Brandeis Conejo Valley/San Fernando Valley Chapter - Interest Groups Update
ENGAGE YOUR MIND, YOUR BODY, YOUR HEART
Interest group leaders:
Have any new or interesting information, pictures or updates to share?
Please e-mail to Alvira
Study group news, updates and opportunities - February 2026:
Join an Interest group and add new friends and learning opportunities to your life. The Conejo Valley /San Fernando Valley
chapter has more than 70 groups.
Do you have a passion you would like to share with others? Are you willing to give instructions
to start a beginners group?
We will help you form a group that reflects your personal interests.
Contact Alvira, Vice President for New Study Groups
who will be more than happy to help facilitate the creation of a new group.
FOR MORE DETAILS - ALWAYS CHECK BACK THIS WEBSITE:
https://brandeisconejosfv.org
A complete list of Groups can be found on our website along with extensive general information.
(click here for study group grid)
For Ideas and places to visit - check those 2 links below:
LIST 1- with links to the website(click here for list of places to visit)
LIST 2 - places recommended(click here for list of places to visit)
At this time, groups are meeting in person, "Zooming", and a combination of both!
Brandeis Conejo Valley / San Fernando Valley Interest Groups
FEATURED INTEREST GROUP:
Book Thieves: Women– second Tuesday of the month - 10:00 am - members' homes
Exciting Women's book group. Members select books and then discuss. These fun,
interesting women need a few more lively minds to adventure into the magical world of books!
Leader: Jackie Kanter - Leader: Jackie Kanter - jkantor35@gmail.com
We invite YOU to join!!!
INTERNATIONAL WINE CONNOISSEURS - Pairs – 3rd Sat every other month – 6 p.m.
Meet to explore wine regions around the world. Members are asked to sign up in pairs only.
Each pair will be asked to bring a bottle of wine from the area (hosts will choose the region)
at a price point of between $25-$40. Each pair will be asked to present their wine selection to
the group. The hosts will provide a hearty appetizer large enough to share with the group,
water and dessert.
Please contact: Alvira Klain -
etty10@hotmail.com, is wine is your adventure - There is room for TWO people (one pair).
Pan:
Meets twice a month - 1st and 3rd Wednesday at El Torito in Woodland Hills and looking for 1 or 2 more players.
If you know a little about the game and would like to improve and have fun with friends, contact the
leader: Artheen Block - amanda177@aol.com
New Interest Groups in planning stage:
The Art Of Growing Older - new group is forming!
Come join us once a month for a 90 minute lively coed discussion group.
This group will be led by an experienced facilitator who happens to be one
of our current members. Others in the group will have a chance to lead future
discussions with topics of interest to them and the group. These topics can come
from inspirational books along with real life lessons.
Some of the discussion topics that deal with successful aging will include:
Social interactions between peers and younger family members
Pursuit of Happiness
Embracing new-technology
Becoming Younger Next Year, both physically and mentally
Handling life changes such as retirement
Dealing with grief as part of life
Successful Conflict Resolution
Enhancing your Emotional Intelligence
Please contact: Alvira Klain
etty10@hotmail.com to join this group!
 KNITWITS AND OTHER NEEDLES
Join knitters, "crocheters", "needlepointers", quilters and embroiderers of all levels to learn new skills,
work on projects and enjoy needle arts together. If you have ever used a needle of any type, we have room for you.
Bring your UFOs (Unfinished Objects) or WIPs (Works in Progress) and a bag lunch. We'll meet in each other's homes
to sit, stitch, schmooze and help each other complete our treasures. We look forward to your company.
Beginners welcome. We will have someone to teach as well.
Please contact: Alvira Klain -
etty10@hotmail.com, to be added to the list!!
 NEW MOVIE GROUP in the planning stages meeting on Wednesdays,
All interested parties contact
Frona - email: kidzathart@aol.com
 POKER / Texas Holdem
Want to learn how to play? This is your chance! We will meet in the evenings, after dinner for a friendly game.
