December Meeting
special presentation by Charles Maxwell (Max) who lives in Pittsford, NY and builds complicated clocks from exotic hardwoods.
Max provides this background information about himself and his upcoming talk:
“I’m originally from New Jersey where my 25 year career as a Naval Officer began soon after graduation from Upsala College. My navy career concentration was on surface ships – Frigates, Destroyers and Cruisers with a few Carriers thrown in! I chose to retire in Rochester after my Executive Officer tour at the U of R Naval ROTC ended in 2006. I started building clocks on the day after my retirement. I owed my wife, also from New Jersey, a clock that I promised 25 years earlier during our honeymoon (That’s a separate story that began it all!) I combined my Fine Arts BA with my Math MS (I now paint by number!), my naval engineering background and my curiosity in all things mechanical to start Hardwood Clocks. I do have about 16 clocks that are variously owned by family and clients around the country. When I’m not training for a Spartan race (similar to Mudder Races) with my daughter, Kate, I’m trading futures contracts by day and making sawdust by night!
The topic for discussion is ‘How NOT
to build a wooden gears clock.’ I’ll introduce a quick discussion of the mechanics of a basic pendulum clock which is the same as any brass metal works pendulum clock. Unlike a metal gear clock, the wood gears clock presents difficulty in the build because it’s prone to movement when temperature and humidity change. In this regard the many ways a wooden gear can be constructed must also get special attention in order to prevent gear on gear friction, cracking, checking, warping and ultimately clock stoppage. The bulk of my discussion will center on how I arrived at the production process of the gear design that I currently use in all of my clocks. I’ll compare my current gear design with my original ‘gear creation folly’ and relate an embarrassing story that forced my attention towards remaking my gears as they exist now.”
November Meeting
Recap of the Bloomfield Scientific Club Presentation on Laser Systems
An Evening of Scientific Discovery and Appreciation of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics
Introduction
On November 11, 2025, the Bloomfield Scientific Club (BSC) convened for a special evening at Cheap Charlies in Bloomfield, NY. The event brought together club members and guests for a brief meeting, dinner, and an engaging presentation by Mr. Sam Morse, Infrastructure Planning and Sustainment Manager at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), University of Rochester.
Club Meeting and Dinner
The evening began with a short club meeting where recent activities and upcoming events were discussed. Following the meeting, attendees enjoyed a convivial dinner, providing an opportunity for members and guests to connect and share their enthusiasm for science.
Presentation by Mr. Sam Morse
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Mr. Sam Morse, who leads infrastructure planning and sustainment at the LLE. Mr. Morse introduced the club to the cutting-edge research conducted at the University of Rochester, focusing on the facility’s most advanced laser systems.
OMEGA 60 Laser System
Mr. Morse began by describing the OMEGA 60 Laser System, a state-of-the-art apparatus designed for high-energy-density physics experiments. He explained how this system is pivotal for studying nuclear fusion, as it allows researchers to simulate extreme conditions similar to those found in the cores of stars. Its versatility and precision make it an essential tool in the pursuit of clean energy solutions and scientific breakthroughs.
OMEGA EP Laser System
The presentation continued with an overview of the OMEGA EP Laser System. Mr. Morse detailed how this system complements the OMEGA 60, offering enhanced capabilities for conducting experiments at even higher energies. The integration of these two systems enables the LLE to support a broad range of research, from basic science to national security applications, fostering collaboration among scientists and advancing the frontiers of knowledge.
LLE’s Role in Science and the NNSA Mission
Mr. Morse emphasized the Laboratory for Laser Energetics’ vital role in supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The facility’s research contributes to maintaining the nation’s nuclear security, while also serving as a hub for advancing high-energy-density science and training the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Facility Tour
On November 14, 2025, BSC members were invited to tour the LLE, accompanied by Mr. Morse and graduate students Kyle and Connor. The visit offered an up-close look at the laser systems discussed during the presentation, allowing members to witness firsthand the scale and sophistication of the research facility. Insights from the tour deepened attendees’ appreciation for the technical expertise and dedication of the LLE team.
Acknowledgments
The Bloomfield Scientific Club extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Sam Morse for his informative presentation and for hosting the facility tour. Special thanks go to graduate students Kyle and Connor for sharing their knowledge and experiences, as well as to the organizers and to BSC member Dave Lonobile whose participation made these events possible.
Conclusion
The presentation and subsequent tour provided valuable insights into the world of advanced laser systems and their significance in modern science and national security. The BSC community left with a deeper understanding of the LLE’s contributions and a renewed appreciation for collaborative scientific exploration.
October Meeting
OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, October 14, 2025. Our speaker for the evening, and back by popular demand, will be Dr. Art Reardon who will talk about the development of his new steel alloy.