Issue 77 - January 14, 2026

AROUND THE CLUB

A message from Cara Peterson,

Liberty's President and CEO



As we embark on a new year, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude for your continued support, involvement, and enthusiasm as part of the Liberty community. Liberty has always been more than a club — it is a place where people come together to move, connect, and care for their well-being, and you are at the heart of that spirit.


We remain passionately dedicated to serving our members and to creating a welcoming environment for fun, fitness, wellness, sport, and lasting memories. Whether you come to Liberty to train, recharge, socialize, or simply move your body, our goal is to ensure every visit feels meaningful and motivating.


We are continually working to enhance your club experience through thoughtful investments in our facilities, equipment, and spaces. Thank you for your patience and understanding during our significant re-roofing project; we are pleased to share that it remains on track for completion ahead of the summer season. We have also enjoyed a strong start to the upper men’s locker room renovation and look forward to unveiling a refreshed, modern space designed with member comfort in mind.


We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Liberty employee team, whose dedication to our core values brings our mission to life every day. Their energy, care, and commitment are what make Liberty such a vibrant and supportive place to belong.



As always, we remain committed to continuous improvement and to fostering a culture of health and wellness built on positive connections and shared experiences. Thank you for being an integral part of Liberty. We wish you a healthy, happy, and bright year ahead.


With heartfelt appreciation,

Cara Peterson

President & CEO



Introducing




Connie

__________


Member since 2007



“You gotta put one foot in front of the other and lead with love.”

Some members leave a lasting impression not through grand gestures but through everyday kindness. Connie Powers is one of those people — bringing warmth, encouragement, and connection to the Liberty community year after year.


Whether she’s logging miles on the treadmill to the familiar sounds of CBS Sunday Morning, exchanging greetings with staff and fellow members, or lifting weights alongside her class companions, Connie carries a sense of warmth and connection wherever she goes. Having recently discovered Liberty’s small group strength classes, she cheerfully calls them “pure fun.” She especially loves the instructors’ thoughtful modifications, the challenging yet enjoyable workouts, and the uplifting energy and encouragement shared among the group.


For Connie, Liberty has always been about much more than fitness. “Walking through the front door and being greeted by staff and friends is a highlight of my day,” she says. With her husband John swimming regularly at Liberty and her daughter Molly Rose having lifeguarded here for more than a decade, the club has truly become a family hub.


It’s these daily hellos, shared stories, and meaningful moments of connection that remind Connie how fortunate she is to belong to such a welcoming community. Grounded in gratitude, she looks ahead to 2026 with a full heart and an open spirit. “My connections help keep me active and alive,” she says with a smile, “and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Family Guest Pass 2026


Your 2026 Family Guest Pass has been applied to your account. To redeem it, simply bring in your guests, and inform the front desk that you would like to use your family guest pass. Your guest pass will be validated and the transaction recorded in your account.


Certain restrictions apply.

GROUP FITNESS

Winter Group Fitness Schedule


The winter group fitness schedule is now in progress!


Please remember, registration is required for all classes and is open two days in advance of each class. Members may register through the Liberty mobile app or by using Online Services.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Winter Program Registration


Mark your calendars! Registration for sessions 7 & 8 begins for the following programs:


  • Youth Swim
  • Youth Tennis


Session 7 & 8

Members

Monday, February 2

5:30 a.m.


Non-Members

Monday, February 16

5:30 a.m.

Summer Camp Registration Opens February 9!


Mark your calendars! Summer Camp registration for members begins on February 9 at 6:00 p.m.


How to Register

  • Members must enroll via Liberty’s online services or the Liberty mobile app.
  • Note: In-person and phone registrations will no longer be accepted.


Important Reminders

  • In order to register online, your child must be registered as a member prior to February 9, and their birthday must be listed in their profile.
  • Please confirm your access to Liberty’s online services or app in advance to thwart potential registration issues.
  • Each camper may enroll in 5 weeks (maximum) out of the 10 weeks offered; this policy will help to provide equitable access to a variety of families.


Learn More

For detailed information about Summer 2026 Camp offerings, please refer to our Summer Camp Brochure.


We can’t wait to make summer of 2026 unforgettable!

Tree House Reminders


Adults, Please Remain in the Tree House Lobby

To ensure a secure play area and accurate attendance, we kindly ask that adults remain in the Tree House lobby unless your child needs assistance transitioning. Our staff is happy to help with challenging drop-offs and/or is always willing to bring your child to you during pick-up. Thank you for your cooperation!


Parents & Legal Guardians Only

Children may only be dropped off by parents or legal guardians who are Liberty members and remain on-site during their child's stay.

