Author: Greg Griffin

CNOTES: June 8, 2021 – Ed Domsitz, Head Football Coach at Alter High School

Announcements

Tom Novak, Avenue of Flags, announced that 186 new subscriptions have come in since Memorial Day. He needs volunteers to help handle two new routes.

CNO 2.0 will have a meeting on 6/17/2021 at 5:30 PM in the VIP Suite at Poelking Lanes South on Kingsridge Drive. All members of CNO 2.0 and CNO are invited as always.

Mike Bevis, Golf Outing Chair, said they need “day of event” volunteers for lots of tasks on Monday, July 12, 2021. There are jobs for all times of the day including early morning, mid-day and at the end of the day. They are also looking for donors and silent auction items like bottles of wine and gift cards.

Committee Meetings

  • 6/24/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, in person at Buckeye Home Health Care on Paragon Road. Meetings in 2021 will be on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/24, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
  • 7/20/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting

Ed Domsitz, Head Football Coach at Alter High School.

Gary Hansen introduced Ed Domsitz, the Head Football Coach at Alter High School since 1999.

From Gary Hansen:
Ed Domsitz is a local boy who did well. He went to Trotwood Madison High School, the University of Dayton and Ohio State University. In his 45 years of coaching high school football at Trotwood Madison, Alter, Northwood and then Alter again, Ed has amassed a 355-155 win loss record. His teams have been in the playoffs 25 times, winning 12 regional championships, and 16 of the last 18 Greater Catholic League championships.

Ed Domsitz said, “When is the last time you had a speaker who has lost 155 games? I have had to cross the field 155 times to congratulate the other coach.” He also said, “Over the last 20 some years we have been blessed to win a lot of games.” In his younger years he did not win as many games as he does now.

He first became a head football coach at Trotwood High School at the age of 25. His first year they went 0 and 10. The next year they lost the first 2 games after which his mother called him after the Trotwood newspaper asked if the victory bell will ever be rung again. The third game of the second season they beat Piqua.

After 2 years at Trotwood he was 2 and 18. One day, Domsitz and Tina Combs, the principal of Trotwood, who he described as a great high school principal and a sweet but tough woman, were walking and talking in a hallway. Principal Combs said, “Coach, you have to win a few more games next year or we sure are going to miss you around here.” The third year they went 5 and 5.

Early in his career, before every game he would pray that everyone is healthy before the game, that there are no injuries during the game and that the best team should win. Eventually with his bad records, he dropped the third part.

In his first year at Alter he went 2 and 8. The next year they went 4 and 5. Domsitz asked the principal about getting some money to enhance the training and weight room. The principal said, “We are not going to turn this school into a football factory!”. The team improved quickly and he has really enjoyed his time at Alter High School.

Domsitz said that at Alter, they have a process. Coaches explain that the players must adapt to the program and meet a list of expectations. If players are going to perform at a top level, then these expectations must be met.

More Playing Time

Every player has a right in a respectful way to ask, “Coach, what do I need to do to get more playing time?”  There are 5 factors coaches consider when responding to the player’s question.

  • Attitude: If there is an attitude problem, then your effort will be affected.
  • Effort: You must put in the effort at practice, the weight room and games.
  • Skills: You must keep improving your skills.
  • Performance: Your performance is graded on every play of every game.
  • Intensity: Coaches expect that you will always play with intensity.
  • Other Teammates: Another player may be playing much better than you. You will need to wait your turn. When the better player leaves and you get better you may get your chance.

Handling Player Issues

If there are problems with a player’s actions or behaviors, there are three considerations involved in deciding what to do about it.

  • What is best for the player?
  • How will the decision affect the team this year?
  • What is best for the reputation of the program?

Summer Camp

Alter football players attend a rigorous camp at Wittenberg University during the summer.

Thank You

Thank you, Ed Domsitz, for joining us to talk about your career and your long tenure as head football coach at Alter High School.

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

Guest NameGuest of
Ed DomsitzToday’s Speaker, Head Football Coach at Alter High School

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Julie Noeth$5, Husband went to Chaminade Julienne High School and so did her two daughters! Today’s speaker mentioned Alter Football’s team playing CJ High School.
Gail AikenWent to high school with today’s speaker, Ed Domsitz.
Carol SmerzThe article in the Centerille Washington Neighbors about the Avenue of Flags was really great.
Blanca CrinerHer son really liked having today’s speaker, Ed Domsitz as a teacher.
Tom NovakThank you for building 250 flags on 6/7/2021 to: Dav Bremer, Tom Novak, Carol Smerz, Mike Brubaker, Dick Stevens
Tom Novak (cont.)(building 250 flags cont.) Jim Mogan, Marge Back, Steve Rau, Ralph Young, Diane Arehart, Brian Nolan, Charlie Tapp

Sergeants at Arms

MemberInfraction
Mike BrubakerThe sergeants did not appreciate the way he purchased raffle tickets today.
Bob DuffyImpersonating a ball player and arguing with today’s speaker.
Chris McAlplineChris was not wearing a tie – he was unrecognizable. 

Membership Anniversaries

This is very rare – no membership anniversaries this week!

Birthdays

MemberBirthday
Brooks ComptonJune 9
Mike WallJune 12

CNO Donations – 2013 through May 2021

Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013

Thank You Notes Received

Click Here to Read the Thank You Notes we received this week

Links to PowerPoint and Pictures

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

The photos taken at Today’s Meeting are here.

CNOTES: June 1, 2021 – Educator of the Year Awards Presented for 2020 and 2021

Erin Dickerson’s Prayer

Almighty God,

As the school year is coming to an end, a school year that required flexibility, creativity, and grace like none other, we are gathering to recognize two exceptional teachers.  Our educators take on a higher calling and are often taken for granted, overlooked, and underappreciated.  We thank you for this opportunity to show our love, support, and appreciation for those in our presence.

Amen.

Optimist International District Awards

CNO member and Great Ohio District Governor for 2019-2020 Myron Rheaume presented the awards received by CNO members in the last year. He also went over how well the CNO club is ranked worldwide.

CNO Club Heritage

  • For year 2015-2016 CNO was the Optimist Club of the Year (Myron Rheaume, President)
  • For year 2017-2018 CNO was the runner up for Optimist Club of the Year (Chris McAlpine, President)
  • For year 2019-2020 CNO is in the running for the Optimist Club of the Year (Greg Griffin, President)
  • For year 2019-2020 CNO was number one in awards and achievements in the Great Ohio District

Great Ohio District Positions Held by CNO Members

  • David Ladd, District Chaplain
  • Pat Behn, Lt Governor
  • Jeff Umbreit, Treasurer
  • Brian Nolan, Sergeant of Arms

Committee Chairs

  • Debe Dockins, Oratorical Contest
  • Kelly George, Essay Contest
  • Beth Duncan, Evelyn Griffin, Carrie Million, Hospitality
  • Greg Griffin, Webmaster and Technology Chair
  • Jean Pummill, Achievements and Awards
  • Charla Rheaume, Childhood Health and Wellness
  • Beth Duncan, Optigear Supplier
  • Jerry Stahley, OI Junior Golf Tournament

Honored and Distinguished Development of Clubs

  • 16 clubs in the Great Ohio District would have been honored status, unfortunately only 1 club sent in paperwork.
  • For 2019-2020 CNO achieved distinguished status with Greg Griffin, President, Jean Pummill Secretary, and Roland Rapp, Treasurer. Note that out of 2800 clubs less than 1% achieved distinguished status.

Governor’s Award

  • Greg Griffin, Award of Excellence

Announcements

CNO 2.0 will have a meeting 6/17/2021 at 5:30 PM in the VIP Suite at Poelking Lanes on Kingsridge Drive. All members of CNO 2.0 and CNO are invited as always.

Mike Bevis, golf outing chair, said that 100 golfers have signed up so far. They need “day of event” volunteers for lots of tasks on Monday, July 12, 2021. There are jobs for all times of the day including early morning, mid-day and at the end of the day. They are also looking for donors and silent auction items like bottles of wine and gift cards.

Committee Meetings

  • 6/24/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, in person at Buckeye Home Health Care on Paragon Rd. Meetings in 2021 will be on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/24, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
  • 6/15/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom hosted by President Debe Dockins.

CNO’s “Bringing out the Best in Kids Award”

Debe Dockins introduced CNO member Joe Madden (a former longtime teacher in the City of Centerville School District) who presented the CNO “Bringing out the Best in Kids” award for educators for 2020 and 2021.

Criteria for the Award

  • Candidates should have a minimum of ten years involvement in community service with youth in the Centerville-Washington Township community.
  • Candidates should currently work in, or be retired from, or work in the field of education.
  • it is preferred that candidates have direct experience with Centerville Noon Optimist Club projects.

History of the Award

The award started in 2003 as the “Achievement in Education” Award. It is now known as the “Bringing out the Best in Kids” Award to honor Margaret Barclay. Her theme for her year as Ohio District Governor was, “Bringing out the Best in Kids”. There have been 20 recipients, including public and private school administrators, principals and teachers from elementary, middle and high school. Since 2018 the selection process has been to use the City of Centerville School District Teacher of the Year nominee for Ohio’s Teacher of the Year program as the recipient. 

Kim Crasto, 2020 Recipient

Kim Crasto is a teacher of English Language Arts at Magsig Middle School.

Stacey Westendorf, the principal of Magsig Middle School, spoke about Kim Crasto. She said, “After 14 years of teaching she makes it look natural.”

Kim Crasto said, “Thank you so much for the recognition today. I absolutely love teaching. Getting an award for something you love is just wonderful. I love to teach kids and to learn from them as well.”

Attending from Kim Crasto’s family today were her husband, Josh Crasto, her mother, Myra Burr, her son, Xander Crasto, and her in-laws, Allan and Elsie Crasto.

Theresa Replogle, 2021 recipient

Theresa Replogle has been an intervention specialist for 26 years.

John Carroll, the principal at CHS, spoke about Theresa Replogle. He said that he and others affectionately refer to Theresa Replogle as, “Mother Theresa.” It is a blessing to see a class she is teaching. She has a belief that every kid can learn. On a day-to-day basis he hears good things about Theresa. She is very deserving of this award and she has a big effect on the staff at CHS.

Theresa Replogle said, “This is an honor I take very seriously. My husband, Tom and I have raised 4 kids who all attended the great Centerville City School District for all their education through 12th grade.”

Theresa has taught for 21 years as an intervention specialist at Centerville City Schools. The kids have their own ideas on what they want to learn. She realized that she needed to learn how to reach struggling kids. Every day is a challenge.

Theresa likes this paraphrased quote from Jodi Picoult, “If you aren’t worrying about if you are a good teacher, chances are things are not going very well.”

Attending from Theresa Replogle’s family today was her husband Tom Replogle.

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

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

Guest NameGuest of
Kim Crasto2020 recipient of the CNO “Bringing out the Best in Kids Award”. She teaches at Magsig.
Josh CrastoKim Crasto’s husband
Zander CrastoKim Crasto’s son
Myra BurrKim Crasto’s mother
Allan CrastoKim Crasto’s father-in-law
Elsie CrastoKim Crasto’s mother-in-law
Theresa Replogle2021 recipient of the CNO “Bringing out the Best in Kids Award”. She teaches at CHS.
Tom ReplogleTheresa Replogle’s husband
Stacey WestendorfPrincipal at Magsig
Dan TarpeyJohn Carroll
Wendy RoopMike Bevis
Deanna NesbitMike Bevis

Happy Bucks

No time for Happy Bucks this week.

Sergeants at Arms

No time for Sergeants this week.

Membership Anniversaries

MemberMonthDayJoined# Years
Bob ClementsMay255/25/200516
Paulette NovakMay255/25/200516
Amy BarkerMay265/26/200813
Cheryl ReichelMay265/26/200813
Debe DockinsMay265/26/200912
Bob BurkmanMay315/31/200318
Carol BurkmanMay315/31/200318
Gary AikenJune16/1/198239
Wayne ChristieJune16/1/198833

Birthdays

MemberBirthday
Don SkeltonMay 25
Bill FritzMay 30
Mike WittJune 1
Kristen MarksJune 2
Larry LarrimerJune 4
Mike CordonnierJune 4
Dick StevensJune 5
Cindy HarrisJune 5
Jean PummillJune 6
Bob VogtJune 7

CNO Donations – 2013 through May 2021

Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013

Thank You Notes Received

Click Here to Read the Thank You Notes we received this week

Links to PowerPoint and Pictures

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

The photos taken at Today’s Meeting are here.

CNOTES: May 18, 2021 – Kate Bostdorff and Michael Norton-Smith – Centerville Uptown Action Plan

Erin Dickerson’s Prayer

Dear God,

As we begin to reemerge into a sense of our pre-pandemic normal, I cannot help but relate it to the emergence of the Brood X Cicadas.  We too have felt as if it has been a long 17 years.  We look forward to shedding our masks much like the cicadas shed their exoskeletons.  We want to make as much noise shouting in rejoice!  While we are busy making our racket of joy, help us not to drown out the voices of those who have yet to have the opportunity or the option of making a choice to be fully vaccinated.  Those children and youth are the very reason we are here and who we are working so hard to support.

Amen.

Special Announcement

There is no lunch meeting on 5/24/2021 for Memorial Day Break. The next meeting will be on 6/1/2021 and will be held at Yankee Trace Golf Club.

CNO 2.0 Meeting

The next Optimist 2.0 will be on June 17, 2021, in the VIP room at Poelking Lanes. Remember that CNO 2.0 meetings are always the evening of the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Announcements

Debe Dockins announced that CHS teacher and CNO member Mike Cordonnier was just inducted into the Centerville Educators Hall of Fame.

Debe Dockins said to let her know if you would like to help decorate the 2021 CNO Americana float and/or if you would like to ride on the float with her and wave to the community.

Mike Bevis, golf outing chair, said that 100 golfers have signed up so far. They need “day of event” volunteers for lots of tasks on Monday, July 12, 2021. There are jobs for all times of the day including early morning, mid-day and at the end of the day. They are also looking for donors and silent auction items like bottles of wine and gift cards.

Tom Novak, Avenue of Flags co-chair, announced that Avenue of Flags needs a lot of volunteers on Wednesday 5/26/2021 at Flag headquarters at Sinclair on Clyo Rd. The CHS wresting team cannot help because they are still in school.

Bob Lawson announced that there were 120 kids at the Family Adventure Day held at the RecPlex last weekend and was a great success. Half of the kids had never caught a fish before.

Committee Meetings

  • 6/16/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, Zoom hosted by Mike Bevis. Meetings in 2021 will be on Wednesdays on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/16, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
  • 6/15/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom hosted by President Debe Dockins.

Kate Bostdorff and Michael Norton-Smith, Uptown Centerville Plans

Mike Bevis introduced two speakers from the City of Centerville. Kate Bostdorff is the Communications Director and Michael Norton-Smith is the Development Director. They were at our meeting to talk about the Uptown Action Plan started 2 years ago for Uptown Centerville.

Webpage for Uptown Centerville: Unique – Vibrant – Historic

PDF of the Action plan

You can view the slide deck they presented here.  

Conceptual pictures are in the slide deck. There are slides at the end of the deck that explain the design of the new logo and some examples where it could be used.

Vision Statement

“Uptown Centerville is a vibrant district at the heart of our community. Uptown is a welcoming, walkable destination that is home to our history and a friendly gathering place where local businesses thrive.”

The area being re-imagined and rebranded has been known as the Architectural Preservation District (APD).  The term APD is part of the issue they want to solve. There are parking spots labeled APD and people think it is just for police parking. One of the first goals is to make it clear it is free parking for anyone.

Overall, the City of Centerville wants to make the area a safer, easier place to park, stay and play in Uptown Centerville.

The hope is that there will be 3 construction phases, 1 each year, starting in 2022.

Visioning Process

  • Unofficial Start: 2018 Business Walk
  • APD Visioning Committee (15 members)
  • Process identified 6 strategies for enhancements
    • Walkability, Parking, Events, Business Development, Branding, Greenspace
  • Uptown Action Plan released in June 2019
  • Approved as an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive plan in August 2019

Working the Plan

  • Strategic Acquisition
    • Laundromat, 39 N. Main, 32 W Ridgeway, 54 W. Franklin
  • Uptown Concept Mater Plan
  • Preliminary planning and engineering (MKSK/LJB) engineering firms
  • Create a communication plan to keep community informed
  • Release of the Uptown logo and brand
  • Launch of Uptown Upgrades façade improvement grant program
  • “Centerpieces” mural program
  • Meeting with property owners about shared parking
  • Redesigned parking signage
  • New business investment

The city started putting together a vision for an uptown project. The business community has already started working on helping with the plan.

Master Plan

  • Released in September 2020 to begin conversations with the community
  • Depicts a vision for enhancements to Uptown consistent with the six (6) focus areas of the Uptown Action Plan
  • City then hired LJB/MKSK to begin preliminary planning and engineering work in February 2021
  • Anticipate construction in Spring 2022 (Phase 1)
  • The plans are fluid and will be adjusted as it progresses

Key Enhancements

  • Redesigns existing parking areas to improve flow and connectivity
  • Increases parking capacity
  • Reduces the number of access drives and creates common drives
  • Envisions opportunities for targeted infill development (commercial and residential)
  • Creates activated outdoor greenspaces, vias, and alleys
  • Focuses on four-sided architecture for existing buildings

Vias and Alleys

  • To improve the walkability of Uptown, the concept master plan proposes creation of activated outdoor spaces
  • These include closing and repurposing existing access drives
  • Examples include outdoor patios, decks, alleys, seating areas, etc.

Thank you, Kate Bostdorff and Michael Norton-Smith, for joining us to educate CNO about the City of Centerville’s plans for Uptown Centerville.

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

Guest NameGuest of
Kate Bostdorff Today’s co-speaker from the City of Centerville
Michael Norton-Smith Today’s co-speaker from the City of Centerville

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Tom NovakFor the City of Centerville purchasing 15 Avenue of Flag subscriptions each year.
Bill WilliamsFirst grandson is expected this fall.
Joe MaddenPaid a happy buck so he could make another wisecrack that is not appropriate to list here. Nothing new about that.
Paul StullFirst official day as a Sergeant. He strongly recommends that for future meetings you wear your Optimist pin.
Charlie GoodwinPaul Stull will be the recipient of the Centerville Washington Foundation’s Founders award on 10/7/2021.

Sergeants at Arms

MemberInfraction
Anyone with facial hairHaving facial hair
David LaddWearing a “loud” shirt
Charla RheaumeCreative parking at Yankee Trace
Anyone who is from Northern OhioBeing from Northern Ohio
Gary Anderson, Bob Foster, Larry England, Bill Stone, John HornerWearing shorts today
Joe MaddenBorrowed a dollar to pay a debt

Membership Anniversaries

MemberMonthDayJoined# Years
Bill DeShurkoMay185/18/201110
Jim MarkerMay185/18/201110
Rafael SantillanMay185/18/20165
Jeff RolfMay205/20/20156
Kelly GeorgeMay205/20/20156
Pete RifeMay225/22/20138

Birthdays

MemberBirthday
Jack AndersonMay 18
Amy BarkerMay 19
Mike BrubakerMay 19
Jim MarkerMay 23

CNO Donations – 2013 through May 2021

Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013

Thank You Notes Received

Click Here to Red the Thank You Notes we received this week

Links to PowerPoint and Pictures

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

The photos taken at Today’s Meeting are here.

CNOTES: May 11, 2021 – Avenue of Flags 2021 Season Kickoff Presentation

Erin Dickerson’s Prayer

Heavenly Father,

When we show our patriotism by pledging allegiance to our flag, help us to truly listen to what we are saying.  Often, we are just going through the motions.  We do not act as “one nation UNDER GOD” and we struggle with “liberty and justice for all”.  We put ourselves and our needs above You, what You expect of us, and what we pledge to be.   Help us Lord to strive to be better and do better.  You and our nation deserve it.

Amen.

Announcements

Debe Dockins said to let her know if you would like to help decorate the 2021 CNO Americana float and/or if you would like to ride on the float with her and wave to the community. They now have a final design for the float.

Mike Bevis, golf outing chair, said that 100 golfers have signed up so far. They need “day of event” volunteers for lots of tasks on Monday, July 12, 2021. There are jobs for all times of the day including early morning, mid-day and at the end of the day. They are also looking for donors and silent auction items like bottles of wine and gift cards.

Beth Duncan announced that the results of the 1st Annual Centerville/Washington Township Got Talent contest are in!  View all 10 finalists and learn the top 3 winners list at the end.

Committee Meetings

  • 6/16/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, Zoom hosted by Mike Bevis. Meetings in 2021 will be on Wednesdays on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/16, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
  • 6/15/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom hosted by President Debe Dockins.

Avenue of Flags Fundraiser

Debe Dockins introduced the three chairs of the CNO Avenue of Flags (AOF) Committee. They are Tom Novak, Mike Brubaker and Bob Burkman.

Tom Novak presented today. You can view the slide deck here; it has some great pictures, charts, and maps.

Tom said that one of the advantages of having 3 co-chairs is that they back each other up.

Tom gave special thanks to Paulette Novak, Sue Brubaker and Carol Burkman, who are the wives of the committee chairs, for their patience. At this time of year, the co-chairs spend a lot of time away from home helping with the Avenue of Flags.

The AOF not only earns the club money, but it is the reason several people joined the Centerville Noon Optimist Club. Diane Arehart, Dan Samiec and Carolyn Taylor are examples of CNO club members that joined CNO because of what they learned while helping the AOF team.

AOF is a Community Based Fundraiser

Here are the major groups that help and what percentage of flags they deliver and pick up.

  • CNO members, 64%
  • Subscribers, 15.8%
  • CHS Wrestling Team, 9.3%
  • Various VFWs in our area, 7.5%
  • Blue Star Mothers, 3.3%

The CHS wrestling team handles 8 routes. The CHS wrestling coach a couple of years ago came to the AOF chairs with the idea of parent/student teams installing sleeves and delivering/picking up flags. As a thank you, the groups above receive donations for their help. Subscribers and CNO members are offered a discount for their help as well.

