Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
God in Heaven,
Help us to end each day by asking ourselves what we have done to make our lives and the lives around us better. May we reflect on what we can do to leave this planet and the people on it better than they were when we arrived. Most importantly, lead us to put action behind our answers.
Amen.
Announcements
Kentucky Derby Party
President-elect Greg Wasmund, on behalf of the Social Committee, announced that the Kentucky Derby Party will be held on Saturday, May 2 at The Reserve at Miller Farm Clubhouse at 5:30 pm. Details and sign-up are on the Member Calendar.
Next 2.0 Meeting at Nelly’s
Greg also announced that the next 2.0 meeting will be held at Nelly’s on May 21 and the speaker will be from Centerville-Washington History and present information about local history and exhibits, including past Americana Festivals
Americana Festival Parade Float
On behalf of President Sarah Umbreit, Greg Wasumnd said that the CNO float for the Americana Festival will be rolling in the parade. Anyone interested in helping with the float and/or riding on the float with Sarah is asked to contact her. Sarah does not want to ride alone.
Safety on Wheels Volunteers Needed
Steve Mays announced that volunteers are welcome to help with the Safety on Wheels event to be held Saturday, May 17 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at Forest Field Park. Sign up via the Member Calendar.
Americana Festival Booth and 250th Anniversary T-Shirt
Karen Charnesky reminded everyone that the Americana Festival committee will be at the festival promoting our club with the goal of recruiting new members. A special T-shirt honoring our country’s 250th birthday and promoting our club is available online, get yours today using the Member Calendar.
Golf Outing Update
Steve Rau updated the club on the Golf Outing, asking for help recruiting sponsors and golfers. The committee will be recruiting volunteers next month, so stay tuned.
Silent Auction Volunteers Needed
Mike Bevis followed up saying he is looking for two volunteers to help find businesses and individuals willing to contribute baskets, experiences, and other neat stuff for the silent auction. Contact Mike if you would like to help.
Summer Reading Club Kickoff Volunteers
Liz Fultz is looking for volunteers to help with the Summer Reading Club Kickoff on May 30 from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm at School House Park. There will be a special show provided by Cincinnati Circus Company. Sign up via the Member Calendar.
Build-A-Bear Volunteers Needed
Debby Moore, on behalf of the Childhood Health and Wellness Committee, is looking for volunteers for the upcoming Build-A-Bear event on Friday, May 1st, 2026, volunteer time is 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on site at South Community Inc. on Elbee Rd in Moraine Ohio. Sign up via the Member Calendar.
Got Talent Finals at Centerville High School
Erin Laurito announced that the Got Talent committee has narrowed the 17 entries for this year’s contest to 10 finalists spanning two age groups. The finals will be held at Centerville High School in the Central Theater on May 6, 2026, at 6:30 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm).
Student Volunteer Luncheon
Charlie Tapp told the group that the Student Volunteer Luncheon to be held at CHS is open to any and all students who did anything to help our club during the year.
Special 250th Anniversary Flags
Fran Sheehan and Tom Novak showed the club one of the special flags they had made to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday.
Bringing Out the Best in Kids Award
Originally established in 2003 as the Achievement in Education Award, the honor was renamed to reflect the theme of Margaret Barclay’s 2004–2005 term as Ohio District Governor of Optimist International. A Past President of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club (1998–1999), Margaret dedicated her life to education and service. The award recognizes adults who work, or have worked, in the field of education.
Since 2003 the club has recognized 27 individuals. Eight of those recipients have been or are members of our Optimist Club: Gary Anderson, Frank DePalma, Joe Madden, Margaret Barclay, Gary Smiga, Will Cale, Matt Somerlot, and Tom Henderson.
Criteria To Be Considered for The Award
- The candidate should have a minimum of ten years involvement in community service with youth in the Centerville-Washington Township community.
- The candidate should currently work, or be retired from, the field of education.
- It is preferred if the candidate has some experience with Centerville Noon Optimist Club projects and/or activities.
Introductions
Gary Smiga introduced: Leslie Bair (honoree); Alan Bair; CHS West Unit Principal Jeff Wolff; Kevin Wisniewski (honoree); Mary Wisniewski; Ernie Wisniewski; Bill Spanfellner; John Carroll (also a Centerville Noon Optimist member); Superintendent Jon Wesney (also a Centerville Noon Optimist member).
