BOB JONES 2018-19 International President - Honoring Those Who Served - NCDE Civitan
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2018-19 International President
BOB JONES
What inspires him to serve?
Plus:
Honoring Those Who Served
Civitan’s Connection to Veterans Day
From The President
Hello Civitans, VOL. 98, No. 6
ISSN 0914-5785
As I write this first article for our magazine, I stop and think how grateful and humble I am to serve as
your International President. It is truly an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am here to serve
you the membership. Editor in Chief
As we enter a new Civitan year we need to look back at the previous year and reflect on the changes Terry Schrimscher
that have taken place. I believe that every change that has been made will strengthen our organization
for the future. As we move ahead I strongly feel that as an organization we have the ship heading in the Contributing Writers
right direction. We as members need to put our oars in the water and pull together to move us forward. Terry Schrimscher
Bob Jones Scarlet Thompson
International Each of us understands to remain a strong organization, we need new members and clubs. With Megan Mindel
President new members come new ideas for projects but also fundraising ideas. No project is too small for clubs to Emily Kicker
2018-19 consider. Keeping your members engaged, active, and involved is important to the life of the club. People Mary Luck
join Civitan to be involved.
We add new members each month but also we lose members. Retention is also a major hurdle
2017-18 International Officers
we must overcome. The majority of our attrition occurs within the first three years. We all need to step back, look and ask
President: Bob Jones, Concord, NC President-
ourselves “WHY”. What could we have done different to help that member remain with us? I encourage your club to utilize your
Elect: Patsy Perkal, Aurora, CO Immediate
membership specialist to help you with your club needs and concerns. They are there to help you.
Past President: Kendyl Massey, Maryville, TN
As we approach the holiday season it is an excellent time for your club to give back. It is a great time for our “Civitan Hands International Directors: Julia Floyd, Cullman, AL;
to Help Make A Difference In The World.” Dianne Hansard, Cumming, GA; Tony Workman,
Greensboro, NC; Carol Wolters, Columbus, OH;
Judy and I would like to wish each and every one of you a joyous holiday season. Bill Lawrence, Almonte, Ontario, CA; Marta Ford,
Eaton Rapids, MI; Fred Matthies, Franktown,
CO; Ann McCarty, Pocatello, ID; Mogens Brun,
Ålbæk, Denmark Junior Civitan International
President: Danni Jo Grider Huntsville, AL;
Executive Vice President: Scarlet Thompson,
Birmingham, AL
Bob Jones 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 orga-
nization, disseminate ideas for greater service, and
carry authorized announcements and notices regard-
ing 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 Internation-
al, its officers, or staff.
Telephone:(205) 591-8910
FAX: (205) 592-6307
Email:civitan@civitan.org
Website:www.civitan.org
Mission Statement
The mission of Civitan worldwide is to build good
citizenship by providing a volunteer organization of
clubs dedicated to serving individual and community
needs with an emphasis on helping people with
Civitan Hands
developmental disabilities.
making a difference in the World
2 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITAN
INSIDE NOVEMBER 2018
4 7
From the Editor Board Report
What’s new in Civitan News from the Board of
Magazine Directors
5 8
Whither Civitan World Junior Civitan
Thoughts about the future Day
with Past International Celebrating one of our
President Ed Baum oldest projects
14 18
Veterans Day Convention Update
Civitan’s connection to a Look out Greenville, here
national holiday 10 we come
Kicking off year 102
Getting to know International President
Bob Jones
12
Research Report
A look inside the Civitan
International Research Center
with Dr. Farah Lubin
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 3
From the Editor
What’s New in Civitan Magazine?
Hello Fellow Civitans!
This is the last issue of the calendar year but the first issue of our
Civitan year, and what a year it is shaping up to be. As our organization
turns 102 in the coming months, we have a lot to look forward to and a
spectacular history to build upon.
In this issue, we explore some Civitan history by celebrating our
connection to Veterans Day in the United States. Many of our members
have served in the military and we are all grateful for your service. In
keeping with the military theme, we also have a short piece on the
Four Chaplains and their connection to the Civitan tradition of Clergy
Appreciation Week, which is coming up in February. We hope your club
will participate and send in great photos for the magazine.
One of our regular features focuses on the work being done at the
Civitan International Research Center. In this issue, we talked to Dr.
Farah Lubin who recently discovered a connection to a dietary amino
acid and the ability to manage memory loss after seizures. The work
being done at our flagship project continues to amaze me and is, I am
sure, a source of great pride to Civitans around the world.
This is also the first issue since our new board president took office
last month. Get to know him a bit better as he answers a few questions
about his life, motivation, and goals. Read all about Civitan Internation
President Bob Jones on page 10.
Please keep sending in your great story ideas and photos for the
magazine and our news feature on the new website. As always, thanks
for all you do.
Terry Schrimscher
Editor
Civitan Online Magazine and You
Civitan Magazine
Magazine Submissions
P.O. Box 130744
Civitan Magazine is distributed six times a year to club mem-
Birmingham, AL 35213-0744
bers around the world. We need your news stories, events, and pic-
1-800-CIVITAN, ext. 134
tures! Is your club finishing an exciting project, organizing an event
in your community, or approaching a special milestone? Just email
pr@civitan.org, 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!
4 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITAN
Whither Civitan
An Editorial Opinion number of people looking at their cell phones. People can take many of their
By Edward Baum classes without ever coming into contact with another person via the internet.
2005-2006 Civitan International President Thus for many, especially the younger generations, there is no longer any real
need to meet physically to accomplish many of the normal interchanges that are
B
lame it on the internet. Blame it on changes in required in everyday living.
the workplace. Blame it on television. Blame it on
So, what of Civitan and the many other associations which have seen their
________ [you can fill in the blank]. The reality
organizations shrink rapidly over the past four decades? When there is no longer
is that the “service club” as well as the “fraternal
a need either there is disappearance or change. For disappearance the examples
organization” as originally conceived have lost much of
are legion: When was the last time you held a 50 cent coin? What happened
their relevance in today’s society. The most visible sign of this is in declining
to the buggy whip manufacturers of the 19th century? Have you tried to buy
membership.
film for a camera lately? For transformation there is no better example than the
This decline has spread throughout our society including church membership. March of Dimes. The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, founded in 1938
Peter Beinart in The Atlantic (April 2017) noted that “Americans—long known by President Franklin Roosevelt to combat polio, lost its purpose when polio was
for their piety—were fleeing organized religion in increasing numbers. The vast pretty well conquered by the Salk and Sabin vaccines. Rather than simply die, it
majority still believe in God. But the share that rejected any religious affiliation is morphed into working to improve the health of mothers and babies by preventing
growing fast, rising from 6 percent in 1992 to 22 percent in 2014.” birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. As an organization, however,
Similarly, Boy Scouts which a few years ago had a membership of over 4 million it is not immune from changes. USA Today in 2017 reported a decline in support
dropped to 2.6 million last year, a decline so drastic that they decided to change leading it to put its headquarters on the market.
their name to Scouts BSA and allow girls to join (leading, paradoxically, to a further Service clubs may try to change their focus, although this is a tough sell since
decline as the Mormon Church withdrew its scouts from the organization). many who attend conventions are already committed to what exists. For example,
The world’s first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, was formed in 1905 an amendment to the Pilot International mission from a focus on brain-related
by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wanted to create a business network in a disorders to a more general promotion of “programs and activities that influence
professional club with the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of positive change” at its June 2018 convention did not pass.
his youth. The Rotary name derived from the early practice of rotating meetings More importantly, Civitan cannot simply grow by changing our focus from
among members’ offices. It was not until a few years later that they added service helping people with developmental disabilities to something else because it is
to their goals. Its membership, like all service clubs, has declined greatly over the the very structure of our organization that needs to change. We must identify
past three decades. The formation of Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Optimists, and, yes, alternative forms of organization and association.
Civitan were all based on developing professional relationships. But modern life
For example, we can create a new category of members, let’s call it flash
has greatly reduced the need for those face-to-face meetings.
membership, in which a person is contacted for a specific activity. She or he receives
Historically, most service clubs consist of community-based groups that share club notices but does not participate in regular meetings. Dues are reduced both
the same name, goals, membership requirements, and meeting structure. Many at the club and national level. Similarly some of our “members” may be part of a
of these clubs meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly on a recurring established day “smart mob,” a group whose coordination and communication abilities have been
and time, commonly at a mealtime. This model no longer attracts new members. empowered by the smart phone and the internet.
If this is the reality of modern life in America, what is to be done? Robert Keep in mind that one definition of insanity “is doing the same thing over and
Putnam, in Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community over again, but expecting different results.” We must find ways to be of service in
(New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000), focused on this decline in organizational our communities in different ways.
activity as early as 1995. He suggested the importance of developing “social
I hope that what I have written may spark a real discussion of the future of
capital.” Although “social capital” has no clear definition it refers in a broad
Civitan and the exploration of alternative futures.
sense to the many interconnections which exist among people. In short, we are
replacing the need for face-to-face meetings with a myriad of ways to connect. Submissions may be published as space allows. Civitan Magazine does not request
Just walk down the street on a college campus today and you will see a large or solicit articles on specific issues.
All donations on Giving Tuesday of $101-$500 will be matched on this one day with
Civitans at the Helm credit! Donate through Facebook or on our website, www.Civitan.org.
WILL YOU BE A CHAMPION OF GIVING TUESDAY?
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 5
CIRC Video Now Available
Each year, the Civitan International Research Center produces a video update which is debuted
for members at the International Convention. This year’s update provides great insight into the
work being done by more than 100 scientists at the CIRC and features a video introduction of the
center’s new director, Dr. Craig Powell.
The 2018 video update is available for purchase through the research center and is a popular way
for club leaders to share the important work being done by our flagship program in Birmingham,
Alabama.
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.
You can order this video by emailing our PR department at PR@civitan.org. We will pass along
your request to the research center. Videos cost $15 and are a great investment in the research
center and a source of valuable information for new members and potential donors.
DR. ALAN PERCY AND DR. CRAIG POWELL
CLUB NEWS
Sun City Civitans continue to support
a variety of causes
Members of the Sun City Civitan Club,
located in Griffin, Georgia, support a variety
of community projects.
Sun City has several fund raising projects
scheduled for the new year including the
traditional “Derby Day” to raise funds for
Camp Big Heart scholarships.
The club also participates in the special
Olympics, National Wheelchair Tennis
Tournament and is working to expand
partnership with local agencies which serve
causes associated with I/DD.
6 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITAN
The Board Report By Scarlet Thompson, Executive Vice President
International Board convenes for New Year
The Civitan International Board of Directors at Large districts. Several clubs in each district 2021 CONVENTION ANNOUNCEMENT
gathered for its first meeting of the 2019 fiscal could not be currently verified, so they were taken A vote by the Civitan International Board of
year. It included a tour of the Civitan International off the master roster for Civitan International. This Directors leads us to the sandy beaches of eastern
Research Center and a reception by CIRC vote to take these clubs off amounts to 3,730 less Florida in a few years. The 2021 International
officials, where all Civitans were thanked for their members in our International programs. Convention will be held in Jacksonville, Florida,
donations to the facility. Other developments More work will be done over the coming months home to several Civitan clubs. That means we’ll
from the board meeting include: to see if there are more clubs internationally that be celebrating our 101st convention in the
need to be removed. Sunshine State!
INTERNATIONAL HONOR KEY CHANGE
The Civitan International Honor Key is the WORLD CITIZENSHIP AWARD IS YOUR DISTRICT IN GOOD STANDING?
highest honor bestowed on any member, for their Civitan International gives out its prestigious There’s a Civitan International policy that
contributions to Civitan on the club, district and World Citizenship Award to “those who have details that, and it was added onto at last month’s
international levels. A policy guiding how it’s made significant contributions to mankind.” International Board meeting. Policy 0305 says to
awarded was reviewed by the board. Revisions Past winners have included President Dwight be considered in good standing a district must:
were made to require the recipient had to be a Eisenhower, Winston Churchill, and Eunice
Civitan for at least ten years before receiving the • Remain current in financial obligations and
Kennedy Shriver. reports to Civitan International.
award.
The next recipient was voted upon by the • Operate in accordance with the governance
Civitan International Board, and will be awarded documents of Civitan International.
INTERNATIONAL CLUBS STRUCK FROM at the upcoming International convention in
RECORDS Greenville. The winner is Amy Wright, creator • Have a governor and governor-elect who
and owner of Bitty and Beau’s coffee shops. both took part in training.
The Board of Directors spent a good portion of
These coffee shops specifically hire people with • And, have a growth plan on file with Civitan
their time together discussing the organization’s
intellectual and developmental disabilities. International.
international clubs. First, the group voted to
revise policies 801.1 and 1110.1, to set a new Through her efforts, Amy and her husband have
dues structure for International clubs, and to brought awareness to the lack of employment
outline how a country is vetted for Civitan club opportunities for those with I/DD. In fact, it’s The fifth requirement is now submitting the
building. An adhoc committee had recommended estimated more than 80% of adults with I/DD district’s bylaws and policies on an annual basis
both revisions. do not have a job. Congrats to Amy and we look to Civitan International.
forward to celebrating her and the mission of the
The group was also presented numbers and
coffee shops in July!
information on the Philippines, Korea and Clubs
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 7
World Junior Civitan Day 2018
By Emily Kicker
Membership Specialist
Each 4th Saturday of October, Junior Civitans around the world are
encouraged to participate in World Junior Civitan Day (WJCD). WJCD
is a day to celebrate our wonderful organization and spend time with
fellow Junior Civitans in service or fellowship. This year, we saw great
participation by our membership on October 27th and were thrilled
to see so many celebrated by serving their communities. Some ways
our clubs and districts celebrated were by hosting inclusive Halloween
dances, local park clean-up, trick or treating for canned goods,
soliciting donations for the Civitan International Research Center,
volunteering at community events, and more. We are so proud of our
Junior Civitans for not only being a part of our organization, but for
serving their communities so well. For more information about the
Junior Civitan program, please contact Membership Specialist Emily
Kicker.
Dr. Timothy and Mrs. Debbie Juhlke
Charitable Fund for Junior Civitan
International—GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE!
Thanks to a generous gift from the Juhlke family to further the
mission of Junior Civitan International, struggling Junior Civitan
clubs can apply to help them be successful and clubs or individuals
can apply to build new Junior Civitan clubs in their communities.
Visit www.juniorcivitan.org/helpforclubs to learn more and apply
today! Applications due December 7th and funds will be awarded
in February. For more information about the Fund, please contact
Membership Specialist Emily Kicker.
CLUB NEWS
HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY FORT DODGE CIVITAN!
November 16 marks the 50th birthday celebration of the
Fort Dodge Civitan club’s charter. Doran Eaton, Governor of the
Min-Owa District at the time, was at the charter banquet and
installation of the first year’s officers at the Holiday Inn, Fort
Dodge. Twenty five members, all men, were part of that first
club and signed their names around the charter.
