Not a committee, but a group open to all the men of University Village, the Men's Club invites all residents (including the ladies) to their twice-monthly morning programs in Catalina Hall. On the second and fourth Mondays each month, a light buffet at 8:45 precedes the 9:00 meeting, speaker and questions – the program ends promptly at 10.
Initiated in 2007 by John Bardgette, Gene Motte and Blaine Shull, the first meeting boasted attendance of eighteen gentlemen. On February 25, when UVTO's own John Shields told the Trader Joe's and other retailing stories, one audience count tallied 155 men and women. Jim Norris, Villa resident, chairs a board of nine members who work together to engage speakers who are stimulating and entertaining. In coming weeks, pending board approval, these will include residents Fitz Fulton (2/22), Gene Motte (3/8), and Col. Jack Leaper (3/22); plus James R. Wilburn, the Dean of Pepperdine's School of Public Policy (2/8), Thomas Holeman, a retired undercover narcotic detective for LASD (4/12), and Mas Okui, presenting a history of his parents' life in Manzanar (4/26).
A roster, UVTO Men's Club Profiles, has been compiled to facilitate getting acquainted. It includes information about members' former residences, education, careers, interests and family – a useful resource in identifying common grounds for new friendships. All men, including newer residents, are encouraged to submit their profiles, and this directory is available to everyone. Just call Frank Bollinger, 3326, to obtain the roster, a profile form or e-mailed updates.