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).
- Dec 5 – Guest speaker, Arnold Goldstein, presents “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow-The Fate of Obsolete Technology.”
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.
- Dec 12 – The topic will be “Living with Medicare—how is that working for you?”
Trips Scheduled (For Old Guard members and their guests)
Post-Covid trips are now being planned. Stay tuned.
Walkers Group walks or hikes are once again feasible – but this group needs a chair or coordinator. Any volunteer
December Program Chair – Rich Pavlo
- Dec 5 – "A Happy Refugee Story" – Old Guard member Bill Freund fled Nazi Germany with his family at age 11 in 1936. A refugee doesn’t look for happiness, only survival. He was a shoe-shine boy, attended school, and learned English. With the help of his enterprising family – and a secret cookie recipe – he earned a PhD from Columbia University and became chief economist at the New York Stock Exchange. He wrote several professional books and two children’s stories, including one about that cookie. We’ll hear the remarkable life story of one of our most distinguished members. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Dec 12 – "Water – Why We Care About It" – Water is fascinating and demands our attention for many reasons. Water exists as a liquid, gas, and solid, each with a different effect on our world. Our own Mitch Erickson will review the science, biology, and environmental and social uses of water as a parable of the intersection of science, environment, policy, recreation, safety, climate change, and social justice that affects all 8 billion of us. It is important to be informed about the fundamental properties of H2O in order to participate in societal discussions. Mitch is an environmental chemist with a lifetime of professional experience with water. He enjoys a variety of beverages that are mostly water. [in-person and on Zoom] -- For access: [email protected]]
- Dec 19 – Old Guard Holiday Party with Joe Regan: Don’t miss this chance to get into the holiday spirit and to greet your friends and wish them happiness in the new year! Joe Regan is a well-known cabaret singer and pianist we have always enjoyed, and he’ll appear with a repertoire of popular standards and holiday songs. There will be special refreshments and decorations, and the bigger the turnout the better it will be. This is our last and most fun meeting of the year. -- Special Note: There will be no business meeting! The party will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Spouses or companions are very welcome to celebrate with us. [in-person only]
Dec `12: January Birthdays emcee: Mort O’Shea
January Program Chair – Bob van der Valk
- Jan 2 – "Nutrition and Aging Myths" -- Kathleen Bassiacos imagined herself as a nurse since age 11 and now has over three decades of nursing experience in oncology, geriatrics, assisted living, and home care. Now at Unicity Healthcare, she keeps her patients’ health at the forefront, focusing on “crisis management mixed with adaptability.” Her patients are the elderly, who are the most at risk for being negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her presentation will include not only nursing, but also treating the myths surrounding aging and nutrition. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Jan 9 – "Water – Why We Care About It" – Water is fascinating and demands our attention for many reasons. Water exists as a liquid, gas, and solid, each with a different effect on our world. Our own Mitch Erickson will review the science, biology, and environmental and social uses of water as a parable of the intersection of science, environment, policy, recreation, safety, climate change, and social justice that affects all 8 billion of us. It is important to be informed about the fundamental properties of H2O in order to participate in societal discussions. Mitch is an environmental chemist with a lifetime of professional experience with water. He enjoys a variety of beverages that are mostly water. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Jan 16 – "The Problem of Compulsive Gambling" – Joe Kane is a prevention specialist with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ, which is composed of concerned individuals representing the best interests of “problem and disordered gamblers” and their families. He joined the organization following a career on Wall Street and in the mortgage industry. The Council focuses on educating the general public, training professionals, referring gamblers and their families to treatment, and advocating for increased treatment services. Joe will help us understand compulsive gambling and the need for support. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Jan 23 -- "Registration for Organ and Tissue Donation" --By registering as an organ donor, you may change—or save—someone’s life. Iveth Gonzales is a team leader in the New Jersey Sharing Network, with personal experience from when her father was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. She will explain organ donation, its benefits, and how it is organized. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Jan 30 -- "Senior Medicare Patrol" -- Medicare is for seniors, it expends many billions of dollars, and it must deal with the hazards of fraud. The Senior Medicare Patrol of New Jersey is a federally funded program of the US Administration for Community Living. There is an SMP in each state. Charles Clarkson, an attorney, is a project director for the SMP under the auspices of Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County. He will explain how to detect and how to report Medicare fraud and related healthcare scams. [in-person and on Zoom]
February Birthdays emcee: David DeLonge
