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BREEZE

NEWSLETTER OF THE UNIVERSITY SECTION CLUB, INC.
BERKELEY, CA

WINTER 2010

President’s Message

                  I hope that all of you have had a good start to the New Year.  Now that the days are lengthening and filling us with the anticipation of spring, we can look forward to the following upcoming events with renewed energy.

                  Our annual Winter Dinner will be held on Friday, the 29th of January at I-House.  With a delicious menu and an inspiring speaker, Ananya Roy, who is a professor in the Dept. of City and Regional Planning, we expect to have a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting evening.

                  On Tuesday, February 23rd, the Beehive Luncheon and Auction will envelop us with fundraising fervor.  Please support it!!  This will be our 43rd Beehive and the committee members are already actively rounding up restaurants, crafts and various exciting items on which to bid.  The jewelry table and the bargain tables will also have much to offer, especially so if you find that wonderful, unwanted item in your cupboard that you would like to donate.  There will be beautiful raffle baskets assembled by our different Sections and stuffed with an assortment of good things.  They are always worth winning!  Just the tasty luncheon by itself should be enticement enough to make your early reservation.  Share the occasion and bring a friend or two!  MOST IMPORTANTLY, this year the Beehive is our only fundraiser. The money we raise at the Beehive will be used for Student Grants, SOS and the International Student and Scholar Committee.

                  On Monday, March 22nd, we will travel to Santa Cruz by bus for the Intercampus Open House.  Save the day in your calendar.

                                                       Julia Wenk,  President

                          _______________________________________________________________

SOS Report

The Sylvia Elberg Fund has given 11 Grants worth $5,112 since August 28, 2009.  In 2009 at this time we had given 10 Grants worth $4,550 and in 2008 at this time we had given 11 Grants worth $4,608.  We have been fairly consistent in the number of Grants and their amounts.  In 2007-2008 we awarded a total of $8,248 and in 2008-2009 we awarded a total of $10,330.  I would assume, based on past experience, that the second semester will double the first semester. Any additional donations would be greatly appreciated.

                  The SOS Fall business meeting was on October 20th in the Tang Center.  We had a wonderful presentation by Fabrizio Mejia, Interim Director of the Student Life Advising Services/Educational Opportunity Program (SLAS/EOP) and Julian Ledesma, an Academic Counselor/Coordinator in the program.  EOP students are characterized by three criteria: low income, first generation of their family to attend college and status as a California resident or Native American.  They presented an abridgement of a program on low-income students that they gave at a national conference earlier in the year.  Approximately 5,000 UC Berkeley students qualify for the SLAS/EOP services.

                  Every year at the SOS spring business meeting the members evaluate wish lists from our liaisons and distribute SOS funds from our donations received and those budgeted for the fiscal year.  I would like to share the results of some of our decisions. The Spring Business meeting for 2010 will be Tuesday, April 20.

                  The SLAS/EOP asked for funds to help support their Peer Advising Group.  Each of their 5,000 students should ideally have a counselor.  However, last year the number of counselors was cut from five to three.  Therefore the program is benefiting greatly from the seven peer advisors who are sponsored partly by SOS funds.

                  On October 22nd members of the SOS committee were invited to the launch of the Bear Pantry Project where we received a Certificate of Appreciation.  Funds for the Bear Pantry Project were requested by University Village and the Center for Transfer, Re-Entry and Student Parents.  We gave a $600  stipend to pay the organizer $100 a month for 6 months to get it up and running.  Student-parents sometimes struggle to provide food for their children towards the end of the semester as their financial aid runs out.  The Bear Pantry is a food reserve of 30 items in individual bins, enough to feed a family of three for two weeks.  They were temporarily stored in the back of the Equipment Loan Center but now a permanent location has been found.

                  On December 4th, several of us were invited to a Tea at University Village where we were treated to a concert on the piano for which we supplied funds to help purchase.  The previous piano could no longer be repaired.  The piano is in constant use by children and adults taking piano lessons,  practicing and  by people who play just for enjoyment.  It was a joy to watch the delight on the faces of the children who played it for us.

                  Thank you all for your donations to the Elberg Fund and the SOS.

                                                                Betsy Smith, Chair

                       _______________________________________________________________

Grants Report

                  Thus far, we have funded just two students for the 2009-2010 academic year.

                  Our first recipient was a young man who had already exceeded his prescription drug allotment and was $1,100 in arrears.  He had made arrangements in advance, knowing he would over spend on drugs, with the pharmaceutical company to receive three months’ free drugs, but his doctor claimed he never received them (although the student checked with the pharmaceutical company which had a record of them being delivered to the doctor).  The doctor would take no responsibility and the student had to buy the drugs because he cannot go without.  He is a graduate student in Integrative Biology and expects to receive his degree this May.  We gave him a $1,000 grant.

                  Our second recipient is a graduate student in Electrical Engineering.  Due to a repetitive strain, she is unable to work and needed help with her December rent.  We gave her a $1,000 grant.

                  We have had to turn down other requests because the students were in such financial need that a grant from the Section Club would not solve their problems.  Our criteria state that a one-time grant should alleviate one’s financial problems and allow the student to continue with his/her studies.

                                                         Donna Oliver, Chair, Grants Committee

                            _______________________________________________________________

International Students and Scholars Committee

                  In the last Breeze we mentioned the Children’s Holiday Party at I-House with a request for cookies.  Thirteen women signed up, but a lot more than that brought plenty of delicious cookies.  Many thanks to you all.

                  The party went beautifully!  Thirteen countries were represented by approximately seventy-five families and there were nine volunteers from the Committee.  Grace Kobayashi donned her clown costume, of course, and our president, Julia Wenk, attended for the first time wearing  Joan Finney’s clown suit.  Natalie Hahn manned the reception table and did a wonderful job.

                  The I-House staff set everything up for us in the Great Hall, including some savory treats and juice.  Warren Clark, manager of Dining Services at I-House, joined us again this year as Santa and our old friend, Hank, the Magician, was well appreciated along with the grand finale “rabbit materialization”.  Natalie sat behind him and knows his secret.  She can’t tell!

                  Our last Centre event for 2009 was the annual trip to the City to see the holiday decorations.  Because of the “iffy” rain and cold, we did not have as many visitors as we expected, but there were ten hardy souls with nine children and about six volunteers.  We all had a grand time.

                  The Equipment Loan Center has recently had several break-ins with money being taken and other items such as blankets.  We are trying to resolve the problem, but these persistent burglars climb through old, poorly locked windows to access the interior and leave by the front door, which they leave open.  We cannot be constantly vigilant and the police have not been much help.  Maybe some Section Club handy husband volunteers could help shore things up for us before we are forced to move.   Any suggestions?

              Our average weekly attendance is 2009 was twenty-two visitors, three newcomers, twenty children, eight Committee members and fifty-one total per week.  As usual, the most well attended event was Thanksgiving with sixty-five.

              Our 2010 Centre is off to a good start, opening January 14.  New Volunteers are always welcome on Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 12 noon.

                                                                           Judy Gordon, Chair

BEARS!  BEARS!   BEARS!

Given by the Centre to children of

our International Scholars at I-House Holiday Party

                     _______________________________________________________________

Our Yearly Fund Raiser Needs Donations Now!

              The Beehive Luncheon needs donations for the sale and auction tables.   Please help raise the funds to aid needy students and SOS campus special projects by donating trinkets to treasures.  Items from you, your family, your neighbors or friends will all be accepted.  Please contact:

                                                         Sigvor Thornton

                                                         Nancy Oldham

                    _______________________________________________________________

President-Elect Visits Sections

              One of the perks of my position is that I am encouraged to visit the various sections.  This has been a great way to meet more Section Club members and to see firsthand the vigor of these groups!  I have many more to go, but here is what I have done so far.

              In October I visited Book Discussion, held at Ruth Ganong’s house.  There were good refreshments and a very good turnout!  I was impressed with how well the discussion was facilitated, so that everyone who had something to say about the book was given a chance and listened to respectfully.  The moderator also provided lots of interesting background information about the book and author.         

              Next, I joined the Birding Section for a day at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline near the Oakland Airport.  I learned something about shore birds, got some fresh air and exercise and enjoyed good conversation as we all ate our bag lunches.

              Again in November I was back at Ruth Ganong’s house for a dinner with six other members of Bon Appetit.  We were all responsible for a part of the menu, recipes having been sent out several weeks beforehand.  We replicated parts of an Italian menu, which Ruth had experienced when she was at a cooking school in Tuscany with her granddaughter earlier in September.

              In December I visited the Italian Section at Terry De Luca Schooler’s home.  The featured speaker was Carol Field, a well known Italian cookbook author, who spoke about trends and changes in the food scene in Italy.  Fortunately for me she spoke in English!  After her stimulating talk we enjoyed a lovely luncheon provided by various group members and then a gift exchange.

              Overall I am very impressed with how the members of these groups learn and have fun together.

                                                               Mary-Ellis Adams, President Elect 

                               _______________________________________________________________

DON’T MISS DINNER!

              The Omnivore Dinners are a Club-Wide Activity.  Meet at the Faculty Club the 2nd Wednesday of every month, except December.  Just call 510-540-5678, Ext. O and make a reservation in the Kerr Dining Room for 6 PM.  There will be tables reserved just for us and our guests (husbands and friends welcome).  Faculty Club membership is not required.  Arrive early and have a drink in the bar.   See you there!

              Questions:       Sonja Velez

                                    Nancy Oldham

_______________________________________________________________

ADVENTURE

              Thus far Adventure has had three expeditions, two in October and one in November.  All were most interesting.

              In October Adventure offered two expeditions since the co-chairs were divided in choices and thought we would go to the most popular.  Well, for the first one we had a small but eager turnout, so that Trudy Washburn with four enjoyed a tour of Sonoma: the history film at the Sonoma Barracks and General Vallejo’s home.  Then they drove west to Vallejo’s ranch near Petaluma.  A great deal was squeezed into one day’s travel and tremendously enjoyed.

              Sue’s tour had two cars with eight participants in all, driving to the Elmohaven House near St. Helena for a bit of history.  Here Ellen White, one of the founders of the 7th Day Adventist Church, lived for 15 years.  She was a prolific writer of religious books.  We had a wonderful guided tour with historical information plus!! Lunch was eagerly anticipated in an old inn in Calistoga, thanks to the suggestion of Sheila Kahan.  The weather was so lovely that we were able to enjoy our meal outside in the patio.

              We then continued on and extended our visit to the Petrified Forest, 5 miles east of Calistoga.  There is now a large exhibition room and shop  (most interesting) and, of course, a walking tour on a well-written self guided trail.  Then, happily and a bit weary, we climbed into our cars and returned home.

              Adventure is fortunate in having a number of our members willing and able to drive their vehicles as we do not get enough people to afford a bus.  However, car-pooling works out very well and we have been meeting at Todd Smith’s house on Madera Street in Berkeley where there is all day parking still available.

              If you are interested, come join us sometime.  You may phone:

              Trudy Washburn or

              Sue Cork

                                                        Sue Cork, Co-Chair

             _______________________________________________________________

Photography Section

              Members of our group know that every day presents an opportunity to take interesting photos.  Guided by our leader, professional photographer, Don Melandry, now retired, we have fulfilled monthly assignments that are offered up at our meetings for very supportive critiques. The focus of our cameras has been, for example, on reflections, views of the campus, our winter holiday celebrations, and earlier, on photographing “white on white”, white eggs on a white background.  Exercises such as these give us an understanding of the capabilities of our cameras.  Formal aspects of our photographs, such as the light source, camera speed, correct aperture choice and composition are basic to all our attempts.  We are always “clicking” to achieve even better photographs than the ones we previously made and we certainly receive lots of pleasure in doing so.

