Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1541020
FALL / WINTER 2025 31 club life members through the ages Q U I N N T O O M E Y ( 4 ) Hal Strong, 73 Member since 2018 Hal Strong joined the WAC in 2018 when he needed a place to work out. He knew about the WAC from family—his wife had been a member and so had his grandmother. Now that he's mostly retired from a career in finance, Hal has ample time to come to the Club. He enjoys weight training, private Pilates, swimming in the pool, and weekly massages at the Spa at the WAC. But it's more than just the amenities that make the WAC stand out. "It's the people that make the WAC special," Hal says. "It's not a pretentious place. Everyone is so friendly, from walking in the front door to eating lunch at the WAC Café." Kristin Koon, 45 Member since 2011 Kristin Koon joined the WAC in 2011, but her Club legacy stretches way back. All the way to the WAC's beginnings, in fact! Her great-grandfather, Charles Rowlands, appears on a list of charter members compiled in 1928. Since then, her grandparents, parents, aunt, and cousin have all enjoyed membership. And Howie, Kristin's one-year-old son, makes five generations. "I love the strong legacy of the Club," Kristin says. "It is so special that I can give my son the opportunity to grow up at the WAC." Kristin and Howie enjoy Saturday morning swim lessons, and she also serves as a member leader on the Family Activities committee. Meryl Guanco, 9 Member since 2016 Meryl Guanco is an aspiring athlete, and there's no better place to harness that energy than at the WAC! Meryl enjoys basketball clinics led by the WAC wom- en's team, swims on the Juniors Swim Club, and practices with Watts Basket- ball. She's also found her voice at the WAC, speaking up for change when she noticed the old kids menu depicted only boys. "I wrote to the CEO asking about it, and they changed the menu!" Meryl recalls. "at was very cool." Meryl loves attending WAC summer camps, dancing at Father Daughter with dad Frank, and getting homework help at Aer School at the WAC. "Happy 95th anniversary, WAC," she says. "I hope you stay cool!" Members through the ages The Washington Athletic Club is home for members of all ages. Here, Hal Strong, Kristin and Howie Koon, and Meryl Guanco gather in the Club's library.