Fifty-Five years of CNO!
The Optimist Club of Centerville Noon was charted on March 19, 1968. CNO is the largest Optimist Club in the world and is celebrating its 55th anniversary!!!
Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We grumble over rising grocery prices instead of being grateful we have access to grocery stores and fresh food. We complain about slow drivers and traffic while our brothers and sisters in Ukraine continue to travel through war torn streets in hopes of finding safety. We criticize those whose opinions differ from ours rather than opening our ears and realizing we may have something to learn. We put people in boxes we have already outgrown rather than cherishing the beauty in what makes each of us unique. Lord, help us to change our mindset and open our eyes to see how blessed we truly are.
Amen.
Announcements
- Greg Griffin announced that there will be an “Egg Stuffing Party” at St Leonard on April 1, 2023, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. This is a great opportunity to bring a guest to help. The Easter Egg Hunt kids’ event will be held April 8, 2023 at 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, the co-chair with Deb Saunders of the Visual Arts Contest, announced that the contest is now open. Area art teachers have been contacted. Let parents and kids know about it. Kids 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. Spread the news, she would like many more entries. 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.
- Tom Novak announced that the subscription renewal team has processed 2400 flags and $90,300 in renewals. He thanked the renewal team of Mike and Sue Brubaker, Bob and Carol Burkman, Diane and Patrick Arehart, Evelyn Griffin, Dick Lee, Karen Sirmans, and Ken Irwin. For the next phase of renewals, Tom asked that you contact him if you are willing to help call subscribers that have not yet renewed.
- Sue Brubaker 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 delivered to St. Vincent’s in April 2023. St. Vincent’s has over 60 children in their facility. 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.
Happy Birthday Andy Dickerson and Kathy Linder
Today is a big day for both Andy Dickerson and Kathy Linder! I had such high hopes that on a “double” in person birthday that Bob Duffy would have better luck in making us sound more like singers instead of producing sounds that would repel field mice. That hope soon disappeared. It was horrible, it was painful, it was BEAUTIFUL! Have a great year, Andy and Kathy!
Look for pictures of the event. President Beth had props for the birthday twins. Andy wore a blue tiara and Kathy wore a pink birthday sash.
Safetyville Square
Beth Duncan introduced Katie Calloway, the chair of the Safetyville Square Committee. Katie started by asking how many people in the room attended or had kids or grandkids who had attended Safetyville Square. Many hands went up, as this program has been run in Centerville for over 40 years. For the last 10 years, Safetyville Square has been run by the Centerville Evening Optimist Club and is moving to Centerville Noon for the first time in 2023.
This year, there will be six sessions, starting June 12, 2023 and continuing through June 29, 2023. Each session runs Monday through Thursday and, during each of the three weeks, there will be a session from 8:30-10:30 am and another from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.
During each session, students will learn about pedestrian, bicycle, motorist, playground, fire, home, school bus, and water safety. Water safety was added 2 years ago, in memory of the program’s namesake, Mark A. Kreusch. Mark was 4 years old when his life suddenly ended in a boating accident in 2007. The Memorial Fund created in his name now averages $45,000 in annual grants to local organizations, aligning their mission with that of CNO.
Safetyville Square is a partnership between Centerville Noon Optimist, Washington Township Fire Department, Centerville Police, Montgomery County Sheriff Department, Washington Township RecPlex, Centerville City Schools, and the Mark A. Kreusch Memorial Fund. These partners provide the teachers, supervision, and content for the program each summer.
Katie then turned over the microphone to Tracy Sommers from the Centerville Police Department. Tracy has been a police officer for 24 years, is now a School Resource Officer, and has given her time to the Safetyville Square program for the last 10 years. She has students who have gone through Safetyville Square, who are now in middle school and still remember her from the program. She also mentioned that some of those past students are now old enough to volunteer their time to Safetyville, which uses volunteers in middle and high school to support the instructors over the course of the three weeks.
After Officer Sommers spoke, we heard from Brandon Baker from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, who is also a School Resource Officer and gets recognition from past students of Safetyville Square. Officer Sommers and Deputy Baker both showed their passion for this program, and shared how important it is for the confidence and knowledge of the young students in our area.
The club was asked to consider volunteering for setup and tear-down of Safetyville Square, as well as during the weeks of the program, for more information about the program and for registration you can visit https://centervillenoonoptimist.com/safetyville-square/.
Optimist International Foundation, Craig Boring
Bill Stone introduced Craig Boring. Craig joined the Optimist International Foundation in June, 2016 as the Executive Director of the Optimist International Foundation. In this role, Craig leads all aspects of the OIF operations, fundraising and volunteer development. He is the lead liaison for the Foundation with Optimist International leadership and staff.
Craig’s background includes:
- Launched an independent consulting organization for non-profits with a focus on development of strategic plans and corporate giving strategies.
- Past work history includes serving as Division Vice President of the American Cancer Society and President of Health Careers Foundation.
- Successful experience in donor development at the individual, corporate and foundation level.
