Sections
Since 1927, the University Section Club has encouraged a sense of community on the Berkeley campus. Welcoming newcomers and reaching across departmental boundaries from all corners of the university,
it has been a catalyst for friendship and for service. All members are invited to our club-wide events:
Fall Reception, Winter Dinner, Beehive, Intercampus Open House, and Spring Fundraiser.
As its name suggests, the Sections or interest groups are the heart of the club. Their number and activities are limited only by the imagination and energy of the members. At the moment there are 17 sections that mirror the richness of the Berkeley community. Some of the times have changed for the Activity Sections and the Photography section is taking a year off. Section Club membership is required before joining an activity section. Each section may assess its own fees.
Birding
Monthly outings to different habitats, from shorelines to hills to observe birds and other interesting features. Bring lunch and water. No experience needed. First Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Hester Bradbury hestera@comcast.net 510 847-6528
Patricia Williamson xpage4@gmail.com 510 332-7805
Bon Appétit
Themed dinner or lunch parties for small groups, with two all-member events. Hosting rotates, and each host sets the date and assigns recipes. The season runs from September to May.
Claire Phillips claire@phillipstrustees.com 510 543-7831
Book Discussion
Open to all members who love to read and discuss books. Lively discussions held every month, complimented with delicious refreshments. Participants meet in members’ homes. The program runs October - April, culminating in May with a special luncheon featuring a noteworthy author/speaker. First Friday, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (except January).
Emily Ladner wwspr8@gmail.com 510 848-3589
Joan Finnie finniejoanr@gmail.com 510 841-7521
Drama
Member productions, performances and audience participation held in members’ homes, followed by refreshments. Individual members produce, cast and manage props. Productions are readings—no memorization required and include one rehearsal. Open to all who support and enjoy good theater and fun times. Third Monday, 2 p.m.
Marcia Vastine mjvastine@aol.com 510-655-6553
Joyce Jackson jabtjackson@earthlink.net 510-527-0191
French
For lovers of French culture to enjoy conversation, discussion and presentations in French on a variety of topics. Meetings take place in
Shahla Verrall shahlav6@gmail.com 510 816-8332
Marilyn Vihman m.vihman@berkeley.edu 510 708-3853
Italian
Lectures on different aspects of Italian life (art, literature, science, politics) followed by a delicious lunch of mainly Italian cuisine, where the exchange of ideas always shape and spice up
conversations! Second Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Elly Skarakis ellylola@outlook.com 510 508-6320
Barb Denton barbdenton8@gmail.com 510 334-5054
Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chanoyu)
Participate in a gentle, five centuries old practice with a focus on mindfulness. Taking place in a tatami-mat tea room, enjoy a tea gathering which includes tea and sweets, art, nature, culture and the company of others. Four gatherings, second Thursday in October, January, April, and June, time varies.
Donna Chan donnaswishes@gmail.com 510 435-4677
Movies
Each month we choose a movie and watch it independently. Then we gather in two separate groups at the home of a member to discuss the film on the third Wednesday or third Thursday at 4 p.m.
Holly Hartley hollyhartley@mindspring.com 510 206-5687
Marilena Tamburello marilenat@gmail.com 510 375-0681
Music
Open to solo and group performers, as well as music listeners. Enjoy tea and concerts in members’ homes, first Thursday, 1:30 p.m. (except May meeting – 11 a.m. with luncheon). Join the chorus (with a professional director). Rehearsals every Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – noon.
Marcia Vastine mjvastine@aol.com 510-655-6553
Joyce Jackson jabtjackson@earthlink.net 510-527-0191
German
Programs on different aspects of contemporary life and cultural heritage in German-speaking countries. Monthly in-person meetings in both German and English at members’ homes. Third Tuesday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Oct. – May (no meeting in Jan.)
Heidi Hartman heihanhar@hotmail.com 510 527-1814
Heidi Taylor hetfamlaw@gmail.com 925 687-8656
Newcomers
A section just for members new to the Club. The first meeting will be chaired by the past president and then new members will take over, hosting and chairing meetings to fit their schedule. A chance to find out about sections, meet officers of the Club, and learn about special events and philanthropic activities.
Andrea Campos acampos@berkeley.edu 925 899-5406
Pickleball
Players include those of many levels, from beginners to regulars. Players meet weekly on Tuesday at the Cedar/Rose Park pickleball courts. Time varies from late morning to early afternoon, depending on court reservation availability. Time will be confirmed via email the previous weekend.
Mary Kay Duggan mkduggan@berkeley.edu 510 340-8086
Sew and So
Provides a creative social setting to mend, sew, embroider, knit, or crochet together. Meetings are held in members’ homes the third Friday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Ellie Hahn ellen33@hahn55.com 510 526-0901
Dorothy Kaplan dotkap@usa.net 510 524-8365
Tennis
A lively, friendly group play on the Channing Courts for drop-in tennis of all levels. We have reserved parking included. Monday – Friday, 9 – 11 a.m.
Monica Rohrer monica@monicarohrer.com 510 541-4014
Carole R. Brown riovi3crb@gmail.com 510 432-0410
Here is a link to see more Section Tennis Group photos
University Art Museum
Meets four times a year for guided exhibition tours or presentations at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). Second Friday, 10 – 11 a.m.
Sandra Gilbert swg42002@yahoo.com 510 914-3261
Walking
Enjoy mid-week solitude of nearby parks, hillsides, shorelines, and cityscapes, carpooling or meeting at each trailhead. Bring lunch and water. Second Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Beth Crovitz
Misty MacCready
Writers’ Workshop
Meet monthly in members’ homes for a bag lunch and dessert. Read and receive feedback on our original works in progress: novels, memoirs, other non-fiction, poems, short stories, essays. Beginners as well as experienced writers are encouraged to participate in a supportive environment. First Monday, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. except July, Aug. and Sept.
Marilyn Vihman m.vihman@berkeley.edu 510 708-3853