Issuu

Members Speak to Power of Club Spirit

– page 7

“More than A Building”

Multnomah Athletic Club’s mission:

Enrich lives, foster friendships, and build upon traditions of excellence in athletic, educational, and social programs.

Daniel Williams PRESIDENT

Committee Chairs

STANDING

Athletic Erica Chiotti

Audit Shannon Conrad

Budget & Finance Shannon Conrad

Communications Anna Madill

Diversity Admissions Shashank Khandekar

Facilities Craig Kiest

House Debbie Bensching

Member Events Ann Gerson

Membership Alex Moreland

BOARD

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Jim Laird

Engagement Jason Hickox

Food & Beverage Elaina Spring

Land Use James Santana

Past Presidents Advisory Andrew Randles

Technology Advisory Aaron Betik

A PLATINUM CLUB

For this issue of The Winged M, we wanted to step back from our usual columns and the operational updates of the past few weeks and reflect on something simpler: what we’ve seen this community do.

What we’ll remember from this stretch following the May 2 incident isn’t the closure itself. It’s what was happening beyond the MAC.

Teammates practicing together in parks and borrowed spaces. Offsite fitness classes filling up the moment they were posted. Coaches adapting on the fly to keep kids in the water and on the courts. Members organizing themselves, because the routines that hold a week together still needed to happen somewhere. And quieter than all of that, the notes that arrived in our inboxes — most of them saying some version of thank you or we’re thinking of you.

The MAC has always been more than a building. We know that. But the past month has been a reminder of just how true it is. For more than 135 years, this club has been shaped by the people who fill it — the traditions, the families who’ve been members for generations, and the ones who joined last year. None of that was paused while the building was closed. If anything, it became more visible.

For some, the MAC is where they learned to swim. For others, it’s where lifelong friendships began, where they watched their kids grow up, or where they found a familiar face after a long day. There are a hundred versions of what this place means to people, and what stands out is that almost every version has community in it.

We also want to recognize the staff who work here. Over the past month, they carried weight that wasn’t in any job description — showing up for members, for each other, and for a building they care about deeply, often while processing their own reactions to what happened. They are the reason this club came back the way it did — and as quickly as it did. The MAC is fortunate to have them.

SPECIALIZED

Arts David Manning

Investments Charissa Anderson

SPORT

Artistic Swimming Michelle Kinz

Basketball Libby Ola Rankin

Climbing Avery Cook

Dance Rachael Seeger

Early Birds Shannon Pansky

Fitness Rob Willey

Golf Eric Bowler

Group Exercise Debbie Koesel

Gymnastics Abigail Lenneberg

Handball Dave Delaney

Karate Rich Koesel

Outdoor Activities Will Forney

Pickleball Paul Johnson

Racquetball Vuong Vu

Ski & Snowboard Darryl Fowler

Squash Derrick Cameron

Swim Amy Tennant

Tennis Nathan Austin

Triathlon & Running Cody Davenport

Volleyball Erica Fields

Walking & Hiking Anna Kanwit

Water Fitness Kristina Perkins

Water Volleyball Donna Morrow

Yoga Jennifer Groth

SOCIAL

20s/30s Cassie Heller

Balladeers Bob Howard

Community & Heritage Amy Chandler

Culture & Style Stacie Sinai

Family Events Troy Pickard

Holiday Decorating Ernest Cooper

MelloMacs Phil Erickson

Senior Vicki Tagliafico

Social Activities Claressa Bauer

There are a hundred versions of what this place means to people, and what stands out is that almost every version has community in it.

This issue of The Winged M is something of a scrapbook — a collection of stories, photos, and reflections from members who shared what this place means to them. The pages that follow paint a picture of a community that didn’t go quiet during a hard month. It got louder, in the best ways. Our community has been through difficult moments before, and it has always responded the same way — by showing up for each other. This past month was no exception.

Thank you for being part of it.

Dan & Charles

Charles Leverton

GENERAL MANAGER

Board of Trustees

President Daniel Williams

Vice President David Hanna

Treasurer Shannon Conrad

Secretary Ashley Fenker

Trustees

Soren Andersen

Heather Chapman

Jim Hall

Julie Kim

Tina Lee

Tory McVay

Jiwon Park

Mitzi Piva Raaf

General Manager Charles Leverton

Executive Leadership Team

Culinary & Events Senior Director

Erik Anderson

Chief Financial Officer

Mary Averette

Communications Director

Bryan Bansbach

Chief of Staff

Laura Boley

Director of Human Resourses

Kimberly Ceroni

Technology Director

Mark Marcelline

Fitness & Performance Senior Director

C.J. Martin

Athletic Director

Lisa Miller

Engagement Director

Derek Pratt

The Winged M (USPS 483-210) is published monthly by Multnomah Athletic Club at 1849 SW Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon 97205. Advertising from members and nonmembers is accepted by The Winged M. Advertisers in The Winged M are not endorsed by Multnomah Athletic Club unless otherwise noted. For questions concerning mailings and subscriptions, call 503-517-7280 or email membership@themac.com. Periodicals postage is paid at Portland, Oregon. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Multnomah Athletic Club Membership, 1849 SW Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon 97205. ©2026 Multnomah Athletic Club. For advertising information, email advertising@themac.com.

A Brand Like No Other

We are proud to announce that we have launched Christie’s International Real Estate Evergreen which delivers bespoke marketing and brokerage services for the world’s most discerning clientele. Spanning six continents, its exclusive network unites leading firms and top-performing professionals in luxury property sales, development, and consulting. We look forward to being of service to you in Oregon and SW Washington.

The MAC is not just a building — it is a small city of wonderful, active, and kind people.

— Molly Hisatomi

A Brand Like No Other.

MAC is More Than A Building

Members Carry the Spirit of the Club with Them Wherever They Go

By Jake Ten Pas

When we came together on that stage, the sense of ‘we are going to get through this together’ was palpable!

— Dan Berne

More Than a Building

This club never really closes. The doors might shut, and the lights grow dim, but the MAC’s community shines on wherever members gather. On May 2, the structure commonly referred to as the MAC suffered a serious setback, but the community that brings it to life persevered, carrying camaraderie, competition, and selfcare to new locations.

Everywhere they went, the club came along. Sometimes for a ride, others for a racquet. Pool Pals took to land, and Tai Chi blossomed in a park. When a squash tournament with an international guestlist was interrupted halfway through, other clubs fully opened their doors to complete it.

At the end of the day, MAC is more than concrete and courts, pools and a pub, a climbing wall and winding halls leading to hundreds of other pursuits. It’s a way of life led by members for 135 years, and as long as Portlanders pursue excellence, MAC’s light will blaze on.

Pool Pals on the Good Foot

True amphibians, the Pool Pals were born in the water but live out much of their lives on dry land. The social and charitable

collective came together around Water Fitness classes in the Sun Deck Pool and have taken to volunteering at a variety of MAC events, celebrating each other’s birthdays on the first Tuesday of each month, and undertaking joint outings into the community and even on vacations.

“Bottom line, there is a lot of love and support for each other in this group,” says member Linda Hering.

When it was announced that club facilities would be unavailable, the texts started flying fast and furiously, and it was decided that walks around Portland would temporarily take the place of aquatic activities. One such outing led them to Washington Park, where they encountered other members pursuing their own club passions among the roses, rolling grass steps of the amphitheater, and brick-laden areas around the Lewis and Clark Memorial Column.

“Going to the club 6 days a week leaves a big hole for me — and many of us — but we are rapidly filling it,” says Pool Pal Judy Fitch. “The club means a lot to all of us. I miss the people I only knew by first names,

who chatted while dressing in the locker room. It’s amazing the social role the club plays in our lives.”

Even just meeting for coffee at a Starbucks central to several members kept these relationships percolating, and the Pool Pals were quick to check in with MAC staff to see if there was anything they could do to help out at the club in its time of need. All of which demonstrates an unflagging commitment to their community in whatever form it takes.

“MAC means everything to us. It’s our home every morning. These are our friends,” adds member Meridel Prideaux. “We wanted to keep the connection together.”

Tai Chi Takes It Outside

To twist the words of the Beatles, MAC Tai Chi metaphorically sang, “I don’t know why you say goodbye, we say cello,” when they gathered at the Washington Park Amphitheater for outdoor delights on May 4. The en plein air practice was soundtracked by the cellist from the recently formed MAC Chamber Ensemble

Continued on page 18

MAC means everything to us. It’s our home every morning.

These are our friends. We wanted to keep the connection together.

— Meridel Prideaux

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More Than a Building

Continued from page 12

providing live accompaniment to their ancient choreography.

“Since Tai Chi is a flow of movement, it’s always great to have music to help all of us stay in sync as we move to the rhythm,” says Dan Berne, who’s been making with the “meditation in motion” for roughly 2 years now. While the uneven pavement and lack of mirrors presented new challenges even for the seasoned among them, the emphasis remained firmly on the fact that members were gathered to do what they love.

“After the emotional roller coaster of weekend news, knowing we’d continue to meet and practice was just the cathartic tonic we needed. Being outside and Djelal Kadir showing up with his cello were bonuses,” adds fellow Tai Chi enthusiast Teryn Wright. She says credit should go to Beth Burczak, who quickly initiated the idea of continuing their classes on the stage. “I helped contact others so everyone knew a time and place. It didn’t take any convincing. Class members immediately agreed and were excited by the idea.”

“When we came together on that stage, the sense of ‘we are going to get through this together’ was palpable!” Berne says. “It truly lifted our spirits and reinforced my sense

of MAC as more than an athletic club, as a community. Yes, Tai Chi is an important part of my fitness regimen, but it is also a source of valued friendships. Where else besides MAC would members come together in such a way to support one another after a terrible event?”

Unsquashable Enthusiasm

The La Copita squash tournament got off to a great start on Friday, May 1. When players, who’d traveled from as far away as South Africa, walked off the court that night, they had no idea that they wouldn’t be able to return to MAC the following day or Sunday to resume play.

It very well could have been, “Game over, man!” without the efforts of the MAC Squash Committee and program heads Werner Hergeth and Julian Illingworth, who touched base at 8 am Saturday to formulate a plan to keep the competition rolling.

“Logistically, it’s a nightmare when you have matches starting at 9 am and courts declared closed at 7 am,” explains Squash Committee member Shashank Khandekar. “There are so many factors — for example, courts need to be international regulation size, rules around time between matches, transport. Additionally, we had over 80 players in the amateur tournament.”

Fortunately, quick thinking befitting the sport prevailed, and calls went out to Lloyd Athletic Club, Hawthorn Farm Athletic Club, Reed College, and the Bay Club. A WhatsApp group was created, and the minor miracle was worked of getting all the participants to join it. Saturday play carried on, and the Khandekars hosted a celebratory dinner at their house that evening.

“Many folks playing in different divisions didn’t see each other all day, and then they got a chance to congregate and share their experiences while cooking and enjoying the taco bar and a tequila party,” Khandekar says.

The finals of the event all took place at Reed on Sunday, so what started as a tragedy became a triumphant example of what happens when people with shared passions unite to overcome common challenges.

“You can clearly see, this is not a gym or a place we just play squash. It’s our community,” Khandekar concludes. “Outside the court, this community will stick their necks out for each other.”

On the following pages, more members share how they stayed connected beyond the club. From fitness classes to Playschool gatherings, there’s no stopping the perpetual motion of the bonded pack that is the MAC.

You can clearly see, this is not a gym or a place we just play squash. It’s our community.

— Shashank Khandekar

More than a building

Outdoor Classes in Washington Park

During the closure, Group Ex instructors transformed Washington Park into a training gym. Instructor Matt Walsh even brought workout equipment for members, including weights, bands, and an air bike. From Yoga to HIIT, members were able to complete their workouts in the scenery of one of Portland’s most iconic parks. Across all MAC Fitness, instructors hosted 115 virtual or outdoor offerings during this time, with over 1,100 members in attendance!

[Matt Walsh]

is so kind and I joined the Boot Camp class with friends. I’m so happy everyone is getting together again.

— PatsoRn de Weese

The MAC is such an important third space for my family. We miss everyone but feel so fortunate to stay connected during this time. We know the MAC will come back strong!

— Thao Nguyen

PHOTO

Thanks to the Head Tennis Director, Paul Reber, and the help of USTA and Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, we were able to play our game outside in the sun.

— Richelle Neal

Community Partnerships Expand Opportunities for Players

MAC Tennis discovered new spots for outdoor practice, and, with the help of local Portland partners, places to keep practicing. Tennis Head Coach Paul Reber coordinated with USTA and Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District to move ahead with scheduled games, and members were provided opportunities to play at The Racquet Club and the Portland Golf Club.

The masters swim team has always found ways to solidify the feeling of community. When the temporary closure was announced, the team immediately came together.

— Alyson Wilson

PHOTOS COURTESY ALYSON WILSON

The MAC allows me to have community both in and out of the pool.

— Austin Beckwith

Swimmers Connect in New Ways

MAC Aquatics kept on swimming in pools — and open water — across the Portland area. MAC Synchro continued to practice routines, MAC Masters Water Polo picked up practice at Tualatin Hills Aquatics, and MAC Masters Swim brought together members, former athletic members, current employees, and friends to take to the water.

We may have met there through different activities, but the friendships go beyond the building.

Lifelong athletes and lifelong friends!

— Kate Wyatt

PHOTOS COURTESY

PHILIP WILSON

MAC Outdoor Broadens Horizons

Outdoor offerings continued to shine during the club closure, with beautiful weather giving members even more reason to be outside. The MAC cycling group organized a Thursday ride and Outdoor Manager Philip Wilson put together a golf outing for members at Shortland Golf Club. MAC’s adult climbing group, The Crux Club, took the outdoors inside at different climbing gyms in the city.

We got to connect about how many ways we use and miss the MAC but also got to spend a special day outside together.

— Georgie Bullock

It

felt like coming home when the Playschool moms banDed together to organize a morning with whoever could make it.

— Emily Yensen

Social Gatherings Raise Spirits

Beyond athletics, members have found ways to stay social beyond the club’s walls. Whether it was with casual meetups at Goose Hollow Inn or the formal celebration of the Kentucky Derby at the Ritz, members found new places to grow community events and show off MAC spirit. Families also got in on the fun with MAC Playschool events, gathering at the zoo and for picnics.

What if you helped create bold, lasting change ?

What if you became a catalyst for positive change in Oregon? What if you helped provide a solution to a potent need in your community? What if you used your time, talent and treasure to help fellow Oregonians thrive? Maybe you start a scholarship. Or support a nonprofit — or become a volunteer. We’re your statewide community foundation, and together we turn ‘What ifs’ into powerful ‘Why nots.’ What if you joined us?

$1,395,000

Thank you to our extended family!

MAC families visited Portland Fire & Rescue Station 3 in Northwest Portland to meet and thank the crew members who were the first responders and helped save the building.

Bay Club

Foundry Padel

Lake Oswego Tennis Center BodyVox

The MAF Powered by MAC Partnership Exists to Support Others

When you give to the annual fund drive, you become part of a community that believes in showing up for one another. Alongside 8,000 member households, your support creates meaningful opportunities for young people through athletics, education, and mentorship while strengthening partnerships with nonprofits across our community.

What we do best is bring people together to create opportunities by opening doors, building connections, and helping the next generation grow, belong, and thrive.

This is the power of collective action — and it starts with you.

Board of Trustees and the Multnomah Athletic Foundation’s Board of Directors proudly endorse the annual fund drive in July. Together, we support the foundation’s ability to provide transformative community grants and scholarships that open doors for underserved youth.

OVER $268,000 Invested

MAF Tributes

Honor someone special or memorialize someone who has passed away by making a tribute gift to the Multnomah Athletic Foundation.

Tributes are noted as: memorial, anniversary, get well, birthday, or recognition.

MAF May 2026

2026 Tributes

Honored individuals are listed in bold.

Bob Bay (memorial)

Linda Hering

Mrs. Joan Horstkotte (memorial)

George & Julianne Noonan

Robert Joseph (memorial)

George & Molly Spencer

Kenneth Scales Jr. (memorial)

George & Molly Spencer

Multnomah Athletic Foundation provides community grants and post secondary scholarships focused on promoting athletic participation and education in the Portland metropolitan area.

Contributions made to the Foundation are tax-deductible. A written acknowledgement and tax receipt will be mailed following the contribution.

For more information, contact MAF Executive Director Lisa Bendt at 503-517-2350 or lisa@multnomahathleticfoundation.com

Back To MAC

On May 13, the MAC began a phased reopening process, allowing members to return to indoor routines at the club. Members rediscovered familiar faces, fitness, classes, and community — once again under the clubhouse roof.

After an incredibly difficult and emotional stretch for our community, it was wonderful to once again see members back inside the Clubhouse — working out, reconnecting with friends, and bringing energy back into the spaces that mean so much to all of us.

— Daniel Williams, President (Colonel Retired) & Charles Leverton, General Manager

Celebrate club camaraderie and resilience with an evening of nonstop fun at MAC Community Day at Providence Park. This family-friendly event is packed with activities led by Team MAC coaches, games, and entertainment for all ages — plus concessions for purchase.

Attractions include a giant inflatable obstacle course, miniature golf, carnival games, high striker, inflatable basketball shootout, balloon artists, face painting, and more.

Free for members, registration is required.

Club Art Hangs In There

Members who appreciate the one-of-a-kind collection the club has cultivated over the years will be relieved to know that it was almost entirely spared from damage on May 2.

The works of prominent Northwest artists such as Henk Pander, Rick Bartow, and Manuel Izquierdo — who all have pieces showing at the Portland Art Museum — are fully intact and ready to greet members as they return to the Reading Lounge and other spaces in the east section of the Main Clubhouse.

A handful of artworks suffered minor smoke damage, and the 2 pieces housed in 26 Founders require more extensive restorations courtesy of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. It also appears that the items housed in the archive were unaffected by the incident.

The overall news is incredibly positive for anyone who may have been worried about the potential loss of irreplaceable cultural artifacts. Like MAC itself, the slice of history overseen by the Arts Committee is still standing and well stewarded for future generations.

Friday, June 5

5 – 8 pm Providence Park

Learn more about upcoming events at the MAC!

Whether you join fellow members for Community Day or are looking to attend an upcoming athletic or social event, find the most up-to-date calendar and event information with the QR code at left.