I would like to start off with a big thank you to all of the clubs I’ve had the opportunity to visit these past few months. So far, I

have visited 75% of the Michigan Clubs and all the Midwest Clubs. These visits have been posted on our North Central District

of Civitan Face-book page creating a public record that potential members can access to learn about Civitan.

E a c h C l u b is unique in their projects and fun-draising for their community. What we have in common is the energy and passion we have

for community service. At each meeting we talked about the club’s projects and updates from International. Two topics came up at almost every meeting: 1) How do we increase awareness about Civitan? and 2) How do we find new members? To help you with both of those issues, on page 9 of thus newsletter you’ll find an article on recruiting from our New Club Building Chairperson, Ralph Il-lingworth. It’s a great summary of tips he’s gleaned from other Civitans.

As a result of these visits, I found myself re-energized and inspired to become a better leader. We have so much to share with each other. That is what makes our Area Meetings and North Central District Convention so important. They provide us with the opportu-nity to share project, fundraising, recruitment and leadership ideas. We can learn from the successes and lessons learned from other clubs. Club Presidents have already received registration information for the April 2nd Michigan Area Meeting in Jackson, April 9th Min-Owa Area Meeting in Mankato, and April 16th Midwest Area Meeting in Vincennes. These meetings provide a great opportunity to learn from the best and the brightest. I hope to see members from each of our clubs at these meetings.

The North Central District convention is scheduled for September16-18 at the Potawa-tomi Inn in Angola, Indiana. International President Debbie Juhlke will be our keynote speaker and Debbie Richard, Director of Digital Marketing for Trine University will present a workshop on the effective use of social media. At the convention, we will have

Cheryl Van Vliet, Governor April 2016 Volume 12.3

Inside ConnectionP. 2 In Memoriam - Charles HallawellP. 2 Putt-n-ChipP. 3 News around the District P. 5 Essay Winner Jenifer CurtisP. 6 Amazing Member RecruitmentP. 6 Civitan Internat’l RestorationP. 7 Min-Owa Area Sr DirectorP. 8 Civitan Intern’l in Norfolk, VAP. 9 Recruiting New MembersP.10 Junior Civitan & YLDCP.11 Officers and Committee Chairs

From Governor Cheryl Van Vliet

My hands do the work of the world and reach out in service to others.

Governor Cheryl Van Vliet

North entralConnection

A Publication of the North Central District of Civitan International

a District-wide service project to assemble 50 personal care packages for members of the armed services stationed overseas. A list of desirable items that clubs and members can donate will be included with the reg-istration materials which will be mailed to Clubs in April.

Presidents, it’s time to pull out those Honor Club applications to track your club’s progress to ensure you meet all the require-ments by year-end. It is a good road map to having a successful year. Remember, you hold the key to a successful year!

—Cheryl Van Vliet---------------------------------------------------Stay current by visiting the following sites:northcentralcivitans.org North Central District of Civitan Face-book pageCivitanYLDC.com for the Youth Leader-ship & Diversity Conference Civitan.org for the Civitan International Research Center information---------------------------------------------------

Susan Bradshaw

From Governor-Elect

The highlight of the Governor Elect year is attending the February GE Academy at the

Civitan International h e a d q u a r t e r s i n Birmingham, Alabama. I had the wonderful opportunity to spend three days with the other Governors Elect and our fearless leader, President Elect Duane Capps. The excitement is building as we, the 2016-17 Governors, begin planning for Civitan’s Centennial Year!

Highlights of the Academy? We were among some of the first visitors to the new Neuro-Imaging facility at the University of Alabama Birmingham Medical Center. There we viewed the brand new 3T functional MRI machine. We also visited the Civitan International Research Center where we heard an excellent presentation on research into Rett’s Syndrome. Louis Stephens brought his Civitan passion to his presentation on The Importance of Building New Clubs.

We enjoyed a Model Charter Luncheon, of which I hope we have many over the next two years.

I took copious notes at the Academy and in the margins one theme keeps repeating – Have Fun! As Duane led us through exercises in teamwork and leadership building, he continually emphasized that in all that we do, we need to remember the importance of enjoying our time and friendships as Civitans.

Governor Cheryl’s year will end, and mine will begin at the International Convention in July in Norfolk, Virginia. I truly hope many North Central Civitans will plan to attend this great event. Start making your reservations now.

Finally, thank you North Central Civitans for giving me the honor to serve as a leader of the North Central District.

—Susan Bradshaw, Governor Elect 2015-16

District ConventionMark your calendars

for our North Central District Convention

September 16-18, 2016at the

Potawatomi Inn in Angola, Indiana

12.3 Edition 2 North Central District

North Central ConnectionA Publication of the North Central District

of Civitan International

Published quarterly to communicate with the members of all the Civitan clubs in the North Central District and to officers of Civitan Interna-tional. Articles are welcomed.

Send address changes to: Carroll Lang, 19903 225th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, or email at CDLng@aol.com

Connection is available in a downloadable PDF version which you may request by sending your email address to the editor at CDLng@aol.com

Cheryl Van Vliet, GovernorSusan Bradshaw, Governor-Elect

Gerry Falkner, Immediate Past GovernorCarroll Lang, Connection Editor

Judy Lang, Proof Reader

April 2016 Volume 12.3

Golf Benefit & Putt-n-Chip

The Civitan International Golf Benefit will be held Tuesday July 12 at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in

Colonial Williamsburg, VA. The plans for the Putt-n-Chip are still being finalized.

Support your fellow members in their fund-raising for this worthy program.

—Gerry Falkner

In Memoriam:Charles Edward Hallawell (October 24, 1925 - February 21, 2016)

Age 90, of Michigan Center, passed away February 21, 2016 at CareLink of Jackson. Born October 24, 1925 in North Vernon, Indiana, Charlie enlisted in the Navy in December of 1943 where he went to radio

school and then served on board the USS Laurens from her commission to her decommission. He received his honorable discharge in May of 1946 having been awarded many military honors including Asiatic Pacific, Philippine Liberation, and American Area ribbons along with a World War II Victory medal. His naval service allowed him to enter Ball State University where he graduated. He later did his post graduate work at Michigan State University. Charlie’s professional career as a teacher began in Florida, then took him to Tri-State College, where he was a professor, and later to Jackson High School in 1963 where he remained until his retirement in 1985. As a volunteer Charlie served as a Boy Scout leader for the Land of Lakes Council, and as Commander of VFW Post 823 in Jackson, MI. He also was actively involved in Civitan where he served as President of the Cascades Civitan Club, Governor of the Michigan District and Director of Region 6 for Civitan International. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Marjorie (nee Adams). He is survived by his daughter Ann (Ray Krome) of Massachusetts, his grandson Rex Brown (Lindsey Matetich) of Washington and his step-grandson Tyler Krome of Florida, his brother Robert (Tressia) Hallawell, his sister Mary Losey, and his twelve nieces and nephews and their families: Becky Jordan, Debi Johnson, John Losey, JoAnn Hallawell, David Losey, Sharon Pike, Steve Slick and Scott Slick all of Indiana, Sandy Artinian, Donny Adams, David Adams and Eddie Adams all reside in California. He spent his final 20 years with his beloved Margaret LaSerra of Michigan Center. Together they had many adventures and visited 34 states. Her three daughters and their families adopted him and loved him as their own: Sandy Gray, Margie Davis and Donna Roberts (Carl). Charlie loved life and traveled the world. He was smart, funny and generous. In his final months he was fond of saying that he had seen a lot of summers and winters. He had a wonderful life with no regrets. Charlie was surrounded by love and compassion during his final days. Services will be held at the funeral home Monday, February 29, 2016 at 11 am with Rev. Richard Brooks, Allegiance Hospice Chaplain officiating. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Sunday, 2-4 & 6-8 pm. Cemetery Military Honors will be offered by the Jackson County American Legion Ritual Team. The family is requesting donations be made in Charlie’s memory to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Donations may be made online at http://www.legion.org. By mail: American Legion, 700 N. Pennsylvania St., PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Note donations for the Legacy Scholarship Fund in memory of Charles Hallawell, USN Veteran, WWII.

Information from Louis Stephens – Civitan InternationalCharles was a great Civitan. He was an International Director of Region Six from 1992-94. He was a Distinguished Governor Michigan District 1987-88. He sponsored 27 members.His daughter, Ann Hallawell Krome, is an active member in our Associate Member Program of the Chesapeake District. She was very active in Civitan before moving to Boston, MA. She served the Chesapeake District as Governor in 1997-98.

Info gathered from emails Charlie was Director of Michigan District Foundation Board in 2001 and is a Foundation Fellow.

Condolences can be sent to Maggie LaSerra304 Broad StreetMichigan Center, MI 49254

Or his daughterAnn Krome17 Otsego DriveHudson, MA 01749

Being Thankful“…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)Be thankful you don’t already have

everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times; during those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes; they will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for good things. A life full of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

—Author Unknown

Connection 3 April 2016

News from around the North Central District

NEWS Continued on next page

Cascades Our monthly dances for developmentally disabled adults continue to be very well attended. January was our Snowflake Dance, February celebrated Valentine’s Day, and on March 12th the theme was St. Patrick’s Day with a very large group enjoying the music and snacks. There were a lot of green outfits and everyone received a shamrock sticker. We recently mourned the passing of member Elfriede Moen and past member Charles Hallawell. Both will be sorely missed by the community and Civitan. On a brighter note, we have welcomed five new Club members this year and our streak of new attendees at the dance has been going for over two years now. Yours in Civitan,

—Angie Brigham, Treasurer

Fort Dodge Civitan Club Hello from the Fort Dodge Club! March surely came in like a lion with an unexpected 4 inches... but within 4-5 days it will be 60 degrees. So what’s new with our club? We have gained a new member and currently have a membership drive which will culminate with a SEEK Meeting on March 17. This will be a chili social and we are inviting prospects through letters as well as on Facebook by creating an event for this and inviting our FB friends. We are also having the 4 local radio stations plug this event as well. PR is the key! The month of March will also be celebrating (hopefully with new members) Civitan Founders Day on March 17 and Civitan will be 99 years young!

We had our Clergy Appreciation event with a soup supper and invited clergy in the area. About six clergy attended, along with members, and heard speakers that had gone on a mission trip to Nicaragua.

In addition to that service project, we also have been having Bingo’s at the area group homes. All these events require money and our fundraising has led us to selling Younkers Community Days coupon books, and we sold about 90 books at $5.00 profit each; we also have been going to Culver’s restaurants around twice a month where we get 10% of the gross sales for a 3 hour time period and, of course, the candy/coin box project.

In April we will be handing out drawstring bags to Special Olympians at the track and field event for our area. Some members will be attending the Min-Owa Area meeting in April as well. —Nancy Leo

The Greater Lafayette Civitan Club has been busy! In February, we had volunteers helping out at The Lafayette Spinners basketball game. This has become an annual event where Civitans support the local wheel-chair basketball team in a charity outing against local celebrities. Our members also volunteered with Meals on Wheels of Greater Lafayette as delivery drivers in support of their annual March for Meals campaign. This year, MOW did a Month of Champions and several Civitan members have been able to drive routes.

In February, our club welcomed several members of local churches for a Clergy Appreciation Lunch. It was great to connect with new community representatives and many were excited to learn about Civitan which is a relatively new group in this community. Finally, our club had a great turn-

out of members to serve lunch at Lafayette Transitional Housing. This is the second time that our group has prepared and served lunch to individuals who face significant challenges with food and shelter. It was a great event to highlight our active club to North District Governor Cheryl Van Vliet who was visiting. The Greater Lafayette Civitans provided a hot lunch and take-away meals for close to 50 community members. We enjoyed food and fellowship with the clients as well as Gov. Van Vliet. Thanks so much!

—Jennifer Seabolt

Merrillville Civitan is proud of our club president, Rich Brown, and his skills in obtaining 4 new members this year. It was an honor to have the North Central Governor, Cheryl Van Vliet, at our March 3rd meeting.

She presented Rich Brown with a new member award. Cheryl was accompanied by Phyllis Davis and Vivian Van Vliet. The Merrillville Civitan club had a very special Clergy Day lunch on February 3rd, 12 members of the clergy attended, with a special honor by the new Bishop Donald Hying

from the Catholic Diocese of Gary, Indiana. At our meeting, Bishop Hying became the newest member of our club, thanks to Rich and Lillian Brown. Our club is hard at work planning our annual Steak Fry for Saturday, April 30th, at St. Andrews Church. It is one of our major fundraisers and we usually serve over 200. On May 19th, we will hold our annual Yard Sale to benefit “The Arc” in Crown Point, IN. This year we will also be selling donuts and coffee. On June 25th, members and guests will attend the Railcats Baseball game, with suite-level seating and gourmet food to enjoy.

—Mardi Katz

The Midland Civitan Club kept busy during the second quarter with both fund raising and service activities. Midland Civitans worked a second time this season selling 50/50 tickets at the Saginaw Spirit Hockey games. New ticket technology makes this easier and much faster (no more counting out long strands of tickets). Club members served refreshments to Special Olympics basketball athletes at their recent skills event. We will soon be providing and serving a Chili Supper to volunteers at Night O.W.L.S. (Out With Loving Sitters), a group of volunteers who provide an evening of activities for children with special needs so Mom and Dad can have a night out. We are busy improving our Club ‘marketing’ activities: we have ordered club pens, updated our brochure, ordered business cards and we have an email address (midlandcivitan@gmail.com). One very special moment was presenting Priscilla Lees with her 25 year plaque at the Assisted Living home where she now resides. Her family and several of her long time Civitan friends were there to celebrate with her. AND we will be initiating two new members into our club before the end of the first quarter.

—Susan Bradshaw, PR Chair

Polar Plunge FundraiserThe Minnesota Valley Civitan Club held a Polar Plunge on February 6th. Last year

Connection 4 April 2016NEWS continued from previous pageI decided to brave the cold and jumped for the first time. I was able to raise $400.00! I knew we could do better than that this year people. This is a great cause for Special Olympics which is very important to me! I wanted nothing more than to top my pledge total this year! Check out the link below. It was a great fundraising event. https://reg.plungemn.org/participant/bradgroskopf

—Brad Groskopf

Plymouth-Canton Civitan Club—The Club had another successful fundraiser selling Carson’s Community coupon books in February which is an annual event for the Club. Over 280 coupon books were sold, for which the Club received $5 for each book. The money from this fundraiser funds the Special Olympic bowling the Club sponsors from February to March every year.

This allows young adults with special needs to have some fun every Tuesday bowling. This is a very popular event with over 90 individuals bowling with half of the bowling alley (26 lanes) being used every Tuesday. Club members took photos of bowlers and made buttons, keychains and

magnets. This year we offered mounting photos in a frame too. As always, Gary Turnquist and Bill McCarville did an excellent job of coordinating this event and making sure that all who participated whether a bowler or Club member helping with the photo’s had a great time!

The Club has been involved with Cooke School for over 30 years, a school for special needs students. The Club has provided funds for their Point Store, which provides items students can purchase with reward points they

receive for good behavior and good grades. Recently the Club gave a donation of $1,200 to the school and a plaque for the Point Store.

In April, the Club will be down at Focus Hope building food boxes. Members along with family and friends work on an assembly line and fill boxes with various food items that are then given to senior citizens and others that are in need. The volunteers work very hard in a two hour period of time assembling over 1,200 boxes. Afterward the group goes to a Polish restaurant for a well-deserved lunch and fellowship.

—Theresa Furget, Recording Secretary

Pontiac Civitan News: Pontiac Civitan, Michael Mickens, fifth grade teacher at Herrington School in Pontiac, has been nominated for the 2015-2016 national LifeChanger of the Year award. The LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the best K-12 public and private school educators across the nation who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. This year Michael’s students are raising funds for Pontiac Civitan Club to provide service for people with developmental disabilities. A total of 16 winners will be chosen to receive cash awards. Congratulations, Michael!

—Carol Lusk

Wayne Civitan Club The Wayne Club is having a Spring Fling dance for the athletes of Wayne-Westland Special Olympics, their families, and friends on Wednesday, April 13th, at Stevenson Middle School. A DJ will be providing the music and refreshments will be served.

On May 11th, the Club will host its annual Good Kids, Good Citizens, Good Community program at the library to honor students throughout the community who have given their time and talents to helping others. Parents, family members, teachers, and friends are invited to attend. Certificates will be given to the recipients as well as a book donated to the library with a name plate commemorating their achievement.

The Club is actively seeking delegates to attend both Camp Civitan and YLDC.

—Ron Kulas

Join Us April 30, 2016 ForCivitan of Lenawee’s

Annual Grand Give Away!(License # R35840)

This Year’s Theme Is“The Great Outdoors”

You Can Win Great Prizes,and

You Will Have A Great Evening of Entertainment,

Food, & FellowshipWith Family, Friends, and Civitans!

Doors Open at 5 P.M.Help Civitan of Lenawee

Help Those In Our Communitites Facing Challenges.

Five Most Helpful Steps Regarding Your Money:1. Tithe: The very first check(s) you should write should be to your church and to

God’s works.2. Tithe: You are giving the Lord back 10% of His own money.3. Tithe: All else financially is secondary to tithing.4. Make a monthly budget, try to stick to it, and be sure to include a category of

saving (paying yourself too.)5. Go back over, say the last three months, and list where all your money has

gone. Use your check register and credit card statements to reconstruct such a picture...it can be a real eye opener!

—R. R. Ball

12.3 Edition 5 North Central District

Citizen, continued on page 8

District Awards

Unbelievable! The Civitan year is already half over! Time flies by so rapidly when we’re in the midst of

Civitan activities, helping to make a better world for ourselves and others. However, make the time now, to sit down and review the many service, programs, speakers and fellowship activities that you have enjoyed this year. Hopefully someone in your club has been recording the information to use for your club scrapbook and to apply for District and International Awards. The applications are easy enough to fill out. Your club awards committee or designated member(s), just need to transfer the appropriate information onto the appropriate form(s). The forms are available on the International Website www.civitan.org, for you to download. However, I will be sending a copy of the forms, to each club president.

The North Central District will be award-ing the following competitive awards for clubs at our year-end convention at Pokogon Park, Angola, Indiana, September 16-18. All clubs have projects/activities that deserve recognition so I’m looking forward to see-ing applications from all of North Central Civitan clubs. All applications received for District Awards are eligible for International awards and will be forwarded to them at the completion of the District convention.

Outstanding Civitan Awareness ProjectOutstanding Service to People with DisabilitiesOutstanding Community ProjectOutstanding Youth ProjectOutstanding Club NewsletterOutstanding Club Website.

