Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We grumble over rising grocery prices, instead of being grateful we have food to eat. We complain about slow drivers and traffic while we have sisters and brothers traveling through war torn streets in hopes of finding safety. We criticize those whose opinions differ from ours rather than opening our ears and realizing we may have something to learn. We put people in boxes we have already outgrown rather than cherishing the beauty in what makes each of us unique. Lord, help us to change our mindset and open our eyes to see how blessed we truly are.
Amen.
Ohio District Governor Tom Kennedy was at Today’s Meeting
The Ohio District Governor, Tom Kennedy, was visiting our club today. He brought with him Sue Bayes, who is the chair of the Ohio District Convention in August, 2024. He wanted her to meet Erin Dickerson, who chaired the committee last year. They have been talking but hadn’t met. He also wanted Sue to see how a larger club like CNO works and the amount of fun we have.
Tom said he was very happy to see that we inducted three new members today.
Tom’s home club is the Troy Noon Optimist Club. He told us that all Slim Jims for the world are made in Troy.
He reminded us that all kinds of Optimist events are coming up like the Junior Golf tournament and Avenue of Flags. He said the fun of being an Optimist is getting involved.
Thanks, Tom, for visiting our club today and for all the hard work you are doing as the Governor of the Great Ohio District of Optimist International.
Announcements
- Joan Cordonnier announced that the egg stuffing for the annual community egg hunt will be on March 23, 2024, from 9 AM to 11 AM at St Leonard Franciscan Center. Come and help stuff the eggs and enjoy coffee and donuts. Sign up using the Member Calendar. The co-chairs for the event are Ashley Simeone and Emily Duke and we thank them for their hard work
- Joan Cordonnier announced that the annual community Egg Hunt will be held on March 30, 2024, at Oak Grove Park. There will be 8000 eggs distributed into multiple age group lanes and about 250 kids will pick them all up in about 5 minutes. Volunteers are needed the day of the event from 8:30 to 10:30 AM. sign up using the Member Calendar.
- Gary Smiga announced that the application for the Optimist Memorial Educational Assistance Award for 2024 is open. Go here to find out who should apply and for the application.
- Joan Cordonnier reminded us that during the lunch meeting on Tuesday March 19th, 2024, we will vote on the proposed amended By-Laws as approved by the Board of Directors. Click here to read the proposed By-Laws.
2024 Essay Contest
Kristen Marks is the chair of the Essay Contest. The following are her remarks:
Today, I’m delighted to present the essay contest that helps our youth shine and demonstrate their writing talents. This contest serves as a crucial platform for young individuals to express their ideas and perspectives based on the theme through the art of writing. This year’s theme is “Optimism: How it Connects Us.”
I would like to thank those who helped with the contest this year. Mark Metzger, Rachel Goetz, and Beth Duncan, thank you for judging the contest! And, Roland, thank you for helping with the administration piece of the contest, as well! Additionally, I appreciate the help Magsig ELA Teacher, Emily Glenn provided in getting her students involved in the essay contest. So glad you could make it!
Both winners today were presented with a check, a medal, and a certificate.
Madeline, 6th grader at Magsig Middle Schools, 2nd Place
Madeline plays the double bass in the orchestra, enjoys playing soccer and doing theater. She is also in the yearbook club and volunteers for lunch buddies.
This is a summary of Madeline’s essay:
Madeline said that pessimistic individuals tend to focus on the negative aspects of situations while optimistic people believe in better outcomes. Everyone experiences moments of pessimism, but optimism is needed to counteract. Optimism is contagious, connects people and gives them hope and positivity.
She used historical examples that showed the power of optimism in bringing people together. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s efforts during the Great Depression, Helen Keller’s inspirational life despite her disabilities, and Nelson Mandela’s going from prison to presidency were given as examples of when optimism helped people and communities.
The more optimism there is, the more connected we are as a community, a state, a country, a continent, and a globe. Optimism connects us through hope for the future.
Nissi, 8th Grader at Magsig Middle School, 1st Place
Nissi’s hobbies include Volleyball and reading. She plays the violin in the school orchestra as well as the Centerville Youth Orchestra. Nissi is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, part of the Magsig debate team, and volunteers to help the toddlers at her church. She is part of the Teen Advisory Board at the library, the student council, the student ambassadors, and the art club.
This is a summary of Nissi’s essay:
Nissi said we live in a connected world. There are many differences among nations, cultures, and societies. Despite these differences, optimism serves as a unifying force that transcends boundaries and connects humanity.
Optimism is a driving force behind human progress, from ancient civilizations to modern technological advancements. Optimism inspired innovation, social change, and the pursuit of a better future. Examples include the abolition of slavery, the end of apartheid, and the non-violence movement in India.
Pessimistic forces such as anger, hatred, and divisiveness threaten to undermine optimism and tear apart society. Despite these challenges, optimism can prevail through individual and collective efforts to create hope and positivity.
She had a call to action asking people to embrace optimism in their personal lives and communities. There is a ripple effect of optimism. Small acts of positivity can create a brighter future for all.
There are 8 billion people on this planet spanning 195 countries and we can all connect once again with each other through optimism.
Ohio District Level of the Optimist Essay Contest
As the winner of the CNO essay contest, Nissi’s essay will be entered into the Ohio District level for a chance to win a $3,500 scholarship.
Closing Remarks from Kristen Marks
The following are from Kristen Marks:
I would like to mention some other reasons that this contest is such a great learning opportunity for our youth.
The essay contest encourages young minds to explore their unique viewpoints and experiences related to the given topic. Through this process, participants learn to craft narratives that have the potential to captivate and inspire.
In today’s world, critical thinking is a skill of utmost importance. The essay contest prompts participants to present well-reasoned and or researched points tied to the theme. By engaging in this exercise, young writers enhance their ability to communicate their thoughts effectively—a skill set that will undoubtedly serve them well in both academic and real-world settings.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in any field. Through the essay contest, participants refine their writing skills, learning to articulate their ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively within the allotted word limit. They practice the art of storytelling, structuring their narratives in a compelling manner that resonates with the reader and listener.
Participating in the Optimist International Essay Contest instills confidence and builds character in our youth. As they see their words come to life on the page, receive recognition for their efforts, and compete alongside peers, participants develop a sense of pride in their abilities as writers.
The contest is not merely a competition but a platform for our youth to gain experience as writers, thinkers, and communicators. By encouraging participation in this contest, we empower our young individuals to embrace their creativity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and hone their communication abilities.
For the 2024-2025 contest, I would love to have a co-chair join me! This way, we can ensure that we are putting adequate effort into making students aware of this important opportunity. I’m in the CNO directory, please connect by email or phone if you are interested in helping for the 2024-2025 Essay Contest.
Thank you Kristen Marks
Thank you, Kristen Marks, for all your efforts for this contest! Students are lucky to have community champions like yourself.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Madeline Niebruegge | Essay Contest |
| Stacey Niebruegge | Essay Contest |
| William Niebruegge | Essay Contest |
| Nissi Xavier | Essay Contest |
| Olga Xavier | Essay Contest |
| Emily Glenn | Essay Contest |
| Brian Sortman | Matt Goeke |
| Craig Gilmore | Bob Myers |
| Doug Orf | Tom Novak |
| Jane Herman | Stan Fronaglia |
| Myles Kirksey | Blanca Criner |
| Spencer Miller | Chris McAlpine |
| Sue Bays | Troy Noon Club |
| Tom Kennedy | Ohio District Governor |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Cindy Lowndes | Suzanne Werts | 1st Reading |
| Spencer Miller | Chris McAlpine | 2nd Reading |
| Diane Flick | Mike Bevis | 3rd Reading |
| Chris Mackey | Patrick Arehart | Induction |
| Jan Gerber | Erin Dickerson | Induction |
| Donald Stafford | Carol Smerz | Induction |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Beth Duncan | President Joan Cordonnier finally had the bell and gavel stolen! |
| Blanca Criner | She will be certified soon by John Maxwell leadership training. |
| Maha Kashani | Happy Tuesday everybody! |
| Art Hung | Oldest child is now driving and insurance is expensive. |
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Roland Rapp | Doubting that Sergeant Sue Brubaker paid the winner of the 50/50 last week. She received a text during dinner about this. |
| Gary Smiga | Had his picture in the Washington Township Newsletter and was not wearing is Optimist pin. |
| Bob Burkman | His shoes are so bright they are lighting up the whole room. |
| Evelyn Griffin and Carrie Million | They were not late to the meeting, but they were late to the meeting by their standards. |
| Bob Myers | Granddaughter gave him a haircut and he looks good which confuses the rest of us. |
| Denise Greene | Been too long since she last attending a meeting. |
| Blanca Criner | Wearing a paper name tag instead of her real name badge. |
| Jan Gerber | She is a new member, and now she is fined. Erin Dickerson was driving slow and deserved a fine, but Sergeant Sue did not want to fine the chaplain so she fined the person seated next to Erin. |
| Dave Kay | Looking too good in his green shirt. |
| Matt Goeke | Matt works for TWFG Insurance. Sergeant Sue Brubaker said anyone could announce their business for $1. |
| Scott Langer | Scott works for Horizon Payroll Solutions. Sergeant Sue Brubaker said anyone could announce their business for $1. |
| Spencer Miller | Spencer works for EXP Realty. Sergeant Sue Brubaker said anyone could announce their business for $1. |
Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Barbara Santo | March 9, 1999 | 25 |
Birthdays
| Karen Charnesky | March 6 |
| Ginger Ross | March 9 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013
Thank You Notes Received this week
CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes received this week.