CIVITAN

CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL

MARCH 2020

WOMENCELEBRATING THE

OF CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL

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Table of

CONTENTS1 Letter from the President

2 News from International

3 Hope for Rett Syndrome A Student’s Perspective Researching at the Civitan International Research Center

5 Daring to be Different

13 Top All In Fundraiser: Ashton Gupton

14 A Giving Heart: Debbie Juhlke

Meet eight women who exempl i fy the Civitan Creed through the work they doin their communit ies

720 JUNIOR CIVITAN GOVERNORS ATTENDED THE INAUGURAL ALL IN SUMMIT IN BIRMINGHAM, AL

CIVITAN MAGAZINEVOL. 100, NO. 3ISSN 0914-5785

EDITOR IN CHIEFAmy Natsumi Roberts

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJenny ElyEmily KickerMegan MindelPatsy PerkalAmy Natsumi RobertsLourdes Maria RodriguezScarlet Thompson

Civitan Magazine, l ike the organizat ion i t represents, i s dedicated to service. The magazine wi l l , at al l t imes, emphasize the high ideals and purposes of the organizat ion, disseminate ideas for greater service, and carry author ized announcements and not ices regarding the activ i t ies of the organizat ion. The magazine is an off ic ial Civitan International publ icat ion. Civitan International does not endorse or imply endorsement of any product and/or company by sel l ing advert is ing space in this publ icat ion. Editor ial opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessar i ly ref lect the opinions of Civitan International, i ts off icers, or staff .

1-800-CIVITAN(205) 592-6307CIVITAN@CIVITAN.ORGWWW.CIVITAN.ORG

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I recently returned from Europe where I visited our Civitan clubs in Norway and Germany. It truly wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be at this time of the year! In Norway, we were greeted by the Civitan governor and Past International President Eva Pavels Wilhelmsen and her husband.

I was very humbled and at the same time honored that I was representing Civitan International at their district convention, which was attended by around 130 people. I helped install the new board of the Norwegian District including the governor-elect, Bente Ruud from Civitan Club Hadeland. I also presented awards to 13 club presidents for their honor clubs. While we are more alike than not, our issues are the same. Building clubs, brand awareness and how to continue the work we do are challenges in North America, and across the ocean.

In Freiburg, Germany, I visited with a small group of dedicated Civitans from two countries for their convention. They, too, have struggles with membership. Our Swedish Civitans are especially excited to build new clubs and they can count on us for help. The future path of the district was discussed, and the new board installed.

As I talked to so many Civitans in both Norway and Germany, I was at home. After all, we are family. I stressed this in my speeches to both conventions. I came away from both meetings with a better understanding of how the European countries operate. I also tried to fulfill needs. We will have a more informed organization worldwide if we are to communicate more effectively. I promised we would take actions in this way. I don’t want to have anything “lost in translation.”

Europeans have different customs than we do, so I soaked it all in. I learned a few new words. Instead of “CHEERS”, those in Norway say “SKAL”, and in Germany they say “PROST”. We cheered a lot! Regardless of where we are from, we all have the same mission. That is to be ‘BUILDERS OF GOOD CITIZENSHIP.”

Now I am home and ready to take on what is next for Civitan. I am excited to see the many great changes we will make for the betterment of our beloved organization. As we celebrate Founder’s Day this month I encourage you to remember your Civitan family, and do what you can to build upon it.

Sincerely,

Patsy PerkalCivitan International President 2019-2020

INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS 2019-2020

PRESIDENTPatsy Perkal, Aurora, CO

PRESIDENT-ELECTFrank Kelley, Fort Worth, TX

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTBob Jones, Concord, NC

INTERNATIONAL OFFICERSJulia Floyd, Cullman, AL Dianne Hansard, Cumming, GATony Workman, Greensboro, NCCarol Wolters, Columbus, OHPat McKinney, Orillia, ON, CanadaMichael Morgan, Maryville, TNMarcia E. Dechand, Topeka, KSAnn McCarty, Pocatello, IDMogens Brun, Albaek, Denmark

JUNIOR CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENTVictoria Bailey, Cooleemee, NC

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTScarlet Thompson, Birmingham, AL

FELLOWCIVITANS,

International President Perkal with Norway Civitans.

