Heard in the Lobby

As a companion piece to the October 2022 DAC News history issue focusing on Club life 50 years ago, we asked several longtime members to share their recollections about the personalities and practices at the DAC in the early 1970s. 

Three of the most familiar faces on the DAC valet team have a combined total of over one century of service and an immeasurable amount of affection for the Club and its members. Hear Nancy Abele, Jerome Douglas and Dreek Triplett explain why they feel so at home at the DAC. 

Chris Moyer and Maeve Belloni are among the most accomplished and dedicated member-athletes at the DAC.  Each has won the Fitness Club's Indoor Triathlon multiple times and both were members of the victorious 2022 Edge Gauntlet team, Beavers!!!.  What is it that makes them run, swim, cycle?  And what challenges do they face?  You'll also hear about how DAC athletic and health and wellness staff support them in their efforts.  

At the base of our Clubhouse and at the core of our collective history is DAC Bowling.  At present there are 27 leagues but there is only one that has an outsized reputation. Bowlers Scott Adlhoch and John Perkins, along with DAC Bowling Director Tom Reaume, delve into the life and lore of the Friday 5 p.m. league.  

In Episode 8, recently retired DAC leaders Ted Gillary (executive manager, Sept. 1994-Jan. 2020), Kevin Brennan (executive chef, Nov. 1994-Feb. 2020) and Bruce Baka (chief engineer, March 1977-Jan. 2021) shared their origin stories, recalling how they first came to the Club. In this episode, they recount some of their many adventures, challenges and accomplishments and what they miss most about the DAC. 

For over 100 years, the Beavers have been central to life at the DAC. What began as a serious competitive swim program has evolved into raucous games of basketbrawl, high-profile luncheon speakers and an untold number of tales and traditions. We dip our toe into Beavers lore with Mike Kowalski, Dave Draper and Chris Moyer. **Sound quality is imperfect but the interview is easily audible and especially priceless. 

Recently retired giants in DAC history–Executive Manager Ted Gillary, Executive Chef Kevin Brennan and Chief Engineer Bruce Baka–recount their early careers and tell how they landed at the Club. 

He's known as the DAC Boy Scout ... prepared for any situation. Paul Swahn sheds light on his fascinating life, including admirable achievements in education, the auto industry and health and wellness, as well as his family, who are equally interesting.

How does one go from a shy teen hostessing in a chain restaurant to award-winning event planner at the nation's No. 1 athletic club? The DAC's Sherri Perez reveals her story and then dishes with Nicole Beaudoin, general manager of Emerald City Designs, about planning events such as Back to the Club and the best parties they've ever attended.

You know Godfrey Fenech as the DAC's self-described goodwill ambassador, but have you heard his working life began at a legendary restaurant in downtown Detroit, where he met an equally legendary future DAC bartender? Godfrey also shares tales of his Detroit upbringing, his career in banking and health insurance, and his beloved family.

He is the Dean of DAC doormen, on duty for 35 years. He makes you feel welcomed, answers your questions and enhances your visit. Mac shares his memories, notes the changes he's observed and tells us a bit about his off-the-clock life.

DAC Spa Manager Julia Simmons and DAC member Paddy Lynch (owner of Schvitz Detroit) discuss the many benefits of mindfully adding more H2O to our lives. Learn more about the Schvitz at schvitzdetroit.com. Log into thedac.com and click on Services to read about the treatments and staff of the Club's Tranquility Spa.

As an amateur competing against professionals, DAC Assistant Bowling Manager Perry Crowell IV, aka PC4, delivered a stunning performance at the U.S. Open during a national TV broadcast in February 2020. DAC members and longtime bowlers Harry Brookes and Mark Stackpoole offer color commentary and Club bowling history. Perry's strike songs:Hip Hop Hooray by Naughty by Nature I Want to Dance with Somebody by Whitney HoustonPerry's bowling balls are made by Hammer Bowling.Perry is sponsored by Vise Inserts and Apparel EFX.

A conversation between the outgoing and incoming executive managers, Ted Gillary and Charles Johnson. They recount their years working together, their friendship and offer advice to each other for the future.