Summer, 2001

Club Peace & Plenty, The Beach Inn and the Bonefish Lodge are pleased to send warm greetings and the latest news from the lovely Exumas. We hope you will enjoy all the great news we have to share with you this edition.

The rebuilding of the Club's west wing as reported in the last issue is nearly complete and it's a knockout! The three suites are fantastic, and the completely rebuilt rooms more spacious and beautifully decorated. Hats off to decorator, Eileen Newberry of Design Alternatives, and to Tony Abbate, our architect for their excellent taste. We must also say a special thank you to John Chase for all his hard work and his committment to excellence on this project.

The "Heritage Suites" was the vision of Mrs. Benjamin to pay tribute to the Bahamian people and their history by naming the three suites: "African", "British Colonia", and of course, "Caribbean." Each suite will be uniquely decorated according to theme. You may wanty to look at these suites and rooms early for your next visit.

The Bonefish Lodge's dining room expansion is a big hit. New booths, fine woodward by Bob Hyde and Alston Rolle and all that additional space added lots of atmosphere to go along with Chef Robert's super-fresh seafood. Summer/Fall can be excellent bone fishing on the famous Exuma flats, with no crowds! If you get the urge to walk on our world-class flats, give Magnala a call at 242-345-5555.

What's New
Club P&P is fortunate to have Jeff Smith, originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, as our new manager. Jeff was previously with the famous, all-inclusive hotel chain, "Sandals." He is very knowledgeable and a "people person." Welcome aboard Jeff! Mady Eisenberg, while not new to the P&P organization, has been hired as Travel Planner and Administrative Assistant at the Management office in Ft. Lauderdale. Bill Johnson first introduced Mady to Mrs. Benjamin in June of 1975, They worked on the mural in the slave kitchen bar together. Mady also illustrated and collaborated with Mrs. B on the cookbook, Great Exhuma, Great Food and has a collection of her artwork in the Peace and Plenty Boutique.

Becky Benjamin has joined the team and is in charge of refurbishing the boutique. Becky is also an artist in her own right. She has a company with another one of our guests, Janet Pearce called "Imbeckable Taste." They make a great line of Bali and crystal bead bracelets.

Chef Dudley Rich, of Addison Reserve Country Club in Delray Beach, Florida, spent a week at the Club in July working with Janet, Quentin and Sheila (our Head Cooks), upgrading the menu and sharing his expertise. Look for a wondeful recipe from Chef Dudley in this edition.

Susie Stewart, Mongo's (our pilot) daughter, married Greg Conningsby on June 9th and on June 20th, his daughter Toni gave birth to his second grand daughter, Megan. Congratulations to Mongo and his family. We wish them much happiness.

Marine Taxidermist, Al Pflueger, enjoyed a Father's Day Weekend with daughter Catherine at the Club. Charlie Pflueger, retired P&P General Manager and Al's cousing, joined them for one of those great P&P dinners and a family reunion of sorts.

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Todd and son, Robert from Raleigh, North Carolina, were at the Club this summer for their 23rd visit since 1978. Robert was his high school valedictorian with a 5.1 grade point average and was awarded a scholarship at North Carolina State. Nice work Robert! Remember, after 20 stays at the Club or Beach Inn, totaling at least 140 days, Peace & Plenty offers our valued guests a complimentary one-week stay.

Mr. Robert Nesbit, of West Palm Beach held his second annual family reunion in June at the Club. Eighteen members of his family attended, and from all accounts a fine time was held by one and all. If any one is interested in having their family reunion at Peace & Plenty, please call us to make arrangements.

This N' That
Jeanne Benjamin enjoyed her around the world cruise and met up with husband Stan Manila. They spent a month together visiting exotic Far Eastern ports before Stan flew back from Bombay.

The Bahamas National Family Island Regatta held every April in George Town was well attended this year, with lots of food and drink (and loud music) at the local "shacks" on the Government dock. The Bahamas Royal Police band entertained while the crowds cheered on the big A Class boat winner, "Courageous" from Ragged Island. The Peace & Plenty Cup was won this year by "Sacrifice" of Mangrove Bush, Long Island.

The Club's SCUBA/snorkeling operation, Exuma Scuba Adventure, managed by Tom and Lynn Sutton expanded to include an afternoon bottom fishing expedition in Elizabeth Harbour, which has proven to be very popular. Tom has now refurbished the 32' cabin boat, "Amanda K" which is being re-named the "Mary Emily" and will, by the fall, be used for offshore bottom fishing (slated at $50 per person), and some trolling for Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), Tuna and Wahoo. Tom also has a SCUBA Certification Course. Tony Cibene, Pat Cibene's twelve-year old son, received his certification in June. For more information or reservations, please give Tom or Lynn a call at 242-336-2893. Incidentally, Mary and Emily are Barry and Becky Benjamin's two daughters.

The Exhuma Resource Center complex is constructing a pre-fabricated dormitory that will accommodate 30 students for the Center's weekend "Slumber Fest," a teen educational program, visiting school trips and inter-island sporting events. Resource Center manager, Chris Kettel welcomes inquiries at 242-336-2790 or e-mail: CJKettel@batelnet.bs.

Charlie Pflueger has almost finished building a two bedroom - two bath cottage, bringing the TROPICAL GARDENS complex to 11 units. Monthly rates start at $1,960.00 for a one-bedroom unit. Charlie can be reached at 242-336-2998 and his e-mail address is: cpp41@hotmail.com

Staff News
Last December 12th, Lessiemae Rolle in Housekeeping had a baby boy she named Reuben, Jr. and on January 6th, Karin Flowers in Housekeeping married Mr. Holand Smith. Congratulations to Lessiemae and Karin.

Our Employee of the Issue is Theresa Glass McPhee. Theresa has worked at the Beach Inn as a waitress since October 1994. She also fills in as a bartender when needed. Theresa's sunny disposition and smile is infectious. You can always depend on her to brighten your day with her laughter and colorful Bahamian expressions. Theresa grew up in Jollie Hall, just a short walk from the hotel. Emma Glass, Theresa's mother, is one of the best and better-known straw artists on the island. Her brother, Cat, is also a successful artist and sign painter. Theresa has two sons and a daughter, Jonathan, Shaniqwa and Mario. She is married to Stanley McPhee and they live in Moss Town. Keep up the good work, Theresa.

During the month of March, Club Peace & Plenty featured its first Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Staff children and grandchildren. It was a great success and everyone had a ball! This event was held on Stocking Island Beach. A total of 63 children attended. Housekeeping Supervisor, Yvonne Rolle's son found the most eggs in the teenage category and Dranique Rolle (grand daughter of Glen Turtle, Maintenance Supervisor), found the most eggs in the children's category. Also in March, on the 7th to be exact, our lovely Tina Roach, who works front desk at the Club, gave birth to a 7 lb. beautiful baby daughter, Denikua Dyavonn Roach. Congratulations Tina!

April 21, 2001 marks the day when 33 recruits graduated as Police Reserves on the Island of Exuma. Among them were three of our loyal employees: Ruthlynn (Lenny) Munroe (Waitrees), Annette McKenzie (Guest Relations), and Mazell Dames (Operations Supervisor). Annette received the "Most Outstanding Female Recruit" and Mazell the "Most Reliable & Helpful Reserve" Award. They both were presented with a plaque. Congratulations ladies on this significant achievement!

On May 31, 2001, five staff members, Anatchas, Mazell, Carmel, Shayvonne, and Annette attended a One Day Seminar in Nassau on "Professional Performance in the Workplace." The girls will be attending two subsequent seminars and can become CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certified at the completion of the course.

Glenn Munroe, bartender at the Club, received a service award for outstanding achievement, for his work at the clinic as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Terrance McKenzie, Lerlean McKenzie's (waitress at the Club) son, will be attending the College of the Bahamas this Fall. He graduated from Miramar High School this past June. Lerell plans on studying Interior Decorating. Congratulations to both graduates on their accomplishment.

On a sad note, Edna Brown's (night maid) grandmother, and Anya Adderley's (front desk) great grandmother, Ms. Nora Forbes, passed away. Ms. Forbes was 86 years old and was an important figure in George Town. She will be sorely missed. Our condolences to Edna and her family.

Foxhollow Wellness Spa will return to Peace and Plenty Beach Inn in January, 2002. If you are looking for a peaceful, holistic, rejuvenating retreat, Foxhollow has the perfect Spa get-away planned just for you. Come experience the natural harmony and tranquility of the island's soothing, rejuvenating rhythms. Enjoy healthy gourmet pesco (includes fish) vegetarian cuisine, yoga classes, massages, facials, and more. For additional information about rates, spa services, etc., please call Mmary Jo Guelda at 1-800-624-7080 or e-mail maryjo@foxhollow.com The web site address is www.foxhollow.com