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Dear Friends,
As the new board prepares to be installed and valued board members will be discharged from their responsibilities, it is a good time for retrospection and sincere expressions of gratitude.
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Our deep appreciation to all who have worked so hard this season to provide our members with a diverse assortment of social, cognitive and physical experiences while supporting a world class university committed to academic excellence, social justice, nonsectarianism and service to the community.
To our 2022-23 Board of Directors
We are immensely grateful for the new board members who have stepped up, the members who are returning and those who will be leaving us. You help us make the decisions that ensure the BNC Phoenix chapter thrives as a community treasure. We are blessed with an enthusiastic and skilled group of leaders. Thank you all!
To our members who have accepted Appointed Positions
To the many hardworking volunteers, who provide both internal and external communication, advice and expertise in a variety of ways. You ensure our chapter runs smoothly. We greatly thank you all for your many efforts on behalf of our members.
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To our Study Group Facilitators
A huge expression of gratitude to our study group facilitators. You exemplify the University’s commitment to excellence. Your efforts help meet the lifelong learning and social connections that mean so much to our members. You are the life blood of our organization.
Arts • Books • Cinema • Fitness
Food • Games • Intellectual Pursuits
Men of Brandeis • Special Interest • Valley Adventures
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To our Summer Camp Chairs
We offer our sincere gratitude for your broad reach in our community, with currently over 70 diverse activities offered in person and on Zoom. Your efforts greatly enhance the summer for our participants, wherever they are.
To our Event Chairs
Thanks to your efforts, and those of your committees, you enhanced our lives and helped meet our financial commitment to Brandeis University. With gratitude for the following events you coordinated this year:
Brandeis Alumni Making a Difference in Arizona
An Evening of Music and Conversation with Allan Naplan
University on Wheels
Our Annual Meeting with Rob Foster
Dance Fever
Our Leadership Training Event
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To the VPs of our 33rd Annual Book & Author Event
Immense gratitude to our Book & Author event chairs and their committees, for a gala celebration of both the 75th anniversary of Brandeis University and the Brandeis National Committee. Our 33rd B&A Event can be counted as one of the most successful signature events in our history.
To our Executive Vice Presidents
Finally, a word about our new Executive Vice Presidents, Joyce Steinberg and Stephanie Klopper. Please accept our gratitude as we work together in the coming year to help you master all aspects of our multifaceted organization.
As VPs of Study Groups their herculean efforts helped us pivot and transcend the challenges of Covid and produced the largest study group offerings in our history. Their vast leadership experience, problem solving history, and commitment to this organization ensures that our chapter will continue to thrive. We are comforted to know that when our term comes to an end next year, our chapter will be in very good hands.
Many of our preparations for the next season are underway. We look forward to an exciting new season!
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The Summer Camp 2023 calendar is filling up!
Many chapter members have volunteered to lead activities in the following areas:
IN-PERSON DINING GROUPS
MOVIE discussion groups
ARTISTIC/CREATIVE activities
GAMES: CANASTA and MAH JONGG
CURRENT EVENTS or other discussion groups
INTERESTING SPEAKERS on Zoom
BAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
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We are still seeking more activities and activity leaders. Groups can meet in person or on Zoom.
Do you know of an interesting speaker for one or two sessions? Do YOU have a passion for an activity that you would
like to share with others? Do you have a friend who will co-lead an activity with you?
The time commitment is small but the appreciation you will receive from your fellow members cannot be measured.
So, put on your creative thinking caps and contact the Summer Camp Chairs at the email address below as soon as possible.
Let us know:
- The name of your activity
- Descriptive details
- Month, day and time you wish to meet
- Your contact information
Zoom training will be provided, if needed.
Be ready to enroll in Summer Camp after May 1!
Ronee Siegel and Harriet Schwartz, Summer Camp Chairs
bncphxsummercamp@gmail.com
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IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE VOLUNTEERS
THE STORY:
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In March 2023, at the 33rd Annual Book & Author Diamond Jubilee, we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Brandeis University and the Brandeis National Committee! The events were amazing, due to the efforts of all our volunteers.
The planning for this gala celebration began a year ago when committee chairs were chosen and committees were formed.
