Chair Notes – January 2023

Dear esteemed members,

Happy 2023 and congratulations to my colleagues for winning their elections! I thank them for stepping up to serve our chemically-minded community and wish them success in their positions of leadership. I am also humbled to have the privilege to serve as your Local Section Chair for one more year. However, just because election season is over, if you have been considering increasing your involvement in the Local Section, there is no better time than now! We have plenty of opportunities to serve as a voting or advisory member on the Local Section’s Executive Committee. If such a prospect piques your interest, I invite you to reach out to me (or any other officer) to initiate a conversation to explore how we can leverage your ideas, talents, and energy to make a difference in our community.

This month, we have a special event lined up for you. On January 12, at 6:30 PM, join us at Novo Brazil Brewery in Otay Ranch for a special presentation about the chemistry of beer and brewing by my colleague, David Hecht, Ph.D. He will be joined by master brewers, Roberto Cardoso and Guilherme Hoffman, who will discuss the techniques and processes employed by Novo to create their award-winning beers like their Otay IPA and Chula Pils Pilsner. After the presentation, bring your business cards and stay for a networking mixer. Admission is only $5 for ACS members. Your ticket will include plenty of delicious food and a beer ticket (if you are over 21). Feel free to bring a guest! Click here to register.

Looking into February, we have another exciting event in the works just in time for Valentine’s Day called, “Now You’re Cooking with Chemistry!”. The fabulous Robyn Araiza will lead a cooking class over Zoom to make a delicious chocolate-based dessert and discuss the fascinating chemical reactions taking place as you follow along from the comfort of your kitchen. The first 30 members to register for the event will receive a complimentary ingredient kit! More details will be released in the coming weeks. This event will take place on the evening of February 9th. I hope to see you there!

I wish you and your loved ones a prosperous 2023.

With gratitude,

Juan Gonzalez