President’s Column

It’s March, and spring is in the air. I am so glad I signed up for the MAC’s Commit to Fit program in January. With hard work and dedication, and a little help from Courtney Hutt, I have seen a big difference since I started the program. The program will end mid-March right in time for spring break! Special thanks to Courtney Hutt and Paul Helfrich for focusing on Member fitness. Thanks for all you do to keep our Members fit. Also, in March, the Missouri Athletic Club will host our annual Employee Service Awards dinner. This has become one of my favorite Board events of the year. It’s so fun to recognize our great employees and see them in a social setting. The MAC staff are valued team members that contribute to the Club’s greatness and serve our Members selflessly. This month, I’d like to ask each Member to thank a member of our staff for their service as an additional way to celebrate their achievements beyond the awards dinner. I am so proud to be a part of a Club that is full of so many amazing people. As I mentioned in my column last month, the combined efforts of our amazing Membership team and current Club Members brought in more than 400 new Members to the MAC in the past year. Again, a special thank you to the Members who were instrumental in bringing in each and every one of these new Members to our esteemed Club. Proposers, seconders and other influencers of these Members, please know, The Club appreciates your enthusiasm for new Members, as well as your assistance in helping them get acquainted with both Clubhouses and Club etiquette. I hope that each of you follows up with new Members you have brought into the Club after they’ve been initiated to show them how we do things at the MAC. As a reminder, all guests should be accompanied by Members when entering the Club. Make sure you check the MAC website if you have any questions on the dress and cell phone policy. Also, please be considerate of members and staff as you enjoy the Club amenities. Aside from rules, sponsors are encouraged to share all of the exciting opportunities the Club has to offer. We have so many exciting upcoming events that you can attend with a new Member like: F March 1 – Fat Tuesday MAC PAC Happy Hour -

Enjoy live entertainment, Cajun hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the MAC PAC Social Club F March 9 – Mark Twain Society Irish Whiskey Tasting – Celebrate the season with a special

Irish whiskey tasting and cigars F March 12 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Watch the

MAC’s float as you celebrate St. Patty’s Day in

St. Louis F March 16 - Ladies’ Lunch & Coffee Group – Catch up and get to know other women of the Club F March 24 – Italian Wine Dinner - Join the MAC

Wine Society for a ‘Trip to Italy’ featuring five wines from the vineyards of Italy, paired with a four-course dinner After March, Members can also look forward to the Club’s Easter festivities or my, unabashedly admitted, favorite event, the Missouri Athletic Club Election. Although it is too late to run for the Board of Governors, there are still ways to get involved in Club leadership.

We have five committees for Members to serve on beginning in June – these committees include the Membership Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, Planning Committee and Audit Committee. If you have any interest in getting involved in these committees, please reach out to Gena Willis at gwillis@mac-stl.org to express your interest. MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: This month, I would like to highlight Past Governor Judith Hanses. Not only is she a past Governor but she is also involved in the Forever Young Club, the Women’s Initiative Group, the Wine Society, the Military History Club, the Charitable Society for Children and the Nominating Committee. This month, Past Governor Hanses will be busy working with the Looking Glass Corvette Club. The Corvette’s will lead the MAC St. Patrick’s Day Parade float, which the MAC has participated in for over 10 years. This is something she does for the MAC for other parades as well. Please join me in thanking the following Past Governor Hanses, my friend and mentor, for her selfless service to the MAC. The MAC is a better place, and I am a better person, because of you! Thank you for all you do.

Have a wonderful March at the MAC. If you see me around the Club, make sure you stop me and introduce yourself. I’m excited for the future of the Missouri Athletic Club and proud to tell everyone I am a Member of this premier Club.

Angie Minges, President Missouri Athletic Club