Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Glennon Doyle Melton wrote, “Silence is a really big deal…our quiet translates as agreement. And we’ve missed our chance: to change, to do a new thing. God is always, always trying to do a new thing. And those twinges of discomfort are God’s invitation to co-create. Our refusal to wrestle, to engage, to challenge is our refusal to co-create with God. The most repeated phrase in the Bible is “fear not.” And so, when we feel that something we are hearing doesn’t resonate with the God of love, we must raise our hands. Even – especially – if our hands shake with fear and trembling.”
Lord,
Forgive us for those times in which we feel those twinges of discomfort, that something is not right, and yet we remain silent. Help us to “fear not,” to raise our hands, and to use our voices for those who cannot or are not being heard. And may we always strive to lead with love.
Amen.
Announcements
Euchre Party
Beth Duncan announced a Euchre Party on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM at ContempoRoast. Cost is $5 at the door. Bring an appetizer and a beverage of your choice.
Annual Officer Installation Dinner – Register Now!
Beth Duncan announced that the Annual Officer Installation Dinner will be on September 30, 2025. Gary Smiga will be the emcee for the evening. Register online using the Member Calendar.
YMHI Upcoming Events
Andy Higgins announced that the YMHI team is meeting to plan and organize for:
- Sept 9 – Centerville Safe Kickoff, 6:30 pm at Cline Elementary
- Sept 18 – Optimist 2.0, 5:30–7:00 pm at Bock Family Brewing
- Oct 1 – Stingley Elementary Service Night, 6–7:30 pm
- Oct 4 – Centerville Fall Fest, Stubs Park, 12–5 pm
- Oct 14 & 15 – Haunted Trail, RecPlex, 7–8:30 pm
Mark Metzger RecPlex Update
Charlie Tapp introduced Mark Metzger, Director of the Washington Township RecPlex. Metzger also serves as President of the Americana Festival. He and his wife have three boys, who are all involved in hockey, and the family keeps two miniature donkeys on their farm.
Rec Center Improvements
Metzger highlighted several recent upgrades. A gymnasium was converted into a modern fitness center, the women’s locker rooms were fully renovated, and family restrooms were added, including one with an adult changing table. The large pool frog slide known as Fribbit was also restored during this year’s maintenance shutdown.
Camps and Events
The RecPlex hosted about 400 campers per week this summer at the main facility, Magsig, and Town Hall Theater. On September 5, 2025, the annual Lantern Fest will be held at the back pond. Participants can decorate lanterns, write messages, and set them afloat at dusk. Tickets are limited and available on the township website.
Countryside Park Revitalization
Phase I included revitalization of Turtle and Heron Ponds and Bass Lake. The $2 million project was largely funded through the State of Ohio. Our club’s $20,000 contribution helped build the new accessible boardwalk and fishing deck. A new shelter at Bass Lake has also been added, serving as an anchor space for events such as Woodland Lights and the Fishing Derby.
Phase II, targeted for completion in December 2026, will connect Rec West and the main RecPlex. Projects include a Gateway Performance Pavilion, an interactive fountain that doubles as flat event space, and a four-season shelter. A property purchase on Paragon Road will provide a new entrance and parking. The A-Frame Shelter will be upgraded with ADA sidewalks, new skylights, a replacement roof, gutters, drainage improvements, updated lighting, and masonry repairs.
Phase III, scheduled for 2027, will add parking near the baseball and soccer fields along with a central pavilion and expanded program space. The combined cost of Phases II and III is projected at $5.2 million, with most funding from state grants.
Q and A Highlights
- Will Countryside Park host the Haunted Trail this October?
Yes, the Haunted Trail will be held in 2025 before construction begins in December. It will continue in 2026, though the entrance may shift. - What is a “Hyper Biker?”
Metzger joked about the question, clarifying that the plan is for multi-use trails serving both hikers and bikers, known as a hiker/biker trail.
Thank You
Thank you, Mark Metzger, for updating us on the RecPlex and Countryside Park.
Slides
You can view the slide deck of Mark Metzger’s presentation here.
Previous RecPlex Article
Mark Metzger spoke about RecPlex plans on September 15, 2022.
President Paul’s Quote of the Week
“It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
New Member Readings and Inductions
- Bill Fischer, Induction, Sponsored by Mike Bevis
Happy Bucks
- Bill Williams shared that his granddaughter in the Chicago area started a lemonade stand. She charged $2 a glass and made $20 in about 45 minutes.
- Beth Duncan thanked Mark Metzger for his excellent presentation.
- Scott Langer was thrilled with the Ohio State win over Texas on Saturday.
- Christy Gariety was happy that Tom Novak, with the help of her husband, also a Tom, installed three flags into the ground as hard as stone. It only took an hour or so! This is a challenge to the next-door neighbor, today’s speaker, to possibly add more flags.
- Nancy Lehren decided to fine herself. She found a dozen spoons while reaching into her purse to scan the QR code for the Installation Dinner. This was most certainly the work of Mike Bevis.
- Hari Ananth, a guest today, shared that he started a business last year, said optimism was key, and expressed happiness about being part of the group today.
Sergeants at Arms Fines – Dave Kay and Denise Green
- Larry Lynde was sitting beside Gail Aiken when the Wheel of Misfortune fined her. Sergeant Dave Kay said she also had to pick the person to her left or right to receive the misfortune.
- Don Kelley often meets with several other CNO members at Submarine House. His wife, Sandy, asked to go, and reportedly, he said she could but would have to sit at another table. A picture surfaced of her sitting at the bar alone.
- Scott Langer parked his car in a place that was not an actual parking space.
- Beth Duncan had a typo on the description for the Euchre Party on the sheets placed on the tables.
- Diane Arehart received the Random Fine of the Week.
- Ken Peacock paid for his 50/50 with four quarters, which the sergeants really dislike.
- Sandy Stevens was fined for paying for Dick Stevens’ 50/50 ticket, since clearly Dick Stevens has no money.
- Don Kelley paid for his 50/50 too enthusiastically, and the dollar bill struck Sergeant Denise Green.
- Gail Aiken was chosen by the Wheel of Misfortune.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Hari Ananth | Carol Smerz |
| Lorisa Motko | Evelyn Griffin |
| Scott Hartmann | Dave Kay |
| Scott Rheaume | Myron Rheaume |
Club Membership Anniversaries
None this week – this is rare.
Birthdays
| CeAnn Chalker | September 3 |
| Bob Collins | September 4 |
| Paula Harrison | September 7 |
| Roberta Taylor | September 7 |
| Karl Frydryk | September 8 |
| Doug Reno | September 8 |
| Scott Sowder | September 8 |
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 the Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting