I wonder if …

By Burt Blumkin, MCA Technology and MarCom Chair

Does one wonder what it would be like in Naples if there weren’t a Men’s Cultural Alliance? We have been told how hard it is to find and make new friends in Naples without MCA. How often do we appreciate what our world is like with MCA? I became a member of MCA in 2019. How did I find this great group of men? At High Holiday services, a couple started talking to us and asked if we were members of MCA and WCA. We hadn’t heard of them and started to investigate. I asked myself, who wants to join an all-male organization made up of older men. To my great surprise MCA is anything but an old men’s group.

We ended up joining all three organizations, Temple Shalom, MCA and WCA, as we made plans to spend more time in Naples. At first, it was one week here and three at home. Then, it became two and two, followed by three and one. Eventually, we made Naples our primary residence and decided to be full-time residents in the future.

The more time I spent here, the more I relied on MCA for fun and the friendships I’ve made through activities, entertainment and education. Beginning its 13th season, MCA is now approaching 900 active members who participate in a variety of activities from monthly luncheons to recreational sports and educational groups while enjoying time with new friends.

There are speaker series, medical series and Canasta days, as well as tours of the EMT Call Center, Naples Airport, NCH Simulation Center and Collier County Special Operations Center. Additionally, we offer luncheons with speakers, a luxury car tour, behind-the-scenes tours of Naples Botanical Garden, Revs Institute for Automotive Research, and Monte Carlo Night, along with CPR training, kayaking, pickleball, science discussions, current events, book clubs, three different breakfast groups, and much more. The MCA has around 100 activities, many of which are recurring events.

Proposed activities and events are all brought to the MCA Board of Directors for approval and planning. The Board is made up of 13 volunteer members: Michael Sobol (president), Ira Kushner (membership), Spencer Forman (treasurer), Burt Blumkin (technology and marketing communications), Neil Chessin (programming), Terry Weiner (secretary), along with Les Nizin, Bruce Sherman, Max Weisberg, Jeff Morgenstern, and Max Deifik. Two new members have been appointed this year: Frank Muller and Brian Katz.

The Board actively seeks and welcomes new members and encourages their input in organizing new activities and participating in our exciting programs. Membership in the MCA makes each man an official member of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. All paid members of MCA are eligible to join any program; however, it is necessary to sign up for each program. Many groups are limited in the number of participants to allow each member the best possible experience. Men’s Cultural Alliance now runs events throughout the summer, with the number of offerings growing alongside the number of members in Naples year-round.

Then there is Glenn Perrin. Everyone knows this prolific event planner and manager. He drives a sizable group for special social activities, allowing members to meet, greet, make friends, and usually enjoy a great meal. Perrin also includes weekly special walks and bike rides.

In 2022, the MCA Board formed the MCA NextGen Group, with Board Member Richard Wajs driving the initiative to better serve those aged 65 and younger. The group’s social and sports activities include lunches and dinners (including those held jointly with the WCA NextGen Group), golf, tennis, sporting clays, biking and many others. We welcome new members!

Of course, all NextGen members can attend all MCA activities, but MCA members over 65 are not able to participate in NextGen activities. This subgroup caters to a younger demographic. Under the leadership of Max Deifik and his committee members — Bob Koppel, Jonathan Latsky, Richard Wajs, and Daryl Berg — the MCA Next Gen membership is approaching 100 men and growing.

Men’s Cultural Alliance, an affinity group of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, is run entirely by volunteers. We are non-partisan, non-sectarian, and welcome men of all faiths.

To join the MCA or MCA NextGen, contact Membership Chair Ira Kushner at kushnir121@gmail.com.