Our next meeting will be Monday March 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Southern Company Services/Southern Nuclear offices at the Colonnade. We are delighted to have as Keynote Speaker Dr. Larry DeLucas, who flew on the Columbia Space Shuttle as a NASA payload specialist astronaut. Dr. DeLucas will discuss some of his structural biology research projects and biotechnology inventions. He will describe how he began working with NASA performing microgravity protein crystallization experiments on the US Space Shuttle. He will also describe his experience flying in 1992 on the Columbia Space Shuttle as a NASA payload specialist astronaut. This will include a review of his selection by NASA, the required two-year training program, the launch, landing and research performed on his 14-day mission. Dr. DeLucas’ presentation will conclude with a summary of current research underway on the International Space Station and NASA’s plans for a future astronaut mission to Mars.

Date: Monday March 11, 2019
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
Program: Keynote Speaker- Astronaut Dr. Larry DeLucas
Place: SCS Offices at Colonnade, 3535 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham AL 35243
Room: South Tower, Auditorium
Topic: “A Career In Science: Expect the Unexpected”

Note that we have moved our meeting location to the South Tower Auditorium. This should be more convenient as it is located on the same floor as the South Tower security desk where you will sign in. The cafeteria is on the floor above the auditorium.

Please allow ample time to find parking and sign in at the South Tower. Due to recent changes in security procedures, you may need to stop at the guard booth on the way into the complex and receive a visitor’s parking pass.

Dr. DeLucas’ Bio: Continue reading →

We had a good crowd at our January 14, 2019 meeting.  Here are some pictures:

Walt Maddox speaking

Birmingham Iron representative

SCS/SNC Retirees and their guests met Monday, October 15 for a tour/fellowship at the famous EarthBorn Pottery http://earthbornpottery.net/  in Leeds, Alabama.

About 20 attendees enjoyed the 45 minute tour, which included the production area, the onsite store where pottery can be purchased, and the studios for lessons and space to create your own works.  The group gathered for lunch at a local restaurant following the tour.

Earthborn Pottery’s owner Tena Payne creates distinctive handcrafted pottery prized by high-end restaurants and retailers nationwide.  Tena, a former Homewood High school student, creates unique pieces that are made for long-lasting beauty.

Tena was gracious to give the tour, and also to donate a bowl that will be given as a door prize at the January 14 meeting

As you may know, Earthborn’s client Chris Hastings, chef at Hot and Hot Fish Club, challenged Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America on the Food Network.  Chef Hastings commissioned Earthborn Studios to create a custom line of Iron Chef plates for his featured dishes on the show.  Hastings credits Earthborn dishes as helping him win points for presentation that ultimately led to his win in the tight contest.  You can see links to videos and articles in the press stories on the Earthborn Pottery website.

Here are some pictures from the tour:

Douglas Langston McCrary was born in Centreville, AL, April 24, 1929. He passed away after a short illness on January 5, 2019. Douglas served in the U.S. Air Force from 1946-1949. He received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1952 and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering in 1953 from Auburn University. He also attended Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program in 1979. McCrary received the Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Alumnus Award from Auburn University in 1988 and was elected to the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. He was a registered professional engineer in Alabama and was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

McCrary was associated with the Southern Company electric system from 1953 when he joined Alabama Power Company to 1994 when he retired from Gulf Power Company. He advanced through numerous engineering, management, and executive positions with Alabama Power Company, Southern Company Services, and ultimately became President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Gulf Power Company until his retirement from Gulf Power Company. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Southern Company as well as served as a member of the Board of Directors for Southern Electric International. Continue reading →

Rhonda Horne Cook, age 60 of Birmingham, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019. She was born to the late Johnie and Lucille Horne on October 20, 1958. She was a graduate of Auburn University and received the first Computer Engineering degree granted by Auburn. She was a member of 100+ Women Strong and an avid Auburn Fan. Rhonda retired from Southern Company after 31 years of service and was an active member of Robertsdale Church of the Nazarene. Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents Johnie & Lucille Horne, grandparents John William and Mary M. Horne, James Robert and Priesley S. Bailey, sister in law Ginger S. Cook and a host of aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband Eldridge Cook, brother Ron (Janice) Horne, brother in law M. Paul Cook, niece Bethany (Chris) Miree, nephew David (Kim) Whaley, great nieces Lucy Miree and Madelyn Whaley and great nephews Christian and Grayson Whaley also a host of cousins.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 10, 2019 beginning at 9 am with the funeral service following at 10 am at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood. Burial will follow at 2:30 pm at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika.