Presentation is via ZOOM

Wednesday

Here's the Link to Join this ZOOM Meeting:

Topic: "Crystals and the Search for Life!"

Dr. Celestian currently researches how minerals interact with their environments and with living things, and how those minerals can be used to solve problems like climate change, pollution, and disease. His on-going research in experimental design, real-time material characterization, mineral discovery & application, and the functionalization of minerals is developing novel nano-crystalline Earth materials into functional materials for a wide variety of demanding applications. 

Presentation was via ZOOM

Guest Speaker: Howard Slavin

The History SIG is hosted by Arnie Geffner. He is currently using ZOOM to discuss the topics of the Mongol Empire and great battles in history. This is a monthly ZOOM presentation that most recently met on a Friday, and consisted of a video presentation followed by discussion and commentary. For more information, check with Arnie at 1-310-839-3235, or email arniegeff@aol.com 

WESTSIDE WALKING GROUP

The Westside Walking Group doesn't need ZOOM to meet! In fact, all a member needs is a desire to get out and enjoy some fresh air and pandemic-safe camaraderie! The group is currently meeting in Santa Monica at 9:30am on Thursday of each week. These casual hikes begin near the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Marguerita Avenue in Palisades Park, and continue to the Fairmont-Miramar Hotel near Wilshire Boulevard where members stop for coffee, conversation, and (sometimes) pastries. Later, when everyone is ready, the walkers return to the starting point. The combined total distance is an easily doable 1.75 miles. For additional information please contact Gerry Sallus at phone 1-310-5592536, or email gsallus@twc.com.

The Current Events Group 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 at louislaw@aol.com.

The Legal SIG is currently in recess due to the Covid-19 pandemic and associated technical difficulties. Nonetheless, members interested in joining the Legal SIG can contact Marvin Alperin at phone: 1-323-931-7172, or email: marvinalperin@gmail.com

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.

1. At 10:00 AM, the Zoom meeting of the BMG Steering Committee (BSC) was called to order by President Louis Bernstein. A quorum was established.

2. Present were Marv Alperin, Randy Barnes, Louis Bernstein, Tony Borwick, Sheldon Ellis, Myron Forst, Arnold Geffner, Howard Green, Phil Greenwald, John Harris, Richard Hirschkoff, Murray Kornblit, Mel Miller, Bernie Schiffer, Bernie Schneier, Stan Weinberg, and Jerry Weinstein.

3. Absent were Al Dubin, Bernd Givon (excused), George Rothman, Gerry Sallus, and Bernie Schweitzer.

4. The Minutes of the September 24, 2020, BSC meeting were read and corrected.

5. Treasurer Bernie Schneier gave his report. It was also sent to each BSC member as three attachments to Bernie’s eMail message of October 27, 2020. President Louis asked Bernie to send out additional Unpaid Dues Statements. Bernie noted that all BSC members had paid both their Brandeis and BMG membership dues.

6. Instead of conducting Speakers' Committee business separately, the BSC acting as a Committee of the Whole, discussed potential speakers for General Meetings. A number of such speakers were identified and their prospective participations were reviewed. Additional sources, such as various organizations’ Speakers Bureaus were recommended.

7. President Louis commended the Telephone Committee chaired by Stan Weinberg. Stan remarked about some difficulties with contacting BMG members by telephone. President Louis asked Stan to have his committee reach out again to BMG members who have not paid their dues.

8. Chair Marv Alperin reported on the present status of some of the BNG Special Interest Groups. History, Legal, Movie and Trips Groups are not in session. Sports, Chess, Current Events, and Opera Groups are meeting via Zoom. Walking Group now meets at 9:30 AM on Thursdays. A potential Bridge Group was mentioned, and a general discussion of Special Interest Groups then ensued.

9. President Louis then brought up a new Membership Committee chaired by Myron Forst. Other members of that new committee are: Randy Barnes, Louis Bernstein, Tony Borwick, Sheldon Ellis, Arnie Geffner, Murray Kornblit, and Stan Weinberg.

10. New Business. Treasurer Bernie Schneier made a motion to establish permanent recognition and special status as Honorary BMG Members to Al Gomer and Irv Keirman. This is to acknowledge the efforts and support these men and others made when first establishing the Brandeis Mens Group. Very extensive discussion and proposed amendments to Bernie’s Motion occurred. The result of Bernie’s motion as amended, seconded, and passed are: Bob Bienenfeld, Al Gomer, and Irv Keirman are Honorary BMG members. BMG and Brandeis National Committee dues for Honorary Members are to be paid by BMG, and BMG Honorary Members have the same attendance and voting privileges as any other BMG member. President Louis instructed Secretary Sheldon Ellis to recognize the new Honorary Members in writing.

11. No Old Business.

12. The meeting was adjourned at 11:11 AM.

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. 

Following a return to its pre-pandemic schedule, the BNC women will meet on the 4th Thursday of each month, 10:00am, in the Annex room of Temple Akiba in Culver City. Contact Ruth Rose, 1-323-651-1833.

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).

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. 

And for each SIG, the yearly amount is $10, paid to the appropriate SIG chairman!