Category: All Posts (Page 6 of 19)

Dr. Arash Salardini

Dr. Arash Salardini, Assistant Professor Of Neurology, Yale Medical School and co-director, Yale Memory Clinic, will talk about dementia, the degree to which it is preventable or reversible, and the results of the latest Alzheimer’s research, including the use of brain imaging to study the disease.

He is currently the associate leader of the clinical core of the Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Yale where he sees patients who have problems with thinking, understanding, learning and remembering due to neurodegenerative and other neurological causes. His work has been widely published both in the United States and internationally. He is editor of the text book The Hospital Neurology Book to be published this year by McGraw-Hill.

Dr. Salardini received his medical degree in 1999 from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia where he developed his interest in neurology. In 2007, he began a two year fellowship in movement disorder at Yale, and then completed a residency at the University of Florida under the noted neurologist Dr. Kenneth Heilman. He returned to Yale to complete a two year fellowship in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry under the nationally prominent research neurologist Dr. Stephen Strittmatter.

Mike co-founded Diligence after 17 years service with the CIA. Mike oversees the company’s operations and growth in the Americas. He advises clients on strategic and competitive intelligence matters and oversees due-diligence, investigations, continuity and risk management practices.

Diligence, LLC was founded in 2000 by former intelligence officers. Diligence bridges the gap between what you know and what you need to know to make informed decisions. With 10,000 projects completed and five hub offices, we offer worldwide coverage to assist you with unfamiliar situations, people and places. Their expertise is based around Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Pre-Employment Screening, Investigations, Business Continuity & Resilience, and Forensics.

During his career as a covert field operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Mike specialized in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotic and counter-insurgency operations. He engaged in, organized and supervised operations around the globe, working in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the former Soviet Union and elsewhere.

Mike will talk about the top crises facing the USA: cyber-security, Syria, ISIS, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.

Mark Albertson is the historical research editor at Army Aviation magazine. He has authored several books, including On History: A Treatise; and, is finishing volume 1, Sky Soldiers: The Saga of Army Aviation. An avid speaker, he travels Connecticut presenting a variety of historical topics and current events. He teaches as an adjunct at Norwalk Community College for the Extend Studies Program and for the Lifetime Learners Institute.

At the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked, as he left Independence Hall on the final day of deliberation, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin famously responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

Mark will discuss the differences between a republic and a democracy, and how these differences are manifested in the government of the USA.

Craig Bowling, Special Agent U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will speak about “Digital Jihad: A 13 Year International Investigation that Finally Brought the Godfather of Terrorist Websites to Justice.”

With over 18 years of investigative experience as a federal agent, Homeland Security Investigations, Special Agent Craig Bowling has spent the last 15 years conducting and supporting complex international terrorism investigations. Most recently, Special Agent Bowling concluded a 13-year investigation that resulted in arrests and convictions for offenses including terrorism and espionage. Special Agent Bowling also has investigative experience with narcotics-related smuggling, money laundering, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) violations, export violations, and child exploitation-related violations. Additionally, as a Computer Forensics Agent, Special Agent Bowling has conducted scores of digital forensic examinations and led numerous computer and Internet-related investigations.

Special Agent Bowling has provided training to federal, state, and local law enforcement. He has testified in federal court as a subject matter expert and his research into computer and Internet-related crime has been published in peer reviewed academic journals.

Special Agent Bowling holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Foreign Languages and Literatures and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, all from Washington State University.

Arranged by Bob Smith

Evonne Klein

Ms. Klein is a graduate of Fairfield University, receiving a Masters degree in Corporate and Political Communications as well as her Bachelor’s degree. She also completed course work in Economics and Comparative Government at Oxford University, the London School of Economics, and the University of London.

A resident of Darien, she entered public service on the Darien Board of Selectmen, serving from 2001 to 2009 including three terms as First Selectman.

In 2013 recently-elected CT Gov. Dannel Malloy consolidated existing housing activities into the Department of Housing, and appointed Ms. Klein as its Commissioner in 2013, where she still serves.

Click here for expanded bio.

David will present an overview of the project that he and Penny Glassmeyer have proposed for the redevelopment of the approximately 6 acre area across from the Darien Playhouse.

Working with Robert A.M. Stern, the Dean of the School of Architecture at Yale University, and one of the leading architects in the United States, David and Penny have created a plan to transform the downtown of Darien into a more pedestrian friendly place, one where people can comfortably live, work and play. This large scale project will incorporate a mix of luxury housing, retail, office space, public parking and a “town green”.

Information about the project can be found at www.yourdowntowndarien.com .

R. David Genovese founded Baywater Properties in 2001, following a 12-year career in real estate investment banking in New York and London.

Prior to founding Baywater, David served as Co-Head of Real Estate Investment Banking for Credit Suisse First Boston. Previously, David served as a Managing Director in Bankers Trust Company’s Real Estate Investment Banking Group. Through the course of his career in investment banking, David was responsible for a variety of transactions valued in excess of $15.0 billion, including mergers and acquisitions, equity offerings, bond offerings, securitized financings, bank loans, and principal investments.

David is an honors graduate of Colby College and The London School of Economics and Political Science. David also received an MBA from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.

David is currently a member of the Board of Directors of The Human Services Council of Norwalk, The Darien Athletic Foundation and The Real Estate Finance Association of Connecticut. David has served as a member of the Board of Overseers of Colby College, and as a board member of the Darien Technology and Community Foundation, the Darien YMCA, the Darien Historical Society, and Darien Revitalization, Inc. In 2007, David was named as one of the “40 under 40” business leaders in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Information about Baywater Properties can be found on www.baywater.net.

Stuart Gibson is an international consultant with over 20 years’ experience working with cultural organizations and governments undergoing economic and political transition and post-conflict development.

Gibson has worked extensively in the countries of the former Soviet Union, Eastern and Central Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. He is a UN senior international expert on museum management and organization, cultural policy, and the financing of culture.

He is currently Secretary to the International Advisory Board of the State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg, Russia), a UNESCO advisor to the Uzbekistan Ministry of Culture and Sport on the development of museums and tourism, and advisor to the Kurdish Regional Government (Iraq) on museums and archaeology. Gibson is a frequent speaker and lecturer on cultural and management issues.

The talk will explore Kurdistan and its quest for independence. The events of the past couple of years have changed the Iraqi landscape possibly forever. These events have simultaneously brought into question many geopolitical assumptions not only about Iraq but the Middle East and beyond. One crucial element in this unfolding drama is the autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq – its role in combating ISIS, its turbulent relationship with the Baghdad government, its evolving relationship with Iran, Syria, and Turkey, and its longstanding aspirations for independence.

Kurdistan, which has been an unflinching ally of the United States for over 20 years, is a pluralistic society embracing Kurds, Armenians, Turkmen, Yazidis, and Christians. Its capital Irbil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world dating back to 6,000 BCE. Despite suffering horribly under the Saddam regime, it nevertheless remained steadfast in its resistance to that repressive rule. Since the end of the first Gulf war it is been unwavering in reclaiming its heritage and cultural identity and erecting a viable political and economic social order as an independent region in Iraq. Since the emergence of ISIS, it has been transformed into a haven for those persecuted and disowned throughout the region and has also emerged as a key player in confronting the ISIS threat.

Deborah and Janice will talk about the new Stamford Hospital which will open in September 2016 and the new branding campaign that has been launched recently. They will discuss the critical quality criteria and measurements that make Stamford Hospital best in class. They will also discuss the value, dedication and breadth of nearly 600 volunteers at all the Stamford Health Center locations.

Deborah Fedeli has been employed at Stamford Health since 2002, and is the Director of Patient-Centered Services.  She is responsible for several departments including: Volunteer Services, Spiritual Care, Integrative Therapies and Concierge Services; and her primary role is overseeing the  education, implementation and integration of the Planetree philosophy of patient-centered care throughout the organization.

Deborah is a fellow of the Healthcare Advisory Board, is certified in Therapeutic Touch, and is a Reiki practitioner.  She is currently pursuing a BA in Religious Studies at Sacred Heart University, as well as a certification in Palliative Care.

A native of Stamford, Deborah enjoys Yoga and Pilates, is an avid Dallas Cowboys and Boston Red Sox fan, and an amateur writer.

Janice’s close affiliation with Stamford Hospital started on the tennis court when a friend asked her to join the volunteer program. That was over 35 years ago. Her volunteer position led to a part time job; full time; and then to the position of Manager of Volunteer Services.

Janice has seen the small community hospital grow through many phases to becoming a state-of-the-art institution. She has been an active participant on several committees: Ethics; Schwartz Rounds; Pastoral Care; Patient and Family Partnership; and in preparation for the new hospital, Facilities Master Plan – Experience and Education.

Janice plans to come full circle upon retirement but will have a difficult time deciding which volunteer position she will choose.

Mr. Gottlieb will discuss the Battle of Leyte Gulf, formerly known as the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea. It is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II.

Mr. Gottlieb is a local historian on subjects of political and military history.  He was formerly a professional curator of naval history and the Technical Director of Exhibits at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in NYC.  In these roles, Mr. Gottlieb worked regularly with veterans of all services towards the creation of exhibits accurately illustrating the history of 20th century warfare.

From 1989 through 1997, Mr. Gottlieb coordinated with all branches of the armed services and National Guard towards 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 from reserve fleets.

For the past ten years Mr. Gottlieb has refocused his professional efforts towards reaching out and addressing the growing needs of aging veterans and their families.  In addition to maintaining a private practice as a Counselor and Certified Senior Advisor in Norwalk, CT, he is a field instructor for Sacred Heart University.  Mr. Gottlieb offers Pro-Bono counseling services to soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Gottlieb served as an Auxiliary Officer of the United States Coast Guard for 17 years and for 4 years was Commander of Flotilla 7-2, 1st District (Southern Region), Sector Long Island Sound North.

Mr. Gottlieb will discuss the Battle of the Philippine Sea, a decisive naval battle of World War II which eliminated the Imperial Japanese Navy’s ability to conduct large-scale carrier actions.

Mr. Gottlieb is a local historian on subjects of political and military history.  He was formerly a professional curator of naval history and the Technical Director of Exhibits at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in NYC.  In these roles, Mr. Gottlieb worked regularly with veterans of all services towards the creation of exhibits accurately illustrating the history of 20th century warfare.

From 1989 through 1997, Mr. Gottlieb coordinated with all branches of the armed services and National Guard towards 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 from reserve fleets.

For the past ten years Mr. Gottlieb has refocused his professional efforts towards reaching out and addressing the growing needs of aging veterans and their families.  In addition to maintaining a private practice as a Counselor and Certified Senior Advisor in Norwalk, CT, he is a field instructor for Sacred Heart University.  Mr. Gottlieb offers Pro-Bono counseling services to soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Gottlieb served as an Auxiliary Officer of the United States Coast Guard for 17 years and for 4 years was Commander of Flotilla 7-2, 1st District (Southern Region), Sector Long Island Sound North.

Mr. Barbieri will discuss the job of the scenic designer in theatre. A brief discussion of the challenging job of the theatrical designer, his position in the collaborative team, and how he turns the written word into real and practical settings for the stage.

Peter Barbieri Jr. is the Associate Artistic Director and Resident Scenic Designer for Curtain Call Inc. in Stamford Ct. He is also the founding director of Shakespeare on the Green, Stamford’s free outdoor Shakespeare company.

An established force in theatre since 1979, his work has been seen gracing the stages of many of New York City’s premier theatre companies such as The York Theatre, The Classic Stage Company and The Roundabout Theatre Company.

Regionally, he has designed sets for The Westchester Broadway Theatre, Theatre By The Sea, The Riverside Theatre and The Walnut Street Theatre.

Abroad, he has worked in Shanghai China, San Paulo Brazil, and Copenhagen Denmark. Current projects include scenic designs for The Hostage, Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act.

Robert B. Fiske, Jr., local attorney, will reflect on major and timely issues based on his long career in private and public practice. He will cover the antitrust suit against the NFL brought by the US Football League, with the lead plaintiff being Donald Trump. In the current public debate, the U.S. has by far the highest rate of prison incarcerations in the world, and he will comment on causes and possible steps for remediation of the problem. Questions can be raised on a number of subjects he has covered, e.g. the Whitewater investigation, the Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident, and recovery of investor losses from the Madoff Ponzi scheme.

Bob was born in Darien and graduated from Yale University and Michigan Law School. He spent his entire private practice with the New York law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell. In public service, he was Assistant United States Attorney (1955-57) for the Southern District of New York and then was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District in 1976-1980 where he was successful in many high level prosecutions. In 1994 he was asked by then Atty. Gen. Janet Reno to be the Independent Counsel for the Whitewater investigation. A member of The American College of Trial Lawyers, he served as its president in 1991. Last year he published his memoirs, Prosecutor Defender Counselor.