Meeting and a Meal Got You Down?

Sometimes local sections can get their meeting schedule in a rut and forget to let loose and have some fun. Although quality programming at local section events is paramount in attracting and serving the members on a regular basis, every once in a while our sections might consider an event centered on the 3 F’s if they don’t already: Family, Fun, and Food.

Many sections have found it a welcome alternative to occasionally change the meeting tone to an event centered on fellowship and networking. This can be done through a variety of different events: cookouts, picnics, tours of wineries or breweries, or athletic events. For example, the Detroit, Huron Valley, and Toledo local sections have teamed up in the past to have a tri-sectional meeting at a professional baseball game . Our local section, the Coastal Georgia Section, has enjoyed a year-end baseball outing as well. For a low set fee (subsidized by the section), you receive admission to our single A Savannah Sand Gnats with food and beverages. This is a fun and enjoyable networking experience for our members, which also allows everyone to have a night out with the family. In addition, the section received great PR when the local section name was flashed over the big screen and we all got to let out a loud cheer for the ACS.

The Lehigh Valley Local Section (LVACS), in the past, has sponsored a spouse night/winery tour at the Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars. It was a well-attended event whereby everyone enjoyed talking and networking, according to former LVACS Chair, Steven Weiner; and the event, of course, included some discussion on the science of wine making. In March, LVACS scheduled a meeting at the Pocono Brewing Company with a beer tasting reception that included pool, darts, and video/pub games. Sounds like a great event for social gathering and local section camaraderie.

Finally, over the summer, you might consider the classic picnic for your membership. Our section hosts an annual oyster roast, which is always a huge success. The roast is hosted at the local Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Historic Site, where we actually transport by truck 400–500 pounds of oysters and a whole lot of oyster knives. Folks come out of the woodwork to chuck, shuck, and pick at the oysters while sharing interesting tales and happenings in their jobs and lives. It is quite an event and always enjoyed by many members throughout our local section, student affiliates, and families. It doesn’t hurt to have hot dogs and marshmallows for the kids either. For use of the facility, the local section makes a donation to the site to help with its upkeep and maintenance.

Strong interdisciplinary technical and solid general programming is a must for a viable local section to serve its membership needs. However, every once in a while it might be a good idea to consider hosting a “lighter” event, maybe this summer would be a good time to try something centered around the 3 F’s.

Have a great “American Chemical Society” summer…

Will Lynch, Chair
ACS Committee on Local Section Activities

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