It was a combined luncheon and program for celebrating the contributions of Wilbert Hasbrouck, CD '64, to many of Chicago's historic preservation projects and to the club itself as a past president (1984-85). Cliff Dwellers who have shared the members' table with him were invited to add recollections to his own about the many power-lunch proclamations that emanated from these discussions. The honoree is at the center, top row, in the photograph by George Gabauer that includes many of his long-time friends and fellow members.

November 4, 2011November is Native American Heritage Month and this year it was also the time for Chicago's 58th Annual Pow-Wow (held at Navy Pier on the 18th and 19th). As a prelude to that event, the club presented Native American artist Gerry Lang as master of ceremonies for a special evening that offered a dining menu to match the theme. In addition, there was a post-dinner program of drumming, flute-playing, and dancing by guest performers. (Photography by George Gabauer)

It was a special dinner even that focused on the club itself. The intent was to provide a welcoming atmosphere for newer members with their spouses or partners by offering highlights and historic anecdotes about The Cliff Dwellers' century-old operation. This was a gathering that appealed also to long-time members for the opportunity to engage with newer Cliff Dwellers and to find out even more about their club. Post-dinner remarks were offered by club VP Charles Hasbrouck, past president Larry Lund, and others. (Photography by George Gabauer)

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January 10, 2011

The atmosphere at this year’s annual meeting for members was far more convivial than at the previous session. In spite of ongoing economic concerns, the Cliff Dwellers enjoyed an improved year during 2010 in terms of club usage, membership additions, and its financial position, according to the president, Brian Bernardoni, CD ‘06. Other reports were given by the various committee heads, the requisite new Directors were elected, and Maestro Dieter Kober, CD ‘59, led the members in a resounding interpretation of Zivio! Highlights for the evening also included the traditional steak dinner created by Chef Victor and piano music by member Arnie Lanza. (Photography by George Gabauer)

October 27, 2010

Cliff Dwellers along with guests from the Chicago Literary Club, the Caxton Club, and the Society of Midland Authors celebrated Chicago Literary Hall of Fame members at an early-evening special event. A discussion on "Chicago Literature: Past, Present, and Future" was moderated by Don Evans, the Executive Director of the Hall of Fame. Featured speakers for the program were Bayo Ojikuto (author of "Free Burning" and "47th Black"), Donna Seaman (Associate Editor of "Booklist" and book critic for Chicago Public Radio), and James Finn Garner (author of "Politically Correct Bedtime Stories" ). Shown in the photo, left to right: James Finn Garner, Donna Seaman, Bayo Ojikutu, and Don Evans. (Photography by George Gabauer)

Contemporary dance is getting a great deal of attention in Chicago these days judging from the numerous appearances by local companies and visiting ensembles. Under the auspices of the Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation, our club again played host to a fledgling group who performed a short program in the Kiva. Created in 2007 as "The Moving Architects," this locally-based organization presented excerpts from a new work entitled "Sacred Spaces" that will be seen in Ohio and New York as well as at Chicago venues. Artistic Director Erin Norton detailed the choreographic aspects of these excerpts danced to an original music score by Ian Hatcher, who is the company's composer. (Photography by George Gabauer)

June 17, 2010
Getting to know Matisse was the theme of this club event which involved a lecture, art tour, and dinner in the Kiva. At an early evening reception, members listened to Mark Krisco, Instructor of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at the Art Institute of Chicago, talk about Henri Matisse and the major exhibition currently featured at the museum. That was followed by a personalized visit to the galleries across the street and then back to the club for dinner and informal discussion. (Photography by George Gabauer)

A staged play reading was offered as this month’s event arranged by the Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation. Members of the ensemble The Laboratory for the Development of Substitute Materials presented a collaboratively-generated performance drawing inspiration from several sources, including the development of the atomic bomb, Shakespeare's "The Tempest," and the urban design laboratory Arcosanti. In it they investigated historical and fictional characters who retreated from civilization in order to re-imagine it. (Photograph by George Gabauer)

As part of a series of programs presented by The Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation, members and guests were invited to learn more about a nearly-forgotten Chicago artist and designer, Edgar Miller. A book, "Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home," has been produced by Richard Cahan and Michael Williams. Co-author Cahan was on hand to talk about Miller, whose portrait of Thomas Tallmadge, a former Cliff Dweller, hangs in our club’s entry hall. (Photographs by George Gabauer)

With the clubhouse lease set to expire later this Spring, an Executive Committee has been involved in discussions with the building’s management regarding an extension or new lease. In addition, relocating to other venues in the immediate area has been considered as an option. At a special meeting in the Kiva, Cliff Dwellers president Brian Bernardoni reported on what action has taken place and also provided details on the club’s financial position. Further information was to follow shortly. Members were invited to ask questions and to remain after the meeting for an optional special buffet prepared by Chef Victor (Photographs by William Bowe.)