Moderated by Jan Selkowitz, an entrepreneur and businessman who has been dealing with Asia for over five decades, and has family ties to China. Friday, March 18th at 11 am. Zoom only
Nikki Haley: “Why China keeps me up at night.”
China’s Economic Reckoning: The Price of Failed Reform
About SimplifyCT: This is an organization founded and directed by DMA Member Pat Gentile as a no cost, full-service AARP/VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program. The group of more than 50 volunteers is sponsored by the IRS, and has for many years helped its clients to prepare all relevant tax forms and to file completed tax returns, as well as offering assistance with all government support programs. This is done via both on-site personal counseling and virtually through a secure internet site. While this financial services program is focused on seniors and low-to-moderate income households, there are no limitations on either income or age. All counselors are fully IRS-certified volunteers, and services are provided free of charge. See: SimplifyCT.org
How you can participate:
Become a volunteer by completing the IRS/VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program offered by SimplifyCT in the Fall, and finish the certification requirements in January. Volunteers work designated hours at the Public Libraries and Senior Centers of Darien, New Canaan, Westport and Norwalk during February, March and April of each year. Volunteers work within a team of dedicated individuals and with customers who truly appreciate your help. Of course, you can also become a SimplifyCT client at any of these locations. Need more information? Contact any of the current DMA members below!
Current DMA Volunteers:
HIKING GREENWICH POINT
OLD GREENWICH, CT
FEBRUARY 24, 2022
10:00 AM
We will meet in the first parking lot on the right after you pass the gatehouse and walk around the perimeter of the park, about 2.5 miles. If the weather is good, the hike is on. If it turns out to be a day that you would not go out on a walk, don’t come and I won’t either. There will be no announcement but you can call or email me as below to check to see if the hike is on.
Greenwich Point is a special place and we non-Greenwich types can only go in the winter. Wonderful views and a solid walking surface but it can be very windy. Layer up! No lunch after. Dogs on a leash welcome as are guests as always.
We had 18 hikers at Sherwood Island last month, let’s beat that number!
GPS and Waze for directions off either Exit 6 or 5 of I-95.
Dave McCollum
Recap:
“An enthusiastic group of 16 braved cold and windy, but bright conditions…”. That was the start of our report after the December 9 tour of Greenwich Point. Copy that for today! Sixteen of us, including three new hikers plus two dogs encountered the very same weather on this trip around the peninsula. If we get the same weather this coming December, we’re going to send the data to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Once they print it, we’ll pick another day!
Despite the cold, all had a great time with only one slight mishap when Tom Igoe tripped but was rescued on the way to the ground by Charles Salmans. Teamwork is what the DMA is all about!
We’ll have one more winter hike at Waveny Park in New Canaan on Monday, March 21. In April we will return to our traditional hikes in area forests.
Dave McCollum and Bob Plunkett
Super Bowl LVI ContestNext Tuesday, February 1, the Wanderers will be at the DCA building, in the vestibule at some card tables, selling entries to the 2022 DMA Super Bowl Contest. David Mace, Greg Glashan, Taylor Strubinger and Joe Spain will be there on duty from ten o’clock to noon on Tuesday. If all the entries are not sold that day, they will be there again at the same time on Friday morning, February 4 to sell the balance. The Super Bowl Game itself will be on Sunday February 13.
We have had this traditional DMA event during the Wanderers’ off-season for more than ten years now. It is a pool lottery; and, prizes will be awarded based upon the actual final score of the Super Bowl game for the Grand Prize winner, and, for the runner up winners, based upon the actual score of the game at half-time, as well as at the end of the first and third quarters.
Members can enter by picking their boxes on this year’s ten-by-ten chart of one hundred boxes, and paying two dollars for each box chosen, with a limit of two boxes per member. The boxes are set up on a large sheet of poster board (see photo of this year’s chart by clicking on the link below); and, as each box is sold, the member writes his name in the box(es) he has chosen.
When all boxes are sold and entrants’ names entered on the chart, the numbers zero through nine will be randomly assigned to the ten horizontal rows in the grid. These row numbers are set to be matched against the second digit of the NFC team’s game score. Another set of the ten numbers will be randomly assigned to the grid’s ten vertical columns, and those column numbers are set to be matched against the second digit of the AFC team’s game score. These two sets of random numbers will be picked out of a hat and will define the two numerals assigned to each of the one hundred boxes on the contest grid.
The AFC numbers along the tops of the columns of boxes and the NFC numbers along the left of the rows of boxes give every box a pair of single digit numbers that are designed to correspond to the points that will be scored during the Super Bowl game by the AFC Team and the NFC Team. Prizes in the contest will be awarded to the box in which its two numbers match the second or final digit of the points scored by each of the two teams at four designated times during the game: end of 1st quarter, half-time, end of 3rd quarter and end of game. At each of those four breaks in the Game, the second or final digit of each team’s score will be noted, and the box having those two numbers will be the winning box for that prize.
For example: if, at the end of the first half, the AFC team is ahead by the score of 28 to 14, then one of the boxes that is in the column that has the number 8 at its top will be the winner of the half-time prize. Also, one of the boxes that is in the row that has the number 4 at its left end will be the winner of that half-time prize. This is because it is the second or final digit of each team’s score that is used to determine which column and which row contain the winning box for that score. The NFC team’s score final digit determines which row has that winning box, and the AFC team’s score final digit determines which column contains that winning box. Each box, as a result of the random choice of that box’s row and column numbers, thus is assigned a fixed pair of numbers. And it is the scoring during of the Game, and the final digits of the teams’ points at the four key measuring times during play that will determine which specific box is the winner at each of those times.
The apparent winning box changes as the score changes. And we simply need to look at the score at those four stopping points in the game to determine each winning box, using the attached ten-by-ten chart. So, staying with the example, if the NFC team were to come back in the second half and win by a score of 35 to 31, the Grand Prize winning box would be at the intersection of the “5” row (finding the NFC score final digit 5 among the numbers along the left side of the chart) with the “1” column (finding the AFC score final digit 1 among the numbers along the top of the chart).
So, each contestant will have his name in one of the boxes of the chart, and can go to the top of his column to get his AFC team’s score number; and then look at the left end of his row for his NFC team’s score number. We will circulate a copy of this year’s completed chart, so all can see what the numbers are for each column and each row and, therefore, for each box. Contestants can make a note of both numbers for their reference while watching the Game on Sunday, February 13. If you are a winner, we shall announce that and the prizes during the DMA Wednesday meeting on February 16.
As indicated, there will be four places in the Game when one of the boxes is designated as a winner based upon the Game score at that time. The box that wins on the basis of the score at the end of the Game is the Grand Prize winner, and his prize is $100 dollars. For the half-time winning box, the winner receives $50 dollars. And for the boxes that win based upon the Game score at end of the first and the third quarters, each winner receives $25 dollars.
If anyone has questions, please contact Greg Glashan or Joe Spain by phone or email, and we shall be happy to assist.
Good Luck to all in the 2022 DMA Super Bowl LVI Contest!
The winners were Matteo Harding ( represented by his grandfather Dick H. ) who won the first quarter prize. Tom Taylor, who won the half-time prize. Carol Hooper ( represented by her husband Bryan ) who won the third quarter prize. And Tom Taylor, who came through again to win the Grand Prize based upon the final score of the game.
Ted Aldrich is the author of “The Partnership: George Marshall, Henry Stimson, and the Extraordinary collaboration that Won World War II.” On September 1, 1939, the day Germany invaded Poland to launch World War II, Gen. George Marshall was sworn in as chief of staff of the U.S. Army. Ten months later, Roosevelt appointed the prominent elder statesmen Henry Stimson secretary of war. For the next five years, from adjoining offices where the door between them was always left open, Marshall and Stimson headed the army machine that ground down the Axis. Their effort, one of the greatest feats of management in the history of the world, was also one of the most consequential collaborations of the twentieth century. The Partnership tells the story of how they worked together to win World War II and reshape not only the United States, but the world.
Ted is a Rowayton native and son-in-law of DMA member Pete Scull. He majored in economics and political science at Colgate University and received an MBA in finance from Boston College. He has a career in international finance, primarily in commodities, and has held senior positions at UBS, Fortis, and Mizuho Bank and is now with Auramet Trading, one of the world’s largest physical precious metals merchants. He has long had an interest in history, leading to his decision to write a book about these two key figures in World War II.
Arranged by Pete Scull
The Partnership: George Marshall, Henry Stimson, and the Extraordinary Collaboration that Won World War II
On September 1, 1939, the day Germany invaded Poland to launch World War II, Gen. George Marshall was sworn in as chief of staff of the U.S. Army. Ten months later, Roosevelt appointed the prominent elder statesmen Henry Stimson secretary of war. For the next five years, from adjoining offices where the door between them was always left open, Marshall and Stimson headed the army machine that ground down the Axis. Their effort, one of the greatest feats of management in the history of the world, was also one of the most consequential collaborations of the twentieth century. The Partnership tells the story of how they worked together to win World War II and reshape not only the United States, but the world.
The general and the secretary traveled very different paths to power. Educated at Phillips Academy, Yale, and Harvard Law, Henry Stimson joined the Wall Street law firm of Elihu Root, a future secretary of war and state himself. He went on to serve as U.S. Attorney for his friend President Theodore Roosevelt, secretary of war under Taft, governor-general of the Philippines, and secretary of state under Hoover. A 73-year-old wise man and internationalist Republican with an excellent track record, Stimson ticked the boxes for another Roosevelt, who was in the middle of his third reelection campaign at the time. Thirteen years younger, George Marshall graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, then began a very slow, climb up the army ranks despite having a nearly flawless service record (during World War I he performed brilliant staff work for General Pershing). After a string of postings, Marshall ended up in Washington in the 1930s and impressed FDR with his honesty, securing his appointment as chief of staff.
Marshall and Stimson combined with a dazzling synergy to lead the American military effort in World War II, in roles that blended business, politics, diplomacy, and bureaucracy in addition to warfighting. They transformed an outdated, poorly equipped army into a well-equipped modern fighting force of millions. They identified soldiers and civilians, from Eisenhower, Bradley and McNair to McCloy, Lovett, Patterson, and Bundy, who were best suited for high command or sparking the industrial machine that shocked the world. They helped develop the worldwide strategy and logistical feats for battles from North Africa to D-Day. They collaborated with Allies like Churchill, Stalin, and the U.S. Navy. The two men made decisions, from the atomic bombs to the recovery of Europe, that would echo for decades. There were mistakes and disagreements, but the partnership of Marshall and Stimson was, all in all, a bravura performance, a master class in leadership and teamwork.
In the tradition of group biographies like the classic The Wise Men, The Partnership shines a spotlight on two giants, telling the fascinating stories of each man, the dramatic story of their collaboration, and the epic story of the United States in World War II.
Micki McElya is a professor of history at the University of Connecticut. In 2017, her book, “The Politics of Mourning: Death and Honor in Arlington National Cemetery,” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. It is a luminous investigation of how policies and practices at Arlington have mirrored the nation’s fierce battles over race, politics, honor, and loyalty. Prof. McElya graduated Bryn Mar College in 1994 and received a PhD from New York University in 2003. Before joining the faculty at UConn, she was an assistant professor of American Studies at the University of Alabama. She is currently working on a book entitled, “No More Miss America! How Protesting the 1968 Pageant Changed a Nation.”
Dr. Daniel Ksepka, Curator of Science at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, will speak about the “March of the Fossil Penguins.” He will detail the fossil record of these birds and fieldwork he has done in Peru and New Zealand. Prior to joining the Bruce Museum in 2014, Dr. Ksepka for nine years was on the staff of the Field Museum in Chicago and, prior to that, was with the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. He was a fellow with NESCent, a research center on the Duke University campus. He received a B.S. degree from Rutgars and a PhD from Columbia University. Dr. Ksepka will also present slides showing the expansion of the new Bruce Museum which is scheduled to open in about a year.
Arranged by Charles Salmans
Jim Lucey joined the U.S. Secret Service in 1970 and retired after 28 years as the Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Protective Research. During his career, Jim provided protection for U.S. presidents, vice presidents, presidential candidates, and visiting Heads of State. In his last assignment, he reviewed and coordinated all intelligence investigations on groups and individuals who posed a threat against any persons and places protected by the Secret Service.
After retirement, Jim served as Chief of Protection Services at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. As Chief he was responsible for the overall protection and security of the Gallery’s collections, facilities, and properties that are visited by several million annual visitors, as well as protection for approximately 1,000 employees including 330 security staff. He retired a second time in 2016.
A native of New York City, Jim holds a B.S. in business from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Arranged by Bob McGroarty
Carla Gambescia is an award-winning author, travel journalist, lecturer, and avid photographer with a special focus on Italy. She spoke to the DMA several years ago about her then-new book entitled, “La Dolce Vita University: An unconventional guide to Italian Culture from A to Z.” We’ve invited Carla back for an encore so she can share with us her latest thoughts about Italian culture.
Carla’s passion for Italy began early, with her mother’s love of the Renaissance masters and her father’s discourses on Italian geniuses of every calling. In the ensuing decades, she’s written about and toured every region of Italy on foot or by bicycle. Carla was a former partner in the Ciao Bella Gelato Company, conceived and co-led the Giro del Gelato bicycle tour which won Outside Magazine’s “Best Trip in Western Europe,” and, for a decade, owned and operated Via Vanti! Restaurant & Gelateria in Mount Kisco, New York. Via Vanti! received a “Very Good” from The New York Times and many plaudits for its innovative Italian cuisine, its delicio gelato (named “Best Gelato Shop in New York”), and for its culinary and cultural special events.
Carla’s success as an entrepreneur, cultural educator, and engaging storyteller reflects not only her knowledge, but also her passionate and joyful spirit.
Video Presentation begins at 08:07
Arranged by Charles Salmans
Megan Palmer Rivera, a fifth-generation member of the Palmer’s family, will tell the story of Palmer’s Market, one of Darien’s most enduring retailers, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. As a Darien institution that generates tremendous customer loyalty, Megan says Palmer’s owes its success to decades of evolution to meet the changing needs of area shoppers as well as its reputation for community service. Her great-great-grandfather Rocco Palmer established Palmer’s in the old Noroton Heights Center in 1921, although its roots go back to the early 1900s as a family-owned butcher shop in Stamford. Few family-owned businesses survive into the 3rd generation. Now the 4th and 5th generations of Palmer’s are running the business and the family’s vision over the years transformed a simple market into a supermarket in the 1950s and in more recent years as a one stop shopping destination including groceries, restaurant-quality prepared foods, flowers, a bakery, gift baskets, catering, and even guided tours to Italy and other destinations around the world.
Megan grew up working alongside her mother and grandfather at Palmer’s Market and always dreamed of becoming a chef. After high school, Megan attended The Culinary Institute of America, where she received her Culinary Arts Degree. She went on to study at the CIA’s St. Helena Campus, where she graduated as Class Valedictorian, adding a Baking and Pastry Arts Degree to her resume. After graduating, she opened Palmer’s Bakery, and four years later took over as Executive Chef, overseeing the production kitchen at the market and, the following year, launched Palmer’s Catering & Events. She has added 30 new positions to the company. In 2018 she took over as Palmer’s Managing Director. At the helm of a company that just celebrated 100 years in the business, her main focus is ensuring that Palmer’s will be around to support 100 more years of service to customers, employees, and local non-profits and charities. She will be sharing a documentary that was created for their anniversary.
Arranged by Charles Salmans
No name is more synonymous with the evil side of Wall Street than Bernie Madoff. Jim Campbell is author of “Madoff Talks,” the result of extensive correspondence with Bernie Madoff and those close to him. Arrested for fraud in 2008 — during the depths of the financial crisis — the 70-year-old market maker, investment advisor and former chairman of the NASDAQ had orchestrated the largest Ponzi scheme in world history, fleecing thousands of investors across the globe to the tune of $65 billion. To this day, questions remain: Why did he do it? How did he get away with it for so long? What did his family know? Who is the elusive Bernie Madoff?
Jim Campbell is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show Business Talk with Jim Campbell and his crime show Forensic Talk with Jim Campbell. Campbell’s extensive corporate, consulting and entrepreneurial business background includes roles at KPMG Consulting, Dean Witter Financial Services (now Morgan Stanley) and IBM. He is founder and president at JC Ventures, Inc., a management consulting business.
Japan surrendered after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and August 9, 1945. DMA member Charles Salmans points out that the B-29 was also essential to the defeat of Japan because the U.S. needed a way to deliver such bombs. No aircraft had that capability before the B-29 and the design of this aircraft was revolutionary, only to be superseded as a World War II technological achievement by the development of the atomic bomb itself. Under the pressure of war, both the design and production of the bomber took place concurrently, beginning in 1940. Major design and engineering modifications were still taking place through 1945 with air crew, in effect, becoming test pilots. The B-29 was a huge technological advance, the first aircraft with a pressurized cabin. It had three times the bomb load and twice the range of any other bomber at the time, made possible in part by a revolutionary wing design. But it required the most powerful engines ever built, and these were its Achilles heel. Furthermore, it was designed for high level, precision bombing before there was understanding of the high-altitude jet stream, which was at its most powerful at the latitude of Tokyo and which blew bombs off target. Thus, bombing was anything but precise. Consequently, General Curtis LeMay had to alter the tactics to low-level firebombing and in a single night a raid on Tokyo caused more civilian casualties than either of the atomic bombs.
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