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Brandeis Conejo Valley/San Fernando Valley Chapter - Study Groups Update


Study 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 2025:


Summer has come to an end, and with the changing weather come some wonderful holidays!
It's the perfect time to join one of our engaging Study Groups - make new friends and have some fun along the way. Our Discussion and Games Groups are great for cozy indoor days, while our On The Town Groups are ideal for getting out, exploring new places, and learning something new.

Good times are waiting - contact one of the VPs and try something new today! FOR MORE DETAILS - ALWAYS CHECK OUR NEW AND UPDATED WEBSITE:
https://brandeisconejosfv.org


Share your ideas and thoughts, learn from others, and make strong, lasting friendships.

A complete list of Groups can be found on our website along with extensive general information.

(click here for study group grid)

(click here for list of places to visit)

At this time, groups are meeting in person, "Zooming", and a combination of both!


Brandeis Study Groups and Programs


FEATURED STUDY GROUP:

Art and About: meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month.
We, the women of Brandeis Group "Art & About" have traveled throughout LA and surrounding areas for years now, to view and gain insight into the various mediums of Art, Architecture and Sculpture. Our meetings take place on the 4th Thursday of each month. We've visited artists in their studios, seen exciting gallery shows, toured local historical landmarks as well as attended outstanding Museum Exhibitions, oftentimes guided by a knowledgeable docent. Lunch at a nearby restaurant is also part of our special time together.

We've had so many memorable experiences through the years and have become good friends! We welcome new members who love Art and enjoy making new acquaintances with a common interest! Leader: Diane Levine - lfevents@aol.com

If this study group interests you please contact: Penny Greenblatt penny935@aol.com

New Study Groups in planning stage:

INTERNATIONAL WINE CONNOISSEURS
Each get-together will be themed to explore various wine regions around the world. Members are asked to sign up in pairs only. Each pair will be asked to bring a bottle of the wine type/area of the month at a price point of between $25-$30 and a hearty appetizer large enough to share with the group. (It is dinner time.) Each pair will be asked to present their wine selection to the group. The hosts will provide paper goods, water and dessert. We will meet every 4th Saturday (every other month) in the evenings.
Please contact: Alvira Klain - etty10@hotmail.com, is wine is your adventure!

KNITWITS AND OTHER NEEDLESv Join knitters, "crocheters", "needlepointers", quilters and embroiderers of all levels to learn new skills, work on projects and enjoy needle arts together. If you have ever used a needle of any type, we have room for you. Bring your UFOs (Unfinished Objects) or WIPs (Works in Progress) and a bag lunch. We'll meet in each other's homes to sit, stitch, schmooze and help each other complete our treasures. We look forward to your company. Beginners welcome. We will have someone to teach as well.
Please contact: Alvira Klain - etty10@hotmail.com, to be added to the list!!

Photography group.
Go to various locations for photo shoots, review and critique each other's photos.
Can be for camera or phone photography.
Please contact: Penny Greenblatt - penny935@aol.com, if this is for you!

WALK, TALK AND COFFEE
Our weather is perfect to enjoy morning walks on easy paved paths. We alternate between discovering neighborhoods for walking to revisiting favorite walks in local parks. These 90 minutes will be a breeze as we "walk and talk." Those wanting to continue the conversation may linger over self-pay beverage and treat at a nearby spot. Please contact: Alvira Klain etty10@hotmail.com to start walking, moving and enjoying fresh air. This group is planning to be Tuesdays morning!!!

POKER / Texas Holdem
Want to learn how to play? This is your chance! We will meet in the evenings, after dinner for a friendly game. Learn strategies and enjoy everyone company!

Please contact: Alvira Klain etty10@hotmail.com

Adventurers:
An exciting new Study Group is forming! The group will meet every third Sunday of the month. This is an on-the-town social group for couples that will plan outings including visits to museums, galleries, concerts, theaters and more. It is a wonderful way to meet new friends and to share new experiences. Join now, before it fills up.
If this study group interests you please contact: Lynn Spatzer - lynnielen@verizon.net

French Conversation: French Conversation is a new Study Group meets first Monday of the month from 10:30-12:00. Leader: Judy Perlman. This is a group for people who want to learn to speak conversational French and for those who love to teach. Individuals who are interested may contact Lynn at lynnielen@verizon.net. Spaces are still available.


IMMEDIATE OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE STUDY GROUPS LISTED DIRECTLY BELOW - CONTACT THE STUDY GROUP VPs TO PARTICIPATE. WITHOUT MAKING A COMMITMENT, FEEL FREE TO VISIT ANY STUDY GROUP TO SEE IF IT MEETS YOUR EXPECATIONS.

For groups listed below, please contact each VP

(click here to send email directly to Penny) penny935@aol.com
Study Groups with Available Space - Portfolio A: *Contact: Penny Greenblatt: penny935@aol.com

Art and About: meets on the 4th Thursday of the month.
Women of Brandeis Group "Art & About" have traveled throughout LA and surrounding areas to view and gain insight into the various mediums of Art, Architecture and Sculpture. Our meetings take place on the 4th Thursday of each month. We've visited artists in their studios, seen exciting gallery shows, toured local historical landmarks as well as attended outstanding Museum Exhibitions, oftentimes guided by a knowledgeable docent.
We welcome new members who love Art and enjoy making new acquaintances with a common interest!!
Leader: Diane Levine - lfevents@aol.com
Weekenders: Couples On the Town - meets every 3rd Saturday.
This group is for couples who can and LOVE to go around!
Trekkies: meeting - 3rd Thursday and looking for more members. This is "A Men's On the Town" Group to travel around and to visiting stimulating venues together. Sometimes we are joining with "A Women On-the-Town", so if you wife or partner already having fun every 3rd Thursday - come and join us!!! Leader: Ron Mittelman.
Pan: meeting twice a month - 1st and 3rd Wednesday at El Torito in Woodland Hills and looking for 1 or 2 more players. If you know a little about the game and would like to improve and have fun with friends, contact Penny.
Leader: Artheen Block - amanda177@aol.com
The Advances in Science group currently has an opening. The only prerequisite for individuals is to have an interest in science. ASI meets bimonthly at Lure Fish House in Westlake Village. Each member is responsible for presenting a topic that relates to advancement in a scientific field. Examples of previously presented topics include: AI, Space Exploration, and Robotics Application in Agriculture, Fish Farming, and Phytoremediation.

(click here to send email directly to Rita Wolenik) bobreet@aol.com
Study Groups with Available Space - Portfolio B: *Contact: Rita Wolenik: bobreet@aol.com

Shabbatniks study group is looking for a few new members. It is open to anyone who is interested in going to dinner and then attending services on Friday nights. This group meets the third Friday of the month and is organized by each member taking a month and choosing a dinner site along with a temple to visit. This is an opportunity to explore a new Jewish community and celebrate the Shabbat.
Leader: Fredda Katz
Talmud and Current Events: Women's Discussion group led by Rabbi Lisa. Meets 1st Wednesday of the month 1:00 on zoom. Leader: Helene Gollub - HeleneGollub@gmail.com
Book Thieves: Exiting Women's book group that meets the second Tuesday of the month in homes at 10:30. Members make books selections and discuss books. This group is looking for few more members to join the fun and interesting ladies on the trip of adventure into the magical world of books! Leader: Jackie Kanter - jkantor35@gmail.com
Bits and Pieces: Meets the third Thursday of the month at 10:30. It is a potpourri of fun experiences:interesting discussions have taken place along with hands on activities. Leader: Nancy Tanowitz - NancyTanowitz@yahoo.com
Literary Potpourri: 1st Tuesday 10:00 am - Women's Book Club

(click here to send email directly to Frona DeCovnick) kidzathart@aol.com
Study Groups with Available Space - Portfolio C: *Contact: Frona DeCovnick: kidzathart@aol.com

Reel Men: meets at 4:00 on the first Tuesday needs 2 or 3 more men.
News Junkies: This is a men's current events group that has an opening for one new member. They meet the 4th Friday from 10:00 to 11:30, at Chabad, in Westlake.
Kindly refer all interested callers to the leader, Paul Fisher, at 310-871-5177.
Women in the Know: Women's Current Event group and much more - looking for a few more members for stimulating afternoon. Meetings every 2nd Tuesday 1:00 pm at members homes or the library.
Films R Us: meets the third Sunday of the month at 7:00 p.m needs another couple.
Hang 'Em All: meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 4:00 PM at members' homes. This is a legal puzzlers mixed group that offers a monthly discussion of a topical legal issue (and there are so many these days), chosen and presented by the host(s) for the month. No legal expertise needed just curious and inquiring minds. We meet on the 4th Thursday of the month at 4:00 PM at members' homes, which range from Moorpark through Thousand Oaks and Westlake/Agoura to Woodland Hills. We eat dinner after the meetings at a local restaurant for those who can do this.
CEMavens has two openings for men who like to discuss current events. They meet the 2nd Tuesday at 9:30 at the Chabad House in Westlake Village
The Current Chicks, a current events group, which meets the 4th Wednesday of Month at 10:30 at Novo Cafe in Westlake, has an opening for 2 more members.
Legal Eagles: is a legal puzzlers women's group that meets the 2nd Thursday at 1:00 p.m..

(click here to send email directly to Lynn Spatzer)
Study Groups with Available Space - Portfolio D: *Contact: Lynn Spatzer - lynnielen@verizon.net - (San Fernando valley)

World Affairs:
This women group meets 2nd Monday of each month in the SF Valley at each others homes from 10-12 noon, for a lively discussions using "The Great Decisions Book". Some of our subjects that we discuss are issues that effect the world as well the US. We talk about interactions with world leaders that effect all Americans. We would like to add few more women to our womderful, friendly discussion group.
Leader: Linda Kavalsky - lbkartwear@gmail.com
Spanish Circle: 1st and 3rd Monday at 11:30 - Spanish Discussion Group, conversational Spanish - meetings in person at members' homes on a rotating basis. Spanish Circle has openings for people who can speak beginning and intermediate Spanish.
French Conversation - learn, speak and discuss topics in French. This is a group for people who want to learn to speak conversational French.

PENNY GREENBLATT
Portfolio A

penny935@aol.com
(click here to send email directly to Penny)

RITA WOLENIK
Portfolio B

bobreet@aol.com
(click here to send email directly to RITA)

Frona DeCovnick
Portfolio C

kidzathart@aol.com
(click here to send email directly to Frona)

Lynn Spatzer
Portfolio D

lynnielen@verizon.net
(click here to send email directly to Lynn)

CLICK HERE FOR COMPREHENSIVE LIST PORTFOLIO A-B-C-D of study groups so you can "shop around".

CLICK HERE FOR FULL Study Group Schedule


Social Justice Focus

No Cost for these events, just your helping hands and a smile!

Social Justice VP CONTACT:

Beth Doshay mspsy2kids@aol.com



THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Contact us if this or any other on the Study 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.
We also feel that there are a few groups that really need defining:

"On the Town" groups go someplace exciting and interesting every month. That includes educational, recreational, dining, crafts, and charity excursions.

"Pot Pourri" groups are a combination of events. They include trips to places you will enjoy and discussion and demonstrations of interest.

"Life and Times" groups" discuss first a "woman of history" and then a topic of interest. These can range from what a first aid kit should include to an era in history.

"Lunch & Learn" group members enjoy a great lunch and a lecture from a person of interest arranged by the group's members.

Remember, if you have a question about any Study Group, contact the appropriate V.P.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just a quick reminder. All those checks you are making out for Study 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

Updates and Photos from various Study Groups:



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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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"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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Hot Mamma Mahjers Study Group2022

Game Study Group 2022

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On the Town - "Let's Go"
Operation Gratitude - Stuffing Bears for children!
A wonderful charity that provides bears for children of military personnel who are deployed, and they also provide lots of essential things for the military and homeless.
Leader, Rickey Harris rickey.f.harris@sbcglobal.net

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On the Town - "Let's Go" - Operation Gratitude - Stuffing Bears for children!
On the Town - "Let's Go" study group is volunteering their time to stuffed bears for the kids.
Group leader,
Rickey Harris rickey.f.harris@sbcglobal.net

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Funseekers
A Study Group to Pique Your Interest!
This is the Funseekers Study Group. In October 2022, we went to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. We had a terrific time. So much to see. We ended our day by going to Canters Deli for lunch.
Our fearless leader is
Howard Brown hmicbrn923@gmail.com

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Men On-the-Town - having a lot of fun! - July 2022
Good time had at the LA Auto Show by the Brandeis Conejo Valley Men On-the-Town
with our Fearless leader,
Kenneth E. Wolf 1oldlobo@gmail.com

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Let's Go
Our On the Town Group
Our On the Town Group - Let's Go - enjoying a beautiful day visiting Virginia Robinson's Garden in Beverly Hills on Nov. 1st.
Brunch at " Not Just Waffles" in Encino.
For more information please contact our leader,
Rickey Harris rickey.f.harris@sbcglobal.net