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Even while veterans are often welcomed home from combat tours as heroes, they also may encounter long term neglect in health care, disorientation and PTSD, and even homelessness. This presentation will address these challenges, their scale, their conditions, and programs that seek to address them.

Brigadier General, (Ret.), USA, Ronald P. “Ron” Welch is the Connecticut Commissioner of the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs. Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 22, 1978, and served on active duty with the 2 Ranger Battalion of the 75 Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis Washington. During his active-duty service, he attained the rank of sergeant and completed Basic Airborne School, Ranger School, Jungle Warfare Course, USMC Amphibious Recon Scout Swimmer Course, Jumpmaster Course, Primary Non-Commission Officer Course, USMC Scout Sniper Course, Emergency Medical Technician Course, Special Operations and Tactics Course, and the Pathfinder School. On May 4, 1981, he sustained serious injuries during a line of duty parachute accident. He left active service after completing his tour of duty on October 2, 1982.

He returned home and joined the Connecticut National Guard and eventually attended Officer Candidate School and on August 11, 1984, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry. He then served full-time in numerous positions in the Connecticut National Guard’s Infantry units as a rifle platoon leader, company commander, and various staff positions. He was promoted to Colonel on October 1, 2004, and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2005 to 2006 as a senior American advisor to an Afghan National Army, Infantry Brigade located in Eastern Afghanistan, providing training, advice, and conducting combat operations.

He retired from military service in 2017. Following his retirement, General Welch sought opportunities to provide support for veterans and active-duty service members and families, and he accepted a position as Vice President of Military and Family Services for Veterans Rally Point with Easterseals Capital Region and Eastern Connecticut, a nonprofit organization that provides expanded access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for those with disabilities and the veteran population.

Brigadier General Welch is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992 and a Master of Science degree in organizational management in 2007. He also earned a Master of Strategic Studies in 2011 from the U.S. Army War College.

He resides in southeastern Connecticut. His oldest son Stephen is a combat veteran with three tours. He is a full-time Physician Assistant for the CT National Guard, previously serving in the ED at Yale, a daughter Katherine is attending Quinnipiac University in the Occupational Therapy master’s program. And his youngest son Ethan is entering his senior year at Pennsylvania State University majoring in Public Health.

Summary

Brigadier General (Ret.) Ron Welch, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, provided a thoughtful and comprehensivel presentation in Darien, outlining the state’s history, current initiatives, and pressing needs in caring for its veterans.

Welch opened by highlighting Connecticut’s unique role in veterans’ history, noting that the nation’s first veterans’ home and hospital were founded in Darien in 1864 by philanthropist Benjamin Fitch. That legacy lives on today in the Shady Grove cemetary in Darien (the first veterans cemetary in our history) and the Connecticut Veterans Home now in Rocky Hill—a 92-acre campus with 40 buildings, 1.5 miles of tunnels, and a five-star rated healthcare facility. The Rocky Hill campus also includes dormitory housing and family homes for women veterans and their children.

A decorated veteran himself, Welch served with the 75th Ranger Regiment and later as a senior American advisor to the Afghan National Army. After retiring, he led efforts at Veterans Rally Point, helping veterans reintegrate through healthcare access, employment training, and education. His personal connection to public service is reflected in his children’s careers—his son is a flight surgeon with the Connecticut National Guard, his daughter is an occupational therapist, and his youngest is pursuing a Ph.D. in epidemiology.

Welch explained that Connecticut is home to roughly 150,000 veterans, with over 80% over the age of 60. This aging population requires increasing support in healthcare, housing, and advocacy. The DVA’s four core missions include skilled nursing care, residential services, advocacy and assistance, and cemetery and memorial services. The department also supports family housing, with five houses on campus currently occupied by single mothers and their children.

Among the DVA’s top priorities are expanding housing, upgrading electronic medical records, enhancing website accessibility, realigning budgets, and increasing outreach. Welch emphasized the importance of local Municipal Veterans Representatives—trained volunteers who serve as the first point of contact for veterans in their towns, helping them connect to services and benefits.

He also discussed the importance of Connecticut’s certified Veterans Service Officers, who have generated $199 million in direct benefits for veterans. Welch is advocating for more service officers in underserved areas, particularly the northeast and northwest corners of the state.