 Marianne Haller, Chair

 _______________________________________________________________

Sew and So Section

              Knitters, quilters, crocheters, stuffed animal makers, menders, needlepointers, embroiderers… you name it, we have it, as we gather together in each other’s homes every month for what is almost like an old fashioned sewing bee.  Our members bring whatever they feel like working on…some bring huge squares of fabric for quilting, some bring tiny embroideries, some bring long, thick yarn to be made into a scarf or sweater, some bring tapestry frames, others bring piles of mending! Some of us have taken up old projects that had languished for years in drawers or cupboards!  Several grandmas are working on baby blankets.  There is much sharing of information and skills. One of our members won a national competition last year for an embroidery, designed and stitched by herself. 

              We talk non-stop about everything and greatly enjoy the warm camaraderie.  There is always a well anticipated break for delicious refreshments and then the hands and fingers are flying about again!   Come and join us!  It is therapeutic and fun!

       Ellie Hahn, Co-Chair

_______________________________________________________________

Looking for a good read?

              Every year in January a lively meeting takes place in which members of the Book Section propose selections of their favorite recent reading for discussion by the group in the coming months.  This civilized sharing is also passionate, appreciative and sometimes argumentative.  The complicated narrowing of the field and voting for a mere six selections out of a rich list of wonderful books can be as ardent and obstreperous as a political campaign of voting for Oscars in the film industry.  It’s a good thing we do not have hanging chads to further muddy the waters!  Here for your reading pleasure are the books selected for the coming year.

• The Elegance of the Hedgehog by  Muriel Barbery.  Fiction by a French philosopher about the relationship of a precocious 12 year-old girl and the fifty-four old concierge of her fashionable Paris apartment building.
• Gertrude and Claudius by John Updike. Novel about the parents of Hamlet, written by Updike in 2000.
• The Hotel at the corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Historical fiction concerning Japanese in Seattle during World War II.
• Pictures at an Exhibition by Sara Houghteling.  Historical novel of Paris and fate of art collections looted in World War II, written by a local author who teaches at Marin Academy.
• Wesley the Owl  by Stacey O’Brian. Nonfiction about a Caltech researcher who agreed to stepparent a lab owl.

• The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman. Nonfiction account of a Warsaw Zoo in World War II, which served as a sanctuary for humans and animals alike.

Curious about those hotly debated also-rans?  Here they are:

• The Appointment  by Herta Muller
• The Evolution of God by Robert Wright
• Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
• The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant
• Netherland by Joseph O’Neil
• Out Stealing Horses by Per Peterson
• The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
• Sara’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
• Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson
• The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
• The World to Come by Dara Horn

Happy reading everyone!

                                          Lynn De Jonghe, Co-Chair

_______________________________________________________________

Birding Section

                                                         Ruth Tobey and Ann Kadyk,  Birding Section 

              The Birding Section meets at 9 AM on the first Wednesday of every month at 1740 Madera Street in Berkeley, one block south of Marin Avenue and one block west of Colusa.  From there we carpool a short distance to good birding sites around the Bay.

              In October we visited the Blake Garden in Kensington.  It was interesting to tour the grounds in search of the avian diversity, rather than attending a meeting or visiting the garden.  We found almost two dozen bird species, including Red-breasted Sapsucker and Brown Creeper and had great looks at a perfectly perched Northern Flicker.

