Recap of the Ohio District Convention 2024 at the Annual Picnic

Bob Burkman’s Prayer

John and Paula Kalaman are very special people. You may know them well or through our Respect for Law Program or the blood drive or the golf outing that honors their son.

Almighty God, today you have blessed us with warmth, sunshine, friendship, togetherness and a sense of gratitude for our Optimist family. 

We remember our friend Margaret to whom this shelter is dedicated. She brought the spirit of Optimism to all who knew her.

Today is a special day. May tomorrow be another day filled with blessings.

One more favor, Lord. Although none of us know your will, we ask that You watch over John Kalaman and guide his surgeon’s hands and heart to produce a successful outcome.

Amen

Happy Birthday Fred Polizzi

Today was Fred Polizzi’s birthday. It was a beautiful day outside and the sounds of nature were very soothing. Unfortunately for all the little critters and our ears, we had to sing Happy Birthday. It was worth it to show how much we appreciate Fred. Debe Dockins directed us in a fashion that did not help us sound better in any way. I was sure that she could help, but it’s a tough job.

Have a great year, Fred!

Announcements

Summer Social on August 24, 2024

Sue Jessee announced that the summer social will be at the home of Bill and Kelly Stone at 5PM on August 24, 2024. There will be City BBQ pork and brisket, beer, wine, pop, and water. There will be a rubber duck race at $1 per duck and cornhole boards available. For more details and to sign up, please use the Member Calendar. The cost is $10.

Optimist Creed in a Centerville High School Memo

Joan Cordonnier said the CHS Principal, John Carroll, right before the start of the school year, sent out an email to all CHS staff that included the Optimist Creed. He suggested that they live by the inspiring words.

Picnic Lunch

Today’s meeting was held at Yankee Park in the Margaret Barclay Shelter. The event was well attended, and we had perfect weather.

The shelter, dedicated to Margaret Barclay, is a tribute to her dedication and contributions to the community.

It took several people to make the picnic happen.

Annual Picnic Volunteers

Debe Dockins gave thanks to those who helped with setup and logistics for the picnic:

  • Mike Bevis, who picked up chairs from Kosins.
  • Jim Mogan, who picked up the tables from the park activity center.
  • Tom Novak, Kristen Marks, Paul Stull, and Gail Aiken who arrived early to help cover the tables.
  • Mark Metzger, who picked up water and ice for the coolers.
  • Cameron Langer, who arranged Lee’s Famous Chicken lunches which were, once again, fantastic.
  • Jeff Neace, from Whitt’s Frozen Custard, who brought cups of custard: Buckeye Blitz, Vanilla, and Black Raspberry Chip.
  • Patrick and Diane Arehart, who brought and set up the sound system.
  • Margaret Barclay, who must surely have provided the beautiful weather for today’s meeting.
  • Thanks to all who helped to tear down in record time!

Ohio District Convention Reported by Debe Dockins

The 76th Annual Ohio Optimist District Convention, held in Dublin, Ohio, featured essential training, updates, and recognition. The event began with a comprehensive training session for Lt. Governors.

A significant topic at the convention was the decline in service club memberships. The Ohio District introduced the Leadership Education for All Districts (LEAD) Marketing Plan, aimed at reversing this trend. This tool, set to launch in October, has been approved by Optimist International.

CNO was honored as Club of the Year, with Dor-Wood also recognized as one of the top four clubs within Optimist International. Governor-Elect Terry Schalnat outlined plans for the coming year, including a collaboration with Wright State University Marketing students.

The Junior Optimist (JOI) members shared their experiences from their recent summit in St. Louis, Missouri, which was held separately from the main convention to allow for focused youth activities.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted delivered the keynote address, discussing the importance of family and support services, as well as Ohio’s role in national economic growth. The convention concluded with announcements about upcoming events, including the next district conference in Dublin on October 19-20.

Entertainment at the convention included a performance by the Brockman Brothers, Will and Owen. Owen Brockman is the winner of the first CNO Got Talent Contest. Since winning our contest, Owen has gained recognition as a talented banjo player.

After dinner we were treated to a performance by Hat Trick. Debe said, “Neither Jean Pummill nor I seemed to have much rhythm to speak of since neither of us would play the tambourine they gave us, but we sure could belt out ‘These Boots Were Made for Walkin’.”

Optimist Foundation Update

Bill Stone, the immediate past Governor of Ohio, provided an update on the Optimist International Foundation, which plays a crucial role in supporting our clubs and their efforts. He reminded us that while the Optimist International Foundation is not a separate entity, it is integral to our mission. Last year, the foundation paid out $1,363,000 to clubs through the Club Campaign Program and provided additional funding for youth programs, including the Oratorical and Essay scholarships.

Bill encouraged all members to contribute to the Foundation, highlighting the different giving levels, such as the Dime-a-Day program at $36.50 annually and the President’s Club at $250. He shared how the Foundation allows us to secure tax-deductible donations for our local projects, which can be a significant advantage when working with businesses and individuals.

To donate, you can visit https://oifoundation.org/ and click the donate button. Bill also offered to personally assist with the necessary paperwork for anyone interested in joining the President’s Club.

Optimist members get pins celebrating the various donation levels. Around 36 CNO members were given these pins for this year.

Margaret Barclay Shelter at Yankee Park

There is a plaque at the shelter about the dedication of the Shelter in honor of Margaret K. Barclay.

It reads:

On this day September28, 2010 this shelter is hereby dedicated to Centerville Noon Optimist Member, Margaret K. Barclay, who has devoted her life to helping the youth of our community as an Educator, a Community Leader and an Optimist.  We celebrate her tireless work ethic, her “can do” attitude and her fighting spirit.

THIS SHELTER FACILITY GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE
of
CENTERVILLE and WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
and
CENTERVILLE-WASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT
by
THE NOON OPTIMIST CLUB OF CENTERVILLE

OCTOBER 7, 2000

New Member Readings and Inductions

NameSponsor1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction
Diane BradburneGary Smiga1st Reading

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Bill WilliamsCelebrating 41st wedding anniversary with Cadance Lowell.

Sergeants at Arms

MemberInfraction
Joan CordonnierDisparaging the sergeants.
Bob BurkmanTrying to sell his Dime-a-Day pin from the OI Foundation.
Gary AndersonSubverting the sergeants.

Club Membership Anniversaries

MemberJoinedYears
Maha KashaniAugust 15, 200618
Kristin PassidomoAugust 16, 20177
Tyler ClarkAugust 19, 20231
Joan GrussAugust 19, 20231
Tim MachAugust 19, 20231
Connie RischAugust 19, 20231
Keith WeiskittleAugust 19, 20231

Birthdays

Fred PolizziAugust 13
Julie ShislerAugust 13
Vince ReidyAugust 14
Greg WasmundAugust 15
Gail AikenAugust 17

CNO Donations – Since 2013

Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013

Thank You Notes Received

No Thank You Notes this week

Links to PowerPoint and Pictures

No PowerPoint slides this week (Outside Picnic)

CLICK HERE to see the photos taken at the meeting

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