MAGAZINE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE SNO-DO RECAP | 4-5 CIRC UPDATE | 8 CLUB NEWS | 10-11 GRANTS AWARDED | 12 NEW CLUB CHARTER | 14
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ONLINE PUBLICATION OF CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL
MARCH 2019 1 MARCH 2019
FROM THE PRESIDENT BOB JONES INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT Hello Civitans, It is hard to believe the Civitan year is approaching the halfway point. This year is flying by. I guess the expression “time flies when you are having fun” is true. January and February were difficult months for many of our members dealing with the harsh weather, extreme cold and the winter storms that affected so many. But alas spring is just around the corner. February was a busy month for many of our Civitan clubs doing different projects and programs. I know there were clubs conducting a “Polar Plunge” to raise money for Special Olympics while others concentrated on projects like making Valentine’ s Day cards for those in group or nursing homes. I can speak from personal experience that the Polar Plunge is quite an “EXHILARATING” experience! February was also the month that many clubs chose to observe Clergy Appreciation and honor the clergy and show their appreciation for what these dedicated individuals do. For the past 56 years Civitans around the world have been observing Clergy Appreciation. Thank you to the clubs that took the time to focus on this very deserving group of people. During the month of February, Judy and I had the honor and privilege of attending one of Junior Civitan’s largest fund raisers, Sno-Do. This year participating Junior governors and International leaders were able to raise one of the largest amounts ever raised for the event – more than 64-thousand dollars. They are still taking contributions for this event and Dance-a-thon, coming up in June. I want to encourage you or your club to make a contribution if you haven’t already done so to bring them even higher in this effort. Remember your donations go toward Civitans at the Helm for your club. The energy of these young Civitans is something we can all learn from. If we could bottle that enthusiasm, we could sell it and have a great fundraiser. As we move into March and April, there will be many more opportunities for Civitan. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan made a proclamation that declared the month of March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We as Civitans have the opportunity to raise awareness and have programs in our individual communities. We are so fortunate our Civitan International Research Center is working to help find the causes and treatments for many conditions. APRIL is a busy month for Civitan. Civitan Awareness Month will be a great time to showcase your club and promote Civitan. Every month should be Civitan Awareness Month but take advantage of this special time to promote your club. Has your club conducted a recruitment meeting this year? This is an excellent time to do that. I encourage each of you to invite that one person to a meeting and invite them to join. You can “Make your Bed” by sponsoring that one new member. Invite them to join you in your efforts to make the world a better place. I want to thank each of you again for what you are doing to USE YOUR HANDS TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
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Sincerely,
Bob Jones Civitan International President 2018-2019
CIVITAN MAGAZINE VOL. 99, No. 2 ISSN 0914-5785 EDITOR IN CHIEF Scarlet Thompson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bonita Bigbee Meredith Binkley Jenny Ely Emily Kicker Mary Luck Megan Mindel Amy Roberts Louis Stephens Scarlet Thompson 2018-19 INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS President: Bob Jones, Concord, NC President Elect: Patsy Perkal, Aurora, CO Immediate Past President: Kendyl Massey, Maryville, TN International Directors: Julia Floyd, Cullman, AL; Dianne Hansard, Cumming, GA; Tony Workman, Greensboro, NC; Carol Wolters, Columbus, OH; Bill Lawrence, Almonte, Ontario, CA; Marta Ford, Eaton Rapids, MI; Fred Matthies, Franktown, CO; Ann McCarty, Pocatello, ID; Mogens Brun, Ålbæk, Denmark Junior Civitan International President: Danni Jo Grider Huntsville, AL; Executive Vice President: Scarlet Thompson, Birmingham, AL Civitan Magazine, like the organization it represents, is dedicated to service. The magazine will, at all times, emphasize the high ideals and purposes of the organization, disseminate ideas for greater service, and carry authorized announcements and notices regarding the activities of the organization. The magazine is an official Civitan International publication. Civitan International does not endorse or imply endorsement of any product and/or company by selling advertising space in this publication. Editorial opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Civitan International, its officers, or staff.
Telephone: (205) 591-8910 FAX: (205) 592-6307 Email: civitan@civitan.org Website: www.civitan.org MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Civitan worldwide is to build good citizenship by providing a volunteer organization of clubs dedicated to serving individual and community needs with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities. 1.800.CIVITAN
NEWS FROM WORLD HEADQUARTERS From the Desk of Scarlet Thompson | Executive Vice President
This month is a time to spring forward for many Civitans and it seems clubs are getting busier with service projects and fundraisers. Your world headquarters is just as active. Here are the latest headlines coming from Birmingham, Alabama: Congratulations to the club Congratulations to the new clubs and members who will join our Civitan family this month. builders of our newest Campus Civitan I had the pleasure of attending the charter ceremony for Agape Civitan Club in Montgomery, Alabama, Club, set to charter this month in the and initiating officers and charter members. I look forward to seeing how this club impacts the Heartland District! It’s a unique club in community around them. In addition, we’ll see new Civitans in Phil Campbell, Alabama (Alabama North), the way it meets, which makes it and Lakewood, Colorado (Great Southwest), this month. Thanks so much to the club builders who are adaptable for so many people. Good luck working to further our mission and reach. We need all Civitans to consider recruiting one member or to this club in its future endeavors! even building a new club in a community that doesn’t have this outlet in which to serve. We have plenty of resources and support to help you do that. Please reach out to us and take note of items we post on our website, Facebook, and email out to you. The Civitan International Board of Directors recently passed a new International policy that requires all Civitan clubs in the United States to have a tax-exempt status. That means your club must maintain the status of a 501 (c)(4) or 501(c)(3). This policy also calls for all new clubs from this point forward to initiate and maintain a 501 (c)(4) status. It’s part of an effort you’ll see intensify this year to ensure our clubs are complying with IRS rules and other guidelines. Please reach out to world HQ or talk to your respective International Director for more information on this new policy. Civitan International has new general liability insurance that took effect March 1st. For any clubs having events in March and have already reached out to our previous insurer for a certificate of insurance, don’t worry. You are still covered. More communications will be coming out about this change in the coming weeks, but I am proud to see this new coverage as it appears it will be more expansive. Again, please reach out to world HQ with questions. International President-Elect Patsy Perkal hosted the 2019 Governors-Elect Academy here in Birmingham in January. The intense training included workshops on new club model platforms, retention strategies, and methods on picking your leadership team. These Champions of Service also got to hear from champions in their own right, two Paralympians who have succeeded in so many capacities. We wish these GEs well as they build their teams in their Civitan districts and get ready to lead in bigger ways next Civitan year. I hope you like the new look of Civitan Magazine. We’re working to showcase the incredible work our clubs do from every point of the earth while trying to inform you of ways you can take your members to the next level. I am proud to work alongside you as we work to build a better and nobler citizenship!
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MARCH 2019
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LOOKING BACK AT SNO-DO 2019 BY AMY ROBERTS
This year, 20 Junior Civitan leaders came together in Midland, Ontario, Canada to celebrate all of their incredible fundraising efforts and convene during Governors Update. All participants and chaperones traveled to Buffalo, New York, where on Friday, February 8th, travel continued by bus to the final destination in Midland. Guests arrived late Friday evening at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre where Canadian friends, including Canadian District West Governor Sue Gibson and International Board member Bill Lawrence, were waiting to greet everyone with warm smiles and a delicious BBQ dinner. After dinner, Junior Civitans bonded over games led by International Board President Danni Jo Grider, and Junior Civitan Membership Specialist Emily Kicker before it was time to retire the evening at the Comfort Inn in Midland. On Saturday, February 9th, guests woke up excited and ready to take on the day starting with a service project orchestrated by Past International President and Sno-Do Event Coordinator Bill Hiscott, with support from
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the Canadian District West Junior Civitans. Our governors and board members built and decorated birdhouses to be donated to a local bird sanctuary and the Wildfire Lodge. After lunch, everyone reconvened for the Governors Update. International Board President Danni Jo Grider commanded the microphone as she gave a welcome to the audience and proceeded to give an overview of the day’s agenda. Throughout the afternoon, each governor shared successes and ideas as they all spoke on the amazing projects their districts have been working diligently on back home.
members; everyone anxiously awaiting the start of the evening’s program.
“Governors from all over North America came together to share ideas to help improve the organization. This may have been the most productive Governors Update yet,” says Danni Jo when asked to comment on her favorite part of the long weekend.
Guests were treated to a special presentation by Connie Cookson and her daughter’s lovable golden retriever service dog, Big Mac. Both served as representatives from COPE Dogs, a nonprofit organization that operates with a mission to provide a remarkable education program that engages communities and empowers students and others in the training of service dogs that will transform the lives of people with disabilities.
Once the Governors Update was complete, all officers returned to their hotel rooms to get ready for the Banquet and Dance. As the clock neared 6:30 PM, all guests were shown to their tables. Junior Civitan officers mingled excitedly with Canadian West Junior Civitan
The lights faded in and out as Rachel Stripp, Canadian West Junior Civitan governor, greeted guests, followed by the advancement of the colors by Skyler Sherring and Oliver Robinson from the Canadian District West and Jacob Cato, governor, South Carolina District. Guests remained standing for the Canadian national anthem, which was followed by the “toast” for the evening given by Simone Flannery, Deputy Governor of Canadian District West Junior Civitan.
