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We make a difference in peoples' lives |
Tell us how Almaden Valley Athletic Club has made a difference in your life!
Our mission is to enhance your lifestyle . . . in every way! Simply email jbraun@avac.us
A Great Lost and Found Story
I just wanted to drop a quick Big Note of Thanks for the help that Jeff at the front desk provided this morning. Unable to find my wedding ring this morning, I decided to call AVAC to see if by chance anyone had turned it in last night. Jeff picked up the phone and was quick to check lost and found . . . unfortunately, nothing was turned in. Jeff took my contact information down and said he would take a look in the locker room. Jeff ended up calling back a few minutes later and told me that he found my ring tucked away in the corner of the locker room. I write this note to acknowledge that sometimes the little things, the little efforts, do matter and make a difference. I appreciate that Jeff sensed the urgency and did not wait to go take a look; he went and searched immediately. Hearing back from him so soon was a great relief and I appreciated it greatly (as did my wife.) Jeff also was very thorough in his search; it’s not easy to find something as small as a wedding room in a large room with lots going on. Again, this points to his true effort, thoroughness and attentiveness.
I also wanted to point out that membership at AVAC can provide a sense of security and community. Last year, my wallet had fallen out of my bag and ended up into another members gym bag. That member ended up finding it later that day and returning it, and the AVAC staff immediately notified me. This isn’t something overlooked by me. The fact that AVAC has created a safe and trusting and thoughtful environment for all is of great value to me, and I am thankful.
Thanks again Jeff!
Cheers,
Brandon Salom
Pete Freeman | Former Director of Tennis, now in Atlanta, GA
I miss my AVAC! I live in Atlanta now and belong to a gym and I have to say it can't hold a candle to AVAC. AVAC is a very special club that has a true sense of family. The members come back year after year and the trainers, management, and front desk also have many familiar faces to make you feel at home. It is a place to come forget about your worries and take time for yourself. AVAC prides itself on not being afraid to change with the times to always keep the facility looking great and providing the state of the art equipment and training techniques. To me AVAC has the perfect blend of what a club should be, great facilities, fun activities, and wonderful people!
Community Day visitor, now an AVAC member, Pattie Slasky
Who hasn't had a special occasion they wanted to look especially amazing for? This is exactly what brought Pattie Slaski to AVAC's June 2008 Community Day. However, her story goes deeper.
A Full Life, then Tragic Loss
Pattie, a mother of three and grandmother of two, enjoyed her retired days, from the Superior Court as a family law legal clerk lead and a volunteer for the Diabetes Society and Sacred Heart, with her husband of 26 years, Gene, going on trips to Reno and walking their dog, Charlie. Then Gene passed away, and Pattie's life turned upside down. No longer did she feel the need to get out of bed, except to walk Charlie, and instead of trips to Reno, she stayed at home. "I was crying all the time. I had nothing to live for."
Even while dealing with such a huge loss, Pattie knew she still wanted to be there for her family and with her son's wedding coming up she decided to make a change. One day her answer came in the mail when she received AVAC's flyer for the Summer Community Day. She had been checking out other local gyms, but when she came to AVAC, she felt the difference. "I felt warm when I first arrived. I joined that day. There was no hesitation."
Water Therapy with New Friends
From that decision forward, Pattie's life began to turn around. Drawn to the water, she started attending the morning water workouts, where in addition to the physical benefits, she found a new support system. "I had a reason to get out of bed. When I'm not here (AVAC), I miss it." With dedication and discipline, she created a routine to get her days started, attending class three days a week. She can even be found in the pool swimming after class with her new friends.
Then once again, Pattie experienced a loss, when her pet Charlie passed away. Only this time, the morning water workout ladies provided her the encouragement to keep going. The whole AVAC staff, from the front desk to the membership office to the trainers, was "very supportive, compassionate, patient and wonderful. I felt loved."
Dolphins in Appreciation
Finally, September 20th arrived, the day of her son's wedding. Immediately, Pattie's friends and family noticed the change that had taken place. They told her how great she looked, not only had she lost weight, but she had gained back her self-esteem. "I was proud of myself. AVAC changed my life."
Pattie wanted to express her gratitude toward AVAC for their support
during a very difficult time in her life. Anybody can donate money, but
she wanted it to be from the heart. During their marriage, Pattie's
love of the water and dolphins inspired Gene to give her a small statue
of three swimming teal dolphins. This was her absolute favorite of the
ones he had given her. Knowing the joy it had brought into her life,
she wanted to share it with everyone at AVAC who had helped her bring
about a new reason to live. The statue is currently on display in the
ladies' locker room.
Advice from Experiencing the AVAC Difference
So what advice does Pattie have for others? "Join
AVAC. It's wonderful. It's wonderful. It's wonderful. "Not only is
Pattie a success story, but now she's inspiring others to succeed with
her story. If you're ever by the pool in the morning, give Pattie a
wave, and if you're lucky you just might hear about her latest
adventures in Reno!
This story was written by Sarah Jasper, AVAC Marketing Intern and member of the Front Desk Team
AVAC member Nancy Yaldaei writes . . .
"I have been a member at AVAC for a while now and for the first time in years I have found my passion, thanks to STACY. I only regret that I didn't know about ZUMBA earlier but I decided to give it a try and fell in love with it. I know for a fact that you are aware of Stacy's accomplishments in AVAC. You do have a gem on your hands. She is inspiring, interesting, enthusiastic and phenomenal. I just love her energy and style but most of all what I appreciate about her is that she is a very nice person. That alone speaks volumes about her personality. Just by looking at her body I get inspired to work harder. She simply has it all. I think everyone agrees with me when I say STACY ROCKS!"
AVAC member Kristi Burdsall writes . . .
**LOVE** AVAC and my kids do, too! We have been swimming in the swim school for over 6 years (three kids) and I have been a regular AVAC member for almost 10 years. The club is clean, extremely well-equipped and friendly. I love that every piece of cardio equipment has its own TV! Really helps to pass the time if you forget your iPod! They have a wonderful Pilates room as well. I have never had anything but positive experiences with the management and staff - they have always been very accommodating.
When I decided to dive back into fitness after my third child was born, I was so grateful they had daycare - then I was even more grateful when it turned out my daughter loved to be in there! It helped me keep my mind on the workout and not on whether she was crying and unhappy. My two older kids love the daycare as well and ask to go on a regular basis...which keeps me working out for sure! I joined their Fit-4-Life program, a 12-week program to help improve your health and fitness. The first year I lost 36 pounds, and this year I have lost another 12 or so. It's really helped to keep me on track and accountable. I highly recommend it!
I love my trainer, Jackie Vail, and I love her classes (bosu ball core training, functional fitness). I really look forward to going there and challenging my self in new ways. They also have a fun cardio tennis program and the time goes so fast!! My oldest has tennis lessons through the Jr. Tennis Academy and has really enjoyed that.
The outdoor pools are great in the summer, if sometimes a little bit crowded; and my kids have loved the indoor swim school pool. My oldest started when he was three, and he, too screamed and cried his first couple of lessons, even though he LOVED the regular pool. But I kept making him go, making him try, and by the fourth class he realized it was going to be positive. He did great from that point on, and is an excellent swimmer now. My middle son is currently enrolled and loving it! The staff is sensitive to kids and understand how to get the kids distracted from mommy and focusing on the pool. They are expensive, but there are never more than 4 kids in a class, so your child gets a lot of one-on-one attention.
I think you can't go wrong with AVAC - there is a social element to the club that is really positive, and it is very family-friendly. You can get cheaper clubs, but you really do get what you pay for.
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