Brandeis Conejo Valley/San Fernando Valley Chapter - Interest Groups Update
ENGAGE YOUR MIND, YOUR BODY, YOUR HEART
Interest group leaders:
Have any new or interesting information, pictures or updates to share?
Please e-mail to Alvira
Study group news, updates and opportunities - September 2026:
Change is in the air, and our community is growing! This fall, we are blooming in new ways with the
launch of several freshly proposed groups tailored to your interests. As we transition into this beautiful
autumn season and prepare to celebrate the upcoming Jewish holidays, we invite you to reflect, renew,
and find your place in our expanding family.
Dive into our latest offerings below and discover new ways to connect, learn, and celebrate together!
The Conejo Valley /San Fernando Valley
chapter has more than 70 groups.
Do you have a passion you would like to share with others? Are you willing to give instructions
to start a beginners group?
We will help you form a group that reflects your personal interests.
Contact Alvira, Vice President for New Interest Groups
who will be more than happy to help facilitate the creation of a new group.
FOR MORE DETAILS - ALWAYS CHECK BACK THIS WEBSITE:
https://brandeisconejosfv.org
A complete list of Groups can be found on our website along with extensive general information.
(click here for study group grid)
For Ideas and places to visit - check those 2 links below:
LIST 1- with links to the website(click here for list of places to visit)
LIST 2 - places recommended(click here for list of places to visit)
At this time, groups are meeting in person, "Zooming", and a combination of both!
Brandeis Conejo Valley / San Fernando Valley Interest Groups
We invite YOU to join new groups that just formed!!!
Celebration! - new group is forming on Wednesday!
We are starting new group that will learn about holidays and different traditions to celebrate.
If you always wanted to learn how different ethnic groups celebrated Hanukkah or Rosh Hashana;
how they celebrate Tu B'Av (the Jewish Day of Love) or Tu-BiShvat in Israel and how deferent
Thanksgiving can be - join this group and find out!
Learning together and tasting traditional food can be lots of fun!!!
Please contact: Alvira Klain
etty10@hotmail.com
 New beginners canasta for MEN! YES, you hear correctly!
Men want to play!!!
We are putting together a casual, men's Canasta group and wanted to see if you are interested.
If you have never played, don’t worry—this is specifically for absolute beginners. We will teach Modern
American Canasta (the standard 4-player version).
***Why Canasta? High Strategy: It is a fast-paced game involving card counting, risk management, and bluffing.
Team Play: We play in pairs of two, which keeps the games highly competitive and social.
Low Pressure: It is an easy-going excuse to hang out, catch up, and have a few drinks.
Contact Alvira
at etty10@hotmail.com, if this is your game!!!
NEW GROUP - Creative Theater Circle is a relaxed, social arts group. It casual
play-reading, storytelling, and theater games with occasion visit to smaller theaters around town.
This initiative focuses on community connection, laughter, and personal expression in a low-pressure setting.
All interested parties contact Alvira
etty10@hotmail.com, if theater is your passion!
 WALK, STRETCH AND COFFEE
We meet 3rd Tuesday at 10 a.m. Walking group inviting more men and women to join. We walk in different neighborhoods and parks.
After about an hour of walking, we do 20 minutes stretch and go for coffee or an early lunch or just go on with our day.
The goal is to keep moving!! Contact Alvira Klain-- etty10@hotmail.com
 NEW GROUP JUST FORMED - POKER / Texas Holdem
Want to learn how to play? This is your chance! We are meeting 4th Monday at 4 p.m. and have couple of openings left!
Learn strategies and enjoy everyone company!
Please contact: Alvira Klain
etty10@hotmail.com
LEGAL PUZZLERS
This group might engage in a mock trial, discuss current cases or complex legal questions.
What a wonderful way to sharpen your logic skills!
If you are interested in this group please contact Alvira Klain at etty10@hotmail.com
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE INTEREST GROUPS LISTED DIRECTLY BELOW - CONTACT THE INTEREST GROUP VPs OR GROUP LEADERS
TO PARTICIPATE.
WITHOUT MAKING A COMMITMENT, FEEL FREE TO VISIT ANY STUDY GROUP TO SEE IF IT MEETS YOUR EXPECATIONS.
Discussion Groups:
Women in the Know
, A women's current event group, meets on the 2nd Tuesday at 1:00pm and has a couple of openings.
If you are interesting to earn new ideas and talk about: AI, POLITICS, BANKING, THE WORLD - JOIN US!
Contact Frona DeCovnick at kidzathart@aol.com and we will send you information for our next meeting in August 11th
World Affairs
This woman's group meets the 2nd Monday in the San Fernando Valley. Members have spirited and lively discussions on issues
such as the U.S. relationship with the European Union, the environment, human rights worldwide, China and NATO.
The group's leader is Linda Kavalsky
ibkartwear@gmail.com - please contact her to visit this group!
Explorers Groups:
Gadabouts - On The Town Couples - 3rd Sunday
Young at Heart and Ready to Explore? Join Our Gadabouts Couples Group!
Are you and your partner retired from work, but definitely not retired from life? We are group of fun-loving, adventure-seeking
couples who love getting out on the town and exploring new places. Whether it's discovering a hidden local gem, heading out for a day trip,
or trying something completely new, we believe the best adventures are shared.
If you are young at heart, love to travel, and want to meet fantastic new friends,
we'd love to have you join us for our next outing! Leader: Alvira and Israel: etty10@hotmail.com
Out and About
The women's Out and About group has a few openings. They meet the 4th Tuesday of the month, and stay primarily in the San Fernando Valley.
Please contact Penny: Pennyg935@gmail.com to get more information.
ACTING OUT
We are looking for both couples and singles to join. We go to see movies in theaters or via streaming,
and go to plays at local small theaters.
Please contact the leader: Judy Solish - jrsolish@gmail.com
Women on the Go
On the town group. Meets the fourth Wed of the month. Time varies depending on activity.
Annette Weingarte is the leader - afw12@gmail.com
The Adventurers
Couples on the town. Meets the last Saturday of the month for excursions and outings in Los Angeles and Southern Ventura.
For more information contact Marla Nikola at - marlanikola@gmail.com or Robert Biller at - LLOSA2@aol.com
Looking for something different?
POKER - yes, we do play! This new group meeting 4th Monday of the month at 4 p.m. at people houses. We learn how to play, specific language of the game, "POKET FACE" and then we play Texas Hold'em Poker! We are looking for 2-3 more people to join the fun.
Leader: Edward Sheiner - esheiner@sbcglobal.net
If you are interested, please contact Alvira - etty10@hotmail.com
WALK, STRETCH AND COFFEE
We meet 3rd Tuesday at 10 a.m. Walking group inviting more men and women to join. We walk in different neighborhoods and parks.
After about an hour of walking, we do 20 minutes stretch and go for coffee or an early lunch or just go on with our day.
The goal is to keep moving!! Contact Alvira Klain-- etty10@hotmail.com
Bits and Pieces
Meets the third Thursday of the month at 10:30 in homes or wherever there is an event.
This group has done many activities including a Native American Drum Circle, visited Guide Dogs of America,
Japanese Gardens, museums and Hindu Gardens. Contact Linda Beecher at - lindab105@gmail.com
Fun with Spanish
Spanish language group for beginners, intermediate, and advanced speakers. Meets the 2 and 4th Mondays of the month.
Check with the leader about times: Natalie Hall - nghall2000@aol.com
GADABOUTS 2
We are women of certain age, looking for more members. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information about the us, please
contact the leader:
Sally Pearlstein - pokeysal278@gmail.com
CLICK HERE FOR COMPREHENSIVE LIST PORTFOLIO A-B-C-D of all our interest groups so you can "shop around".
CLICK HERE FOR FULL Interest Group Schedule
 SOCIAL ACTION Focus
No Cost for these events, just your helping hands and a smile!
SOCIAL ACTION VP CONTACT:
Rosanne Lieban rosannelieban@gmail.com/a>
THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Contact us if this or any other on the Interest Group list interests you.
Also check out the web site on regular bases to see more of what is available.
and DO NOT FORGET to RSVP.
Just a quick reminder. All those checks you are making out for Interest Groups, don't forget to make them out to:
"Brandeis University".
And, by the way, don't forget to renew your membership by either mailing in your check to National or online
at BNC Annual Membership Dues
Contact for Tribute Cards:
Mary Berlin -
skenky@aol.com
Click here
to download TRUBUTE FORM and mail your order with your check to the address on the form.
Updates and Photos from various Interest Groups:
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"GadaboutsValley" MadHatter Tea Party (March 2026).
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"Let's Go" went to the Yoko Ono exhibit at The Broad.jpg(May 2026).
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Gadabouts Couples visiting Malibu Hindu Temple (April 2026).
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Our "Bits N Pieces" study group went on
a field trip to Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in Simi Valley.
Our Guide, Karen, was very informative. It was a positive experience.
(October 2025)
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"Bits N Pieces" took a trip to the
Native Spirit Lodge in Woodland Hills to partake in a Drum Circle (December 2026).
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Men On-the-Town visit The Rose Bowl.
"It was a good time visiting the Rose Bowl today. We had a wonderful tour guide,
and just like so many Rose Bowl games, we had PERFECT Southern California weather."
says their leader Kenneth E. Wolf (February 26)
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Walk, Talk and Coffee Walk, Talk and Coffee - Tuesday morning walking group on the walk at
the beautiful lake, enjoying local flora and fauna(November 2025)
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Art Enthusiasts learned how to make beautiful flower arrangements, learned
about Tu-BiShvat and enjoyed potluck lunch (February 2026).
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"Gadabouts" at Sun Perdo Harbor
(July 2025)
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The first Tuesday Let's Go Group
at Mel's Diner for
lunch after visiting
the Hollywood Museum (August 2025)
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Art Enthusiasts exploring beautiful
architecture of LA Central Library,
downtown Los Angeles
(October 2025)
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"Gadabouts"
visiting
Griffith Observatory
(March 2025)
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"Art Enthusiasts" creating silk paiting scarfs
(April 2025)
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"Bits and Pieces" Study Group had a tour of
Gardens of the World in Westlake (June 2025)
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"Art Enthusiasts" - art on the town study group,
visiting
Weisman Art Foundation
(December 2024)
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"Divas2" visiting MONA - Museum of Neon Art
where we had glass tube bending demonstration
(March 2025)
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"Art Enthusiasts" - Marion Davis Guest House and
"Refractions" Contemporary Indigenous
Art gallery
(November 2024)
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"Divas2" - On the town study group, visiting
Oxnard Weather Center (October 2024)
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"Gadabouts" - couples group,
Visiting Museum of Tolerance (September 2024)
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"Gadabouts" - couples on the town study group,
Celebration Sukkot at Brandeis members house
(October 2024) |
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"Let's Go" study group, visiting
Watt's Towers in LA - what an extraordinary place to visit, we all were truly amazed by the creative talent of one man, Simon Rodia.
The towers are 80+ yrs old (July 2024)
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"Fun Seekers go Hollywood" at the
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour - September 2024.
StudyGroup/Lets Go
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"Let's Go" group at the
Burbank Historical Society - May 2024.
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Divas2 visiting The Dudley House, completed in 1892 by renowned local architect Selwyn Shaw, is one of the last pioneer
farmhouses within the city limits of Ventura - July 2024
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Gadabauts Couples on the Town in Ventura County Meseum - March 2024.
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Our Study Group "Acting Out" had an Academy Award Party. They had their picture taken on
the RED CARPET. Then they filled out a ballot.
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Divas2 visiting Simi Valley Police department - January 2024
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Divas2 on the town grop at Max Factor museum July, 2023.
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The Let's Go study group at "Operation Gratitude", volunteering our time to stuff bears for
the children of deployed Military Service personnel.
Co-President, Penny Greenblatt was stuffing bears also! (January 2024)
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Divas2 HAMMER MUSEUM
Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living - October 2023
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Fun Seekers - on the town study group
visiting the Realization Center on June 4, 2023.
Gentlemen in orange was the monk that was showing us around.
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Men On The Town visiting the Joel McCrena Rance on June, 2023.
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Thank you
GROUP LEADERS for everything you do!
ICE-CREAM SOCIAL - October 2022
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MenOnTheTown
at "Guide Dogs of America" in Sylmar today followed by lunch at the Bear Pit.
Everyone was impressed by this facility and the fantastic work that they do.
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LETS GO - Dodger Stadium - 2023
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Let's Go On The Town study group
enjoying a perfect August day in Malibu at the Getty Villa.Lunch after our tour at Ollo - Malibu.
Sunshine, blue skies - a fabulous group of women and our Co-President - Penny Greenblatt.
Fun fun fun!!
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DIVAS2 - 1st outing
San Antonio Winery - 2023
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On the Town Couples - "Gadabauts"
Camarillo Air Museum
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On the Town - Couples - "Gadabauts"
Operation Air Force! CFA - February 2023
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