Message from the outgoing Chair: Mark Waner

Happy New year!  While many at this time of year become reflective and make resolutions, I would just like to take a few words to express my gratitude for 2024.

First, I would thank all the members of the Cleveland Local Section.  All of you have elected to join the Cleveland section and the dues money you pay goes toward all the wonderful things our section does to promote chemistry and support our members.  Section funds help with costs associated with our monthly meetings, Meeting in Miniature, NCW program, awards for the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair students, the Heller-Dabrowski Award for Outstanding High School Teacher, the Edward W. Morley Award, Chemistry Olympiad, and more.

Second, I would like to thank all the dedicated members of the executive committee who have provided excellent leadership and have worked tirelessly to support our mission.  In particular I would like to recognize a couple of folks who will be leaving the committee this year.  First is Theresa Nawalaniec who has served many years as a past chair, secretary, treasurer and trustee.  She has been a thoughtful, knowledgeable and dedicated member of the committee and her absence will leave a void.  I would also like to thank Katelynn Edgehouse who has served as our treasurer.  She has excelled in this role even after starting a new job and in the midst of planning her wedding.

Next I would like to thank our dedicated NCW planning committee led by Bob Fowler for a number of years.  Though we celebrate NCW for a week, Bob and his team work from April to October each year to develop the outstanding library programs that volunteers present each year.  They are always looking for new voices to join them.

Finally, I wish to thank our outgoing past chair, Suman Chakravarti, incoming chair elect, Mike Kenney and incoming chair, David Orosz.  I have enjoyed working with and having the support of these folks and appreciate their willingness to step forward to lead the section.  In particular I would note that this is the second go-around in the chair cycle for both David and Mike.  That is real dedication!

Lastly I invite all of you to join us for events in 2025.  If you have any suggestions for speakers, locations or topics, please let us know.

Thank you for a wonderful 2024!