"Step into the sun, Step into the light." Is it spring yet? It is at the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa!

With the country still experiencing some very intense winter weather, everyone seems to be looking forward to the spring!

The weather here in Berkeley, CA has been in mid to upper 50's which can be quite the enticement to come west and enjoy a reprieve! 

That song from "The Wizard of Oz" keeps playing in my mind...

"You're out of the woods, You're out of the dark,
You're out of the night.
Step into the sun, Step into the light.
Keep straight ahead for the most glorious place
On the Face of the Earth or the sky.
Hold onto your breath, Hold onto your heart, Hold onto your hope.
March up to the gate and bid it open."

I think the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa might be that gate that is waiting for you to open! We have some exciting things happening at the Claremont so start planning, dig out from the snow, start packing and join us at the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa. 

Berkeley Wine Festival 2010 - First Annual Berkeley Wine Festival, Grand Opening March 12! Showcasing wines from Napa and Sonoma, Chef Josh Thomsen will create dishes to complement the vintner's selection of wine. The Festival starts with a grand opening reception on March 12th and then through May 7th, 8 evenings  of exquisite dinners featuring world class wineries!

What better way to usher in the Spring!

Berkeley Wine Festival Grand Opening - March 12, 2010

The Berkeley Wine Festival Grand Opening Reception is Friday, March 12, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Come celebrate the opening night of this new annual event. Sample more than 50 wines from the many wineries featured at this year;s festival. Savor selections fromteh exqusite cuisine created by Chef Josh Thomsen.

A portion of proceeds will benefit the Berkeley Police Department's Police Activites League and the Oakland Police Officer's Association Emergency Net.

For reservations and information, please visit www.berkeleywinefestival.com .

Black History Month Celebrations in Berkeley!

There are so many wonderful celebrations going on in the city of Berkeley this month, Black History Month. Berkeley is such a vibrant, colorful and cultural city with something to offer every one. Here are some local events to join in the celebrations.

Black History is World History

On Thursday, 2/18/2010, from 6 pm to 8 pm, Frances Albrier celebrates with a wonderful  evening of performances, poetry, music, food, and dance! It's free to everyone, all ages. Located at 2800 Park St and Oregon Street, sponsored by Parks & Recreation. Phone: 981-6640

Black History Month Celebration
at Habitot Children's Museum

On Sunday, February 21 from 9:30 am-4:30 pm the Habitot Children's Museum is celebrating Black History Month.  “Jiji La Watoto” will perform African dance, music and drumming at 3pm. Throughout the day, honor the achievements of African-Americans with special activities to celebrate Black History Month: community quilt-making all day in the Art Studio and storytelling at 10am, 2pm and 4pm.

Come Home
La Peña Cultural Center
Feb. 26, at 8pm.

The play, Come Home, will be at La Peña Cultural Center for one evening only. This one woman show is a story told through the voices of women and children about choices made by black people in Arkansas under the terror of of American Apartheid during the pre & post WWII period. The story is based on about 26 black soldiers who leave their home in Arkansas to fight during WWII. There were 13 survivors who returned home in August 1942. The play will be accompanied by live music. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Also available by phone at 510-849-2568 ext. 20.

The Claremont is proud to announce our Associates and Manager of the Year for 2009:

The Manager of the Year for 2009 was Ms. Rosy Palec. Rosy has worked in several departments of the Claremont and is currently Club Services Manager. Rosy provides outstanding service to members and guests, is respected and valued by the assocaites she works with and lends a helping hand in all areas of the Claremont. She is particularly involved in Claremont's community outreach programs benefitting such organizations as St. Vincent's Day Home and the Clinton/Bush haiti Relief Fund. Congratulations Rosy!

Mr. Chris Stephens, Bellperson, was selected as the 2009 Associate of the Year for the "Front of the House". Chris provides outstanding service to guests on a daily basis and is an exemplary associate in providing Forbes (formerly Mobil) service standards to all he comes in contact with. Thank you and congratulations Chris!

Ms. Janine Fong, Pastry Cook, was selected as the "Heart of the House" 2009 Associate of the Year. Janine is creative and hardworking and her creations are unique and delicious; she created the current dessert menu in the fabulous Meritage Restaurant - stop in for a taste and you'll see why she won this prestigious hotel award.

Nominations for Manager and Associate(s) of the Year can be made by any Claremont Team Member based on a range of hospitality skills. Winners are selected via a vote of management and staff. We salute our 2009 award recipients.

Your search for a meeting destination ends here at the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa.

In today's world, versatility is the key. At the Claremont, we can suit every need and do it with style, elegant comfort and professionalism. The legendary location, the modern conveniences of our stunning AAA Four Diamond property, the Claremont  goes beyond the traditional meeting destination.

Tell us your vision. We’ll create the ambiance that brings it to life.

• 30,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space - 20 indoor & 2 outdoor venues
• 6 Boardroom settings
• 279 guest rooms
• 20,000 sq ft Spa
• Ballroom with impressive built-in stage
• Hi Tech Capabilities with In House IT Dept
• 3 Restaurants - including Meritage at the Claremont
• Newly renovated fitness complex
• 3 pool aquatic facility
• Yoga
• 10 Tennis Courts
• Hiking Trails
• Nearby Golf

Versatility. Creativity. Comfort.

For more details, click on our website. Whether it’s team building or an incentive, promise them an experience that’s above and beyond.

The Year of the Tiger! Lunar New Year Parade & Performance in Berkeley!

Lunar New Year Parade and Performance

Saturday - February 6, 2010 10am - 2PM
FREE ADMISSION

The Year of the Tiger

At on of Berkeley's Annual events, there will be a parade and performance to celebrate The Year of the Tiger at Lunar New Year Parade and Performance. The parade begins at 10:00 am until 11:00 am from the top of Solano Avenue. The stage performance takes place from 11:00am-2:00pm at the Albany Twin Theater, 1115 Solano Avenue.

Drums by DJ Wind Chinese Music Academy
Amazing Chinese Opera Masks and Magic Show
Dance by the Chinese Arts Program
Martial Arts by Golden Lion
Taekwondo by T.G. Taekwondo
Chinese Instruments & Popular Songs
Delicious Asian Food

Free Admission - Everyone is invited to join the parade, have a snack or lunch and enjoy the show

For more information visit Solano Avenue Assn or call them at 510-527-5358.

So usher in the Year of the Tiger with a parade, performance and a massage at Spa Claremont!