BNC DESERT CHAPTER PAST PRESIDENTS

Update:  Click on name (if highlighted) to hear what the student has to say about the Brandeis experience….

Meet Brandeis Scholar Remi Miller ’19 
A BNC Scholar from Kings Park, New York, on Long Island, Remi just completed her sophomore year. At Brandeis,  Remi’s primary areas of academic focus are psychology and legal studies. She is an active member of the campus community, serving as a Brandeis National Committee Student Ambassador, an Orientation leader and a Reunion liaison.

Meet Brandeis Scholar Jacob Abrams ’17 
A BNC Scholar from Boca Raton, Florida, Jacob is pre-med, with a double major in biology and classical studies and a minor in Italian studies. While at Brandeis, he has been involved with the BNC as director of the Student Ambassador program and a member of BNC’s National Executive Committee. Jacob chose Brandeis because it encourages undergraduates to take advantage of many opportunities to gain leadership experience that will help them throughout their lives.

Meet Brandeis Scholar Rebecca Wiser ’19 
A BNC Scholar from Boca Raton, Florida, Rebecca plans to major in either Journalism or Health: Science, Society and Policy. Her ultimate goal is to become a life coach and health and wellness consultant. Rebecca chose Brandeis because of its commitment to social justice and its close-knit campus community, which values kindness, integrity and service to others.

Meet Brandeis Scholar Cassidy Swartz ’16
A BNC Scholar from Arizona, Cassidy is a Health: Science, Society and Policy major and soccer player at Brandeis. She volunteers at Newton-Wellesley hospital and tutors an elementary school student on top of a full load of courses. Cassidy plans to become a physician’s assistant upon graduating from Brandeis, a profession she believes will help her use what she has learned at Brandeis to help others. Hear her explain in this brief video why she is proud to attend the nation’s only non-sectarian university founded by the American Jewish community and how this experience has transformed her life.

The Book, Author, & Boutique was held at the Indian Wells Golf Resort Ballroom on March 23. Our keynote speaker was Tod Goldberg, Administrative Director of the MFA Creative Writing Program at UCR, Palm Desert Campus and author of the best selling “Gangsterland.” His presentation was an interesting and amusing insight into his journey as both a writer of mystery fiction and as a journalist.

Sheila Finch, a prolific author of science fiction and winner of the Nebula Award, talked about the problems in communication which would arise should mankind ever contact extraterrestrials. John Schwartz, a poet and author as well as a most successful businessman, discussed his novel “In the Shadow of Babylon” – partly written as a guide to life for his children.

Guests had the opportunity to shop at a truly lovely boutique organized by Lorraine Lubin. The offerings were delightful and varied and showed real expertise in the selection of vendors. We are hoping to expand this part of our program in the future.

All attendees must be Brandeis members.

BOOK GROUPS

(A) BOOK GROUP/MEN’S FICTION/NON FICTION
COORDINATOR: Irv Cohen 760 772-6436
WHEN: Second Monday of each month at 7 PM
WHERE: Members’ homes
DESCRIPTION: Very informal format
COST: $15

(B) BOOK GROUP/SHORT STORY
COORDINATOR: Maggie Henderson 760 772-7537; bobmaghenderson@gmail.com
WHEN: Second Monday of each month at 7PM
WHERE: The first meeting will be organizational and held at Maggie Henderson’s home: 39332 Fernwood Glen Ct. (Sun City) on November 9, 2015 at 7 PM.
DESCRIPTION: Group members will be using Pushcart Prize 2014 to discuss essays, poetry and short stories chosen by the facilitator.
COST: $15

(C) BOOK GROUP
COORDINATOR: Bayla Adelman 760 568-9621; baylaadelman@cs.com
WHEN: Second Tuesday of each month at 1:30 PM.
WHERE: Members’ homes. The first meeting will be held on November 10, 2015 at the home of Bayla Adelman, 43 Blue River Dr. (The Lakes)Palm Desert 92211.
DESCRIPTION: The group will choose books for discussion. Members will facilitate discussions.
COST: $15