The evening continued with Canadian District West Governor Sue Gibson welcoming
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special guest International President Bob Jones to address the audience, at which point he announced the, then current Sno-Do fundraising total of $64,192. The evening proceeded with each Junior Civitan Governor sharing a fun fact about their hometown and their individual fundraising totals. Grider returned to the stage to present awards to top fundraisers. Governors Kristen Alexander (Heart of the West) and Kenneth Lukens (Alabama-West Florida) received honors for being Bronze-Level fundraisers, raising more than $2,500 each. Governor Grace Harrell (North Carolina West) and International Director Victoria Davis (Chesapeake) were recognized as SilverLevel fundraisers, raising over $3,000 each. Governors Rachel Stripp (Canadian District West), Taylor Albertia (Valley), and Maggie Davis (North Carolina East) were all presented awards for being Gold-Level fundraisers, raising over $5,000. Finally, Maggie Davis was announced as the 2019 Sno-Do Top Fundraiser having raised over $10,000! The next morning started early as our governors prepared for a fun morning
Danni Jo Grider President, International Board
snowtubing at Snow Valley. Cold and tired guests looked forward to a warm lunch as the group all reconvened at the NSSRC for the traditional Back Bacon on a Bun lunch sponsored by the Don Mills Civitan Club. After lunch, members of the International Board carried out their board meeting, while governors and chaperones enjoyed an afternoon in Wye Marsh at a local bird sanctuary. During a self-guided tour, governors enjoyed taking their photos with residents of the center’s Birds of Prey. One-by-one, attentive caregivers introduced guests to the feathered flock. Among them were Alasadir, a petite and gentle Tawny Owl, and Ziibi, an impressively large bald eagle. After the long afternoon, guests were ready for a break as they got ready for the final event of the weekend, the Farewell Party. Everyone enjoyed a night of pizza and fun board games as they all bonded over their experiences. The night ended with a presentation of Silly Awards that were voted on earlier in the evening by all governors and international board directors.
Curfew that evening fell earlier since all had to be up before the crack of dawn to board the bus back to Buffalo, New York. On the way, the bus stopped at the Duty Free near the border so everyone could purchase a small token from Canada to take home if they wished. “What I enjoyed more about Sno-Do was reuniting with Junior Civitans I had met at the International Convention – and even those I had newly met over the weekend – and rejuvenating the passion we hold towards service and leadership,” says Junior Civitan International Board Director Victoria Bailey as she looks back on the weekend. Thank you to our 2019 Sno-Do event sponsors Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Development Disabilities, Agincourt Toronto Civitan Club, Civitan International Chesapeake District, London Middlesex Civitan Club, Don Mills Civitan Club, and the Dundas Civitan Club. A special thank you also goes to our supporters Civitan International Foundation of Canada, Barrie Civitan Club, Midland Civitan Club, and Fox’s Bakery.
2019 SNO-DO PARTICIPANTS Anna Beth Gunderman Governor, Alabama North
Aysia Gilbert Governor, Florida
Houston Enlow Governor, Mississippi North
Kenneth Lukens Governor, Alabama-West Florida
Kyndall Herring Governor, Georgia
Maggie Davis Governor, North Carolina East
Victoria Bailey Director, International Board
Caitlin Conner Governor, Appalachian
Jordan Conner Deputy Governor, Great Southwest
Grace Harrell Governor, North Carolina West
Ethan Fabian Director, International Board
Rachel Stripp Governor, Canadian District West
Kristen Alexander Governor, Heart of the West
Jacob Cato Governor, South Carolina
Victoria Davis Director, International Board Governor, Chesapeake
Emmy Gore Governor, Cardinal
Madalyn Sanders Governor, Magnolia
Taylor Albertia Governor, Valley
Marissa Lott Vice President, International Board
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MARCH 2019
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READYING TO READ THE GREEN IN GREENVILLE
By: Jenny Ely
Joe O’Toole admits he’s not the next Justin Rose or Rory McIlroy, but he feels at home on the green.
“I’m not the greatest golfer in the world but I do get to golf with the greatest people in the world. They are also known as fellow Civitans,” says O’Toole, who was the top fundraiser at last year’s annual Breakthru Golf Benefit. This year’s event will be held in beautiful Greenville, South Carolina, at the River Falls Plantation Golf Course on Tuesday, July 2. River Falls features an exciting, 18-hole, Gary Player Signature golf course to challenge athletes of all skill levels. The lush, rolling fairways and Diamond Zoysia greens are bordered by the South Tyger River. This scenic spot is the perfect backdrop to the 26th year for this benefit, where players’ fundraising benefits the Civitan International Research Center. Over Breakthru’s history, players have raised over $5.7 million dollars to support the world-renowned facility. O’Toole, who is from the Chesapeake District, is looking forward to teeing off in Greenville. “Each year the International Convention takes us to parts of the world we would not otherwise see. The golf courses we are fortunate
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enough to play are always first class and this really puts the sizzle into the trip for me. Being able to meet up with old friends and getting to meet and know Civitans from all over the world is very exciting. We raise funds to help people who cannot help themselves, and we have fun doing it,” says O’Toole. Fellow golfer and accomplished fundraiser Harold Connell echoed Joe’s remarks. “I always look forward to playing in our annual golf benefit. I believe 100% in our Civitan International Research Center and playing in the golf tournament is an easy way to raise funds and have a fun time both at the same time. You could say that it is a fun fundraiser. Even if one does not play golf, find someone who does play, and help sponsor that golfer. All Civitan clubs should help sponsor at least one golfer,” says the Heartland District Civitan. Registration is open on the website, www.CivitanBreakthru.com. If you can’t play, there are many golfers who would appreciate your support. Be sure to donate online or mail a check to One Civitan Place, Birmingham, AL 35213. For questions about the event, please call 1-800 CIVITAN, ext. 109 or email Jenny@civitan.org.
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Call For No minatio ns
CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL HONOR KEY NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Join us in celebrating the contributions and achievements of people who help make Civitan and our world a better place for all.
WHO DESERVES NOMINATION?
The International Honor Key recognizes the achievements and contributions of Civitans with a minimum 10 years of service. The nominee should demonstrate a commitment and dedication to the mission and expansion of the organization.
NOMINATE SOMEONE!
Please take the time to nominate a Civitan who deserves to be celebrated! Consider nominating individuals whose accomplishments have yet to be acknowledged on the international level. Recipients will be honored during the Opening Ceremonies of this summer’s international convention in Greenville. FINAL NOMINATION DEADLINE May 1st EMAIL YOUR NOMINATION TO scarlet@civitan.org WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
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CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER SETS SIGHTS ON NEW RESEARCH CORE BY AMY ROBERTS
On April 2nd, the world will acknowledge World Autism Awareness Day, and millions across the globe will show support by updating their Facebook profile picture filter or by simply wearing the color blue. For an organization that was founded on a desire and passion to do more for others, how can Civitans recognize this special day in a way that makes a lasting impact for generations to come? Autism is a developmental disorder that affects children in the United States at an increasingly growing rate. The recent uptick in diagnoses across the country, currently 1 in 68 children, could be attributed in some way to the increased awareness of the disorder, thanks in part to days like World Autism Awareness Day. The focus for many now is what is being done to facilitate research efforts and to aid in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Imagine a world where cancer was diagnosed as just cancer. A doctor gives a diagnosis to a patient and doesn’t provide any details beyond, “abnormal tissue growth within the body.” No specifics as far as where the growths are in the body, and there is only one type of treatment for all types, because, well, there aren’t any types. There’s just cancer. Imagine that one in 68 children have this catch-all diagnosis, and there are not enough clinics or clinical care providers to treat them. This is just one analogy Dr. Craig M. Powell, Director of the Civitan International Research Center, gave when he described treatment plans for individuals living with autism. “You don’t give one drug to treat melanoma and the same drug to treat pancreatic cancer, and the same drug to treat brain cancer,” he says, “You use different drugs to treat different cancers. They’re all growths that are abnormal in your body. Similarly, autism is 8
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multiple different disorders due to multiple different causes. They all likely require different treatments.” Dr. Powell continues to describe this lack of individualized treatment for patients with autism as a “public health crisis.” It’s one in which he and over 100 faculty members at UAB are actively addressing through formation of the Civitan Translational Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Core. “The vision is to give an opportunity for every person who comes through the Civitan International Research Center’s clinical care at UAB and Children’s of Alabama to participate in cutting-edge research, providing hope for the future on top of outstanding clinical care now,” Dr. Powell explains. “The goal is to bring everyone together by creating one database of clinical care and research information and one set of samples from those individuals.” The Civitan Translational Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Core will be a breakthrough in the field of autism and intellectual disorders research. “We know that there are probably hundreds of different disease mutations that cause different flavors of autism, and it’s likely that each different flavor of autism has a different biology, a different cause, and a different potential therapy,” says Dr. Powell, “And so really the next push is for individualized, personalized, precision medicine for every child with the syndrome that we call autism or the syndrome that we call intellectual disability.” In addition to identifying causes and treatment plans on an individual level, the Research Core will also serve to enhance existing efforts at the CIRC. Currently, the CIRC provides a comprehensive lineup of services that span across multiple disciplines
for patients and their families.
“The CIRC has done an amazing job, with the support of Civitan International, in establishing clinical care in multiple disciplines in psychiatry, psychology, pediatric neurology, physical, occupational, and speech therapies,audiology, and many other disciplines,” explains Dr. Powell. “We also have been doing a great job of helping shepherd children through the normal everyday medical care, like when they go to the dentist,” he continues. “It can be very stressful for some to have new experiences; having psychologists and other providers support them just to go to the dentist is something that I think is an incredible challenge for so many on the autism spectrum.” A project of this magnitude will take time and resources to bring to fruition. Dr. Powell has already put plans in motion by recruiting a team to facilitate operations of the Research Core. To have the Civitan name attached to such a revolutionary endeavor is an honor that is attributed to every Civitan who has felt and acted on their desire and passion to do more for others.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR On Tuesday, April 2nd Civitan International will partner with Blackbaud to recognize World Autism Awareness Day through a special day of online giving. On this day only, Blackbaud will waive traditional credit card processing fees so that we can provide maximum benefits from every contribution. Mark your calendars to make a donation at civitan.org on this day! 1.800.CIVITAN
UPCOMING AWARENESS DAYS
The Civitan International Research Center studies a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as cognitive and neurological disorders. Down Syndrome and Autism are two that are currently being studied. Do you want to help? You can! Help us raise awareness in March and April by participating in recognition days for each, and completing a Servant’s Heart Award project. When you do, post your pictures to social media, tag Civitan International, and use the hashtag #championsofservice.
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, 2019. The date 3/21 holds significance as it represents Down Syndrome which is also known as Trisomy 21, or the occurrence of a child being born with a third chromosome at the 21st position rather than just two. To raise awareness, you are encouraged to wear lots of socks on March 21, 2019! You can wear mismatched socks, three socks, or just bright colors. Be creative! TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY GO TO | www.worlddownsyndromeday2.org
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
Every year, April is Autism Awareness month, and April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. People around the world participate in sensory friendly events, educational activities, and “Light it up Blue” in their wardrobes, homes, and communities to raise awareness, as well as increase understanding and acceptance of people living with Autism. This year you can participate and raise awareness by “Lighting it up Blue” on April 2. TO LEARN MORE, GO TO | www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-awareness-month
SERVANT’S HEART AWARD
The Servant’s Heart Awards is the name for Civitan International’s global awareness project, which is suggested to be carried out during Civitan Awareness Month in April. This project is designed to honor teachers, paraprofessionals and therapists who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These individuals are the unsung heroes in our communities. They can be found in school classrooms, service providers like The Arc or United Cerebral Palsy, or even vocational settings where important skills are being taught. If you are looking for a wonderful project to do this spring, consider hosting a club or district wide Servant’s Heart project. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ACCESS TO THE SERVANT’S HEART TOOLKIT GO TO | www.civitan.org/servants-heart-awards
SERVICE SHINING BRIGHT: CIVITANS SUPPORT PROM EVENTS BY MEGAN MINDEL
On February 8th Civitans from all over North America put on their dancing shoes and volunteered at Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine events. A Night to Shine provides a safe and inclusive prom for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities ages 14 and up.
churches think of every detail and execute with excellence, making it a memorable night for each attendee. From a red-carpet welcome to dancing the night away without judgment to being crowned a king or queen of the prom, this night is so very special for all involved!” says Wright.
Current Palmetto Civitan Cub president Emily Wright and some members of her South Carolina club volunteered at the event. Wright is also a parent of a participant.
Wright’s buddy this year was a man with autism in his early 20s who loves to dance. “At the end of the event he gave me a hug, so I know he had a good time. It was heart-warming, and rewarding, and I was honored to be able to serve,” recalls Wright. Wright’s daughter was able to attend for the
“Night to Shine is an amazing event! The Tim Tebow Foundation and the local host
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first time this year. The teenager has been carrying her framed picture from that night everywhere she goes. “It is such a comfort as a parent to know my child can have these kinds of life experiences in an environment where she will be accepted and loved,” says Wright. Besides Palmetto, the Charles County (Maryland) and Scottsboro (Alabama) Civitan Clubs volunteered at Night To Shine. Even our Campus Civitans at the University of South Alabama took part.
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CLUB NEWS
COLLECTED BY MEREDITH BINKLEY AND LOUIS STEPHENS CHAMPIONS OF RECRUITING | LEWANEE CIVITAN CLUB IN MICHIGAN Eighty miles southwest of Detroit sits Adrian, Michigan, home of the Lenawee Civitan Club. Founded in 1969, the club has 85 members who are passionate about serving their community. Whether working with Camp Civitan to send deserving individuals with disabilities to summer camp, volunteering with the Special Olympics, hosting dances at the HOPE Community Center, or playing a vital role in the Adrian 4th of July Parade, the members of the Lenawee club understand what it means to put others above self and serve well. The club also works hard to bring in new members who are passionate about giving back. They have brought in five new members this year and have utilized the free custom toolkits provided by Civitan International to help spread the word about all they are doing in their community. What’s the secret to their success? “We ask them to visit us for a meeting, buy them lunch, and let them see what we do and who we are, says Wendy Rogers, club president, “People join people, not clubs.” Club leaders are intentional about pursuing the next generation of Lenawee Civitans, welcoming new members with new ideas. They make sure all members get engaged and stay engaged. CHAMPIONS OF COURAGE FOR A CAUSE MOORESVILLE CIVITAN CLUB IN NORTH CAROLINA Tis the season for jumping in icy lakes for a cause, and this February was no exception! The Mooresville Junior and Senior Civitan Clubs of North Carolina District West “went freezin’ for a reason” on February 2nd for the 14th annual Mooresville Polar Plunge held at the Lake Norman Yacht Club. Participants dove in the icy water in 48-degree weather (19 degrees warmer than last year’s event!) to raise money for the Lake Norman Special Olympics. The family friendly event saw families, children, young and old, along with their four-legged friends, gather to give back to a cause that has long been championed by Civitans around the country. We are proud of their dedication to service and the work they do year-round to support the Special Olympics of North Carolina! CHAMPIONS OF CLERGY APPRECIATION FORT DODGE CIVITAN CLUB IN IOWA Civitan Clubs around the world set aside time during the year to honor local faith leaders for their acts of service. The project was inspired by the story of the Four Chaplains, in which four military chaplains of varying faiths gave up their lives in service to others on board the USS Dorchester after it had been hit by a torpedo. On February 4th the Fort Dodge Civitan Club hosted ten clergy and their families for a meal honoring their service and dedication. Judy Rozek served as the guest speaker, sharing her experiences on her trips to Haiti and having the opportunity to see an orphanage and elder home opened for the residents of the town that they visited. The luncheon was well attended from members of the First Church of the Nazarene, Salvation Army, 1st Presbyterian, and chaplains from the hospital, prison, and local retirement homes, among others. Thank you, Fort Dodge, for honoring these leaders and for setting the standard for all of us to follow. CHAMPIONS OF JUNIOR CIVITAN | NEPAL DISTRICT Nepal District Governor Deepak Bhandari, MST, recently announced the chartering of the first two Junior Civitan clubs in his country. Together both clubs, Samata School Junior Civitan and Junior Lumbini Civitan have 60 members. Civitans in Nepal had an extra reason to celebrate the occasion. A few Civitans from Norway visited the area during the time of the charters, sharing the Civitan Creed in at least three languages.
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CLUB NEWS
COLLECTED BY MEREDITH BINKLEY AND LOUIS STEPHENS
HOOK, LINE AND SINKER: ANNUAL FUNDRAISER NETS THOUSANDS FOR LOCAL CAUSES The Cobden & District Civitan Club held its Ninth Annual Ice Fishing Derby Fundraiser on February 2nd. Cobden, Ontario, Canada is a small community in the Township of Whitewater Region in Renfrew County. The club currently has over 50 members. For this year’s event, more than 1300 adult admission tickets were sold. Each adult competitor vies for nice cash prizes in three fish categories: longest Trout, longest Perch and longest Pike. The local business support was outstanding as over 100 door prizes and gifts were donated for the adult event and over 100 gifts and prizes for the children’s derby. Grand prizes drawings included a boat and a trip to Las Vegas. Plus, the club sold over 2,000 chances to win a donated ATV four wheeler. This year’s Ice Fishing Derby raised over $30,000 for the Cobden and District Civitan Club. The club presented donations of $10,000 to the Ottawa Heart Institute and $10,000 to the Renfrew Hospice during the event. The 2019 Cobden and District Civitan Club Ice Fishing Derby Committee included: Bird Moss, Gayle Jacque, Chantelle and David Cartman, John Cull, Kevin and Cindy Lamorie and Rick and Mary Moss. The Ice Fishing Derby committee stated: “We couldn’t have done it without the continued support of all the businesses and participants and it will be even bigger next year for our 10th anniversary.” To view more great pictures of this year’s Ice Fishing Derby and Cobden & District Civitan Club’s projects go to Facebook and search for Cobden Civitan Club or visit the club’s web site at www.cobdencivitanclub.com.
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RECIPIENTS OF FIRST GRANTS FROM THE DR. TIMOTHY AND MRS. DEBBIE JUHLKE CHARITABLE FUND ANNOUNCED BY EMILY KICKER
A new program has been established for Junior Civitans and that is the Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Debbie Juhlke Charitable Fund for Junior Civitan International. The purpose of the Juhlke Charitable Fund is to foster growth of Junior Civitan International membership throughout the world by assisting in retention of existing clubs, building of new clubs, and the recruitment of new members. There are two types of grants associated with the fund. One is a service grant and the other a club building grant. The service grant is worth $250 and is available for clubs with less than 20 members that need some additional funds to complete a service project. The club building grant is available for exactly what it says—the building of a new Junior Civitan club. This was the first year for the grant program and applications were due in December. A
total of eight applications were received from across North America and all eight clubs were very deserving. The Juhlke Family Advisory Committee met to review each application thoroughly before making their decision. This year’s winners of a service grant are the Helpful Heroes Junior Civitan Club (Great Southwest District) and the Cypress Creek Junior Civitan Club (North Carolina District East). The winner of the club building grant is the Shining Stars Junior Civitan Club (Heart of the West District).
Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Debbie Juhlke
Civitan International is thrilled to make this program a standard in the Junior Civitan program and hopes to award deserving clubs with these grants for years to come. The organization is especially grateful to Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Debbie Juhlke for their generous gift to help ensure the progress and growth of this cherished effort.
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Hot Topics webinars are for you, led by you—the member. Look for them regularly every other month on various subjects that impact you.
HOW THEY’RE RECRUITING CIVITANS FROM THIS AGE GROUP THEIR SERVICE PROJECTS AND UNIQUE FUNDRAISERS
You can suggest topics by emailing our Membership Specialists at growth@civitan.org. MORE INFO TO COME ON CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL’S FACEBOOK PAGE AND EMAILS FROM WORLD HQ! 12 CIVITAN MAGAZINE
1.800.CIVITAN
39TH ANNUAL JUNIOR CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION NEARS BY EMILY KICKER
Junior Civitans across North America will gather together this summer at the Hyatt Regency Dulles in Herndon, Virginia, for a weekend full of service, knowledge, fellowship and FUN! Not only will this year’s international convention consist of the usual activities like a service project and elections, it will, for the first time ever, include the 46th annual Dance-a-thon! Along with the very important general sessions and workshops, participants will also have some free time to explore the Washington D.C. area. All Junior Civitans are encouraged to attend and join with their peers in celebrating all things Junior Civitan. The cost per participant will be $250 for convention registration plus an additional $50 to participate in Dance-a-thon. Registration costs include hotel room (quad occupancy), four meals, and all convention activities. This year’s event is presented by the Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Chesapeake District of Civitan International. How can you help? You and/or your club can help ensure that Junior Civitans in your district get to attend! Consider helping “sponsor” a Junior Civitan to attend convention. Contact your district’s Junior Civitan chair to find out how. Registration will open this month for what could be a record-breaking event in the Greater Washington D.C. area! For up-to-date information, visit www.juniorcivitan.org/convention or email emily@civitan.org.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
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EVP Scarlet Thompson initiating the club’s officers
NEW CLUB CHARTERS IN MONTGOMERY BY MEGAN MINDEL AND SCARLET THOMPSON The Agape Civitan Club held their charter ceremony on March 13. It is the second club built during the 2018–2019 Civitan year. The club based out of Montgomery, Alabama, will be a part of the Alabama-West Florida District and was built by Certified Club Builders, Governor Josephine Roper, MST, Chuck Rice, and Meg Smith. Roper and Rice are both members of the Montgomery Civitan Club while Smith is a member of the Prattville Civitan Club. The Agape Civitan Club chartered with 28 members so far and will be sponsored by the Montgomery Civitan Club. The name for the club, “Agape” is a Greco-Christian term referring to love or, “the highest form of love, charity.” At the ceremony, Governor Roper recognized the group for choosing a name for their club that describes so perfectly what it will do. “We celebrate each of you for your distinct sensitivity, grace and love for others,” says Roper, who also is the club’s charter president.
The club’s new secretary, Shirley Brown, is just as thrilled to start serving the community through Civitan. “I taught children with special needs for more than 20 years, so this is near and dear to my heart,” says Brown. Agape’s charter makes 13 clubs in the Alabama-West Florida District. It’s the first club to charter in the area in more than five years, and one that is projecting a good and solid start thanks to its members.
The club builders of Agape Civitan Club Chuck Rice, Jo Roper and Meg Smith
“Everyone who has come in has their own niche,” says Agape Civitan Club President-Elect Catherine Davis, “And all the niches fit together. We want to do great things.”
New charter members of the Agape Civitan Club
Club builder and Alabama West Florida District Governor Jo Roper welcomed Montgomery County Commissioner Isaiah Sankey to the event.
Agape Civitans have already hit the ground running collecting pop top tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and planning projects to support the local cancer center, blood bank, and Special Olympics. Those projects, along with others Civitan is known for throughout the world, are important to this new group. “My daughter was a Junior Civitan in high school, so I am excited to be a part of it now too,” says Emma Faulk, a new club member. 14 CIVITAN MAGAZINE
New charter members of the Agape Civitan Club 1.800.CIVITAN
KNOW THAT FELLOW A Profile of Lynn Leitch Fairfax Civitan Club
What Fellow did you receive? Lynn: I received the Civitan International Research Center Fellow. When and where did you receive your Fellow? Lynn: I received my fellow at the 2018 Civitan International Convention in Reno, Nevada. Do you have any other Fellows? Lynn: I have a Junior Civitan International Foundation Fellow that I received in 1998 at the end of my year as Junior Governor for the Chesapeake District. I was also fortunate enough to receive a fellow on the district level in April 2017. What was your favorite part about receiving your Fellow last year? Lynn: I would have to say that my favorite part was being presented this honor by Mary Luck. Mary and I have known each other since I met her at my first Junior Civitan convention when I was in 8th grade. I really appreciated the kind words she said and that she gave me the letters from my fellow Civitans and family members who wanted to share what they thought about my Civitan career and who felt I was deserving of this honor. It is really nice to be able to have these to keep with my Fellow and look back on in the years to come. Do you recommend Fellows as a good way to honor someone special? Lynn: I think Fellows are a good way to recognize a Civitan for the work they do in their communities, clubs, district and International. Since there are seven different types of Fellows, you can choose to which area a Civitan would most appreciate the funds being donated. For example, you can help support Junior or Campus Civitans through the Shropshire Scholarship Fund or Civitan International.
What does it mean to you to receive a Fellow? Lynn: While receiving a Fellow is an honor in and of itself, I am even more appreciative that I was recognized as a Civitan International Research Center Fellow. I truly believe in what our Civitan International Research Center (CIRC) does. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s. When I was a Junior Governor I was lucky enough to attend Sno-Do. I raised $8,000 so that it would help the researchers at CIRC work towards finding cures. Here we are twenty years later and my grandmother is now dealing with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. Knowing the money from this Fellow benefits the CIRC to help the researchers explore new areas that they may not have been able to explore otherwise is awesome. You never know when they will take the path towards finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, Autism, Rett’s syndrome or one of the many other diseases they are working on. If you are considering honoring a Civitan in your life through the presentation of a Fellow, please contact the Philanthropy Team at 1-800-CIVITAN ext. 116 or email Bonita@civitan.org.
The Great Southwest District of Civitan International awarded their first Servant’s Heart Award on February 16th to Scott Sparks, Director of Special Education for Secondary Schools with the Boulder Valley School District. The Servant’s Heart Award is a celebration of the unsung heroes in our community who support families and individuals who are affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities. Scott was presented with this award due to his past 32 years of service dedicated to those individuals with developmental disabilities. Scott was involved in New Mexico Special Olympics and was a Certified Trainer of Sports. He was the head softball coach for the New Mexico team at the first International Special Olympics held at Notre Dame. In addition, he organized and ran the first ever Texas Winter Special Olympics. Scott’s service also spanned the classroom. He taught language arts in the special education department in Hobbs, New Mexico, and was Director of Student Supports at Aztec New Mexico Schools. Scott received his Master’s Degree in Education Administration and went on to develop a program for students on an IEP that would teach responsibility and lead to graduation. Scott was formerly an assistant principal in Clovis, New Mexico, where he oversaw the entire Special Education Department. Congrats Scott! WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
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CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL
CON VENTIO N
JU LY 3 - J U LY 6 • HYATT R E GE N CY DOWNTOWN • GREENVI LLE, SOUT H CARO LINA TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Tuesday, July 2 (Pre-Convention) 11:15 AM • Departures begin for Golf Benefit Breakthru Golf Benefit at River Falls Plantation FLUOR FIELD AT THE WEST END PHOTO: Lee Dashiell
LIBERTY BRIDGE AT DUSK
PHOTO: Firewater Photography/Kris Decker
FALLS PARK ON THE REEDY PHOTO: Copyright - ProBros
Greenville is not your typical Southern town. Home to the international headquarters of BMW and Michelin, the city is not only a melting pot of people, but also of flavors. With culinary influences from all over the world, this gem of a town has become a foodie destination. The perfect blend of global creations fills the city. Good ‘ole Southern cooking with a pinch of tradition and a dash of manners showcases Southern hospitality at its finest in Greenville’s many kitchens. Hyatt Regency Downtown, Civitan’s host hotel for this summer’s International Convention, sits on Main Street at NOMA Square in Greenville, South Carolina. Catch the live outdoor music of Downtown Alive on HYATT REGENCY AT DUSK PHOTO: Copyright - 2013 Firewater Photography Thursdays or Main Street Fridays, held in the square. These weekly traditions provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy downtown Greenville. The special Civitan rate at the hotel is $119 per night for a single/double. J o i n the Civ itan fam il y in Greenvil le t h i s July t o c e le b rate another year of servic e a nd fo cus o n o ur mis s ion. Visit the c onventi o n p a g e at w w w. civ it an.org f or detail s. See yo u t h e re !
Wednesday, July 3 (Opening Day) All Day • International Board Meeting 3 PM • Convention Orientation Session 7 PM • Opening Ceremonies Following • Welcome Party (ticketed event) Thursday, July 4 8:30 AM • First Business Session 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM • Presidents & Presidents-Elect Training Morning • Workshops and Seminars Afternoon • Workshops and Seminars Afternoon • Civitan Fest Evening • FREE 4th of July Fireworks Friday, July 5 8:30 AM • Philanthropy Program with Civitan Research Center Presentation Morning • Workshops and Seminars Afternoon • Workshops and Seminars Afternoon • The Civis - North American Awards and Recognitions Program Afternoon • District Photos Evening • President’s Council Donor Reception (invitation/ticket required) Saturday, July 6 (Closing Day) 8:30 AM • Elections Business Session Following • Membership Extravaganza
MAIN STREET IN THE MORNING 16 CIVITAN MAGAZINE PHOTO: JJ Adams, Dread Xeppelin Aerial
5:30 PM • Social followed by Installation Banquet & Closing Ceremonies (ticketed event) 1.800.CIVITAN