June 2019
Greetings!
Ah June! What a great time to be a part of the Liberty Community. Our outdoor facilities are open and, if you haven’t noticed, we’ve renovated both the activity pool and the hot tub with new tile and pool plaster. Additionally, we’ve added an outdoor ping pong table and several games (Jenga, Namits, Spot it and Uno) for your entertainment. The paddles and games are available at the outdoor check-in area.
 
There are so many ways to enjoy the season. Whether you're hanging out with your family and friends by the outdoor water park, enjoying one of our motivating classes, improving your tennis game or spending time on the fitness floor, this is the place to make summer 2019 the best one ever.
 
Thank you for being a part of Liberty. See you poolside!

  
In good health,
Liberty Athletic Club
6/7 Friday | 6/8 Saturday | 6/9 Sunday
Bring a Family for $30 (one time use over 3-day time period, one per membership)
Open-Close | Valid One Day Only 6/7, 6/8 or 6/9

6/14 Friday
Poolside Music
1-4 PM / Outdoor Facility

6/19 Wednesday
Float Night
6-7 PM Outdoor Facility

6/21 Friday
1/2 off Guest Fee (one per membership)
11 AM- close / Facility Wide

6/22 Saturday
Saber Dueling Workshop (ages 12-up)
1-5 PM / Registration Required

Girls Tennis Division 1
State Championships 2019
Congratulations to our Liberty tennis players who competed in the Division 1 State Championships this past weekend in Midland!

#1 SINGLES
Karina Miller - State Champion
(Pioneer)
Jessica Braun - State Semifinals (Plymouth)
Angie Zhou - State Quarterfinals
(Huron)

#2 SINGLES
Miriam Gandham - State Champion
(Huron)
Mia Goldstein - State Quarterfinals
(Pioneer)

#3 SINGLES
Meg Goldberg - State Semifinals
(Pioneer)

#2 DOUBLES
Nikita Abbaraju - Round of 16
(Pioneer) 

#3 DOUBLES
Riley Dickinson / Gina Liu -
State Quarterfinals
(Pioneer)


Ann Arbor Pioneer's Kari Miller returns the ball during the Division 1 girls tennis state finals at Greater Midland Tennis Center, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)
Ann Arbor Pioneer's Meg Goldberg
Pioneer High School Girls Tennis Team
(left to right) Mia Goldstein, Dan Goldberg-Asst. Coach, Miriam Gandham, Karina Miller
Outdoor Court Reservations
Outdoor court reservations have begun. Courts may be reserved 24 hours in advance at the front desk. At the time of play, one person from the group will be required to come into the club to secure the registration.

Non members will be required to pay the $12.00 tennis guest fee prior to playing. Please remember, tennis players are required to wear shirts on the outdoor courts at all times.
tennis outside
Junior Tournament
Training Programs
Information packets have been e-mailed to all Jr. Competitive Players. Registration forms for the appropriate group(s) were included within the email for each individual. Please direct any questions to Paul Ripley at 734-665-3738 ext. 116 or  paul.ripley@libertyathletic.net .

Sign-up for any of the Tournament Training classes and receive 20% off 
until June 14, 2019!
Ann Arbor City Tennis Tournament
Come be a part of the Ann Arbor City Tennis Tournament's Centennial Celebration!

Adult Doubles &
Parent/ Child Special Event
6/6- 6/9 (deadline was 5/31)

Adult Singles
6/19- 6/23 ( register by 6/14)

Adult Doubles
7/10-7/14 (register by 7/15)

Juniors
7/11 & 7/12 (register by 7/8)

Asparagus Season
From the desk of Susan Cutshaw, M.S. Nutritionist
Michigan asparagus season typically begins in April, but with colder temperatures hanging around, we might get lucky and enjoy asparagus until the end of June!

Here are some interesting facts about this highly nutritious, low cal food:

  • Approximately 120 Michigan farms harvest roughly 20 million pounds during the growing season.
  • Michigan is the second largest producer of asparagus; California is number one.
  • About 40% of the crop is sold at farmer's markets, restaurants, and grocery stores.
  • It takes four years for an asparagus field to reach its maturity and can last about 20 years.
  • Asparagus can grow up to 1/2 inch per hour and can be picked up to 2 times per day.
  • Due to its short growing season, asparagus is considered a "clean 15" food, meaning conventional growing methods are just fine.
  • Once asparagus is harvested it should be preserved or consumed within 3 days to insure quality in taste and nutritional value.
  • Look for stalks that are firm with the tips tight, and store in a tight container with a wet paper towel.
  • Avoid rinsing until you're ready to eat and watch overcooking; you don't want that lovely green stalk to become limp and chewy.
  • Asparagus can be eaten raw, sauteed, pickled, frozen, grilled, canned, or pan seared.
  • 5 spears of asparagus= 17 calories, 0.2 g of fat, 1/8 g protein, 1/5 g fiber, 168 g potassium.

Try this tasty recipe:

Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Orange-Tarragon Aioli Recipe
By Roberta Duyff, MS, RD, FAND
Published February 4, 2018

Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 pounds asparagus with tough ends broken off (they will naturally break at the place where they become tender)
  • 2 T olive oil
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/3 C low-fat plain yogurt
  • 1/3 C reduced fat mayonnaise
  • 2 T minced fresh tarragon or 2 t dried tarragon
  • 1 T minced shallots
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 t orange zest
  • 1 t Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 C fresh orange juice
  • Tarragon sprigs, for garnish

Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
  2. Arrange the asparagus stalks in a single layer on an oven-proof baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over asparagus.
  3. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until asparagus beings to brown, yet has cooked only until fork tender.
  4. Pepper to taste
  5. Meanwhile, make aioli by combining yogurt, mayonnaise, tarragon, shallots, garlic, orange zest and mustard in a small bowl. Mix in orange juice. Whisk to blend well. Season to taste.
  6. Arrange to roasted asparagus spears on a serving dish. Spoon aioli over the top. Garnish with tarragon sprigs. Serve immediately.

Serves 4
Each serving contains: 190 calories, 120 calories from fat, Total fat 14 g, saturated fat 2 g, trans fat 0 g, cholesterol is 10 mg, sodium 180 mg, total carbohydrate 14 g, dietary fiber 3 g, sugars 9 g, protein 4 g

References
Important Swim Team Dates
in June
Saturday, June 15
White Towel Tie Dye Day
(following each age group practice)

Saturday, June 22
Home Swim Meet Vs. Milan

Wednesday, June 26
All Ages Party
Team Photo at 6:00 PM

Saturday, June 29
Away Swim Meet at Barton Hills

Questions?
Contact Ruby Dudley, Head Coach at 734.665.3738 x155, or email
  
Goddesses In Training!
(left to right) Caroline Dettling, Amy Milanovich , Laura Pasek, Janet Lawton, Rosa Simmer, Monica Vaisman. Not picured: Deedee Varick and Kate Brummell

You may have noticed the women training in the pool on Wednesday and Friday mornings or you may have seen the signs advertising the Tri Goddess program in the club. But what is the Tri Goddess? For the 8 women who train at Liberty for this race, it is an occasion to push your limits, build self-esteem and enjoy support from like minded peers. Liberty has offered this 8 week training program that runs two days a week since 2009.

The Tri Goddess is an all-female event that takes place early summer in Grass Lake, MI. Like all triathlons, it is comprised of three events: swimming, biking and running. There are numerous levels of triathlons, but the women training at Liberty are preparing for the Sprint which is a 750 meter (half mile) swim, a 20K (12.4 mile) bike ride, and a 5K (3.1 mile) run.

The Liberty Promotions Team interviewed Barb Figurski who is the coach of the Tri Goddess Training Program and Monica Vaisman, who is a first time participant in the group. Barb's enthusiasm and passion for the sport is evident when she shares. "I really love working with these women. The friendships and the camaraderie are a huge part of it", says Figurski who completed an Ironman in 2005 and has competed in 12 marathons. 

While many people are fascinated by the idea of participating in a triathlon, it can be an intimidating prospect. Figurski emphasizes that the Liberty Training Program is designed for women of varying ages, sizes and fitness levels, even if they have never participated in a competitive event.

Monica Vaisman, who at 46 decided to train for her first triathlon after her 16 year old son suggested it, has found the training invaluable. "If I had attempted a triathlon without first training with this group I would have been lost." She admits to being "kind of scared" when she first considered participating in the program. She describes going to the pool one day to watch the women train before gathering the courage to register. "You think, 'I'm going to go there and they're going to kill me', but then you soon realize that you can do a lot more than you thought you could."

"It has really helped build my self-esteem" says Vaisman. "I'm not as incapable as I thought." She has also felt buoyed by the support and encouragement of the other women. "We're all in this together. If they can do it, I can do it." Vaisman has always been fit, and has enjoyed biking and swimming but the running aspect of a tri was daunting. "With Barb's help I'm learning I can do it" she says.

Vaisman appreciates Figurski's coaching style. "I've never felt stressed. I've never felt anxiety. We are all encouraged to work at our own level." Figurski says an important part of her role as coach involves helping women build psychological confidence as they build their physical strength and endurance.

The training develops deep bonds. Figurski reports that the group continues to train and participate in events together even after they have run the last mile of the Tri Goddess. "We usually do one or more event in late summer. There is such a great feeling when you are cheering each other on at the Tri Goddess and you want to keep that going." Listening to Barb and Monica it is clear- the women in this training are there to challenge themselves individually, but they are also there to support and encourage each other
Tri Goddess Triathlon
The annual Tri Goddess Triathlon will be held on June 23, 2019.

American Heart Association Fundraiser
Thank you to all of our members who contributed to the American Heart Association! Through your financial support you're not only helping hearts in our community, you're also helping the American Heart Association improve patient care, fund lifesaving research and educate adults and children at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Your support helped Liberty Athletic Club raise over $2,600!

Raffle winners for those who donated $25 or more to the American Heart Association:
  • One Month LAC Membership Dues - Mary Edwards
  • 60-Minute Massage - Kathy Matney
  • 60-Minute Personal Training Session - Meredith Wilder
  • 60-Minute Semi-Private Personal Training Session - Megan Wilder
  • 60-Minute Semi-Private Yoga Session - Kingston Godzik
  • 60-Minute Semi-Private Pilates Session - Shelby Griffith
  • Myzone Physical Activity Belt - Bobbie Stoermer

We would also like to thank everyone who attended the Washtenaw County Heart Walk at EMU on May 11th. While the weather was less than desirable, the support from our community was fantastic!
Outdoor Waterpark
Member check-in is required at the outdoor waterpark. If you do not have your Liberty key card or phone app, please present a drivers license to the outdoor desk attendant.  
     
Unless enrolled in a Liberty sponsored program or event, children must be 12 years old to be dropped off at the club without a parent or adult supervisor. Supervisors must be 16 years or older.

Fitness Floor Reminders
As summer approaches we would like to remind everyone that our policies and procedures are in place for the safety and enjoyment of all of our members.  
  • Youth must be 12 years of age to be in the following areas: Fitness Floor, Performance Training Area, Stretching Room, Group Fitness and Mind Body Studio. 
  • Closed toe shoes are required on the Fitness Floor
  • Please refrain from wearing perfume while exercising
  • Please return your weights to the stands when you finish lifting 

Cell Phone Usage
To preserve the tranquility of the club the use of cellular phones for conversation is prohibited on the track, basketball court, fitness floor, fitness studios, and tennis courts.

Parking
Parking may be limited on Saturday June 22nd when Liberty is hosting a home swim meet. Additional parking is allowed on Scio Ridge, provided your car tires are off the pavement.
A Safe Summer is a Happy Summer
Dog Safety Reminder
Please do not leave your animals in a parked car. This raises many questions and concerns among our membership when we are not able to locate the owner in the club. As a result, the police may be called. We certainly want both you and your pets to be healthy and safe. Automobile temperatures can very quickly rise to dangerous levels; the average temperature increase in a parked car is 40 degrees, and the majority of this increase occurs in the first 15 to 30 minutes. When it's 80 degrees outside, your car will be a staggering 114 degrees, after 30 minutes! Worse still, dogs can't cool themselves down as easily as people, and once they overheat, they can suffer extensive organ damage or die. We appreciate your attention to this matter.
Pool Safety Reminder
Please remember children under 12 years of age must be supervised at the outdoor waterpark. The lifeguards are working hard to maintain a safe environment and are diligent in responding to children having difficulty in the water. We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the pools, however we must ask that all parents and supervisors maintain a close eye on their children.   
   
When the  Liberty Lagoon (aka indoor waterpark) is not life-guarded, children need to be 15 years of age or older to be without adult supervision.
life ring
Join the Liberty Team!
 
Looking for a fun and friendly place to work? Liberty offers great benefits, including a free individual membership. 

We are now hiring for the following positions:

  • Birthday Party Supervisors
  • Female Facilities
  • Male Facilities
  • Certified Group Fitness Instructor (Cycling preferred)
  • Membership Sales (part time)
 
  We urge you to apply as soon as possible because positions fill up quickly.
 
If interested in employment at Liberty, please contact Katie Potgiesser, Human Resources Manager at 734.665.3738 ext. 118 or at   katie.potgiesser@libertyathletic.net , or stop by the Club and obtain an application at the front desk.
Giving Back
Liberty Athletic Club is pleased to have provided in-kind donations to the following organizations during the month of May 2019:

  • Washtenaw Shelter Association
  • UMHS Women's Tee Party
  • Real Rats Wear Pink
11th Annual U of M
Stomp Out Sarcoma
Family 5K Fun Run
The annual Stomp Out Sarcoma Fun Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2019, at Hudson Mills Metropark in Dexter, Michigan. Join us for a fun and healthy way to support the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.