MOVIE GROUPS

(D) MOVIE GROUP
COORDINATOR: Linda Seligman 760 565-6880; lindajoy08@live.com
WHEN: Third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 PM. The first meeting, date, film and location will be sent by email.
WHERE: Members’ homes. DESCRIPTION: Current and classic movies. Members decide films to see. COST: $15

(E) MOVIE GROUP
COORDINATOR: Wendy Rudlin 760 772-1365 wrudlin@gmail.com
WHEN: Second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM
LOCATION: At movie theater
DESCRIPTION: Members meet at the theater. Lunch follows. Movies are selected by members based on their interests.
COST: $15

(F) MOVIE GROUP
COORDINATOR: Marcia Plumleigh 760 360-1084; mjplum@verizon.net
WHEN: Second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. The first meeting, date, film and location will be sent by email.
LOCATION: Members’ homes. The first meeting, date, film and location will be sent by email.
DESCRIPTION: Members see the films on their own. Discussions will be held at members’ homes.
COST: $15

OTHER GROUPS

(G) LET’S TALK
COORDINATOR: Jean Fishkin 760 346-6747
WHEN: Third Tuesday of each month at 10 AM. The first meeting, date, film and location will be sent by email.
WHERE: Members’ homes
DESCRIPTION: Discussion of current matters at a home followed by lunch (optional).
COST: $15

(H) LET’S EAT OUT(EARLY BIRD)
COORDINATOR: Candy Warner 760 636-4820 candywarner@yahoo.com
WHEN: Second Friday of each month at 5 PM The first meeting, date, film and location will be sent by email.
WHERE: Various restaurants
DESCRIPTION: Join us in dining out a little early . A different host will choose the restaurant and send out a notice to members. We like to get “early bird” prices and individual checks.
COST: $15

(I) MEN’S LUNCH BUNCH
COORDINATOR: Gerry Weiss 760 772-8196; gersue3327@yahoo.com
WHEN: First Tuesday of each month at noon. The first meeting, date, film and location will be sent by email.
WHERE: Various restaurants
DESCRIPTION: Male members of Brandeis will get together to enjoy lunch at various restaurants. Topics for discussion may include current news, sports and jokes…or whatever the group likes. The cost for lunch will be approximately $15, including beverage.
COST: $15

(J) WOMEN’S LUNCH BUNCH
COORDINATOR: Linda Bergman 760 200-2037; lindaberg@aol.com
WHEN: Fourth Tuesday of each month at noon. The first meeting, date, restaurant and location will be sent by email.
WHERE: Various restaurants.
DESCRIPTION: Subjects of discussion vary at each lunch. Separate checks when possible; prix fixe, including drink, tip and tax approximately $25. COST: $15

(K) SUNDAY BRUNCH IN THE AFTERNOON
COORDINATOR: Beverly Ross 760 771-3335 beverlyrross@gmail.com
WHEN: 4 times from November thru April date.The first meeting, date, restaurant and location will be sent by email.
WHERE: Members’ homes
DESCRIPTION: Each event will be hosted by two members in a member’s home. The hosts are responsible for providing the main dish for brunch; all other participants will bring a dish to share.
COST: $15

(L) EXPLORING THEATER
COORDINATOR: Joan Isaacs 760 360-4423; jrspresents@gmail.com
WHEN: November 2015 through March 2016
WHERE: McCallum and Coachella Valley Repertory Theaters and Joan Isaac’s home.
DESCRIPTION: Four plays will be seen and discussed. A no host dinner at a restaurant will follow each performance. Joan will purchase tickets for each performance approximately 1-3 months in advance. The plays, dates, times and costs for members/non members and guests will be distributed at Showcase, and also sent to members by email. Discounted tickets will be available for members only. Guests will pay full price. Make all checks payable to Joan Isaacs, 37209 Skycrest Road, Palm Desert 92211
COST: $15

(M) HOT TOPICS: MEN
COORDINATOR: Bob Starr 760 200-0208/401 965-5419 bob.starr1@gmail.com
WHEN: Third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. The first meeting topic and location will be sent by email.
WHERE: Members’ homes
DESCRIPTION: Male members of Brandeis get together to discuss one hot topic per meeting; a hot topic for the next meeting is also chosen. COST: $15

(N) HOT TOPICS : WOMEN
COORDINATOR: Rose Levy 760 345-1747; rclevy@me.com
WHEN: First Thursday of each month from 1-3 PM,. First meeting will be at Rose Levy’s home, 78075 Banyon Grove Ct.
DESCRIPTION: Discussion of issues of particular importance to women. Topics can range from social issues, health and well being, and even fashion tips. Each member will host one meeting and will determine subjects to be discussed. (Sun City)
COST: $15

(O) LEGAL HEADLINES
COORDINATOR: Joan Flam 760 772-2979; joan91356@aol.com
WHEN: Third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. First meeting will be November 17, 2015 at 7 PM
WHERE: home of Joan Flam, 78541 Moonstone Lane
DESCRIPTION: Each member will bring a news clipping, material or questions about a timely topic concerning the law.
COST: $15

(P) WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
COORDINATORS: Judith Levine 760 772-7593; 847-767-9928; judithlevine@comcast.net; Yarol Rudman 760469-2785; yrudman8661@gmail.com
WHEN: Third Tuesday of each month, 1-3 PM
WHERE: Members homes; First organizational meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 1 PM at the home of Judith Levine, 78257 Bonanza (Sun City).
DESCRIPTION: The group will discuss the lives of women, past and present, who have made a significant impact on the world, society and/or their community. Members will select the women for discussion at the first organizational meeting.

(Q) FAMILY DYNAMICS/YOU NEVER CALL, YOU NEVER WRITE
COORDINATORS: Yarol Rudman 760-469-2785 yrudman8661@gmail.com & Judith Shultz 760-200-8673 judithashultz@gmail.com
WHEN: First Friday of each month at 9:30 AM. The first meeting will be held on November 10, 2015 at the home of Judith Shultz, 37183 Mojave Sage St.
WHERE: Members homes
DESCRIPTION: Group will read designated chapters in the book, “You Never Call, You Never Write,” by Brandeis author Joyce Antler, to stimulate discussions on the history of the Jewish mother, and our relationships with family and friends in an atmosphere of sharing and humor. Each member will serve as facilitator when the meeting is at her home.
COST: $15

Please Note: Some Special Events are open to the public and charges vary. Net proceeds from these Special Events benefit the Sustaining the Mind (STM and Scholarship ) campaigns.

1. ACCESSORIZE WITH BRANDEIS: JEWELRY PRESENTATION AND SALE
   
   COORDINATOR JUDITH SHULTZ, 760 200 8673, judithashultz@yahoo.com
   WHERE: Home of MARCIA PLUMLEIGH, 78332 Griffin Drive, Palm Desert , CA 92211 Phone 760 360 1084
   WHEN: December 5, 2015, Saturday 1-4PM
   DESCRIPTION: Meet TIFFANY KUNZ AND DESIREE KESSEL OF LA ECO CONSCIOUS JEWELRY BRAND. Learn how to change your look by changing your jewelry. Arrive at 1 PM wearing your favorite outfit and Tiffany and Desiree will help you choose various pieces of jewelry at prices that will meet all budgets. As they talk about “changing your look,” you will learn about a company that believes in philanthropy and works to empower impoverished women worldwide. Join us for a fun afternoon of shopping. Gourmet snacks are included. Treat yourself or a loved one to a holiday gift while supporting Brandeis University.
   COST : No charge to you, but a 25% donation will be made to Brandeis University for all sales. Please sign up in advance to save YOUR PLACE.
   

2. ABOVE AND BEYOND, MOVIE
   COORDINATOR: BAILEY RUBENSTEIN-HERZ, 760-360-5196, itsbaileyr@aol.com
   WHEN: January 24, 2016 2016, 2:30 PM (This is a new time!)
   WHERE: Temple Sinai, 73251 Hoveley Lane West, Palm Desert 92260
   DESCRIPTION: This exciting film, produced by Nancy Spielberg, recounts the story of Jewish American pilots, who, beginning in 1948 secretly fought for the independence of Israel. The movie will be followed by a guest speaker and home-baked desserts.
   COST: $20 per member; $35 for couples; $25 per guest.

