Las Vegas Chapter Bulletin December 2013-January 2014 Issue 142 Mailed bi-monthly Melissa Kosinski-Collins to speak at University On Wheels, Sunday, January 5, 2014 Although Dr. Kosinsiki-Collins received her PhD from MIT in 2004 for studying protein folding and aggregation, her true passion has always been in biology teach- ing and education. For her extraordinary teaching and her outstanding teaching methods, she was honored as the 24 th recipient of the Louis Dembitz Brandeis Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Joining the Brandeis faculty in 2006, Dr. Kosinski-Collins has significantly rede- signed the Biology curriculum and her student accolades are proof that she is most deserving of the Dembitz award. One student commented, “Proof of her deserving (the award) is apparent in the rate of attendance to one of her classes; even though the class meets three days a week at 8 a.m. and she does not take attendance for- mally, students still choose to consistently attend because of the value of her teach- ing.” “Melissa is without exception the best teacher I have ever had. She not only cares about her stu- dents, but cares about her teaching…” “She is not only an incredible educator, but an amazing person; she has undoubtedly touched the lives of hundreds of students she has taught here.” “And… Besides being a great person to talk to, she is also a great mentor…Dr. KC is always there for her present and past students…Anyone who has the opportunity to know her is truly blessed.” Dr. Kosinski-Collins is continuously engaged with countless activities reflecting her commitment and devotion to learning. She has been the academic coordinator for the Brandeis Science POSSE pro- gram and summer boot-camp. Each year, 10 talented graduating seniors from New York City intend- ing on pursuing science degrees are selected to attend Brandeis as a cohort. In advance of their ma- triculation to campus, they spend two weeks of the summer in an intense training program experienc- ing labs, lectures, and assignments that model Brandeis coursework. Dr. Kosinski-Collins facilitated this program and works with the Science Posse students throughout their academic careers at Brandeis. You can be assured that Dr. Kosinski-Collins’ presentation will be inspiring. Focusing on neurosci- ence, she will highlight the extraordinary research projects currently underway at Brandeis as well as future therapies for brain disease treatment. We are fortunate to host Dr. Kosinski-Collins at this year’s University On Wheels event occurring on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at the Siena Golf Club, 10575 Siena Monte Ave. beginning at 10:00. Please complete the reservation form on page 3. Join us for a lovely brunch buffet and a provocative pro- gram. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Sustaining the Mind fundraising campaign supporting neuro- science research.
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Las Vegas Chapter Bulletin December 2013-January 2014 Issue 142 Mailed bi-monthly
Melissa Kosinski-Collins to speak at University On Wheels, Sunday, January 5, 2014
Although Dr. Kosinsiki-Collins received her PhD from MIT in 2004 for studying
protein folding and aggregation, her true passion has always been in biology teach-
ing and education. For her extraordinary teaching and her outstanding teaching
methods, she was honored as the 24th recipient of the Louis Dembitz Brandeis
Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
Joining the Brandeis faculty in 2006, Dr. Kosinski-Collins has significantly rede-
signed the Biology curriculum and her student accolades are proof that she is most
deserving of the Dembitz award. One student commented, “Proof of her deserving
(the award) is apparent in the rate of attendance to one of her classes; even though
the class meets three days a week at 8 a.m. and she does not take attendance for-
mally, students still choose to consistently attend because of the value of her teach-
ing.” “Melissa is without exception the best teacher I have ever had. She not only cares about her stu-
dents, but cares about her teaching…” “She is not only an incredible educator, but an amazing person;
she has undoubtedly touched the lives of hundreds of students she has taught here.” “And… Besides
being a great person to talk to, she is also a great mentor…Dr. KC is always there for her present and
past students…Anyone who has the opportunity to know her is truly blessed.”
Dr. Kosinski-Collins is continuously engaged with countless activities reflecting her commitment and
devotion to learning. She has been the academic coordinator for the Brandeis Science POSSE pro-
gram and summer boot-camp. Each year, 10 talented graduating seniors from New York City intend-
ing on pursuing science degrees are selected to attend Brandeis as a cohort. In advance of their ma-
triculation to campus, they spend two weeks of the summer in an intense training program experienc-
ing labs, lectures, and assignments that model Brandeis coursework. Dr. Kosinski-Collins facilitated
this program and works with the Science Posse students throughout their academic careers at
Brandeis.
You can be assured that Dr. Kosinski-Collins’ presentation will be inspiring. Focusing on neurosci-
ence, she will highlight the extraordinary research projects currently underway at Brandeis as well as
future therapies for brain disease treatment.
We are fortunate to host Dr. Kosinski-Collins at this year’s University On Wheels event occurring on
Sunday, January 5, 2014 at the Siena Golf Club, 10575 Siena Monte Ave. beginning at 10:00. Please
complete the reservation form on page 3. Join us for a lovely brunch buffet and a provocative pro-
gram.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Sustaining the Mind fundraising campaign supporting neuro-
science research.
LAS VEGAS CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 2
WWW.BNCLV.ORG
President’s Message
“The Charlie Rose Show” is my favorite program. I usually watch his interviews
even though the topic may not be one that I feel is relevant to my interests. In
October he interviewed Thomas Keller, the famous chef of The French Laundry.
My lifestyle and budget do not permit many outings to five-star restaurants, yet I
sat on the couch anyway as the interview commenced. Suddenly I was transfixed
by Chef Keller’s interview. He quickly changed the topic from food and cooking
to the need for mentoring young chefs.
I had always assumed that mentoring was meant to encourage the success of a
new employee in an indifferent work environment. But Chef Keller gave it a dif-
ferent twist. With mentoring, we pass on the culture to the younger generation. We pass our values,
techniques, work ethic and world view on to those beginning to face a competitive and harsh world. It
is good if our young workers eventually leave our work environment and share what they have learned
by acting as mentors to others. The CEO, president or company genius who has not mentored others to
replace himself or herself will have an organization that will face an uncertain future. The concern of
Chef Keller was not as much for himself as for the survival of the culture of fine food.
In most large, for-profit organizations we work to increase our status and income level. The long-term
survival of the organization is someone else’s job. The culture of the organization may lead employees
to feel like pawns rather than contributors. In the working world we rarely hear “thank you,” but are
used to hearing a great deal of criticism. A person who might do your job better than you do is a threat,
and we are warned to “watch our backs.”
The significance of Chef Keller’s example for our chapter of Brandeis National Committee is obvious.
No sooner than we assume our roles at BNC, but we must begin thinking about our successors. This
may not be easy, because often finding a person to fill a position is difficult. We must realize that our
job in BNC is not about us but about the future of the organization. I would not want to spend my
valuable time and energy working for an organization whose future was not important to me. Finding a
talented successor is a blessing, not a curse.
How do we mentor? We find people who will help us with our tasks and work with them to teach them
what we know. My personal feeling is that many of our chairs have too many responsibilities. It is
best if we can divide up tasks with small committees so that no one person has an overwhelming bur-
den. Co-chairing is an excellent way to shift responsibilities from one person to another. Trouble
arises when there are differences in philosophy or just a difference in opinion. The only solution here
is willingness to compromise.
In a volunteer organization like BNC the only reward we receive for our efforts is the feeling that we
have accomplished our goals and moved the organization forward. So, let’s remember to say “thank
you” to those who have shared our goals and helped us to pass our values on to those we mentor.
Meera Kamegai
WWW.BNCLV.ORG LAS VEGAS CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 3
University On Wheels
Sunday, January 5, 2014, 10:00 a.m. Brunch
Siena Golf Club, 10575 Siena Monte Avenue Featuring
Melissa Kosinski-Collins, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology, Brandeis University
When Good Proteins Go Bad
An introduction to neurological disease research at Brandeis University
Dr. Kosinski-Collins will introduce you to the molecules in our brain with no known function other
than to cause the destruction of memory. Her talk will continue with current ongoing studies at
Brandeis and possible future therapies for disease treatment. And for the child within us all, you may
even get to hear about one of Dr. Kosinski-Collins’ extracurricular activities, the development of a
“Science of Dr. Seuss” lab manual for elementary school children to promote curiosity in science and
the world around us.
