February 2012
No. 117

A Warm and Welcoming Holiday Potluck

photos by Mandi Garcia

Three-quarters of the Collection Services' Asian Cataloging team: Xiaotong Wang, Michiyo Goble, and Noelle Byun.

Once again the Library Staff Association Social Committee set the stage for a lovely Holiday Potluck. Every year the color scheme varies, and this year's featured red, white, and green.

Jimmy Murray of Access Services contemplates his choices.

Library staff did their part to add to the ambiance, with an array of tempting yet healthy fare. Lori Robare's kale salad with dried cranberries and toasted hazelnuts was a huge hit. The recipe spread like wildfire among all those who tried it, and was passed on to out-of-town friends as well. Laura Willey brought a delicious Asian-inspired salad which also drew rave reviews, and sounded easy to make.

The most stunning dessert of the day was the Bûche de Noël created by music librarian Ann Shaffer. One guest swore it was from a local bakery like Sweet Life, because it was so beautifully crafted and swooningly delicious, but it was Ann's own creation. Let's hope it becomes a Holiday Potluck tradition!

The Potluck is always a really welcoming and enjoyable event, a time to sit down and visit with friends from one's own and other departments and just have a peaceful respite from those hurried lunches at our desks or on the run. With soft music, real china and cutlery, holiday lights and greenery, and always more food than can be eaten, plenty of punch, coffee, and tea, and an atmosphere of companionship, the Social Committee creates a little world apart for a couple of hours.

This year's Potluck was quieter than in past years. Those who came had a great time and enjoyed particularly healthy dishes, but many folks did not attend. Possibly this had to do with the fact the Potluck had to be scheduled on a Monday, a day usually avoided because some staff don't work on Mondays. But this year the Browsing Room was very booked up, and LSA did not want to hold the Potluck on the same day as the UO's "Years of Service" event, especially since President Lariviere was going to be at that event. Still, there was a nice crowd in attendence, and some retirees were spotted too, including Risa Bear and Jo-Ann Flanders. If you missed the Potluck this time, please come back next year!


See more photos from the LSA Holiday Potluck here.


Mandi Garcia Mandi Garcia is excited that this year has 366 days. On the 60th day of the year with 306 days remaining, she plans on taking a furlough day.