If you braved the crowds at the Typhoon Brewery last September and managed to find your way to the two overflowing tables of Oxonians, you know that OAANY's first young alumni event was a smashing success. Oxonians under age 35 - and all young-at-heart older alumni! - are invited to join us on Tuesday, January 25 for the second meeting of this fun, informal group. We'll be socializing downtown this time. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., we'll gather at the Belmont Lounge. This atmospheric hot spot, which features comfortable seating and attractive lighting, is located just east of Union Square on East 15th Street between Park Avenue South and Irving Place.

Charlie Douglas, who is organizing this event, will be near the door until 6:45 p.m. to greet you. Look for the gentleman wearing a colorful Oxford college scarf!

Ambassador Stewart Eldon, CMG OBE, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to its Permanent Mission to the United Nation, will broach a delicate topic: "Does Britain Exist at the United Nations? If It Does, Does It Matter?"

The United Kingdom Permanent Mission to the United Nation is currently active in various initiatives to reform the United Nations. Operational and financial reform are possibilities. There is also interest in enlarging the Security Council.

Please plan to attend this event for an insider's view of this important international institution. There is no charge for this event for OAANY members.

The unofficial launch of reunion week will be a talk about C. S. Lewis by his godson, Laurence H. Harwood, OBE. Mr. Harword's father, Cecil Harwood, was a lifelong friend of C. S. Lewis. They attended Oxford together in the early 1920s, where they were members of the Inklings Group. C. S. Lewis, one of the finest writers of the twentieth century, is perhaps best known for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and the six other books in the Chronicles of Narnia series. He was also a distinguished scholar who taught at Oxford and Cambridge.

In addition to sharing his recollections of C. S. Lewis, Mr. Harwood will read from many of Lewis' letters and show several slides. The talk, which promises to be amusing as well as personal, will provide insight into the character of C. S. Lewis from the point of view of a child growing up into adulthood who had the great privilege to have had Lewis as his godfather. For this event, members of the Association will be joined at The Harvard Club by Harvard alumni and members of the Harvard Business School Club, The English-Speaking Union and the C. S. Lewis Society of New York. Club attire includes jacket and tie for gentlemen.

The 67th annual Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race Dinner at the Harvard Club will feature a speech by Lady Goodhart, Chair of the Executive Committee of The Oxford Society. John Jay Iselin, outgoing president of Cooper Union and former head of Channel 13, will also speak. We will also hear several toasts from distinguished Cambridge graduates.

This entertaining, elegant evening will begin with cocktails served at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m. Dress is black tie or boat club blazer. There is a charge for this event.

The North American Reunion will begin with a welcoming reception hosted by the University at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on Friday, March 31, 2000 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The reception will be held in the Grand Ballroom on the 3rd floor. The Exeter College Choir will provide music.

We are very fortunate that both the Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor will attend this reception. They will make brief remarks.

There is no charge for this event, which more than 1,000 Oxonians are expected to attend.

The University of Oxford's North American Reunion will continue on Saturday, April 1, 2000 with what promises to be a simulating and social day of fellowship and scholarship. It will feature presentations by distinguished Oxford faculty and prominent alumni on four extremely varied but equally interesting topics.

A luncheon will be served. These events will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. in the Starlight Roof on the 18th floor. Most colleges will hold receptions on Saturday evening.

You will soon receive details about the Reunion activities from the University's North American Office. Please plan to attend. Accommodations at the Waldorf-Astoria will be available for out-of-town guests. If you have specific questions, send an e-mail message to reunion@oxford.oudna.org.

The Oxford Alumni Association of New York will host a reception at the North American Reunion, just as we have done for the last two North American Reunions. Our reception will begin as soon as the last lecture ends It will be held in the Waldorf-Astoria's Cocktail Terrace on the Park Avenue side of the hotel. There will be piano accompaniment and a cash bar.

We welcome all alumni attending the reunion and their guests. We look forward to seeing you there.