Short Notice for November 13, 2000 Meeting!

I’m thinking about making the “Short Notice for Next Meeting” a permanent section in my message to the members.  The formal meeting announcement is a little tardy, but the subject of the presentation will be timely – PennDOT’s Bridge Program.

 Because of this late notice, we would appreciate your passing this notice to your colleagues ASAP!

 PennDOT’s Chief Bridge Engineer, Mr. Scott Christie, PE will be on hand to outline PennDOT’s Bridge Program.  The bridge construction letting schedule, both year-to-date and anticipated will be discussed.  Scott will also review the accomplishments of the Bridge Quality Assurance Division in areas such as: LRFD, new bridge standards, design computer programs, new 100k design load, metrication, electronic data collection for inspection.   This annual presentation by the Chief Bridge Engineer has always been a popular topic for ABCD.

 Meeting Place Change

Please note the dinner meeting has been moved to the Arches Restaurant on North Front Street.   We are trying to find a “permanent” home for our meetings that can accommodate our growing attendance at a reasonable price.   Let us know how you like the new location.   Also, the 5:30 time for the Social Hour last time seemed to be a hit with the members, so we are continuing that practice.

 Upcoming Meetings

This is the last meeting for Year 2000. At this time, two dinner meetings are planned for March and May 2001.  Topics have not been selected.

 Engineer and Technician Awards for Engineers Week Council

The EWC will be presenting 3 awards at Engineers Week in February 2001:  Engineer of the Year Award, Young Engineer of the Year Award, and Technical Achievement Award.  This is a good opportunity to recognize your fellows who may be overachieving, but under recognized.   We will be sending nomination forms by email and will also have copies available at the meeting.  You can submit nominations directly to EWC or you can send them to ABCD and we can submit them as a member of the Engineers Week Council.  If you send them to ABCD, submit them by December 8 so we have time to make the December 29 deadline.

 ABCD Organization

In our continuing effort to digitize ABCD, Joe Pegnetter of Erdman-Anthony has volunteered develop a home page for our chapter.  Pittsburgh Chapter has one at www.abcdpittsburgh.org.  Look it up.

 Early next year, we plan to circulate the revised chapter bylaws for your review and acceptance.  Any amateur parliamentarians among the members are welcome to help the Board with the revisions. We also need to elect new slate of officers and directors by May so they can be installed before next fall.  We need candidates! 

 The Board of Directors will be working to have an election of new officers in early 2001.  Please consider volunteering some time to keep this organization going.    At least, nominate the guy sitting next to you.  All kidding aside, volunteers and ideas are welcome!