In each session following schmoozing and lunch, a pre-selected volunteer participant will share an interesting story/adventure/incident in their life. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your neighbors in the Jewish community and make new friends.
This will be 3 hhours of fun workshop and lunch, which will be providedSpeaker: John JeterJohn is a writer at Authored Lives, memoir and ghostwriting service, former owner of The Handlebar concert hall, nationally published novelist and memoirist, journalist, playwright, and educator. TOPIC: Writing Your Memoir: Everyone Has a Story
Speaker: Mati KarniMati is the owner of Karni Handyman, founder of Karni Family Farm and Ag-Novation LLC, former teacher, entrepreneur, father of 6 amazing children, and married to Miki. TOPIC: Too Old to Ride? 70 Years Old with His Motorcycle and His Ride Across America
Speaker: Mitch WolinMitch is an ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in neuro ophthalmology, a clinical professor of Ophthalmology at the University of South Carolina and has a part-time private practice in Greenville. He is the president of the board of the Jewish Federation of Upstate South Carolina and is an active member of the Temple of Israel, a father of 2, an avid collector of ancient coins, and has a strong interest in Jewish history. TOPIC: Ethical Issues in Ophthalmology and the Health Care in the US
Speaker: George Eastergard, Sr.At 7 years old, George immigrated (1949) from Denmark following WWII. He acquired USA citizenship (1954), collaborated with his father in construction, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (1964), taught high school math, and founded an HVAC business…and was blessed with 58+ years with his wife, Mary: 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.TOPIC: Adult Reflections Through my Childhood's Eyes, Understanding, and Experiences from WWII
Speaker: Becky MeissnerServing with Connections Global, Becky works alongside communities around the world to welcome Israeli travelers through genuine hospitality and meaningful relationships. She has a passion for Israel and loves helping build lasting bridges between Israelis and people who simply open their homes and hearts. TOPOC: When a Meal Changes Everything…How simple hospitality is building unexpected friendships with Israeli travelers around the world
Speaker: Madelaine YafetMadelaine and her husband, John Seymour, moved to Greenville in 2020 to escape the cold, snowy winters of Milwaukee. Performing Jewish music has been her avocation since high school. She had a career in technical writing for over 40 years, residing in Silicon Valley for nearly 20 years and later returning to Milwaukee. Madelaine is a member of the board of the Jewish Federation of Upstate South Carolina. TOPIC: Finding My Way to My Culture and Spirituality Through Music
Speaker: Diane VecchioDiane Vecchio hails from central New York. She earned a B.A. in history from State University of New York, and a Master's Degree in European History and a Ph.D. in American History from Syracuse University. Her scholarly work focuses on the immigrant experience in the United States and she has published multiple articles on Italian and Jewish immigrants. TOPIC: Peddlers, Merchants, and Manufacturers. How Jewish entrepreneurs built the economy and community in Upcountry South Carolina, mostly in the 19th and 20th centuries
Speaker: Lisa Pearlman Speaker: Lisa PearlmanLisa moved to the Greenville area in August of 2025, with her husband, Larry. She is the proud mother of an IDF Reservist, Zachary, who served over 300 days in Operation Swords of Iron, following the atrocities of Oct 7, 2023. Lisa traveled to Israel in March of 2024, to tour some of the Oct 7 sites, including the Nova Music Festival. Topic: Israel Today…Rising From the Ashes & What We Can Learn From Israelis
Speaker: Joel LevinEditor, writer and media consultant. After moving from South Korea to South Carolina four years ago, Joel has tried nearly every Korean restaurant in Greenville! He has worked in journalism, book publishing, translation, public relations, and banking. TOPIC: It's Never Too Late for Another Adventure: Cruising South America with My Octogenarian Mother
Party and stories with Miki Karni
Remember this series is BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch).
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