdFriday, March 29 | Theresa Rocco$9++ per person
BUBBLES AND DIAMONDS WINE TASTINGEnjoy a luxurious tasting of Champagne and Cabernet from Diamond Winery.RSVP 412.391.5227$35++ per person
PITTSBURGHERS
clubLIFE 101Calling all new Members! Join us at our monthly New Member Lunches, where you will get the opportunity to connect with other Members, meet senior staff and get all those questions answered! You will also receive your Rivers Club passport, which gives you certificates to use around the Club! And of course, lunch is on us!Recommended to all new MembersRSVP 412.391.5227Wednesday, January 9 & 30 | 12 p.m.Wednesday, February 13 & 7 | 12 p.m.Wednesday, March 13 & 27 | 12 p.m.
GUEST BARTENDER SERIESCome and support many different non-profits in the Pittsburgh area from 5 - 7 p.m. during social hour.
Thursday, January 17Greenhouses For Everyone
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
EVENTS AROUND THE CLUBWork out your mind and body. Meet other fitness friends and enjoy athletic events around the club.
International Squash Tournament - More on page 5FEB
EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING IN THE HEARTH | 5:30 P.M.Join us every Wednesday evening to grab a drink, eat dinner from the Buffet, and listen to great live music from local musicians! The last Wednesday of each month will be joined with an Innovative Interview and a 2nd Set.
January 9, 16, 23, 30JAN
February 6, 20, 27FEB
March 6, 13, 20, 27MAR
RSVP for these great
events at 412.391.5227
So many different ways to enjoy clubLIFE!
RSVP for these great
events at 412.391.5227
12 | RIVERSCLUB.COM
Sports & Fitness Lovers
CHILLY, CHILI, CHILE WINE TASTINGStep in from the chilly weather and relax with a Chilean wine tasting accompanied by delicious chili prepared by our Chef Jim! RSVP 412.391.5227 Tuesday, January 22 | 5:30 p.m. $35++ per person
DUCKHORN WINE DINNERJoin Robert as you sample a wonderful selection of Duckhorn wines and enjoy a delicious meal specially crafted by our extraordinary culinary team. RSVP 412.391.5227Tuesday, March 19 | 5:30 p.m.$95++ per person
COOKING CLASSESLearn new and exciting recipes from our talented culinary crew at the Club!RSVP 412.391.5227Thursday, January 24 – Sous Vide CookingThursday, March 21 – Spring Lamb Cooking
FOODIES EMERGING LEADERS
NETWORKING LUNCHESThe Young Executive Council is pleased to host a casual networking lunch. All are invited for a great opportunity to get away from the office and interact with fellow Members of the Club!RSVP 412.391.5227Tuesday, January 15 | 12 p.m. | Josue Batista Tuesday, February 19 | 12 p.m. | Topic TBDTuesday, March 19 | 12 p.m. | TED Talk$12++ per person
MARDI GRAS TRIVIA NIGHTLaissez les bons temps roulez! Enjoy a Mardi Gras themed trivia night hosted by the Young Executive Council! Grab your friends and test your knowledge! Teams of 4-8 people only, please. RSVP 412.391.5227Tuesday, March 5 | 5:30 p.m.
January 24 – Sous Vide Cooking
March 21 – Spring Lamb Cooking
JAN
MAR
THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 12 P.M.The Young Executive Council is pleased to host a casualnetworking lunch. All are invited for a great opportunity to get away from the office and interact with fellow Members of the Club!
January 15: Josue Batista JAN
February 19: Topic TBDFEB
March 19: Topic TED TalkMAR
RSVP for these great
events at 412.391.5227
RSVP for these great
events at 412.391.5227
COOKING CLASS
THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY OTHER MONTH IN THE DUQUESNE ROOM | 6 P.M. Epicureans delight in our Cooking Class! With a different seasonal ingredient featured each time, learn a variety of new recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds and expand your culinary skills!
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BE SCENE
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BE SCENE
BOARD OF GOVERNERSRod Doss - ChairRay AmelioDotti BechtolDiana BelliniLori BerettaJason BertocchiHeather BonomiGreg BoydNora Barry FischerPaul FurigaPeggy HarrisErnest Jackson
Dan KunzDr. Joe LaganaBryan NeftGrant MasonRobert PowellMike Sharp Hayes StoverAlbert VeverkaCarmella WehrleWilliam Wolfe Marlin Woods
16 | RIVERSCLUB.COMCity Club Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA
Aspen Glen Club | Carbondale, CO
ClubCorp’s industry-leading benefits program
provides extraordinary experiences.
MY CLUBBenefits at Rivers Club
Not a want, but a need, the ultimate club lifestyle is waiting
for you. Members enjoy 50% off* à la carte dining.
MY WORLDBenefits Nationwide
Enjoy the best of the ClubCorp Network when you travel. While
there’s no place like home, sometimes you just need to get
away! You’ll enjoy free* golf, free* dining and more when you travel.
MY COMMUNITY Benefits in the
Pittsburgh Area
Enjoy preferred access to the Pittsburgh-area network of country clubs, private golf courses, hotels,
athletic facilities and more.*
*Offers are valid through December 31, 2016 and are subject to availability. May not be combined with any other offers. All pricing and offers exclude alcoholic beverages, surcharges and applicable taxes. Cart fees may apply. Reservations required. Members may bring one eligible guest at 50% off the applicable guest fee to each designated plus one club event. Eligible guests must be nonmembers, excluding spouse and/or dependants. No cash value. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. See Club for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 35412 0717 LM
