Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Lord our God,
On this Election Day, help us to hear your voice as we visit the polls and cast our ballots and to remember the values and freedoms our country was founded on. Let us honor you, our ancestors, and our children. Help us to speak with voices filled with civility and respect; to listen with open minds and hearts; and to remember, regardless of the outcome, you are in control.
Amen.
The Dream Has Ended – A Bell and Gavel Story
Gather ’round, dear Optimists, for I have a tragic tale to share.
For five glorious weeks starting October 1, 2024, President Paul Boeckman seemed destined for greatness—or at least for the unbeatable record of losing the bell and gavel at every meeting. I began to believe he was doing it intentionally, perhaps to keep our spirits high and our heist skills sharp. Hope blossomed in my heart and, I suspect, in the hearts of many who appreciate the thrill of a well-executed bell snatching.
But then came today.
Paul strode confidently to the podium, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Behold,” he declared, “the bell and gavel—and a backpack.” With deliberate care, he placed the cherished items into the backpack, zipped it securely, and slung it over his shoulder like a seasoned adventurer. “Let’s see you steal the bell and gavel now!” he challenged.
We were stunned. His surprise security system was both simple and devastatingly effective. We exchanged glances, searching for any possible weakness in his defenses, but none revealed themselves. The bell and gavel remained firmly in Paul’s possession for the entirety of the meeting.
And so, his remarkable streak ended with last week’s meeting on October 29, 2024. Five consecutive losses is a record that’s both impressive and, sadly, now concluded. Will it ever be broken? One can only hope it will not. And that, my friends, is how the dream ended.
Announcements
Buil-a-Bear – Childhood Health and Wellness
Debby Moore, the co-chair of the Childhood Health and Wellness committee, announced that the next Build-a-Bear will be held on November 12, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM for children with Cancer at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Sign up online using the Member Calendar. Volunteers should show up no later than 5:30.
Adopt-a-Family 2024
Christy Gariety announced that Adopt-a-Family signups are now available. The school has given CNO a list of 45 children to help. Sign up online for one or more children using the Member Calendar. The wish lists will be distributed in November. The value of the gifts should be very close to $75. Gifts should be wrapped and labeled. If you prefer, you can send her or Sue Jessee a check for $75 and a volunteer will shop for you and wrap your gifts.
Christmas Tree Lot Opens on November 29, 2024
Greg Griffin announced that the tree lot opens on November 29, 2024. The tree lot teams have been set and you should have received information about your scheduled shifts by now. Please show up for shifts, especially the early ones, as they will be busier than normal since Thanksgiving is about a week later than normal. Tree delivery day is November 23, 2024, so come out and join the fun and get rewarded with donuts, coffee and about 15-20 chilis and soups to choose from.
Soups Needed for Tree Lot Delivery Day
Beth Duncan is seeking volunteers to bring hot soups or chili in crockpots for Tree Lot Delivery Day on November 23, 2024. Please have your dishes heated and ready to drop off between 8 AM and 9 AM. Your delicious contributions will reward our hardworking team and warm them up.
2024 You’re Invited: CNO Holiday Dinner on December 10, 2024!
Mark your calendars for an evening of festive fun! Beth Duncan is thrilled to announce that our annual CNO Holiday Party will take place on December 10, 2024, at the Sycamore Creek Country Club. This year’s celebration promises excitement with a special Optimist version of Family Feud—you won’t want to miss it!
Secure your spot by signing up online through the Member Calendar. Please note there will be no lunch meeting on that day. We look forward to sharing the holiday spirit with all of you!
Volunteers Needed at Centerville Schools
Joan Cordonnier reminded us of the ongoing need for volunteers in Centerville Schools. She shared how fulfilling it is to make a direct impact on students facing various challenges. Teachers greatly appreciate the one-on-one—or sometimes small group—support that volunteers provide, as it helps address the needs of students who require extra assistance.
If you’re interested in volunteering or have any questions, please reach out to Joan for more information.
St. Leonard Food Drive
Donna Huss extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who brought in non-perishable food items for the St. Leonard Food Drive. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of those in need.
We are supporting a single mother with seven children who urgently require assistance. Last year, the children asked for socks; this year, they are asking for food. Your contributions help provide much-needed sustenance for this family.
If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, it’s not too late! We will be collecting additional non-perishable food items next week. Please consider bringing in any contributions you can to support this family in need.
Thank you for your continued kindness and support.
Thanks to Avenue of Flags Delivery and Pickup Volunteers
Paul Boeckman thanked everyone that helped deliver nearly 4000 flags on November 4, 2024. Our community looks amazing. Your hard work is very appreciated.
Exploring Antarctica: Charlie Goodwin’s Journey to the Seventh Continent
Paul Stull introduced Centerville Noon Optimist member Charlie Goodwin, M.D., who took us on an extraordinary journey to Antarctica. Charlie is known not only for his 38-year tenure as a pediatric surgeon at Dayton Children’s Medical Center, where he also served as chief of surgery, but also for his dedication to Scouting. For 35 years, he was Scoutmaster of Troop 236, helping over 317 young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Affectionately called “Doc” by his scouts and “Charlie” by his friends, he is as much an adventurer as he is a mentor.
In March 2024, Charlie embarked on a voyage to Antarctica aboard the Magellan Antarctica II, a small cruise ship that enabled close-up views of the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Antarctic region. Traveling during the last expedition of the season, he described both the thrill and the challenge of the journey, noting that the ship rocked so much he had to hold onto his bed at night to avoid sliding off. Walking on the ship was no easy feat, either, with the icy waters creating constant movement beneath them.
The title of Charlie’s presentation was “Antarctica: My Seventh Continent.”
Penguins Galore
One of the highlights of Charlie’s trip was the chance to observe various penguin species, including chinstrap penguins (identified by the thin black band under their chins), Adélie penguins with their striking pink feet, and the Gentoo penguins, with their distinctive orange beaks and black and white “headphones” markings. Known for his humor, Charlie even introduced a playful new “species” called the “CNO Penguin,” a nod to the Optimist Club with a fun hat. He shared photos of mother penguins feeding their young and of penguins swimming gracefully through the icy waters—a truly remarkable sight.
Whales, Seals, and Majestic Icebergs
The icy waters also offered close encounters with humpback and fin whales, which came much closer than Charlie had ever seen on previous whale-watching excursions. He shared how a whale’s tail, much like a fingerprint, is unique and can be used to identify individual whales. In some of the photos, viewers could see as many as four whales at once.
Charlie’s journey also included sightings of various seals: fur seals, a leopard seal with its distinct spots, and even an elephant seal that his son managed to spot. Chunks of ice added to the visual wonder of the trip; some displayed a vibrant blue color due to the way the ice refracts light. The land itself was largely granite, covered with layers of snow and ice.
Life on Board
With just 80 passengers, the Magellan Antarctica II offered an intimate setting. The crew went above and beyond, learning each passenger’s name and making everyone feel welcome. Charlie also noted the superb food on board, which exceeded his expectations for cruise fare.
The expedition included visits to international research stations, including a Ukrainian station. However, access to these was limited due to COVID-19 protocols. Charlie also pointed out the emergency huts scattered throughout the area, each equipped to sustain twelve people with food and shelter in the case of unexpected conditions.
A Heartfelt Serenade
In a moment that touched everyone present, Charlie sang “What a Wonderful World” for the group, channeling his admiration for the beauty of our planet. He shared how this trip reminded him of how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful world, filled with diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Future Travels
Antarctica may be his seventh continent, but Charlie’s travel plans don’t stop here. He shared that his next trip will be a cruise through Scandinavia with his daughter-in-law’s family, where he’ll explore new regions, including Norway and Iceland.
View the Photos
Charlie’s journey was filled with numerous stunning photographs, capturing the raw beauty of Antarctica. You can view his impressive slide deck, featuring 75 photos of penguins, whales, seals, and spectacular landscapes, which is available here.
Thank You
Thank you, Charlie Goodwin, for sharing your amazing photographs and entertaining stories. Your enthusiasm, humor, and genuine awe for our “wonderful world” made this presentation unforgettable.
Quote of the Week
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Nelson Mandela
Volunteer and Social Event Signups Available Online with the Virtual Clipboard
Did you know that you can now sign up to volunteer or to take part in social events using a simple online registration form right from your phone or PC? The Member Calendar has a complete list of upcoming volunteer opportunities and social events.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Demarus Crawford-White | Thomas Wagner |
| Jim Tennell | Charlie Goodwin |
| Lily Wiedmeyer | David Wieldmeyer |
New Member Readings and Inductions
No Readings nor Inductions this week.
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Art Hung | Charlie Goodwin operated on both his wife and his son when they were children. |
| Paul Stull | Told a long but interesting story about operating on a Macaque monkey with a hernia. Paul enlisted the help of Charlie Goodwin because its anatomy is very similar to a 32 pound child. |
| Gail Aiken | Thanks to Charlie Goodwin for correcting a hernia on her grandson when he was a child. |
| Cindy Gaboury | The flags around town absolutely look wonderful. |
| Julie Walling Noeth | She just got back from a great trip to Munich, Germany. |
| Judy McFadden | Her cataract surgery went great last week. |
| Jim Mogan | $2, One for Frick and one for Frack. (for the new sergeants Charlie Goodwin and Paul Stull!) |
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Mike Bevis | Led a group the wrong way at the Haunted Trail. |
| Scott Hertenstein | For ratting out Mike Bevis to the sergeants about the Haunted Trail. |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Bob Vogt | November 8, 2005 | 19 |
Birthdays
| Charlie Tapp | November 6 |
| Drew Mckenzie | November 6 |
| Judy McFadden | November 6 |
| JoAnne Rau | November 7 |
| Nancy Henson | November 7 |
| Ken Irwin | November 9 |
| Dean Heyne | November 10 |
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 Were Received This Week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting