100 Years of Service!
VOL. 97, No. 3 ISSN 0914-5785
Greetings Civitans!
Graphic Artist Tonya Duckett PR and Communications Director Terry Schrimscher
This centennial year is flying by so fast! By the time you read this, we will have observed our 100th birthday on March 17th. I hope each of you took the time to reflect on what Civitan means to you and your community. I have seen all of the projects going on to serve and celebrate this milestone.
Duane Capps
Contributing Writers W. John Rynearson, CAE Scarlet Thompson Mary Luck Louis Stephens Lauren Dover
As I have traveled around or read about all our clubs are doing in their communities, it makes me proud to be a Civitan. You have reached so many people with all you do.
International President 2016-17
I encourage you to continue to share your “why” with those you come into contact with. Share not just what Civitan has done but make it personal with what it has done for you.
2016-17 International Officers President: Duane Capps, Greensboro, NC President-Elect: Kendyl Massey, Maryville, TN Immediate Past President: Debbie Juhlke, Round Rock, TX International Directors: Barbara Holyfield, Meridian, MS; Lana Suggs, Jacksonville, FL; Leigh Wilkinson, New Bern, NC; Patricia Jackowski, Middletown, CT; Lyle Armstrong, Don Mills, ON, Canada; Leslie Benmark, Joelton, TN; Dan Brown, Albuquerque, NM; Linda Colley, Altadena CA; Michael Kneke, Beverstedt, Germany; Sae-11 Chun M.D., Republic of Korea Junior Civitan International President: Cambron Bice, Alexander City, Alabama; Executive Vice President: W. John Rynearson, CAE, Birmingham, AL
Just a reminder. You do not want to miss the annual convention as we come together with our Juniors to celebrate 100 years of service. There is plenty of room for all who wish to attend. Sign up now before the rate increase. Many exciting events are being planned. I am looking forward to meeting many more Civitans. I cannot express how honored Lisa and I have been to serve you this year. Getting to visit and work with many of you at projects has been so rewarding and impressive. Thank you for all you do to serve so many.
United States 1917
Canada 1925
Yours in Civitan,
Norway 1969
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.
Duane Capps International President 2016-2017
Germany 1970
Sweden 1970
South Korea 1974
Japan
Telephone: (205) 591-8910 FAX: (205) 592-6307 Email: civitan@civitan.org Website: www.civitan.org
1975
Bangladesh 1990
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.
On the Cover Denmark
The beautiful Birmingham skyline. Home of Civitan International Headquarters and site of the 2017 International Centennial Celebration!
1991
Hungary 1991
Jordan 1992
India 1992
Civitan Countries
Russia 1992
Ukraine Romania Nepal 1992
1992
1993
Estonia Slovakia 1993
1994
Sierra Leone 1994
Nigeria 1997
Ghana 1997
Pakistan Philippines Netherlands Thailand 1999
2001
2002
2007
Liberia Cote d’Ivoire Taiwan 2008
2008
2008
United Kingdom 2008
Senegal 2009
Summer 2017
INSIDE 3
16
19 IN EVERY ISSUE Borderless Civitan 12
FEATURES
Club Showcase 15
4 There's No Place Like Home 2017 Centennial Celebration Convention
6
13
15
Your Presidential Candidates 2016-2017 Sponsorship Awards
Centennial Incentives for Civitans Who Sponsor New Members
Civitan Selfie Contest!
11
Cameroon Mexico 2010
2010
China 2011
Find Out How to Earn Centennial Civi-Bucks!
Kenya 2011
Tanzania 2011
Egypt 2012
Italy 2012
Haiti 2012
Uganda 2013
Togo 2014
Moldova 2015
Switzerland Gambia 2015
2015
Guinea 2015
Serbia 2015
France Madagascar Turkey 2016
2016
2016
Malta 2016
There's No Place Like HOME Although Civitans have been celebrating the organization’s 100th anniversary throughout the entire year, our for the delegates to enjoy.
Tours and Excursions Attending a convention is a tremendous opportunity for learning, celebration and connecting with Civitans outside your local involvement. You should also take the time to see the local sites and experience the flavors of the area. Civitan International has arranged for a few optional excursions for your consideration: Civil Rights Experience (full day) Saturday, June 24 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Begin the day departing via motor coach for a tour of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham’s most famous Civil Rights landmark due to the 1963 bombing which killed four young girls. Now, the church is a reminder of man’s inhumanity and his capacity for love and forgiveness. After lunch, your tour will proceed to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute with richly detailed exhibits revealing slices of black and white life in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present. The powerful Movement Gallery presents the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1963. The tour will conclude with a guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail winding through downtown marking significant locations along Civil Rights March routes. $95 per person (includes lunch).
Sports Lover Tour Monday, June 26 8:30 am – 4:30 pm If you love sports, this tour is for you. Journey to the beautiful campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where you will enjoy a tour of the Paul W. “Bear” Bryant Museum. A docent will introduce you to the museum and be available for any questions. After returning to Birmingham for lunch, tour Regions Field which is the home field for the Birmingham Barons of the Southern League. The final stop will be The Negro Southern League Museum which tells the story of African-American baseball in America through the eyes of Birmingham, Alabama. The museum features the largest collection of original Negro League baseball artifacts in the country. Whether you are a baseball enthusiast or a novice, the Negro Southern League Museum has something for you. $75 per person (excludes cost of lunch)
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Civil Rights Experience (half day) Tuesday, June 27 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm This shorter experience begins with a tour of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham’s most famous Civil Rights landmark due to the 1963 bombing which killed four young girls. Now, the church is a reminder of man’s inhumanity and his capacity for love and forgiveness. After lunch, your tour will proceed to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute with richly detailed exhibits revealing slices of black and white life in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present. The powerful Movement Gallery presents the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1963. The tour will conclude with a guided tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail winding through downtown marking significant locations along Civil Rights March routes. $60 per person (excludes lunch). To register for these optional tours, click here. For more information on the 2017 Civitan International Centennial Celebration, please contact Mary Luck, VP of Conventions, Meetings & Awards at 1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 121, or via email at maryluck@civitan.org.
1.800.CIVITAN
2017 Centennial Celebration Convention • June 24-27
www.civitan.org/convention
IMPORTANT
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION FIRST
Centennial Celebration Convention is packed full of entertainment
Two events are separately ticketed events and are not included in any base registration fee. Following are the options available for registration of Civitans and Guests.
REGISTRATION ONLY FEES
Entertainment Opening Ceremonies will kick off the convention in celebratory style. Here is a glimpse… Opening Ceremonies Vox Audio features the varied talents of five unique world-class vocalists who use no instruments other than the human voice to create complex sonic textures, rhythmic drumbeats, thumping bass lines and searing guitar-like solos. The interactive show combines tight harmonies, improv comedy, vocal sound effects and unique visuals. It has been described as “a musical experience unlike any other.” Magician Arthur Atsma has been captivating audiences for more than twenty years with his unique shows and programs. With hundreds of performances across America each year, Arthur's programs are in high demand! His love for entertainment, education and professionalism is apparent in every motivational program. An award winning sleight of hand artist, corporate entertainer, educator, and motivational speaker, Arthur brings all these skills to your organization. Welcome Party “There’s No Place Like Home” is the theme for our Centennial Celebration Welcome Party. Think ruby red slippers, yellow brick roads, lions and tin men. Show off your best OZ character moves to the sounds of the Raquel Lily Trio. Armed with a green guitar fondly named Gretschen, Lily brings her incredible voice and talent to the stage North American Awards and Recognitions PFI (Positively Funny Improv) is Birmingham's only weekly performing Improv Troupe. PFI is an innovative company that uses the art of Improvisation to ENTERTAIN and to EDUCATE. Membership Extravaganza Multi-award winning performer Wayne Hoffman is recognized as one of the top mentalists in the world. Wayne’s passion for the mysterious lead him to study the art of magic. Wayne’s show is a high-energy presentation that involves body language, human behavior, and visual magic that will make your head explode. The audience experiences seemingly supernatural phenomena in a fun and upbeat way. Closing Installation Banquet Everybody knows that if you want a great party, then you've got to have style! This year’s party band, Style, takes the newest trend of party-band-gone-class-act to a bigger and better level. Style is a band that takes the impossible task of meshing together hits from over six decades of music and turns it into an all-night celebration that keeps people dancing and has them talking long after the night ends.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
Civitan Program Registration ONLY $175.00 for all non-ticketed functions including:
•Opening Ceremonies with Entertainment •First Business Session •Seminars and Workshops •Host Hospitality, Supply House •Civitan International Research Center Presentation •Membership Extravaganza with Entertainment •Elections Business Session
Guest Program Registration ONLY $215.00 In addition to Civitan Program includes:
•Sunday tour •Monday tour
SEPARATELY TICKETED EVENTS
Following Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, a themed Welcome Party. Tickets for the Welcome Party are limited. Once the Civitan Business has concluded Tuesday morning, we will wrap up the convention with the Closing Installation Banquet. Both of these events are separately ticketed and are not included in any other base program registration, but are included in packages as noted below.
Saturday’s Welcome Party (Civitans, Guests and Youth) $35.00 (limited number of tickets available)
Tuesday’s Closing Installation Celebration Banquet $80.00 for Civitans or Guests EVENT PACKAGES Civitan Event Package = $260.00
Includes complete Civitan Program in addition to the Welcome Party and Closing Installation Banquet
Guest Event Package = $305.00
Includes complete Guest Program in addition to the Welcome Party and Closing Installation Banquet
Mail or fax form with payment or payment information to: Fax: (205) 592-6307 Civitan International Convention P. O. Box 130744, Birmingham, AL 35213-0744 USA 2017 Cancellation Policy: Requests for registration refunds postmarked be-
fore May 1 will be assessed a $15 processing fee. Requests for registration refunds postmarked before June 1 will be assessed a 25 percent processing fee. Requests postmarked after June 1 and before June 23 are eligible for a 50 percent refund. Request for refunds of ticketed events will not be accepted after June 20. Cancellations due to bona fide emergencies (death or illness) will be honored, less the $15 processing fee, if received no later than August 15. No requests for refund will be honored after August 15. All requests must be received in writing.
Convention Policy: Registrant name badges will be required to attend ALL convention functions, including general sessions, elections and workshops. These will be included in your convention packet, and provided upon arrival. Thank you for your understanding.
Your Presidential Cand QUALIFICATIONS
Lura Boggs Candidate for President-Elect Foothills, Greenville & Mauldin Civitan Clubs South Carolina District The Civitan Creed is a standard by which all should strive . It embodies the elements a Good Citizen of any country can obtain. One who not only believes in the Creed and lives by the Creed is Lura S. Boggs. After only God and family does Lura use the pillars of Civitan to guide her in her daily walk. Lura began her Civitan career in 1987 as a member of the Metropolitan Civitan Club in Charleston, South Carolina. She immediately became an active member of the club serving in several roles on the club level, and shortly after joining the club did she pursue leadership roles at the district level. Her work in the South Carolina District culminated with her as District Governor in 1993-1994 and a repeat of the governorship in 2011-12. After moving to Greenville, South Carolina she joined the Greenville Civitan Club where she is an active participant in the club's projects, serving as Club Treasurer and continues to serve the South Carolina District as Secretary/Treasurer. In 2014, she embraced the role of International Region 2 Director. Civitan International has just passed its 100th Birthday on March 17 and Lura visualizes plans and initiatives to ensure Civitan will be around for another 100 years. While developing growth in Junior Civitans, YP Clubs, and traditional clubs, the organization can make huge strides in the Research Center and global projects like the Special Olympics. And with the organization embracing technology and new avenues of contact, we have a great opportunity for recruitment.
International •Region 2 International Director 2014-2016 •Foundation Junior Fellow 1994 •Certified Club Builder 1991 •Member Sponsorship Team (MST) 2016 •Charter Member President's Council 1991- Present •Legacy Member President's Council 2016 District •Lt. Governor-Area 1 1989-1992 •Governor 1993-1994 & 2011-2012 •Scholarship Chair 2008-2009 •Secretary/Treasurer 2012 - Present •Outstanding First Year Civitan 1987-1988 •Outstanding District Officer 1991-1992 & 2012-2013 •John Doudoukjian Award 2013-2014 •District Honor Key 1994, 2012 & 2013 Club Metropolitan Club •Distinguished Club President 1989-1990 •Club President 1990-1991 •Club Civitan of the ¥ear 1990-1991 & 1993-1994 •Club Honor Key 1993 Greenville Club •Awards Chair 2002 - Present •Program Chair 2009-2011 •Club Treasurer 2013-Present •Club Honor Key 2002
However, Lura believes the greatest impact Civitan can have is not only on those being served, but more importantly the individual member of Civitan. The idea of a stronger and healthier community must start with the individual committed to improving himself or herself and committed to improving the community and the world. There are many Civitans who have heard Lura's personal story of how Civitan saved her from herself. The act of reaching out in service to others helped to redeem her broken heart. It is a story of transformation that occurred when she looked beyond herself and envisioned a better world through Civitan. Lura seeks for others to join us in the fellowship and service of Civitan - to better the world and for the betterment of the individual. As much as Civitan has inspired Lura to reach out to others, she will serve her world through Civitan and she seeks to serve Civitan as the 2017-2018 International President Elect. Please vote for Lura S. Boggs as International President-Elect at the Birmingham Convention. The preceding article was prepared by the committee to elect Lura S. Boggs and is not an endorsement of the candidate by Civitan International.
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didates for 2017-2018 QUALIFICATIONS
Robert “Bob” Jones Candidate for President-Elect Race City Civitan Club North Carolina District West Southeast Guilford Civitan Club North Carolina District East Since joining Civitan, Judy and I have learned not only what Civitan is but also who Civitans are. Civitans are an organization of caring individuals all working together helping their community, state, nation, and world to make a better place to live and work. Our Civitan Creed: “My hope is for a better world through Civitan. Civitan offers a vehicle for us to give back in many different ways. We have the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics, build wheel chair ramps, serve the hungry, helping our fellow man. This is why we exist “To build a better world." For our organizaton to grow, we must continue to build new clubs and add new members. We have continued to grow as an International Organization, outside North America for the past several years. I would like us to continue to seek areas to build new clubs within North America where Civitan Clubs are not found but are much needed. The way clubs meet and recruit new members is changing. Technology is changing almost daily. Social media used to be somewhat of a novelty, but now is a way of life for many. Studies show that 78% of U.S. Americans have a social media profile. According to estimates the number of worldwide social media users reached 1.96 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow to 2.5 billion by 2018. We as an organization need to embrace the changing technology as an avenue to reach out to the millennial generation and to others if we want to continue to grow and prosper. I will focus on our organization embracing this avenue of communication. We also need to be creative on how clubs meet. Our Junior Civitan program continues to be an important part of our organization that we need to support. There are also many opportunities to build new Junior Civitan and Campus clubs. The Junior Civitans will be joining us in Birmingham and I know they will add a lot of excitement and energy to our joint convention. We need to continue to support our Civitan International Research Center. So much work is being done there to help individuals with many physical and developmental challenges. Many of us have been touched by what is being researched there such as Alzheimer’s and Autism. I have a challenge for every Civitan, at the end of the day ask yourself, “Did I make a difference in somebody’s life today?” We all have 365 days a year to make a difference. As your president-elect I will do my best to help make a difference in our organization, by looking at ways to reach new areas to build Civitan and to increase our use of social media. I invite you to join me in Birmingham at our 2017 Centennial Celebration Convention. I am asking for your support and vote.
International Service •International Board of Directors 2013-2015 •International Honor Key 2016 •Civitan International Research Fellow •International Committee on Civitan Traditions •Member Presidents Council •Centennial Membership Sponsor Team •Certified Club Builder Tillery Area Civitan Club Joy Civitan Club •Medallion Member District Service •District Honor Key •Governor’s Honor Key •North Carolina West Civitan Governor 2008-2009 •District Lt. Governor 2002-2003 •Outstanding Lt. Governor 2002-2003 •Outstanding Cabinet Member 2003-2004 •District Area Director 2004-2005 •District Fund Raising Chair •District Candy Box Chair •District Fruit Cake Chair •District Awards Chair •Victory Junction Chair •North Carolina District West Fellow •North Carolina District East Fellow •Victory Junction Fellow •Established Victory Junction Golf Tournament •Established Victory Junction Fellow •Victory Junction Camp Volunteer and counselor •District Sales and Marketing •District Judge Advocate •District Convention Presenter •Special Olympics Volunteer State and Local Games Club Service •Concord Civitan Club Honor Key •Concord Civitan Club President •Concord Civitan Club President-Elect •Club Fruit Cake Chair •Club Candy Box Chair •Club Sergeant At Arms •Distinguished Club President •Junior Civitan Central Cabarrus High School Liaison
This article was prepared by the committee to elect Robert Jones and is not an endorsement of his candidacy by Civitan International.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
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Your Candidates for In Dan Allen Candidate for International Director, Region 3 Rockingham Civitan Club, North Carolina District West My name is Dan Lewis Allen III. I am a candidate for Region 3 Director. I have 34 years experience as a Civitan. I have served as President, President-Elect, and Treasurer of the Rockingham Club. I was Honor Club President, Distinguished President and Outstanding President of Area 6. I hold an Honor Club Key and was Civitan of the Year 2007-2008. On the District level, I have been Lt. Governor for four terms and Area 6 Director. In 2009-2010 I was proud to serve as Governor of NCDW. I have the privilege to currently hold the position of Past Governor Director, on the President’s Council, a Certified Club Builder, and Foundation Fellow. My wife, Inell and my daughter, Rebecca are also active Civitan members. With my many years of experience and leadership opportunities, I feel qualified to represent Region 3 that includes North Carolina District East and West on the International Board. I realize that I will be representing all Civitans as we work together to make this world a better place-to live out the Civitan Creed. I look forward to seeing everyone in Birmingham. Dan L. Allen III
Tony Workman Candidate for International Director, Region 3 Southeast Guilford Civitan Club, North Carolina District East Why Civitan? That was the question posed to everyone last year in Norfolk by President Capps. That has been a recurring theme for me since becoming a Civitan. In high school, I was a Junior Civitan and when I graduated I wanted an outlet to give back. Since joining the Southeast Guilford Civitan in Climax, NC in May 2000, I have been an active member, serving my club as Director, Treasurer, and President. I hold a Club Honor key and have been voted Civitan of the Year twice. I have served my district as Sgt at Arms, Lt. Governor, Director, Governor and now Administrator. I have been awarded the Gubernatorial Honor Key, and a NCDE Scholarship Fellow. My district also honored me with a Foundation Fellow. Had it not been for the Southeast Civitan Club during my childhood, things could have turned out differently. One of my biggest goals in life is to teach my two children responsibility, compassion and a sense of community service. I am a firm believer that your helping hand is at the end of your elbow, however everyone deserves a little boost every now and then. Civitan has afforded me the opportunity to grow personally; gaining valuable leadership skills and confidence all the while helping others who are less fortunate than I. Civitan has done more for me than I will ever be able to do for Civitan. Please consider voting for me as International Director. Tony Workman
Bill Lawrence Candidate for International Director, Region 5 Almonte Inc. Civitan Club, Canadian Northern Lights District I joined the Almonte Civitan Club in the Fall of 2002 after serving 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. I feel Civitan can truly be a Family Community Service Club, as our sons and grandsons have helped us with local fundraisers. Our grandsons have attended most District and a number of International Conventions since living with us . During my time in Civitan, I have attended functions at Club, District and International levels. These experiences have really helped me grow in our Civitan Family. I have made some life-long friendships along the way. As an International Board member, I would be representing the good of Civitan for all Civitans, and I believe I would be a good representative of our Canadian Civitan Family. During my terms as President of the Almonte Club and my time on the District Board, I have had to deal with a lot of issues, both good and bad, but have always tried to focus on the reason we are all volunteers; for the betterment of our Communities. I will take on this position with the same enthusiasm I have had with my other Civitan positions. Civitan Bill Lawrence
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nternational Director Martha Ford Candidate for International Director, Region 6 Sundowner Civitan Club, North Central District Thirty-six years ago I was a single mother with two young sons. My mother Hazel Harkness—a charter member of the Sundowner Civitan Club in Lansing, Michigan—told me "You need Civitan and Civitan needs you." Thirty-six years later I still NEED Civitan and hope that Civitan needs me. Experience: •Governor North Central District 2012-2013 •President (4 times) •Senior Area Director •Lt. Governor and Director •Junior Civitan Chairperson 1987-1995 •International Trainer for Presidents/President-Elect •Certified Club Builder (2 clubs) As your International Director, I will to the best of my ability not only represent our Region with any concerns to International but will represent all clubs in our organization. A few of my goals are: •Communicate - Minutes with Marta •Help Districts work on increasing membership •Delegate •Follow through •Use the Tools International has provided •Bring excitement to Civitan •Creating laughter and fun through service •Visit clubs in their respective districts Please go the extra mile in Birmingham and vote Marta Ford Region 6 Director. Author - Marta Ford
Fred Matthies Candidate for International Director, Region 7 Rocky Mountain Civitan Club, Great Southwest District Fred Matthies is an Area Director for the Great Southwest District. Since joining Civitan in 1977 he has been club president six times, governor in 1999-2000, a CIRC Fellow and fruitcake chairman for the club and district for several years. Fred lives in Lakewood, CO with his wife Sue (also a Civitan). He is retired from the Insurance industry where he and his wife ran an Independent Insurance Agency for over 20 years. Fred is very involved in his community. He is currently president of S.I.G.N. (Seeking Independent Growth Now) which provides affordable housing and food bank for the hearing impaired. He helped start this 501(c)3 organization back in 1983. Fred and Sue have six children between them and eight grandchildren
These articles were prepared by their respective candidates, and are not an endorsement of any candidate by Civitan International.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
Summer 2017 9
Innovative Research with a Vision for the Future The Civitan International Research Center (CIRC) is an interdisciplinary center focusing on the development of the mind-brain through our unique mission of service, education and research. The CIRC was established in 1989 on the campus of UAB with the vital support of Civitan International. The mission of the Civitan International Research Center is to improve the well-being and the quality of life of individuals and families affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities. The University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Civitan International Research Center would like to thank Civitan International for their support over the last 27 years!
Winners of the 2016 Emerging Scholar Awards, established to recognize and support outstanding research projects from budding scholars whose research focuses on developmental disabilities.
CIRC 252D • 1719 6th Avenue South • Birmingham, AL 35294 Toll free: 1-800-UAB-CIRC
uab.edu/medicine/circ/ 10 Civitan Magazine
205-934-8900 1.800.CIVITAN
10 or more new members
CAN EARN Civi-Bucks$$ Centennial
Centennial Civi-Bucks can be used in the following ways:
Special Incentive for Club Additions Any North American Civitan club that adds a minimum of 10 or more members during the 2016-17 year earns $100 in Centennial Civi-Bucks! (This will be sent immediately to the club’s president when the club reports 10 additions.) Plus, for every 5 additions after that, the club receives $50 worth of Centennial Civi-Bucks!
• Pay for Civitan Supply House invoices • Apply toward quarterly international dues billing • Donate to the club’s Civitans-at-the-Helm contribution Civi-Bucks are good through January 31, 2018.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
Summer 2017 11
Hiroshima Civitan Club Rebuilt Hiroshima Civitan Club was originally chartered in 1998. Its service for the community was giving wigs to cancer patients who lose hair due to the side effect of medicine. Around the year 2012, Hiroshima Civitan Club dissolved because the members became too old to continue club activities. In February, 2015, Akihiko Takatsuki, a charter member and former president of the club, called Yoshi Sakogawa, General Secretary Japan, and expressed his intention to rebuild Hiroshima Civitan Club. Then Akihiko started to collect new members. On April 19, 2017, the re-charter ceremony of Hiroshima Civitan Club was held at ANA Crown Plaza Hotel in Hiroshima with the presence of Duane Capps, Civitan International President, his wife Lisa, John Rynearson, Executive Vice President, and Yoshi Sakogawa, General Secretary Japan. Each re-charter member was presented a re-charter member certificate by International President Capps. The Re-charter President is Shinji Kondo.
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Restoration Fund Update By Jay Albertia
The Centennial Celebration is upon us and we are looking forward to seeing you in Birmingham. The Centennial Committee has been hard at work with the International Staff to make this the best convention ever. With the great skyline as the back drop for our convention, Civitan will be treated to the heart of the city where Civitan was founded. You will also get to visit the Civitan International Research Center and tour the Civitan Headquarters. Speaking about the Headquarters Restoration, it is almost complete and is waiting for your arrival. If you are visiting for the first time or have been to the Headquarters many times, this trip will be all new to you. The newly restored space is one that every Civitan can be proud to call home. It is a space fitting our 100 years of service to our community and is a space that will help propel us to the next 100 years. If you have not given to our restoration fund, I am personally asking you to. I would love to see every Civitan member contributing to the future of our organization. We have many giving categories to fit every budget. This is both for the individual Civitan and for your club.
Giving Levels $100 Brick Sponsor (Club and Individual) $1000 Cornerstone Sponsor (Club or Individual) Recognitions · Brick Sponsor will be noted in print at the convention · Cornerstone Sponsors will also be recognized in print. Individual Cornerstone Sponsors will be invited to a special ticketed function. We also have a couple of additional naming rights for Individuals or Clubs: · We have only 1 Room Sponsor Left for $10,000 · We have one Half Room Sponsor for $8,000 · We have one Half Room Sponsor for $2,500
Finally, we have a Commemorative Coin designed just for the Centennial Celebration. This coin will only be sold a special time at the convention and is very limited. It is a .999 troy ounce of silver coin and will be sold for $40 per coin, with $15 of the cost going to the Restoration Fund. Since this coin is limited, you can only purchase five (5) of these coins. The coins will be sold to individuals and not to clubs. So be ready to collect a piece of history. Announcements about the coin will be made during the convention and there will not be any coins sold prior to the special event at the convention. We are sorry for this but, with such a limited quantity, we want to be fair to all Civitans.
Please be a part of our Centennial Celebration by contributing to the Restoration Fund or buying a coin. Civitans have a great heart and a giving spirit, so please help us make our goal and go over the top for the Restoration Fund. Be a part of history and the cornerstone for future generations of Civitans.
See you in Birmingham!
WWW.CIVITAN. ORG
If you would like to make a contribution to the Restoration Fund please contact Rosemary Smith at Civitan International for more details.
Explore the Birthplace of Civitan By Scarlet Thompson
It’s been 25 years since the Civitan International convention came to Birmingham, Alabama. The city where I was born has significantly changed since the last gathering of our members. Once considered a food desert, parts of downtown and surrounding areas have transformed into a delicious destination for natives and visitors alike. Birmingham and the communities around it have also embraced its rich history, taking the opportunity to share it with the world.
The Civitan World Headquarters was located on the 15th floor of the City Federal Building in the 1940s.
Just in case you have some time to explore during this convention, here are some suggestions: •If you get into town early, Pepper Place Market is a one-of-a-kind place to shop on Saturday mornings. There are all kinds of Alabama grown and made goods here from foods to décor. One of my favorite restaurants, Bettola, is also nearby. •Speaking of food, Birmingham is becoming known for it! We’re a city of James Beard finalists like Frank Stitt at Highlands Bar and Grill. As much as I love some of the creative and new places in town, I still enjoy some of the classics. When I need some good Southern comfort food I travel over to Irondale Café or Nikki’s West. Irondale Café is the restaurant made famous by the book and related movie Fried Green Tomatoes by Alabama author Fannie Flagg. Nikki’s also has a great history and just about any vegetable cooked up southern style. Other places I recommend: •For a good cup of coffee, Urban Standard or Octane
get to take part in one of the tours offered through the convention, it’s worth your time to still go to the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum and the 16th Street Baptist Church. These facilities are just across the street from one another, and Kelly Ingram Park is on the other side. All achieved national monument status recently and are great reminders of our progress when it comes to civil rights in this country. •History is one of my favorite subjects, so you can understand why my family likes to go to American Village. It’s a Colonial style attraction where you can go back in time to learn about our nation’s early days. American Village is a good 45-minute drive south from downtown so be prepared to drive. My family and I go there annually for its July 4th celebration, so they’ll be gearing up for it around the time of the Civitan convention. Their public tours are available only Monday through Friday.
•For lunch with history surrounding you, Roots and Revelry •For a sweet retreat, Steel City Pops •For a night of drinks and fellowship, Carrigan’s Public House •Birmingham’s Theatre district on 2nd Avenue North is a must-see site for those of you who enjoy gorgeous architecture. Since I was a little girl, I have visited The Alabama Theatre to see old movies and even Christmas classics. Their Summer Series is going on the week of the Convention. While you’re over that way, be sure to stop by The Lyric, which was recently renovated. Both of these movie houses were originally built back in the early 20th century. By the way, just around the corner is McWane Science Center where veterans get in free during the week of the convention. •Within just a few minutes of the theatres is Birmingham’s Civil Rights district. If you didn’t
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•The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum near Leeds has the world’s largest collection of motorcycles. It’s on the same property as the Barber Motorsports Park, home of the Grand Prix of Alabama race each spring. It’s an incredible collection. If you go, Rusty’s BBQ is just down the way where you can feast on the best hamburger and banana pudding in the area!
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CLUB SHOWCASE
Social Media Record for Civitan
Communication Corner By Terry Schrimscher Since I joined the Civitan staff last November, I have spent a lot of time in the archive room absorbing our history and thinking of ways to share our story with others. As I was looking at a collection of older magazines, I noticed several articles on getting publicity for clubs. Although media has certainly changed— especially in the last decade or so—good publicity is still as important as ever.
When the Birmingham club celebrated its 100th birthday in March, Civitans around the world celebrated too. As a way of sharing the good news of Civitan service, we recorded a short video for local television and shared it on Facebook. Our birthday story has nearly half a million views worldwide. Mathematically speaking, hundreds of thousands of non-Civitan people around the world heard about Civitan on social media. Many of them, likely, for the first time. As we move into our second century of service and good citizenship, the message of Civitan is as important as it ever was. We have more ways to reach people than ever before. It’s exciting to think of the potential.
Civitan Selfie Contest!
One article I read, written in the mid-60s, mentioned the local weekly paper as a good asset for your club. This is as true today as it has ever been. Local newspapers, bloggers, and websites can be your best friend for telling people in your community— potential members—about your projects, meetings and socials. Community papers take a “hyper-local” approach to reporting. This means they realize they cannot compete with 24 hour news channels and websites for breaking news, so they focus on telling the local stories important to you. Even though they have a local focus, they are not obligated to give you free publicity. However, there are a few tricks to getting good local coverage for your club. Here’s some tips for you to consider as you reach out for potential stories. • Engage – Invite the local editor or a reporter to speak at your club. If you get them excited about your projects, they are more likely to write about them. Who knows? They might even join your club. • Homework – Pay attention to the reporters and the kinds of stories they cover. The writer working the crime beat is not likely to be in charge of service project stories but another reporter may find your project to be a perfect fit. • Take photos – Good photos will set your story apart from the hundreds of other people emailing the reporters each week. A good photo tells a story. People love stories! Find a member of your club with a good eye for pictures and take photos with appeal. That extra few minutes you take staging the right photo might make all of the difference between a feature story and the delete button. Also, turn off the date and time function on our camera. Editors will skip your story if someone else sends good photos without a time stamp. • Share – When you get a story, share it on social media. Share it on your club’s social media and encourage your members to share it with their friends. Every interaction you get is a potential new Civitan!
Are you flying to Birmingham for the convention? Look for Civitan messages in the airport when you arrive and take a selfie with the message showing. Share that on Facebook with the hashtag #CivitanSelfie.
Tell us about your successful events and send us a brief write up and a couple of good photos and we will try to include them in future issues of this magazine. Help us make you Civitan famous!
On the last day of the convention, we will pick a Civitan Selfie Champion who will win a gift bag for helping us tell the world about Civitan.
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CLUB SHOWCASE
Civitan Enthusiastic
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CLUB SHOWCASE
cally Reaches to Mt. Everest If you follow Civitan on social media, there is a good chance you have seen Deepak Bhandari. Better known as Civitan Deepak to his Facebook friends, he is the president and founder of one of the newest clubs to join the organization. The Mt. Everest Civitan Club of Nepal was chartered earlier this year and quickly embraced the mission of helping children in need—providing school supplies and helping with other missions ranging from disaster relief to orphan assistance. The club has increased in size by 50% since it was chartered in March of this year. Civitan Deepak’s enthusiasm for service can serve as a reminder on our 100th birthday that the mission of Civitan is truly global in reach and as relevant as it was in 1917. Be warned! Enthusiasm is contagious.
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CLUB SHOWCASE
The Results are in... 450 Boxes! This is the number of Christmas shoebox gifts the Little Rock Civitan club helped with last Christmas. The program was started in 2015 by Nancy Brant of Little Rock, AR. Her husband was a Veteran and is now deceased. She realized how many shoeboxes she had around her home and what a nice little gift that would make to local men and women that have served our country. We take a shoebox and fill it with things like magazines, toiletries, deck of cards, magnifying glasses, and fun things for veterans to do. Put a Christmas card in the box, thank them for their service and wrap the boxes with Christmas paper. Simple and the average cost of most boxes is between $10 - $12. The first year Nancy delivered 75 Christmas shoeboxes to our local Veterans Hospital. These shoeboxes also were delivered to several homeless Veterans. Her goal for 2016 was to double her previous year and deliver 150 shoeboxes. I learned of this effort and brought it to the attention of the Little Rock Civitan Club. We got involved and with the help of local business organizations and churches, 450 wrapped shoeboxes of gifts were delivered. It took a caravan of eight SUVs and trucks to carry them to the VA Hospital. Jr. ROTC members had to be called out to help. Most of the Veterans are in their senior years and have no families for love and support. These Christmas surprises lifted them up and let them know that someone, somewhere, remembered and cared. I must say that joy overwhelmed most of us that personally delivered boxes to these Veterans and I shed many tears of happiness to see the smiles on their faces. This project is very simple and low cost. Civitan clubs everywhere can get involved. Simply contact your local VA Hospital or VA center and ask how to get involved. I will personally be glad to help your local chapter. Civitan would not exist as we know it today if it was not for our Veterans that worked for our freedom. I have only been a Civitan member for about 11 months now and I must say that I am “Very Proud� to be part of Civitan and honored to be the President-Elect of such a wonderful Civitan Chapter.
Civitan International & The City of Greenville Honor Clergy Greenville Civitan held its Clergy Appreciation Day on February 6, in honor of the four chaplains who selflessly gave up their life jackets when the USS Dorchester sank in the icy North Atlantic waters on February 3, 1943. Guest speaker, Patrick P. Doney is a retired US Navy Chaplain. Originally from Southern California, Doney came to Greenville in 1953 and received his degree in 1956 from the Bob Jones University School of Theology. He is celebrating his 50 years of ordination. Having been a US Navy chaplain for 20 years, he has also ministered within the Federal and State prison systems. He was present during the Iranian takeover of the US Embassy while stationed at the Gulf of Hormuz. All military chaplains must have military orthodoxy and be endorsed by the Associated Gospel Churches organization. The organization was founded by Dr. W.O.H. Garman in 1937, and has been recognized by the Department of Defense since 1939. AGC chaplains serve all branches of the military, and Federal and State Correctional Systems. The DOD originally requested
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ten clergy; then ten more; the requests grew, and the need for military clergy became evident. The needs during the World Wars necessitated the expansion and were a catalyst for growth. Military clergy represent different doctrines. The commonality is that anyone going into the clergy should have a divine call to minister and believe strongly in that call. He stated that the nation subscribes to "Judeo-Christian values" and every chaplain should value and adhere to those principles. Greenville Civitan held a memorable Clergy Appreciation program headed and organized by Chairperson, Sam Bennett and committee members; Jean Aldridge, Dot Ray and Frankie Sloan. In recognition of our Greenville Clergy, Mayor Knox H. White proclaimed the week of February 5 as Clergy Appreciation Week in the City of Greenville on behalf of the City Council and its citizens. The proclamation was read by Jean Aldridge. Another highlight of the program was a video of USS Dorchester Survivor Army Sgt. Ernest Heaton, giving his account of his experience aboard the doomed vessel. Heaton was 19 when the Army troop transport ship was sunk by a German U-boat. He was among 230 men who survived the sinking, in which another 672 died. Heaton was one of the last survivors. Heaton and fellow veteran Larry Wapnick began promoting the story of the Four Chaplains as an example of interfaith action.
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Mansfield Civitans Join Together for a New Twist
In Memoriam Harold Lannom Past International President 1995-96
Mansfield Civitan Club Members joined together for a new twist on their annual Clergy Appreciation. On February 8th instead of inviting the Clergy to come to us, we went to them. Each month the local Mansfield Church clergy’s and/ or their representative get together for a meeting at 10 am. We sent letters to approximately 30 Clergy/Representatives for the local churches and charity organizations to let them know that Wednesday, February 8th we would be serving them a “Brunch”. Members baked breakfast casseroles, cakes, muffins plus brought fresh fruits to set up as a “Valentine Clergy Brunch”. Nine of the members were available to help set up, serve, share Civitan and clean-up. They served 15 local clergies and/ or their church representatives plus a few of the local charity organizations that work hand in hand with the churches. Club member, Sally Ford spearheaded this project; however, she was ill and unable to attend due to bronchitis. Sally had just brought in a new member, Donna Larson, who wholeheartly joined in and helped lead in Sally’s absence. The ministers enjoyed all the brunch, with many going back for seconds plus enjoyed listening to Teresa Lupton give them a brief talk about Mansfield Civitan activities and how we are connected Internationally, which for some of the ministers was a first. We hope to continue this event next year and possiblly be able to serve pancakes and/ or french toast.
Harold passed away March 15 at his family home in Lebanon, Tennessee where he is also interred. Harold, 91 died peacefully surrounded by Pat, daughter Lisa and his two sons in Lebanon where he and Pat have divided their time between with their Miami Springs home for most of the past 20 years. Harold served in the merchant marines joining at the tail end of WW 2 in convoys across the Atlantic keeping the shipping channels open for the war effort. Following the war, Harold enrolled in Auburn University where he also played for their nationally recognized football program and served as the team captain in 1948. When the Korean war broke out Harold joined the army and served as a Lieutenant for a three year term. Harold's true love was coaching and he spent a career as a high school coach working the young men at different schools in Florida, acquiring a doctorate in education and retired as a high school principal in the Miami area. Civitan was his new love in retirement joining the Homestead Civitan club in mid 1980's.
Civitan Magazine and You Magazine Submissions Civitan Magazine is published four times a year to club members around the world. So we need your news stories, events, and pictures! Is your club finishing an exciting project, organizing an event in your community, or approaching a special milestone? Just email magazine@civitan. org, call us, or mail your story to the address to the right, and your club could be in the next issue of Civitan Magazine. Please include as much information as you can – funds raised, how the event impacts your community and/or club, and any other important details. Pictures are always welcome, too - please send in jpeg format, sized 200k or larger. We hope to hear from you soon! Address Updates / Removing Duplicate Deliveries If you have moved recently or changed email addresses, you can update your information by contacting Beth Towns in the Membership-Leadership Department via email, telephone, or mail at the address to the right. Many Civitans have a spouse or partner who is also a member, but only wish to receive one issue of Civitan Magazine at a time. Beth Towns can also help you remove any unwanted duplicate deliveries.
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Civitan Magazine P.O. Box 130744 Birmingham, AL 35213-0744 1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 134 Magazine@civitan.org Membership-Leadership Dept. Attn: Beth Towns P.O. Box 130744 Birmingham, AL 35213-0744 1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 111 bethtowns@civitan.org
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Attention Civitan Golfers! Ross Bridge Golf Club will be the site for our next Golf Benefit, scheduled for Friday, June 23, 2017. Golfer information and all supporting forms are available on the Civitan website or you may contact any member of the Development Department for more details. Again this year, golfers must raise a minimum of $1,500 to participate. Each golfer is also asked to personally contribute $150 to offset fees directly incurred during the day of the tournament and golf club rental. Beautifully carved into the rolling terrain of Shannon Valley, Ross Bridge will challenge even the golfers of all abilities. The course meanders through indigenous landscape and around the 259room Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. The flagship course of the world famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Ross Bridge is one of the longest courses in the world but offers multiple tees for golfers of all levels. The beauty and challenge of each hole leads many to believe there is not one signature hole but possibly eighteen. Symbolic of an old parkland style golf course, 10 holes play along the banks of two significant lakes connected by a spectacular waterfall dropping 80 feet between the 9th and 18th greens. This annual event is one of our most important fundraisers for the UAB Civitan International Research Center, and their research into developmental disabilities. Golfers, now is the time to get into the swing of fundraising and make a real impact for our core mission. To participate, golfers must raise at least $1,500, but most of them don't stop there! This can come from individual donations, club contributions, or even business sponsorships. There are prizes for the top fundraisers, top sponsoring clubs, and even a coveted spot on the Civitan International Trophy for the winning team! Register as soon as possible, and you will receive periodic updates from the Development Department on this year's course, fundraising materials, and other information.
To play
• Contact the Civitan Development Department at 1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 103 or 104 • Email donate@civitan.org • Visit www.civitan.org/golf
We'll See You on the Green!
To contribute
• Contact any player fundraising for the benefit • Contact the Development Department at Civitan International Headquarters