Learn strategies and enjoy everyone company!
Please contact: Alvira Klain
etty10@hotmail.com
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE INTEREST GROUPS LISTED DIRECTLY BELOW - CONTACT THE INTEREST GROUP VPs TO PARTICIPATE.
WITHOUT MAKING A COMMITMENT, FEEL FREE TO VISIT ANY STUDY GROUP TO SEE IF IT MEETS YOUR EXPECATIONS.
For groups listed below, please contact each VP
(click here to send email directly to Penny) penny935@aol.com
Interest Groups with Available Space - Portfolio A:
*Contact: Penny Greenblatt: penny935@aol.com
Art and About: meets on the 4th Thursday of the month.
Women of Brandeis Group "Art & About" have traveled throughout LA and surrounding areas
to view and gain insight into the various mediums of Art, Architecture and Sculpture. Our meetings take
place on the 4th Thursday of each month. We've visited artists in their studios, seen
exciting gallery shows, toured local historical landmarks as well as attended outstanding Museum Exhibitions,
oftentimes guided by a knowledgeable docent.
We welcome new members who love Art and enjoy making new acquaintances with a common interest!!
Leader: Diane Levine - lfevents@aol.com
Weekenders: Couples On the Town - meets every 3rd Saturday.
This group is for couples
who can and LOVE to go around!
Gadobauts: Couples On the Town - meets every 3rd Sunday.
This is a couples group. Very adventurist group who like to
visit venues around Sothern California! Looking for 2 more couples to join the fun!
Trekkies: meeting - 3rd Thursday and looking for more members.
This is "A Men's On the Town" Group to travel around and to visiting stimulating venues together.
Sometimes we are joining with "A Women On-the-Town", so if you wife or partner already
having fun every 3rd Thursday - come and join us!!! Leader: Ron Mittelman.
Pan: meeting twice a month - 1st and 3rd Wednesday at El Torito in Woodland Hills and looking for 1 or 2 more players.
If you know a little about the game and would like to improve and have fun with friends, contact Penny.
Leader: Artheen Block - amanda177@aol.com
Walk, Talk and Coffee : meets every other Tuesday at 10 a.m.
New walking group inviting more men and women to join. We walk in different neighborhoods. After the walk, we go for
coffee or an early lunch or just go on with our day.The goal is to keep moving!!!
Our weather is perfect to enjoy morning walks on easy paved paths. We alternate between discovering neighborhoods
for walking to revisiting favorite walks in local parks. These 60-90 minutes will be a breeze as we "walk and talk."
The goal is to keep moving!!!
Please contact: Alvira Klain
etty10@hotmail.com to start walking, moving and enjoying fresh air.
(click here to send email directly to Rita Wolenik) bobreet@aol.com
Interest Groups with Available Space - Portfolio B:
*Contact: Rita Wolenik: bobreet@aol.com
Shabbatniks - meets third Friday of the month
Looking for a few new members. who are interested in going to dinner and then attending
services on Friday nights. Organized by each member who takes a month and chooses a restaurant
and temple to visit. This is an opportunity to explore a new Jewish community and celebrate the Shabbat.
Leader: Fredda Katz
Talmud and Current Events: Women's Discussion group led by Rabbi Lisa. Meets 1st Wednesday of the
month 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on zoom.
Rabbi Lisa prepares discussions around pertinent topics . She charges a small fee that is divided
up amongst the group. Currently discussions include what's happening in Israel and college campuses.
Time is spent relating current events to what the Talmud expresses on such events. Antisemitism is
not a new topic nor is relationships between other religions and ethnicities. This is a wonderful
opportunity to express opinions and share with like-minded individuals. Please join us for a free
session online before making the decision to become a group member.
Leader: Helene Gollub - HeleneGollub@gmail.com
Book Thieves: Exiting Women's book group that meets the second Tuesday of the month in homes at 10:00.
