Meeting opening:
President Kathy Myers called the meeting to order. David Dix led us in singing our patriotic song, God Bless America. President Kathy led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Mary Beth Harper offered the invocation. We used our songbooks to sing the KSU Fight Song, since Saturday is the home opener for KSU football. President Kathy announced that the audio booth volunteers for today are Dave Myers and Mark Pennel. Sue Hetrick is today’s Rotareminder author.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
- Sandra Reid introduced her friend, Lynn Moomaw, a visiting Rotarian from Wooster.
- Asad Khan had two guests, Rosi Peruyero Noden, who will be next week’s speaker and Dr. Mauricio Echeverri, the spouse of today’s speaker.
- Anthony Horton had two guests including Boe McPeak and Boe’s mother Christi Herr. Boe is a student of the month.
Announcements:
- President Kathy invited us to place our orders for shirts. There are t-shirts and polo shirts. Sizes and samples were on display. Orders need to be placed by the end of September.
- Carol Crimi said that replies for the 100th anniversary gala need to be received by September 15th. She encouraged us all to attend. Carol noted that David Dix has agreed to write a story about the centennial event. In addition we need someone to take photos that evening. Please contact Carol.
- Roger Sidoti asked us to make pledges to the Foundation in honor of the centennial celebration. The goal is to have every Rotarian contribute to the Foundation in recognition of our 100 years of service to the community. Look for an email message from Roger.
- Amanda Senn reminded us about the next Happy Hour at the River Merchant on September 22nd from 4 to 6 pm. Please respond if you plan to attend.
- David McKeen announced that the rural relief mobile unit will be here in two weeks. We want donations for the unit to use. Please bring items to donate.
100th Anniversary History Moment:
Jim Myers talked about the club during the years 1949-1950. See the report produced separately.
Drawing for a free lunch:
David Hansford was the lucky winner of the free lunch.
Student of the Month:
Anthony Horton, principal of Stanton Middle School introduced Boe McPeak, an eighth grade student on the Trailblazers Team at Stanton. Boe is active in sports and would like to have an NBA career in sports in the future. He is taking advanced classes and carries a 3.95 GPA. Outside of school, Boe is active with his church, Hope Community. He also volunteers with Kent Parks and Rec. He said that his desire for service comes from others, especially his mom. His mother, Christi Herr, also attended today’s meeting along with Boe.
Program:
Asad Khan told us that this month’s programs will feature women in leadership. Today’s speaker is Dr. Marcella Castano, a senior material scientist at Bridgetone Americas. She is an expert in global technical leadership. Her career field is sustainable technologies. She received a Ph.D. in polymer science from the University of Akron.
Dr. Castano told us about her life growing up in Columbia. She was born and raised in Medellin, Columbia. She grew up surrounded by nature. Education is very important to Marcella. She is the first generation in her family to finish high school and then to further her education. Along the way she was encouraged by caring mentors. She was able to get a scholarship to attend a private school. She later won an additional scholarship and graduated at age 15. Teachers helped her go on to college. She received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from a university in Columbia. After joining a research group she learned the world of synthesis of natural products. Her personal connections led Marcella to leave Columbia to come to Ohio. She worked in polymer research and received her Ph.D. from Akron University.
Marcella first joined a firm that encouraged technology leadership development. She then joined Bridgetone to focus on sustainability, including dealing with recycling methods involving rubber. Along the way, Marcella has encouraged other women to train for leadership positions. She advised us that we should never underestimate the power of having a nurturing environment. She urged us to use our voices to influence others with potential. She invited us to mentor, sponsor, and encourage and support others. She challenged us to help others achieve. With great powers come great responsibilities!
Response:
Amanda Senn thanked Marcella for her presentation. She stated that Marcella is an inspiration to all of us. We need to look at the people our lives touch and see how we can help.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Hetrick
