Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
This week, Erin Dickerson shared a reading from The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie, specifically blessing #7, “For feeling like your work matters.”
One line that stood out:
“God, what is your call on my life? I am listening.”
The reading reminded us that our worth isn’t defined by job titles, paychecks, or packed schedules. Whether we’re actively working, searching for our purpose, or have stepped away from a career due to retirement, a diagnosis, or life changes — our value endures.
It was a beautiful reminder that even in transition, our lives still hold deep purpose. The call to serve, to love others, and to find meaning in our daily actions doesn’t end with a job. And when that work feels hard or unnoticed, it’s okay to ask for strength — because we’re only human.
If you’d like to read the full blessing, it appears in The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie (Convergent Books, 2023).
Announcements
33rd Annual Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic
Steve Rau asked for your help finding additional sponsors for the golf fundraiser. There is room for one more foursome to play. Additionally, he is coordinating volunteers for the day of the event, July 14, 2025. Val Huff and Vida McDowell are collecting items for the silent auction gift baskets. Gift cards and creative donations are welcome. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Volunteers Needed for the Americana Booth
Andy Higgins announced that they could use one more volunteer to help with the tear down of the Optimist booth at the Americana festival. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Hannah’s Treasure Chest
Paul Boeckman announced that he went to the reception at Hannah’s Treasure Chest. Their facility is amazing. CNO recently helped them purchase 250,000 diapers and thankfully their Miamisburg facility has the space to store them.
Youth Recognition Night Kudos
Gary Anderson thanked all the CNO members who had a hand in last Thursday evening’s Student Recognition Night. From Debe Dockins who did an outstanding job as emcee to those who created and ran the slide program (Katie Calloway, Greg Griffin, et al), and those many mentors to scholarship winners, and chairs of the various committees, kudos to all!
Bringing Out the Best in Kids Award
President Paul Boeckman introduced this year’s awards emcee, CNO member Gary Anderson, a retired teacher and principal from the Centerville School District.
Opening Remarks from Gary Anderson
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” —Mark Twain
Gary said, “What is the connection between this quote and our program today? Listen carefully to the introductions of this year’s recipients, and I think the connection will become crystal clear.”
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” —Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President
Gary reminded us of the importance of education in a free society and shared a short history of education in our local community.
In her book A Great Place to Learn, author Pamela Ferris-Olson wrote,
“The Continental Congress enacted the Land Ordinance of 1785, a plan for surveying and then dividing the Northwest Territory (which would eventually become Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota) into rectilinear units consisting of townships. A township was 36 square miles, and this ordinance encouraged public education by setting aside one section to be used by each township to raise revenue, to build a school and hire a teacher.”
The first log cabin one-room schoolhouse in our community was built around 1799. The boundaries of Washington Township were established in 1803 and those of Centerville in 1805. From those early beginnings, our public education system has grown into what we know today:
- Two primary schools for children in pre-K through grade 1
- Six elementary schools for grades 2–5
- Three middle schools for grades 6–8
- One high school for grades 9–12
- An alternative high school, The School of Possibilities, located in the former library on Virginia Avenue
This legacy of commitment to education is what the Bringing Out the Best in Kids Award continues to celebrate.
About the Bringing Out the Best in Kids Award
Originally established in 2003 as the Achievement in Education Award, the honor was renamed to reflect Margaret Barclay’s theme during her 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.
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 in, 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 introduced: Sarah Jacobs (honoree); Andrew Jacobs; Luke Jacobs; Reagan Jacobs; Brenda Barr; Marion Delatore (honoree); Jill Delatore; Superintendent Jon Wesney (also a Centerville Noon Optimist); CCS Community Relations Specialist Katie Kenney; CHS Career Tech Principal Craig Suttman; PVN Principal Mindy Cline; Gary Smiga (also a Centerville Noon Optimist); Frank DePalma (also a Centerville Noon Optimist).