Proceeds to benefit the Sustaining the Mind campaign.
Valerie “Wally” Neusil is known as “the face that launched a thousand lawsuits.”
Wally was the model for Austrian painter Egon Schiele’s most striking painting.
The painting had been owned by Lea Bondi Jaray, who was fleeing German annexa-
tion of Austria. Under duress she had given the painting to art dealer Friedrich Welz
in 1939. After the war, the U. S. army seized Welz and turned over the paintings he
accumulated during the war to the Austrian government. The painting was recog-
nized by Lea Bondi Jaray’s heirs in a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in
New York and now the lawsuits begin.
This case has been of special interest to Naomi Arin, BNC facilitator for Contempo-
rary Art. Naomi received a Doctor of Jurisprudence after which she spent five years
at the Institute of Contemporary Art where she served as director of philanthropy
and membership. She opened the Dust Gallery, in Las Vegas, which closed in 2009.
She is one of the founders of Whirlygig in the Las Vegas arts district. Naomi offers art consulting and advisement services
as well as pursuing her profession as a contract attorney.
Proceeds go to Sustaining the Mind research project
Reservation Form, General Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2014 -- Charlie’s Lakeside
Name:____________________________ Email:__________________________ Phone:_____________________ I would like ______ tickets @ $20.00 per person. Choice of entrees: Chicken Caesar__________ Vegetarian Caesar ____________ Club Sandwich*________ Classic Cheeseburger_______ Classic Hamburger _____ Tuna Melt ________________ Tuna Sandwich___________________ *The Club Sandwich contains turkey, ham, cheese and bacon.
Send your reservation and check payable to BNC to: Marilyn Shocket, 8837 Cortile Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89134 by January 30.
On October 10th approximately 25 lbs. of toiletries
were delivered to Jewish Family Services from col-
lections at board meetings and the Brandeis BBQ
held in September. This was a part of our community
service. JFS serves the needs of all who need help in
the greater Las Vegas community.
We hope to continue to collect samples and hotel size
shampoo, lotions, toothpaste, brushes, deodorant,
etc. You may bring your “stuff” to any event and Jo-
Ann Geller will collect and deliver.
BRANDEIS CALLING COMMITTEE Many thanks to the women of the Brandeis Calling
Committee who call members who do not have email
about upcoming functions.
Judy Arnold
Doris Berns
Marilyn Borns
Audrey Gold
Sandy Greene
Carol Sperber, Liaison
Thank you ladies.
Charlotte Kuklin,
Calling Committee Chairman
November 6, 2013 Dear Brandeis National Committee: Las Vegas Chapter,
Thank you so very much for your recent dona-tion of gifts for our Hanukkah Gift Program. The generosity you showed was truly amazing! With your help, we here at JFSA will be able to bring smiles to those families most in need.
Thank you again for your immense generosity and we look forward to working with you again in the future.
Sincerely,
Brenda Jepson Volunteer Coordinator, JFSA
Food Program Coordinator, JFSA
Gay Lynne Kegan, Arlene Krane and Meera Kamegai with gifts for JFSA
WWW.BNCLV.ORG LAS VEGAS CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 7
On The Town
February
On Wednesday February 5, the On the Town Group will be visiting the art
gallery of a Brandeis graduate Amanda Harris, the Amanda Harris Gallery of
Contemporary Art.
The gallery has been open for two and a half years in the prospering downtown
arts district. We will have the special opportunity to preview the gallery one
day before the Opening Reception for the new show featuring Kent Anderson
Butler. Butler is a multi-media artist based in Azusa, California. The artist will
be present and will talk about his work in the latest show, and Amada will be
on hand to talk about the gallery and arts district. We’ll also peek into the sur-
rounding galleries at the Arts Factory. We’ll meet at 10:45 a.m. for our 11:00 a.m.
tour. After the visit, we’ll go on to lunch “on our own” at Triple George, a fine down-town eating es-
tablishment just across from the Mob Museum and the new Grand hotel. To participate: send a $10
check made out to BNC to: Arlene Krane, 2552 Banora Point Dr. Las Vegas NV 89134.
