The Faculty Club Newsletter

October 2004

           I want to start by thanking all our staff for doing a great job at our fall Glade wine tasting. It was an enjoyable event for all who attended. Other events, including the evening with the carillonist, have been well-attended. Now that fall is really here we’re planning the members’ Christmas Party. But before then we have more events planned. We look forward to seeing you here. We’ve also been busy with the Board and the House Committee planning some further renovations to our building. We will keep you informed as things develop. Thanks for your ongoing support for Club events. This makes it possible for us to plan more and different evenings. As always I am open to your suggestions. Do not hesitate to call me or drop me a note Thank you.

        Here is the current generation of the Wente family, including Phil Wente who will be presenting an evening of wines from this fine vineyard, at a special dinner planned by Felix and our chef, on October 29th. Wente has a distinguished history in the Livermore valley, being founded in 1883 by C. H. Wente. And who was his next door neighbor, also a winemaker? One Louis Mel de Fontenay, the great-uncle of our own Howard Mel, long-time member of the Club Wine Committee. When Louis Mel finally retired at an advanced age, his El Mocho vineyard became part of the Wente holdings. Phil Wente will be serving a very special wine, a new product of the old Mel Winery. Howard will present some reminiscences of his great-uncle, whom he met when he was a small boy in Berkeley and Louis was nearly 100 years old. Yes, you will have the opportunity to buy good wines at a good price. Reserve now: 510-5678 ext. 224. Reception 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. $60 per person, all-inclusive

       The Golden Girlfriends have resumed their bi-monthly lunches. The next meeting has been returned to its original date, October 20th . You should be getting your invitations in the mail next week. This group is open to all widows of members. We meet every two months for lunch and a short program. A warm and welcoming group. For more information, call Phyllis Schafer at 510-704-9951.

       Our artist for the month will be Alan Tobey, a passionate cultural photographer since the 1960’s. A Cal graduate who also followed a Ph.D. program here, he is especially interested in relationships between the sciences and humanistic values. “Dancing to Heal the World,” a collection of photographs taken in Mali, West Africa, this past January, shows the resolute spirit of the Dogon people as they deliberately maintain an ancient animist culture.

       In August we held a free wine-tasting in the Bar that was well attended. Now we will be treated to a tasting of two wines from Cambria Winery: Katherine’s Vineyard 2002 Chardonnay, and Julia’s Vineyard 2002 Pinot Noir. Join your friends in the Bar on Thursday, October 7th, from 4 to 6 p.m. Meet a representative from Cambria Winery, enjoy two good wines, nibble a few hors d’oeuvres, and order a case or two at advantageous prices if you are so inclined. Once again, the price can’t be beat: FREE!

       This month enjoy a choice of two continuing delicious entrées, or the daily chef’s special, at the bargain dinner in the Kerr Room. This is the biggest dining bargain in Berkeley. Come any weekday evening before 6:30 and enjoy a three-course dinner for the remarkable price of $12.95, including a choice of soup or salad, and dessert. These dinners are a great idea when you are entertaining out-of-town guests. It’s a good idea to make a reservation on busy evenings when you’re going to an event at Zellerbach Hall.

       Remember that every Saturday that Cal plays at home during the football season, the Club is open for pre-game lunches and drinks, and post-game snacks and cocktails. Beat the crowd, park early, and enjoy a short walk to the stadium.And have you checked out the new plasma screen TV in the Bar? It’s installation means that the great Cal Spirit banner donated by Carol and Robert Clarke is now much more prominently displayed.

       Yes, that time of year is approaching. The Moose is already practicing his singing in the early morning hours. And members will be receiving their invitations some time in mid-October. Jack Coons and the rest of the merry crew are preparing their usual insolent attack on University proprieties. Enjoy!

        On September 3rd our University carillonist, Jeff Davis played special concert on the University carillon for us. Here are a couple of pictures from that event: a happy group on the Glade, and our centenarian member, Murray Emeneau, with his old friend, Becky. A great time was had by all! Let’s do it again some time.

        Traditions, traditions. Here it is, October again, and we dig out the dirndls and the lederhorsen. How’s your yodeling? There’s still time to practice! Join Club members on October 15th for a reprise of one of the Club’s more popular events. Our chef will be planning a special buffet dinner to accompany selected beers (and wines). Then dance the evening away to live music. Reception will begin at 6 p.m. and the buffet dinner will be at 7.Reserve now at 540-5678 , ext .224. Cost is $35 per person, all inclusive.

        By the time you get your Newsletter next month, the 2004 election will be history, but certainly we’ll still be talking about the results. Let’s do it in a scholarly and dispassionate fashion. On Friday, November 5th, join Bruce Cain, our own nationally known political commentator, for a post-election analysis and discussion. Reserve now for this once-in-a-lifetime event – at least as far as this election is concerned. Reception at 5:30; talk and discussion at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. $30 per person. Call 510-5678 ext. 224.

        In the new academic year we are continuing the Club's bargain 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. Pickup a newspaper on the way to the campus and relax after that commute or uphill bike ride. And tell your friends! You do not have to be a member to take advantage of this special.