Spring 2017 Number 3 Wendell Harless, Governor Emily Hodges, Editor

ALABAMAALABAMA CENTRALCENTRAL

EXPRESS EXPRESS

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION, ALABAMA CENTRAL DISTRICT NO. 1

Volume XXXXVII Spring 2017 Number 3 Wendell Harless, Governor Emily Hodges, Editor

Welcoming the World to Birmingham

Birmingham Civitan Club Celebrates Centennial Birthday at CIRC

On March 9, 2017, members of the Birmingham Civitan Club and numerous members of Civitan's Alabama Central District gathered at the Civitan International Research Cen- ter to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Club. Civitan's "Mother Club" as it is referred to was chartered in March 1917 by a few business men in Birmingham, Alabama and Civitan Centennial Celebration soon, the group formed an international service club organization, Civitan international. Today, Civitan has approxi- in Birmingham mately 40,000 members worldwide in over 40 countries!

The affair was marked by a presentation of the history of June 24 – 27 Civitan. This was followed by a talk by Dr. Alan Percy Sheraton Birmingham about the Top 5 discoveries by CIRC over the past 19 years. Downtown Hotel Finally, the Club President, Alan Hand was presented a Birmingham, Alabama proclamation from the Governor of the State of Alabama, Robert Bentley, recognizing the Clubs long history of community service and commending them for their persever- Join Civitans from around the world in celebrating ance. The event was covered by Local TV and news media. our 100 years of service to our communities. Be a part of the gathering of Civitans and Junior Civitans to make this a fantastic celebration!

Register by May 1st to avoid late penalty. Volunteers needed for Host Committee duties. Sign up early for the best committees.

Visit www.civitan.org form registration information and forms. Sign-up at the Spring District meeting for the committee of your choice. Everyone needed to make this a convention to re- Club President Alan Hand and other Birmingham Club members member—hosted by the ‘Home District” of display the proclamation from Alabama Governor Robert Bentley Civitan. celebrating the 100th birthday of the “Mother Club” of Civitan International.

2 Spring 2017 Express Greetings Centennial Civitans.

Greetings Centennial Civitans. We are at the half way point of the 2016-17 Civitan year and we are full speed ahead for the next six months.

The Past Governor’s Benefit Reception for the Civitan International Research Center was held February 4 to honor Emily Hodges. There was a nice crowd, a good program and lots of money was raised for the Research Center. “Thank you” to all who participated.

The Civitan International 100th birthday was March 17. CBS Channel 42 in Birmingham did a real nice two minute video on the Birmingham Civitan Club 100th birthday celebration. See it on Facebook (Alabama Central District Civitans).

The Alabama Central District Spring Meeting is Saturday, May 20 at The Club, high atop Wendell Harless Red Mountain in Birmingham. We have a great program and special guest lined up. Governor Please send your registration by May 1st (see registration form later in this newsletter).

The highlight of our year will be the Civitan International Convention in Birmingham, June 24-27. If you haven’t registered already I certainly hope you will do so and be a part of the celebration. Thanks to those of you who have volunteered to help with the convention. We still need many more volunteers. If you want to help, and haven’t volunteered yet, please get in touch with me.

Our District Convention will be August 11-12, 2017 at the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. What a way to “wind down”, or “wind up”, depending on your mood, at the end of a great Civitan Centennial Celebration year (see registration form later in this newsletter). With all the celebrations, meetings and conventions we still need to keep focused on growing our membership. New members are the lifeline to our progress. Progress is essential to our ability to serve our communities. So far this Civitan year, 18 (62%) of our clubs have a net gain of +1 or more members. Congratulations to Vestavia Hills with a net gain of +10 members. They have earned $100 in Civi-Bucks. There are five more clubs in our District that are five or fewer new members from earning theirs. As always, I am here to serve you. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of service Wendell Harless 205-527-0407 [email protected]

District Convention 2017 ONIONS! Governor Harless invites you to join him for a weekend at the beach. We will return to a long time favorite place...the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort Hotel in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida on August 11-13, 2017. Onion Sales began March 1st! Registration cost will be $120.00 per delegate. Room block will be held no later than July10, 2017, Final orders with pay- reserve early. ment are due by Aril 28 to chair. Plan NOW...SAVE THE DATE...Join us in Ft. Walton!

Delivery planned on or

about May 11 to same

locations as last year.

Price is $10 per ten 2017 2017 pound bag. Country Western Friday Night Let’s have great sales!

Spring 2017 Express 3 Greetings Fellow Civitans: Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Governor-elect for 2016-2017. The GE 2 Academy was very intense and productive. I have been tasked with an incredible amount of work and responsibility over the coming months in anticipation of being the Governor of the Alabama Central District for 2017-2018.

Now that Spring is upon us, we are rapidly approaching the climax of the Centennial year with the International Convention on June 24th -28th. The ACD is anticipating a large turnout for the event and hopefully each of you has registered to be a part of the festivities. The District needs your help in making it successful. There are volunteer opportunities through- out the event. Please contact me or any of the District Officers if you would like to part of the volunteer corps for the convention. I am looking forward to the upcoming District Judith Pike Governor-Elect meeting at The Club. The annual Camp ASCCA auction will be the highlight of the event so put your imagination to work on your club’s basket theme.

Please remember that I am here to serve you. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Judith Pike 205-807-2872 [email protected]

Growth and Retention Summary ~ John Lanier The quarter ending on March 31, 2017 continues to have encouraging signs regarding growth and retention in our Dis- trict. Our District began the 2016-17 Civitan Year with 640 members including 21 Associate members. We ended the 2nd Quarter with 634 members including 21 Associate members. We actually had a net +7 gain, but we are carrying 13 inactive members, therefore the net -6 member. This is a good retention/growth sign for this time of the year. So far this Civitan Year, 18 (62%) of our active clubs have a net sum of +1 or more new members! The top six clubs are: Vestavia Hills (10), Birmingham (8), Pell City (6), West Jefferson (6), Montevallo (5), and Research (5). Other clubs with at least a net of +1 are: Fairfield (2), Sylacauga(1), Phenix City (1), Greater Titusville (2), Wil- sonville (1), Crestwood (2), Center Point (1), Brent (2), ACTION (1), Northport (1), Alpha I (1), and Westside (1). Congrats to Vestavia Hills for earning $100 in Civi-Bucks! Birmingham is only two new members away and four other clubs are five or fewer new members from earning theirs. Continue scheduling and holding your Membership Meetings. Rebuilding the Mother Club/New Club Development: These efforts are underway to rebuild the Birmingham Civi- tan Club (“The Mother Club”) to its place of prominence in Civitan and Birmingham. After several weeks of meetings, inviting world class speakers, and great socials, the Birmingham Club is at fifteen members. Our goal for a successful rebuild is twenty members. Oh, by-the-way, Happy Birthday Birmingham Civitan Club as you lead us into our second century! The UAB YP Club is on hold for now and Alexander City Civitan Club is not making progress. Both clubs missed the projected charter dates of March 15th. We desperately need new club building ideas and candidates for our District. There is still time to charter at least one or more new clubs this Civitan year.

John Lanier, Chair

National Youth Leadership Forum ~ Harding University Searcy, AR June 4-9, 2017

Trip is for rising 10th - 12th graders recommended by Civitan clubs. Recruitment tips: Children and grandchildren of club members, Church youth groups, Recommendations from local school guidance counselors Cost: $300 per student sponsorship. Applications deadline is April 20, 2017 Contact info: Dennis Murphy [email protected] 256-404-3362 or Beverly Murphy [email protected] 256-404-7754

District Convention at Ramada in Ft. Walton Beach Florida ~ August 11-13, 2017 ~ Register Early!

