By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
OCEANPORT – Scott Marchakitus planned on 250 people visiting the COVID-19 testing truck he brought to his Fort Athletic Club in late December. Instead, 400 showed up, and a four-hour event expanded to eight. Consequently, the truck will return to the Fort Monmouth location every Thursday through January, he said.
“We wanted our staff, members and surrounding community to be able to visit friends and families safely during the holidays, so we partnered with MobilCV19, a mobile testing company that conducts PCR and rapid tests via a secure, high-tech vehicle,” Marchakitus, of Rumson, said. “Due to overwhelming demand, we have been able to get the truck back for additional testing.”
From noon until 3 p.m., Jan. 13, 20 and 27, free PCR testing will be available at the club’s Fort Hoops parking area off Saltzman Avenue. Rapid tests cost $20 and are limited to 75 tests per day. Appointments for PCR tests are recommended and can be scheduled in advance by using a QR code. Individuals must bring a valid government-issued ID and proof of insurance. Uninsured individuals are also eligible for testing.
A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test detects genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus, by analyzing a specimen from the upper respiratory system, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which called it “accurate and reliable.” According to the CDC, results from rapid tests, which also look for viral infection, may be less reliable if a person is asymptomatic.
Marchakitus, who cut the ribbon on the club during a ceremony with partners, local officials, staff and supporters in September, explained that he wanted to bring the mobile event to as many people as possible.
“We widened our outreach beyond current members to include prospects who’ve demonstrated interest in the club in the past, and those who follow us on social media,” he said, noting that Marchakitus distributed free club passes to those in the COVID testing queue. “We hope they come by, tour the facility, and eventually become members. It’s a win-win for the community and us.”
Current members in- clude residents of the first communities to open on the fort – East Gate in renovated former Officers Housing, and Liberty Walk across the Parade Grounds, both inside the Oceanport entrance; and Lennar’s Patriot’s Square three-story townhome complex in the fort’s Tinton Falls section.
Local involvement has been part of the club’s concept since the partners began their multiyear effort to turn Fort Monmouth’s former gymnasium into a family fitness, training, recreation and lifestyle center. Themes and logos recall the 100-year-old U.S. Army base’s storied military legacy.
Red Bank’s Lunch Break social service agency received donations given during a recent Mid-Monmouth Basketball Association tournament over three weekends. When the club hosted the Villanova University basketball team last fall for a scrimmage, drills, and crowd interaction, members were allowed to bring guests free of charge. Capped at 300 attendees, the event quickly filled.
“Feedback we’re getting from members indicates a desire for more family memberships and opportunities, from cardio and strength access only to full facility access including all of our boutique studio classes,” Marchakitus said. “We’ve looked at our entire pricing structure and, for the new year, we will be offering incentives and simplifying membership options.” Kids programs will be added, along with class schedules that allow adults to customize their own wellness and workout experiences with onsite activities for their children. Marchakitus said the club’s basketball facilities attract as many as 100 players an evening. “Parents can do their thing while the kids do theirs,” he added.
The completely renovated, brick two-story complex on Route 537 (Avenue of Memories through the fort), offers a 6,500-square-foot cardio and strength area with the latest high-tech equipment, four boutique studios featuring high intensity interval training, yoga, cycle, dance cardio, and Pilates, basketball and pickle ball courts, The Canteen snack and smoothie bar, spa-like locker rooms, the “Kids Brigade” child watch service, and toddler/youth-oriented programs. For tours and information, visit fortathleticclub.com.
“We provide a differentiated service,” Marchakitus said. “We aspire to be the best family-centric fitness facility in Monmouth County.”
This article originally appeared in the Jan. 13 – 19, 2022, print edition of The Two River Times.