Sandy Bennett, who has been a member since 1976, and The club’s first president was Bill
maintained her membership for the last 42 years was one of the Highland, right, who now resides in
first women to join Civitan. Andover, Massachusetts. Bill sent
well wishes to the club and commented
The local club in observance of its 50th year will be having a “my memories of early Civitan are the
display at the Lights at Kennedy, sponsored by Noon Sertoma, service club olympics, FRUIT CAKES
in December. and all the nice people from different
professions.”
8 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITAN
A Year of Winning!
Updates from the
Membership Team
By Megan Mindel
Membership Specialist
The 2018 – 2019 Civitan year is off to a great start! Thank you all for your work
as members and leaders in Civitan. To recognize
your accomplishments, the
Membership Team worked
with the 2017 – 2018 Growth
and Retention Committee to
develop new incentives for the
year that would highlight your
efforts as Civitans, as well as
the work your clubs do. If you
missed the October 1 Facebook
Live session you can still watch
it on Civitan’s Facebook page or
keep reading to learn about all of
the opportunities for recognition
available this year.
Three Cheers for Civitan
is a program to acknowledge
new members when they reach
milestone anniversaries. There is a
trend of losing members in the first
three years of service, so each year
at the individual’s anniversary they
will receive an email from Civitan
and a survey. If they complete the
survey about their experiences
throughout the year, they will receive
a small token of appreciation from
International.
Champions of Sponsorship recognizes anyone who sponsors a new member into
Civitan throughout the year. At the beginning of each month we will have a drawing
for prizes ranging from gift cards to a coffee machine. Anyone who sponsors a new
member will be included in the drawing. Your name only comes out if you win. There
will also be a special grand prize drawing on Founder’s Day for anyone who sponsors
their first member ever this year.
Champions of Club Growth was developed to highlight clubs who have net gains in
membership throughout the year. Each month, if your club finishes with a net gain in
membership and is in good standing (dues paid and officers certified), your club will be
entered into a drawing for prizes that benefit the club such as 12 months of speaker
gifts, a Bluetooth speaker, and vinyl banners. Any clubs that end September 2019 with
a net gain in membership will be entered into the grand prize drawing which is a
quarter of waived dues for up to 30 members.
As always, if you have questions, concerns, or ideas on how the Membership Team
can make your Civitan experience better, please contact your Membership Specialist!
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 9
Completing the Task
WITH CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
BOB JONES
By Terry Schrimscher
Editor
Bob Jones was elected to become the 2018-2019 International President during
the Centennial Convention in Birmingham during the summer of 2017. He and his
wife, Judy, live in Concord, North Carolina, where they are both active members of
their clubs.
Originally on the board since 2013, Bob is very familiar with the issues facing
Civitan as we grow into our second century. He is a certified club builder and the
recipient of multiple honor keys and the club, district and international levels.
He was kind enough to sit down with Civitan Magazine, during the October board
meeting in Birmingham, to discuss his thoughts about the future of Civitan.
Tell us a bit about your family. How long have you been married? How
many kids?
Judy and I just celebrated our 54th anniversary on November 7. I have two sons
Kevin a retired Charlotte Mecklenburg police detective, and his wife Kandy. Mike is a
supervisor for Supply One in Rockwell, North Carolina.
I have three grandchildren. McKenzie is a senior at Liberty University in Lynchburg,
Virginia. Her sister Hayden is in 5th grade and my grandson Spencer is in the 6th
grade. I am proud to say that all my family are members of our great organization
Bob and Judy Jones celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary earlier
except my two youngest grandchildren. in November.
You come from a military background, correct?
Thank you for your service. What about that
background prepares you for leadership in
Civitan?
I served four years in the US Navy aboard the aircraft
carrier USS Independence, so I really don’t think that
qualifies as military background but I am proud of my
service to our nation. Those four years of service did teach
me a lot and instilled in me the values I hope to reflect in
Civitan—service to others, personal responsibility, and
a sense of community. It also gave me good insight on
what it means to be a leader.
How long have you been a Civitan? Bob’s two sons, daughter-in-law, and oldest
granddaughter are members of Civitan.
In 1989 Judy and I were invited to come to a Civitan
meeting by one of her co-workers. We both had the same
question “What is Civitan?” We attended the meeting
10 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITANwhich was what was called at that time Civitan International President
a “Seek” meeting. We both liked what Bob Jones speaking to attendees at
this club and the organization was doing Special Olympics in North Carolina.
in the community so we joined. We
immediately became involved and within
a short period of time were serving on athletes are beyond compare.Their attitude
committees working on projects. is something we can all learn from.
We have a project in North Carolina West
we support, Victory Junction Camp. This is
What motivates you to be a a camp for children with life threatening
Civitan? What are some of your illnesses or chronic diseases. Here the
favorite memories? children do not see the illness. They only see
The opportunity to help others in another person that they can relate to and
need. I like to work with children and see make a new friend.
the smiles on their faces with just the
least little bit of accomplishment.
What are some of your goals for your
One of my motivations is the Civitan year?
Research Center and the work that is
being accomplished which motivates me I have a big goal that we help make a
to continue supporting that great work. difference in the world. Also, to increase
I just enjoy meeting and helping people. the visibility of Civitan around the world.
We often hear people ask “What is Civitan”
In 1998, our club was planning to have When we say the word Civitan I want
a “prom” for those in the community people to know what and who we are and
with developmental disabilities. We had what we do.
dress shops donate prom dresses and other businesses donated suits and ties for
those who could not afford one. We had a local limo service that was going to bring
the people to the dance. Everything was set and ready. I think there are many of us who share that goal along with you. What
The afternoon before this dance I was severely burned in a fire. I was in the hospital did you learn during your year as President-Elect?
with third degree burns on 90% of my right arm and minor burns on my face. I will That it is important to be a good listener and also a good communicator. You can
never forget that all these people who came to the dance signed a giant get well card not do everything yourself. This is an organization of teamwork.
and sent it to me in the hospital. That card meant so much to me and helped lift my
spirits.
What do you see as some of the challenges ahead for service organizations
and how can we tackle those challenges?
What are some of your favorite projects?
Of course, the challenge for all service organizations is membership. I do believe
The first project that comes to my mind is the Civitan International Research that people want to give back and serve others. How we reach those people is the
Center. With a family member who has been diagnosed with autism, and a close challenge. I do believe we have to be more cognizant of people’s time in this day and
personal friend who is has a family member with Alzheimer’s, the research they age. That is one thing people really cherish. The way we form new clubs and the ways
are doing there is very important to me. My hope is that very soon they will have clubs meet may have to change in order for us to grow.
answers to help those with I/DD and other debilitating conditions.
My next favorite project is Special Olympics. The joy and smiles on the faces of the
If you could challenge everyone to do one thing for Civitan, what would
that be?
At the convention in Reno we played the video by Admiral McRaven on
completing one task of the day by “Making Your Bed.” My challenge to each member
this year is to complete that one task by sponsoring just one new member. I also
would challenge each person to tell at least five people they meet this year about
Civitan. I’d like to challenge everyone to build quality clubs that will be sustainable
and meet the mission of Civitan.
If someone asked you to sum up Civitan in 10 words or less, what would
you say?
A Service organization where hands and hearts make a difference.
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
I am looking forward to meeting people and as I attend different districts I see that
Bob and Judy are shown visiting Bitty & Beau’s coffee shop, in
Wilmington, NC. The shop made national news for only hiring even though they may do some things a little differently than others we all have the
employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities. same goals—to help others. We can all learn from each other.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 11Research Report
Dr. Farah Lubin
Impacting Lives
at the Civitan International Research Center
By Terry Schrimscher
Since its creation, the Civitan International
Research Center (CIRC) has been a point of pride
and a unifying cause for Civitan members globally.
In the 1950s, service to people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities became a primary
focus of the organization and, as such, the center
is a physical manifestation of the very mission of
Civitan.
This year, the research center celebrated a
milestone birthday. Although the CIRC officially
opened in 1992, the resolution to create it was
passed in 1988—exactly thirty years ago.
The Center for Disease Control estimates
Intellectual and developmental disabilities affect
one in six Americans. In reality, no member of our
society is unaffected. For many Civitan members,
Dr. Farah Lubin is one of many Civitan scientists “I’ve become really interested in epilepsy,” she
the impact of I/DD is the reason for their service
working hard to make a difference. As the leader of says, “because we know a lot about memory from
because they have a friend or family member with
the Lubin Lab, she takes on a variety of roles from patients with epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe
autism, alzheimer’s, Down syndrome or another
hands-on research work to serving as a mentor epilepsy.” When patients no longer respond to
issue closely tied to the mission of Civitan. It’s
for students seeking to begin their careers. drug treatments, doctors have to remove affected
personal.
portions of the brains where seizures begin. “We
“My lab is a memory lab,” says Lubin. “I study
Just as the definition of I/DD has expanded over learn the science of ‘blobology’ as I call it. Where
how the brain learns and retains memory. I like to
time, the scope of the research center has grown this blob in the front is executive function, this
do it because this is what happens in a healthy
over the three decades since it was first conceived. blob is visual cortex, and so on.”
brain.”
Today, there are more than 100 scientists working
Her work with epilepsy intrigues her because
under the banner of Civitan looking to find answers Dr. Lubin explains how the brain adapts to
much of the treatment for the disorder revolves
for a variety of concerns. With each issue of Civitan circumstances and compensates for changes
around preventing seizures but, she says,
Magazine, we like to highlight some of the amazing naturally. Understanding how a healthy brain
addressing the memory loss that accompanies
work being done by the researchers supported by works is important because it helps researchers
the seizures can lead to a higher quality of life for
Civitans around the world. determine when something needs to be treated or
the patients.
when the body is actually repairing itself.
12 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITANAnnual Civitan International
Research Center Awards
Courtesy of Vicki Hixon and Jim Willett,
Civitan International Research Center
On October 25th,
2018, faculty, students
and members of the
Board of Directors of
Civitan International met
to announce the winners
of this year’s Civitan
Emerging Scholar, Whit
Mallory Research Fellow,
and McNulty Civitan
Scientists awards.
Civitan McNulty Scientist 2018-19
The prestigious Civitan McNulty Scientist Award, which honors the research
efforts of a senior faculty member each year, was awarded to Dr. Sarah O’Kelley for
her ongoing research on multiple aspects of Autism Spectrum disorder. O’Kelley,
Dr. Farah Lubin was born in Haiti and grew up in New York City. She
received her undergraduate degree from Alabama State University in
a faculty member in the Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics, is the Director
Montgomery, Alabama and her Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology and of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic at the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics.
Immunology from Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York. O’Kelley has been involved in research and clinical activities with individuals with
autism and their families for 20 years. Her research interests include cognitive and
behavioral phenotypes of individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental
“I study an area of molecular genetics called epigenetics,” she says, “epi is latin for disabilities and all issues across the lifespan for individuals with ASD.
above, so it means above genetics. These determine how your genetic code is read.
Your cells all have the same DNA, for example, but external factors tell them which
codes to turn on or off at the cellular level.” Dr. Lubin says epilepsy can be genetic Civitan Emerging Scholars 2018-19
but it is important to understand what factors play a role in causing the seizures
Heather Dark, a medical/clinical psychology doctoral candidate in the lab of Dr.
and memory loss.
David Knight (Psychology), received an Emerging Scholar Award for her research
She recently had a study published in a peer reviewed medical journal which addressing the neurodevelopment of children exposed to violence and the effects
has drawn a lot of attention to the work at the CIRC. The study involves the it has on children. Silvienne Sint Jago, a graduate research assistant in the lab
supplementation of methionine, a basic amino acid attained in the diet, which has of Dr. Farah Lubin (Neurobiology), was honored with a Civitan Emerging Scholar
prevented memory loss in lab studies. Award on her work investigating seizure disorders which was inspired by watching
“Methionine is an essential amino acid which means you take it in through food,” a family member suffering with chronic seizures. She is in the Pathobiology &
she says. “It contributes to those epigenetic processes. It increases expression of Molecular Medicine Graduate Program at UAB.
certain genes and suppresses expression of other genes—and the body just takes it
in and rescues memory.”
Whit Mallory Research Fellow 2018-19
Dr. Lubin add a caution to say all seizures are not the same and not all seizures are
The Whit Mallory Research Fellow award went
epilepsy. This bridges the research across other areas of I/DD. For example, about 30%
to Abbey Herringshaw, in the UAB Medical Clinical
of autism patients experience seizures. So, the research could have a much broader
Psychology Program and the lab of Dr. Rajesh Kana
impact in seizure control and memory retention.
(Psychology). Drs. Rajesh Kana and Sarah O’Kelley
Currently, she is waiting on approval for clinical trials in humans but is encouraged accepted the award on behalf of Herringshaw who
by the success in rodent studies and in human tissue. There are many variables to was unable to attend the ceremony. Kana and
consider with human studies which can’t be explored with rats and mice, such as O’Kelley enthusiastically endorsed Herringshaw and
male and female specific epilepsy and how hormones might affect results. her proposal “Changing the Social Brain in Autism
The epilepsy lab has moved to UAB Highlands hospital where the Civitan Spectrum Disorder with Intervention,” noting her
International Neuroimaging Laboratory (CINL) is located. She says the MRI at the work with autism spectrum disorders makes Abbey
CINL allows her, and other researchers, to attain higher quality images much faster the perfect recipient for this year’s award.
than other imaging equipment. Each of the Center’s annual awards is designed to promote research related
Visit www.civitan.org for more information from the Civitan International to neurodevelopmental disorders and to encourage new research related to
Research Center and updates on the exciting work of Dr. Farah Lubin and other developmental disabilities.
Civitan scientists.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 13VETERANS DAY
Civitan Raymond Weeks’
lifelong mission of service
By Terry Schrimscher
S
ervice to veterans has been an important
part of Civitan’s history since the earliest
days of the original club in Birmingham,
Alabama. Founded during the first World War,
Courtesy of the Eisenhower Presidential library and museum. Public Domain.
early Civitans raised funds to support war or-
phans in Europe and sold bonds to support
troops fighting overseas.
Billed as the “war to end all wars,” WWI lasted
from 1914 to 1918. Peace was declared on Novem-
ber 11, 1918 and that date is commemorated each
year as Armistice Day around the world—becom-
ing a national holiday in the United States in 1938.
Unfortunately, the second world war broke out in
1939 and American soldiers joined the efforts in
1941. After the war ended in 1945, people around
the nation began to look for ways to expand Armi-
stice Day to honor all veterans.
“Raymond Weeks was not the only person in
America who had this idea,” says Dr. David Dyson,
author of Patriotism in Action. “In 1945, there were
many people who believed Armistice Day needed
to be expanded and that we should have a national
celebration to commemorate veterans of all wars.”
Action, he points out, is the difference between
saying and doing. from Birmingham-Southern College and, as a young
professional, was initiated into the Civitan Club of
The next year, Weeks and a delegation from Birmingham in 1935 at the age of 27. After the
Birmingham visited General Eisenhower at the United States entered the war in 1941, He enlisted
Pentagon with a written proposal for a Veterans in the Navy in 1942 and earned his honorable dis-
Day celebration and suggested Birmingham as the charge in 1945. He returned to his career and his
host city. In 1947, Weeks hosted the nation’s first life of community involvement in Birmingham.
Veterans Day parade in downtown Birmingham.
In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation Weeks founded the National Veterans Day orga-
designating Veterans Day as a national holiday. nization in 1947 and led it until his death in 1985.
It wasn’t until 2012 that Congress officially rec- He also served three terms in the Alabama State
ognized Weeks, and Bimingham, for their roles in House of Representatives and remained an active
creating Veterans Day. member of the Birmingham Club throughout his
career. In 1982, Weeks was honored by President
Raymond Weeks spent his early years in Phe- Raymond Weeks accepting the Presidential Reagan with the Presidential Citizenship Medal.
nix City, Alabama before he moved to Birmingham, Citizens Medal from President Ronald Reagan Reagan called Weeks the “driving force behind Vet-
Alabama with his family as a child. He graduated in 1982. Photo courtesy of Life Leaders
Institute.
14 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITANPLAN AHEAD FOR
CLERGY APPRECIATION WEEK
Clergy Appreciation Week is an international project of Civitan International,
which honors local leaders of all faiths for their dedicated service to their local
communities. Since 1963, Civitan clubs around the world have set aside a week in
February of each year to honor local faith leaders for their acts of service.
The project was inspired by the story of the Four Chaplains. On February 3, 1943,
four military chaplains—a Methodist minister, a Catholic priest, a Reformed minis-
ter and a Jewish rabbi—sacrificed their lives in service to others on board the USS
Dorchester. The troop transport ship, in route to Greenland, was hit by a torpedo.
The four chaplains, George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, John P. Washington, and
Clark V. Poling, removed their own life jackets to give to other passengers and locked
arms in prayer for the safety of others as the ship submerged into the icy waters.
The story of the Four Chaplains has been commemorated in several books, films
and in song.
The Civitan tradition began with the chartering of the Albuquerque Breakfast
Dr. Dyson and Barbara Weeks Minor, daughter of Raymond Weeks,
Civitan Club in 1960. The members of the club decided to honor local clergy as
pose with Scouts in Birmingham during the annual tribute at the
Raymond Weeks Monument. Dyson credits his participation in a Civitan their first major project and Civitan International soon adopted Clergy Week as an
speech contest in 9th grade with his lifelong interest in patriotism and
official project. Beginning with a proclamation at the 1962 Civitan convention in
citizenship issues. He successfully lobbied the U.S. Senate to recognize Dallas, Texas, the week of February 3 was selected to coincide with the sinking of
Weeks for his pioneering efforts in the establishment of Veterans Day. the Dorchester and the story of the four chaplains.
Dyson has been a featured speaker at a Civitan convention and at a The creation of the annual Civitan project was first chronicled in the October
Civitan Governors training session. 1965 edition of Civitan Magazine. The article pointed out that the week was se-
lected to commemorate the sacrifice made by the four chaplains but Clergy Ap-
erans Day” and Elizabeth Dole introduced him as the ”Father of Veterans Day.” preciation Week is not intended to be a memorial to the chaplains but a week of
In its nearly 102 year history, Civitan has expanded into many countries celebration and appreciation for the men and women who dedicate their lives to the
around the world and updated the Civitan Creed several times. The motto service of others in their community as leaders in their respective ministries. Club
“Builders of Good Citizenship” is the same as it has always been. No matter meetings during clergy week were not intended to feature a sermon but to invite
what country a Civitan calls home, members around the world can look with local clergy as honored guests.
pride to a fellow Civitan who expanded Armi- Clergy Appreciation Week quickly gained attention across the nation. First Lady
stice Day as a tribute to all veterans. Betty Ford served as Honorary Chairperson for Civitan in 1974. President Ford is-
Weeks envisioned Veterans Day as more sued a White House proclamation for the week in 1975. Among the clergy honored
than a remembrance of war. He wanted the that year was Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr., pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in
day to be a celebration of peace. Each year, Atlanta, Georgia and father of slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.
The World Peace Luncheon is held in his Civitans around the world continue to honor leaders of all faith traditions each
hometown before the Veterans Day Parade. February in respect to the men and women who lead their communities with the
As our ears “ hear the cry of children and hearts of servants.
the call throughout the world for peace,” Ci-
vitans can look to Armistice Day and Veter-
ans Day worldwide as a point of pride and a Tips for a Successful
celebration of the peace we speak about and
seek in our creed.
Clergy Appreciation Event
• Plan ahead! Clergy Appreciation Week is typically held the week of February 3. In
Raymond Weeks first 2019, that is February 3-9. Invite your local clergy well in advance, and publicize
lobbied General Eisenhower it to your fellow Civitans and local news media.
for Veterans Day in 1946.
In 1954, the President • Clergy are traditionally honored at a club meeting in the form of a special banquet
Eisenhower signed the or similar event. A recognition dinner or lunch is a perfect way to let them know
holiday into law. The story they are appreciated. In the spirit of the Four Chaplains, clubs are encouraged to
can be found in the book
invite clergy from different faiths represented in your community.
