Mr. Sherwood Reber was born in Reading graduating from Muhlenberg High School in 1969. As a youth he developed a keen interest in electricity. This culminated when he earned an electrical engineering degree from Penn State University. He recalls, "I was very impressed by the knowledge of my professors, they were excellent."

He started his electrical journey with ADT, installing alarm systems in both commercial and residential units. In those days systems were wired and installation was lengthy. Today's alarms utilize wireless technology. Sherwood said, "In those days we were licensed to carry firearms, and responded with police to bank alarms."

For a number of years, he did electrical design for American Crane in Douglasville. The company constructed cranes for nuclear reactors.

"I had a memorable experience at Princeton University where the world famous theoretical physicist Albert Einstein formerly taught. We worked on a crane at their reactor and witnessed a mind-boggling experiment conducted by seven scientists. All the cranes were resistent to radiation."

Mr. Reber's electrical expertise took him to the Klein Process System Company, which installed a control system at the Lafarge Cementon plant.

"I enjoyed working with the people at Lafarge, so I applied for a position and was hired in 2001. I drive 40 miles to work each day to work with a group of talented and respected co-workers."

Today Sherwood is the control system supervisor. With sadness in his voice, he remembers Steve Shermetta the former control supervisor who passed away at a young age.

The major responsibility of his position is to keep the computer system network operating in an efficient manner.

He said, "The position is challenging as we are on duty around the clock. Problems can be very frustrating and some required 20 hours to solve but there is a feeling of satisfaction when the problem is resolved."

With the current system, Mr. Reber receives alerts at his home, thus saving valuable time.

A fine lady, Mrs. Lorraine Faccenda, optimization manager, is his current supervisor. Sherwood has an extensive resume of experiences which he continues to update by attending seminars to remain current with the ever-changing world of technology.

Mr. Reber has a friendly, pleasant personality. He is a man who enjoys coming to the century-old Cementon plant each day.

He has been married to the former Wileen Zeigler for 30 years. They are proud of sons Christopher and Michael, daughter Crystal and grandson Nathan.

The Rebers enjoy traveling. They have visited friends in Scotland on 10 occasions in the last 12 years. They reside in Temple, Berks County.

I wish Mr. Reber and all my friends at the Cementon plant a safe 2012, hoping for a bright future for all our local cement plants and their employees.