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).
- Mar 7 – John Tomaszewski will lead a discussion on ChatGPT and host an interactive demo.
- Mar 28 – Quarterly "Issues" session.
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]
- Mar 14 – The homeless: How many are there? Who are they? How much does mental illness play a part? What can we do about this problem?
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 coordinator. Any volunteers?
March Program Chair - Jim Blinn
- March 7 – "Finding Common Ground in Divided Times: An Introduction to Braver Angels" – Cindy Mullock, New Jersey state coordinator for Braver Angels, will describe the mission of Braver Angels. As a nonprofit organization, Braver Angels is committed to finding common ground and is equally balanced between conservatives and progressives at every level of leadership. The organization works in communities, on college campuses, in the media, and in the halls of political power to depolarize American politics through grassroots organizing based on patriotic empathy and the idea that our love for our country is shown by our concern for our fellow citizens. [video]
- March 14 – "Under-appreciated Excellence: The Pianism of Duke Ellington" – Marcel Simon, retired from Northrop Grumman and jazz aficionado, whose knowledge was gained from semi-obsessive listening over 45 years of jazz fandom and discussions with numerous jazz experts, will focus on Ellington’s piano style with a few biographical details supplemented by excerpts from various performances recorded during Ellington’s life. [video]
- March 21 – "Islam: Religion, Beliefs, Practices, and Facts" – Saba Laeeq, co-chair, Interfaith Committee, Islamic Community & Cultural Center (ICCC Parsippany), will provide both a historical overview of Islam and of Islam today. Islam is one of the major religions in the world with almost two billion Muslims around the world, just slightly fewer than Christianity, and yet there are misinformation and myths surrounding it. She is looking forward to answering your questions about Islam. [in-person & on Zoom – for access: [email protected]]
- March 28 – "Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis in Older Adults" – Dr. Dimitri Baldwin, DPT, COMT,
and owner of Blueprint Physical Therapy and Wellness in Montclair, will define exactly what
arthritis is, its common symptoms, treatment, and short and
long-term management techniques, including the difference between
cortisone injections and gel injections. [in-person & on Zoom]
April Program Chair - George Kull
- April 4 – "Is AI Replacing the Artist: Will Artists Become Obsolete?" – George Kull, a Summit Old Guard member, has presented talks on computer security, 5G, and home networking to the Technology Users Group. He has been analyzing current advances in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and their implementation. Now with the media all abuzz with AI programs such as ChatGPT and Stable-Diffusion replacing writers and artists by entering some simple text, George will give a not-too-technical talk on the generative AI evolution and revolution and whether artists will become obsolete. [in-person & on Zoom]
- April 11 – "My Experiences in Uganda and Other African Countries" – Tony Visocchi, a Summit Old Guard member, intrigued us at last August’s Birthday Boys celebration when he mentioned that he had “shook the hand of Idi Amin” while in Uganda. Tony will give us a very personal view of his experiences in Uganda and other parts of Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, and Tunisia. [in-person & on Zoom]
- April 18 – "The Evolution of (Affordable) Housing Policy from the Great Depression to the Great Recession" – Vito Gallo, a Summit Old Guard member, has spent 50+ years in the field of housing and community development. He will present his view on these challenging questions: Is there a constitutional right to housing in America? In a private market economy, what is the federal government’s role in housing policy? Isn’t the regulation of housing development a local government responsibility? Is there a legitimate role for state governments? Is there even a housing policy in America? [in-person & on Zoom]
- April 25 – "Maintaining Mobility as We Age" – Dr. Michelle Millner, a doctor of physical therapy and director of Pilates rehabilitation and training at Better with Physical Therapy in Madison. Just as financial planning is used to reach our financial goals as we age, we need to be focused on bettering strength, flexibility, and mobility to fulfill our activity goals as we age. [in-person & on Zoom]
May Birthdays emcee -- Joe Geist