4 Spring 2017 Express Junior Civitans ~ Lisa Abercrombie, Junior Chair Junior Civitan Leaders for Our Junior Civitan clubs are winding down with completing 2016-2017 their service and fundraising projects for the year. They are working on completing their Collection Selection, Environmental Governor: Jessica Sprayberry Awareness, and Social Causes Awareness campaigns. Our clubs will be recognizing Advisor Appreciation and Civitan Appreciation during this Deputy Governor: Cambron Bice month. Our Public Relations Coordinator Gracie Kelley, Governor Jesse Sprayberry PR Coordinator: Gracie Kelley and Junior Civitan International President, Cambron Bice and I just recently returned from a fun filled and dance your heart out weekend, Dance A Thon, Lt. Governor: Carter Kampakis which was held in Myrtle Beach, SC. There were 100 plus Junior Civitans that took to floor and danced for 12 hours and also changed in to various costumes Secretary: Vuga Papura every hour. I am excited to announce that Gracie raised $2025, $625 was out- Historian: Katie Ledbetter side Civitan money, Jesse and Cambron both raised $500 each, all outside Civi- tan money, for the Civitan International Research Center. All three of them Sergeant at Arms: Campbell Woods were awarded the Round Tuit Award. Three District Board members took to the grounds at Camp ASCCA during Chaplain: Marie Harris the Fun Fish Weekend and workday. Junior Civitan International President and AC District Deputy Governor, Cambron Bice, Governor Jesse Sprayberry, and Social Media: Ethan Fooshee Secretary Vuga Parpura, raked piles of pine straw and then cleaned up the fire pit area. Governor Sprayberry and the District Board and Team are getting excited and making final decisions and plans for the Alabama Central District Junior Civitan District Convention. We will be heading toward the sunny beaches of Fort Walton Beach, FL April 21st-23rd. Our Junior Civitans will be participating in two service projects, elect their 2017-2018 District officers and Team. This will be a fun filled weekend of fellowship, knowledge, and service. Get ready to “Branch Out In Service”! Our district has 10 active clubs currently and two clubs on inactive status. Our current membership is 274 and we are down 49 members. I am excited to say that we have three clubs that had a 10% increase in their membership; JCIB, Mountain Brook High School, and Sylacauga High School. We are currently working on building a club at Shades Valley High School and several other schools. Our goal is to charter at least one more club before the end of the year. “Rooted In Service” ! Our district is excited that we will be participating in a joint convention with the Civitan Members at the Civitan International Convention. We are promot- ing to have a great big turnout in June. Overall our district is doing well and still working hard to accomplish many goals before the end of the Junior Civitan year. Governor Sprayberry, and the District Team, Mrs. Hodges, and I would like to say THANK YOU so much for your continued support to our Junior Civitans, and the Alabama Central Junior Civitan District. We are “Rooted In Service!”

Jesse Sprayberry, Cambron Bice, and Vuga Parpura pause for a photo while Jesse Sprayberry receives Cambron Bice receives Jesse Sprayberry, Cambron Bice, raking pine straw and cleaning the fire “Round Tuit” from International “Round Tuit”from International and Gracie Kelley during pit at Camp ASCCA Workday. Pres. Duane Capps Pres. Duane Capps costume hour at dance a thon.

Spring 2017 Express 5 Club News Alabama Central District Greater Titusville: Clergy Appreciation Month was a huge success in 2 March at the Greater Titusville Civitan Club. The Club recognized two well- 2016 – 2017 known preaching “giants” from the Birmingham Community for hard work and making a difference in the City. They were Dr. Ronald Sterling, Sr. Mission Statement Pastor, St. Paul AME Church, Birmingham; and Dr. Michael W. Wesley, Sr. Pastor, Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, Birmingham. Councilor Shelia Ty- The mission of the Alabama Central son, Dist. 6 assisted with the presentations. Civitan District and its District officers is to serve as motivators and en- Irondale: Participated in Fun Fish Day at Camp ASCCA. Sending a student to Youth Leadership Forum at Harding University couragers, providing advice, wisdom, and guidance to advance the cause if Westside - Tuscaloosa: Welcomes one new member on April 6. Com- Civitan within its district boundaries, pleted raffle fundraiser in March. Experienced a net gain of $750. Second provide support to the district's clubs fundraiser will be annual pancake breakfast May 13, 7AM – 11AM. On and leaders, and to incite pride and April 4 they are sponsoring Easter egg hunt for 90 poverty stricken elemen- passion in the district members as they tary pupils at Martin Luther King Elementary School, West Tuscaloosa. participate in their Civitan endeavors. Club to hide 300 plastic eggs. Club sponsoring entire activity. Received a request from Martin Luther Elementary School for help with several young District Goals and students who are attending school without proper under garments. Club will Priorities be addressing this issue immediately. During the month of April, men only will be visiting West Alabama Head Start and Alberta Elementary schools to  Achieve recognition as a Civitan read to students one day per week. Club’s plan is to do at least (2) communi- International Quality Achieve- ty service projects per month. ment District  Provide meaningful and produc- Montevallo: Dr. Earl Cunningham passed away April 1. In March, mem- tive meetings for the member- bers participated in the Camp ASCCA cleanup day. They also joined efforts ship of the district directed to- with the City of Montevallo on a clean-up/ beautification project, eliminat- ward continued leadership de- ing trash and debris in an area of town. Gov. Wendell will be speaking at velopment; the club meeting April 17. Vidalia Onion sales are now going on.  Charter two (2) new Civitan Sylacauga: Several members participated in Autism walk April 1 in Syla- clubs cauga. They are taking orders for Vidalia onions. Three members are regis-  Charter two (2) new Junior Civi- tered for Intl convention; hoping to have volunteers as well. They are also tan Clubs Civitan clubs working to sponsor two students for Youth Leadership Seminar. Recruit- ment meeting being planned for this Spring. Basket for Camp ASCCA Auc-  Maintain existing clubs by tion is being put together. Several representatives attended Camp ASCCA mentoring clubs in stress to workday on Fun Fish Day. return them to viability and productivity. Wilsonville: Fourteen regular attendees. Many program meetings have been open to the community with considerable publicity to promote. James  Retain at least 90% of current Spann was a special guest at the annual Boy Scout Blue and Gold banquet club members in current clubs hosted by the club in March. Vidalia Onion sales are in progress. There will  Encourage current clubs to be representation at District Meeting, District Convention, and International achieve at least a plus two in Convention. members or a ten percent (10%) increase. West Jefferson: Held annual FREE Easter Bunny Photo  Provide a better understanding Event which was co-sponsored of the Junior Civitan Programs by the City of Adamsville and and encourage an elevation of Brooklere Pharmacy Adams- involvement by sponsoring ville! More than 140 children clubs. Encourage other clubs to attended for photos with the seek involvement in the program. Easter Bunny and the Easter train The club gave away 35  Increase participation of clubs Easter Baskets, 15 stuffed bun- in sponsorship(s) of delegates nies, and a bicycle; each child to the Youth Leadership Forum received free Easter Egg dye. Approximately $131 in dona- tions were received.

6 Spring 2017 Express Alabama Central Centennial Convention News! - Dee Hutsler District Membership (03/31/17) Planning is becoming more focused as we get closer to the Convention. A volunteer Club # Membership T-Shirt has been approved and ordered. $1000 from each District has been sent to Civitan Int'l for a Committee Account. ACTION* 64 Alpha I (Selma) 18 A coordinated on-line sign-up sheet is being created for volunteers from all three Dis- tricts to be able to sign up to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities include the Hospitali- Auburn 29 ty Room, Bus Tours, and the Jr. Sr. Event which will be a carnival Sunday evening Birmingham 15 (6/25) in Lynn Park. Other purchases tentatively approved include Welcome Banners Brent 25 and Red Carnations.

Center Point 14 The Committee will provide an update at each District Spring meeting and will make Crestwood 10 the sign up sheet available. North Alabama's Spring meeting is April 15, Alabama West-Fla's Spring Meeting is May 6th and our Spring Meeting Irondale 11 is May 20th. Fairfield 16 We expect to need about 100 volunteers in all. You do not have to be registered to volunteer. Gardendale 23 Greater Titusville * 58 Club News - continued Hoover 8 Montevallo 24 Center Point: Club members voted to change meeting times to first and third Mon- day at 1:00 p.m. Initiated 6 new members; with new members they will work on com- Northport 15 ing up with new projects. some fresh new blood. Opelika 8 Pell City: Added 3 new members putting their membership at +1; They are selling Pell City 21 Vidalia onions, Completer their annual Special Stars Prom and are working on our Perimeter 13 annual Steak Dinner with $10,000 Giveaway on April 28. Sending 2 students to leadership forum. Looking to do a poker run in the summer. Phenix City 11 Research* 33 Tri County: Attended workday at Camp ASCCA. Preparing for Vidalia Onion Selma 12 Sales. Youth Leadership delegates, Spring meeting basket for Camp ASCCA Auction, Back Pack Buddies project at LES. Sylacauga 24

