By Peggy Sturdivant

A letter to the members went up at Ballard Health Club on Saturday night, November 23rd announcing that owners Lowen Clausen and his daughter Sonya Senstra had sold the club, effective January 1, 2014.

In order to head off what they knew would be collective screams of horror coming from every corner of the health club in the basement of the Ballard Building the owners posted an extensive explanation and introduction to the new owner.

In fact Lowen Clausen sent me back downstairs to read the sign so that I would stop hitting him as he paused in the lobby before going back to work on building project. “I’m 65 years old,” he said. “I’m missing a grandson’s birthday party right now because I work on the building seven days a week. It was getting to be time.”

His daughter Sonya is already a co-owner of the building (with her nine year-old son already planning his future stake. “I don’t see us ever selling the building,” he said, by way of assurance that it’s just the Ballard Health Club that’s been sold.

With retirement on his mind Lowen happened to spot an original member, and even older friend, Pat Gilbrough during his morning workout. According to Lowen a little light bulb went off in his head. Pat, who’d owned and sold a successful business in the building, and who along with his wife was a Ballard resident and fifteen-year member. They met for coffee and talked.

The story as it will no doubt be told and re-told is that Pat went home to his wife Kellene and said, “Lowen is thinking of selling the health club.” She supposedly screamed, “No!” He said, “But he’s thinking of selling it to me.” She screamed “No!” again, “I don’t want it to change.”

According to Lowen that’s exactly why he wanted Pat to buy it, “So that it won’t change.”

The Ballard Health Club is particularly known for its casual atmosphere, reasonable costs and the longevity of its staff; four trainers and teachers have been the club since it opened; Jade Dahle, Tracy Hodgeman, Heather Rudin and MJ Daniels. Jade Dahle is in competition for Best Personal Trainer of the year. MJ Daniels is nothing short of beloved, as evidenced by her class following and devotees who now sport ‘We (Heart) MJ’ shirts.

As members started to read the signs the staff tried to answer questions and provide reassurance. “All the staff are staying.” In a message posted alongside Lowen and Sonya’s farewell is one of introduction from Pat Gilbrough. His message also emphasizes, “Nothing changes,” until he learns from members how the value of the experience could be enhanced.

Posted along with the announcement is a photograph of the Clausen, Senstra, and Gilbrough families, with the caption “From one Ballard family to another.”

“It’s going to be all right,” class director Karen Gamble assured those of us in the 10 a.m. Flow Yoga on Sunday morning. “In fact maybe we’ll get to see more of Lowen and Sonya. I’m sure Pat and Kellene will let them have lifetime memberships.”