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

Our e-mail: labrandeismensgroup@gmail.com
DUES...DUES...DUES
July was that time again, and our annual LA Brandeis Men's dues were due !

If you haven't paid yet send or bring check made out to BMG for $30 to:
Bernie Schneier
311 Bora Bora Way, #204
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

And not just Local Dues, but our annual Brandeis National Committee too !
Send check made out to BNC for $60 to :
Brandeis University
MS132
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453

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!!!

JANUARY BREAKFAST MEETING
Members of the LA Brandeis Men’s Group met on Wednesday, January 16 th, for breakfast and a well-anticipated visit by the popular rabbi of Temple Akiba in Culver City, Rabbi Zach Shapiro.

Addressing a group of approximately 30 members and guests, Rabbi Shapiro gave a brief history of his own life and ministry, then spoke candidly of the tensions and difficulties of reality in modern Israel, and how issues there affect everyone whether Jewish, Arab, or Christian. Using the descriptive acronym DREAM, Rabbi Shapiro explained how Israel truly embodies Democracy, Rights for all, Entrepreneurship (referencing the incredible number of Israeli inventions) , Ahava (Love) for all, and even Mistakes. Following this presentation, Rabbi Shapiro opened the floor for audience questions, and further thoughtful and lively discussion followed.
RECENT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP MEETINGS
Current Events SIG 
Wednesday, January 15, 2019
Seven members of the Current Events SIG met on Wednesday, January 15 th. Hosted by group leader Lou Bernstein, the group discussed and considered notable issues of the day including the government shutdown, property tax changes, charter schools vs public schools, and the Los Angeles teachers’ strike. 

Although not technically a Current Events category, the members also had a lively discussion about their individual smoking histories.

In attendance were Jerry Weinstein, John Harris, Lou Bernstein, Bernie Schneier, Bob Bienenfeld, Arnie Geffner, and Randy Barnes.

The Current Events SIG meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Individuals interested in joining should contact Lou at 310-275-7736, or louislaw@aol.com.
FEBRUARY BREAKFAST MEETING
February 20, 2019 - Wednesday - 9:00 AM

Speaker: Stanley Weinberg 

It's tax time again, and if you're one of the millions of Americans anxious to get started on this annual rite of passage, but worried regarding new changes to federal and state tax codes, then worry no more! Our guest speaker for February is tax expert Stanley Weinberg, long time member of the LA Brandeis Men's Group. He'll be giving us the scoop on what to expect, so be sure and show up to hear about all the secret loop holes!  

Stan was born and raised in Stockton, California. He earned a BS degree in Accounting and Finance from San Jose State University. He is a current and active California Certified Public Accountant (CPA), as well as a current member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs. Due to his many years as a corporate tax manager, Stan retains his membership in the Tax Executive Institute for corporate tax executives. Additionally, Stan earned a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law. He passed the California Bar Exam and he is an inactive member of the California State Bar Association. 

Stan is currently preparing individual Federal and California State income tax returns; Federal and California State trust income tax returns; Federal Estate tax returns as well as various other income tax returns. As a corporate tax manager Stan prepared and filed Federal corporate, California corporate and multi-state corporate income tax returns, sales tax returns, and property tax returns. Also, Stan handled IRS large-case corporate tax audits as well as California and multi-state corporate income tax audits, IRS appeals conferences, sales tax audits, property tax audits, sales tax appeals conferences and property tax assessment appeals board hearings.  

The cost of breakfast is $15 for members. It is free for first-time guests and prospective members.  
MARCH BREAKFAST MEETING
March 20, 2019 - Wednesday - 9:00 AM

Speaker: Mr. Clayton Frech
Founder and CEO of Angel City Sports
Mr. Clayton Frech is the founder and CEO Angel City Sports, a Los Angeles based charitable organization dedicated to providing opportunities and training to children and young adults competing in adaptive and Para-Olympic sports. The organization was established during the summer of 2013, as a result of difficulties Mr. Frech and his wife experienced while traveling with their young son Ezra to compete at an adaptive sports meet in the Midwest.

Although competitive games for children and young adults with disabilities existed nation-wide at that time, there were no formal organizations in Southern California, which meant that participants and families often traveled large distances, incurring significant expenses and stress. 

In late 2014, Angel City Sports partnered with UCLA Recreation, and under the banner of Angel City Games, Mr. Frech began a formal and competitive program for youth and young adults with physical disabilities. The first games was a hugely successful 2-day event in June, 2015, consisting of over 1,300 participants, and supported by Hollywood stars, professional athletes, and media coverage. 

As a result, the Angel City Games has been able to expand to a 4-day event, while the organization continues to address the challenges and disadvantages that individuals with physical handicaps endure when competing in Para-Olympic and adaptive sports. Angel City Sports provides year-round training and support to Southern California youth and young adults in sports such as Archery, Swimming, Wheelchair Tennis, Track & Field, and Wheelchair Basketball. 
The cost of breakfast is $15 for members. It is free for first-time guests and prospective members. 
MEN'S INTEREST GROUPS
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
NETHERCUTT COLLECTION AND MUSEUM

TRIP TO BE RESCJHEDULED FOR sPRING 2019 DUE TO MUSUEM RENOVATION
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
  • Life Experiences - Bernie Schiffer, 1-310-476-5077
  • 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 - Marty Jaffee, 1-323-653-409
  • Sporting Events & Viewings - John Harris, 1-323-650-0664
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
BRANDEIS STEERING COMMITTEE convened on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at Factor's Deli. There were 15 members present, 6 excused absences, and 1 guest.
 
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Louis Bernstein at 9:15am. A warm welcome and special recognition was extended to long time member Irv Kierman, rejoining the committee following an extended absence.
 
The minutes of the December 26, 2018, Steering Committee meeting were submitted by Secretary John Harris and approved as presented. President Stanley Epstein arrived to preside over the remainder of the meeting at 9:20 a.m.
 
TREASURER’S REPORT: Bernie Schneier reported that 79 members had paid dues for the current year. There were 29 members and one guest, Sheldon Ellis, who attended the January 16th breakfast meeting. There is a bank balance of $7909 in the treasury. Our rental for the room at the Culver City Veterans Memorial Auditorium will be reduced to $159 per month, and we have already paid through June of this year. Bernie reminded Steering Committee members that it is an obligation and responsibility of Committee members to contribute a minimum of $100 annually to Brandeis University. There are 12 members who have already paid, and 8 members who have not. It was further announced that long time member Abe Cohen had recently passed away.
 
DISCUSSION OF JANUARY MEETING: Rabbi Zack Shapiro from Culver City Temple Akiba was an excellent speaker. However, it was noted that many members immediately began leaving following the rabbi's presentation, and this was felt to be discourteous and disrespectful. It was suggested that Bob Bienenfeld stand at the door to remind members when the business portion of the meeting was still in session.
 
FUTURE SPEAKERS: Chairman Bernie Schiffer reported plans for future guest speakers:
             
      February 20, 2019---CPA and Tax Expert Stan Weinberg, speaking on the new income tax laws.
      March 20, 2019---Actress/Movie/TV Casting Director Marla Garland (Note: The March speaker has been changed and now will be Mr. Clayton Frech, CEO of Angel City Sports).
      April 17, 2019---UCLA Neurobiology Professor Joshua Trachenberg.
      May 15, 2019---not currently scheduled.
      June 19, 2019---California State Senator Robert Hertzberg.
 
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: Chairman Marv Alperin is in the process of phoning every member to determine interest in joining a Special Interest Group. Based on the responses he receives, he will consider establishing new interest groups, such as a book group, movie group, tennis group, etc.

MEMBERSHIP: Randy Barnes has been receiving responses from persons who have seen articles and announcements about Brandeis Men’s group meetings in the Beverly Hills Courier newspaper. Public Relations Chairman Al Wilner has been responsible for regularly placing the ads and announcement in the local neighborhood newspapers.
 
NEWSLETTER: Randy Barnes reported that Allen Kwawer has fully recovered from his fall, and is now ready to resume responsibility for publishing the newsletter. We will send him articles about our interest group meetings, trips, and photos.
 
BRANDEIS WESTERN REGIONAL MEETING IN WOODLAND HILLS: Bernie Schifffer attended the meeting and reported than some organizations publish a yearly study guide, which lists all the interest and study groups, with the names of the group leaders and times and locations of the monthly meetings.
 
TRIPS: Chairman Myron Forst reported that despite rainy weather, 9 members visited the Griffith Park Observatory and Planetarium on January 17th, and it was a bona fide success. The scheduled trip to the amazing Nethercutt Automobile Museum in Sylmar was cancelled due to too few members signing up.
A future trip and lunch to Will Rogers Park in Pacific Palisades is being considered.
 
APPOINTMENTS: President Epstein announced the appointment of Steve Silvers to head the Fundraising Committee. He also appointed Arnie Geffner to lead the Sunshine Committee. 
 
NEW BUSINESS: After discussion concerning whether the group should hold membership breakfast meetings in the months of July and August, it was decided to continue our policy of not scheduling meetings during the summer months.
 
MEMBERS PRESENT: Marv Alperin, Randy Barnes, Louis Bernstein, Stanley Epstein, Myron Forst, Arnie Geffner, Philip Greenwald, John Harris, Irv Kierman, Mel Miller, Bernie Schiffer, Bernie Schneier, Steve Silvers, Stan Weinberg, and Al Wilner.
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)

February 27 - Learn CPR
March 27 - Chocolate Seder
April 11 (Thursday) - Authors; Celebrity Luncheon (save the date)
May 22 - Louis Bernstein, Opera Program
June 26 - Bagel Brunch and Installation for 2019-2020
July 24 - David Hunt Stafford – Dramatic Reading
August 11 (Sunday) - Theatre Forty - Theatre Party

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