Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Today our Jewish brothers and sisters are celebrating Purim, honoring the courage, bravery, and heroic acts of Queen Esther.
Lord, help us to be more like Esther; to speak truth to power, to fight against injustice, and to work together to make a positive difference in the world around us.
Amen.
Get to Know a Member – Bill Williams
President Sarah Umbreit interviewed Bill Williams for this week’s “Get to Know a Member.”
- His full name is James William Williams III, but he goes by Bill.
- Bill said his favorite subject in primary school was recess.
- As a teenager, what he most looked forward to on the weekends was not having the sheriff or the morgue call his mother.
Bill Williams joined CNO on September 20, 1993, and was sponsored by Wayne Christie.
Announcements
Childhood Health and Wellness Committee Meeting
Carol Smerz announced that the Childhood Health and Wellness Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 11, at 5:30 PM at Buckeye Home Healthcare, 7750 Paragon Road.
Youth Appreciation City Barbeque Fundraiser
Joan Cordonnier and Charlie Tapp, on behalf of the Youth Appreciation Committee, announced a City Barbeque restaurant takeover on Thursday, March 12, 2026. City Barbeque will donate 20% of all sales to support Youth Appreciation when customers show this event flyer at checkout, either printed or on your phone. For online orders use code “GIVE” at checkout. Funds will be used for the Centerville High School City Barbeque party and the Middle School pizza party, thanking the students for their help in the last year at Optimist events.
Easter Egg Hunt Preparation and Volunteer Dates
Carrie Thompson shared an update on preparations for the annual Easter egg hunt. Approximately 4,000 of the 8,000 Easter eggs still need to be stuffed. Volunteers are invited to help on March 28, 2026, at St. Leonard’s beginning at 9:00 a.m. Volunteer sign-up for the April 4 Easter egg hunt event day is available online by using the Member Calendar.
Tri-Star Basketball
Craig Dring, speaking on behalf of Tri-Star Basketball, shared that the event will be held on March 7, 2026, at Watts Middle School. They have plenty of volunteers, but they are hoping members will spread the word to families with students to participate in the event.
Wine, Beer and Bourbon Tasting Social
Sarah Umbreit announced that Patrick and Diane Arehart will host a Wine, Beer and Bourbon Tasting at their home on Saturday, March 21, 2026, starting at 5:30 PM. For details and to sign up, use the Member Calendar.
CNO 2.0
Sarah Umbreit announced the upcoming CNO 2.0 meeting on March 19 at Underground Chuck’s, a new restaurant near the Dayton Mall. The guest speaker will be Monnie Bush, Founder and CEO of the Victory Project, a mentoring and personal development program for disengaged young men.
2026 Essay Contest
President Sarah Umbreit introduced Essay Contest Chairs Byron Wade and Kristen Marks, who led this year’s program.
The theme for the 2026 contest was “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.” Ten students submitted essays this year, and Byron noted that other Optimist Clubs were impressed by the level of participation.
Kristen Marks noted that the contest encourages students to develop critical thinking and communicate well-reasoned ideas through writing and public speaking. By stepping outside the classroom to write these essays, students practice storytelling and public advocacy while learning that their perspectives can inspire others.
The judges for this year’s contest were Debe Dockins, Evelyn Griffin, Ashley Holmes, Fred Polizzi, and Ron Thompson. Byron and Kristen also thanked Roland Rapp and Sarah Umbreit for their administrative support in organizing the contest.
Prizes for the contest were $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. While the top three students read their essays during the meeting, the club recognized all ten participants and noted that the quality of work this year was exceptional.
Each of the top three winners received a certificate, a medal, and prize money.
Third Place – Hiya Patel
The third-place winner was Hiya Patel, an eighth-grade student at Magsig Middle School.
Hiya is a dedicated member of the school orchestra, where she demonstrates creativity and commitment to excellence. Beyond music, she actively participates in a variety of volunteer activities, generously giving her time to support her school and community.
In her essay, Hiya described witnessing a group of students surrounding and insulting another student and decided to step forward despite the risk of becoming the next target. After she spoke up, the group briefly froze before turning their anger toward her, while her own friends remained silent.
She also shared how she often helps translate for her immigrant parents when they must navigate forms or conversations in English. Through those experiences, she said she has learned that community is not defined by geography, but by people who step forward to protect the dignity of others.
Second Place – Adithi Varma
Second place went to Adithi Varma, a ninth-grade student at Centerville High School.
Adithi plays tennis for the school team and is a part of numerous service clubs such as Octagon Club and volunteers regularly at St. Leonard’s Assisted Living Center and other community events such as the Haunted Trail. She enjoys public speaking and has also participated in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest. She is an avid reader and is part of her school’s book club.
In her essay, Adithi described volunteering at a nursing home, where the first visits were awkward as she and her friend struggled to connect with residents. Over time those visits became meaningful as they helped decorate for holidays and spent time with the residents.
One memorable moment came when the director was worried that gifts for the residents had arrived late. The gifts were stuffed bears that included voice recordings from family members. Adithi volunteered to help assemble the bears by inserting the voice boxes so they could be ready in time.
She also described volunteering at the Haunted Trail, where teamwork among volunteers helped create a fun community event. Her essay emphasized that community is built not only through individual acts of kindness but also through shared effort.
First Place – Nissi Xavier
First place was awarded to Nissi Xavier, a tenth-grade student at Centerville High School.
Nissi plays recreational volleyball and is involved in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). Her team’s PSA regarding Brain Health placed second in the regional tournament and they are headed to states. Nissi is also part of the Student Board of Education at Centerville High School and volunteers at St. Leonard’s monthly with a group of girls to sing and play music for the senior residents. Nissi’s other activities include Speech & Debate (Congressional Debate category), Orchestra (violin), Hope Squad, Library Teen Advisory Board, and the church worship team.
Nissi spoke about the long tradition of service in American history and how that spirit continues today through volunteerism in local communities. She shared that being selected by her peers to serve on Hope Squad was especially meaningful because the group focuses on supporting fellow students and raising awareness about mental health.
She also described helping with the Avenue of Flags program with her family, noting how placing flags throughout the community often leads neighbors to ask how they can participate. Through these experiences, she said she has learned that service helps build pride, connection, and responsibility within a community.
Nissi concluded her essay by referencing President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to citizens to ask what they can do for their country, a message she strives to follow through her volunteer work. Her essay has advanced to the district competition where she will compete for a $3,500 scholarship.
Additional Recognition
Two additional students were recognized for their outstanding essays: Arnob Sarker and George Hurbanek.
Byron encouraged all of the students who participated to consider entering the contest again next year, noting that students today balance many activities and responsibilities and that taking on the essay contest shows a willingness to go above and beyond.
Slides
The slide deck for the presentation contains additional information about the students and the contest.
Thank You
Thank you to Byron Wade and Kristen Marks for organizing the Essay Contest and supporting these students and our community.
University of Dayton Optimist Club Update
Kelly Stone introduced Julia Johnson, the 27th president of the University of Dayton Optimist Club. Julia grew up in Kettering and attended Alter High School. She is a senior at the University of Dayton majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology.
Kelly shared that Julia has been involved with the UD Optimist Club all four years, serving two years as Vice President and now as President. She said that in the club’s 25-year history, Julia is by far the best President they have had. Julia is also helping train a Four Paws service dog with one of her roommates.
Julia reported that interest in the UD Optimist Club continues to grow. At the student activities fair this fall they had more than 150 students sign up to learn about the club, and meetings typically attract about 30 students.
The UD Optimist Club has been active supporting many Centerville Noon Optimist projects this year, including:
- Build a Bear – Dayton Children’s Oncology Department – November 2025
- Build a Bear – USO – December 2025
- Haunted Trail – October 2025
- Christmas Tree Lot Delivery Day – November 2025
- Winterfest – February 2025
- Tri-Star Basketball – March 2026
Members were also reminded that Kelly Stone has mentored the UD Optimist Club since it was chartered on September 26, 2005, when her daughter Christine Balsan was a freshman at the University of Dayton.
New Member Readings and Inductions
- Melanie Adams, First Reading, Sponsored by Jean Pummill
- Jack Pan, Second Reading, Sponsored by Jayne Weikel
- Bob Thomas, Second Reading, Sponsored by Jean Pummill
Happy Bucks
- Scott Langer announced the birth of his grandson, Lincoln J. Langer.
- Tony Danial was happy with the excellent student speeches we heard today.
- Paul Boeckman shared that he and Donna Kastner will be hosting an “Age Well” event next Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the University of Dayton. Contact Paul for details.
- Carol Smerz thanked all the parents for attending today’s Essay Contest.
- Andy Higgins is looking forward to his daughter Emma’s white coat ceremony at Ohio State as she begins veterinary school.
- Joan Cordonnier thanked everyone involved in the Essay Contest and also recognized Nissi Xavier for helping with Hope Squad at the recent Mental Health Summit.
- Joan Cordonnier also reminded members that flyers for the City Barbecue fundraiser were available.
- Tom Novak discovered a green mug waiting for him on his table and was happy about the surprise.
- Cyndi Lowndes shared that her mother recently turned 102 years old.
- Sandy Stevens shared that her grandsons Micah and Levi advanced to the Destination Imagination competition, and since it is local this year, she and Dick will be able to attend.
- Teresa Nichols was happy to report that she finished her taxes, which are always complicated for her consulting work.
- Olga Simon contributed five happy bucks in honor of the five students who participated in today’s Essay Contest.
- Paul Stull simply said he was happy.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Adithi Varma | Program |
| Alpna Patel | Program |
| Arnob Sarker | Program |
| Bob Thomas | In Readings |
| George Hurbanek | Program |
| Hiya Patel | Program |
| Jack Pan | In Readings |
| Julia Johnson | Kelly Stone |
| Melanie Adams | In Readings |
| Nissi Xavier | Program |
| Olga Pravin | Guest |
| Shannon Hurbanek | Program |
| Swathi Datla | Program |
| Trishna Aich | Program |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Barbara Santo | March 9, 1999 | 27 |
Birthdays
| Greg Fay | March 3 |
| Karen Charnesky | March 6 |
| William Johnson | March 7 |
Thank You Notes Received this Week
CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes we received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting