SEL ACTIVITIES
Biking Group
On Mondays, the combined groups of SEL, MEL, and GEL are "Long Riders" who normally ride 30 to 35 miles, usually with lunch at the end of the ride. Email Bob Stein, the lead contact, <steincsinc@gmail.com>, or Ken Davidman, <kidavidman@gmail.com>. Another group bikes on Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. for what they describe as a "slow and leisurely ride". If interested, contact Mike Kafenstok at <mkafenstok@gmail.com>.
Bocce Ball
Once a month on a Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., SEL guys hone their skills on the Bocce court at Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Road in Glenview. They usually play for an hour and enjoy lunch at Pinstripes before heading home. To play, you must RSVP to Steve Friedman at <sfriedman141@comcast.net>.
Book Club
The Book Club meets once a month on the third Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Northbrook Public Library. Members nominate books and vote informally to choose the next title. Group leaders are Sal Sidoti, <salsidoti@comcast.net>, 847-383-5460 and Charles Schuster <cis@uwm.edu>. Contact Sal or Charles to find out the current book the group is reading or check out the SEL Weekly Bulletin. Even if you haven't read (or finished) the book, come on in!
Breakfast Club
SEL guys meet every Thursday at 8.00 am at Brunch Cafe, 250 lake Cook Rd Deerfield IL. No agenda---just schmoozing. The leader is Sal Sidoti, <salsidoti@comcast.net> 847-383-5460 or Arnie Sandler <gdhndsman@aol.com>. If you know of someone interested in joining SEL, bringing them for brunch is a great way to get them started.
Couples Canasta
SEL hosts this very popular activity, which allows members to bring their significant others to enjoy the company of other couples. From April through December, it usually meets the first Tuesday of each month at Max and Benny's in Brookside Plaza, 461 Waukegan Road, Northbrook IL. Play starts promptly at 5.30 p.m., with a dinner break around 6:30, and departure by 9pm. RSVP required. To reserve a spot, contact the leader, Bob Lipschultz, <drdrillum@yahoo.com>.
Canasta Group
SEL Canasta players meet each Monday at the Pavilion Restaurant, 577 Waukegan Road in Northbrook. Play starts at 10:30 a.m., breaks for lunch, and continues until 3 PM. If you want to play, please contact Sal Sidoti, <salsidoti@comcast.net> 847-383-5460, Gary Mednick <gmednick@sbcglobal.net> or Mike Stein, <xxproman@aol.com> 847-921-8005.
Discussion Group
The Discussion Group meets the last Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m., either in person at Northbrook Public Library or on Zoom. The planning team offers suggested topics to open the discussion, and members are welcome to bring in articles and topics of interest to the whole group. Contact Harvey Shoemack, who leads the discussion and contributes his own timely articles. He can be contacted at 312-343-2834, or watch you email because he sends out lots of reminders to your email, or read the SEL Weekly Bulletin.
Ethnic Lunch
Each month members enjoy getting together in a different ethnic restaurant. It usually meets on the third Wednesday or Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. to allow members time to eat, talk, and then attend the SEL General Meeting. To reserve a place at the table (separate checks), contact Gerry Orlowsky <gerryo42@comcast.net> or Charles Schuster <cis@uwm.edu>. Watch for emails or check out the SEL Weekly Bulletin. RSVP required.
Field Trips
A few times each summer, SEL organizes local and regional trips. Recent excursions have included touring Washington, D.C., Asheville, North Carolina, the Shaw Festival in Ontario, Canada, the Amazon Warehouse, Cape Cod, the Milwaukee River Boat Ride, and an excursion to Lake Geneva including lunch and an informational boat ride along Geneva Lake. Watch your email for special announcements and invitations; participation is often limited, so sign up early.
Gin Rummy Group
Gin players meet at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at D'Agostino's restaurant in Wheeling, 241 South Milwaukee Ave. The group breaks for lunch at noon and play resumes until 3:00 PM. Everyone welcome! Any questions? Contact Art Fishoff, 847-530-3307 <arlo975@aol.com>.
Golf Group
The Golf Group usually plays every Wednesday, starting early in May (weather permitting) at Chevy Chase Golf Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling or other golf courses nearby. The group leader will email golfers their tee time and foursome each week. Costs and discounts, if available, are announced at the beginning of each season. Contact Harvey Gilden, <hgilden@comcast.net>, 847-681-0021, or Bill Gould, <billgould1@hotmail.com> 847-564-7885 if you have any questions.
Hearts Group
Hearts players meet the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Try not to get stuck with the Queen of Spaces. Play starts at 10:30 a.m., stops for lunch, then continues until 3:00 pm. If you have any questions, contact Richard Freedman, <refreedman44@gmail.com>. Game days and times are listed in the SEL Weekly Bulletin.
Investment Group
The MEL Group usually extends an invitation to SEL members to attend these sessions. The invitation for a specific meeting will contain the topic, the meeting place and time for the session. If interested, watch for the emails.
Movie Discussion
Charles Schuster leads a movie discussion on Zoom, usually on a Thursday night. Watch the movie at your leisure, and then link in on Zoom to hear a short presentation and then engage in analysis and discussion with other film aficionados. You will find the movie choice and Zoom link listed in the SEL Weekly Bulletin, or email Charles Schuster at <cis@uwm.edu>.
Poker Players
The poker group meets at the JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. Games are every Tuesday starting at noon. In the summer, game days and times may vary because of JCC summer camp scheduling. Everyone who enters must donate $5 to the JCC. Two types of games are played: Seven card w/ a spit- high hand only and Seven card hi/lo w/a spit and a split pot. Any questions contact Les Bernstein at llbernstein@comcast.net (312-804-3193), Phil Penner at 847-650-7346, watch your email, or check out the SEL Weekly Bulletin.
SEL GENERAL MEETING
All SEL members are encouraged to attend this monthly get-together, which usually meets the third Wednesday or Thursday each month, usually at 2:00 p.m., at the Northbrook Public Library. Business is often conducted, and members will hear an invited speaker. Recent speakers have discussed old-time radio, Chicago sports, Baseball Hall of Fame voting, motorcycling to Jewish delis around the country, public safety including insider tips from the Northbrook police and fire departments, Israel and the Middle East, and many more. To learn what's being presented, check your email or the SEL Weekly Bulletin.
Water Volley Ball Group
Water Volley Ball is a MEL activity but it is already fully subscribed. If you want to play, please contact Charles Schuster <cis@uwm.edu> and he will send out a blast to SEL members to see how many want to play. The activity will be at the JCC.