Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Lord Our God,
We are all created in your image, yet we have differing talents, abilities, and callings. None of which are superior to another. All of which are needed in this world. Help us to appreciate each other’s uniqueness and to see your image reflected in not only ourselves, but also in all whom we encounter.
Amen.
Announcements
Big Backyard Party – Volunteers Needed
Erin Dickerson announced that volunteers are needed for the Big Backyard Party on Saturday, July 26 at Oak Grove Park. Volunteers will help at the casting station (don’t worry—there are no worms, no live fish, and no hooks) and serve as club ambassadors to talk about the Optimist Club. Shifts are available from 10:45 AM to 2:15 PM, including setup, teardown, and helping with the activity. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Kids Day in the Park – Volunteers Needed
Bob Lawson announced that Kids Day in the Park will take place on Saturday, August 2. He needs several volunteers to cover the two shifts. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
33rd Annual Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic – Recap
Mike Bevis thanked everyone who helped make the 33rd Annual Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic a success. Around 50 volunteers worked the day of the event, supported by a 30-member planning committee that began preparations in January.
President Paul Boeckman met every golfer and hit 36 gold golf balls on Hole #3, landing one just 3 feet from the pin.
Special thanks to:
- Vida McDowell and Val Huff for managing the silent auction
- Fran Sheehan and Patrick Arehart for producing golfer sheets and check-in lists
- Melissa Deeter for managing check-in
- Steve Rau and Don Stafford for their management and coordination of the day-of-event volunteers
Early estimates suggest the fundraiser will bring in over $40,000.
Membership Committee Seeks to Attract Younger Members
Maha Kashani gave an update on the membership committee’s efforts to bring in younger members. The club is launching a “What is an Optimist?” campaign to raise awareness about what the club does. They plan to connect with parents as the school year begins and are discussing joint events with groups like Rotary to help attract new members.
Happy Birthday to Ashley Holmes
Bob Duffy led the charge as we belted out our famously awful rendition of “Happy Birthday” — a tradition we take very unseriously.
Ashley is a new member and we hope our enthusiastic lack of musical talent didn’t scare her away.
We look forward to singing to her again the next time her birthday falls on a Tuesday, which will be July 15, 2031.
The Bell and Gavel Saga: The Return of Paul
After a two-week absence on a faraway vacation (location still classified), President Paul Boeckman returned to a club in perfect order—despite his grim prophecy.
Before leaving, Paul had warned in his weekly missive that Sarah Umbreit, serving as Acting President, was “doomed” to lose the legendary bell and gavel. Yet, in an unexpected twist of fate, Sarah defied all odds and protected the sacred artifacts through two full meetings. No mysterious vanishings. No rogue thefts. No unexplained teleportations. Truly a feat not seen since the pre-Boeckman era.
In a rare gesture of accountability—and perhaps seeking to realign the cosmic imbalance caused by Sarah’s improbable success—Paul voluntarily handed the bell and gavel to Scott Langer, the club’s most notorious artifact liberator. With a grin, Scott accepted the offering, clearly relishing the ceremonial handoff.
Paul, ever the optimist (and realist), acknowledged his role in the weekly chaos: “I’ll pay my fine like I do every week,” he confessed, referring to his near-legendary ability to misplace the bell and gavel at nearly every meeting.
Balance has been restored… at least for now.
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- 2024
- Pam Truitt- 2024
- David Duncombe-2025
- Gary Hansen-2025
- Ruth Young-2025
- Gay Miller- 2025
- Greg Crabtree-2025
- John Horner- 2025
- Shirley Kuhn-2025
2025 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, Erin Laurito, 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 Erich Biermann, Alyssa Chenoweth, Maggie Denlinger, Kevin O’Brien, and Aleyana Yost.
Each of our first-year recipients will be receiving a $2500 check that they can apply 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?”
Erich Biermann
Erich graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 4.56.
Some of Erich’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- Epiphany Lutheran Church where he helped coordinate and lead activities for their annual youth fall retreat
- Centerville Track and Field Christmas Tree Lot Volunteer
- Scholar Athlete
- Cross Country Athlete, where he earned the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Josh Steibel Most Dedicated Runner Award for his dedication to continuing to improve his running performance
- Track and Field Athlete
- Elk Connectors
Erich also works at the Washington Township Rec Plex.
Erich will be attending The Ohio State University. After graduation he would like to become a strength and conditioning coach to help athletes achieve their performance goals in either a private or collegiate setting.
Summary of Erich’s Essay that He Read to Us
Erich emphasized that children are often overlooked when people think about those in need of community service. He highlighted how vital services are for children’s development, and how organizations like the Centerville Noon Optimist Club provide opportunities for all ages to serve. Erich noted that high school students, through volunteering, not only gain personal satisfaction but also serve as role models, encouraging younger children to get involved in the future. His own experiences volunteering at events like the Christmas Tree Lot showed him that youth can have a meaningful impact.
Alyssa Chenoweth
Alyssa graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 4.3.
Some of Alyssa’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- Police Explorer Program at the Huber Heights Police Station receiving the highest GPA Award and Rookie of the Year
Alyssa also worked at Compunet Clinical Laboratories processing samples, scanning paperwork and using the computer.
Alyssa will be attending Peen State Erie. After college she would like to become a police officer and serve as a crime scene investigator.
Summary of Alyssa’s Essay that She Read to Us
Alyssa framed her essay around the idea that every adult was once a child and that childhood experiences shape future leaders. She argued that community support systems such as schools, clubs, and volunteers are essential in shaping children into productive members of society. Alyssa stressed the importance of creating safe, encouraging environments where children feel supported, and she encouraged students themselves to play a role in this by modeling kindness, inviting others in, and fostering inclusion.
Maggie Denlinger
Maggie graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 4.58.
Some of Maggie’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- Girl Scouts, where she served as a National Council Delegate, receiving the Gold Award and Service Tech Award
- Model United Nations
- Washington-Centerville Public Library Teen Advisory Board, previously serving as secretary and now serving as president
- Centerville Schools Academic Volunteer
- Special Olympics track and basketball coach
Maggie also worked at the Washington-Centerville Public Library, opening and closing and assisting with circulation.
Maggie will be attending the University of Dayton. After graduation she plans to go into local government or Social Services administration.
Summary of Maggie’s Essay that She Read to Us
Maggie began by stating that young people are the future and need a strong educational and support system. She discussed how volunteers play a crucial role in that system and how their efforts have personally benefited her. She described volunteers as creating a “ripple effect” that positively impacts the entire community. Maggie believes that students should give back to the community in gratitude for the support they’ve received, learning to value service and building a more supportive world for the next generation.
Kevin O’Brien
Kevin graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 4.26.
Some of Kevin’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- Centerville Historical Society giving museum tours to elementary students
- Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association
- Centerville Golf Team, where he was awarded the Sportsmanship Award
- Investment Club
- Circle of Friends
- Interact Club
- National Honor Society
Kevin also works at Graeter’s Ice Cream!
Kevin will be attending The Ohio State University to study business. I bet his favorite ice cream flavor is Buckeye Blitz! Kevin hopes to someday be an Executive at one of the best Amusement Park Companies in America.
Summary of Kevin’s Essay that He Read to Us
Kevin argued that adolescence is a crucial time when passions and relationships form. He shared a personal story of how a Centerville History museum tour volunteer influenced his current interest in history and ongoing volunteer work. He gave other examples, such as sports coaches or scout leaders, and highlighted how community involvement can shape lives. High schoolers, he said, can serve not just by helping at events but by being role models and older sibling figures to younger kids, continuing the cycle of giving back.
Aleyna Yost
Aleyna graduated from Centerville High School with a GPA of 3.6.
Some of Aleyna’s Extracurricular and Community Service Activities include:
- Pathway School of Discovery
- Centerville Winter Drumline and Jazz Band
- Origami Club
- German Club
- Relaxation Club
Aleyna also worked at Walmart on Wilmington Pike at the Front Desk and as a Checkout Associate.
Aleyna will be attending Wright State University where she is hopeful to attain an internship in her field of study.
Summary of Aleyna’s Essay that She Read to Us
Aleyna focused on the mental health challenges faced by youth, especially the stigma around asking for help. She cited research that youth often feel uncomfortable seeking help from adults and are more likely to open up to someone closer in age. She highlighted the role of student-led groups like Hope Squad at Centerville High School as examples of how peer-led support can be effective. Aleyna argued that high school students play a key role in providing safe, relatable spaces for peers to seek help.
2025 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.
Four of our scholarship award recipients from last year have achieved all the scholarship renewal requirements and three of them were able to join us today. We will recognize the fourth one next week.
These students will also receive a check for $2500 to apply to their tuition or any other costs of attendance at their college/university.
Ellery Derenzo
Ellery successfully completed her first year at Villanova with a 4.0 GPA while completing 61credit hours (35 earned and 26 Advanced Placement Credits) majoring in Psychological and Brain Sciences with a Minor in Business.
During her first year at Villanova, Ellery served in Ruibal, working with children aged four to twelve helping with homework and studying, was a member in Delta Gamma here she volunteered at Lucy’s School for the Blind, served the Special Olympics as an Inclusion Crew member and was member of the Judo Club where she earned her yellow belt.
Krista Mowell
Krista successfully completed her first year at Wright State University with a 3.4 GPA majoring in Nursing while completing 31 hours (27 earned and 4 from Sinclair Community College.)
Krista volunteered with 4 Paws for Ability as a volunteer dog trainer accumulating over 200 volunteer hours. As a volunteer, she cares for, trains and socializes dogs that will eventually become service dogs for a child with a disability or a military veteran.
Kaitlyn Palomino
Kaitlyn successfully completed her first year at University of Tampa with a 4.0 GPA majoring in Nursing while completing 72 credit hours (33 earned, 11 from Sinclair Community College and 28 Advanced Placement Credits.)
Kaitlyn was a part of Discover University of Tampa where she learned about leadership and spent a day packaging food at a shelter for people in need, Phi Eta Sigma, a National Honors Society, the Student Nursing Association, and CRU a faith based organization.
Lyttle-Light Pomaa
Lyttle successfully completed her first year at Cedarville University with a 4.0 GPA while earning 45 Credit hours (33 earned and 3 from Sinclair Community College, 3 from Advanced Placement and 6 from Wright State University.)
Lyttle was a member of the Allied Health Student Organization which provided opportunities to learn about a variety of Allied Health professions and opportunities to learn to use medical equipment, Chi Theta Pi, a student organization for pre-health majors, a member of the Ephesians Discipleship Group, a weekly bible study group, and she works in the dining hall working in the kitchen, the dining hall and at the pizza station where she has learned to produce an average of 65 pizzas in 2 hours.
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.
Erich, Alyssa, Maggie, Kevin, Aleyna, Krista, Kaitlyn, and Lyttle, 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.
President Paul’s Quote of the Week
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to change the world.” – Anne Frank
New Member Readings and Inductions
Geoff Darr, First Reading, sponsored by Tom Novak
Happy Bucks
- Myron Rheaume, happily announced that Paul Boeckman is multilingual, adding his own version of Spanish: “Mucho thanko!”
- Gail Aiken gave a Happy Buck after winning money at the golf outing yesterday.
- Don Stafford praised Mike Bevis as an incredible leader for the golf fundraiser.
- Sue Brubaker gave thanks to Vida McDowell for 26 years and Val Huff for 21 years of service running the silent auction for the golf fundraiser.
- Julie Walling Noeth is thankful for the great work of Ellie Parker for her work gathering items for the goodie bags for the golf outing.
- Ron Tinnerman gave a Happy Buck in admiration of the student scholars at today’s meeting, noting his GPA was about half as good as theirs.
- Gary Smiga shared that he spent 36 years in Centerville Schools as a teacher, principal, and superintendent—and that seeing students like this year’s scholarship recipients is what made it all worthwhile.
Sergeants at Arms Fines – Maha Kashani and Gary Anderson
- Ron Tinnerman was fined for wearing a logo from his company which is a shameless self-promotion.
- Gary Smiga was fined for making fun of the phrase “age diversification”—which the sergeants stated was a fancy way of saying we need younger members.
- Val Huff was fined for telling Sergeant Maha Kashani that she is “taking over” the silent auction for next year’s golf fundraiser. It came across less like a question and more like Maha was volunteered on the spot.
- Julie Walling Noeth received the Outfit of the Day for her vibrant Lilly Pulitzer inspired floral blouse in shades of blue, pink, green and white give off a bright, casual, and cheerful vibe perfect for summer.
- Gary Smiga tore his own 50/50 tickets right in front of the sergeants, a clear violation of 50/50 raffle etiquette.
- Erin Laurito paid for her 50/50 ticket using quarters, and you ALWAYS get fined for that!
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Aleyna Yost | Honoree |
| Alyssa Chenoweth | Honoree |
| Amy Kopp | Mike Bevis |
| Andy Denlinger | Program |
| Anita Koerner | Carol Smerz |
| Brandon Ball | Program |
| Carolyn Stiffler | Program |
| Emily Denlinger | Program |
| Erich Biermann | Honoree |
| Geoff Darr | Tom Novak |
| Jane Staugler | Erion Laurito |
| Jennifer Yost | Program |
| Kaitlyn Palomino | Honoree |
| Andy Denlinger | Program |
| Anita Koerner | Carol Smerz |
| Brandon Ball | Program |
| Kevin O’Brien | Honoree |
| Krista Mowell | Honoree |
| Lana Biermann | Program |
| Lyttle-Light Pomaa | Honoree |
| Maggie Denlinger | Honoree |
| Melinda Mowell | Program |
| Patrick O’Brien | Program |
| Sadie Staugler | Erin Laurito |
| Simeon Palomino | Program |
| Simeon Palomino | Program |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Brian Nicholas | July 15, 1991 | 34 |
| Tom Beery | July 17, 2014 | 11 |
| Sue Jessee | July 18, 2018 | 7 |
| Steve Mock | July 19, 1996 | 29 |
Birthdays
| Denise Green | July 15 |
| Ashley Holmes | July 15 |
| Sue Brubaker | July 16 |
| Mark Petre | July 18 |
| Bob Burkman | July 19 |
| Sonja Hertenstein | July 21 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013
Thank You Notes Received this Week
CLICK HERE to see This Week’s Thank You Notes
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slides from this week’s meeting