NORALA NOTES Governor’s Message

Greetings to all Alabama

District North Civitans!

I hope everyone had a

great Christmas and

New Year. Since my last

report, I have had the

opportunity to visit a

number of clubs to in-

stall new officers and

participate in various

Civitan activities. All

the clubs that I have

visited are doing well

and are in full swing with

a year of great planned

activities. The new Civi-

tan International Theme

“WE ARE THE Key” has

been embraced across

the district and is a fo-

cal point of many pro-

gram areas.

One of our goals for

the year was to conduct

a District Wide New

Club Seminar. This

event was held on No-

vember 14, 2015 at Wal-

lace State Community

College, Hanceville, AL.

Louis Stephens, Vice

President of Member-

ship/Leadership, at Civi-

tan International con-

ducted the Seminar.

The seminar was titled

“Be Inspired” and covered

Recruitment, Retention

and New Club Building. A

special thanks to Louis

Stephens for an excellent

seminar.

During the seminar, we

had a “brain storming”

session where members

were asked to identify

locations which they

thought would be good lo-

cations to consider build-

ing a new club. The fol-

lowing locations were

identified: Fairview/

Joppa, Eva, Cherokee/

Barton, Hayden, Scotts-

boro, Falkville and Fort

Payne. In addition, the

following counties are

part of our district but do

not have any active Civitan

Clubs: Blount, Clay,

Cleburne, Fayette, Lamar,

Randolph, St. Clair and

Talladega. Clearly there

are many opportunities

here. The Key to building

clubs in any of these loca-

tions is to identify people

who live in these locations

that are interested in Civ-

itan. This is where we

Inside this issue:

GOVERNOR-ELECT

MESSAGE

2

STRATEGIC FOCUS

GROUP

3

CLERGY APPRECIA-

TION

4

ESSAY CONTEST 5

POLAR PLUNGE 6

YOUTH LEADER-

SHIP

7

ONION SALES 8

INTERNATIONAL

CONVENTION

9

ALDN CANDIDATE 10

REGISTRATION

DISTRICT MEET-

ING

11

ALABAMA DISTRICT

NORTH CIVITAN

GOVERNOR,

Walter Floyd, Jr.

waltfloyd@aol.com 256-590-5436

Alabama District North Civitan

March, 2016

NORALA NOTES

need everyone in the

District to help! If you

know people (friends,

relatives, co-workers,

etc.) who live in these

areas, talk with them;

explain what Civitan is

about and, if they are

interested, we will work

with them to organize a

group to initiate a Club

Building Process. “You

are the Key” to make

this plan-of-action work.

Our Winter District

Meeting was held on

January 16, 2016 at Na-

ture’s Trail Church in

Decatur, Al. Thanks to

the Somerville,

Priceville, Decatur and

Hartselle Civitan Clubs

for sponsoring the

meeting and making all

the arrangements and

special thanks to Nancy

Solberg for coordinating

the event. James

Fields, Chaplin, was our

luncheon speaker and

provided an excellent

presentation. Thanks

James for a job well

done!

2

It is hard to be-

lieve we are al-

ready more than

two months into

2016. New year,

new energy.

Let’s turn our

thoughts and

energies to find-

ing others to join

our clubs and spread the good

feeling of helping others.

Our latest YP club is close to

chartering and we have had one

Jr. Civitan Club charter thus far.

Let’s continue to look at our

younger generation to lend energy

to the service of Civitan.

The District meeting in Priceville

was great! Thanks to the Morgan

County clubs for your hospitality.

Several of us also attended Region

1 in Tupelo a couple of weeks ago.

We thoroughly enjoyed our fel-

lowship with the Civitans from

MS, AL, W. FL, and LA. Continue

spreading the word of Civitan to

all you meet. See you at the

Spring meeting in Hanceville.

Donna Hill Grice

ALDN DISTRICT CONVENTION

Our District Convention will be held on

August 26-27, 2016 at Doubletree by

Hilton, 1101 6th Ave NE, Decatur, Al

35601. The facility has just complet-

ed a complete renovation and is a first

class facility. . We have also con-

firmed that Duane Capps, Civitan In-

ternational President-Elect will attend

our convention. Thanks to Francis

Moore, Convention Coordinator, for all

the work involved in selecting and

booking this facility

Message from the Governor Elect

Alabama District North Civitans at Region 1 Annual Meeting

Tupelo, MS (Standing) Charles Lawson, Nell Emerson, Paul Emerson, Francis Moore,

Ric Moore, Walt Floyd, Randy Grice, Donna Grice. (Seated) Jerry

Lawson, Chad Fell, Julia Floyd, Willie Hamblen.

NORALA NOTES Page 2

3

Alabama District North

Civitan Winter Meeting in

Decatur was a milestone

meeting since we had our

first gathering of our new

Strategic Focus Groups.

These are groups that have

been organized by Randy

Harvell, Leadership Devel-

opment Chair. Their pur-

pose is to Investigate and

develop innovative solutions

for District- Wide problems

implementing strategies for

problem solving.

Problem Examples:

recruiting and involving young-er members

supporting struggling clubs

developing leaders

creating visibility in the com-munity

communicating with members.

The focus groups will involve

younger and older Civitans in a

team effort with the objective of

encouraging the growth of personal

relationships and facilitating the

mentoring process. This will pro-

vide multiple opportunities for ef-

fective local leaders to provide in-

put that will improve the quality of

club and district leadership and

enhance our ability to serve others

through Civitan. Participation in

these groups is open so if you are

interested contact Randy Harvell.

Strategic Focus will meet again

at the Spring District Meeting

coming up on April 16 at Wallace

State College in Hanceville, Ala-

bama.

Strategic Focus Group

Strategic Focus Group met at the Alabama District North Civitan Winter Meeting in Decatur.

They are: Janice Mobes, Tom Giles, Randy Harvell, Ed Higdon, Carol Bernard, Randall White,

Charles Lawson, Sharon Johnson, Jerry Lawson, Nancy Horton and David Gillies.

NORALA NOTES Page 3

4

Area 3 Civitans honored area clergy on February 2 and Central Baptist Church in

Decatur. Under the leadership of Area Director Carol Bernard, Civitans from De-

catur, Hartselle, Moulton, Priceville and Somerville hosted and served the gath-

ered clergy. Past Governor Willie Hamblen addressed the pastors, with a mes-

sage of appreciation for the challenges of their chosen calling.

The Vina Civitan Club honored a total of six men of God and their wives at their

annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner. Entertainment was provided by the Youth

Choir frim Ebenezer Baptist Church and Mrs. Judy Humphries, Music Director at

1st Baptist, Vina. A total of 48 people were in attendance. President, Bryan Moo-

maw said this was a great turn out and was happy to be a part of the great fel-

lowship.

CLERGY APPRECIATION ACROSS THE DISTRICT

NORALA NOTES Page 4

Clubs in Florence, Central Heights and

Tuscumbia collaborated to honor their

local clergy members with a dinner in Feb-

ruary. About 45 people attended the din-

ner with 12 clergy members present who

represented various local religious groups.

Presidents of the three clubs greeted

guests and kicked off the evening with a

warm welcome. As clergy members were

introduced, the presidents presented a

certificate of appreciation to each one.

Willie Hamblen of the Central Heights Club

served as emcee and evoked tears from

the audience as he told the story of the

four chaplains who gave their lives to help

others as their ship, the U.S.A.T. Dorches-

ter, sank in 1943. Alabama District North

Chaplain, James C. Fields, Jr. presented a

program that continued the evening of

honor.

The collaborative effort to honor clergy

was a first-time event for the three clubs.

Attendees expressed their enjoyment of

the evening and noted that they were al-

ready looking forward to next year. From

all reports the evening was considered a

successful way to express appreciation to

those who spend their lives in sacrificial

service to their churches and communities.

5

NORALA NOTES

CLERGY APPRECIATION ACROSS THE DISTRICT

Hanceville Civitans prepared and served lunch to local clergy, church staff and their spouses at the First Methodist Church in Hanceville. There were twenty six guests in attendance. Dr. Nancy Horton shared the story of the Four Chaplains and Sergeant Potts, Chaplain Cullman County Sheriff’s Department presented Jail Ministry high-lights.

Holly Pond Civitans honored local clergy with their ap-preciation dinner at Ryan’s in Cullman. Seven Clergy and guests enjoyed an inspirational message and painting by local artist and minister, Krel Buckelew.

Essay Contest Deadline is Rapidly Approaching

Essay Theme: This year our international theme in Civitan is “We are the Key”. Our Essay Contest theme embraces the International theme and asks students to address “I am the Key to Service in my Community". Students will explain how this could be applied in their commu-

nity, their school and/or their family.

Winners will be identified and the local Civitan clubs will forward their first places winners in each division to Dr. Nancy Horton, to be received

not later than April 1, 2016.

DISTRICT LEVEL DEADLINE – April 1, 2016

Entries must be postmarked on or before this date.

Judging should be done on the local club level before submitting essay(s) for district competition.

Submit ONLY the FIRST place winner per division from each club

Cover sheet containing the following information should be submitted with the winning essay(s):

Name of Club submitting entries

Name, address, phone number, email of club essay chair

Name, email, and phone number of the school liaison,(this will ensure that the winning students are contacted in a timely man-ner)

Entries should be submitted by the sponsoring club not the students or the school.

Mail winning entries to:

Dr. Nancy Horton

1567 Co Rd 606

Hanceville, Al 35077

For questions : Email:nancy_horton@bellsouth.net home phone: 256-352-9186 cell: 256-309-1936

6

NORALA NOTES

Guntersville Ladies Enjoy the 4th Annual Polar Plunge

Civitan International President Debbie Bruce Juhlke made an impromptu visit to the Floyd Farm in Holly Pond in February after the Governor’s update meeting in Birmingham. Lunch with Debbie was shared with Directors from adjoining areas and Area 7 Presidents and Presidents-elect.

Debbie even visited the “shop” and tried out the tractor.

Attending were Charles Lawson, Area 9 Director; Walt Floyd, Governor; Lynn Jetton, President-elect Holly Pond; Robert McDowell, President-elect, Decatur; Donna Grice, Governor-elect; Deb-bie Bruce Juhlke, Civitan International President; Julia Floyd, Immediate Past Governor; Sharon Oliver, Area 7 Director; Elizabeth McDowell, Area 11 Director; Rick Cason, President, Hanceville;

Jerry Lawson, President-elect Guntersville Ladies.

Our Condolences:

Ralph Foster, Tuscumbia Civitan member of 50+ years, passed away in December, 2015. He provided many years of leadership and

community service.

Area 3 Director, Carol Bernard’s husband passed away in early March.

Get Well Wishes:

Bobbie Walden, Cruiser Small, Pat McKemy, Jim McKemy, Bob Bright, Ed Higdon, Merle Higdon, Elizabeth McDowell and perhaps many oth-

ers.

CIVITAN AWARENESS MONTH

April is Civitan Awareness Month. “Toot your Horn” this month with Proclamations, Public Service Announcements, Newspaper articles and ads, Roadside signs and Marquees, and Membership Recruitment. Go to the Civitan International website www.Civitan.org and click on “Club

P.R. Resources” for ideas and to download a Sample Proclamation.

Vina Scholarship Dinner

The Vina Civitan Abston/Franklin Scholarship Dinner is set for April 23, 2016 at the Vina Community Center 3-7 p.m. Cost is $10 to dine in or

carry out: Hamburger Steak, Mashed potatoes, Salad, Drinks, Dessert. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Saturday, February 20 dawned with big black clouds and a forecast of rain, but the plunge went on. Thanks to

our male supporters and a few hearty members, the tents, signs, tables and chairs were all set up, and the rain

held off. But the wind off the lake was frigid as plungers began to arrive. They came and came; a total of 55

registered to plunge. And into the lake they went with a youngster of 5 and a young-at-heartster of 71.

Even Santa came to plunge for Every Child’s Playground.

Team Turner made their usual grand appearance. We don’t have the total from them yet, but between their

plungers, donations, sponsorships, and the benefit at Main Channel Brewing, they brought in a significant

amount of money. Huge thank you’s to Lori Skidmore and all of those from the Marshall County School Board

who participated and supported our efforts.

Connie Gaines Bartlett and her crew did a wonderful job of organizing this

event. The t- shirts went like hot cakes and the signs for sponsors were a

super addition. It was cold and windy, but that’s what a Polar Plunge is sup-

posed to be, and I think everyone had a great time. We want to extend a

very special thank you to those who stayed and helped with tear down and

clean up.

7

Searcy, AK

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

“It was a wonderful

experience that I will

never forget. The

things I learned and

friends I made will last

the rest of my life!”

8

NORALA NOTES Page 8

Hello Fellow Civitan Members,

I am Michael Rea this year’s Onion Chair. By now you should be in full force for orders on onions.

The cost is $5.25 per bag same as last year. All your orders need to be phoned in or emailed in by the

April 15th deadline. As it looks now our delivery date should be the 2nd week of May.

I will need to have a check for your order no later than April 15th. NO CHECK NO ONIONS.

Checks should be made payable to: ALABAMA DISTRICT NORTH CIVITAN

Please mail your check with your order request to the address below;

SOMERVILLE CIVITAN CLUB

Attn: Onion Sales Chair

P. O. Box 413

Somerville, Alabama 35670

PLEASE DO NOT MAIL TO ALABAMA DISTRICT NORTH.

My contact information is:

Home number (256) 778-9853

Cell phone: (256) 227-6929

My email address is mrea0901@bellsouth.net.

9

Sponsorship Awards

1st Member Pin—for members who

sponsor their very first member into Civitan

MST Pin—for members who sponsor

four new members

“We are the Key” name badge—for

members who sponsor six new mem-

bers during the 2015-16 year

President’s Reception at Conven-

tion—for members who sponsor nine

members into Civitan between Octo-

ber 1, 2015and the 2016 International Convention

One-a-month Level—for members

who sponsor 12 new members choose

either a full registration fee to the

Civitan Convention or $200 donation

to CATH.

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel is the 2016

International Convention Headquarters.

Register online at

Civitan.org

Click on “Convention: tab

and find links for

information, registration

and hotel.

NORALA NOTES Page 9

Other Items NEW WEB ADDRESS

Our new web site is under construc-

tion. The address will be

http://alabamanorthdistrict.com

Check us out!

Area 3 Civitans

These dedicated members are assisting

with Decatur Parks and Recreation Spe-

cial Needs Easter Egg Hunt on March

23. The Civitans will furnish hamburger

and cook for 200 special needs individu-

als.

President’s Council

All members of the President’s Council with

dues paid-in-full on April 1st well be eligible

for a drawing to win one free Norfolk Con-

vention. Be sure your membership in up-to-

date or encourage new members to join!

Boaz Civitans Gave $1000 Scholarship

Donated $300 for Marshall

County Christmas Coalition

Partner with Boaz Chamber

of Commerce

Donated to Civitan Interna-

tional Research Center

Sold hotdogs during Boaz

Harvest Festival

Sold Civitan Fruitcakes

Recognize the Outstanding

Fireman and Policeman of

Boaz

Recruited three new members

Planning Successful Onion

Sale

10

ALDN’S

CANDIDATE FOR

INTERNAIONAL

DIRECTOR

REGION 1

W. E. (Willie) Hamblen

Central Heights

Civitan Club

Fellow ALDN Civitan members,

I announced my candidacy for the office of Regional Director, Region 1, at the regional meeting conducted

recently in Tupelo, MS. I request the support of my district in this effort. I urge you to plan to attend the Interna-

tional Convention July 13-16 so that your club can cast all the votes allowed you in my favor. Only those who are at

the convention and who are approved by their club to vote, representing the club, can be a part of the process. If all

our clubs have as many representing them at convention as the number of votes allowed, we can win this, with your

support.

Hopefully you are aware of my passion for Civitan and what we do. My record of service includes having been

the president of three different clubs. I currently am serving as president of one club and am likely to be president

of two clubs next year. Currently, I am area director in Area 4, where I have served another term, as well as having

been area director in my own area several years ago. You know, I have served as governor-elect and was governor two

years ago. I have been involved with many clubs in various projects. While governor, I visited every club in the dis-

trict at least one time and was a guest several times at some clubs. I have been a club builder for three clubs and in

the year 2013-2014 recruited the third largest number in all Civitan International. I have represented our district in

the International Golf Tournament for three years, placing 1st, 2nd, and 4th in funds raised in those years…..thanks to

your contributions to the Civitans at the Helm project. I am known to sell around 200 bags of onions each year.

My experience outside Civitan has prepared me to lead. My whole life has been spend leading groups, while

being a student of trends and motivation. I have spoken in a majority of the States and in several foreign countries.

My experience includes being an elected official in city government, having served the 8th largest city in TX as city

councilman and as acting mayor for a period. My degrees are from Eastern New Mexico University, in the field of

religion, with sociology as a minor. I have had my own real estate business in Texas for about 20 years and was a trus-

tee for the Texas Association of Realtors Political Action Committee. In that role, as well as the city government

role, I traveled often to the State Capital to lobby and to D. C. as well to meet with lawmakers. I served also as pres-

ident of the association of Realtors in my city. My career has included teaching in several Colleges and Universities in

the field of Religion and real estate courses.

I believe this a critically pivotal time in the history of Civitan, as we come into the second 100 years.

We must change to fit the culture in which we function. Modern times require that people feel ownership in order to

really commit to anything. Civitan must return the ownership of the organization to the membership, streamline the

process, operate a “lean machine” so far as overhead is concerned. The board will be responsible to represent the

members and steer the ship into this next century. I believe I bring a rare combination of leadership, experience, and

other abilities, to a degree that is not often available in a volunteer organization. Help me have an opportunity

to prove that and improve what we do.

Come to Convention…..vote for me, please.

No one is paying for this ad…..but I endorse it.

Willie Hamblen

VOTE AT

CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION,

NORFOLK, VA

JULY 13-16, 2016

11

122 Waterchase Drive Huntsville, AL 35806

Phone:256-837-8208 E-mail:

warrenblades@bellsouth.net

Alabama District North Civitan

Page 11

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Alabama District North Civitan

Hanceville, Holly Pond and Cullman Civitan

And

Governor Walt Floyd

Invite you to the

2016 Spring District Meeting

April 16, 2016

Wallace State Community College Nursing Education Building

801 Main Street N. W.

Hanceville, Al 35077

Registration: $20.00 by April 11th

Club Name : ____________________________________________

(Reminder: ALDN Bylaws state that each club is responsible for one reg-

istration)

Attendees(s)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

Total Number registered this form: __________ @ $20.00 each

Amount Enclosed: $____________________

Make Checks to: ALDN CIVITAN

Be sure to bring door

prizes

Don’t miss

out on all

the fun!

REGISTER

YOUR CLUB

TODAY

Mail Registration

form and pay-

ment to:

Warren Blades

122 Waterchase Drive

Huntsville, AL 35806

warrenblades@bellsouth.net

Tel. 256-656-6582

Registration will open

at 8:30 am ~ Board

Meeting at 8:45

Opening ceremony will

be at 10:00 am

Lunch 12noon

Strategic Focus Groups

and Centennial Com-

mittee Meeting After

Lunch