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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 - March 2026:

 Join an Interest group and add new friends and learning opportunities to your life. The Conejo Valley /San Fernando Valley chapter has more than 70 groups.

Learning and making new friends at the same time is wonderful. Why not join one of the following interest groups our chapter offers and expand your horizons? You will be delighted you did.

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!!!

 INTERNATIONAL WINE CONNOISSEURS - Pairs – 3rd Sat every other month – 6 p.m.
Meet to explore wine regions around the world. Members are asked to sign up in pairs only. Each pair will be asked to bring a bottle of wine from the area (hosts will choose the region) at a price point of between $25-$40. Each pair will be asked to present their wine selection to the group. The hosts will provide a hearty appetizer large enough to share with the group, water and dessert.
Please contact: Alvira Klain - etty10@hotmail.com, is wine is your adventure - There is room for TWO people (one pair).

Pan:
Meets 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 the leader: Artheen Block - amanda177@aol.com

New Interest Groups in planning stage:

 Wisdom Of Growing Older - new group is forming!

Come join us once a month for a 90 minute lively coed discussion group. This group will be led by an experienced facilitator who happens to be one of our current members. Others in the group will have a chance to lead future discussions with topics of interest to them and the group. These topics can come from inspirational books along with real life lessons.

Some of the discussion topics that deal with successful aging will include:
Social interactions between peers and younger family members
Pursuit of Happiness
Embracing new-technology
Becoming Younger Next Year, both physically and mentally
Handling life changes such as retirement
Dealing with grief as part of life
Successful Conflict Resolution
Enhancing your Emotional Intelligence
Please contact: Alvira Klain etty10@hotmail.com to join this group!

NEW MOVIE GROUP in the planning stages meeting on Wednesdays, All interested parties contact Frona - email: kidzathart@aol.com



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
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.

 Pro-Fressors
This is a men's group that meets the 2nd Thursday of the month for lunch. Times vary depending on the location of the meeting. Contact Robert Tanowitz - robertandnancy2@verizon.net

Notable Women
This is a discussion group for women that meets the second Monday of the month at 10:00 to highlight a notable individual. Frona DeCovnick is the study group leader - kidzathart@aol.com

Current Chicks
Meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 10:30 in person. Please contact Frona DeCovnick for more information at - kidzathart@aol.com

World Affairs
This women's group meets the second Monday of the month in the San Fernando Valley at each other's homes from 10 to 12 for a lively discussion using "The Great Decisions Book". Some subjects that have been covered include issues that affect the world as well as the United States. Included are interactions with world leaders and their impact on Americans. Leadr: Linda Kavalsky - ibkartwear@gmail.com

Looking for something different?
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

We are on the town - come with us:
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

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

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

Like to read and discuss books?
Mystery Book Lovers
Meets the second Friday of the month in the San Fernando Valley. This group reads and discusses mystery books and thrillers. Contact Bobbe Tadelis - btadelis@sbcglobal.net

Book Thieves
This is a women's book club that meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 in people's homes. Books are fiction and are chosen by the group for discussion. Leader: Jackie Kantor - jkantor35@gmail.com

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)
Alvira Klain
New Groups Coordinator
etty10@hotmail.com
(click here to send email directly to Alvira)
CLICK HERE FOR COMPREHENSIVE LIST PORTFOLIO A-B-C-D of all our interest study groups so you can "shop around".

CLICK HERE FOR FULL Interest 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 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 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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 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