Guadalajara Reporter

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Written by GR Staff
Saturday, 13 March 1999
Dear Sir, For the past several weeks the villa of the American Society of Jalisco (AMSOC) has been undergoing a complete renovation. Today I went to check. Brandy Januszko, down on hands and knees in the ex- library, was the first person I saw. Although she was busy mixing paints, she generously escorted me throughout the building and commented on the ongoing work. The changes are already visible and expansive. The ex-library has been turned in a bistro, and this houses all our bulletin boards as well. The welcome desk (a brand newly-refinished desk) is now at the far end of the entrance. The entrance itself bids welcome. This formerly crowded space which used to resemble a utility closet, is now airily furnished only with plants and flowers. Walking further into the building on the ground floor, the huge brick fireplace gleams in a new soft pinkish color reminiscent of ancient bricks. It is bare now, and Brandy tells me that the decoration will only be plants -- a whopping improvement from the ugly flag and commercial photos which used to adorn it. The interior is now a soft color which Brandy describes as Boston cream pie. It is, in fact, a delicious soft and creamy yellow. Just enough to warm the once cold white walls. A rich teal blue has been used as an accent color. Upstairs, we have a ping-pong room with a big terrace adjacent to it for lounging and conversation. Awnings are being planned to give shade. Another shaded terrace is planned as a smokers' area. Brandy talked of filling this with bright flowers and green plants. The Directors' Board Room has also been moved upstairs for more quiet and privacy. And a new Spanish classroom is being refitted at this moment. All in all, the changes are enormous. Ms. Januszko started out with a few helpers for the painting and faux art work, but she tells me they sort of fell by the wayside. She is now working alone with only one single assistant, Tom Rinehart. She needs help. Any volunteers? And speaking of volunteers, our computer whiz and AMSOC newspaper editor, Al Klob, has been named as the volunteer of the month of March. Thanks, Al. Phyllis Hoffmann, Guadalajara