Bok Tower, also known as the Bok Singing Tower, is the architectural centerpiece of Bok Tower Gardens. The gardens were conceived by publisher and author Edward W. Bok to preserve the beauty, serenity and peace of the hilltop where he enjoyed taking evening walks. The gardens of the sanctuary were designed by Frederic Law Olmsted, Jr. The tower was designed in 1926 by Milton B. Medary, a Philadelphia architect and includes decorative ironwork by Samuel Yellin, carved stone designed by Lee Lawrie and tilework fabricated by J.H. Dulles Allen of the Enfield Pottery and Tile Works.

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The Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) and Vertical Access LLC were awarded funds from NCPTT for a research program investigating mechanical anchor strength in stone masonry. The lab research has been completed. The final results were presented at the APTI conference in Montreal in November and have been published by NCPTT.

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In August 2008, VA technician Dave Dayan took the one-week Level 1 Thermography Training course offered by Infrared Training Center. Topics covered in the course included basic infrared camera setup and operation, thermal science fundamentals, heat transfer, fundamentals of infrared science, thermal measurement, thermography safety, and application to electrical and building investigations. Dave completed the training course and thermography field assignment to receive Level 1 Infrared Thermography Certification, adding to the non-destructive investigation capabilities that VA can provide to our clients.

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Kent and Derek Trelstad, from Robert Silman's office, traveled to Catalonia in November, to participate in the Jornada sobre la volta catalana, Homenatge a Guastavino. The Jornada was held in the National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia in Terrassa, about half an hour north of Barcelona.

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