Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Gracious and Holy Lord,
The new year brings with it 365 new possibilities, a hope for the future, inspiration for what may be, and anticipation for what You have in store for us. As we look forward to this year ahead of us, we give You thanks for what we have learned and for how we have grown over the past year. Help us to move forward into 2025 with a sense of joy and optimism for this life and these opportunities you have granted us.
Amen.
What a Warm Welcome from Our St. Leonard Friends!
As we entered today’s meeting, we were greeted with warm smiles and cheerful hellos from members of the St. Leonard Optimist Club. Sally Martino and Penny Culhane made sure everyone felt right at home.
Joining the welcoming committee were Dawn Arrowood (St. Leonard’s Wellness Director), Julie Rado, Carol Smerz, and Mike Bevis, all dedicated members of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club who are deeply involved in the success of the St. Leonard club.
It’s always great to see how these two Optimist groups work hand in hand to spread positivity in our community! Thank you all for starting our meeting off with such a welcoming atmosphere.
Thank You to St. Leonard for Hosting Our Meeting
We sincerely thank St. Leonard for graciously hosting our meeting today while Yankee Trace renovates our usual venue. The food and meeting space were excellent, and we truly appreciated your hospitality!
Announcements
Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic Scheduled for July 14, 2025
Mike Bevis announced that the annual Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic will take place on July 14, 2025. Monthly planning committee meetings will start in February. If you’re interested in joining the committee and helping with this important fundraiser, let Mike know!
Marketing Materials Update
Mike Bevis shared that last night’s Marketing Committee meeting was a success. If your committee needs brochures, updated flyers or event programs, contact Diane Arehart, Deb Saunders, or Mike Bevis. They’ll ensure your materials are professional, polished, and aligned with the club’s branding.
Youth Mental Health Initiative Seeking New Members
Andy Higgins reminded us that the Youth Mental Health Initiative Committee holds monthly meetings and is looking for new members. If you’re interested in learning more or joining the team, reach out to Andy. He also has a newly updated flyer to share with anyone interested.
Luong Pham’s Journey: From Vietnam to Building a New Life in Ohio
Chris McAlpine introduced Luong Pham, a remarkable individual whose life story embodies resilience, hard work, and success. Luong shared his family’s journey of escaping from Vietnam during the war in 1975 and how their experiences shaped his life and career.
Escape from Vietnam
Luong Pham was born in 1967 in Vietnam. His family lived in South Vietnam, where his father was a lieutenant colonel in the Vietnamese military. His grandfather, a former spy for North Vietnam, owned the transit system in South Vietnam. When the North Vietnamese forces began marching South toward Saigon, Luong’s grandfather initially dismissed the threat. However, as the situation grew dire, the family decided to flee.
In April 1975, Luong’s family boarded an oil tanker heading toward the Philippines. The journey was treacherous—oil tankers collided with each other, and chaos erupted as desperate people tried to escape. Luong vividly remembers his father, a high-ranking officer, taking control of the situation. To maintain order on the ship, his father confiscated weapons from passengers to keep everyone safe.
The family spent two months at sea, surviving on sardines. Luong mentioned that he has avoided sardines ever since. The U.S. Navy eventually provided assistance, and the family made their way to the United States.
Starting a New Life in America
The Pham family’s journey brought them to Nevada, where relatives took them in. After a brief stay, they moved to Minnesota, but the harsh winters prompted another move to Ohio. In Dayton, Luong’s mother found work at General Motors, and his father worked at Frigidaire. Unfortunately, both parents lost their jobs when GM downsized and Frigidaire closed. Undeterred, they decided to open a restaurant.
The Pham’s had a sponsor family in Ohio who welcomed them with kindness. Luong recalls receiving candy canes with $5 bills wrapped around them—a gesture he never forgot. He believes the family sent these gifts for nearly 30 years.
Achievements in Taekwondo
Luong Pham’s father set two essential rules for his children: graduate from college and earn a black belt in Taekwondo. While Luong embraced Taekwondo with enthusiasm, his siblings were less thrilled. They hoped Luong would quit, believing their father might drop the requirement for everyone. However, Luong persevered, eventually becoming a U.S. Olympian and Champion in Taekwondo.
In 1988, Luong competed in the Seoul Olympics when Taekwondo was introduced as a demonstration sport. He competed as a flyweight and finished tied for fifth place. He was the U.S. Champion in the finweight category in 1984 and in the flyweight category in 1986 and 1989. His Olympic experience included meeting President George H.W. Bush and famous athletes, moments he cherishes to this day.
Building a Career and Giving Back
Today, Luong Pham is a financial advisor and founder of Axim Wealth Management LLC. He previously worked alongside Chris McAlpine before starting his own firm. Luong’s family members have also achieved significant success in various professional fields, including medicine.
Luong expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he found in the United States, calling it “the land of opportunity.” He spoke about his plans to travel to China and Vietnam, where he will meet with the Prime Minister of Vietnam. The government is encouraging expatriates like Luong to help boost business in Vietnam.
Closer to home, Luong is working on initiatives in Moraine to support the local community.
A Remarkable Story of Resilience
Luong Pham’s journey from a chaotic escape in 1975 to becoming an Olympic athlete and successful financial advisor is a testament to perseverance and hard work. His story highlights the importance of education, discipline, and giving back to the community.
Thank You, Luong Pham
Thank you, Luong Pham, for sharing your inspiring story with the Centerville Noon Optimists. Your journey from Vietnam to the United States, your achievements in Taekwondo, and your contributions to the community exemplify the Optimist spirit.
President Paul’s Quote of the Week
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Ran Gray | Ellie Parker |
| Hunter Busch | Jeff Busch |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Erin Giffin | Ken Peacock | 1st Reading |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Charlie Goodwin | He spent Christmas in Philadelphia with his son, daughter-in-law, and two little granddaughters. They all went to New York City to see the big Christmas tree. |
| Charlie Goodwin | His friend, who was a surgeon with him in the Air Force, lives on Long Island and he came out to spend the day with them in New York City. He had not seen him since 2008. |
| Joan Cordonnier | Happy to have St Leonard Optimist Club members at our meeting today. |
| Karl Frydryk | There were people at his table stealing cookies. |
| Larry Lynde | His grandson was tested at his school and he has a BMI of 1. |
| Gary Smiga | Bill Stone’s surgery went very well and he will back on his feet in a week. |
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Paul Boeckman | He was first in line for the buffet at the holiday party. Shouldn’t the president go after all of the other members have gotten their food? |
| Karl Frydryk | He tried to bribe the judges at the holiday party in order to win the Family Feud contest. |
| Sergeant Paul Stull has a warning! | Starting next week, you better wear your Optimist pin or you’re going to get fined! |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Greg McAfee | January 7, 2008 | 17 |
| John Speers | January 7, 2008 | 17 |
Birthdays
| Ted Humphrey | January 7 |
| Laura Caschera | January 8 |
| Don Massie | January 10 |
| Jesse Gaither | January 11 |
| Bill Williams | January 11 |
| Amy Creech | January 13 |
| Rob Jones | January 13 |
| Kelly Kempton | January 13 |
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
Meeting PowerPoint Slides
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting