For those unfamiliar with ChemVets, we offer a brief history and a description of the group's activities.

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A 1976 survey of the Delaware ACS Section members revealed that about

10% of the 2700 members were 65 or older, and that these retirees desired some events specific to their interests. The section appointed a group headed by Dr. Herman Skolnik to find ways to give these members a greater sense of inclusion in the ACS. At a meeting of the group on May 19, 1976, ChemVets was voted into existence as an ACS subgroup with its own officers and responsibilities for its own programs.

The first general meeting was held on January 20, 1977 with one of the Original organizers, Carleton Conrad, serving as chairman. At this meeting J. E. Curran spoke on “Managing a Financial Program”. Topics relating to finance and investing have remained popular over the years, but the main emphasis has shifted to science-oriented lectures, ranging recently from membrane technology to stem cell research to carbon nanotechnology. The blend of topics includes those of current general interest, such as Clean Coal and Gemstones, both scheduled for 2004. The April 20, 2004 meeting promises to be an exciting special event. It features a talk on Harry Potter and other alchemists at the newly renovated Chemical Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia. Preceding the talk will be a guided tour of the exhibits at this facility and a very nice lunch. Free transportation will be provided.

Since 1976 the number of Delaware ACS Section members 65 or older has grown to more than 600, or about 30%. The ChemVets membership, defined as whoever chooses to be notified of the meetings, has grown to over 200. Attendance has ranged from 40 to over 100 and averages about 60, which makes it one of the most popular activities of the Delaware section. The eight annual meetings, which are open to all, are announced in the local section's monthly DelChem Bulletin and are also publicized through E-mail announcements.

The Chemvets typically gather for lunch at the DuPont Chestnut Run cafeteria at noon on the third Tuesday of the month. Lunch is followed by

a lecture in the Chestnut Run auditorium in Building 713 at 1:00 PM. Chestnut Run is an open site so that no special arrangements are required for entry. When other locations or times are used for a talk, details of the event are published beforehand.

Further information about ChemVets and its programs can be obtained from the current chairman, George Sausen (429-8513), or from our coordinator, George Parshall (658-2066). To be included in the E-mail notifications, please contact Owen Webster (owwebster@aol.com). Our website (http://membership.acs.org/d/del/chemvets.htm) is also a good source of information about ChemVets and its programs.