Make 2022 a great year with MCA

By Je Margolis

Happy New Year. MCA is pleased to announce that in-person luncheons are back at the Audubon Country Club. The next luncheon will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13 at 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Andrew Dahl, MD. The program is titled “A Ritchie Boy and Much More” and chronicles the remarkable life of his relative, Gunter Oppenheim. The cost of the luncheon is $32. Reservations are required and may be made through the MCA website.

As we move into the heart of the MCA season, members should know that many of our indoor and outdoor programs are in full swing. Here are just a few activities for your consideration.

Jim Sernovitz’ engaging travelogue series continues on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Jim takes us to the Faces of China, exploring the great cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Just a reminder, you only have to register once to be able to view the program every month. If this is your fi rst travelogue, be sure to register.

The Israel Discussion Group will meet on Monday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. This program, led by Harvey Cohen and Collin Lewis, will be held in person at Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Those who wish to phone in should call 805706-5835. The group will be addressing current issues and events taking place in Israel. Please note that this event is not available on Zoom.

The MCA Birding group continues its get-togethers at sites around the county. The group’s next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. Contact Alan Gordon at agordon@comcast.net for location details and further information.

The January installment of the popular documentary film program continues on Jan. 4, with a showing of “A Crime on the Bayou.” This 2020 documentary film, produced by John Legend, follows a young teenager challenging the most powerful white supremacist in 1960s Louisiana. For registration information, please check the MCA website. Please note, that as of press time, it has not been determined whether this film will be presented at Temple Shalom or via Zoom.

January’s book club discussion will feature prize-winning novelist Dara Horn’s book, “People Love Dead Jews.” The program will take place on Thursday, Jan. 13 at 2:30 p.m. The program will be moderated by Barrett Burka. Please contact program leader Stan Farb at stan4mignon@earthlink.net to get information on whether the program will be in person, on Zoom or a hybrid.

The Health/Lifestyle group will hold its next meeting Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. Program leader, Dr. Jerry Kumin, will lead a discussion of treatments for diabetes.

In what has become an annual event, MCA members are invited to Hertz Arena to see our local hockey team, the Florida Everblades, take on cross-state rival, Jacksonville Icemen, on Wednesday evening, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be obtained by going to our special website, bladestix.com/MCA. Please note, if you are going as a group, order your tickets together so that you will be sure to sit together. Also, parking at the arena is $10, so carpooling is suggested.

Special program!

MCA is offering a free CPR training program on Wednesday, Jan. 5 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Fire Station 45, 1885 Veterans Park Drive in Naples. Program content includes:

• Scene safety

• Checking for responsiveness (breathing vs. not breathing)

• Remaining calm

• How/when to dial 911

• How to perform effective CPR for adults, children and infants: proper position, technique, depth and rate

• Introduction to AED

• Choking for adult & infant Registration is required. The program is open to spouses.

Save the date

The annual MCA Sweetheart Dance returns on Saturday, March 5 at the Vineyards Country Club in Naples. Look for more information on this sixth annual event in upcoming e-blasts.

MCA always welcomes new members. The cost of membership is $90 and includes membership in Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Applications are available at the website, www.MCAnaples.org.

For more information about membership and the many activities and events that MCA has to offer, feel free to contact Les Nizin, MCA president, at mcanaplespresident2021@gmail.com.