The Faculty Club Newsletter

January 2004

           2003 came to a glorious climax with the annual Christmas parties and the appearance of the Monks’ CD. The staff worked hard to make the parties a success and I would like to thank all of them for their great job. We are enclosing the events schedule for 2004, so please mark your calendars for your favorites, beginning with the items featured in this Newsletter. Renovation of the hotel rooms has been going on during the closing time, and we now have a new carpet by the front desk. Stop by and enjoy the new look. We begin full service again on Jan. 5th. I want to thank you all for your support in 2003. I am looking forward to working with you all in the new year. Please accept my good wishes for a happy and successful 2004. Hope to see you all back at the Club soon! Thank you.

        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. To launch the new year, the Events Committee has invited Nelson Polsby, of the Political Science Department, to 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. Among his other works, the book he wrote with Aaron Wildavsky, Presidential Elections, went into its 10th edition in 2000. He holds the Heller Professorship and has a list of honors that impresses the most jaded. Even the French Ministry of Education has awarded him an honorary doctorate. 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). Why not invite a few of your colleagues to this event? A great way to attract new members.

        Crabs are in! And we all know what delight their arrival brings to the Bay Area. In fact, all seafood seems to be sweeter and tastier in the cold season. So our chef has planned a special dinner for Thursday, January 29th to show these delicacies at their very best. Join your friends at 6.p.m. for the reception and 7 p.m. for dinner. All for $30 per person, all-inclusive. Reserve at extension 224.

        The Board of Directors has called a general meeting of the membership for Wednesday, January 14th, to discuss and vote on proposed changes to the bylaws governing election to the Board. See the Club notice board for full details. Free coffee and cookies.

       Not too soon start thinking about the one you are going to invite to this annual event. This elegant evening provides a four-course dinner, with wine, and music and dancing for the rest of the evening. On February 13th the reception will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7. The cost, including tax and tip, is $60 a person. Reserve: 540-5678, ext.224.

       The Monks’ CD 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 lgitur,” “ Hail to California,” and the “Faculty Hymn,” along with more classical musical offerings and Christmas carols. Christmas with the Monks CD costs only $15 plus tax.

       The next meeting of the Golden Girlfriends will be held on Wednesday, February 11th. Members who attend these luncheons will receive notification in the mail in early January.

       Arrive at the Club on any weeknight between 5 and 6:30 to enjoy a complete meal for the incredible price of $12.95! All meals include soup or salad, plus dessert. Add a couple of glasses of wine and still pay less for two meals than for a single meal, without wine, in a downtown restaurant. Reservations are recommended, but drop-ins can usually be accommodated. Reserve at 540-5678 extension 0.

       On January 5th the Club will resume full services, at lunch and dinner, and in the bar. Don’t forget our Bargain Breakfast! Where else can you get eggs, etc., all for $2.98?

        Bonnie Mager, a graduate of UC San Francisco, is showing a series of images from the Berkeley campus in gouache and pastel, from studies and photos taken on campus. Bonny has been painting and exhibiting in the Bay Area for over 25 years. She comments: “ the idea of a series of Berkeley campus paintings originated from a commissioned piece done for a visiting professor. I realized then how beautiful and varied is the architecture and landscape on campus.” Her work can also been at Montclair Travel and law offices of McDonogh, Holland and Allen, in Oakland. Or you can check her website at www.BonnieMager.com