History

Sun City Anthem
Havurah Club
Henderson, Nevada

History

A Little Havurah History

Recorded by Davida Noyek Handler

From the beginning – October, 2002

October	In October 2002, Michele and Art Slipock placed a tiny ad in the “Spirit” – saying: – “Anyone interested in joining a social Havurah, please contact Michele and Art (plus their phone number.) The response was phenomenal, and within a few days, the Slipocks hosted the initial meeting of the group at their home for coffee and cake. There were probably between 20 and 30 people at that meeting. Friendships were immediately formed, and a decision was made to begin having monthly meetings or events if possible. Our first year (2002-2003) consisted mainly of meeting in member’s homes for coffee, cake, and conversation. We were still a relatively small group, and everyone knew everyone else. The “Shmooze News” was sent periodically to inform members of upcoming events.
November	Steve Lang was unanimously elected as President, and served for one year. Two outside events included a buffet and bingo night at the Sunset Station Casino, and a potluck picnic held at Seven Hills Park. We were on our way. The events above were organized by a variety of volunteers, and we thank them all. Let’s keep up the good work and have more people volunteer to chair more events – so that our Havurah continues to grow and continue to find new sources of entertainment and more reasons to meet even more frequently.
	EVENTS - 2003
September	The Jews of Las Vegas” - a presentation by Professor Michael Green. Coffee and dessert was served at two host homes following the presentation, and we had our largest attendance ever – 98 people. Rosh Hashanah potluck dinner
October	“Break the Fast” potluck dinner The Havurah had swelled to almost 100 members – but we were still holding many events in private homes.
December	Menorah Lighting on Fremont Street followed by a “no host” Hanukkah buffet at the Sunset Station Casino
	EVENTS - 2004 - 150 members
January	“Appetizers & entertainment” party
February	Valentine’s Day party Organizational meeting of the Movie Discussion Group
March	First Purim potluck dinner, complete with groggers, costumes, games and group participation in a Purimshpiel with musical parodies. The “Dining Out” group met at Yolie’s Brazilian Steakhouse First meeting of the Movie Discussion Group
April	More potluck dinners and entertainment in private homes
May	Luau with dinner and entertainment at the Hawaiian Plantation restaurant
June	A traveling evening! Dinner at Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, followed by a performance of “Dancing Wheelchairs’ at the Henderson Pavilion, followed by dessert at “Claim Jumpers” Stephen Nasser, an internationally known author and lecturer, and a survivor of Auschwitz, was our featured speaker at the Anthem Rec Center. Dessert and coffee was served following the lecture The “Dining Out” group met at Bahama Breeze
September	Rosh Hashanah potlucks at two homes “Break the Fast” potlucks at two homes The “Dining Out” Group met at Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant
October	Steve Lang resigned and Art Slipock and Mel Giniger were elected to serve as co-Presidents for the 2004-2005 year. “Relentless - the struggle for peace in Israel” – a documentary film followed by a moderated discussion – was presented at Midbar Kodesh Temple. SCA Havurah’s 2nd Birthday celebration with dinner and entertainment at Romy’s Café
November	Bagel Brunch potluck
December	Pre-Hanukkah potluck dinner
	2005 - Events
January	Renee Taylor’s presentation of “An Evening with Golda Meir” was followed by an Italian dinner at Carluccios
February	Tour of the Sunbelt Antique and Classic Automobile Museum Pre-Valentine’s Day party on Sunday February 13 at the Bootlegger’s Bistro for dinner and entertainment by Wes Winters, Liberace “playalike” Contest winner Beginner’s genealogy workshop presented by the Jewish Genealogy Society of Southern Nevada at Anthem Center
March	2nd annual Purimshpiel and dinner The “Dining Out” Group met at “Hash House A-Go-Go"
April	“Dining In Group” windup for the season Visit to a working Bordello. The bus trip, “educational” tour of Sheri’s Ranch, and lunch were enjoyed by all. Only in Las Vegas!!
May	Mystery bus tour ending at Wynn Las Vegas for lunch
June	Tour of the Neon Museum (“The Boneyard”) where we got to see many of the original Las Vegas neon signs Neil Diamond Tribute Show
July	First Progressive Dinner – held in three homes
October	Rosh Hashanah potluck dinner “Break the Fast” potluck dinner
November	The Havurah was given Special Interest Group designation (SIG) by the Board of Directors of the Sun City Community Association. Our new name became the Anthem Havurah Group. We gained many benefits by having this designation such as not having to pay to rent a room or to pay for rental of equipment as we have done in the past. We are now also able to utilize the general meeting room of the new building – advertise our events in the “Spirit” - and place flyers in the lobby. We were the first group to receive this designation! Becoming a SIG meant that anyone living in Anthem is eligible to join – whether Jewish or not - and, we were told that we can serve food at our gatherings if they are wrapped around a meeting.
December	Our very first event at the new Independence Hall was our Hanukkah Party. Almost 100 people attended for a potluck buffet dinner, and entertainment Philip Goldstein, cantor at Congregation Ner Tamid. It was a true celebration – including almost everyone dancing a hora around the room. Hanukkah and Christmas fell on the same date. It was wonderful to see our dreidel – which is now a permanent part of the Holiday decorations – in front of the Anthem Center. The electrified dreidel stands 3 feet high!
	Events - 2006 - 200+ members
January	At more than 200 members – there was no doubt about the success of our Havurah! At a General meeting held at Independence Hall – Art Slipock resigned as Co-President. We thank him not only for two years of devoted service – but also for the fact that he and Michele started the Havurah by placing an ad in the “Spirit” three and a half years ago. Many of us made our first friends at the initial meeting at the Slipock’s home – and we are all grateful to them for getting us started. Mel Giniger and Karen Fleischer were elected co-Presidents, and the elected board members were Anita Rosen, Treasurer, Ina Lehr, Secretary, and Davida Handler, “Shmooze” Editor. The “Shmooze News” – which had formerly been produced three times per year to inform the membership about events past and future events that may be scheduled - will become part of the Havurah website, created and maintained by Karen Fleischer.
February	“Hairspray” - the musical Marvin Budgar’s Soup Party “Menopause – the musical”
March	Bus tour of Nellis Air Force Base, including a visit to their history museum, a viewing of the Thunderbirds, a tour of various aircraft and lunch at the Officers Club 3rd Annual Purimshpiel at Independence Hall
April	“House of Blues” Foundation show and lecture about the History of African Music and the Blues. Afternoon Hike in Red Rock Canyon
June	Lecture on “women and heart disease”
July	Pizza demonstration and dinner at Metro Pizza
August	Dinner and entertainment at “Bootleggers” “Dueling Pianos” at SouthCoast (now South Point) Casino – Delmar Lounge Todd Polikoff - AIPAC speaker - at Rec Center Hawaiian Luau & Polynesian Show - Imperial Palace Hotel
September	Russian Banquet, live music & dancing – Eliseevsky Restaurant
October	“Break the Fast” in two homes Succot picnic in Seven Hills Park
November	Progressive Dinner – held in five homes.
December	Hanukkah Party at Buckman’s Tavern.
	EVENTS - 2007 - 260 members
January	“Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding”– an interactive Dinner Theater experience “Newcomers Coffee”
April	Terezin survivor, Harold Blitzer spoke at Anthem Center. Coffee and dessert reception followed Hike to Red Rock Canyon
May	Private box for the Las Vegas 51’s including dinner. At a Havurah General Meeting, board members - Co-Presidents – Mel Giniger and Karen Fleischer, Secretary - Ina Lehr, Treasurer - Anita Rosen, and Historian - Davida Handler, announced that they were stepping down from their current positions, having maintained them for several years. They were all thanked for their years of service to the Havurah, and will continue to assist in any area required for the smooth transition to a new board. The newly elected board members are - Co-President - Art Slipock and Al Katz, Recording Secretary - Jim Handler, Treasurer - Marlene Marcus, Membership Co-Chair – Michele Slipock, Membership Co-Chair – Nancy Lebish, At Large - Burt Schwartz. Karen will continue to maintain the Havurah website. Davida will continue to maintain the History pages for the website. Ina will continue to send email notices of upcoming events to the membership. Gloria Adler will maintain the Havurah calendar to coordinate upcoming events.
June	“Summer Blast” with food, music, and dancing at the “Inn Zone” Pizza making demonstration and dinner – Metro Pizza
July	July 4th Singles potluck dinner
August	General Meeting with refreshments
September	Rosh Hashana Potluck Dinners Lake Mead Dinner Cruise David Itkin, Las Vegas Philharmonic Director Yom Kippur “Break Fast” Potluck Sukkot Picnic
October	5th Birthday Party
November	General Meeting with refreshments
December	Hanukkah Party December 25 Potluck & Dessert at several homes.
	EVENTS - 2008 - 347 members
Continuing	Havurah website Communications Committee Friendship Committee “Dining Out” Group “Dining In” Group Movie Discussion Group “Snail mail” notifications to members without email “Get Acquainted” coffees for new members
January	Bill Weiss lecture on “The Rise and Fall of the Jewish Gangster” Havurah becomes an official Sun City Anthem Chartered Club
February	At the Havurah General Meeting, the following Board Members were elected: Al Katz, President; Bob Aronow, Vice-President; Nancy Lebish, Vice-President-Membership; Jim Handler, Secretary; and Marlene Marcus, Treasurer.
March	“Dining Out” event at “Ventano’s” Purim Party
April	Havurah-sponsored Hike. Havurah members hosted people needing to be placed at home Seders
May	Havurah General Meeting “Body and Soul” workshop at Independence Hall
June	Documentary Film “About Face” “Dining Out” event at “Steeles”
July	AIPAC speaker Volunteer committee formed to ensure that new members meet others at events
August	Game Night at Independence Hall
September	“Jews of Las Vegas” lecture by Michael Green Speaker – Judge Elisa Cadish
October	Havurah “Break Fast” at Independence Hall Annual Sukkot picnic
November	Documentary Film “Water Marks” Havurah now has permanent storage space at Independence Hall Committee formed to chair refreshments for events with speakers
December	Annual General Meeting and elections. The following board members were elected: Al Katz, President; Bob Aronow, Vice President; Jim Handler, Secretary; Jeff Berkow, Treasurer; Nancy Lebish, Vice President/Membership Annual Hanukkah Party
	EVENTS - 2009 - 337 members

