Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
H. Jackson Brown, Jr., an author best known for writing Life’s Little Instruction Book, is quoted as saying, “Every person you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them.”
Lord,
You have given each of us special gifts, talents, and knowledge, yet we have so much more to learn. Help us to possess humility to recognize we do not know it all, to approach each situation with an open mind, open ears, and an open heart, and to be students of those we meet on our journey through life.
Amen.
Announcements
Tri-Star Soccer
Co-chair Mike Creech announced that Tri-Star Soccer will take place on September 19, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the field behind Magsig. Volunteers for registration and scoring can sign up through the Member Calendar. No soccer experience is needed, as high school students will be running the stations. They need at least 15 volunteers.
Community Read
Andy Higgins said the Youth Mental Health Initiative is co-sponsoring a Community Read of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. The kickoff, hosted by Centerville Safe, is September 9, 6:30 pm at Cline Elementary auditorium. This conflicts with the CNO Board meeting, so they are asking all club and YMHI members to attend if possible. Speakers will address The Educational Costs of Constant Connectivity.
Book clubs, including a CNO-hosted online morning group, will meet through the fall. The Community Read concludes with a Mental Health Summit at Epiphany Lutheran in February 2026.
Skilled Trades Scholarships
Paul Boeckman introduced Fred Polizzi, the chair of the Skilled Trade Scholarship Committee who spoke about the growing importance of skilled trades and the success of our scholarship program.
Program Overview
The Centerville Noon Optimist Club (CNO) launched the Skilled Trade Scholarship Program in 2019 after board approval in 2018. Since then, 16 students have received scholarships totaling more than $25,000. Seven students have completed their courses, seven are still in progress, and only two have dropped out.
Scholarships are awarded for programs at Sinclair Community College and Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. At Sinclair, students can receive $1,000 per semester for up to six semesters, reimbursed after course completion. At Hobart, students receive $3,500 toward tuition, which is approximately $20,000. Hobart refunds the unused scholarship funds to CNO if a student drops out.
Why Skilled Trades Matter
Fred emphasized the high demand for skilled workers. The U.S. faces a shortage of more than 500,000 trade workers. Only two are entering the field for every five people retiring from skilled trades.
Unlike many white-collar jobs, these careers are resistant to automation. AI can’t install plumbing, weld, or rewire a home. Wages in the skilled trades have risen significantly in recent years, and entry-level salaries for welders are already $75,000 to $80,000, with higher potential in industries like petroleum and aviation.
Fred shared the story of his nephew, who struggled in college but thrived after enrolling in welding school. With just one year of training and six years of experience, he now owns a home, drives a new truck, and earns well over six figures.
Shifting Perceptions
Fred noted that cultural bias has long undervalued trade careers, with high school students often feeling more social recognition for pursuing traditional college degrees. However, society’s attitudes are shifting, and trade careers are increasingly seen as stable, respected, and financially rewarding.
Areas of Study Supported
CNO scholarships have supported students in advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, aviation, construction management, supply chain management, and welding. Welding remains the most common field, making up about half of the scholarships awarded.
Committee and Partnerships
CNO partners with Centerville Schools officials Samantha Stingley, Marian Delatorre, and Kathy Berry to identify and guide students. The Optimist committee includes Evelyn Griffin, Jayne Weikel, Mike Creech, Karl Frydryk, and Don Stafford.
This year, the scholarship application process will now be available online through the CNO website.
Requirements
Applicants must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, provide counselor recommendations, and demonstrate community service involvement. The committee reviews applications carefully and only rarely turns away a student.
A Strong Return on Investment
Fred pointed out that the return on investment for programs like Hobart’s welding school often surpasses that of prestigious universities. With lower costs, shorter training times, and strong job placement, skilled trade graduates are entering high-paying, secure careers.
Closing
Fred closed by thanking the Board of Directors, the committee, and all CNO members for supporting this valuable program that is changing lives and strengthening the workforce.
Honoring Gary Aiken
This year, the Centerville Noon Optimist Club received a $3,000 donation designated for the Skilled Trades Scholarship Committee. The gift was made in honor of Gary Aiken, a devoted program supporter. His commitment to advancing opportunities in the skilled trades will continue to benefit students through this contribution.
Thank You
Thank you, Fred Polizzi, for sharing the impact of the Skilled Trades Scholarship Program and highlighting the opportunities it creates for young people pursuing careers in the trades.
Slides
The slide deck has more information than is listed in this article.
You can view the slide deck of the presentation here.
Centerville High School Spirit Chain
Three students from Centerville High School—Hannah Sample, Addison Kocher, and Bella Keaton—spoke to our club about this year’s Spirit Chain competition between CHS and Kettering Fairmont.
The group is competing for the title of Spirit Queens after winning as Spirit Princesses last year, when they raised $5,000. CHS collected $131,000 in 2024, defeating Fairmont for the first time in 40 years.
The students have already organized bake sales and restaurant takeovers this year at Shop Smitten and City Barbecue. The CHS student council selects the charities that benefit each year. In the past, these have included Diabetes Dayton and several other local organizations.
Club members contributed $1,391 in cash at our meeting for Spirit Chain. CNO matched that amount; the total raised was $2,782.
President Paul’s Quote of the Week
“All great achievements require time.” -Maya Angelou
New Member Readings and Inductions
- Laraine Butkus, First Reading, Sponsored by Jean Pummill
- Bill Fischer, Second Reading, Sponsored by Mike Bevis
- Tony Feldkamp, Third Reading, Sponsored by Larry Lynde
- Carrie Thompson, Third Reading, Sponsored by Tom Conroy
Sergeants at Arms Fines – Dave Kay and Denise Green
Sergeant Dave Kay announced that fines remain $1 starting this week, unless they are considered egregious, in which case they are $2.
- Mike Creech, Mike Horton and another were fined for going to Yankee Trace first last week instead of the picnic at the park.
- Art Hung admitted it was too hot to attend the picnic.
- Ken Peacock said he hasn’t won the 50/50 drawing in 40 years, which was deemed not optimistic.
- Paul Stull said he never won the 50/50 drawing, which was deemed not optimistic.
- Gail Aiken kindly set out the name badge cases, but put the boxes out of alphabetical order, which caused chaos.
- Mike Yoder was given a ticket for speeding through the room.
- Chris McAlpine came in with sunglasses blazing and was obnoxious to the sergeants.
- Scott Langer paid for his 50/50 ticket with four quarters. That was ruled egregious enough for a $2 fine.
- Stan Fronzaglia received the Random Fine of the Week.
- Mike Creech was chosen by the Wheel of Misfortune.
Happy Bucks
- Teresa Nichols shared that her stepson is now officially a Marine after passing all of his tests on the first try.
- Cris Peterson thanked everyone for supporting Spirit Chain, which supported Diabetes Dayton last year.
- Cris Peterson offered $5 Happy Bucks for her husband receiving a clean bill of health after doctors caught two thyroid cancers early.
- Julie Walling Noeth was happy to be asked to photograph Top Soccer for their dinner event.
- Charlie Goodwin said a picture of his son, who practices Hematology and Oncology in Hancock, Michigan, is on the billboards in Hancock. He heads up the Hematology and Oncology team at the hospital there. Charlie also shared that the Eagle Scout he helped has become a Pediatric Surgeon. Charlie added that he recently enjoyed a vacation in Norway and Iceland.
- Jean Pummill thanked everyone for the cards, phone calls, texts, and emails while she was away, and said she is happy to be back at our meetings.
- Debe Dockins expressed gratitude for the support after Dennis’ passing, including attendance at his visitation and funeral.
- Ginger Ross announced that her daughter, Heather Price, recently wrote a book. Heather and her husband adopted a dog from 4 Paws for Ability, who did not make it through the service program. Heather wrote a moving story about how he was trained to work with disabled children and became a wonderful family pet.
- Debby Moore was happy that her grandson came to lunch and was able to see his scoutmaster, Charlie Goodwin.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Addison Kocher | Spirit Chain |
| Aidan Brinkerhoff | Debbie Moore |
| Anthony Feldkamp | Larry Lynde |
| Bella Keeton | Spirit Chain |
| Brady Seeley | Gail Aiken |
| Carrie Thompson | Tom Conroy |
| Hannah Samples | Spirit Chain |
| Jodi Seeley | Gail Aiken |
| Laraine Butkus | Jean Pummill |
| Lucas Dice | Gail Aiken |
| Nikki Dice | Gail Aiken |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Tim Mach | August 19, 2023 | 2 |
| Keith Weiskittle | August 19, 2023 | 2 |
| Joan Gruss | August 19, 2023 | 2 |
| Tyler Clark | August 19, 2023 | 2 |
| Connie Risch | August 19, 2023 | 2 |
| Don Massie | August 20, 1991 | 34 |
| Julie Walling Noeth | August 20, 2008 | 17 |
| Matt Somerlot | August 21, 2013 | 12 |
| Deanna Nesbit | August 22, 2021 | 4 |
| Sally Martino | August 22, 2021 | 4 |
| Diane Bradburne | August 22, 2024 | 1 |
| Jessica Wagner | August 22, 2021 | 4 |
| Mitch Bodenmiller | August 22, 2021 | 4 |
| Erin Laurito | August 23, 2022 | 3 |
| Luke Neff | August 23, 2022 | 3 |
| Todd Muckerheide | August 23, 2022 | 3 |
Birthdays
| Susan Thomsen | August 20 |
| Marilyn Becht | August 21 |
| Stephen Walker | August 21 |
| Mitch Bodenmiller | August 24 |
| Rick Altvater | August 25 |
| Debbie Parks | August 25 |
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