Bob Burkman’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for gathering us here today on an upcoming curious calendar collision. Ahead are Friday the 13th, a day some people fear, and Valentine’s Day, a day devoted to love, chocolate and greeting cards that cost more than they should.
On this supposedly unlucky Friday the 13th, help us remember that Optimists don’t trip over black cats or panic at broken mirrors. We simply see every day as an opportunity for character building. Valentine’s Day reminds us that love comes in many forms. We love our families, our friends, our community and yes, our club.
Bless our Optimist Club with the kind of optimism that can turn superstition into laughter and February gloom into warmth. May our hearts be full and our spirits be light.
Help us remember that for Optimists, no day is unlucky and every day is special when it is filled with love and purpose.
Amen.
Great Ohio District Conference Recap
Sarah Umbreit provided an update on the Great Ohio District Conference held last weekend in Dublin, Ohio.
Several Centerville Noon Optimist members and leaders were recognized during the conference.
- Paul Boeckman was acknowledged for serving as President of a strong club and for achieving an average of $90 per member in annual giving to the Optimist International Foundation.
- Craig Dring was recognized for adding members to the TOP Optimist Club.
- Jean Pummill received the Ohio District Humanitarian Award.
- Bill Stone was honored as Distinguished District Foundation Representative for his leadership in helping make Ohio the top district in Foundation giving. Craig Boring, Executive Director of the Optimist International Foundation, attended the meeting and shared that he enjoys visiting the Ohio District and the Centerville Noon Optimist Club.
Immediate Past Governor Terry Schalnat recognized members who served on her team during her year as Governor and created original artwork for each honoree. Those recognized included Diane Arehart, Patrick Arehart, Beth Duncan, Debe Dockins, Bob Glavin, Evelyn Griffin, Greg Griffin, Jean Pummill, Jeff Umbreit and Sarah Umbreit.
Optimist International Foundation Awards for Quarter 1 of 2025-2026
Bill Stone is the CNO representative for the Optimist International Foundation (OIF), which is about “Helping Optimists Help Kids.”
Bill gave a larger presentation to CNO on April 2, 2024, which included a slide deck. Click here to view that article.
Donations can be made at oifoundation.org. Consider including OIF in your estate planning.
Benefactor Award
Stan Fronzaglia received a Benefactor Award, which recognizes members who have reached a significant threshold for lifetime giving to the Optimist International Foundation.
New President’s Club Members ($250 or more per year)
- Chris McAlpine
- Paul Boeckman
- Don Kelley
- Mike Thonnerieux
Dime-a-Day Awards ($36.50 or more per year)
- Bob Duffy
- Don Kelley
- Paul Boeckman
- Stan Fronzaglia
- Art Hung
- Mike Bevis
- Val Huff
- Greg Wasmund
- Dan Passidomo
- Chris McApline
- Debe Dockins
- Jean Pummill
- Racheal Goetz
- Bill and Kelly Stone
- Mike Yoder
- Carrie Million
- Evelyn Griffin
- Diane Arehart
- Patrick Arehart
- Beth Duncan
- Judy McFadden
- Carol Smerz
- Mike Creech
- Steve Mays
- Mike Thonnerieux
- Tony Danial
- Arline Danial
Announcements
Oratorical contest
Sarah Umbreit, on behalf of Jessica Wagner, thanked the members who served as committee chairs, judges or timekeepers at the Oratorical Contest held last night at Woodbourne Library. Those acknowledged included Jessica Wagner, Ron Thompson, Liz Fultz, Byron Wade, Andy Higgins, Joan Cordonnier, Beth Duncan, and Joyce Swiadek. Their time and support helped make the contest a success for the student speakers. Additionally, thank you to all members who attended to be part of the audience for this annual contest.
Escape Room Social Activity
Sarah Umbreit, on behalf of Connie Risch, shared that the next social event is an Escape Room on Thursday, February 26 at 6 PM. Afterwards you can head to Bock Family Brewing. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
CNO 2.0
Sarah Umbreit announced upcoming CNO 2.0 meetings. The February gathering will be held on February 19 at Zink’s with a wine tasting. On March 19, they will meet at Underground Chuck’s, a new restaurant near the Dayton Mall. The guest speaker will be Monnie Bush, Founder and CEO of the Victory Project, a mentoring and personal development program for disengaged young men.
Tri-Star Basketball
Craig Dring announced that the annual Tri-Star Basketball event will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Watts Gym. Volunteers are needed for the morning sessions, and members can register online for one or both shifts. It is a great opportunity for fun and to meet fellow members. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Community Discussion About the Book The Anxious Generation
Andy Higgins announced an upcoming Anxious Generation community discussion on February 21, 2026. CNO members are encouraged to attend, as the focus will be on Part 4 of the book, which centers on community response and what organizations like the Optimist Club can do to support families and youth facing these mental health challenges.
Visual Arts Contest 2026
Jane Fiehrer, co-chair of the Visual Arts Contest with Rachel Goetz, announced that the annual Visual Arts contest is now open. Paintings or drawings must be submitted online by February 23, 2026. Here is the link to the contest. Children in two age groups (7 & under and 8–11) can submit drawings or paintings for cash prizes. This year’s theme is “Be Bold – Be The Change.”
Chuck Dickerson Memorial Scholarship
Mike Thonnerieux announced that the Chuck Dickerson Memorial Scholarship deadline is 4 PM, March 13, 2026. Students must be the child or grandchild of a current or past member of the Centerville Noon Optimists, a graduating high school senior, be accepted to a two- or four-year college or university and demonstrate a commitment to community service. Students can learn details for the $1000 scholarship at the Dayton Foundation using this link. Mike clarified that the student does not need to live anywhere near Centerville. If they are related to a member, such as a child or a grandchild, they qualify.
Golf Outing Silent Auction Committee
Debe Dockins announced that she is serving as chair of the Silent Auction Committee for the Golf Outing Fundraiser, which will be held on July 13, 2026. Debe will be working with Val Huff, Vida McDowell, and Sue Brubaker, and they would welcome additional committee members. There are several ways to help, including calling on donors for items and gift cards, assembling and arranging baskets, and assisting on the day of the event.
Poinsettia Fundraiser Proceeds
Craig Dring announced how the TOP Optimist Club used the proceeds from last December’s Poinsettia Sale fundraiser.
The funds were used to purchase art supplies for the School of Possibilities mural project. Students attending the School of Possibilities sometimes have difficulty earning required art credits, and the supplies will allow them to complete the mural and receive that credit.
Got Talent Contest
Erin Laurito announced that the Got Talent Show is open for audition video submissions. Students in kindergarten through high school who live in Centerville or Washington Township (or attend Centerville schools) are eligible. Judges will select ten finalists for a live show on May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Centerville High School. Erin also announced a format change: this year the contest will have two age groups, 12-and-under and 13-and-over. More details are available here.
State of the City of Centerville with Mayor Brooks Compton
Steve Rau introduced Brooks Compton, the Mayor of the City of Centerville.
Brooks grew up in Kettering and is a graduate of Fairmont West High School. He went on to earn a degree in Economics from Ohio Northern University, followed by a law degree.
Brooks has served the City of Centerville for a total of 34 years on City Council, including 10 years as Mayor. He currently serves as President of the Greater Dayton Mayors and Managers Association and is also the Chair of the Solid Waste Advisory and Policy Committees.
Brooks is married and has two sons and three grandchildren. Outside of public service, he is an accomplished tennis player, an avid pickleball player, and a golfer with a 22 handicap on a good day.
State of the City
Brooks Compton opened his State of the City remarks by saying the state of Centerville is very good, but emphasized that the city’s success is only possible because of strong partnerships across the community. He noted that Centerville’s progress reflects cooperation among many local entities that work together every day to serve residents.