Directions
From the West: Take Summerlin Pkwy to US-95 S. Merge with I-15 S toward Los Angeles. Take Exit
42 toward NV-159/ Charleston Blvd. Merge onto S. Martin L. King Blvd. Take the first left onto 159/
W Charleston Blvd. Turn left onto Hoover Ave. Look for 900 Las Vegas Blvd S.
From the East: Take I-15 N toward Salt Lake City. Merge onto NV-159 E / W Charleston Blvd via
Exit 41 A. Turn left onto Las Vegas Blvd. Take the first left onto Hoover Ave. Look for 900 Las Vegas
Blvd.
Parking
There is ample parking on the street and in the lot across from the gallery.
March
For this month’s outing our group will be
heading for our visit of the Atomic Testing
Museum on Wednesday, March 5. The
group will meet at 10:45 am for our 11:00
a.m. tour at 755 East Flamingo Road where
we will have a docent-guided tour of the
facility which is most impressive. After the
tour, we’ll go just across the street to have
lunch “on our own” at the lovely Bahama
Breeze restaurant. The tour price is for
just the museum. If you wish to go on to visit the Area 51: Myth or Reality display, you will have to
pay an additional $6 fee. To participate: send a $20 check made out to BNC to: Arlene Krane at the
above address.
Please send separate checks for each event. All proceeds from the Study Group outings will go to con-
Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill. — Barbara Tuchman
BOOK FUND TRIBUTES For information on how to order, call Eunice at 702-395-2569
The Zigzag Kid Belgium, Netherlands |2012 Dutch, English and French with English subtitles Saturday January 11, 2014 - 7:00 PM Co-presented by Las Vegas BBYO Recommended for ages 11 and up, The ZIGZAG KID is a delight for all ages. Nono wants to be like his father,
the best police inspector in the world, but he is con-stantly getting into trouble. Two days before his Bar
Mitzvah, he is sent away to his uncle Shmuel, who is
supposed to get him back on track. En route to visit his uncle, Nono meets master-burglar Felix Glick and is
introduced to a world of disguises, chases and a mys-terious woman whose deep dark secrets will change
Nono’s life forever.
Blumenthal USA |2013 English |86 minutes Sunday January 12, 2014 – 1:00 PM Celebrated playwright Harold Blumenthal, has passed
away after succumbing to cardiac arrest while laughing at one of his own jokes. Now, Harold’s estranged and
jealous brother Saul, must confront his personal hang-ups to deliver himself from an epic bout of constipa-
tion. Meanwhile, Saul’s wife Cheryl and son Ethan must grapple with their own personal obstacles through a
set of circumstances so improbably ironic they might as
well have been lifted from one of Harold’s plays.
Ida Poland |2013 Polish with English Subtitles |80 minutes Sunday January 12, 2014 – 3:30 PM IDA is the story of a young orphan on the cusp of tak-
ing her vows to become a nun in a Catholic order. She
unexpectedly learns that she has a Jewish aunt named Wanda, whom she visits before making her ultimate
commitment to the church. The two women, one an idealist completely naive to the real world and the
other a cynic who can scarcely cope with the hypocrisy and inhumanity she’s seen, embark on a voyage of
discovery where they learn that they can either be
trapped by their past or break free from it.
Brave Miss World USA, Israel, South Africa, Italy |2012 English and Hebrew with English subtitles Thursday January 16, 2014 – 7:00 PM Co-presented by Jewish Federation of Las Vegas
Women’s Division Special Guest Appearance by: Linor Abargil On an official visit to Italy prior to entering the Miss World Pageant, Linor Abargil was raped by a man who
was supposed to be protecting her. A few weeks later,
Linor was crowned Miss World but her dream of wear-ing the crown was tainted by the trauma of her devas-
tating ordeal. BRAVE MISS WORLD follows Linor’s deci-sion to speak out about her rape and follows her jour-
ney as she meets other survivors of the global epi-
Hannah Arendt Germany |2012 English and German with English subtitles Saturday January 18, 2014 - 7:00 PM HANNAH ARENDT is a bio-pic about the influential Ger-
man-Jewish philosopher and political theorist who re-
ported on the 1961 trial of the notorious Nazi Adolf Eichmann for the New Yorker Magazine. The article
was controversial both for its portrayal of Eichmann and for her now-famous concept of the “Banality of
Evil.” Using footage from the actual Eichmann trial and weaving a narrative that spans three countries, this
provocative film turns the often invisible passion for
thought into immersive, dramatic cinema.
Cupcakes Israel |2013 Hebrew, French with English subtitles
Sunday January 19, 2014 – 1:00 PM CUPCAKES is a colorful and outrageously funny Israeli
satire on the iconic and kitsch institution: The Euro-vision Song Contest. The film follows a group of
neighborhood friends as they try to cheer up Anat, who
has recently been abandoned by her husband. The troop spontaneously composes a song and as a joke
sends it to Eurovision. As luck would have it, the song is chosen to represent Israel. CUPCAKES is set to an
infectious pop score and features a cast of some of Israel’s brightest stars.
Jews and Money Canada, France |2013 English, Hebrew and French with English subti-tles |96 minutes Sunday January 19, 2014 – 3:30 PM Ilan Halimi was abducted, held hostage under barbaric conditions and later died en route to the hospital. His
kidnappers had demanded $500,000 in ransom, con-vinced that since Halimi was Jewish, his family must be
rich. In fact, the 23-year-old cell phone salesman came
from a modest working-class background. Twenty-seven youth gang members were arrested, their subse-
quent trial sparking worldwide outrage and exposing the roots of anti-Semitic tension in the African-Muslim
immigrant neighborhoods of Paris.
Bethlehem Israel|2013 Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles Thursday January 23, 2014 - 7:00 PM Cinemark Theaters South Point Hotel One of the most unnervingly lucid films ever made
about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, BETHLEHEM shifts between Israeli and Palestinian perspectives to tell a
story of secret strategies, precarious alliances, and ter-
rible betrayals. This gripping thriller plunges us into a
milieu of family, terror, and espionage to reveal a per-petual atmosphere of paranoia and mistrust that forces
everyone to question the loyalty of their own friends and family. BETHLEHEM won Best Picture at the Israeli
Academy Awards and has been named Israeli’s official
selection for this year’s Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.
The Heart of Auschwitz Canada |2010 English Saturday January 25, 2014 - 7:00 PM The HEART OF AUSCHWITZ, a handmade gift for Fania
Landau, bestowed upon her in a concentration camp on her 20th birthday, undoubtedly meant more to her
than any present because it restored Fania’s faith in mankind. Out of utmost love and gratitude, Fania saw
no other option than to risk her life by keeping it with
her throughout death marches and camp inspections. This enlightening film shares what the human spirit can
achieve when there is hope and empathy.
Paris Manhattan France |2012 French with English subtitles Sunday January
26, 2014 – 1:00 PM Alice, an idealistic pharmacist, is completely and utterly
obsessed with Woody Allen. She’s constantly quoting
lines from his films, engaging him in imaginary conver-sations, and even prescribing her customers his classic
works to help alleviate their ailments. Alice’s increas-ingly concerned Jewish parents hope to cure her fixa-
tion by setting her up with a handsome French gentle-man but he quickly realizes that he’s no match for the
man of her dreams. A romantic excursion through the
city of lights, this witty endearing comedy concludes with a special cameo by the original Alvy Singer.
The Jewish Cardinal France |2012 French with English subtitles Sunday January 26, 2014 – 3:30 PM The Jewish Cardinal tells the true story of Jean-Marie
Lustiger who maintained his cultural identity as a Jew
even after converting to Catholicism and joining the
priesthood. Quickly rising within the ranks of the
Church, Lustiger was appointed Archbishop of Paris by
Pope Jean Paul II. In this powerful position, he found a
new platform to celebrate his dual identity as a Catho-
lic Jew, earning him both friends and enemies from
either group. When Carmelite nuns settle down to build
a convent in Auschwitz, Lustiger finds himself a media-
tor forced to choose a side.
LAS VEGAS CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 14
WWW.BNCLV.ORG
Las Vegas Chapter-endowed Scholarship Award The first BNC Chapter-endowed Scholarship was awarded to former
Las Vegas student Jonathan Shakerchi, Brandeis University class of
2016.
Jonny, as he prefers, is originally from Las Vegas, where he attended
the Advanced Technologies Academy (a Clark County magnet school
known as A-Tech). As a member of the student council, he served as
senator for two years before being elected student body treasurer for
his senior year. Jonny was the vice president of membership for both
the local B'nai B'rith Youth Organization and for Future Business
Leaders of America. In addition to his leadership successes, he was
exceptional in his studies, serving as a member of the National Honor
Society and as an Advanced Placement Scholar. When Jonny em-
barked on his college search, he was drawn to Brandeis not only for its
location, environment, and national ranking, but also because it was
able to provide him with a generous financial aid package.
Now in his sophomore year, Jonny intends to declare a double major
in Business and Economics. During his first year on campus, he has
already immersed himself in the University's culture. Jonny is employed as a member of the Brandeis
escort safety service and he is captain of one of the intramural soccer teams. He is a DJ at WBRS, the
campus radio station, treasurer and a performer for the improv comedy troupe "Work in Progress," and
a participant in the ultimate Frisbee team, Tron. Already planning for the future, Jonny would like to
eventually attend law school to study intellectual properties. He shares that his ultimate career would
either be "in the music industry as a talent agent or manager, or fighting obscure and obstructive copy-
right laws that prevent the progression of culture."
Of course, none of Jonny's success at Brandeis would be possible without the support of financial aid,
in particular the BNC Las Vegas Chapter Endowed Scholarship. He says:
This scholarship is the most important aspect of Brandeis to me. Without this
scholarship, I would never be able to attend such a prestigious school and re-
ceive the amazing educational and social experience I have already had in my
first year and hope to continue experiencing for the next three years. I am so
grateful for the opportunity this scholarship has provided for me.
This article has been excerpted from the Brandeis University letter of notification.
Jonathan Shakerchi
WWW.BNCLV.ORG LAS VEGAS CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 15
SAVE THE DATE
BOOK & AUTHOR LUNCHEON
SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2014
TOURNAMENT PLAYERS CLUB SUMMERLIN
Proceeds to
benefit the Sustaining the Mind campaign
SILENT AUCTION
WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU
We need each and every one of our members to help us fill the wonderful baskets for which you will
be bidding!
If each of you goes out and gets one wonderful restaurant to gift us with a dinner for two and each of
you gets one of the people with whom you do business to donate a piece of jewelry, a service such as
pedicure, handyman or tech help, we will have a wonderful silent auction!
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED AS A CONTRIBUTOR
Contact Arlene Krane at: 255-6667 or [email protected] or Jo-Ann Geller at: 656-1666 or so-
Brandeis National Committee Las Vegas Chapter 3305 Shoreline Drive Las Vegas, NV 89117
Submission Deadlines The Bulletin is published on a bi-monthly basis. The deadline for copy is the first of the month preceding the month of publication. The deadline for the February//March 2014 Bulletin will be January 1, 2013. Publisher: Gay Lynne Kegan [email protected] 702-233-8218
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage Paid
Las Vegas, NV
Permit #1531
BNC Mission Statement
Brandeis National Committee is an organization committed to providing philanthropic support to Brandeis University, a distinguished liberal arts and research university founded by the American Jewish community. Its membership remains connected to the university through fundraising and through activities that reflect the values on which the university was founded: academic excellence, social justice, non-sectarianism and ser-vice to the community.