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).
Timely Topics Discussion in-person and via Zoom, with participation encouraged from all in attendance. Around 11:45 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.
- Apr 8 – The topic will be -- "What would you suggest that a person do to be happier?” Why do you think that your suggestion is a good idea? Is it a personal experience, something you’ve observed in others, or some other reason?
Trips Scheduled (For Old Guard members and their guests)
This group needs a chair. Any volunteers?
Walkers Group walks or hikes are once again feasible – but this group also needs a chair or coordinator. Volunteers welcome.
April Program Chair - Gabe Gruber
- Apr 1 – Speaking Up, Standing Together: Starting the Conversation on Domestic Violence – Our speaker Marianne McCrone is a licensed professional counselor and the clinical director of child and adolescent services at the Rachel Coalition, within the Domestic Violence Counseling Program at Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, New Jersey. She will present an overview of the dynamics and prevalence of domestic violence, with an emphasis on violence in our local community, and services provided by JFS/Rachel Coalition. The session will be geared toward engaging men in the conversation around domestic violence, highlighting the important role men play in gender-based violence, and understanding the experiences of survivors. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Apr 8 – What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment for a variety of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and others. Dr. James Korman, a clinical psychologist, is chief behavioral health officer at Summit Health. He is a fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a certified cognitive behavioral therapist. He will discuss the process of CBT and how it effects change, as well as its potential benefits for mental health and physical health outcomes. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Apr 15 – The Cali School of Music at Montclair State University – Invited speaker Kathryn Lockwood is a professor of music at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University and a violist. She serves as the curator of the Immersive Residency Program at the school and oversees weeklong residency visits of internationally renowned artists and groups. She will discuss the Cali School and its programs, which include graduate level music education and music learning for high school students intending to major in music. Kathryn will enliven her presentations with clips of musical performances by faculty, students, and groups. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Apr 22 – Managing Medication Mayhem – Our presenter Laura Balsamini holds a doctorate in pharmacy and leads the clinical and operational pharmacy management services for all Summit Health clients. Managing one’s own complex medication coverage or that of a loved one can be challenging and even overwhelming. She will cover issues of medication coverage and affordability, high risk medication in older adults, as well as tips on assessing timing for taking certain medications. She will also address side effects and adverse events, improving adherence to prescribed regimens, and maintaining up-to-date medication lists. [in-person and on Zoom]
- Apr 29 – The Refugee Community of World War II in Shanghai, China – Old Guard member and April MPC Dr. Gabriel Gruber is the son of parents who were forced to flee from Vienna, Austria in 1939 and spend the war years in Shanghai. Dr. Gruber will discuss historical events leading up to his parents’ need to leave Vienna, facts about life in Shanghai during the war years, and the challenges faced by the refugees, as well as personal stories regarding his parents’ experiences. [in-person and on Zoom -- for access: [email protected]]
May Birthdays emcee - Joe Geist
May Program Chair - Tom Mulligan
- May 6 – History and Stories About the Football Giants, Jets, and Patriots -- Come and relive the championship history and some of the weird and funny stories of the football New York Giants, New York Jets, and New England Patriots. Vin Femia is the noted author of three books about pro football and baseball. His entertaining presentation will describe the sometimes successful and sometimes turbulent history of these teams, which are some of the most popular and fascinating teams in all of sports. He will enliven his presentation with a visual slide show. Vin will also talk about his experiences in interviewing former NFL players and coaches. [in-person and on Zoom]
- May 13 – How to Live Better and Longer – Our speaker Jessica Brodkin is a former member of the CIA who has moved into the area of alternative healing. Jessica will speak to us about several methods of healing ranging from early East Asian techniques to modern alternative methods. Her focus is on longevity training that is particularly helpful to seniors, including acupuncture and Reike. Reike is a Japanese healing technique that aims to promote relaxation, reduce stress and encourage healing, and improve sleep. And who among us doesn’t want better sleep? Jessica is a multi-talented woman who has also performed a one-woman show entitled, A Spy’s Awakening. Jessica is the daughter of Old Guard member Phil Brodkin. [in-person and on Zoom]
- May 20 – Revisiting World War II: A Modern Gathering – The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s World War II Weekend is a gathering of warbirds and much more. It has become the premier event of its kind commemorating events of WW II and the people and machines that led to allied victory. For three decades, the museum has honored our history through D-Day remembrance, vehicle & aircraft displays and shows, war veterans & speakers, battles & flights education, re-enactors at war and at home, and big bands & swing dancing. Ron Weinger, a member of Old Guard, attended the recent event and will give us a first-hand look at the weekend activities, illustrated with photos and video. [in-person and on Zoom]
- May 27 – How Prescription Drugs Come to Market: An Insider’s View – Our speaker Kathleen Waldron is vice president of regulatory affairs at AbbVie which is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company focused on immunology, oncology, aesthetics, neuroscience, and eye care, with a mission to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that enhance people’s lives. Kathleen has a degree in psychology/pre-med from The College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Kathleen has a long career in the pharmaceutical industry beginning in 2002 with a start-up company, Eyetech, that developed the first treatment for macular degeneration. Kathleen will trace the drug development process for us from R&D, through clinical trials to FDA approval and ultimately product launch, and she will reflect on how today’s technology impacts the process. Kathleen is the daughter of Old Guard member and May MPC Tom Mulligan. [in-person and on Zoom]
June Birthdays emcee - Pat Moschetti