Join us every Tuesday for age-specific classes designed to build confidence, coordination, and social skills through active play. 


Mini Movers (Ages 1–2)

Tuesdays 10:30 – 11:00 AM & 4:15 – 4:45 PM



Welcoming our littlest members, this parent-and-me style class focuses on gross motor development and socialization through music, dance, and guided play.


Note: Adults must be present for the duration of this class. 


Shake, Rattle & Roll (Ages 3–5)

Tuesdays 9:45 – 10:15 AM & 5:00 – 5:30 PM


Take the next step in physical development! Children in this class will enhance their balance and fine motor skills using obstacle courses, ball activities, and dramatic play. 


Tree House Synergy: Parents may book a Tree House visit before or after class. Our staff will provide escort service to and/or from the Conference Room.

Bounce House Day


Come join us for some jumping and obstacle course fun! Our inflatable bounce house will be available to children ages 3 and over -- and an inflatable obstacle course will be set up for those 40" and taller to enjoy. Please note that children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 


Bounce House Day will take place on the adult basketball court from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. on Sunday: 


  • Sunday, January 25

Kids' Night Out!

Ages 5-13


Kids’ night out... and parents’ night off! Enjoy an evening away while your kids experience a safe and exciting night out at Liberty! Registration includes dinner, games/crafts, and lifeguarded swimming. We will end the night by preparing for bedtime with a late-night snack and a short kids show. Drop off and pick up is in the Conference Room. Children must be potty-trained to attend this event. 


Monthly on Friday evenings from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

February 20 | March TBA | April 17


Members only|$25. Registration opens four weeks in advance.

Liberty Lagoon & Activity Center

Additional Hours


Enjoy additional family hours at the Liberty Lagoon and Activity Center with extra lifeguarded swim and rockwall climbing times.


Monday, January 19
Liberty Lagoon: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Rockwall: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


Friday, February 20
Liberty Lagoon from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.


Friday, April 17
Liberty Lagoon from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

NUTRITION

Nutrition Facts

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

Vinegar: Your Secret Weapon for a Fresh Start in 2026


Looking for a simple way to give your New Year’s nutrition a boost? Meet vinegar—the low- or no-calorie, naturally tangy liquid that can help you feel lighter, energized, and in control of your health goals. Though it doesn’t contain vitamins or minerals, vinegar may support weight management and help regulate blood sugar, making it a small but mighty addition to your January reset.


Vinegar is made by fermenting sugar into alcohol, which bacteria then turn into acetic acid—the compound that gives vinegar its signature zing. Beyond the kitchen, this versatile ingredient can also be used for cleaning and even gardening, but it really shines when it comes to food.


Cooking Tips to Kickstart Your Year


  • Distilled white vinegar: Pickling or adding lift to baked goods
  • Apple cider vinegar: Perfect for tangy salad dressings and marinades
  • Balsamic or sherry vinegar: Great for glazes and flavorful sauces
  • White wine vinegar: Works beautifully in soups, pasta salads, and dressings
  • Red wine vinegar: Ideal for pickling, sauces, and vinaigrettes
  • Rice wine vinegar: Essential in sushi rice, pasta salads, and light dressings
  • Malt vinegar: A classic with fries, chips, and savory sauces
  • Champagne vinegar: Light and elegant in dressings and sauces



This January, try swapping in vinegar-based dressings, marinades, or glazes for heavier sauces. It’s an easy, flavorful way to give your meals a fresh start and make your New Year’s wellness goals more achievable—one tangy splash at a time!

TENNIS

From the desk of Dan Goldberg, Director of Tennis


Happy New Year, and it’s great to see everyone back on the courts after the holiday break! This is a great time of the year to take inventory of your game and work toward improving your strengths and shoring up your weaknesses. Here are a few tips to maximize your improvement. 

 

  1. Have a focused plan of the areas you want to improve. Everything starts by having a blueprint that you can follow to achieve success. 
  2. Be specific about how you want to go about improving these areas. Many players think they’re getting better by just playing many hours. You need to work on focused/specific areas of your game to make significant progress. 
  3. Take advantage of many of the club’s resources. Consulting with one of our many pros for a lesson and then working on the ball machine or practicing with another member is a great way to improve. Also, don’t forget that fitness training, flexibility, and improving your aerobic capacity is also important for maximum performance. 
  4. A combination of lessons/clinics to improve your technique, followed by practice/match play is the perfect balance to achieve your best tennis. 
  5. Finally, progress doesn’t happen overnight. Set short and long term goals to assess and measure your progress. 



As my junior tennis coach used to say, “good luck and good skill”! 

ADULT TENNIS CORNER

Upcoming Promotion

Tennis Instructor - Spencer Trnka


After serving as a part-time instructor for the past year and a half, Spencer Trnka will soon be promoted to a full-time position as a Head Tennis Professional. Spencer is currently involved in both junior and adult programs and can be reached for private and semi-private lessons at spencer.trnka@libertyathletic.net.

Southeast Michigan Combo District Championships

Way to Go, Liberty!


What an incredible weekend of competition! Six Liberty teams competed at the Southeast Michigan Combo District Championships, and the results speak for themselves:


District Champions

  • 6.5 Men (Captain: Seth Kornfeld)
  • 7.5 Women (Captain: Jennifer Sauld)


Finals Appearances

  • 5.5 Men (Captain: John Elliott)
  • 6.5 Women (Captain: Vivian Marley)
  • 7.5 Men (Captain: Tim Arthur)



Strong Performance

  • 5.5 Women (Captain: Janet Barden) delivered a determined and competitive showing throughout the weekend.


We’re so proud of all our players and captains for their dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Liberty showed up strong—on and off the court!

6.5 Men's Combo Team captained by Seth Kornfeld (District Champions)

7.5 Women's Combo Team captained by Jennifer Sauld (District Champions)

6.5 Combo Women's Team captained by Vivian Marley

Aussie Open Tennis Mixer



Kick off the New Year with the Aussie Open Tennis Social, a fun-filled evening of doubles play! The event will be catered, and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage to share! Please reach out to Jennifer Sauld at jennifer.sauld@libertyathletic.net if you have questions.


Friday, January 23, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

$30 Member | $40 Non-Member

Pop Up Cardio

 

Due to the popularity of our Tuesday morning Cardio Tennis class, we will be offering some additional Sunday (once a month) "pop-up" cardio classes from 8:30-9:30 a.m. We hope to see you there!

 

Please make a note of the following dates: 

Sunday, January 25

Sunday, February 22

Sunday, March 22

Sunday, April 26

 

Registration opens 30 days prior to each class. 

Live Ball Tennis



A new season of Live Ball classes kicks off this January! Join us on Thursdays from 10:00-11:30 a.m. for a fast-paced, high-level workout.

 

Details:

  • Designed for players with a 3.5 USTA rating or higher
  • Players without a USTA rating may join with instructor approval

 

Mark your calendars for the Winter/Spring 2025 class dates:

January 22

February 5 & 19

March 5 & 19

April 9 & 23

Stroke of the Month


Back by popular demand, Coach Dean Boodakian will lead special sessions which focus on a specific stroke or skill. 


Register for one clinic - or for the whole series!

 

Select Fridays - 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

January 30 - Return of Serve

February 27 - Serve & Volley

April 24 - Singles Strategy


Registration opens 30 days prior to each class.

 

EMPLOYMENT

We are Hiring

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


  • Café Director- The Café Director is responsible for the overall leadership, operations, and performance of the café. This role ensures exceptional customer service, efficient day-to-day operations, compliance with health and safety regulations, and productive staff management. Full-time position, 35 hours per week.


  • Child Care Attendant - Our child care attendants provide care for infants to children up to 8 years old in a safe, healthy, and fun environment! This part-time position is ideal for those studying education/early childhood development, and for those who enjoy children and being part of an energetic and upbeat team. Available Shifts: Tuesday 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Thursday 8:20 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Thursday 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Saturday 8:20 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.


  • Front Desk Associate – The Front Desk Associate is the first point of contact for members and guests, delivering professional, friendly customer service. This role supports club operations by answering inquiries, promoting and enrolling members in programs, communicating club information, and serving as a professional ambassador for the Club. Currently hiring for Thursday 5:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.


  • General Manager - The General Manager (GM) is a key strategic leader within Liberty Athletic Club, ensuring quality experiences and services for our members and their guests. The GM provides leadership, makes critical decisions, and supports team members with forward-thinking guidance to successfully execute the club’s mission.


  • Swim Instructors - In Liberty’s Learn-to-Swim Program, our instructors teach life skills and provide a positive, memorable, safe, and fun experience for members of all ages. Lifeguard and CPR/AED certifications are required and may be obtained within 30 days upon being hired. Various after-school and weekend shifts are available. Pay is commensurate with experience.


All positions provide a complimentary membership to the club and a 25% discount on services in the café and personal training when working a minimum of two shifts per week.


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

 
 



"Yesterday, I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.

 Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."


-- Rumi



 

2975 W. Liberty Rd. •  (734) 665.3738


www.libertyathletic.net

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