A Community Built on Partnerships
Mayor Compton highlighted the importance of collaboration with Washington Township, the Park District, and the Washington-Centerville Public Library, and specifically recognized leaders who are also members of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club. These included Mike Thonnerieux, Township Administrator for Washington Township; Kristen Marks, Park Director for the Centerville-Washington Park District; and Liz Fultz, Library Director for the Washington-Centerville Public Library.
He emphasized that the city’s success is rooted in strong working relationships and a shared commitment to serving the community.
Five Stars and Regional Cooperation
Mayor Compton referenced the City of Centerville seal, which features five stars. The central star represents Centerville itself, while the other four represent neighboring communities: Springboro, Miamisburg, Dayton, and Ridgeville. The stars symbolize the importance of regional cooperation and Centerville’s role as a central partner within the area.
Mission
The City of Centerville delivers exceptional services through thoughtful governance to ensure progress and stability.
A Lighthearted Story on Civic Pride
Mayor Compton shared a brief story that tied back to last week’s remarks by Brady Kress about Carillon Park and Dayton’s identity as the Birthplace of Aviation.
He explained that his son recently moved to Raleigh to work at NC State University. At the license bureau, his son was offered the standard plate that reads “First in Flight.” Knowing that Dayton is the community that truly deserves that distinction, he chose not to take the default plate.
Although his son is known for being very thrifty, he still paid the additional $35 for a specialty plate, selecting one that reads “Friends of the Smokies.”
Background and the Need for a Reset
Centerville became a city in 1968. A major turning point came in 2018, when the city adopted its first formal five-year strategic plan. That effort followed recognition by City Council that the city was falling behind in areas such as street maintenance and police funding. Voters approved an income tax increase from 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent, providing resources to address those challenges.
At the same time, the city faced the retirement of a long-serving city manager, prompting a comprehensive review of how Centerville functioned internally and how it interacted with surrounding communities, townships, and local businesses. That review led to what Mayor Compton described as a reset.
2018 to 2023 Strategic Plan
The first strategic plan focused on economic development, planning, finance, housing and infrastructure, core services, and technology. Housing planning included support for high-quality multi-family developments designed for residents who no longer want the responsibility of maintaining a home and yard.
2023 to 2028 Strategic Plan
Building on earlier progress, the current strategic plan centers on service delivery and stewardship, quality of life, development, and workforce. Mayor Compton noted that Centerville has the highest median age in the region, which he described as a positive sign. It reflects that residents choose to stay in Centerville as they reach retirement, valuing the city’s services, amenities, and overall quality of life.
At the same time, the plan recognizes the need to balance an aging population with a strong workforce. Workforce goals focus on attracting, developing, and retaining high-performing professionals in a changing employment environment, ensuring the city continues to deliver reliable services and remains well positioned for the future.
Recent Achievements and City Investments
The mayor reviewed several accomplishments, including consistent adherence to the city’s fund balance policy, national recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association for financial reporting, major improvements at Stubbs Park and Benham’s Grove, infrastructure upgrades along Social Row Road and Yankee Street, and completion of the city’s new Comprehensive Plan, Centerville Forward.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Mayor Compton outlined continued investment in infrastructure, public safety, and quality-of-life initiatives. Projects include major street improvements, development activity at Social Row and Yankee, safety and access improvements along Dimco Way near the high school, and continued progress at Cornerstone Park. New initiatives such as an AI-assisted recycling program and enhancements to 911 services were also highlighted.
Moving Forward Together
Mayor Compton closed by reinforcing the city’s mission and the importance of continued cooperation between the City of Centerville, Washington Township, and community partners. He expressed pride in the progress made and confidence in the city’s direction moving forward.
Thank You
Thank you, Mayor Brooks Compton, for providing a thorough State of the City update for the Centerville Noon Optimist Club.
Slides
The slide deck has more information than is listed in this article.
You can view the slide deck of the presentation here.
New Member Readings and Inductions
No Readings or Inductions today.
Happy Bucks
- Debe Dockins encouraged members to visit the Woodbourne Library to see the current art exhibit featuring Shawna Hattan, the daughter of Myron and Charla Rheaume. She described the exhibit as absolutely exquisite.
- Larry Lynde offered a public service announcement reminding everyone that Valentine’s Day is this Saturday.
- Charlie Tapp shared that his daughter-in-law will become a vice president at Proctor and Gamble on March 1, 2026.
- Karl Frydryk noted that Miami University currently has the only undefeated team in NCAA basketball.
- Mike Creech spoke about the Oratorical Contest, saying the five student speakers were truly amazing and encouraging members to attend Thursday’s next round.
- Kelly George liked the business breakfast held this morning at the Woodbourne Library, noting the strong speakers and how valuable the event was for business owners.
- Julie Walling Noeth is very happy with her personal trainer, Teresa Nichols. Teresa won the best Valentine dress up contest today.
- Tom Novak shared that he was happy to see Kelly George at the meeting.
- Erin Laurito contributed five dollars, sharing that her Centerville middle school student is participating in the Centerville Ski Club at Perfect North. Vida McDowell added that the ski trip was started years ago by former CNO President and long-time member Margaret Barclay when she was principal at Magsig Middle School.
- Steve Linder shared that his oldest grandson earned his Eagle Scout rank last Tuesday.
- Ellie Parker appreciates CNO members very much..
- Byron Wade contributed ten dollars to celebrate his grandson in Ogden, Utah, earning a perfect ACT score of 36.
- Joan Cordonnier shared that she was happy to be at the meeting and especially happy to receive a cookie. She also complimented the sergeants, Nancy Lehren and Tony Danial, for their sense of humor, adding that Tony is “so darn cute.”
- Bob Myers joked that the previous sergeants were not considered cute, noting that he had been one himself, though Joan clarified that Mike Creech did qualify as cute.
- Sarah Umbreit was happy the bell and gavel were still on the podium, prompting sergeant Nancy Lehren to immediately grab the bell from the podium.
Sergeants-at-Arms Fines – Nancy Lehren and Tony Danial
- Don Kelley noticed before the meeting that Sergeants Tony Danial and Nancy Lehren had accidentally put up the Rotary banner instead of the Optimist banner, resulting in both Sergeants being fined.
- Bob Duffy was fined because last week his daughter won the 50/50 and donated the winnings back to the club. The sergeant explained that Bob was being fined for having such a thoughtful daughter. It may not make sense, but a fine is a fine.
- Roland Rapp was fined after Nancy Lehren spilled some tea and Roland responded with, “I’m not saying anything.” Commenting, even carefully, results in a fine.
- Bob Glavin was fined for an extended absence from recent meetings.
- Mayor Brooks Compton was reminded that while speakers are usually exempt, he is also a member and has not been at meetings very often, earning him a fine.
- Mike Thonnerieux was fined for questioning Mayor Brooks Compton about why Centerville does not have a dome to protect residents from winter weather.
- Roland Rapp and Charlie Tapp were both fined after winning a football pool over the weekend and were fined to share the wealth.
- Teresa Nichols was fined for never having been fined before.
- Scott Langer was fined for purchasing 50/50 tickets with quarters. It seems that finding some paper money would make his 50/50 tickets 50% cheaper.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Gentry Darby | Debe Dockins |
| Kevin Lawler | Jane Fiehrer |
| Lin Pursel | Bob Glavin |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Brent Richburg | February 13, 2018 | 8 |
| Jon Werts | February 13, 2018 | 8 |
| Suzanne Werts | February 13, 2018 | 8 |
| Jan Gerber | February 15, 2024 | 2 |
Birthdays
| Mary Ann MacKenzie | February 11 |
| Ron Tinnerman | February 11 |
| Monty Zinck | February 13 |
| Ron Thompson | February 14 |
| Vivette Bowling | February 15 |
| Stephanie Llacuna | February 15 |
| Ken Peacock | February 16 |
Thank You Notes Received this Week
CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes we received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting