Improvements and Changes at the Club
by Alan Harrington, Club and Co-op Manager

Just a reminder that all financial members of The UpFront Club are now deemed to be members of Maple Street Co-operative and are eligible for discount benefits, i.e., 5% off all Co-op purchases.

The plans for the Club renovations are well on the way. Operations Manager Kelly Robson, with some terrific input from member/interior designer Linda Dodd, has devised plans that will go a long way to improving the service, ambience and overall efficiency of the Club. Directors Marc Kalifa and Tony Woodhouse are overseeing the process in conjunction with the forthcoming Co-op renovations.

Most of the "new" tables and chairs have been purchased, and these will enhance members' comfort so that we can all stay much longer. "As new", second-hand, very sturdy outdoor chairs have also been bought and are now in use. A larger cold room has been purchased and will be put in place when the renovations are completed. Once Council approval has been obtained and the building contract agreed, the Club will be closed for a time – with any luck, just after Easter. More detailed information will be made available as soon as the specifics have been agreed.

Readers will note Lori Sturtz's article in this newsletter on the dangers of trans- fats. On our suggestion, chef Sonia Allen has already switched from sunflower to the much safer palm oil for deep-fry cooking and olive oil for salad dressing. By the way, Sonia specialised in Thai cooking in her apprenticeship and developed her skills by working in Thailand; she now brings this expertise to the Club. Her fabulous Thai curries and, for that matter, all Club meals and coffees can be ordered as take-aways, too.

In closing, it is with much sorrow that I announce that long-time member Kirsten Lindsay passed away recently. Kirsten, with her daughter Serena in tow, was a frequent attendee at the Club. On behalf of members, staff and directors, I pass on our deepest sympathies to her family.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", April/May 2006; published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au, website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]