Tim Harris Presented with World Citizenship Award

Tim Harris Presented with
World Citizenship Award
Outstanding Club Profiles
Restoration Fund Update!
I'm Civitan Happy!
As I sit down today, my last day as International President, to write my last presidential column for
the international magazine, I am overwhelmed with emotions. Gena, Preston, Taylor, Preslee and I
are grateful to each one of you for all your hard work this past year. You have welcomed us with open
arms and hearts and we have become more than friends, we have become family.
Jay Albertia
2014-15
International
President
The family and I have traveled to 25 states and 9 countries these past two years in the service of
Civitan. At each stop, we were greeted with love and excitement for the work we do for Civitan and
our communities.
The world is an ever-changing place, and seems to be telling everyone that it is all about yourself,
not giving to others. As a family we decided to show the world that a younger couple who hold full
time jobs and have active kids in high school, middle school and elementary school could hold the
organization's top office. We truly took this on as a family project and dedicated ourselves to you
and Civitan. When we made that decision, we didn’t know we would end up with two presidents
in the house. Gena and I are very proud of Preston and how he led the Junior Civitans this past year
as International President. There are over 32 new clubs built, 800 new members, and more than
$106,000 dollars raised through Sno-Do and Dance-A-Thon! Preston is now our Junior District
Governor for the second time and Taylor is our District Secretary. It is exciting to see how they have
developed and are encouraging others to join and give back through Civitan.
There are too many memories that we have shared with each of you to list. Highlights include
visiting our friends in Canada and becoming an Honorary Canadian; going to Asia and Norway;
becoming a Roadrunner in the Heart of the West; and, of course, becoming an Honorary Buckeye.
The most incredible part of this journey has been meeting and getting to know each of you. Through
your stories and actions we have learned that there is hope for a better, stronger Civitan.
There have been some sad notes, such as losing great Civitans like Syd Fishman, Ted Haralson,
and Butch Kaske, to name just a few. We honor those we lost with our ongoing service to our
communities.
On the growth side, I am pleased to say we have seen enormous growth this year and have expanded
our Civitan family with four new countries. We built 45 new clubs this year, three of which were YP
Clubs. I encourage each of you to leave a legacy for Civitan and recruit a new member this next year.
Remember you just have to ASK.
As I close, there is so much I want to say. First of all, thank You for a wonderful year. Gena and I are
deeply touched with the love and support you have given us. We have been proud to serve as the
First Family of Civitan. Our memories and friendships will last a lifetime. As I move to the position
of Immediate Past International President and Chair of the 100th Anniversary and Restoration
Committee, I will continue to work on behalf of Civitan and you. God bless and continue to live
Civitan Happy!!!
United States
1917
Canada
1925
Yours in Civitan,
Norway
1969
1970
On the Cover
Sweden
1970
Tim Harris Presented with
World Citizenship Award
1974
1975
Outstanding Club Profiles
Restoration Fund Update!
Contributing Writers
W. John Rynearson, CAE
Mary Luck
Louis Stephens
INSIDE
2015-16 International Officers
President: Debbie Juhlke, Round Rock,
TX President-Elect: Duane Capps,
Greensboro, NC Immediate Past President:
Jay Albertia, Clarksville, TN International
Directors: Sherry Garrett, Nettleton,
MS; Lura Boggs, Greenville, SC; Leigh A.
Wilkinson, New Bern, NC; Joe O’Toole,
Waynesboro, PA; Lyle Armstrong, Don
Mills, ON; Leslie Benmark, Joelton,
TN; Dan Brown, Albuquerque, NM;
Sharon Hessoun, Tucson, AZ; Tor
Dahl, Horten, Norway; Junior Civitan
International President: Kali Wilson,
Albuquerque, New Mexico; Executive
Vice President: W. John Rynearson, CAE,
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.
9
15
17
IN EVERY ISSUE
Club Showcase 13
FEATURES
4
11
13
Dreams, Hugs, and Achievements
Next Stop, Norfolk, Virginia!
Cullman Sensory Trail
10
Double Your Donation to the Research Center
Civitan Countries
Bangladesh Denmark Hungary
1990
PR and Communications Director
Luke Anthony
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.
Horseback riding is a new therapeutic outlet at the Cullman, AL
Civitan Club's therapeutic riding center. Find out more on page 13.
South Korea
Japan
Graphic Artist
Tonya Duckett
Telephone:
(205) 591-8910
FAX:
(205) 592-6307
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.civitan.org
Germany
Fall 2015
VOL. 95, No. 6
ISSN 0914-5785
1991
1991
Jordan
1992
India
1992
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
2008
Cote d’Ivoire Taiwan
2008
2008
United
Kingdom
2008
Senegal Cameroon Mexico
2009
2010
2010
China
2011
Kenya
2011
Tanzania
2011
Egypt
2012
Italy
2012
Haiti
2012
Uganda
2013
Togo
2014
Moldova
2015
Switzerland Gambia
2015
2015
Guinea
2015
was the Eldorado’s first, Harris relates. He helped make it a success, winning
medals in several categories.
Special Olympics
Harris played poly hockey, volleyball, and track and field for his high school
Special Olympics team, but it was his responsibilities as captain of the
basketball team that gave him an extra opportunity to shine. This role proved
beneficial for Harris’ future as a business owner and manager. “My coach , Ms.
Chavez, taught me about being a leader,” says Harris. “I had to make sure my
team did all their warm-ups and introduced them at our school assemblies.
Ms. Chavez was very tough and taught me a lot about being responsible for
my other teammates. I think everyone at my school was proud of their Special
Olympics athletes.”
It may come as a surprise to some that high schools can field Special Olympics
teams but, explains Erin Gallegos of New Mexico Special Olympics, “the high
school Special Olympics program in New Mexico is available to any school
Harris stresses that in order to live on his own, he had to know how to keep
a schedule and be on time, but these skills were already familiar to him. He
also had to do his own laundry and clean up after himself—which he’d also
already done while living at home. He notes that friends of his who did not
really want to be in college or who weren’t as prepared to be independent
were not as successful.
“My experience in college was fun,” Harris relates. “I made good friends that I
will always stay in contact with. I was scared at first, but I decided to join in,
make friends and work hard.” His dedication to his goal helped him succeed as
well. “I wanted to own a restaurant when I was a kid,” he relates. “That was
my dream and dreams come true.”
After graduating college in 2008, Harris worked as a host at Applebee’s
restaurant in Albuquerque and then, living aboard a sailboat with his parents,
he traveled throughout the Bahamas, where he first earned his nickname “Tim
the Man.” When the family returned, Harris was ready to work again, and his
Making a Difference: One Hug at a Time
This year, Civitan International presented the World Citizenship Award to Tim Harris of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tim is the owner and manager of
Tim's Place, which touts itself as the world's friendliest restaurant. As a young man with Down syndrome, Tim has worked against all odds to manage his own restaurant. He has become an inspiration to millions, not only through Tim's Place, but through Tim's Big Heart Foundation, which helps
people with developmental disabilities around the world achieve their dreams.
Wouldn’t it be great if you knew a place with delicious meals for breakfast
and lunch, accompanied by the best hugs in town? And better still if you
knew your eating-out dollars were going to a worthy cause, like supporting
a person who has overcome his disability and inspires people to achieve
their own dreams? If you’re in Albuquerque, you can have all this at Tim’s
Place.
Owning Tim’s Place is a dream come true for Tim Harris, a young man with
Down syndrome. As manager of the restaurant, Harris puts into practice
what he learned while in college studying food service and restaurant
hosting. He also continues a rewarding career that he started while working
at many different restaurants during high school, college and after college.
The restaurant also allows him to also give back to the community as
an employer and a sponsor of Special Olympics and the National Down
Syndrome Congress.
It All Starts at Home
For Harris, making the dream a reality began with a loving and supportive
family. His abilities were further nurtured in a school that recognized his
talents and allowed him to develop in sports as well as academics. Says
Harris, “Growing up, I always knew that [my family] loved me just the way
I am. My brothers treated me like a brother, not like anyone special.” Tim is
the second in a family of four sons.
He adds, “My brothers tried to let me do things for myself. Sometimes they
let me hang out with them and their friends, but other times they wanted
me to hang out with my own friends.” As with any siblings, this kind of
close relationship, mixed with times of independence, helped Tim to develop
strong interpersonal skills.
Although his brothers no longer work at Tim’s Place like they did in the
beginning, the fraternal bonds continue to this day. “We are a very close
family,” he says. “We like to travel together, go out to eat, play games and
sometimes I like to go to parties at my brothers’ houses. I always know they
are there for me when I need them.”
that wants to take advantage of it. Athletes up to age 21 enrolled at the
school can participate. However, high school programs are not as common as
community-based programs in New Mexico.”
parents were ready to help finance
his employment dream of having
his own restaurant.
Harris’ high school achievements were not limited to the athletic field. He was
also named Homecoming King and selected by students, staff and faculty as
Student of the Year when he graduated in 2004. He accomplished all this while
working after school in a local Red Robin franchise, where he first realized his
love of working in the restaurant industry.
Although at present there are no
other people with disabilities
working in the restaurant,
Harris hopes to hire some
in the future. In addition to
offering delicious food and
free hugs seven days a week,
the restaurant also supports
Special Olympics of New
Mexico and the National
Down Syndrome Congress.
Making a Dream a Reality
With help from his dad, Harris found a postsecondary program at Eastern New Mexico University at Roswell that would suit his career goals. “I knew
I wanted to be in the restaurant business and chose to study food service
and restaurant hosting,” he says. "Eastern New Mexico had a program to
help students learn the rules,” he relates. While a student, Harris worked at
a variety of local restaurants including CiCi’s Pizza, Golden Corral, IHOP, and
Peppers Bar and Grill.
New Club Charters
This close relationship at home bolstered Harris’ confidence and helped
contribute to his success in school. Harris attended Eldorado High School
in Albuquerque and graduated in 2004. His enrollment and that of some
peers encouraged P.E. teacher Michelle Chavez to add Special Olympics to
the curriculum. The Special Olympics team during Harris’ high school career
The following Civitan clubs recently held their chartering ceremonies. Please join us in congratulating them and
welcoming them to the Civitan family!
YP Civitan Club of the Tri-Cities
Creative Crafters Civitan Club
Tri-County Lake Civitan Club
Special Opps Civitan Club
Hilton Head Civitan Club
Desert Sun Civitan Club
Petersburg, VA
August 31, 2015
Garner, NC
September 23, 2015
4 Civitan Magazine
1.800.CIVITAN
By Joan Leotta
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
Modesto, CA
September 27, 2015
Hilton Head Island, SC
September 28, 2015
Fordyce, AR
September 29, 2015
Yuma, AZ
September 30, 2015
September 2015
5
OUTSTANDING Civitan Club
Winner: Millbrook, AL
Each year, Civitan awards
the Courtney W. Shropshire
Outstanding Civitan Club
Award. This award recognizes
an exceptional year of service,
leadership, and club participation.
The award is presented each year
at the International Convention.
This year, the award was
presented to the Millbrook Civitan Club at the 2015 International
Convention in St. Louis, MO. It has been barely four years since their
charter, but the Millbrook Club has already made a huge impact in their
local community. Civitans may remember that they took home the
Outstanding New Civitan Club Award in 2013, for projects conducted
in their first year of activity.
Located in Millbrook, Alabama, just a few miles north of the state capital,
the Millbrook Club has a whopping 103 members! During the 2013-2014
year, they collected food items for the needy, funded a mobile food pantry,
and collected soda can tabs for Ronald McDonald House. In one year,
they collected more than 120 pounds of can tabs!
As ongoing projects, they collect nonperishable food items for a local
food bank. They hold a raffle at every club meeting for the West Elmore
Christian Outreach Mission Extension, to help feed the needy. They have
also partnered with their local Parks & Recreation Department, ARC of
Eastern Elmore County, Operation Christmas Child, the Millbrook Public
Library, and other civic organizations. They also built their second
wheelchair ramp in 2013-2014.
2015-16 Sponsorship Awards
These service projects are all in addition to the club's support to Civitan
International projects such as Clergy Appreciation Week, President's
Council, Civitans at the Helm, and support for the Civitan International
Research Center.
Please join us in
congratulating the
Millbrook Civitan
Club for a banner
year in fellowship,
knowledge, and
service!
1st Member Pin
For members who sponsor their very first
member into Civitan.
Your Name
Name Badge
2015-16 MST Pin
6
For members who sponsor four new members.
(Members name also appears on the ‘Super
Recruiter’ list in Civitan Magazine.)
For members who sponsor six new members
during the 2015-16 year.
President’s Reception at Convention
For members who sponsor nine members into Civitan between October 1, 2015 and the 2016 International Convention (July
13-16, 2016).
One-a-Month Level
For members who sponsor 12 new members, choose either a free registration to the 2016 or 2017 Civitan International
Convention, OR a $200 donation to Civitan International Research Center in your name through the Civitans at the Helm
program.
CIRC Video Now Available
Two-a-Month Level
For members who sponsor 24 new members, choose either a 4-night stay at the 2016 or 2017 Civitan International Convention
Hotel, OR a $500 donation to the Civitan International Research Center in your name through the Civitans at the Helm... AND
be placed in a computerized drawing to win a trip for two for 4 nights in a city of your choice in the Continental US or Canada, up
The 2015 video update for the Civitan International Research Center is now available! This
DVD is produced each year by the staff at our Research Center, and gives insight into several
of the research programs being conducted.
This year's update follows research programs that are laying the groundwork for
treatment of disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, and more. There
is also an interview with Dr. David Sweatt, PhD, the Center's new Director.
Top Recruiter!
Top Recruiter’s Award: The Top Recruiter wins a trip for two for 4 nights in a
city of their choice in the Continental US or Canada, up to $2500.
You can order this DVD at the Civitan Supply House (www.shop.civitan.org) for just
$15. It's a great video to watch at your local club meeting! You can also use it to show
potential donors just what our fundraising for the Civitan International Research Center is
all about. Just visit www.shop.civitan.org, and look in the "Literature" section.
6 Civitan Magazine
1.800.CIVITAN
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September 2015
7
OUTSTANDING
2015 Junior Civitan Convention
NEW CLUB
The Junior Civitan International Convention was held in sunny Orlando,
Florida during the weekend of June 25-28, 2015. Delegates arrived
and were eager to register and meet their candidates for the 2015-16
international board. The weekend kicked off with opening ceremonies
highlighting their year of work as they fulfilled their theme, “Rock the
World with Service,” and prepared to “Let Your Service Shine” for the
following year.
AWARD
Keynote speaker, Kelsey Tainsh, provided much motivation to
kick off the convention. She shared with the delegation about
overcoming her disability which motivated her to become a
public speaker. She challenged everyone to see differently, try
differently and live their lives differently. Through her challenging
circumstances she enlightened the group on how to live an
extraordinary life despite those circumstances.
Grand Prairie, TX
Each year, Civitan International recognizes a new club (less than two years old) that has
excelled in the areas of fellowship, knowledge, and community service. The Outstanding
New Club Award showcases the rising stars of Civitan, and honors the clubs who are
already making a serious impact in their communities. This year's winner was the Ranger
Civitan Club of Grand Prairie, Texas.
During the weekend, each delegate’s district brought items to help
stuff stockings for the children of the “Give Kids the World” Village.
Each week during a child’s stay, they celebrate a different holiday or
event and Junior Civitans brought enough stocking stuffers to fill over
600 stockings! That meant the entire summer’s “Winter Wonderland’s”
needs were filled.
The club chartered on January 12, 2012. Since then, they have been a powerful force for
community service in Grand Prairie.
They have an active and fun relationship with their local Junior Civitan club, and have
sponsored participants in both the Sno-Do and Dance-a-thon Fundraisers. They also held a
Special Education Employee Appreciation Breakfast for Grand Prairie ISD, and awarded their
first Special Education Teacher of the Year award.
As the candidates were unopposed for each position, a voice vote of
affirmation from the delegation elected President Kali Wilson, Great
Southwest; Vice President Cambron Bice, Alabama Central; Directors
Jennifer Curtis, North Central; Hannah Faith Cox, Mississippi North; and
Dilon Patel, South Carolina. After the weekend’s workshops and training
for the upcoming year, delegates enjoyed a free afternoon to explore all of
Downtown Disney and get in some shopping before the closing banquet
and awards ceremony.
They also work with numerous other local organizations, and volunteered in the Relay for
Life, the Grand Prairie Nonprofit Expo, the Texas State Special Olympics Games, and more.
In November, they served a Thanksgiving meal to neighborhood kids at the Charley Taylor
Recreation Center.
In April, the club secured a proclamation from Mayor Ron Jenson and the City Council,
declaring April to be Civitan Awareness Month in Grand Prairie! We look forward to seeing
more of this club in the pages of Civitan Magazine as they continue their outstanding work.
Workshops were held to train club and district officers to better serve
their members and Junior Civitan. They are all excited to use the hashtag,
#serviceshine throughout the year to share what great projects and fun
they are having! William “Bill” Hiscott of the Canadian District West and Lynn Maurer of
the Florida District were both inducted into the Hall of Fame, as well.
New Format for Civitan Magazine!
All enjoyed a memorable evening reflecting on a year
of hard work and dedication by club members,
district officers and especially those Civitan
leaders who help make it all happen. The
weekend closed with a farewell dance that
left attendees excited about “Letting Their
Service Shine” in the coming year.
With this issue, Civitan Magazine is returning to its former seasonal publication schedule - Spring, Summer, Fall, and
Winter. The magazine will also become larger, with 20 pages per issue, giving each issue more room for Civitan news. The
first issue in the new format will be shipped out in September of this year.
This new format is the result of several factors. First of all, printing and postage have increased steadily over the past
several years. The new format will allow International to continue printing and shipping our flagship publication without
an increase in membership dues. Secondly, more and more of our membership are connecting with International through outlets such
as the Civitan website (where the magazine is posted in PDF format). Many have called for discontinuing a printed magazine altogether, but many
Civitans (of all ages) prefer a printed magazine.
Finally, this new format will give you more time to send in stories and pictures for publication in the magazine! In order to make the next issue of
the magazine, simply email your story by the start of the previous month. For example, to make the March issue, just send in a story by February
1st. This way, staff has plenty of time to produce a quality publication for our membership.
More lead time between issues, and bigger issues, means more Club Showcase stories!
8 Civitan Magazine
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September 2015
9
Double Yourto the
Donation
Research Center!
Next stop: Norfolk, Virginia!
2016 Civitan International Convention • July 13-16
Once again, the Chesapeake District’s Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities has generously pledged to make a matching donation in the name of ANY Civitan club or
member who donates to the Civitan International Research Center!
Our Research Center is a source of greater understanding, therapy, and hope for all families affected
by developmental disabilities. Civitan scientists there conduct groundbreaking research into disorders
such as autism, Rett syndrome, Down syndrome, and more. Without your support, many of these
programs could not continue.
When you donate to the Civitan International Research Center through Civitans at the Helm, the
Chesapeake District’s foundation will make a matching donation in your name! Your club will receive credit in
Civitans at the Helm for BOTH donations, and will be recognized in the next Civitan International Annual Report. We urge you to show
your support for our flagship project.
For every Civitan club that donates at least $10 per member through Civitans at the Helm, the Foundation for Children with Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities, Chesapeake District, Civitan International, Inc. will submit a matching donation, up to a total of $100,000.
Furthermore, for every donation by individual Civitans to the program, the Chesapeake District’s
foundation will also submit a matching donation, up to a total of $100,000. Clubs who participate in
this program will receive Civitans at the Helm credit for both their donation and the matching donation
made in their name. Donations must be submitted by September 30, 2016, to be eligible. For more
information on this program, contact Rosemary Smith, Director of Development and Administrative
Services, at 1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 108, or via email at [email protected].
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Special Civitan Rate
$114
a night
+applicable taxes
(single/double)
H.O.P.E. Award
For more information, visit www. civitan.org/convention
Helping Other People Experience
Wichita Civitan Club
Wichita, Kansas • Heartland District
This year’s H.O.P.E. Aware winner is the Wichita Civitan Club of
Wichita, Kansas! This club works diligently to help people with
developmental disabilities in their area. They support such programs
not just by volunteering, but also with donations funded by the Civitan
Candy Box project.
Awards Deadline Fast Approaching!
Members of the Wichita Civitan Club of Kansas receive their
club's H.O.P.E. Award at the International Convention in St. Louis.
Applications for the next round of international awards are now being accepted! Civitan honors our top clubs
and districts with competitive awards each year. If your club had an outstanding community service project,
newsletter, awareness project, or other program last year,
visit the Civitan website to download an application.
In 2013-2014, the Wichita Civitans made a $750 donation to the Arc of Sedgwick County’s Cornerstone project. This program partners people
with developmental disabilities with much-needed mentors and life coaches after they graduate high school. Mentors connect with these
people one on one, and offer them guidance and friendship in the next stage of their lives.
The donation from the Wichita Civitan Club allowed the Arc to conduct training events, pay for staff time, and hold social opportunities
for mentors and clients. As one client said of her mentor, “I don’t know what I would do without her. She is my best friend, and life
family.”
Wichita Civitans also used funds from their candy box project (which gained three new locations in 2013-2014) to pay for flowers at a
group home for people with developmental disabilities.
They also made a monetary donation to the local iCan Bike program, which provides bicycle training for people with disabilities. Civitan
members staffed the registration desk at the event, as well.
Just go to www.Civitan.org and look under Awards in the
Member Resource Center. See your club honored at the
next Civitan International Convention!
Awards applications MUST be postmarked by December 1st, 2015, so send in your
applications soon!
Outstanding Community Service Project is just one of the many awards presented at the International
Convention. This year's first place winner, the Hopewell-Prince George Civitan Club, is pictured here.
Congratulations to the Wichita Civitan Club, recipient of this year's H.O.P.E. Award!
10 Civitan Magazine
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September 2015 11
CLUB SHOWCASE
Restoration Fund Update
GOAL
$300,000
The Civitan International Restoration Campaign is well under way! This initiative is designed to pay for
much-needed repairs and refurbishment to our Civitan International Headquarters. We have already
received $50,369 in donations for this important initiative, and much more in pledges!
Planned repairs to the building include resurfacing the parking lot, updating the lighting and wiring,
replacing worn and damaged carpet, renovating the reception area, and plumbing repairs. These repairs
are crucial building maintenance. They will be followed by smaller improvements, in preparation for
Civitan's centennial anniversary in 2017.
$50,369 Raised!
Those who donate $1,000 or more will be recognized here, in the pages of Civitan Magazine. Larger donors
of $5,000 or more will have the chance to sponsor individual rooms at International Headquarters, such
as offices, the historical archives, the Executive Vice President's office, and more. Those who do so will
be recognized on a plaque just outside the sponsored area.
The Civitan International Headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama
was opened in 1976. It was designed, built for, and fully owned
by Civitan International as a center for learning, administrative
offices, and to offer a much higher level of support for the
member clubs. Nearly 40 years of Civitan leaders have crossed
the threshold for tours, training, meetings, and more.
Civitan International has launchined the one-year Restoration
Fund campaign to pay for much-needed repairs to this building.
It has been 25 years since the last major repairs, which are now
direly needed. The parking lot, HVAC system, plumbing, lighting,
flooring and more are all past due for repairs. Furthermore,
several areas need to be updated and refurbished for energy
efficiency.
We would like to thank the
following Civitans, clubs, and
districts who have already made
generous contributions to this
program! Donors of $1,000 or
more are listed below. We sincerely
thank you for your support!
A Trail of Wellness
Cullman, AL - This year, the Cullman Civitan Club completed a
monumental project to help people with physical, developmental, and
emotional disabilities in their community. They recently completed
construction of a Sensory Trail at HOPE (Horses Offering People
Encouragement), a therapeutic riding center in Cullman.
Jay Albertia
Gena Albertia
Almonte Civitan Club
Lyle Armstrong
Edward Baum
As in the past, Civitan International is calling upon its members
to donate directly to this fund. Building repairs cannot be
funded by membership dues. Every donation helps, but large
donations are truly needed.
Capital City Civitan Club
Those who donate $1,000 will be recognized in the pages of
Civitan Magazine, starting in the next issue. Larger donors of
$5,000 or more will have the chance to sponsor individual
rooms at International Headquarters, such as offices, the
historical archives, the Executive Vice President's office, and
more. Those who do so will be recognized on a plaque just
outside the sponsored area.
Anita James
For more information about this new initiative, please visit the
Support Programs section of the Civitan Website, under Fundraising
in the Member Resource Center.
Dr. William D. Rentz
Brian and Mary Connelly
Francis and Mary Lou Essic
Florida District
Debbie and Timothy Juhlke*
Horseback riding and equine-assisted therapy is a relatively new
treatment for youth and adults alike. It has been used to great success
for people with autism, neuromuscular disorders, PTSD, and more.
Riding lessons encourage and motivate participants in a relaxing
setting, while strengthening and stimulating the muscles and nerves.
Clients have not only improved balance and coordination, but also get
to experience the love, acceptance, and freedom of horseback riding.
Clients with physical disabilities often have improved strength, agility,
respiration, and circulation.
*Office sponsorship: International
President's Office
The trail, which is located in a secluded, wooded area, has six activity
stations along its length. The planning process was to build the
stations to blend in with their environment as riders are led through
the woods. Cedar trees from another area were cut and trimmed to
build the stations.
This project has been a club effort, and the Cullman Civitan Club's
largest project in several years. Funding was made possible through
their candy box sales over the past years. Civitans put in countless
hours of volunteer time to plan and build the stations, and everyone is
excited to see it put to use.
As Civitan Amy Higdon says, "We are very proud of our efforts and to
see how this is making an impact on the riders here in Cullman. We’re
very fortunate to have a therapeutic riding center here. The opportunity
to give back and give these special people a chance to get out and try
something exciting and challenge them in ways they have never been
challenged before and riding on a horse all at the same time."
Fred and Betty Kletrovets
New England District
Bill and Eileen Pearson
Tupelo Luncheon Civitan Club
To donate to the Civitan International Restoration Fund, please contact the Development Department at International
Headquarters at 1-800-CIVITAN. To find out more about the Restoration Fund, visit the page on Civitan.org, under Fundraising
in the Member Resource Center.
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September 2015 13
CLUB SHOWCASE
CLUB SHOWCASE
YP Greensboro
Triangle YP Goes Over the Edge
Greensboro, NC - This summer the YP Civitan of
Greensboro Club started serving beverages at the
Grandstand of Grasshoppers Stadium on Sundays.
Funds are going to finance club operations and to the
Civitan International Research Center.
Raleigh, NC - Triangle YP Civitan Club recently held their 2nd Annual Cornament in Raleigh, NC. The
competition was held to benefit Special Olympics North Carolina through the Over the Edge campaign.
The event was a huge success, with 22 teams playing in the cornhole tournament, over 20 raffle prizes
to local Raleigh restaurants and attractions, and 100+ people in attendance!
Triangle YP Civitan Club was able to reach their goal, raising $3,000 for Special Olympics NC, and they
are sending three members Over the Edge! This surpassed what they raised last year by $1,000. Triangle
YP Civitan Club hopes to continue this event annually and set even higher goals each year! This was an opportunity brought forth by their
sponsoring club, the Southeast Guilford Civitans
(home club of International President Elect) who serve
the Grandstand on Thirsty Thursdays.
Many of the YP club's charter members were recruited
at the Grandstand just two years ago, so the YP
Civitan Club of Greensboro feels right at home!
Greenville Donates to United Way
Medicine Bottles for Malawi
Durham, NC - Located in sub-Saharan Africa is the tiny nation of Malawi. While first world nations throw away perfectly good prescription containers, medical pharmacies and hospitals in
Malawi often find themselves with nothing except torn pieces of paper for wrapping medicine for
their patients. This is especially prevalent in rural hospitals and village areas where the poorest
people live. The Greater Community Civitan Club of Durham, NC decided to change this by taking action.
Loretta Worsley and Mary Hill are Board members of the newly formed GCCC, a club led by people
with developmental disabilities. When they heard about “Medicine Bottles for Malawi,” part of
the non-profit organization, The Malawi Project, they wanted to help. They are spearheading the
Club’s effort to collect and clean prescription bottles to send. Loretta said, “The people there are
so poor, and other parts of the world are so rich. We should all help them out. This will make sure
they can keep their medicine safe, so that dirt and germs won’t get in it.” Mary said, “I feel happy
to know that we can collect medicine bottles to help them. The children especially need to be safe and healthy. We have a lot compared
to the people of Malawi.”
Greenville, SC - Michael Budd, the United Way representative for Greenville County in South
Carolina, attended the August meeting of the Greenville Civitan Club to accept a donation
on behalf of the United Way.
Greenville Civitans have supported the United Way's local School Tools program for nearly a
decade. The program helps prepare
children in need for school by making sure they have all their necessary school supplies before the
year starts.
Civitans donated 43 bags of school
supplies to the United Way, to
help these disadvantaged children.
Thanks to the Greenville Civitans
for making the first day of school
so much brighter, for so many kids
in their community.
The whole project has taken off, with over 120 prescription bottles collected in the first two weeks! We are proud to be doing something so
easy that can make a difference for so many people. The Malawi Project does many things to support the people of Malawi. More information
can be found on their website www.malawiproject.org .
14 Civitan Magazine
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L to R: Michael Budd, United Way Representative, and
Greenville, SC Civitan Club President Sam Bennett.
September 2015 15
CLUB SHOWCASE
CLUB SHOWCASE
Torrington Fundraiser
for Camp MOE
Supporting
Young Scholars
L to R: Christina Emery, Director of Development at LARC; Torrington Civitans
Theresa and Michael Carr; Camp Moe Director Katherine Marchand-Beyer
A Rousing Dinner in Tennesee
Pleasant View, TN - Barely a year old, the North Cheatham Civitan Club held their first major fundraiser this spring. The fundraiser
was a dinner theater event, held at the Livery Stables in Pleasant View. The performance? The Hatfield-McCoy Wedding Reception!
Guests from all across the county drove out to this sold-out comedy performance, put on by Mel O'Drama, a professional theater
group from Nashville. The club raised funds from not only tickets, but also by selling advertisements for the dinner program. Funds
went to their many charitable projects throughout the year, including Autism Awareness, dictionaries for local third graders, sponsorships of diabetic alert dogs, Cheatham County Kids, and more.
The event was so successful, the club has decided to hold two dinner theaters a year. "Killing Thyme" will be held this November.
Congratulations to this club for an outstanding event!
The donation will benefit Camp MOE’s campership fund, operated by
LARC, a traditional summer day camp for all campers both with and
without disabilities. Camp MOE empowers campers to look beyond
their abilities and the abilities of others while supporting them to
grow mentally, physically, and socially in a safe inclusive environment.
Children have the opportunity to develop friendships, leadership skills,
responsibility for self and respect for others.
This donation will enable local children to attend camp, who for financial
reasons would be otherwise unable to do so.
Crescent City Supports the ARC
Evansville, IN -This spring, members of
the Crescent City Civitan Club held their
annual fundraiser for the ARC at the
Resurrection School Cafeteria. The theme
this year was "Aloha!", and the venue was
decorated with leis, tiki torches, and a
pineapple centerpiece at each table. The
club raffled off prizes such as a money
tree, an afghan, gift cards, and more than
65 other items.
By the end of the night, the club had
raised a total of $3,041 for the local
branch of the ARC, to help people with
developmental disabilities. Crescent City
Civitans have donated to the ARC every
year since 1986, and their donations have
paid for furniture, playground equipment,
and more. This club makes a huge impact
on their community, and we wish them
many more years of service.
L to R: Crescent City Civitans Carolyn Nix, Carol Griesbacher, Evelyn Lannert, and June Stamp; Denise Seibert of ARC; and Crescent City Civitan Maizell Kloke.
16 Civitan Magazine
Torrington, CT - Torrington Civitans raised $1,600 at their first annual
Lighthouse Mini-Golf fundraiser held in June at R & B Sports World. The
venue featured a 12-hole nautically themed mini-golf course, go-carts,
batting cages and food. The club received donations of gift certificates and
items for a family themed “Boatload Of Prizes” raffle.
1.800.CIVITAN
Wheeling, WV - This year marks the 56th anniversary
of the West Liberty University Science Fair, the oldest
science fair in America. It was started by the Wheeling,
West Virginia Civitan Club, one of the oldest clubs in the
United States. The fair hosts entrants from two states and
six counties.
Winners are sent to the Intel International Science Fair
in Pittsburgh, PA, to compete for a total of $1.4 million
in scholarships and cash prices. Since its inception, the
club has donated $43,000 to send its winners to the
international competition. They hosted a reception for this
year's winners at the Wheeling Area Training Center for
the Handicapped (WATCH), a longtime club project.
Pictured above are the three winners from this year, along
with the club president and past president. From left
to right: Dr. Frank Carembauer, Wheeling Civitan Club
President; Miriam Demasi, Senior Division Grand Prize
winner; Marguerite Demasi, Junior Division Grand Prize
Winner; Luke Rapp, Junior Division Runner Up; and James
Caveney, former club president.
Arab Diaper Collection
Arab, AL - This spring, the Arab Civitan Club conducted a joint
project with their Junior Club, the Brindlee Mountain Junior
Civitans. The project was aimed at helping foster families in
emergency situations in their county.
Foster parents are often called upon in the middle of the night
to care for a child. Even though many parents try to keep a
reserve of diapers in various sizes, this is not always feasible.
The Civitans and Junior Civitans held a diaper collection drive
for these families. They collected diapers in front of two local
grocery stores. By the end of the drive, members had collected
a total of 23 packs of diapers, as well as $400 in donations,
which was used to purchase many more packs of diapers.
The donations were made to the local foster care system, so
that the agency has a supply on hand that they can take to
foster families to get them through that first night. The Arab
Civitans and Brindlee Mountain Junior Civitans intend to
continue this program with a bag drive later in the fall, as well.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
September 2015 17
CLUB SHOWCASE
CLUB SHOWCASE
A New Addition to Civitan Day Camp
Gathering Fuzzy Friends Across the
United States
North Bay Civitan Club
D'Iberville, MS - Members of the North Bay Civitan Club of D'Iberville-St. Martin held their 6th annual Teddy Bears on Patrol: Fill-up the Pick-up
Drive-thru on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Promenade Shopping Center in D'Iberville, Mississippi. The club members are celebrating
their 5th year as a chartered Civitan club as of Thursday, September 10. Along with student volunteers
from St. Martin High School's Junior Civitan Club and Future Business Leaders of America as well as the
D'Iberville High School Student Council, the North Bay Civitan Club collected and presented nearly 250
teddy bears to both the police and fire departments with the City of Ocean Springs.
Each teddy bear was tagged with a comforting message from the Civitan club and the first responders from
the city. "This service project ends our club's Civitan service year by giving the entire community a chance
to become involved by simply donating a teddy bear, and saying thank you to local first responders who
will be able to utilize the teddy bears during any type of emergency where a youth may be involved," said
North Bay Civitan Club President Keith Wilson, MST. "Each teddy bear may eventually and indirectly have a
positive influence on someone's life who we may never meet, and that result is priceless."
Topeka, KS - This summer the Civitan Club of Topeka unveiled the
newest addition of play equipment to Civitan Day Camp - a 17'
diameter Super Dome - at the official dedication ceremony. Topeka
Civitan Club President Ryan Hellmer thanked all those involved in
the purchase and installation of this new equipment, with special
THANKS to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation- who provided
funding in the amount of $2,500.00 to purchase the Dome Climber,
and Linda Lolli - wife of Civitan member Joe Lolli, who passed
away October 16, 2014, and whose memorial contributions were
designated to Civitan Day Camp.
Shawnee County Parks & Recreation staff were instrumental in the
construction and installation of the equipment at the Day Camp and
many Civitan Club of Topeka members assisted with the project.
This new play equipment will enhance the camp experience for youth
with intellectual/developmental disabilities throughout the summer
months. The Civitan Day Camp is also available to the general public
when camp is not in session and becomes a community park open
for public use and enjoyment by all visitors to the Gage Park area!
Lenawee Civitan Club
Adrian, MI - Women and children who arrive at the Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Shelter
in Adrian will have more stuffed animals for comfort, thanks to the efforts of Civitan of Lenawee.
Several of Civitan’s members spent the past six weeks each Wednesday afternoon hand-crafting
28 stuffed bears to give to those who come through the shelter’s doors, said Ann Chrysler, a
five-year club member, during a Wednesday presentation ceremony to Catherine Cobb representatives.
“It’s a fun project for us,” Chrysler said. “We are hoping to make a lot of children happy.”
L to R: Liz Cundiff, child advocate intern, and Patricia Gray, child advocate, receive handmade teddy bears from Ann Chrysler (right) and Lenawee Civitans.
caress and hug them. These bears will make a huge difference.”
Children’s advocate Patricia Gray said the bears will do just that.
“Kids who experience trauma need something soft to cuddle and
hug,” Gray said. “For kids, stuffed animals can be a pet to them. They
Gray said the shelter keeps stuffed animals in stock for those children — and some adults — who need something tangible with which to find solace.
“Even adults need something to cuddle,” Gray said. “The bears are popular with everyone. Those who come in often ask for teddy bears.
“We are so happy and thankful for Civitan’s donation,” Gray said.
Magazine Submissions
Civitan Magazine is now published four times a year to club members around the world.
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
[email protected], call us, or mail your story to the address on 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 jpg format, sized 300 dpi 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 to the address on the right.
Civitan Magazine
P.O. Box 130744
Birmingham, AL 35213-0744
1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 134
[email protected]
Membership-Leadership Dept.
Attn: Beth Towns
P.O. Box 130744
Birmingham, AL 35213-0744
1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 111
[email protected]
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 can also help you remove any unwanted duplicate deliveries.
Story by Dan Cherry, Daily Telegram Staff Writer
18 Civitan Magazine
Civitan Magazine and You
1.800.CIVITAN
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
September 2015 19
“
“We donated to the
Civitan Legacy Society
because we wanted to
leave something that
would increase in value
and support our beloved
Civitan International
Research Center.
”
– Jackie and Jo West Taylor Davis
To find out how you can support Civitan International and the Civitan International Research Center through planned
giving with your will, living trust, or life insurance policy, please contact the Planned Giving Department at
1-800-CIVITAN, extension 105, or email us at [email protected].
To find out how you can support Civitan International and the Civitan International Research Center through planned
giving with your will, living trust, or life insurance policy, please contact the Planned Giving Department at
1-800-CIVITAN, extension 105, or email us at [email protected].