Issue 82 - June 10, 2026

AROUND THE CLUB





Introducing




Dave

______________


Member since 2010

For many at Liberty, Dave is one of those familiar faces who always seems to be in motion: heading to class, greeting fellow members, or tackling his next workout. A member for 16 years, Dave’s positivity consistently shines in his friendly hellos to the front desk and in his strong commitment to health and wellness. Whether he's tackling Boot Camp, Power 45, Strength Cycle, or swimming laps outdoors, staying active truly defines Dave. 


Boot Camp, in particular, remains a longtime favorite. Dave especially enjoys summer sessions when class heads outside, and if the workout includes running the Liberty hill - even better! Inspired by an active family, including a father who completed 26 marathons after age 40, Dave believes movement is simply part of living well.


That same commitment extends well beyond the club. After 46 years of martial arts training, Dave teaches classes twice a week, sharing his expertise as a 5th Degree Black Belt in HoiJeon Moo Sool/Hapkido and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. His dedication also carries into service, including more than 34 years of volunteer work with the United Way and ongoing support as a regular American Red Cross donor with over 100 donations (more than 12 gallons in total!).

 

When he’s not at Liberty or giving back to the community, Dave will be enjoying time outdoors this summer: meals outside with friends and family, weekend getaways, and a trip out west with his wife and two daughters. At the heart of it all, Dave’s message is clear: stay active, stay connected, and show up fully — at Liberty and in the communities that matter most.

From the Desk of Nanci Abou-Hassan Director of Fitness & Wellness


Fitness Floor Policies

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all members, please keep the following in mind:

  • Phone conversations on the fitness floor are prohibited
  • Closed-toed shoes are required
  • Return weights and equipment to their proper places after use
  • Wipe down mats and equipment before moving on
  • Take a quick moment to check your area before leaving it
  • Bring used towels to the designated collection points



These actions are small, but they make a meaningful difference in keeping the space safe, efficient, and welcoming for everyone.


Youth Access Guidelines:

  • Under 12: May only use the fitness floor with a personal trainer; may use the track and basketball court with a parent.
  • Ages 12+: May use cardio equipment and strength circuits after completing a New Member Personal Training (NMPT) session; may join group fitness classes (excluding Strength Cycle), and use the track and basketball court.
  • Ages 14+: May use cardio and circuit equipment after NMPT, join group fitness (Strength Cycle only with a parent), and use the free weight area after NMPT only when accompanied by a parent or trainer.
  • Ages 15+: Full access to cardio, circuit equipment, group fitness, and free weight areas after completing NMPT.

Stay in the Know This Summer at Liberty!


Summer is here, and we've got so many exciting events lined up! From fun kids' activities and free treats to special group fitness classes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure you’re not missing out on any of the action by looking out for our weekly newsletters, where we’ll be sharing all the details about the special summer happenings at Liberty each week. Stay connected – and get the most out of your summer at Liberty Athletic Club!

Donuts for Dad


Treat Dad to something sweet this Father’s Day weekend! Stop by and pick up a delicious Washtenaw Dairy donut, packaged perfectly for Dad, for just $5 on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21.



Available while supplies last!

School’s Out, and Summer’s In!



As summer fun ramps up, please note these friendly reminders to help keep your Tree House visits smooth and stress-free:



  1. Reservations Required
  2. Spots fill up fast, so be sure to reserve your child’s spot early! Reservations open 48 hours in advance and can be made through the online member portal or by calling the front desk at 734.665.3738 ext. 110
  3. For safety and cleanliness, all children must wear socks while in the Tree House. Don’t forget to pack a pair!
  4. Please keep your phone accessible while your child is in our care; we need to be able to contact you if absolutely necessary.


Thanks for your cooperation—and for sharing your kiddos with us. We’re excited for a fun-filled summer at the Tree House!


– The Liberty Tree House Team

NUTRITION

Nutrition Facts

From the desk of Bethany Williston, M.S., Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Liberty Athletic Club



Wasabi Uncovered: Spice, Science, and Surprises


If you’ve ever eaten sushi, you’ve likely had a small dab of bright green wasabi on your plate. But what exactly is it?


Wasabi comes from the underground stem (called a rhizome) of the wasabi plant. It’s a finicky crop that requires very specific growing conditions, which makes it one of the most expensive plants in the world. Because of that, most of the “wasabi” served outside of Japan isn’t actually 100% real wasabi. In fact, it’s usually just a small amount of true wasabi (often only 1–3%) blended with horseradish, mustard, and green coloring. That familiar heat you feel is mostly coming from those more affordable ingredients.


Nutritionally, wasabi and horseradish share some similarities: both contain antioxidant compounds. Wasabi, however, does have a slight edge, offering more protein, fiber, and significantly higher levels of certain antioxidants compared to horseradish.


Texture is another clue. Freshly grated wasabi has a soft, slightly grainy texture similar to ginger. If your “wasabi” is smooth and creamy, it’s almost certainly not the real thing ... though it will still deliver that familiar sinus-clearing kick!


So next time you enjoy sushi night, take a moment to appreciate the little green condiment on your plate. Whether it’s authentic or not, it still brings plenty of flavor and a bit of science to the table.


ADULT TENNIS

Adult Summer Tennis Programs



Registration is open for Adult Summer Tennis Programs. This season includes Adult Intro, Adult Intermediate, Cardio Tennis, and Drills for players at the 2.5–4.5 levels. Full program details can be found in the Adult Tennis Brochure link below. 

Ann Arbor City Tennis Tournament



Get ready for one of Ann Arbor’s favorite summer traditions! The Ann Arbor City Tennis Tournament brings together players of all ages and skill levels for a fun weekend of competition, community, and great tennis. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the local tennis community. 

Special Doubles Clinic 

with Gigi Fernandez

for Liberty Members Only


Friday, August 21

Join us Friday, August 21, for a unique opportunity with 17-time Grand Slam Doubles Champion and International Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee Gigi Fernandez!


Gigi will be on site at Liberty leading her nationally renowned Gigi Method Doubles Clinic, focused on specialized doubles strategy and training.


Session 1: 9:00–10:45 a.m. (3.0–3.5 players)

Session 2: 10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (3.5–4.0 players)


Each session will be followed by lunch and a Q&A with Gigi. Space is extremely limited (only 8 players per session), and only a few spots remain. Please register if you plan to attend. We will extend this opportunity to non-members beginning June 21 so please take advantage of the early Liberty registration timeline to sign up. 

 

Please see the link below for pricing and registration details.  

ADULT PICKLEBALL

Get ready for a summer of pickleball at Liberty! From open play and clinics to social events and friendly competition, there are plenty of ways to stay active, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoor courts all season long.

YOUTH TENNIS CORNER

Junior Summer Program



Sign-up is now open for all Liberty Junior Summer Tennis classes (weekly sign-up) and all Tournament Training Programs for our advanced junior competitive players (daily sign-up). All junior tennis programs run from June 15 - August 27.

Junior Tennis Special Events

 

Junior Competitive 
Cardio Tennis Class 

Friday, June 19 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

$25/member|$35/non-member


A fast-paced, high-energy tennis workout to music, each class includes a warm-up, quick feed drills, and point play. This class is open to all junior competitive players (Jr. Comp. 1 & 2, Varsity Training Group).

Junior Competitive Summer Match Play

Friday June 26 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

$25/member|$35/non-member


Open to all junior competitive players (Jr. Comp. 1 & 2, Varsity Training Group), this match play class features short singles and doubles matches against a variety of opponents. Players will gain valuable competitive experience, sharpen match skills, and build confidence in a fun, supportive setting. 


Registration is required for both classes, and we kindly ask that you cancel if you are unable to attend. Please note that a 24-hour cancellation policy applies to both programs.

Junior Competitive Travel Match Opportunities 

Friday July 10 from 1-3 p.m. at Chippewa Club

Friday July 17 from 2-4 p.m. at Racquet Club

 

We are looking for approximately 12–15 players representing a cross section of all Junior Competitive groups to participate in both matches. To register your child for either match, please email Dan Goldberg at dan.goldberg@libertyathletic.net.

Girls State High School Tennis Championship

 

Congratulations to the Ann Arbor area Girls High School Tennis teams that placed in the top 10 in the recent State Tournament held at the Greater Midland Tennis Center! 


Division 1

Pioneer-3rd place (tied)


Division 3

Chelsea-6th place


Division 4

Ann Arbor Greenhills- State Champions


In addition. several Liberty members captured Individual State Championships at their respective divisions:


Division 1

Maryn Etheridge/ Ayla Altinsel, State Finalists, #3 doubles, Pioneer


Division 4

Lauren Ye, State Champion, #1 doubles, Greenhills 

Jessica Lou, State Finalist, #3 doubles, Greenhills 


Congratulations to all!

College Tennis Corner


Congratulations to Liberty member and Middlebury College tennis player Elsie Van Wieren who has been named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-American in singles. Van Wieren earned her third All-American citation after earning the distinction in singles and doubles a season ago. The rising junior was named an All-NESCAC First Team selection for the second year in a row. She represented Middlebury at the NCAA Singles Championship, advancing all the way to the quarterfinals before falling to the eventual champion.

 

EMPLOYMENT

Join our Liberty Team!

 

We are seeking outgoing and motivated individuals to join our team. We are accepting employment applications for the following position:



  • Part Time Tennis Pro -As a member of the Liberty Tennis Professional staff, you will help develop and facilitate tennis programming for various age groups and ability levels. Your duties include coaching adult and junior players, overseeing practice sessions, assisting, running tennis clinics, and offering private lessons. 10-15 hours per week, coaching experience is preferred.


This position provides a complimentary membership to the club and a 25% discount on items in the café and personal training sessions.


Interested applicants may download the Liberty Employment Application. Please contact the Colette Kress, HR Manager, at 734.665.3738 ext. 118 or via email at hr@libertyathletic.net with questions or to apply.

 
 



"Do not wait unitl the conditions are perfect to begin. 
Beginning makes the conditions perfect."


-- Alan Cohen




 

2975 W. Liberty Rd. •  (734) 665.3738


www.libertyathletic.net

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