Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Today’s prayer is a combination of Irish blessings and prayers in honor of St. Patrick’s Day
May God give you…for every storm, a rainbow; for every tear, a smile; for every care, a promise; and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share. For every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer to a prayer. May the dreams you hold dearest be those which come true and the kindness you spread keep returning to you. May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the salvation, O Lord, be always ours, this day and forevermore, Amen.
Announcements
To save time today, no announcements were made.
Special Guests from the Great Ohio District
Sarah Umbreit introduced two special guests visiting in honor of the club’s 58th anniversary: Debbie Walsh, Governor of the Great Ohio District for 2025–2026, and Amy Schwan, District Secretary.
Debbie Walsh shared that becoming Governor was not something she had originally planned, but she is now fully enjoying the role. She spoke about the opportunity it provides to visit clubs, meet members, and see firsthand the work being done to support youth across the Ohio District.
She and Amy had arrived the evening before and attended the Tri-Star Basketball event run by the Dor-wood Optimist Club. They planned to experience as many local activities as possible during their visit.
Debbie also encouraged members to consider serving at the District level. She noted that Governor-Elect Chuck Hillman is currently building his leadership team for the coming year and is seeking individuals willing to serve in roles such as Lieutenant Governor and Treasurer. She acknowledged that volunteering for these roles can feel outside one’s comfort zone but emphasized that the experience is both rewarding and impactful.
She shared her theme for the year, “Celebrate,” which aligns with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. As part of that theme, she is promoting an initiative to create an Optimist specialty license plate in Ohio. Proceeds from the plate would support the Bill O’Neill Scholarship Fund, providing additional benefits to youth programs.
Debbie closed by thanking our club for its long history of service and congratulating members on 58 years of impact in the community.
CNO Presidents Reflect on Decades of Service
Today’s program featured five Past Presidents, each representing a different decade of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club. Their remarks provided a look at how the club has evolved over time while staying focused on its mission of serving youth. This week is the 58th anniversary of the Optimist Club of Centerville Noon!
1980s – Jeff Busch
Jeff Busch joined the club around 1980 at age 23 and served as president in 1984–1985. The club itself was chartered in 1968 as the Washington Square Optimist Club with 38 members, and Jeff’s connection to those early years goes back to working the Christmas tree lot as a teenager.
He described early Centerville as largely undeveloped, with the original tree lot located near the former Elder-Beerman, competing with the Kiwanis Club tree lot. As the area developed, the club relocated the tree lot multiple times before eventually settling into its current location.
During the 1980s, the club faced financial challenges, particularly with the tree lot. Poor inventory and inconsistent pricing led to disappointing results. In 1984, several key changes were made, including switching suppliers, eliminating price negotiation, and introducing a two-part tagging system. These changes resulted in record profits and established practices still used today.
Additional fundraisers included pumpkin sales, using pumpkins grown on Chuck Dickerson’s land, and pork sandwich sales at local events. Membership at the time was around 30, but growth increased significantly in the years that followed.
Jeff closed his remarks with a thoughtful reflection on the club’s purpose. Drawing on the Optimist Creed, he reminded members that the organization was “conceived in optimism, and dedicated to the proposition that all youth can use a friend,” and encouraged everyone to remain “too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.” It was a fitting reminder of the values that have guided the club since its beginning.
1990s – Karl Frydryk
Karl Frydryk, president in 1993–1994, reflected on a decade of growth, new ideas, and expanding impact.
One of the most significant changes during this time was the transition from an all-male club to welcoming women members, which strengthened both leadership and programming. The club also introduced several initiatives:
- The Root Beer Float fundraiser at Americana, beginning in 1991
- The first golf outing at Sugar Valley, later renamed in honor of Tom Frazier
- Formation of the Long Range Planning Committee in 1995
The club expanded its reach by helping start the Lebanon Optimist Club in 1994 and grew to approximately 181 members at its peak.
In addition to fundraising, the club remained active in community and youth programs, including Safe Rides for students, family events, and the weekly “Nooner” newsletter, which at the time was typed, copied, and mailed to members.
A major milestone was the Long Range Planning Committee’s first large project, contributing $40,000 toward the shelter at Yankee Park. Karl emphasized that many of the traditions and programs still active today were strengthened during this period.
A major milestone was the creation of the Long Range Planning Committee in 1995, which led to the club’s first large-scale project, contributing $40,000 toward the shelter at Yankee Park.
2000s – Dave Kay
Dave Kay served as president in 1999–2000, leading the club into the new century with a focus on modernization and efficiency.
One of the most impactful changes was transitioning the club newsletter from printed mail to email distribution. With roughly 147 members at the time, this shift saved about $5,000 annually while improving communication speed.
Dave also shared how meetings and operations evolved, including moving away from more formal structures and finding ways to make participation more engaging. The club continued traditions like softball and basketball, providing opportunities for fellowship outside regular meetings.
He also highlighted how Long Range Planning shifted the club’s approach from smaller donations to larger projects, including the Yankee Trace shelter, which added permanent facilities and became a model for future park improvements.
Dave said that Magaret Barclay is perhaps the greatest president CNO has ever had.
He also recognized the contributions of members like Mary Madden, whose dedication to creating detailed scrapbooks preserved the club’s history year after year.
2010s – Bob Burkman
Bob Burkman served as president in 2013–2014, beginning his term at age 73. He described the decade as a time of strong membership and active participation.
The club grew to more than 230 members and achieved Distinguished Club status, earning recognition from Optimist International. The club was also recognized at the International level, including being named the top club in the world for the first time during this era.
Bob shared several stories that reflected both the dedication and humor within the club. He spoke about the importance of leadership continuity and the commitment required to serve, noting that becoming President involves multiple years of involvement.
Despite that commitment, Bob made it clear how meaningful the experience was, saying he would gladly serve as President again. He also noted the large number of active Past Presidents still involved in the club, a sign of long-term dedication and strength.
2020s – Debe Dockins
Debe Dockins, president in 2020–2021, led the club during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most challenging periods in its history.
Her year required constant adaptation as meetings and activities moved online. Major fundraisers such as the tree lot and golf outing were canceled, but the club remained active through creative alternatives, including virtual meetings, drive-through events for the Easter Egg Hunt, and continued community support efforts.
Debe worked to balance guidance from Optimist International and local regulations while managing differing perspectives within the club about returning to in-person meetings. The club ultimately resumed in-person gatherings on May 5, 2021.
Despite the challenges, the club was recognized as Club of the Year, a significant achievement during a difficult time.
She shared that while the year required flexibility and patience, it was also a meaningful experience, and she would willingly serve as President again.
Closing
Across five decades, the consistent theme was adaptability, strong leadership, and a continued focus on youth. Each President faced different challenges, but all contributed to building the club into what it is today.
Thank you to Jeff Busch, Karl Frydryk, Dave Kay, Bob Burkman, and Debe Dockins for sharing your experiences and helping preserve the history of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club.
New Member Readings and Inductions
Debbie Walsh, the current Ohio District Governor, performed today’s inductions.
- Tim Walker, First Reading, Sponsored by Mike Bevis
- Rex Caswell, Second Reading, Sponsored by Greg Hoffbauer
- Bob Thomas, Induction, Sponsored by Jean Pummill
- Jack Pan, Induction, Sponsored by Jayne Weikel
Happy Bucks
No time this week for Happy Bucks.
Sergeants-at-Arms Fines
No time this week for Fines.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Amy Schwan | Sarah Umbreit |
| Bob Thomas | In Readings |
| Debbie Walsh | Sarah Umbreit |
| Jack Pan | In Readings |
| Leila Giffin | Erin Giffin |
| Tim Walker | Mike Bevis |
Thank You Notes Received this Week
No Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting