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From the Owner, Robin Robertson
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 This year has been an incredible year for the club. We have offered more social events than any previous year, launched a new Healthy Knees Cycling program and capped our Tennis Memberships. Things are happening. New and even more exciting things are on the horizon. An we want to thank you for choosing to spend your time with us each and every day. We know that you have choices. There are many ways you can choose to spend your free time. And there are many places you can choose to do that. We are so grateful you choose us! Recently, we have been doing a lot of extra reflection on the quality of service we offer our members and community. And because you are so important to us, we want to offer you not just the best, but the BEST of the BEST! We are continuing to plan for a lobby remodel - these things take time.
And after stepping back to take a look at what systems we can improve behind the scene, we came up with a short list. - Tennis Court Reservations (booking systems, ease of use)
- Billing System (incomprehensible statements, mis-charged fees)
- Tennis Lesson Booking (lengthy process, multi-step, many mistakes on our end)
While this list is by no means exhaustive, it has opened our eyes to areas we need to look for improvement. We want to offer you the best possible service. Join the conversation! Please reply to this email and let me know:
What problems can we solve for you?
What things would you like to see improved? (Although we'd love to help you improve any and all areas of your life, we're mostly interested in your improving experience with our front desk experience and software systems at this time. Thanks!)
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WITH GRACE & GRATITUDE
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Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Left to right: Bob Chronister, Mayor Reg Williams, Mary Chronister
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We want to acknowledge the passing of two important people in the Club's history who always exhibited grace on and off the court:
Mary Chronister and Carla Lyons
We are happy and blessed that you were part of the BTC-FF family.
Mary Chronister
passed away on May 16, 2016
Mary and Bob Chronister helped to start this club. They were the pro-managers when it opened in 1973. I'm not quite sure when they "retired" as managers, but they were here for at least the first 13 years while the Davis brothers owned the C
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Mary & Steve Chronister
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lub. Our Club history book tells me that after that, although they did not have the official designation as pro-managers, they still helped out around the Club. You all probably know that their son, Steve Chronister, is the tennis coach at Bellingham High School. Mary was a staple here at the club until just a few years ago. You'd find her first thing in the morning, doing her fitness routine, then on the court for 1 - 2 hours playing a competitive game. Mary was a fierce competitor and humble, never wanting to toot her own horn. She always followed the tennis scene and was a big supporter. Her tenacity is honorable and even though she hasn't been here for a few years, we will miss her presence on earth. Thank you, Mary, for being such a wonderful coach, role model, and spirit for all. Carla Lyons
passed away on May 3, 2016|
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Matt, Carla, Betty, Henry, and Doug at a tennis event here
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Carla was one of our talented tennis pros. Her passion was working with our juniors and was always a positive and competitive leader. You may not have known what a talented player Carla was, she was soft spoken, never said an unkind thing, and fierce competitor. A few years ago, she and her husband with their three children left on a grand sailing adventure to Mexico. They spent about a year on their boat. Her celebration of life memorial service will be held at United Church of Ferndale, on June 11th at 2pm.
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Word of the Week
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 "FOCUS"
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Community Events
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We have been asked to host a Blood Drive this Summer. And we'd love to!
The question is...would YOU?
The Blood Bank will bring the donation "bus" to us! We need to know if you are interested...you are not committing. It would be sometime in August. It is fine to donate blood after you exercise. Please respond to this email if you are interested in learning more or want to donate.
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Welcome New Members!
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Please help us welcome the following members to the Club by introducing yourself and helping them feel at home around the club!
Fitness
Amy Fogle
Barbara Misday
Charm Miller-Davis
Cheryl Ellison
Melody Rhode
Mozelle Green
Ryan Aarstol
Sabrina Enright
Sandy Wolf
Tennis
John Dawson
Kevin McCarthy
Pete Cilley
Rick Bowker
Russell Rawls
Stas Dorokhov
Prithvi Randhawa
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Member of the Month - Ajit Rupaal
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If you have been a member of the Bellingham Tennis Club and Fairhaven Fitness for even just a week, you have more than likely seen the friendly face of our June Member of the Month. You may have exercised next to him in the fitness room, played next time to him on a tennis court or most likely, been greeted by his smile in the lobby and been the recipient of his friendly "hello". We are delighted to award one of the most familiar faces in BTC/FF history (and one of the Club's most longstanding members) Ajit Rupaal as our Member of the Month.
Back in the 1980's, the Club was having a Christmas special featuring a three-month membership for $45. One of Ajit's family members persuaded him to join and he hasn't looked back. That puts Ajit at around 35 years of Club Membership! He has seen the Club change and evolve, different owners and managers came and go but he fondly recalls when Doug and Robin became owners and added the fifth tennis court.
Ajit was born in India and came to Vancouver, B.C. to pursue his PhD in physics. "I never left," he says with a smile. He was offered a job at Western Washington University teaching physics and there he worked, up until his retirement a few years back. "I figure at least 10,000 students have passed through my classes over the years," Ajit says. Ajit's retirement has afforded him more time to enjoy the finer things in life. When asked about his other hobbies, Ajit smiles and says, "Grocery shopping. Wine shopping." He loves to cook and spend quality time with his wife.
Perhaps one of the only times Ajit has been missing from the Club in thirty years was last July when he underwent a complete knee replacement. Ajit was determined to get back to tennis playing shape and worked very hard at his rehab. He returned to the Club to work on his fitness and work out, and started playing tennis again in April. He is back in the swing of the things with his regular foursome and hasn't missed a beat.
What has kept Ajit interested in the game of tennis for over 30 years? The camaraderie and social outlet. "I just want to play. I'm not picky who I play with." Ajit, that attitude is just one of the many reasons we are so honored you have decided to spend so much of your time with us. Here's to 30+ more years!
Our Member of the Month receives a $25 gift certificate to the Pro Shop
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MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Fitness Survey Results
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Fitness Survey. We got a lot of good ideas and suggestions and take it all into consideration. Here is a summary of comments with some answers for you. Total Respondents = 128 That's GREAT! 56% Tennis Members, 36% Fitness Members, 8% Other What would you like to see in our fitness area and lobby remodel? To improve your fitness experience? - More stretching/ open workout space
- Eliminate some Strive machines
- Improve tennis viewing
- Juice/Smoothie/Fruit bar
- Updated Flooring/Interior
Individual Comments: First of all, thank you to everyone who responded. We had tons of positive feedback, a few confusions, and some great ideas on how to improve. Below are some questions that came up...
I don't know how to use the equipment.
All members are given a "Fitness Jump Start" when you join. If you missed yours, please take advantage of it! Our Personal Trainers will help you to understand how to use the equipment that is right for you. Or, book one personal training session to learn where to begin.
Can we use the Group Training Room?
You are welcome to use the group training room when it is not in use by a training session or a class. It might look dark because the lights are off and the tinted windows. As a member, it is space available for you. Just turn on the lights to workout or leave it dim to stretch. Enjoy!
Why the attention to fitness at a tennis club?
Every professional tennis player knows that performance on the court is supported by fitness training off the court. If you want to be a better tennis player, have more endurance, and stay injury free for longer, then we recommend twice per week strength and cardio training (at a minimum). We also feel strongly about cycling as an ideal cross-training companion to tennis. It is no weight bearing taking the stress off your knees, hips, and ankles, and gives you the leg strength and cardio power you need for endurance on the court. Strength and cardio training is not only good for your tennis game, but is good for your bones and your heart and will help you to stay fit and ready for action in all areas of you life.
As a business, we want to do the very best we can with the facility we have. So, since we offer fitness for our tennis members, we want to expand and offer to non-tennis players as well. We love a thriving club! And we love helping people live healthier, happier lives. The style of fitness we offer is ideal for those who do NOT like the competitive type of show-off stuff you get at the other big gyms or like being one of 20 or 30 in a class. Our equipment is well suited for the "boomer" generation, we have all the equipment you need for a great workout, and it's functional for everyone. We care about you and want you to achieve the very best in health and happiness.
Are there Memberships that include the GET Fit Classes?
Yes! Our "GET Fit" and "VIP" membership levels INCLUDE group training classes (and Cardio Tennis!) as part of the dues. Take as many classes per week as you like! Includes Body Con, Indoor Cycling, TRX, and Cardio Tennis.
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