The Barn Blog

Dr. Alex Ruane is a research physical scientist at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He discussed his research on climate, extreme weather, and global food security, as well as his collaborations with governments and businesses around the world. Alex offered a thoughtful and refreshingly nonpolitical perspective on a subject often dominated by controversy. He explored what the science suggests may lie ahead and the practical steps we can take to mitigate future impacts, adapt to change, and build resilience.

Jordan Copeland is the Scarsdale Village Historian. He shared his work preserving and interpreting the history of our community, and discussed the people, events, and social forces that helped shape the area originally known as Eastchester. He offered an interesting look at the stories behind the places around us, including the people, struggles, traditions, and changing culture that gave those places meaning.

Don Wauchope is a serious history buff with a broad knowledge of wars and warfare. In December 2022 he gave a fascinating Barn presentation about the war in Ukraine. Don gave us an update on this devastating conflict, including the remarkable shift from tanks, artillery, and conventional battlefield tactics to the widespread use of drone technology as a defining feature of modern warfare.

Eugene Koramblyum is the founder of OomStudios, a design and fabrication consultancy that helps artists, product designers, and architects bring ideas into the physical world using advanced digital fabrication. He took us inside the rapidly evolving world of 3D printing, from breakthroughs in medicine and aerospace to applications in art, architecture, and even everyday repair. Eugene shared examples from his own work and offered a glimpse at where this technology may be headed next.

Walter LeStrange is a healthcare executive and consultant who shared the remarkable history of Bellevue Hospital, America’s first public hospital and a cornerstone of modern medicine. He explored Bellevue’s medical firsts and its role serving the city’s most vulnerable while shaping emergency care and public health nationwide. The talk was brought to life with firsthand stories from Bellevue’s Emergency Department during the turbulent late 1970s through the 1990s.

Adam Winski is a musician and bluegrass aficionado. He took us on a journey through the history of bluegrass, its different styles, and why it’s still thriving today, with stories, listening examples, and live performances woven in. Adam’s presentation resonated deeply with bluegrass lovers while his enthusiasm piqued the interest of those who weren’t knowledgeable about the genre.

Chris “Coach” Rodriguez is the assistant program director and morning show host at WXPK 107.1FM – The Peak. He’s also been named Best Local Broadcaster in Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester feature. Coach shared stories from behind the mic and discussed why terrestrial radio still matters, including the advantages it brings in today’s world.

Judah Holstein, Westchester County Legislator for District 10, is heading up a fight against Con Edison’s repeated and aggressive electric and gas rate increases. He walked us through how ConEd has pushed for multiple hikes, what the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) is weighing now, and how you can make your voice heard in their decision.