3. GLASS WORKSHOP WITH PATRICK BLYTHE
   COORDINATOR: GAIL BAUM, 310 503 6133 gail.baum@gmail.com
   WHEN: Friday, January 29, 2016, 10 AM-1
   WHERE: PATRICK BLYTHE GLASS STUDIO, 45140 Towne ST. INDIO, CA 92210
   DESCRIPTION: Join Patrick Blythe, renowned glass artist, in his studio to create your own unique work of glass art.
   COST: $30 MEMBERS, $35 GUESTS, MAXMUM 40 PEOPLE
4. DEIS FLICKS
   COORDINATOR: SUSIE KAYE 760 360 5420, bentlykaye@msn.com
   WHEN: February 23, 2016, 6:30 TO 9 PM
   WHERE: TOLERANCE EDUCATION CENTER, 33-147 Landy Lane, RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270 760 328 8252
   DESCRIPTION: Join us for a movie (TBD) from Brandeis archives. Home baked sweets will be served.
   COST: $20 MEMBERS, $25 GUESTS (MAXIMUM 40 ATTENDEES)
5. TOUR OF THE O’DONNELL, PALM SPRINGS
   
   COORDINATOR: EVELYN WEISSBACH, 760 200 0093, Evelyn7294@yahoo.com
   WHEN: Thursday, March 3, 2016, 10AM
   WHERE: PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM, 101 MUSEUM DR. PALM SPRINGS, CA. AT 9:45 SHARP. The group will meet Steve, the guide, in the museum’s north parking lot (the one on the right when facing the museum). We will meet at the Buddy Rogers box at the Annenberg Theater and be transported up the driveway by golf cart.
   DESCRIPTION: Join us for a 2 hour guided tour of the grounds and interior of this meticulously restored 1920’s historic home on the National Registry of Historic Homes. The views overlooking the Valley are spectacular. The home has lush flower gardens, graceful stone arches, and lovely secluded courtyards. It is often chosen by the Coachella Valley Water Color Society for Plein Air painting sessions.
   COST: $55 MEMBERS, $60 GUESTS (MAXIMUM 40 PARTICIPANTS)
6. COOKING FOR BRANDEIS
   
   COORDINATOR: GAIL BAUM, 310 503 6133 gail.baum@gmail.com
   WHEN: Thursday, April 14, 2016, 10AM-1PM
   WHERE: Home of Cathy Rogers, Mission Hills. Address will be sent to participants.
   DESCRIPTION: Cathy Rogers, whose passions are cooking and philanthropy, will offer a delicious gastronomic and tasting experience to 20 participants in her lovely home.
   COST: $100 Separate check made out to Brandeis University(100% deductible).

Click here for Registration Form

If you want to get together to discuss and share ideas on current events or other topics of interest, or if you just want to get together to “schmooze” check out the this season’s offerings!

Remember you must be a current Brandeis National Committee member to participate in a Study Group.   Unless otherwise stated there is a $15 per person fee to join each Study Group.  Fill out our Registration Form and join today!

Unless otherwise indicated by the coordinator, Study Groups will be held at the homes of participants.  All participants are expected to volunteer their homes and act as facilitators during the 2016-2017 season.  Prior to the first meeting, the coordinator will contact all those signed up for study groups to confirm active membership in the group.

SPECIAL NOTE: JUDY SHULTZ will be maintaining a Wait List for all Groups and Events that are filled. Email judithashultz@gmail.com or call 760-200-8673 to be placed on a closed Group or Event Wait List.

BRUCE BLANK’S MEN’S NIGHT OUT

Coordinator:  Bruce Blank, 760-200-4009, blblank1935@gmail.com

When:  3rd Thursday of the month

First Meeting Date:  October 20th at 7:00 pm

Where:  Home of Bruce Blank, 78352 Valley Vista, Sun City

Description:  Men’s only get together for dinner and a movie.

