President: Gladys Simon Editor: Bonnie Clewans Layout/Graphics: Carolyn Sherris www.brandeisphoenix.com Brandeis Beat April, 2012 BNC Phoenix Invites you to the Spring Fling Afternoon Tea at The Ritz Fashion Show by Robert Black Installation of Officers Friday, April 27, 2012 Registration and Boutiques - 1:30 pm 2401 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016 Robert Black has earned the title of one of the “Top 10 Icons” of Fashion in the Valley. Join us for an unforgettable experience -- “A Brandeis Campus Stroll Down Memory Lane Fashions Past Through Present” Event Co-Chairs: Nancy Elkins, Pamela Fingerhut, Merle Klebanoff, Iris Wigal Afternoon Tea at The Ritz RSVP to [email protected]or call 480-361-9218. Credit card payment accepted or mail to Merle Klebanoff at: 20128 N. 97 th Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Name:____________________________________________________________________ Billing Address:_____________________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________Email:___________________________________ G Fashionista $50 G Couture $60 G Haute Couture $75 $5.00 additional charge for non-members I have enclosed a check made out to BNC $______________________________________ Please charge my: G MasterCard G Visa (check box) Card#_________________________________Expiration:______________Code:________ Program begins promptly at 2:00 pm. The Ritz requires a reply no later than April 20 th . Complimentary Valet Parking at The Ritz Proceeds to benefit BNC Phoenix Endowed Scholarship Fund
Afternoon Tea at The RitzRSVP to [email protected] or call 480-361-9218.Credit card payment accepted or mail to Merle Klebanoff at: 20128 N. 97th Place, Scottsdale,AZ 85255Name:____________________________________________________________________Billing Address:_____________________________________________________________Phone:___________________________Email:___________________________________
Program begins promptly at 2:00 pm. The Ritz requires a reply no later than April 20th.Complimentary Valet Parking at The Ritz
Proceeds to benefit BNC Phoenix Endowed Scholarship Fund
Photo by Harvey Simon
Mission StatementBrandeis National Committee is dedicated toproviding philanthropic support to BrandeisUniversity, a distinguished liberal arts and researchuniversity founded by the American Jewishcommunity. Its membership is connected to theUniversity through fund raising and throughactivities that reflect the values on which theUniversity was founded: academic excellence,social justice, nonsectarianism and service to thecommunity.
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 2
President’s MessageDear Members,
My two years as President of the BNC Phoenix Chapter are at an end, and I ampassing the mantle to two outstanding leaders, Lori Roth and Marcy Strauss,who will be your Co-Presidents. I thoroughly enjoyed being President of thisgreat chapter.We achieved the highest awards presented by BNC, the Chapter of the Yearand Star of the Western Region in 2011. We accomplished this because of thewonderful spirit, camaraderie and professionalism shown by the Phoenix chapterleaders. We continued to attract new members due to the enterprising effortsof Joyce Gordon, Kathleen Witkin and their team. Study groups are the heart ofour chapter, and under the tutelage of Sara Leopold and Merrill Kalman weadded such groups as Men of Brandeis and Girls’ Night Out. They increased thenumber of offerings and raised over $19,000 this past year alone.The events presented by Lori Roth and Pamela Fingerhut and their programmingteam were entertaining and innovative, such as the upcoming Spring Fling
Installation Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. The Book and Author Event is the premier literary program in the Valley,and co-chairs Sue Karp and Carol Kern in 2011, and then Merrill Kalman this year, made sure that we had the bestauthors. More members were Bookmarks and the attendance at the Book and Author reached over 600. Thefunds raised went to the Sustaining the Mind campaign.Our executive assistant Sue Adatto made sure that we received our needed supplies and that the chapter ransmoothly. Arlene Feldman and Joanie Bream took our minutes for our board meetings. Amy Richman and CarolBaine reminded our board of our meetings each month. I thank them all for their excellent assistance. Ourtreasurer, Phyllis Becker, was diligent in her work in keeping our books, and made sure that we were on budgetfor our activities. Thanks to Irene Lubin for keeping track of our membership.This chapter could not function at the high level that it does without the wise counsel of my advisors Iris Wigal,Carol Kern and Sue Karp. Sandy Itkowitz publicized our events in a myriad of new publications, and cleverlyworded our ads. The Boomers co-chairs, Ellen Kirschenbaum and Carol Baine, planned visits to interesting venuesfor us to enjoy. Thanks to Selma Ost for providing us with information about Brandeis. Bonnie Clewans editedan exceptional Brandeis Beat. Ronda Kottle and Marianne Silberman were a great help in our Scholarship andBook Fund endeavors.Personal thanks go to my husband Harvey, who had great patience and tolerance in standing behind me andencouraging me these past two years. I greatly appreciate your advice and support. To my immediate friends,you were a sounding board and comfort to me when I needed it. This chapter has an amazing aura, which comesfrom all our members, who work tirelessly together to make BNC Phoenix the best that there is, and I appreciateall the hard work that you contribute to make this happen.
Fondly,Gladys
Please remember to bring yournon-perishable food items to allBNC events to help the PVEmergency Food Bank.
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 3
BNC Phoenix Invites You To Join us for the Event of the Season
Afternoon Tea at The RitzFashion Show by Robert Black
Installation of Officers
Mark your calendars for Friday,
April 27th at 2:00 pm to be part ofan unforget tab le Brandeisexperience! Mention the nameRobert Black in the Valley and everyfashion-conscious woman hassomething wonderful to say. RobertBlack spent 26 years running theinternational modeling agencyFORD/Robert Black. Then in 2009Robert Black and his partnerDoreen Picerne, opened their
vintage boutique Fashion by
Robert Black in an historicdowntown Scottsdale building.Robert and Doreen are fashion experts whoaccording to Robert, "created this vintage boutiquethrough a shared love of history, preservation andbeauty."The store has everything from vintage everydaydresses to party dresses to gorgeous red carpet
attire - both fashions and accessories. Fashion by
Robert Black has been featured in numerouspublications, including Trends, AZ Republic, SoScottsdale, AZ - Lifestyle, Java, Paradise Valley1100, Jet Set, Fantastics Magazine, Eliza
Magazine and even Life + Dog withJordin Sparks as the model! Theirfashions have also been seen ondisplay and on the runway for theHea rd Museum, A r th r i t i sFoundation, Chic Boutique atTemple Soleil, Fashion Tea at theRitz Carlton, Arizona CostumeIns t i t u te , Fash ion GroupInternational, the Phoenix ArtMuseum and others. A specialshowing of Bob Mackie designswas provided by Robert and Doreenduring a Mitzi Gaynor musical. As ifthis is not enough, Robert is
featured several times a month on Channel 3
Your Life A-Z talking about vintage fashions. In arecent television interview, actress Busy Phillips ofthe show “Cougar Town” was seen in a dress that
she acquired at Fashion by Robert Black talkingabout her show and her love of vintage fashions!
Fashion by Robert Black believes in thepreservation of all things beautiful and carriesvintage clothes in pristine condition from the 1920'sthrough the 1980's. Join us for a premier fashionexperience!
Members-at-Large:Phyllis Becker, Toni Dusik, Nancy Elkins, Pamela Fingerhut, Helen Greenberg,Merrill Kalman, Ellen Kirschenbaum, Ronda Kottle, Susan Joffe, Sheila Landau,Judy Levine, Brina Pepper, Amy Richman, Joanie Snider, Jo Ellen Susman,Gail Tenn, Nan Waldman
Nominating committee Chair:Iris Wigal wishes to thank the following members of the nominating committee forall their dedicated work: Sue Adatto, Joyce Gordon, Carol Kern, Sue Karp, LoriRoth, and Marcy Strauss
Arizona AuthorsArizona AuthorsArizona AuthorsArizona AuthorsMonday April 16th 12:30 - 2:00 at the JCC
Meet author Beth KendrickBeth Kendrick writes women’s fiction about friendship andromance. Call it chick lit if you like, but her books are fun and
comedic, it’s April and we need to start thinking about our beach reading. She is the author of sevennovels. Her latest is The Bake-Off, which not only tells a story, but has some yummy recipes. Her newestnovel, The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service will be released in May.Beth Kendrick won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award for My Favorite Mistake. Shehas a Ph.D. in psychology and an unshakable devotion to the Chicago Cubs.
Phoenix, Scottsdale, N. Scottsdale and E. Valley Joyce Gordon - [email protected] . . . . . . . 480-970-1062 Kathleen Witkin - [email protected] 480-473-4825Valley West
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 5
Membership News
hhhh Mazel Tov to Lori and Steve Roth on the birth of their grandson, Declan Maccabbee Roth.
hhhh A speedy recovery to Joanie Small.
hhhh Happy Special Birthday to Margie Bold.
hhhh A speedy recovery to Sandy Weiss who recently had surgery.
hhhh Mazel Tov to Sheila Berkowitz and Janie Kuznitsky on the bat mitzvah of their granddaughter,Abrie Berkowitz.
hhhh Condolences to the family of Barbara Willens.
Welcome to our New MembersWelcome to our New MembersWelcome to our New MembersWelcome to our New MembersSusan Alpern, Jackie Rosenbloom, Barbara Silverman, Phyllis E. Stone, Renee Thaler
Spring 15 Month MembershipDo you have a non-Brandeis friend, neighbor or relative who would like to join our award-winningBrandeis Chapter, but feels that our activities will soon be winding down? Please spread the word aboutour Spring 15 Month Membership. By joining now at our regular dues rate, $60.00, new members canparticipate in our fantastic study groups for $5.00 per session, receive an e-blast when our Study GroupGuide is available this summer and take advantage of our early bird savings on study groups. As an extraperk, renewal of dues will not be due until June 30, 2013. What a deal! For additional information, pleasecontact: Joyce Gordon, 480-970-1062 / [email protected] or Kathleen Witkin, 480-473-4825 / [email protected]
The Membership Form is located on page 15.
Stay in the loop! Stay in the loop! Stay in the loop! Stay in the loop! To receive e-blasts about chapter events and postings on our website www.brandeisphoenix.com
make sure we have your current email address!
Notify Paula Eckstein, [email protected] to add or verify your email address
Please report life-cycle events to: Truda Chick 480-686-8747 [email protected]
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 6
DAY APR GROUP TIME STUDY GROUP NOTES FACILITATOR(S)
1st Monday 2 Mystery Book Group 1:00 Irene Mieszcanski [email protected] 480-314-0238
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 7
DAY APR GROUP TIME STUDY GROUP NOTES FACILITATOR(S)Friday 13 Boomers 9:00 Arts & Flowers® 2012
Tour the Phoenix Art Museum's8th annual Arts & Flowersexhibit; tour at 10:00 includedwith Museum admission, or freefor Museum Members.Meet at 9:00 AM at the carpoollocations: Barnes and Nobleon 90th & Shea, or Fry’s at º º
22 Boomers AM Boyce Thompson ArboretumTour the Arboretum at 11:00A.M., included with dailyadmission of $9.00 for adults.The grounds are located 55miles due east of Phoenix, nearSuperior. This Boomers eventis open to significant others,friends, children, or anyoneelse. º º º º º º
4th Thursday 26 Neighborhood Haunts 11:30 Sample different ethnicrestaurants. Each person isresponsible for her own meal. RSVP to the facilitator. CashOnly.
Joan SitverArlene FeldmanElaine WagnerJoanie SmallSharon GadlessEllen & David TuckmanJoanie SmallJoanie SmallDr. Lindsay KahnMatthew LevineJoanie SmallJoanie SmallSharon Gadless
Thank you for all your work on behalf of the Music GroupThank you for all your work on behalf of the Music GroupThank you for all your work on behalf of the Music GroupWishing you a speedy recoveryIn memory of your beloved motherIn honor of your daughter’s engagementBest wishes for a speedy recoveryBest wishes for a speedy recoveryIn honor of your engagementIn honor of your graduationBest wishes for your speedy recoveryBest wishes for your speedy recoveryIn memory of your beloved mother
Thank you to the following volunteers who have ensured thecontinued success of Brandeis Book and Author Events:
Susan SiegelGladys SimonKathy SimonJoan SitverMarcy StraussGail TennIris Wigal
Barbara ZemelMarilyn Zolondek
VOLUNTEERS: Carol Abrams, Sue Adatto, Linda Babb, Terry Bachenheimer, Eileen Baine, Judy Baletin, Laura Barton,Claire Becker, Sheila Berkowitz, Joanie Bream, Gayle Brezack, Bonnie Brozosky, Karen Bycer, Laurie Checkoway, PhyllisCitron, Janice Cohen, Sheila Cohen, Nancy Elkins, Pamela Fingerhut, Judy Frank, Bonnie Furst, Bruce Galin, Barbara Gold,Joyce Goldstein, Wendy Gralnek, Helen Greenberg, Anita Haenick, Ellen Kirschenbaum, Carol Knoppow, Ronda Kottle,Annette Kurland, Nancy Lash, Terry Lubar, Irene Lubin, Jane Marks, Mary Moore, Ruth Anne Myers, Ronni Nassberg, SelmaOst, Dena Pepper, Linda Perlman, Carolyn Perlow, Ann Pollack, Susan Rollins, Paula Ross, Susan Sacks, Ronee Siegel,Gladys Simon, Joanie Snider, Sandy Solomon, Jo Ellen Susman, Nan Waldman, Iris Wigal, Freya Winsberg
This list is current at the time of printing. We regret any omission.
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 10
Bookmark Donors
Thank you to all who have made our 22nd Book and Author Event
MaryJo ChristiansonPriscilla CohenSharon GadlessMelissa GulinsonPatti HelfandGloria Israel
Rhonda JacobsMerle KlebanoffCarol Knoppow
Sue KurnEsta MitchellIra Reiser
Gail RinebergShelah Z. RossAndrea Svetly
Special thanks to all our BookmarkDonors This list is current at
the time of printing.We regret any omissions.
BNC's 22nd Annual Book and Author Event 2012 was a wonderful andmemorable day! Attendees, shoppers, and vendors were unanimous in theirpositive reviews of the Boutiques. As one vendor so clearly expressed andmany other vendors echoed, Your organization is very impressive and yourmembers generous... It was great to see how loyal and eager attendees werewilling to shop for a cause! It was my best show ever and I thank you forinviting me to participate. It was a pleasure to write the check for 20%! Congratulations to you all! It is a tremendous task to put on such an event!We are most grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our vendors,volunteers, and customers! We appreciate the fabulous feedback and lookforward to Book and Author Boutiques 2013!
Boutique Co-Chairs, Brina, Daron & Sara
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 11
Thank you to our Silent Auction Donors
A Cool BreezeActive Body
David E. AdlerDavid & Sue Adatto
Appetizer StoreArizona Cardinals
Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Jewish Theatre Company
Arthur Murray Franchised Dance StudioASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
School of MusicLinda Babb
Myra BarovickBrady Gray Home
Canyon Falls Spa & SalonCask 63
Carolyne’sDC Ranch Village Health Club & Spa
Eagle Mountain Golf ClubE.D. Marshall Jewelers
Evans Furs and LeathersFemme De ParisPamela Fingerhut
Fox Restaurant ConceptsGainey Suites Hotel
Gainey Village Health Club & SpaGodiva
Brady GrayHolland Boone Home
Jewelry U CreateJJ’s Delicatessen
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & SpaCarol Kern
Carol KnoppowFreddie Lieberman
Local BistroMichka-Unique Trends
Moda FinaMoonbeams
MozartNambè
Norwood StudioNordstrom Spa
Ocean ClubOliver Smith Jeweler
Optical Shop of Aspen Sun BoutiqueVictor Ostrovsky
Pasta BrioniPhoenix Suns
Platella Silver BoutiqueQuan’tum Art, Inc.
Ritzy Rags & ShoesRolf’s
Roseblossom BeadsSaks Fifth Avenue
Cheri SaffroSchmitt JewelersShamrock Farms
Judy and Martin SolomonSt. John’sStarbucks
The Egg I AmThe Jewish Collection
The Look Wayne Stutzer
SubwaySylvia’s Designer’s Touch
Trader Joe’s21 Cakes
Ken & Dee Dee VecchioneVillage Tavern
Lynda & Lou WecksteinStuart Weitzman
Thank You to Our Vendor Partners
Body HeatDon Swanson Designs
Just Jane BoutiqueMonica Durazo Designs
Patchwork PigPlatella Silver Boutique
Read and Sing My NameRoberto MantellassiRoseblossom Beads
Stella & DotStudio Nicole
Sue Goldsand Fused Glass and DesignThe Vintage Jewel
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 12
The 22nd annual Book and Author Event was held onFebruary 27th and over 600 people enjoyed afabulous day of authors, book buying, bidding andshopping.We were honored to haveBrandeis University presidentFred Lawrence speak to usand he was quite inspiring.Our four authors were bright,articulate and extremelypersonable. There seemed tobe a theme reverberatingthroughout the day - amessage of hope, supportand spirituality that helps oneget through some of thedarkest moments in life. The secondary theme of the day seemed to be "shop‘til you drop." The boutiques were booming withcustomers, the silent auction was rocking and booksales were brisk.The table centerpieces were one-of-a-kind bookpurses made from hard cover books embellished
with buttons, stones and trim created by Lynette Cornwell and women were lined up to purchase theseas well.
There was aremembrance/interview read byMerrill Kalman for JeffreyZaslow who tragically died in acar accident two weeks beforehe was to appear. It was veryfitting that he was honored eventhough he could not participatein person and this was theperfect way to give him a voice.Sean McLaughlin, once again,seamlessly moved the dayforward with charm and wit. The day flowed smoothly, there
was a lot of energy in the room and the word fromattendees has been that this was one of the bestBook and Author Events. A great time was had by alland it’s time to start thinking about the 23rd annualevent in 2013!
Photos by Joel Zolondek
Brandeis University president Fred Lawrence Lynn & Larry Kahn hosted Bookmarks cocktail party
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 13
Enjoy the MemoriesEnjoy the MemoriesEnjoy the MemoriesEnjoy the MemoriesPhotos by Joel Zolondek
Vivian Ullman, Merrill Kalman, Lisa Niemi Swayze Lisa Niemi Swayze, Robert Dugoni Sean McLaughlin, Karen Bycer Dyan Cannon, Thrity Umrigar
Merrill Kalman, Sean McLaughlin Sue Karp, Merrill Kalman, Gladys Simon
Daron Barness, Carol Kern, Lorraine Sparrow
Toby Taylor at Book Sales Lori Roth, Susan Joffe at Silent Auction
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 14
All About BrandeisBits & Bites
Social Justice
Going Strong
at Brandeis
This month Brandeis studentsexplored volunteerism andadvocacy in-depth. Clubs andprofessors from around campuscame together to examine what"social justice" really means froma variety of perspectives, andcelebrated the ways Brandeiscontributes to make the worldbetter. The International Center forEthics, Justice and Public Life andthe Brandeis Student Unionpresented 'DEIS Impact, a weeklong festival that featured dozensof events addressing topics fromglobal health to climate change towomen's rights and ancient texts.
Grants Help
Student Research
Grants help student research gofrom lab to market thanks to seedmoney from Brandeis' VirtualIncubator Program. One group ofBrandeis students landed an officein Rhode Island, additional fundingto take their smartphone study aidto the next phase and some nicePR. Another group's ALS therapyis under license to a company forcommercial development. Fundedby the Provost's Office and theOffice of Technology Licensing,this new initiative is designed toencourage and supportentrepreneurial activity within theBrandeis community. The grants
are intended to help campusentrepreneurs launch theirresearch and ideas from the labto the market. Now in its secondyear, the program has drawn alot of interest across thesciences.
Traveling Abroad
to Expand
Brandeis Presence
University President FredLawrence, professors andadministrators are visiting Indiato explore collaborations in thesciences with leading Indianinstitutions and strengthen tieswith Brandeis' growing networkof Indian alumni and supporters.The mission aims to expand theuniversity's global reach,enhance the multiculturalcharacter of the student bodyand further engage the campuscommunity in the pursuit ofsocial justice. "Social justice andsustainable development areareas of endeavor in whichBrandeis is universallyrecognized, and activists inthese fields, including many ofour alumni, are working in Indiato make the world a better,healthier place," Lawrence hassaid. The strategic approach toidentify countries in majorregions of the world wherevaluable collaborations can beformed between Brandeis andlocal institutions is being takeninitially in India and Israel,because in both countries
Brandeis already has ongoingpartnerships, activities and astrong alumni and student base.
Are Our Minds
Sharper As We Age?
A recent article in The New YorkTimes focused on research beingconducted at Brandeis to find outwhy some people are much better than their peers at delaying age-related declines in memory andcalculating speed. If they couldbetter detect what protects oneperson's mental strengths or chips away at another's, then perhapsthey could devise a program tohalt or reverse decline and evenshore up improvements. Oneessential element of mental fitnesshas already been identified.According to Margie Lachman, apsychologist at Brandeis whospecializes in aging, "Educationseems to be an elixir that canbring us a healthy body and mindthroughout adulthood and even alonger life." She is one of theprincipal investigators for whatcould be considered theManhattan Project of middle age,an enormous study titled "Midlifein the United States." More than7,000 people 25-74 years old weredrafted to participate so thatmiddle-agers could be comparedwith those younger and older.
More information available at:www.brandeis.edu/now
April, 2012 Brandeis National Committee - Phoenix Chapter 15
Brandeis National CommitteeBrandeis National CommitteeBrandeis National CommitteeBrandeis National Committee
