Dear Union Club Members,

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those members who have sent a ​direct donation to our staff. This is very kind and generous. ​All donations will be sent through the purchase ​of gift cards for our staff, so they can buy groceries or personal health items. Since last week, I have received many emails from members asking how they can kindly donate to our staff. If you would like to donate to our staff, you can email our accounting department – memberaccounts@unionclub.com – with the details of the donation and whether you would like it added to your monthly account or paid immediately by credit card or e-transfer. Thank you very much for this kind gesture.

I know I speak for all the Staff when I say how much this is appreciated and makes everyone feel even more a part of The Union Club of BC ‘family’. Also, this week, the Management Team put together Easter Food Hampers for each staff member, filled with a variety of food and other items. The staff will be picking up their individual hampers over the next couple of days to enjoy over the Easter weekend. Items purchased for the hampers were done so through the Staff Fund. 

We are also looking into the government program that allows organizations to bring its employees back into the work force and onto payroll to help retain staff.  I am also in touch with the staff on a weekly basis and have also encouraged them to contact any of the Management Team at any time. Our managers are reaching out on a consistent basis, too, keeping in touch during this challenging time even if it is just to say hello.

What’s happening this week in your Club? Our maintenance department is busy touching up woodwork in the building, removing all equipment and wares from the kitchen and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the Executive Fitness Centre. We have had a cleaning company come in to power wash the kitchen (after all the equipment was removed), and we have also booked a company to come in and completely sanitize your Club (using same process you may have seen being used on pubic transport recently). 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members and their families a Happy Easter – even though it will be a bit quieter than in years past. I look forward to welcoming you back to your Club as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Thank you again for your continued support and loyalty as we navigate through this challenging time, and please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of the management team at any time.  

Best Regards

David   

David Hammonds, General Manager

UC COCKTAIL FEATURE

The Club’s Food & Beverage Manager, William Johnson, has kindly provided the following cocktail recipe for members to enjoy during their time of self-isolation!

The Staycation 

A simple 3 ingredient strawberry margarita!

• 60ml good tequila (make sure it says 100% agave spirit on the bottle)
• 30ml fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp strawberry jam (you can substitute any fruit preserve)

Add all the ingredients to a shaker tin. 

Do a “dry shake” (shake without ice) to help incorporate the preserve  into the tequila and lime juice. Then shake with ice. 

Strain the cocktail onto fresh ice and enjoy. 

You can also do a blended version by adding all the ingredients with ice into a blender and blending until mixed.

UC RECIPE FEATURE

The Club’s Executive Chef, Nicolas Hipperson, has kindly provided the following recipe for another Union Club staple that members can enjoy during this time of self-isolation!

UC Creamy Chicken Pot Pie

• Poaching Chicken & Stock
• 1x 8lb whole chicken
• 5-6 L water (to cover)
• 4 Spanish onions, chopped
• 4 large carrots, chopped
• 2 large leeks, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Place all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and poach chicken until fully cooked. Remove chicken from poaching liquid and allow to cool before cutting into cubes. Continue to reduce the poaching liquid until you have enough for 6 cups. Reserve stock for the filling.

For the Filling

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1⁄2 cup celery, diced
• 1⁄2 cup leeks, chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup 35% cream
• 6 cups reserved chicken stock
• Puff pastry

Pre-heat oven to 425F. In a large heavy bottom pot, sauté all of the vegetables until softened. Deglaze with white wine and reduce by half. Add fresh herbs and remove from heat and reserve.

In a heavy bottom pot over medium heat make a roux with the butter and flour. Whisk in the chicken stock. Add milk and cream and simmer until sauce has thickened and “flour” taste has disappeared. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine chicken, vegetables, and cream sauce together, check seasoning and adjust. Portion into ramekins, cover with puff pastry. Before placing in oven, brush pastry with egg wash and sprinkle with cracked pepper. Bake until pastry is golden brown. Enjoy!

WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH FELLOW MEMBERS

Zoom? Houseparty? Which app should I use to keep in contact with friends and family? The following article originally appeared in the National Post:

These Four Apps Will Help You Survive Social Distancing in the Age of COVID-19 

Until now, you may have relied on WhatsApp and Messenger, but extraordinary times call for extraordinary apps.

