MCA heads for the great outdoors

By Jeff Margolis

The Men’s Cultural Alliance of Greater Naples (MCA) is pleased to announce a whole host of new outdoor events for those who want to get away from Zoom for a while. These special events are in addition to the regular outdoor activities that have been continuing throughout the season (kayaking, biking, birding, etc.). Registration for all events may be made through the MCA Wild Apricot portal. All major credit cards are accepted. Here are a few of the upcoming events.

Airboat rides

Feel like an airboat ride? You won’t want to miss a trip on Capt. Jack’s airboat on Thursday, March 10, 8:30 a.m. in Everglades City. The cost of the boat tour is $47.45 per person. Members will have lunch at the historic Everglades Rod and Gun Club. Cost of lunch is not included in the tour price and the restaurant only accepts cash. For more information, please contact Jeff Morgenstern at jeffhmorg1@gmaiL.com.

Championship rodeo

For the cowboys in the group, members are invited to the 95th annual Arcadia Championship Rodeo on Sunday, March 13 at 1 p.m. The event is to be held at the Mosaic Arena in Arcadia.

The cost of this program, which is limited to 20 participants, is $45.

Eco-tour of Babcock Ranch

On Wednesday, March 16, join fellow MCA members for an ECO-Tour of Babcock Ranch.

This bus tour will explore some of the natural wonders of the over 70,000 acres of undeveloped land. The cost of the tour is $40 and includes a buffet barbecue lunch (hot dogs, burgers, chicken and sides). Travel to the ranch is on your own, so carpooling is recommended. The tour begins at 10:15 a.m. and spaces are limited.

Play ball (we hope)

As has become our custom, MCA has scheduled trips to two spring training games. However, as of press time, the labor dispute between Major League Baseball and the Players Association has not been resolved. Therefore, at this time, we are soliciting interest, not actual ticket purchases.

On March 6, the Minnesota Twins will take on the New York Yankees at Hammond Stadium at 1 p.m. Ticket prices have not yet been established.

On March 8, the Boston Red Sox will play the Pittsburgh Pirates, 1 p.m. at Jet Blue Park.

The ticket cost is $31. Parking is $10. Carpooling is recommended.

Ongoing MCA activities

All indoor events and activities are being offered via Zoom only until further notice from the Federation.

MCA’s popular documentary film program offers an outstanding film this month. “The Windermere Children” is based on a true story of Jewish refugee children taken to England during the Holocaust. The film will be available for screening on March 1. Please check the e-blast for information about the post-film discussion.

The Medical Discussion Group will present a program on Thursday, March 24. This month’s topic, presented by Chuck Siegel and Mel Kaplan, will be “Common Medications and not Uncommon Side Effects.” Radiologist Larry Goodman will also discuss “Stumpers and Surprises in Radiology.” For more information, contact Mel Kaplan, M.D. at jenmelkap@gmail.com.

The Science Discussion group will meet on Tuesday, March 8 at 1 p.m. The topic for this month is “Carbon: From Soot to High Tech to Life.”

On Wednesday, March 9, the Lifestyle Health discussion group will hold its monthly meeting with the topic, “How to Improve Mental Faculties.”

On Thursday, March 10 at 2 p.m., the MCA Book discussion group will discuss Richard Wagames book, “Indian Horse.” The book chronicles the life of an Indigenous Canadian young man who develops a passion for ice hockey. For more information, please contact Program Chair Stan Farb at stan4mignon@earthlink.net.

The Financial Health group will present a program on Friday, March 11 at 9:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Dr. Jaclyn Faffer, who will provide information about the programs and services offered by the Naples Senior Center.

A note about the Sweethearts Dance

The Sixth Annual MCA Sweethearts Dance is still tentatively scheduled for Sunday evening, March 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost is $170 per couple and includes an excellent dinner and dancing to a live band. If you have previously registered, please check your email for more specifi c details. If you wish to register, please do so through the Wild Apricot portal.

MCA wishes all its members a Happy Purim. There are 3 Ways to