More than 55 MSPE members and their guests gathered in Charlestown on the evening of Thursday, August 7, 2014 to enjoy MSPE’s specially-arranged private tour of the USS Constitution.

U.S. Navy personnel provided participants with an outstanding experience as they illustrated the magnificent ship’s storied past and presented areas of the ship that are typically off-limits to the public. With deep respect for the grand vessel, each guide imparted humor and grace into their presentations.

Guests ranged from members of the New Hampshire Society (NHSPE), to young engineers considering MSPE membership, to seasoned engineers of various disciplines, including special guest Dan Whitliff, PE, the immediate Past President of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), who was visiting Boston from his home state of Texas.

After the tour, many attendees also gathered at the nearby Navy Yard Bistro and enjoyed conversation, cocktails and a casual dinner.

Anthony Cipolla, an MSPE Board member and member of the MSPE Events Committee, explained, “The event was a great opportunity for engineers in all stages of their careers to gather and share a unique experience with their peers and families.  Everyone had a great time.” (more…)

As the 2014-15 school year begins, middle school students in Massachusetts will once again have the opportunity to participate in MATHCOUNTS, the premier nationwide math enrichment, coaching and competition program for Middle School students across the nation. In Massachusetts, the program is made possible through the support of and leadership of Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers (mspe.com/math-counts/).

This year is especially important, as all eyes will turn to Massachusetts as the National MATHCOUNTS Competition will be held in Boston in May, and our students will seek to regain the National Championship titles they earned in 2012 and 2013. (See below for more program details.)

Volunteers Needed:
John Hayden, MA State Coordinator anticipates that over 100 volunteers will be needed to support the program by helping at local competitions. Nationally, approximately 17,000 volunteers help make grass-roots program a success for students in their communities.

Chapter Coordinators are responsible for running the six Massachusetts chapter- level competitions held in February. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help at any of the Chapter competitions is encouraged to directly contact a Chapter Coordinator.

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Jules Nohra is an Energy Efficiency Manager at SourceOne, Inc. in Boston, MA. He recently joined the MSPE Board of Directors and is a member of the MSPE Programs Committee.

He has answered the questions below so we may know him better. THANK YOU, Jules, for your support and dedication to MSPE.

Q: Why did you join MSPE?
A: I joined MSPE in order to gain valuable knowledge from other experienced engineers and to expand my network of professionals in the engineering industry.

Q: What are your goals as an engineer?
A: My goals as an engineer are to be continually challenged and to continually improve my knowledge base.

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MSPE’s own Christopher Barros, PE and Kenneth R. Skinger, PE, Esq. participated in the 2014 NSPE National Conference in historic Washington DC from July 1-4. The event featured a robust agenda that included academic, leadership, and professional development tracks as well as several dynamic networking events and activities.

Senior executives with the U.S. Armed Forces kicked off the event with inspiring opening and keynote messages. Featured activities included an Order of the Engineer Ceremony, Annual NSPE Awards presentations, private tours of the U.S. Capitol and the city’s historic monuments, as well as a Nationals baseball game.Chris and Ken each earned their required annual 16 PDHs by participating in the wide variety of academic and leadership tracks offered.

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The spotlight is turning to Massachusetts as the National MATHCOUNTS Competition will be held in Boston in May 2015.  Corporate and individual sponsors are urged to join MSPE in supporting our state’s 2014-2015 program.  Since MATHCOUNTS is funded at the state level solely by local contributions, this vital program relies heavily on tax-deductible donations of money, gift cards, and supplies.)  Donations of any size are appreciated.

Your donation will help to defray the costs of: Food for 800+ students at the six (6) state-wide chapter (region) competitions; Transportation of students to chapter meetings and competitions; Trophies for the chapter and state winners; Supplies, Postage costs, MA Team T-shirts, and more. In recognition of your support, your firm will be promoted in media updates throughout the year, at competitions, and on the MSPE website. Checks may be written to the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, and sent to John Hayden, PE, MA State Coordinator, who will ensure that the Foundation credits the funds to MA.

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Anthony M. Morreale, PE, a Senior Engineer at LIG Consultants, Inc. in Hopedale, MA recently joined the MSPE Board of Directors and serves on the MSPE Events Committee.  He has answered a brief Q & A so we may know him better.  Welcome aboard Anthony, and THANK YOU for your dedication to MSPE.

Why did you join MSPE?
When I earned my P.E. license, it just made sense to join the National and Massachusetts societies. I felt that membership would give me opportunities to stay up to date on the issues that affect me as a professional engineer and to network with other engineers across the country and most importantly right here in Massachusetts.

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On Thursday, August 7, 2014, MSPE invites members, guests and colleagues to enjoy a specially-arranged private tour of the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat – also known as ‘Old Ironsides’.

This will be one of the final opportunities to tour the Constitution at her berth in Charlestown Navy Yard until 2018, as the ship will enter dry dock in  2015 for scheduled restoration.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a private after-hours tour and explore places on the magnificent and historic ship that are typically off-limits to the public. You’ll go beyond touring the top three decks (spar, gun, and berth), to go below-deck and step on the keel; see where gunpowder was stored, and more!  Each area will be manned by one of Constitution’s active duty U.S. Navy Sailors, who will answer questions and help illustrate Constitution’s storied past.

ALL GUESTS must be at least 18 years old.

SCHEDULE:
6:00 PM – Assemble at USS Constitution
6:10 PM – Tour starts
7:00 PM – Tour ends
7:15 PM – OPTIONAL dinner at the Navy Yard Bistro and Wine Bar [SOLD OUT]
(NOTE: The dinner tickets are sold out, but tour participants are welcome to join the group at the Navy Yard Bistro for pre-dinner socializing and cocktails.)

TICKET PRICING:  (Must be 18+ years old)
Tour ONLY – Member or Spouse:  $20.00
Tour ONLY – Non-member: $30.00  (See also: SPECIAL OFFER below)
Tour & DINNER – Member or Spouse:  $35.00 [SOLD OUT]
Tour & DINNER – Non-member:  $50.00 [SOLD OUT]

CLICK HERE to register and purchase tickets through Eventbrite 

IMPORTANT NOTES:  Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for a mandatory airport-style security screening, which is required for all visitors (civilian & military, even in uniform). All participants must be at least 18 years old, and present a valid Federal or State-issued photo ID or passport to board the ship.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR NON-MEMBERS:
The ticket price for the tour (or tour and dinner) will be completely refunded for non-members who decide to join MSPE!  Here’s how to take advantage of this special offer: After the tour, simply join NSPE/MSPE before August 30, 2014 and MSPE will mail you a rebate check when your membership is recorded.  (Note: When you become a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), you also become a member of our state society, MSPE.)

At the 2014 National MATHCOUNTS Competition on May 9-10 in Orlando Florida, Massachusetts placed in the Top 10 teams in the nation, earning 8th place out of 56 teams.  Additionally, each of our state’s individual ‘Mathletes’ placed in the Top 50 out of 224 of the brightest ‘Mathletes’ in the nation.

MATHCOUNTS is the premier math enrichment, coaching and competition program in the country for middle school students in grades 6 through 8.  In Massachusetts, the program is made possible through the support and leadership of the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers (mspe.com). Learn more and view news releases here.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: Become a Sponsor Today!
In 2015, the National MATHCOUNTS Competition will be held in Boston, MA.  Corporate and individual sponsors are encouraged to support our state’s 2014-2015 program. Since MATHCOUNTS is funded at the state level solely by local contributions, this vital program continues to rely on tax-deductible donations (checks, supplies, gift cards, etc.)  Tax-deductible donations of any size are appreciated. Checks may be written to the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, and sent to John Hayden, PE, who will ensure that the Foundation credits the funds to our state’s program.
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