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Dear Friends,
Welcome to a yearlong celebration as our BNC Phoenix Chapter honors the official 75th anniversary of Brandeis University!
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Our leadership has been working nonstop, planning study groups and events that will entertain and educate you while supporting a university that, to quote President Liebowitz “is intent on carrying on the great traditions of learning at the highest levels of rigor and meaning, with a moral conviction for inclusion and justice.”
We hope you were able to spend some of the summer involved in our Summer Camp activities. Thanks to the efforts of our Summer Camp Chairs Harriet Schwartz and Ronee Siegel and their generous and skilled activity leaders, our members can keep busy through August. Thank you!
Our VPs of Study Groups, Marcia Langer, Myral Robbins and Harriet Schwartz, have been busy preparing for Study Group Registration. We are very grateful to both our Study Group VPs and the Study Group facilitators, who share their passions with us. Together they create a multitude of experiences. Did you know that Study Group facilitators have an opportunity to register early and are given a discount? It is not too late to step up and become a facilitator. Our Study Group VPs are ready to point you in the right direction, so write them at phxstudygroups@gmail.com and get started!
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We are thrilled to be able to share with you that our 34th Annual Book and Author, our signature event, will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Westin Kierland Resort.
Watch out for information about this special event you will not want to miss!
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Much gratitude to the Event Chairs and their committees, who make these upcoming programs possible:
- Saturday, October 14 • An Italian Feast
- Monday, October 30 • Book & Author: Author Reveal and Volunteer Sign-Up
- Sunday, December 3 • Canasta Tournament
- Friday, January 5 • University on Wheels
- Friday, February 2 • Book & Author
- Saturday, March 9 • Let's Dance!
- Wednesday, March 20 • Annual Meeting
- Wednesday, April 17 • Spring Event/Installation
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If you want to share this unique organization with friends, please contact our VPs of Membership, Gale Gradus and Kathleen Witkin at phxbncmembership@gmail.com. Their committee will help to connect them to our chapter with new and prospective member socials and personal ambassadors. Many thanks to this awesome committee!
Sara Leopold, our Internal Communications Coordinator, makes sure that you are informed about all of our activities. You will want to check our website at brandeisphoenix.org, including the calendar there, read our bulletin carefully, and pay attention to eblasts to make sure you don’t miss any of the fun. Both Sara and Carol Kadet, our External Communications Coordinator, ensure that our members and the community know about our events. Thanks for being such an effective team!
Whether you live in Arizona full time or it is your favorite winter destination, we hope you will all think of our Phoenix chapter as home.
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Save The Date!!
BNC Phoenix Chapter invites you to an evening of
fun and friendship
with dinner, dessert and libations
Please join us for this Italian Feast
Saturday, October 14 • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
More information to follow soon!!
Ruth Lerner • Terriann Kleiner • Laurie Burns
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Friday, February 2 • Luncheon/Authors/Boutiques
Thursday, February 1 • Bookmark Donor Cocktail Reception with the Authors
Westin Kierland Resort • Scottsdale
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Author Reveal and Volunteer Sign-up
Monday, October 30 • 1:00 pm
Westin Kierland Resort
RSVP by October 23 to: bncphxbavol@gmail.com
Open to all: Invite your friends, relatives and neighbors
Ileen Herberg, Joellyn Pollock and Marcy Strauss
Book & Author Event Chairs
phxbookandauthor@gmail.com
See the Eblast
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Brandeis Canasta Tournament! | |
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Sunday, December 3, 2023
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Congregation Beth Israel • Scottsdale, AZ
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There will be Prizes! and Snacks!
Men & Women ~ Sign up with a partner or individually
Open to the Public
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Questions?
Contact Ken Walter • lw3410@yahoo.com
Rich Kleiner • Jeff Lerner • Ken Walter
Event Chairs
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Study Groups are Returning! | |
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Study Groups are coming!! Building on the success of last year’s Study Guide offerings, BNC Phoenix Chapter is excited to offer 80+ Study Groups for the 2023-2024 year. Many new groups have been developed to meet new interests such as: Pinochle - Learn and Play!, Plant-Based Cooking and Have You Read Anything Good Lately?
To whet your appetite, we have several new and returning BOOK groups, MOVIE and THEATER groups, a few CURRENT EVENTS groups, a variety of SPECIAL INTEREST DISCUSSION groups, ARTS, CRAFTS and COOKING groups, along with EDUCATIONAL, FITNESS and HEALTH groups. We have OUTDOOR ACTIVITY and GAME groups as well, and a number of DINING groups, where you can meet old and new friends over meals, desserts and brunch, too. Some groups will meet in person, others on Zoom, and some will vary during the season.
In mid to late August, the Study Guide will arrive in your Inbox, and it will be available on our website as well. We will use the online BNC registration system so there will be no paper forms to complete and no checks to mail; payment will be by credit card. As groups reach their maximum participation limit, waiting lists will be generated.
Instructions on how to register will be available in the Study Group Guide and on the BNC Phoenix website, prior to registration opening. The Study Group fee remains at $20 per group. Some groups may have an additional materials and/or facility fee.
BNC is a philanthropic organization and the revenue generated by our study groups provides the funds for our chapter’s administrative expenses. Any excess study group funds benefit the Brandeis University Library.
Study Group Information coming to your inbox:
Access to the 2023-2024 Study Group Guide (mid-August)
How to Register for Study Groups (late August)
Link to Register for Study Groups (September)
Our chapter’s Study Groups are for the benefit and enjoyment of current BNC members.
Please be sure to join or renew your membership, so you will be able to register for study groups.
We look forward to a wonderful Study Group season for 2023-2024.
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Summer Camp ~ Out & About | |
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Packing Backpacks with School Supplies
Photo: Lisa Blumstein
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Summer on Cloud Wine
Photo: Gale Gradus
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Jewelry Making with Joyce Steinberg
Photo: Gale Gradus
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At the Sugar Bowl
Photos: Sara Leopold
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Summer Camp
June 1 - August 31
In-Person and Virtual Activities
More Info
An Italian Feast
Saturday, October 14
Book & Author Author Reveal and Volunteer Sign-Up
Monday, October 30 • 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Westin Kierland Resort
More Info
Canasta Tournament
Sunday, December 3 • 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Congregation Beth Israel
More Info
University on Wheels
Friday, January 5, 2024 • 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore
Book & Author 2024
Friday, February 2 • Luncheon/Authors/Boutiques
Thursday, February 1 • Bookmark Cocktail Reception and Donor Dinner with the Authors
Westin Kierland Resort
Spring Event/Installation
Wednesday, April 17
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Membership Milestones
- Congratulations to Marilyn and Allan Reinfeld on the birth of their granddaughter, Johana Taylor Reinfeld. Proud parents are Katherine and David Reinfeld.
- Best wishes to Caryn Cherpak for a speedy recovery
- Best wishes to Sharon Luber for a speedy recovery
- Our sincere condolences to Caryn Balaban and Al Bick on the passing of Caryn’s sister, Wendy Lipsutz
- Our sincere condolences to Bonnie Bock and Andi Carrino and their families, on the passing of their mother, Lorraine Bock
- Our sincere condolences to Bobbi Brand and family on the passing of her husband, Michael
- Our sincere condolences to Hana and Frank Lange on the passing of Frank's mother, Edith (Edy) Lange
- Our sincere condolences to Phyllis Lowenstein on the passing of her husband, Sheldon Plotnick
- Our sincere condolences to Joellyn Pollock on the passing of her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Pam Cohen
- Our sincere condolences to Ivy Segal on the passing of her mother, Selma Rhoda Friedman
- Our sincere condolences to Carol Sobel and family on the passing of her husband, Sheldon
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We welcome our new members:
Ellen Baumler, Lisa and Iggy del Valle, Craig Hibbs, Meryl Dannenberg, Sandy Dishman, Leslie Friedman, Steven Grossman, Laura Hauer, Franklin Khedouri, Ruth Landau, Cindy Leisch, Judith Leonard, Dorien Lundy, Miriam “Skeeter” Marcus, Gayle McKenna, Phyllis Miller, Jan Picker, Marc Roth, Terry Schwartz, Betsy Silber, Lori and Steve Simon, Shelley Stern, Carol Swagel, Philomena Wallace, Randy Weiss, James Widland, Kenneth Wirt
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To report life-cycle events, please contact:
Marilyn Reinfeld • mkr1227@cox.net • 480-620-5601
Chapter Roster
To report a change in email address, phone number (cell or landline) or mailing address, please contact:
Carol Kadet • carolkadet@gmail.com
She will update our membership roster and ensure that you receive Chapter mailings and information.
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Join our committee!
In addition to participating in study groups and attending events, you can also join our committee. It's a way to be involved, make new friends and help new members feel welcome. If you are interested, contact Gale and Kathleen.
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Now is the time to
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
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Online Membership Registration and Renewal is open for the 2023-2024 year - and what a fabulous year we have planned! If you renew or join our chapter now, your membership will be in good standing through June 30, 2024.
In order to take part in Study Groups in the fall, your Membership must be current.
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The Membership page of our website has a link to step-by-step instructions for online renewal.
If you have questions about online payments for membership renewals or study group payments, please contact Irene Lubin at 480-948-3773.
New members: We look forward to having you join our Chapter, meeting and welcoming you at one of our fabulous functions and making your BNC experience extra special!
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Name Tags
Would you prefer not to wear the stick-on name tags used at Chapter functions?
We are offering personalized, magnetic BNC name tags for $15.00, including shipping. You can get your name tag by filling out the order form and mailing it to the listed address.
Order Form
Note: Replacement magnetic backs for existing name tags are available; contact the Chapter at 480-359-7262
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Community Service is a fundamental part of the mission of BNC. Throughout the year, we collect items for various non-profits in the greater Phoenix area, and your support is much appreciated.
Additionally, our Mitzvah Mavens Study Group provides participatory activities for our members to volunteer directly with specific agencies.
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For the 75th anniversary of Brandeis University, they are instituting an endeavor to note the community outreach each local BNC organization is conducting. The Mitzvah Mavens will be doing a great many things to add to our list.
If you are doing community outreach of your own, we would love to hear about it. Please contact Ellen or Wendy to let us know!
If you'd like to donate school supplies, Wendy will collect and distribute the items.
Ellen is still collecting pill bottles without labels. Safety caps only, please.
We look forward to more opportunities to serve the community this year. For more information or collection addresses, please contact us.
Thank you for all you do for the greater community - you DO make a difference!
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Wendy Cohen and Ellen Kirschenbaum
phxbnccommunityoutreach@gmail.com
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Knit A Mitzvah
Do you Knit? Do you Crochet?
Help us make Scarves, Newborn Baby Caps,
Lap Blankets and Chemo Caps
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We donate newborn baby caps and lap
blankets to Honor Health Medical
Center, scarves to Sojourner Center
and chemo caps to
Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.
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For more information, please contact:
Ronee Siegel
ronees@aol.com 917-273-0393
Joan Davis
davis6j@gmail.com 602–499-8357
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FEEL GOOD WHILE DOING GOOD!
For more information, see our website.
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Mitzvah Mavens
Participants in this study group volunteer at a variety of Valley non-profit organizations. We meet at the specific locations of the organizations on various dates, lending helping hands as needed. If there are activities that can be done at home, participants will be notified.
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The Legacy of Louis: Inspiring Inquiry
The Brandeis National Committee is proud to announce its newest campaign, The Legacy of Louis: Inspiring Inquiry, as the university nears its milestone 75th anniversary in 2023.
The campaign will reinvigorate the Brandeis Library's mission to empower its community to become scholars, creators, and innovators through the creation of two interactive additions to the Library. The first will be the construction of a research archive of original letters, photographs, documents and family objects that shed light on the life and the lasting contributions of Justice Louis D. Brandeis.
The second addition to the Brandeis Library will be the creation of a new Judaica reading room in the library. This space will provide the Brandeis community with a place to engage with Jewish texts outside of the typical classroom and religious environments. By presenting Jewish texts in conjunction with writings from cultural and religious traditions from around the world, the room will serve scholars and students alike.
In 1948, the BNC (formerly BUNWC) was founded alongside the university to provide philanthropic support and now, nearly 75 years later, continues to support the mission and principles upon which Brandeis was founded.
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The Legacy of Louis Campaign | |
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Joyce Goldstein
Helen & Michael Greenberg
Ellen & Joe Widoff
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Joellyn Pollock
Brina Pepper
Susie Sacks
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In memory of her brother, Bill Cohen, and sister-in-
law, Pam Cohen
In memory of her husband, Raymond
In honor of her milestone birthday and all she does
for our organization
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Andi Carrino and Bonnie Block | |
In memory of their mother, Lorraine Bock | |
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Patti Grossman
Marcy Strauss
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Joellyn Pollock
Joellyn Pollock
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In memory of her brother, Bill Cohen, and sister-in-
law, Pam Cohen
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Undergraduate Financial Aid | | |
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"Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support when I needed it most. You really helped me get through my serious health challenges." | |
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To make a donation online using a credit card, go to giving.brandeis.edu/bnc
In order to include your online tributes in the bulletin, please email the details -
Fund, Donor(s), Recipient(s) and Occasion only - to Beth Messer at bethmae721@gmail.com
This list is current as of the date of publication. We regret any errors or omissions.
For future corrections or inclusions, please notify Beth Messer.
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Your Donations Make a Difference!
Diana Saucedo is a recipient of our chapter's endowed scholarship to Brandeis. She is very appreciative and sent us a thank you note, which you can read here.
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Brandeis University publishes an ad in the New York Times Magazine
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Having defined itself by its academic rigor, Jewish roots, and commitment to repairing the world since its founding 75 years ago, Brandeis has launched a national campaign to call attention to all that has made it a unique institution since its inception.
With a mix of humor, seriousness, and an emphasis on its Jewish heritage, the campaign will serve to reinforce four pillars on which Brandeis was built: Jewish values and reverence for learning, academic excellence, and the continual fight against hatred and discrimination.
A two-page advertising spread emblazoned with a Passover Haggadah-inspired headline: “Why is this university different from all other universities?” kicked off the campaign Sunday, May 21, in the New York Times Magazine.
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Did you miss one of Brandeis' virtual events and would like to access a recording of it?
Visit the on-demand Virtual Event Library.
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General Chapter Information | |
Founded in 1948, Brandeis National Committee is dedicated to providing philanthropic support to Brandeis University, a distinguished liberal arts and research university founded by the American Jewish community. Its membership is connected to the University through fundraising and through activities that reflect the values on which the University was founded: academic excellence, social justice, nonsectarianism and service to the community. | |
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Presidents: Ellen Widoff and Leith Baletin
Editor: Sara Leopold • Assistant Editor: Ronee Siegel
bncphxbulletin@gmail.com
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