Dear Fellow Members,
I am honored and excited to write on behalf of the General Committee in this edition of the Spotlight.
If you have visited the Club during the last few weeks, especially the outside grounds, you would have enjoyed the variety and abundance of beautiful flowers that were in full bloom all over the gardens of the Kobe Club. That breath-taking, rich and enjoyable scenery touched my heart, my soul and led me to think how fortunate we are to have such beautiful grounds in the heart of the city! But that is not all what Kobe Club offers to its members. Experiencing delicious meals at our Kitano Terrace or sipping on tasty drinks at our Bar, or dipping in the pool during hot summer days, are the most visible attractions at our Club.
However, Kobe Club offers you a little more than that! At the Kobe Club, we have a squash court, a basketball hoop, a foosball game table, table tennis (ping-pong), a sauna, a gym, books library and a play room for little ones. You can purchase a variety of fine wines from the Kobe Club cellar which you can enjoy in the comfort of your home. You can order cookies and cakes to take out, specially prepared by our renowned chef Kamiki-san. Aerobic lessons, Karate lessons and a personal trainer are also available at the Kobe Club.
To add to your enjoyment, the General Committee continues to plan a wide variety of events, trying to cover a large array of tastes and interests for the members. Our events range from Christmas parties for little ones to wine tasting for elder ones... This year has been exceptionally rich in a large variety of events... A ski trip to Hokkaido, a Spring Fashion Show, Easter Egg Hunting, a variety of gourmet dinners at the Kitano Terrace, Wine Tasting with a winery owner visiting from California, Comedy Night with a famous comedian visiting from the US, Mediterranean Night with special features (a kabab master and a belly dancer), Casino Night with professional dealers, our first BBQ of the season on the pool opening day where massage services were offered at the pool side, Beer Garden-Style Dinner and a Violin/Piano Concert! More activities and events are planned for the coming months, starting with the American Independence Day BBQ at the pool side, a Hanabi (fireworks) &Yukata (cotton kimono) Party, Indian Bollywood Night, a piano recital, the swimming races (in cooperation with St. Michael School), and an Onsen Outing.
Among all, the main event of this year will be the "President's Ball”! The President's Ball comes back this year on October 11th (Sat.) with an elegant, black-tie, Masquerade Competition! Please mark your calendars and start looking for a mask that will make you the winner!
The General Committee is always happy to hear your suggestions for future events and surely grateful for your support in organising any of the planned events.
I take to this opportunity to thank all the members and the Kobe Club staff for all the support and efforts that make our Club such a special place!
- Imad Ramadan, Vice President
Pool guest rules follow the same principle as for other Club facilities. Sign-in is required for guests at the main reception desk and members are asked to sign a chit at reception for the pool guest fee in the event that use of the pool itself is desired by their guest. Members regard the pool as an oasis to enjoy during the summer months and, to maintain the ambience and avoid overcrowding, and supporting the principle of member priority, the Club charges guests a fee for use of the pool. Included here is a full explanation of the pool guest rules and fees:
1. Members must register their guests at the main reception upon arrival before proceeding to the pool and should remain with them throughout their time at the Club. The pool guest fees are: 1,500 for adults and 1,000 for children.
2. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while in the pool area.
3. Children who are not fully toilet trained may not use the main pool.
4. Children may not introduce guests.
5. Food and beverages may not be consumed in the pool.
6. There is no lifeguard on duty at the pool and swimmers do so at their own risk.
7. It remains the responsibility of each parent and guardian to supervise the safety and behaviour of their children at all times.
8. Running around the pool sides is not allowed.
9. Dangerous jumping and diving into the pool are not allowed.
10. Pool toys must be restricted to a reasonable size.
11. When a lightning and/or severe weather warning is in effect, the pool area will be closed.
- General Committee
The Kobe Club supports a wide variety of activities from formal events to athletics, and thus tolerates a wide range of dress styles. In the Bar and Kitano Terrace (Dining Room), however, “smart casual” dress is required and shorts, T-shirts and beach sandals are not permitted.
During the summer season – May 1st to September 30th – while the Relaxed Summer Dress Code does allow dress shorts and dress sandals in the Bar and Kitano Terrace, it strictly prohibits T-shirts from 6:30 p.m. and “pool wear” (swim wear, cover-ups, beach sandals, cut-off shorts, etc.) at all times in these areas. Bare feet and bare chests are never permitted in the Bar or Kitano Terrace.
Head wear should always be removed when entering the Bar or Kitano Terrace in any season.
For those who do not meet the dress code but still wish to dine at the Club, the Terrace is available for al fresco dining at all times, and poolside food service is available during the summer season.
- General Committee
Sunday, June 8th
Despite the heavy rain overnight, the sun started shining in the morning to bless the annual Pool Opening Party at the Kobe Club. Many members, both big and small, enjoyed the warm sunshine and delicious barbecue in a relaxed setting. Some went home with sunburn front and back.
- Editing Sub-Committee
Saturday, May 24th
It was indeed a merry evening at the Kobe Club on Saturday, May 24th. An intent crowd of members and their guests arrived with all the exciting anticipation of a night in Monaco, Macao or in the desert on the Vegas Strip. Chips were purchased, drinks were ordered and folks eased into their favorite game table or ventured to learn the unknown. Baccarat, roulette and 21 were this year’s games of choice. The gaming staff at each table was all outstanding and helped the skilled gamblers and newcomers alike. By the end of the evening the newcomers seemed to be holding their own against the more seasoned.
