It’s hard to believe but the summer is already upon us. Our July picnic will soon provide our annual opportunity to mingle, enjoy each other’s company, and meet new people. If you aren’t able to stop by, watch for pictures in the August newsletter and put the event on your calendar for next year’s July.
Last month, at the joint meeting held with Golden Gate Polymer Forum, Joe DeSimone gave an extremely interesting talk on the newer technologies involved with 3D printing. This isn’t a field that I follow closely, so I was captivated to hear about the advances being made. Who knew that the matrixed soles of some Adidas shoes are manufactured using 3D printers. Or that dentures could be easily prepared and custom fitted individually with this optical variant on 3D printing. One of its real strengths is the ability to customize the work, simply by reprogramming the printer, rather than fabricating new equipment. This technology is a great example of the hidden impact of chemistry on everyday life.
The next big event for ACS will be the Fall National meeting at the Moscone Center in San Francisco August 13-17. The theme of the meeting is “Harnessing the Power of Data” which is particularly relevant in the Bay Area. Register! Our section has been very involved in arranging the Kids Zone, a hands-on family event on Saturday, August 12 at the Children’s Creativity Museum in Yerba Buena Gardens, close to Moscone. We will also be represented with a poster outlining our section’s activities at Monday evening’s Sci-Mix poster session. SVACS is a finalist in the Outstanding Section (Large) category of ChemLuminary awards to be celebrated at an event open to all national meeting attendees and described in my June Chair’s Message. Please join us at one or more of these events.
Another fun event to add to your summer calendar is a day at the Oakland Coliseum to cheer on the SF Giants vs. the Oakland A’s on August 5. This is hosted by the California section and they have invited us to join them. This is your chance to enjoy the game with ACS colleagues before the A’s depart the Bay Area. Buy tickets here.
The section is looking for volunteers to join our SVACS leadership group, the Executive Committee (Ex Comm), or to help organize and run some of our events. We have positions available on the Nominations committee, the Program committee, and to do public outreach. The Ex Comm is our section’s corporate governance committee and we are looking for individuals to participate as Councilors or as Chair elect. If you are interested in joining any of the committees, please contact any Ex Comm member, listed on the last page of the newsletter. This is a great way to meet other chemists and do some networking. We are also always interested in suggestions on how to improve the section to meet your needs and interests. Speak up!
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie McClure
