Sections
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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.
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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 18 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.
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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.
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Bon Appétit
Themed dinner parties for small groups, with occasional all-member events. Hosting rotates, and each
host sets the date and assigns recipes. Dinner costs are shared.
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Book Discussion
Open to all members who love to read and discuss books. Lively discussions held every month,
complimented with delicious refreshments. Meetings are held in members’ homes (COVID permitting)
or via Zoom. Our program runs October - April, culminating in May with a special luncheon featuring a
noteworthy author/speaker. First Friday, 1 p.m. if in person; 1:30 p.m. if by Zoom (except January).
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Drama
Member productions, performances and audience participation followed by refreshments held in
members’ homes. 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.
Meetings Fourth Monday. Sept and April, 7 p.m.; Oct, Jan, Feb, March, 3 p.m.
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French
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Here read the fascinating article, “Josephine and Johnny” by one of our members--Johnny Barnes Selvin--who in 1966 was in France as a U.C. student in a year abroad program. At a café in a small village, Josephine Baker immediately spotted Johnny among a group of students for having the same medium brown complexion as her own. Ms. Baker invited Johnny to meet her family back at a chateau. Johnny’s moving article discusses the effect that the meeting had on her and why Ms. Baker, originally from the United States, chose to become a French citizen. You may have heard that the French President Macron announced in 2021 that Josephine Baker would be honored with burial in the Pantheon in Paris. [Just click on the PDF “Josephine and Johnny” here.]
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For lovers of French culture to enjoy conversations and presentations in French on a variety of topics.
Some sessions may be held on Zoom. First Tuesday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
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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, occasionally
via Zoom. Third Tuesday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Oct. - May (no meeting in Jan.)
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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 our
conversations! Second Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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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, third Monday in October, January, March, and June. 10 a.m.
– 12:00 p.m.
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Movies
Each month we will choose a movie and watch it independently. Then we will either gather at the
home of a member or meet via Zoom, to discuss the film. Third Thursday, 4 p.m.
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Music
Open to solo and group performers, as well as music listeners. Enjoy tea and concerts in members’
homes, first Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. (except 11 a.m. May meeting with luncheon). Join the chorus
(with a professional director) that rehearses every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - noon.
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Newcomers
A section just for members new to the Club. The first meeting will be chaired by our 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.
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Photography
This Section will be taking a year off and returning in the Fall of 2023.
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Pickleball
Once a week players meet at the Cedar/Rose Park pickleball courts. Players include those of many
levels, from beginners to regulars. Players contribute about $40 to rent a court ($5/session).
Tuesdays, 2 – 3 p.m. (Oct.-May); 10 – 11 a.m. (Jun.-Sept.).
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Sew and So
Provides a creative social setting to mend, sew, embroider, knit, or crochet together. Meetings are
held in members’ homes on the third Friday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
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Tennis
Members play on Channing courts. Open play otherwise known as drop-in is for all members.
Reserved parking spaces under the courts. Monday – Friday, 9 – 11 a.m.
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UC Berkeley Art Museum
Meets four times a year for guided exhibition tours at the UC Berkeley Art Museum or a presentation
at the Pacific Film Archive. Second Friday, 10 – 11 a.m.
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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.
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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.