Cemetery services remain a focus, with Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien long at capacity and a growing need for expanded burial space. While efforts to acquire new land in Middletown were recently blocked, the department is actively seeking alternative sites and already has state bond funding secured for the expansion.

Mental health and suicide prevention were a central theme in Welch’s remarks. Since 9/11, more than 120,000 veterans have died by suicide—double the number of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Welch emphasized that social isolation, substance abuse, and mental injury are common threads in these tragedies. He urged veterans and their families to reach out for help, referencing the importance of confidential therapy, peer support groups, and strategies such as removing ammunition or using gun locks to reduce impulsive actions. “Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems,” he said. And he highlighted the need to distract a troubled veteran for 5-8 seconds when they are considering harming themselves in order to give them time understand the consequences of what they are planning.

Welch shared efforts under the Governors’ Challenge, a national initiative to reduce veteran suicide. He also highlighted new approaches to mental health, including peer meetups and emerging therapies like psychedelic-assisted treatment, which is currently being studied. He stressed the effectiveness of group sessions that blend casual conversation, shared activities, and emotional connection.

While traditional veterans’ organizations such as the VFW and American Legion have seen declining membership, Welch noted that younger veterans are engaging in different ways. Events like Irreverent Warriors hikes and “Hike to Remember” ruck marches offer camaraderie and purpose. These modern gatherings, he said, help veterans reconnect and begin to process their experiences in healthier ways.

In response to an audience question, Welch acknowledged the strong partnership between Connecticut’s state and federal VA systems. He praised the care provided at West Haven and Newington facilities, which are affiliated with Yale and UConn medical programs. Despite national budget uncertainty, he assured attendees that veterans’ healthcare and benefits remain protected.

Welch closed by returning to the local history. He spoke about the statue originally placed in Darien, now relocated to Rocky Hill, depicting a Civil War officer comforting a young girl—symbolizing the enduring costs of service and the need to care for veterans and their families.

In presenting a commemorative coin to a local host, Welch thanked the community for its continued support. “We owe our veterans more than words,” he said. “We owe them a life of dignity, opportunity, and care.”

Video Presentation 

HBS Community Partners

Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut Community Partners (CP) is a group of HBS alumni who work with Connecticut nonprofits on a pro-bono basis. CP works with about 17 nonprofits each year, largely strategic planning assignments of 3-4 months and staffed by  5-7 volunteers. CP also provides 1-2 scholarships for outstanding nonprofit leaders to the HBS program SPNM (Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit  Management), a one week intensive program using the case method for nonprofits taught by HBS professors. CP also awards the Turbo Award of $ 20,000 every other year to a nonprofit who can best leverage this amount. CP will celebrate its 20^th anniversary in 2025.

Andrew Traub will discuss the Community Partners organization and three local case studies of clients as a means of introducing the program to DMA members who may be involved with non profits and service agencies that may be good candidates for pro bono consulting assistance or members who may want to contribute. A speaker from Post 53 will discuss their organization as well as CP’s strategic planning project for them.  Andrew will also discuss  CP work with Darien Community Fund and the Bruce Museum in Greenwich.

Andrew Traub has been a board member of the Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut for 13 years. He has worked on forty projects in social services, education and the arts. Andrew has been board president and chaired several subcommittees. Andrew, a third-generation retailer, worked in this industry for over 40 years as a C level executive of retail and wholesale companies and a consultancy in retail strategy and international brand development. He has been a keynote speaker in both the US and China. Andrew and his wife, Lois, who is a retired attorney, live in Stamford; they have three daughters who live in Arlington, Virginia; Croton on Hudson, NY; and Los Angeles; and four grandchildren.

Arranged by Jan Selkowitz and Tom Mullaney

Note: Members interested in discussing engaging with the Community Partners should email Andrew at atraubconsulting@gmail.com.

Summary

Andrew Traub introduced the Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut Community Partners (CP) as a group of HBS alumni who work with Connecticut nonprofits on a pro-bono basis with strategic business consulting. This was an opportunity to encourage the highly experienced DMA members to consider joining them in the volunteer work; and also to encourage those members who serve on non-profit boards to consider the CP for management consulting that could contribute to setting the goals for their community service organizations and evaluating the structure and impact measures for these non-profts.

CP works with about 17 nonprofits each year, largely strategic planning assignments of 3-4 months and staffed by  5-7 volunteers. Traub presented three case studies of their work: the Darien Community Fund, the Bruce Museum, and Post 53. See their annual report of activities over the past year.

Post 53 is a unique, student-led emergency medical service operating in Darien, Connecticut. Unlike traditional EMS services, Post 53 is a volunteer-run organization staffed largely by high school students, who operate under the guidance of experienced adult advisers. For over 50 years, the organization has provided 24/7 emergency medical care to the town—at no cost to patients.

Tom Mullaney, a CP board member and active consultant with the group who helped arrange the presentation, introduced the program with a scenario personal to many in the room:

“Imagine dining out with your spouse when suddenly, you collapse. Within moments, a team of young but highly trained emergency responders arrives, racing against time to save your life. They transport you to the hospital, ensuring you receive the critical care you need. Weeks later, as you recover at home, you receive a letter—not a bill, but a survey asking how they can improve their services.”

Led by Executive Director Joe Larcheveque, Post 53 trains students rigorously, requiring them to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) by their sophomore year. These young professionals respond to medical emergencies throughout town, often encountering high-stakes, life-or-death situations.

The impact of Post 53 was felt firsthand by a surprising number community members in attendance, including residents who credited the organization with saving their lives. One individual recounted surviving cardiac arrest in his driveway thanks to Post 53’s rapid response. Another recalled an emotional moment when a young EMT turned out to be a family friend’s daughter, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Darien community.

The Post 53 program, which receives no direct funding from the town, relies entirely on donations to maintain its fleet of ambulances and support its operations. A major focus of the collaboration with Community Partners was strengthening financial sustainability, ensuring that Post 53 can continue serving Darien’s growing population.

CP’s recommendations included expanding fundraising efforts, rethinking board structure, and evaluating potential municipal funding. The discussion also underscored the resilience and professionalism of Post 53’s student responders, whose experiences often lead to careers in healthcare, public service, and beyond.

Video Presentation

In a remarkable tale that intertwines history, pop culture, and the resilience of the human spirit, Bonnie Siegler and Helen Stapinski bring forth The American Way: A Story of Nazi Escape, Superman, and Marilyn Monroe. This compelling narrative delves into the extraordinary journey of Siegler’s grandfather, Jules, who fled Nazi Germany, and the unexpected connections he formed with the cultural icons of his era.

An Unlikely Connection
Jules, a furrier by trade, was living in Berlin in the 1930s when the rise of Hitler threatened his family’s existence. Sensing the impending doom, he made a daring journey to the United States in search of a sponsor who could help them escape. That sponsor turned out to be Harry Donenfeld, the man behind DC Comics and the publisher of Superman.

While Jules was securing his family’s passage to America, two young comic book creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were developing the character of Superman—a hero who would go on to symbolize hope and justice during a time of global turmoil. The connection between Jules and Donenfeld was purely coincidental, yet it intertwined their fates with the rise of one of the most iconic superheroes of all time.

A Brush with Marilyn Monroe
After successfully escaping Germany, Jules settled in New York City. It was there, in the 1950s, that he inadvertently captured history on film. During the shooting of The Seven Year Itch, on the very block where he lived, Jules used his 16mm camera to record Marilyn Monroe’s famous subway grate scene. Unbeknownst to him, this amateur footage would later become the only surviving film of the original shoot—before it was recreated on a soundstage.

Survival and Legacy
Despite the horrors his family endured—many of whom perished in Nazi concentration camps—Jules managed to build a life in America. His survival was not just about escaping a war; it was about reclaiming a future. His story is a testament to the resilience of refugees and the sacrifices made to protect family.

The book The American Way sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of history, where comic books, Hollywood, and real-life heroism intersected in ways that continue to shape American culture. Siegler and Stapinski masterfully weave a story that is both deeply personal and universally relevant.

A Story That Demands to Be Told
The book is not just about Superman or Monroe—it’s about the essence of the American dream, and how those who seek refuge often become the foundation of the country’s cultural and historical fabric. Through meticulous research and intimate storytelling, Siegler and Stapinski bring to life a narrative that is at once harrowing and hopeful.

With The American Way, readers are invited to reflect on the past while recognizing the ongoing struggles of immigrants and refugees seeking safety and opportunity. In Jules’ journey, we see both the best and worst of America—the open doors and the turned backs, the opportunities and the obstacles.

Siegler and Stapinski’s work serves as a reminder that history is never as distant as it seems, and that every family has a story worth telling.

Authors

Bonnie Siegler is the founder and creative director of award-winning, multi-disciplinary, graphic design studio, Eight and a Half. The author of Dear Client, a guide for people who work with creatives, and Signs of Resistance, a visual history of protest in America, she also taught design in the graduate schools of Yale University and the School of Visual Arts for many years. She lives in Westport.  It is a story of Bonnie’s family and she did most of the research finding the threads of her family’s experience.

Helene Stapinski is the nationally bestselling author of three memoirs: Five-Finger Discount, Murder in Matera, andBaby Plays Around. She writes regularly for The New York Times; her work has also appeared in The Washington Post,New York,Travel & Leisure, and dozens of other publications. She teaches at New York University and lives in Brooklyn. Helene was the principal author to support Bonnie’s research.

Video Presentation

Annelise Osborne is chief business officer at Kadena, a blockchain technology company, where she is focused on upgrading finance. Annelise has over 20 years of experience in finance, credit, real estate, family office, risk, structuring, governance, and digital assets. She was previously head of institutional for Arca Labs, working with companies to drive blockchain innovation through strategic partnerships and advisory services as well as COO of Propellr LLC, company that creates a platform for digitally held assets. Annelise spent 12 years at Moody’s Investor Service running teams in structured finance. She is a thought leader, board advisor, university lecturer and author. Her book, From Hoodies to Suits: Innovating Digital Assets in Traditional Finance, hit shelves in June 2024. Annelise holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.A. in Economics from The College of William and Mary.

Summary

Video Presentation 

Jon E. Zagrodzky serves as First Selectman for the Town of Darien, having been elected to this position on November 7, 2023. Jon’s prior Town roles include: member of the Board of Selectmen; member and chairman of the Board of Finance; member of the Town and Police Pension Board; member of the Public Works Garage and Ox Ridge School Building Committee Board; member and president of the Darien Historical Society.

Until his December 2023 retirement, Jon served as COO and CFO at Rhône Group, LLC, a middle market private equity firm, where he was responsible for finance, operations, human resources, administration, information technology, and business planning. Prior to Rhône, he was CAO and Chief Compliance Officer at Oak Hill Capital Management and before that spent 16 years at McKinsey & Company.

Jon earned a BA in Economics and Romance Languages from Washington & Lee University and an MBA from The Wharton School.  He is a commercial pilot and owns a Piper Seneca III. Jon moved to Darien with his wife, Sara, and their two children, Maggie and Jack, in 2005.

Summary

Ric Grefé reports that Darien First Selectman John Zagrodzky provided an update on the state of the town, covering topics such as infrastructure, real estate, public safety, and the highly anticipated development of Great Island.

Town Strengths and Growth
Zagrodzky highlighted Darien’s strong public schools, praising the quality of education, facilities, and student engagement. He noted that the town’s property values remain high, with a 20% increase in average home prices despite a low housing inventory.

New commercial developments, including Corbin District, Heights Crossing, and Darien Commons, are revitalizing the town and attracting businesses. The First Selectman urged residents to support local restaurants and shops, emphasizing the importance of keeping Darien’s economy thriving.

Challenges: Infrastructure, Crime, and Traffic
Zagrodzky addressed concerns over aging infrastructure, including sewer system failures and ongoing flooding issues. He acknowledged that major storms could overwhelm the town’s flood control measures, urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes. The challenge for the town is that as much attention as they pay to the flooding issues, the combination of geology, old infrastructure, and the overwhelming cost and disruption of a comprehensive redesign of the infrastructure makes comprehensive change unrealistic.

Crime remains a challenge, with unlocked car thefts continuing to be a problem. “Every stolen car had the keys left inside,” he stated, calling on residents to take basic precautions.

Traffic congestion, particularly on Post Road and near new developments, remains an issue. While improvements such as better signal timing and road redesigns are in progress, the First Selectman acknowledged that traffic will remain a long-term concern due to regional development in Norwalk and Stamford.

Great Island and Town Debt
Zagrodzky reassured residents that a master plan is being developed through public workshops, balancing conservation with community use. However, a legal dispute over tree removal on an access road has delayed progress.

Darien’s town debt has reached approximately $192 million, largely due to school renovations and the Great Island acquisition. Future borrowing, including possible renovations to Middlesex Middle School, could push this figure higher. Despite these financial commitments, the town’s AAA credit rating remains intact.

Looking Ahead
Upcoming initiatives include sidewalk expansions, a modernized parking system, park improvements, and stricter enforcement of blight regulations. The town is also exploring better town service payment options for residents, such as digital transactions.

Zagrodzky ended on a positive note, praising Darien’s sense of community and volunteer spirit. “This is the best place to live, and I want everyone to feel the same way,” he said. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the town newsletter and social media updates.

Video of Presentation

Presentation Slides: SOTT 2025 DMA

Video Presentation

John Sullivan, our American ambassador who was on the diplomatic front lines when Putin invaded Ukraine,  will share a behind-the-scenes account of how U.S.-Russia relations hit their nadir

For weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, John J. Sullivan, the U.S. ambassador in Moscow, was warning that it would happen. When troops finally crossed the border, he was woken in the middle of the night with a prearranged code. The signal was even more bracing than the February cold: it meant that Sullivan needed to collect his bodyguards and get to the embassy as soon as possible. The war had begun, and the world would never be the same.

In Midnight in Moscow, Sullivan leads readers into the offices of the U.S. embassy and the halls of the Kremlin during this climactic period—among the most dangerous since World War II. He shows how the Putin regime repeatedly lied about its intentions to invade Ukraine in the weeks leading up to the attack, while also devoting huge numbers of personnel and vast resources to undermining the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia. And he explains how, when Putin ultimately gave the order to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, he proved that Russia was not just at war with its neighbor: it was also at war, in a very real sense, with the United States, and with everything that it represents. But while Putin decided how this conflict started, its ending will be shaped by us.

With his unique perspective on a pivotal moment in world history, Sullivanshows how our relationship with Russia has deteriorated, where it’s headed, and how far we should be prepared to go in standing up to the menace in Moscow.

Mark Nunan, a long time DMA member and prolific convener and presenter, will provide a focus on Slovenia, its history and place historically in Europe and in the geopolitics of the 20th century—the nature of the country, its experience in the world wars, its post-war assimilation by Yugoslavia, and its eventual emergence as an independent nation.

Slavoj Žižek, philosopher and Director of the Birbeck Institute of the Humanities at London University is the best-known Slovenian public intellectual. He has pointed to the many paradoxes characterizing the Balkans, and his home country, as follows.

“This very alibi confronts us with the first of many paradoxes concerning Balkan: its geographic delimitation was never precise. It is as if one can never receive a definitive answer to the question, “Where does it begin?” For Serbs, it begins down there in Kosovo or Bosnia, and they defend the Christian civilization against this Europe’s Other. For Croats, it begins with the Orthodox, despotic, Byzantine Serbia, against which Croatia defends the values of democratic Western civilization. For Slovenes, it begins with Croatia, and we Slovenes are the last outpost of the peaceful Mitteleuropa. For Italians and Austrians, it begins with Slovenia, where the reign of the Slavic hordes starts. For Germans, Austria itself, on account of its historic connections, is already tainted by Balkanic corruption and inefficiency. For some arrogant Frenchmen, Germany is associated with the Balkanian Eastern savagery—up to the extreme case of some conservative anti-European-Union Englishmen for whom, in an implicit way, it is ultimately the whole of continental Europe itself that functions as a kind of Balkan Turkish global empire with Brussels as the new Constantinople, the capricious despotic center threatening English freedom and sovereignty. So Balkan is always the Other: it lies somewhere else, always a little bit more to the southeast, with the paradox that, when we reach the very bottom of the Balkan peninsula, we again magically escape Balkan. Greece is no longer Balkan proper, but the cradle of our Western civilization.”

That’s a lot to think about! Mark will try to sort it out.

Mark, who currently lives in Slovenia, was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1953. At an early age, he moved to Alabama. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1976. He continued his education at Stanford University, where he was awarded a master’s in 1979 and a Ph.D. in 1983. Mark also studied at L’ENS (L’école normale supérieure) and at the University of Paris-Sorbonne in Paris as part of his Ph.D. program.

Mark started his career at COS Inc. in 1982 in Palo Alto, Calif., and then transferred to Paris and New York City, where he retired as a senior vice president in 2018. COS is a private firm that provides business and economic development services, assisting companies and governments to research, develop and implement new business expansion opportunities globally.

Summary

Mark Nunan, a well researched and illustrated presentation, shared the history, geopolitical significance, and cultural identity of the Slovenes. He discussed Slovenia’s historical governance under various empires, including the Romans, the Holy Roman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and later Yugoslavia. He emphasized Slovenia’s unique cultural and linguistic identity, highlighting the role of poet France Prešeren in shaping national consciousness.

Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia in the 20th century but declared independence in 1991 after a brief 10-day war. Mark explored the complex dynamics within Yugoslavia, including Tito’s leadership, ethnic tensions, and Slovenia’s strategic exit from the federation. He highlighted Slovenia’s economic and political progress since joining the EU and NATO in 2004, emphasizing its stability, safety, and modern infrastructure.

In addition to the geopolitics, Mark also shared a glimpse of what a visitor will encounter in Slovenia—scenic landscapes, from the Alps to the Adriatic, and outdoor attractions, including hiking, paragliding, and thermal spas. He also touched on the country’s rich history in religious traditions, architecture, and beekeeping. Nunan concluded with reflections on Slovenia’s transformation from an overlooked region to a thriving, independent nation with a strong European identity.

Attendees engaged with questions about Slovenia’s political climate, its role in the EU, and cultural aspects, showing great interest in the country’s evolution and present-day status.

Video Presentation 

Ron Darling serves as a game analyst for SportsNet New York (SNY) covering the New York Mets. He is also the lead game analyst for Turner Sports’ (TBS) MLB regular and post-season telecast coverage as well as a studio analyst year-around for MLB Network.

Ron joined SNY in 2006 and works alongside former teammate Keith Hernandez and play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen. In addition to his game analyst work, Darling also contributes to SNY’s Mets pre- and post-game shows and to the SNY website. Darling won an Emmy Award for best “Sports Analyst” in his first season with SNY and again in 2011.

Since 2013, Darling has served as an offseason studio analyst, where he regularly appears on the Emmy Award-winning flagship show MLB Tonight and the daily offseason morning show Hot Stove.

During his playing days on the diamond, Darling spent nine seasons as a starting pitcher for the New York Mets highlighted by winning the 1986 World Series. During his 13-year career, the Gold Glove winner also played five seasons with the Oakland Athletics after a short stint with the Montreal Expos. He amassed a win-loss record of 136-116 and recorded 1,590 strikeouts with a 3.87 ERA.

Ron was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame this past February. He was a student at Yale from 1979-81.

Ron has made a significant impact in the community through the Ron Darling Foundation, raising money for diabetes research due to his eldest son Jordan being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 11. He also sits on the Board of Directors for both the Diabetes Research Institute and Habitat For Humanity.

He has authored three books: “The Complete Game: Reflections of Baseball and the Art of Pitching” (2009), “Game 7, 1986: Failure and Triumph in the Biggest Game of My Life” (2016) and “108 Stitches: Loose Threads, Ripping Yarns, and the Darndest Characters From My Time In the Game” (2019).

Ron was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and attended Yale University where he was a two-time All-American, leading the Bulldogs to two Ivy League titles. He and his wife Joanna currently reside in Connecticut. He has three sons named Tyler, Jordan and Ronald.

Arranged by Paul Steinborn

Summary

Ron Darling’s talk, in conversation with DMA president Frank DeLeo, covered his early life, baseball career, and transition into broadcasting. It was a talk filled with insightful stories, humor, and deep reflections on baseball’s past and present. He shared stories about growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts, despite being born in Hawaii, and how his mother, a talented athlete, influenced his sports career. Ron attended Yale and recounted pitching one of the greatest college games ever, an 11-inning no-hitter against St. John’s, which he lost in the 12th inning.

Ron discussed his journey to professional baseball, including his draft experience with the Texas Rangers and how a business decision caused him to drop from first to the ninth pick. He was traded to the Mets shortly after being drafted and reflected on the realities of professional baseball, including minor league challenges. He shared stories about his call-up to the majors, and facing legends like Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, and Mike Schmidt in his first outing.

Ron highlighted the Mets’ dominant era in the mid-to-late 80s, praising the athleticism and extraordinary talent of teammates like Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter. He shared memorable moments from the 1986 World Series, including his losses pitching in games 1 and 4, his pride in teammate Tim Teufel’s handling of media scrutiny over his error that cost the Mets the game, and the high stakes of facing the Red Sox.