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WORLD HEADQUARTERSUPDATES

In late January, the Civitan International Board of Directors joined together for an update meeting through Zoom conferencing. More information was released about the work being done to revise the organization’s bylaws. The board voted to expand the committee to include a few more former Civitan International board members. This committee is expected to have a full proposal for the board to review. If approved, these revisions of the bylaws would be up for ratification by membership at the Civitan International Convention in Milwaukee.

The board also approved a proposal to add Afghanistan to the list of countries where Civitan clubs can be built. Staff members have been in contact with a young businessman in Kabul who wants to spread service, knowledge and fellowship there. The addition of Afghanistan means there are 39 countries across the world that are approved places in which staff or members can recruit members. However, the organization currently has clubs in a little more than half of that number.

Club building is also happening in the United States right now. Several club builds are in their latter stages, and one in the city of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, chartered just a few weeks ago. We welcome the new members of Civitan Community Roots Club to the Civitan family.

To help support more building and recruiting, the staff at Civitan International is realigning. The membership staff team will now be focused into areas of club building, club development and club support. The structure is based more on the needs of clubs at a certain time in their lifespan, rather than where they are located. It’s not expected that the general membership will notice a lot of the changes, as responsibilities shift behind the scenes. The ultimate goal is to provide the best support we can while strengthening our organization to fulfill its mission.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Civitans in South Korea as the coronavirus has caused that district to postpone plans for their annual meeting, which was scheduled for late February. The district includes more than 31 clubs that total around 730 members.

The world HQ is monitoring the coronavirus situation all over and will keep you posted as to how it affects our clubs and overall operation.

Civitan International operates with a miss ion to bui ld good cit izenship by providing a volunteer organizat ion of clubs dedicated to serving individual and community needs with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabi l i t ies.

FROM THE DESK OF SCARLET THOMPSON, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

The Mayor of Pasadena, Terry Tornek, was awarded the Servant’s Heart Award by Don Nollar, long time Pasadena Civitan member, at an event celebrating Pasadena businesses who are employing persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Mayor Tornek is a longtime supporter of local efforts to stimulate employment for people with disabilities. He has written letters to hotel companies, met with employers, and encouraged others to support Pasadena Civitan projects in this area.

The annual awards ceremony and reception is co-hosted by Mayor Tornek and the City of Pasadena. It was attended by community members, employers, City of Pasadena Department Heads, Pasadena Civitan and Special Friends members, and other supporters. Three local businesses, Lauren’s Lunches, The Flowerman, and Best Buy Pasadena were honored with Employer of the Year Awards for their long-time commitment to employing people with disabilities.

For information on how you can honor someone in your community, visit civitan.org/servants-heart-awards.

SERVANT’S HEART AWARDSPASADENA CIVITAN CLUB

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

International Board Candidate Applications due May 1st, 2020International Honor Key Applications due May 1st, 2020

Hope for Rett Syndrome:

civitan internationalr e s e a r c h c e n t e r

BY LOURDES MARIA RODRIGUEZ

A Student’s Perspective Researching at theCivitan International Research Center

When my family and I moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in the summer of 2010, my little sister of six years, was able to walk with near independence. Little did I know that she had entered stage three of Rett Syndrome, a debilitating regressive developmental disorder affecting one in every ten thousand girls globally. All I understood at this tender age of ten years was that she had lost the ability to speak and needed supervision, but in her eyes, she expressed a profuse sadness, signaling moments of gastrointestinal pain, sudden anxiety, and loneliness in her feelings. The window into our relationship together had not yet been formed, and there was still much I had to understand in order to live alongside her as a friend and loving sister.

Ever since those years, I have tried to merge my academic passions and personal motivations. When my mother had revealed my sister’s Rett Syndrome diagnosis to me in 2016, I began listening to genetic lectures and became inspired by the impact of researchers like Dr. Huda Zoghbi, resilience of families enrolling in clinical trials, and their collaboration for discovering the cure to Rett Syndrome by finding the causative gene, MECP2. My four-year studies in chemistry and biology opened new portals for my future, enabling me to pursue my passion. Reading about the reversal of Rett Syndrome symptoms in laboratory mice sparked my interest in molecular genetics.

I have had the fortune of knowing Dr. Alan Percy for several years, first as my sister’s caring neurologist at the Civitan International Research Center, and secondly, as one of the world’s best leading experts for Rett Syndrome care, working at the heart of the Civitan International Research Center’s goals.

