FLORIDA SUNBEAM

Volume 10, Issue 2 Spring 2014

Governor’s Notes…

Governor's Notes 1 District Officers and Florida District Calendar 2 The Chaplain’s Corner 3 Growth & Retention 3 Junior Civitan 4 From the Archives 5

Home Town Hero’s 5 News from Region 2 International Director 6 Thoughts from Governor Elect 7 Civitan District Meeting 8 - 9 Club Beams 10 -15

What’s Inside

Dear Civitan Hometown Heroes:

Florida District Civitans celebrated Service, Knowledge and Fellowship on April 4th and 5th at their district meeting at The Doubletree Hilton Orlando @ SeaWorld. The event was a joint collaboration with the Florida District Junior Civitans who were convening for their annual District Convention. Fri-day evening both groups got together for interactive fun games including trivia conducted by the al-ways entertaining Robert Dietz. On Saturday, the Seniors and the Juniors viewed the latest DVD presentation from the CIRC which was focused on the young scientists and clinicians researching discoveries and cures for developmental disabilities. During the lunch, Junior Civitan Melanie Ho, from Edward H. White High School in Jack-sonville, was awarded the Florida District Don DeVane Scholarship in the presence of her parents. She will be attending Princeton University. Both groups orchestrated award ceremonies for deserving recipients. In addition, the Juniors elected their new District Officers for 2014-2015 and the session culminated with their installation which was administered by Florida Dis-trict Governor-Elect Deb McCoy Florida Civitans, April marked the halfway point of our Civitan year and a significant time for observing Civitan Awareness. There is still time to reach our goals for 2013 - 2014 year. New clubs can be built, clubs can be revitalized, a 20 membership gain in the dis-trict can be realized and clubs could achieve Honor Club status. Our clubs in Florida provide exemplary service to our communities throughout the state. If we could apply the momentum we derive from doing all of these good works in the community towards bringing in new members, we would be well on our way to become a Quality Achievement District. It’s a simple law of physics: An object at rest stays at rest, and a object in motion stays in motion. Therefore, we have stay in for-ward motion at all times. We have to find that momentum within ourselves and create a sense of urgency and enthusiasm. Hold yourself accountable to always talk to new people and invite them to your , meetings. When your fellow members see this, they will follow your lead. Moreover, as a district or club leader, it is taking responsibility for your self and setting an example. Each has to realize it is his or her own charge i.e. Civitan. Think of it as your business, no one else will build it for you. Each of us has the same opportunity with the same product which is Civitan. If you think this way, you will build upon it and build momentum. In conclusion, if you believe what you say in the Civitan Creed, you are gaining momentum. The verses are full of it. If you believe this to be true, then you have what it takes to fuel and drive the momentum of growing Civitan. I am not sure if you are aware that Civitan was the only service organization that had positive growth last year, 300 plus members. So let’s keep that momentum going throughout the Florida Civitan District this year. Remember what Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right!”

FL DISTRICT TENTATIVE CALENDAR - 2013—2014 April Civitan Awareness Month

Junior Civitan Advisor Appreciation Month

Apr. 1 Deadline to submit material for Spring Sunbeam

April 4—5 Florida District Meeting with Jr Civitans and Board Meet-

ings April 30 Area Directors’ Semi-Annual Visit with Club Presidents

Due May 31 Florida District Board Meeting Conference Call 9 a.m.

June 26-30 Junior Civitan International Convention

July 1 Report of Club Officers to Civitan Int’l & Governor-Elect

July 1 Junior Civitan Club Year Begins; Officers Assume Duties

(report due)

July 1 Deadline to submit material to Summer Sunbeam

Aug 11—16 Civitan Int’l Convention, Caribbean Cruise

August 15 Awards Applications postmarked to Awards Chair R. Bright-man

Sept. 12-13 Florida District Board Meeting and Annual

Convention & Installation Banquet, Place TBD

Sept. 30 Area Director’s Year-end Report with Club Presidents due

Oct. 1 Deadline to submit material to Fall Sunbeam

CIVITAN—HOMETOWN HEROES

PAGE 2 FLORIDA SUNBEAM VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2

DISTRICT OFFICERS 2013-2014

Governor:

Robert C. (Bob) Kircher

Governor-elect:

Deborah McCoy

Immediate Past Governor:

Robert G. (Bob) Brightman

Elected Past Governor Director:

Gay Aaron

Area Directors: Area 1: Patricia (Trish) Mlekodaj Area 2A: Mattie Fraser Area 2B: Linda Weinstein Area 3: Karen Johnston Area 4: Vickie MacKen-zie Area 5: Polly For-estier

Secretary:

Gayle Kanak

Treasurer:

Jayne Keil Fishman

Chaplain:

Philip Nordstrom

Judge Advocate:

Robert Dietz

Sergeant-at-Arms:

Victor Forestier

Committee Chairs Awards, Nominations,

Robert G. Brightman

Bulletin/Newsletter Karen Taylor

Candy/Coin Box:

Council of Past Governors Gay Aaron

Don DeVane Scholarship Nery Kircher

Finance:

Robert Dietz Fruit Cake:

Pat Kirk

Growth & Retention, Historian and Training Coordinator:

Helen Galloway

Junior / Campus Civitan: Penny Bonawitz

Registrar: Lynn Maurer

Time & Place

Gay Aaron Website:

John Edward Dietz

International Foundation Liaison for the District:

Polly Forestier

CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER, BIRMINGHAM, AL

VOLUME 10, I SSUE 2 FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 3

Spring is a beautiful time of the year. The Red Ruffle Azaleas at our back door are in bloom. The Drake Elms in the backyard have new leaves in the new green. Everywhere you go, if you look, you will see new life occurring in God’s world. And, it is so beautiful! The second statement in our Civitan Creed says: “MY HANDS do the work of the world and reach out in service to others. As Civitans it is our duty to live up to our Civitan Creed. What are your “hands” doing? Have they recently done something to make our beautiful world more beautiful? Maybe you have something on your schedule to do in the near future to enhance the beauty of our world. If not, I encourage you and your club to reach out and plan something to do this spring that will make your world in your area more beautiful. As I see it, there are two ways to make God’s world more beau-tiful. One is to help someone in need. There are many ways to do this from building a wheelchair ramp to taking someone without transportation to visit their doctor. This makes the world of the person you assisted more beautiful. It assists them in enjoying the world we live in. Then there is the second way and that is to physically make the

world more beautiful. This could mean something as simple as landscaping the wheelchair ramp you built last week. Remember, God’s world is made up of nature and people. Both need our love and care. That said, I believe our main duty as Civitans is to “reach out in service to others.” When we do this God is pleased as He looks down on us and gives us a pat on the back by giving us a warm feeling for helping someone. Our God is capable of giving us as many warm feelings as we are willing to work for. Let’s all resolve to keep God busy this spring “patting us on the back” as we reach out to help those less fortunate than us navigate their lives on this earth. In His Grace, Phil

THE CHAPLAIN’S CORNER … PHIL NORDSTROM

MAKING A DIFFERENCE! - Helen Galloway

Making a difference is as close as the hand. Just as each of us has a unique fingerprint, we also have unique talents that can

leave a mark where it is needed.”

April is Civitan Awareness Month. This provides the perfect incentive to share with others the meaning of Civitan and

what we do. The first Civitan meeting was held in March, 1917 in Birmingham, Alabama, and the organization became an official

international organization on April 15, 1920.

Let’s celebrate this wonderful occasion during this month and throughout the year as we, club officers and members, lead the way

in showing all the talents each of our clubs enjoy. Take a few minutes to think about what talents you have and how they can

make an important difference in the lives of others.

Perhaps it is your involvement in Special Olympics, the homeless, schools, children’s activities, mentoring, being a best buddy,

serving the elderly, schools and homes for special needs individuals, holiday activities and many, many more opportunities. I im-

agine we could list enough to cover this entire page. Take time to develop the friendship you feel in working with Civitans and

feel the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others. Set your goals now during April and carry them out the rest of

the year to increase your membership and service. You will reap the reward! It is obvious we are: “Civitan Hometown

Heroes.” “The richest persons are those who give most in service to others.”

