PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Well, it’s back to work after the holidays. Hope everyone enjoyed time with family and friends. One of the highlights was the 3rd Annual Holiday Party at the Harborside on December 19th sponsored by APWA, ITE and FES. As always, many thanks to Nicole Maxey, PE and her “staff” for arranging this wonderful event.

This month’s dinner meeting will be on January 22nd at Corkscrews (Stoneybrook). Jacque Rippe, PE, current director of the SFWMD Lower West Coast Service Center, will be our guest speaker. The meeting reservation form is inside, so make your reservation early for what I’m sure will be an interesting evening.

As we enter the New Year, one of the things that we (chapter officers) get from FES headquarters is a list of those who have yet to renew their FES/NSPE membership for 2003-04. If you haven’t renewed yet and you are on the fence, please remember all of the benefits that membership brings you. And most importantly, remember that your membership is your commitment to your profession. FES/NSPE is the only organization that promotes and represents all engineers, regardless of discipline. So don’t become delinquent, renew now. And while you’re at it, make a resolution to come to one or more of our chapter events in the next few months. You will enjoy it.

One of the events that many of us find very rewarding is participation in MathCounts. Roxanne Gause, PE and her committee are working hard to insure another successful competition for our local middle school “mathletes”. We will need numerous day of the event volunteers, so when you get the call, say “Yes!”. Better yet, give Roxanne a call at (239)768-6600 and volunteer. This year’s competition is on February 21st at FGCU.

Next month, we will celebrate Engineers Week – February 22-28. We are planning our annual banquet, tentatively scheduled for February 27th. We traditionally honor several engineers that have contributed significantly to the profession, the community and to FES. This year’s ballots are inside. Take a few minutes and nominate a fellow engineer. Contact Gary Drew, PE, our chapter awards committee chair if you have any questions.

As always, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at our dinner meeting on the 22nd. Please join us.

Walter F. Gilcher, PE
President - Calusa Chapter

Happy New Year!

Make a resolution you’ll be sure to keep and sponsor a new member in FES. Any new member that joins during January, February or March will save over $35.00 off their annual dues. Remember, each new member sponsored during this time will count toward the NSPE “Give Back, Get Back” recruitment campaign and the FES annual incentive program, so sponsor a new member today!

Engineer Seals

FES offers members a significantly reduced rate on Florida Board of Professional Engineers required official medal/type impression seals. Two types of models are available, a pocket seal (model P-2) and a desk seal (model D-2). Seals are received 1-2 weeks from placing the order with FES and are sent directly to you. Seals can be sent overnight for an additional cost. For additional information about the seals, visit www.fleng.org and click on products or contact Judy Roberts at (850) 224-7121.

FES Seeks Award Nominations

FES members are well known for distinction of service and significance of impact on the engineering profession. It is time to award exceptional FES members for outstanding influence and distinction. All nominations are due by February 15, 2004. Detailed descriptions of each award can be found at www.fleng.org/awards.htm. So fill in some blanks, rip this sheet from the newsletter and fax it to Gary Drew at 768-0409 or Walt Gilcher, 985-1258.

January Dinner Meeting

Program
Jacque Rippe, PE
Director
SFWMD Lower West Coast Service Center

Thursday, January 22, 2004
Stoneybrook Clubhouse (I-75, Exit 123)
½ Mile East on Corkscrew Road


Social Hour at 6:00PM – Dinner at 7:00PM
Program Immediately Following Dinner

As Always, Spouses and Guests Are Welcome!
$20.00 Per Person

Call (649-4040), fax (643-5716) or email (johnenglish@wilsonmiller.com) your RSVP to John English, PE
by 12 noon on January 21st:

___________________________________________ YES, I will be attending
                                (Name)

     ___ Chicken Piccata
     ___ Prime Rib
     ___ Broiled Filet of Grouper

Spouse/Guest _________________________________
                                     (Name)

     ___ Chicken Piccata
     ___ Prime Rib
     ___ Broiled Filet of Grouper

Meatless meals available on request

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

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.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

If you have any questions or comments regarding the content of the newsletter – or if you would like something included in the monthly publication – please feel free to contact Dave Romano, P.E. at davidromano@holemontes.com, or by telephone at (239) 985-1200.

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.