MCA has programming all year

By Burt Blumkin, MCA Technology and Marcom Chair

Each spring, many members of Men’s Cultural Alliance head north, travel to visit family or go on vacation. However, the programming never stops! There are many activities; some meet weekly, monthly or periodically from May through October. Some of the events are live and some can be attended via Zoom. All groups welcome new members.

In May, MCA held its annual spring golf outing. This year’s event was a scramble format played at Pelican Sound Golf & River Club. The event was organized and hosted by Phil Sherman. The weather was perfect — without a cloud in the sky — and the team of Barry Weissman, Mike Levine, Peter Unrath and Brian Katz shot their way to first place. Golf was followed by lunch at Pelican Sound. Spoiler alert: there may be another golf event this fall. Also in May, a summer barbecue was held on the patio of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

In June, there was a behind-the-scenes tour of Naples Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports for jet activity in the U.S. The airport is home to flight schools and public services, including the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, Collier Mosquito Control District, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, and Collier County EMS - MedFlight. The airport was built for training WWII pilots and has become an essential part of our local economy. This event was organized by Harvey Cohen.

Men’s Cultural Alliance members toured the NCH Simulation Center at the organization’s downtown campus. The Judith and Marvin Herb Family Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides realistic training scenarios for physicians, medical residents, nurses, first responders and other clinical staff to improve patient safety and outcomes. Members saw the fully equipped operating room, the computerized mannequin giving birth in the obstetrical suite, a realistic, critically ill "patient" in the ICU, and many other realistic computerized training stations. This event was organized by Mark Goetz.

Colin Lewis and Allan Pilver lead an Israel Discussion Group. Each month, the group engages in an interesting, relevant and often controversial discussion.

The Current Issues Group uses a magazine article as a catalyst for interaction. If you enjoy stimulating conversations about current issues with a group of critical thinkers, this may be for you.

The MCA Book Group meets monthly but is held via Zoom only from May through October.

Intermediate Bridge, now in its 11th year, meets weekly.

Bocce meets twice a week from April through July, then meets twice a week through the fall at Veterans Park.

Men’s Cultural Alliance members also partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve homes for families in need. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. A wide variety of different jobs are needed. Volunteers can choose a job that maximizes their abilities and comfort level. In the past, this has proven to be a very popular volunteer activity among MCA membership, but more help is needed! For additional information, contact Howard Greenfeld at hbgreenfield@verizon.net.

Record-breaking season

Men’s Cultural Alliance President Michael Sobol reported that 2024-25 was a record-breaking season with a remarkable increase in membership and new programs.

How to join

Men’s Cultural Alliance has programs for all age groups and interests. Contact Ira Kushnir for questions or how to get involved. To join or renew your membership, check out our website at mcanaples.org.

The MCA Next Gen Group was formed in 2022 to provide activities, events and networking opportunities to MCA members age 65 and younger. The group’s social and sports activities include lunches and dinners (including ones held jointly with the WCA NextGen Group), golf, tennis, biking, and many others. Please contact Max Deifik at maxdeifik@yahoo.com for more information.