Mindy Cline Presents Honoree Sarah Jacobs
The following remarks are from Mindy Cline:
It is my pleasure to introduce Sarah Jacobs, a dedicated first grade teacher at Primary Village North. Sarah has been shaping young minds in Centerville for 23 years—spending 5 years at Normandy Elementary and the past 18 years at PVN.
Visiting Sarah’s classroom is always a joy. Whether her students are captivated by a lively read-aloud, writing their very first books, or observing chicks hatch after 21 days of careful watch, the love of learning is written all over their faces.
About a decade ago, our school began working more closely with students facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. When I asked Sarah to work with these students, she embraced the opportunity without hesitation—and has continued to do so every year since. She has welcomed these children, their families, and the specialists who support them with open arms and an open heart.
One parent shared, “Our son has benefited greatly from Mrs. Jacobs’ dedication to creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment. The opportunities she has provided for him to collaborate with peers and develop essential social skills have been invaluable.”
At PVN, we affectionately refer to Sarah as “the child whisperer.” She builds deep, trusting relationships with students who may arrive with some of the most challenging behaviors. Sarah believes in them—unwaveringly—until they believe in themselves. I’ve personally witnessed students who struggled in previous environments thrive under her guidance, making remarkable academic and social strides in a general education setting with special education support.
Beyond her classroom, Sarah’s influence continues to grow. She mentors high school students, student teachers, and educators new to our district. She inspires those around her to think more deeply, reach more courageously, and believe more fiercely in the power of our work as educators.
Sarah Jacobs truly embodies what it means to “Bring out the Best in Children.” She is a shining example of excellence in teaching and learning—and an ideal person to help honor and promote that excellence in others.
Congratulations, Sarah!
Sarah Jacobs
The following remarks are from honoree Sarah Jacobs:
I am deeply grateful and honored to be recognized with the “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” award from the Centerville Noon Optimists. I’d like to thank the Noon Optimists for this recognition and for what they do for our community throughout the year. This group dedicates their time and resources to improve the quality of life for the youth in Centerville. Now, more than ever, we need a strong community, and we are blessed to have support from organizations like the Noon Optimists to keep Centerville a great place to work and live.
In my 23 years of teaching in Centerville, I have seen many changes with student learning, parenting, technology, and communication. Some of these changes are good, but some of them are challenging. Teachers are faced with more students with behavioral and mental health needs. Parents often need more support and resources to help them raise their children. It has been proven that students are more likely to achieve and be successful when they feel they are supported by family and community. A strong sense of community is necessary in schools and classrooms. In my role as a teacher, I strive to create a sense of community that not only helps them as students but as future leaders in our communities.
I teach first grade and often six- and seven-year-old students do not have an understanding of community. I believe it is important to start building classroom community on day one. We start building classroom community by getting to know each other and playing games to make connections to one another. Every day, we start our day in a sharing circle where students learn to respect each other’s differences and to problem solve together. We learn that not everyone needs the same things to be able to learn and be successful and that is okay! Our district leaders see the value in social-emotional learning and have provided teachers with resources to help teach these skills every day. Thank you to the Centerville City Schools administration for providing continuous support and professional development to teachers!
As I lead my class on a tour around our school, Primary Village North, we meet other people in our school community including other teachers, office staff, the counselor and principal. We learn that the school community is like our home away from home and that it is full of people that care for us! I’d like to thank my principal, Mindy Cline, for her leadership in making PVN such an amazing school community…both for the students and the teachers!
Throughout the year, my students have opportunities to meet and learn from members of the Centerville community. We invite Scott Henry, from the Washington Township Fire Department, to talk to us about fire safety. My students get to meet and learn from Officer Candace Gorby, from the Centerville Police Department. We have been fortunate to be able to take field trips over the years to learn about farms, nature, and the impact of recycling on the community. Often, I invite parents into the classroom to teach us about their culture and celebrations, such as Chinese New Year. Thanks to the Noon Optimists, many of our students are involved in Safetyville Square and get to interact with a mini community as they learn about safety in a fun and interactive way!
A strong sense of community helps students feel like they belong and they are accepted. This helps to build relationships, both in and out of the classroom. Research shows that when children feel that they belong, it is linked to improved mental health outcomes and can reduce anxiety and depression. Being a part of the community helps my students understand different cultures, a variety of perspectives, and helps them understand the world around them. Thank you again, for this recognition and for being an integral part of our community to keep Centerville strong! I am proud to be a part of the Centerville community!
Craig Suttman Presents Honoree Marion Delatore
The following remarks are from Craig Suttman:
It’s my honor to be here today to introduce Marion Delatore. He is retiring after finishing his 38th year in education. Wow. That’s amazing.
I think that is really kind of a true attribute of Marion—that he loves his job so much, and working with kids, and being a part of Centerville High School.
He started at Twin Valley South in 1987, and they immediately made him the head football coach. Then he went on to Bellbrook as a counselor. And then we were lucky enough to have him join Centerville High School in 1997 in the South Unit. He was in the South Unit for 20 years, and he moved over to my office. It’s been a great eight years.
I’m sad to see him retire. I know he’s very deserving and has some great plans ahead of him and his wife, so I’m happy for them.
What makes Marion special is today there was a kid who came into our building looking for ‘Marion Delatore.’ He’s just a great guy. Kids love him. They trust him. He connects with them, and they remember him.
He has students who just graduated, whose parents Marion also had as students years ago, and they remember him and want to know how he’s doing.
What an honor to have people remember you and the impact you had on their lives, not only in high school, but after high school.
Marion is one of the most patient guys I’ve ever met and is willing to do anything for kids. When they come to him at the 11th hour needing a recommendation for college, he is willing to do it—no questions asked.
We’re filling his position at Centerville High School, but we are not replacing Marion Delatore, that’s for sure.
Marion Delatore
The following remarks are from honoree Marion Delatore:
Thank you, Craig, for those kind words. I really didn’t have a speech prepared for today. I’m very humbled and honored to receive this award.
I would like to thank everybody in the Noon Optimist Club. I have worked with this club for several years, specifically with the Skilled Trade Scholarships—that committee and those students—and also, of course, with Will Cale, a dear man. Everybody remembers Will from the Will Cale Scholarship.
I’ve always respected the work this group does for the community. I want to thank my wife, Jill.
I saw Frank DePalma earlier, and I still remember 28 years ago when I was hired. We were sitting at Benham’s Grove doing the New Teacher Academy, and Frank kept saying something about the ‘Centerville Way.’ That there’s something different about Centerville City Schools, and it’s 100% true.
Other than my marriage and the birth of my children, one of the best things that’s ever happened to me was getting hired by Centerville City Schools—and Mr. DePalma and his staff.
There is truly something special about Centerville and Centerville City Schools—and I think you all can take pride in that as well. So, thank you, everybody. I really appreciate this.
Final Remarks from Gary Anderson
“Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” —Thomas Jefferson
I know some of us are concerned about the “well informed” part of that quote as we live in a world of instant news; artificial intelligence that creates false scenarios; and a culture that promotes constant pressure to be entertained rather than educated. Our children deserve better!
“It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others – and less trouble.” —Mark Twain
Sarah and Marion are the epitome of the hundreds of educators right here in Centerville-Washington Township who plan, teach, counsel, motivate, and encourage students every day in our community.
They are a blessing to us and our children.
Thank you, Sarah and Marion, for teaching our kids!
About the Plaque Sarah Jacobs and Marion Delatore Received
The permanent plaques are on display in the front foyer at the Centerville City Schools Central Office on Virginia Avenue.
The plaque Sarah Jacobs and Marion Delatore received reads:
Presented to, <Honoree’s Name>
“Bringing out the Best in Kids”
In recognition of your dedication to the youth in our community
Awarded by Centerville Noon Optimist Club, June 17, 2025.
Complete List of the Bringing out the Best in Kids Award Recipients
There have been 25 recipients, including public and private school administrators, principals, and teachers from elementary, middle, and high school.
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
President Paul’s Quote of the Week
“The difference between impossible and possible lies in a person’s determination.” – Tommy LaSorda
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Andrew Jacobs | Program |
| Brenda Barr | Program |
| Craig Suttman | Program |
| Jill Delatore | Program |
| Jim Daulton | Mike Bevis |
| Katie Kenney | Program |
| Luke Jacobs | Program |
| Marion Delatore | Program |
| Michael Horton | Guest |
| Mindy Cline | Program |
| Reagan Jacobs | Program |
| Sarah Jacobs | Program |
| Sarah Mraz | Christy Gariety |
| Yvonne Vermillion | Andy Higgins |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Michael Horton | Teresa NIchols | Induction |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Ron Tinnerman | Thank you for the CNO onesie for the new grandchild. |
| Ron Tinnerman | To all educators, never underestimate the positive impact you have as an educator. |
| Myron Rheaume | His grandson, Liam Hatton, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Holy Cross at Notre Dame with a 3.98 GPA. He was first in the School of Business, earning his BA in Finance, and was inducted into the National Collegiate Honor Society — all in just three years! Liam just began his Master of Science in Financial Business Analytics at the University of Notre Dame, the only university in the country offering this program, which draws top scholars from places like Harvard and Princeton. |
| Bob Lawson | Thanks to everyone who helped with the Fishing Derby and Castle Fishing Day. Now that those are over he can go relax and fish for himself. |
| Jane Fiehrer | Ron Tinnerman was originally sitting at her table, then he ditched them to sit with the guests of honor. |
| Michael Horton | He appreciated being officially inducted into CNO today. |
| Tom Novak | Happy for all the great work all of the Avenue of Flags volunteers have been and will be doing all year, thank you. |
| Debbie Moore | Mindy Cline’s speech was excellent. |
| Kathy Linder | She is finally walking after being confined to a walker or a knee scooter for five months and one week. |
| Scott Langer | Mindy Cline will hopefully join CNO when she retires. |
| Gary Smiga | Mindy Cline is the Grand Marshall for the 2025 Americana Parade. |
| Paul Boeckman | Who would have thought that the Continental Congress would be quoted at a CNO meeting. |
Sergeants at Arms – Guest Sergeants – Chris McAlpine and Larry England
| Member | Infraction |
| Frank DePalma | Frank has been a member since 1979. He was fined for extended absence from meetings. He voluntarily paid $10 for being absent he said for about ten years. |
| Gail Aiken, Stephanie Llacuna, Tim Clemmer, Judy McFadden, Steve Linder, Carol Smerz, Susan Vass | Wearing extreme summer fashion. |
| Gary Anderson | Frank has been a member since 1979. He was fined for extended absence from meetings. He voluntarily paid $10 for being absent he said for about ten years. |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Sam Pfabe | June 17, 2015 | 10 |
| Kathy Linder | June 19, 2019 | 6 |
| Michelle Tagliamonte | June 19, 2019 | 6 |
| Denise Green | June 19, 2013 | 12 |
| Wes Cleaves | June 22, 1993 | 32 |
| Chastity Richburg | June 23, 2023 | 2 |
| Phil Speelman | June 23, 2023 | 2 |
| Matt Goeke | June 23, 2023 | 2 |
| Nancy Henson | June 23, 2023 | 2 |
Birthdays
| Ron Kuker | June 19 |
| Teresa Nichols | June 19 |
| Deb Ulrich | June 22 |
| Gary DeMarco | June 23 |
| Dick Lee | June 23 |
| Carrie Million | June 23 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013
Thank You Notes Received this Week
No Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting