A Message from President Don Stark (his last!):
 The "passing of the torch" – outgoing Section President Rob Prophet hands off to incoming Section President Don Stark at the April Section Meeting |
Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the flowers is? It’s that time of year folks. Spring is upon us and with that we have held our last monthly meeting for the 2011-2012 season. As we wind down ASHE for the summer, the construction season is going to start up again in earnest, not that it ever really slowed down given the mild weather this past winter. Let’s hope that the warm winter does not lead to an exceptionally hot summer unless that hot means a lot of work for construction.
Our last formal meeting for the year was on April 18th and it was a jamb packed action adventure. We had not one, but two Delaware Valley Engineers of the Year speak at the meeting; a young engineer, Cathy Farrell; and one who no longer qualifies in the under 35 category, Tim Haahs, who was elected by all of the engineering societies in Philadelphia.
We presented an award for Person of the Year for the Delaware Valley Section of ASHE to Elaine Elbich, an award for a very deserving individual who has selflessly dedicated her time and energy to making the Section better for all of us for many years. After receiving a plethora of submissions (OK, at least enough to make it interesting), we presented two Project of the Year awards. The winners were Gustine Lake Interchange – SR 8045 for over $10 Million and Upper Black Eddy – Milford Toll Supported Bridge Rehabilitation for under $10 million. And last but not least we also inducted next year’s slate of officers and board members.
Prior to the meeting we offered our last technical session of the year and the opportunity to pick up 2 more pdh’s. The topic of the session was Support of Excavations, presented by John Pierce and his daughter Jennifer Brandt of Pierce Engineering. It was an enlightening presentation and I never realized how many different options there are for those little zigzag lines we show on the plans.
Breakfast with the District is coming soon to a District 6-0 headquarters near you. On May 16, 2012 ASHE Del Val will get together with PennDOT District 6-0 personnel for the 2nd Annual Breakfast with the District. For those of you who attended last year’s meeting, you know how well it was received and what a great job the presenters did. For those who were not able to make last year’s meeting, well then you just have to make this year's to see what you missed. It will be time well spent.
Speaking of time well spent, my tenure as President of the Section has ended. It has been a good year with many great meeting topics and we also offered 3 Technical Sessions to help you get the all important pdh’s necessary for licensing renewal. I would like to thank the members of the board and the officers who assisted me this past year. As they say, you do not have to be the sharpest tack in the box as long as you surround yourself with ones who are. I have been blessed to work with an exceptionally sharp group of people this past year, ones who have brought in new ideas, new energy and have helped to reinvigorate the board meetings as well as the general meetings and technical sessions. I have turned over the reins to the new president, Bruce Masi, and have left behind a dedicated group of people who will build on the successes of this past year and bring to you a bright and promising new year starting in September. Now if we could only get those folks down in Washington to work with the same passion and desire to serve the best interests of the people, but I guess we can’t have everything!
Congratulations to Bruce and the rest of the officers and board members for next year and thanks to all for a great year.ASHE Mission Statement:
"Provide a forum for members and partners of the highway industry to promote a safe, efficient and sustainable highway system through education, innovation and fellowship."