Members make books selections and discuss books. This group is looking for few more members to join the fun
and interesting ladies on the trip of adventure into the magical world of books! Leader: Jackie Kanter - jkantor35@gmail.com
Bits and Pieces: Meets the third Thursday of the month at 10:30.
Enjoy this potpourri of interesting discussions along with hands on activities.
Leader: Nancy Tanowitz - NancyTanowitz@yahoo.com
Literary Potpourri: 1st Tuesday 10:00 am - Women's Book Club is looking for more members!
(click here to send email directly to Frona DeCovnick) kidzathart@aol.com
Interest Groups with Available Space - Portfolio C:
*Contact: Frona DeCovnick: kidzathart@aol.com
Reel Men: meets at 4:00 on the first Tuesday needs 2 or 3 more men.
Breaking News meets at 11:30 on the 2nd Friday at Vincitore Restaurant in Agoura.
Needs one new member.
Films R Us Couples' group that meets the 3rd Sunday of the month at 7:00 p.m. They need one more couple.
CEMavens Men's group meets the 2nd Tuesday at 9:30 at the Chabad House in Westlake Village.
Two openings for men who like to discuss current events.
The Current Chicks, a current events group, which meets the 4th Wednesday of Month at 10:30 at
Novo Cafe in Westlake, has an opening for 2 more members.
Legal Eagles:Women's group meets the 2nd Thursday at 1:00 p.m. to discuss legal puzzles.
(click here to send email directly to Lynn Spatzer)
Interest Groups with Available Space - Portfolio D:
*Contact: Lynn Spatzer - lynnielen@verizon.net - (San Fernando valley)
I Love a Mystery – Mystery Book Club meets 2nd Friday of the month in San Fernando Valley. If you like
those type of books, please join us! We are looking for few more members who in
San Fernando Valley area.
Please contact our leader:
Bobbe Tadelis – btadelis@gmail.com
or contact Lynn and she will arange it.
World Affairs: Women's group meets 2nd Monday of each month in the SF Valley at members' houses
10-12 noon. These lively discussions use "The Great Decisions Book". Subjects range from issues that affect
the world as well the US and interactions with world leaders that effect all Americans.
A few more members needed for this wonderful, friendly discussion group.
Leader: Linda Kavalsky - lbkartwear@gmail.com
Spanish Circle: 1st and 3rd Monday at 11:30 - Spanish Discussion Group, conversational Spanish -
meetings in person at members' homes on a rotating basis. Spanish Circle has openings for people who
can speak beginning and intermediate Spanish.
ADVENTURERS:
ADVENTURERS: Couples group meets third Sunday of the month. This is an on-the-town social group for couples
with outings to museums, galleries, concerts, theaters and more. It is a wonderful way to meet new
friends and to share new experiences. Join now, before it fills up.
If this study group interests you please contact: Lynn Spatzer -
lynnielen@verizon.net
CLICK HERE FOR COMPREHENSIVE LIST PORTFOLIO A-B-C-D of all our interest study groups so you can "shop around".
CLICK HERE FOR FULL Interest Group Schedule
Social Justice Focus
No Cost for these events, just your helping hands and a smile!
Social Justice VP CONTACT:
Beth Doshay mspsy2kids@aol.com
THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Contact us if this or any other on the Interest Group list interests you.
Also check out the web site on regular bases to see more of what is available.
and DO NOT FORGET to RSVP.
Just a quick reminder. All those checks you are making out for Study Groups, don't forget to make them out to:
"Brandeis University".
And, by the way, don't forget to renew your membership by either mailing in your check to National or online
at BNC Annual Membership Dues
Contact for Tribute Cards:
Mary Berlin -
skenky@aol.com
Updates and Photos from various Study Groups:
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Our "Bits N Pieces" study group went on
a field trip to Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in Simi Valley.
Our Guide, Karen, was very informative. It was a positive experience.
(October 2025)
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"Bits N Pieces" took a trip to the
Native Spirit Lodge in Woodland Hills to partake in a Drum Circle (December 2026).
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Men On-the-Town visit The Rose Bowl.
"It was a good time visiting the Rose Bowl today. We had a wonderful tour guide,
and just like so many Rose Bowl games, we had PERFECT Southern California weather."
says their leader Kenneth E. Wolf (February 26)
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Walk, Talk and Coffee Walk, Talk and Coffee - Tuesday morning walking group on the walk at
the beautiful lake, enjoying local flora and fauna(November 2025)
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Art Enthusiasts learned how to make beautiful flower arrangements, learned
about Tu-BiShvat and enjoyed potluck lunch (February 2026).
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"Gadabouts" at Sun Perdo Harbor
(July 2025)
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The first Tuesday Let's Go Group
at Mel's Diner for
lunch after visiting
the Hollywood Museum (August 2025)
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Art Enthusiasts exploring beautiful
architecture of LA Central Library,
downtown Los Angeles
(October 2025)
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"Gadabouts"
visiting
Griffith Observatory
(March 2025)
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"Art Enthusiasts" creating silk paiting scarfs
(April 2025)
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"Bits and Pieces" Study Group had a tour of
Gardens of the World in Westlake (June 2025)
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"Art Enthusiasts" - art on the town study group,
visiting
Weisman Art Foundation
(December 2024)
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"Divas2" visiting MONA - Museum of Neon Art
where we had glass tube bending demonstration
(March 2025)
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"Art Enthusiasts" - Marion Davis Guest House and
"Refractions" Contemporary Indigenous
Art gallery
(November 2024)
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"Divas2" - On the town study group, visiting
Oxnard Weather Center (October 2024)
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"Gadabouts" - couples group,
Visiting Museum of Tolerance (September 2024)
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"Gadabouts" - couples on the town study group,
Celebration Sukkot at Brandeis members house
(October 2024) |
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"Let's Go" study group, visiting
Watt's Towers in LA - what an extraordinary place to visit, we all were truly amazed by the creative talent of one man, Simon Rodia.
The towers are 80+ yrs old (July 2024)
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"Fun Seekers go Hollywood" at the
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour - September 2024.
StudyGroup/Lets Go
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"Let's Go" group at the
Burbank Historical Society - May 2024.
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Divas2 visiting The Dudley House, completed in 1892 by renowned local architect Selwyn Shaw, is one of the last pioneer
farmhouses within the city limits of Ventura - July 2024
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Gadabauts Couples on the Town in Ventura County Meseum - March 2024.
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Our Study Group "Acting Out" had an Academy Award Party. They had their picture taken on
the RED CARPET. Then they filled out a ballot.
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Divas2 visiting Simi Valley Police department - January 2024
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Divas2 on the town grop at Max Factor museum July, 2023.
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The Let's Go study group at "Operation Gratitude", volunteering our time to stuff bears for
the children of deployed Military Service personnel.
Co-President, Penny Greenblatt was stuffing bears also! (January 2024)
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Divas2 HAMMER MUSEUM
Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living - October 2023
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Fun Seekers - on the town study group
visiting the Realization Center on June 4, 2023.
Gentlemen in orange was the monk that was showing us around.
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Men On The Town visiting the Joel McCrena Rance on June, 2023.
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Thank you
GROUP LEADERS for everything you do!
ICE-CREAM SOCIAL - October 2022
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MenOnTheTown
at "Guide Dogs of America" in Sylmar today followed by lunch at the Bear Pit.
Everyone was impressed by this facility and the fantastic work that they do.
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LETS GO - Dodger Stadium - 2023
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Let's Go On The Town study group
enjoying a perfect August day in Malibu at the Getty Villa.Lunch after our tour at Ollo - Malibu.
Sunshine, blue skies - a fabulous group of women and our Co-President - Penny Greenblatt.
Fun fun fun!!
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DIVAS2 - 1st outing
San Antonio Winery - 2023
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On the Town Couples - "Gadabauts"
Camarillo Air Museum
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On the Town - Couples - "Gadabauts"
Operation Air Force! CFA - February 2023
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