--Napoleon Hill

FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 4 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

The Junior Civitan Boards district wide project of collecting new and gently used t-shirts for the homeless in each clubs area was a huge success. Clubs collected over 1200 gently used or new t-shirts and they were donated to homeless shelters all over the state. Sno-Do and Dance a Thon are now over and our two representatives, Jr. Governor, Nico Tyjeski ($1800) and Public Relations Coordinator, Hazel Go ($2700) raised quite a bit to support the CIRC and also have a great time meeting other Juniors from across the country. Nico flew to Canada for Sno-Do at the end of January and met with other Governors and International Board members for a fabulous weekend. Hazel flew to Myrtle Beach, SC to dance the night away. We want to encourage more Juniors to attend Dance A Thon next year as anyone can go and help raise money for the CIRC. Polar Plunge was also super fun! We had fourteen plungers raising $1500 for Special Olympics in Florida. A great time was had by all and four clubs were represented in this event. After running into the freezing water (and it was COLD) everyone got some good food and spent the day in the heated pools and rides at Aquatica. The Junior Civitan Convention is coming up fast on April 4-5. This event begins on Friday night with lots of activities and ends Saturday afternoon with an Awards Luncheon. The new Junior Board will be elected and installed and awards will be presented to all clubs participating. Clubs all over Florida are out there helping their community and schools. Just check out the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JuniorCivitanFloridaDistrict?fref=ts and our website for club updates http://juniorcivitanflorida.org

Junior Civitan Update...Penny Bonawitz, Junior Civitan Chair

VOLUME 10, I SSUE 2 FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 5

St Pete’s Civitan club members purchased the land and built the original Civitan Beach club structure between the years 1935 –

1937. As a testament to their foresight, this Beach Club is now the primary source of revenue that insures a financial future for the

club.

The Civitan Beach Club was incorporated in the

state of Florida, and classi- fied as a fraternal lodge, a

non-profit entity, not taxed by the State and County.

This means the Beach Club may only be used by

members. What a perk! With this perk also comes

the responsibility to protect and maintain the asset.

In 2010 renovations to the clubhouse uncovered that

the tax laws governing tax- exempt status had

changed. St Pete Civitan and Beach Club boards are

currently seeking to estab- lish a tax-exempt founda-

tion. This will enable the club to accept tax-

deductible contributions and at the same time cover

the Beach Club property. Until this legal work is

completed, St Pete’s Civi- tans must walk a fine line

when it comes to the use and revenue stream related

to the Beach Club.

St Pete’s Civitan Club celebrates their 93rd year anniversary in April 2014.

FROM THE ARCHIVES….….PETE GALIETTA

Close to 200 people attended The Treasure Coast Civitan Club's 8th annual Golden Heart Awards Ceremony on Friday March 21 at Palm City Presbyterian Church's Huizenga Family Life Center. The event honors the siblings of children with disabilities in the community who show exceptional love and dedication to their brother or sister. Refreshments were enjoyed and entertainment was provided by Conney Dahn's Friends Chorus of special needs people; several Martin County School District (MCSD) mascots; and Bob & Carole Jacobsen's Mal-tese therapy dog Tara. Twenty- nine siblings were awarded with recognition and received a framed certificate, a gold heart pin and a gift certificate plus a lot of appreci- ation and applause. They truly are our Home Town Hero’s

GHA WINNERS OUR HOME TOWN HERO’S……...RUTHANN HEWSON

FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 6 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