Patriotism in Action, by Dr.
David Dyson and Col. C.H.
“Stretch” Dunn (1943- • Clubs are encouraged to find an outstanding layperson to speak in honor of the
2017). Photos courtesy of clergy. As the guests of honor, clergy should not be asked to honor themselves.
Life Leaders Institute. If any wish to speak a few words of gratitude, that is certainly appropriate. Many
clubs ask a veteran club member or local official to speak about the Four Chap-
lains, and tell the story of the sacrifice that began this tradition.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 15DONATE YOUR CHANGE!
Change by Softgiving enables you to round up your
TM
change from everyday purchases and donate it
directly to Civitan International.
HOW TO GIVE CHANGE?
Connect the debit or credit
card you use for your
everyday purchases.
Spend like normal. We'll
round up your purchase to
the nearest dollar.
Watch your impact grow as
you donate to Civitan
International.
All donations are tax deductible.
You can set monthly limits and cancel
at anytime.
Feel safe knowing we have the same
security as your bank.
Visit WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
to donate your change!
Your donation helps volunteer service clubs around the world,
dedicated to helping people in their own communities.
Alternative Recurring Fundraising . SOFTGIVING.COM
16 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITANCLUB NEWS
It’s Christmas at the CIRC
Member of the Birmingham Civitan Club
joined with the Hearts of Horizon Civitan
Club to bring a bit of holiday cheer to the
Civitan International Research Center.
It has become a tradition in recent years for
the Birmingham club to decorate the lobby of
the research center with trees and lights. This
is the first time the Hearts of Horizon club
has joined in the festivities. The new club
was chartered this past year, sponsored by
the Birmingham club.
Interestingly, the Hearts of Horizon Civitan
Club is located at the Horizon School in
Birmingham, which was created, in part,
by funding from the Civitan International
Research Center.
SHOP the CIVITAN SUPPLY HOUSE
Whether you are looking for the perfect
speaker gift, a present for your favorite
Civitan, or tailgating supplies to show
off your status as a “Champion of
Service,” the Civitan Supply House is
the place to go!
Simply visit Civitan.org and click on
Supply House in the menu.
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 17Civitan is GOING GREEN
Greenville, that is
CONVENTION 2019
By Mary Luck
Director of Meetings & Awards
of Main Street is lined with a variety of boutiques,
restaurants, businesses and bars.
Hyatt Regency Downtown
Located in the trendy downtown area of Green-
Civitan International and the South Carolina ville, Hyatt Regency is near the area’s best dining,
District look forward to welcoming you and your shopping, and entertainment. Guest room reserva-
2019 Civitan International Convention
club members to Greenville for the 2019 interna- tions are available on the Civitan website or call
Hyatt Regency Downtown • July 3-6 tional convention. Plans are progressing well for a 402-592-6434 and mention the Civitan Conven-
great event, and here are a few details: tion.
Greenville, South Carolina offers visitors a bal-
ance of Southern hospitality and modern ameni- Convention Registration Civitan Special Rates:
ties. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Opens January 2019 Single/Double $119.00 per night
Mountains, the city has transformed from a blip on
Registration fees include opening, business ses- Triple/Quad $129.00 per night
the map to a vibrant downtown scene. The rein-
sions, workshops, seminars, research center re-
vigorated downtown serves as the focal point of
port, host hospitality, expo and supply house. Two
the region, hosting an emerging culinary scene and
events are separately ticketed: Welcome Party and Guest room reservations will open soon, so be
housing what some call the crown jewel of Green-
Installation Banquet. Packages include tickets for looking for this information.
ville: Falls Park on the Reedy. The 10-block stretch
both events. Below are the fees for Civitans and
Reservations deadline is June 7, 2019.
Guests (U.S. funds) if received by April 1:
Civitan Event Package $240.00
Civitan Registration ONLY $160.00 Start planning now for
Guest Event Package $300.00 your trip to Greenville
Guest Registration ONLY $210.00 next summer. See you
Welcome Party Ticket $30.00 there!
Installation Banquet Ticket $60.00
18 Civitan Magazine 1.800.CIVITANBORDERLESS CIVITAN
Photo: Grethe Ødegaard from Civitan Club Kristina, Tønsberg, Norway.
Civitans in Norway have had a
busy autumn, so far. In October,
28 Civitans from 10 different Nor-
wegian clubs visited Civitan Club
Rakke, in Estonia, to deliver 2.5
tons of clothes and supplies to the
thrift store there.
In September, clubs in Norway
held activities for people struggling
with addiction. Also, in September,
clubs in Vestfold sponsored games
and activities for children and
adults with disabilities.
Do you shop online? Your amazon.com purchases can add up for Civitan!
If you haven’t signed up for AmazonSmile, take a moment to visit www.smile.amazon.com and
pick Civitan International as your preferred charity. Then, every time you start your shopping
experience on smile.amazon.com, instead of amazon.com, Amazon will donate a percentage
of your purchase to our great cause. It’s that easy.
smile.amazon.com — Choose Civitan
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG November 2018 19You can also read
