President Roger called the meeting to order at 12:15. David Dix led today’s patriotic song, “God Bless America,” followed by the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Visitors: There were no visiting Rotarians. Visitors were Karen Fuller, guest of her husband, Doug Fuller, Mark Pennell and Bob Mayfield, guests of Kathy Myers, Patrick Madonio, guest of his father Chas Madonio, and Kelly Tremaine, guest of Shawn Gordon.  Tom and Kristin Hanna, parents of our Roosevelt Student of the Month, were also guests.

 

Student of the Month: Theodore Roosevelt High School Student of the month was Jillian Hanna. It was noted that her sister, Caroline, was also a Rotary/Roosevelt Student of the Month. After graduation, she plans to continue her studies at Marist College in New York State.

 

 

 

Curtis Stumpf introduced today’s speaker, Kent resident Don Schjeldahl, a principal in the soon-to-open North Water Brewing Co., a craft brewery about to open in the renovated Weiss Motors building near the intersection of Crain, Lake, and North Water Streets. Mr. Schjedahl’s career as a corporate site selection specializing in breweries for the Austin Company in Cleveland has given him insight into community sustainability. Better run communities have characteristics such as visionary leadership, engaged citizens, responsive government, a focus on healthy lifestyles, cultural diversity, and excellent educational opportunities—all of which describe our community, Kent, Ohio.

 

He also noted that active community participation requires a healthy downtown with such amenities as a rich coffee culture and craft breweries providing opportunities for people to gather and share ideas. With the growth of popularity of microbreweries, craft brewpubs that also serve food, and regional breweries such as Great Lakes and Sierra Nevada, the industry as a whole is entering the “localization phase” with smaller breweries achieving regional dominance.

 

When it opens later this month, North Water Brewing will feature six beers: a Hefeweizen, Rye IPA, Double IPA, Helles (a lager), a Stout, and a Porter. Wine and a small selection of bourbons will also be available. Sandwiches and snacks prepared by Little City Grill and Popped! will also be on offer.

 

With 40 local investors involved in the project, North Water Brewing is still looking for a few more investors. The goal is to become an iconic, stable force in the community.

 

Rotarians Matt Carter, Dave Myers, Curtis Stumpf and Paul Organ – designated beer tasters for this program – called “Arborist,” the porter that will be on top, “Delicious!”

Paul Organ gave the response. He expressed everyone’s excitement at the opening of NWB and noted that Arborist is great when paired with his wife’s Shepherd’s Pie.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Hatch