Happy New Year Civitans! I know I’m a little late with the greetings. However, with the ice storm (week of Jan. 28) and the snow (week of Feb. 11) that impacted the Georgia district, I encountered a 14 hour ride on ice from downtown Ponce de Leon to Old National Highway (this ride normally takes about 35 minutes); checked into a hotel around 11 o’clock p.m. because I ran out of nerves to travel another 5 miles to my home that may have taken another 2-3 hours on ice. Then, during the week of February 11, the snow along with downed trees on the electrical lines, left me with no lights and heat for 2 days. Thank God, I had a fireplace and plenty of firewood and was able to camp out in the basement. It has taken me about 2 weeks to re-cope from these two incidents – now I know what people mean when they say they had cab-in fever. I am sure that each of you experienced similar situations – maybe worse. However, after all of this inclement weather, I hope that everyone is well, healthy, and happy. The kindness exemplified by strangers, neighbors, and family, during the wintry months, classifies everyone as a “Hometown Hero.” Amongst the wintry weather, we lost our beloved Georgia Monnerat. I attended the funeral services during the visitation hours – what a remarkable family – just like Georgia! Words written under her picture on the program, “It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.” Need I say more. We love you Georgia, you are a true “Civitan Hometown Hero!” Now that spring is on the horizon, I am re-energized and focused on Civitan. Civitans around the world are conducting their busi-ness of “reaching out in service to all man-kind.” Districts are energized. The Cook County and Magnolia Civitan Clubs (Georgia) earned Golden Circle Status, and South Carolina is ranked 4th. internationally in net growth in existing clubs. Georgia built two (2) new Junior Civitan Clubs (Hornet – Cook County) and S. Forsyth (Cumming) and South Carolina build the Spring Hill High School (Dutch Forth). Congratulations to these three new Junior clubs in Region II. Florida has three members who have earned MST recognition: Diana Kirk, David Crowe, and Neryda Kircher. Congratulations to these members! We all have time to join the MST team and/or recruit new members and/or build or rebuild clubs. Due to scheduling matters and other concerns, the Governors from our region decided that we will not host a Region II Meeting this year. However, plenty of excitement is underway. In April, I am looking forward to visiting the Uptown Civitan Club in Jackson-ville, Florida in observance of Civitan Awareness Week. Additionally, I plan to visit each district and clubs that extend an invitation by August 15. Thanks to the districts and the Marietta, Line Creek, and Greater Charleston Civitan Clubs for sharing their club newsletters. Great prices are available for the Civitan International Cruise. If you have not booked your cabin,great rates are available up to April 15. The Golf Benefit will take place on Sunday, August 10 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Sailing dates are Monday, August 11 and re-turn on Saturday, August 16 at 8:00 a.m. Keep abreast of the Civitan Magazine and website for further updates. Please continue to submit your Coin and Candy Box donations on a monthly basis. Some clubs are deficient in sending in Candy Box donations and costs associated with International. Please bring your accounts up-to-date. You Candy Box donations are ap-plied to help the Research Center Grant and the Coin Box donations are applied to individual club and district contributions to Civitans at the Helm. To-date, Civitans have contributed $17,039,000 of the $20,000,000 commitment to the UAB Civitan international Research Center. March is the half-way point of the year. Over 1,200 new members have joined Civitan International. How-ever, to-date, we have a net loss of 98 members. Let’s all do our share to continue to reach out and help others in our communities, recruit new members, conduct membership drives, strive for Golden Circle status, and achieve Honor Club Status. I look forward to sailing with you for our Caribbean Getaway during the 2014 Civitan International Con-vention aboard the Carnival Freedom, August 11-16, 2014. In Civitan, Faye E. Evans Region II Civitan International Director

REGION 2 INTENTAIONAL DIRECTOR….Faye Evans

FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 7 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

When I wrote the article for the January 2014 Sunbeam I had just arrived in Birmingham, Alabama for the five day journey which is Governor-Elect Academy. I must say that the Civitan International staff put together one of the most comprehensive trainings that I have attended! We had so much paperwork information that those of us travelling by air had to ship it home. We learned much from the CI staff and much from each other. Many of us are now on Face-book with each other and are sharing our progress and cheering each other on! The tour of the Ciivitan International Research Center was amazing. I wish every Civitan could have the opportunity to tour. Seeing how the money that we donate is put to such groundbreaking use makes you want to go out and double and triple your club’s efforts in fundraising. I believe the day will come when these talented scientists will discover a cause and/or cure for some of the disabling conditions that they are researching and that will be something to celebrate! I have always been proud to be a Civitan, but this experience really makes one aware that you are part of something larger than your local club! Area Director, Trish Mlekodaj, Leesburg Club Chaplain Doyle Finney, and I were privileged to attend a meeting at the Gainesville Civitan club on March 24, 2014. One of the Gainesville Club members, former Governor Don Rothwell asked if we believe in miracles because the development of the Life South Blood Centers is truly a miracle. He is abso-lutely right! Talk about Home Town Heros! Millions of lives are saved and it all started 40 years ago when 15 mem-bers of the Gainesville Civitan Club were approached by three physicians who wanted to see a Regional Blood Center developed. Five of the current Civitan members were part of this development. Following our lunch and fellowship, Reeves Byrd, Civitan member and a member of the Life South Board of Directors gave us a tour of the 30, 000 square foot building that is one of two centers in Gainesville. Very Impressive! On March 21, 2014 I ventured to Stuart to attend the Golden Heart Award Ceremony. Talk about amazing! There were 29 recipients honored! I was so impressed with the way this event flowed effortlessly though the night. ( I am sure the Treasure Coast Civitans who worked hard to put this event on would not say it was effortless, but to the out-side observer it seemed very relaxed and comfortable.) The parents of the Golden Heart Awards and siblings were so proud. This is a great honor for them. The Leesburg club is looking at following the guidelines established by Treasure Coast and holding their own event. Susan Borrows, Treasure Coast club member, who was the brainchild of the event, plans to come to Leesburg to help us. Polly For-estier , Past International President and current President of the Treasure Coast club has shared information at our District meetings and is also a wealth of information. I believe there have been 2-3 other clubs who have held Golden Heart Award Ceremonies and I encourage other clubs to look at this worthy service project. It is a beautiful and heartwarming event.

