Come for the Programs . . .
* During the pandemic shutdown, meetings moved online with Zoom. As we move back to in-person meetings, we will continue to offer "hybrid" access by Zoom. Please request a link by sending email to [email protected]
Meetings start at 9:30 AM with coffee and socializing. At 10:00 we sit down, sing a song or two, and hear a few jokes & announcements. The day's invited speaker starts at around 10:30. Visitors are asked to arrive by 10:00 AM.
Note: For the present, in-person attendance requires two Covid vaccinations plus a booster, and face masks must be worn. Please read our full policy on Covid protocols here: www.covid-protocols.pdf
Programs consist of stimulating talks by people such as past governors, mayors, politicians, physicians, Nobel Prize winners, judges, professors, historians, scientists, authors, economists, journalists, financial advisors, medical specialists, conservationists, etc. The following Q&A is lively. Put on your business casual attire or jacket & tie (or something more casual from May to September) and attend a meeting with us. All visitors are welcome. Admission is free.
Stay for the Friends*
After the meetings, many members join together to have lunch at various local restaurants.
In addition to the weekly meetings, there are activity groups for golf, bridge, hiking, trips, computer help, tennis and more.
* Or, as one member put it recently, "Come for the Jokes, Stay for the Talks", since we start each meeting by singing a few songs and enjoying a few jokes :-)
Policy on Weather Cancellations
During very bad weather or when the NPPC is unavailable to us, our meetings simply move online with Zoom. We will post a notice at this website and send an email to members.
For more information, contact:
On Retiring – A Stimulating Road Ahead
Where will you find a sense of purpose and satisfaction? How will you find mental stimulus and a sense of community? Click on this PDF file to consider an answer to these questions.
Donations to Old Guard are welcome and greatly appreciated (although they are not tax deductible).
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
For speaker photos, visit us on facebook
For an archive of videos of past meetings,
