Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Lord,
Life can get messy and hard. We struggle. We slip. We fall. We fight to get back up again. But there is beauty in the struggle. Sometimes that beauty comes in the strength we find to overcome our struggles and fight our battles. Sometimes it comes in the help we receive to rise again.
We give you thanks, Lord, for being beside us in the struggles and battles and for those who bless us with helping hands when we need it. Open our eyes and our hearts to recognize when our neighbors are struggling, to see the beauty in our own struggles, and to provide help to others when they need it most.
Amen.
Announcements
Adopt-a-Family 2024
Christy Gariety announced that Adopt-a-Family signups are now available. The school has given CNO a list of 50 families to help. Sign up online for one or more children using the Member Calendar. The wish lists will be distributed in November. Gift value should be $75. Gifts should be wrapped and labeled. If you prefer, you can send Christy a check for $75 and a volunteer will shop for you and wrap your gifts.
Haunted Trail Recap
Gail Aiken, the chair of the Haunted Trail, gave a wrap of the Haunted Trail 2024. She said, “I can wrap it up in a word – WOW!” She said, “We have such outstanding workers for the Haunted Trail.”
Haunted Trail Thank Yous
- Special thanks to co-chairs Larry Lynde, Larry England and Denise O’Neil for all of their hard work.
- Special thanks to Mike Cordonnier and his theater students for all their work.
- Thanks to Greg and Evelyn Griffin for taking photos ahead of time while it was still light outside. View the photos here.
- All the CNO members that helped in any way.
Haunted Trail by the Numbers
- 1,700 guests over 2 nights. (In 1999, the first year, there were 300 guests)
- 2000 Donut Holes were given out
- 5,000 pounds of food was collected for First Dawn Food Pantry at Restoration Church
Empowering Communities: Rameka Smith and CE3’s Mission
Nancy Lehren introduced Rameka Smith, the Executive Director and Founder of CE3 Community Empowerment. CE3, which stands for Community Enrichment, Encouragement, and Empowerment, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to poverty alleviation with a holistic, full-family approach, particularly focusing on generational poverty. Founded in 2019, CE3 has been a vital resource for low-income communities, providing pathways out of poverty from the center of the community. Rameka shared her passion and commitment at today’s meeting.
A Personal Journey and Mission Born from Experience
Rameka’s motivation comes from her lived experience growing up in generational poverty. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from the University of Cincinnati, with minors in History, Sociology, and Psychology. She explained how her upbringing and experiences, such as attending numerous schools and witnessing violence, shaped her perspective. Despite these challenges, she pursued education, including a life-changing study abroad experience in Paris. This moment inspired her to help others see beyond the limitations often placed on those from low-income backgrounds.
CE3’s Multifaceted Approach
Rameka’s organization focuses on three key areas: enriching, encouraging, and empowering communities. CE3 offers programs that include financial literacy courses, homebuyer seminars, and events like the Back-to-School Bash. These initiatives aim to provide practical resources, support, and knowledge to families, enabling them to transition from government assistance to independence and generational wealth.
Programs Making a Tangible Impact
CE3’s programs are designed to create real change. The annual financial literacy program is timed to align with tax season, preparing families for homeownership through seminars that dispel myths and educate them about the hidden rules of purchasing a home. As a result, over 40 families have successfully moved from government subsidies to homeownership.
CE3 also organizes the Back-to-School Bash, providing students with essential supplies like backpacks, clothing, and hygiene kits, which helps build stronger relationships between residents, law enforcement, and school staff, fostering a sense of community and mutual trust.
Summer Programs and College Tours
Rameka discussed CE3’s summer program, which offers structured activities and meals for children, ensuring they have a safe and engaging environment. Recognizing the cultural and economic barriers many students face, CE3 has also initiated college tours to help kids from low-income communities envision higher education as an achievable goal.
Beyond Programs: An Invitation for Involvement
Rameka emphasized that CE3’s success relies on community support, not just through financial contributions but also through volunteering. She highlighted the importance of individuals sharing their skills—whether in financial literacy, real estate, or tutoring—to help uplift the community. She also serves on the Board of Think Tank, Inc. and the Change Leader Alliance, using her platform to advocate for systemic change and amplify voices from underserved communities.
Living in Cincinnati with her husband and two children, Rameka remains deeply involved in her community, serving as the President of the PTO at College Hill Fundamental Academy. Her dedication and passion continue to inspire those around her, aligning with her favorite quote by Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
CE3’s story is one of growth, resilience, and commitment, and Rameka’s message was a powerful call to action. She invites everyone to get involved, emphasizing that every skill, no matter how small, can make a difference in creating a brighter future for those striving to break free from poverty.
Thank You
Thank you, Rameka Smith, for educating us about the impactful work of CE3 Community Empowerment and for sharing your personal journey and passion for helping families break the cycle of generational poverty.
Quote of the Week
“Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” -Mark Twain
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Andy Suittor | Mike Bevis |
| Cris Peterson | Mike Bevis |
| Crystal Lovato | Thomas Wagner |
| Danielle Brooks | Program |
| David Wiedmeyer | Mike Creech |
| Jen Foley | Mike Bevis |
| Rameka Smith | Program |
| Tan Gray | Matt Goecke |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| David Wiedmeyer | Mike Creech | 3rd Reading |
| Tom Conroy | Denise Green | 3rd Reading |
| Susan Vass | Julie Walling Noeth | 3rd Reading |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Joan Cordonnier | $5, Gail Aiken has done a fantastic job leading the Haunted Trail committee for the last 12 years and being part of the committee since 1990. |
| Nancy Lehren | Happy for the work Rameka Smith is doing with Chevy Chase and elsewhere. It has inspired many of us to help. |
| Jay McAlpine | He went to his High School reunion last week and it was great event and it made him happy. |
| Gail Aiken | Second to youngest grandchild turned 17 today. |
| Bob Collins | Thanks to CNO member contributions for the bike ride he does each year for kids cancer research. |
| Christy Gariety | Her daughter fosters two kids that are 1 and 3. They are going back to their mother after her drug rehab. It is both happy and sad. |
| Sue Jessee | Thanks for all the food that was donated from the Haunted Trail to the food pantry at Restoration Church. |
| Jeff Busch | He is happy that our school district has someone like Rameka Smith who has created an organization to help break the cycle of poverty in places like Chevy Chase and elsewhere. |
| Bob Burkman | We were able to watch our great grandson be baptized at St. Francis Church over the weekend. |
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Bob Duffy | Sitting at the birthday table when it is not his birthday this month. |
| Paul Boeckman | Lost the bell and gavel. He is 4 losses for 4 meetings. |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Mike Fanelli | October 22, 2003 | 21 |
| Bob Foster | October 22, 2003 | 21 |
| Andy Higgins | October 23, 2019 | 5 |
| Lacy Owens | October 23, 2019 | 5 |
| Carol Smerz | October 23, 2019 | 5 |
| Dan Thalheimer | October 25, 2020 | 4 |
| Bernita Daley | October 26, 2022 | 2 |
| Judy Tellis | October 26, 2022 | 2 |
| Mike Brubaker | October 28, 2008 | 16 |
| Charlie Goodwin | October 28, 2008 | 16 |
| Jessica King | October 28, 2008 | 16 |
| Karen Sirmans | October 28, 2008 | 16 |
Birthdays
| Jackie Powell | October 22 |
| Karen Collins | October 26 |
| Ray Daley | October 27 |
| Brent Richburg | October 28 |
| Byron Wade | October 28 |
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 We Received This Week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting