August 2020 e-Mail Edition
Our Website: www.bncla.org 

Our e-Mail: labrandeismensgroup@gmail.com
AUGUST 19th ZOOM GENERAL MEETING
General Meeting via ZOOM

Wednesday, August 19, 2020
9:30am - 11:30am

Here's the Link to Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 9297136474
Password: 037932

Guest Speaker: Dr. Greg Tranah
  • Executive Director of Precision Medicine at Sutter Health.
  • Scientific Director of California Pacific
Medical Center Research Institute.
  • Adjunct Professor, Department of
Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Univ. of California, San Francisco.

Topic: Aging - Where is the Magic Pill?

Dr. Tranah directs the Precision Medicine Center at Sutter Health, which is focused on the discovery of genomic predictors of disease progression and treatment. He has built a 100,000 patient bio-bank representing several disease areas, and is developing a research program to integrate electronic health records with genomic data in order to transform clinical practice and improve patient health and functioning.

In his role as Director of Precision Medicine, Dr. Tranah oversees next-generation sequencing of primary tumors, tumor cell lines, circulating tumor DNA, and patient-derived tissues to identify genomic predictors of treatment response. 
JULY 22nd ZOOM GENERAL MEETING


















Speaker: LA City Councilman David Ryu
Topic: Homelessness in L.A.

The LABMG continued to stay active despite the limitations due to the Covid-19 virus, and for the month of July our ZOOM general meeting invited LA City Council Member (District Four) Mr. David Ryu. He spoke at length discussing and commenting on the difficult issue of homelessness in Los Angeles, and what solutions are being debated to combat this serious problem.
JULY 10th ZOOM GENERAL MEETING
The LABMG reached a unique milestone on July
10th,when it hosted a national webinair attended by Brandeis National Committee members from coast to coast.

BMG President Louis Bernstein got the meeting rolling by first introducing the Brandeis University National Coordinator, Beth Bernstein. The floor was then opened to various members to discuss how each was coping with the restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Participants included BNC members from Los Angeles; Canejo Valley; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Sarasota, Florida.
JUNE 17th ZOOM GENERAL MEETING
Host Speaker and Facilitator: Ian Schiffer

The very first LA Brandeis Men's Group (LABMG) General Meeting using ZOOM occurred on June 17th, and was hosted by Mr. Ian Schiffer in association with NuRoots, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of LA.

Mr. Schiffer invited the approximately 26 participants to introduce themselves, and then organized everyone into smaller ZOOM groups which subsequently met to discuss generational issues and concerns.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP ACTIVITIES
HISTORY SIG

The History SIG is hosted by Arnie Geffner. These meetings occur on the last Tuesday of each month and consist of a video presentation followed by lively discussion and commentary. Arnie is currently investigating the possibility of conducting meetings via ZOOM. For more information, check with Arnie at 1-310-839-3235, or email arniegeff@aol.com 
CURRENT EVENTS GROUP #1 SIG (ZOOM)

The Current Events Group #1 meets via ZOOM at 10:00am, on the third Tuesday of each month. Discussion is moderated by SIG chairman Louis Bernstein. For additional information please contact Louis at phone 1-310-275-7736, or email louislaw@aol.com.
LEGAL SIG

The Legal SIG normally meets at 1:00 pm on the fourth Thursday of each month at the residence of Marvin Alperin, but is currently in recess. This very popular group moderated by Constitutional Law expert Harold Orchid presents notable legal cases for discussion and debate. Marvin is investigating the feasibility of having the SIG restarted via ZOOM. Members interested in joining the Legal SIG should contact SIG moderator Marvin Alperin at phone: 1-323-931-7172, or email: marvinalperin@gmail.com
CHESS SIG

Myron Forst and members of the Chess SIG have been meeting and playing chess via ZOOM. Members interested in joining this group are encouraged to contact Myron at 1-310-923-8996, or email at myronvending@yahoo.com.
MEN'S INTEREST GROUPS
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES 
The Brandeis Men's Group has many "Special Interest Groups" (SIG) which are either meeting via ZOOM, planning to meet via ZOOM, or anticipating an imminent return to normalcy. 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.
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
BRANDEIS MEN’S GROUP STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES
 
Wednesday July 29, 2020
 
1.  At 10:12 AM, the ZOOM meeting was called to order by President Louis Bernstein.

2.  Attendance.
Present: Louis Bernstein, John Harris, Stan Weinberg, Sheldon Ellis, Randy Barnes, Tony Borwick, Mel Miller, Bernie Schneier, Jerry Weinstein, Murray Kornblitt, Al Dubin, Bernie Schiffer, Myron Forst, Harold Katzman, Arnie Geffner, and Phil Greenwald.
Absences: Howard Green, Richard Hirschkopf, Bernd Givon, Marv Alperin, and Gerry Sallus.

3.  New Steering Committee members Al Dubin, Murray Kornblit, and Harold Katzman (Brandeis University, Class of '61) introduced themselves.

4.  The Treasurer, Bernie Schneier, gave his report. In it, he suggested that per longstanding tradition $3,500 be remitted to Brandeis University. Upon motion, and by majority vote, this remittance was approved. The Treasurer’s Report was then unanimously approved.

5.  A discussion, led by Bernie Schiffer ensued concerning potential speakers at General Meetings. Councilman Mike Bonin was suggested as a possible choice. Harold Katzman offered to help contact other possible future speakers. No action was taken.

6.  Further discussion, led by President Bernstein, occurred concerning additional Special Interest Groups (SIG), including a sports-related SIG. No action was taken.

7.  The Telephone Committee, chaired by Stan Weinberg, was recognized for its efforts. Stan promised additional communications to our members about Brandeis University virtual programs.

8.  Discussion took place regarding payment of annual membership dues, and where to send them. It also was noted that Steering Committee members are required to pay annual $100 dues in addition to their annual $60 dues to the Brandeis National Committee (BNC), and annual $30 dues to the LA Brandeis Men's Group (BMG).No action was taken.

9.  Trips Committee Chairman Myron Forst reported on the disappointing lack of attendance and member support for previous trips. This matter was discussed at length. No action was taken.

10. No New Business, no Old Business, no Good and Welfare.

11. The President announced the next ZOOM meeting of the Steering Committee would be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

12. The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 AM.
Richard Harmetz (1931 - 2020)
The Los Angeles Brandeis Men's Group is sad to report the recent passing of our long-time friend and member, Richard Harmetz .

Richard was one of the original founders of the LABMG, and despite failing health he had continued to contribute both in spirit and presence. He is fondly remembered for his many contributions over the years, especially the time he rented a cinema house in El Segundo. This was during the Xmas holidays, and Richard surmised that BMG members would be willing to bring their grandchildren to see the movies. He was correct in a big way, and BMG collected around $1000 as a result of his insight! For many years, Richard also regularly hosted a large group of members and wives at an Asian restaurant.

A card of condolence has been sent to his wife of almost 61 years, Aljean Harmetz.
BNC - WOMEN
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE (BNC) 

Greetings from Brandeis National Committee - LA Chapter! 

August General Meeting

Date: Thursday, August 27th starting @ 10:00am.

Meeting Location: Brandeis Zoom Virtual link to follow prior to meeting.

Fighting Hate for Good :  Special presentation for seniors to understand our changing world. Don’t miss this important topic!

Guest speaker:  Jennifer Hannon, ADL Los Angeles, Regional Board Member.
 
Anti-Defamation League is a leading anti-hate organization that was founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry. Today, ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur and continues to fight all forms of hate. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate.

BNC members - We sincerely hope you are doing well. Is there any thing you need help with? Call one of us. We are here for you.
 
BNC LA Chapter is planning to set up a few of our Study Groups on ZOOM. Book Clubs and Current Events are two that would work that way.  Also Brandeis has many interesting lectures, classes, etc., on line. A great way to stay connected and stay safe.
 
As our 2020 - 2021 fiscal year has begun, we ask that you renew your BNC membership, either on-line or via US mail. Please send your renewal check in the amount of $60 to BNC, 415 South Street, MS126, Waltham, MA 02453.
 
Looking forward to the day we can get together face-to-face. Or call if you need anything or just want to talk.
 
Sincerely,
 
 Phyllis Rosenthal      310-915-5122
 Joan Satt                   310-871-6963
 Ruth Rose          323-651-1833
WOMEN GENERAL MEETING CALENDAR 2020
(subject to change)
 
Following a return to pre-Covid19 normalcy, the BNC women will meet on the 4th Thursday of each month, 10:30am, in the Annex room of Temple Akiba in Culver City. Contact Ruth Rose, 1-323-651-1833.

2020 Events
(subject to change)

August 27 (Thursday) - ZOOM General Meeting. 10:00am.
September 24 (Thursday) - Women's League of Voters review Election Propositions.
October 22 (Thursday) - To Be Determined.
November 3 (Tuesday) - Get Out and Vote!
November 22 (Sunday) - To be Determined.
December 17 (Thursday) - Holiday Party.
BNC Mission – The Brandeis National Committee is dedicated to providing philanthropic support tp 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, Non-sectarianism, and Service to the Community. 
**JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND**
DUES...DUES...DUES...DUES...DUES...DUES
2020 - 2021
All members are reminded that in order to belong to the Los Angeles Brandeis Men's Group (BMG), one must first join the Brandeis National Committee (BNC). The Brandeis National Committee previously sent notices for the 2020 - 2021 annual dues.

BNC membership is July 1 - June 30 of each year. Membership dues can be paid either by writing a check made out to BNC for $60 (single) or $100 (couple) and sending to Treasurer Bernie Schneier (address below in BMG section), by forwarding the BNC check to Brandeis University (at their below address), or by going online (link is below).
 
Brandeis University
MS122
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone 1-781-736-7767
The quickest way to renew BNC membership is by going online:
 
Annual dues in the amount of $30 are also expected for Los Angeles Brandeis Men's Group (BMG) members. If there are any questions please contact Treasurer Bernie Schneier. If you haven't paid yet, please remit a check made out to BMG for the sum of $30, and send to Bernie. 
 
Bernie Schneier
311 Bora Bora Way, #204
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
 
And for each SIG, the yearly amount is $10, paid to the appropriate SIG chairman!
 
Let's support our BMG and BNC by paying our annual dues!!!