Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Lord,
1 Corinthians 13 teaches us that love is patient and kind. It protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, and never fails.
While tomorrow is a day we celebrate love, help us every day:
- To love openly – listening without judgement or speaking in anger.
- To love generously – giving without expectation of anything in return.
- To love unconditionally – forgiving those who we feel wronged by or whose beliefs and values differ from our own.
- To love passionately – with all our mind, heart, and soul.
And most importantly, help us to love one another as you have loved us.
Amen.
The Great Ohio District of Optimist International Conference Recap
Last weekend was the Ohio District second quarter conference for the 2023-2024 year. Former Ohio district Governor and CNO member Bill Stone gave a recap of the conference.
Jennifer Kendo was recognized as being a distinguished OI Foundation representative. She is running to be on the board of the OI Foundation and Bill hopes you will vote for her. Anyone that has donated at least $36.50 (Dime-a-Day) in the last year can easily vote using this page on the OI Foundation website.
Jennifer Kendo ended up running the conference. Governor Tom Kennedy had the flu and Bill Stone ended up stranded out of town because the airplane he was to return home on late Friday evening had mechanical issues.
The second quarter conference is when awards are given out for the previous year by the district governor for that year. That would be Bill Stone for the 2022-2023 year.
The Great Ohio District of OI achieved Distinguished status for its achievements during the 2022-2023 year. Very few districts achieve distinguished. To honor this achievement, the Optimist International president for the year, Bob McFadyen, came to our conference to recognize Bill and his team as distinguished. The executive director of the OI Foundation, Craig Boring, was also in attendance at the conference to celebrate the achievements of the Great Ohio District.
Along with Bill Stone being recognized as distinguished district governor, Sarah Umbreit was recognized as a distinguished district treasurer, Jean Pummill was recognized as a distinguished district secretary, and Greg Wasmund was recognized as a distinguished district Lt Governor.
Bob Glavin received the Governors Award from Bill Stone for his outstanding work for Junior Golf.
CNO also achieved distinguished status during 2022-2023. Beth Duncan was honored as a distinguished president, Roland Rapp as a distinguished treasurer and Jean Pummill as a distinguished secretary.
Mike Bevis was awarded his 100 new member pin from Optimist International. He currently has brought in a total of 118 new members.
Awards for CNO members were also given out at the event. Cameron Langer and Paula Harrison each received an award for sponsoring their first new member.
For 2022-2023, the Builder of Excellence was awarded to Mike Bevis, Tom Kennedy, Tom Kendo, and Bill Stone for the new Springfield Optimist Club. Bill Stone and Kelly Stone received the Builder of Excellence award for the new club at The Enclave of Springboro. Bill Stone said the Enclave members are having a great time and doing great things.
The Dorwood Optimist club built a new club in Indonesia.
Announcements
- Beth Duncan said an adult nighttime Easter Egg Hunt will be held March 8, 2024, at 6:30 PM at Yankee Park. After the hunt there will be a party at Bock’s Family Brewery. The eggs will have raffle tickets and everyone will win something. Feel free to invite your family and friends to the event. Signup and pay $15 online using the Member Calendar. Bring a flashlight, a basket or bag, and a friend if you like.
- Gary Hansen said that the Will Cale Scholarship committee is looking for new committee members. Contact Gary Hansen if you are interested. A committee meeting is planned on 2/19/2024.
- Gary Hansen said that the Youth Recognition Ceremony will be on June 11, 2024. They are looking for more committee members. Contact Gary Hansen if you are interested. A planning meeting is scheduled for 2/29/2024.
- Stan Fronzaglia said that the next session for Players Box will start April 9, 2024, and lasts for six weeks. This program is for students and parents. The program is looking for additional coaches. Contact Stan Fronzaglia for more information.
- Sue Brubaker said that the Childhood Health and Wellness committee is holding a book drive to benefit children living in the Chevy Chase housing community.
- Erin Laurito, chair of the Got Talent committee, said that the committee would like everyone to put the word out to the community about the contest. The live event will be held May 1, 2024, at 6:30 PM.
- Andy Dickerson announced that Family Adventure Day, Fishing Derby, Castle Fishing Event and Big Backyard Party desperately need new committee members to help grow the events! They are looking for fresh new ideas. If you have an interest in joining one or more of the committees, please contact Andy Dickerson.
- Jane Fiehrer, chair of the Visual Arts Contest committee, said they are looking for new committee members.
Academic Volunteer Opportunities at Centerville City Schools
Joan Cordonnier introduced Heather Schnier and Amanda Stuart, who discussed Academic Volunteer Opportunities at Centerville City Schools (CCS).
Heather Schnier is the District Academic Volunteer Coordinator. This is her second year working with the district and 6th year as a volunteer with the program. She is also the parent of a 5th and 3rd grader at John Hole Elementary.
Amanda Stuart is the Assistant Academic Volunteer Coordinator. This is her first year working with the district and 5th year as a volunteer with the program. She is the parent of a 4th grader at John Hole Elementary, a Kindergartner at Primary Village North, and a 1-year-old.
Presentation
Along with organizing volunteers, Heather and Amanda run the Adopt-a-Family program that CNO members support each year.
The volunteer program is not just for academics but mental health as well.
The online form to volunteer is not very long. There is a background check, but don’t worry this is simple and online. Joan Cordonnier just went through the process to become a volunteer and assured us it was easy.
There is a huge need for volunteers. CNO gives money to the schools, but they need more than money, they need hands on volunteers.
About Academic Volunteers
The Centerville City Schools Academic Volunteer Program was started by parent Jane Hochstein in 1995. There are currently 291 approved volunteers. Volunteers assist in 12 buildings, assisting children in Grades K-12.
Overview From the School Website
In Centerville Schools, we believe that learning is attainable for all. The mission of the Academic Volunteer Program (AVP) is to involve parents, grandparents and community members to help empower, challenge and support every learner to grow every day by assisting staff in meeting the diverse needs of our students.
Academic volunteer opportunities are available during school hours in grades K-12 and also in one after-school program. Volunteers assist students — some who may be struggling, others who need to reinforce skills and still others who need enrichment — in various ways and in many subjects. We try to match volunteer interests and talents with a variety of positions.
Opportunities
Elementary Lunch Buddies
At Driscoll Elementary there is currently a pilot program. Volunteers are provided conversation starters and games. Volunteers meet for an hour twice a month with the same 5-10 kids.
Middle School Noon Hour Mentor/Tutor
Noon Hour tutors at middle schools where your role is not to be a subject specialist but a mentor helping kids get organized, stay on task, and set goals for themselves. You can work one on one or float between multiple students.
Some of the students need help getting organized. They know how to do the work, but they might be behind on assignments. Volunteers also talk with students and find out reasons why they may be struggling like not getting enough sleep or problems at home.
English Language Leaners Student Support
Tutors for English Language Learners or ELL are needed for multiple grade levels, but the biggest need is for kindergarten and first grade as well as middle school. Tutors work one on one with a student, at least once a week.
Centerville Schools has a lot of families moving in that do not speak English very well and the students need help understanding English. You don’t have to know their language though it would be great. Just reading to these students in English slowly can help.
They believe there are about 50 different languages spoken by the students that need help. No matter what language you speak, there will be a match and remember just reading in English will be helpful.
High School Opportunities
One to one tutoring can make a difference in whether a student graduates or not. Students must pass the state algebra test in order to graduate and there are many students who currently can’t pass.
- Subject Tutors
- Work one on one with a student offering academic support
- Most common requests are for Algebra II and Pre-Calculus
- Elk Lunch Club
- Usually once a month for a couple hours (during lunch periods)
- Interact with the kids, including playing board games if they’re interested
- The club is a safe place for kids to spend their lunch period
Elementary Social / Emotional Groups
The Social and Emotional groups will start in the fall of 2024. There will be eight-week cycles. Session types include art therapy, music therapy, therapy dog, percussion therapy, yoga/meditation. Note that to help with the therapy dog program you would need to have a therapy dog.
Additional Primary/Elementary Opportunities
- Art Room
- Masterworks (give a pre-prepared artist presentation to a class)
- Library
- Classroom, individual or small group work, usually in reading/writing or math
- Nature Class
- Chess Club
- Math Pentathlon
- Tabletop Games
- Music: Band, Chorus and Orchestra
Contact and More Information
District Coordinator, Heather Schnier, [email protected]
This web page has more information about positions and form you need to fill out to get started https://www.centerville.k12.oh.us/community/avp.
Thank You
Thank you, Heather Schnier and Amanda Stuart, for letting us know about the volunteer opportunities at Centerville City Schools.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Amanda Stuart | Speaker |
| Barb Heidenreich | Beth Duncan |
| Chris Mackey | Patrick Arehart |
| Dave Seyer | Debe Dockins |
| Don Stafford | Carol Smerz |
| Heather Schnier | Speaker |
| Laura Estrada | JOan Cordonnier |
| Scott Henry | Beth Duncan |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Donald Stafford | Carol Smerz | 1st Reading |
| Chris Mackey | Patrick Arehart | 2nd Reading |
| Jan Gerber | Erin Dickerson | 2nd Reading |
| David Seyer | Debe Dockins | 2nd Reading |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Maha Kashani | She said, “Happy Tuesday, I’m just glad to be back.” |
| Dan Passidomo | Celebrating 9th Wedding Anniversary with Kristin. |
| Bob Duffy | He said, “I’m happy to get a free dessert at the birthday table when it is not my birthday.” |
| Stan Fronzaglia | Ellie Parker was at today’s meeting. |
| Debe Dockins | Her father’s 93rd birthday is Sunday. |
| Bob Myers | Have not had to listen to CNO sing Happy Birthday since he played the trumpet for his birthday. |
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Everyone | Sergeants Mike Creech and Bob Meyer said they were under quota, so everyone stand up. Everyone standing was fined. |
| ** Just a note. | Sergeants Mike Creech and Bob Myers raised a record amount today. New sergeants start next week. |
Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Clint Freese | February 13, 2018 | 6 |
| Brian Nolan | February 13, 2018 | 6 |
| Brent Richburg | February 13, 2018 | 6 |
| Jon Werts | February 13, 2018 | 6 |
| Suzanne Werts | February 13, 2018 | 6 |
| Laurie Westheimer | February 13, 2018 | 6 |
| Harry Bossey | February 17, 1994 | 30 |
| Lou Brinkman | February 17, 1995 | 29 |
| John Horner | February 17, 2010 | 14 |
| Sandy Stevens | February 17, 2010 | 14 |
| Bob Lawson | February 17, 2016 | 8 |
| Sarah Umbreit | February 17, 2016 | 8 |
| Laura Caschera | February 18, 1997 | 27 |
| Jack Anderson | February 18, 2016 | 8 |
| Tim Bemis | February 19, 2019 | 5 |
| Katie Calloway | February 19, 2019 | 5 |
| Doug Reno | February 19, 2019 | 5 |
| Ashley Simeone | February 19, 2019 | 5 |
| Ron Thompson | February 19, 2019 | 5 |
Birthdays
| Monty Zinck | February 13 |
| Ron Thompson | February 14 |
| Stephanie Llacuna | February 15 |
| Ken Peacock | February 16 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013
Thank You Notes Received this week
A copy of Thank You Notes the club received this week are here