Erin Dickerson’s Prayer for Gary Hansen
Lord,
We come to you today with heavy hearts as we mourn the loss of our dear friend, Gary. As we allow ourselves to feel sorrow, may we also feel gratitude. Gratitude for the light Gary imparted onto each of us through his compassion, humor, love, and generosity.
Marcus Aurelius is credited with saying, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
Help us honor Gary’s memory by noticing the multitude of blessings surrounding us. Let us give thanks not only for momentous events in our lives but let us also express our gratitude for the simple blessings in each and every day.
Amen.
Announcements
Build-a-Bear Volunteer Opportunity – April 16
Debbie Moore announced the Build-a-Bear event organized by the Child Health and Wellness Committee. This event will serve both adults and children, all victims of domestic violence. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the YWCA. They need more volunteers, especially those with sewing skills
Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Centerville City Schools Update from Superintendent Jon Wesney
Maha Kashani introduced Jon Wesney, Superintendent of Centerville City Schools. Wesney has more than 30 years of experience in education and has spent most of his career serving our local community. He began at Centerville as an Industrial Tech teacher and has since held multiple leadership roles, including Career Tech Principal, Director of Business Operations, and now Superintendent.
Wesney shared updates on the district’s progress, current challenges, and plans for the future. His presentation focused on the district’s strategic plan, finances, facilities, and community engagement.
Mission of Centerville City Schools
Empower, challenge, and support every learner to grow every day.
Vision of Centerville City Schools
Centerville City Schools creates a collaborative learning environment that responds to the needs of each learner, fosters growth, and prepares individuals to be responsible, community-minded members of society.
Financial Management
Wesney noted the district’s careful approach to budgeting. Since 2019, Centerville has cut 65 full-time positions, including 48 this year alone, saving $3.5 million. The student-to-administrator ratio remains among the highest in the state, and the district’s carryover balance is well below the Montgomery County and statewide averages.
At the state level, the school funding formula remains uncertain. The House has proposed capping district reserves at 25% of the annual budget, a move that could impact Centerville’s long-term planning. On the federal level, Centerville receives $3.3 million in funding that supports 42 staff positions for Title I and special education programs. Any reduction or elimination in federal support could significantly affect operations.
Aging Facilities
Wesney emphasized the need for long-term planning regarding the district’s aging buildings. The average school building in the district is 60 years old. Cline Elementary, built in 1955, and Normandy Elementary, built in 1964, both require major renovations and optional upgrades. The community will need to weigh in on future facility needs, which could take five years or more to implement.
Elks Connect and Community Engagement
To improve communication, the district has hosted 10 community forums and over 50 events since July, 2024. The “Elks Connect” initiative gives residents the chance to tour buildings, hear presentations, and participate in Q&A sessions. The next event will be held at Watts Middle School on April 23, 2025, at 6:30 PM, with a focus on college and career readiness.
Academic Highlights
Centerville City Schools continue to earn top honors:
- #1 ranked district in the Dayton area (Niche.com)
- 5-star rating on the 2024 State Report Card
- CHS ranked in the top 10% of U.S. public high schools (U.S. News)
- 98% graduation rate
- Students are two years ahead of the national average in math (grades 3–8)
- AP course enrollment has increased 28% over the past five years
- Named among the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation
Wesney also discussed career education, including new technology and manufacturing labs at CHS and partnerships with local programs to support student job readiness.
Slides
The slide deck has more information than is listed in this article.
You can view the slide deck of the presentation here.
Thank You
Thank you, Jon Wesney, for your continued leadership and for sharing the current status and future vision of Centerville City Schools.
Election Process for 2025–2026 Leadership Team Begins
The Centerville Noon Optimist Club has officially kicked off the election process for its 2025–2026 leadership team. At our April 8 meeting, Jean Pummill presented the first of three scheduled readings of the slate of nominees selected by this year’s Nomination Committee.
The Nomination Committee consists of 30 past presidents, the current president, and President-Elect Sarah Umbreit. Together, they collaborated to identify candidates who will continue the club’s mission of making a positive impact on youth in our community.
Nominees for 2025–2026
President-Elect:
- Greg Wasmund
Vice Presidents:
- Jane Fiehrer
- Andy Higgins
Board of Directors (Two-Year Term):
- Cameron Langer
- Stephanie Llacuna
- Kristin Passidomo
- Sam Pfabe
- Don Stafford
Additional Leadership Notes
The following current board members will be finishing their second term:
- Greg Hoffbauer
- Erin Laurito
- Bob Myers
- Paul Stull
- Liz Fultz has been selected to complete the remaining term of Andy Higgins since he will be vice-president.
Greg Griffin will serve as the Past President Representative, and Paul Boeckman will become the Immediate Past President. The incoming President appoints the Treasurer and Secretary:
- Treasurer: Roland Rapp
- Secretary: Jean Pummill
Greg Wasmund – President-Elect
Greg shared how honored and humbled he was to be nominated as the next President-Elect. Since joining the club in 2007, he has been a familiar face at many events, serving on and leading various committees, including the Avenue of Flags and TOP Soccer. He’s currently co-chair of the Americana Committee. Greg thanked Scott Langer for introducing him to the club and reflected on the joy and fulfillment he finds in being part of an organization that does so much good for the community. A proud Centerville High School graduate, Greg emphasized how deeply connected he feels to the club and its mission.
Jane Fiehrer – Vice President
Jane, a 27-year-member of the club, reflected on the many ways the Optimist Club has shaped both her professional and personal life. Originally invited by her neighbor Mike Wall, she joked that she quickly learned that mentioning your business in a meeting came with a $1 fine. Jane shared touching stories about connections made through the club, including her close friendship with Gary Hansen, and how her own children benefited from the club’s youth programs. She’s served in a wide range of roles—everything from tree lot duty to Oratorical Contests to the Visual Arts Contest. Her love for the club and commitment to its youth-focused mission was evident throughout her remarks.
Stephanie Llacuna – Board of Directors
Stephanie has been a member since early 2023, but her connection to Centerville runs deep. A CHS graduate and former fundraiser for Dayton Children’s Hospital, she has seen firsthand how the Optimist Club supports youth in our community. Now with the Therapeutic Riding Institute (TRI), she’s thankful for the club’s continued support—25% of TRI’s students come from Centerville-Washington Township. Stephanie currently serves on the Youth and Mental Health Committee and the Membership Committee. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back and looks forward to deepening her involvement with the club.
President Paul’s Quote of the Week
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Helen Keller
Volunteer and Social Event Signups Available Online with the Virtual Clipboard
Did you know you can now sign up to volunteer or participate in social events using a simple online registration form from your phone or PC? The Member Calendar has a complete list of upcoming volunteer opportunities and social events.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Vivette Bowling | Patrick Arehart |
| Olga Simon | Ron Thompson |
| April Hale | Maha Kashani |
| Laura Sauber | Program |
| Louann Geel | Julie Noeth |
| Teresa Nichols | Jane Fiehrer |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Vivette Bowling | Patrick Arehart | 1st Reading |
| Donna Kastner | Mike Bevis | 1st Reading |
| Olga Simon | Ron Thompson | 2nd Reading |
| Teresa Nichols | Jane Fiehrer | 2nd Reading |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Joan Cordonnier | $40, She is happy about her 40-year-old daughter-in-law, who had a large tumor removed from her spine. She can now feel her legs again, the surgeon believes it’s not cancerous, and they are overjoyed. |
Sergeants at Arms – Steve Rau and Don Stafford
No time for Sergeants this week.
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Spencer Miller | April 10, 2024 | 1 |
| Ron Tinnerman | April 11, 2005 | 20 |
| Judy Johnson | April 11, 2022 | 3 |
| Byron Wade | April 13, 2024 | 1 |
Birthdays
| Bradley Millward | April 8 |
| Erin Belangia-Sanchez | April 9 |
| Steve Kohls | April 12 |
| Rick Talda | April 13 |
| Emily Duke | April 14 |
| Jessica Wagner | April 14 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
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
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting