Jolynn was in charge of all training programs in such areas as disabled access, emergency services, conflict resolution, and member education. She coordinated the scholarship program. She was responsible for investigating any member complaints, and was available for counseling, support and referrals for students with problems and concerns. Jolynn took these diverse duties very seriously, and as George Proper, General Manager, says “She did an admirable job.”

Jason Bitkower, once Chateau’s workshift manager, said of his relationship with Jolynn, “We sometimes had really sensitive issues come up, and we knew we could always go to her no matter what the issue was, and knew that she wouldn’t be judgmental, but instead helpful and supportive.”

Long time co-oper Julia MacRobbie said, “If I ever had a problem, I knew I could come to her, and she always had really great solutions that no one had thought of. She had so much relevant experience, and was always level-headed during a crisis.”

The USCA is sorry to see Jolynn go, but wishes her luck with all her future endeavors, and is indebted for all her years of hard work. As Housing Department Supervisor Betsy Putnam puts it, “Her successor will have some pretty big shoes to fill.”

USCA and UC Sign Cloyne Court Lease

Adam Ganes

On July 1, the USCA and the UC Regents renewed a 40 year lease for Cloyne Court, concluding nearly five years of negotiation. The lease agreement stipulates that a full-time professional, live-in, facility manager will oversee operation of the housing co-op, and be available to respond to inquiries, communications or complaints.

Adam Ganes, a Euclid alum, is currently serving in this capacity— affectionately termed “Cloyne House Mom.” Adam has plenty of house-level management under his belt, having been elected the Euclid kitchen manager for two full years. He also has worked for Central Kitchen for years, making sure all co-opers had full bellies and food in the fridges.

Adam moved in over this last summer to begin keeping track of his charges: 150 UC Berkeley students and the registered historic landmark they call home.

Co-opers reach out to Hurricane Katrina Survivors

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, co-opers joined together to bring relief to those devastated by the terrible storm.

Sean Kelly was just doing his job as Recycling Coordinator when someone suggested that the USCA donate the clothes that collect in the free piles of each co-op to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Sean got the word out to house managers, and each house bagged everything they could: clothes, toiletries, shoes, and blankets. Sean then collected bag upon bag from every house, winding up with over two tons of donations for the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, and other local organizations to distribute to Katrina survivors.

Normally, the free piles from the houses are donated to People’s Park and other local organizations. This semester, Sean said, “I wanted to do something, to help somehow. This was something I could do both on a personal level, and for the USCA. It was easy, and fun, but there’s a lot more work that needs to be done.” Sean is still collecting donations from free piles for another run to the Red Cross.

The cooperative effort to help those in need following Hurricane Katrina didn’t stop there. Kingman Hall collected money from each of its residents to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. Oscar Wilde House took two very different tracks to support those in New Orleans. They first donated their food budget for an entire week to those in need. This amounted to about $1,200 that will go to producing relief shelters for those who lost their homes to the storm. Wilde House Manager Nick Hamilton said, “We decided to give up a week of food, and to survive on whatever was in the pantry. We ate stuff like polenta and beans - we actually ate a lot better than we thought we would. A week without the extras was a very educational experience. It reminded us to be thankful for what we have.”

Wilde House later hosted an event entitled “Strip for Katrina.” The racy dance party was a huge success, grossing $1,377 that will benefit a LGBT organization in New Orleans. Vice President of External Affairs and house resident Tim Ponti declared it was “a provocative and fabulous event for a good cause that also helped us build community with other queer organizations on campus.”

Alumni Award Outgoing USCA President

In June, the Alumni Association awarded outgoing USCA President Nick Hamilton (2004-2005) $1,100 for his exceptional commitment to the co-ops during a particularly difficult year.

He thanked alumni saying “Sometimes it can be very difficult and discouraging to face so many challanges in pursuit of what you believe is the right thing. Your award came at just such a time, and gave me the confidence to continue (as well as a way to help pay for school). Thank you so much!”

USCA Welcomes New Communications Coordinator

The USCA welcomes new Communications Coordinator, Jennifer Heller (Cloyne, Rochdale, Kingman). Jennifer joins us after having spent her time post-Cal travelling as a salesperson, proofreader and editor. During her four years living in the USCA, Jennifer worked for the Central Level Housing Department, as Kingman Hall’s social manager, and as the Social Managers Committee Chair. Jennifer brings with her a love for cooperative living, and a devotion to both the USCA and its members, new and old. She is as excited to be here as we are to have her.