I hope this update finds you all doing well and excited about Monday, February 21, 2022… No More Masks Indoor… for now! My interpretation of the latest message from the county is that the mask mandate expires on Monday, February 21, 2022.
However, don’t feel bashful about wearing your mask if you feel that it is necessary. At this time, the Club will not be requiring children to wear masks when indoors; however, we will continue to encourage ALL unvaccinated persons to wear masks when indoors.
If we are impacted by Covid at a later date, the Club may decide to move differently with our youngest children attending Child Minding.
Did You Know?
Childminding is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm with absolutely NO reservation needed for children over the age of 2. Evening hours, Monday through Thursday still require reservations as we are having more families enjoying the caregiving we provide.
Slowly but surely, more of you are coming back to the Club and leaving your children with us while you work out, swim, or play tennis. We very much appreciate the fact that you trust that we will keep your children safe and engaged!
Weather…
Just a reminder, we have one more month of potential cold and snowy conditions. As always, our goal is to keep you safe during those times. There are times when we close the Club early or open a little later or remain closed for the day. Our way of communicating those changes with you is via our email and voice mail systems, social media, and our Aspen Hill Club app. Be on the alert for any changes on those weather-impacting days. Fingers crossed, March is a non-issue!
All other Club related information can be found on our website at: www.aspenhillclub.com.
12/3/21
A huge “THANK YOU” to those of you who have contributed to our Staff Holiday Fund. We are getting ready to wrap it up by December 10th, 2021. I am humbled by your graciousness toward the team and I know they will be appreciative of your kindness.
With December moving at a fast pace already, I have a few reminders and updates during this holiday season. Many of you will be taking time to do some holiday shopping and some of you may even come to the Club with those gifts sitting in your car. My friendly advice, try not to do that if you can help it. If you do have valuables in your car, place them in a safe and hidden area before arriving at the Club. Regardless of being at the Club or some other parking lot, placing your items in a hidden location prior to your “landing” spot is good guidance in avoiding a car break-in.
Locker room update: We have some repairs to the flooring in the main locker rooms that will be taking place next Wednesday, December 8th, in the morning from 6:00 am – 12:00 pm. For the ladies, there will be men working in the locker area and we will have a partition in place for your privacy. You can feel free to shower or use the restrooms area if you would like, or you can use the pool locker room. We ask that you enter the locker room closest to the men’s locker room side and not the fitness center side as that is where the work will be performed. For the men’s locker room, this will be less problematic.
Club Holiday hours will be the following:
Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24th – 6:00 am – 1:00 pm
Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25th – Closed
New Year’s Eve, Friday, December 31st – 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
New Year’s Day, Saturday, January 1st, 2022 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Happy Holidays from us to you!
Be safe…
Danielle Bouchard, GM
11/17/21
It appears that masks will be mandated in Montgomery County once again beginning Saturday, November 20th, 2021.
That means masks will have to be worn indoors at all times, except when swimming, eating, or drinking. Also, make sure you are wearing your mask at any time in the locker room except when in the shower. Prior to leaving the shower area, your mask must be worn.
Masks will have to be worn at all other times and yes, that also means the tennis bubble.
We will keep you updated as we are informed by Montgomery County. Thank you for your support during this time.
On A Happy Note:
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we know many of you will have “Out of Town” guests. We would like to extend 50% off the guest fees from Wednesday, November 24th to Sunday, November 28th for “Out of Town” guests with proof of ID. Full-price guest fees will apply for those without “Out of Town” ID. Out of Town is not inclusive.
Thank You:
Lastly, our Team Holiday Fund has been active for a week and I wanted to say “THANK YOU” to those who have contributed so far. The closing date for contributions will be December 10, 2021. If you would like to contribute, you can email Tina at tlee@aspenhillclub.com, Mindy at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com, or Lori at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com to make your contribution.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
11/10/21
2021 Aspen Hill Club Staff Holiday Fund
Dear Aspen Hill Club Member,
The team and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your continued support. No doubt, we are grateful that we have been able to provide a vehicle or method to relieve some of the stress that has been incurred during these difficult months.
Over my 40 year career with the Aspen Hill Club, I have always done what I can to support and reward the Club’s team throughout each year and particularly during the holiday. The pandemic has made providing financial rewards more difficult as the Club has yet to recover financially from the pandemic.
I am reaching out to you in hopes that you will help reward the team, who have all worked very hard to create wonderful experiences for you throughout the pandemic. If you are able to and would like to contribute to our Holiday Fund, please contact Tina at tlee@aspenhillclub.com, Mindy at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com, or Lori at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com no later than December 10, 2021, with whatever contribution you see fit.
Thank you for your contribution and support in helping to recognize our employees, and for letting them know how much you appreciate their hard work throughout the year.
Happy Holidays to all!
Best of health,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
9/27/21
The Main Locker rooms are OPEN!
Due to Covid, the following protocols will be in place:
Masks must be worn in the locker rooms, except when in the shower.
We will not be providing towels, so make sure to bring your own.
The sauna will remain closed at this time.
Remember to social distance when possible.
Masks must be worn while in the whirlpool.
We hope you enjoy the new locker rooms as they are absolutely beautiful. Please know that we have appreciated your patience and support during this time of renovation.
8/16/21
Mask Mandate Change – I have been made aware that I did not interpret the mask mandate correctly when it was issued on August 5, 2021. The mandate does request that masks be worn indoor for the following reasons:
• while exercising
• playing tennis
• playing pickleball
• playing racquetball
• playing basketball or
• while any form of exercises such as yoga, Pilates, or cycling
You do not have to wear your mask while swimming or playing tennis outside.
Masks must be worn inside at all times.
Thank you for your patience as we maneuver through this difficult time.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
8/6/21
Last evening, August 5, 2021, Montgomery County announced the reinstatement of the mask mandate. As of Saturday at 12:01 am, a new mask mandate will be reinstated in Montgomery County. As a business within Montgomery County, we must follow these new guidelines.
A face covering is not required when you are:
• Eating or drinking
• Receiving dental services, shaving, or facial treatments or receiving another service requiring access to your face, mouth, head
• Swimming or engaged in another physical activity where the use of a face covering would pose a bona fide safety risk
• Unable to wear a face-covering due to a medical condition or disability
• Unable to wear a face-covering because it impedes communication by, or with, persons who have a hearing impairment or other disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
• Unable to wear a face-covering because it would create unsafe working conditions
Mask requirement for the Aspen Hill Club will be the following:
Masks must be worn upon entry and exit of the Club and while NOT exercising.
You do not need to wear a mask when you are eating or drinking, working out in the fitness center, swimming in the pool, playing tennis, or taking a group exercise class.
Let’s talk locker rooms!
I know you have all been waiting for the reopening of the main locker rooms and I certainly wish this message was an announcement regarding that, but unfortunately, it is not. I mentioned in an early update a “glitch” we encountered with the county. I did not go into detail as it is not necessary, a glitch is a glitch and we have to work through it. We are awaiting county approval for another final inspection and in the meantime, final touches are still taking place. At this time, I have been told the county can take weeks in addressing this final issue or it can take days. So, we will continue to be patient and wait.
I cannot thank you enough for your patience and I do hope that my next update is filled with great news regarding locker rooms and yes, Covid as well!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
7/16/21
Summer is certainly moving along quite quickly and I wish I could say the same regarding our construction of the main locker rooms and lower level carpet. However, I am writing to let you know, things are moving along now.
I anticipate the main locker rooms being open, at the latest, the first week in August; however, I am hoping for the last week of July.
The lower level carpeting will begin being installed starting Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Please see the attached diagram. On the diagram you will notice day 1 through day 4, each day, a section will be closed off; however, we will have signs redirecting you to the fitness center, pool, racquetball, and tennis. The attached diagram will give you a good idea of what areas will be closed each day.
For those of you that are on the handicap list and using the handicap entrance on the main building side, you will need to use the entrance located at the pool on both July 20 and 21. The main handicap entrance will be closed during this time of carpet installation.
I hope your summer is going well and you are all staying fit and healthy!
Just a quick note to everyone that summer camps begin Monday, June 21, 2021. You will notice that we have rearranged our lobby and café to accommodate our campers. The main lobby is set up for our adults who want to enjoy lunch at the Café and the Café area will be designated for our campers during their lunch and rest period.
While we are still under Covid restrictions with our campers, we need to provide areas where the children can be easily monitored and socially distanced. We will do our best to control and manage the children so the adults are not impacted in any way. Our young ones will be wearing masks when inside the Club unless eating lunch or at the pool.
This summer, we will also have water filling stations for you and the children in summer camp. You will also find another water fill station located near the former coffee area. Also, feel free to sit under our two canopies located on the Club deck.
We are looking forward to this summer and providing another successful and safe summer camp for our member’s children.
Happy Summer – 2021!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard
5/20/21
Beginning today, May 20, 2021, we will no longer require that you wear a mask if you have been fully vaccinated. That means both vaccines and 10 days from your last one. If you have had the J&J vaccine, then 10 days out from your initial vaccine. However, if you elect to wear a mask regardless of being vaccinated, that is fine as well. We do encourage mask-wearing and in fact, you will see many of the team continuing to wear their mask.
Children – regardless of being vaccinated, must wear their masks indoor, and outdoor if they are unable to be socially distant.
If you have not been vaccinated, you are required to wear your mask at all times when inside the facility. Please continue to social distance.
More importantly, as a friendly reminder, if you are not feeling well, please do not come to the Club and if you suspect you have Covid, please be tested and make us aware of your results before your return.
All other restrictions will be lifted Friday, May 28, 2021, per Montgomery County. At that time, indoor capacity will be at 100% along with class participation. The following reservations will no longer be necessary:
• Group exercise classes
• Lap swimming
• Basketball
If you made reservations for May 29, 2021, and beyond, those reservations will no longer be effective.
Reservations for Child Minding will continue for staffing purposes and racquetball reservations will still be necessary to reserve your court.
All those using the fitness center will be required to continue wiping down the equipment used. This is a necessary and prudent part of keeping everyone healthy. If you elect to forgo this process, you will risk the suspension of your membership.
At this time, the main locker rooms remain closed but I am hoping we will have them ready soon.
Covid impacted the Club financially and many of you know, it has been a very difficult 14 months. There are some services such as “towels” that we will not institute right away. We will monitor our utilities and other expenses which will continue to assist us during our recovery. At this time, the fitness center and pool will remain closed from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for us to clean and get things ready for the evening crowd. You will also notice staffing is not what it used to be like that has been impacted as well and in part, this is another reason why we are closed in fitness, aquatics and childminding, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. I hope that we can modify these hours soon.
In advance – Happy Memorial Day!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
5/14/21
General News:
Many of you are inquiring about the CDC and mask-wearing. Please note: We have to follow Montgomery County guidelines. At this time, there have not been any changes made by Montgomery County on mask-wearing or capacity limits for indoor activity. Please help us by supporting our efforts in abiding by our county regulations.
Group Exercise News:
In-person Yoga classes will either take place in the East Lounge or outside on the deck (weather dependent). We have opened reservations safely for 9 participants. We look forward to filling these classes once again.
In-person group exercise classes have been added to our schedule. Please see our website at www.aspenhillclub.com for newsletter information, updated information, and member updates.
Revised Operating Hours:
NEW FRIDAY HOURS: Beginning Friday, May 21, 2021, we will remain open until 7:00 pm. Participation will be monitored closely to support and warrant the additional hour.
Tuesday, June 2, 2021, the Club will open at 6:00 am with outdoor tennis opening at 7:00 am. Indoor tennis will open at 6:00 am.
Aquatic News:
Beginning Monday, May 17, 2021, we will permit 2 people in each lap lane with 1-hour reservations instead of 45 minutes.
Swim lessons have begun. Lessons are primarily taught in lane 5, the “walking” lane. Beginning May 15th, there may be times when a portion of lane 5 will be roped off for lessons. You will still be permitted to walk in the lane; however, your walk will be shortened to a little less than ¾ of the lane length. If you have questions regarding swim lessons, reservations, or impact on the lanes, contact Mindy Carter at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com.
Tennis News:
I wanted to take a moment to apologize for the length of time it has taken us to get the bubble courts ready for the summer season, and yes, I take full responsibility. For financial reasons, the pandemic has certainly prohibited us from hiring full staff in all departments, including maintenance. With limited staff, along with difficult weather conditions over the past 3 to 4 weeks, we are behind on our timeline.
On a positive note…one of our members recently found this link (live longer – take up tennis) and had a great suggestion to pass it along. Thank you Ken Lee for sharing this link!
Although we have been open since the last week in April, we have had less than a handful of reservations. We are hopeful that once school is finished for the year, we will see you back in our childminding care. And remember to pick up your Kids Camp Registrations!
Memorial Day Hours, Monday, May 31, 2021
Fitness 6:30am – 1:00pm
Tennis and Aquatics 7:00am – 1:00pm
No Child Minding
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
5/5/21
Bubble Courts
We are struggling with opening our bubble tennis courts for the season. With a smaller workforce and temperamental weather, we are behind at this time. This week is a perfect example of what we have battled with severe winds, overnight rain, and morning rain, we are unable to lay the clay because of the wind, let alone walk on the courts because of all the moisture.
We will continue to monitor the weather and hope that we can get back on the bubble courts to prep them for the season. Your patience at this time is very much appreciated.
We miss you in Childminding, so we have made some changes – see below!
Childminding Hours will be the following May 1 – May 30, 2021
Morning Hours: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Evening Hours: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday Hours: 9:00am – 2:00pm only
Weekend Hours: 8:30am – 1:00pm
Ages: 2yr – 10yrs
Maximum Capacity: 5 children at a time
Maximum time: 90 Minutes (We will lend flexibility during your reservation if and when we can.)
Contact Mindy Cater at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com or 301 598-5200 ext. 111 or use the member self-service for your reservation.
The Club Café is OPEN!
Monday – Saturday, 10am-2pm
With the increased demand for parking, the front entrance is open as well as the lower handicap entrance.
