PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Play Ball!

It’s that time of year again. PE’s vs EI’s for softball bragging rights. Doing a little research, it appears that the EI’s lead the series 3-2 over the past five years. And for the second year in row, we’ve made it even easier for the EI’s by not scheduling the game during “EXAM WEEKEND”. So the EI’s should have no problems whipping their older brethren, although Kevin Higginson, PE has other thoughts. Come on out to Vineyards Park in North Naples on Friday, May 14th and enjoy an evening of family fun, a friendly softball game and fine dining. Gator Hammock will again provide the BBQ meal. See inside for details and RSVP info.

We had a wonderful family turnout at our Panther Island Mitigation Bank Tour on April 23rd. Over 80 people ventured out into the semi-wilderness to learn about Panther Island. We learned a lot about the Panther Island endeavor, how it started, what the area was like more than 60 years ago, the planning, design and construction that has taken place to restore the wetland areas and what the future holds. The pure beauty of the scenery and the solitude of the locale were truly remarkable, particularly to the “city folk” like me. Tim Durham, PE and Desmond Duke provided the details and answered many questions from the attendees. Both kids and adults were fascinated by the sights on the “swamp buggy” tours including a lot of birds and a few alligators. Many commented that some of their clients and/or employers had purchased credits from the bank. We also enjoyed a “backwoods” BBQ of roast pig, swamp cabbage, gator tail and some other goodies. I overheard one mother tell her kids that the gator tail was Chicken McNuggets. I wonder if that worked, and if it did, did she “fess up” later. I feel as though I must apologize to some of you since the indoor facilities I mentioned in last month’s message consisted of a “portapotty”. But, the weather cooperated and, hopefully, everyone who came out enjoyed the evening. Many thanks to Tim and Desmond and the Panther Island staff for the hospitality, for hauling us around in the hay wagons and for making sure that none of us got lost in the woods or stuck in the “parking lot”.

As mentioned last month, we will need a new chapter treasurer for the coming year and we are still seeking nominations from the membership. Self nomination is allowed. Please e-mail me or give me a call no later than May 10th if you have a nomination. Two of our members have already stepped up. We’ll present the ballot to the chapter membership after May 14th.

As always, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you and your families at our softball BBQ event on the 14th. Please plan on joining us.

Walter F. Gilcher, PE
President - Calusa Chapter

Save That Date!

May Chapter Meeting

Annual PE/EI Softball Game

Friday, May 14th
6PM

Scroll down for more details.

DEADLINE FOR CHAPTER OFFICER NOMINATIONS – MAY 10th

The Calusa Chapter is accepting nominations for chapter officers for 2004-05. Traditionally, this year’s officers move up to fill the positions of president, vice-president and secretary, maintaining a level of experience on the board. The treasurer position is open to the membership. Additionally, the board position of Public Relations Director is open for the upcoming year. The nominating committee has assembled the following list of candidates for 2004-05. The following are the nominees for the elected positions in our Chapter. Two or more candidates for any position will be determined by secret ballot at the May 14th meeting.

Please forward your nominations to Walt Gilcher, PE before May 10th - Phone: (239)985-1200 - Fax: (239)985-1258 - E-mail: waltgilcher@holemontes.com.

GIVE BACK: GET BACK CAMPAIGN EXTENDED

Three more months to earn your NSPE dues for FREE! NSPE has extended the deadline for the GIVE BACK: GET BACK membership campaign. You now have until June 30, 2004 to sponsor two new members and save $110 off your membership dues next year.

Don’t forget, members who join after April 1st receive 50% off their membership dues for the 2003-2004 year. This is a $120 savings. Discounts are also available for recent college graduates. Membership applications are available online at www.fleng.org, from your local chapter officer or Kate Robinson with FES Headquarters, (850)224-7121.

WE’RE ON THE WEB!

For more information, feel free to visit our chapter website at www.fes-calusa.org. Also, be sure to visit www.fleng.org often for continuously updated information.

May Calusa Chapter Meeting
Annual FES Softball Game – PE’s vs. EI’s

Friday, May 14th, 2004
6:00PM – 8:30PM

Vineyards Community Park Ballfield
Take Immokalee Road (Exit 111, I-75) go _ mile east to
Oakes Boulevard then south to Vanderbilt Beach Road

As Always, Spouses and Guests are Welcome
to Cheer on Their Favorite “Team”!

Gator Hammock will cater again this year with Ribs, Chicken, Baked Beans, Rolls and Sweet/Unsweet Tea.

$15.00 per adult, $5.00 Children age 6 and up (Children under 6 – FREE)

Remember to bring your glove and bat!

Call (649-4040), fax (643-5716) or email your RSVP to John English, PE

by 12 noon on May 13th (johnenglish@wilsonmiller.com).

ESPN2 BROADCAST FOR MATHCOUNTS

The MATHCOUNTS Foundation is pleased to announce that, for the second year, ESPN will be producing an hour-long program on the MATHCOUNTS National Competition. This television program will air on ESPN2, June 3rd at noon ET.
Focused primarily on the drama of the Countdown Round, the program will highlight the energy and excitement of the Mathletes as they test their math and communication skills. Similar to last year, this is expected to be a compelling television program. Don't miss your chance to share in the magic of the 2004 MATHCOUNTS National Competition in your own home!
The fact that ESPN is covering the National Competition speaks volumes about MATHCOUNTS and public awareness and interest in student achievement through all forms of competition. Don't hesitate to inform others of the ESPN2 broadcast and use this as an opportunity to generate additional volunteer and/or local sponsor support. Coaches will be informed of the broadcast and this exposure can also heighten student/school interest in MATHCOUNTS.

UPCOMING
ACTIVITIES
CALENDAR

* For additional information on these and other seminars offered through FES, visit www.fleng.org/seminars.cfm.

Members are encouraged to contact John English, PE at (239) 649-4040 or email: johnenglish@wilsonmiller.com to request additional information or to suggest a future program or event.