Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/546729
A s the founder and owner of Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, John Dimitriou has met great American jazz musicians ranging from Dizzy Gillespie to Poncho Sanchez. His music venue has been a Seattle institution for three- plus decades—starting out in the University District and moving to its current location on 6th and Lenora in 1985. That location happens to make it especially convenient for John to be a WAC member. John joined the WAC in 1991 at the encouragement of some friends who were members. Today, he plays racquetball at the Club multiple times a week. "There is a great group of people who play in the afternoons," he says. "We're all similar in age, and it's a lot of fun." John has also been taking his son, Ari, to the Club since Ari was old enough to participate in fitness programs. "I learned how to swim at the WAC," says Ari, now 26 and the bar manager at Jazz Alley. "I love the WAC. The people are all so nice." Ari recently got an individual WAC membership—thanks to a sponsorship from his dad. He's excited to have his own membership so he can keep up his regular workouts in Coed Fitness and start taking advantage of the Club's social events. He is also learning the family business from John in hopes of taking over Jazz Alley one day. As for the racquetball court, Ari has a ways to go before he can claim the family championship. For now, he's just happy to be keeping the family tradition alive. Written by Melinda Young-Flynn L U K E R U TA N They also grow the Club and ensure our continued status as one of the nation's premier city athletic clubs. Our new Membership All-Star program honors those members who serve as primary sponsor for three or more new WAC members in a given year. MEMBERSHIP A L L -S T AR MEMBERS MAKE THE WAC! John and Ari Dimitriou, members since 1991 and 2014 FAMILY TRADITION in tune at the WAC 24 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | AUGUST 2015 Includes Membership All-Stars as of press time. The 2015 All-Star program ended July 31. Membership All-Stars receive $500 WACash and are entered in a drawing for a weekend getaway to Los Angeles, including airfare and accommodation. Winner will be announced in WAC Magazine. MEET SOME OF OUR 2015 WAC MEMBERSHIP ALL-STARS: Kip Spencer, Bob Rupp, Paul Ravetta, Nick King, Andrew Jacob, Blake Harris, Arif Gursel, Ron Emerson, David Donovick, Miles Craigwell, Alfred Anderson, Phil Abbess