The Faculty Club Newsletter

February 2004

           School is in session and everyone is back on campus. It’s good to be busy at the Club again. We are now working on the events to be offered this year – a list was sent to you last month, and is also available at the front desk. Some of the events to be presented are very popular so plan to reserve early. With the help of the House Committee and our architectural consultants we were able to complete the renovation of the west wing hotel rooms, including the suite (now renamed the California Suite) and the tower room (the Cal Spirit Room). This renovation was made possible by two major donations from members. We are planning a reception to show the rooms and honor the donors when the final touches have been put in place (pictures, accessories, and so on). We have also replaced the carpet in the lobby and on the stairs up to the Seaborg Room. All the staff looks forward to serving you this year. Remember I am always available to help you with any Club matters. Thank you.

        On February 28th the Club will have a centenarian member! We wish many happy returns to Murray Emeneau, emeritus professor of Linguistics. Still actively revising work he did on languages of India, Murray drops into the Club from time to time to take lunch and enjoys the Christmas parties. This year he took the stage with the youngest guest ever at the party – a little girl just three weeks old! He wished her as successful and happy a life as he has had – and, we all hope, will continue to have. Floreat!

        Gloria Bloom, wife of Robert Bloom, Professor of English, has been working in earnest at her avocation of drawing and painting over the past thirteen years, after leaving her work as a speech and language pathologist for the Berkeley Public Schools. Before that time she pursued this interest as a hobby. Now she is working in watercolor, acrylics, pen and ink, and portraiture. Her subjects reflect her delight in the beauty of landscapes, water, and old buildings, both here and in the English countryside. Recently she has undertaken a series of portraits of her family, the most beloved and challenging subjects of all.

        The Monks’ CD is in its second impression (or burning, or whatever) and is available at the Front desk. Prior Milt Williams leads the Monks Chorus and the Solisti Brass in a varied program of musical highlights from past Christmas parties, including “Gaudeamus Igitur,” “Hail to California,” and the “Faculty Hymn.” Christmas with the Monks costs only $15 plus tax.

       Members are encouraged to join those who continue to discover and enjoy the biggest dining bargain in Berkeley. Come to the Kerr Dining Room any weekday evening before 6:30 and enjoy a three-course dinner for the remarkable price of $12.95. Always at least two choices of entrée, a choice of soup or salad, and a sinful dessert. These dinners are a great idea for evenings when you’re going to a basketball game or an event at Zellerbach Hall.

       At the general meeting held on January 14th to consider changes in the bylaws covering election to the Board of Directors and length of terms, the changes were approved. In broad terms, directors’ terms will last three years, with two or three to be elected each year. No one may serve more than two terms without a hiatus of at least two years. The number of candidates put up for election at any one time shall be one more than the number of positions to be filled. The intent of the changes was to ensure continuity by having fewer directors replaced at any one time, and to make it easier for new blood to be elected to the board once they were nominated. Implementation of the changes will be phased in over the next couple of years, as directors’ terms come to an end.

       Some of the best meals that are served at the Club are those for the wine committee’s twice a year presentation of food and wine in a glorious union .This year on March 12th we will have as our special guest chef Eric Tucker, one of the popular vegetarian chefs at San Francis-co’s Millennium Restaurant and author of two vegetarian cook-books. He will pair foods to the wines selected by our Wine Committee. Reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7. The cost: $60 per person. Make your reservations now

       We hope that you have made your reservations for the evening of February 13th, our annual Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance. There are still some places available for this beautiful evening–call extension 224. While hotels and restaurants in the area charge a phenomenal price for these special events, they cannot match the beauty of an evening in our own Great Hall. Our staff have been busy planning decorations and a fitting menu. Don’t be scared by the fact that this year it falls on Friday, the 13th. After the reception at 6 p.m., enjoy the dinner dance from 7 to 10. Cost per person: $60, all inclusive.

       On February 5th we are reviving our custom of having dinner and discussion with a faculty member who has recently published a book of significant interest to a wide range of our members. Nelson Polsby, of the Political Science Department, will talk about his new book, How Congress Evolves: Social Bases of Institutional Change. Nelson is a leading authority on the nature and operation of the Congress and the presidency. Whether or not you get a chance to read his book ahead of time, plan to be at the dinner. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. The cost will be $25, all inclusive. Get your reservations in now (540-5678, extension 224).

        Club members do not seem to be able to get enough of the work of Tom Bopp, popular pianist and song stylist. His repertoire ranges from the Gay 90s to – well, we’ve never really determined that! By the way, he is NOT the Tom Bopp who was the co-discoverer of the Hale-Bopp Comet. But he shines bright as a star in his appearances here and at the Ahwanee Hotel in Yosemite, where you would pay a hefty sum to hear him perform. Another great Club bargain! On March 26th plan to attend this evening of fine food and fun-filled music. Reception at 6; dinner at 7. Cost: $45 all inclusive. Reserve at extension 224.

        Members of this group should have received their invitations to a lunch celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 11th. This group is open to all widows of members. Call the Club, extension 224, to reserve for lunch. For more information, call Jeanne Pimentel at 843-3171.

        Remember that you can enjoy the convenience of the Club’s morning breakfast special. From 7 to 10 a.m. you can come by the Kerr Room and for $2.99 enjoy juice, eggs, coffee, and toast. Pick up a newspaper on the way to campus and relax after that commute or uphill bike ride.