February’s Message from General Manager John O’Connor

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Charles Dickens could have been writing about Chicago’s “Snowmaggedon” just one year ago. It certainly brought out both the worst and the best in all of us that experienced it.

The one thing that I remember was the incredible serenity I felt at 5:00am on February 2, 2011 walking down the middle of Addison. I was en route to relieve my gallant and trusted staff that stayed at the Club all night in order to ensure that we remained open to help serve our community of members who couldn’t go anywhere else. The destruction that two feet of snow with six foot drifts can cause in one twenty four hour period can be quite extensive, but the relative calm during that eerily lonely, long, cold, and dark walk that I experienced was rather surprising and very much welcomed.

That day, I learned the true meaning of what FFC East Lakeview is all about; community, or more specifically, a true togetherness of neighborhood and ideals that transcended any fitness or social gathering needs. It was that day I realized, together with staff and members, we do have a very strong sense of belonging and a special place that is much more than just a gym where calories go to die.

Let’s hope we don’t ever see “Snowmaggedon” again, but I can assure you we are continuing to foster and grow that true sense of belonging we all experienced during that time! As always my door is open, the light is on, and I look forward to seeing you at the club!