Tri-County 10 Brent: Making an effort to send (2) youth to Harding University National Youth Trussville 7 Leadership Forum. Beginning plans for annual Memorial Day Boston butt sale sched- uled for May 26. Club goal is one new member per quarter and they are on target with Tuscaloosa* 40 two new members for the year. Tuskegee 20 Northport: Now taking orders for ribs, Boston butts and hams to be picked up April Vestavia* 39 15 at the Civitan Park, Northport . On April 22 they will have their annual pancake West Jefferson 14 breakfast at Northport United Methodist Church. One-half of proceeds going to or- phanages missions. Westside 10 Wilsonville 21 Alpha I: Held Valentine’s Day celebration at Warren Manor Nursing Home; pre- Associate Members 21 sented all residents were given flowers in a vase. Will be presenting 30 Easter baskets and conducting an Easter egg hunt for children with disabilities at Cahaba Mental Total Members 634 Health Department concluding with after party for all attendees at Burger King, Sel- Total Active Clubs: 29 ma. Participating in local Special Olympics. Partnering with American Legion in food

Golden Circle Clubs* 5 preparation and feeding veterans. Working on club Facebook page. Selma: Sending four youth to Harding University National Youth Leadership Fo- rum in June. On June 10 they will celebrate their 70th anniversary with time and location to be announced. On a date TBD in May will hold their annual stew cook, partnering with Sabra House, a home for battered women.

Tuscaloosa: On May 14 at 11:30 AM at Indiana Hills Country Club, they will part-

ner with Alabama Chamber of Commerce recognizing Tuscaloosa Citizen of the Year.

Spring 2017 Express 7 Register Early! Alabama Central Civitan District

2017 Proposed Calendar District Spring Meeting 2 April - Civitan Awareness month May 20, 2017 6 Spring ACD Express deadline 8 Third ACD Board Meeting 23 Youth Leadership Seminar registrations due 21-23 ACD Junior Convention The Club – A view from atop Red Mountain 28 Vidalia Onion Orders with payment due May 20 Spring District Meeting at THE CLUB and Camp ASCCA Basket auction 11 Vidalia Onions delivered (Est. delivery)

June 4-9 Youth Leadership Forum, Harding Univ. 23 Golf Benefit, Ross Bridge, Birmingham 24-27 Junior Civitan International Convention, Birmingham Sheraton 24-28 Civitan International Convention, Birmingham Sheraton

Where: 1 Robert S Smith Drive, July Birmingham, AL 35209 6 Summer ACD Express deadline 10 Deadline room reservation District Conv. 15 Fourth ACD Board Meeting/ Awards 10:00 a.m. Registration - Judging, Irondale Library.

August Meeting 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 1 Deadline District Convention Registration 11-13 District Convention, Ramada, Ft. Walton 27 Regional President/President-Elect Cost $25.00, includes lunch Training, Birmingham, AL

(Late Registration fee: $35, after May 1st) All dates are current as of publication dat.

Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Gold Room, May 20, 2017

Club: ______

Name: ______E-mail: ______

# Attending______@ $25.00 per person $______

Send registration before May 1st, with checks made to: Alabama Central Civitan District Mail to: Emily Hodges, Meetings Coordinator, 1041 Melissa Circle, Leeds, Alabama 35094 Greater Titusville Clergy Appreciation Group Photo: E Grant, President, V. Marrow, Presi- dent Elect, J. Williams, Committee Chair, Camp ASCCA Basket Auction Dr. Sterling, M. Reed, Committee Member., Rev. Dr. M. Coker, V. Volker, Committee The annual basket auction to benefit Camp ASCCA Member., and Councilor. Tyson. will be held at the Spring meeting on May 20, 2017 at The Club. Let’s see if we can out-do last year’s baskets!

8 Spring 2017 Express Camp ASCCA Receives $600 Past Governor’s Benefit for Civitan Research Center Donation from Alabama Central District

On Saturday, March 25th, District Governor Wendell Harless of the Alabama Central District of Civitans International presented Camp ASCCA with a check donation of $600. Civitans from across the Alabama Central District visited camp during this weekend’s Fun Fish event to work around the campus and improve the facili- ties. The Civitans have sponsored the fishing weekend for several years.

Different members took on a variety of responsi- bilities like raking pine straw, pruning bushes, cleaning off accessible pathways, and much more. The group spent the day at camp on Satur- day for meals and spent time getting to know the campers who were visiting for the weekend.

What a great evening. Kudos go to Tiffany Alexander and Katie King of the Research Civitan Club and Donna Harper of the Wilsonville Civitan Club for coordinating and arranging the evening. Special des- serts were made by Julia Phelps from the Wilsonville Club. Several speakers from the Research Center spoke on their ongoing projects. Dr. Alan Percy, Dr. Mark Bolding, Dr. Kristina Visscher were among

Camp ASCCA Program Director Matt Rickman accepts those presenting. A special highlight for all was the tour of the Center donation from Governor Wendell Harless. and then the opportunity to tour the new MRI laboratory at the South Highlands location. Honoree for this annual event was 2015-2016 Governor Emily Hodges. The event raised $1025 for Civitans at the Helm.

January 16, 1947 ~ 2017

Congratulations to the Wilsonville Civitan Club on your seventy years of service to the communities around you! At the club celebration in January, Donna Harper prepared a slide presentation of the 2015-16 moments. Though our attendance was a bit light, we had a superb roast beef meal prepared by member Joy Sylvianne Price from Montevallo Greene. Members enjoyed fellowshipping and reminiscing over the trims overgrown shrub in flower box past year's events. President Anne Phelps took a few moments to at Camp ASCCA. "rally the troops" to work on bringing in new members and to "think outside the box" for way to reach out to the community Let’s Celebrate Civitan’s 100 years! 2017 Alabama Central District Convention Governor Wendell Harless and your 2016-2017 District Team

at the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway, S.E. Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Save the Date: August 11-13, 2017

Registration Cost: $120 (All Civitan members, late and on-site registrations) Non-Civitan Guests: $100 (pre-registration only) Deadline for registration: Friday, August 4, 2017 (No refunds on cancellations after this date, as food must be guaranteed with hotel) Room Reservations and Rates: Standard: $129.00 - Courtyard: $139.00 - Poolside: $169 - Beachfront: $189 (Rate is per night – add 11% taxes; up two (2) adults per room; additional persons per room add $20 per person, maximum four (4) persons per room.) Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. For reservations call: 800-874-8962 or On-line at www.ramadafwb.com: use Code: civitan17 for our Civitan rate. Deadline for room reservations at these rates is July 10, 2017. Preliminary Agenda Overview: (Tentative) Friday – 8/11: Registration – 3-6:00 p.m. (Lobby); Opening – 7:30-10:00 p.m. (Western Round-up -No Dinner) Saturday –8/12: Registration – 8:00-8:30 a.m. (Empire Lobby); Breakfast/Business (Empire)– 9:00-2:00 p.m.; Installation Dinner/Entertainment (Ambassador Room) – 7:00 p.m - til. Note: There will NOT be a dinner on Friday evening to allow those who wish to enjoy local seafood venues; there WILL BE a dessert bar offered during the opening program that evening. Program highlights: 2017-2018 District officer elections; Opportunities planned to assist club treasurers and secretaries with on-line training, as needed; Area Director training with Governor-Elect, 2017-2018 Club Presidents meeting with Governor- Elect and installation at banquet; possible workshop on web site development; 2017-2018 Team meeting and orientation with Governor designate. Silent Auction (for CIRC); door prizes, hospitality and most of all FELLOWSHIP! Happy Birthday Civitan – 100 Years! ************************************************************************************ Registration Deadline – August 4, 2017

Club:______

Name:______Email:______

# Civitans Attending______@ $120.00 per person Guests/Non-Civitans______@ 100.00 per person

Send registration by August 4, 2017, with checks made to: Alabama Central Civitan District Mail to: E Hodges, Meetings Coordinator, 1041 Melissa Circle, Leeds, AL 35094 If you have questions, please send email to: [email protected] 10 Spring 2017 Express District Officers 2016-2017 District Committee and Project Chairs

Governor…………………………………….. Wendell Harless Growth & Development……………….…...... John Lanier

Governor-Elect……………………………………. Judith Pike Newsletter Editor…………………………… Emily Hodges Immediate Past Governor………………………Emily Hodges Webmaster………………………………….. Donna Harper

Secretary…………………………………………Mary Putman Fruit Cake/Vidalia Onions…………….…. Wynton Hodges Treasurer……………………………………...Edward Thomas Junior Civitan/Campus Civitan……….... Lisa Abercrombie

Past Governor Director ………………...….. Lisa Abercrombie Meetings……………………………………. Emily Hodges