Deb McCoy Governor-Elect

TOUGHTS FROM THE GOVERNOR-ELECT………Deb McCoy

FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 8 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

Photo’s from Joint Jr—Sr District Meeting

FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 9 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

Photo’s from Joint Jr—Sr District Meeting

FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 10 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

CLUB BEAMS

Frontier –Spring is a busy time for the energetic ladies of this club. They held the 14th Annual Frontier Civitan Charity Tea to bene-fit the large percentage of needy children at a local elementary school. The April 6 event was held at the home of President Frances Conner with over 50 in attendance. Guests brought hundreds of dona-tions. These included food items for the children to take home and towels and swimsuits. The local YMCA is providing free swimming lessons for students. Also close to $1000 was also received for the school pantry and clothes closet. Pictured is school program manager, Holly Vantura, who gave a interesting overview of all the school and the community does for the students. It was heartwarming afternoon for all! Frontier members will also participate in the area wide Golden Heart event, support and participate in the Mothers Cup-board fundraiser, Best Buddies Walk and serve dinner at the Coalition for the Homeless in June and July.

Frontier Club—Helen Galloway

Heat of Florida….Marilyn Terborg

Heart of Florida was listed in the Clean the World newsletter as being a part of the 1500 hours worked in their Orlando ware-house. This is a project we do on a regular basis and year around. We also volunteer during the school year at A Gift for Teaching and A Gift for Music.

We have been invited to the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre's Volunteer Salute dinner and award ceremony. Some of our members have received 10 and 15 year pins in recognition of their service. It is always nice to be appreciated, but we would do it anyway.

On the first day of Spring we celebrated with a trip to Mount Dora for lunch in a delightful tea room and shopping in some of the unusual and interesting shops.

Plant City Civitan Club ...Pat Pogue

VOLUME 10, I SSUE 2 FLORIDA SUNBEAM PAGE 11

CLUB BEAMS ….2

Leesburg Civitan Makes a Difference at the Samaritan Inn

Leesburg Civitan members held their March general meeting at the Samaritan Inn, the only facility in Lake County for families in

need. "The Samaritan Inn fills a definite need in Lake County. Their goal is to not only keep

the families intact, but assist them with finding their personal relationship with the Lord,

help them learn about budgets , healthy eating and other life skills" said Trish Mlekodaj. The

Samaritan Inn is an organization that Leesburg Civitan has supported for a number of

years. "Kathy Parrish introduced us to Chester Wood and it has been a win-win situation

for years now" said Trish.

At the recent meeting, the members of Leesburg Civitan voted to donate $200 in items that

were needed for the Inn. Chester men- tioned that they have a large number of "little ones"

there, and they do have a need for baby items such as diapers and wipes. So, not only did the

club contribute items for this need, the members stepped up also.

It was a great day, with a great meal. And friendships that will last for a long time.

Pictures from left to right: Doyle Finney, Trish Mlekodaj, Club President, Deb McCoy, Governor Elect for the State of Florida,

Kathy Parrish and Curt Thomas, Past International President

Leesburg Club—Kathryn Parrish

Naples—Nery Kircher

Pinecastle Civitan Club….Dianne Young

Pine castle Civitan club initiated two new members in January, sponsored by a past president, Lisette Pelegrin, who earned a "first quarter" sponsor's pin. They cele-brated Valentine’s Day with creation of special cards for friends and relatives. Flori-da Civitan district chaplain, Phil Nordstrom, spoke to the club for clergy appreciation week and members prepared certificates of appreciation for their own clergy. St. Patrick's Day had them wearing the green and learning more about Ireland’s saint. March closed with a presentation by uptown Civitan' Linda Hull, development direc-tor for the girl scouts, who conducted a survey of three different cookies. The over-whelming favorite was chocolate thin mints. This special club continues to fulfill the Civitan focus on fellowship, knowledge and service at their twice monthly meetings.

Naples Civitan Club held their 4th Annual Shining Stars Show dinner-dance which took place on March 21. Funds were raised for

the Collier Challenger Little League Baseball which gives an opportunity for children suffering from developmental disabilities to

play ball, and for the Club’s Junior Civitan Scholarship program. The DJ and 4 singers

donated their time and talent for the event held at the Country Club of Naples .

PAGE 12 FLORIDA SUNBEAM VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2

CLUB BEAMS ...3

The Orlando club wound up the calendar year end with furnishing a professional Santa Claus for 136 students at the Magnolia Special Education Public School, and a gift for each student.. We were able to see the Hall of Fame at the school where they have an Orlando Civitan Club Partner-ship Framed Case mounted on the wall. Santa Claus makes a lot of students think they are important and happy...which makes our members happy too....Think a similar statement was made by a Civitan recently that happens....to echo those words… The Club finished up the season by selling over 1000 pounds of Claxton Fruitcake. The payments are deposited and the rebate check is in the bank also. The club continues to be in good financial condition which allows us to continue the Civitan Cause..... March 1 started out busy a busy 2014... We were requested to be judges at the Civitan Youth Parade for the opening of the Plant City Strawber-ry Festival... Always a pleasure to help the Plant City Civitan Club. We were accompanied by two prospective new members who wanted to be involved...Mary Blake and Wayne Moore...they were getting what Civitans do… March 14 was Partnership Luncheon Day at the Magnolia School of Special Education a Public school. The luncheon was cooked in the KIds Kitchen by students under supervision which was excellent. Following lunch the students performed mini kits demonstrating how much they have learned in their classes. We were informed that Orlando Civitan Club is the oldest Partnership Org at Magnolia going back before that last three principals with a long list of endearing projects. A truly enjoying experience that makes you feel good about helping the school. All attendees received samples of the various greeting cards made by the students which they sell to existing buyers and looking for more buyers.... An interesting project by the Magnolia school is that they are selling a multi business discount card for $5. The Card has ten businesses offering various discounts which return $5 on each purchase. a major item is a $5 discount at Publix a "no brainer". Our Governor Elect had to have four on the spot...plus expiration date is not until 12/31/14… Another item on the card allows a 50% discount on UP TO 6 Tickets to LEGOLAND..You'll know the other 8 business names.........The few cards brought to the Presidents' Mtg were immediately bought which were only originally meant to be demo cards to show. Jed Dietz passed 100% approval on the cards as a great buy...The cards will be available at the District meeting from our new member Tom Oldroyd, Principal of Mag-nolia School. Come pick up some cards....if you need some cards prior to District meeting contact Orlando Civitan Club..........we will accommo-date you.... Russell Home is on our project list for this Easter... along with two new members being added before close on March 31...Executing the Civitan Cause makes us just want to do more....and enjoy it…

Orlando….Sandy Sanders

Tampa Metro—Lori & Dudley Clapp

Second Quarter has been extremely busy for this club. Tampa Metro member and past District Governor David Persky presented the 84th Annual Outstanding Citizen of the Year award to Tampa philanthropist Mary Lee Farrior, before Florida Governor Rick Scott and some 1000 other state and local governmental and business leaders. This award is touted as Tampa’s highest civic hon-or. The majority of the club’s volunteer hours were dedicated to several Special Olympic events. Members handled awards at 8 separate county, area and state Special Olympics competitions multiple counties, including Basketball, Tennis, Bocce, Track & Field, Soccer, Cycling and Volleyball. And April will bring the beloved Equestrian games. In addition, they were involved in several fundraisers and fun activities for Special Olympics: manned the beer concession table at the annual Creative Loafing Field Day, at which corporate teams competed in whacky obstacle courses and other games; volunteered at a 5K 80’s Retro Run; attended “Special Olympics Night” at a Tampa Bay Lightning ice hockey game; and Club President Penny Bonawitz organized the Junior Civi-tan Board to participate in Polar Plunge at Orlando’s Aquatica. The club also had just plain fun activities: They celebrated Clergy Appreciation Week by honoring Pastor Antonio Cordovi. Mem-bers also enjoyed a private tour of the Maps of Florida exhibit at the Tampa History Center.

Special Olympics

Clergy Appreciation Dinner

Citizen of the Year

PAGE 13 FLORIDA SUNBEAM VOLUME 10, I SSUE 2

Club BEAMS ...4

St Petersburg Civitan Club ...Pete Galeitta

President Ronald Reagan long ago declared March to be DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH. The St Peters-burg Club, the second oldest civic club in the City, supports PARC and SPECIAL OLYMPICS locally. SPECIAL OLYMPICS held their annual Olympics marathon on the 15th of this month at Lakewood High School.

Southpoint Civitan Club… Mattie Fraser

Southpoint Civitan Club is a small but active club making many contri-butions to the community. On January 3, members provided clothing, household items, toiletries, and tab tops for a number of agencies. This is an annual drive to help non-profits. Their members have worked Special Olympics and will partner with Uptown Civitan on April 27 at the Beaches Fine Arts event where they will provide refresh-ments and act as greeters/ushers for the concert at St. Paul’s By the Sea Episcopal Church. This concert is free and open to all the public. A Miche fundraising/social/recruitment party was held recently. Past Governor Lana Suggs provided the program for Clergy Appreciation in February, telling the story of the four chaplains lost in the sinking of the USS Dorchester. One new member has been added to our roster.

Orlando District - Robert Dietz

The Orlando-area Civitan Clubs will host their second Golden Heart Awards on Sunday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Park Community Center. The Awards recognize the siblings of developmentally challenged children for the help they provide. In 2013, 11 families were recognized. Each award recipient and their sibling got a certificate and each family received a family movie bas-ket that included a family dvd and family sized candy and popcorn. Refreshments were served in a balloon and decoration filled room following the ceremony. The guest speaker was Lourdes Quintana, the director of The Developmental Center at the Howard Phillips Center, a part of the Orlando Health Foundation. This year, the goal is to recognize at least 25 families. This is a great pro-ject for any area!

PAGE 14 FLORIDA SUNBEAM VOLUME 10, I SSUE 2

CLUB BEAMS … 5

PAGE 14

Treasure Coast—Ruthann Hewson

Dr. James Harrell talked to us about the earlier Civitan Club and the changes in the medical community since he moved here in

1971 when there were only 2 traffic lights in Stuart. Les Scherer, another former Civitan and Leone Holder, whose husband was

Harrell's partner attended the meeting. We were pleased to have Luminaries' Jackie Holfelder as our special guest. Harrell joined The Civitan of Stuart shortly after settling here. Unlike today, there were no women in the club, but like today they sold Claxton fruit cake as one of their fund raisers. When women were invited in, Suzy Hutchinson was the first to join. Later on she served for many years as president and CEO of Helping People Succeed, a non-profit that helps children and adults with developmental disabilities. To raise money to build a track at Martin County High School, the Civitan Club played the Kiwanis Club in a flag football game. There were two good athletes who played, J.D. Lewis for Civitans and Willie Gary for Kiwanis. Both had played ball in college. Both men are long-time, very successful attorneys still residing in Stuart. Back then there were no EMTs, no ambulance service. For the most part ambulances were funeral home people, and the first ambulance to get to an accident would take the dead person. Dr. Harrell and several other doctors were instrumental in starting an EMT class and volunteered to teach. They succeeded in certifying 16 people in 1972. Les Scherer was the head of the Martin County Mosquito Control. Up in Stark, FL there was a place where any agency in the state could get rid of a piece of equipment. Les would go up there and buy vehicles in various stages of disrepair like ambulances for $200 or a bulldozer for $500, have them hauled to his shop and fix them up himself for the county. Why did Dr. Harrell choose to set up his Ob-Gyn practice in Stuart? All doctors in Stuart back then had to take Emergency room call and care for whatever patient came in, which included delivering babies. A few calami-tous deliveries prompted an orthopedic surgeon and an ophthalmologist to encourage Dr. Harrell, an Ob-Gyn doc, to come to Stuart, which he did to the relief of the orthopedic surgeon and the ophthalmologist! One year later Dr. Larry Holder and Dr. Bill Hewson joined him. They became known as the 3H*s. When they first came, there was no care for poor pregnant women. So the 3 H*s started volunteering their time to take care of the prenatal clinic at the Health Dept. They also volunteered and opened up a prenatal clinic in Indiantown. He applauded the public schools in Martin County and Civitan Sara Wilcox’s exceptional leadership as Superintendent of Schools for 14 years. Sara has been a Civitan member for 10 years and serves on the Board of Directors.

JIM RENEAU, 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CIVITAN President Polly Forestier presented TCCC member Jim Reneau with a plaque of appreciation to commemorate his 50 years of service as a Civitan member. Jim told us “In 1963 my uncle Charles DeVane as Governor of Florida District introduced me to the Southboro Civitan Club in West Palm Beach. Through the years I have served in most offices of the club. I also served as Lt. Governor and Regional Director as well as Governor of the Tropical District. When the Southboro Club dis-banded, I came up to the Treasure Coast Civitan Club and have been happy as a member of this club.” Jim attended many regional meetings and several international meetings including ones in Las Vegas, Toronto, Oslo, Norway and Hamburg, Germany as well as the one in Boston when they voted to let women in. We in TCCC are thankful to have such a dedicated and active member as Jim Reneau.

Les Scherer, Polly Forestier, Dr. Harrell, Ruthann Hewson,

Leone Holder, Michelle Hewson Hinson

PAGE 15 FLORIDA SUNBEAM VOLUME 10, I SSUE 2

West Orange—Helen Galloway

One of the favorite projects of this club is providing a bingo event for the residents at Health Central Park in Winter Garden. Celebrating Valentine’s Day was another per-fect opportunity to play so members served red Valentine refreshments and awarded $$ for the game winners. Joining several of the residents included club members (standing l. to r.) Helen Galloway, Bernice Long, guest Kaitlyn Sewell, Angela Sewell, Jean George, Kelly Chambers and Cindy Baker.

Uptown Civitan …..Mattie Fraser

The Uptown Civitan Club continues their good works preparing dinner for those at Ronald McDonald House, serving breakfast to the homeless at the Clara White Mission, sewing catheter bags for Brooks Rehabilitation patients, as well as knitting/crocheting baby caps for St. Vincent’s Hospital. Gift cards, checks, cash, toiletries, etc. were donated to JASMYN, a safe place and nurturing environment for teenagers and young adults who have no place else to go. Outstanding speakers brought information about many activities in the community, including a Clergy Appreciation program. Uptown is embarking on a new type of flagship event (at least new for us). It will be a reverse drawing with a prize of $10,000 for the LAST ticket to be drawn. Only 300 tickets will be sold at $100 each. You do not have to be present to win. The funds will benefit a number of 501(c)3 organizations selected by Uptown. A number of social activities have included lunch after serving at Clara White Mission, dinner and theatre to see War Horse, and enjoying dinner before knitting/crocheting baby caps. Two new members were initiated. Past governor, Lana Suggs, received the Silver Medallion in recognition of her 25 years of service to Civitan. The Ed White Junior Civitan Club is very active and the Sandal-

wood Junior Civitan Club has been revitalized and a new advisor selected.

Sunset Civitan has been busy with several projects and planning for others. A group of members

painted at one of the Stewart Marchman centers. They also helped with the area spring games of Spe-

cial Olympics held earlier this month. A recruitment meeting yielded one new member and two possi-

ble members. Our club sponsored 25 children who will attend a Daytona Cubs baseball game April

9th.

The Guardian Ad Litem program will also benefit with one dollar of each ticket sold going to their

program. Our president, LeAnn Shaw , recently won the area Toastmasters speech contest. LeAnn

will now compete for the District award. Congratulations, LeAnn.

April is proving to be a very busy month coming up.

A most notable accomplishment was that our very own Area Governor, Karen Johnston, was named

Public Citizen of the Year by our local NASW Chapter, due largely to her hard work with Civitan and

the Guardian Ad Litem program. Her kindness and compassion are a true inspiration

Sunset Civitan ...Karen Johnston

CLUB BEAMS … 6

PAGE 16 FLORIDA SUNBEAM

VOLUME 10, I SSUE 2

Editor

Karen Taylor

8910 Easton River Dr

Jacksonville, FL 32256

Deadline for Next Issue July 1, 2014

The website has been renewed for the next year. If you have anything to sell (tickets, prod-ucts, etc) the Civitan Marketplace page is available!

Most of the updates are with content emailed to the district officers, but it you have some-thing specific you want mentioned, please email John Edward Dietz, Florida District Web-master at civitanlakeeola@gmail.com

Remember to submit articles for Home Town Hero’s, and From the Archives to Sunbeam Ed-itor prior to July 1, 2014.

Florida District Website …..floridacivitan.org

The Florida Sunbeam