All of the clubs in the North Central District are truly amazing and deserve to be recognized, so please take a few minutes to complete the forms. When complete, please submit the applications by July 30 to: Gerry Falkner, 6255 Spaulding Road, Howell, MI 48855. Looking forward to hearing from all of you! You are the Key!—District Awards Chair / Immediate Past

Governor Gerry Falkner

International Liaison

In the January issue of the newsletter, I explained that as Immediate Past Governor, I have a number of new

responsibilities including, but not limited to, providing information about all International activities and program such as the Civitan International Research Center, Planned Giving (President’s Council and Legacy), Civitans at the Helm, Restoration Fund as well as to answer or find the answer to any other International questions you may have. I explained the different levels of giving for the Civitan at the Helms program: Helmsman - $10 per member; Navigator - $25 per member; Captain - $50 per member; Commodore - $75 per member; Admiral - $100; and Admiral of the Fleet - $200 per member.

Essay Winner

Jennifer Curtis named one of 4 VFW essay winners! Jennifer was one of four local students who turned their thoughts on

patriotism into an essay has won an award in a writing contest sponsored by the VFW Post 1856 in Fort Dodge. There were a total of 27 entries.

Jennifer was one of three that won the top award for the Voice of Democracy competition for senior high students. Voice of Democracy is more of a challenge than Patriots Pen. Besides writing an essay you have to do a tape. The local contest is the first step in competition that progresses to district, state and national levels. Winners who advance to the national level receive an all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. Patriots Pen is for students in 6th to 8th grades. Voice of Democracy is for high school students.

—Excerpt from Fort Dodge Messenger, December 3, 2015

Congratulations to the Fort Dodge, Livingston, Merrillville, and Minnesota Valley Clubs for already reaching the Helmsman level in the Civitans at the Helm Program and to the Vincennes, club for reaching the Navigator level.

Is your club participating? Will your club’s name be listed here next issue?

Just a reminder, that this year, International has introduced a President’s Council Special Incentive: The board of directors has approved an incentive to promote the President’s Council. All members of the President’s Council with dues paid-in-full on April 1, will be eligible for a drawing to win one free Norfolk Convention Registration (full event package). It is hoped this will encourage existing members to make sure their memberships are up-to-date and provides an incentive for new members to join as well. The drawing will be held April 1, 2016.

—Gerry Falkner, Immediate Past Gov

Vincennes Civitan Club President Bridgett Bilskie presents Scott Shipman with Civitan’s Citizen of the Year award on Thursday at Vincennes University’s Beckes Student Union. The presentation coincided with Civitan’s Clergy Appreciation Luncheon that annually honors local pastors for their efforts on behalf of the community and their churches.

Citizen of the Year AwardVINCENNES, In – The Vincennes Civitan Club presented its “Citizen of the Year” award to Scott Shipman at a luncheon on Feb. 4 at Vincennes University’s Beckes Student Union.

Shipman humbly accepted the award, giving thanks to many volunteers who he said make his multiple ministries successful. Quoting St. Francis of Assisi, Shipman said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” He said that describes the goals of his ministries, demonstrating the Gospel through actions.

Bridgett Bilskie, president of the Vincennes Civitan Club, said, “Scott Shipman is a very dedicated volunteer leader who has contributed greatly to our community. His good citizenship is exemplified through his hands-on service provided to multiple charitable initiatives, including disaster relief and a new homeless shelter.”

Civitan’s Citizen of the Year award recognizes individuals who promote good citizenship through outstanding voluntary service to their community. Shipman is the 56th recipient of the award since it was first presented to the late Isaac K. Beckes in 1954. The most recent recipients of the award include Helen Seirp, Jim Osborne, LaDonna Lane, Georgiann Leonard, Dale Phillips, Nancy Carie, Dr. Alan Stewart, Bernard Niehaus, Char Hendrix, and Corinna Vonderwell.

Shipman has been in some form of ministry for 30 years, ranging from church ministry to campus ministry, from local missions to national disasters. He is Campus Minister of the Christian Campus Fellowship, a non-denominational ministry to the students of Vincennes University.

Shipman’s ministry is also exemplified through his work as director of Helping His Hands, a short-term mission organization specializing in disaster response. He has been involved in disaster work since 1993 when he first took a group of college students to do flood relief work in Illinois and Missouri. With his vision of developing Helping His Hands Disaster Response, he has helped

Connection 6 April 2016

Amazing Member Recruitment

We are half way through our Civitan year and I am excited to report that as of March 15th we have 37 new Civitans! The Newburgh Club leads the district with 9 new mem-

bers and Rich Brown, President of the Merrillville Club, leads us as the top recruiter with 4 new members. While this is a good start, we are still 15 members fewer than last year. Our district goal is to recruit a minimum of 4 new members per club over the October 1st membership. Please remember to schedule your next recruitment meeting this quarter whether it is a traditional format, an open house or small group meeting at a member’s home.Welcome new Civitans!New Member Sponsor ClubJohn Gillis David Payne Bay CityMary Clark Barb Steedman Evansville NorthGloria Millay Steve Millay Evansville NorthJordan Potratz Mary Potratz Fort DodgeGlenda Juilfs Steve Doty Fort DodgeDanielle Jessen Angie Jessen Fort DodgeCheryl Franklin Angie Jessen Fort DodgeDebra Wilson Cheryl Harmon Greater LafayetteSherry Harris Marta Ford LedgesKalmin Smith Marta Ford LedgesMarsha Smith Marta Ford LedgesHolly Stockrahn Debbie Moore LintonDeann Wolfe Terry Meek LintonMike McDaniel Bruce Moore LintonJennifer Adamo Evelyne Ryan MerrillvilleTom Devine Mardi Katz MerrillvilleDavid Kay Rich Brown MerrillvilleMax Konowalik Rich Brown MerrillvilleSharon Konowalik Rich Brown MerrillvilleBishop Donald Hying Rich Brown MerrillvilleIvy Altheide Mark Fischer NewburghErin Lara Lee Garnett NewburghNathan Moats Mark Fischer NewburghBrittany Day Patti Hurley NewburghDan Fischer Mark Fischer NewburghSusan Gray Patti Hurley NewburghLogan Scarton Mark Fischer NewburghLisa Smith Patti Hurley NewburghHal Hultman Cheryl Van Vliet Plymouth-CantonMaureen Posler Cheryl Van Vliet Plymouth-CantonClaudia Sargent Carol Swan Plymouth-CantonJennice Hayes James Hayes PontiacVicki Snyder Kathy Karls RochesterJob Esekhade Randy Michaels RochesterNicole Lemieux Ron Kulas West OaksCynthia Zervas Peggy Kulas West Oaks

Civitan International Restoration Fund

Fund-raising for the Civitan International Restoration Fund needs help. Just a little over half of the needed monies has been funded and pledged or conversely, almost half of the funds are still

needed! Club, individual and/or business donations are welcomed and are needed no later than December 31, 2016 to ensure repairs to the World Headquarters are made in time for the 100th Anniversary Civitan International Convention to be held in Birmingham in July 2017. And we do want to be proud of our Headquarters, don’t we? We want to look good to others, especially Civitans worldwide who will be visiting. Please consider this worthwhile endeavor.

