Imagine life for a moment without reliable sources of electricity for our every need, no further away than the nearest wall socket. Local historian and frequent DMA speaker Art Gottlieb will enlighten us on the history of what is called “The Power Grid,” a network of power generation and distribution systems made possible by the genius of Nicola Tesla and his practical applications of Alternating Current (AC), enabling electricity to be consumed hundreds of miles away from its point of generation. This talk will also feature a discussion of alternative green energy sources contributing to “The Grid.”
Art was formerly a professional curator of naval history and the technical director of exhibits at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City. In these roles, Art worked regularly with veterans of all services toward the creation of exhibits accurately illustrating the history of 20th century warfare. From 1989 through 1997, Art coordinated with all branches of the armed services and the National Guard toward the preservation of historic ships, aircraft, and armor from around the world, and has facilitated the recovery of scores of artifacts from warships slated for demolition. More recently, he has refocused his efforts to address the growing needs of aging veterans and their families.
In addition to these endeavors, Art has developed a large repertoire of speaking topics that embrace architectural, technical, and cultural history, including numerous topics involving science and technology. His talk on the electrical grid could not come at a better time as our national struggles to meet the ever-increasing demand for power and energy in the context of climate change.
There were technical problems at the beginning. We join Mr. Gottlieb’s presentation shortly after it began.
Kathryn du Pree, a life-long expert in addressing the special needs of people on the autism spectrum, will engage in a wide-ranging conversation with Tom Igoe to explore the nature of autism and recent studies that show it becoming increasingly prevalent in the population. They will discuss, among other topics: the educational, behavioral, and job training and transition services available across Connecticut for those on the autism spectrum; the critical role of schools, academies and nonprofit organizations and the dedicated people that serve this population and their families; the difficult staffing challenges that arose during the Covid pandemic and persist today; and the various lifestyle options available for people on the spectrum, including independent living, group homes and employment opportunities, all with a view to enabling these unique individuals to live rewarding and purposeful lives.
DMA member Bert von Stuelpnagel will speak about the Marshall Plan and its effect on West Germany. This important initiative of the Truman administration, led by Secretary of State George C. Marshall, made America a “European Power,” and its impact can still be felt today, especially in Germany. In 1953, Marshall was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in recognition of the economic rehabilitation of Europe after the war.
Marshall Mayer, in conversation with Ken Bernard, will discuss the heroic humanitarian relief efforts young volunteers are bringing to war-torn Ukraine and his unforgettable first-hand experiences. A Westport native, Marshall is a New York City-based finance professional who has been active in Ukraine since the firshttps://dariendma.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5413.movt weeks of the war to coordinate refugee assistance, supply, and transport on both sides of the border. He and his brother Brian launched the non-profit Ukraine Aid International, and together they have facilitated the shipment and delivery of more than a million pounds of food, medicine, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid into Ukraine, mostly to the war-torn regions of Kharkiv, Kherson and Donetsk.
Ken Bernhard is a senior partner at the Connecticut law firm of Cohen and Wolf. He graduated from Yale (1966) and NYU Law School (1970) and then served in the U.S. Army as a member of the Judge Advocates Corps, first as trial counsel and then as an associate professor of law at the Military Academy at Westport, where he taught criminal and constitutional law. Ken served eight years as a State Representative representing his hometown of Westport in the Connecticut Legislature. Ken is also a Senior Attorney with the Center for International Legal Studies located in Salzburg, Austria and under its auspices taught in multiple law schools from Latvia to Mongolia, including Ukraine, which is what motivated him to get involved in what is happening there and teaming up with Marshall and Brian.
In this upbeat and entertaining presentation, DMA members will be treated to a discussion of how baseball has changed since our youth – whenever that youth may have been. Kelley Franco Throop will discuss how the game has evolved, and cover topics such as playoff expansion, the designated hitter, and the impact of analytics on how teams are built and the game is played. Both casual and serious baseball fans will enjoy this engaging presentation.
Maureen Neuberger, Director of the Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition Program serving towns throughout lower Fairfield County, including Darien, will discuss the launch of a new initiative called the Senior Dine Program – a restaurant-based meal program where seniors, 60 years and older, can come together in a traditional restaurant setting for a nutritious meal at a subsidized price. There are no income requirements. Partnering with local restaurants, Senior Dine has a flexible schedule and choice of meal. Catholic Charities works to develop menus that are balanced and nutritious. This program, together with the organization’s Senior Cafés located at area senior centers, promotes socialization and independence.