Chairperson's Message for Thursday, September 20, 2001, Opening Night
It seems rather strange to be writing my first chairperson's letter after having served the job as acting chair for the past several months, but that's exactly what I'm doing today. First of all, I'd like to thank the past and present members of the Liberty Bell chapter operating and executive committees for their support during the past chapter year. It's always amazing to see how much effort is given by the involved members of the chapter.
I've recently been reviewing some members' comments about the value of ASM. It was interesting but not surprising that the two top categories were the networking opportunities and the technical content of meetings. I'm happy to report that we've started some efforts that will make these aspects of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell Chapter even more fulfilling. First, our scholarship and young members committees are looking at how we can better serve the student and young professional parts of our membership. Nationwide, only about 25% of graduating students elect to become full members of ASM- we can do better, and are working on how. These committees are also looking at how we can make our activities more useful to the recent graduate and young professional. Second, we've planned another year of varied and interesting programs for our monthly meetings. We intend to add some short talks by sustaining members about their companies, and may include other subjects of general interest to the membership. This month's talk by Brian Higgins will discuss a high-tech approach to production of master alloys for the aerospace industry- the cutting edge of this technology. I'd like to close by emphasizing that all the work in the Liberty Bell Chapter is done by volunteers. We are always on the lookout for volunteers to staff our committees and execute our programs. No matter what your interests and capabilities are, we can find something for you to get involved in to help the Chapter. The amazing thing is that by helping the Chapter you can also help yourself, both professionally and personally. The contacts and relationships that are developed provide a different level of satisfaction that is unique. If you are interested in volunteering for a committee assignment, you can contact me at 215-641-8849 or e-mail at jjaniszewski@ltk.com.
John Janiszewski
2001-2002 Chairperson
This Month's Meeting Features...
Dinner Menu - Soup du jour, Fresh Garden Salad, Boneless Breast of Chicken Maryland, Glazed Baby Carrots, Parslied Red Potatoes, Chocolate Parfait.
Social Hour -- 6:00-7:00 p.m., Dinner -- 7:00 p.m.
Price -- $18.00, Retirees -- $9.00, Students -- $7.00
Technical Chairperson: Mr. John Janiszewski, LTK Engineering Services
Sponsors: Rex Heat Treat Co., Robert Wooler Co. and Stork-MMA Laboratories
Speaker: Mr. Brian Higgins, Vice President/Manufacturing, Reading Alloys, Inc.
Topic: The Industrial Use of Electron Beam Melting and Refining
Brian Higgins has worked in the refractory metals and high temperature alloy industry for over 28 years. The first 12 years were spent as a Research & Development Engineer for Kawecki Berylco Inc. (KBI - now the Performance Materials Division of Cabot Corporation) involved with tantalum, niobium, cesium, and other interesting materials. The next 6 years encompassed various Production Management positions at the Cabot Boyertown facility responsible for chemical and metallurgical manufacturing operations. Brian left Cabot in 1989 to establish a molten salt heat treating operation which he sold in 1992 and joined Reading Alloys Inc. as Vice President of Technology. RAI is the leading supplier of Master Alloys to the Aerospace (Titanium) and Super-Alloy industry. In 1998 he was appointed as Vice President of Manufacturing at RAI. His involvement with Electron Beam Melting has spanned his career in the refining of Ta , Nb, V, Co, and Ru as well as its utilization in manufacturing high temperature alloys.
The industrial use of Electron Beam Furnaces for the melting and refining of refractory metals and specialty alloys has become a mature technology. Due to the high power density of an electron beam and the associated protective vacuum necessary for beam formation, the technology is extremely useful for the production of high purity materials as well as casting ingots of refractory and reactive metals. Purification is achieved through fractional distillation, degassing, and flotation. This presentation will review some basics of Electron Beam technology, the equipment requirements of an industrial system and its current use in commercial applications.
Spouses and guests are invited and welcome. This meeting will be held at Williamson Restaurant, Easton Road, Horsham, PA. Reservations are necessary - Call: (215) 643-3369 (OH-DE-FOX), or you may register using our online form. Please don't call if you have already reserved via this web site LINK.
New Charles F. Burns Jr. Annual Scholarship
Two guests were present at the May meeting courtesy of Solar Atmospheres and the Philadelphia Chapter. Chuck Burns daughter, Gina and his wife, Pat, were invited to be present when the winner of the initial Chuck Burns annual scholarship was announced. Gina addressed the members and read the following tribute to her father:
"On behalf of my family, my mom-Pat, my brothers-Chuck and Michael, who could not be here with us tonight, and myself, I would like to thank ASM for inviting us to the presentation, and Solar Atmospheres for funding the Memorial Scholarship in recognition of my father, Charles F. Burns, Jr. My dad was a member of ASM and served the Society in several different capacities.
It is both a privilege and an honor to acknowledge my father through a scholarship fund because he valued education. My dad held degrees in his specialty area of Metallurgy, but not many were aware that he was also Dr. Burns, he had his Doctorate in Psychology. He put forth an endless effort towards his own education and inspired my mom, my brothers and myself to achieve a college education.
I could stand here and talk for hours about what kind of person my dad was; but to sum up Chuck, I'd have to say he was a kind and gentle person, with a powerful message and influenced all who met him. Both personally and professionally, he was always there for his family, friends, peers, and co-workers. He approached every day and every experience with a positive attitude. He never spoke in a negative manner. He was an active listener; I always noticed that people, both young and old, came to talk to my dad and ask for his advice. If you knew my dad, you knew that he would listen to you, and that if you needed help, he would assist you with a positive resolution. He loved life. He loved and cherished his family. And he loved his work, so much so, that he spent his last hours, here in our world, at Solar Atmosphere, dedicated to a profession that meant so much to him.
I feel that my dad taught us to love life with a positive passion, to live our lives to the fullest and to pursue our dreams. Since my dad left this world so quickly and at the young age of 60, I have learned to appreciate every moment and take nothing for granted, because you never know what challenge tomorrow brings.
This scholarship is truly a tribute to my father because he was a leader in his field and was recognized internationally for his expertise. My father believed that "to whom much is given, much is expected.
I call upon the recipient of the Scholarship award to strive to be the best in your selected field of study, and to nurture the spirit of pursuing and advancing both your education and the greatest gift that is given to us, the gift of life.
Thank You, Gina Burns-Hercer."
Past Chapter Chairman Remembered
We regret to inform you that Fred Ewald passed away on August 13. Fred was our Chapter Chairperson during 1972-73. The Philadelphia Chapter and all its members wish to express our sympathy to Fred's family. We will miss him.
Cruise to Nowhere
The Entertainment Committee is making arrangements for a "Cruise to Nowhere" on board the Spirit of Philadelphia for some time in October. Additional details will be available at the September meeting.
Upcoming Events from the Career Development Committee
This year's MEI Course, beginning in November 2001 at SPS Technologies, will be "Practical Heat Treating". A one-day seminar on use of computers and the internet is planned for a Saturday this fall. Watch for details in the October newsletter. For advance information, contact the committee members: Bob Rich or Fred Klock.
WELCOME
The Philadephia Chapter of ASM and all its members welcome the following new or transferred members to the chapter.
On behalf of the Philadelphia Chapter, I want to welcome the above new/transferred in members, and encourage you to come out to meetings, network, and get involved with out Chapter of Excellence Award Winning Chapter.
Al Singmaster
Do you have news...
that should be shared with the other members of the "Liberty Bell" Chapter? If so, please email your info to Jim Watters at dvua2@cs.com. Be sure to add the phrase "Liberty Bell Chapter Newsletter Item" in the subject line. We'll be sure to include it in the next monthly Chapter newsletter.
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