Donations may be pledged and naming rights will be available on a first-come basis. (Pledge forms are available from the Civitan Development Department and must be funded, again, no later than December 31, 2016. Any unfulfilled pledges for office sponsorships will be directed to miscellaneous income and the office will become open for another sponsor).

Sponsorships available are: Cornerstone Donors ($1,000 - $4,999) will receive recognition in the Civitan Magazine, Annual Report, a Special Reception at 2017 Convention (for single gifts of no less than $1,000) and recognition through the Major Gifts program. All miscellaneous donations are accepted for this special Restoration Campaign regardless of giving level.

Civitan International accepts cash, check, and debit/credit card donations. Donations support the building Restoration Fund only and meet the requirements of a tax-deductible donation in the U.S. Donations should be mailed to: Civitan International Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 130744, Birmingham, Alabama. Please help! For more information please contact me at gerryfalkner@att.net or 517-546-8547.

—Gerry Falkner

So, when the donations come in, we’re ready to go!

12.3 Edition 7 North Central District

It is Springtime when trees are budding out and flowers are starting to pop through the ground. It reminds us how beautiful a

creation this is. We as Civitans are also part of the creation as we have meetings, learn

about our own communities, do projects that help those in need or just to entertain to make life more enjoyable and raise funds to do all those things as well a s s u p p o r t t he C iv i t an International R e s e a r c h Center as well a s S p e c i a l Olympics.

The Junior Civitans have held their SNO-DO and Dance-a-Thon in recent months which raised a considerable amount of funds to support the Research Center. Jennifer Curtis, our District Junior Civitan Governor and International Junior Civitan Board member, has attended both. She will be at the upcoming Min-Owa Area Meeting

the agenda.Governor Cheryl will be there as well to

talk about what’s going on in Civitan and the fall North Central Convention which will be September 16-18 in Angola, Indiana.

A l s o , we will be installing your next Senior Area Director, Bryce Wicks, who will be t ak ing my p l a c e f o r the next two years. Please support him as it’s always a l ea rn ing curve. I hope that I have served you well. Thanks for supporting me.

Have a great summer and remember, “We Are The Key that Makes a Difference.”

—Roger Leo, Senior Directorfor the Min-Owa Area

Min-Owa Area Senior Director

Share Your News

Before each newsletter is published, an email message is sent out to request items from the district leaders and

clubs. If you receive the email and you are not the correct contact person, please forward, and send me the correct contact’s email address.

Include news of your club activities, projects, attach a photo or two, and send to:Carroll Lang, Editor of North Central Connection, CDLng@aol.com. The deadline for each issue is the 15th of the month before: September 15, December 15, March 15, and June 15.

Save a Tree (or 2)

These days we hear a lot about going green — trying to be more conserving of our natural resources. We would

like to “go green” with the North Central Connection by sending each edition as a “pdf” via email delivery. This would cut costs for printing, postage, and conserve natural resources by using less paper.

If you are willing to receive your newsletter electronically, please send an email to: CDLng@aol.com with the simple message in the subject or message itself: “E-Subscribe to Connection” and I’ll add your email address to a distribution list.

—Carroll Lang, Editor

Distribution Idea

Here is a plan suggested by Nancy Peterson, Past Senior Director of MinOwa: “Maybe you could send the

email version of the newsletter to each of the Senior Area Directors, who could forward it to each of their club presidents with the request to send it on to their respective club members.”

So, please forward this email to your club presidents (or other designated ‘relay person’), asking them to send it to the members of their club who are willing to receive it that way. This would avoid sending too many at a time.

Rather than spending money for a service that could send hundreds of emails at once, let’s try this for awhile.

Thanks for your help,— Carroll Lang, Editor

North Central Connection

My mouth utters the call to daily duty and speaks prayers in every tongue.

Do You Go South for the Winter?

I have discovered that many snowbirds only have their first class mail forwarded to their winter addresses. That means, when the January issue of the Connection is sent out, I, as Editor, get USPS notices saying, “Temporarily Away.” Each notice costs 57¢ and

the snowbirds do not get their copy of the newsletter. The best solution for this is to have snowbirders send me their email addresses and receive the newsletter by email only. If you are normally in the south during January, please send me your email address. Thanks for your help.

—Carroll Lang, Editor

Bryce Wicks

Roger Leo

in Mankato April 9th and will bring us up to date on all the excitement of the SNO-Do and Dance-a-Thon.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend the April 9th meeting at the WOW Zone in

Mankato. Special thanks to Pam DeMarce for allowing us to meet at such a wonderful facility. We have had several meetings there and have exchanged a lot of ideas, events and concerns. E-mails will be sent out with

12.3 Edition 8 North Central DistrictCitizen, ontinued from page 5

waiting to be explored! With the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean and countless rivers in its backyard, you are never far from the water. Take a tour of the Elizabeth River harbor on a majestic tall ship, sip on some of the best wines around at Mermaid Winery or watch world-renowned artists blow glass at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio. If history is of interest, delegates may take a boat or land tour of the world’s largest naval base, stop by the MacArthur Memorial or walk the Cannonball Trail.

Chesapeake BayNorfolk is nestled on the southern shores

of the Chesapeake Bay and near historical

sites dating back to America’s founding. Jamestown, the first English settlement, and nearby Williamsburg are just 30 miles away. The area is rich in Civil War historical sites including Petersburg and Richmond which are only an hour away. Some of the Atlantic Coast’s finest beaches are also nearby in Virginia Beach just 15 miles away.

Look for more information regarding next summer’s celebration in Norfolk! We look forward to seeing you in July!

For more information about next summer’s Civitan International Convention, visit www.civitan.org/convention or contact Mary M. Luck, Vice President of Conventions at MaryLuck@civitan.org or 800.CIVITAN x 121.

WANTEDLooking for a Few Good People

To Join the CAMP CIVITAN staff

Camp Civitan is a 4-day outdoor residential cabin camping expe-rience for adolescent and adult

campers ages 13+ with mild to moderate mental impairments. In 2015, 42 campers enjoyed camping, kayaking, swimming, crafts, karaoke and dancing. We thank you for making camp possible through your donations and your sponsorship of campers!!

2016 Camp Civitan will be held June 9-12. It takes 20 volunteers to make Camp Civitan happen. We are looking for enthusiastic, caring individuals to be camp counselors, lifeguards, nurses and day time helpers.

For more information or to volun-teer, please contact Cheryl Van Vliet at vanvliet.cheryl@att.net or Ruth Pribik at rpribik@yahoo.com

REWARD: UnfoRgEt-tAblE mEmoRiEs!

A Special Invitation

Greetings to all our “Key” Civitan Members - I believe we are truly building a better world through

Civitan. The Civitan International Convention will be in Norfolk - a vibrant, waterfront city in the heart of coastal Virginia. Mark your calendars for July 13-16, 2016.

You wi l l d iscover that Norfolk is a distinct, dynamic, and diverse place

to find mermaids, see old friends and meet new Civitans. I can’t wait to see all of you there because you are truly the KEY to a Better World with Civitan!

NorfolkHome to the

USS Wisconsin and the world’s largest naval base, Norfolk is a friendly, accessible and a f f o r d a b l e destination. It is the cultural, financial and entertainment hub o f t he mid-Atlantic coast. Centrally l o c a t e d o n the Eas te rn Seaboard, Norfolk is only hours from two-thirds of the U.S. population, making traveling there very convenient.

Nor-fok, or Naw-fok, no matter how you pronounce it, the experience will always be the same - fun entertainment and culture, delicious cuisine and miles of shoreline

many people, both across the country and locally.

One example of Helping His Hands work is its food pantry which feeds more than 1,400 people per month. In 2015, Helping His Hands also addressed a community need for decades by starting to remodel a building to become a “Family” homeless shelter. The House of Hope will be able to house eight families at a time plus have room for emergency housing for house fire victims.

Shipman’s goal is to transplant Helping His Hands four more times in the next two decades, and Bilskie said that with his track record and the Lord’s help, he will.

Shipman is married to Trina Shipman and they have three children, Joshua Shipman, Mariah Shipman, and Keturah Shipman and her husband, Tony Mumma, parents of Keelie Mumma.

Shipman was also honored on Jan. 17 when he received the N. Philip Shelton Humanitarian Award, from the Vincennes Kiwanis Club, in cooperation and with support of Good Samaritan Hospital.

MY EARS hear the cry of children and the call through-out the world for peace, guidance, progress and unity.

Connection 9 April 2016

Studies show that over 95% of our members joined a club because they were invited and ASKED to join! The above statement is probably the most important key in recruiting new members to

your club. This is an excerpt from “Adding New Members for Your Club’s Success,” a manual available to download and print at the Civitan International website. http://www.civitan.org/clubsuccess.pdf Please refer to this manual for many very good recruitment ideas.One of the comments I have heard at many Civitan meetings is that they have members that could have been members much sooner if they “had just been asked.” Spouses, co-workers, friends, service professionals we use every day, speakers, meeting guests and recipients of our Services, for example. Too many times we just don’t think about asking these people that we come in contact with every day. The following are some tips that I have gleaned from other Civitans and used to help recruit members for the service of Civitan. Many of these are not direct recruitment tools but are beneficial in getting your club’s identity recognized, which will help recruitment.1. At projects, always display your banner or a sign designating

that it is a project of your Civitan Club, if at all possible.2. Have your members wear Civitan apparel and Civitan name

badges at all projects if it will be appropriate dress for the event.3. Have printed information displayed at all meetings and all proj-

ects (if possible) about your club and the club’s projects, Civitan International pamphlets, and Civitan International Research Center pamphlets and membership applications.

4. Have a sign-in sheet at every meeting for all members and guests to sign in so that a follow-up mailing and direct contact can be made with all guests and speakers inviting them to attend another meeting and to make them aware that you would like them to consider membership. (Just Ask)

5. At all projects, if there is space available, have a sign-up sheet for anyone who may be interested in more information about your club (one of the most overlooked areas of recruitment is individuals and family members of those we serve).

6. Have a Facebook presence and keep it updated on a regular basis, preferably no less than every week or so, with postings about meetings, upcoming events, speakers, service projects, and contact information (this is not difficult).

7. Have an up-to-date web presence if at all possible. There are a number of web servers that provide a free or inexpensive website. This html lists several: http://www.top10bestwebsitebuilders.com

8. Always have recruitment material with you. You never know when you will have someone you will want to give information about your club. In a recent district newsletter, Governor Cheryl recommended that we all prepare a recruitment packet and keep it in our vehicle(s).

9. Have club business cards made for each member to carry with club name, meeting times and location, and contact information of the new member recruitment chair or president, Facebook and/or website information and on back an invitation to a free meal at any club meeting with presentation of the card. There are free programs on Avery website or other websites and pre-perforated business cards available in sheets of 10 at Walmart or any office supply company. They are relatively inexpensive and can be printed out a few at a time so if information changes you do not have a lot of waste.

10. Have at least two specially designated recruitment meetings a year. At these meetings have a quality speaker, brief reports on a project or two, printed programs with the agenda, and be sure to ask those guests who attend to become members. Also, have a specific goal for the number of guests each member should attempt to bring to the meeting.

Ralph Illingworth

11. Each member should have a 30-second elevator speech ready for when they are asked “What is Civitan?” I think every member of every club has probably been asked this question several times. When asked, we have a limited time window to answer and on average 30 seconds is about it. Be prepared for this question and if you need help, bring it up at a club meeting and find out what other members use. Please do not say we are like other service organizations, Rotary or Lions. We are a unique organization and we should let people know this. A good idea is to start your answer with, “I’m so glad you asked” and then continue with your answer.

12. Be innovative with recruitment. For example, while talking to a minister who is starting a new church I found that his main source of recruitment was sitting at a table in Starbucks with business cards and, as we all know, people begin to talk with you after they have seen you a few times there. He would tell them what he did and ask them if he could buy them a cup of coffee. He had recruited 95 members for his church by himself. A Civitan Club in the North Central District is using personal contacts and showing individuals a Civitan video like “Leaders in Service” one-on-one for recruitment. Each club, each member and the area your club serves will have unique possibilities for recruitment. You can never tell where your next new member will be recruited.Once again, the most important thing is to ask people to join and

have a prepared answer of potential benefits they may gain from membership. Don’t get discouraged with a “No” answer and just because you get a “No” now does not mean that down the road 6 months or more that they might not be ready to join. So continue to periodically invite them to club meetings or projects.

Also, if you are attempting to build a new club, many of these same ideas would be beneficial.

Now go out there and use these ideas to start recruiting and if you have any questions or ideas to add to these, please contact me at 812-890-0613 or wilkim1@yahoo.com

—Ralph Illingworth, N Cent Dist New Club Building Chair

Recruiting New Club Members

New Club Building

On Sunday, March 6, 21 North Central members participated in a Club Building Webinar given by Louis Stephens from Civitan International. The reason that I mention this is that

we now have accredited club-building members in all parts of the district to assist in building a club in that community near you that would benefit from the services of Civitan. If your club has not previously thought about committing to building a new club, please bring it up at your next meeting. Once again, please contact me and we can work out a time that I can meet with you at your club meeting to assist you in your club building efforts. With spring’s improving weather it is a great time to initiate efforts to build a new club. Remember that “We Are the Key” to the growth of Civitan in the North Central District.

—Ralph IllingworthDistrict New Club Building Chair

Greater Lafayette Civitan Club

12.3 Edition 10 North Central District

Youth Leadership & Diversity ConferenceA Civitan Youth Seminar Project

Ron Kulas, Director (734) 673-1947PO Box 800 Wayne, MI 48184

If your club has not begun seeking delegates for YLDC 2016, I urge you to do it now, for now is the time that the youth of today start planning their summer. With sports camps, band and music camps, drivers training, vacations, and summer jobs being a

main priority of their summer, the days, weeks and months fill quickly. Contact your family members, friends, or neighbors. Give out applications to your local high school counselors or to your church or community teen groups. We offer a unique opportunity for young men and women going into 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. We are a leadership camp, but don’t overlook someone because he or she doesn’t fit into your profile of what a leader is. At YLDC, we believe that every delegate that you send us is a leader; many just don’t know that they are. We build self-confidence and help develop the skills they need to expand upon their ambitions and dreams enabling them to become that person they wish to be. We emphasize diversity as a strength, and we capitalize on those strengths in the workshops, sessions, and discussion groups throughout the week. The Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference will again be held at Trine University, located in Angola, Indiana from Monday afternoon, July 11th, until Saturday morning, July 16th. The cost per delegate is only $350 for the week. Application packets have been emailed to all clubs. If by chance your club has not received the application packet, contact Ron Kulas at CivitanYLDC@outlook.com or visit the website at CivitanYLDC.com. All completed applications with accompanying checks need to mailed no later than June 1st to: YLDC, PO Box 800, Wayne, MI 48184. There is no better place for the youth of today to experience a program designed to enrich their lives and develop their leadership capabilities than the Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference. It offers, in one short week, what the average individual might take a lifetime to experience. This is a week that will be imprinted in their hearts for the rest of their lives.

Announcing Nine New Junior Civitan Clubs!TO: Junior Civitan and Civitan Club Presidents and District OfficersFROM: Lauren Dover, Manager of Youth and Campus Brindlee Mountain Middle School Charter Number 2730, Charter Date: November 6, 2015The Arab Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builders are Jayme Snider, Katelyn Clay and Hannah Morris. St. Martin Middle School Charter Number 2731, Charter Date: November 8, 2015The North Bay Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builders are Jamie Strayham and Keith Wilson. Owensboro High School Charter Number 2732, Charter Date: December 3, 2015The Owensboro Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builders are Kenneth S. Teasley MCB and Lisa Burns-Kirby MCB.

Apollo High School Charter Number 2733 Charter Date: December 3, 2015The Owensboro Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builders are Kenneth S. Teasley MCB and Lisa Burns-Kirby MCB. Wicksburg High School Charter Number 2734, Charter Date: December 8, 2015The Dothan Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builders is Christy Lee. Alabama School of Math and Science Charter Number 2735, Charter Date: December 15, 2015The Cottage Hill Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builder is Tanny McMillian. Bay Waveland Middle School Charter Number 2736, Charter Date: December 17, 2015The Coastal and Bay St. Louis Civitan Clubs are sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builders are Kristi Hofer and Barbara Holyfield MCB. Tokay High Charter Number 2737, Charter Date: November 11, 2015The Live Oak Golf and Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. Sumrall Middle School Charter Number 2738, Charter Date: December 15, 2015The Cottage Hill Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builders are Julie Lee and Barbara Holyfield MCB.

TO: Appalachian District Junior Civitan and Civitan Club Presidents and District OfficersFROM: Lauren Dover, Manager of Youth and CampusCivitan International, Appalachian District Governor Leonard Travis, Junior Civitan Governor Mary-Catherine Chadwell, Junior Civitan Chair Tammy Pearson and Winchester Civitan Club President Karen Woods are happy to announce a new club:Baker Intermediate Junior Civitan Club, Charter Number 2743, Charter Date: March 3, 2016Baker Intermediate Library 1645 Martin Luther King Drive Winchester, Kentucky 40391 Please send congratulatory messages and donations to:Mark Ballard, PresidentBaker Intermediate Junior Civitan Club309 McDowell StreetWinchester, Kentucky 40391

Karen Woods, PresidentWinchester Civitan Club112 Sena WayRichmond, Kentucky 40475dkwoods@bellsouth.net The Winchester Civitan Club is sponsoring this enthusiastic new club. The club builders are Karen Woods and Autum Byer.Anyone needing more information about this new club should contact Karen Woods at dkwoods@bellsouth.net or (859) 771-2706.Please announce this information at your next club meeting and in your club bulletin. This is the 19th new Junior Civitan club announcement for the Junior Civitan International 2015-16 fiscal year. Note: One asterisk indicates the club builder has built two clubs, two asterisks indicate three clubs and three asterisks indicate four clubs. MCB indicates the club builder is a Master Club Builder who has built five or more Junior Civitan Clubs.)

