Northshore Fitness Magazine - Pelican Athletic Club

NORTHSHORE

FITNESS MAGAZINE

SUMMER a t

Get the Most Out of YOUR MEMBERSHIP

P e l i c a n Summer YOUTH Programs

3 GENERATIONS of Tennis

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P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

CONTENTS 04

06

Fred Klinge GENERAL MANAGER fklinge@thepac.com

get the most out of your membership

08 Member Highlights

16

from the archives

18

25 years of commitment

22

3 Generations of Tennis

2 NORTHSHORE FITNESS MAGAZINE

FITNESS MAGAZINE

MANAGEMENT TEAM If you would like to speak with anyone on the team, please ask for them at the front desk, call 985.626.3706 or email them at the addresses listed below.

club ameneties

19. 25 Years of Service 25. Young Energetic Seniors 26. E xercises that Stand the Test of Time 29. Summer Events 30. Summer Youth Programs

NORTHSHORE

CONTACT US

MARKETING rcrowley@thepac.com/ Rachel Crowley CHILDCARE kcowhey@thepac.com/ Karen Cowhey HUMAN RESOURCES mmoore@thepac.com/ Miriam Moore MEMBERSHIP grace@thepac.com/ Grace Rousset TENNIS bfisher@thepac.com/ Barbara Fisher AQUATICS charlotte@thepac.com/ Charlotte Boswell FITNESS charlie@thepac.com/ Charlie Hoolihan SENIORS jenny@thepac.com/ Jenny Dreessen ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES tweatherly@thepac.com/Tom Weatherly GROUP EX nicole@thepac.com/ Nicol Rabalais ACCOUNTING marshall@thepac.com/ Marshall Loeffler COMPETITIVE SWIM esmith@thepac.com/ Emmett Smith MEMBER SERVICES/ PRO SHOP hope@thepac.com/ Hope WaddelI www.thepac.com PelicanAthleticClub pelicanathleticclub

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LETTER FROM OWNERS

I

t seems like yesterday! Twenty-five years ago, we set up a temporary office trailer on the parking lot in front of the club to sell charter memberships for our May 1 grand opening. Yes, we sold memberships out of a trailer and surprisingly, many people joined. We gave tours through a building that looked half done, and no one thought we could possibly finish and be open by May 1 (I had my doubts too). But finish we did, and we have not looked back since. Let me especially thank our charter VIP members for your loyalty and support these last twenty-five years.

Much has changed and evolved over the years. We have expanded many times to accommodate our members and to keep pace with the newest trends and technologies in our industry. Additions to the original club include the Mind and Body Studio, four rubico tennis courts and 3 additional hard courts, two more swimming pools (the six lane and splash pad pools), the doubling of the size of the cardio/weight machine room, the Spin Studio, the Performance Center (cross fit/personal training), Youth Activity Center, and the Free Weight Room. In addition, we have remodeled and/or renovated most of the facility at least once, and in some areas more than once. Our staff and management

Pictured: Jim, Matt, and Kevin Bennett

club a fun, enjoyable, and rewarding experience. Our goal is to make exercise fun, to put a smile on your face, and to make PAC a positive part of your day.

It has been a fun twenty-five years. Personally, I have met so many nice people along the way, too many to name. And I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest and most dedicated people who make up our staff. May the next twenty-five years be as much fun as these last twenty-five.

We look forward to serving our members in the future and to continuing to be the “club of choice”. Lastly, we thank members for their support and loyalty to Pelican Athletic Club. You are greatly appreciated.

“EVERY STORY HAS A BEGINNING” have done a great job introducing and teaching all the latest exercise programs, trends, and technologies of this everchanging exercise industry.

So, as much as the facility has changed over the years, the important things have remained the same.

Here at Pelican Athletic Club, our mission is to provide our members with the classes, programs, courts, pools and all the equipment and facilities necessary to realize their individual goals in a safe, clean, and friendly environment.

Our goal is to make every visit to the

Sincerely, Kevin Bennett Owner/partner

25th Anniversary Celebration COVID-19 is temporarily changing the way we celebrate. Out of caution we decided to postpone our big 25th Anniversary Celebration.

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A T H L E T I C

Club Amenities

P E L I C A N

C L U B

Since opening in 1996, we’ve raised the bar for the active lifestyle club with cuttingedge fitness and programming.

Our goal from the beginning has always been to provide the best customer service possible and to help our members achieve their health and fitness goals by providing the best program and facility available.

From our recent club renovations, adding a zero entry splash pad, to offering virtual personal training, Pelican Athletic Club will continue to grow, change, innovate, and add new services to fit our Members' needs.

