Prominent guests, humor and social issues at the Lions Club's anniversary event
Professor Bernhard Meyer Orangerie in Darmstadt hosted a special evening Lions Club Darmstadt-Castrum and on the initiative of Stefanie Zimmermann, numerous guests gathered on May 1st for the talk, the proceeds of which will benefit the hospice in Darmstadt.
Well-meaning friends had advised Bernhard Meyer that he should dress warmly. His opening showed him wearing a winter coat, long scarf, and hat. After he had removed these clothes, the lampshade could finally be switched on.
The first guest traveled from Griesheim. Professor Dr. Stefan Pickl, an internationally renowned AI expert, was persuaded by Meyer to talk. What are we supposed to believe anymore? "AI lives off historical data. If that data is wrong, it remains wrong." The Club of Rome, which became famous for its warning "The Limits to Growth," has existed since 1968. Professor Pickl was appointed a member last year. When Meyer asked whether we also need a limit on AI growth, the answer was: "First we had nuclear power plants, and then came Chernobyl. First we had AI. There, too, are uncontrollable risks, especially in the job market."
Another guest is a true Darmstadt native. Jochen Werner's alter ego is Aurora DeMeehl, who will celebrate her silver wedding anniversary with Lord Schmidt next year. Is he or she a part-time trans person or a queer person? "I'm a fictional character. I love it, but even more so my name. We're celebrating our silver wedding anniversary next year." Guided city tours offer a unique perspective on the local context. Above all, almost forgotten stories are told
There were various musical highlights. One was provided by Aart Veder, known as an actor at the Darmstadt State Theatre. His songs paid tribute to the late singer-songwriter Ulrich Roski, whom he knew from his school days in Berlin. The message: "You shouldn't take all this so seriously.".
With excerpts from Mozart's horn concertos, solo horn player Jaehyung Kim from the Mainz State Theatre delighted the audience, performing on a special type of French horn. This horn was developed by Christopher Cornford, who explained that every improvement to the instrument is like a child's birthday party. This unique instrument is played in renowned orchestras worldwide.
The mayor of Darmstadt, Barbara Akdeniz, and the Hessian minister, Heike Hofmann, both hold portfolios with numerous responsibilities. Meyer quoted French researchers who supposedly debunked the myth of women's multitasking abilities. Are they both exceptional women? Each has her own authentic way of managing the diversity of tasks. Ultimately, it's the individual approach that matters.
In many columns, Jan Weiler has illuminated the world of teenagers, ultimately turning his attention to their parents. He had traveled from Munich and humorously compared puberty to the "adult puberty" experienced by Meyer. Both resist the pressure to slow down. To the delight of the large audience, he recounted a miracle in Darmstadt: He was there on a reading tour. During a visit to the Christmas market, a woman in front of him bought a currywurst at a stall. It was sitting ready in a tray on the counter when, upon receiving his one-euro change, it landed in the sauce. "No problem," said the vendor, bravely reaching into the sauce and pulling out a two-euro coin. Weiler's new book, "The Birdhouse," will be published in the fall. The final check took place on the train journey to and from Darmstadt. To his disappointment, the train was not delayed.
Meyer chatted with Hans-Joachim Heist from Pfungstadt about three characters: Gernot Hassknecht, a choleric character, became famous through the satirical news program "Heute-Show." He had already created a monument to this type of persona with his family 20 years ago. He isn't a choleric himself, but with age, the Hassknecht stage persona has rubbed off on him. In Darmstadt, he appears as Datterich, searching for his "hidden thirst." Here, Heist primarily tries to bring out Hassknecht's mischievous side. And as Heinz Ehrhard, he embodies a character about whom someone once said: "How much intelligence must a person possess to be able to act so stupidly?".
The proceeds from the event will go to the hospice in Darmstadt. Director Elisabeth Schummer-Schmalz explained that the funds will be used to develop an experiential terrace for temporary guests, designed to engage all the senses. Finally, Meyer was able to switch off the lampshade for the 80th and final time and present it to the hospice.
Lions Club President Uwe Götz summarized at the end: “The open talk was a complete success. The combination of high-caliber guests, intelligent exchange, and an exceptionally positive atmosphere made the afternoon special for the approximately 300 attendees. It is precisely these kinds of events that strengthen social dialogue and community spirit.”
(RED/Götz)
