MCA 2023–2024 year in review

By Michael Sobol, President

MCA had a record-breaking season with many new programs and a remarkable increase in membership. In review, here are some of the major events of the past season.

Sock Hop in November

The year kicked off with a throwback to the 1960s Sock Hop. A DJ played records from that era while members, dressed in period costumes, danced the night away.

Sarge comedy and candle lighting in December

After a three-year hiatus, Sarge was back with his hilarious form of humor. He had the audience in stiches the entire night.

Former head of the US Secret Service in January

Lew Merletti drew in a sold-out audience at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center to talk about his experience from being a Green Beret to becoming head of the Secret Service. He described the challenges of protecting presidents as they traveled around the world.

Piano concert in February

Peter Simon graced our stage in February as he played selections from great Jewish composers. Songs from Rogers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin were among the selections.

In March

Thirty couples took a weeklong trip to Cuba in March.

Also in March, the 8th Annual Sweetheart Dance featured the Dazzling Delrays and was held at the Vineyards Country Club. The dance floor was packed from start to finish.

In April

In April, Dr. Marc Dichter presented a COVID update and spoke about unravelling long COVID. He examined the symptoms of long COVID and shared statistics as to the number of people inflicted by this aliment.

Monthly luncheons

In addition to those special programs, MCA hosted a luncheon with a different speaker each month:

November - Future of Healthcare , presented by Paul Hiltz, CEO of Naples Community Hospital Healthcare.

Hiltz talked about the expansion plans in the works for NCH, including the forthcoming partnership with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and the effort NCH is making to recruit doctors for that alliance.

December - Heat and Human Health: Solutions to Save Lives from These Deadly Events, presented by Laurence S. Kalkstein, Ph.D

Dr. Kalkstein talked about the excess heat that is collected on roadways, roofs and other structures, how that heat raises the average temperature of the air, and its impact on the population.

January - The Federal Court System: My Life as a Federal Judge, presented by Judge Richard Linn. Judge Linn described his career path to becoming a federal judge and explained how the judicial system of the United States works.

February - Hello Darkness, My Old Friend, presented by Sandy Greenberg Greenberg was a healthy, young adult attending Columbia University when tragedy struck. Due to a misdiagnosed eye exam and improper treatment, he became blind overnight. His story is one of guts and determination to overcome his blindness. He talked about how he went on to become a successful businessman, diplomat and founder of the Sandford and Susan Greenberg Center to End Blindness. The center is located at Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, where Greenberg serves as board chairman.

March - Overview and Update of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), presented by Steve Hennigan Mr. Hennigan, Executive Director of the Lee County Port Authority, described the growth plans for the Regional Southwest Airport (RSW). A new terminal, runway and more access roads are all on the drawing board for this $200 million expansion.

April - My Journey Through American and International Jewish Organizations, presented by Michael Siegal. Siegal was awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor in December 2022 for his extraordinary commitment to the Jewish State. In addition to this honor, he has held many other executive positions in Jewish agencies.

Next season

The Program Committee is hard at work to deliver equally talented speakers for the coming season.

Here are just a few of the speakers lined up for 2024–2025: an astronaut who has traveled to the International Space Station, the Former Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Sheriff of Collier County, the Former Press Secretary for President Trump, and a presentation on war crimes, genocide, and international law.

MCA welcomes your ideas for programs and speakers. Please contact Program Committee Chair Neil Chessin with your suggestions.