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P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

SUMMER CLUB HOURS MEMORIAL DAY LABOR DAY MONDAY - THURSDAY 4:45AM - 9:00PM FRIDAY 4:45AM - 8:00PM SATURDAY: 7:00AM - 7:00PM SUNDAY: 9:00AM - 6:00PM

CLUB HOLIDAY HOURS MEMORIAL DAY MAY 31 7:00AM - 7:00PM 4TH OF JULY JULY 4 9:00AM - 6:00PM

SUMMER PLAYLAND + YAC HOURS JUNE 1 - AUGUST 5 MONDAY - THURSDAY: 8:00AM - 8:00PM FRIDAY: 8:00AM - 6:00PM SATURDAY: 8:00AM - 1:00PM SUNDAY: CLOSED

AQUATICS

CHILDREN

FITNESS

TENNIS

MORE AMENITIES

2 Junior Olympic Size Pools Splash Pad Baby Pool Swim Lessons Seasonal Swim League Year Round Swim Team Aqua Fitness Endurance Edge Swim (Masters)

Playland (ages 6 months - 5 years) Youth Activity Center (ages 6 years - 13 years) Outdoor Play Area Date Night Summer and Holiday Camps Mother’s Day Out + Pre-K Youth + Family Locker Room Fitness, Tennis + Aquatics Programs

100+ Group Ex + Specialty Classes offered weekly Fitness Studios (Spin, Yoga, Circuit + Studio 1) 100+ Pieces of Cardio Equipment Free Weight + Strength Training Area Performance Center CrossFit Box Personal Training Programs Virtual Training Weight Loss + Nutrition Programs

14 Tennis Courts (10 Hard Courts + 4 Rubico) Women’s Tennis + Clinics Men’s Tennis + Clinics Tournaments + League Play Private and Group Lessons Youth Tennis Courtside Cabanas Ball Machine Rental

2 Indoor Basketball Courts Massage + Physical Therapy Luxurious Locker Rooms Steam Room + Whirlpools Member Only Events Pickleball Pro-Shop Complimentary Fitness Consultation Senior Program Outdoor Walking Trail

For a full list of our Amenities and Programs visit thepac.com or call 985.626.3706

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MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

GET THE MOST OUT OF

YOUR

MEMBERSHIP BY: TIFFANY MORGAN-KING

Member Since: 2016

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W

e have been members of PAC off and on since we moved to Mandeville in 2009.

My husband and I re-joined in the summer of 2016, after we had our third baby, to give me a place to take them during the day and to utilize childcare. I never realized back then how many ways we would use our membership.

We signed up thinking that this would be a gym for both of us to use, but with three energetic kids (8/7/5) PAC has turned into so much more for our family. I wanted to share with you some of the ways we have used our membership over the last four years.

THE GYM AND CLASSES. The first thing you think of when joining a club like PAC is the fact that you are looking for a gym. This was our first reason for joining. Over the years I have tried everything from Body Pump to Burn to Yoga, Pilates, barre, and spin. The choices are endless. The early morning classes with Marie Wiles gave me new ideas for weight training and I have even used the services of Christine White for personal training.

CHILDCARE AND YAC. When we started with the club all my kids were in Playland. We have since graduated to YAC. It was nice to know on the crazy days at home I could use my two hours of child care if I needed a break, wanted to fit a workout in or just needed the opportunity to make a few phone calls in the café without anyone interrupting me. Both Playland and YAC are fun for the kids and I am always greeted by a smile and hello when interacting with the staff. I feel like my kids are in good hands when I leave them.

THE POOL AND SPLASH PAD If you find us at PAC in between May and August, we are most definitely at the pool. You have probably seen us as the lifeguards are usually blowing the whistle for my kids to

PAC has become so much more than a gym for us. It has become a community. We love the friendships stop running. The pool and splash pad have often been life savers for us in the hot months. When PAC added the splash pad it could not have been more convenient. As a mom of small kids, it can be hard to keep track of all of them in the big pool. The splash pad gave our family the opportunity for all of the kids to be able to play together in a shallower pool area. Adding the bathrooms close by was also a perk as a potty-training mom.

CAFÉ Having the café on site to grab a quick bite or a smoothie makes my days so easy. I have used Live Fit for juice and precooked meals too. I love that there is a spot for me to sit and work if I need to or just grab a cup of coffee.

TENNIS I signed my big boys up for junior tennis two years ago. It was such a fun experience for them and a sport that we can play as an entire family.

I was happy with how the program fit kids of several different ages. The boys ask me on the regular when they can play tennis again.

