Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/817011
28 WAC Magazine | wac.net club life Letter from the Program Board chair By Maria Finlayson Over the years, I have been asked count- less times: "What do you enjoy about the Washington Athletic Club?" Each year, I find new items to add to the list, in- cluding friendships, memories, experi- ences, and leadership opportunities. All that on top of an amazing facility in the heart of Seattle. I joined the WAC in 2009 to meet people through the Club's vast social offerings and was surprised by the warm welcome I received at each event I attend- ed. e more involved I became—from Toastmasters to trivia night—the greater the friendships. ere is no doubt the WAC has had a lasting impact on my life. I met my husband at trivia night, and our relationship developed over many WAC events, from Jubilee dealer train- ing to Tubing & Brews and beyond. When we got married, we did so at the WAC. As our family has grown, so has our use of the Club. Now we participate in the multitude of family activities, including children's holiday parties, the Mother Daughter Tea, and Family Fun Night, to name only a few. e thought and work that go into creating each of these top-notch expe- riences stem from the tireless efforts of the Club Programs team and the more than 100 member volunteers who serve on the five Programs committees: In the Know, Arts & Entertainment, Northwest Discovery, Family Activities, and 20s/30s. During the past few years, I have had the opportunity to see the inner workings of our Club, and I must extend a special thank you to Vice President Club Programs Melissa Borders and her staff—Robert Laurent, Mary Ellen Jilek, and Olivia omas—for everything they do as well as to the member volunteers I have served alongside. Your time and energy has helped better the WAC. Although my time as Program Board chair is ending, I am excited to hand the reins to incoming chair James Williams and to continue to experience the various chapters of life here at the WAC. I encourage all WAC members to sign up for a Programs committee. e experience will enrich you and give you a chance to shape the offerings available to fellow members. Watch for the official committee invitation in the July/August issue of WAC Magazine. —Maria Finlayson is the 2016–2017 Program Board chair. J O H N B A N G The lasting impact of Club Programs J O H N B A N G A N I TA N O W A C K A A N I TA N O W A C K A WAC Family Fun Night u Maria and Troy Finlayson with daughter Caroline. Jubilee ... The Return Mother Son Banquet