MCA unprecedented season marches on

By Jeff Margolis

It’s hard to believe that we are at the height of the Men’s Cultural Alliance (MCA) season, and I am sure that many of us are anxiously awaiting the time when we can safely gather together and participate in the myriad of activities the organization has to offer. The following are some highlights of March programming.

Members will not want to miss this month’s offering of the documentary film program. Steve Brazina and his committee are pleased to present “Holy Silence” on Tuesday, March 2. This film examines the actions (or inactions) of The Vatican under Pope Pius XII and the Church’s response to Nazism and the Holocaust. A Zoom discussion will follow the film. Registration is required and all films this season are being streamed to members.

MCA member Jim Sernovitz continues his global odyssey on Tuesday, March 2 at 2:30 p.m. with a visit to Borneo. Jim’s programs are quite popular, so be sure to register early.

Our Conversation Series continues on Wednesday, March 3 with the CEO and president of Artis—Naples. Join in the discussion with Kathleen Van Bergen and learn about future programming in store for Naples’ premier concert and theatrical venue.

Noted professor and academic, Terry Weiner, Ph.D., is the featured speaker on Tuesday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m., as part of the MCA’S monthly lecture series. With a Ph.D. in political sociology from the University of North Carolina, Dr. Weiner’s topic will be “Capitalism, Socialism and the Future of Democracy.” Like all featured MCA activities, members are requested to make reservations by going to the website, www.MCAnaples.org.

Also scheduled for March 9 at 1 p.m., is the monthly get-together of the Science Group. Mark Albrecht will speak about “The Politics and Crime in Toxic Waste: An Historical Perspective.”

Well-known local attorney and NFL referee, Jim Rice, makes a return visit to MCA’s luncheon program on Thursday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m. Back by popular demand, Rice will discuss “A View from the Field.” Be sure to sign up for this popular program.

A program titled, “Medicare for All, Some or None – What the USA Can Learn from Other Nations,” is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and will be presented by Terry Weiner.

The second offering for the lecture series during the month is titled, “Marijuana – Weed, Work and Wreckage,” by Dr. Jerold Leiken. This program, which examines the medical toxicology issues of cannabis, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 23 at 10:30 a.m. Dr Leiken is a clinical professor of medicine at the Pritzker School of Medicine (University of Chicago) and professor of medicine and pharmacology at Rush Medical College.

Thinking about the future? Grab your calendar and check off November 11, 2021. That is the date our program chair has designated for the first luncheon meeting of next season. Hopefully, we will all be able to get together in person. More information about speakers, etc. will be forthcoming.

Ongoing programs

The weekly virtual MCA breakfasts continue in March at 9 a.m. on the following dates: March 4, 11, 18 and 25. It is recommended that members sign up for the entire series. BYOB (bring your own breakfast).

The MCA book discussion group continues its monthly programs on Thursday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m. Check the e-blast for more information and reading details.

Interested in finding out about your family history? MCA members are welcome to join the Jewish Genealogy Special Interest group. The next meeting is on Tuesday, March 9. Contact program chair, Arthur Sissman, for details at genresearch3@yahoo.com.

As a reminder, until it is safe for us to meet in person, all programs are being offered via Zoom. To register for any program, go to the link found on the weekly e-blast or check the website, www. MCAnaples.org.

Not an MCA member? You can still join this season. Dues are $90 and include membership in the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. For more information about MCA, its programs and activities, please contact MCA president, Les Nizin, at MCAnaplespresident@gmail.com.

Stay safe and get vaccinated.