SWIM I think the thing I was looking forward to the most was having the kids participate in the summer swim program. We have used PAC for swimming lessons over the years, but I could not wait until they were old enough to do competitive swimming.

Having watched the swim team practice for years I knew the program was great and would really burn a lot of energy for my boys. We were happy to find that not only did it burn energy, but coaches focused on form and teaching the kids how to do the strokes correctly for competition.

PAC has become so much more than a gym for us. It has become a community. We love the friendships and opportunities it has brought into our lives and look forward to using our membership for years to come.

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P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Pictured: Zelie and Char Young

CHAR YOUNG

Member Since: 2005

We enjoy summer swim lessons, the wonderful Splash Pad, and swimming in the heated pool year-round as long as the sun is out.

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Pelican Athletic Club has always felt like a home for our family since we joined in 2005. As a homeschool family, we raised our children coming to Playland, then YAC and of course, the pool. When we had a baby 13 years later, Karen was still there in childcare to greet us with our newborn!

Our older children have always made fitness a part of their lives, and before going to college received excellent personal training in PASS and BURN. I’ve been beyond impressed over the years with the coaches and staff, their dedication and continued training, the continual improvements to the facility and equipment, and

the personalized training we have received.

I have always enjoyed Group Exercise, and my fitness and commitment really improved with Endurance Edge.

I began lap swimming for the first time in my 40s and under the watchful eye of Coach Charlie, I swam and lifted weights through my pregnancy at 44.

I have so much fun with this group of friend-athletes and coaches. I’d love to name names, but there really are too many to name!

Our fun in the pool continues with our youngest, now 5, who is naturally a water-lover. We enjoy summer swim lessons, the wonderful Splash Pad, and swimming in the heated pool yearround as long as the sun is out.

Our “PAC-Pelican” (that’s what our kids grew up calling it!) membership is a part of my life, a non-negotiable. It really is our “Cheers,” where everybody knows our name.

CATHERINE BERGERON LUPO Member Since: 1996

Pictured: Karen Cowhey and Catherine Lupo

Playland teacher Catherine Bergeron Lupo started coming to Playland as a three-year-old when the club opened in 1996. Now, at 26 -years-old, Catherine enjoys watching her children Benjamin, 6 months, Issac, 4 and Ella, 7, play in the same area she played in as a child.

Being part of three generations of Pelican Athletic Club members gives Lupo a unique perspective of the club.

“Working at PAC reminds me of when I was a kid, and I love that I still get to work and workout at the gym where I first found my love for fitness!” Lupo said. “ I love walking through the door and knowing the people who first knew my parents and now know me and my kids. I always loved to come and play here, and my kids love all the employees and love how they know their names when they walk through the door,” Lupo said. “It makes them feel special. My daughter loves the obstacle courses (Foundations class) and the other activities they do in the Performance Center.”

“Working at PAC reminds me of when I was a kid, and I love that I still get to work and workout at the gym where I first found my love for fitness!”

P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

DAVID BULLOCK & OLIVA

RODRIGUEZ

W

hen David Bullock watches his 3-year-old granddaughter Lily Rodriguez playing in Pelican Athletic Club’s circular kiddie pool in the summers, it’s a chance for the former pool-rat to reflect a bit on the full-circle the three generations have made.

More than 20 years ago he was bringing his daughter and Lily’s mom, Olivia Rodriguez, to swim practice when she was one of Pelican Athletic Club swim team’s star swimmers from ages 7-16. Rodriguez won several state championships in freestyle and butterfly between the ages of 10 and 12 and her name is still on the team record board in several events.

“It makes me take a deep-breath thinking about the time spent here at Pelican,” Bullock said.

“When we joined I looked like Elvis, now I look like Telly Savalas (the actor known for his bald head).

Time sure has a way of passing quickly.”

Bullock, now retired, has always exercised and for about six weeks swam with LSU’s team before “the Greeks got a hold of me.” Now he enjoys a variety of other workout activities a full-service health club can provide along with the pool.

“The amount of choices the club gives me is great,” Bullock said. “On any given day I can work on flexibility, aerobics and strength training and I still get in

Pictured: David Bullock and Olivia Rodriguez

NORTHSHORE FITNESS MAGAZINE

the pool for both lap swimming and rehab. Rehab is more about recovery from typical workout aches and pains than it is about injury and being in the water is great for that.”

Rodriguez also graduated from swimming as a primary sport to pursue other activities. She has run a couple of half-marathons and is getting into strength training.

Her years in Pelican Athletic Club’s pool helps provide her with the discipline needed to accomplish her fitness goals.

“I lived a pretty hard core and dedicated life during my swim career,” Rodriguez said. “We swam twice per day for about four hours and it carries over today. The big difference now is it’s more a personal choice without the pressure of competition, coaches and peers.

Now most of my off-time from being a full-time mom is spent at Pelican Athletic Club.”

Both Bullock and Rodriguez were equally enthusiastic in the positive role Pelican Athletic Club’s childcare department played for both generations.

“It’s awesome to be able to bring my kids (Lily, 3 and J.D, 2) to Playland knowing that Karen Cowey, Pelican Athletic Club's Childcare Director is still there,” Rodriguez said.

“There’s not really any other place I’d leave my kids and having gone to Playland as a kid myself makes a big difference.”

Bullock concurred about the quality of Pelican Athletic Club’s childcare program and how it makes it easy for members to take advantage of the club’s offerings knowing their kids are being well taken care of.

“You can’t say enough about how good the folks are in Playland, Bullock said, “Olivia and I both know now.”

Pictured: Manny, Lillian, Olivia and Jacob Rodriguez

“There’s not really any other place I’d leave my kids and having gone to Playland as a kid myself makes a big difference.”

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P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

MICHELLE CALLAHAN Member Since: 2007

This is a picture of an old membership brochure that included a picture of my three children, my mom and myself. My oldest daughter Ashley and I were both employees of PAC, my mom was a member of the Senior group and my other two children were active members. My husband and I come in the club four mornings a week for an early morning workout, my daughter and I attend Pilates classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, my mom was active with the senior group until Covid and my grandson has been a member of swim team for two years. We love Pelican Athletic Club!

Pictured: Sal Bavido, Michelle Callahan, Marjie Cannon, Amy Bavido, Ashley Muller

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RAY RICHARD

Pictured: Jenny Dreessen and Ray Richard

Member Since: 2020

A life-threatening pulmonary edema sent Ray to the hospital in late 2019. He began rehab after his procedure but struggled to stay active as the Corona Virus hit the U.S. last spring. Ray joined Pelican Athletic Club in November 2020 to build cardiovascular endurance and reclaim his health and wellness. With motivation from his Personal Trainer, Jenny, 81 year-old Ray is flipping tires and carrying logs all while cracking jokes.

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P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

MARK AND MARY HAILE Member Since: 1997

Pictured: Mark and Mary Haile

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When Mary and Dr. Mark Haile joined Pelican Athletic Club 25 years ago, indoor cycling (then a copywrite program called Spinning) was the hot new fitness fad and Mary spent time participating in most of the club’s classes.

Step class (with four risers and a special spot!), Body Pump, Yoga, Pilates Reformer, individual and group strength training were among the many choices she had to fit in between her job as a neurosurgical RN and full time mom.

“I tried it all but always liked strength training the best,” Mary said. “Back in the 90s there weren’t a lot of women in the free weight room like there are today. Weight lifting always made me feel better than any of the workouts I did and the free weight room was and is second to none.”

Mark, an emergency room physician, used the club “in spurts” but always managed to mix Pelican Athletic Club workouts with golf, gardening and other outdoor activities to stay in shape.

“I’m a little more consistent now and come two to three times per week,” Mark said. “Cardio and strength training are my main workouts. It helps me get in shape and maintain muscle as I get older which is pretty important.”

As a physician, Mark also understands the value multi-use health clubs have and the role they play as a health “prescription”.

“We (the medical community) are always telling folks to move more as a way to stay healthy and health clubs like Pelican Athletic Club can play a vital part in this advice,” Mark said. “The wide variety of options are a big advantage in helping people find what they like.

When they find their niche, it keeps them more involved.”

Mary agreed having many options are important.

“As we get older it’s important to

Pictured: Mark, Mary, Elizabeth and Evan Haile

be able to have different choices,” Mary said. “I can go and see what my body needs on any given day.”

Mark and Mary’s children, Elizabeth, 27 and Evan, 28, are grown now but Pelican Athletic Club was a good place for them to grow up according to their parents.

“Child care was a bonus because not only were the kids taken care of but it made Pelican Athletic Club a family gathering place,” Mary said. “The kids also used the club more as they got older and developed an appreciation for exercise.”

Both kids were active in sports – Elizabeth was a gymnast and Evan a golfer – and utilized Pelican Athletic Club’s facilities for training.

Elizabeth also currently works as a Physical Therapy Assistant and ironically had her first exposure to the occupation interning with Scott McWilliams at Pelican Athletic Club Physical Therapy.

Evan is an attorney in Chapel Hill, NC.

“We (the medical community) are always telling folks to move more as a way to stay healthy and health clubs like Pelican Althletic Club can play a vital part in this advice,”

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4

2 FROM THE ARCHIVES

6 1 5

3

THROUGH THE YEARS 1. Pelican Athletic Club in 1996 2. Larry Gibas instructs first Pilates class in 1998.

3. Group Ex instructors celebrate 4th of July themed class 4. Personal Trainer Glenn in the old weight room that is now the circuit studio 5. PAC’s retired logo from 1996

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6. Women with Weights Class 7. First Body Pump class located in studio 1 8. Cardio Floor 9. Childcare Director Karen Cowhey

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10. Aerobic Studio 11. Outdoor Spin 12. 1996 Group Ex Instructors 13. Studio 1 step class 14. Personal Trainer John Hess with client

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9 10

11

14 12

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VIP MEMBERS

25

YEARS of COMMITMENT

Pictured: Claire Wingerter, Jan Commons, Jean Loeb, and Lea Richerson Pictured: David Pitfield

Our Members established a love of Pelican Athletic Club that epitomizes the definition of commitment. Jean Loeb, Lea Richerson, Claire Wingerter, Peggy Mowen, and David Pitfield are just a few of the over 100 25 year members of Pelican Athletic Club. They joined before construction was completed in 1996 and have been continuous club members ever since. Their dedication to lifelong exercise only compliments their loyalty to social connections and memories they’ve made at Pelican Athletic Club.

We are grateful for all our Members especially our are VIP Members who have been with us since the beginning!

Pictured: Peggy Mowen

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25 EMPLOYEES

YEARS of SERVICE

Pelican Athletic Club has been blessed with many excellent and talented employees over the years. Here we highlight four very special staff members who have been part of the Pelican Athletic Club team since day one.

Barbara

currently serves as Pelican Athletic Club Tennis Director. Back in the early days of the Club, she worked in an administrative capacity for the tennis program and later stepped into the Director role, overseeing all tennis programming, tournaments, and tennis personnel. Barbara is an icon in the local tennis community and she continues to stay very involved in the Louisiana tennis community. Barbara’s passion for tennis is amazing and she has contributed so much to one of the finest tennis programs in the state of Louisiana.

John

is Pelican Athletic Club’s longest tenured tennis pro and he also served as Tennis Director for three years in the early 2000s. His special talent is teaching tennis fundamentals to beginners. John is patient and he always makes his lessons and clinics a fun experience. You always hear lots of laughter and interesting banter coming from John’s teaching court! Besides being a great teaching pro, John’s wonderful sense of humor has been a daily blessing for the entire Pelican Athletic Club staff.

Kathy recently retired, after 25 years. She is another “ray of sunshine” who

served multiple tenures as Group Exercise Coordinator while also serving as Director of our successful Young Energetic Seniors program. Her love of health and fitness and world-class customer service skills helped establish the warm, comfortable reputation PAC has earned over the years. Always fun, always professional, we were so blessed to have Kathy on our team for many years.

Karen is our amazing Director of Child Care Services. Over

the past 25 years, Pelican Athletic Club has developed a reputation as a family-friendly health club and we owe so much of the credit to Karen’s work with Pelican Athletic Club children. Karen, like Kathy, is a daily “ray of sunshine”. Ever present is her friendly smile and good cheer. It goes without saying that Karen’s positivity has always been appreciated by Pelican Athletic Club kids across generations.

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WHY ARE MY TEETH SO SENSITIVE!?

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally?

If so, you may have hypersensitive teeth.

The STRONGEST substance in our bodies is TOOTH ENAMEL. In healthy teeth, this layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth.

DENTIN MAY BE EXPOSED FROM:

• Tooth grinding/clenching from stress causing

abfractions, worn fillings, or even fractured teeth!

• Poor oral hygiene leading to cavity formation • Receding gums and/or worn enamel from over brushing your teeth

• Erosion from frequent consumption of acidic

beverages or foods without properly rinsing away the acid.

THE RESULT IS HYPERSENSITIVE TEETH! Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. I may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste like SENSODYNE.

This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced

• Fluoride gel or MI PASTE.

Placing these gels or pastes in a customized at-home carrier tray can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the transmission of sensations.

• A crown or tooth-colored bonding.

These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.

• Surgical gum graft.

If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.

• Root canal.

If sensitivity is VERY severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, I may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

DR. JASON ALVAREZ If you are experiencing SENSITIVITY symptoms or have any dental questions, you can contact our office located in front of the Pelican Athletic Club in The Village Shopping Center www.mymandevilledentist.com 985-626-8980 2881 Hwy 190 Suite D4, Mandeville LA 70433

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P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

BY CHARLIE HOOLIHAN

GENERATIONS

ofTENNIS

BECKY RICHARDS WAS LITERALLY RAISED ON THE SIDE OF A TENNIS COURT. WHEN HER MOM, PELICAN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF TENNIS BARBARA FISHER, BEGAN PLAYING TENNIS, RICHARDS AND HER BROTHER BRIAN CROFT HAD TO TAG ALONG. FISHER HAD A UNIQUE CHILDCARE SYSTEM FOR TWOYEAR-OLD RICHARDS AND FOUR-YEAR OLD BROTHER. Richards got to spend the time in her wind-up baby swing and Croft in his portable playpen at the side

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of the tennis court. When Richards swing would run out of rocking speed, Fisher would walk over and add spring tension to the swing then resume her match.

Many years later, the tennis ball hadn't fallen too far from the family tennis tree as Richards would be on the court, seven months pregnant with her son Aiden.

“We actually grew up at the tennis court at the Jackson Barracks in New Orleans,” Richards said. “She started teaching at Aurora Country Club (on the West Bank) in 1989 when I was around 10.”

Fisher ultimately ended up at PAC as an instructor in 1996 and became the director in 2006. She still has a passion for the game, which has had a tremendous influence on her and her family. She met her husband Tom through tennis and Croft met his wife Pam through tennis as well. Richards and Croft play mixed doubles together. Fisher's granddaughter Katelyn Richards played tennis through high school, and her grandson William Croft is currently in the Tennis for Teens program.

"Tennis is a great game to help develop physical and mental skills,"

Pictured: William Croft, Becky Richards, Barbara Fisher, Aiden Richards, and Mark Dominguez

Pictured: Mark Dominguez, William Croft, Aiden Richards

The Bunce family tennis tree is a classic example of how to take advantage of the diverse club amenities along with the benefits of its tennis program over the years.

Fisher said. "It helps kids gain confidence and learn responsibility as well. Our family has been very involved in the sport over the years."

Richards also taught her husband, Chad, how to play tennis, and she has a picture of her then 2-year-old son, Aiden, now 16, with tennis racket in hand, and sporting a Nike hat. Nowadays, Aiden is playing high school football and basketball but he still manages to find his way to the courts.

"He doesn't play much anymore, but he'll come to hang out at the court during tournaments to come eat (Pelican Athletic Club's tennis tournaments have extensive food service) or watch the tournament," Richard said. "Katelyn, Aiden and William have spent a lot of time out here over the years and have made a lot of friends."

Tennis as a family event isn't restricted to tennis professionals and directors. On any given weekend at PAC, there is usually some type of tournament or mixer underway as the club is one of the most active in league and tournament activities

on the Northshore. Within all these events for all levels of ability, families can come to Pelican Athletic Club and workout, swim or hang out and watch one or two of their siblings, significant others, or offspring play.

The Bunce family tennis tree is a classic example of how to take advantage of the diverse club amenities along with the benefits of its tennis program over the years.

Penny Bunce and her husband Tom have played extensively over the years as well as her children Beau, Rhett, and Candice Vaughn. Grandchildren Ella and Avery Bunce (Rhett and Angela Bunce) and Hailey and Adam Vaughn (Hunt and Candice Vaughn) have all taken lessons at Pelican Athletic Club. Grandchildren Brinley and Brody (Beau and Becca Bunce) are next in line!

Even Vaughn's husband Hunt took lessons as a ten-year-old from former Pelican Athletic Club tennis director Tommy Grunditz, proving the program's broad reach through the generations.

"Pelican Athletic Club has such

a great family atmosphere, and it was always great having the whole family here," Penny Bunce said. "We could bring the kids and grandkids to Playland, the adults could play in tournaments and the cousins could hang out together at the pool."

Hunt Vaughn, who also works out and takes part in a small group training session, agreed.

Penny Bunce is currently “only” playing in two groups and occasionally finds time to hit with daughter Candice. The variety of tennis opportunities still offers her the chance to play the game she and other club tennis members love. Bunce also credits Fisher for being a “dream catcher”.

“Barbara Fisher is responsible for making tennis an enjoyable lifetime activity for most everyone who plays at Pelican Athletic Club,” Bunce said.

“I had just come back from back surgery and she was able to bring me into the sport and make it fun. All the pros there are great and I took from all of them, but Barbara is a dream.”

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Call for more information Covington (985) 317-9242 1978 North Hwy 190 Suite B

Metairie (504) 354-8567 3100 Galleria Drive Suite 200

SENIOR STORY

Young Energetic Seniors (Y.E.S.)

WE HAVE THE BEST STORIES

BY JENNY DREESSEN

Pictured: Karen Harrison

W

hen I found out that Karen, like me, had come to Mandeville from California, I had to ask, “How did you end up here?” She smiled and replied simply, “I sailed here.” Karen and her husband left the Sacramento area in 1973 as professional wind surfers and sales representatives for a sailing company. They lived in a yellow van as they traveled across the U.S. until they sailed from Florida to Mandeville in 1978.

They intended to stay for about 6 months but fell in love with the wonderful people in the area and have lived here ever since. Their first home was a 27' Columbia sailboat at the Prieto Marina where they started their family and lived for 9 years before buying a house in Old Mandeville. Karen has been a member at PAC since 2004 and, although she no longer wind surfs, is still in the water 5 days a week at PAC. She loves PAC's aqua classes and says they are fun, great for anyone at any fitness level and full of friendly and inclusive people. She even took the coveted Polar Bear Queen title in 2018 and 2019.

Their first home was a 27' Columbia sailboat at the Prieto Marina where they started their family and lived for 9 years before buying a house in Old Mandeville.

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P E L I C A N AT H L E T I C C L U B

EXERCISES PLANK This is one of the best exercises for strengthening the core. The core muscles are responsible for stabilizing the spine and the rest of your body when performing activities of daily living as well as more challenging activities, such as tennis. Planks can help prevent low back and hip pain.

• While lying face down, lift your body up on your toes and forearms • Keep your shoulders, back and hips in a straight line • Hold for 30 seconds, repeat three times

CALF STRETCH Calf muscles are heavily utilized everyday due to their role in walking, running, standing on your toes and jumping. They often get tight and can lead to ankle stiffness and cramping.

Stretching these muscles can help to prevent a number of injuries, including plantar fasciitis, calf muscle strains and other lower body injuries.

• Place hands on wall • Step one foot forward so the front knee is bent and the back leg is straight • Lean forward until a stretch is felt is the calf muscle of the back leg • Keep the back heel on the floor to maximize the stretch • Hold for 30 seconds, repeat three times

THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME BY: PAC PHYSICAL THERAPY Throughout the years we have seen fitness trends come and go, but some exercises stand the test of time. Incorporating classic exercises into your regular routine can help you build strength and stability, which minimizes the risk of injury. Consider taking your fitness routine back to the basics by adding some of these classic exercises: BACK TO THE BASICS If you start feeling unusual aches or pains after exercise, make sure to schedule an appointment at PAC Physical Therapy. Our Physical Therapist will take a look at your injury and recommend treatment options to help you heal.

SQUAT WITH OVERHEAD PRESS Squats are great for strengthening leg muscles and training the body to generate power for activities like stair climbing and running. The overhead press component of the exercise helps keep the upper body strong to help you reach overhead, throw and push heavy objects.

•S tart in a squat with arms at the side, as you stand up out of the squat press your arms towards the ceiling • Perform three sets of 10 repetitions •F or increased difficulty, this exercise can be modified to include weights

PAC PHYSICAL THERAPY has proudly served this community for the past 25 years alongside Pelican Athletic Club. Call Jenny at 985.626.3641 or email pt@thepac.com to schedule an appointment today.

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PELICAN AT H L E T I C C L U B

LET GO OF STRESS FOR A BETTER YOU Sports Massage Swedish Massage Deep Tissue Massage Prenatal Massage Volcanic Stone Cupping Therapy

Congratulations Amy! Voted Best Massage Therapist on the Northshore 2 years in a row.

2020

Membership not required Amy Simonsen, LMT Licensed Massage Thearpist

985.626.3706

1 1 7 0 M E A D O W B R O O K B LV D, M A N D E V I L L E L A • T H E PA C . CO M / M A S S A G E

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Pelican Athletic Club’s Pro Shop

SWIG WATER BOTTLE $25.00 Stay cool in the heat with a Swig Life insulated bottle that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours!

TYR CHILDREN’S RASH GUARD $14.00

POOL SIDE s l a i t n e s Es

Fabric is UPF 50+ for more fun, less worry! Rash Guards are a summer essential for playing it safe. Long sleeves and a mock turtleneck this style is made for long days at the beach.

BARE REPUBLIC MINERAL SHIMMER STICK SUN SCREEN $9.99

Bare Republic has you covered! Take your summer adventures on the go with this Mineral Sunscreen Sticks!

MUD PIE ROUND BEACH TOWEL

$24.99 - Catch some rays with style! This poly terry cloth beach towel is so large and cozy, it's practically a blanket!

MAXX SUNGLASSES - $19.99 BARE REPUBLIC A FTER SUN MIST $12.99 - Refresh and revitalize

with our moisturizing Aloe Vera & Seaweed After-Sun Spray! An antioxidant-rich blend of extracts help you keep your cool no matter where the adventure takes you.

BARE REPUBLIC MINERAL SUNSCREEN $14.99 - This natural

Coco-Mango scent will send you straight to paradise! Free of chemical actives, synthetic fragrances, paragons and anything else you wouldn’t want to put on your skin or leave behind in nature.

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If you’re in the market for new sunnies, go with this outdoor adventure line.

These lightweight frames and shatter proof lenses offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. Perfect for outdoor adventures or just laying out by the pool.

All Events will follow COVID-19 Guidelines with limited capacity and are subject to change.

SUMMER KICKOFF

June 5th

4TH OF JULY

July 4th

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SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS SWIM LESSONS Pelican Athletic Club’s Splash Swim School offers lessons to beginners-advanced emphasizing water safety, swimming skills, correct breathing, and body position. Our highly trained instructors are gentle, responsible, and understand the unique aspects of teaching children how to swim.

• 2 WEEK GROUP LESSONS Eight 40-minute lessons offered over 2-weeks. Available May, June + July • 10 WEEK GROUP LESSONS One 30-minute lesson per week for 10 weeks. Begins May 11 + July 20 • SUMMER MOMMY & ME GROUP LESSONS Four 40-minute in 1 week. Available in May + June Private and Semi Private Lessons Available For more information on Swim Lessons email charlotte@thepac.com or call 985.626.3706 ext 167

SUMMER SWIM TEAM Begins May 17th The swimPAC Summer Swim Team, the Pelicans, is designed for various abilities and skill levels. We aim to provide a safe and friendly swimming experience for each child. This program offers detailed stroke and dive instruction, with a focus on improvement and enjoyment of the sport of swimming.

The Pelicans will attend competitive meets against other local summer teams.

For more information email swim@thepac.com

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YOUTH TENNIS Advancing your child’s love and enjoyment for the game of tennis We take great pride in our program of advancing your child’s love and enjoyment of the game, providing excellent group training followed up by match and league play opportunities.

SUMMER SESSION I MAY 31 - JUNE 30

SUMMER SESSION II JULY 12 - AUGUST 11 • LITTLE TENNIS: Ages 5-7 Monday + Wednesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm • CHILDREN’S TENNIS: Ages 8- 12 Monday + Wednesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm • INTERMEDIATE TENNIS: Ages 8- 12 Monday + Wednesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm • TENNIS FOR TEEN: Ages 13-17 Monday + Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm Advanced Tennis + Junior Academy: INVITATION ONLY For more information email tennis@thepac.com or call 985.626.3706 ext.146

YOUTH PROGRAMS • FOUNDATIONS: Monday - Thursday at 9:30am • Monday + Wednesday at 5:00pm A game based class which teach kids to climb, jump, balance, and run to improve coordination and confidence. Located in Youth Activity Center.

• SUMMER TRI-KIDS: Starting July 9th Children learn the skills of running, biking, and swimming. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn the art and fun of triathlon.

• ATHLETIC TRAINING: The PASS program is a progressive strength and conditioning program, beginning with PASS JV then to PASS Varsity offered monthly.

For more information on Youth Programs email charlie@thepac.com

YOUTH FITNESS JUNE 1 - JULY 29 | AGES 6-13 • AQUA KIDS: Mon + Wed at 9:15am in the 8-lane pool.

Includes games and fun water activities. Children must be able to swim to attend.

• DANCEFIT: Mon + Wed at 1:00pm in Mind Body.

Fun, high energy dance class including CIZE, Country Heat, Zumba and more!

• KIDS CIRCUIT: Mon + Wed at 1:00pm in Studio 1 Kids will work together and independently to move through fun fitness circuits while working up a sweat!

• KIDS YOGA: Tue + Thu at 1:00pm in Mind Body Filled with movement and postures geared at integrating mind and body. A yoga mat is needed for this class.

• KIDS SPIN + STRONG: Mon + Wed at 11:00am in Spin Studio Include classic spin with bodyweight interval exercises. Sign up for a spin bike at the front desk up to 30 minutes prior to class. Six small bikes suitable for children 4'8" and under are available, children 4'8" and up can ride the standard bike.

For more information on Youth Fitness Classes email nicol@thepac.com

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Reserve your spot today!

3-month Summer Special is Back!

$0

enrollment

VISIT

thepac.com/SummerisHere Call 985-626-3706

1170 MEADOWBR OOK BLVD

|

MANDE VILLE, LA