As you are no doubt well aware, we are living through a time of social distancing and isolation. We are staying home. We are avoiding physical contact with family and friends. We are lonely.

But, good news here folks — you can still socialize!!!! — you just have to do it at a distance. That’s where apps come in to help us keep connected to our loved ones. Sure, WhatsApp and Messenger usually do the job for this — but extraordinary times call for extraordinary apps, and here are four of the best… to continue reading the article, please click here.

UNION CLUB HISTORY…

Please find below two links to UC history from the Archives, for your viewing pleasure:

The Union Club of British Columbia’s Annual Report, 1953-1954

The Union Club of British Columbia’s Newsletter, April 1991

Dear Union Club Members,

At the time of writing this email, members of the General Committee are meeting with members of the Management Team to investigate all government programs to benefit Union Club staff. Also, the Management Team is allocating funds from the Staff Fund to purchase food hampers for our staff – with the next hamper distribution being just before Easter. I have been in weekly contact with our staff, and have also noticed an increase in staff following the Club on Social Media, as they continue to keep in touch with the Club and the Management Team.

Please find below some interesting Club-related news to help pass the time and keep you updated on what’s happening at your Club.

All the best,

David

David Hammonds, General Manager

MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS

Further to the announcement made in last week’s email, the Club is pleased to announce the launch of “Members Helping Members” where, during this difficult time, many of our at-risk members can obtain assistance with acquiring groceries and/or medication. The strength of community unity is more important than ever!

If you are healthy, able and willing to help, please contact Danielle Scott at membership@unionclub.com with your name, service area, phone number and/or email address.

The first list of member volunteers has been formulated, and has been posted to the Member Central area of the Club’s website (MemberCentral/COVID-19 News/Members Helping Members), in order to maintain privacy. Those needing help can contact any of the volunteers directly to organize assistance. 

We are a family at the Club, and in these times, we need to look out for one another and help where we can. 

UC COCKTAIL FEATURE

The Club’s Food & Beverage Manager, William Johnson, has kindly provided the following cocktail recipe for members to enjoy during their time of self-isolation!

The Union Club Sour

A cocktail to keep you healthy during the quarantine. 

• 60ml Gin 
• 30ml fresh lemon juice
• 20ml honey syrup (mix a little warm water with honey)
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters 

Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.  If you don’t have a cocktail shaker you can use a mason jar. 

Shake hard for 1 minute (it counts as exercise!). 

Then strain into an old fashioned glass with fresh ice. 

Garnish with a lemon wheel or some candied ginger and enjoy. 

UC RECIPE FEATURE

The Club’s Executive Chef, Nicolas Hipperson, has kindly provided the following recipe for a Union CLub staple that members can enjoy during this time of self-isolation!

UC Cream of Mushroom Soup

• 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (GOOD STUFF)
• 6 Tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds cremini mushrooms, cleaned, roughly chopped or sliced 1/8-inch thick (you can use whatever mushrooms you want)
• 3/4 cup minced shallots 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
• Fresh Chives – Minced for garnish

In a medium pot (7-8 Liter Capacity) over medium/high heat combine the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has had time to melt add mushrooms, stirring to coat them with the fat. Cook the mushrooms until they are lightly browned and have started giving up their water, should take 8-10 minutes.

After mushrooms have finished cooking, remove approximately 1 cup of them, you will add them back later.

Reduce the pan heat to medium and add your shallots and garlic, keep an eye on the heat as you don’t want these to get to dark and produce a bitter note. Cook for approx. 1-2 minutes.

Add the tarragon, salt and chicken stock to the pot and increase the heat again to medium/high. Bring this all to a simmer for 10-12 minutes then remove from heat.

Puree the soup using an immersion blender or working in a couple batches with your countertop unit. Puree the soup silky smooth.

Return the puree soup to the pot and finish with the heavy cream, reserved cooked mushrooms and black pepper. Check your seasoning and adjust salt levels to your taste. 

Pour into serving vessels, garnish with the fresh minced chives and a drizzle of that really good olive oil.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING REMINDER:

The Special General Meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2020 has been postponed until further notice. Once a date has been scheduled,Club members will be notified.

Dear Union Club Members,

On behalf of the General Committee, thank you for your support as our Club and community enter uncharted waters. It is hard to believe that it’s been only 10 days since our world began to change at breakneck speed and on such an unprecedented scale. 

A small rotating staff remain on site including the Management Team and Maintenance. They continue to address members’ inquiries, manage and maintain our Clubhouse and look at how best to engage with our members in light of social and physical distancing requirements. Between members of the Management Team and our overnight security staff, the building is being secured 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A first step in this is Members Helping Members. As described below in this email, we are a family at the Club and know that some members may need assistance and others want to help with such tasks as acquiring groceries and medications. 

Our General Manager David Hammonds has heard from members concerned about our staff. They are integral to the Club and we want to ensure they return to work as soon as it is safe to do so. Mr. Hammonds remains in touch with staff whether it is last week’s food distribution or sharing information on how the Club can assist them. 

Regarding the latter, Vice President Lyle Soetaert with a few General Committee and club members are actively looking into how the Club can assist staff. We will let you know of any actions as soon as we can. In the meanwhile, please remember that by continuing with the monthly Staff Fund fee, you are supporting our staff. 

A Frequently Asked Questions section is now posted on the Member Central site under COVID-19 News (member log-in required). The FAQs continue to evolve and we thank you for your patience as we work to answer your questions. We also appreciate members keeping accounts up to date at this time as monthly dues fund the upkeep and fixed expenses of the Club even while the facility is closed.

Given our commitment to stay in touch, weekly emails will continue in addition to announcements or Club news. We are also exploring how we can continue with printed material. It may not look like the monthly State of the Union newsletter, but we want to ensure that all members have information on the Club and our community.

Today, we can only guess what the future holds. What is for certain is the commitment of the General Committee and Management to the safety of our members, staff and Clubhouse, keeping members informed of next steps, while engaging our membership and strategizing our next steps, be it short term or looking to the future. To this end, we are meeting regularly and remotely.

I look forward to welcoming you back to the Club. Until then, stay calm, stay safe and stay clean.

Thank you,

Grace Van den Brink, President

MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS

During this difficult time, many of our at-risk members will need help with acquiring groceries and/or medication. The strength of community unity is more important than ever!

If you are healthy, able and willing to help, please contact Danielle Scott at membership@unionclub.com with your name, service area, phone number and/or email address.

Once a list of volunteers has been formulated, the Club will post this list of available members weekly on the member’s side of the website, in order to maintain privacy. Those needing help can then contact you directly to organize assistance.

We are a family at the Club, and in these times, we need to look out for one another and help where we can. 

COVID-19 BC SUPPORT APP & SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL

BC Health has recently released a Support App and Self-Assessment tool. The app will let you receive the latest updates, trusted resources, and alerts. The Self Assessment tool is built in.

To download the app for your Apple device, please click here.

To download the app for your Android device, please click here.

If you do not want to download the app, you can access the web version. Please note that this is best viewed on a mobile device.

COVID-19 DO’S & DON’TS of SELF-ISOLATION

as shared by the BC Centre for Disease Control

If you have been asked to self-isolate at home because of the possibility of having come into contact with an infected person or because you traveled, this does not necessarily mean that you have COVID-19, but you are at risk for developing the disease and passing the infection on to others.

DO Stay at Home for 14 Days

Work from home

Use food delivery services or online shopping

DO Protect Others

Wash your hands frequently (hand hygiene)

Cough into your sleeve (respiratory etiquette)

Keep 2 metres away from others (social distancing)

Greet with a wave instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug

DO Monitor Your Symptoms

If you develop a cough or fever, report symptoms to by calling 811

If you are having trouble breathing, call 911

If you are directed to an assessment centre or the Emergency Department, wear a surgical/procedure mask

If travelling by ambulance, notify the dispatcher that you may have COVID-19

DO Keep in Contact with Friends

Use technology, such as video calls, to keep in touch with friends and family

Host virtual meetings, hangouts, family dinners or playdates with your children

DO Continue to Exercise

Exercise at home

Go outside for some fresh air, a run, bike ride, walk the dog or get the mail – ensuring you stay 2 metres away from others

DO Clean All High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces: toilets, bedside tables and door handles should be cleaned daily using a store bought disinfectant. If not available use a diluted bleach solution, one part bleach to 50 parts water (e.g. mix 10ml bleach with 500ml water), and allow the surface to remain wet for 1 minute

If they can withstand the use of liquids for disinfection, high-touch electronics such as phones, computers and other devices should be disinfected with 60% alcohol that remains wet for 1 minute

DO NOT Go to School, Work or Other Public Areas

For example: malls, fitness centres or places of worship

DO NOT Have Visitors

Except for individuals providing care or delivering food/supplies, and in that case, maintain a distance of 2 metres

DO NOT Use Public Transportation

For example: buses, taxi cabs, etc.

DO NOT Share Personal Items with Others

Including toothbrushes, towels, linens, thermometers, cigarettes, unwashed utensils and electronic devices (such as phones and computers)

Learn more at bccdc.ca/covid19

Dear Union Club Members,

Earlier this week, the General Committee made the decision to close The Union Club of British Columbia until April 30, 2020.

I would like to thank you for your continued support of our Club during this difficult time and over the next while. The emails and calls received are appreciated.

I also thank our General Committee and Management for their commitment and professionalism as circumstances beyond our control continue to evolve.

Given our commitment to stay in touch, weekly emails will continue in addition to announcements or Club news. Information will include updates on what is happening at the Club during this temporary closure, as well as items from the community at large that may be of interest to members. For example, the latter may be tips on staying healthy, coping at home, and how to help others. Information will also be posted on the Member Central website (internal to members) social media sites (links found below). 

Recognizing our Club’s closure and the significant impact to our community, we know that members will have questions. We ask for your patience as we endeavour to answer them. To help, a Frequently Asked Questions section will be posted to the Member Central section of the Club’s website. This will continually evolve as we work to answer concerns. We have included a few questions below.

Our top priority is the health and well-being of members and staff, and the sustainability of our Club itself. If you have any questions or comments, please email Mr. David Hammonds, General Manager at generalmanager@unionclub.com.

Again, thank you for your support of our club. Stay healthy.

Grace Van den Brink, President

FAQs 

Are any facilities open for member use during the temporary closure?

All facilities of the Club are closed. This is line with both current public health guidelines and to ensure the health and safety of all our members and staff.

Do I continue to pay my fees and dues during the closure?

Yes. Membership fees and dues, which pay for the operational expenses and the maintenance of our Club, continue. Even during this temporary closure, we have fixed costs, e.g. minimal staffing and utilities.

Will Club events take place during the closure?

All Club events up to April 30, 2020 are canceled. We will continue to monitor the health crisis and assess next steps as required. Updates and information will be via email and the Member Central website.

Will I be charged for an event booked during this closure?

No. Members and guests will not be charged for any event bookings during the closure.

How is our staff affected by the closure? Who is still working?

Senior Management is working with staff regarding the temporary layoffs.

There is a small rotating staff on site including Front Desk, Management Team and Maintenance. During this closure, staff will thoroughly clean and sanitize the Club.

Can I pick up my mail?

Yes. See the Front Desk 9am – 5pm daily.

Can I drop off a library book?

Yes. See the Front Desk 9am – 5pm daily.

Has the Union Club ever closed like this before?

As far as we know, our Club has not closed its doors for such a duration. The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in our 140-year history which saw us stand through two World Wars, Prohibition, the Depression and many good and bad economic times. We will get through this together.

The Union Club of British Columbia Update, March 17, 2020, 2:30pm

Dear Union Club Members,   This morning the General Committee and Management convened a meeting and after careful consideration made the difficult decision to close The Union Club of British Columbia, effective March 17, 2020 at 6 p.m. until April 30, 2020.   Our top priority is the health and well-being of our members, staff and guests. While we are not aware of any presumptive or known cases of COVID-19 among members or staff, we feel this is the responsible position to take. The protection of our members andstaff plus the sustainability of the Club itself are foremost considerations during our review of the situation to date. There will be a small rotating staff on site including Front Desk, the Management Team and Maintenance. During the next few weeks, staff will also thoroughly clean and sanitize the Club. As well, Senior Management are working with staff regarding temporary layoffs. We recognize the importance of retaining staff and look forward to recalling them as soon as the Club can re-open.   We have a small number of current room guests who are being notified of the closure. Bookings for April are not being accepted.   The Special General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26 will be postponed with adate to be announced once the current situation has stabilized. We will have further updates on the kitchen project as information becomes available.   As the health crisis continues to evolve, the General Committee and Management will continue to monitor and assess developments pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will communicate further updates and information via email and the Member Central page of our website.   We are in unknown territory. Many of us are making changes or sacrifices that we may not want to make but are needed for the greater good. It is also important to remember that the Union Club has made it through challenges over its 140-year history, and we willalso get through this one together.   If you have any questions, please email Mr. David Hammonds, General Manager at: generalmanager@unionclub.com   Thank you for your understanding and patience at this difficult and unique time.   Grace Van den Brink President David Hammonds General Manager

The Union Club of British Columbia Update, March 16, 2020, 3:30pm

Dear Union Club Members,   The Union Club of BC continues to monitor and assess developments pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our top priority is the health and well-being of our members, staff and guests.    Today, the Club took steps in line with the guidance of federal and provincial health authorities; please see the Club’s earlier email this afternoon regarding Ladies’ Night and the Executive Fitness Centre. The General Committee and Management are now determining next steps and protocols for service, events, administration and staff. Decisions will be made with an abundance of caution, taking direction from public healthauthorities to ensure the integrity of our Club. I strongly encourage you to follow our updates via email and Member Central on our website.    We are fortunate in that no members – that we know of – have tested positive for the virus. For all members and guests, we ask that you follow the personal protective measures of frequent hand washing, maintaining social distancing and staying home if you feelsick or are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, tiredness, or shortness of breath or if you’ve returned from travel outside of Canada recently.    Useful links:   http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19   https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/diseases-conditions/novel-coronavirus-information     Thank you, Grace Van den Brink President

The Union Club of British Columbia
Update, March 16, 2020, 1:00pm

With the ongoing concern surrounding the COVID-19 global outbreak, the Club’s General Committee and Management Team are meeting to determine the next best steps for the Club, its members and staff in line with federal and provincial health authorities guidance. 

The Club is open with the following limits until further notice: 

Lunch Service: will continue to be a la carte service in the McGregor Lounge. 

Ladies’ Night: the regular buffet will not be offered; a sandwich plate or salad will be served. 

The Executive Fitness Centre is closed, effective immediately.  

The Club looks forward to providing updates as often as possible. 

Thank you, 
David Hammonds,
General Manager

On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization classified the global outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic. The Union Club’s General Committee and Management Team takes this very seriously.

The Union Club is remaining abreast of the current climate and people’s concerns surrounding their risk as well as the recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO).  The Club is implementing increased hygiene measures in high-traffic areas and you will see a greater number of hand-sanitizers provided around the building. Actions taken regarding future events and services will be under careful consideration.

Preventative Measures:

With any contagious virus, proper hygiene is an important preventative measure.  Club members are reminded to:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow, and frequently dispose of used tissues.
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you feel like you have cold or flu-like symptoms. Self-isolation is recommended.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19, please contact your primary care provider, local public health office, or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

The Facts:

While the media has been quick to provide real-time updates on the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we highly recommend you rely on trusted and respected health services for information on the virus. These include:

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA – Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION – Coronavirus Disease 2019

BC CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Union Club would like to reassure members that we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and that the health and safety of our members and guests are of utmost importance.  The Union Club will continue to monitor the situation here in Victoria, BC and on Vancouver Island and will take every necessary step to ensure public safety and minimize the risk of exposure to our guests.