June 2019
e-mail Edition
Our Website:
www.bncla.org 

Our e-mail: labrandeismensgroup@gmail.com
UPCOMING BREAKFAST MEETINGS
June 19, 2019 - Wednesday, 8:30 - 11:00 AM
Veterans Memorial Complex,
4117 Overland Ave. Culver City
 
Speaker: Ron Galperin
Los Angeles City Controller
“Homelessness and City Finances”
Ron Galperin is the Controller of the City of Los Angeles. He was first elected to this position in July 2013, and re-elected in 2017. Prior to this time he was an attorney specializing in transactional and litigation law.
 
He is well-known for his advocacy of cutting waste while developing programs to help businesses create jobs. In his capacity as Chairman of the LA Commission on Revenue Efficiency, he has uncovered new revenue sources and savings which are used to provide additional services to the city’s citizens.
MAY BREAKFAST MEETING
The May monthly breakfast crowd was extremely pleased to hear UCLA Neurobiologist Dr. Joshua Trachtenberg present a fascinating personal history of a journey that began with a study of jelly fish, and ultimately resulted in a study of neuronal activity involving sensory stimulation in the human brain. Doctor Trachtenberg, in collaboration with a colleague, has developed a laser microscope that is able to detect activity of single neurons in the brain and using this device is able to study the mechanisms in human brains that are related to memory retention and behavior. It is considered cutting edge technology and holds promise for treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
MOVIE REVIEW BY STAN EPSTEIN
“Late Night”
  By Stan Epstein

This movie starring Emma Thompson, in the opinion of this movie-goer, was an undeservedly critically acclaimed movie. As a result of a positive review in a recent issue of the Los Angeles Times, I went to see this film when it was released city-wide on Friday, June 14, 2019.

The premise: Emma is "Katherine", a late night talk show hostess on a major TV network. Much of her character's time is spent either: a) In a room with about a dozen writers, or, b) Doing her late night gig reading from cue cards her staff has written.

The rest of her movie time is spent interacting with "Molly", an overweight woman from India (via Queens, N.Y.) who manages to get a job as the show's only female writer. Molly has no legitimate claim to be a TV late show writer - her background is as an inspector in a chemical plant - but the powers that be want a woman on the writing staff, and preferably one of color. Therein lies the comedy on which the plot twists.

We learn that Katherine is going to be replaced but she attempts to hang on to her slot as a famous and popular late night TV hostess. The replacement is a comedian with no appeal whatsoever, nor did I particularly like any of the show's other script writers. Whenever Katherine gets angry with them - whether they deserve it or not - she immediately fires them with impunity.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) should create a new award, but for this movie only: An Academy Award for the designer of Emma Thompson’s exquisitely fashionable wardrobe! There’s a different, stunning outfit in every one of the numerous scenes, and Emma wears them very well!

Finally, if a person is a late night TV show viewer, then he/she may like this movie. I have not been a late night TV show viewer for many years, however, although I usually enjoy movies about the entertainment industry. These days, I’m usually reading a good book by bedtime every night, and I thought "Late Night" was very overrated
IN MEMORIUM
We take a moment to acknowledge the recent deaths of two members of our BNCLA family and to recall their friendship and contributions: We quote from their obituaries.
Longtime LA Brandeis Men’s Group member Arnie Wishnick passed on April 27, 2019, after a lengthy battle with cancer. 

Arnie was born September 7, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, of Polish immigrant parents, Ruth and Ben Wishnick. His adult career began in high school working for the Schick Razor Company. Later, and following college, he moved to California, where he was located in Beverly Hills employed in the banking industry. He eventually settled in Pacific Palisades, and in 1993 began a 25-year position as executive director of Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce. Throughout all of those years he exhibited an extraordinary love and remarkable commitment to his community.

Arnie is survived by his wife Jackie; stepchildren, Wendy and Daniel, and their child, Bella; and his sister, Audrey. Arnie was always smiling, eager to chat and willing to help in any way he could. His memory is to be considered a blessing to us all. 
Longtime LA Brandeis Men’s Group Member Bob Margolis peacefully passed on May 29, 2019, surrounded by his devoted family, and following a lengthy battle with kidney disease.

Bob was born June 6, 1924, and from his youngest years led a life full of giving and concern for others. He was a consummate businessman, but was happiest being with family and friends. Among his many interests and enjoyments were an appreciation for music and travel, especially to France.

Bob is survived by his great love of 75 years, wife Temmie; sons Jeff and Peter (married to Lucinda); daughter Jan (married to Richard); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is requested that any donations in his memory be made to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. He is genuinely missed by all who knew him.
RECENT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP ACTIVITIES
LA PUBLIC LIBRARY TOUR - SPECIAL EVENT
A small but animated group of Brandeis members traveled on May 31 st , to the Los Angeles City Public Library for a docent led tour of this historic California structure. Built in 1926, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, the eight-story building is the third largest central library in the United States and houses more than ten million items ranging from popular fiction titles, rare genealogical publications, historic photographs and U.S. patents. A highlight of the tour was visiting members having their late book fines forgiven!

Deserved thanks to program chairman Myron Forst for organizing this wonderful trip. For suggestions of future excursions, please contact Myron at  myronvending@yahoo.com , or phone him at 310-925-8996.
Westside Walking Group SIG

The BMG Westside Walking Group meets every Thursday morning at 9:30am, in Santa Monica. These hikes begin in Palisades Park, near the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Marguerita Avenue, and continue southwards to the Miramar Hotel where members habitually stop to have coffee and a short rest. Once intermission is concluded, walkers then saddle-up and return by way of whence they came. These walks are easily doable, and the leisurely pace of the walkers is accented by casual conversation and wonderful views of nature along the way. Total distance one way is less than a mile, and only takes about 20-25 minutes. Parking is readily available on side streets or along Ocean Avenue.
 
All Brandeis members are encouraged to show up and experience for themselves the healthy exercise and camaraderie that occur during these walk. Wives, significant others, family members, and/or pets are also cordially invited. 
 
For more information, please contact SIG-meister Gerry Sallus, 1-310-559-2536, or  gsallus@twc.com  
History SIG

The History SIG is hosted by Arnie Geffner. These meetings involve a video presentation followed by lively discussion and commentary by the participants. Although seating is limited, there is always the possibility of squeezing in an additional one or two interested members. For more information, please contact Arnie at 1-310-839-3235, or email arniegeff@aol.com  
Westside Current Events SIG

The Westside Current Events SIG is changing its meeting place, and relocating to the home of Bernie Schiffer. It meets at 10:00am on the second Tuesday of the month. For additional information please contact Bernie at phone 1-310-476-5077, or email Schiffer_b@yahoo.com
Legal SIG

 
The Legal SIG, under the auspices of Constitutional Expert, Harold Orchid, was called to order on May 23 rd , to conclude his series, “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex and the Constitution But Were Afraid to Ask!”
 
As in previous meetings, Harold presented three legal cases to the assembled panel of guests, and then proceeded to discuss the ramifications and rationale of decisions rendered by various state and federal courts.
 
The Legal SIG meets at 1:00pm on the fourth Thursday of each month. Members interested in joining the Legal SIG should contact SIG moderator Marvin Alperin at phone: 1-323-931-7172, or email:  marvinalperin@gmail.com
Opera Sig

The Opera Special Interest Group is back and raising Valhalla monthly! Any member wishing to join, or simply to find out the difference between a Zucchini and a Puccini, or a Rigoletto and a Rigatoni, please contact Howard Green, howbetgren@aol.com . 
MEN'S INTEREST GROUPS
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
The Brandeis Men's Group has many "Special Interest Groups" (SIG) which meet on a regular basis. To find out more about the various groups, or to suggest adding new ones, contact Marv Alperin (1-323-931-7172), or the individual group chairman below.
  • ·      History Group - Arnie Geffner, 1-310-839-3235
  • ·      Investment Group - Marv Alperin (for info), 1-323-931-7172
  • ·      Bridge Group - Marv Alperin (for info), 1-323-931-7172
  • ·      Westside Walking Group - Gerry Sallus, 1-310-559-2536
  • ·      Current Events Group #1 - Louis Bernstein, 1-310-275-7736
  • ·      Current Events Group #2 - Henry Gass, 1-310-444-7152
  • ·      Legal Cases Group - Marvin Alperin, 1-323-931-7172
  • ·      Opera Group - Howard Green, 1-310-429-7721
  • ·      Sporting Events & Viewings - John Harris, 1-323-650-0664
  • ·      Trip Group - Myron Forst, 1-310-923-8996
  • ·      Westside Current Events - Marvin Alperin, 1-323-931-7172
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
BRANDEIS MEN”S GROUP STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES

Wednesday May 22, 2019

MEMBERS PRESENT (14 ): Marv Alperin, Randy Barnes, Louis Bernstein, Bob Bienenfeld, Sheldon Ellis, Stanley Epstein, Myron Forst, John Harris, Irv Kierman, Mel Miller, Gerry Sallus, Bernie Schiffer, Bernie Schneier, and Stan Weinberg.

ABSENCES (6 ): Richard Cohn, Arnie Geffner, Phil Greenwald, Bob Margolis, Jeff Penso, and Jerry Weinstein.

VACANT SEATS (2): Steve Silvers and Al Wilner.

GUEST (1): Richard Harmetz.

MINUTES:

The meeting was called to order at 9:05am by President Stanley Epstein. The minutes of the April 24, 2019, Steering Committee meeting, prepared by Vice President Louis Bernstein in the absence of the Secretary, were approved as corrected.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Bernie Schneier reported that we have 81 paid members. There were 48 persons who attended the May breakfast meeting, which included 37 members, 10 women, and 1 guest. Steering Committee members who have not yet made their $100 yearly contribution to Brandeis were encouraged to do so immediately.

TELEPHONE COMMITTEE: Stan Weinstein reported that his nine-member Telephone Committee calls each Brandeis member to inquire if they will be attending the next breakfast meeting. He then reports the total number of anticipated attendance to the caterer in order to provide a sufficient quantity of food available. He is unable to predict the number of members of the Women’s group or guests that may attend.

DISCUSSION OF MAY MEETING: UCLA neurobiology professor and Brandeis graduate Joshua Trachtenberg was an outstanding speaker. He kept the undivided attention of the audience during a lengthy presentation involving a complicated scientific subject.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Passing on April 27 th of longtime member Arnie Wishnick. Recovering from illnesses are David Brady and Steve Breuer. Longtime member Bob Margolis has resigned from the Steering Committee because of serious health issues.

FILLING VACANCIES ON THE STEERING COMMITTEE: Gerry Sallus, chairman of the Nominating Committee, volunteered to recommend prospective Steering Committee members to fill vacancies. There are currently 3 open seats, a result of the recent resignations of Bob Margolis, Steve Silvers and Al Wilner. The President has the power to appoint members to fill these vacancies, subject to approval by a vote of the Steering Committee. Secretary John Harris and Vice President Louis Bernstein are contacting potential members to determine interest in serving on the Steering Committee.

SPEAKERS: Chairman Bernie Schiffer reported the speaker for the next meeting:

June 19, 2019 - Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin.
July and August - No breakfast meeting.
September 18 - Next breakfast meeting.
October or November - Possible 11:00am brunch meeting with USC music professor Thom Mason

Possible future speakers are L.A. Times columnists Steve Lopez and Michael Hiltzik.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Randy Barnes announced he needs to resign as Chairman of the Membership Committee to care for his ill mother in Florida. He will continue Membership Chairman duties until a new chairman can be selected, and Myron Forst offered to help on the committee during the interim. We had one guest in May, George Barel, who is expected to join.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: Chairman Marv Alperin is compiling a list of the meeting dates, times, and locations of all interest groups meetings. Howard Green is the new coordinator of the Opera Group, which will meet at the residence of Louis Bernstein on Friday, May 31, at 9:30am.
           
TRIPS: Chairman Myron Forst announced that although a number of members announced interest in attending a tour of the Los Angeles Central Library, no checks had been received. There was discussion about whether we should continue to schedule future trips, in light of very limited participation by our members. Because many members do not like to drive downtown, taking carpools or the metrorail were suggested as transportion alternatives. At our next general meeting, an announcement will be made to ask the membership to suggest interesting locations for future trips. A motion to discontinue future trips was tabled until the September meeting.
 
NEWSLETTER: All items of interest, articles, upcoming events, and photos should be sent to Randy Barnes, who will forward them to Allen Kwawer for inclusion in the monthly newsletter. The current mailing list is being updated to insure every member receives the monthly postcard listing future meetings and events.

FUNDRAISING: A volunteer is needed to replace Irv Kierman as head of this committee
.
YEARLY CONTRIBUTION TO BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY: A motion was unanimously passed for the club to contribute $5000 to the scholarship fund at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.
 
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE: Chairman Sheldon Ellis is sending “Get Well” and/or “Sympathy” cards to grieving members and their spouses. If a Brandeis member knows of another member who is ill, or who learns of death in the family, please notify Sheldon.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05am.
BNC - WOMEN
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE (BNC) - WOMEN
GENERAL MEETING CALENDAR 2019
 
The BNC women currently meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month at Temple Akiba in Culver City. . Contact phone number is 1-310-558-8622.
 
2019 (Wednesdays, except as noted)
 
June 27 - Bagel Brunch and Installation for 2019-2020
July 24 - David Hunt Stafford – Dramatic Reading
August 11 (Sunday) - Theatre Forty - Theatre Party
 
**JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND**
Please Join Us to Welcome in The New Officers
Date:  Thursday, June 27 th
Time:  10:30 Bagel Brunch    
Fee: $15.00 per person
Place:  Temple Akiba Annex 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230
Presiding Officer:   Retired Judge John D. Harris

**RSVP No Later than June 20 th **
DUES...DUES...DUES
The Brandeis National Committee (BNC) recently began sending out notices for annual dues. BNC membership is July 1 - June 30 of each year. Please respond in timely manner to the BNC request.  
Send check made out to  BNC  for  $60  to :
 
Brandeis University
MS132
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
Members also may renew membership by going online:
 

Annual dues for Los Angeles Brandeis Men's Group (LABMG) also will soon be expected. If you haven't paid yet, please prepare to send or bring cash/check made out to BMG for $30  payable to: 
 
Bernie Schneier
311 Bora Bora Way, #204
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
 
 
And for each  SIG , it's  $10 , paid to the appropriate SIG chairman!
 
Let's support our group and Brandeis University by paying our annual dues!!!