Greetings, all.  In response to suggestions from several members, I have organized a social event for the morning of December 14th.

     "Music in the Morning" [http://www.musicinthemorning.org] provides concerts at the Vancouver Academy of Music (1270 Chestnut Street, Kits Point...near the Planetarium).  Performers speak from the stage, commenting on the music and performers before the concert.  Complimentary coffee is served at 10 am, followed by a one-hour concert at 10:30 am.  The December series features the ARC (Artists of the Royal Conservatory) Ensemble (clarinet, piano, cello, viola, 2 violins) and they will perform a Vancouver premiere of a new piano quintet by (SFU's) R. Murray Schaefer,  as well as Mozart's quintet for clarinet and strings. 

     We have been able to negotiate a 15% discount for SFURA members (net $28 for seniors, $29 for adults, including tax).  You may book your own tickets by calling 604-873-4612 and identifying yourself as an SFURA member.   This price was based on the assumption that at least 10 SFURA members will attend.  Please let me know (oshea@sfu.ca) if you plan to attend.  [Note that parking for $2.00 an hour is available in the planetarium-museum lot.]

     In addition to the concert, the group will lunch at a nearby restaurant at 12 noon.  The Epicurean Caffe Bistro [http://www.epicureancaffe.com/] is located at 1898 W. 1st Avenue (at Cypress).  They describe themselves as "A classic Italian licensed café in the heart of Kitsilano in Vancouver [offering] traditional homemade Italian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with gluten free specialties, our house blend of Italian coffee, desserts and other delightful pastries."

     Again, if you would like to join us for lunch please let me know (oshea@sfu.ca) so that I can advise the restaurant manager about the number of places to reserve.

     Hope to see many of you there.

    Tom.

Dr. Thomas O'Shea
Past-President (now Socialist)
Simon Fraser University Retirees Association