Flags are Delivered on the 5 American Flag Holidays

  • Memorial Day
  • Flag Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day

The Avenue of Flags (AOF) program delivers to residences and businesses in our community. Flags are displayed for 4-6 days around the 5 American Flag Holidays.

Tom thanked the volunteers on the various Avenue of Flag teams

  • Subscriber renewal team: they enter subscriptions and renewals into the AOF database and follow up with subscribers that have not renewed from the post cards and emails reminding people to renew.
  • Flag site “check-up” teams; they have already gone out this year to make sure the inground sleeves can be easily found and are straight. This greatly speeds up the process of installing the flags.
  • Flag delivery/retrieval teams.
  • Flag Facility Team at Sinclair College.
  • Flag assembly teams.

Thank you to all AOF Helpers. It really is true that many hands working together accomplishes amazing results. New routes are added every year and they always need more volunteers.

Statistics and facts about the program from Mike Brubaker

  • 2020 net profit was $94,684.00
  • 2965 flags were delivered on Veterans Day 2020
  • At least 2831 flags will be delivered for Memorial Day
  • More subscriptions will be added before each flag delivery day
  • AOF volunteers periodically build the flags from purchased parts and kits
    • During the spring of 2020 they assembled 250 flags in just 2 hours
    • High volume purchasing saves us and other local Optimist clubs that we sell our flag supplies to
    • Gross sales to other clubs for supplies in 2020 was $21,000.00.

Route Facts

  • There are 71 routes (2 are new for 2021) with 160 delivery and pickup volunteers
  • Most routes have 30-35 flags
  • Routes are designed to take 1-2 hours to deliver
  • About 3 routes are added each year
  • The largest route has 181 flags

Additional volunteers are always welcome

Let Tom know if you can help with delivery or pickup of flags. Helpers go out as 2 person teams. They are very excited to get volunteers that have flag friendly vehicles like mini-vans, SUV’s and pickup trucks. If you do not own a flag friendly vehicle you can still help; you will be paired with someone who has a compatible vehicle.

Sending Payments

If you receive a payment of cash or check from a new or current subscriber, send them directly to the home of Bob Burkman. It saves a step instead of people sending to the CNO P.O. box. This also increases the chances of late subscribers receiving their flags for Memorial Day or Flag Day.

Note that subscribers can subscribe, renew and pay with a credit card on the CNO website,  https://centervillenoonoptimist.com/avenue-of-flags-sign-up/

Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day History

Memorial Day, was originally named Decoration Day. Memorial Day started on May 30, 1865, to honor the 620,000 people who died in the Civil War. May 30th was chosen because there were no battles on that day. Memorial Day got its current official name in 1967. Currently Memorial Day is on the last Monday of May each year because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Signed into law on June 28, 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act took effect on January 1, 1971. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May as a tribute to the men and women currently serving in the Armed Forces.

AOF Flags History

In 2003 to test the fundraiser, CNO put out 30 flags for free in Quail Run. If Chuck Dickerson had not put up the initial $3000 in funding, the program probably would never have started.

Back in 2005, the first year Avenue of Flags was a fundraiser, they did skits at CNO lunch to educate members about the concept. One of the skits was the Tom and Jerry show played by “Tom” Novak and “Jerry” Stahley. Others played American Historical characters. Charlie Tapp dressed up as Paul Revere. Benjamin Franklin was played by Chuck Dickerson. Ken Peacock played Johnny Appleseed which represented the need to “plant” the flags.

Subscribers Help Us Serve the Community

The Avenue of Flags is about the American Flag. The revenue helps support what CNO does for the youth of our community. Neighbors telling their neighbors about the Avenue of Flags is a large source of new subscribers. This was the only way it worked for the first few years. If you have neighbors that have not subscribed, let them know about the program and how it helps the community.

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

No guests this week.

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Don KellyA grandaughter just graduated from college.
Don KellyA grandaughter finished her first year at Miami University.
Carolyn TaylorGoing to be a a grandmother for the first time around August 23, 2021.  It’s a BOY!
Carolyn TaylorAfter a year of COVID-19 delay, her son (the dad-to-be) is starting graduate studies at the Wharton Business School, at the University of Pennsylvania, May 23, 2021.  A two year program, every other weekend.
David DuncombeHas been cleared by his doctor to drive for at least another 2 years. Ohio makes you get certified by a doctor after you turn 90.
Charlie GoodwinSon has earned his a MD and PhD and is completing his Internal Medicine Residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship and taking a job in Houghton, Michigan.

Sergeants at Arms

MemberInfraction
CNO Members who helped serve lunchHelping to deliver today’s lunch and putting Yankee Trace jobs at risk
Debe DockinsWinning bets on the Kentucky Derby
Patrick Arehart Wearing shorts on a chilly day

Membership Anniversaries

MemberMonthDayJoined# Years
Brendan CunninghamMay155/15/20183
Jay HoffmanMay155/15/20174
Wendy HattanMay155/15/20183
David LaddMay165/16/20129

Birthdays

MemberBirthday
Marge BackMay 11
Jessica KingMay 11
Abby DavisMay 11
Tim BemisMay 15
Kristina RainerMay 16
Carolyn TaylorMay 17
Jim LongMay 17

CNO Donations – 2013 through May 2021

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.

Links to PowerPoint and Pictures

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

The photos taken at Today’s Meeting are here.

CNOTES: May 4, 2021 – Tracy Huxley OI VP Presents “Choose Optimism, Choose Happiness”

Bob Burkman Prayer

Today’s prayer was originally written by Laura Kelley Fanucci. It was then modified by Bob Burkman to fit our meeting and he read it for today’s meeting.

Heavenly Father,

Here we are, Noon Optimists, live and digital for the first time in over a year. We have hope that this long nightmare is nearing an end.

When this is over, may we never again take for granted:

  • A handshake with a stranger
  • Full shelves at the store
  • Conversations with neighbors
  • A crowded theatre
  • Friday night out
  • A Tuesday Noon Optimist meeting
  • A routine checkup
  • The school rush each morning
  • Coffee with a friend
  • The roar of a crowd in a stadium
  • Each deep breath we take
  • A boring weekend
  • Life itself

When this pandemic ends, may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be, that you called us to be, that we hoped to be and may we stay that way for the benefit of each other. In your name we pray.

Amen

Special Announcement

Today was the first time the Centerville Noon Optimist Club has met in person in over a year!

Announcements

Mike Bevis, golf outing chair, said the committee is hard at work. They need “day of event” volunteers for lots of tasks on Monday, July 12, 2021. There are jobs for all times of the day including early morning, mid-day and at the end of the day.

Vida McDowell, golf outing, announced that many vendors have had a bad year so if you would like to donate a gift card it would be appreciated.

Debe Dockins announced that there will be an in-person CNO 2.0 evening meeting in June 2021.

Debe Dockins said to let her know if you would like to help decorate the 2021 CNO Americana float and/or if you would like to ride on the float with her and wave to the community.

Debe Dockins announced that the winners of the Visual Arts contests are being forwarded to Optimist International for the final level of the contest. You can view all the entries and the winners here.

Debe Dockins announced that the 3rd quarter Great Ohio District meeting will be in person on May 21-22, 2021. If you are going, register now to get early bird pricing.

Tom Novak, co-chair of Avenue of Flag, announced they have 200 new subscriptions and are up to 72 routes and 160 delivery helpers. So far, there will be 2708 flags delivered on Memorial Day. Contact Mike Brubaker, Bob Burkman or Tom Novak if you can volunteer to help deliver and/or pickup flags for any of the 5 flag holidays.

2021-2022 Officers and Board of Directors Nominations for CNO

Jean Pummill, CNO Secretary, took a vote today and Officers and Board Members have been elected. For Optimist Year 2021-2022 your Officers and Board Members are:

  • President Elect: Beth Duncan
  • Vice Presidents: Sarah Umbreit and Greg Wasmund
  • Board of Directors for 2-year terms: Diane Arehart, Brandon Barrett, Katie Calloway, Bob Glavin, Evelyn Griffin.
  • Board Members with 1 year left to serve: Patrick Arehart, Christine Balsan, Pat Behn, Jim Long, Brian Nolan
  • Gary Hansen is the president for 2021-2022 and has chosen Chris McAlpine as his past president representative. Debe Dockins will serve as the Immediate Past President.
  • The incoming president chooses the Treasurer and Secretary. Gary Hansen has selected Roland Rapp for Treasurer and Jean Pummill for Secretary. They are both currently serving in those positions.

Committee Meetings

  • 5/12/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, Zoom hosted by Mike Bevis. Meetings in 2021 will be on Wednesdays on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/16, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
  • 5/18/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom hosted by President Debe Dockins.

Community Events

Centerville/Washington Township’s Virtual Got Talent contest will soon finish the video of the finalists and CNO members will be able to vote. You will receive an email.

Social Events

Last Friday the social event, “Jammin’ in our Jammies” was held on Zoom. It was a great success. As reported by Debe Dockins, it was a LOT of fun.

Tracy Huxley, Optimist International Regional VP

Debe Dockins introduced Tracy Huxley, the Optimist International Vice President of the Northeast & Great Lakes Region. Tracy is also an OI Certified International Trainer.

Tracy has been a proud Optimist since 1996, with membership in both the Southwestern Ontario and the Caribbean Districts and is serving multiple roles at the club, district, and international levels. One thing that fills her bucket is the chance to work with Optimists from around the globe as a Certified International Trainer.

Tracy’s training style has been described as interactive, enthusiastic, and motivational.  She’s developed workshops on a wide range of topics not typically found at Optimist Conferences.

Tracy’s extended bio can be read here.

Presentation

Her presentation was titled, “Choose Optimism, Choose Happiness, They’re Choices.”

Current OI president Mark Weinsoff has asked OI members to figure out what makes Optimist clubs different than other services clubs. Optimist clubs are the only club that operate under the banner of Optimism. Optimism is a choice and having optimism creates happiness.

To be optimistic takes practice and intention. You need a lesson in self-awareness. When Tracy was 13 years old and having a bad day, her father told her that having a bad day was her choice. He said she had chosen to have a negative state of mind. No 13-year girl is going to believe this is a choice, but she remembered what he said.

Imagine a day starting with stubbing your toe as you get out of bed, you get toothpaste on your shirt, you spill coffee all over the counter and floor. Does this mean you have to have a bad day? No, it does not. Turn the situation around. Spilling the coffee means you can stop at the coffee shop and get that fancy coffee you love.

There is a part of your brain called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) that brings whatever you are focusing on to the forefront of your awareness. Your brain collects data about your experiences all day. What the RAS of your brain filters to keep is based on your focus. If you focus on positive ideas, then your brain will filter out the bad and keep the good. If you focus on negative ideas, then you are going to have a bad day.

Here is an example. Imagine you are on your way to work and you are late. On your drive if you focus on all the red lights you are hitting, then that is what your brain will filter and remember. You won’t remember all the green lights that you passed through and you probably hit the same number of red lights you always do.

Focus on the Positive

Tracy thinks the point of this quote is so important, she said it twice. From Michelle Gielen, “Practicing happiness starts with being conscious of how we devote our mental resources and continually train our brains to focus on the positive” Side note, Gielen is the keynote speaker in Atlanta at the OI International Conference in June 2021.

Conclusions

Happiness is a choice. It is your choice to choose to be happy and optimistic. It is easy to experience an “I am eating ice-cream right now” happiness. Long term happiness takes practice and training. Be self-aware and choose happiness.

We need goals in our lives. When you are confident the path you are on includes the purpose of finding joy on the way, you will then find happiness.

Focusing on the positive is the key. Focus on long term happiness in your life and keep moving forward. Remember the 7th line of the Optimist creed, “Promise yourself to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.” Sure, you will have some failures on the way, but they are just minor blips.

Examples of ways to Focus your Brain every Day

  • Write down 3 things you are grateful for.
  • Send an email to someone about doing a great job with something.
  • Get your brain to re-focus. The more you practice the better you get at it, which increases your chances of being truly happy.

Happiness Resources

  • Tracy said we should all try the 30-Day Kindness Challenge created by Shanti Feldhahn.
  • Shawn Achor’s TED talk is a great way to learn about the human potential for happiness. He describes how happiness is based on a positive outlook for the future. He is the author of “The Happiness Advantage.”

Thank You

Thank you, Tracy Huxley, for inspiring us today about choosing happiness and how great it is to be an Optimist.

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

Guest NameGuest of
Tracy HuxleyToday’s Speaker, Optimist International Vice President of the Northeast & Great Lakes Region

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Gary Anderson$10 happy bucks, to Debe Dockins and her board and leadership team for the great job running the club during the pandemic.
Vida McDowell$10 happy bucks, to Debe Dockins and her board and leadership team for the great job running the club during the pandemic.
Donna HussGreat grandson born with the middle name of Wrigley in honor of Chicago Cubs.
Brian NolanCasey Dixon being a brand new member and already has hosted a CNO 2.0 event and her husband’s truck will pull the CNO float during the Americana Parade.
Barbara SantoHer family is happy that her daughter just got engaged to be married.
Charla RheaumeMyron Rheaume was able to attend today’s meeting in person.
Louise HahnShe just became a Great, Great Grandmother and her treatments are going better than any of the doctors had hoped and she will be done soon.
Tom NovakSpecial thanks to these Avenue of Flags volunteers for spending about 11 hours at flag headquarters handing out tools for the annual flag checkup: Bob Burkman, Bob Foster, Carol Smerz, Dav Bremer, Jim Mogan, Judy McFadden, Marge Back, and Tom Novak.

Sergeants at Arms

MemberInfraction
Gary HansenAttending Zoom meetings with a beard and long hair.
Myron RheaumeAttending Zoom meetings while wearing a hospitcal gown.
Bob DuffyGot his name tag from the basement of Yankee Trace even thought we aren’t doing name tags because of the pandemic.
Karl FrydrykGot his name tag from the basement of Yankee Trace even thought we aren’t doing name tags because of the pandemic.
Greg GriffinBecause of the pandemic he never wore long pants all winter long.
Everyone who is a snowbirdIf you spent 2 weeks out of Ohio for 2 weeks in 2021 you are fined.
Everyone who is a snowbird in two statesIf you spent time in two warm states in 2021 without first going home you are fined again.
Gary AndersonAttending a Zoom meeting wihtout a shirt

Membership Anniversaries

MemberMonthDayJoined# Years
Craig DringMay75/7/199724
Dave KayMay85/8/199229
Paul BowellMay85/8/200021

Birthdays

MemberBirthday
Chris AbratowskiMay 4
Chris WysongMay 4
Melissa DeShurkoMay 4
Lou BrinkmanMay 6
Pam MillerMay 6
Mary MaddenMay 6
Tom HendersonMay 6
Beth DuncanMay 9
Jon FoxMay 10

CNO Donations – 2013 through March 2021

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.

Links to Recorded Meeting and PowerPoint

A Video Recording of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Podcast of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

The photos taken at Today’s Meeting are here.

CNOtes: April 27, 2021 – CHS Basketball Coach Brook Cupps

Erin Dickerson’s Prayer

Lord our God,

We miss 100% of the shots we do not take.  When we hear Your call to work together to formulate ways to assist others, help us to remember, that even though some of our shots may be air balls, we should continue to press on.  We never know when one of our ideas will be a slam dunk.

Amen.

Announcements

Tom Novak, Avenue of Flags chair, announced that in less than 30 days the first round of flags will be delivered for Memorial Day using 160 helpers. Next week, the flag checkup process will occur using 90 CNO volunteers. Please reach out to Tom if you can check the inground sleeves to make sure they are uncovered and straight. This process is very important to make the delivery day installations efficient for all but especially new delivery helpers, many of whom are not CNO members.

Mike Bevis, golf outing chair, said the committee is hard at work. They need “day of event” volunteers for lots of tasks on Monday, July 12, 2021. There are jobs for all times of the day including early morning, mid-day and at the end of the day.

Greg Fay, chair of CNO 2.0, announced that there will be an in-person CNO 2.0 meeting in June 2021.

Debe Dockins said to let her know if you would like to help decorate the 2021 CNO Americana float and/or if you would like to ride on the float with her and wave to the community.

Committee Meetings

  • 5/12/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, Zoom hosted by Mike Bevis. Meetings in 2021 will be on Wednesdays on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/16, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
  • 5/18/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom hosted by President Debe Dockins.

Brook Cupps, Head Coach of CHS Boys Basketball

Mike Bevis introduced Brook Cupps, the Head Coach of Boys Basketball at CHS and the 2021 Ohio Division I High School basketball tournament champions. Cupps is in his 9th year of coaching and teaching at CHS. He earned his undergrad degree from Capitol University and his masters from the University of Dayton.

Cupps’ personal statement of values he lives by and instills in his players is, “Tough, Passionate, Unified and Thankful.”

The coaches work on instilling core values in the team. Cupps has attended coaching clinics to learn how to be a better coach. He wants the players to leave with great values even when they do not win. One of the best compliments Cupps said he can receive is when someone can tell by watching his team play that they are following core values. Even when faced with losing, players keep it together, keep trying and keep overcoming. They play as a team and the players know the old Chinese proverb, “When you drink the water, don’t forget who helped you dig the well.”

This season CHS had a really special group of kids. Team members bought in to really doing their job. They talk about how the guys that score and get rebounds are no more important than the guys on the bench cheering. The player’s mentality was very important in obtaining wins this season. There were 5 seniors on the team and 3 of them did not get much court time. This is a hard sell to most kids. Those 3 worked hard and were the backbone of the team. There is a bible verse that reflects this team concept, 1 Corinthians 12:21, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’”

Cupps uses the quote from Rudyard Kipling, “The strength of the wolf is the pack, and the strength of the pack is the wolf.”

Since he started coaching Cupps said, “Each year the team has gotten a little bit better and the community has been very supportive.”

Leadership Philosophy

He teaches two types of leadership classes at the school. The classes are Foundational Leadership which is leading yourself and Transformation Leadership which is leading others. You need to learn how to lead yourself before you can lead others. Sometimes leaders receive too much credit. A great leader also needs followers who listen and care about what is going on and want to achieve common goals. He shares values with the team that are more important than basketball. He defines personal success as always doing your best and continually trying to improve. It is not about being the best, it is about trying the most you can and improving at the best of your ability.

Cupps Parents

His mother was a bus driver and his father was a teacher. His parents gave him his core values, including serving the community. His mother would quiz kids on their spelling words while waiting for kids to board her bus. The leader of a group needs to share and spread core values.

Thank You

Thank you, Brook Cupps, for discussing your coaching philosophy with CNO today. Congratulations to the team and you for being the Ohio Division I High School Basketball Champions for 2021.

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

Guest NameGuest of
Brook CuppsToday’s Speaker, CHS teacher and head boys basketball coach of the winning team of the Ohio Division I 2021 tournament.

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Tom NovakThanks to the Avenue of Flags renewal team of Mike Brubaker, Bob & Carol Burkman, Ken Irwin, Karen Sirmans, Evelyn Griffin, Dick Lee, and Diane Arehart
Tom NovakHis wife Paulette received a beautiful bouqet of flowers from the CNO Sunshine Committee today. She has had two recent surgeries.
Debe DockinsHer parents are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

Membership Anniversaries

MemberMonthDayJoined# Years
Charlie TappMay15/1/197843
Joe MaddenMay15/1/198239
Tim StullMay15/1/198734

Birthdays

MemberBirthday
Jeff BuschApril 29
Ray HussApril 29
Brandon BarrettApril 30
Lynne ReillyMay 1
Dawayne KirkmanMay 2

CNO Donations – 2013 through March 2021

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.

Sergeants at Arms

No Sergeants this week. Sergeants RETURN (in person) next week!

Zoom Meeting This Week

We had another meeting using Zoom. We will continue our weekly meetings via computer, cell phone or tablet for at least the next several weeks. Please join us and keep inviting guests.

Who can Attend Zoom Meetings?

Any member of any type of Centerville Noon Optimist can attend Zoom meetings. CNO 2.0, St Leonard’s and CNO full members or CNO monthly members can ALL attend.

Guests are also welcome. Please invite guests and introduce them if you like. Just share the Zoom link with them for that week.

COVID-19 UPDATE

In keeping with social distancing requirements – our CNO Meetings have transitioned temporarily to a online format using ZOOM.

Club Member Joe Madden was inspired to rewrite The Optimist Creed – so we give you now – The Corona Creed -with apologies to Christian D. Larson, Author of The Optimist Creed.

Links to Recorded Meeting and PowerPoint

A Video Recording of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Podcast of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

CNOtes: April 20, 2021 – Dean Jenny Darroch – Miami University

Erin Dickerson’s Prayer

Gracious and Holy Lord,

We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world.  When we see glimpses of things, we jump to conclusions, make judgments, and think we know the truth.  We want instant gratification, instant answers, and instant results.  We throw fits when we do not get our way or what we want.  Help us to have the patience and strength to seek Your truth, Your path, and most importantly, to trust in Your timing. 

Amen.

Visual Arts Contest

The 2021 winners have been selected. You can view all the entries and the winners here.

Deb Saunders and Jane Fiehrer, the chairs of the Visual Arts Contest, thanked all the judges. Additionally, they thanked Patrick Arehart for his work in the background for the webpage form to accept the entries and permission forms. They also thanked Diane Arehart for the social media boost that added many more participants in the contest.

Announcements

Barb Layne, the 2000-2001 Optimist International Ohio District Governor, announced that the President’s Club will be holding a golf outing on May 7, 2021 at Beavercreek Golf Club. They still have slots left for participation.

Debe Dockins announced that Matt and Casey Dixon have volunteered to pull the CNO Americana parade trailer with their truck.

Mike Bevis, golf outing chair, said the committee is hard at work getting donations. Half of the previous donors have signed up already. They need “day of event” volunteers for lots of tasks on Monday, July 12, 2021. There are jobs for all times of the day starting early morning, during the day and the end of the day.

Committee Meetings

  • 5/12/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, Zoom hosted by Mike Bevis. Meetings in 2021 will be on Wednesdays on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/16, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
  • 5/18/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom hosted by President Debe Dockins.

Social Events

4/30/2021 at 6:30 PM, “Jammin’ in our Jammies” on Zoom, a Name that Tune contest will be held. It will be 5 rounds of 6 challenges.

Jenny Darroch, Dean of Miami University’s Farmer School of Business

Mike Bevis introduced Jenny Darroch. In March of 2020, Darroch became the Dean, Professor of Marketing, and Mitchell P. Rales Chair in Business Leadership of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University. We are honored to welcome Jenny Darroch as our speaker today.

The Miami University business degree ranks #10 in ROI. The program is rated a top ten value for undergraduate business schools for 2021. In 2020, U.S. News and World Report ranked Miami in the top 10 in the Nation for Best Undergraduate Teaching.

Introducing Jenny Darroch

Before coming to Miami University, Jenny Darroch was the Dean of the Drucker School of Management at Claremont University in California. She received her Masters of Commerce degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand and she graduated from the University of Otago, New Zealand with a Ph.D. in marketing. She taught at New Zealand’s Massey University.

Her presentation is titled, “Welcome to the Farmer School of Business” – “The Farmer School of Business: where Beyond Ready Leaders Learn and Grow”

You can view her slide deck here.

Vision Statement

We will offer the best student curricular and co-curricular experiences in the nation for ambitious students who seek a meaningful career that will allow them to constantly learn, grow and make a positive impact in the world, both today and in the future.

Mission Statement

We are here to support our students’ success. We do this by engaging all of our stakeholders in an ecosystem that connects teaching, research and practice, and provides extraordinary experiences for all.

Results Drive Education, Miami’s Rankings

  • #4 Undergraduate Accounting Program (Public Accounting Report) among schools without doctoral programs
  • #1 Undergraduate Supply Chain Program (SCM Journal) among public universities without a PhD program
  • Top 10 Schools for Entrepreneurship Studies for 12 years in a row (The Princeton review) among public schools
  • Top 10 List for CEOs of Fortune 500 Companies (Money Magazine) and only school in top 10 with 2 female Fortune 500 CEOs to its credit
  • Top 20 Undergraduate Marketing Programs (US News and World Report)

Return on Investment

  • #10 Undergraduate Business Schools in the U.S. & the Top in Ohio (Poets and Quants)
  • #2 in Ohio for Salary Potential after Graduation (Payscale.com)
  • #2 in Ohio for Return on Tuition Investment (Payscale.com)
  • Named a “Best Buy” College (Princeton Review)

The First-Year Integrated Core Experience

Students are immersed into the business world as Freshmen. Students all take:

  • BUS 101: Foundations of Business
  • BUS 102: Foundations of Business Communications
  • ESP 103: Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking
  • BUS 104: Introduction to Computation Thinking for Business

These courses teach Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creative Thinking, Ethical Thinking, Communication, and Computational Thinking and Coding.

Hands-On Learning

  • Study Abroad, 65% of students participate in study abroad
  • Curricular and co-curricular Client Projects with major businesses
  • Student Organizations (41+ Business Organizations, Fraternities and Honor Societies)
  • Internships (89% of students complete at least one internship and 56% complete multiple)

Graduating Seniors Job Placement

Over 50% of graduates receive an average signing bonus of $5,543. There are Career Fairs and Networking events that help secure Jobs and Internships. See this article for more job placement data for the class of 2020.

Quick Facts About the Farmer School of Business (FSB)

  • For the last 3 years there have been 1200 students per year enrolled in FSB
  • There are 4500 total students in FSB
  • The average ACT score of FSB students is 28.8
  • There are 18,000 students at Miami University

Pandemic Related Information

  • Just under 50% of classes have some face to face teaching component. The 6-foot distancing rule has made it difficult for this percentage to be higher.
  • Half of the FSB faculty have gone back to school to learn how to be more effective at remote teaching.
  • The number and quality of guest speakers has been greatly improved because of virtual learning. The elimination of travel for guests makes the pool much larger.
  • A survey of graduating seniors in January 2021 showed that about half had jobs which normally would be two thirds by now.
  • Many internships for students are now remotely based.

Thank You

Thank you, Jenny Darroch, for informing CNO about the Miami University Farmer School of Business.

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

Guest NameGuest of
Jenny DarrochToday’s Speaker, Miami University Dean of The Farmer School of Business
Barb LayneFormer Optimist International Ohio District Governor
Benjamin ArehartPatrick Arehart

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Carolyn TaylorShe is going to be a grandmother around August 23, 2021.
Debe DockinsDeb Saunders, Jane Fiehrer and Patrick Arehart for their hard work with the Visual Arts contest.

Membership Anniversaries

MemberMonthDayJoined# Years
Mark PetreApril224/22/199625
Donna HussApril244/24/20129
Dr. Dan PassidomoApril254/25/200714
Mike WittApril264/26/199427

Birthdays

MemberBirthday
Sue ZammitApril 21
Mike BremApril 22
Dave KleinApril 22
Keith MeyerApril 23

CNO Donations – 2013 through March 2021

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.

Sergeants at Arms

No Sergeants this week.

Zoom Meeting This Week

We had another meeting using Zoom. We will continue our weekly meetings via computer, cell phone or tablet for at least the next several weeks. Please join us and keep inviting guests.

Who can Attend Zoom Meetings?

Any member of any type of Centerville Noon Optimist can attend Zoom meetings. CNO 2.0, St Leonard’s and CNO full members or CNO monthly members can ALL attend.

Guests are also welcome. Please invite guests and introduce them if you like. Just share the Zoom link with them for that week.

COVID-19 UPDATE

In keeping with social distancing requirements – our CNO Meetings have transitioned temporarily to a online format using ZOOM.

Club Member Joe Madden was inspired to rewrite The Optimist Creed – so we give you now – The Corona Creed -with apologies to Christian D. Larson, Author of The Optimist Creed.

Links to Recorded Meeting and PowerPoint

A Video Recording of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Podcast of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

CNOtes: April 13, 2021 – Steve Mays – Bike Centerville

Erin Dickerson’s Prayer

Hildegard of Bingen wrote, “Let us keep greenness in our souls so that creation can still unfold in us no matter what the season.  Keep the soil moist so growth can continue.”

Lord, help us to look at the world around us with the innocence and simplicity of children.  Guide us so we may remain creative and continue to grow in the ways you intended.  May we water the soil of those we encounter with words of encouragement, actions of support, and prayers of love and caring so they too may grow, and their creative spirits unfold.

Amen.

2021-2022 Officers and Board of Directors Nominations for CNO

Jean Pummill, CNO Secretary, reported that the nomination committee of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club, comprised of past presidents, the current president and incoming president have nominated the following members for the Optimist Year 2021-2022:

  • President Elect: Beth Duncan
  • Vice Presidents: Sarah Umbreit and Greg Wasmund
  • Board of Directors for 2-year terms: Diane Arehart, Brandon Barrett, Katie Calloway, Bob Glavin, Evelyn Griffin.
  • Board Members with 1 year left to serve: Patrick Arehart, Christine Balsan, Pat Behn, Jim Long, Brian Nolan
  • Gary Hansen is the president for 2021-2022 and has chosen Chris McAlpine as his past president representative. Debe Dockins will serve as the Immediate Past President.
  • The incoming president chooses the Treasurer and Secretary. Gary Hansen has selected Roland Rapp for Treasurer and Jean Pummill for Secretary. They are both currently serving in those positions.

We will hear from each of the nominated board members and officers over the next 3 or 4 weeks.

Announcements

Debe Dockins announced that CNO will have a float in the parade. Debe is looking for a full-sized truck to pull the trailer in the parade. Mike Cordonnier’s students will be getting the trailer ready for the parade.

Debe Dockins announced that CNO is on track to resume in person lunches on 5/4/2021. Signups will begin on April 28, 2021.

Debe Dockins announced that the Bike Rodeo for 2021 has been cancelled. It will return in 2022.

Committee Meetings

  • 5/12/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, Zoom hosted by Mike Bevis. Meetings in 2021 will be on Wednesdays on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/16, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
  • 5/18/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom hosted by President Debe Dockins.

Community Events

Beth Duncan, chair of Centerville/Washington Township’s Virtual Got Talent contest, said you can send potential contestants to https://centervillenoonoptimist.com/cwt/ for an application and details about the competition. Applications to participate are due by 4/22/2021. Videos must be submitted by 4/29/2021. The contest will be for kids ages 4-19 that live or go to school in Centerville or Washington Township and will be participating in the event via videos they create of their talent.

Social Events

4/30/2021 at 6:30 PM, “Jammin’ in our Jammies” on Zoom, a Name that Tune contest will be held. It will be 5 rounds of 6 challenges.

Steve Mays, Bike Centerville

Mike Bevis introduced Steve Mays, the president of Bike Centerville, a chapter of Bike Miami Valley.  Bike Centerville was started in 2012. Other local chapters include Cycle Kettering, Bike Springfield, Bike Piqua, and Bike Yellow Springs.

Introducing Steve Mays

  • Lived in the Washington Township/Centerville area since 1992
  • He is Vice President and GM at Reynolds Machinery
  • 31 years on the job
  • Started with Delphi
  • Graduate of Purdue – Mechanical Engineering
  • Avid cyclist – rode over 30 miles last Saturday, which was a yucky day outside

You can view the slide deck here.

Bike Centerville’s Community Rides schedule is posted on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bikecenterville/.

Mission

Create a bicycle friendly community.

Bike Centerville is optimistic that they can make our community safer for bikers

Teach your child about the love of bicycles and they will never have money for drugs.

Bike Centerville knows that not every road can have a bike lane, but they help community planners remember about bike lanes when they are creating or rebuilding roads.

Steve said that bike paths improve the value of homes and that younger generations like living in communities where they can get to things easily without a car.

Successes

  • Established Bike Route 12; 12 is an even number which means it runs East – West. The number 12 keeps it away from numbers used by Kettering Bike Routes.
  • They have helped add local bike parking racks.
  • They have group rides that are 10-15 miles. These rides give safety tips and teach members where the safe routes are.
  • Near I-675, Centerville has decided to make it a little bit easier for bikers. There is a connector to Iron Horse Park and Bigger Road via Hewitt Avenue (see slide deck).

Wish List

  • Add 2 more North-South Bike Routes to Centerville/Washington Township (see slide deck).
  • Connect Centerville routes to routes in Miamisburg, Kettering and Bellbrook.
  • Strategically add more bike parking around the community.
  • Add signage along Bike Route 12 to indicate interest areas such as parks, libraries and historic districts.
  • Get Yankee Trace Golf club to have special “Bike the Cart Path” events to enjoy a 6-mile ride when the paths are closed to golf carts for a few hours.
  • Continuation of the Iron Horse bike trail under or over I-675. He admits that this will be very expensive and not likely to happen.

Bike the Boro

Once a year in Springboro there is a Bike the Boro event. It encourages people to socialize and learn about safety and biking opportunities.

See https://www.cityofspringboro.com/387/Upcoming-Events for details. The 8th Annual Bike the Boro will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021.

Buying a Bicycle

When purchasing a bicycle, Steve suggests using local bike shops. A local bike shop will have higher quality bicycles. Large retailers have bicycles as well, but from his experience, the assembly quality of a department store bike can be “suspect”.  He has seen department store bikes with cross-threaded pedals, loose crank arms and brake levers assembled backwards, even though the quality of each component is good. The local bike shop will fix anything that could go wrong on their bikes, whereas a department store will simply let you return the bike.

Another way to look at it is, if you buy a screwdriver at the grocery, that tool might suffice to use occasionally. If you want a screwdriver to use every day, then you should probably spend a little more money and buy a name brand tool from a hardware store.

There currently is a shortage of quality bicycles. Approximately 90% of bikes come from China so bikes are in short supply. If you order a custom or high-end bike it could take more than 6 months.

Getting Started

If you have not ridden a bicycle for a while Steve suggested that most neighborhoods are a good place to start. The Great Miami trail, Little Miami trail and Creekside trail in Beavercreek are good options as well.

A novice should get a bicycle with a lower number of gears. You do not really need 21 gears. Biking around your neighborhood you are fine with as few as 3 gears. He does recommend getting a bike with at least some gears or even shallow hills will be difficult.

Thank You Steve Mays

Thank you, Steve Mays, for joining us to educate CNO on Bike Centerville. Steve said to feel free to reach out to him if you have any questions about bike riding at stevebikecenterville@gmail.com

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

Guest NameGuest of
Steve MaysToday’s Speaker from Bike Centerville

Happy Bucks

MemberReason
Brian NolanSeveral dignitaries will be at the CNO 2.0 event on 4/15/2021, including Ohio District Governor Jennifer Kendo, OI VP Candidate Tom Kendo, previous Ohio District Governor Myron Rheaume, current CNO President Debe Dockins, former CNO president, current Lt. Governor, and Governor elect Greg Griffin, and CNO president elect Gary Hansen.
Tom NovakAvenue of Flags beginning of year renewal process is wrapping up. Thank you to the 70 members that are contacting flag subscribers that have not yet renewed.
Debe DockinsHappy to see Steve Mays, who was today’s speaker.
Gary HansenHe opened his Michigan lakehouse for the season.

Membership Anniversaries

MemberMonthDayJoined# Years
Blanca CrinerApril164/16/20147
Andrew CainApril194/19/20183
Cheryl ProbstApril194/19/20183
Stan FronzagliaApril194/19/199922
Vida McDowellApril194/19/199922

Birthdays

MemberBirthday
Rick TaldaApril 13
Emily DukeApril 14
Anne KesslerApril 15
Carol BurkmanApril 16
Ellie ParkerApril 16
Denise O’NeilApril 18

CNO Donations – 2013 through January 2021

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.

Sergeants at Arms

No Sergeants this week.

Zoom Meeting This Week

We had another meeting using Zoom. We will continue our weekly meetings via computer, cell phone or tablet for at least the next several weeks. Please join us and keep inviting guests.

Who can Attend Zoom Meetings?

Any member of any type of Centerville Noon Optimist can attend Zoom meetings. CNO 2.0, St Leonard’s and CNO full members or CNO monthly members can ALL attend.

Guests are also welcome. Please invite guests and introduce them if you like. Just share the Zoom link with them for that week.

COVID-19 UPDATE

In keeping with social distancing requirements – our CNO Meetings have transitioned temporarily to a online format using ZOOM.

Club Member Joe Madden was inspired to rewrite The Optimist Creed – so we give you now – The Corona Creed -with apologies to Christian D. Larson, Author of The Optimist Creed.

Links to Recorded Meeting and PowerPoint

A Video Recording of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Podcast of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here