Cost:  $15.00

 

GERI WEISS’ MEN’S LUNCH BUNCH 

Coordinator:  Geri Weiss, 760-200-8770, gersue3327@yahoo.com

When: 1st Tuesday of the month at noon

First Meeting Date:  November 7th noon

Where:  Various Restaurants

Description:  Members of the group get together for lunch at various restaurants to join in discussions on a variety of topics, i.e. current events, sports. Cost for lunch is approx. $15.00. Members will be notified of the location of the first lunch.

Cost:  $15.00

BEVERLY ROSS’ NEW LUNCH BUNCH

Coordinator:  Beverly Ross, 760-771-3335, beverlyrross@gmail.com

When:  2nd Friday of the month at noon

Where:  Various Restaurants

Description:  Enjoy lunch with old and new friends. Separate checks when possible. Prix Fixe, including drink, tip and tax approximately $25.00.  Members will receive info about the first lunch via email from Beverly.

Cost:  $15.00

LEO EISENBERG’S LET’S SCHMOOZE IN YIDDISH – FILLED

JUDY SHULTZ will be maintaining a Wait List for all Groups and Events that are filled. Email judithashultz@gmail.com or call 760-200-8673 to be place on a closed Group or Event Wait List.

Coordinator:  Leo Eisenberg, 248-939-0384, leoeismd@aol.com

When:  1st Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm

First Meeting Date:  December 1st at 7:00 pm

Where: Home of Leo Eisenberg. 37537 Heritage Way, Sun City

Description:  Join us for the evening to “Schmooze in Yiddish” and rekindle memories of the language of our roots.

Cost:  $15.00

JOAN SIMMONS-ISAACS – BROADWAY PLAYWRIGHTS (PAST & PRESENT)

Coordinator:  Joan Isaacs, 760-360-4423, jrspresents@gmail.com

When:  2nd Thursday on the month at 1:30 pm

First Meeting  Date:  November 10th at 1:30 pm

Where:  Home of Joan Isaacs, 37209 Skycrest Rd., Sun City

Description:  The group will meet to discuss Broadway playwrights from Arthur Miller to current Tony winners. The group will also read excerpts from various plays.

Cost:  $15.00

LEAH SCHWEITZER “WRITING FROM OUT OF OUR LIVES”  – FILLED

JUDY SHULTZ will be maintaining a Wait List for all Groups and Events that are filled. Email judithashultz@gmail.com or call 760-200-8673 to be place on a closed Group or Event Wait List.

Coordinator:  Leah Schweitzer, 760-360-2457, Leyeleh@aol.com

When:  3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm

Where:  Home of Leah Schweitzer, 78376 Kistler Way, Sun City

Description:  Together, in a safe, inspiring environment, we will discover the magic in writing about our past and present.  With guided suggestions and exercises, we will honor those special moments that have made our lives so rich and memorable.

Cost:  $15.00    Limit – 10 participants

SANDY WEISENBERG’S NEW FAMILY DYNAMICS GROUP  

Coordinator:  Sandy Weisenberg, 760-674-9282, sandytalking@msn.com

When:  1st Monday of the month at 1:30

First Meeting Date:  November 7 at 1:30

Where:  Will be announced in advance of the 1st meeting.

Description:  The group will use poetry by Judith Viorst to stimulate discussions on aging, families, and ourselves.

Cost:  $15.00

WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Coordinators:  Judy Levine, 760-636-6656, judithlevine@comcast.net

Yarol Rudman, 760-469-2785, yrudman8661@gmail.com

When:  2nd Monday of the month at 1:30 pm

First Meeting Date:  November 14 at 1:30

Where: Home of Yarol Rudman, 78859 Putting Green Dr., Sun City

Description:  This group will choose women past and present who have made a significant impact on the world, society, and their community.  The group will have discussions about the lives of these significant women and the traits they possessed that enabled them to “make a difference.”

Cost:  $15.00

All attendees must be Brandeis members.

BOOK GROUPS

MOVIE GROUPS

OTHER GROUPS