Y's Men News -- Sunday, April 5, 2026 | | |
Table of Contents
(Scroll Down to Find the Article Behind the Headline. Articles are
in the same order as the Table of Contents)
- GIDG Members to Focus on Iran at Tomorrow's Meeting
- Jim Marpe to Interview NBC's Craig Melvin This Wednesday
- This Thursday: Warfare on L. I. Sound During the Revolution
- Kenneth Pollack to Y's Men: No Easy Exit from Iran War
- Military History Group to Discuss Revolutionary War Battle
- Artists and Their Instruments Featured at Jazz Lunch
- Trips & Events Lists Outings
- Help Us Make the Next AI Talk Even Better
- Y's Men Pickleball Enthusiasts Ready to Begin New Season
- Mindfulness Group's Just for Men Meeting This Thursday
- Shoah Memorial to Be Discussed Sunday, April 12
- Do You Matter? That's the Question at Life Talk Meeting
- Y's Men Bocce Season Begins Wednesday, April 15
- Ping Pong Players Meet on Mondays at 2:30 pm
- Y's Men Summer Tennis Program Underway Around May 1
- New Y's Man Proposes Aviation Discussion Group
- Here's An Opportunity to Strengthen Bonds with Grandchildren
- Y's Men Wednesday Hikers Visit Oddity in Redding
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GIDG Members to Focus on Iran at Tomorrow's Meeting
The Global Issues Discussion Group (GIDG) meets tomorrow (Monday, April 6) at 9:00 am in room 203/204 at the Saugatuck Congregational Church. Members will discuss the War in Iran and if time permits, the War in Ukraine.
For more information on GIDG, contact Y's Man Harvey Luft at harveyluft@gmail.com
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Jim Marpe to Interview NBC's Craig Melvin This Wednesday | |
Craig Melvin
An evening with Craig Melvin, co-sponsored by the Y's Men and The Westport Library, will be this Wednesday, April 8, at 7:00 pm at the Library. Melvin is Co-Anchor of NBC’s “Today” and Co-Host of “3rd Hour of Today.” He will be interviewed by good friend Y's Man Jim Marpe.
A Westport resident along with his wife, award-winning sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak, Melvin will share stories from his career at the NBC News desk and transition into his current role as a Co-Host of "Today."
He will offer a "behind-the-scenes" glimpse into his most memorable interviews and global events such as the Olympics, various Super Bowls, as well as his perspective on the future of news.
A Westport resident, Melvin will discuss his life here and experiences that shape his work. Join us on April 8 for an unforgettable night of storytelling, and an opportunity to spend an evening with one of the country’s most respected broadcasters.
Click here to obtain your free tickets.
| This Thursday: Warfare on L. I. Sound During the Revolution | |
Ed Hynes
The Y’s Men will welcome local historian Ed Hynes this Thursday, April 9, for a talk titled “Warfare on Long Island Sound During the Revolution.” Hynes, a Wilton native and longtime resident of our area, combines a career in high‑level financial services with a deep, research‑driven passion for Revolutionary War history—especially the brutal “whaleboat wars” fought just off our shoreline.
The war turned Long Island Sound into a no‑man’s‑land of smugglers, kidnappers, privateers, and spies—a Revolutionary‑era counterpart to today’s Strait of Hormuz, not for oil but for critical shipping lanes and logistics. In his talk, Hynes will “follow the money,” showing how the struggle for control of the Sound generated badly needed revenue, disrupted British supply lines, and helped finance the broader fight for independence. For those who live along the Connecticut coast today, his presentation offers a vivid look at how the Revolution unfolded in our own backyard.
Y's Men Thursday morning meetings are in Hoskins Hall downstairs in the Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East in Westport. Coffee, donut, and bagel social hour begins at 9:00 am, business meeting at 10:00 am, speaker at 10:30 am. Come early and meet your fellow members. Guests are always welcome.
| Kenneth Pollack to Y's Men: No Easy Exit from Iran War |
Y's Man Peter Pollack (left) and his son, Middle East expert Dr. Kenneth M. Pollack, before the latter’s talk on the Iran war at last Thursday’s Y’s Men meeting.
Photo by Ted Horowitz
Speaking to about 175 Y’s Men at Hoskins Hall last Thursday, Dr. Kenneth M. Pollack said the war with Iran has become a grinding war of attrition with no easy exit for the United States. A former CIA analyst and National Security Council official, Pollack is now vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute and a leading expert on Middle East security.
He warned that forced regime change in Tehran is a dangerous gamble, and said Washington has “run out of good options,” leaving only bad choices as it struggles to end the conflict, reopen vital oil shipping lanes, and find a strategy President Donald Trump can use to ease domestic economic pain while pressuring Iran’s hard‑line leadership to back down.
Introduced by his father, Y’s Man Peter Pollack, he explained how early U.S. decisions helped elevate Iran’s most hard‑line factions, and why Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has given it unprecedented leverage over global energy markets. Killing Iran’s former supreme leader and other senior figures removed key voices of “restraint” in Tehran and convinced the remaining leadership that Washington’s true goal was regime change, he said. In response, Iran’s rulers have settled on a strategy of inflicting sustained economic pain on the United States and its allies, betting they can withstand more punishment than American and European publics are willing to bear.
Looking ahead, Pollack said much of the world’s economic fate now hinges on whether the U.S. is willing to do the politically difficult work needed to pry open the Strait of Hormuz and blunt Iran’s regional influence. That could mean inserting limited ground forces to secure shipping lanes and potentially striking at Iranian allies such as Hezbollah, steps he called militarily feasible but politically fraught. Until then, he warned, shortages of oil, liquefied natural gas and critical materials like fertilizers and helium will deepen, increasing the risk of a global recession and leaving Iran’s hard‑liners in position to keep exploiting their “chokehold” on the world economy.
Click here to view Dr. Pollack's complete presentation
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Military History Group to Discuss Revolutionary War Battle
The Revolutionary War Battle of Cowpens will be the subject when the Military History Group meets tomorrow (Monday, April 6) at 10:15 am in room 211 at the Saugatuck Congregational Church. Fought on January 17, 1781, the Battle was a decisive American victory in South Carolina.
Y's Men Past President Dewey Loselle will facilitate the discussion covering not only the Battle but also its Patriot leader, Francis Marion, aka the Swamp Fox.
The Group meets on the first Monday of the month at the same time and place. For additional information, contact Y's Man Mark Perlman at firstdiv@optonline.net
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Artists and Their Instruments Featured at Jazz Lunch
The Y's Men Jazz and Mixed-Music lunch will be at noon, Wednesday April, 8 at the Westport VFW. Cost is $25.00 per person, which may be paid at the venue. Wives and special friends are welcome.
The program on the big screen will feature famous artists and their solo instruments such as: Arturo Sandoval trumpet, George Shearing piano, Wes Montgomery guitar, Buddy Morrow trombone, John Coltrane sax, Jimmy Smith organ, and Lionel Hampton vibraphone. There will also be dancing and vocal performances. A biographical sketch of the talent will be presented before each segment.
If you plan to attend, sign-up at the T&E desk at tomorrow's meeting or contact Y's Man Jeff Hare at jeffahare@gmail.com.
"In addition to enjoying Y's Men fellowship by attending" Jeff says, "you also will be taking advantage of the best food and entertainment value in town.
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Monday, April 13
North Sails: Sail Manufacturing Facility in Bridgeport
“For Y’s Men Members Only” due to high demand. Unfortunately, no spouses nor guests.
https://conta.cc/41suxeY
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Wednesday, April 15
New York Transit Museum and Plymouth Church
Open to fully dues-paid-up Y’s Men members, spouses and friends
https://conta.cc/3Nxqvi8
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Wednesday, April 22
New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show
Sold Out
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Wednesday, April 29 and Wednesday, June 24
Tour of Amazon Fulfillment Center
Due to anticipated demand, we must restrict
participation to Y’s Men members only.
https://conta.cc/4v4R1Ar
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Thursday, June 4
New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians
Open to fully dues-paid-up Y’s Men members, spouses and friends
https://conta.cc/4sJGW9R
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Thursday, June 11
New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Open to fully dues-paid-up Y’s Men members, spouses and friends
https://conta.cc/4kOYChS
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Help Us Make the Next AI Talk Even Better
The Y's Men's first session on Artificial Intelligence got a great response when our featured speaker talked last month on how artificial intelligence can improve your life. Several Y's Men commented that some parts of the talk were a little tough to follow. Fair enough! We want the next one to be more down-to-earth and directly useful to you.
