Celebrating 30+ Years of Midtown Rochester Membership
On May 13, 2016, we invited all members who have belonged to the club for 30 years or longer to a special luncheon in the Adirondack Lodge.
Close to 100 members accepted our invitation, and what resulted was an incredible gathering of good friends, delicious food, and the sharing of Midtown Moments and special memories that spanned the last three (and for some, four) decades.
What soon became obvious as members spoke is the tight bond they have formed with their tennis coaches, personal trainers, and group exercise instructors over the years. As these members spoke, and shared their stories, they referred to our associates as their friends, and we were honored to hear this.
Here are a few of their stories:
Member Lillian Salzman joined what was then Midtown Tennis Club in 1971 because her late husband, Len Salzman, loved to play tennis. She and her husband played for 20 years, but following his death, Lillian took a break from the game. Three years ago, Lillian began playing again thanks to Adult Tennis Director Phyllis Wilunda, with whom she plays twice a week.
Now in her 80s, Lillian calls playing tennis with Phyllis, "the thrill of my life." She considers Phyllis not only her coach, but also a friend, and the two enjoy some healthy trash-talking while on court. Following her tennis lesson, Phyllis often joins Lillian for lunch in the cafe. The pair have developed a true friendship, which, according to Lillian, has helped to keep her young.
Gail Hayes likens her time at the club to "being on vacation."
She plays both indoor and outdoor tennis, and loves her WERQ classes with Laura once a week. She says she's made more friendships at Midtown than she can count, and credits the club with keeping her healthy and fit.
Ann Wambach has been a member "forever" and has trained with Coach Doug Rusho for years. He helps her boost her strength and agility, so that she can stay in top form for her twice-a-week tennis games. The pair are great friends. Doug even gave Ann a ride home following the lunch.
Other members shared stories of a time when ashtrays appeared in the locker rooms (yes, really), and front desk attendants handed out two (and only two) towels to members as they checked in, and when women were allowed to play tennis only between the hours of 11am and 4pm, because primetime was reserved for men. (We've come a long way, baby.)
Our longtime members are incredibly special to us, and with 75% of members remaining with us year after year, we're looking forward to many more joining the 30+ years club in the years to come.