              In November we visited Arrowhead Marsh in Oakland during a particularly high tide.  Some naturalists from the Fish and Wildlife Service were banding Rails and the Rails and Sora were fleeing the naturalists in all directions.  In all we found 44 species, but not the Burrowing Owl, which was seen earlier in the day by another birder.  In December our group braved quite a frigid wind-chill factor at Berkeley’s Aquatic Park.  That area is a wonderful refuge for shorebirds and ducks and we were able to see quite a respectable number despite the wind.

              Our Winter/Spring trips will take us to Las Gallinas in Marin in February where we hope to find White Pelicans and Wilson’s Snipe again this year.  In March we will visit Point Isabel and the Richmond Marina, which always provides a wonderful diversity of shorebirds and some stunning views of the Bay.  In April we will visit Upper San Leandro Reservoir where we will search for Wood Ducks and Western Bluebirds.  We will end our year in May with a potluck lunch at Garin Regional Park in Hayward.  We should encounter Black-headed Grosbeaks, Barn Swallows and some spring migrant species on that trip.

              We welcome to our section anyone who is interested in nature and the environment. We love helping beginners learn more about birds.  If you do not have binoculars, we have spare pairs for you to borrow for the day.  We hope that you can join us this spring or next year to explore the Bay Area environment.  Please contact Ruth Tobey or Jean Thomas

                                                    Ruth Tobey, Co-Chair

__________________________________________________________

French Section

              If you like French culture and French language, you should join the French Section and meet members who come together once a month to speak French, to listen in French and to make small conversation in French around a cup of tea or coffee.  Before the social hour, you would hear members of the community, professors, consulate members talk about their specialty or their hobby  in French.  You could ask them questions or converse with them in French or in English, if it is easier.

              Lately, the Section heard an expose on modern architecture.  At a different occasion, an epidemiologist, Claudine Torfs, talked about vaccines, at a time when the subject was on everybody’s mind.  Occasionally, Ellie Hahn gives the group a concert!  Others will report on a place or country that provoked  their enthusiasm.  In December members did something new:  they read together a famous French short story.  The possibilities are endless.

              Come, you will be welcome!

              The Section meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 1:30 PM at one of the member’s homes.      

                                     Jacqueline Eberhard, Co-Chair

 _______________________________________________________________

German Section

              German Section seems relatively young as we started in 1993, but our membership has continued to increase and our programs are varied and interesting.  In October, Claudia Deering presented an interesting talk about Father Sebastian Kneipp, who was the successful founder of the homeopathic medicine movement in Germany.  In the late 1800’s he was famous for the “Kneipp cure” form of hydrotherapy.  In November Dr. Monica Clyde, a retired teacher at St. Mary’s and Mills Colleges, spoke on her research of “German Immigrants to the Bay Area” during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  Most were fleeing Germany due to a failed 1848 revolution.  Many who settled here were influential in the development of San Francisco, such as the Spreckels and Levi-Strauss families.

              In December we had our annual German Christmas party at the home of member, Martha Boccalini, who decorates with lovely German artifacts and antiques, collected over the years from family and while living in Germany.  If you have any interest in all things German or want to hear or converse in the language, please come and visit.

                                             Dorothy Kaplan, Co-Chair

_______________________________________________________________

The Italian Section

              The Sezione Italiana brings together an enthusiastic group of Italy lovers, who gather on the second  Thursday of each month to celebrate Italian customs and culture.  Whether natives of Italy or citizens of other countries, all our socie enjoy sharing the beauties of friendship and intercultural enrichments.  At each meeting, the Sezione Italiana hosts a specialized guest speaker, who focuses on the unique historical and cultural elements that characterize Italy.  The Section’s mission and identity can be summed up in the words of Nancy Leitmann, one of its most long standing members: “I love the Italian language, the Italian people and Italy itself.”

              During the month of December, Teresa De Luca Schooler welcomed the Sezione Italiana to her home for a celebration, led by author, Carol Field, who discussed enchanting tales linked to the Italian culinary tradition entitled, Rites of Passage in Italy:  From Homemade Pigeon Broth to Chocolate Confetti.   The festivities continued in a purely practical fashion as we enjoyed delicious specialties prepared by our socie, including oven-baked pasta al forno, ravioli di zucca, zucchini alla griglia con menta and fagiolini ai semi sesamo, followed by mouth watering desserts.  We ended the meeting on a festive note when Ellie Hahn and Rita Biasin  led us in a chorus of traditional Christmas carols, along with special guests, Julia Wenk and Mary-Ellis Adams.  It was a great way to welcome the holidays and ring in the New Year.

              The upcoming months are already packed with many interesting lectures designed to spotlight the Italian heritage.  Intellectually stimulating and personally enriching, our meetings strengthen old friendships and foster new ones by cultivating one of Italy’s mot worthy legacies:  hospitality.

                                             Lucia Falcone, Co-Chair

_______________________________________________________________

In Memorian

Leona Greenbaum Wilson

October 30, 1929 – November 13, 2009

              Friends and family gathered on November 1, 2009 to celebrate Leona’s 80th birthday.  She said good-bye to a loving circle of people the way she liked to live: entertaining in her beautiful garden with a profusion of food and the sound of a talented harpist while conversing over interesting  current events.  Married to UC Berkeley Professor, Allan Wilson, Leona stimulated his work on Human and Molecular Evolution and helped to spread his ideas and achievements both before and after his death.  The Italian Section deeply mourns her loss and her generous and outgoing personality.

              Ciao, Leona!

                                                                Giulia Massari,

Eleanor Thune

              Eleanor was a remarkable woman, one whom her family called a Renaissance woman of innate intelligence.  She was born in Sparks, Nevada in 1919 and died November 7, 2009.

              When her family moved to San Francisco, Eleanor discovered a life-long passion for tennis, which she played from age 14 to 86, some 72 years.  She graduated from UC Berkeley in 1941 with a BA in Economics.  She developed another passion for bridge while living at International House for her junior and senior years.

              After graduation she worked at Shell Development until she married James C. Armstrong in 1942.  Since Shell did not employ married women, she had to quit.  During World War II she was able to work at Bechtel as a draftswoman.

              Eleanor gave birth to 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls.  She and her husband built a home that was designed by architect, Bernard Maybeck, without contractors in Kensington.

              In 1966 Eleanor married John Thune with whom she traveled the world.  She climbed the Matterhorn, Mt. Fuji twice and hiked 500 miles in Nepal to the base camp of Mt. Everest.  Later she worked part time at International House and was a docent at the Lawrence Hall of Science.   She participated in numerous organizations, including the University Section Club.  The Book Section so enjoyed having meetings at her home, which resembled a small museum, full of artifacts from her travels.  Eleanor lived a full life with her share of challenges while always maintaining a calm and  positive can-do  spirit. 

                                         Lola Harris with

                                       Christine Armstrong Peters

_______________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT  DATES:

Winter Dinner, Friday, January 29, 2010

6 PM at International House

Speaker:  Associate Professor Ananya Roy

Topic:  “Global Policy: Challenges and Hopes in the New Millennium”

              Professor Ananya Roy teaches a course on Global Policy and inequality to over 740 students. No wonder CAL is at the forefront of education.  She will be the first woman to speak at the Section Club’s Winter Dinner.  Her remarkable achievements in India that led her to a BA at Mills College and a PhD in Comparative Urban Developments make her a woman of far ranging knowledge and ideas.  As well as her teaching in the Department of City and Regional Planning, she is the Education Director of the Blum Center for Developing Economics and presides over the Association of Academic Women of some 200 to 300 members.

              With flashing dark eyes, a ready smile and clarity of thought and speech, it is no wonder she won a Distinguished Teaching Award in 2006 and then two years later the students awarded her the Golden Apple Teaching Award.   

              This will be a fascinating evening on Jan. 29th at I-House for you and your guests.

                                                    Joan Glassey, Co-Chair

BEEHIVE  LUNCHEON & AUCTION

                                       Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010                                          

                          First Unitarian Church, Kensington                               

              We collect all year around for the Beehive and fund raising.  Sigvor Thornton will receive and process your donations of clothing, house wares , art, music, jewelry, accessories, small pieces of furniture, appliances, etc. 

              Call Sigvor with your questions or to alert her that you are dropping off something at her home in north Berkeley. Thank you.  

Nancy Oldham, Co-Chair

Silent Auction:  What are your favorite items to bid on?  See below:

              Restaurants, House rentals, Florists, Wine,

Theater, Art/Sculpture, Athletic Events, Services, Other thoughts or ideas? 

Please let me hear from you as this is the main fund-raiser to support students.  Email me at usectionclub@berkeley.edu, put "Forward to Joan Jenkins" in the subject line or find my phone number in the Bulletin and call  me.

Joan Jenkins

INTER-CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE  

UC SANTA CRUZ

Monday, March 20, 2010

All day, Adventure bus available. Please keep checking this website for more information.

SPRING BUSINESS MEETING

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Tang Center

2222 Bancroft Way

Berkeley

All members welcome!

_______________________________________________________________

From Fall 2009 Breeze

In Memorian

Lois Griffin Stevenson, 1925 – 2009

              Lois Stevenson was an artistic woman, beloved by her family and countless friends, with particular interests in music, theatre and literature.  With her passion and energy, she encouraged performance in many venues.  At her Memorial Service to honor her life and abiding love for literature and drama, friends from the Drama Section performed three literary vignettes. Bert Miller read a description of Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice that could have been written about Lois herself.   Jane Austin was Lois’ favorite author, so the team of Gloria and Robert Bloom performed the tender scene in which Mr. D’Arcy proposes marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennett.  And, finally, to remember Lois Stevenson’s most recent production for the Drama Section, Neil Simon’s Come Blow Your Horn, Nancy and George Leitmann replayed a hilarious scene between a powerful, but somewhat befuddled mother and her son, who is trying to save her from the truth of what is going on.  We heard a gorgeous performance by her daughter, a professional violinist, and many moving statements from family and friends.  It was a memorable celebration of an extraordinary lady’s life.

                                                      Elizabeth Balderston

Mary Dee Vermeulen,  1916 – 2009

              Mary Dee Vermeulen, born December 10, 1916 in Los Angeles, CA, widow of the late Professor Theodore Vermeulen of UC, died on April 9, 2009 at the age of 92 of respiratory failure following heart surgery in March.  A resident of Berkeley since 1941, she was alert and optimistic to the end.  She attended Belmont High School in LA, graduating as valedictorian in 1934, and graduated from UCLA in 1939.  She remained active in UCLA alumni affairs on the board of directors of the Helen Mathewson Club, providing scholarships to needy students.  She also remained active at UC Berkeley as a member of the Emeriti Association and the Section Club.  Her closest friends had been, and remained, high school classmates and faculty members and their wives.  In her earlier years she was very active in the Foreign Student Housing Committee, and in her later years she was involved and helpful with the UC Faculty Club staff at Emeriti events.  In 2006, with the help of her husband’s former students and colleagues, she was instrumental in establishing the Theodore Vermeulen Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering at UC Berkeley.  She is survived by her sons and their wives, six grandchildren and ten great-grand children.  She took great pride and pleasure in her family.  A memorial service was held at the UC Faculty Club on June 20.

                                                                           Sue Cork

Leona Wilson

             Leona died Friday evening November 13, peacefully in her sleep.  She was 80.  She was an active member of the Italian section and until recently in Adventure section.
            There will be a memorial service Monday November 30 at noon at the Sunset mortuary, Colusa at Fairmount, El Cerrito.  Friends are encouraged to speak about their memories of Leona.