Technology User Group (TUG) Discussions for all users at all levels via Hybrid meetings (in-person and Zoom) after the regular meeting, at about 11:45 a.m. (First and fourth Tuesdays of the month).
- Nov 1 – Video and discussion on freezing credit. Also, time permitting, video and discussion on the world of AI art and how various tools can now generate images of pretty much anything you want—no human artists, photographers or designers involved.
Timely Topics Discussion in-person and via Zoom, with participation encouraged from all in attendance. Usually at 11:45 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Mort O'Shea is the Chair. (973) 813-7392, [email protected]
- Nov 8 – Social media have a lot of mischief, e.g., false information, incitement, and malicious attacks. Should the media moderate and restrict content? If so, how should that be regulated, and how enforced?
Trips Scheduled (For Old Guard members and their guests)
- No trips for the duration of the COVID crisis
Walkers Group walks are suspended during the COVID-19 shutdown and will resume when it is safe. Please stay tuned.
November Program Chair – Terry Dwyer
- Nov 1 – "A Deserted Village? The Efforts to Save the Feltville Historic District" – As director of Park Planning and Environmental Services for Union County, Dan Bernier has previously shared stories from the rich history of the area surrounding Watchung Reservation’s Deserted Village of Feltville. He returns to describe the race against time to preserve this rich living history: the work that has been completed, current projects, and future challenges. For Dan, this is not an academic exercise since he has been the resident caretaker of this National Register-listed historic site for the last 30 years. [video]
- Nov 8 – "My Road to the Isles" – Robert “Bob” Currie recounts his journey from a farm kid in Scotch Plains, NJ to becoming the Commander of the Name and Arms of Currie—with family roots that trace back to the 13th century in the west of Scotland. Bob has devoted more than 30 years to supporting and promoting Scottish-American culture in the US, from developing the outstanding Tartan Week festival at Ellis Island to producing the Pipes of Christmas concerts held in Summit and New York. After knowing little of his family’s roots, Bob has ascended to the leadership of this ancient family and has formed an international Scottish–arts organization. [video]
- Nov 15 – "We Salute Our Veterans of the World Wars" – Since its establishment in 1919, members of The Military Order of the World Wars have lived by the Military Order’s motto, “It is nobler to serve than to be served.” William “Bill” Rapp, LTC (USA Ret) is the NJ Department Commander at Military Order of the World Wars and actively promotes patriotism, civic responsibility, public service, and leadership in our communities. As we reflect on Veteran’s Day, Bill will highlight some bright spots in honoring the legacy of our veterans—especially in his involvement with youth programs. [video]
- Nov 22 – "The United Nations’ Role in the World’s Hot Spots" – Far away from the political debates in the United Nations General Assembly, the UN is working in some of the most troubled countries through peacekeeping / peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development assistance efforts. Jim Provenzano, general counsel for the UN’s Office for Project Services, has over 35 years of experience working with a number of UN organizations that are making a difference in countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Yemen. Jim will also explain the Sustainable Development Goals which come under the UN Agenda 2030. [video to appear]
- Nov 29 – "Can the US Get to Net-Zero Emissions?" - The Inflation Reduction Act includes strong new measures to control greenhouse gases. Dr. Karl Hausker, senior fellow in the Climate Program of the World Resources Institute, will describe the history of US climate policy, the origins and provisions of the IRA, and its implementation challenges in the coming decade. Dr. Hausker had led climate policy analysis and modeling projects for USAID, USEPA, RGGI, CARB, and the Western Climate Initiative. [in-person & on Zoom-- for access: [email protected]]
December Birthday emcee – Robert Burns
December Program Chair - Eric Hausker
- Dec 6 - "The Work of the Morris Habitat for Humanity" - Blair Schleicher Wilson, CEO, Morris Habitat for Humanity. The presentation will concern current projects and initiatives undertaken by Morris Habitat, including one or two in Summit NJ. [in-person & on Zoom]
- Dec 13 - "How Mars Will be Colonized" - Dr. Paul Belony, Kean University, Physics Department, will talk about the coming attempts to establish a human colony on the surface of Mars. As an astronomer-physicist, he will explore the means of transportation and living conditions within the constraints of space hazards and the limitations of the human body. As such, the lecture will gravitate around Orbit Maneuvering, Space Engines, air treatment, and food production. [in-person & on Zoom]
- Dec 20 - " The Ukraine War's Historical Causes" - Dr. Michael Andrec, certified archivist, Ukrainian History and Education Center, will discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is at least as much about history as about geopolitics. This war doesn’t just have historical causes; it is a war about the historical narrative itself—one that goes back many centuries. This talk will present an introduction to this history, along with an overview of Ukraine’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape. [in-person & on Zoom]
January Birthday emcee - Marv Gersten
