Honoroable 'Menschen' Column
By Howard Berger ... and YOU
Jewish Times of South Jersey 

FELS AT STOCKTON COLLEGE OFFERING COURSES OF CONTINUED VALUED EDUCATION

In the interest of offering the area community educational opportunities in a higher education environment, Richard Stockton College is offering 19 different Continuing Education courses this upcoming year. It is sponsored by FELS, the acronym for “ Friends of Encore Learning of Stockton.” Bev Rubin, president of FELS tells HM, “ Among the topics for the 2011- 2012 academic year is ‘ The American Jewish Experience.’ Courses are taught by faculty members, and registration is $25 a course, with all monies going toward scholarships for worthy Stockton students.” The program’s fall kickoff luncheon is set for Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Seaview Resort at 11:30 a.m. For additional information call Sylvia Gabrielli at 822-9595. Luncheon speaker will be Dr.Jessica Fleck of Stockton College who will speak on “ Maximizing Your Creativity: Unlocking the Creative Brain“ HM says the 2011- 12 FELS program should turn out to be an enlightening year..

BY Michelle Brunetti Post
Monday, Februrary 1, 2010
Press of Atlantic City

Bev Rubin, 63, of Margate, spent much of her life in one of the world's cultural meccas. She lived in New York City, where she worked for the Board of Education.

Two years ago, the group split off from Brandeis and formed Friends of Encore Learning at Stockton (FELS), which now raises money for the Stockton College Foundation. She's the current president.When she moved to southern New Jersey five years ago, she wanted a way to keep up her cultural interests. So she joined an organization that led study groups and raised money for Brandeis University in New York.

Question: What is FELS?

Answer: We're a group of 180 people - and growing - who are interested in continuing education and fundraising for scholarships. It's a two-year-old nonprofit organization, all volunteer-led. This year, we offered 15 courses that meet once a month from October through March on the (Absecon) Island.

Q: How do you raise money, and where does it go?

A: People join for $35 a year, and then pay $25 per course. We also have a spring and fall luncheon with speakers. The money goes to a scholarship fund at Richard Stockton College in Galloway Township. Last year, we endowed a scholarship with $25,000. We're actually part of the Stockton College Foundation.

Q: How big are the groups, and where do they meet?

A: They range in size from about 15 to much larger. I'm teaching a documentary film class that has 72 people registered. So far, we've held classes at both the Margate and Ventnor libraries, the Jewish Com-munity Center, and in people's homes.

Q: Who teaches the groups?

A: Some are taught by members, and some by Stockton professors.

Q: What sort of classes have you offered, and what do you plan in the future?

A: We've had classes in everything from flower arranging, to contemporary literature, art and music appreciation. Next year, we'd like to offer a geneology class, in response to requests, and we're considering holding some classes on the Mainland.

Q: How can people join?

A: Contact our Membership Chair Sylvia Gabrieli by phone at 822-9595 or through e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it