January	New, revised website created. “Havurah Happenings” were included. Email addresses in the roster made “hot” so that the roster can now be used as an address book. Havurah Board meetings will continue to be held on the third Sunday of each month, with minutes distributed to the general membership. Havurah General Meetings will be held on the third Tuesday, quarterly.
February	PBS movie – “The History of the Jewish People.” Membership questionnaires sent to entire membership. Guidelines for chairs of future events produced.

March	Havurah General Meeting. Annual Purim Party

April	Game night. Sherrie’s Ranch & Pahrump Winery trip. Bowling afternoon. We re-addressed our guest policy because of Lifestyle Committee rule changes. We will limit non-resident guests to two visits per year.

May	Movie – “Checking Out” Many members requested that we establish a policy for death notices. Henceforth, a death in the immediate family of a member will be announced by an E-mail blast to the membership. Being a friendship club, the Board felt all members would wish to be informed so they can give condolences to the family and attend a local funeral or memorial service

June	Afternoon Bowling Party. Havurah General Meeting. Dining Out experience at Brio. AIPAC informational meeting. Havurah General Meeting.

July	--

August	Movie - "My Opposition: The Diaries of Friedrich Kellner"

September	Break Fast. Havurah General Meeting. Nominating Committee report given. “Borsht Belt” talk. Committee to help Jewish Family Services with obtaining food donations for the food pantry, and also provide volunteers to help at the food pantry, formed.

October	Sukkot picnic. Game night. Easy walk hike.
November	Bowling afternoon. Dining Out at Lawry’s.

December	Annual Hanukkah Party. Havurah Annual Meeting including election of officers. Newcomers’ coffee. Membership stands at 370+