That’s why we’re asking everyone to take two minutes to answer a quick seven-question survey. Your feedback will help us shape the next program on AI to best align with the Y’s Men’s interests and comfort level.
On Thursday, April 16, we’ll be joined by Peter Farnsworth, a former CFO who has a real knack for explaining how AI can make everyday life easier — not more complicated.
Click here to take the survey.
Thanks for helping us make the next session something you’ll truly enjoy and find valuable.
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Y's Men Pickleball Enthusiasts Ready to Begin New Season
The courts are swept, the nets are up, the temperature is rising. It's time to begin the 2026 outdoor season!
The location is the same: Town Farms Courts on North Compo Road.
The time is the same: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:00 pm.
What's new this season is that they are going to continue their practice of playing for a third day as they did at the end of last season: Saturdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Courts will be reserved beginning this week; first play date this Tuesday, April 7.
For those who may be new to the game or would like to improve their skills, Westport offers a series of clinics throughout the spring and summer months. Westport residents can sign up for the clinics at the Parks and Rec website. They can really make a difference in your game.
If there are any questions or suggestions, please contact any of the four Y's Men listed below.
In the meantime, get ready for another season of play and camaraderie. See you on Tuesday. And remember to stretch before you play.
Hayes Clark hayesclark53@gmail.com
Ed Diamond erdli@aol.com
Jay Dirnberger jaydirnberger@gmail.com
Matt McNerney matthewmcnerney0@gmail.com
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Mindfulness Group's Just for Men Meeting This Thursday
The Y's Men Mindfulness Group offers two distinct gatherings for Y's Men. Both are facilitated by Y's Man Dr. Paul Epstein.
Just for Men is an in-person discussion group that meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. This month, because of the Easter and Passover holidays, the meeting of Just for Men is this Thursday, April 9 from 3.00 to 4.00 pm.
A Mindfulness Group zoom session explores mindfulness practices and emotional resilience on the third Monday of each month. The next meeting is Monday, April 20th from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
For further information contact Paul Epstein or Jeff Rubin at, respectively, epsteinmb@aol.com and jeffrubinwpt11@gmail.com
| | Shoah Memorial to Be Discussed Sunday, April 12 at Library | | |
"She Wouldn't Take Off Her Boots," a sculpture that will be discussed at The Westport Library on Sunday, April 12.
The Shoah Memorial Fairfield Connecticut will be discussed and presented Sunday, April 12 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm at The Westport Library.
Y’s Man Paul F. Burger is Chairman and primary sponsor of the project, a nonprofit dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, education, and interfaith civic engagement. It revolves around a sculpture entitled "She Wouldn't Take Off Her Boots" that will be installed as a memorial at Fairfield University.
The sculpture will be the centerpiece of the Sunday program entitled "Fighting Antisemitism and Celebrating Community: An Introduction to the Shoah Memorial."
The memorial is being created as a permanent educational resource—honoring Holocaust victims and survivors while fostering dialogue about human dignity, moral courage, and the consequences of hatred for future generations.
For additional information on the program and to obtain free admission click here.
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Do You Matter? That's the Question at Life Talk Meeting
The next Y's Men Life Talk meeting will be on Tuesday, April 14 at 2:00 pm in room 109-110 at the Saugatuck Congregational Church, room 109-110.
Much has been written about how exercise, diet and sleep contribute to a long and healthy life. But research suggests that, as you age, a positive mind-set — including optimism and a sense of purpose — can also benefit your health and longevity.
Feeling that you are valued and have something to contribute to others — often called mattering — can inspire positive behaviors that influence longevity. “If you feel like you matter, you’re more likely to stay socially connected, take care of yourself, show up for others, and keep investing in life,” said Jennifer B. Wallace, the author of a new book, “Mattering.”
So, do you matter? The answer is, of course you do. But the question is, to whom and why? Your children? Your spouse or partner? Brother or sister? How about to your community — the food bank you work with, the kids you mentor, or your church? How about to yourself?
Please join Life Talk on April 14. Tell us who you believe you most matter to and why, and yes, why others matter to you.
For additional information on Life Talk, contact Y's Man Larry Ackerman at larryackerman06@gmail.com
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Y's Men Bocce Season Begins Wednesday, April 15
Y's Men bocce players begin their new season on Wednesday, April 15 when they meet at Veterans Memorial Park, 909 Reef Road in Fairfield at 10:30 am. They play until about noon and will be playing weekly on Wednesdays throughout the season. No registration or fees are required. There are six well maintained courts, and a restroom. If you have a Bocce set, bring it, until it is known how many players will attend.
This year, Y's Men players will be joined by the Fairfield Men's Club.
For additional information, contact Y's Man Len Ances at ances@sbcglobal.net or
203-227-8218
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Y’s Men Ping Pong Players Meet on Mondays at 2:30 pm
Y's Men Ping Pong players meet every Monday at the Westport Center for Senior Activities to play from 2:30 to 4:00 pm.
Extra paddles are available if needed. Typically, the group plays singles or doubles depending on the number of folks who come.
Players at any level are welcomed even if they have not played in 40 or 50 years.
For additional information contact Y's Man Jeffery Silberman at jefferymsilberman@gmail.com
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Y's Men Summer Tennis Program Underway Around May 1
Sign up now for summer tennis which is expected to begin at Longshore Park around Friday, May 1. Returning and new players need to complete the form and return it by Thursday, April 16. Click here to obtain the sign up form. Details about the program are contained in an email sent to the membership earlier today.
Summer tennis is held Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 to 9:30 am.
For additional information, contact Dewey Loselle at DeweyLoselle@gmail.com or 203-454-4171.
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New Y's Man Proposes Aviation Discussion Group
New Y's Man Bob Jacobs is interested in hosting an aviation discussion group for those Y’s Men who are pilots, ex-pilots or anyone who has an active interest in flying, contemporary aviation and aviation history. The purpose is to share information and stories whether a pilot or aviation buff.
To make it interesting, he thinks four to six people would be needed to meet once a month. The first few meetings would be brown bag lunches or a mid-morning coffee at his house in Westport.
Bob has been a pilot since his first lesson at age 15. He has about 2,000 hours comprised of 1500 hours flying piston engine aircraft and 500 hours flying sailplanes.
If interested, contact Bob at rbrtjacobs@gmail.com or 203-856-0274
| | Here's an Opportunity to Strengthen Bonds with Grandchildren | | |
Y's Men pilot program provides a platform to better know your grandchildren.
Sign up now for a new pilot program: Grand Play Day, coming to Y’s Men of Westport/Weston. It’s an afternoon where you and a grandchild (ages 5–12) play together, face‑to‑face and screen‑free. Using simple tools — question cards, paper‑and‑pencil table games, storytelling dice and cards, and easy, low‑impact activities — you’ll share laughs, swap stories, and likely discover something new about each other.
Why it matters: Grand Play Day is built on “Connections Thru Play,” created by Playocracy founder Lynn Campanella in partnership with the National Institute for Play, where Y’s Man Joe Miller serves as a volunteer executive.
Research highlighted by the Institute shows that play supports our health, our brains, our learning, our creativity, and our emotional resilience. It is as essential as sleep and nutrition. This Y’s Men pilot, planned for the week of April 24–30, 2026 to coincide with Global Intergenerational Week, will involve 15 to 20 Y’s Men families, be facilitated by Lynn and Joe, and include academic input from Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Early Childhood Education and Fordham University’s Center on Aging and Intergenerational Studies as a potential model for other community groups.
To participate with a grandchild ages 5–12, contact Joe Miller at josephamiller@yahoo.com.
| | Y's Men Wednesday Hikers Visit Oddity in Redding | | Y's Men Wednesday hikers gather around the "Tonka Tree" in Redding in last week's hike. They are (left to right): Sal Mollica, Skip Schaeffer, Bruce Thompson, Art Schoeller, Michael Hehenberger, Mike Johnston, Julio Perez Fontan, Peter Donovan, Sue Blank (a friend of Julio's and the hikers), Peabody Hutton, Dave Bue, Mark Perlman, Matt McNerney, Walter Green, and Jonathan Horowitz. | | | | |