4/28/21 #2
Yesterday, April 27th, the CDC made a shift regarding mask-wearing while outdoor. As of Tuesday evening, Montgomery County adopted that change as well. If you are fully vaccinated, you do not have to wear your mask while outside on Club property. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must wear your mask. Remember, social distance is still an appropriate action. If there is a shift in the CDC requirements, we will ensure we do the same as well.
Any time you are inside the Club, you must wear your mask.
Regarding tennis balls and how they are handled. Feel free to handle the tennis balls in the manner in which works for your spot-time group. Concerning lessons and clinics, we will continue to handle the tennis balls the way we have been during the pandemic. However, we will have ball hoppers and sanitizer wipes available for those who would like to assist.
Lastly, regarding sitting together at the café or outside on the deck. If you have been fully vaccinated, feel free to sit together. If inside, once you are finished with your meal, masks must be worn.
I suspect the CDC will have more changes over the next weeks and months. I will pay close attention and follow the guidelines provided by Montgomery County.
Lastly, don’t forget, Child Minding is open! See the earlier update for more information.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
4/28/21
I apologize in advance for the many recent updates. It seems each day we are modifying and adding to our ever-changing pandemic situation. So here it goes…
1. Aquatic Members: Beginning, Monday, May 3rd, you can use a locker during the time that you are swimming. At this time, we are not renting lockers but we will again soon.
2. As of today, April 27th, you will find soap in each shower stall. Please leave the soap container in the shower caddy.
3.Child Minding Hours: Beginning May 3rd, we have expanded our hours, Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 1:00pm & 4:00 – 8:00pm, Friday-Sunday, 9:00am – 1:00pm. Morning hours (9:00 am – 1:00 pm) are the hours available through April 30th. We hope to see you soon.
Childminding is open this week, April 26 – April 30 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Beginning Monday, May 3, 2021, Childminding will be open during the following hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 1:00pm and 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (no evening hours as the Club closes at 6:00 pm currently)
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Childminding Reservation Limitations:
Ages 3 to 8 years only
Max. of 5 children per hour
Temperatures checked upon entry
Masks are mandatory and children will be kept at a safe distance
We will provide limited toys and activities
No snacks at this time
How To Secure a reservation for your Child/Children in Childminding:
To reserve a spot for your child, you must have access to our Member Self Service/Empower M.E. If you do not, please contact Tina at tlee@aspenhillclub.com, Lori at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com, or Mindy at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com for assistance. If you do have access, please follow the steps below.
1. Log Into Empower M.E. (EME)/Member Self Service (MSS).
b. You can also access the Member Account Login page from the AHC app or website.
c. You will have to log in with your username and password.
2. Once you are on the home page, select the navigation menu (Three dashed lines surrounded by a blue circle to the left of your screen under the Club’s logo). To ensure you can make reservations for your children, once you are logged in; Click Dashboard. A screen will populate to the right of the menu that has many tiles. One of those tiles will say “My Family”. Click the blue box and it should have listed all players on your account. Once you have confirmed that you can manage your family members go to the next step.
3. Return to the side menu and select “My Activities”, then select “Class Schedule”. A screen should populate to your right that provides date options, club options (which should say Aspen Hill Club), and category options.
4. Click on the “Select Category” drop-down menu on the right side of the page and select “Childminding”.
a. Next, Select the calendar icon and search for the day you are looking for.
b. Your options should populate below.
c. Once you have selected the time that you would like, click the arrow to the right and then click “Sign Up”.
d. Another screen will populate and you MUST HIT continue to confirm the reservation.
e. Once you have completed your reservation, you will see a “thank you for your order” screen, and you will receive an email confirmation. Please understand that there is no cost attached to your choice, but it will show up on your monthly statement as a $0.00 charge. This is how our system works. We apologize if this is an inconvenience.
How To unenroll if you need to cancel or change the time of your reservation
If you need to change the time of your reservation see below:
To cancel your participation in a Childminding Reservation, select the “settings wheel” (a small icon within the box) on the class listed in your “My Upcoming Classes” feature, select the “Unenroll” button which will take you to an Unenroll screen; scroll down and select the “Unenroll” button. You will be prompted with a confirmation to unenroll, select “Yes”, you will then receive a pop-up stating you are no longer enrolled. You will receive an email confirming your unenrollment from the reservation. You may then go back to the beginning and pick a different date if you wish. If you have questions contact Mindy at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com.
4/23/21
Good News…
This has been a long time coming… Child Minding will be open, Monday, April 26, 2021, for limited hours the first week with an expansion of hours the week of May 1, 2021. Reservations must be made and will be limited to 55 minutes. To ensure those leaving and those entering are processed safely, we ask that you pick up your child within the 55-minute mark.
April 26 to April 30 = Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 1:00pm
(No Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and May 2)
For this first week, we ask that you contact Mindy Carter at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to make your reservation for the week of April 26 – April 30. Reservations for this first week will be accepted daily and monitored to offer fairness to all members.
Ages 3 to 8 years
5 children per hour
Temperatures checked upon entry
Masks are mandatory and children will be kept at a safe distance
We will provide limited toys and activities
No snacks at this time
Beginning May 3, the hours will be the following:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 1:00pm and 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm (no evening hours as the Club closes at 6:00pm currently)
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Reservations will then be made through the Club’s reservation system. I will post another update next week regarding that procedure.
Reminder to our pool members: Please remember to bring your soap, shampoo, towel, water, and anything else you may need.
More Good News…
Opening Day for the Café is Monday, May 3 with operating hours from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We will have indoor and outdoor seating. Families can sit together, all others must be socially distant. Masks must be on except when eating. Your mask must be placed on your face once your meal is completed regardless of other family members or friends are still eating.
And there is more Good News…
We will have seating, socially distanced for you beginning Monday, April 26, 2021. You will notice areas in the lobby where seating is available. Please do not move the furniture or sit on the furniture that specifically as noted with “Do Not Sit”.
Construction of the main lockers is set to continue soon and hopefully, we can have those open soon as well. I will have more of an ETA on that in the next week and will provide an update at that time.
Lastly regarding tennis… The bubble is down and we will begin work on those courts the week of April 26th. It is an extensive process to get those courts prepped and resurfaced. Much longer than the other courts so I ask for your continued patience.
To all of our members, a “BIG” Thank You for your continued support as we continue to maneuver through the ever-changing Covid stages of compliance and protocols.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
4/19/21
Specific to Tennis: Three years ago we invested in a tennis app that would enable you to book a tennis court without having to call the Club. In 2020 and during Covid, the app became very useful and most of you maneuvered very well. By late summer of 2020, 72% of courts were booked via the app.
We are finding that our internal reservation system and the app’s reservation system are conflicting and we want to correct that conflict. The conflict is with the reservation for the 8th day.
Example: If you are playing today, Monday, April 19, 2021, at 10 am and you want to make a reservation for next Monday, April 26 at 10 am, you cannot make that reservation until 10 am today, Monday, April 19. However, if you walk into the Club or call the Club at 8:15 is, you can make your 8th-day reservation. This is where the app and our reservation policy conflict.
To remove the conflict, beginning May 1, 2021, our internal reservation policy will coincide with the app reservation policy. Whether you use the app, call the Club, or are at the Club, the 8th-day reservation policy will be the same. You must wait until the exact time to reserve that 8th-day court.
Specific to Pickleball: Presidential Tennis Members only will be able to reserve the 2 outdoor hard courts between the hours of 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm for pickleball. Before noon and after 4:00 pm, those courts will be available for tennis.
Pickleball Only Members are only permitted to play pickleball when we have organized play or an organized pickleball event.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
4/14/21
We are so glad to have our aquatic members back! It has been a great first week and so far the reviews have been favorable. The reservation system appears to be working well. However, I do ask that if you make a reservation and you are unable to make that reservation, please take the time to cancel your reserved lane. Remember, when you reserve a lane and you don’t show up, you are preventing another fellow member from making that reservation. Please be considerate of others that want to swim as much as you do. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Tennis-related items – the tennis bubble is scheduled to come down, weather permitting, on Thursday, April 15th. Outdoor courts 7 – 12 are now open for reservations. We will continue working on courts 17 – 19 next week. We encourage using the Kourts app for your court reservations which will better enable the reception desk team to assist you when you come to the Club.
Remember to wear your mask “to and from” the outdoor courts. You can remove your mask when you play on the outdoor courts, all other times, your mask must be worn. At this time we will not be providing water or towels so remember to bring what you need when playing on the courts.
Also, we continue with construction. You will notice the west stairwell is closed for new stair treads and carpet, which will be installed Wednesday, April 21st. The east stairwell will be next and once the main locker room construction has concluded, the lower hallways will be newly carpeted.
Your patience has been remarkable during this time and is very much appreciated by the Aspen Hill Club team.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
4/8/21
We had a great first day with the pool opening and a wonderful feeling as all went well. With that, beginning Friday, April 9th, showers will be open to swimmers only. The pool locker rooms need a few finishing touches, but that will not impact use at this time. Please shower before and after your swim. Be as quick as you can so we do not have an overlap of members in the locker rooms. You will notice that some showers will remain closed to create distance between patrons.
Regarding lap lane reservations, if you are having difficulty, please contact Mindy Carter at (301) 598-5200 ext., 111 or at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com.
Racquetball News: All players who have been vaccinated can play singles or doubles. Please bring your card as proof so we can properly document your ability to play in close quarters together. Please know, you must wear your mask at all times.
Tennis News: Six (6) Outdoor courts will be open starting Saturday, April 10th. Courts 7 & 8 will be available for reservations and 9, 10, 11 & 12 will be available on a walk-in basis via the reception desk. If the weather is good tomorrow, Friday, April 9th, we will have a few courts open on a walk-in basis. Next week we will begin work on 17, 18 & 19. The bubble is due to come down on April 15th.
For all members: We continue to work toward completing the main locker rooms. We will also be replacing the carpeting in the lower hallways and stairwells. We are waiting for the main locker rooms to be complete before we install the new carpet. I know the lower level is not appealing, but rest assured, it will be soon.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
4/6/21
For our pool members, there is a slight correction to the latest two updates. The pool will be open on April 7, 2021; however, the showers will not be available. You will have the liberty of changing in the locker room area; however, we ask that you do so quickly.
Lockers will also not be available. Bring your gym bag with you to your designated lap lane.
Please bring your towels, water, and anything else you may need for your swim session.
45-minute swim sessions only.
Wear your mask anytime you are not in the water swimming.
Remember to keep socially distant when in the locker room or deck area.
Please See Our Lap Lane Cancellation Procedure Below:
If you are unable to attend your reserved lap lane time, we ask that you cancel your reservation so another member make takes advantage of that time slot.
•On the left side of your screen, select my dashboard.
•On your dashboard locate “My Upcoming Classes”.
•All of your current reservations for lap lanes should appear in this box.
•Select the “settings wheel” on the reservation that you wish to cancel listed in your “My Upcoming Classes” feature.
•Select the “Unenroll” button which will take you to an Unenroll screen; scroll down and select the “Unenroll” button.
•You will be prompted with a confirmation to unenroll, select “Yes”, you will then receive a pop-up stating you are no longer enrolled and you will receive an email confirming your unenrollment from the reservation.
I am happy to announce the opening of the pool on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Reservations can now be made starting with Wednesday, April 7 by following these specific instructions.
How To Secure a Reservation for your Swimming/Water Walking Lap Lane
For you to be able to reserve your lap lane for lap swimming or water walking you must have access to our Member Self Service/Empower M.E. If you do not please contact Tina at tlee@aspenhillclub.com, Lori at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com, or Mindy at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com for assistance. Once you have access, please follow the steps below.
1. Log Into Empower M.E. (EME)/Member Self Service (MSS).
b) You can also access the Member Account Login page from the AHC app or our website, www.aspenhillclub.com.
c) You will have to log in with your username and password.
2. Once you are on the home page, select the navigation menu (Three dashed lines surrounded by a blue circle to the left of your screen under the Club’s logo). The menu will pop up, select the down arrow of “My Activities”, then select “Class Schedule”.
Click on the “Select Category” drop-down menu on the right side of the page and select “Lap Lanes”.
a) Next, Select the calendar icon and search for the day you wish to reserve.
b) Once your date is chosen, available Lap Lane Options will display. You will have the option of 5 different lanes – keep in mind that Lap 5 is designated for Water Walking – although can be used for Lap Swim as well.
c) Click on the arrow on the right side of the lane you are interested in; once you have expanded your selection you will be able to read the long description.
d) Select the “Sign Up” button and follow the prompts once you have completed your reservation you will see a “thank you for your order screen” and you will receive an email confirmation. Please understand that there is no cost attached to your choice, but it will show up on your monthly statement as a $0.00 charge. This is how our system works. We apologize if this is an inconvenience.
If you have any difficulty with this process contact one of the individuals named at the beginning of these instructions. They will be able to facilitate the process for you. We thank you for your continued support!
Other Club News:
Tennis – Weather permitting, the tennis bubble will be taken down on Thursday, April 15, 2021. We are currently working toward opening the outdoor courts.
Fitness – So far all has been great with fitness. We have not had any Covid outbreaks. Everyone has been participatory in keeping the equipment clean and I believe that has been impactful. Wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping distance has also been a large part of our success. So for those of you that have not come back yet, please give us a try. I think you will be pleasantly pleased with how safe our environment has been and continues to be.
Friendly reminders: The Fitness Center will close at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 4, 2021, and Tennis will close at 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 4, 2021.
To each of you, please continue to wear your mask when in and around the Club regardless of your vaccination status. Thank you for keeping those around you safe!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
3/29/21
Welcome, AHC pool members to our 2021 pool reopening!
No doubt, it has been a long time coming! I will announce later this week our true opening date which is right around the corner. The pool is filled with water. All mechanical systems were started this morning and so far, all of that has gone without a hitch. Final touches are being implemented in the locker rooms and final inspections should take place mid-week. Below you will find the protocol specific to the pool along with hours of operation.
Most important protocol – If you are not feeling well, regardless of the ailment, do not come to the Club.
You must wear a mask once you have exited your car until you are ready to get in the water. Your mask must be worn at all other times.
Towels will not be provided. You must bring your towel, water bottle, and anything necessary for your lap swimming.
The pool will be open Monday – Thursday from 7:00am – 2:00pm and 4:00pm – 9:00pm, Friday from 7:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8:00am – 4:00pm. (hours may be modified as we slowly integrate classes and lessons)
Lap swimming will be restricted to 45 minutes. At the 45 minute mark, a whistle will be blown and you will be asked to exit the pool, shower quickly, and exit the building. Your mask must also be worn to and from the shower. Reservations will be necessary.
Reservations are not available until we provide notification of the actual opening date.
Reservations are as follows:
Five (5) lap lanes will be available with 3 on the hour for 45 minutes and two (2) on the quarter hour for 45 minutes. Example: 7:00am – 7:45am and 7:15am – 8:00am.
Lifeguards will instruct when it is time to stop swimming and leave the pool. We ask that you take a quick “rinse-off” shower so we can accommodate those that are scheduled to swim after you.
Social distancing, 6 feet or more will be necessary – no congregating on the pool deck or in the locker rooms. For us to accommodate the number of swimmers, we ask that you adhere to this request so we can move members along quickly.
Showers are available; however, at this time the lockers will not be available for use. We suggest that once you are changed, take your gym bag to the pool area until you are finished with your swim time.
The family locker room will be available for families with children or individuals with physical limitations.
How To Secure a reservation for your Swimming/Water Walking Lap Lane:
For you to be able to reserve your lap lane for lap swimming or water walking you must have access to our Member Self Service/Empower M.E. If you do not please contact Tina, tlee@aspenhillclub.com Lori, lcarter@aspenhillclub.com, or Mindy mcarter@aspenhillclub.com for assistance. If you do have access, please follow the steps below.
Log Into Empower M.E. (EME)/Member Self Service (MSS).
You can also access the Member Account Login page from the AHC app or our website, www.aspenhillclub.com.
You will have to log in with your username and password.
Once you are on the home page, select the navigation menu (Three dashed lines surrounded by a blue circle to the left of your screen under the Club’s logo). The menu will pop up, select the down arrow of “My Activities”, then select “Class Schedule”. Click on the “Select Category” drop-down menu on the right side of the page and select “Lap Lanes”.
Next, select the calendar icon and search for the day you wish to reserve.
Once your date is chosen, available Lap Lane Options will display. You will have the option of 5 different lanes – keep in mind that Lap 5 is designated for Water Walking – although can be used for Lap Swim as well.
Click on the arrow on the right side of the lane you are interested in; once you have expanded your selection you will be able to read the long description.
Select the “Sign Up” button and follow the prompts once you have completed your reservation you will see a “thank you for your order screen” and you will receive an email confirmation. Please understand that there is no cost attached to your choice, but it will show up on your monthly statement as a $0.00 charge. This is how our system works. We apologize if this is an inconvenience.
If you have any difficulty with this process contact one of the individuals named at the beginning of these instructions. They will be able to facilitate the process for you. We thank you for your continued support!
3/17/21
I feel confident that this update will not be a surprise regarding the pool. We have run into some complications that will delay us by two weeks. If we can, we will work toward opening the pool in the last week of March or early April. I cannot begin to know the level of frustration you have regarding the pool not being open, nor can I apologize enough for the duration in which this project has taken. What I can say is that we were certainly on track to open the week of March 22 until we ran into this particular complication, but rest assured, we are addressing this issue as quickly as possible.
Tennis – Just a reminder that we extended our court hours until 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Since extending those hours, we have less play now than we did before extending the hours until 9:00 pm. We have created a safe environment for you with the addition of the Ion Fans, so take advantage of the nighttime hours.
Our clay delivery arrived over the weekend and we will begin rebuilding the outdoor courts soon. As long as the rain and winds stay away, we will be fine. High winds and wind gusts make laying clay problematic so we ask that you keep all weather conditions in mind as we prep for the spring and summer seasons. Your patience at this time is certainly appreciated.
The ball machine is now in use. For those of you that prefer alone time on the court, the ball machine is the perfect tool to keep you up to speed on your groundstrokes and being physically active, all while improving your general health and wellbeing. Go right to the “Kourts” app to book your ball machine court.
Lastly, please remember that if another court’s tennis balls end up on your court, do not pick them up with your bare hands. Either allow them to retrieve it, or send it back over to their court by pushing it with your racquet.
Fitness – Continues to grow in usage as more members are becoming vaccinated and more of you see that our cleaning, Ion fans, disinfecting spray along with social distancing, and mask-wearing are working. So far we have been able to keep you safe and there is no doubt that you have participated in making that happen… so “thank you”! March 26, 2021, Montgomery County is changing the fitness capacity to 50%.
Group Exercise – We will be introducing more virtual classes and in-person classes beginning in early April. This will provide more variety for you along with options of in-person classes. Look out for the April newsletter announcing what/when classes will take place.
Café – I would like to get the Café back in place soon, perhaps early April as well. For the Café to succeed, they will need your help. We will begin with take-out orders along with the ability to sit on the deck and enjoy your meal. No more than four people per table. We will hold off on inside dining for a bit longer.
Child Minding – We will begin operating sometime in late April or early May with modified hours and with limited children. At this time we are considering summer camp, again with modified hours and a limited number of children. Mindy and I hope to have more information for you in the upcoming weeks.
Respectfully –
Danielle Bouchard, GM
3/3/21
NEW CLUB HOURS ENCLOSED
I have some good news and some not-so-good news on this update. The good news is, we will be expanding our tennis and fitness hours to the following:
Tennis: Beginning March 6, 2021
7:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Thursday
7:00am – 6:00pm Friday
7:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday
Fitness: Beginning March 8, 2021
6:30am – 2:00pm and 4:00pm 9:00pm Monday – Thursday (break from 2pm to 4pm for cleaning)
6:30am – 6:00pm Friday (straight through)
8:00am – 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday (straight through)
The not-so-good news…the pool is not ready to open. We have encountered sprinkler and fire alarm issues that must be resolved before opening. Also, some accessories that remain to be installed along with final flooring in the walking areas will be addressed once we have less foot traffic from the construction crew. At this time, I am being told we have another week or more worth of work, then a final inspection. That places us the week of March 22, 2021, for possible reopening. I am sorry to provide the news of this delay and certainly hope the next update provides a clear and accurate opening date!
Regarding the outdoor tennis courts, since the weather is giving us a bit of a break, we will begin our processes soon. Because we kept the outdoor courts open later than usual in 2020, we did not go through our normal/usual “end of season” tasks, so we will begin our processes this year in reverse. Please be patient with us as we maneuver differently than we have in past years.
As of today, March 3, 2021, the two outdoor hard courts can be reserved via the “Kourts” app.
The ball machine is now available for use. Reservations can be made via the “Kourts” app or call the reception desk. We have high-quality PINK Wilson tennis balls that are dedicated to ball machine use. You will see a dedicated tennis ball hopper labeled “BALL MACHINE.” Please try and avoid touching the tennis balls with your hands and use the ball hopper to retrieve the balls. Please use hand wipes (located between courts 4 & 5) to clean equipment. And lastly, please make sure all Pink balls get put back into the ball machine before you leave.
Remember, Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 14, 2021, with spring officially beginning March 20th.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
2/23/21
I hope this update finds you all doing well and looking forward to spring. The team and I are looking forward to a break in the weather as we look at what is ahead in the next couple of months.
Pool Update: On Monday, February 22, 2021, I was provided with a new timeline for construction. If all goes according to the final plan and inspections are passed, the pool could likely be open sometime in the second week of March 2021. I know the duration of this project has gone beyond anyone’s expectations. I wish I had a good defense but at this time I do not other than the team and I have endured the same frustrations that you have, and for that, I am sorry. I do believe once we are open, you will feel the “newness” of the locker rooms and hopefully, we can all put 2020 behind us!
The pool protocol and reservation policy will follow next week in another update.
A friendly reminder to all members: You must wear your mask properly, over the mouth and nose regardless if you have been vaccinated or not. As much as we need our members to be active and participatory, if you are unable to follow our protocol, you do risk the chance of suspension or termination of membership. Let’s help prevent any of that from taking place by wearing the mask properly and when notified either by staff or other members, take the time to make the correction permanent.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
2/12/21
Let’s talk about the pool shall we…yes, we are getting closer! We likely have 1.5 weeks of work remaining and then the final inspection. If all goes well, we may be able to open the pool the first week of March 2021. We are pushing for that to take place. There are only two things that can get in the way of this right now and that is bad weather, which could prevent crews from coming to work, and final inspection, in case something does not pass (we don’t anticipate that at this time).
Next week I will draft another update regarding opening and closing times, how to make your lap swimming reservations, along with Covid-19 protocols. Once we open, we will take a few weeks to ensure our protocols are working and everyone is participating appropriately. Once we determine that all is going well, we will introduce one-on-one swim lessons. At this time I do not have a specific time for when we will re-introduce group water, exercise classes.
The main focus will be ensuring that everyone is following our protocols and we can keep you safe. Lastly regarding the pool, the team and I cannot thank you enough for your support and patience regarding the length of time this project has taken. Your support means the world to us and we are very appreciative.
Regarding Fitness – It is great seeing new faces in the fitness center! The Ion Fans have been installed and as you have read in previous updates, the Ions kill 99.99% of Sars-Cov-2 (causes Covid-19). We are the only Club in Montgomery County and the region with Ion Fans.
A friendly reminder to all members, please wear your mask properly at all times.
To our tennis members – Spring is just a few months away. We will work toward getting the outdoor courts open at the same time as we generally do. Getting them open sooner when the temperatures do not cooperate is not prudent on our part and would cause more work and closures in the season. So bare with us as we negotiate all of that right along with you!
To all of our members – thank you for your continued support. Words cannot express how grateful we are.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
2/5/21
Friendly Reminder
I hope this quick update finds you all doing well and staying healthy! Here are a few reminders to help ensure that continues…
Please do not come to the Club if you are not feeling well, or have an inkling of not feeling well.
Please wear your face mask appropriately, covering your nose and mouth at all times when at the Aspen Hill Club.
Wash your hands with soap and water when you can, and feel free to use the hand sanitizer located throughout the Club.
If you have recently tested positive and have been at the Club, please contact Danielle Bouchard, at dbouchard@aspenhillclub.com or Mindy Carter at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com. We understand the importance of keeping this communication confidential. Keep in mind that we have staff that you may have come in contact with that would have to quarantine for 7 to 10 days as well. If we are not informed, we are unable to do the right thing and that right thing is protecting everyone.
Stay safe and continue to be considerate of others!
Danielle Bouchard, GM
1/29/21
THE ION FANS ARE HERE!
1/22/21
Here we are nearing the end of January and we are still working diligently to keep everyone safe. As we approach the month of February, I ask that you remain committed to mask-wearing, social distancing, and refraining from coming to the Club if you are not feeling well. A friendly reminder, if you have Covid-19 please refrain from coming to the Club for at least 14 days (follow CDC guidelines) and ensure you are negative and symptom-free before returning. If you have been exposed to anyone positive with Covid-19, we ask that you refrain from coming to the Club for 7 to 10 days (follow CDC guidelines) and have received a negative test as well. Please notify Club management if you have tested positive or have been exposed so we can ensure the safety of others.
GOOD NEWS! The ion fans are here and we have two of them in the tennis bubble. Six (6) more will be installed throughout the fitness center and indoor tennis courts with two in each location within the next week. The ions…
KEY BENEFITS
Protect your people by killing airborne viruses and bacteria
Safely neutralize allergens, odors, and fumes
Improves air quality and work conditions over wide coverage areas
The Aspen Hill Club is the ONLY Club in the area to provide such protection. There is no reason to stay away!
About the pool! We are nearing the end but still have a few weeks to go. The good news… the roof is complete and most of the electrical work should be completed by today, January 22, 2021. Next week, beginning January 25th, the locker rooms will resume construction and should be completed the first week in February. Inspections will then take place and hopefully, we can open the pool in mid-February.
Lastly, I know that tensions are running high and everyone has had enough with Covid-19 and perhaps other things as well. Over the past several weeks, I have received many emails and phone calls regarding some members mistreating others. Everyone comes here to have fun, get rid of some stress, and enjoy the activity in which they participate, so please be nice and play well together.
Stay safe –
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
12/29/20
Member Update: December 29, 2020
This update is to inform you that the Club was visited by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services today as someone filed a complaint recently regarding a member or members not wearing masks while playing tennis.
You all know how diligent I have been and the team has been at enforcing our policies. I have written numerous updates, spoken with members in person, and have sent letters and emails reminding members to wear their masks. All it takes is one person to decide that this policy is beyond them and then all it takes is for one member to contact the county and things go south from there.
You cannot imagine the hard work it has taken for us to get to this point. The dedication and commitment to create a safe environment for you. The last thing any of us want is for the Club to be shut down because one person has decided to disregard policy and another person files a complaint. If we have another visit from the county, I guarantee the next visit will not be as forgiving.
So I ask you two things:
Wear your mask!
2. Contact me or the front desk immediately if you see someone disregarding the Clubs Covid-19 policy and I will make sure that person either plays by the rules or plays elsewhere.
On another note:
We will be resuming locker room construction at the pool shortly. I still do not have an ETA on the pool opening but should have more information after the new year. The scaffolding is being removed today and the roof is completed.
January 2, 2021 we will extend our fitness hours to the following:
Monday through Thursday 7:30am – 1:00pm & 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday 7:30am – 1:00pm & 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturday/Sunday 8:00am – 2:00pm
HAPPY NEW YEAR from the AHC Team!
Entire Club Holiday Hours
December 31, 2020 (New Years Eve): 7:30am – 1:00pm
January 1, 2021 (New Years Day): 10:00am – 2:00pm
12/22/20
As I write this update, Christmas is just a few days away. I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a Happy Holiday and a much better 2021! Also, to those of you who have continued to support us by using the Club, continuing to pay your dues, and contributing to our Labor Fund… thank you! Your support has kept us motivated and energized, there is no doubt about it!
Financially the club has suffered significantly and I hope that you continue to support us in any manner in which you can. Our goal is to keep the doors open and the Club functioning but there is no doubt operating at a deficit cannot continue for much longer. Our Labor Fund is still ongoing, so if you find that you can help, please contact Mindy Carter at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com with your contribution.
With this update comes the sad news regarding our outdoor courts. It has become very difficult to keep them open. The outside temperatures are simply not cooperating and the moisture continues to rise to the top of the court, creating very soft courts, and causing the lines to heave. We will continue to keep some of the outdoor courts open but only on a “walk-on” basis. That means… call the front desk if you want to play and they can tell you if we have courts available. The front desk team and the maintenance team will coordinate any available courts daily.
Please note, the indoor courts are open and waiting for you to play. Our ION fans should be arriving right after January 1, 2021, and once they do, the installation will take place. We prepared well in advance for the installation so that should not take too long.
Regarding the pool, I don’t have much news to provide at this time. The good news is, the roof is complete! The pool locker rooms are almost complete but I do think it will be another two weeks before all is completed. So, I do think my timeline of early to mid-January is likely. I will keep you posted as soon as I have more information.
In closing, the team and I would like to wish you a wonderful holiday. Please stay safe, wear your mask, and hope that 2021 is one heck of a better year!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
12/9/20
The colder temperatures are upon us and many of you are playing tennis in the bubble which is great to see. Before the bubble courts opened, I wrote an update specific to the bubble with a diagram to help execute people coming in and people going out. It seems we are not following the diagram and some folks are monopolizing the tables and chairs while some people are lingering and taking their time to exit. I bet you would all agree this is not a time to linger and possibly create an overflow of people in one space.
We have done well so far in keeping up with our protocols, having processes in place, and reminding you all of what to do and not to do. But we need your help with the bubble. If you are coming in for your game and your court is occupied, please wait at the signs that indicate your court number.
For those of you that are playing and your time is “up” please pack up your items quickly and move out of the bubble, this is the only way that we can limit the number of people in the bubble. We need you to do your part as well in this process.
The tables will be removed this evening and will be replaced with benches to discourage lingering. If you are in the clinic with a coach and the clinic is on courts 13 and 14 or 15 and 16 please spread out accordingly. Four of you will have two benches on the bubble patio and the other four have benches on the opposite court.
This is a time where everyone needs to move quickly and your cooperation with this is imperative. I would hate for a county official to come to our facility and close us down because we are not being compliant.
And just a friendly reminder…wear your mask, always above the nose, not below. Having it below the chin doesn’t work either so please, be responsible and consider those around you. It is a simple request that can help us all.
The ION fans we ordered should arrive soon.
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KEY BENEFITS:
• Protect your people by killing airborne viruses and bacteria
• Safely neutralize allergens, odors, and fumes
• Improve air quality and work conditions over wide coverage areas
We will continue to do all that we can to keep you safe!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
12/2/20
I am writing to reassure all of you that we continue to do all that we can to provide a safe environment. As you know, I placed a halt on guests and college students that will expire on Monday, December 7th. At that time, guests will be welcomed again along with those college students that would be added to your current membership plan. What is important to focus on at this time is our protocol beginning with:
1. Wear your mask inside the Club – period. Wear your mask to and from the car. Your mask does not need to be worn when playing tennis outside (bubble is considered inside).
2. If you do not feel well, do not come to the Club. We no longer have the luxury of thinking it is just a cold. Please be mindful and considerate of others.
3. If you have been exposed to Covid-19, please quarantine for 10 to 14 days if you elect not to be tested. If you become symptomatic during that time frame, follow the CDC recommendations.
4. If you test positive for Covid-19, please quarantine for 14 days. Contact Mindy Carter at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com or Danielle Bouchard at dbouchard@aspenhillclub.com immediately so we can communicate with those that may have been impacted.
5. Upon your return, you must provide us with notification that you are cleared to return. That can be in the form of a doctor’s note or a negative test result.
Please be considerate of each other and the team. We are working hard to keep the Club open, to keep you safe, and to keep the team safe. It is a daunting task that we are more than willing to tackle daily but I am asking for your assistance with the above-mentioned.
Regarding the outdoor tennis courts, today we cleared our sprinkler lines so that our pipes don’t freeze as the temperatures drop. We will try to keep 6 clay courts open for as long as we can, along with the 2 hard courts. However, because the nighttime is so cold, frost is forming on the courts. In the early morning, that frost sits on the courts until the sun hits and melts the frost; therefore, creating standing water. That standing water needs a few hours to dissipate and dry making the court playable. With that said, we may not have courts available before 10:30 am or 11:00 am most mornings. Please keep in mind that we need to ensure the courts are safe and playable and unfortunately we can only measure that on a day-to-day and hour-by-hour basis. In advance, thank you for your patience as we encounter this process together as we have never left outdoor courts open this late in the season. Feel free to applaud our maintenance team as they are supportive and willing to make this happen.
The pool is not ready yet nor will it be in December. I do look forward to a January re-opening but I do not have a solid date as of yet. Stay tuned and yes, I know, it has been way too long and I cannot thank you enough for your patience and support!
Fitness is steady and steadily increasing regarding participation but don’t worry, we are not at capacity. Everyone is socially distancing, equipment is spread apart, and disinfectant is readily available and cleaning is a must. So far so good with the Club’s protocol on cleaning!
What would an update be if I did not “Thank You” for your support, your positive feedback, and your willingness to participate!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
11/24/20
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Ionized fans will be installed in both tennis barns and the fitness center. The installation will be mid to end of December 2020. Along with the Ozone solution that we are using throughout fitness, we are doing all that we can to create a safe environment for you.
Regarding the pool, I wish I had a definite date for reopening but at this time, construction continues. The roof will be completed this week; however, work on the interior will continue and the locker rooms should be completed within the next few weeks. Up until now, I have been hopeful that a December reopening would take place but to play it safe, I believe the first week of January 2021 is a better plan. If this changes and we can open sooner, I will let you know.
For those of you who have not come back to fitness yet, I want to encourage you to come to visit and check us out. There is not another facility around that has the high ceilings, great ventilation, and exceptional staff that we do. Check out all the testimonials from members that have returned and see how safe they feel at AHC!
For our tennis players, all summer you have witnessed what we have done to keep tennis going safely. Our outdoor courts are still open; although, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep them maintained. With the colder temps, the leaves blowing all over, and for some reason, bees that are being pests, we will do our best to keep them open as long as we can. And don’t forget, the two outdoor hard courts will remain open as long as we don’t have icy puddles and frost covering the courts.
With the indoor courts, ventilation is safe with dampers and gables fans open, Merv-13 filters in place, and good air circulation taking place. The bubble provides a safe environment as well (almost like being outside). With only 4 courts available, you may have to alter your time of play but that is much better than not playing at all!
And remember… masks on, social distancing = 6 feet apart or more.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Thank you for your continued support. Be safe and enjoy your holiday!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
11/17/20
CLARIFICATION TO TODAY’S UPDATE DATED 11/17/20:
OUR UPDATE WAS SPECIFICALLY IN REGARDS TO GUESTS – INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE ASPEN HILL CLUB.
IF YOU ARE A DUES-PAYING MEMBER, YOUR ACCESS TO THE CLUB HAS NOT CHANGED. YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN OUTDOOR TENNIS, INDOOR TENNIS, FITNESS, AND RACQUETBALL IF YOU SO CHOOSE TO DO SO.
WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE CONFUSION. IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE RECEPTION DESK FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Thanksgiving is fast approaching with new restrictions within our State and County regarding Covid-19. As many of you are considering in-person family gatherings, we must do all that we can to keep our members safe.
Beginning today, November 17, 2020, through Monday, December 7th, guests will not be permitted in the Club unless playing outdoor tennis. Guests will not be permitted in the tennis bubble as well, or in the facility.
Regarding college students, we will not provide memberships, passes, or “add-ons” for college students until Monday, December 7th. We ask that college students self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to the Club.
The team and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you do take the necessary precautions to remain safe and healthy.
Remember the following:
• If you are not feeling well, please do not come to the Club.
• Wear your mask when at the Club whether inside or outside. Unless playing tennis or pickleball on the outside courts (the bubble constitutes indoor play.)
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Keep your distance from others, at least 6 feet apart.
Thanksgiving Hours will be 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
Thank you for your continued support and support of each other. We will get through this, it’s just going to take a little bit more time and patience.
Respectfully,
Danielle/Team
11/4/20
Here it is, November 4, 2020, and I can honestly say we had quite an exciting summer! Different but still exciting. And now, autumn is here, the cold is setting in and we are ready for indoor activity.
First, a huge shout out to our tennis members who have been committed since May 13, 2020, and have continued to play tennis both indoor and outdoor. We will continue to have outdoor clay courts for as long as we can, weather and frost permitting! The bubble has been ready since last week and many of you have taken the opportunity to “try it out” and so far, it has been good news!
Second, fitness participation continues to increase daily and weekly. We still are not near capacity so don’t worry, there is plenty of space to accommodate you and everyone else! Mask wearing doesn’t seem to be an issue and everyone is complying and cooperating so “thank you” to those that are here and supporting the Club. And “thank you” to all of you who are doing the virtual classes, we know you are not here physically but we know that you are here in spirit!
Thank you to the few that are now playing racquetball. It’s great to have you back in the Club and enjoying the sport that you love!
Third, let’s talk about construction and the pool. It is not finished yet but I am guessing you already knew that! If you sense that I am trying to keep light-hearted about this, you are correct! We still have a few weeks to go before it is complete. The roof work should be complete early next week and then interior work on the ceiling should be complete the following week. I don’t want to make any promises but I think we may have water in the pool by early December. Fingers crossed; however, I will provide an update the week of November 23rd.
Regarding the pool, things will be a bit different and I will have a specific outline for you on the November 23rd update regarding protocol.
Lastly, this is a month of Thanksgiving, I do want to extend a grand “Thank You” to all for supporting the Club during this time of Covid-19. I believe the team has been incredibly positive and supportive in the past many months and I know many of you have shared and expressed your appreciation of them. Just a simple reminder… if you can contribute to our Covid-19 fund, whether it be a one-time contribution or a monthly contribution, we would be grateful. You can reach out to Tina Mance-Lee at tlee@aspenhillclub.com or Lori Carter at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com and they can assist you. It can be as simple as an additional fee to your monthly dues. Anything will help as we continue to operate at a deficit.
With gratitude,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
10/15/20
Let’s start with the pool! Here we are, one year since we began the indoor pool renovations. First, we started with the pool locker rooms and while doing so, we uncovered issues with the pool roof. Then Covid-19 took place and all work was ceased for a couple of months. I can honestly say, it has been one issue after another and so I write to you with nothing definitive regarding an opening date.
I know how difficult this has been for all of you. Many of you have shared how much you want to get back to your swimming routine and for sure, I want that too! I am still hopeful for some time in mid to late November but I cannot say for certain when. I do think that in another two weeks, I will have a better idea (barring any other issues) and will then be able to provide a better projection for opening.
Until then, thank you for hanging in there with us. I certainly appreciate your support and confidence that we will have a great product to deliver to you once the project is completed.
The indoor tennis season is fast approaching, although we have our indoor hard courts available, only a handful of members have taken advantage of indoor play. The bubble will be erected on Monday, October 26th weather permitting. Here are a few things to know:
Masks will be mandatory in the bubble and on the indoor hard courts. From a member: Gerry Helldorfer recommended, using an anti-fogging spray on your glasses…he tried it and it worked! The Club will have a few bottles with microfiber cloths to sell if needed.
Bring water and a towel if needed.
Wear layers that you can remove as it may be chilly when you first walk into the bubble.
Remember your social distancing when playing and when joining together for conversation.
Also, we ask that you be courteous when leaving and entering the bubble or indoor courts. The exchange will need to take place expediently to accommodate the next group of players. See the diagram to ensure your safety.
In the bubble specifically, you will see signs directing you where to wait until the court you have been assigned is vacated.
At this time the locker rooms remain closed (more on that in the next several weeks).
The two outdoor hard courts will remain open during the fall and winter months. We will assess daily the safety in using the two outdoor hard courts based on weather conditions.
Regarding Child Minding, this has been a difficult one for us. Most of our Child Minding team are either not ready to return to the Club or have moved on in their employment. Most of the parents we have communicated with have also stated they are not ready to return to Child Minding being indoors.
Our Child Minding is so different from most. Mindy Carter, the Child Minding Director has built relationships with the kids and their parents. If I can say so, the kids LOVE Miss Mindy and Miss Mindy LOVES the kids! The kids have also built relationships with each other. We understand that most children will want to be close to the staff as well as other children. Keeping the children six feet apart will be a significant challenge and not always possible due to the situations children can find themselves in. If a child falls and gets hurt, Mindy will have to physically tend to them… and that might mean comforting them, addressing a wound, and ensuring they are okay. All of that places Mindy or anyone on the team at a greater risk than any other activity we have within the Club. Based on the above and with Covid-19, the Club and I don’t want to expose Mindy, other staff members, or any child to those potential risks.
Personal trainers can stay their distance and tennis pros can stay their distance when providing personal training and tennis lessons but the caregivers of children are not able to refrain in given situations.
At this time Childminding will remain closed but are hopeful that sometime over the next few months we may be able to operate with modified hours and age restrictions. More on that soon as we define how we can operate safely.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
9/29/20
Corrections and additions to the September 28, 2020 Update
1. Correction to indoor tennis court operating hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am to 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
2. Mask will be mandatory in the bubble and on the indoor tennis courts. Masks must also be worn anywhere in the facility and on the surrounding grounds.
3. Masks will be mandatory when playing racquetball. Masks must also be worn anywhere in the facility and on the surrounding grounds.
4. The update from September 28 has been updated and the pool information can be found at the bottom of the update.
9/28/20
Member Update
Tennis
Summer has come and gone and it is time to shift gears into our fall season. Tennis has been in full swing since May 13, 2020, and Fitness has been in full swing since July 1, 2020. If I can say so, all has gone well since our reopening and I can only thank you all for cooperating and adhering to our Covid-19 processes.
The outdoor tennis courts will remain open until we have three consecutive days of frost. Once that happens, we will turn off our sprinkler system and drain the water line to omit any possibility of busted pipes over the winter.
Our indoor tennis season is soon to begin and for those of you that want to play indoor, you can start on Thursday, October 1, 2020. The indoor court rate will apply each time you book a court. The indoor courts will be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and reservations can be made on Kourts.
• Masks must be worn at all times – even while playing tennis
• Bring your water and towel
• Trash cans will be supplied on each court
• If you are not feeling well, please do not come to the Club
• If you have been exposed to Covid-19 – you must quarantine for 14 days or more
• If you have tested positive for Covid-19 and you are asymptomatic – do not come to the Club until you are told by your physician that you are Covid-19 free and you have taken all the necessary precautions
Some of you have asked what the air circulation will be like in the bubble. First, the bubble is inflated with outside air and is maintained with outside air. That’s what keeps it erect. From the manufacturer representative, this is what was provided regarding the air circulation: “The bubble naturally ventilates because of its air-loss through the fabric, weep holes, joints, doors, etc… The air that escapes is replaced to maintain pressure. An estimate for the size and age of your dome is 7,500 cubic feet per minute of fresh air coming into the bubble.” For the entire dome, this measurement is a rotation of fresh air circulation every 3 minutes. Based on that, playing in the bubble will almost be comparable to playing outdoor.
Regarding air circulation in the tennis barns. All air filters have been changed to the Merv-13 as the recommended air filter for Covid-19. Each tennis barn has 2 units with each supplying 8,000 cubic feet of air per minute. With our HVAC system fairly new, I feel confident that we will have a good fall and winter indoor season. High ceilings are a plus and courts are far apart. The fitness center has been open since July 1, 2020, and we have not had any negative issues with HVAC in the 2 months that we have been operating. The most important part in all of this is that you follow the necessary precautions with the two most important being… don’t come to the Club if you are not well and don’t come to the Club if you have been exposed to Covid-19.
Fitness is going well but we want more of you using the Club. I’d like to invite you, just to come by and see for yourself what we have done to protect you to the best of our ability. Come see what the fitness center looks like, how the locker room renovations are coming along, and what measures and precautions we have taken.
Racquetball
Racquetball players – the time is here to get you back on the court! Beginning Thursday, October 1, 2020, with reservations only.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 12:30pm and 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:30pm and 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
• Masks must be worn at all times – even while playing racquetball
• Bring your water and towel
• One hour play only – this is so we can accommodate more players along with providing us time to clean
• No more than 2 players on a court at a time and no more than 4 people in the racquetball lounge at a time as well
• Only 2 courts will be in use
• Walk-ins will not be accepted regardless of court usage
• Four chairs will be placed, 6ft apart in the lounge area and all other furniture will be removed as this is meant to remove the ability for people congregating
How To Secure a reservation for your Racquetball Court
To reserve your racquetball court, you must have access to our Member Self Service/Empower M.E. If you do not, please contact Tina, tlee@aspenhillclub.com, Lori, lcarter@aspenhillclub.com, or Mindy at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com for assistance. If you do have access, please follow the steps below.
1. Log Into Empower M.E. (EME)/Member Self Service (MSS).
b)You can also access the Member Account Login page from the AHC app or website.
c)You will have to log in with your username and password.
2. Once you are on the home page, select the navigation menu (Three dashed lines surrounded by a blue circle to the left of your screen under the Club’s logo). The menu will pop up, select the down arrow of “My Activities”, then select “Class Schedule”.
3. Click on the “Select Category” drop-down menu on the right side of the page and select “Racquetball”.
a)Next, Select the calendar icon and search for the day you wish to reserve.
b)Once your date is chosen, available class options will display.
c)Click on the arrow on the right side of the class you are interested in; once you have expanded the class you will be able to read the long description.
d)Select the “Sign Up” button and follow the prompts once you have completed your reservation you will see a “thank you for your order screen” and you will receive an email confirmation.
4. If you have any difficulty with this process, contact one of the individuals named above for assistance. They will be able to facilitate the process for you. We thank you for your continued support!
I am excited to open things up a bit more as we approach our fall and winter seasons. For now and while we are under construction, the locker rooms remain closed. Pool construction is coming along well and I hope to have great news for you in the upcoming weeks. You may be swimming in early to mid-November. Child Minding remains closed but we are working on creating modified hours with rotating days and times so more of you can take advantage of this service. More on that as well in the upcoming weeks.
Remember, let’s have each other’s back on this one and do all that we can to keep each other safe and healthy!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
9/18/20
Member Update: Tennis
We are now in mid-September and I hope you have had a good summer season playing tennis on the outdoor courts. We have enjoyed all the outdoor activity this season, although a bit unusual than most seasons, things have gone relatively well since reopening on May 13, 2020.
For us to ensure that the bubble courts (13 – 16) are in good shape for the bubble season and the remainder of the fall season, we must close the courts for a few days for repair. Courts 13 – 16 will be closed on Thursday and Friday, September 24th and 25th for all necessary repairs.
We are sorry for the inconvenience this will pose but the courts must be closed for that time to make the proper corrections. Also, we want to make sure you have good courts to play on once the tennis bubble is erected!
I will provide another update next week regarding indoor courts, and racquetball opening dates along with procedures and pool overall construction update.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
9/16/20
Member Notification
Dear Members,
On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, the Club suffered massive sewage backup. The main locker rooms that are under construction were impacted severely. This has placed the Club in arrears substantially, both financially and from a construction perspective.
The plumbers were able to identify the source/cause of the sewage backup. The following is what they found:
Hand wipes – we found an extensive amount
Gloves
Tampon applicators
Tampons
Paper towels
(The above products do not disintegrate)
None of this was caused by construction workers as they are not permitted to use the Club’s facilities. You will note a porta-john in the parking lot specifically for their use. As much as I hate to say it, this leads to one conclusion. So I ask for your assistance –
PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH ANYTHING DOWN THE TOILET OTHER THAN TOILET PAPER.
ServPro spent well over 10 hours removing and disinfecting the areas. You will note, carpet has been removed from certain sections of the lower level. They will return today and continue with their processes to ensure we are okay.
The Club is not in a financial position to endure such fiascos, particularly when they can be prevented. Even in a commercial setting, flushing things that don’t belong in the toilet can pose large ramifications. And yesterday, we suffered one. So again, please be respectful, if it doesn’t belong in your toilet at home, it doesn’t belong in the Club’s toilet either. Lastly, please pass this along to all family members using the Club.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
9/4/20
Happy September everyone and Happy Labor Day weekend! We’re continuing to do our part in keeping you safe and I hope you all are doing the same as well. I have good news for both fitness and tennis members. Below is a study performed by our fitness industry concerning fitness and Covid-19. Please read below.
Tennis members… we will be extending our weekend tennis hours to 4:30 pm on two courts beginning September 12th. The last reservation will be at 3:00 pm., and at 4:30 pm our maintenance team will begin the maintenance process.
I will post an update next week regarding the opening of indoor courts. Yes, that will be coming soon! Bubble put up will be October 26, 2020.
National Study Confirms It’s Safe To Work Out At The Gym: Current Data Shows No Evidence of COVID-19 Spread in Gyms
Of More than 49.4 Million Health Club Visits, Only 0.0023 Percent Tested Positive for COVID-19 – More than 500 Times Less than the Current Estimated U.S. National Average
BOSTON, Sept. 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — After analyzing millions of member check-in data across 2,873 gyms, sports clubs, and boutique fitness centers over three months, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and MXM, a technology and knowledge transfer company specializing in member tracking within the fitness industry, conclusively found that fitness facilities are safe and are not contributing to the spread of COVID-19.
From May 1 through August 6, 2020, IHRSA and MXM closely examined and compared member check-in data (number of gym visits) from several fitness facilities – such as Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Life Time, and Orangetheory – across the country with self-reported infection rates. After nearly 50 million check-ins over those three months, the study found that a nominal 0.0023 percent tested positive for COVID-19. Gyms nationwide have robust COVID-19 safety measures in place and there is zero evidence that the positive cases originated in gyms themselves.
“As recently as a few months ago, the data correlating fitness facility visits and mitigating risk was practically nonexistent. All that’s changed – and for the better,” said MXM CEO Blair McHaney. “It’s become abundantly clear that the safety measures gyms, sports clubs, and boutique fitness centers have in place are not only incredibly effective at keeping their membership safe, but also curbing any potential spread of COVID-19 during a time when we all need access to exercise facilities to stay healthy.“
The fitness industry’s only trade association, IHRSA, along with MXM, invited all health and fitness clubs in the United States to participate in the long-form study. Throughout the study, fitness centers provided their total check-ins and number of locations across all states in which they have a presence as well as self-reported the total number of positive COVID-19 cases documented between employees and members who have been in the club. MXM previously conducted a study surrounding the lack of concentrated outbreaks in fitness facilities with affirming results just last month.
“The check-in data proves that health clubs – when following strict cleaning and safety protocols – are safe,” said Brent Darden, IHRSA interim President, and CEO. “At IHRSA, we have a responsibility to educate and inform people that they should feel comfortable and confident going into fitness facilities throughout the country right now. The data shows that, with proper sanitization protocols in place, people can safely return to their workout routines. Working out has never been more important to help boost immunity and improve mental health. It’s time to acknowledge that gyms are safe.“
Access to fitness centers is key to keeping Americans healthy. Physical activity plays an important role in not only maintaining a healthy immune system but reducing COVID-19 risk factors such as obesity, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that 42.4 percent of U.S. adults1 and approximately 18.5 percent of children and adolescents2 in America are considered obese. Physical fitness has long-term mental health benefits as well, including reducing the risk of stress and depression. Notably, one in five Americans experience mental health illness3, and people with mental illness have a 40 percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population4.
“Fitness centers are needed now more than ever to help us stay active and maintain a healthy immune system,” added Robert Sallis, M.D. with Kaiser Permanente. “COVID-19 risk factors haven’t changed since the pandemic began – obesity, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes put you at much higher risk for both short- and long-term complications. It’s imperative that we all make real change now to stay healthy given that exercise is an essential part of life.”
For those of you that are anxious about coming back to the fitness center, I hope this eases your mind a bit. We would love to see you get back to your routines.
Keep safe – enjoy the weekend.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
About IHRSA
IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, is a not-for-profit trade association representing the global fitness industry of over 200,000 health and fitness facilities and their suppliers. IHRSA maintains a leadership role in advancing physical activity, which is critical to peak health and the battle against obesity and chronic lifestyle disease. As one of the world’s leading authorities on the commercial health club industry, IHRSA’s mission is to grow, promote, and protect the health and fitness industry, while providing its members with benefits and resources. IHRSA and its members are devoted to making the world happier, healthier, and more prosperous through regular exercise and activity promotion.
8/25/20
It certainly is hard to believe that August is fast coming to an end and September is right around the corner. Although, on one hand, it feels like a year has gone by in these short months, and on the other hand, it feels like summer has gone by way too quickly!
I am writing specifically to address a concern that has been requested by various members, regarding being courteous and considerate when it is time for court changes. For example, It is 9:25 am and your court time begins at 9:30 am. Therefore; when it is time for the changeover, I ask that you wait until the players before you have cleared the area, particularly if they request that you do so. Most people are nervous regarding Covid-19 and are not comfortable being near people that are not in their circle. That is completely understandable and should be respected.
Another important factor with this, please wear your mask until you are ready to play. When getting to the court and while waiting for those before you to exit, be courteous and considerate, wear your mask until it’s time to play. This is easy and I know we are all seeking the same thing…fun on the court with safety at the forefront! It is important for all of us to continue vigilance and not become comfortable regarding precautions about Covid-19.
More about tennis! Many of you have requested that we wait until fall to put up the bubble. Your wish has been granted and our install date is set for Monday, October 26, 2020. We will keep the outdoor courts open as long as we can, provided we have good weather. If we have temperatures below 32 degrees for 3 consecutive days, we will have to close the courts and drain/clear the sprinkler lines. Fingers crossed that we have mild autumn and all goes well for continued outdoor play.
Regarding our indoor courts and HVAC system, we are still working on getting information that we can translate to you in layman’s terms. I feel confident we will have a safe environment for you to play tennis once our indoor season begins. I hope to have more information for you in the upcoming weeks. I do want to prepare you though as indoor play will require masks. Not only when arriving at the court but while playing as well. Wearing a mask indoor and in public places is mandated in Montgomery County.
As always, it is a pleasure to provide you with a safe place for your tennis and fitness. The fitness center has been open for two months and so far, all has gone well, everyone is complying with mask-wearing and disinfecting equipment. Our AHC team has shrunk in size but those that are here are committed to providing you with great service and a safe place!
Stay safe, be courteous, and continue to be considerate of those around you.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Labor Day Club Hours: Tennis/Fitness Monday, September 7, 2020:
7:30am – 1:00pm
8/17/20
Member Update Regarding Pool Roof Construction
I certainly hope this email finds you all doing well and keeping engaged at the Aspen Hill Club! I am writing to inform you that the pool roof construction will be starting Monday, August 24 at 8:00 am. Much of the equipment and work traffic will take place in between the Club and the tennis courts (down that lane). Areas will be marked off to reroute foot traffic to the tennis courts.
I realize what an inconvenience this may pose. Please know, if we had a different pathway that the construction workers could take, we absolutely would consider that. At this time and after a good overview, with such heavy equipment and materials being transported, we are limited in pathways that can be taken.
Many of you have been asking about fall tennis, indoor and bubble play and you have all had great questions. I will be addressing those questions soon. Until then, keep playing tennis, social distance, wear your mask and be considerate of those around you.
In advance, I thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
8/6/20
Member Update
So far, we have had 2.5 good months of tennis and 1 full month of fitness and we are still standing! Many of you have taken the time to write and praise our Covid-19 policies and procedures during this re-opening and we, the team, and I certainly appreciate the support and kind words. The positive energy that you provide along with the support keeps us going so “thank you” from the AHC team!
As you know, on July 1, 2020, the fitness center reopened and so far things have gone very well. The only thing I would like to see is more of you using the fitness center. As of yet, we are not reaching capacity so for those of you that would love to have a gym to yourselves, now is the time! We have created a safe environment by making you in charge of your own space. We provide you with a disinfectant spray and rag towel and you clean before and after your workout. It is a simple process but one that keeps you accountable and responsible for keeping you safe…and have no fear, we are disinfecting too!
We are now open for basketball by reservation only. We will permit only 1 person on ½ of the court to practice and shoot hoops per hour. Call 301-598-5200 ext. 0 and we will make a reservation for you. Wearing a mask is necessary at all times when inside the Club or on Club property. You will be provided a disinfectant spray bottle and rag towel upon entry to disinfect anything that you touch. We ask that you bring your basketball, water, and towel if needed. The fitness team will monitor the basketball court to ensure your safety along with all others.
The ping pong table has been placed on the basketball court and it will be available during the same hours that fitness is open. No more than 2 players per time. You must bring your paddle and ping pong ball. No spectators and 1-hour play per visit. Wearing a mask is necessary at all times when inside the Club or on Club property.
Our team is ready and available for personal training inside the Club and outside the Club. We have an area located near our two outdoor hard tennis courts set up for outdoor personal training. Feel free to reach out to John Kecman at john.kecman@aspenhillclub.com and he can get you going on a training schedule.
All four locker rooms continue to be under construction and remodeling. Regarding the pool, roof work should start next week or the week after. Unfortunately, I do not have a time frame regarding the length of time that process will take. However, the locker rooms themselves are coming along quite well. The main locker rooms have been demoed and we are now waiting on delivery of tile and other supplies.
Lastly, just a simple reminder…wear your mask once you leave your vehicle and anywhere around the Club unless playing tennis. Masks are required in the Club and while working out. Wash your hands frequently and more importantly, don’t come to the Club if you are not feeling well.
Stay well and stay safe,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
7/23/20
Member Update & Clarifications
Here we are on July 23, 2020, and it’s time for another update. I hope this update finds you all doing well and feeling safe with the Club’s protocols and team effort in keeping everyone free of Covid-19.
I would like to clarify the update of June 24, 2020. If you are 65 or older, you can use the fitness center and play tennis. If you are in a high-risk category, it is recommended that you take all precautions listed by the CDC. We continue to work diligently to create a safe environment for you!
Good news… we have started the demolition of the “main” locker rooms. Thank you to all who emptied their locker at the last minute to assist us in beginning the process of demolition. I am hopeful that in 8 to 10 weeks, the “main” locker rooms will be renovated and looking sharp! Pool locker rooms remain under construction as well and yes, there is progress!
For the tennis members – the fall season is fast approaching and that means indoor play. Recently, the tennis department surveyed concerning indoor play. Although that survey was specific to summer play indoor, the responses also give us an idea of what our fall and winter seasons may look like. Over the past many months, I have had to make decisions that are simply “out of the norm”. The following decision is certainly one I have never had to make in my tenure and that is to forgo Reserved Season Court Time for the 2020/2021 season. Not knowing where Covid-19 may take us in the fall and whether or not you will be comfortable playing indoor or playing at all, it is best that we offer courts on a “spot time” basis and that you pay as you play versus paying in advance. That way, you can make reservations when you want, you can change your mind when you want, you can book last minute if you want, and the Club will not have prepaid court time that we need to refund or credit.
Regarding the bubble – we understand that delaying that process is important. Zaf and I will work with the contractor to see if they are willing to help delay that process for us. Because it is a service that we depend on a contractor to provide, we may be at the mercy of their schedule. Please remember, once the bubble is erected, it is inflated with outside air which means outside air is constantly circulating; therefore, maintaining a safe environment to play tennis.
Weekend Tennis – we are not quite bustling with players for afternoon play. I think the heat and having other obligations are keeping players away. So for now, we will close the courts at 2:00 pm. If we get a break in the weather as the season gets us closer to cooler temps, I will reassess and make the appropriate changes.
And for Fitness – starting Monday, July 27, 2020, we will forgo making reservations. Our hourly capacity is 28 members; however, we will limit the number to no more than 25. By removing the element of reservations, it does create a chance that you will be denied entry. If we are at our 25 member limit within the fitness center, we will request that you wait outside or return at a later time. We have not exceeded 12 members at one time so far, so I find it difficult to imagine that we will reach 25 members at any one given time. Workouts will be limited to one hour to allow members to work out. The fitness center would be open from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm and again from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, Friday from 7:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday will be 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.
So far, I am pleased to say that all has gone well even as we continue to remind people to be mindful of others, wear their masks, and more importantly, please be kind to one another.
If you would like to contribute to our Labor Fund in support of the staff, please CLICK HERE which will take you to an email address. Simply write the amount you would like to contribute.
More updates will follow as the weeks go on. “We”, the team and I, appreciate your support and continued patronage. You provide us with a sense of purpose and I hope we are providing you with a safe place to work out, play tennis, and have some sense of normalcy!
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Tennis Update: 7/16/20
This is an update that I have not been looking forward to but know that it is necessary. Tomorrow is Friday, July 17 and I have taken a look at this weekend’s afternoon court bookings. Running an operation as large as this and making last-minute decisions impacts you, the member, and the team. To be a little less “last minute”, I have decided that based on how hot it will be over the weekend and with our last reservation booked from 11 am to 1 pm, we will be closing the Club at 1:30 pm.
It is difficult to manage in this manner and my intent is not to take things away, but to simply review what we have, decide what is feasible, and make decisions based on facts. This is how I have made all decisions since March 16, 2020, and will continue to do in the best interest of everyone.
During this time, I do thank you for your patience and understanding. Your continued support, cooperation regarding social distancing, wearing masks, and being kind and respectful of others is certainly appreciated.
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
7/10/20
The Club will close at 1:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday as we do not have any reservations past 11:30 am. It is not feasible for the building to remain open and the Club to be staffed if we do not have reservations for the afternoon.
Moving forward, if the weekend reservations are not made for afternoon play by Friday at noon, we will close at 1:00 pm each weekend.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
7/8/20
Our first week of Fitness has come and gone and all has gone well. Because our processes have worked well and we have an understanding of how things are working within the Fitness Center, we have decided to make some changes to our current policies.
On Monday, July 13th, we will open the Fitness Center at 7:30 am with 1-hour reservations and a 15-minute break in between each session. We will also modify our afternoon hours as they have not been the most popular.
The Following Will Be Our Operating Fitness Hours:
Mornings, Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 8:30 am
8:45 am – 9:45 am
10:00 am – 11:00 am
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Afternoon/Evening, Monday – Thursday
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
6:15 pm – 7:30 pm
Afternoon/Evening, Friday
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturday/Sunday
8:00 am – 9:00 am
9:15 am – 10:15 am
10:30 am – 11:30 am
11:45 am – 12:45 pm
For us to change the time frame, we need to manipulate our reservation system without skewing the current reservations. Therefore, reservations for these new time frames will be available on Sunday, July 12 at 2:00 pm.
We are also changing the number of participants to 20 per hour. Although we have not met our initial number of 15 per session we are hopeful that our numbers will continue to increase each day and week.
Things to Remember:
•Wear your mask to and from your car and when in the facility.
•Use the Ozone spray that we provide to clean before and after you use the equipment.
•Remember the locker rooms are closed except for the restroom area.
•Bring your towel, water, and stretching mat.
Tennis Member Update
•Please remember to wear your mask when you are not playing tennis.
•Remember… be kind. Don’t use all the usable space, benches for bags and “stuff” and remember to share with others that are playing on adjacent courts.
•Do not touch other players tennis balls, instead, use your racquet or kick the tennis ball back to them
Covid-19 is still among us so please make sure you take all the necessary precautions. Consider those around you and please consider the team as they are doing all that they can to create a safe place for you.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
7/6/20
As of today, July 6, following the State Executive Order, and along with the more recent information regarding face masks, we are updating our mask policy to include when exercising on cardio equipment.
When must a face-covering be worn?
A face covering must be worn whenever a person is in public. This includes:
• Gyms and fitness centers, including when exercising
• Exercising or interacting with others outdoors, when physical distancing is not possible
We will be enforcing this policy beginning today, July 6, 2020.
Another update regarding fitness will be provided by July 9, 2020.
MGMT
Tennis Member Update: 7/6/20
A friendly reminder regarding tennis balls – please do not touch other members’ tennis balls when the tennis ball accidentally ends up on your court. Simply scoot the tennis ball over with your racquet or kick it over with your foot. DO NOT pick up the tennis ball with your hands.
MGMT
6/30/20
All-Inclusive Member Update
It has been over 7 weeks since we first opened the Club for outdoor tennis and so far, everything has gone well. On July 1, 2020, we will open for fitness with limited hours with registration necessary. If you need information on how to sign-up for a fitness spot, please see the update on the website dated June 24, 2020, or CLICK HERE.
We have worked tirelessly to keep the Club going since re-opening. We continue to incur our monthly expenses including payroll for the directors, full-time, front desk, maintenance, and soon, our fitness team. Everyone is excited to be back at work even during these unusual times and we will do everything we can to keep you safe.
Now that we will be open, with limited capacity and limited amenities, you will begin seeing invoices from the Aspen Hill Club again. Because we will not be open to full capacity, we will not be billing full dues. Below is a description of how billing will take place.
Presidential Tennis Members: On June 1, 2020, our tennis members were billed 50% of dues for July. Our July 1 billing is right around the corner and we will be billing for August. On your July 1, 2020, statement for August dues, you will see 75% of the full dues rate.
Regarding tennis, particularly on the weekends, we have been keeping the Club open until 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday with no courts being used between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm and only 1 or 2 courts being used after 3:00 pm. If minimal usage continues afternoon, it will not be financially feasible for us to leave the Club open until 5:00 pm. Early closures may take place based on usage or lack thereof.
Congressional Fitness Members: Because the fitness center has been closed since March 16, 2020, you have not received any statements during the closure. With the fitness center opening on July 1, you will receive your first statement on July 1, 2020, for August 16 – 30. That will be 25% of the full monthly dues rate. As you know, we provide statements one month in advance; therefore, you are only being invoiced for the last two weeks of August at 25% of the full monthly dues rate.
For those of you who are not comfortable returning now, feel free to contact Tina Mance-Lee at tlee@aspenhillclub.com, Lori Carter at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com, or Mindy Carter at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com and we can place your membership on inactive until you are ready to return. During your time of being inactive, you will not have the ability to sign-up for a fitness center visit, participate in virtual classes, or reserve tennis courts.
The team and I will continue to do what we can to ensure you are in a safe environment. We certainly appreciate your support and patience during these unprecedented times.
Please stay safe –
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
6/24/20
Welcome Back! Fitness Reopening
The Fitness Center will open Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8am – 12pm, 3pm to 7pm
Friday – 8am – 12pm, 3pm – 6pm
Saturday and Sunday 8am to 1pm
By Reservations Only: 45-minute workouts
At this time we are using 1 entrance only, the one located on the deck adjacent to the tennis courts
It has been quite a long road for us to get to this point. I understand that safety is your biggest priority and please know that it is ours as well. As much as we want to protect you, we need to protect the team too. Together, I feel confident that we can make this happen.
Most Important:
If you are not feeling well, Please Do Not come to the Club (please be respectful of others – the Club reserves the right to ask you to leave).
If you have recently been exposed to Covid-19, please make sure you have been quarantined for 14 days before coming to the Club.
If you are at higher risk for severe illness, you should avoid visiting gyms & fitness providers. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
If you are sensitive to cleaning solutions or disinfectant smells, you may consider not attending the gym at this time.
Here’s what we have done in the past few months:
During our closure, we hired Redcoats to clean the fitness equipment, locker rooms, studios, etc. Recently, we invested in an Ozone system which will help you and help us keep the things you touch cleaned and sanitized. At the point of entry to the Club, you will be provided with an 8oz bottle of sanitizer and cloth.
The sanitizer and system are made by Tersano. “The Tersano SAO Dispenser turns ordinary cold tap water into Stabilized Aqueous Ozone (SAO™), a powerful natural cleaner, deodorizer, and sanitizer. SAO works as a safe and sustainable replacement for traditional chemical cleaners, deodorizers, and sanitizers.
Ozone is 50% more powerful than chlorine or bleach
Proven efficacy, Ozone kills up to 99.999% of bacteria, viruses, and mold
Sanitizes hard surfaces at contact 10 times faster than regular bleach products
Aqueous Ozone dissipates in minutes without leaving any residue
Aqueous Ozone is the most powerful broad-spectrum microbiological control agent
Aqueous Ozone is nontoxic, and it produces no toxic by-products
Aqueous Ozone is clean and environment-friendly; its only by-product is oxygen
Aqueous Ozone is extremely effective as a disinfectant at relatively low concentrations
Aqueous Ozone is much safer than conventional chemicals and provides sanitization without toxic additives
Safe on hard, non-porous surfaces
I understand that returning may be a difficult decision for you. That is why the Aspen Hill Club has been proactive in making sure we provide a safe environment. We all know that we are in this together and you need to do your part in keeping your fellow fitness participants healthy too.
Our New Protocol
The following items/locations will be closed:
Locker rooms, showers, sauna, whirlpool, Indoor Tennis Courts, All studios, Pool, Racquetball Courts, Basketball court, Child Minding, Lobby, Lounges, Water Fountains, Café, Massage, Fans located throughout the Club, and No stretch mats (you can bring your own – but must stretch 6 feet away from others)
Our Team:
• The team will be wearing masks
• The desk team and fitness team will be behind Plexiglass for your safety and theirs
• The team will continue to practice good personal hygiene during their shifts by washing their hands frequently
What you can expect:
Masks upon entry and must be on when conversing with others, or when not on cardiovascular equipment.
Operating hours of 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday (modifications will take place based on usage).
15 people will be permitted in the gym every 45 minutes by “Reservation Only” (if your reservation is for 8:00 am to 8:45 am and you arrive at 8:30 am, you will still have to leave at 8:45 am) You will not be able to stay into the next 45-minute block and you will be asked to leave at every 45 minutes.
You will walk to the Fitness Center by way of the Café and East Lounge – follow the signs.
The Reception Desk team will provide you with a disinfectant solution and towel – you will be responsible for wiping your equipment before and after your workout. Once your workout is completed you will return the towel and remaining solution to the reception desk.
You will exit the Fitness Center by way of the locker room hallway and up the West Stairwell.
Signage will be posted throughout the Club indicating social distancing along with points of entry and exit.
Equipment removed from the fitness center or tagged as “Do Not Use” or “Unavailable” (please do not use or move the signs).
Limited use in locker rooms (restrooms only).
No areas inside for seating or congregating.
A Group Exercise update regarding virtual classes will be provided soon.
These precautions are designed to keep you safe. Although we understand some of you may not be inclined to follow the guidelines, I would suggest that you place your membership on hold until these guidelines are no longer necessary. If you are not ready to come back to the gym, I understand, and the Club can provide you with an opportunity to place your membership on hold or inactive. You can contact Tina Mance-Lee at tlee@aspenhillclub.com or Lori Carter at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com
We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave for non-compliance with our policies.
What to Bring:
Water
Towel
Stretch mat
Hand sanitizer
How To Secure a reservation for your workout in the Fitness Center (click on each link to open up into a PDF)
Friday, July 3rd, 2020 the Club will close at 5:00 pm
Saturday, July 4th, 2020 the Club will close at 2:00 pm
Fitness Update:
Fitness Opens Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 8:00 am
Reservations will be necessary
The full protocol for fitness will be posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, by 5:00 pm
Tennis Update:
Beginning July 1, we will extend our tennis hours to the following:
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm
Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
6/20/20
On May 13, 2020, we opened outdoor courts. We took great pride in making that happen and ensuring your safety.
At first, everyone was on board with following protocol, but it seems that over time, some have become “lax”. Let me remind you…
1. You must wear your mask to and from your car.
2. When you are not playing tennis and simply conversing, you must wear your mask.
3. If a tennis ball that is not yours crosses over to your court, DO NOT pick it up. Provide the opportunity for the other players from the other court to get their tennis ball.
4. DO NOT spit on the court (the virus can spread from your saliva).
We have learned recently that outdoor tennis is one of the safer sports to play, but that does not mean that you forget about our protocol.
For those of you that have become lax, please make it right. Perhaps protecting yourself is not important but protecting others is a necessity and our protocol. As stated in previous emails, please do not put me or my team in a situation where you are asked to leave.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
6/19/20
As promised, I am delivering an update regarding fitness. Although most clubs are opening today, June 19, the Aspen Hill Club Fitness Center will remain closed until…July 1, 2020.
The pool remains under construction and will not be open at this time.
We have cleaned the fitness center multiple times over the past few months. We have placed equipment 6 feet apart, and we have blocked off certain areas. We assure you that your safety is what is most important.
Early next week I will provide you with another update regarding our new protocols, policies, and procedures, along with what will remain closed and how we will manage our new processes.
For now, the team and I thank you for your continued support and your understanding of our delay. We want to make sure the environment is safe and that you are ready to come back.
Please look out for my next member update next week.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
6/16/20
Fitness:
You may or may not be aware, Montgomery County has been given the green light to open fitness centers on Friday, June 19 at 5:00 pm. The Aspen Hill Club is a unique club that caters to families and our senior adults. We know that many of you are not sure if you want to return just yet and we do understand.
The team and I have worked diligently to ensure your safety and certainly have provisions in line to continue with those processes.
At this time, I have decided to delay the opening of the fitness center. I will post another update on Friday, June 19 regarding when we will open along with the processes in which we will have.
We will see you soon but not as soon as the County suggests.
Tennis:
Beginning June 17, 2020, you can invite One (1) guest to play tennis, with a visit of one (1) time per month. July 1, 2020, there will be an increase for guests: $18 per visit.
Beginning Monday, June 22, 2020, we will have benches on the sideline for you to sit on or you can continue to bring your own.
The Team:
Many of you donated toward the first Labor Fund that we established when we first closed, and it has been amazingly helpful. As uncomfortable as it is to ask, I would like to open the Labor Fund again for any of you that would like to contribute or continue contributing. We must have the funds to support the full-time staff. They have worked tirelessly since we closed in March and they have continued to perform throughout this pandemic. In advance I thank you.
Please email Mindy Carter at mcarter@aspenhillclub.com. Include your name, the amount you would like to contribute, and the method of payment. Billing your account for the Labor Fund would be simplest as we have that information on file. However, if you select a different payment method, you can state that in your email and a call will be placed to assist you in that process. This amount will appear as an Aspen Hill Club Labor Fund Contribution on your July 1, 2020 statement. This is an optional donation and any amount can help.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
6/12/20
At this time, we do not have any reservations for Saturday, June 13, 2020, beyond noon. Without the reservations, there is no need for the Club to remain open beyond 1:30 pm. Based on the lack of reservations, the Club will close for outdoor tennis at 1:30 pm, Saturday, June 13, 2020.
Thank you in advance for understanding this decision.
6/10/20
On June 9th, I posted an update about revising our weekend hours. In retrospect, it was the wrong decision. At this time we will remain open until 5:00 pm; however, if the courts are not being utilized, we reserve the right to close the Club earlier than 5:00 pm. Decisions on an early closure will be made on a day-by-day basis based on the court reservations.
Thank you for your patience during this time.
Danielle Bouchard, GM
6/9/20
It has been wonderful seeing many of you on the outdoor courts. Each day, more members are venturing out and playing tennis with friends or family. Great to see that you trust our system!
Here is some good news…Beginning Monday, June 15, 2020, we will be teaching group lessons. No more than 4 players on the court with a teaching pro providing instruction. Also beginning Monday, June 15, 2020, we will keep four outdoor courts open until 7:00 pm. By doing so, we hope that our evening players will take advantage of the additional hour. Please note, we are constantly evaluating court used to determine what is working best for the majority.
However, our weekend play, particularly in the afternoons has been rather slow. Based on the usage or lack thereof, we will be closing the courts at 2:00 pm for the weekends beginning Saturday, June 13, 2020. We will leave four courts open until 2:00 pm for now and will add courts if necessary. At this time, we reserve the right to close the courts earlier if they are not reserved.
We thank you for your support as we continue to navigate through this challenging time. For now, we continue with outdoor tennis, with close monitoring of court reservations so we can make the best decisions moving forward.
Best of Health,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
6/5/20
Please read the entire update.
It has been 12 weeks since the Club was closed per Governor Hogan’s mandate. On June 3rd, he announced Phase #2 beginning Friday, June 5th at 5:00 pm. Gyms and Fitness Centers are not in this part of Phase #2 just yet, and no doubt Montgomery County will continue to lag.
I have been asked the question many times over the past few weeks: When do you think the gym/fitness center will open? The only answer I can provide is that it is not up to me. However, once given the green light to open, we can make a decision then to open right away or wait. If we feel confident in our processes, we will open them right away. So far, we are on the mark to make that happen. I and the team look forward to seeing you and we can’t wait for that green light to flash! Your support to the Club and the team has been remarkable and I am incredibly appreciative!
But it is also time, to be frank about what is taking place at the Club. For those of you that swim, the pool will not be open, and it will not be open until the fall. While we were closed, construction at the pool was shut down as well. During the closure, we were able to take a closer look at the pool roof and evaluate what the next steps should be. That process has taken us to June 8th, 2020. On Monday, June 8th, we will begin construction again. It is an extensive project, costly, and Covid-19 could not have come at a worse time for us as we will also have to cancel our traditional “Kids Summer Camp”.
Not having “Kids Summer Camp” is painful for us. It is a fun and exciting time of the year and we know that your kids love it! It is a lot of work but being able to see those smiling faces and knowing how happy it makes you, mom & dad makes it even more difficult for us this summer.
If you are wondering why we can’t host our traditional summer camp, here is why… While the pool is under construction, mainly while working on the roof, the field that we usually use for the kid’s camp will be the construction zone. Metal panels, roofing material, ladders, mechanical lifts, heavy equipment, etc. For the safety of your kids, I don’t feel it is a wise combination to have curious kids amid a construction zone, and I feel confident you agree. If we can find an alternate space outside where we can host 2-hour blocks of kid’s activities, we will certainly make an effort.
However, the Club will be hosting two-hour Junior Tennis Clinics throughout each day beginning mid-June. There will be more information to come regarding the start date, levels, and times.
I recently posted a Tennis Member Update regarding dues. Please note, at this time, our fitness members, those of you with Congressional Memberships, are not being billed for dues.
Next week there will be a Member Update that is geared toward guidelines on what it will look like when the Club reopens for fitness. Until then, please stay safe and continue to practice social distancing.
Best of Health,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
6/1/20
Discounted Dues – In Advance, We Thank you!
Dear Tennis Member,
I hope this letter finds you doing well, keeping healthy, and doing all the right things to keep safe. It has been a long road to arrive at this point in writing a letter to you regarding membership. As you know, we opened 6 outdoor tennis courts on Wednesday, May 13. By Tuesday, May 19, we had a total of 10 courts open and ready for play. Many of you braved and trusted that we would have good systems in place to keep you safe. And so far, all has gone very well with the reopening of outdoor tennis.
It has been quite an experience managing such a facility and its team during Covid-19. Some of you were generous by contributing to our Labor Fund and we are grateful for your contributions. I am also grateful that you have stuck with us during this time and for your continued support. I know that it has been and continues to be difficult for many.
During the mandated closure, the Club continued to maintain operations from a facility perspective. Vendors, monthly contracts, and utilities did not dissolve during this time as we have continued those financial responsibilities and obligations.
We have now entered our most costly season for tennis. The resurfacing, materials, cost of goods, and daily maintenance are quite an undertaking. For those of you who prefer to play on hard courts, our two outdoor hard courts will be resurfaced in mid-June. Our commitment is to continue providing outdoor tennis through the season, weather permitting.
As difficult as this has been for you, it is important to keep the club afloat financially. If we are unable to cover our cost, sustaining this large Club will be very difficult. With that said, we will begin charging dues on Monday, June 1, 2020, at a discounted rate of 50% for your July dues. As you know, we did not collect dues during our closure.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Mance-Lee at tlee@aspenhillclub.com or Lori Carter at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com.
Best of Health,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
5/22/20
I do hope this message finds you all doing well. I am sure many of you have enjoyed being outside while enjoying some fresh air. We opened our courts on Wednesday, May 13 and each day we have more members that are trusting our processes and feeling safe on our courts. We love seeing you out there!
Based on how well the past week or so has gone, it is time to make some more changes to our policies and I will begin with the very basic reminders:
Remember to wear your mask when you exit your car and when entering the Club. Keep the mask on when you are engaging in conversation – that part is extremely important.
Keep your social distance when on the court and when having conversations with others.
Bring your towel, water bottle, chair if necessary. We are trying to limit the items that people touch to keep you safe.
You will notice large canisters of wipes at every bank of courts. We have hand sanitizer in the Club as well.
Our restrooms are being cleaned frequently and hourly. You must wash your hands, do not touch your face, and be smart about your processes.
All courts must be reserved via the Kourts app. If the App is not working correctly on your phone, it is suggested that you delete the app and reinstall the app. This should resolve the issue. At this time we will not be answering the phones.
June 1, 2020, you will be able to reserve courts for 1.5 hours for doubles and we will expand our operating hours to begin at 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. (Court usage in the afternoons has not been as busy as the mornings. Because the Club is not fully open and because we are staffing the front desk from opening until 6:00 pm, during this time we will reserve the right to close the Club early if we do not have courts booked for afternoon play.)
June 1, 2020, we will begin providing private lessons only, or semi-private lessons with two family members who have been quarantined together.
No clinics at this time
Each Pro will be trained on how to provide the lesson in a safe manner
Each Pro will be in charge of the tennis balls – You will not touch the tennis balls
There will be no serving during the lessons
Both of you will wear a mask when conversing
All lesson charges will be placed on your Aspen Hill Club account
If you need to discuss your account, you can reach out to Tina Mance-Lee at tlee@aspenhillclub.com or Lori Carter at lcarter@aspenhillclub.com.
If you have not played tennis yet, I certainly hope that you do soon. Outdoor tennis, if taking all the right precautions, is a great way to get your fitness in while getting some well-needed fresh air.
Have a great Memorial Day and remember, we close at 1:00 pm on Monday, May 25th.
5/12/20
Are you ready for some outdoor tennis? We are! And thanks to the following team for making it happen:
Led by Zaf Khan… Mike Havenner, Elvin Rivera, Duane House, Anthony Palomino, Kamal Khan, James Morrison, David Finlay, John Woodend, and Eric Suchinsky. They’ve been working for the past two weeks, weather permitting, on getting courts open and here we are ready to make it happen.
I want to reiterate some very important points for tomorrow’s opening:
You must wear a mask while at the Club except for when playing on the court.
Bring your water, towel, and chair to sit in if you feel you will need to take a break, and remember to take your trash with you.
Reservations open at 6 pm this evening, May 12.
Members are limited to 1 hour of play per day.
Members are limited to 2 “active” reservations per week – Ex: (Monday 9 am and Tuesday 9 am after you have used the first reservation you can then book the second one).
At this time, only Presidential members can book and play on the courts and No Guests are permitted at this time.
One point of entry is located on the deck – the door will be propped open.
One person can check for the all players on the court.
One point of exit – signs will direct you.
Upstairs restrooms will be available – one person at a time.
We have social distancing placards showing where to stand and reminding you to keep your social distance.
In the event of rain and based on the remainder of the Club is closed, we may not staff the Club for outdoor tennis if 50% or more of the day is rain regardless of morning or afternoon. This is uncommon ground for us, so we ask for your patience during rain events as we determine how to proceed. We are operating on limited staff, if you have accounting questions you can reach out to Tina Mance-Lee at tlee@aspenhillclub.com, or Lori Carter at Lcarter@aspenhillclub.comand either one can assist you with your accounting question.
See you tomorrow!
Danielle Bouchard, GM
5/11/20
Since the last member update, many of you have been writing with questions and concerns. I have worked toward answering each email individually, but as you know, with a Club as large as ours the emails can be significant. Below, please find answers to thoughts you may be having:
We will have an “open” point of entry on the deck. The entry door will be propped “open”, so you do not have to touch the door handle.
We will have a separate point for the exit with a push door – no hands necessary.
We will have social distancing markers showing where to stand.
Your AHC team will be wearing masks and soon will be behind plexiglass (that has not taken place yet but will soon.)
The Kourts system will be up and running by 6:00 pm Tuesday, May 12, 2020. If you have tried to log on, you will not be able to reserve courts until Tuesday, May 11 at 6:00 pm.
One person can check in the entire group – we will be walking the courts to make sure all players registered to play are the players playing.
I am depending on you to assign the “ball person” that is the player in your group that will handle the balls. This is up to you and how you want to handle that process.
If you are not comfortable playing because someone in your household is at high risk, please read the CDC recommendations. I am not at liberty to recommend what you should or should not do.
I do not have a timeline on when our current policies will change. This will depend on our government leaders, my industry leaders, and what is best in each phase.
We are limiting the things you touch at the point of entry and on the court for safety reasons.
I am working toward doing all that I can to keep you safe. Again, I ask that you do the same as well. See you at the Club – but if you are not ready, I certainly understand.
5/8/20
While the stay-at-home order is still in place, Governor Hogan approved outdoor tennis as of May 6, 2020. We know you are excited about playing tennis outdoors so we will have 6 outdoor courts open by Wednesday, May 13, 2020. We ask for your patience as we maneuver how our processes will work and we will manage those processes with each passing day. Below you will find the guidelines and policies during this time.
Please be reminded that if you are not feeling well, regardless of your symptoms, do not come to the Club. If we recognize that you are not well, and other members raise concerns, you may be asked to leave.
The following spaces or services will be closed to members:
Locker rooms, Indoor Tennis Courts, All Studios, Fitness Center, Pool, Racquetball Courts, Basketball Court, and Child Minding, Lobby, Lounges, Café, Massage, Ball Machine
No Towel Service and No Water Stations Will Be Provided (water will be sold at the reception desk)
All accounting and member services will be provided via phone or email (no cash purchases at this time)
Social Distancing:
Markers will be placed at the reception desk indicating where to stand for check-in and where to exit
People should stay at least six feet apart to maintain social distancing
Players should stay on their side of the court and avoid changing ends
All entrances to courts will be locked at the end of each day
Items you should bring:
Members must wear masks or facial coverings except when playing tennis and remain at a social distance throughout your game
Bring your hand sanitizer
Bring your water or purchase a bottle at the reception desk
A new can of balls must be used and players should determine among the group how they can best handle the tennis balls while playing (new balls can be purchased at the reception desk)
A portable chair (benches will not be provided)
Bag for trash (you must remove and take your trash with you)
Outdoor Tennis – Courts available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm only:
The Club deck entrance will be the only entrance open at this time
We will not be answering the phone during this time
There will be no congregating on the court or Club property
No more than 4 players on the court, no guests, or observers on the court or Club property
Kids 18 and under can only play with their parents
Online reservations only through Kourts beginning on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 pm – If you need assistance accessing the Kourts app, please contact Alex at aaguendel@aspenhillclub.com or Elliott at edatlow@aspenhillclub.com
Check in at the reception desk no more than 10 minutes prior to your reserved time
At this time and because courts are limited, reservations for singles and doubles will be 1 hour If you are unable to play, please remember to cancel your reservation so another group can have that court time
You will be asked to leave after your time is completed so appropriate measures can be taken to clean any necessary items and areas
In the event of rain the club’s voice mail will be changed to reflect if we will be closed for play
Wash your hands prior to and after playing
Lobby restrooms will be available one person at a time
No coaching or lessons at this time
Any member in violation of our outdoor tennis guidelines will be asked to leave the Club and may result in suspension of membership.
5/6/20
Governor Hogan had a press conference today stating some very important and good news. While stating that outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, fishing, camping, etc., can take place, he also stated it in a manner that does not have us open the Club for tennis as of yet. Please read an excerpt from WTOP regarding Hogan’s press conference below:
During the briefing, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan also shared updates that the state appeared to be on track to begin “Phase One” of his reopening plan, possibly as soon as next week.
Though the stay-at-home order has not been revoked, Hogan did say that Maryland will begin opening access to certain outdoor activities, such as golf, tennis, camping, fishing, boating, state park facilities, beaches and other activities where access is controlled by the state government, starting Thursday morning.
Because we are not controlled by the state government as described above, we remain closed until we are told that we can reopen along with other small businesses within the state of Maryland.
We are working on getting outdoor tennis courts ready for play at this time with the intention of having outdoor courts available to you once we are given the green light to reopen. If our COVID-19 numbers continue to decline next week as Governor Hogan stated, it appears as though we may have a green light to open soon. Until then, we will keep working toward ensuring you have a safe Club to return.
4/28/20
I certainly hope this message finds you all doing well. I know this situation we are in has been and continues to be difficult. I want to thank each and every one of you for participating in the “stay at home” mandate and helping to slow the spread of Covid-19. I am grateful that you are playing your part in ensuring those of us at high-risk are being kept safe.
I also wanted to inform you that we will not be processing dues once again. I hope this eases any angst you may have regarding your Club monthly dues. For those of you who have paid annually, we will be extending your annual payment by the number of months that we are closed for business.
A huge “shout out” to our members that are on medical teams and are facing Covid-19 on a daily basis. You are amazing people and we are proud to have you as part of our AHC family. You are an inspiration to me and very likely to many others!
On Friday, April 24, Governor Hogan put out his reopening plan. It appears to be a three phased plan. Although we don’t know when Phase #1 will begin, we know that it includes outdoor activities of sorts.
Outdoor tennis is on the list of activities that can resume. The tennis bubble was removed a week ago and we will be ready to have those four courts open for play when we are given the go-ahead with Phase #1. We will have restrictions but at this time I do not have those outlined for you; however, I will have a plan outlined soon.
Outdoor fitness may be on the Phase #1 plan as well and if so, we will figure out a way to make that happen in one capacity or another.
Regarding indoor activities, that appears to be in Phase #2. Phase #2 is based on when Phase #1 begins and is completed. At the current rate of Covid-19 cases in our region, it will be several weeks before Phase #2 begins.
All I can ask is that you hang tight until we all have more information. Stay tuned, more to come by the end of the week.
Stay safe!
Danielle Bouchard, GM
4/15/20
I wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who have contributed to our Labor Fund. The support of our members means the world to the team. They are forever grateful as am I.
We know these are difficult times for you as well. We miss the day-to-day as much as you, if not more. For us, service and fitness is ingrained in who we are. Not being able to see you and provide all of those services is quite painful. For the most part, the team consists of extroverted people and when extroverts can’t be with other people, well…it’s much more difficult!
For those of you who follow us on Instagram and Facebook, you are likely seeing posts from team members that you usually would not see. In order to continue our connection with you, I have asked the directors to pitch in and write things that would provide you a little insight on who they are outside of the Club, along with things they are doing during this time of quarantine while helping to provide a glimmer of hope! And to add more glimmers of hope please continue to enjoy the virtual classes and tutorials that we are offering. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Blog, and Website.
Lastly, I wish I could answer the question that I have been asked more recently… “when do you think the Club will reopen?” Like you, I don’t know but I sure hope to see you sooner than later!
Please continue to keep safe and healthy. We can’t wait to get back to it!
Danielle, GM
4/9/20
Dear Member,
I hope this message finds you all doing well and staying healthy. As you know, the Aspen Hill Club has stopped membership dues from being processed until the Club reopens. We certainly understand this is a difficult time for all. Whether it is a financial difficulty or the simple fact of missing your daily activity, personal contact with your closest friends, or the day-to-day routine you developed at the Club, we miss it all along with you and feel the financial burden as well.
Please know that the Aspen Hill Club did pay the team through March 31, 2020 and continues to provide payroll to those that continue to provide services and are able to work remotely. Many of you have asked if there is a way that you can contribute to help cover payroll costs. For those of you that would like to and can help, we have created a link in which you can do so. This Labor Fund will help in defraying payroll costs that have been incurred since our closure and those moving forward.
To donate, click HERE. Once you click on the link, you will be sent to an email address where you will reply with your name, amount you would like to contribute, and method of payment. Billing your account for the Labor Fund would be simplest as we have that information on file. However, if you elect a different payment method, you can state that in your email and a call will be placed to assist you in that process. This amount will appear as an Aspen Hill Club Labor Fund Contribution on the May 1, 2020 statement. This is an optional donation and any amount can help.
I thank you in advance for anything you can do to support us and our continued effort during this time.
Stay safe and healthy!
Danielle Bouchard and our AHC Team
4/6/20
Many of you have inquired if pool construction has continued during this mandated closure. Prior to the mandated closure from Governor Hogan, we had uncovered that our existing pool roof would need to be replaced. That discovery was not anticipated from either a construction or financial perspective. Prior to closing, we did have engineers and architect’s review and inspect the roof. We have since run into another issue regarding the roof and method of replacement. Once plans can be devised, those will be sent for permitting. Based on recent conversations, I sense these two processes will take several weeks.
I do understand that many of you have been hopeful that we would be returning to a completed project. I have been hoping for the same; although, I believe that may not be a likely scenario. I will keep you informed as I am provided more information over the upcoming weeks.
As always, I thank you for your patience and understanding at this time. More importantly, I hope that you are keeping safe and as healthy as possible.
The team and I hope to see you soon!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
3/31/20
Dear Member,
I hope this message finds you well, although I know it is difficult to be isolated and away from your AHC family, it is best for us all. The team and I hope that we can see you soon and get back to our day-to-day routine!
We are in the process of generating statements for products and services that were purchased March 2 through March 16, 2020. As you know, your invoice is usually sent to you via the mail; however, at this time, we are processing invoices remotely which means we are not in the office at the Aspen Hill Club. That makes the normal process of sending invoices via the regular postal mail difficult. Also note: You are not being billed for your monthly dues at this time.
Our alternative at this time is to send your invoice to you via email. We understand that some of you have not provided your email address to us as of yet. In order to provide you with an accurate accounting of your purchases made March 2 through March 16, 2020, we are requesting that you send your email address to: tlee@aspenhillclub.com
Having your email address will ensure that we provide you with information necessary regarding your Aspen Hill Club account. This invoice will be the last one you receive until the Club is open again which we hope takes place soon.
Until we see you again, please be safe and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Danielle Bouchard, GM
Aspen Hill Club
3/25/20
Dear Members,
The continued evolving events related to COVID-19 have unsettled us all. While we are confident that the Aspen Hill Club and its members and staff are diligent and resilient enough to withstand the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to know that we are facing this hardship together. With that said, we will not be processing your membership dues scheduled to be billed on April 1, 2020. Any purchases made between March 2 through March 16, prior to our mandated closure will be processed on April 1, 2020 which will appear on your next statement.
We thank you in advance for your continued support. The team misses its Aspen Hill Club members and our day-to-day contact with you. We are working toward keeping you engaged in one format or another with social media, Facebook Live, Twitter, Instagram along with our website. We can’t wait to see you again!
We will continue to provide you with updates as they become available to us.
Stay safe and healthy!
Respectfully,
Danielle Bouchard and your AHC Team
3/19/20
Dear Members,
We understand you have questions regarding your membership account or status. We are still working on how we will proceed in the next week regarding member accounts. It is important that we reach out collectively and not individually at this time. We ask for your patience and promise to get back to you with a response regarding your membership.
Thank you
-Management
3/17/20
Dear Member,
Today is day one of our Club closure as mandated by Governor Hogan. These are certainly difficult times for you and for our AHC Team.
We do hope that you are practicing social distancing and are doing what you can to remain healthy and virus free. By doing so, it will provide us an opportunity to get back to business sooner rather than later, something we all look forward to.
AHC will ensure that members will be made whole for the closure related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Once we know how long the closure will be, we will then be able to assess what will take place. During this closure, all voice mails and emails will be returned once the Club reopens. We thank you in advance for your patience regarding this.
We hope this message finds you doing well and not struggling too much with the recent demands. If and when you can, take a nice walk outside, stretch when possible, use those extra cans of soup you have in your cabinets as weights and continue to maintain your fitness. Ultimately, it will help your overall wellbeing!
Hope to see you soon.
Danielle Bouchard and your AHC Team
3/16/20
Dear Member,
We realize that this is a challenging time for all which makes this announcement more difficult to make. Governor Hogan has mandated that all gyms close by 5:00pm today. With that said, the Club will be closing at 5:00pm until we are told we can re-open.
We support the Governor’s decision as it is important that we protect our team and the members. We ask that you continue to do your part in staying healthy and minimizing exposure.
Many of you will have questions about refunds for classes, court time and other prepaid items. Once we are clear on our date to reopen, we will then be better prepared to assess the answer to those questions. In reference to that, we do ask for your continued patience.
We will continue to keep you updated via social media and other methods of communication. We ask that you not send emails or leave phone messages as those will not be responded to during this time as our team will not be at the Club during this time of closure.
Thank you for your continued support during this very difficult time.
