The DAC is our “Great Good Place.”  In his book by that name, Sociologist Ray Oldenburg argues that we should all have a “third place” to go to.  The first two places are home and work but the third place - café, coffee shop, tavern, hair salon, health club and other hangouts, - “…are essential to a community’s vitality and the basis of  a viable democracy.”  He envisions places where one can go for the “…pleasures of good company and lively conversation.”  When we first moved to Denver eight years ago, we sought such a place.  What we found were several places any one of which would meet the criteria of a “third place” (like a Cheers where they know your name) but didn’t meet all of our expectations.  In March of this year we found the DAC and knew right away is was to be our “third place.”  In fact we refer to it as the Great Good Place.

Maybe we were unreasonable but we were looking for a single place that was the sum all the places that we  were frequenting; we found that and more in the DAC.  The concept of Clubs within the Club appealed to us - in our case yoga, water aerobics, fitness center, golf, Book Club and Platinum Club - but what really captured our attention was the way people from those and all the other “Clubs” could come together around food and drink.  The large banquets have been fabulous -  The Clam Bake, Back to the DAC, the Annual Meeting - and we are looking forward to our first Parade of Lights.  Our meals in the Snack Bar and Tavern have been just as good and getting better; we average twice a week at one place or another.  The best deal in town is the wine tasting on the first Wednesday followed by a pasta dinner made to your specifications while you watch.  But what we have noticed is that often in the Tavern there are too many empty tables.  We don’t yet understand why because the food is good, the staff are helpful and friendly (after a few visits they will know you name and member number) and the price is right (especially with the parking discount and frequent diner cards.)

So bring your family, business colleagues or friends from your “club” and join us.  If you finish your swim early we are there for breakfast after Healthy Back Yoga or come by for lunch after your handball game.  And there is always the first Wednesday.  Meet some old friends and make some new ones.  Make the DAC your “Great Good Place.”

Charles & Martha Hansen
