The Nature Conservancy – Hurteau >< Telemedicine – Alverson >< Ballooning – Biernacki >< Spain and the Independence of the US – Chavez >< Railroading in NM – Taylor >< Albuquerque History – Zimmerman >< Artificial Intelligence – Draelos >< Annual Meeting, Bee Vampire – Carr >< COVID-19 – Alverson >< AFRL/US Space Force – Felt ><

January 14, 2020

Our speaker was Sarah Hurteau of The Nature Conservancy. She spoke about efforts to improve the environment here in Albuquerque. There are many efforts in improving parks and planting trees as well as working to eliminate inefficiencies to manage our City environment.

(Presentation not provided)

February 18, 2020

Dr. Dale C. Alverson, MD, FATA, FAAP, spoke to us about telemedicine.

(Rescheduled from February 11, 2020)

Dr. Alverson is Professor Emeritus and Regents’ Professor at the University of New Mexico, where he is the Medical Director of the Center for Telehealth involved in the planning, implementation, research and evaluation of Telemedicine systems for New Mexico, as well as nationally and internationally. He is also the Chief Medical Information Officer at LCF Research and the New Mexico Health Information Collaborative, assisting in their efforts to address the development and meaningful use of health information exchange, adoption of electronic health records, and integration with telemedicine. He is a Past President of the American Telemedicine Association. He participates in collaborative international programs to advance Telehealth and e-Health globally.

Program – February 18, 2020 – Dr. Dale C. Alverson, MD, FATA, FAAP.pdf

March 10, 2020

Buzz Biernacki, FAA Lighter Than Air Commercial Pilot, made a presentation on, “Everything You Wanted To Know About Hot Air Ballooning . . . . But Were Afraid To Ask!” (Ballooning in New Mexico)

Buzz Biernacki spoke on ballooning here in New Mexico, which is a favorite activity in Albuquerque. Buzz has been involved in commercial ballooning for several years. During that time he has been asked numerous questions. He will be answering those questions and will give a talk which includes a history of ballooning here in Albuquerque, the effects on meteorology, the special Albuquerque box, and why ballooning is so special here. Be sure to bring your own questions to the meeting. Buzz is Ellen Biernacki’s son.

Program – March 10, 2020 – Buzz Biernacki

April 14, 2020

BECAUSE OF THE STAY-AT-HOME RESTRICTIONS & KAFB FACILITY CLOSURES (I.E., MVC) DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THE CORONADO THUNDERBIRDS WERE UNABLE TO MEET IN PERSON.

May 12, 2020

VIA ZOOM – Thomas E. Chavez spoke to us about his book, “Spain and the Independence of the United States,” about Spain’s crucial role in our Revolutionary War.

Program – May 12, 2020 – Thomas E. Chavez.pdf

June 9, 2020

VIA ZOOM – “History of Railroading in New Mexico” by John M. Taylor.

Mr. Taylor also gave us an update on the progress to restore the AT&SF 2926 Steam Locomotive to running condition.

Program – June 9, 2020 – John M. Taylor.pdf

July 14, 2020

VIA ZOOM – “A History Lover’s Guide to Albuquerque” by Coronado Thunderbirds member, Roger M. Zimmerman, PhD, PE, based on his new book of the same title.

From amazon.com: This tour of New Mexico’s largest city goes beyond the traditional guidebook to offer a historical journal through an area rich with diverse cultures and their fascinating past. The journey through time starts with the settlement of Native Americans in pueblos along the Rio Grande and then initiatives by Spain to settle and convert the region. Visit Old Town Plaza, where trade from the El Camino Real and Santa Fe Trails flourished. Look around lesser-known sites, including railroad depot facilities, major military landmarks and nostalgic Route 66. Join author and local history lover Roger Zimmerman as he carefully curates an expedition through each era of Albuquerque’s history and its most beloved sites.

Program – July 14, 2020 – Roger M. Zimmerman, PhD.pdf

August 11, 2020

VIA ZOOM – “Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?” by Tim Draelos

We have all heard the phrase, Artificial Intelligence (AI), but to many of us that is a very strange concept, maybe even a bit disconcerting. Tim has been deeply involved in the study and use of AI for many years. He will present his perspective on AI with some current and future applications and a dive into the pattern recognition technique called Deep Learning. He’ll touch on AI hype, concerns, and what’s really going on “under the hood.” Join our zoom meeting to learn about AI and have your questions answered.

Tim grew up in Silver City, NM. He went to NMSU, University of Arizona and UNM, earning a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Working at Sandia for 33 years, his focus has been Deep Learning R&D. He has taught Machine Learning and Deep Learning courses and founded an annual workshop in 2017. He expects Artificial Intelligence to serve him well in retirement.

Program – August 11, 2020 – Tim Draelos

September 8, 2020

Annual Meeting/Election of 2021 Board of Directors/Awards Presentations

During the September 8, 2020, Zoom General Monthly Meeting, those present online voted “By Acclimation” to approve all 2020 Board Members to continue in those roles beginning January 2021. This included one change: Dave Melgaard and John Anthes have agreed to swap roles in January. Dave will become the 2021 President and John returns to VP/Programs. The Board of Director 2021 Approved Candidates are:

President—Dave Melgaard
Vice President/Programs—John Anthes
Treasurer—Alice Kilgo
Secretary—Guylaine Pollock
Entertainment—Ellen Biernacki
Membership—Pete Havey, Sr.
Publicity/Newsletter—Connie DeFoe
Calling Committee— Eric Moss
Past President—Paul Hlava
Awards (appointed position) – Genelia Boenig