At the Rett Syndrome Clinic, I have learned so much—including not only the true necessity for research but also the challenges that major research trials present scientists in complex, rare genetic disorders such as Rett Syndrome. At the same time, while collecting data for my project, I realized how difficult Rett Syndrome can truly be for families with more severe conditions and forms of the disease. Although I am not a physician yet, I can only imagine the heartbreaking conditions that clinicians must see during visits and record in the natural history studies, only able to tell half of the story of severity that continues at home and the memory of the clinic. It is always devastating to read certain data, with clinical severity scores so high and seizures so frequent, but it deepens my desire to dive deeper into my genetic understanding of Rett Syndrome and the expression of the MECP2 gene contributing to the disease severity.

At the Civitan International Research Center, I have experienced research beside a window to the Rett Syndrome Clinic’s excellent clinical trial work, standard of care provided to patients during appointments, outreach to a broader base of patients through international traveling clinics, educational engagements within and outside of Birmingham, and investigative collaborations with clinics and centers all around the country. The Civitan International Research Center has a real mission of treatment, an intrinsic spirit of impact, and an expertise of compassion that drives its excellence in serving the community.

Several revisions to my research for Rett Syndrome have defined my first-year project, and I have entered a multi-departmental project for Rett Syndrome since my first year. The overarching purpose of my research for these

Lourdes Maria Rodriguez, Alabama Central Junior Civitan District Public Relations Chair, Member of the

Mountain Brook High School Junior Civitan Club

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Lourdes M. Rodriguez with Dr. Alan Percy. Rett Syndrome research poster presentation at the 2019 Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair at the University of Alabama at BirminghamPhoto courtesy of Lourdes Maria Rodriguez

two years has been to identify the potential relationship between type and frequency of seizures, patient clinical severity and specific MECP2 mutations affecting patients with Rett Syndrome. Identifying which populations of children with Rett Syndrome have the highest risk of seizures by type and frequency and the highest risk of clinical severity is key to implementing prophylactic intervention and pharmacological treatment.

As a student entering the University of Chicago in 2020, I aim to continue my research into Rett Syndrome and volunteer in a clinic that strives to benefit children with severe conditions. In academia, my hope in research is to understand this X-linked disease on a biomolecular level and research for a cure in pharmacological basic science or in epigenetic expression through molecular engineering. My goal is to one day become an MD/PhD pediatrician and accumulate the ability to care for children with the excellence, understanding, and compassion that the scientists and pediatric clinicians at the Civitan International Research Center have possessed in caring for my sister. As of this moment, my dream within research in the future is to decipher principle biomolecular causes for variability in X-chromosome expression, which I hope will benefit patients of genetic diseases including Rett Syndrome, its related disorders, and even X-linked disorders outside the Autism Spectrum. The Civitan International Research Center has taught me that making a difference is possible with diligent effort, an optimistic perspective, and our personal interaction with the individuals we serve.

It is 2020. My little sister is walks with the support of two individuals, but she smiles brighter each day. While she has entered stage four of Rett Syndrome characterized by a plateau in her regression, her expressive communication is better than ever. She understands that the people who love her and support her are all around in her community. People believe in the mission of research, the spirit of Civitan, and the lives we can benefit together.

Our sympathy is extended to the family of Junior Civitan Past International President Jolene (Wormald) Read after her passing from cancer on January 18, 2020.

Jolene called Paris, Ontario, home during her time as a Junior Civitan. Along with serving her club and Canadian District West in a multitude of ways, she also served as International Director (1997-1998) and International Vice President (1998-1999) before serving as President in 1999-2000.

Jolene had a heart for service and her most favorite Junior Civitan projects were the “Can-Do” campaign (a collection of canned goods to benefit local agencies) and visiting with the residents at her community’s nursing homes. Jolene will always be remembered by Junior Civitan International for her passion and dedication for service and her deep desire to truly make the world a better place.

Jolene is survived by many family members and dear friends, along with her husband Justin and three children.

R E M E M B E R I N G

J O L E N EBY EMILY KICKER

Polly Mooney Forestier was merely a spectator when she accompanied her husband to the Civitan International Convention in Boston in 1974. What she witnessed there became history, as the membership barely passed an amendment to the organization’s bylaws. Civitan would be the first major all-male service organization in the world to welcome females.

“Vic was as excited as I was when Civitan delegates voted to accept women as full members,” says Mooney Forestier.

But when she returned home, Mooney Forestier’s application to the local Civitan club was turned down. The men in the club were not ready to have a female member even though they knew her well. That didn’t stop her from joining, though. A new club build attracting women in the same town garnered more than thirty leaders, and Mooney Forestier was elected charter president.

D A R I N G T O B EDifferentBY SCARLET THOMPSON

“My challenge as I saw it as the first female to hold the various leadership positions was to convince male members that women were just as interested and just as challenged to support the local communities in service and we cared about the needs of those we served,” says Mooney Forestier.

Mooney Forestier not only conquered that challenge, and many more, as she became one of the first of two female governors to serve the organization, and one of the first two women on the International Board of Directors. Then in 1989, the membership would elect her to Civitan International’s highest volunteer role, as president for the 1990-1991 year.

Eight more women have followed in Mooney Forestier’s footsteps over the last thirty years, including several who were pioneers in their own way. Gay Aaron was among the first group of women who joined the organization too. She accepted an invitation to be a part of a new club in Florida just a year after the bylaw change vote.

“Our club builder was progressive and realized what a valuable resource women would be to Civitan. He recognized the best way to capture our enthusiasm was to immediately get us involved in the club’s leadership,” says Aaron, who served as Civitan International’s President from October 2010 through September 2011.

Eva Wilhelmsen was the organization’s first female President from outside the United States. A leader in the Norway District who joined in 1980, Eva grew up with a brother who had Down syndrome and relished her time in an international office because she learned a lot about Civitan’s flagship project.

“I had first-hand information to bring to my own country and to all the districts I visited worldwide. I was able to tell about the need, the successes and how important it was that we support the work done at the Civitan International Research Center,” says Wilhelmsen.

This year, Wilhelmsen has stepped back into a leadership role, serving her home district as governor - working to revitalize membership there. She shares she never felt it was difficult to be accepted as a female in her various roles, and says the move the organization made long ago adds up to better service.

“I think Civitans understood the need of working together. Women are caretakers and bridge builders. They solve problems in a different way than men,” says Wilhelmsen. “Having both men and women gives the organization flexibility and strength.” Debbie Juhlke was Civitan International’s first African American female to serve in the top volunteer role. Even in 2016 during her presidential year, she remembers times where she felt disrespected because of her race, but stayed focused on how she could forever impact the work being done by the organization.

“To know that I was championing the way of other women,

including women of color, it gave each day a renewed sense of purpose and reinforced my commitment to being a Civitan,” says Juhlke. “As a Civitan we are called to be advocates and builders of good citizenship, and as women we naturally gravitate towards this cause. Women specifically possess the strength, perseverance and a heart to be a fierce protector of the weak.”

It’s seeing that fortitude of others that made Past International President Kendyl Massey’s journey with Civitan so rewarding too. Serving in the role from 2017-2018, Massey led the organization through a challenging time of renewal and work to prepare it better for the future.

“I love seeing women who blossom under the opportunity to have a say in decisions made in their clubs, to share their ideas and have them heard and accepted,” says Massey, “Women should surround themselves with others who have a positive attitude and want to see the organization move forward and remain viable.” While their experiences may differ, the biggest support for these women came from within themselves.

“I had great role models before me,” says Past International President Betty Haralson, “Those women understood the challenges and were able to give good advice on how to handle things such as home and family and at the same time make sure to guide Civitan in the right way.”

“Several great women paved the way before me. They have demonstrated that women can be whoever they want and be a force in their own lives, as well as Civitan,” says President Patsy Perkal.

Pictured from left to right: International President Patsy Perkal, Past International Presidents Polly Forestier, Eva Wilhelmsen, Gay Aaron, Betty Haralson, Debbie Julhke, and Kendyl Massey

Civitan WomenBY MEGAN MINDEL

today’s

There is no set definition of what it means to be a woman in Civitan. Our female members represent all races, colors, and creeds. They are pioneers. They are leaders. They are builders of good citizenship in their communities.

Some joined because friends and family asked, others joined to meet new people and give back in their towns. Whatever brought them to Civitan, it is the service that keeps them coming back.

The following women have served in the name of Civitan as club, district, and international leaders. They have planned fundraisers, built accessible ramps, ran side by side with Special Olympians, and travelled the world sharing their Civitan stories with others. They represent the best of Civitan and what it truly means to be a Champion of Service.

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Lori Clapp admits she joined Civitan in 1984 because it was her connection to becoming involved with Special Olympics.

“Before the internet, you only found out about it the day of, or the day after the event. Then friends and I saw a posting about a new club being started that was affiliated with THE volunteer organization and a sponsor of Special Olympics, Civitan. We were excited to join this group of committed, hands-on volunteers with such great values and mission.

To this day, volunteering with Special Olympics is still her favorite project to take part in as a member of the Tampa Metro Civitan Club in Florida. “I get so much joy from the special athletes and am inspired by them, their families, coaches, and volunteers.”

Clapp has served in numerous roles throughout her time in Civitan including club president, district governor, and philanthropy liaison. You may also

LORI CLAPPTAMPA METRO CIVITAN CLUBFLORIDA DISTRICT

recognize Clapp from her years spent traveling for Civitan International as a Geographical Trainer form 2012-2018.

What’s the biggest lesson Clapp has learned in Civitan? “Even small numbers of people committed to a common purpose can make the world a better place, but they also need to bring in others to join them in lightening the load and increase energy and impact.” This lesson learned is one she would share with new members.

“Get involved not just in the projects, but in the club planning and leadership as well. Share ideas but be patient and persistent if it takes time for those ideas to be acted upon. Clubs that have been operating for a while sometimes need some nudging to do new things. But they also need the energy and ideas new members can bring.”

Alice Puddington joined the Almonte Civitan Club in 2011 after marrying her husband Kevin who has been a member of the club since 1998. While she was working, Puddington was not as involved as she wanted to be, but since retiring, she has gone all in.

“I always felt there was more I could do. It’s my time to get involved. There is no end to the volunteer opportunities in the community. I did look carefully at what was out there and in the end decided I like who Civitan is, what they do and what they stand for.”

Puddington is currently serving as the Governor of the Canadian Northern Lights district. She has also served as a director and president for her club.

ALICE PUDDINGTONALMONTE CIVITAN CLUBCANADIAN NORTHERN-LIGHTS DISTRICT

Throughout her years in Civitan, Puddington has taken part in many projects and learned a lot.

“I have learned that no matter what our differences person to person are we have our common goals as outlined in the Creed. When followed there is group harmony.”

Puddington recommends that new members talk to experienced members or find a mentor in the club to help you get involved with club happenings. “Learn all you can about your club, district, and international. Making friends is an unexpected benefit of participation. The satisfaction you will feel from being a part of something great is much more than a ‘warm fuzzy.’ Don’t be hesitant to step up. You aren’t ever alone in what you try… Civitans help Civitans!”

“I think being a woman in Civitan allows us to show that we can make a positive influence in the world.”

Lynn Leitch has been a positive influence in the world since joining Junior Civitan in 1992. In 1999 Leitch joined the Fairfax Civitan Club and has been an active member locally and in her district. She served as Governor of the Chesapeake District from 2017-2018 and made it her mission to visit all the clubs in her care.

“It was great to see what each club did and get to help them with a project such as a putt-putt golf pub crawl, going to an art contest to help pick winners, or helping at a picnic for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

She personally enjoys learning about and supporting the Civitan International Research Center and encourages others to do the same. During her term as Junior Governor she raised over $8000 in support of the CIRC.

Her recommendation to new members? “I recommend you take the time to explore all the facets of Civitan, service, knowledge, and fellowship. Learn about Civitan International, the CIRC, the projects your district and local club are involved in. Then decide which one(s) match your interests and figure out how you can jump in and help.”

LYNNLEITCHFAIRFAX CIVITAN CLUBCHESAPEAKE DISTRICT

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Shela Hopkins joined Civitan because of her sister.

“[My sister] was directly benefitting from the generosity of the Columbia Civitan Club. When I found out what they had done I went to a meeting and joined that night! I knew I wanted to give back to help someone like my dear sister had been.”

That encounter took place in 2010.

In the years since, Shela has been active locally serving as club president from 2015-2017 and is currently serving as the governor of the Valley District.

Her favorite Civitan memory was her first time volunteering with Special Olympics. The club made hamburgers for the athletes.

“They were so grateful. All the wonderful smiles and hugs, it just put everything into perspective.”

Perspective and humility are lessons Hopkins has learned throughout her time in Civitan.

“In my years in the Civitan organization I have witnessed many men and women who exemplify humility. I believe the basis of our organization is humility; putting others before yourself that is first and foremost in Civitan.”

Her advice for new members? “Civitan will become an obsession. You will find yourself looking for more ways to positively impact your community. Don’t be afraid to jump in and speak up! Your help and ideas will be greatly accepted.”

SHELAHOPKINSCOLUMBIA CIVITAN CLUBVALLEY DISTRICT

Virginia McAffee was already a member in two other service organizations when she joined Civitan in April 2000. “I joined Civitan to be involved!”

McAffee has been nothing, if not involved, for the last twenty years. She is a member of three clubs in the Heart of the West District, has served two terms as club president, two terms as district Governor, and a two year term as an International Director on top of the countless number of projects she has worked on over the years.

“[My favorite project] I would have to say was “Bunk Bed Build Day” for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. We provided the money for supplies and Lowe’s provided the tools. In one day we built from scratch to ready for delivery, 60

VIRGINIAMCAFFEEIDAHO FALLS, HEARTS & HANDS, BUTTE CIVITAN CLUBSHEART OF THE WEST DISTRICT

bunk beds, providing 120 kids with a bed!”She also recounted a story of a favorite holiday project.

“[We] delivered Christmas to a family. I watched a little eight-year-old boy drop to his knees and pray to God, thanking him for sending these people to give him Christmas like they had never had before.”

McAffee emphasized the importance of listening to one another and ensuring that everyone knows their ideas are heard and respected.

“We are just people, Civitans, working together to make our communities and the world a better place to live.”

Twila Donaldson is not afraid to go the extra mile to promote Civitan and volunteerism.

“When I was governor, our district came together and decided to do a relay to promote volunteerism. We walked, carrying the American flag and the Civitan banner, from Durango, Colorado, to El Paso, Texas. [We traveled] over 600 miles.”

In her 30 years as a Civitan, Donaldson has traveled across her district and the country in support of Civitan’s mission. She has served locally as a club board member, committee chair, and president. She has served the district as Governor, Philanthropy Liaison,

TWILADONALDSONROUTE66 CIVITAN CLUBGREAT SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

Judge Advocate, and Training Coordinator and served internationally as an International Board Member from 2004-2006.

Donaldson joined Civitan after moving to a new town thinking it would be a good way to meet new people. That family has continued to grow.

“[Being in Civitan] means you have a forever family bound together by the desire to make your community and your world a little better than how you found it.” She enjoys completing projects that allow her to work with people who have disabilities, saying that serving as a member of Civitan has taught her the true meaning of, “It’s better to give than to receive.”

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Cindy Barrington has a long family tradition in Civitan, and her family is the reason she joined. “I moved back to Pensacola in 1999 and joined the club because my dad and brother were active members.”

Barrington’s dad, George ‘Pat’ Codone, was a proud member of Civitan for fifty-one years even serving as district governor from 1971-1972. Her brother George Jr. also served as district governor from 1997-1998 and was a dedicated Civitan until he moved away in 2002.

Twenty years in, Cindy has many great Civitan memories. Her first are of attending Civitan International Conventions with her family as a child. “While I was not active in Civitan [at the time], the club and its projects were always a part of our family outings.”

Since joining, Cindy and her husband, fellow Civitan Mike, have attended thirteen international conventions. Cindy has served

CINDY BARRINGTONPENSACOLA CIVITAN CLUBALABAMA - WEST FLORIDA DISTRICT

as club secretary for the Pensacola Civitan Club for almost twenty years, and held district offices including Civiscope Editor, District Director, and District Governor.

Barrington’s favorite projects over the years have been her club’s numerous wheelchair ramp builds, and their annual community picnic for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I have helped on over 300 ramp projects. We have enabled children and adults to safely enter and exit their homes. This truly makes you thankful for your own health and well-being and glad that you have made life a bit easier for someone.”

“My advice is to volunteer with a smile, volunteer regularly, and volunteer ideas for new projects in your club. Be proud of this organization and strive to be the best volunteer you can be!”

Donna Hill Grice joined Civitan 21 years ago after traveling across the Alabama North district with her then 14-year-old daughter who was the Junior Civitan Governor at the time. “I liked the people that we met and what they did.”

Like her daughter Kala, who is also an active member of the Arab Civitan Club, Grice has not shied away from leadership in Civitan. Grice has served in many roles throughout her time in Civitan and is currently serving in her third year as a member of the Grants and Scholarships Committee.

Grice’s favorite moment in Civitan came when she was a Junior Chair. A family at the local school lost everything in a house fire, so the Junior Civitan Club took up a collection of toiletry items to help with immediate needs. There was a student in the club with I/DD, whose own family had very little on their own. The student went to the advisor and said, “don’t tell my mama, but I want to help too,” at which point he gave the advisor his personal tube of toothpaste, which was half used.

Of that moment Grice said, “To me, seeing a young boy want to help others so much that he gives all he has is what Civitan and Junior Civitan are supposed to be about.”

Grice is proud to be a female leader in Civitan. She has led the way throughout her life as the only female in her major in college, the first female to be hired at the USGS in New Orleans, the first female Scout in two different scout checks, and the first of two women elected to the International Scout Association Board of Directors.

DONNAHILL GRICEARAB CIVITAN CLUBALABAMA NORTH DISTRICT

Now more than 45 years after the historic 1974 vote, Civitan’s membership is predominantly female.

The first all-female Civitan club charter was the Frontier Civitan Club in Orlando, Florida, on October 5, 1974.

Of all the current districts, North Carolina East has elected the most female governors since the bylaw change.

Less than forty female Civitans have received the organization’s most beloved award, the International Honor Key. Polly Mooney Forestier earned the first in 1986.

Did you know?

Polly Mooney Forestier 1990-1991Bettye Sue Bolen 1998-1999Eva E. Wilhelmsen 2001-2002Bobbie Walden 2003-2004Betty Haralson 2006-2007

Gay Aaron 2010-2011Debbie Juhlke 2015-2016Kendyl Massey 2017-2018Patsy Perkal 2019-2020

CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENTS

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serviceprojects

hours of service

2020 All In participants raised over $60,000 and presented Dr. Powell with a special banner signed by this year’s fundraisers at the All In Banquet held at the Civitan International Research Center.

2saturday morning was spent at the

exceptional foundation for a morning of service projects

9junior civitan completed nine unIQUE service

projects benefitting eight nonprofit organiZations in the city of birmingham

400livesimpacted

junior civitans positively impacted the lives of hundreds in the birmingham community

BENEFIT BHM

100 NICE Meals for Meals on Wheels100 Field Trip Snacks for Growing Kings

100 Give Me $5 Hygiene Bags for Vineyard Family Services100 Autism Awareness Ribbons for Ribbons of Hope

Dozens of Valentine’s cards for Vineyard Family Services

Junior Civitans also learned about the Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama, Girls Rock Birmingham, and cheered on teams as The Exceptional Foundation hosted their Saturday basketball games.

junior civitans positively impacted the lives of hundreds in the birmingham community

juniorcivitans

junior civitans went all in for birmingham

Junior Civitan Governors and International Board Members made Civitan history in February as they embarked on the first-ever All In Summit fundraiser benefitting the Civitan

International Research Center.

BradleyUBS Financial Services / The Kline GroupBancorpSouthhONDA mANUFACTURING OF ALABAMAServis 1ST Bank

buffalo rock co.civitan international research centerhilton garden inn & home2 suitesthe exceptional foundationwelldunn entertainmenttaco mamataziki'sRusty's BBQalabama central districtvecchia catering

20governors and international board

members attended the inaugural weekend in birmingham, alabama

thank you to our 2020 sponsors and event supporters

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$61,474DOLLARSRAISED TO DATE

GOVERNORS UPDATE

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top fundraiser

north carolina district east

Junior Civitans and Civitans share a lot more in common than their love for service – one of those being the Civitan International Research Center (CIRC). Continuing the tradition of Sno-Do, governors raised funds to support life-changing research at the CIRC. North Carolina Ditrict East governor, Ashton Gupton, got creative with her fundraising to raise over $14,000 and secure her spot as this year’s top fundraiser.

Since joining Junior Civitan as a seventh grader, Gupton describes her experiences with the club as nothing short of rewarding. “Not only have I given back to the community but I have also met people who have become some of my best friends and want to make the world a better place.”

One of her most fond memories dates back to her first event as a Junior Civitan working with Special Olympics. “At the opening ceremonies, I had the privilege to meet some of the athletes which was an experience I will never forgot,” recalls Gupton.