He also discussed why the Mets didn’t become a dynasty, citing aging players, off-field issues, and the intensity of their style. He reflected on the pain of losing crucial games, particularly game 7 of the 1988 NLCS. Transitioning to broadcasting, he initially resisted TV but rediscovered his love for baseball through the chance to explain the dynamics of the game to broader audiences. He described his bond with Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez in the broadcast booth as akin to having two older brothers.

On baseball today, Ron acknowledged analytics’ importance but criticized their impact on game strategy and player development. He addressed Hall of Fame criteria changes, the decline of dominant starting pitchers, and how relievers are undervalued. He supported Pete Rose’s Hall of Fame case but warned about gambling’s growing influence in sports.

Darling fielded questions on topics like the evolution of minor league systems, the impact of a lack of salary caps, and the frustration of rule changes like the ghost runner. He shared memories of the Mets’ 1986 NLCS Game 6 win over Houston, emphasizing its intensity and the wild postgame celebrations.

Video Presentation 

As Congress and the Supreme Court relegate an increasing number of responsibilities and authorities to the states—the core tenet of federalism—it raises questions about states’ capacity to meet these expectations and whether state constitutions provide sufficient guidance within states for direction of state governments’ permitted roles and obligations toward citizens’ rights. Our state attorney general will share his perspective on how states’ can work together on tasks once considered federal and on how human rights in Connecticut can be protected.

William Tong is the 25th Attorney General to serve Connecticut since the office was established in 1897. He took office on January 9, 2019 as the first Asian American elected at the statewide level, in Connecticut.

Before his election as Attorney General, Tong served for 12 years in Connecticut’s General Assembly representing the 147th District, which includes North Stamford and Darien. Most recently, Tong served as House Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. In this position Tong was responsible for all legislation related to constitutional law, criminal law, civil rights, consumer protection, probate, judicial nominations and the Judicial branch, and major areas of substantive law.

During his service in the legislature, Tong helped lead passage of landmark legislation, including the Connecticut Second Chance Act, Domestic Violence Restraining Order Act, Lost and Stolen Firearms Act, the Act Protecting Homeowner Rights, and the Act Protecting Schoolchildren.

A Connecticut native, Tong grew up in the Hartford area and attended schools in West Hartford. He graduated from Phillips Academy Andover, Brown University and the University of Chicago Law School. Before his election as Attorney General, he practiced law for 18 years as a litigator in both state and federal courts, first at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, in New York City and then for 15 years at Finn Dixon & Herling LLP, in Stamford.

Tong is the oldest of five children, and grew up working side-by-side with his immigrant parents in their family’s Chinese restaurant. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Stamford with their three children and too many pets. Elizabeth is Vice President of Tax for North America for Diageo Corporation.

Summary

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong presented an overview of his role, key responsibilities, and major initiatives. He emphasized the state’s sovereignty within the U.S. federal system and his office’s dual mandate: managing Connecticut’s legal affairs and addressing broader social issues such as consumer protection, public health, and corporate accountability.

Key responsibilities:

1. Legal Management: Tong described his role as running Connecticut’s largest law firm, handling litigation, contracts, and regulatory issues for state agencies.
2. Consumer Protection: He highlighted efforts to combat scams, ensure fair business practices, and address pressing social concerns like the opioid crisis, social media addiction, and vaping.

Major initiatives:

1. Opioid Crisis: Tong led Connecticut’s role in securing over $50 billion in state settlements from opioid manufacturers and distributors, emphasizing the addiction industry’s devastating effects on families and communities.
2. Tobacco Litigation: He discussed the legacy of the landmark tobacco settlement, which continues to fund public health initiatives while underscoring the inherent conflicts in relying on revenues from harmful industries.
3. Social Media Accountability: Tong focused on lawsuits against platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram) for exploiting user addiction, particularly targeting youth. He explained the harmful impact of algorithms, content moderation failures, and the platforms’ role in promoting mental health issues and misinformation.

Broader themes:

• Federalism: Tong underscored the importance of historic state sovereignty in addressing issues Congress has failed to resolve.
• Corporate Accountability: He critiques industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and technology for prioritizing profits over public well-being, advocating for systemic reforms.
• Youth and Technology: He expressed concern over social media’s addictive nature and its role in shaping harmful behaviors among young people, urging stronger state and corporate responsibility.
• Health and Gambling: Tong identified issues with legalized sports betting and vaping, particularly their appeal to young men, as ongoing challenges.

Challenges

• Systemic Inertia: Tong acknowledges that litigation is a slow and inefficient way to create policy, but he views it as necessary in the absence of congressional action.
• Balancing Innovation and Regulation: While advocating for stricter controls, he recognizes concerns about stifling technological and economic growth.

Closing thoughts:

Tong emphasized the role of attorneys general as a bipartisan force addressing large-scale issues Congress cannot, stressing the importance of state action in safeguarding public welfare. He calls for systemic changes to address healthcare costs, corporate influence, and the impact of digital technologies on society.

Video Presentation

The Economist has been published since September 1843 to take part “in a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress”. It is considered to be neither right nor left, but a blend of the two, drawing on the classical liberalism of the 19th century and coming from what we like to call the radical centre.

One of its features is its annual forecast of issues and events that are likely to influence our experience of the new year, this year “The World Ahead 2025.”

Daniel Franklin is currently serving as the senior Britain editor as well as executive editor of The Economist magazine. He has been executive editor since 2006. From 2003 to 2019 he was editor of The Economist‘s annual publication on the year ahead (at the time called “The World in…”). Daniel published “Megatech: Technology in 2050”  in 2017 and his book on long-term trends, “Megachange: The World in 2050”, published in 2012.

He joined The Economist in 1983 to write about Soviet and East European affairs. As the newspaper’s Europe editor from 1986 to 1992 he covered the great European upheavals, from the collapse of communism to the signing of the Maastricht treaty. After a stint as Britain editor he moved to the United States as Washington bureau chief, covering the first Clinton term. In 1997 he moved back to London as editorial director of the Economist Intelligence Unit. From 2006 to 2010 he was editor-in-chief of Economist.com. For the following four years he was business affairs editor, running the paper’s coverage of business, finance, science and technology. Before the pandemic he was diplomatic editor, shuttling between Washington and London.

Summary

Daniel Franklin, a seasoned journalist and executive editor of The Economist, offered a comprehensive review of global trends, challenges, and opportunities for 2025.  His presentation blended a mix of optimism about technological and economic opportunities with cautionary insights about geopolitical and economic risks, underscoring the complexities of navigating the global landscape in 2025:

Global Uncertainties and Shocks: Franklin emphasized the unpredictability of world events, from natural disasters to geopolitical upheavals, citing examples like the pandemic, regime changes, and economic shocks.

Focus on Donald Trump: A significant portion of the talk was dedicated to the expected impact of a second Trump presidency. Franklin outlined three phases: immediate executive actions on immigration and trade, legislative battles within the first 100 days, and foreign policy initiatives over the first year, including potential resolutions in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Major Global Players:

• China: Facing internal challenges like demographic shifts and external pressures from the U.S., China’s economic policies and technological advancements remain focal points.
• India: Highlighted as a rising power with strong economic growth, benefiting from a young demographic and expanding global influence.
• Europe: Struggles in major economies like France and Germany were contrasted with recoveries in Greece and Portugal. The UK faces post-Brexit challenges.
• Russia and Ukraine: The ongoing conflict and its implications for global geopolitics and energy markets were discussed, alongside Putin’s vulnerabilities.

Technology and AI: The role of artificial intelligence in reshaping industries. Franklin noted significant investments in AI but highlighted its slow integration into corporate processes.

Economic Concerns:

• Inflationary pressures and the risks of growing government deficits.
• Potential market corrections and their implications for global economies.

Media Landscape: Franklin discussed the challenges facing traditional media, emphasizing the transition to digital formats, the role of AI in content creation, and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in a landscape vulnerable to misinformation.

Global Trends and Innovations: He highlighted innovations in green technology, shifts in global trade routes due to geopolitical tensions, and cultural trends, such as Japan’s rising tourism appeal and the role of major global events like Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Audience Questions: The Q&A delved into:

• U.S. – China trade relations.
• The future of nuclear deterrence.
• The sustainability of media organizations like the Washington Post.
• Britain’s post-Brexit positioning and its relationship with Europe and the U.S.

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