We know that our family of friends and guests wait with baited breath for the bi-annual Pink Newsletter to arrive in their mailboxes, so we are happy to announce the birth of our new “interim” on-line newsletter. We are going to try and keep you informed on all of the latest goings on at The Peace & Plenty on a regular basis, so whenever you are thinking of us and dreaming of being in Exuma, you can visit the site, see some of the friendly faces you know, read the latest happenings and feel like you can be connected with us any time you like.

If you are reading this, then you have probably seen our new video feature on the website. If not, then check it out!! You will see Doralee plaiting straw on Stocking Island, Annette McKenzie welcoming you to the Peace & Plenty, the Doctor of Libation offering you a Welcome Drink along with many other staff members, scenes on Stocking and you will feel like you are right there, getting off the ferry and feeling that unbelievably white sand between your toes, or taking a bite out of a delicious Conchburger.

For those of you who have not visited the Peace & Plenty, then these videos will give you a closer, more visual look at what we have to offer at our resorts.

In early December, The Peace & Plenty Boutique put on an “Evening of Fashion” poolside at the Club, as the entertainment for a Chamber of Commerce Wine and Cheese Tasting event. Tickets were sold to raise money for community projects and the turnout was terrific. Our own Annette McKenzie, Reservation Supervisor, once again, did a fantastic job of choreographing the models, the music and the moves. Claysha Dean, (daughter of Clayton Dean in maintenance) who is one of the servers in the dining room, showed us all what a beautiful young woman she has become. She could easily be a professional model.

Ariel Munroe, bus-girl in the dining room in the evening (and bartender Glen Munroe’s daughter) was given the evening off so she could participate, too. It was great to see her dressed up instead of in her uniform. She is growing into a stunning young lady. Assistant Manger, Renae Lawrence’s daughter Rionda, showed us her unique style with flair and conviction. She looked awesome.

The younger Peace & Plenty generation was also represented. Renae Arne, who has worked both our front desk and the restaurant, was happy to see her young daughter, Rakeil, walk the runway.

All of the girls looked lovely, and it was so much fun to see them dressed for the beach as well as dressed to attend a party. Exuma girls are gorgeous! All of the fashions can be found at the Peace & Plenty Boutique.

In early February, the Club hosted a community arts and crafts event. Our own Doralee, chef extraordinaire, left Stocking Island for the day to participate in the Arts & Crafts Festival. Dora demonstrated the Bahamian art of plaiting straw and also displayed and sold her beautiful, hand made, raffia embroidered baskets. She was a big hit! Dora is still the Queen of Stocking Island.

Her conchburgers are still drawing crowds from around the world. You can see Dora plaiting straw to fashion into baskets in the “video” section of this site.

Stan Benjamin and his nurse companions, Irma and Marie spent a couple of weeks at the Club in February and were back again in mid-April. Mr. B. still loves Exuma and looks forward to reminiscing with the staff and his many old friends. He will be celebrating his 96th birthday this month (April).

Most of you know that the Peace and Plenty has programs that help protect the environment such as the towel and linen reuse program. That is only one of the more noticeable practices, we also have changed most of the old type light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, use biodegradable and chemical free cleaners and soaps, solar water heaters, buy recycled paper/ plastic products and collect rainwater to use for irrigation. We are continuing this tradition by contributing to the Coastal Awareness Month (April) festivities by helping with clean-ups on the beach and contributing 1% of our profits for the months of February and March. This summer we have plans to install a waste water treatment plant for the Club to reduce our impact to the land and have a grey water source for irrigation of our landscaping. Hopefully our guests feel the same way about the environment (especially Exuma) as we do, but to emphasize how serious the management and staff are on this issue we have decided to offer a carbon offset discount program for any guest. Just go to our web site, choose one of the carbon offset vendors that have a link on our links page, figure what the cost of offsetting the amount of carbon that will be used for each person to make a round-trip visit to the Peace and Plenty of four nights or more and bring us the receipt (dated within 1 year of check out) which we will be happy to reimburse you for. There is no time limit on this discount.

On Wednesday, February 21st, beginning at 10:00 am, Dr. Nicholas Fox welcomed contributors to the newest location for his clinic in Hooper’s Bay. Residents, cruisers, winter residents and the Deputy Administrator for Exuma (Mr. Bradley Armbrister) were in attendance, as well as, our own Charlie Pflueger, Manager Emeritus of the Peace and Plenty.

This was the day to update individuals as to the progress of the clinic, as well as, a day to give “Thanks” and show the current status of the new 5,600 square foot facility. The “new” Island Med Medical & Urgent Care Center is well on its way to completion. Projected target date for the “grand’ opening is summer 2007.

Dr. Nicholas Fox began serving the community in 1997 from his present location located along Queen’s Highway in Bahama Sound #18. He has been working tirelessly to provide medical care to the people of Exuma, and currently visits the island every Thursday at his present clinic location.

Several members of the community (cruisers and winter residents) have passed on and their family members have chosen to remember them by establishing memorial funds in their names with the Island med Medical center as the benefactor. Plaques have been designed for those loved ones and they will be on display in the Reception Area. The Reception Area furnishings have been donated, as well as, a full dental laboratory, defibrillator, and many surgical supplies. The laboratory has been outfitted.

This expanded facility will work in conjunction with the two local government clinics. Dr. Fox’s Island Med Medical & Urgent Care Center offers a sense of security to hotel guests, locals and winter residents.

It is great to see the community pitching in to make sure Exuma has better medical facilities. The Exuma Foundation is a community based organization based at the Exuma Resource Center which is between the airport and George Town that does a tremendous amount of work to help the community on a yearly basis. If you have never had a chance to visit, it is a rewarding experience. Some of the programs they have started and maintain are environmental education in the schools, fixing roofs for needy Exumians and supporting the island-wide Junkanoo costume association. To make sure you know a little more about the Exuma Foundation and the good work it does in the community, we have asked the foundation to send a representative to meet our guests at one of the cocktail parties (Monday and Friday, 6pm on the Pool Bar) once a month. We think so much of what the Exuma Foundation and the Resource Center are doing for Exuma that we want to give you a chance to help them. Any of our guests (including dinner guests) who donate to the Exuma Foundation (a 501 (c) 3 registered charitable foundation) will receive a discount on their bill equal to 10% of their donation. You can contact the Exuma Foundation or Exuma Resource Center by calling (242)336-2790 and asking for Chris or Jenny Kettel.

We are looking forward to Regatta this year and to a busy Summer Season.

As always, we hope to see you soon at the Peace & Plenty, but in the mean time, check back with us on the web from time to time to read about the latest happenings in Exuma.

Please visit our website at:
www.peaceandplenty.com for updates

Additional information and changes occur monthly, Don't miss out.

Stan, Barry, Neville, Tom, Lynne, Bob, Magnolia, Mady, Paul and the staffs of the Club and Bonefish Lodge hope you will come visit us soon.