Area Directors Youth Leadership Forum……… Beverly & Denise Murphy

Area I Director……………………………..……..Jerry LeVert Foundation Liaison……………………………Mike Brown (Alpha 1, Brent, Northport, Tuscaloosa, Westside, Selma) Area II Director……………………………….....Dimple Davis Judge Advocate……………………………….… Brian Dix (Auburn, Opelika, Phenix City, Tuskegee) Policies……………………………………….Mary Putman Area III Director………………………..……….Donna Harper (Montevallo, Sylacauga, Wilsonville) Awards & Finance……..……………...…….Emily Hodges Area IV Director……………………….……….Richard Coley (Gardendale, Hoover, Perimeter, Research, Vestavia) Social Media ……………………………… Tony Ledbetter Area V Director…………………………………...Lisa Phillips (Center Point, Crestwood, Irondale, Pell City, Tri-County, Trussville) Junior Civitan Liaison………… ……………Emily Hodges Area VI Director………………………….………Wilfred Fitts (ACTION, Birmingham, Fairfield, Greater Titusville, West Jefferson) The Alabama Central Express is published 4 times a year and mailed to over 600 Civitans in the Alabama Central District to keep them informed of Civitan activities in their district and region. To have information about your club or activity included in this newsletter, contact: Editor Alabama Central Express 1041 Melissa Circle Leeds, Alabama 35094-2732

Scenes From Around the District

Civitans at work -Camp ASCCA Workday

Wilsonville President Ivan Green presents Julia Phelps Club Civitan of the Year recognition.

Birmingham Civitans celebrating 100th anniversary with guests at the CIRC. Shown left to right: Scarlett Thompson, Dr. Rita Cowell, Joanie Brown, Past Inter- national Mike Brown and Civitan Executive Vice Presi- dent John Rynearson. to accomplish this week in Civitan and rank your list. Then begin at the bottom and see how many tasks you can accomplish.

Our first six months have seen many positive results, among which are the following:

Our Second Century has Began A major milestone occurred this past month as Civitan began its Second Century of Service, Knowledge and Fellow- ship. As for membership in March, Civitan had a great month with a net gain of 52 members. However, we are still showing a net loss of -49. We need to continue to reverse this loss in April and reach a net gain by the end of this month! We need YOU as a SECOND CENTURY leader of your district to step it up this quarter! As the first step, we ask Every Leader reading the Focus Report (over 500), to Sponsor a minimum of one New Member in April-Civitan Awareness Month!

When Civitans sponsor new members in their clubs… we'll reward them with six awesome levels of award incen- tives. We want every member to sponsor his/her first new member this year and receive a Centennial 1st Sponsor Pin! This is the only year we will present this themed Centennial logo pin. Plus, each Civitan that sponsors a new member(s) may have a chance to win in our drawing for hotel rooms and registration fee to our 2017 Homecoming International Convention in Birmingham.

Any North American Civitan club that adds a minimum of 10 members during the 2016-17 year earns $100 in Centenni- al Civi-Bucks! Plus, for every 5 additions after that, the club receives $50 worth of Centennial Civi-Bucks!

To encourage clubs to conduct a membership drive for former members the International Board has waived all reinstate- ment fees for former members during our Centennial 2016-17 year. For ideas on how clubs can conduct their Homecom- ing events including retrieving prior members information.

2016-17 Centennial Sponsor-a-Member Competition WE WANT EVERY OFFICER TO EARN A CENTENNIAL 1ST SPONSOR PIN! Share your experiences in Civitan by recruiting people around you into Civitan. Sponsoring new members assists your club and shows fellow members your commitment to your role as a district leader. It also enhances your district’s chances to win in the Sponsor-a- Member Competition this year.

Our first six months have seen many positive results, among which are the following:

- Over 1,500 new members have joined our organization in six months. Let’s add 500 more in April.

- We have chartered 12 new clubs in United States, three new clubs in Liberia, one new club in Canada, one new club in Hungary, one new club in Italy, one new club in Nepal and one new club in the Philippines for a total of 20. Every district needs to charter a new club(s) during this third quarter! Ten districts are working hard to charter a new club(s) in April!

- We have 11 districts showing a net increase in membership after six months.

- We have 14 more districts that are 25 members or less away from reaching the plus column. How many can make it to the gain column in April?

- After six months 297 club and district officers have sponsored 672 members. Let’s continue to urge our leaders to sponsor new members.

- Because of the governors and district officers’ communication efforts, more presidents are striving for one of the four levels of Honor Club recognition.

- The months of April, May, and June are the best new member sponsorship months of the year! Be sure all- existing clubs in your district are Adding to their Club’s Success!