New Info on the Election

Since we are a school of government, I felt that we should have some political information on our site. I have added a section to the right with some of the major news coverage of the campaign, the candidates' websites and some polling organizations. Enjoy as we head toward Super Tuesday.

David

Commencement Planning

I've expanded on Betty's email about Commencement Planning and included a few useful links on the Mid-Career Reps Blog. You can link to the post here.

- Letha

Another Opportunity for free food and networking

This email just came to me through the Ed. School. It is nice to see someone is trying to break down the walls between schools.

If interested RSVP and enjoy:

Harvard Graduate Council In Partnership with Tommy Doyle's Presents:

Harvard-Wide Graduate Mixer

Interested in really getting acquainted with other Harvard graduate students?
Meet students from the 12 graduate schools, build relationships and have a bite on us!

Where: Tommy Doyle's; 96 Winthrop Street, Harvard Sq
When: Saturday January 26th at 7:30pm-9:30pm
Why: Free hors d'oeuvres, cheap drinks; an opportunity to expand social networks/meet students plus light entertainment to follow
What: Social networking
RSVP- required (hgc@harvard.edu)

Birth Announcement for John Sieben Straka

Here is a forwarded email from Katie's husband about the birth of their son John.

We are thrilled to announce that our son, John Sieben Straka, was born on Thursday, January 17 th at 10:36am . He’s a bouncing baby boy of 7 pounds, 8 ounces and is 21.3 inches long. We’re settled at home now and doing great – despite the coldest weather in years! Wishing you all the best, Josh and Katie

All our best to Katie and Josh - And, though you are not here with us now, Katie, you will always be a part of us.

David

Dinner for 7 Sign Up!

It's time to get the spring term Dinner for 7 groups going. Sign up this week to be included in the February dinner.

I signed up in the fall. Do I need to again?
No. If you were included in dinner groups in the Fall you'll be automatically rolled forward into the spring. If you've hosted already and DO NOT want to host again or if you'd like to be removed for the spring, please contact Jane Whittaker at jane_whittaker@ksg08.harvard.edu before January 25th.

Spring Schedule
The exact date and time will be arranged by the host and guests of each group. We just suggest a week to target. The weeks we'll target are:

* Week of Feb 4
* Week of March 3
* Week of March 31st (after spring break)
* Week of April 28th (last week of classes before reading period starts)
* Week of May 19th (last week of finals)

Why Sign Up?
We have about half the class signed up, but we miss the chance to get to know those of you who are being shy! Last fall there were Halloween themed dinners with pumpkin carving for the kids, dinners in the dorms, farmhouse dinners and everything in between. Here's what some folks said about last fall's dinners:

"What an enjoyable night getting to know fellow colleagues and building lasting friendships which we will carry forward for many years to come. For me, this is what Harvard offers !!"

"Thank you for the great idea
We had a great time, the kids went really wild!"

What is Dinner for 7?
Dinner for Seven is

* another way to meet and get to know more people from our MC class
* a series of social and networking dinners in one another's homes
* monthly multiple simultaneous rotating potluck dinners for 7 people
* a meal with fellow students from about 6:30 to 9pm

Sound confusing? It really isn’t. Here’s how it works:

You sign up to participate for the semester. You can participate by bringing something to eat or drink OR by hosting a meal OR both. Sign up even if you can't host. Sign up even if you have kids. Just sign up - everyone's welcome!

A Dinner for Seven will be scheduled every month or so. We'll target a week, but hosts and guests will decide a specific date that works for as many people as possible.

You do not need to commit to participate in one EVERY month, but should be interested and willing to participate MOST months.

If you agree to host, you do not need to host every month. Consider hosting even if you have a small place or are not in Cambridge.

Respond to the survey by January 25th to be included in the list of participants. We'll randomly assign groups of seven to those willing to host. The host can decide if they can manage spouses and / or children. Those 7 people will then communicate with one another, organize themselves and have dinner together.

Next month, we'll again randomly assign different people to a group and so it goes. You will be in a different group each month.

NOTES

* You are all highly equipped public administrators by now, so we will leave the details up to you. Each group can decide when to meet, how many to accommodate and how to manage issues like alcohol, allergies and food preferences.

* Hosts should expect to provide plates and so on. Guests should try to bring what the host asks for. If you're new to this in the US context, you can ask guests to pick between an appetizer, 1 main course, 2 side dishes, a salad and a dessert. If you'd rather cook a big dinner from your home cuisine, feel free. It's all up to you!

* Assignments are random!! If you want to have dinner with someone in particular, arrange a dinner party.

* Please respect the work that organizing this involves for your group and host. Plan ahead and do not cancel at the last minute.

We're looking forward to deepening our friendships through the dark winter and into the warming spring!

- Letha

New Year's Eve at Jamie's

Jamie invited, and many came.

A divine selection of quality wines and beers from the best growing and brewing regions of the world provided a good start into the new year.

Here are some pics, also from the First Night in Boston some of us went to.

Axel