M U L T N O M A H A T H L E T I C C L UB
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February 2016
MAC
Anniversary
SPECI AL EDITION
C
elebrate
MAC’s 125th Year
1891-2016
We, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon,
share in the mission of Jesus by proclaiming the Good News of God’s love.
M ARY
S T.
of
O
N
SIST
GO
ER
RE
S
of
For 130 years, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have been committed to compassionate, joyful community service.
W
e offer loving, respectful service through prayer, child development, education and lifelong learning, elder care, sacred space for prayer, contemplation, and retreat; and off-campus outreach and ministry. On our beautiful 43-acre campus in Beaverton, our sponsored ministries provide a lifetime of education and care. Valley Catholic School is Oregon’s only Catholic pre-kindergarten through 12th grade educational system. Maryville offers long-term skilled nursing care, short-term physical rehabilitation, and memory care.
Through faith and action, we embrace the values of the past to touch and shape lives in the future. LIVE VALIANTLY
• HONOR THE UNIQUE GIFTS OF EACH PERSON
• STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
• CELEBRATE GOD & LIFE
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon | 4440 SW 148th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97078 | ssmo.org
Multnomah Athletic Club’s mission: Enrich lives, foster friendships and build upon our traditions of excellence in athletic, social and educational programs.
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FEBRUARY 2016 Special Edition
Contents The Keeper of History 6 Progress Toward Parity 12 Not Your Founder’s MAC 22 Charting Club Change 30 Community of Friends 34 If You Build It…Facilities 38 A Place Generations Call Home 46 125th Anniversary Calendar 50
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Communications Staff:
n celebration of our 125th anniversary, MAC reached out to member and Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Hallman Jr., and asked him to help commemorate the event. Hallman pulled in writers from his MAC creative writing classes (another benefit of membership) and partnered with MAC member Kirsten Leonard to manage the project. Historic and exploratory topics were selected, and the research and writing commenced. We hope you enjoy this commemorative insert, and find within it information and stories that touch your heart. Special thanks go to MAC Archivist George Vogt, who has heroically searched for many of the wonderful photos included within. It’s wonderful to have our past organized and available. Finally, look forward to monthly articles from Hallman throughout the 125th year. We believe you will appreciate his ability to capture the essence of a story, his class antics and his warm recollections of MAC throughout the years. Happy Anniversary!
Karen Cumbers
Communications Coordinator
Lisa House
Advertising Sales Rep
Michole Jensen
Communications Director
Julia Omelchuck
Graphic Designer/Ad Services Coordinator
Contributing writers: David Brezinski Tom Hallman, Jr. Lead Writer
Holly Lekas Kirsten Leonard Project Manager
Marcus C. Mundy Jill Novack Linda Moore Sanders Martin Slapikas Susan Workman
Photographer: Kate Mills
Call Communications at 503-517-7220. The Winged M (USPS 483-210) is published monthly by Multnomah Athletic Club at 1849 SW Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon 97205. Telephone the club at 503-223-6251. Advertising from members and nonmembers is accepted by The Winged M. The deadline for space reservation is the first of the month preceding issue date. Advertisers in The Winged M are not endorsed by Multnomah Athletic Club unless otherwise noted. For questions concerning mailings and subscriptions, call 503-517-7276. Subscription: $1.50 per year paid through club dues. Periodicals postage is paid at Portland, Oregon. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Multnomah Athletic Club Member Services, 1849 SW Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon 97205. ©2016 Multnomah Athletic Club. For advertising information, contact Lisa House at 503-517-7220 or lhouse@themac.com
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MAC Archivist George Vogt is the former director of the Oregon Historical Society. After retiring, he joined MAC and in 2011 agreed to serve as the club’s archivist. Background photo of the Multnomah Amateur Athletic Club building.
the keeper of
history Here, locked and protected by a chainlink fence, are the club’s treasures, available to any member who calls to make an appointment with George Vogt, a thoughtful and reflective man who tends to our past with care and respect.
written by Tom Hallman JR. photography by Kate Mills
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fter more than 50 years as a member, I believed I knew the Multnomah Athletic Club. And then I found my way to a small room in the subbasement where I discovered this institution’s heart and soul. My guide was George Vogt, the club’s voluntary archivist. In a windowless backroom, locked and protected by a chainlink fence, are the club’s treasures, available to any member who makes an appointment with the thoughtful and reflective man who tends to our past with care and respect. If you want to know who we are and why, come to this room and listen to Vogt. Study the black-and-white photographs, read early board minutes, and open boxes containing programs, pamphlets and jewelry. When you touch one of the first membership cards – issued in 1891 – and see the man’s signature, you realize it’s directly linked to the one you carry. “Our archives tell us about the club. But it’s more than that. It’s hard to imagine, but in the 1800s and 1900s, the Pacific Northwest was isolated from the rest of the country.” said Vogt. MAC has always been a part of the greater community, Vogt added, emphasizing that the collection gives us a window into that relationship. Vogt speaks with authority. His doctorate in American history is from the University of Virginia, and he supervised archives at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, concluding with a lauded term as director of the Oregon Historical Society. After retiring, he joined MAC and in 2011 agreed to serve as the club’s archivist. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” he said. “But this collection is quite strong.” He knows must members don’t think much about history. At best, they may give the Gallery of Champions a glance. “For many members, the problem is perspective,” he explained. “If you look at the
near past, and by that I mean 15 years, it seems like things haven’t changed much. But over a longer span, which is what I do here, it’s amazing.” Vogt fields calls from historians across the country seeking information contained within the superb collection. A recent inquiry came from a Siberian researcher who wanted to know about the local history of ice hockey. “There was a league in Portland,” Vogt explained. “MAC had a competitive hockey team into the 1920s.” Vogt describes the emphasis in the club’s early years as intense athletics. Men who wanted to play serious football moved to Portland from across the country to play on the MAC team, which played the University of Oregon, the University of Washington and Washington State. “And the MAC squad beat them,” Vogt said with a chuckle. “For many years.” Many of the earliest photographs are spectacular because the first club president was a professional photographer who owned “a great camera.” When the clubhouse burned in 1910, members ran into the burning building to save paintings, photographs and records that included priceless original architectural drawings. “They knew that was important,” he said. “From the beginning, the leaders knew they were doing something historic in building this club. It stood for something. Those records mattered to them, and they wanted them saved.” Vogt believes the most precious artifacts are the minutes dating from 1893 to the present (minutes from the first two years of the
When you touch one of the first membership cards – issued in 1891 – and see the man’s signature, you realize it’s directly linked to the one you carry. Below, Vogt holding a MAC pin.
Continued on page 8 FEBRUARY 2016 | MAC Anniversary Special Edition |
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“After more than 50 years, I believed I knew the Multnomah Athletic Club.” — Tom Hallman Jr.
Vogt describes the emphasis in the club’s early years as intense athletics. Dozens of silver trophies line the shelves of the archive room.
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history Continued from page 7
all athletes, were not interested in being so organized. “If I had to save only one thing in this room, it would be those minutes. When I read them I feel connected to these people. You can be in the room with them and understand what they wanted and what they valued.” he said. While I knew the club was financially battered in the Great Depression, Vogt shared a story I’d never heard.
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“The club extended itself in a fit of exuberance in two ways in 1925,” he said. “They built a new stadium to replace the rickety grandstand, and they sold bonds to finance it.” Then … and this is the strangest story I’ve ever heard … the board decided to build a golf club. “It was where the west slope of Raleigh Hills is today,” Vogt said. “If you drive out there, you will see street names like Fairway. We owned an 18-hole course, and MAC leaders bought enough land to build another one.” Vogt said the board sold separate memberships to the club and the golf course. “But they Continued on page 10
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An early club sign with warning from the House Committee.Vogt hopes that members curious about the club’s past will contact him to tour the archives. Come find out what MAC Archive Box 43 contains.
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found that in golf season, club members would quit the club and join the golf club. They’d quit the golf club and rejoin the club in the fall under these liberal welcome-back policies.” he said. When the Depression hit, members quit both clubs and the golf club failed. “Through clever foresight the golf club was originally structured as a separate corporation,” Vogt said. “There wasn’t a connection between the golf club and this place. When the golf club failed, it didn’t take the club with it.” The payment on the stadium bonds was another matter. “There was some exceptional management. The officers did everything they could, practically pressing gangs in the streets, to recruit members and bring back the membership. We were close to going under, but even in the early years of the Depression, we were bringing in new members.” Vogt sees this as a critical piece of the club’s history. “I think it subconsciously informs how the Board of Trustees has always operated,” he
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said. “It may be the oral tradition of passing on history. I’ve worked with a lot of boards in my career, and at institutions that were occasionally on dicey financial footing. But here they are very careful about budget management and capital projects.” His reading of the minutes revealed two powerful junctures: equalization of membership rights for women, and active recruitment of minorities. “There is no doubt there’d been discrimination in membership. But the minutes show the club leaders made a conscious decision to make MAC look more like the face of Portland. That was the exact language they used. So the membership committee recruited minorities and tried to redress some of the previous discrimination.” History, Vogt said, shows that the club has always been, and will continue to be, a barometer of what’s happening within society. “The club is a microcosm of a much larger picture. Understanding our past helps us prepare for the future.” Vogt hopes that members curious about the past will contact him to tour the archives. “I have to tell you,” he concludes. “This is more fun than running an institution.”
Celebrating 125 years of batters, ballers and backstrokers. Congratulations to the Multnomah Athletic Club for decades of community and athletic leadership.
www.melvinmark.com 503.223.4777 Proud MAC members since 1948.
progress toward
parity
Women, Men and Families of MAC, Celebrate! A significant milestone was reached when Marilyn Lindgren was elected as the first female president of the MAC Board of Trustees.
written by Holly Lekas and Kirsten Leonard photos MAC Archives
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n MAC’s centennial year, another significant milestone was reached when Marilyn Lindgren was elected as the first female president of the MAC Board of Trustees. Her 1992 report still resonates (with a nod to an early definition of family values). “… 1991 was a glorious time for the Multnomah Athletic Club. The year-long celebration of our centennial showcase(d) our commitment to health and fitness. The year allowed us to show … our commitment to family values. We can take pride in the knowledge that we are fulfilling our Mission Statement to be one of the finest athletic and social clubs in North America.” Lindgren continued with a review of parking challenges, MAC’s good neighbor activities, team and membership accomplishments. Child care was subsidized, light rail brought consternation, and Power and Cardio Sculpting were added to “the already phenomenally popular step and high-intensity aerobic classes.” She thanked her boss for his “support and counsel” during days she experienced as “arriving late, leaving early and talking on the phone the entire time (she) was there.” Today, Lindgren reflects on that year, and the 24 since, with appreciation. “I’m the perfect example that the club is cradle to grave. … I took the really strenuous yoga classes, and now I do a gentle yoga. I took French through the club, and went on to teach French to little kids. There is nothing you can’t do at the club.” Lindgren’s presidency was not imaginable when women first joined MAC in 1894, three years after the club opened. The 30-plus women using MAC during specific days and hours included names known to us: Carrie Flanders, Fannie Brazee and Clara Dekum. Now, 125 years later, men and women join in equal numbers, with single female and male members representing 16 percent of the total
MAC women have always enjoyed a variety of exercise options.
membership (21,956) during 2015-16. Today’s female members owe gratitude to those early MAC pioneers who expanded the range of opportunities for women. During 1991, Title IX results included the first television broadcast of the NCAA Women’s Final Four College Basketball competition and the first woman referee at an international soccer event. Prior to the new laws, MAC women and men had participated equally in a handful of athletics, including swimming, with female athletes competing locally, nationally and internationally. In the Continued on page 14 February 2016 | MAC Anniversary Special Edition |
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Beyond class offerings and facility changes, MAC made other significant efforts to support female participation in athletics and activities. Beginning in the early ’80s, the MAC child care program existed as an essential service and a means to attract, retain and support young families.
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’90s, while advertisements displayed Lycraclad women dancing to exercise tapes, with a focus on weight loss, or suggested that working out brought unwanted muscles, MAC steadily moved toward equal opportunities in all sports. Women today can earn their living competing in their sport. At MAC, women participate in all sports, from basketball to karate, and the club offers options such as volleyball to support female athletes’ preparation for competition. Girls as young as age 4 climb the rock wall alongside their male counterparts. As members and guests walk the Gallery of Champions, women’s athletic accomplishments are recognized in increasing numbers. The Main Lobby reflects the transition from a male-dominated club to one that honors and
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celebrates the success of our female members. MAC’s message is clear; gender is not a limiting factor. Beyond class offerings and facility changes, MAC made other significant efforts to support female participation in athletics and activities. In the early ’80s, a child care program was created as a means to attract, retain and support young families. This service increased women’s participation; parents could drop off their children, age 6 weeks to 7 years old, and work out or attend activities at MAC. Results of a 1991 study increased support and adequate space for the program. In 2008, the Child Care Department created preschool summer camps, now offered year-round. This past summer, helmeted children happily sprinted toward the Athletic Entrance with their bikes or waited patiently at the rock-climbing table for their instructors. Continued on page 16
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As members and guests walk the Gallery of Champions, women’s athletic accomplishments are recognized in increasing numbers.
At MAC, women participate in all sports, from basketball to karate, and the club offers options such as volleyball to support female athletes’ preparation for competition. Amie Leon was the 1995 national age group champion in karate.
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Preschool, added in 2011, increased support and member participation. The steady addition of camp and class offerings for all, from birth to adulthood, reflects MAC’s goal to afford opportunities for all ages while building a solid foundation of commitment to athletic pursuits today and in the future. Opportunities for service within MAC parallel the expansion of fitness options. At the 1978 annual meeting, 300 women joined their male counterparts for the first time in the club’s 87-year history by casting votes to determine the future of MAC. This followed a tumultuous year, with picketing at the front doors of the club and a December decision, literally and figuratively, to equalize rights by expanding committee opportunities for female members of MAC. Now women could add their expertise to the crucial finance, budget and strategic planning functions of the club; they were welcomed and added to all committees. Since 1991, MAC has convened 1,106 committees – board, ad hoc, event, etc. Of those, 316 women have served as the chairs,
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vice-chairs and assistant chairs of 494 of these committees. The service of women on the Board of Trustees began with the election of Margaret “Peggy” Wood in 1983; Wood, a financial executive, was named board secretary in 1995. As of 2015, 40 women have served on the MAC Board, with a high of six women out of 12 positions on the Board in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The expansion of opportunities for female members is not the only way in which the club has mirrored the history of its community. In 1996, the club’s Civic Membership Program recognized that the membership and lottery system limited the racial diversity of MAC, and the Diversity Admissions Program formed. In 2010, the committee noted that nonwhite communities were not yet well represented in MAC membership. Of the 1,200 dues-paying accounts during that year, 147, or just over one percent of the accounts, originated through the program. Other diverse members entered through lotteries, marriage, athletic membership and the scholar athlete program, but the numbers were not tracked. By 2012, the Diversity Admissions Committee determined that internal promotion of the program would have the greatest effect, as would tighter definitions of committee responsibilities and requirements for membership on a committee. The committee continues to pursue greater club diversity, and we all can help to create a more racially rich and inclusive membership. Additional methods to recognize the diversity of our membership have come through the enhancement of Club Rules to better reflect the community in which we live. In 2010, Club Rules used this new definition of family: Married senior members, with or without children; or two senior members with or without children, who present a government-issued civil union or equivalent certificate; or a single senior member, with one or more children ages 7 through 17 years. This change reflected the broadening of our society’s definition of family, and the demographic shift toward households in which Continued on page 18
As members and guests walk the Gallery of Champions, women’s athletic accomplishments are recognized in increasing numbers.
The MAC sends a clear message that gender is not a limiting factor to a lifelong love of sports.
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marriage did not define family. Shared household partners, same-sex partners and MAC membership – all benefited from this broadening of terms. A wonderful illustration of these policy shifts comes from within, from one of the famed “Cody Kids.” Carolyn Wood’s family joined the club in 1956, having learned that MAC would build a 50-meter pool. She remembers that “when
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I first came to the MAC Club pool, not the very first time, but when I came to try out, Mo Murphy was on the ’56 Olympic team. And there was a full wall photo of her in the pool. And I … looked at that and I thought, … I want my picture in the pool like that. It just seemed possible.” She set national records in backstroke and freestyle by age 10, and added national awards in those races and in butterfly and individual medley by age 12. Next came the Pan Am Games, Olympic trials, and the 1960 Olympics in Rome; Wood became the youngest member of the U.S. team to win a medal when her 100meter freestyle team took gold. Portland cheered; the Rosarians greeted the plane; and Mayor Terry Schrunk handed over the key to the city. MAC mounted Wood’s photo in the Gallery of Champions and gave her an honorary life membership: the highest tribute from the club to an individual for unusual and distinguished service rendered to the club. And that’s where we left her. Wood worked for the Kennedy family in Hyannisport, Mass., coached soccer, and taught at Lake Oswego High, Glencoe and Portland Public schools. She married and had a son. When her marriage ended, she later remarried, in Canada. And when she sent that marriage certificate to MAC, in 2003, the manager denied her female partner of 25 years the standard marital membership outlined by Club Rules that allows legally married spouses of members, though Wood is a life member. Wood read the related Club Rules and found MAC was in violation. She wrote the MAC board president; she remarried in Multnomah County during the few months this was legal; and her story was told to influential members of the Portland and MAC communities. The club rules were followed, and the policy was changed. Wood, MAC honorary life member, has given her best, and we finally gave her our best. She remains a member and is seen almost daily on a yoga mat, where she says the benefits are “concentration, flexibility, strength … spinal strength.” Wood embodies all kinds of strength. Continued on page 18
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“… Mo Murphy was on the ’56 Olympic team. And there was a full wall photo of her in the pool. … I want my picture in the pool like that. It just seemed possible.” —Carolyn Wood
Carolyn Wood became the youngest member of the U.S. team to win a medal when her 100meter freestyle team took home gold, during the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
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The recent ruling supporting gay marriage will bring MAC’s definition of family again into focus. As always, MAC will change with the times. MAC strives to be proactive in the crafting of policy. During 2015, the House Committee responded to the board charge for a transgender member and guest policy proposal. A review of the existing policies, mentioning fair and respectful treatment for all, was deemed to include appropriate language, and the only change to Club Rules was to help MAC staff
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by providing a policy, should the question arise. That policy? Per board vote, members and guests are allowed to use facilities in accordance with their gender identity. In the late 1970s, following what was termed the “brouhaha at the Multnomah Club” (women’ right to vote), Oregon Journal columnist Doug Baker opined, writing as “Fustian Chatsworth Quimby,” the president in futuristic 2000. The imagined President’s Column in The Winged M of January 2000 included: “… the board of trustees cannot hope to hold out forever without reinforcements. We’ve been barricaded in the upstairs tennis courts for three weeks, subsisting on a batch of Gatorade and pickled sausage, hoping to survive this most grievous attempt by women in years to deliberately sidestep club regulations.” Baker did not foresee that the MAC board was far ahead of him, celebrating the inclusion of women at all levels within a few short months of his attempt to humorously predict the future. Women, men and families at MAC – all families – are integrated through committee and organizational leadership; are offered the most current array of fitness programs; and make up the increasingly diverse population we see each time we walk through those celebrated glass doors. Here’s to another 125 years of celebrating our history and informing our future.
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not your founder’s
MAC
In the past 25 years, the role of fathers has changed, options for mothers have really changed, fitness has changed, society and the world have changed, and MAC has changed. written by Marcus C. Mundy
Photo by Kate Mills
From left, Kyra DeStephano, Sandra Erickson and Suzanne Ericksen DeStephano. The family has maximized its MAC memberships in a full-bodied, intergenerational way.
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his is not your father’s or (mother’s) MAC. MAC still adheres to its mission to enrich lives, foster friendships and build upon traditions of excellence in athletic, social and educational programs, and leadership at MAC has made the wise choice to focus on embracing change rather than clinging to occasionally outdated traditions. And the children and families at MAC are thriving because of it. From rock climbing to mixed martial arts to daughters in the weight room and families attending culinary events, from Timber Joey to several woman presidents, the past 25 years at MAC have brought constant change, with a healthy dollop of comforting constancy. While likely not what the 26 members of the Portland Football and Cricket Team envisioned when they formed the club in 1891, or even what the pre-dot.com, pre-Facebook, pre-Keep Portland Weird leaders of MAC planned 25 years ago, today’s MAC is a vivid reminder that change can be good. It is a fool’s errand to try to be all things to all people, but MAC has come as close as is possible. A ready example of a family that experienced and evolved with the changes at MAC is that of Suzanne Ericksen DeStephano, a member since age 8. To truly understand how the past 25 MAC years have changed, it is instructive to understand just a bit of DeStephano’s history. Suzanne is all MAC. MAC traditions have endured in the DeStephano family, most pointedly with the quality-of-life-enhancing gifts of fitness, intellectual tenacity and social acuity passed from Mildred (Millie) Farrell to her daughter Sandra Ericksen, to her daughter Suzanne Ericksen DeStephano (and son Robert Ericksen), to Suzanne’s daughter Kyra and son Nicolas. Suzanne’s grandfather (and Millie’s husband), Miller Starr Farrell, joined MAC in 1899, so the family has been involved during all three centuries of MAC existance. From the days of moms dropping their kids off at Child Care to enable their participation in exercise classes (led by Sue Walsh, with Lou
photo MAC Archives
on piano) to Mommy and Me fitness classes to today’s intergenerational exercise classes with a pulse-pounding, speaker-driven mélange of Zumba and house music, the women of this family grew up knowing that fitness and good health were natural, normal and expected, and working out together as a family was even more so. (Even Millie’s locker has passed down the matriarchal line in the Women’s Locker Room, from Millie to Sandra to Suzanne, and Suzanne plans on passing the locker to Kyra, for whom she already has prepaid MAC membership fees so her daughter’s MAC life will continue seamlessly after college.) As a family friend observes, “The Ericksen/ DeStephano family intensity is so high when working out that frequently they can all be in the Main Gym and not even notice each other’s presence.” While he may be teasing, at any given day at MAC you can find Suzanne in the weight room, her husband swimming,
MAC has made the wise choice to focus on embracing change.
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“My commitment to MAC and fitness is a priority, second to my family and life’s random events.” — Suzanne Ericksen DeStephano
photo MAC Archives
MAC recognizes the need to maintain the pipeline of younger members and their families, while simultaneously continuing to keep variety, equity, balance and innovation in its membership.
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her son playing basketball, and her daughter in an exercise class. That is dedication, based on what she observed growing up at MAC. While growing up, Suzanne played tennis with her brother, Robert, and parents (Sunday afternoon doubles), and when she returned as an adult member, she would compete with her father, Wayne (a 1977 MAC tennis champion). A recipient of MAC’s full bounty, she participated in the Father Daughter Dinner Dance, volunteered for committee work, and did her part to keep the club strong. Suzanne has been instrumental in helping her children develop their own MAC rhythm. Kyra and Nicolas have participated in activities that did not exist or were not open to them in 1990 (Zumba, Pilates, mixed martial arts training, weightlifting for girls, Family Fridays, and dining at special culinary events), as well as enjoying some of the more traditional MAC offerings: basketball, dance, baseball, track and “Bouncing Bears/Tumble Bunnies.” Suzanne adds, “Kyra attends college with a couple of friends she met back in Tumble Bunnies.” This longtime member has experienced the club change from having only Father-Son functions
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(she was once the only girl in the room during the all-male luncheon, there to participate in a karate demonstration) to MAC being far more inclusive for her daughter. The Ericksen/DeStephano family has maximized its MAC memberships in a full-bodied, intergenerational way. MAC has held their rehearsal dinners and events and offered shared classes and an ever-changing tapestry of activities to keep the family engaged. As Suzanne says, “My commitment to MAC and fitness is a priority, second to my family and life’s random events.” This attitude toward lifelong health has a direct correlation to the programs, activities and opportunities afforded by a MAC membership. People love to characterize themselves as lifelong learners. MAC engenders lifelong contributors to their own good health. Throughout the past quarter-century, MAC has continued to demonstrate that it is aligned to the world in which it exists. From 1990 to 2015, the cumulative rate of inflation was 82.3 percent (not a misprint: 82.3 percent. This means that what cost you $1 in 1990 would cost you $1.82 today.) In that same timeframe, MAC’s initiation fee has only increased 67 percent. Even the monthly fee for a family membership has increased only 65 percent. MAC leadership has taken steps over the past decades to encourage financial access to membership. They have adjusted rates for those out of state for extended periods of time, with limited access to MAC facilities. They have established no-interest payment processes for new family and individual memberships. And most notably, for the next generation, they have extended the ability to complete payment of initiation fees until the age of 32. MAC recognizes the need to maintain the pipeline of younger members and their families, while simultaneously continuing to keep variety, equity, balance and innovation in its membership. These recent decisions also demonstrate the club’s commitment to its members, and attempt to instill loyalty in those very young people benefiting from the flexibility. It creates members for life which, as Continued on page 24
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Today, parents are welcome to observe, ask questions, and feel connected to the training, the instructor, and their children …
photo MAC Archives
This previously underused area is now a perfect place to exercise while watching a game.
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the DeStephanos and many other families can tell you, is the gift that keeps on giving. That MAC is on the right track is evidenced by the fact that MAC applications remain at an all-time high; people crave a safe, enriching place for their bodies, minds and families. Other MAC families, too, believe the changes augur well for the years to come. “The Junior Lounge is a palace compared to what it used to be,” says a multi-decade MAC user, “because there was no game room, study area or TV. The improved viewing deck for Timbers and PSU games is great, and the number of programs, both athletic and nonathletic, directed at age-appropriate levels for my kids has increased exponentially.” He likes the way MAC has taken spaces that were underused (i.e. the old badminton courts or the restaurants) and converted them to uses (rock climbing walls, better configured and more inclusive eating areas) that are contemporary, challenging and engaging.
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Now relatively fit, after long battles with weight issues, this member notes that even the food available at Joe’s and its predecessors has morphed from hot dogs, Milk Duds, potato chips and Coke to gluten-free wraps, potato salads and protein drinks. An after-workout snack now actually helps a member in their fitness and health goals. His other reminiscences include observations about subtle changes, such as a more welcoming, intergenerational and participatory “vibe” as MAC’s junior programming continues to evolve. For example, when he took swimming lessons more than 25 years ago, classes were gender-specific, patches were given instead of today’s certificates, and parents were strictly forbidden from observing the training except for “peek week,” during which they could sit in the balcony of the 50-meter Pool for a designated period and then not be welcomed again. Today, parents are welcome to observe, ask questions, and feel connected to the training, the instructor, and their children as they learn to swim. This member reminds us that what seemed unthinkable just recently is now the norm (as Continued on page 26
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…when you embrace the inevitable change of a society or a city, or even a social and athletic club, you become stronger and more enduring.
photos MAC Archives
Members and guests enjoy various social events and volunteer opportunities.
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in the MAC’s cellphone policy, moving from never use to designated areas to banned in wet areas), and that change is inevitable. He is grateful MAC has changed with the future of kids and families in mind. MAC has become more innovative (speaker series, enhanced classes), welcoming (Diversity Admissions Committee, Trustees of color, female board presidents), athletic (Dance, Rock Climbing, Triathlon and Running, Karate, Pilates, Yoga), outward looking (travel, politics, Multnomah Athletic Foundation, symphony and theater trips) and family friendly (Junior Events Committee, Family Fridays, Family Events Committee. It is a testament to MAC’s willingness to lead on issues of change and be part of the intelligentsia and “innovatensia” of a city itself on the cutting edge. The question becomes, does MAC follow Portland or does
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Portland follow MAC? Is MAC the trim tab for Oregon? “A large ship goes by, and then comes the rudder. On the edge of the rudder is a miniature rudder called a trim tab. Moving the trim tab builds a low pressure which turns the rudder that steers the gigantic ship with almost no effort. One individual can be a trim tab, making a major difference.” –Buckminster Fuller When you focus as much on families as MAC has, you learn things over 125 years, or even in 25. You learn that when you embrace the inevitable change of a society or a city, or even a social and athletic club, you become stronger and more enduring. Groucho Marx was purported to have said, “I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.” Well, I wouldn’t want to belong to any club that wouldn’t encourage families as members, or people who are older, younger, of color, different religions, different genders, or different economic strata as members, because I want my club to reflect my world. MAC is part of that world.
charting club
change MAC has adapted to changing conditions throughout its long 125-year history, a history more than half the age of our country. written by David Brezinski photos MAC Archives
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ut how has MAC adapted to changing conditions in the past 25 years since its centennial birthday, and how has MAC’s adaption affected MAC usage? Well, use of MAC reflects the subtly changing characteristics and personality of our large collective body of thousands of individual members. Over the past quarter-century, this body of members has been influenced by changes in economic conditions, in demographics and in culture. So how have changes in these factors influenced MAC use? Just as changes in economic conditions have a significant influence on most organizations, they also affect MAC. In the 25 years since MAC’s 100th birthday, the American economy has suffered two significant contractions, one beginning in 2000, the other in 2008. The recession of 2008 provides an interesting example of how MAC has adapted and continued to thrive in periods of economic change. While changes in the economy would reasonably impact MAC’s membership and usage, the interaction of economic conditions and our lottery system resulted in a chain of events that ultimately was healthy for MAC. These events began with the MAC lottery of 2005, which was intended to provide a supply of new members over a three- to fouryear period. As the economy was thrown into turmoil, resignations initially decreased. Intake of new members from the lottery pool slowed to the point where it would have taken seven years to fully deplete the pool. Perhaps members were postponing any life changes during the period of economic uncertainty. But, ultimately, the poor economy did take its toll and resignations did occur. In the words of General Manager Norm Rich, “MAC may have been at the bottom of the cart of things to give up.” As the economy gradually improved, it appeared that the end result of this period was that more young members came into the club and used it with greater frequency, a net positive. MAC is used in many ways, and our food service operations are an important area of member usage. After the 2008 recession, private dining revenue declined, while revenue
in our restaurants continued at normal levels. The reduction in private dining revenue is reasonable during a weak economy since it is primarily driven by business and special events. But steady revenue in the restaurants may have been the result of fortuitous timing in hiring Executive Chef Philippe Boulot prior to the economic contraction. His reputation and following in Portland clearly had a positive effect on restaurant sales during a time when there was a natural tendency for many members to reduce their spending in this area. As time went on and the economy gradually improved, MAC usage once again adapted to the changing economic environment. Sports requiring a little extra spending, such as gymnastics, synchro and skiing, picked up. And members engaged in retail therapy by increasing “support” of the Mporium. MAC use also has adapted in response to demographic changes. An important trend for many years has been that older members now use the club longer in their lives. This trend not only reflects the demographic reality of a gradually aging population, but also the cultural influence of a steady increase in emphasis on exercise and fitness through all phases of life. MAC investment in and members’ use of our climbing gym reflects awareness of the importance of the younger demographic to
MAC youth socialize at a Junior Dance. Opposite, athletic programing responds to current demands.
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Formation of the Junior Program Committee illustrates the club’s desire to understand the needs of this important demographic.
The highly acclaimed Family Fridays began in October 1998, and more kids than ever participate in camps and classes.
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the continued health of MAC. Formation of the Junior Program Committee illustrates the club’s desire to understand the needs of this important demographic. The atmosphere of MAC has adapted well over the years, as it evolves with the changing culture of Portland. The culture of the past, where many members arrived at the entrance wearing formal business clothing, has been replaced by a more casual standard of dress in our city, and MAC has adapted with a reasonable standard of casual attire. The days of borrowing a jacket for formal dining are a distant memory. MAC also has grown in a positive way to become even more family oriented since its big 100th birthday. The highly acclaimed Family Fridays began in October 1998, and more kids than ever participate in MAC camps. As General Manager Norm Rich has said, “We must serve millennials and serve them well.” Economic, demographic and cultural factors have clearly influenced MAC. Adapting to
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the changes, use of MAC facilities has climbed 3 to 4.5 percent each year, even though membership has been relatively flat for many years. But while each of us also is influenced by these factors, individual member use is still unique, owing to particular needs and circumstances. A real-life case study may illustrate how the wide array of facilities and programs at MAC supports changes in a member’s circumstances. Our case study is Phil Juckeland, a nearly 20-year member and past MAC president. When Juckeland and his wife joined MAC in 1998, their swimming daughters were athletic members. At first, he did little at MAC other than use the weight room and restaurants occasionally. Even though Juckeland was an avid tennis player, he was not interested in MAC’s courts; he had played at another tennis club for 35 years and was very comfortable there. As time went on, his daughters felt he needed a little more conditioning to stay in shape for tennis and MAC had the answer. Juckeland tried spin classes and yoga and continues as an avid participant in those activities to this day. Then, after many years of enjoying his membership, Juckeland’s other tennis club closed, so he moved his love of tennis to MAC and has played here regularly ever since. Juckeland in addition to being an athlete, also is an organization guy. So his friend Alexis Dow encouraged him to join the Budget and Finance Committee, a natural fit with his professional abilities and was the beginning of a long and successful career of MAC service. Showing no signs of slowing down, he has dabbled in other MAC activities, such as Zumba and Saturday bike rides. What started as occasional use when Juckeland and his family joined, now amounts to him visiting MAC six or seven days each week. As our “case study” Juckeland headed off to his next tennis match, we asked for a summary of his MAC experience. And while his use of the club is unique to his circumstances, his summary applies to all of us: “You meet such great people doing so many different things at MAC.”
Honoring our past Celebrating our future Idea: In 1991, the club’s 100th anniversary was the catalyst for a new philanthropic organization, the Multnomah Athletic Foundation. The mission was to reach into the local community with a shared vision and focus on helping our youth lead active, involved lives.
Results: Today the club and the Multnomah Athletic Foundation celebrate an exciting milestone. In 25-years of service, together we have provided nearly $470,000 in community grants supporting youth sports opportunities and awarded $974,000 in scholarships to student athletes in the Portland metro area.
We look forward to the next 25 years.
Photo: Intisar Abioto
Photo: Karen Cumbers
To learn more about our community outreach, visit www.MultnomahAthleticFoundation.com
community of
friends Paul Copley’s love of and commitment to MAC decathlon was acknowledged in 2012 when the committee created the Paul Copley Award. Here he’s pictured with his wife, Laurie. photo Courtesy of Laurie Copley
MAC is a premiere athletic club, and not because of the class offerings, social events or the annual lobster feed. Much of this pre-eminence is due to the unparalleled staff and the dedicated members who fill the halls, gyms, restaurants and classrooms. written by Jill Novack
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n example is Dwayne Brantley, recently retired as the Physical Plant Manager after a 49-year career. Joining MAC at age 16, he learned to interact “in a customer service way” and realized that hard work would make his mark. After a stint in the Armed Services, he returned to MAC, working the swing shift in Building Maintenance. Learning the ins-and-outs of the facility, Brantley tackled every job that came along. In the early morning hours, if something needed fixing, he was the man. Recalls Brantley’s co-worker and current Maintenance Manager, Larry Shoop, “He has an amazing memory. He would send me to do a plumbing project and … would (know) the water shut-off valve location and the tag number.” Shoop noted Brantley’s tenacious work ethic and commitment to his job (even taking work home) which aptly conveyed a sense of confidence that things would be done correctly. While Brantley viewed his MAC career as a “great partnership,” he walked through its doors on June 30, 2014, knowing he had given his best and that others now had a chance to step up and enjoy the same experience. As MAC continues to employ people and icons like Brantley, Faye Sasser, and Joe Loprinzi, how have its members contributed to this community? Asked and answered. Read the story of devoted member Paul Copley. When Copley suddenly died four years ago, his wife, Laurie, shared that, “It was Paul’s idea to enter the MAC lottery.” She was content at their current club, but it wasn’t enough for her husband. So in 1987, they applied and waited. When their names were drawn, he described it as “one of the happiest days of his life.” While Copley became a regular on the basketball and volleyball courts, his commitment to MAC decathlon “was what he loved.” A multiyear committee member, when his competitive years ended, he trained fellow members, provided advice and helped to run events for the spring decathlon. For Copley,
photo MAC Archives
MAC was deep friendships and camaraderie with fellow athletes: a place to share and grow. It was there he shared his athletic soul and his passion for competition and teamwork. Laurie describes the MAC community as “one of the biggest blessings in their lives.” She sobbed in the car on one of her first trips to the club after her husband’s passing, only to be met by a friend waiting to comfort her and share the burden of her loss. Laurie credits Copley for wanting to join, and she is so grateful to remain a member. Copley’s love and commitment to MAC decathlon was acknowledged in 2012 when the committee created the Paul Copley Award, given to the highest scorer during the track events during the spring decathlon. This way of remembering the passion of dedicated MAC athletes is seen in the Tom Wrightson Squash Award, the Chad Hindman Sportsmanship Award for basketball. While the individuals are no longer here, these awards acknowledge passion, heart and athleticism, along with deep friendships. Rosemary Stafford was another member whose club involvements exemplify what makes MAC a truly special place. Her dear friend, Ione Clair, remembers that they met 32 years ago in an aerobics class and became
Retired after 49 years, Dwayne Brantley tackled every job that came along.
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photo Courtesy of Rosemary Stafford
Rosemary Stafford, far left, and Ione Clair, next to her met 32 years ago in an aerobics class and became fast friends. Stafford hosted an annual beach trip that became the focal point for many.
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fast friends … possibly because they were the oldest in the room. An early riser, Stafford got to MAC around 5 a.m. Being a “regular” meant seven days per week; she headed to the stretching room to warm up before joining a class or going outdoors for an Early Bird walk. Clair spoke of the fondness she and many others had for Stafford, noting that she was more than a fixture: she was a friend to many. “Everyone liked Rosemary,” Clair said. Entering the club, she greeted staff and members alike, stopping to visit or say good morning. Her warm disposition drew many to her, creating what Clair described as “a community, a sorority of friendship.” As relationships grew, Stafford hosted an annual beach trip that became the focal point for many. She selected a different theme each year; whether celebrating Mardi Gras, the year of western wear, or making ravioli, it was a trip they all loved. Clair and Stafford slowed down, but continued to meet at MAC to walk and share their lives. While Clair describes Stafford as “my club friend,” the bond was so strong that when Stafford passed away suddenly in 2013, Clair was angry that she didn’t get to say goodbye.
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And others noted her absence; several men who knew Stafford from the stretching room asked about her. “One of the guys was so affected by her passing,” Clair recalls, “that he brought a photo of Rosemary in … and laid it down on the stretch bed so all could see it.” All recognized his way of paying respect to his MAC friend. Clair’s voice grew quiet. “It was really hard to come back to the club without Rosemary. I would always get out of the shower and see Rosemary’s legs in the changing stall and smile. We would sit at the beauty bar on the same stools each morning and get ready.” While seats were not assigned, for Clair, Stafford and a few others, these were “their stools.” Stafford’s stool sat vacant for what Clair remembers as a “really, really long time.” No one was ready to sit in “her stool.” MAC continues to be a club with dedicated employees and athletes and exercisers of all kinds. It also is a community of friends sharing lives, and when friends leave, the loss is felt by many. While MAC’s structure grows and changes, the life within its walls also will alter and expand. Friendships will form and flourish, which, in turn, will continue to shape the lives that walk through its famous doors for years to come.
if you build it ...
facilities Entwined in the history of the city and the country, MAC links to local traditions and national causes: Rose Festival, war efforts, college athletic programs, the State Games of Oregon and Multnomah Civic Stadium. The new bouldering wall in the Climbing Gym was completed in March 2014.
written by Martin Slapikas photos MAC Archives
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n the early days, athletics were the focus at MAC: The Wall of Fame displays the honors members won in international competitions, including the Olympics. But emerging trends and member needs required different facilities. For example, MAC’s programs mushroomed to respond to members over age 50, over 65, or even older, who are much more athletically active than ever before. The renewal and expansion of MAC facilities are as much for use today as for new generations of members, and planning is the key to the process. The goal of the Athletic Neighborhood Concept is to provide additional usable space during peak activity hours, to group similar activities together, and to enhance use of MAC facilities without increasing the club footprint. Below are examples of planned changes since 1991, caused by changing trends and member needs. Additions such as the Loprinzi Wing keep MAC at the pinnacle of athletic clubs. Loprinzi Wing. Joe Loprinzi joined the club in 1934. His commitment to fitness became a lifelong passion, and he developed ways to make physical fitness enjoyable for members. Loprinzi incorporated light weights into calisthenics and aerobics, and started the club’s first jogging program. Helping and encouraging all to do their best, Loprinzi, age 75 in 1990, continued to add programs that kept MAC on the cutting edge of fitness. The Phase 4 Building was built to honor this legend. Work started in 1997 to house the West Pool, the Exercise and Conditioning Room, the West Gym, additional aerobics space, and the outdoor tennis courts. When Loprinzi retired in 1997, MAC named this new wing after him and opened it to great success in 1999. Loprinzi, MAC and Portland fitness pioneer, died in 2009 at age 95. Climbing Gym. Outdoor Department Manager Chad Failla needed a full-service gym; the Athletic Committee and Board of
Trustees approved it in 2000; and the phased project was completed in March 2014, including a 4,500-square-foot climbing gym, with training space and a state-of-the-art floor. This new facility supports board and management goals to better serve teenaged and young adult members. Furthermore, it uses the room’s vertical space, all of which supports the ANC recommendation in the 2008 Facilities Master Plan. Spin Studio. The spin studio brought another emerging trend to MAC. Taking advantage of an unused open area overlooking Providence Park, it offers an excellent view that can be enjoyed while exercising. Gallery of Champions. The gallery honors recipients of the Loprinzi Inspirational Award for inspiring others to achieve in athletics. It also
When Joe Loprinzi retired in 1997, MAC named a new wing after him and opened it to great success in 1999.
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MAC’s Culinary Team appreciates the Main Kitchen and Ballroom renovation, completed in September 2015.
facilities Continued from page 37
features the Mel Fox Award honorees, team or individual that has shown excellence in sport. Child Care Program. MAC’s Child Care opened in 1980, with fifteen children cared for by three employees. They moved to the Parking Structure in January 1983, providing more, but not ideal, space. In 1990, President Ken Stephens recommended enhancing child care to better allow young families to participate in the club. The 1991 Board of Trustees subsidized the program, and in 1999, the facilities were renovated as part of the clubhouse renovation project. Then serving more than 100 children a day in a 2,500-square-foot space, it exceeded expectations.
Facilities MAC General Manager Norm Rich said in the September 2015 Winged M, “Facilities Director Elsa Lemoine and the Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee are making huge headway in reducing utilities in places that will not be noticed by members, but will contribute to our goal of saving energy.”
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Sustainability Practices In 2015, MAC developed an initiative stating that all projects over $100,000 should incorporate energy-efficient upgrades that pay for themselves in five years or less. A renewed focus by the Property Committee, along with joining the Strategic Energy Management cohort hosted by Energy Trust of Oregon, has allowed the facilities team to handle energy management in-house. The resulting collaborative efforts provide structure and funding for sustainability as the new standard for how the club plans capital projects. An Energy Management Policy, recommended by the Property Committee and approved in February 2015, recommended facility-wide stewardship of resources by seeking efficiencies to reduce energy consumption without impacting member and employee comfort. MAC now is committed to reducing overall electric, natural gas and water consumption by 15 percent within two years and 20 percent within a five-year period. These goals are included in contractual agreements with architects and engineers, and the club is on target to realize 15 percent overall utilities savings.
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The Main Kitchen renovation demonstrated the complexity of planning and construction while continuing to provide membership services.
facilities Continued from page 40
Maintenance In the 2010 Winged M article Facility Fitness: What it Takes to Keep the Club Running, the effort required to run the club was compared to a “midsize town.” MAC launders 6,000 towels a day, consumes 2 million gallons of water per month, and hauls nearly 50 tons of trash and recyclables each week. In the E&C Room, more than 200 pieces of exercise equipment require routine maintenance and cleaning. Like a city, MAC requires work, most of it behind the scenes and at night, when pavers are polished, restrooms are sanitized, kitchens are made spotless, athletic facilities are shined, and offices are readied for another day. Questioned about the toughest part of her job as MAC Facilities Director, Elsa Lemoine replied, “to please all stakeholders. In facilities, we deal with our members, co-workers, committees on a daily basis (while we) keep the facilities cleaned and well maintained.”
Major Capital Projects A major capital project is expected to cost more than $1 million or determined to be
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“complex,” according to the MAC Project Complexity Scorecard. A board-appointed ad hoc committee developed procedures to define and clarify the process for the development of these projects, which require about three years from concept through the construction phase. In the past 25 years, many of the FMP’s recommendations were achieved. MAC Snacks was renovated and expanded as Joe’s. Junior facilities have improved, the Whirlpool was upgraded, 26 Founders, Men’s Bar, and Kitchen/ Banquet facilities were remodeled. And the Climbing Gym is receiving excellent use. Kitchen Repair and Ballroom Renovation. Under the direction of Lemoine and Capital Project Manager Dianne Kelley, this project started in May 2015. The kitchen renovation repaired leakage that damaged equipment and disrupted member use. During the process, unforeseen issues required mechanical, plumbing and electrical upgrades (last improved in 1965) to meet current safety, building and ADA codes. Reopened to MAC members on Sept. 25, 2015, the Ballroom renovation featured an enhanced ballroom foyer with improved lighting; new carpet throughout the Ballroom and 26 Founders; enlarged windows; and improved audio-visual rigging and equipment. This newest project demonstrated the complexity of planning and construction while continuing to provide membership services. The closure of the Men’s Bar and the Main Kitchen required Food and Beverage Director Cameron McMurry and his staff to create a new and improved Splash on the Sun Deck, with more variety and a destination feel. The Men’s Bar closure encouraged the creation of the Sunset Bistro concept, MAC’s first outdoor restaurant that featured live music.
Future Projects Following the 2011-12 Men’s Locker Room renovation, failure in the wet areas of the Women’s Locker Room made it the next major capital project, scheduled for 2016. Vice President Doug Dawley reported in the August 2015 Winged M that “the project will be more extensive than the ‘refresh’ completed six years ago; major plumbing and electrical work Continued on page 44
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Fitness, harmony, wellness, community, quality, meditation, nutrition, family — it’s all at MAC.
Still connected to MAC, Providence Park remains a draw for MAC members and their guests.
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will be performed and all the wet spaces will be completely redone.” From David Horstkotte’s September 2015 President’s Column: “The third- and fourth-floor remodel originally scheduled for construction in 2016, and the Exercise and Conditioning Room remodel scheduled for 2017, have been taken off the major capital projects schedule” to later be considered by the board for construction scheduling.
Providence Park Today’s stadium was once a Chinese vegetable garden, supplying produce to much of Portland. In 1891, the Multnomah Amateur Athletic Club leased the site, developed it as an athletic field and built a 3,000-seat grandstand and the largest building west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, the grandstand and building were destroyed in a 1910 fire. The grandstand was replaced in 1911, but Portland needed a larger facility. In 1925, club officials planned for 28,000-seat Multnomah Stadium. The successful funding
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plan sold personal seat licenses; $100 bought a five-year right to a stadium seat and the chance to renew for another five years. More than $500,000 was raised and construction began. Originally named Multnomah Field, it held that name until 1926. Then it was Multnomah Stadium until 1965, Civic Stadium to 2000, PGE Park to 2010, Jeld-Wen Field to 2014 and now, Providence Park. Built for MAC events, the stadium hosted collegiate sports, cricket matches, the Rose Festival coronation, greyhound dog racing, baseball, soccer and, in 1923, a Fourth of July appearance by President Warren G. Harding. One member recalls that in 1984, Joe Loprinzi celebrated his 70th birthday by leading joggers on a run of all the stairs. In 1957, Elvis Presley performed one of his first outdoor concerts in Multnomah Stadium. PGE Park was a filming location of the 2010 season of TV series Leverage. The park is currently home to the Portland Timbers, the Portland Thorns, the PSU football team, and a colony of feral cats. In 1966, the city purchased the stadium from MAC. In 2001, a $38.5 million renovation upgraded seating and the concourse area. The Portland City Council later approved funding to ready PGE Park for the 2011 Major League Soccer season, going over budget to $35 million. Still connected to MAC, the park remains a draw for MAC members and their guests. The city now owns the stadium and MAC retains the right of first refusal if it is ever for sale.
Final Construct MAC’s volunteer committees and diligent staff strive to replace equipment before it fails. In 2008, Property Committee Chair David Potter oversaw a study to determine what should be spent each year to maintain the club in excellent condition. Analyzing assets valued at $5,000 or more for life expectancy and cost, he learned that the club needs to spend $2.8 million annually to maintain status quo. Joe Loprinzi once said, “It’s not how long you live, it’s the quality of life and how you feel while you live it.” Fitness, harmony, wellness, community, quality, meditation, nutrition, family – it’s all at MAC. And we are living well.
club 125
Club 125 underwriter donations support activities celebrating MAC’s 125th Anniversary that begins Feb. 2, 2016. Donations of $1,000 are not tax deductible but underwriters receive: • Named as underwriters for one year on the 125th anniversary digital display • Listing in The Winged M and Annual Meeting program as an underwriter. • Two tickets to the 125 Ball in September 2016. • Special MAC limited edition Pendleton stadium blanket. Go to At Your Service or www.theMAC.com for a pledge card. We invite you to participate in Club 125. John Herman | Richard Horswell Co-Chairs Trish Carey Annie Duden Jamie Daigle Sarita Dua
David Lucas Randi Reiten Jordan Schnitzer Campaign Cabinet
This initiative is a program of the MAC 125th Anniversity Ad Hoc Committee and not affiliated with the Multnomah Athletic Foundation.
a place generations call
home
We interviewed families who joined the club 25 years ago and have remained members since MAC’s centennial. What has MAC brought to them, and what have they contributed in return? written by Linda Moore Sanders and Susan Workman
photo by Kate Mills
Gabby, Dominic, Susanna and Drs. Roberto and Enrique DeCastro.
DeCastro Family Roberto’s father, Dr. Enrique DeCastro, heard about a Portland club that everybody who was anybody should try to join. An application was submitted; one of his partners offered his recommendation; and that is how the senior DeCastro family came to join MAC. Roberto DeCastro fondly recalls the milestone, and both father and son describe the “ivy-covered building with the turn-around entrance.” Young Roberto took swim lessons, played badminton and enjoyed boxing. The enthusiasm in his voice is palpable as he describes Easter and other special family occasions at MAC. Roberto followed his dad’s career as an obstetrician and gynecologist, and always planned to purchase his own MAC membership. He planned to practice in Portland, start a family, and MAC would be a place his new family would call home. He was single and completing his residency in 1991 when he transitioned from a junior to a senior family membership. The year 2016 marks the 25-year anniversary of the DeCastro family’s membership at MAC. Susanna DeCastro, Roberto’s intelligent, energetic wife, echoes the enthusiasm and fondness her husband has toward MAC. Her face lights up as she describes the role MAC has played in her personal growth and friendships, and the memories of her children’s participation in MAC classes, teams and clubs. Roberto and Susanna’s three children are the third generation of DeCastros at MAC. Beginning at the age of 6 months, all learned to swim at the club. They were involved in Tiny Tots, tennis, synchronized swimming, ballet, karate, swim team and gymnastics team. They celebrated birthday parties at MAC, and the Junior Lounge was for meeting friends, doing homework, or to put their feet up and relax. Supporting her children, Susanna learned how to judge synchronized swimming, ran the basketball clock, and frequently served as Team Mom. The DeCastro children are thoughtful when they describe their MAC experience. Gabby, a recent graduate of the University of Portland, was on the synchronized swim team for three years at MAC and played tennis.
photo MAC Archives
“My childhood was lived out at MAC. ...When I wasn’t in a class or team practice, I was at the Junior Weight Room or the Junior Lounge doing homework. I am lucky to have been able to learn gymnastics, synchro, swimming, tennis and basketball during my childhood. It helped me become a well-rounded person,” said Gabby. Clarice recently began her sophomore year at the University of Portland. “MAC is like a family. A lot of my childhood is tied up in the place. It helped me branch out and try so many different things so I could find out more about what I like and dislike,” she said. Dominic is the youngest of the bunch and is midway through Jesuit High School. “Being part of MAC is like having a second home. …When I was younger I would walk the halls of MAC with my parents and look at the pictures of the athletes and think that I would like to be on one of those pictures. I would be somebody that younger kids would look up to. Sadly, I have never made it on the wall, though I grant that I’m not the best
Susanna and Dominic DeCastro in an early Infant Massage class.
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photo by Kate Mills
Dave Pullin and his high school sweetheart, Carol Collins Pullin.
home Continued from page 43
athlete. I have been able to try many sports, something that I wouldn’t have been able to do without MAC. … The things my friends and I could do at MAC are endless. MAC has enhanced my life in many ways. I’m very grateful that I am a member,” he said. Three generations, one extended family, and many years at MAC. The club serves as a social hub and a dinner spot for family and friends. As the DeCastro children gain independence and slowly leave the nest, he continues to play tennis and both parents enjoy the friendships that have been forged over the past 25 years. This legacy will continue. And this is only the beginning of Dominic’s journey, whose photo will someday hang on MAC walls.
Pullin Family Dave Pullin first visited MAC in 1976, as a junior at Sunset High School. He was the wide receiver and kicker on the football team and his teammate’s father, Mel Fox, was the MAC
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Manager. Sunset was in contention for the state football championship, and Fox invited the players to MAC for a team dinner. Perhaps the dinner caused Sunset to win the championship that year and the next! Sometime later, Dave and his high school sweetheart, Carol Collins Pullin, were married and ready to start a family. MAC had made a lasting impression on Dave. He is a financial wealth management adviser based downtown and knew he could exercise during lunch if they belonged to MAC; working out, staying in shape, and competing is important to him. The Membership lottery was kind, and by 1991, when they became members, the Pullin family included son Sean, while daughter Kelly was on the way. While at Sunset, Dave also was on the basketball and track teams and his track coach was Toby Daniels, another MAC member. The track coach at Lewis & Clark College had trained Daniels, and the college eventually recruited Dave for their track team. Once there, he was offered the decathlon as a challenge. True to form, he became an All American Decathlete. Decades later, Dave has competed in the MAC decathlon many times in his 30s and 40s. “I’m pretty competitive, which is fine, but it’s a decathlon competition, and I found I was injuring myself. As I got older, I wanted to find something competitive that didn’t cause injury.” He now focuses on competitive 5k road runs. Dave still works out at MAC Monday through Friday, usually around noon; if he isn’t there Friday, a long weekend run is planned. He trains for and annually competes in the Race for the Roses, as he appreciates the beneficiary (the Albertina Kerr Center), and likes having a goal. “I usually place in the top five for my age group, so it’s not a big deal,” Dave says modestly. “It’s just once a year, but I stay in shape for that.” Two years ago he was on the treadmill, and something was off. His doctor attributed it to high blood pressure “You’ve developed hypertension, and we need to get you on high blood pressure medication.” Dave felt something else was happening, as 10 to 15 minutes into a run, he began to feel pain and tightness in his chest. His doctor explained that if he had a heart issue, he wouldn’t be able to finish his workout. “I don’t think it will show anything, but if you want, I’ll give you a stress test.” During the test, his doctor immediately saw the problem, and referred him to cardiologist Shawn Patrick, also a MAC member “By working out daily at MAC, I was doing my own stress test, and I knew something was wrong,” Dave says. An angiogram showed 95
photos MAC Archives
percent blockage in one of his coronary arteries, so a stent was inserted. Dave’s history of working out and competing had him back at MAC the week after his surgery. “It’s not like I had open heart surgery. I was only in the hospital overnight,” he said. Dr. Patrick advocates staying in shape, and he encouraged Dave to return to his workouts. “He walks the walk. He does triathlons,” Dave says. They frequently see each other working out at the club. Carol is comforted that Dave’s cardiologist is often there and that Dr. Patrick told Dave that he should live another 40 years. “That’s long enough for me,” Dave laughs. He noticed some initial compromise, but three months after the surgery, he again ran the Race for the Roses. Describing a typical workout, Dave endorses variety. He focuses on aerobic training, running three to four miles several times each week, and weight trains on the alternate days. When MAC offered kickboxing, he participated and is disappointed it is no longer offered. “There was an interesting article in the MAC magazine about Pilates. I might try it.” he says. Finally, Dave now takes one weekday and one weekend day as rest days. “As I get older, rest days are as important as workout days. If I don’t have a rest day, my body is more susceptible to injury,” he says. Additionally, Dave uses the club for business, and notes the wonderful job the catering department does for lunch or dinner meetings. When he meets with older clients and their families, he uses one of the private rooms, and the catering staff is very accommodating. Carol also is an athlete, serving on the swim and dance teams while at Sunset High. When they joined the club, she enrolled their young
kids in day camps. They enjoyed participating in basketball, gymnastics, swimming and Little Macs programs. Back problems brought Carol to private Pilates training sessions, which helped. She enjoys spin and Pilates classes, and still likes to swim; she describes herself as a person who likes to try everything. “I biked with the biking group … once!” she says. Her new downtown parking spot supports her plans to work out more frequently at the club. Carol appreciates and participates in MAC classes and lectures, and mentions a lecture series on senior resources that helped as her parents aged. She also enjoys the social aspect of the club; her aunt is a member, and while her cousin is not, they have a regular date at MACtinis. The Pullins like the MAC restaurant choices, and enjoyed Carol’s birthday dinner in the Men’s Bar this year. They cheer the Timbers, and find games a good way to keep in touch with their grown children. When invited to watch a soccer match at MAC, the kids rarely say no. Discussing membership benefits, Dave looks to the future. “As I transition toward retirement, I like the idea of having MAC as a daily destination. (It) is a place to go and work out, and there are lots of other things to do when you are not working out as much. It’s encouraging to look forward to that,” he said. Carol believes variety is the biggest benefit of her MAC membership. “There has always been something new as I’ve aged. In each season of life there has been something that has spoken to me,” she said. Variety. Family. Second home. MAC at 125 and members pre- and post- 1991 have reason to be proud.
MAC offers a broad variety of adult classes and lectures.
February 2016 | MAC Anniversary Special Edition |
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125th anniversary
For more information and how to register, look in upcoming issues of The Winged M or go to themac.com and add125th Anniversary to your interests.
calendar Save the date for the celebratory club events below.
Tuesday, Feb. 2 • 125th Anniversary Celebration Kick Off
Friday, April 22 – Sunday, April 24 • NACAD Basketball Championships
Annual Meeting and complimentary prime rib dinner.
Basketball teams from athletic clubs around the country battle for the basketball title.
February • Walk and Win $125
Sunday, April 24 • Balladeers Concert
The first walker to reach 125 miles through walking and hiking events wins $125.
Enjoy the men’s choral group and special guests as they they celebrate their 75th anniversary with a concert. Event is complimentary.
February • 125 Pilates events All drop-in pilates classes implement 125’s instead of 100’s. Members who attend 125 pilates classes earn a T-shirt.
Friday, Feb. 5 • Mamma Mia! Sing-a-long Join the MelloMacs, Balladeers and Social Activities Committees for a fun-filled MAC music night sing-along. Registration required.
Friday, Feb. 12 – Sunday, Feb. 14 • MAC Open
The 125th Anniversary Fun Run on Sunday, Sept. 25 has activities for the entire family.
2016 is the 33rd Annual MAC Open Gymnastics Meet. This year features men’s teams from the University of Washington and Arizona State on Sunday, Feb. 14.
Friday, March 11 • Family Fridays The Family Events Committee offers an Olympics theme at Family Fridays to honor the club’s anniversary. Event is complimentary.
Saturday, March 12 • Ivy Pull
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MAC Long Course invitational is a A-B-C level swim meet for all competitive level swimmers.
Friday, May 6 • MelloMacs Spring Sing Along Enjoy singing along with this mixed choral group as they celebrate their 55th anniversary. Event is complimentary.
Friday, May 6 • Synchro Water Spectacular MAC Synchro program honors MAC history through a spectacular and commemorative event for all members and friends.
Thursday, May 5 – Sunday, May 8 • U.S. Nationals / Pro Stop MAC is hosting players from around the U.S. and Ireland for the U.S. Handball National Master’s Singles Championships and World Players of Handball Championships. The event is aired on ESPN3.
Help eradicate English Ivy from the MAC Trail near the Rose Garden in Washington Park. Teens earn volunteer credit. Lunch is provided. Bring garden gloves. RSVP to sstonecliffe@gmail.com.
Thursday, May 12 – Monday, May 16 • Tournament of Champions
Sunday, March 20 • Spring Equinox Yoga
The tournament includes top racquetball pros on the men’s and women’s tours. In addition, draws allow many amateurs to compete.
All special seasonal classes are 125 minutes (normally 120).
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Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 • MAC Long Course Invitational
MAC Anniversary Special Edition
| February 2016
Sunday, June 5 • Dance Recital The recital showcases the program’s dancers and includes anniversary-themed choreography.
Sunday, June 5 • Ice Cream Walk Walk through MAC neighborhoods and parks.
Monday, June 20 • Summer Solstice Yoga Classes are 125 minutes long.
Wednesday, June 22 • Street Fair The Turnaround is filled with activities, games, ice cream and entertainment. Event is complimentary.
Thursday, July 14 • 125 Years at MAC Special dinner and historical photo show with MAC archivist George Vogt. Registration required and limited seating available.
Sunday, Aug. 21 • Cycling Fun Ride
Friday, Oct. 14 • Junior Dance The Junior Events Committee presents the 6-8th grade junior dance with a MAC homecoming theme. Registration required.
Monday, Nov. 14 • Trivia Night The Social Activities Committee’s monthly trivia night includes an added club history round to celebrate 125. Registration required.
One of the club’s premier anniversary events with activities for the whole family.
Friday, Nov. 25 – Monday, Nov. 28 • Holiday Decorating
Sunday, Aug. 21 • Family Golf Event
Celebrate “125 Years of Holiday Magic” by volunteering to decorate the club for this year’s holiday season.
A family friendly day of golf activities including a social dinner.
Monday, Aug. 22 • Listen & Learn Lecture A Teddy Roosevelt impersonator presents a delightful and informative presentation in honor of America’s national parks centennial celebration.
Thursday, Sept. 22 • Autumnal Solstice Yoga Classes are 125 minutes long.
Saturday, Sept. 24 • 125 Ball One of the club’s premier anniversary events. Celebrate MAC’s milestone anniversary with gourmet dinner stations, specialty drinks and multiple live entertainment venues. Registration required.
Sunday, Sept. 25 • Fun Run One of the club’s premier anniversary events, with activities and runs for the entire family.
December • Climbing MAC hosts the U.S.A. Climbing Youth Regional Championships.
The 125th Anniversary Fun Ride on Sunday, Aug. 21, offers family and long distance routes. Below, enjoy live music and gourmet food at the 125 Ball Saturday, Sept. 24.
Ball
Tuesday, Dec. 6 and Wednesday, Dec. 7 • Holiday Fashion Show The Culture & Style Committee presents the annual fashion show, with an added scene to celebrate the club’s anniversary.
Wednesday, Dec. 21 • Winter Solstice Yoga Classes are 125 minutes long.
Saturday, Dec. 31 • Family New Year’s Eve Party Attendees are given time capsules to create at the event highlighting “MAC Moments in Time.”
January 2017 • Banquet of Champions Celebrate MAC’s top-ranked athletes and get inspired to achieve athletic excellence. February 2016 | MAC Anniversary Special Edition |
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CONGRATULATIONS MULTNOMAH ATHLETIC CLUB
125 YEARS OF ENRICHING LIVES & FOSTERING FRIENDSHIPS
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