Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person / know how someone else feels / to put yourself in someone’s shoes
Lord, we have an easier time having empathy for those who are suffering, for those who are in need, or for those who are in pain, but we struggle with having empathy for those who have views that differ from our own. Help us to pause before we judge others, to take a moment to put ourselves in their shoes, and to try to understand things from their perspective. Amen.
Announcements
Tree Lot Countdown
Greg Griffin reminded us that the tree lot opens in just 177 days. Our club expects to sell 900 trees. Get ready for another great season.
Golf Classic Updates
Mike Bevis asked for your help finding sponsors for the 33rd Annual Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic. All the golfing positions are filled. Additionally, Steve Rau is coordinating volunteers. Val and Vida are collecting items for the silent auction gift baskets. Gift cards and creative donations are welcome.
Marketing Committee Reminder
Mike Bevis reminded all committee chairs to contact the Marketing Committee before producing any event materials to ensure the use of official logos and approved designs. This includes flyers, brochures, signs, promotional items or any other marketing materials.
Youth Recognition Night – June 12, 2025, at 7 PM
Mike Creech and Diane Arehart announced that Youth Recognition Night will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Over 20 youth are already registered. Members are encouraged to attend, cheer them on, and enjoy ice cream sundaes and cheese and crackers during the celebration.
Volunteers Needed for the Americana Booth
Andy Higgins is looking for fifteen volunteers to help staff the Centerville Noon Optimist booth at this year’s Americana Festival. The booth’s theme will focus on mental health. Volunteers will share information about the club and sign up new subscribers for the Avenue of Flags. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Goody Bag Contributions Wanted
Ellie Parker made a lively appeal for help filling this year’s goody bags for the golf outing. She said, “I’m begging this week, and I’ll be whining next week,” and encouraged business owners to consider supplying 150 small, fun items to be included in the goody bags. An item could just be a business card stapled to a granola bar.
Congratulations to Ron Tinnerman
President Paul Boeckman congratulated Ron Tinnerman on becoming a grandfather and gave him a baby onesie featuring the Optimist logo.
Political Columnist Gary Abernathy
Karl Frydryk introduced Political Columnist Gary Abernathy who brings a unique perspective shaped by both journalism and politics.
Gary Abernathy grew up in southern Ohio and began his career as a journalist. After 15 years in newsrooms, he spent over a decade working as a political advisor and consultant before returning to journalism in 2011 as publisher of the Highland County Times-Gazette.
His writing caught the attention of The Washington Post, where he served as a contributing columnist, publishing more than 200 articles through 2023. He’s also appeared as a political analyst on PBS NewsHour and other national media.
Today, he continues to share his views on political and cultural issues through his newsletter, Abernathy Road. And for fun, he’s even performed as an Elvis tribute artist.
Regaining Respect Across the Aisle
Gary Abernathy began by reflecting on the growing political and cultural divide in America. While writing for the Hillsboro Times-Gazette, he observed how Donald Trump’s candidacy resonated with many voters who wanted a disruptor. Although some of his peers doubted Trump’s chances, Abernathy recognized early on that Trump was gaining real traction. When the paper endorsed Trump, it was among the first in the nation to do so, but the decision reflected the views of a community where 75% of voters supported him.
Later, as a columnist for The Washington Post, Abernathy became known for representing perspectives unpopular with many of the paper’s readers. He received harsh emails, often angry or hateful, and said the response reflected how politically divided the country had become.
He spoke about visiting Columbia University, where he met students who admitted they were afraid to express conservative views in class. Abernathy emphasized the importance of civil discourse, saying that tolerance—not agreement—is key to a healthy society. He believes many young people are eager for respectful conversations, even if their environments discourage open debate.
Abernathy reflected on the changing role of the media and believes that after Watergate, journalism became more focused on power than truth. He criticized how online platforms removed the accountability once enforced by letter-to-the-editor standards. Now, people can post anything, often anonymously, without consequences. This shift, he argued, has made public conversation more toxic.
He pointed out that there’s little marketplace support for centrist news. When CNN briefly tried a middle-ground approach, ratings dropped. Most media outlets now focus on reinforcing what their audiences already believe.
On the 2020 election, Abernathy said one of the most damaging moments was Donald Trump’s refusal to concede. He contrasted that with past candidates like Richard Nixon and Al Gore, who eventually conceded publicly. Had Trump done so, Abernathy believes he might have retained credibility and influence.
He warned about the weaponization of the judicial system by both political parties and said the Supreme Court may need to step in to clarify the limits of presidential power. He argued that some matters are now so politically charged that lower courts may not be the right forum to resolve them.
A friend once told him that Trump wasn’t a reformer, but a revolutionary. Abernathy agrees, noting that Trump now appears more focused on tearing down and rebuilding than adjusting the system. These are, he concluded, fascinating and critical times in American politics.
He urged listeners to stay informed by reading from diverse news sources, from The New York Times to The Daily Wire, to better understand what’s truly happening and form balanced views.
Thank You
Thank you, Gary Abernathy, for speaking with us and sharing your experiences and insights on journalism, politics, and respectful communication.
President Paul’s Quote of the Week
“If you can’t outplay them, outwork them.” -Ben Hogan
Volunteer and Social Event Signups Available Online with the Virtual Clipboard
Did you know you can now sign up to volunteer or participate in social events using a simple online registration form from your phone or PC? The Member Calendar has a complete list of upcoming volunteer opportunities and social events.
Welcome Guests
| Ed | Meier | Mike Bevis | Guest | |
| Evan | Fiehrer | Jane Fiehrer | Friends and Family | |
| Gary | Abernathy | Speaker | Program | |
| Keaton | Haugen | Chris McAlpine | Guest | |
| Michael | Horton | In Readings | Guest | |
| Pam | Wherle | Cris Peterson | Guest |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Michael Horton | Teresa NIchols | 2nd Reading |
Happy Bucks
No time this week.
Sergeants at Arms – Gary Anderson and Maha Kashani
No time this week.
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| John Curran | June 4, 2023 | 2 |
| Sonja Hertenstein | June 4, 2023 | 2 |
| Scott Hertenstein | June 4, 2023 | 2 |
Birthdays
| Mike Cordonnier | June 4 |
| Diane Flick | June 4 |
| Larry Larrimer | June 4 |
| Cindy Harris | June 5 |
| Dick Stevens | June 5 |
| Kristin Passidomo | June 6 |
| Jean Pummill | June 6 |
| Melanie Asbell | June 7 |
| Bob Vogt | June 7 |
| Brooks Compton | June 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 we received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting