Chase the winter blues away with the MCA

By Jeff Margolis

Although February is the shortest month of the year, there is no shortage of activities for MCA members. While all in-person events have been suspended due to COVID-19, members can choose from a vast variety of programs, lectures and films.

When programs are presented to our members, we really don’t know how any of them send a message to listeners or the subsequent impact. MCA member Ken Anchor noted that he found the recent documentary film, “My Dear Children,” compelling and personal. How many of us truly knew the terror of being victimized by a pogrom or other anti-Semitic screeds. Many of our families ended up in the U.S. or Canada to escape from the Holocaust.

Most Americans know of Dr. Ruth Westheimer as America’s preeminent sex-therapist. This month’s film, “Ask Dr. Ruth,” examines Westheimer’s life in Germany during the Holocaust. While she was sent on a Kindertransport to Switzerland, her parents were not so lucky. Westheimer made her way to Palestine, where she served in the Hagana. Screen the film to learn more. Those who sign up will be provided with a link to view the film with an option to participate in a post-film Zoom discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

The monthly Zoom (for now) luncheon will take place on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 11:30 a.m.

The topic of the program is “Truth or Consequences: Serving as an Expert Witness.” The presenter is fellow MCA member Dr. Avi Goldstein, a retired periodontist who has been an expert witness in over 100 cases involving dental malpractice.

Dr. Goldstein has had a distinguished career of over 40 years in both the U.S. and Canada. He was appointed as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at Yale University College of Medicine.

Remember, MCA members can register for this program and all MCA programs by going to the website and registering on Wild Apricot.

Here are our other upcoming activities:

Travelogue Series

The MCA monthly Travelogue Series with Jim Sernovitz continues on Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Jim’s topic this month will be Eastern Europe. These programs have been quite popular, so be sure to register early.

Medical Seminar

February’s Medical Seminar will take place on Thursday, Feb. 4 with two distinguished speakers. John D’ Amico will discuss “Physical Conditioning as We Age.” Dr. Larry Goodman will present a program titled, “X-Ray, CT, MRI and Interventional Procedures Demystified.”

Science Group

Our Science Group continues its Zoom programming on Tuesday, Feb. 9 with a presentation of “Twilight Zone Moments in the Failure of Material.” This program will be presented by Richard Hertzberg.

Jewish Genealogy

The Jewish Genealogy Special Interest Group meets monthly to assist members in tracing their family roots. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 9. For more information, please contact Arthur Sissman at genresearch13@yahoo.com.

Conversations program

The very popular “Conversations” program continues on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m., with a conversation with former Naples mayor Bill Barnett. Barnett spent 28 years in public service in Naples, serving 12 years in city council and 16 as mayor. Don’t miss this enlightening look into local Neapolitan politics.

Virtual breakfast

The MCA Virtual Breakfast group is a weekly Zoom get-together of members in an informal setting. The February dates are Thursday, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 9 a.m. Be sure to RSVP and bring your own coffee and danish.

Lecture program

MCA’S highly regarded lecture program continues this month on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The topic, “The Rosenberg Case,” will be presented by Neil Adelman. Remember, all events require registration.

It’s not too late to join or renew your MCA membership. Dues are $90 and include membership in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Please visit the website at www.MCAnaples.org. For more information about MCA, please contact Les Nizin, MCA president at MCAnaplespresident@gmail.com.