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Dear Brandeis Friends,
On behalf of our Chapter Team, we wish you a healthy and peaceful New Year.
Our Chapter Team makes it possible to offer you a rich array of intellectual, social, and physical activities and learning opportunities.
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Who are our Team members?
- Every member who volunteers.
- Our Vice Presidents and their committees
- Our Appointees
- Our Internal and External Communications Coordinators
- Our Community Outreach Chairs
- Our Event Chairs and their Committees
- Our Treasurers and Secretaries
- Our Study Group Facilitators
- Our Summer Camp Chairs
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Let’s review recent accomplishments:
- Our membership continues to grow.
- In December we had our most successful Canasta Tournament ever. There were 170 participants, resulting in a 68% profit for Brandeis University. Bravo to Ken Walter, Rich Kleiner and Jeff Lerner for their coordination.
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We have 99 study groups, with 125 facilitators and 2,348 study group session registrations. Bravo to Marcia Langer and Harriet Schwartz and their committee and all our study group facilitators. You are the lifeblood of our organization.
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Let’s look forward to our upcoming exciting events in the New Year:
- University on Wheels - January 5
- Book & Author Event - February 2
- Let's Dance! - March 16
- Annual Meeting - March 20
- Installation/Spring Event - April 17
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We thank our members, volunteers and all who support our Mission and our Chapter by attending our events. Our goal is for additional members to become part of our Chapter Team in 2024!
Ellen and Leith
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Calle Rose • Always a favorite! Ladies Apparel, Jewelry, handbags and more!
Treasured Accessory • FROM CA: Beautiful of-the-moment jewelry - a large array to choose from!
Beth Solem Jewelry • Artist’s stunning and unique sterling silver jewelry, hand-forged and limited edition pieces
Tray Chic • FROM FL: Custom Canasta, Bridge & Mah Jongg Accessories NEW
Clothzmine, Inc. • FROM CA: A variety of fashion-forward, trendy and contemporary women’s
clothing, shoes, accessories and handbags - ranging in sizes from XS to XXL and 2 through 16. NEW
Girl Rocks Two • FROM FL: Unbelievable trendy, funky travel jewelry
seen on Oprah, in O Magazine and American Express. NEW
Shelley's Fashions • FROM CA: Attractive wide variety of fashionable women's wear, featuring upscale clothing
Ten Thousand Scarves • FROM CO: One-of-a-kind gorgeous, breathtaking silk scarves
Classy Bag Lady • FROM CA: Outstanding variety of quality leather handbags in all colors and sizes
Elegant Art Jewelry • Unique woven beaded jewelry, from simple to exquisite
ABSEAZONZ • FROM TUCSON: Beautiful beaded entertainment serving pieces, including bar and office
IVI Vision Eyewear • FROM CA: Offering premium sunglasses featuring optically perfect Carl Zeiss lenses, optical frames with readers and a Blue Light lens option. Also, now featuring women’s luxury capes.
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We thank our vendors for donating a percentage of their sales from Book & Author 2024 to our library campaign.
We appreciate our attendees supporting our vendors!
Brina Pepper, Boutiques Chair • bpepper127@gmail.com
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What is a Bookmark Donor? | |
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Bookmark Donors are attendees who contribute to the event at any level
over and above the base price of attending the luncheon.
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As a Bookmark donor, you will be invited to a Cocktail Reception with the Authors on
Thursday, February 1st, the evening preceding the Book & Author luncheon.
Books will be available to purchase, and authors will be signing them during the evening.
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Bookmark donors at the most generous levels will have the opportunity to spend even more
quality time with the authors at an intimate dinner following the Cocktail Reception, as well as receiving priority seating at the luncheon.
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Volunteers are needed in several areas. Please contact the Volunteer Committee chairs if you are interested in:
- Being a Greeter
- Helping the Boutique vendors after lunch
Michelle Fischler • Terriann Kleiner • Beth Messer
bncphxbavol@gmail.com
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Transportation to the 2024 Book & Author Luncheon and Bookmark Cocktail Reception
This service is for people who cannot drive to and/or from either the luncheon or the cocktail reception.
If you need help with transportation, including a carpool or booking Uber or Lyft, we are happy to help.
For more details, please contact:
Truda Chick • chick360@gmail.com • 480-686-8747
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Proceeds from the event, as well as a portion of the proceeds from every book sold at the event, will benefit BNC’s library
campaign, The Legacy of Louis: Inspiring Inquiry. Scroll down for more information about the campaign.
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Get ready to put on your dancing shoes - have fun – and Let’s Dance!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 16 from 7:00 ~ 10:00 pm
and get ready to party at The Imperial Ballroom
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DJ Teffanie will spin your favorite tunes
from the 60s, 70s and 80s
There will be sandwiches, snacks and desserts,
as well as wine and water
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Watch your inbox for more information, coming soon
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Have questions? Contact Susan Sacks at susan.sacks@gmail.com
Ruth Lerner, Susan Sacks and Andrew Tievsky, Event Chairs
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Recent Events - Canasta Tournament | |
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The Canasta Tournament was a wonderful success - thank you to our hardworking chairs:
Ken Walter, Jeff Lerner and Rich Kleiner
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Spotlight on Study Groups | |
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For details and to sign up for both new and existing study groups, listed below, see the Study Group Guide and Registration links below and on our website. | |
There is still time to enroll in the two new Study Groups announced in December: | |
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98. LE CINÉMA FRANÇAIS *NEW*
If you love film, and in particular French film, join us. Watch three French films on your own
from Amazon Prime Video or Netflix and join the scheduled discussion on Zoom.
First Tuesdays, 10:30 am (February 5, March 6, and April 3)
Location: Zoom; Facilitator: Jeri Benoit
Maximum 10, Fee: $20
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99. ADVENTURES IN ASIAN DINING TWO *NEW*
Third Fridays 12:30 pm, (January 19, February 16, March 15)
Location: Various, Facilitators: Susan Block and Andrea Malkin
Maximum 20, Fee: $20
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Many study groups have space available for more participants | |
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Several of the groups with availability:
5. Have You Read Anything Good Lately?
22. Rock and Roll is Here to Stay
56. Books for the Armchair Traveler (Zoom)
74. Explore the World of Interior Design
96. Canasta Mavens, Too *New*
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Groups with unlimited enrollment:
15. Theater Lovers Happy Hour (Zoom)
16. Camelview/Shea Movie Group (Zoom)
32. Men of Brandeis
88. People Who Repair the World (Zoom)
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SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FULL GROUPS:
Even a group that has reached its maximum participation may have openings from time to time - if you are interested in a particular group, contact the facilitator(s) to see if space is available. Very often there is! Look in the study guide for group details, which include contact information for the facilitators. A $5 guest fee will apply.
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Registration Information:
If you have not registered, the link is HERE and also on our website
Screen-by-screen instructions are available here
If you have registered, click on the link in the confirmation email you received
that says "Click here to edit your registration information"
If you have registered but cannot find your confirmation email,
click this email and request a copy of your registration email.
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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!
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Please contact us if any questions,
Marcia Langer and Harriet Schwartz
phxstudygroups@gmail.com
Study Group Vice Presidents
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Arizona Capitol Museum
Wednesday, January 10
10:15 am
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On Wednesday, January 10 at 10:15, the Men of Brandeis will tour the Arizona Capitol Museum.
The tour will consist of several sections, focusing on Arizona history and government.
Immediately following the museum tour, we will be led out of the museum and taken to the House of Representatives or Senate public gallery for further explanation of the legislative process. If time permits, a legislator may connect with the group.
The Arizona Capitol Museum has four floors. We are encouraged to explore areas and exhibits not covered on the guided tour.
Parking is easily accessible on the Capitol grounds. Instructions will be conveyed when more details are sent out by the facilitator. After the tour, the group will have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
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Guests (men and women) are welcome for a $5.00 guest fee.
ALL participants must RSVP to the facilitator in advance in order to attend.
For additional information or to RSVP, contact the facilitator:
Leith Baletin • lbaletin@gmail.com
480-874-9434
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Mitzvah Mavens with the Delivering Dreams Bus | |
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Adventures in Asian Dining study group -
Dim Sum at The Great Wall
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The Wine Not! study group is about more than wine!
Photos: Gale Gradus
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University on Wheels 🇺🇸
Friday, January 5, 2024 • 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore
Effective Responses to Anti-Semitism
Sunday, January 7 • 4:00 - 5:30 pm
More information
♥ ♥ Book & Author 2024 ♥ ♥
Friday, February 2 • Luncheon ~ Authors ~ Boutiques
Thursday, February 1 • Bookmark Cocktail Reception and Donor Dinner with the Authors
Westin Kierland Resort
More information
Let's Dance! 🕺🏻
Saturday, March 16 • 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Imperial Ballroom
Annual Meeting
Wednesday, March 20
Spring Event/Installation
Wednesday, April 17
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All of our events are open to the public. | |
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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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University on Wheels - Collection of Items
Our Chapter is collecting for those in need. Anything you can bring to this event will be delivered to various organizations. Items needed include: purses, bras, toiletries, children's books and toys, costume jewelry and prescription bottles with safety lids.
New this year: We are collecting eyeglasses, which will be delivered to the Lion's Club.
Questions? Contact Ellen or Wendy: wencohen@cox.net
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Brandeis has launched a Global Service Initiative in honor of their 75th Anniversary. They hope to illustrate how community involvement makes a compelling change and a positive mark on the world. Each chapter is compiling a list of the volunteer hours and organizations to which their members contribute. Our chapter is always involved in community outreach and it’s so nice to be able to acknowledge that!
We have been receiving your volunteer information.
Please continue to let us know:
- Where you volunteer
- How often
- The number of hours you put in
Please submit your volunteer activities to Wendy Cohen at wencohen@cox.net.
So many of you are true community advocates! We thank you all - 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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Membership Milestones
- Our sincere condolences to Paulette Fraenkel on the passing of her husband, Rudy
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We welcome our new members:
Paul Bregman, Sheila Cahnman, Jill Hernandez, Allan & Reva Micflickier, Marcy Rich, Belinda Richter, Herbert Scholl, Beverly & David Sirof, Cindy Stone
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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 us at a Social for New and Prospective Members | |
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The Membership Committee hosts informal and informative gatherings several times a year.
Our next gathering will be held on Friday January 12 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at a private home.
Please watch your inbox for an eVite invitation and respond whether or not you plan on joining us.
Once you RSVP, the host address will be sent to you a few days before the event. We all look forward to meeting and greeting you!
New members: We look forward to having you join us at an event, meeting and welcoming you at one of our fabulous functions and making your BNC experience extra special!
Coming by yourself? Not a problem. We usually have a table reserved for New Members!
For more information, please contact Membership VPs
Gale Gradus and Kathleen Witkin phxbncmembership@gmail.com
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The Annual Membership Committee Potluck
Photos: Gale Gradus
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Our current membership year runs from July 1, 2023 - June 30 2024.
You must be a member in order to register for study groups.
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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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Brandeis at 75: A daring university that is still making history
Celebrate Brandeis’ past, present, and future with this 2-minute video
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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
For future inclusions, please notify Beth Messer.
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The Legacy of Louis: Inspiring Inquiry
As the university nears its milestone 75th anniversary in 2023, the Brandeis National Committee's current campaign, The Legacy of Louis: Inspiring Inquiry, is halfway towards its goal, thanks to all of you.
This 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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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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