BRIDGEPORT - The University Women's Forum, dormant in the last decade, is having a rebirth.

The influential group that addresses gender concerns, social and networking needs was revived in the summer, with the encouragement of Rebecca Salonen, the wife of UB's President Neil Salonen. The forum will offer noon programs during the school year that are open to the general public.

The first program will be a welcoming tea on Sept. 6 at noon in the Tower Room of the Arnold Bernhard Arts & Humanities Center on campus. Appropriately so, the topic is "The history of tea and its benefits." Elizabeth A. Johnson of R.C. Bigelow, the famous tea company headquartered in Fairfield, will be the speaker.

More specific concerns on health will be addressed in the Oct. 4 forum. The topic is "Women at Risk - the risk factors for coronary artery disease." MaryEllen Lillywhite, a registered nurse and health educator with the St. Vincent's Wellness Services, will be the speaker.

Preparation for the holidays gets attention at the Nov. 1 forum. The topic is "Holiday Floral Arrangements." Nora Spurgin and Kathleen Burton, both members of the UB Women's Forum, will be the presenters.

The programs are bring-your-own-lunch events, and are open to the people in the region as well as the university community. Those who wish to attend and who are not faculty or staff at the university should call Joanne D'Agostino at (203) 576-4192 to register.