Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1107571
MAY / JUNE 2019 31 connect with club programs club life R O B E R T L A U R E N T By Amy Pieper, Program Board Chair If you're reading this, you probably already know the Washing- ton Athletic Club is a special place. Its top-notch fitness facilities, classes, and staff; its well-appointed Inn at the WAC rooms and excellent dining options; and its ongoing array of entertainment events all make the WAC a unique club in Seattle. So how can you get even more out of the WAC? By joining one of Club Pro- grams' five event-planning committees. e July/August issue of WAC Magazine will include a description of these com- mittees and an invitation to join. I urge you to consider accepting that invitation. Until then, a true confession. I joined the WAC in 1999 because it was the gym right across the street from my office. For 15 years, that's pretty much all the WAC was for me—a place to work out. But as amazing as the fitness facilities are, I realize now that for 15 years I didn't know what I was missing. In 2014, I joined the In the Know Committee. Since then, the WAC has become a much bigger part of my life. Although I'd met some great people while only using the Club as a gym, my connections increased exponentially aer I became more involved. And here's a bonus: I also got to dream up awesome event ideas and see them come to frui- tion—and then invite friends and family to attend! Of course Jubilee is fabulous. But some of my other favorite WAC events include architectural tours (like of Pioneer Square), informational presen- tations (including an evening discussing art with gallery owner and fellow WAC member Allan Kollar), and behind-the- Dream big with Club Programs Expand your WAC membership and plan amazing events scenes tours (like of the Nucor steel plant). ese events and hundreds of others are possible through the vision of our WAC member leaders and the tireless support and creativity of WAC Club Programs team members Robert Laurent, Mary Ellen Jilek, and Robinette Holt. ese days, my husband and friends regularly ask me what events are coming up at the WAC. ey know there's always something fun happening soon. ese events are even better when you have a personal hand in making them come to life. So bring your own big dreams with you and join one of Club Programs' committees. As a final note, I have truly enjoyed my year chairing the WAC Program Board, and I'm happy to welcome 2019–2020 Chair Adam Volkman. See you around the WAC! Outgoing Program Board Chair Amy Pieper, second from left, and friends at the Batch 206 Distillery Barrel Tour & Craft Cocktail Making event.