Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
The Parable of the Mustard Seed teaches us how something small can grow into something big, become invasive, and take over.
Lord,
It is more important now than ever for us to plant and spread the seeds of optimism wherever we go, countering the weeds of hate and divisiveness that seem to be sprouting all around us. Help us nurture and grow love, compassion, empathy, and kindness to help brighten the lives of all those we encounter and make the world a better place one seed at a time.
Amen.
Substitute President Paul Boeckman Leads the Meeting
Today, CNO President-Elect Paul Boeckman served as our host, running the meeting smoothly and giving us a glimpse of his future leadership. Instead of protecting the bell, he handed it over to Scott Langer but held onto the gavel—only to have it promptly taken by Sue Brubaker. Sue eagerly claimed the gavel as we sang Happy Birthday to her. Paul did a fine job, and we look forward to his presidency and humor.
Announcements
Euchre Social Party
Beth Duncan announced that a Euchre Social will be on July 26th, 2024, at 6:30 PM at ContempoRoast. It is just $5 and you pay at the door, but please sign up using the Member Calendar, because there are limited seats.
Posters and Decorations for the Ohio District Annual Convention
Erin Dickerson said thank you to everyone who came and helped with poster and decoration making with our JOI and TOP Optimist clubs last Saturday for the Ohio District Convention in August. She said they had a blast.
Success at the 32nd Annual Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic
Mike Bevis announced that the 32nd Annual Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic took place yesterday. Despite the rain, it was a fantastic day. Thank you to all the committee members, volunteers, and sponsors for your contributions and support.
Big Backyard Party Volunteers Needed
Erin Dickerson announced that the Big Backyard Party on July 27, 2024, needs volunteers willing to help children learn how to cast as part of the Passport to Fishing program. There are no hooks, worms, or live fish. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Kids Day in the Park Volunteers Needed
Bob Lawson announced that Optimist Kid’s Day in the Park is August 3, 2024, and he needs volunteers. See details and sign up using the Member Calendar.
Fran Sheehan Honored with “All Weather” Award
Paul Boeckman shared the story of Fran Sheehan, who served as a spotter on the third hole during yesterday’s golf outing. Despite a sudden downpour, Fran remained at her post, getting completely drenched as no one came to retrieve her. In recognition of her dedication and resilience, Paul has awarded Fran the newest CNO honor, the “All Weather” award. Congratulations, Fran—you truly earned this recognition!
Happy Birthday Sue Brubaker!
Today, we celebrated Sue Brubaker’s birthday. Larry Lynde led our merry band in song, humorously warning our student guests and their parents to prepare their ears. Our singing was delightfully awful, and we hope our guests can forgive us. Happy Birthday, Sue Brubaker!
It’s been a long time since we last sang, and it seems we’ve gotten even worse—but in the best way possible! After our performance, Sue claimed the gavel. NICELY DONE!
About the CNO Memorial Educational Assistance Awards
The following are notes from Gary Smiga.
It is my pleasure to be able to introduce this year’s Centerville Noon Optimist Club’s Memorial Educational Assistance Award winners. This scholarship is awarded in memory of the individuals that have passed away while active members of our club. The following individuals exemplified what it meant to give back to your community with their service and character.
- Tom Frazier- 1994
- Tom Craig- 1994
- Denise Goeckel- 1998
- Dick Lewin- 2002
- Corwin Robinson- 2005
- Steve Fisher- 2007
- Dave Petree- 2007
- Jim Hawley- 2010
- Margaret Barclay- 2010
- Tom Gravlin- 2013
- Terry Blair-2014
- Dave Milam- 2014
- Ken Bluhm- 2015
- John Hughes- 2015
- Mike Hayes- 2015
- Wes Hamdan- 2016
- Tim Gibson- 2017
- Linda Fisher- 2017
- Brent Moore- 2018
- Chuck Dickerson- 2018
- Ed Case- 2019
- Jeff Brown- 2020
- Jim Schumacher- 2020
- Don Wildenhaus- 2020
- Tom Brozich- 2021
- Gary Aiken- 2021
- “Phather” Phil Robinson- 2021
- Dick Lee- 2021
- Will Cale- 2022
- Kathy McAlpine- 2022
- Joe Madden- 2023
- Louise Haun- 2023
- Kent Loose- 2023
- Julie Lafferty- 2023
- Pam Truitt- 2024
2024 Memorial Educational Assistance Awards
The following are notes from Gary Smiga.
The qualifications for our Memorial Educational Assistance award are as follows:
- Be a graduating high school senior that will be attending a college/university offering a two or four-year degree upon the completion of an accredited program.
- Be a resident of Centerville or Washington Township.
- Have a strong record of participation in community service activities.
- Possess a financial need as affirmed by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Before I introduce this year’s winners, I would like to recognize the committee who read the applications and made this year’s selections; Gail Aiken, Bob Duffy, Jesse Lightle, Cadance Lowell, and Roberta Taylor.
I would also like to thank the Board of Directors for budgeting funds to support this scholarship program, as well as the entire Centerville Noon Optimist Club membership for having worked in the various fundraising activities (Christmas Trees, Avenue of Flags, and the Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth) to allow for this program and many of the others that we sponsor to be a reality.
This year we have five first-year award winners. They are Ellery Derenzo, Krista Mowell, Kaitlyn Palomino, Lyttle Pomaa, and Amy Ye.
Each of our first-year recipients will be receiving a $2000 check that they can use towards the cost of attendance at the college or university they have chosen.
At this time, I would like to tell you about each one of them.
After their introduction, they will each share the essay they wrote with their application that addressed the question, “Why is it important that community members provide service to youth, and what is the high school student’s role in providing such service?”
Ellery Derenzo
Ellery graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 4.9228.
Some of Ellery’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- National Honor Society
- Community Awareness Team-Health Occupations Students of America
- Women in STEM- Member and Leader
- Lunch Buddies/Study Buddies
- BOGG Ministries
- Assistant Basketball Coach
- Pre-K Room Leader at Church
- Appalachia Mission Trip
Ellery has also worked as a Patient Care Coordinator and a Nanny.
Ellery will be attending Villanova University. After graduation she would like to attend Graduate or Medical School. She would like to be a psychiatrist.
She plans to mentor kids for the rest of her life.
Summary of Ellery’s Essay that She Read to Us
Ellery is passionate about mentoring and actively volunteers in programs like lunch buddies and after-school homework help for middle school students. She believes that serving youth is essential for preparing the next generation and is committed to continuing her mentorship efforts throughout her life in various capacities.
Krista Mowell
Krista graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 3.7194.
Some of Krista’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- National Honor Society
- Study Buddies
- Love of Animals
- Art Club
- Safetyville Square
- Aims for the Handicapped
- Bethany Village Nursing Home
Krista has also worked as a Child Care Provider and as a Pet and House Sitter.
Krista will be attending Wright State University. After college she would like to start her nursing career in one of our Community’s Hospitals.
Krista was not able to join us today. At a later date we hope to have her come and read her essay.
Kaitlyn Palomino
Kaitlyn graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 4.4739.
Some of Kaitlyn’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- Kettering Health Volunteer
- Key Club
- Elk Connectors
- Summer Basketball Camp Instructor/Coach
- Elementary School Tutor
- Health Occupations Students of America
- NASA HUNCH for Health and Biomedical Science (HUNCH = High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware)
Kaitlyn has worked at Bethany Lutheran Village as a Dietary Aide and Server. She was also a host at J. Alexander’s.
Kaitlyn will be attending the University of Tampa. After graduation she would like to work as a traveling nurse before going back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
Kaitlyn was not able to join us today. At a later date we hope to have her come and read her essay.
Lyttle Pomaa
Lyttle graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 4.66.
Some of Lyttle’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- French Club
- Octagon Club
- Equality Club
- Book Club
- Kettering and Miami Valley Hospital Internships
Lyttle also worked as a Shift Manager at Panera Bread.
Lyttle will be attending Cedarville University in their Allied Health Program. After graduation she would like to work in Orthopedics as a Physician’s Assistant.
Summary of Lyttle’s Essay that She Read to Us
Lyttle believes that community members providing service to youth is crucial because it prepares the next generation and helps them navigate life’s challenges. She emphasizes the growing issue of youth suicide rates and suggests that community support can help young adults manage their emotions and struggles. Lyttle also highlights the role of high school students in bridging the gap between generations, fostering communication, and understanding within the community.
Amy Ye
Amy graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 4.4165.
Some of Amy’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- National Honor Society
- Elk Connector
- Humanity First
- PVN PTO Babysitting
Amy also worked at Kirkwood Camp and Adventure in admissions and as a host at Doubledays.
Amy will be attending Ohio State University where she plans to major in Education.
After graduating she would like to teach.
Summary of Amy’s Essay that She Read to Us
Amy emphasizes the importance of community members serving as mentors to youth, particularly for those lacking adult support. She highlights how mentorship provides guidance, positive advice, and a sense of belonging, fostering responsible choices and personal growth. Amy also notes that these services help high school students develop leadership and mentoring skills, boosting their confidence and ability to navigate life’s challenges.
2024 Renewals of Memorial Educational Assistance Awards
The following are notes from Gary Smiga.
These first-year awards are renewable for a second year with a continued financial need, continued involvement in school, community or faith-based activities, and a first-year grade point average of at least a 3.0.
Two of our scholarship award recipients from last year have achieved all the scholarship renewal requirements and they were able to join us today.
These students will also receive a check for $2000 to apply to their tuition or any other costs of attendance at their college/university.
Amrita Saini
Amrita successfully completed her first year at Case Western Reserve with a 4.0 GPA while completing 45 credit hours (30 earned and 15 Advanced Placement Credits) earning Dean’s High Honors in both the Fall and Spring Semesters.
During her first year at Case Western Reserve, Amrita explored options for majors deciding to double major in International Studies and Environmental Studies. She tried out and was accepted to be a part of Case Western Reserve’s mock trial team where she held the role of playing an attorney. She also joined the Ohio Student Association where she advocated for increasing voter registration and awareness. As a member of the Writers in Residence Program, she taught creative writing to incarcerated youth.
Anna Weller
Anna successfully completed her first year at the University of Dayton with a 3.83 GPA while completing 42 credit hours (33 earned and 9 through College Credit Plus) making the Dean’s list in both semesters.
Anna was a member of the University of Dayton Women’s Club Soccer Team in the Fall and played Intramural Soccer in the spring, was a member of the Epsilon Delta Upsilon Professional Education Fraternity, was a classroom volunteer at Holy Angels School and Alexandria Montessori School and volunteered at Crayons to Classroom and for the Christmas on Campus event.
Closing
The following are notes from Gary Smiga.
We often hear a lot of negative stories about today’s youth that you might begin to wonder if there is any hope for their future and our future. Today these young individuals have hopefully dispelled those concerns, as they exemplify the qualities that will allow them to move forward and be the leaders of our tomorrow.
Ellery, Krista, Kaitlyn, Lyttle, Amy, Amrita, and Anna we are all immensely proud of you and we wish you the best at the schools you attend.
Fellow Optimists, please join me in a round of applause for these fine individuals. Thank you.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Diane Bradburne | Gary Smiga |
| John Thyne | Karen Charnesky |
| Karen Ralston | Lynee Reilly |
| Hunter Busch | Jeff Busch |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Zachary Winning | Tom Henderson | 2nd Reading |
| Michelle Collier | Julie Walling Noeth | 2nd Reading |
| Kara Ware | Debe Dockins | 3rd Reading |
| Thomas Wagner | Andy Higgins | Induction |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Bob Lawson | At the golf outing his son won the longest drive and his daughter won the closest to the pin. |
| Gary Hansen | The septic system at their Michigan vacation home has been fixed after 13 months. |
| Val Huff | The silent auction brought in over $10,000 at the golf outing. Thanks to everyone that donated items for the baskets and to the volunteers who assembled them. |
| Thomas Wagner | Glad to be inducted into CNO today. |
| Blanca Criner | Broke her ankle three weeks ago and today she got her boot off and can drive. She noted that the injury is why she was late to the meeting. |
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Mike Bevis | Allowing bad weather to happen at the golf outing. |
| Don Stafford | Addressed Sergeant Matt Goeke as Jim. You need to know your sergeants, people. |
| Debe Dockins | She showed up late to the meeting and argued about it with the sergeants. |
| Blanca Criner | She was late to the meeting. |
| Gail Aiken, Beth Duncan, Carol Smerz, Vida McDowell, Denise O’Neil, Mark Metzger, Debbie Moore, Karen Charnesky, Bob Lawson, Harry Bossey | They each outbid sergeant Chris McAlpine for items in the silent auction at the golf outing. |
| Paul Boeckman | For losing the gavel. Sue Brubaker took it! |
| Jim Mogan | Fell asleep at his station at the golf outing yesterday. |
| Karl Frydryk | Ratting out Jim Mogan for falling asleep. |
| Karl Frydryk | Driving a golf cart recklessly at the golf outing yesterday. |
| Jim Mogan | Ratting out Karl Frydryk for driving recklessly. |
| Wayne Christie | Paying for his 50/50 ticket with 2 quarters, 3 dimes, 3 nickels and a loose button. |
Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Tom Beery | July 17, 2014 | 10 |
| Mike Brem | July 18, 2018 | 6 |
| Sue Jessee | July 18, 2018 | 6 |
| Steve Mock | July 19, 1996 | 28 |
| Tom Lakes | July 19, 2017 | 7 |
Birthdays
| Sue Brubaker | July 16 |
| Mark Petre | July 18 |
| Bob Burkman | July 19 |
| Sonja Hertenstein | July 21 |
| Brian Nicholas | July 22 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013
Thank You Notes Received
CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes received this week