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
- Scott Langer announced that the Tri-Star Basketball event last weekend was a success. There were 94 smiling kids at the event up from 65 last year. Thanks to all the volunteers including CHS girls’ basketball players and the Rudy Flyer mascot from UD.
- Craig Dring announced that the Top Optimist club presented a $1300.00 check to the RecPlex for an aquatic wheelchair.
- Greg Griffin announced that on April 1st,, 2023, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at St Leonard there will be an “Egg Stuffing Party” for the Easter Egg hunt. This is a great chance to bring a guest to help. The actual Easter Egg hunt will be on April 8, 10 AM. Volunteers are needed at 8:30 AM on the event day. Sign up for either or both on the website here.
- Jane Fiehrer announced the Visual Arts Contest is open. Please let parents and kids know about it. They can submit pictures of their art online. Submissions are due by April 15, 2023.
- Erin Laurito announced that performers for the Got Talent Contest can sign up online. There are seven entries so far. The video entries are due April 6th, 2023. The free to attend, live Got Talent Contest will be held at Centerville High School on May 3rd, 2023.
- Sarah Umbreit announced that the next in person Childhood Health and Wellness Build-a-Bear event for Oncology/Hematology patients will be at Dayton Children’s Hospital on April 12th, 2023. They need more volunteers, especially those that can sew and dress bears. Sign-up to volunteer on the website.
- Sarah Umbreit announced that since March is National Reading month, the Childhood Health and Wellness Committee is collecting new and gently used books for children aged 1-13. These books will be provided to St. Vincent’s in April, 2023. St. Vincent’s has over 60 children in their facility. A book can be comforting and instill a love of reading in children of all ages! The committee will also accept money and purchase books for the program. Drop off books or money to Sue Brubaker at noon meetings on March 21st & 28th 2023. Contact Sarah Umbreit to make other arrangements for drop off or pickup.
- Sarah Umbreit announced that the 31st Annual Tom Frazier Tee off for Youth Golf Classic committee is looking for volunteers to help ask for financial sponsorships and item donations. The event will be on July 17, 2023 and it will be here before we know it even though it’s been beyond cold and wintery outside. To help or if you have questions contact Sarah Umbreit.
Social Events
Wine and Beer Tasting at the home of Patrick and Diane Arehart, 3/25/2023 at 6 PM, get details and sign up here.
Bob McFadyen, Optimist International President
Bill Stone introduced Optimist International President for 2022-2023, Bob McFadyen and his wife Penny McFadyen.
Introduction by Bill Stone:
International President Bob McFadyen and his lovely wife and First Lady Penny live in Kitchener Ontario. They have two adult daughters and 4 grandchildren. Bob earned a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from The University of Waterloo. He is retired after a 40-year career in management of a large financial institution.
Bob has been a member of the Kitchener Optimist Club since 1994. He has served in many club positions including Honor Club President of the Kitchener Optimist Club and Distinguished Club President of the Kitchener West Optimist Club.
He was a Distinguished Lieutenant Governor and Outstanding and Distinguished Governor of the Southwestern Ontario District. He has held too many other positions in the district to list.
At the international level, Bob has served as chair of the Audit & Finance Committee, Membership Committee chair and ClubFfitness Advisory Committee.
I could go on and on about Bob’s many accomplishments and accolades, but I think you would rather hear him speak than me. Please give a great Ohio welcome to my friend and Optimist International President Bob McFadyen.
Bob McFadyen Motivational Speech
Bob McFadyen said that he and Penny are so happy to be at today’s meeting. Centerville is so lucky to have a thriving Optimist club for its community. Optimist clubs make a difference in the lives of children and their community. Bob smiled and said, “I wish we could clone your club.”
Centerville Noon Optimists know there are lots of reasons to be an Optimist and that we get so many benefits from being an Optimist.
He asked if we knew that 50% of OI clubs have fewer than twenty members. CNO has added members almost every year and currently has 308 members. In the last year, Optimist International has lost 2000 members.
Children need the services of an Optimist Club more than ever, yet volunteerism and memberships in virtually all service organizations is still falling.
Teachers agree that Kindergarten through third grade form a crucial base for learning for the rest of a child’s schooling. For kids that started school or were in school when COVID began they have lost two years of schooling the way it should be taught in person. It will take decades to notice the full effect of COVID on our society.
There were over 200,000 OI members in the 1990’s. Currently worldwide, OI membership is at 55,000 members. This is less than a third of the high point for membership. Children need us more than ever and yet we are still losing members.
If you find it hard to ask someone to join the club, just ask them to join you for an activity. They might get motivated on their own or be inspired to become a member. We have to reach out and tell our story.
The third quarter of the OI year from 4/1/2023 to 6/23/2023 there will be a new member rewards program. In each OI district the top three members that add the most new members will receive $100. All of those winners will be entered into a drawing for free entry to the OI convention in July, 2023.
The OI convention will be from July 2, 2023 to July 4, 2023 and it will be held in Arlington, Virginia just outside Washington D.C.. There will be two very popular inspirational speakers and there will be something for everyone. Please consider attending.
Bob said, “I would love for our organization to be a little more focused. I want OI to support a safe and productive environment for elementary school students and make sure that no child does without.”
Bob continued, “I want to provide the basics like supplies, shoes, and coats. We would be providing self-esteem. Just imagine if every student had a level playing field how much it will help with bullying and improve students’ progress in middle school.”
Bob entreated, “Ohio District Governor Bill Stone can use your help. Help him make sure that Ohio gets the OI Pacesetter Award. The district needs to add two new clubs and lots more members. For new members, CNO right now is plus eleven, but the district is at a net loss. Eight out of ten zones are net negative in membership. Ohio is the third largest district in OI.”
Bob said, “Remember you are inspiring children and making a difference in kids’ lives. Penny and I really appreciate your hospitality and are honored to speak to your great club.”
Thank You
Thank you, Bob and Penny McFadyen, for your motivational words about being members of Optimist International and ideas for adding members when our youth need Optimist clubs more than ever.
CNO Proclamation for Bob and Penny McFadyen
Jim Mogan came in dressed in a Leprechaun Tuxedo, carrying a proclamation for Bob and Penny McFadyen. Click here to view a PDF of the official proclamation. The text is below.
President Beth Duncan read the following proclamation for Bob and Penny McFadyen:
WHEREAS, the Optimist International Organization has chosen wisely as to their choice in their 2022- 2023 International President and First Lady, by selecting Canadians Bob and Penny McFadyen, and
WHEREAS, Bob and Penny McFadyen are living out the Optimist Creed and sharing optimism all across the world, and
WHEREAS, Bob and Penny McFadyen thought highly enough of our club to visit the wonderful members of Centerville Noon Optimists, and
WHEREAS, Bob and Penny McFadyen are just plain rockstars and love their drinks of a Rusty Nail and a glass of Pinot Grigio respectively, and
WHEREAS, Bob McFadyen’s Lucky Leprechaun name is Bubbly Sparkly Pants, and
WHEREAS, Penny McFadyen’s Lucky Leprechaun name is Paddy Rainbow Lips, and
NOW, THEREFORE, under the power invested in me, I, Elizabeth (Beth) Duncan, President of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club hereby proclaim that March 14, 2023 (in the week of St. Patrick’s Day) as “Bob and Penny McFadyen Day” and welcome you both as honorary members of the largest and best Optimist Club in the WORLD!
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed, the seal of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club, this 14th day of March, 2O23.
Elizabeth A. Duncan President, Centerville Noon Optimist – 2022-2023
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Sage Beardsley | Bill Stone |
| Colton Dickerson | Erin Dickerson |
| Nora Dickerson | Erin Dickerson |
| Dave Dutton | Dor-Wood Club |
| Jan Hamilton | Mike Bevis |
| Rick Hauser | Dor-Wood Club |
| Tom Kendo | Dor-Wood Club |
| Connie Kennedy | Tom Kennedy |
| Tom Kennedy | Troy Noon Club |
| Eddie Kuper | Chris McAlpine |
| Ron Labatzky | Dor-Wood Club |
| Bob McFadyen | Optimist International |
| Penny McFadyen | Optimist International |
| Jean Munyuranga | Dor-Wood Club |
| Sam Routsong | Scott Langer |
| Dave Shoemacher | Dor-Wood Club |
| Jack Steel | Dor-Wood Club |
| Mike Thonnerieux | Gary Smiga |
| Lyla Ward | Carol Smerz |
| Jenny Warner | Mike Bevis |
| Julie Woodruff | Bill Stone |
| Mike Zywien | Dor-Wood Club |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Mike Thonnerieux | Gary Smiga | 1st Reading |
Happy Bucks
No time for Happy Bucks this week.
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Beth Duncan | Losing the bell and gavel. |
| Beth Duncan | Telling bad Leprechaun jokes. |
| Gary Smiga | Watt’s Middle School was locked for Tri-Star Basketball. Fined for being a former school system administrator and therefore responsible! |
| Bill and Kelly Stone | Not wearing their pins at the UD basketball tournament game in Brooklyn. |
| March Birthday not at Birthday Table | Not sitting at the birthday table. |
Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Steve Kohls | March 14, 2003 | 20 |
| Shane Wilken | March 14, 2003 | 20 |
| Julie Rado | March 18, 2021 | 2 |
Birthdays
| Gareth Dickey | March 14 |
| Vida McDowell | March 15 |
| Bob Foster | March 16 |
| Brian Nolan | March 16 |
| David Brookman | March 18 |
| Larry England | March 20 |
| Shane Wilken | March 20 |
| Dana Dring | March 20 |
CNO Donations – 2013 through February 2023
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 we received this week.