Jeff Wolff Presents Honoree Leslie Bair
The following remarks are from CHS West Unit Principal Jeff Wolff:
It’s my honor to introduce a truly exceptional educator for the Bringing Out the Best in Kids Award, Leslie Bair.
Leslie represents the very best of what we aspire to be as teachers: a talented instructor, a courageous leader, a compassionate human being, and a dedicated professional in every sense. This year in particular, she has stood out for her willingness to step forward, again and again, taking on the classes others might hesitate to teach. Whether it’s Honors Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or co-taught Algebra I, Leslie embraces every challenge with enthusiasm and confidence, setting a powerful example for both students and colleagues.
But what truly sets Leslie apart is her empathy. She has an extraordinary ability to connect with students, with colleagues, and with the broader school community. She takes genuine interest in the work and passions of others, and that care translates into meaningful relationships. Students feel seen and valued in her classroom, and her positivity creates an environment where they are motivated to grow and succeed.
Leslie is also a natural leader, bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and helping her department move forward with purpose and unity. Her impact is lasting. While her remaining years in the classroom may be few, the difference she is making in students’ lives will be felt for decades. Centerville High School is stronger because of Leslie Bair. And today, it is a privilege to recognize her for the countless ways she brings out the very best in kids.
Please join me in honoring Leslie Bair!
Jon Wesney Presents Honoree Kevin Wisniewski
The following remarks are from Superintendent Jon Wesney:
Good afternoon. It is my honor to introduce Kevin Wisniewski, the recipient of the Centerville
Noon Optimist Bringing Out the Best in Kids Award.
Kevin serves as the school counselor at Tower Heights Middle School in Centerville City Schools, where he exemplifies the mission to empower, challenge, and support every learner. While his title is counselor, his impact reaches far beyond his office. Kevin is a trusted advocate for students, a steady and calming presence for families, and a valued partner to staff.
He approaches every interaction with empathy and intention, ensuring that each student feels seen, heard, and supported, especially those who need it most. Kevin plays a vital leadership role in student support systems, helping guide interventions that improve behavior, attendance, and overall well-being. Whether working with small groups, mentoring individuals, or responding in times of crisis, he consistently puts students first.
Kevin also models the core values of citizenship, accountability, respect, and empathy each day. He helps students build confidence, develop self-advocacy skills, and feel a true sense of belonging within their school community.
Respected by colleagues and families alike, Kevin collaborates thoughtfully to ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed. What truly sets him apart is his heart, his genuine care for students and his commitment to helping each one reach their full potential.
Kevin Wisniewski truly brings out the best in kids, and we are proud to recognize him today.
Final Remarks from Gary Smiga
Leslie and Kevin are two of the hundreds of educators right here in Centerville-Washington Township who plan, teach, counsel, motivate, and encourage students every day in our community.
As a community we are proud and appreciative of the work they do each and every school day.
Thank you Leslie and Kevin for teaching and counseling our kids and for being the best at what you do.
Presentation of Permanent Plaque to Superintendent Jon Wesney
A permanent plaque listing all recipients of the Bringing Out the Best in Kids Award was presented to Superintendent Jon Wesney for display at the Centerville City Schools Central Office.
About the Plaque Leslie Bair and Kevin Wisniewski Received
The plaques Leslie Bair and Kevin Wisniewski received read:
Noon Optimist Club of Centerville
“Bringing Out the Best in Kids”
April 21, 2026
For outstanding dedication and commitment to the students of Centerville-Washington Township
Complete List of the Bringing Out the Best in Kids Award Recipients
A permanent plaque is on display in the front foyer at Centerville City Schools Central Office on Virginia Avenue with the names of all the recipients:
- 2003, Gary Anderson
- 2004, Frank DePalma
- 2005, Eileen Booher & Mary Stahley
- 2006, Joe Madden
- 2007, Paula Paprocki
- 2008, Margaret Barclay
- 2009, Gary Smiga
- 2010, Will Cale
- 2011, Pat Kinzig
- 2012, Sandy Vogt
- 2013, Deb Crump
- 2014, Kathy Beck
- 2015, Matt Somerlot
- 2016, Michael Dalton
- 2017, Sherry Kim
- 2018, Jason Whited
- 2019, Matt Szozda
- 2020, Kim Crasto
- 2021, Theresa Replogle
- 2022, Jackie Vollmer
- 2023, Arleen Petty
- 2024, Stacey Westendorf
- 2025, Sarah Jacobs & Marion Delatore
- 2026, Leslie Bair & Kevin Wisniewski
New Member Readings and Inductions
- Joyce Swiadek, Second Reading, Sponsored by Judy McFadden
- Tim Walker, Induction, Sponsored by Mike Bevis
Happy Bucks
- Andy Higgins had $10 of Happy Bucks to celebrate the many recent successes of the Youth Mental Health Committee in raising awareness and connecting with other like-minded organizations in the community. Andy broke his $10 down as: $1 for a TOP Optimist who joined them; $1 shoutout for the Mental Health Summit in February; $2 of thank-yous from the Primary Village North faculty after CNO supported the PVN Summer Learning Fair (221 kids, 568 people, with LetGrow and Wait Until Eighth); $3 for Avenue of Flags brochures, reminders, and thank-yous; and $3 of thank-yous for the Easter Egg Hunt.
- Fran Sheehan was happy to share that her nephew just completed the Boston Marathon!
- Mike Bevis gave a Happy Buck shout-out to Cris Peterson for the excellent job representing the club on television while presenting hygiene kits for unhoused youth in our community at Daybreak.
- Debe Dockins gave a Happy Buck shout-out to Evelyn Griffin for the great job she does as chairperson of the book sale that supports the library.
- Gary Smiga was happy to announce that his daughter got married last week, promptly making Gary and Pam happy grandparents!
- Mike Yoder noted that the annual John P. Kalaman Memorial Blood Drive honoring John Kalaman is coming up on Monday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Centerville Police Department (155 West Spring Valley Pike). This will be the first time that John and Paula Kalaman will not be present for the event.
Sergeants-at-Arms Fines – Tony Danial and Mike Creech
- Jean Pummill, our esteemed Secretary, was fined—well, because she never gets fined and the sergeants felt she needed some recognition. Thanks for doing a great job, Jean!
- Former Sergeant Bob Myers was fined by his former sergeant partner Mike, just because he could.
- Tom Novak was fined for not having his name tag for two weeks in a row.
- Larry Lynde, the substitute sergeant last week, handed out 26 fines. The fines were all funny and brought joy to the group, but those fines also make the sergeants who came before him and those who will come after him look bad—so a fine was assessed.
- Tim Clemmer wouldn’t buy a 50/50 ticket. When told the money was for the kids, he said he didn’t gamble but loves the kids and would happily pay a fine—so he was fined.
- Scott Sowder was fined for shameful self-promotion.
- Cris Peterson couldn’t find her guest when she arrived to pick up her name tag, so she received a fine.
- John Carroll asked for his change from buying 50/50 tickets to include one-dollar bills because he had to be prepared for a fine—since he doesn’t make it to many meetings. The sergeants obliged him with a fine.
- Gary Smiga was fined for hinting about an upcoming election and a certain person who was running for office, which is strictly against club rules.
- Everyone who cheated by sneaking a dessert from the buffet before the line opened up got fined.
- Jerry Stahley, Dick Stevens, Sandy Stevens, and Paul Stull were the random page-54 directory fine honorees present today.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Leslie Bair | Program |
| Alan Bair | Program |
| Bill Spanfellner | Program |
| Kevin Wisniewski | Program |
| Mary Wisniewski | Program |
| Ernie Wisniewski | Program |
| Jeff Wolff | Program |
| Barb Campbell | Fran Sheehan |
| Karen Gruenberg | Cris Peterson |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Mark Petre | April 22, 1996 | 30 |
| Jessie Kuhn | April 23, 2024 | 2 |
| Andrew Nathan | April 23, 2024 | 2 |
| Mike Newkirk | April 23, 2024 | 2 |
| Vicki Thompson | April 23, 2024 | 2 |
| Dr. Dan Passidomo | April 25, 2007 | 19 |
| Kelly Kempton | April 26, 2022 | 4 |
| Debby Moore | April 26, 2022 | 4 |
Birthdays
| Tom Young | April 21 |
| Steve Mays | April 21 |
Thank You Notes Received this Week
CLICK HERE to read the Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting