4 minute read
It’s Always a Good Time to Join MAC
By Sydney Baer
The Multnomah Athletic Club might have the word athletic in it, but it is far more than its name suggests. It is truly a club for individual and team sports, social activities, the committee system, leadership development, workout facilities, group exercise, childcare, dining, and lots and lots of classes, from knitting, bridge, canasta, and singing to swimming, tennis, and basketball. We are a community the size of a small city and love all our opportunities to be engaged.
As a club for people of all ages, it is easy for all to partake in the plethora of activities available. Recently, it was brought to my attention that 28% of the club’s membership is over age 60. Walk into any area of the club and you will see seniors participating in everything. And MAC members join at all ages. There are those over 60 who have just recently become members and others who proudly show others their 50-year pins!
Take Dr. Mark Litchman, a retired family practice physician from Eugene. He and his wife moved to Portland to be closer to their adult children. Once they settled in their new home, they met new friends and neighbors who talked about everything they do at MAC. He thought, I too need to join MAC. He comes to the club most morning to exercise, enjoying both aerobics and weight training. He participates in group walks and recently enjoyed attending Eric Wheeler’s neighborhood architecture tour. Mark told me he loves to entertain and really enjoys cooking — he shared that he has been the cook for his family for the last 20+ years!
I met Elinor and Martin Colman at the MAC new member open house. They were born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and have retained their delighted South African accents. They actually moved to the United States 50 years ago after Martin’s medical training in radiation oncology and raised their two now-adult sons all over the United States. Their sons and families live in Salt Lake City and Portland, and they split their time between both cities to give their fabulous grandchildren equal time. Elinor enjoys MAC’s water aerobics classes, and Martin is a squash player. He has been playing at MAC for many years but always as a guest from another club. Now he is a member, and he can bring others to join him on the squash court. They also enjoy dining and are navigating their way around our campus. I told them — as I tell everyone — to just stop and ask. We were all new once and never mind helping our newest members.
Pamela Prideaux is both an old and new member. She and her sister, Meridel, grew up at the club and learned to swim way back when! Meridel officially joined at age 26 and is proud to be a 50-year member. Meridel is part of the Pool Pals and appreciates all that MAC has to offer. Pamela left when she was young, but now she and her husband, Andy Smith, have returned. They are thrilled to be back. Lots has changed in the last 40 years. They love that MAC keeps them active; they do yoga, participate in stretch workshops, use the Fitness Room and the Indoor Track, swim, run in the Turkey Trot, and enjoy all the club’s dining spaces. Pamela is also an artist and has been part of the Member Art Show. Andy is a marathon bike rider, having participated in MAC’s bike ride, Jingle Bells. To quote them, “The MAC is a great place.” And they live so close that they can walk.
I am part of an informal group of “senior” adult advocates committed to making sure everyone feels welcome in our incredible community. The club just hosted a wonderful series of senior workshops, and there are more opportunities for seniors planned. Also coming our way are senior mix and mingle events in the Reading Lounge on the third Thursday of the month from 4-5 p.m. Once you have mingled, please check out the vendors in the Main Lobby! To learn more about senior opportunities, read The Winged M or sign up for emails by checking the “Seniors” box on the My Interests page at themac.com.
Welcome to our amazing community! All the best with your goals, resolutions, and plans in the new year.