The Authors were selected by the passionate work of the author committee chairs Joyce Grant, Beth Messer and Michelle Fischler, whose work was also crucial to securing the hotel.
The authors introduced their new books and received rave reviews in the media before the event. Joyce and Beth’s multi-year journey recruiting authors culminated with this year’s selection of phenomenal authors. We thank them for their years of hard work and dedication in this role. The authors’ information/bios/reviews and more can be viewed here.
The authors were revealed at a Volunteer sign-up meeting chaired by Carol Kadet, Hillary Kaminsky, Terriann Kleiner and Stephanie Klopper. Their very capable skills paved the way for securing and organizing our volunteers for the main event! We had lots of fun in January when an elegant Tea for our Table Captains was held at a member’s beautiful home. Coordinated by the Table Captain co-chairs, Patti Grossman, Terriann Kleiner, Ruth Lerner and their committee, the Tea was a thank you to those who had volunteered to become Table Captains and sparked enthusiasm for the upcoming March luncheon.
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Bookmarks
On Sunday March 12th, we were able to have a lovely outdoor Bookmark cocktail reception in the courtyard of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch, with delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine. Co-Chairs Sue Karp, Freyda Libman and Andrew Tievsky organized this special event where Bookmark donors mingled up close and personal with the authors and books could be purchased and signed.
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The rest of the story continues HERE. It includes:
- additional photos
- links to the scrolling display from the luncheon
- a downloadable program book - which includes the names of everyone who worked to make this event the success it was
- the video from Brandeis President Ron Liebowitz
- a link to the video about the event that aired on the evening news...
- and more!
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We thank all who attended and welcome the 34th Annual Book & Author Event Chairs:
Ileen Herberg • Joellyn Pollock • Marcy Strauss
Carol, Jan and Linda
Book & Author 2023 Event Chairs
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Everything was wonderful throughout the entire event! Everyone was so nice and
Laurie (Burns) was just an angel.
The planning and execution of this event
was just flawless in every regard. Putting
on that ballroom luncheon was quite a task and it went perfectly from beginning to end!
Please give my regards to everyone!
All the best,
Larry
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A million thanks for a wonderful event; I can't imagine the work that goes into making something that large a success, and I hope you went home and slept for a full day. I met so many lovely and fascinating people... Please extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved!
Warmly,
Rebecca
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I can’t thank you enough for inviting me to such a lovely event!! Everything from start
to finish was spectacular. Everyone was so
warm and welcoming. I even sent a note
to my publicist this morning telling her as much.
Please give everyone my thanks and I sincerely hope you will call me when you come to Atlanta. I promise to show you a grand time!!
Hugs,
Wanda
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I had such a lovely time with you all, and am so impressed by everything the BNC does. What a force! It’s wonderful to hear that people enjoyed my talk, and that book clubs are selecting Signal Fires. It’s so kind of you to let me know, and your words about my book mean a great deal to me.
It’s evident how much work, and how much care, goes into the Books & Author luncheon. I was so glad to be a part of it.
I hope our paths cross again.
Warmly,
Dani
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Spotlight on Study Groups | |
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Study Groups Need Facilitators! | |
We are having another successful Study Group season, with 81 study groups. The chapter continues to attract new members and a major part of that attraction is the availability of many and varied study groups in which people can participate.
To continue this success, we need your help. As we begin to think of next season (yes, your Study Group Team is already looking ahead), we are looking for facilitators with ideas for new groups.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there anything you are specifically interested in seeing offered as a study group? (Note: we especially welcome input from members of our men's study groups.)
- Are you interested in starting a group (hiking? film? lunch?) that meets on weekends?
- Would you enjoy participating in or leading a limited group discussion (4 sessions) on a favorite topic or activity?
- Do you have a special interest, talent or skill that you want to share with others?
- Are you a winter resident who wants to create a group (i.e. weekly Mah Jongg or Canasta) which starts later in the year?
- Do you want to meet interesting people and make new friends?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, please email the Study Group VPs at phxstudygroups@gmail.com
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We welcome our 2023-24 Study Group Vice Presidents: Marcia Langer, Myral Robbins and Harriet Schwartz! | | |
Wednesday, April 12
10:00 am at the Foundation for Blind Children
1234 E Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020
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On Wednesday, April 12, Men of Brandeis will tour the facilities of the Foundation for Blind Children at 10:00 am.
The Foundation for Blind Children was founded in 1952 by parents of blind children who wanted services for their children in Phoenix, instead of having to send them to the State Institution for the Blind in Tucson.
The Foundation for Blind Children serves the blind and visually impaired of all ages, from birth to, currently, 102 years old. As the only agency of its kind in Arizona, the Foundation for Blind Children is an essential resource to families and children with blindness or low vision.
With three Valley locations (East Valley, West Valley and Central Phoenix), The Foundation strives to serve as “the” community’s resource for blind, visually impaired, and multi-handicapped children, adults and their families.
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Guests 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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Dipping in chocolate and decorating marshmallows and
pretzel rods with the Cake Decorating study group
| The Delicious Dramas & Dinners group met at Tutti Santi in Phoenix for an Italian dinner and to discuss the film Big Night | The Mosaic study group with their creations | |
The Mitzvah Mavens read Dr. Seuss to students at Sunnyslope Elementary School | |
The Mitzvah Mavens also read Dr. Seuss
at Sandpiper and Sonoran Sky
elementary schools
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The Leisure Hikers had
a snow day at
Marcus Landslide
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Membership Milestones
- Congratulations to Caryn Balaban on the birth of her granddaughter, Millie Stryker Bauman. Proud parents are Ashlee and Zackery Bauman.
- Our sincere condolences to Jane Berkley on the passing of her husband, Terry
- Our sincere condolences to Jeff Lipsman on the passing of his wife, Barb Jackson, as well as to her family
- Our sincere condolences to Merri Rubin on the passing of her mother, Ruthe Goldblum
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We welcome our new members:
Andrea Friedman, Cindy Katzoff, Ellen Solowey
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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.
| A Coffee/Tea for New and Prospective Members | |
The next Coffee/Tea be Monday, April 3 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
For more information or to attend, contact Membership VPs
Gale Gradus and Kathleen Witkin at phxbncmembership@gmail.com
There will be a Study Group Orientation on Thursday, August 3rd. Details to follow.
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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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Mother's Day is coming up, and this month we are collecting jewelry for Janice's Women's Center and Sojourner Center.
Why not “play it forward?" Rosie’s House accepts used instruments. They are a non-profit organization that provides music education to low-income children.
Gently used handbags, totes and purses for Purse-Impressions, are still welcome. They collect new and used handbags, fill them with toilet articles and distribute them to women coming out of rehab. You can read about this charity on the Purse-Impressions website.
We’re still collecting bras, and prescription pill bottles without labels. Safety caps only, please. You DO make a difference!
We look forward to more opportunities to serve the community this year. For more information or collection addresses, please contact us.
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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.
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 | |
Helen Greenberg to Stephanie & Hal Klopper • In honor of the birth of their granddaughter, Maisie Adalae Klopper. | | |
Helen Greenberg to Stephanie & Hal Klopper • In honor of the marriage of their daughter, Courtney, to Corey Salter | |
Jo Ellen and Steve Ham to Joyce Grant • In honor of our dear friend Joyce Grant | |
The Contemporary Reads Book Group to Jeff Lipsman and Barb Jackson's children • In memory of Barb Jackson | |
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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 March 28. We regret any errors or omissions.
For future corrections or inclusions, please notify Beth Messer.
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Brandeis forms partnership with Robert K. Kraft Family and Foundation to Combat Antisemitism | |
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March 2, 2023
Brandeis and the Robert K. Kraft Family and the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) have formed a partnership to address the rise of antisemitism across the country. The Robert Kraft Family-Brandeis Collaboration on Antisemitism is a comprehensive, multi-pronged collaboration to equip students, higher education leaders, and Jewish communal professionals with knowledge, resources and tools to engage diverse communities in the critical work to address hate against Jews and other communities.
"The rise of antisemitism and hate targeting Jews across the country is a threat to the Jewish community’s survival and needs strong leadership to combat,” said Robert Kraft, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Kraft Group. “Through our Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, we are working to find innovative ways to educate and empower Jews and non-Jews to stand up to Jewish hate. Brandeis is the right partner for this important work, as its founding values are based in a commitment to create a better world.”
More
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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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