I’m somewhat of a bookworm. While I like to read contemporary fiction on my Kindle, I love listening to non-fiction audiobooks. Anything from Julia Child biographies to Malcolm Gladwell business books are fair game to my ears. It was while reading/listening to one of Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s books that I first heard the concept of the “third place.” Wikipedia describes the third place as:
“In community building, the third place (or third space) is the social surroundings separate from the two usual social environments of home (“first place”) and the workplace (“second place”). Examples of third places would be environments such as cafes, clubs or parks. In his influential book The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg (1989, 1991) argues that third places are important for civil society, democracy, civic engagement, and establishing feelings of a sense of place.”
Some third places may be Starbucks, the library, a nail salon, spa, gym or a local bar/grille (for my three teenagers, it’s clearly the Galt Denny’s). As you’re reading this, you most likely have a clear picture in your mind of where your personal third place is – or even your fourth or fifth place.
My hope is Woodbridge falls high on your list. If your list doesn’t include the Club as your top four or five, it’s one of our goals this year to move us up your list. We want all of our members to feel that “sense of place” when coming to the Club, whether you are here to golf, play a quick game of tennis or are grabbing some lunch. So, how can we move Woodbridge up your list? Here are some ways you can help us:
Complete our Member Interest Survey
Last year, we sent this survey out to all members in their monthly statement for a couple of months. This survey is just a checkbox format of possible interests you may have, as well as space to add more you can think of. All new members are filling this survey out for me as well. If you didn’t get the chance to complete the survey, please see me in the Membership Office or go here.
Invite your friends and family
It’s only natural that you will feel more comfortable around the people you know and are close to than new acquaintances (but I would argue that we have the friendliest members in the area!). Bring your friends to lunch. Invite guests to play golf with you. Treat your friends to a social event. The more your friends experience the Club and all its amenities, the more they will want to join us as well.
Get involved
If you haven’t attended a social event or played in a tournament, there’s no time like the present! You’ll find many new friends when you become involved with the events and tournaments at the Club. And don’t forget about our associations and “club within the club” groups – Men’s Club, Senior Men’s Group, 18-Hole Ladies and Fore-Tee Niners are all associations open to Proprietary Members. Our Cigar Club, Couple Twilight and Charity Bridge groups are also groups open to all members. If you need assistance with joining any of these groups, please see me in the Membership Office. I’m always happy to help – and I love hearing your ideas for new groups as well!
I would also love to hear where your third place is, if it’s not Woodbridge, and why it comes to mind as your favorite place away from home and work. As for me, because Woodbridge qualifies as my second place (work), a local spa comes to mind as my third place. You can reach me at 263-0115 or email me.
