Bob Burkman’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Today, the day after Labor Day, we honor young members of our community who have the intelligence, opportunity and ability to work in a skilled trade. As they enter their chosen career path, bless them with companions and colleagues at school and work upon whom they can rely to create marvelous things in Your name. Thank You for providing them with the talents and skills they have today and for the opportunities given to them to showcase those blessings and share them with others.
Thank You for helping our Optimist Club provide the means to help and nurture the dreams of those receiving scholarships today. The work of many hands makes days like this possible.
May You watch over us all as we strive to become even better people.
Amen
Paul Boeckman Ran Today’s Meeting
President Joan Cordonnier was under the weather today. Paul Boeckman, who starts his year as president on October 1, 2024, filled in for Joan today and he did a fine job.
Announcements
Annual Officer Installation Dinner – Register Now!
Paul Boeckman announced that the Annual Officer Installation Dinner will be on September 24, 2024. Gary Anderson will be the emcee for the evening. Moses Mabarak will provide musical entertainment. Register online using the Member Calendar.
Mind Hope Brain Bootcamp
Stan Fronzaglia announced that Mind Hope Brain Bootcamp to reduce the risk of Dementia starts on September 23, 2024, and runs for six weeks. Contact Stan for more information.
Skilled Trades Scholarship Program: Helping Build the Future
Paul Boeckman introduced Fred Polizzi, the Co-chair of the Skilled Trades Scholarship Committee.
The Skilled Trades Scholarship Program was approved by the CNO board in 2018 with the first scholarships awarded in 2019. The committee members are Fred Polizzi, Mike Creech, Karl Frydryk, and Evelyn Griffin. The program has awarded scholarships totaling more than $32,500, helping 18 students pursue careers in the skilled trades. This year marked the highest number of recipients so far, with five students awarded scholarships.
Expanding Opportunities in Trades
The program initially focused on traditional trades like welding, plumbing, and electrical work. However, as the scholarship has grown, the range of careers it supports has expanded.
“We were thinking about some traditional things, you know, electrician, plumbing, maybe welding,” said Fred. “But as we’ve gotten into it, the scope has broadened.”
The scholarship has awarded funds to students in a variety of fields, including welding, advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, construction management, supply chain management, and even public safety, with one recipient each in police and firefighter/EMT training.
A Strong Partnership with Local Schools
Fred credited much of the program’s success to the cooperation of Centerville School officials—specifically, Samantha Stingley, Marion Delatore, and Kathy Berry—who have been instrumental in raising awareness among students. Fred acknowledged the pressures that high school seniors face when making decisions about their futures, noting how the scholarship program provides them with a practical and well-supported alternative to traditional college paths.
“I respect them for making their decisions. Quite honestly, at 18, I had no idea what I was going to do, and I’m still working on that,” Fred joked. He emphasized how the program provides students with valuable opportunities in skilled trades, which offer excellent pay and are in high demand.
Success Stories that Inspire
Fred shared a personal story that inspired him to champion the Skilled Trades Scholarship. His nephew struggled with college but found his passion in welding, eventually graduating and securing a high-paying job. Within just two years, his nephew was making over six figures and had turned his life around. This story is one of many that underscore the importance of offering alternative career paths to young people who may not be suited for the traditional college route.
“I’m proud of him, and that’s kind of what inspired me to get this program going because there’s a need—on both sides—for employers and for these kids to find some ground,” said Fred.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 scholarship recipients reflect the diversity of opportunities available through the program:
- Austin Wilkie for Welding
- Jack Taylor for Welding
- Cohen Pulliam for Welding
- Madison Risch for Advanced Manufacturing
- Colin Kirts for EMT/Firefighter
Fred expressed excitement over the future of the program, noting that more students are pursuing careers in fields like CNC manufacturing and public safety. He hopes that these young people will continue to contribute to their communities while enjoying successful careers in their chosen trades.
A Program Fueled by Community Support
The Skilled Trades Scholarship Program wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and support of the CNO Board of Directors and club members. As Fred emphasized, the funds raised through CNO activities, such as the annual Christmas tree sale and flag displays, make this valuable program a reality.
“This is just part of the rewards that we get personally, helping these young people,” said Fred. “Thank you very much.”
Thanks to the Board of Directors and all the members for your support of this valuable program.
Washington-Centerville Public Library Updates
Paul Boeckman introduced Liz Fultz, who has been the Director of the Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) since 2019. She is also a long-time member of CNO.
Liz shared updates about the library’s recent and future developments. She became director of the library just five months before the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, the library has continued to thrive and evolve, moving far beyond the traditional perception of a “dusty, quiet” library.
Expanded Services and Creative Spaces
WCPL has two full-service locations: the Centerville Library, built in 1995, and the Woodbourne Library, which was renovated and expanded in 2018. There is also another location, the Creativity Commons, located at RecPlex East. Opened in 2022, this makerspace has become a hub of innovation and creativity. It features 3D printers, laser cutters, large format printers, sewing machines, and more. In 2023, over 17,000 visitors took advantage of this space, with current trends set to exceed that number this year. The space may be small—just 780 square feet—but it’s a powerhouse of activity, averaging 13 visitors per hour.
Programs, Community Engagement, and More
The library has become much more than a place to borrow books. In 2023 alone, WCPL offered over 1,400 programs that attracted 105,000 attendees. The Woodbourne Library regularly hosts rotating art displays, including the recent “Wright Brothers: Then and Now” exhibit. The next installation will feature staff-created artwork in the “After Hours” exhibit, which runs through September.
In addition to offering meeting rooms that have been used by more than 3,000 people this year, the library provides a “Library of Things” that allows patrons to borrow items such as musical instruments, crafting supplies, and science equipment. A recent addition to the collection is Roku devices preloaded with popular streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV, which can be checked out and enjoyed at home for free.
WCPL also offers services like passport processing and the distribution of free COVID-19 test kits.
A Library for the Future
Liz discussed the necessity of evolving the library’s physical spaces to meet the changing needs of the community. The Centerville Library, which has remained largely unchanged since its opening in 1995, is slated for a reimagining. Over the past 30 years, technological and cultural shifts—such as the rise of personal computers, the internet, and smartphones—have fundamentally altered how the library is used. After years of heavy use, much of the original carpeting and furniture are showing signs of wear.
In collaboration with LWC, a local architectural firm, the library is in the early stages of redesigning the Centerville branch. While the size of the building will remain the same, the redesign will focus on better utilizing existing space. Plans include expanding public meeting rooms, creating outdoor areas for events like children’s storytimes, and enhancing the Creativity Commons with new equipment for ceramics, metalworking, and more.
A key aspect of the redesign is the creation of a dedicated teen zone, something the current library lacks. The project will also address accessibility issues, improve seating, and introduce after-hours hold pick-up for patrons who need to collect items outside of regular hours.
Financial Stewardship
One of the most significant aspects of the library’s future renovation plans is that it will be funded entirely by money saved and invested by the library. Liz assured us that the library will not be asking the public for additional funding. Although the final cost is still being evaluated, particularly with construction costs being high, the library has carefully planned the project to avoid any new levies or public requests.
The construction, which will be in phases to allow the library to remain partially open, is expected to take about a year.
Conclusion
WCPL has been a vital part of the community since its inception, and it continues to grow and adapt to meet the changing needs of its patrons. The forthcoming renovations to the Centerville Library are poised to transform the space into a modern, flexible environment that will serve the community for years to come.
Liz concluded, “It’s going to be really exciting to see what the library can become for the future.”
Thank You
Thank you, Liz Fultz, for updating us about the Washington-Centerville Public Library.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Arline Danial | Bob Glavin |
| Bev Reno | Doug Reno |
| Carl Risch | Fred Polizzi |
| Cheryl Mahoney | Ginger Ross |
| Karen Deime | Blanda Criner |
| Kyle Kirts | Fred Polizzi |
| Tom Stauffer | Ellie Parker |
| Tony Danial | Bob Glavin |
| John Powell | Art Hung |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Tony Danial | Bob Glavin | 2nd Reading |
| Arline Danial | Bob Glavin | 2nd Reading |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Tim Clemmer | He is happy that Art found a friend. |
| Andy Higgins | Sue Brubaker recovered enough from shoulder surgery to make it to today’s meeting. |
| Andy Higgins | Sue Brubaker gave him tickets to the Dayton Dragons. |
| Don Stafford | His fourth grandchild is on the way. |
| Tony Danial | His grandson, 9, forced a fumble in his football game last weekend. |
| Matt Goecke | His son has made the Ohio All Star National Wrestling Team and will be travelling all over the U.S. for competitions next year. |
| Fred Polizzi | Happy for all the support that CNO gives for the Skilled Trades Scholarships. |
| Arline Danial | Glad she has already been entrusted with the gavel stolen today from Paul Boeckman. |
| Julie Walling-Noeth | Happy that she was able to take headshot photos for forty members last week. |
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Scott Langer | Late to meeting. |
| Myron Rheaume | The sergeants were in amazement that Myron did not give them grief today. He always has something to say. Myron told me later, “I keep my mouth shut for once and they still fine me!” |
| Stan Fronzaglia | His announcement today was really an infomercial. |
Club Membership Anniversaries
No Membership Anniversaries this week
Birthdays
| CeAnn Chalker | September 3 |
| Bob Collins | September 4 |
| Roberta Taylor | September 7 |
| Paula Harrison | September 7 |
| Karl Frydryk | September 8 |
| Doug Reno | September 8 |
| Scott Sowder | September 8 |
| Ron Rearick | September 9 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013
Thank You Notes Received
CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting