CNOtes are blog articles about weekly Tuesday noon lunch meetings and monthly CNO 2.0 evening meetings.
Al Bailey, President of Honor Flight Dayton, shared how the program has grown from small volunteer flights to large charter and military transport missions that have taken more than 12,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. He explained the lasting impact these trips have on World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veterans and how Honor Flight continues to honor those who served.
Honor Flight Dayton Read More »
Melissa Riley Patsiavos, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development at Dayton International Airport, shared how DAY is expanding flights, attracting new airlines, and driving $5 billion in regional economic growth. She highlighted the airport’s convenience, major projects like Joby Aviation’s EVOLT facility, and how flying local helps secure future routes.
Dayton International Airport Growing with New Routes and $5 Billion in Development Read More »
College Football Hall of Famer Keith Byars returned to his hometown roots to share how family and focus shaped his journey from Roth High School to Ohio State and the NFL. With humor and heart, he spoke about setting goals, giving 100 percent, and the importance of teamwork in both sports and community life.
From Dayton to the NFL: Keith Byars on Goals, Grit, and Giving Back Read More »
Patrick J. Nugent, President and CEO of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, explained how Dayton is the only city in the nation where ballet, opera, and orchestra are united under one organization. He shared how the Alliance inspires people of all ages to connect with the arts through performances, education, and community programs that reach more than 65,000 students each year.
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Read More »
Jeff Mogg, co-president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace of Montgomery County, shared how volunteers are helping children who have no beds of their own. Since launching in 2023, the group has built and delivered more than 2,000 fully furnished beds for local families, each complete with a new mattress, bedding, and pillow. Their mission is simple: No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace – No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town Read More »
Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Vincent Receives the 2025 Robert J. O’Toole EMT/Firefighter of the Year Award
President Sarah Umbreit thanked everyone who made the Installation and Awards Banquet a fun, memorable evening filled with laughter, Disney touches, and club traditions.
Installation Dinner Recap and Thank-Yous Read More »
Sarah Umbreit was welcomed as the 58th President of CNO. New Board members and Vice Presidents were installed this evening. Optimist of the Year was announced as well as Rookie of the Year. It was a wonderful night to celebrate the past year and look forward to the upcoming 2025-2026 Optimist year.
2025-26 Officer Installation and Awards Presentation Banquet Read More »
Tom Routsong of the Montgomery County Board of Elections gave an inside look at what it takes to run secure and fair elections, covering everything from staffing and security to ballot mistakes and Election Day operations.
Election Process with Tom Routsong Read More »
Andy Higgins spoke about The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, highlighting the sharp rise in youth anxiety, depression, and self-harm since 2010. Plans are underway for a community read and formation of book clubs that will lead into a Mental Health Summit at Epiphany Lutheran church in February 2026.
The Anxious Generation Community Read Read More »