- In the early 1980’s, Craig was a Distinguished President of the Optimist Club of Raytown, Missouri.
- At the District level of Optimist International, he served as Secretary, Treasurer, Lt. Governor and Convention Chair.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of Kansas along with a master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University.
Craig resides in O’Fallon, Missouri with his wife, Jan, and they have three grown children. In his free time, he is very involved with mission outreach for his church. Included in that effort is leading international mission efforts in Talanga, Honduras that is aimed at helping to feed the needy and provide healthcare in the community.
Craig currently is a member of the O’Fallon Missouri Optimist Club.
Craig Boring Presentation
Craig said congratulations for the 55th anniversary of the Optimist Club of Centerville Noon! This is the third time he has visited CNO. He said that CNO certainly makes an impact on the community. As the largest Optimist club in the world, CNO has a big impact on the OI Foundation (OIF).
Optimist membership dues pay for the administration of OI. Donations to OIF allow it to do things like providing numerous grants. The impact is felt by thousands of children worldwide.
He asked that we continue to be supportive of OIF. The Dime-a-Day program that was started in 2004 is very effective and a great way for any member to help OIF.
Craig recognized Bill and Kelly Stone for reaching the Copper Benefactor level of giving to the OIF.
Craig reminded us that being an Optimist is not really about pins, patches and plaques. It is about making an Impact on Youth.
Helping Optimists Help Kids
The Optimist International Foundation is seeking, receiving and managing funds and real personal property for the benefit of Optimist International and its Member Clubs in its charitable, literary and educational activities.
Vision of the Optimist International Foundation
We envision a Foundation that can provide significant funding for Optimist International’s youth and service programs and is proudly supported by individual Optimists, their Clubs, and the community at large.
Thank You
Thank you, Craig Boring, for visiting our club and reminding us how we can help internationally through donations to the Optimist International Foundation.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Andrea Bublitz | Diane Arehart |
| Brandon Baker | Speaker |
| Carly Yanity | Rick Hartley |
| Craig Boring | Optimist International |
| Ginger Ross | Stan Fronzaglia |
| Jessie Kuhn | Mike Bevis |
| John Webb | Jesse Gaither |
| Kathy Shepard | Erin Dickerson |
| Mark Andrea | Michelle Tagilomonte |
| Patsy Storie | Kathy Rearick |
| Tracy Sommers | Speaker |
| Melanie Spencer | Speaker |
New Member Readings and Inductions
| Name | Sponsor | 1st 2nd 3rd Reading or Induction |
| Sam Routsong | Scott Langer | 1st Reading |
| Sharon Baker | Beth Duncan | 1st Reading |
| Ginger Ross | Stan Fronzaglia | 1st Reading |
| Mike Thonnerieux | Gary Smiga | 2nd Reading |
| Melissa Deeter | Mike Bevis | Induction |
Happy Bucks
| Member | Reason |
| Debe Dockins | Son Stephen matched to Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati where he will spend the next three years as a resident in Internal Medicine. |
| Katie Calloway | $5 for Patrick Arehart building the new registration system for Safetyville Square’s six seperate sessions on the CNO website. |
| Bill Stone | Went to the Akron Optimist club to celebrate the 100th anniversary and one of their members has been a member for 62 years. |
| Bill Stone | Spent the last week travelling to lots of Ohio clubs with Bob and Penny McFadyen. |
| Vida McDowell | Found her favorite earrings she lost two weeks ago. She has had them for 35 years. Happy Norouz which is new year in Iran. Arrival of spring Equinox marks our New year celebration. |
| Jane Fiehrer | Bob Collins and she were happy to meet with our Will Cale Scholarship recipient. He seems really ambitious and encouraged to accept the scholarship and work with us toward a successful future. |
| Steve Linder | Still cancer free. |
| Greg Hoffbauer | Coffee Shop is open after 18 months of planning. |
| Bob Collins | Third time being a mentor for Will Cale Scholarships and agree with Jane Fiehrer about being excited about their new mentee. |
Sergeants at Arms
| Member | Infraction |
| Erin Laurito | Sent lottery tickets out for marketing purposes for her real estate firm and Scott’s ticket was not a winner. |
| Mindy Hoffbauer | New member, now you are fined. |
| Greg Hoffbauer | New member, now you are fined. |
| Cadance Lowell | New member, now you are fined. |
| Beth Duncan | Lost the bell and gavel. |
Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Joan Cordonnier | March 22, 2008 | 15 |
| Brandon Barrett | March 26, 2019 | 4 |
| Bob Crawford | March 26, 2019 | 4 |
| Charla Rheaume | March 26, 2008 | 15 |
| Scott Rheaume | March 26, 2008 | 15 |
Birthdays
| Andy Dickerson | March 21 |
| Sara Hemmeter | March 21 |
| Kathy Linder | March 21 |
| Debby Moore | March 22 |
| Tom Novak | March 23 |
| John Kalaman | March 25 |
| Kate Trangenstein | March 26 |
| Jane Fiehrer | March 27 |
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.