Gupton utilized some tried and true fundraising strategies to help her reach her goal, like writing personalized letters to family and friends. Additionally, Gupton hosted several small fundraising events to help garner gifts and spread awareness about the CIRC. Some included a Bingo night for adult Civitan clubs, a barbeque at her grandmother’s house for family and friends, a fundraiser night at a local restaurant, and even a potato bake at her church.

Now a junior in high school, Gupton is a member of the Johnston County Junior Civitan Club (JOCO Junior Civitan Club). As she enters her final years of high school, Gupton looks forward to attending college in either North Carolina, Virginia, or Georgia to become a pediatric physician assistant. Her desire to one day work in the health field gives her a natural connection to supporting the Civitan International Research Center.

BY AMY NATSUMI ROBERTS

ashtongupton

$14,155ASHTON RAISED

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Debbie Bruce-Juhlke is an individual who has long been synonymous with Civitan. As a member since 1980, Debbie has held nearly every role possible with the organization at the club, district, and International level.

Debbie was initially drawn to Civitan because she loved helping others, especially children. She was also impressed to find out Civitan was the first organization to accept women without being court-ordered.

Debbie’s love for children led her to involvement in the Junior Civitan program with her two sons, Arthur and Jonathan, and her niece Nisha. All three were very active in the program and served in many leadership

roles. This rich history led to the Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Debbie Juhlke Charitable Grant for Junior Civitan International. Through this fund, Junior Civitan clubs are able to request grants to help with their service projects. Since its inception, Civitan International has awarded over three grants to deserving clubs.

Women like Debbie are reshaping the landscape of modern philanthropy. The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University is one of many universities studying the changes in giving habits of Americans, namely American women. They found that households headed by women, at all levels of income and wealth, give more money and are more likely to give than similarly situated men. This difference is most pronounced in women born before or during the Baby Boom (1946-1964), whose income and assets put them in the top 25 percent of wealth holders. Women in this group give 156% more to charity than men. The study also indicates that women are more altruistic, empathetic,

and charitable than men.

Women have always been a key to Civitan’s success. Since they officially joined the ranks in 1974, our organization has made strides in supporting charities of many kinds. From the Special Olympics of the 1980s to today’s Civitan International Research Center, helping others is at the core of the organization.

To Debbie, philanthropy means the ability to provide money in the form of gifts to allow opportunities for others who may otherwise not be able to help themselves. She believes to whom much is given, much is required. She and Dr. Tim have supported countless organizations and provide opportunities for those not only in their community but throughout the world.

A true advocate of the Civitan creed, Debbie’s favorite lines of the creed are, “MY HANDS do the work of the world and reach out in service to others. MY BELIEF: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. MY PLEDGE: to practice the Golden Rule and to build upon it a better and nobler citizenship. “ She has lived these principles for many years and is passionate that if others did as well, the world would be a better place.

You too can support the endowment for Junior Civitan International that Debbie helped start. Find out how by emailing Meredith Binkley at meredith@civitan.org.

A GIVING HEART

DEBBIEJUHLKE

Thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Debbie Juhlke, struggling Junior Civitan clubs can apply for a grant from the Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Debbie Juhlke Charitable Fund for Junior Civitan International to help them be successful and further the mission of Junior CIvitan. The fund consists of 2 types of grants: SERVICE GRANTS ($250.00 USD): Available to struggling Junior Civitan clubs and CLUB BUILDING GRANTS ($300.00 USD): Available to an individual or club who is building a new Junior Civitan club.

APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31, 2020For more information and to apply, please visit juniorcivitan.org/helpforclubs.

Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Debbie Juhlke Charitable Grant for Junior Civitan InternationalDEADLINE EXTENDED

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BY JENNY ELY

LET'SCONNECT

NEW Facebook Groups are available for club members.

• Civitan International Members• Governors / Governor-Elects• District Area Directors• Club Presidents & President-Elects• Club Secretaries & Treasures• New Clubs: 1-5 Years Old• Philanthropy• Web, Social Media, & Graphics• Milwaukee 2020

Join the new Civitan Facebook Groups today and share ideas, ask questions, and connect with Civitans across the globe.

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Shop and give with Amazon Smile.

Visit smile.amazon.com and choose Civitan International as your charity of choice. Proceeds from all the items you purchase will go to support Civitan International.