Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/422127
2 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | HOLIDAYS 2014 Sights and sounds of the season H appy holidays to all! The community that is the Washington Athletic Club is so alive this time of year— from the festivity and frivolity of Jubilee to the warmth and conviviality of Shoppers Teas and Santa Photos to the won- derfully comforting and nostalgic sounds of traditional songs played in the WAC lobby by harpist Diane Chattin. The scent of the Club's decorations and natural holiday trees reminds us that December's celebrations are here once again. Is there a simpler way than using the WAC to enjoy the holiday spirit? The Club is home to events and experiences for children and families that create lifetime memories. You can also find the perfect gift for those you care about or spend the night at the Inn, an ideal escape right in the middle of the downtown holiday bustle. December at the WAC starts with Jubilee and ends with the spectacular New Year's Eve Party, with fun and family and memories found at every turn. What a way to spend the holidays! From me and the entire WAC family, blessings to you all. WAC ® MAGAZINE HOLIDAYS 2014 Volume 33, Holiday Special ISSN 1091-7985 Washington Athletic Club ® 1325 Sixth Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 206.622.7900 / fax 206.464.3058 www.wac.net / magazine@wac.net 206.464.4631 / fax 206.464.1392 Subscription: $36 / Single copies: $3 Published on the first day of each month Periodicals rate postage paid at Seattle, WA Publisher: Michelle Pinson Editor in Chief/Creative Director: Barbara Schmitt Managing Editor: Darrick Meneken Designer: Kelly Wang Design Intern: Stephen Oh For advertising information: Kirk Tourtillotte Advertising & Marketing Sales Varsity Communications, Inc. p 888.367.6420, ext. 114 • f 888.273.1763 kirk@varsitycommunications.com EXECUTIVE STAFF Chuck Nelson President & Chief Executive Officer cnelson@wac.net Paul Lowber Chief Financial Officer plowber@wac.net Wayne Milner Senior Vice President Athletics, Special Projects & Community Partners wmilner@wac.net Bill Cohen Vice President Operations wcohen@wac.net Michelle Pinson Vice President Membership & Marketing mpinson@wac.net Peter Christian Vice President Food & Beverage pchristian@wac.net Melissa Borders Vice President Club Programs mborders@wac.net Wendall Smith Vice President Human Resources wsmith@wac.net WASHINGTON ATHLETIC CLUB - Dedicated 1930 - MISSION To enrich the quality of life of our members VISION To be the premier athletic club in America VALUES Leadership, Excellence, Integrity, Service and Sensitivity POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Editor, WAC Magazine, P.O. Box 1709 Seattle, WA 98111-1709 WAC and Washington Athletic Club are registered trademarks of the Washington Athletic Club. A testament to the holiday spirit F or me, the holidays are a time of deep reflection and personal gratitude. Eight years ago this month, my family experienced an unfortunate incident that will forever serve as a reminder of the true meaning of the holiday spirit. It was the infamous Hanukkah Eve Wind Storm of 2006, a night when Jennifer and I attended a private black-tie function at the WAC. It was around midnight that I first peered out the Club's windows and witnessed hurricane-force winds blowing down Union Street. I motioned to Jennifer immediately, and we made a quick departure for home in suburban Newcastle. When we arrived, wind speeds peaked at more than 80 mph. We scurried inside. Then it hit. The lights went out and the smell of wet cedar surrounded us. An enormous tree had given way and crashed on our house. I scrambled for a flashlight, revealing the enormity of the damage. Our roof was destroyed, our home suddenly uninhabitable. The next day didn't bring much relief. Insurance companies were slammed with widespread damage claims. Our outlook seemed uncertain at best. What happened next is a testament to the holiday spirit. Without hesitation, friends and family dropped everything to help. People I'd never met were suddenly removing debris from our yard and carting in plywood for makeshift repairs. In less than a day, our house was stabilized and habitable. Ten days later, we opened gifts under our Christmas tree and gave thanks to all those who made the moment possible. May each of you experience the blessings of a happy and safe holiday season. Chuck Nelson, President & Chief Executive Officer Kip Spencer, Chairman of the Board of Governors