And a Tenth New Junior Civitan Club!

Connection 11 April 2016

2015-16 North Central District # 25 Officers and Committee ChairsGovernor: Cheryl Van Vliet1576 Walnut Ridge Cr, Canton, MI 48187-3721Civitan Club: Plymouth-CantonCell 313- 460-3194vanvliet.cheryl@att.net

Governor-Elect: Susan Bradshaw509 Scenic DriveMidland, MI 48642-7195Civitan Club: Midland 989-835-7289 Cell 989-859-2699Bradsj7@gmail.com

Past Governor: Gerry Falkner6255 Spaulding Rd.Howell, MI 48855-9235Civitan Club: Westland & Livingston517-546-8547 Cell 810-923-4295Fax 517-546-7983gerryfalkner@att.net

Secretary/Treasurer: Russell Jacobson1105 Wildwood AveJackson, MI 49202Civitan Club: Jackson County517-789-8658russj4758@att.net

Judge Advocate: Harold Davison2456 21st Avenue NWRochester, MN 55901Civitan Club: Rochester507-288-6605hwd63@q.com

Civitan Development Team Leaders

New Club Building: Ralph Illingworth3327 Cardigan CT.West Lafayette, IN 47906Civitan Club: Greater Lafayette812-890-0613Wilkim1@yahoo.com

Existing Club Growth: Marta Ford706 DrahnerEaton Rapids, MI 48827Civitan Club: Sundowner & Eaton Rapids517-663-2178martakay1952@att.net

Sr. Director Training: Leni Green514 W. Adrian St.Blissfield, MI 49228Civitan Club: Lenawee County517-486-3330 Cell 419-346-5595lenigreen33@yahoo.com

Public Relations: Nancy Leo2236 2 ½ Avenue NorthFort Dodge, IA 50501Civitan Club: Fort Dodge515-576-4249 (B) 515-571-6472Cell 515-571-6472rdleo@frontiernet.net

Webmaster: Gary Turnquist43754 CandlewoodCanton, MI 48187-2014Civitan Club: Plymouth-Canton734-459-1896 Cell 734-765-3868gturnq01@comcast.net

Junior Civitan Chair: Mark Fischer8844 Woodland Dr.Newburgh, IN 47630Civitan Club: NewburghCell 502-593-2476fischmark@aol.com

Junior Civitan Co-Chair: VACANCY

Fruitcake Sales Promotion: Ron Falkner6255 Spaulding Rd.Howell, MI 48855-9235Civitan Club: Westland & Livingston517-546-8547 Cell 810-923-4290Fax 517-546-7983gerryfalkner@att.net

Candy/Coin Box Chair: Ruth Pribik886 Bradish St.Adrian, MI 49221517-263-4159 Cell 517-231-3427rpribik@yahoo.com

District Bulletin Editor: Carroll Lang19903 225th StreetFort Dodge, IA 50501Civitan Club: Fort Dodge515-576-6810 Cell 515-571-6566CDLng@aol.com

Our Hands do the work of the world and reach out in service to others.

Awards Chair: Gerry Falkner6255 Spaulding Rd.Howell, MI 48855-9235Civitan Club: Westland & Livingston517-546-8547 Cell 810-923-4295Fax 517-546-7983gerryfalkner@att.net

Chaplin: Charles Peterson4401 124th St. WSavage, MN 55378Civitan Club: RochesterCell 507-272-5937cpete0214@gmail.com

Meeting Coordinator: Kris Krzyzanski61540 Richfield St. South Lyon, MI 48178-8970248-437-4858ab6976@wayne.edu

Youth Leadership & Div Conf: Ron Kulas37542 Whitney Dr.Wayne, MI 48184Civitan Club: Wayne734-729-2579ronkulas@hotmail.comYLDC website: civitanyldc.comAddress: PO Box 800, Wayne, MI 48184

District Director/Liaison: Gerry Falkner6255 Spaulding Rd.Howell, MI 48855-9235Civitan Club: Westland & Livingston517-546-8547 Cell 810-923-4295Fax 517-546-7983gerryfalkner@att.net

Sr. Area Director Michigan: Claudia Truax-Krueger7966 Thomas Rd.Unionville, MI 48767-9439989-674-2424clkrueger2000@yahoo.com

Sr. Area Director Midwest: Maizell Kloke1340 Laubscher Rd., Evansville, IN 47710Civitan Club: Crescent City812-422-2444 Cell 812-204-6703maizell@sbcglobal.net

Sr. Area Director MinOwa: Roger Leo2236 2 ½ Avenue NorthFort Dodge, IA 50501Civitan Club: Fort Dodge515-576-4249 (B) 515-573-4461Cell 515-571-2937rdleo@frontiernet.net

Sr. Area Dir-Elect MinOwa: Bryce Wick129Cedar Path, Eagle Lake, MN 56024Civitan Club: Minnesota ValleyWork: 507-389-9863bryce.wick@me.com

The Civitan Challenge

Civitans are committed to meeting human needs through community involvement while providing each Civitan with experiences es-

sential to personal development. We serve through actions which reaffirm and strengthen the individ-ual dignity of people. We seek knowledge to carry out our responsibilities as citizens. We establish bonds of fellowship which enrich our personal lives and enable us to provide effective service. And we invite others to share our commitment to service, knowledge, and fellowship through Civitan.

April 2016

The Civitan CreedI AM CIVITAN: as old as life, as

young as the rainbow, as endless as time.

MY HANDS do the work of the world and reach out in service to others.

MY EARS hear the cry of children and the call throughout the world for peace, guidance, progress and unity.

MY EYES search for others to join in the fellowship and service of Civitan.

MY MOUTH utters the call to dai-ly duty and speaks prayers in every tongue.

North Central ConnectionCarroll Lang, Editor19903 225th StreetFort Dodge, IA 50501

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.U.S.Postage

PAIDFort Dodge,

IowaPermit #4TIME VALUE

MY MIND teaches me respect for law and the flag of my country.

MY HEART beats for every friend, bleeds for every injury to humanity and throbs with joy at every triumph of truth.

MY SOUL knows no fear but its own un-worthiness.

MY HOPE is for a better world through Civitan.

MY MOTTO: builders of good citizen-ship.

MY BELIEF: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

MY PLEDGE: to practice the Golden Rule and to build upon it a better and nobler citizen-ship.