MCA has programs all year

By Brian Katz

Although many MCA members have headed north, the programming never stops! Many groups meet weekly, monthly or periodically May through October. Some events are live and some can be attended via Zoom. All groups welcome new members.

MCA held its annual spring golf outing in May. This year’s event was played at Pelican Sound Golf and River Club. The weather was perfect, and the team of Barry Weissman, Mike Levine, Peter Unrath and Brian Katz shot its way to first place. Spoiler alert: there may be another golf event this fall. Also in May, a summer BBQ was held on the patio of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

In June, there was a behind-the-scenes tour of Naples Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports for jet activity in the U.S. Originally built for built for training WWII pilots, the airport has become an essential part of our local economy and is now home to flight schools and public services.

Members toured the Judith and Marvin Herb Family Simulation Center at the NCH downtown campus. The state-of-the-art facility provides realistic training scenarios for physicians, medical residents, nurses, first responders and clinical staff to improve patient safety and outcomes. Members saw the fully equipped operating room, the computerized mannequin giving birth in the obstetrical suite, the realistic critically ill "patient" in the ICU, and more.

Colin Lewis and Allan Pilver lead an Israel Discussion Group. Each month, the group engages in an interesting, relevant, and often controversial, discussion. If you enjoy stimulating conversations about current issues with a group of critical thinkers, this may be for you. The MCA Book Group meets monthly (via Zoom only from May through October). The Intermediate Bridge Group, now in its 11th year, meets weekly. The Bocce Group meets twice a week through the fall.

MCA members also partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve homes for families in need. Volunteers can choose a job that maximizes their abilities and comfort level. This has proven to be a very popular volunteer activity among MCA membership, but more help is needed! For additional information, contact Howard Greenfeld at hbgreenfield@verizon.net.

MCA President Michael Sobol reported that 2023/2024 was a recordbreaking season with a remarkable increase in membership and new programs. MCA has programs for all age groups and interests. Contact Ira Kushnir (ikushnir11@gmail.com) for information on how to get involved. To join or renew your membership, check out our website www.MCAnaples.org.

The MCA Next Gen Group was formed in 2022 to provide activities, events and networking opportunities to MCA members ages 65 and younger. The Group’s social and sports activities include lunches and dinners, golf, tennis, biking, and many others. Please contact Max Deifik at maxdeifik@yahoo.com for more information.