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 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.
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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 two all-member events. Hosting rotates, and each host sets the date and assigns recipes. ​​
![Bon Appetit_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22ee48_4559d4ac8fd34b65b951fa0436836fa2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_449,h_325,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Bon%20Appetit_edited.jpg)
![Bon Appetit Moroccan Dinner.JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22ee48_885de1b0fe4244fbac9d645c30511781~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_266,h_325,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Bon%20Appetit%20Moroccan%20Dinner_JPG.jpg)
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 (or sometimes via Zoom). Our 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).
![Book group with Helen Zia 9-21_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22ee48_d8ffd397ecd2495d97741627a6a26d21~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_99,h_66,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Book%20group%20with%20Helen%20Zia%209-21_edited.jpg)
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 (or sometimes via Zoom).
Our 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).
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.
French
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.
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.
[Click here to link to a PDF “Josephine and Johnny”.]
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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.) 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 ourconversations! Second Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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 andthe company of others. Four gatherings, second Thursday in October, January, March, and June, time varies.
Movies
Each month we will choose a movie and watch it independently. Then we will gather at the home of a member to discuss the film. Third Thursday, 4 p.m. (A Wednesday date at 4 p.m. may be added).
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 Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m..
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.
Pickleball
Players include those of many levels, from beginners to regulars. Players meet weekly at the Cedar/Rose Park pickleball courts. Every Tuesday—time varies from morning to afternoon depending on court reservation availability.
![PickleballTrio_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22ee48_5a4b4c764c2c46eda6208275f39143bc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_93,h_70,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/PickleballTrio_edited.jpg)
![PickleballQuartet_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22ee48_233723268f6e4e69807b4c55a28fe0dd~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_158,w_2992,h_2092/fill/w_99,h_70,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/PickleballQuartet_edited.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22ee48_8da9c7e293b44bfbbae3a0001e2e1cbe~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_487,w_4032,h_2077/fill/w_107,h_55,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/22ee48_8da9c7e293b44bfbbae3a0001e2e1cbe~mv2.jpg)
Sew and So
Provides a creative social setting to mend, sew, embroider, knit, or crochet together. Meetings are held in members’ homes. Third Friday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Tennis
Members play on Channing courts. Open play otherwise known as drop-in is for all members. Reserved parking spaces under the courts. Monday to Friday (except Tuesday) 9 – 11 a.m.
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Here is a link to see more Section Tennis Group photos
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![Tennis Singles Championship_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22ee48_950486fd9baa485cb028701940362a44~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_58,y_151,w_422,h_447/fill/w_84,h_89,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Tennis%20Singles%20Championship_edited.jpg)
![3-300-d, h, c, n, b, m, b, c-large-group-IMG_4393.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/22ee48_e6f70044d6654c23b142c158272af7ae~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_91,h_85,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/3-300-d%2C%20h%2C%20c%2C%20n%2C%20b%2C%20m%2C%20b%2C%20c-large-group-IMG_4393.jpg)
University Art Museum
Meets four times a year for guided exhibition tours or a presentations at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). Second Friday, 10 – 11 a.m.
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.
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.