American Chemical Society
Columbus Section
Executive Committee meeting
May 18, 2015
Ohio Dominican University
Call to order at 5:20
Members attending
David Speth Chair
Ed King Councilor
Jeff Trent Alternate Councilor
Don Songstad Councilor
Virginia Songstad Councilor
Kelly Moran Treasurer Elect
Bob Kroshefsky Alternate Councilor
Cynthia Hummel Secretary
Rob Williams Member
Lewis Hogarth Member
State Science Day Awards
Grade / Place / $ award / School / Title8th / 1 / 500 / Joshua / D / Alatis / Hilliard / Battery Voltage Variations When Using Electrolytes of Differing pH
9th / 2 / 300 / Elizabeth / M / McDermott / Cleveland Heights / The Effects of Substrate Concentration, Temperature and pH on Enzyme Activity
8th / 3 / 200 / Lara / D / Detrick / Westerville / How the Stated Caloric Values of Foods Compare to Those Determined by a Home-made Calorimeter
7th / HM / 100 / Davis / R / Zearley / Springboro / Graphene Oxide and Corrosion
7th / HM / 100 / Clare / M / Pitstick / Mason / Which Locations Contain the Most Ozone?
12th / 1 / 500 / Michaela / M / Dean / Delaware / Plants to Plastics: A Study of Unique Biopolymers
10th / 2 / 300 / Akanksha / Malhotra / Dublin / Retention of Vitamin C in Selected Vegetables When Using Various Cooking Methods
11th / 3 / 200 / Pallavi / Lanka / Sylvania / Algal Lipid Extraction Using Switchable Hydrophilicity Solvents
12th / HM / 100 / Jarrett / Willoughby / Conover / Predicting the Structure of Biodiesel via Combustion of Esters
ACS national has sent two notes about grant programs. One is for organizing a Science Café activity. The second is for a section to sponsor an ACS Leadership Development Course (usually given at National Meetings and at the leadership Development Conference in January). The Chair voiced the opinion that the Local Section’s financial situation is good enough that we should allow other less well funded sections to use the Science Café funds. The Chair also recommended that the Leadership Course would be a major undertaking and involve substantially more expense than the national Office is offering so he suggested we pass on these offers for now.
The Chair is planning to attend the Regional ACS meeting in Grand Rapids May 27-29. He will particularly attend the Regional Meeting Steering Committee meeting on Friday May 29. Ed King has information from this regional committee suggesting Columbus host either the 2018 or 2020 regional meeting. Bob Kroshefsky suggested we approach this with caution since we are in the midst of a generational shift in our local leadership team. The regional meeting requires several months of planning. It will also need close cooperation of faculty at Ohio State. The Chair requested the Local Section defray his cost of meeting registration and hotel for attendance at the organizing committee. The Executive Committee approved this expense.
Upcoming activities:
July 8: Fountainside at the Scioto Mile-Splish-Splash with Columbus Recreation and Parks. This is a lunchtime activity to attract children to science activities
September: Date uncertain Patterson Crane Award. Steve Rosenthal is working with the Dayton Section on an awardee. The Chair asked Virginia Songstad to inquire about using the Clintonville Woman’s Club as a venue.
October 14 or 15: ACS President elect at CAS and Awards to 50 and 60 year members
November: Date uncertain. Joint meeting with Columbus American Institute of Chemical Engineers. This year is our turn to organize and host.
The chair suggested we hold an Executive Committee Meeting in August to keep the section on track. This will also be a good time to review possible candidates for officers for 2016 and beyond.
Possible venues for a summer meeting: Ohio EPA rooftop garden. The Silver Circle had a program there that was well received. Virginia Songstad will check on when this might be available. The Battelle park Nature Center is another possible venue for a group activity.
Discussion of donations to ACS Project Seed and ACS Scholars program. The group wanted to determine if we can earmark our donation to support local students. Bob Kroshefsky will make inquiries. The Committee will consider donating $2000 to each program.
The Chair will ask ACS National if other sections are having email problems. (Some members do not receive meeting notices including the chair of the publicity committee.)
The Chair will also check with George Green to see about venues for National Chemistry Week since the main library is closed for this year.