Cleveland ChapterFall 2011 The Cleveland Chapter tried to had four meetings in this period.
The seventh Annual Bob Jones Classic was scheduled to be played at Springvale Golf Club. We try to play the tournament annually in honor of Bob Jones, who was Chief of the Maintenance Branch. Bob was a highly, respected member of the Chapter who passed away suddely. This is our Memorial to remember him by. This year's "Classic" had to be cancelled due to bad weather. It could not be rescheduled. We will try again next year. Big thanks to Dennis Vano for continuing this special event for us! The Installation of Officers was in September this year. It was held at the NASA Picnic Grounds. Ernie Bertone and Jimmy Simek took care of the logistics. The steaks and fish were excellent again this year. There where a few changes in the Officers and Committee Chairs for this year. Please volunteer to help keep this Chapter active. We need your help. Try to bring new members into the meetings so they can enjoy the benefits this Chapter offers. We need some young members to pick up responsibility and run the chapter. It was a great roast with a lot of news; fun, and good cooking for a delicious meal. We had a wonderful presentation from Dr. Sheila Bailey, on "The Future of Space Photovoltaic's". It was a surprised to find out that GRC is the lead for solar cell research throughout the NASA centers. Most of the supervisors knew we worked on solar cells, but certainly did not realize we were the lead center. It is amazing that the solar cells in space began so early on Vanguard in 1958. The first battery powered satellite, only lasted about 20 days, while the first solar cell powered satellite lasted over 7 years. Continuous research will soon give us more power output, and better efficiencies. Some are being applied in commercial applications already. As we try to move to farther into space this technology will certainly be needed more and more. As we develop better more efficient solar cells, we will see reductions to the dependency of the existing power grid, and become one step closer to becoming self sufficient, cleaner power users. This technology has proved itself and will be in use for many years. Sheila has demonstrated the importance of keeping solar cell research going here at Glenn. Thank to Scott Marabito for this fine report. Your help in the chapter is very much needed... The November meeting was on "A Trip to Thailand." Paul Starner showed some very good pictures of his visit to Thailand with his family. They visited Bangkok and Phukett. It is the only Asian country that was never colonized by a European power. This Kingdom has existed since the 14th century. Recent flooding has caused much destruction and death. Their power distribution system is not like ours. Old wiring is not replaced. This does not work to well. They have more brown outs than we do. One important lesson learned: Bring an ATM Card rather than a credit card. The ATM card will get you their money, not many places would take a credit card. It was a good meeting. The food was great. Remember- please let us know if you have any suggestions for activities or meetings. We will make every effort to act on them. CHAPTER ACTIVITIESWe are supporting meetings and conferences on the Management Committee, with papers, tutorials, and session Chairs and suggesting topics. The Chapter Staff are all working to build our membership. Our golf outing, social events, and technical meetings are working to keep the members active. Each member is trying to bring an associate to meetings when they can. Two Conferences will be held at the Ohio Aerospace Institute in June and September 2012. There will be presentations, exhibits, training, and splinter meetings in the three and one half day activities. Award for the best presentation is given. These activities provide the Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) community and Project personnel with a unique opportunity for interchange and interaction on innovative assurance technologies and tools. It promotes dialog and co-operation with the Project Managers, Contractors, and Safety and Mission Assurance Managers.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" — Vincent Van Gogh Regards, Vince Lalli |
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