uptown update

GOODBYE JULY HELLO AUGUST

Most of us enjoyed portions of July celebrating the 4th, attend-ing the Civitan International Convention, celebrating birth-days, volunteering at our usual places around the city, working hard on our jobs, traveling to places on our bucket list, or just having fun at Uptown's most fab-ulous Flagship Project ever. Hip, Hip Hooray! A big thanks to everyone. As Civitans, we make it happen. We make a difference.

Now that the month of July has turned the corner and waved goodbye, it's time to see what August has in store for us. As my year winds down, I have a few reminders.

As best stated by our Immediate

Past-President, Gayle Kanak: "In the past, Uptown Civitan has do-nated to the Civitan at the Helm program at an amount equal to $25 per member, the Navigator level. When the match is received from the Chesapeake Foundation, Uptown received credit for $50 per member, Captain level. All do-nations made to Putt N Chip, do-nations in memory of Uptowners or the immediate family, plus oth-er miscellaneous donations are credited to this important world renowned research center. If you have not already done so, I hope

you will make a donation in any amount you choose during the month of August."

It is not hard to realize [that] Uptown Civitan women have a personal calling to others that’s as unique as a finger-print – and with a busy schedule, have proven that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, fellowship, giving, and living the Civitan Creed.

Nancy Chamblin, our incoming presi-dent, will be recruiting individuals to serve on committees and other posi-tions. If you would like to be involved in someway, please let Nancy know. Sign up sheets should be coming soon and will be available at one of our meetings. Serving on a committee has great rewards. Happy August!

Wynester

Message from the President … Wynester Sherrer

Officers 2014-2015

President Wynester Sherrer

President-elect Nancy Chamblin

VP Membership Joyce DeVillez

Secretary Bonnie Hardman

Treasurer Betsy Caplan

Chaplain Tamer Britton

Sgts.-at-Arms Barbara Fiser /

Penny Powell

Education Mattie Fraser/

Jean Smith

Immediate Past President

Gayle Kanak

Directors

Lynn Bertram

Barbara Fiser

Karen Nasrallah

Ellen Paige

Ellen Rubens

Jean Smith

Linda Weinstein

UPTOWN UPDATE

U P T O W N C I V I T A N C L U B , J A C K S O N V I L L E , F L O R I D A

August 2015

Volume 32, No. 11

Inside This Issue

Program 2

Membership 3

Flagship Project 4

Flagship Project Pictures 5

Chaplain’s Corner /

Volunteer Activities

6

Personally Speaking /

Leadership Training

7

Civitan International

Social Activities /Uptown

Activities

8

9

Pine Castle / Birthdays /

Greeters /

10

Volume 32, No. 11

PROGRAM … Laura Crooks

As is our custom, Uptown only has one meeting in July so that members may attend the International

Conference. Ju'Coby Pittman, the CEO/ President of Clara White Mission, Inc., was our guest speaker.

Her enthusiasm for the work she does there is infectious. For over 100 years, the Clara White Mission has helped Jacksonville's at-risk individuals gain new perspectives on life. Uptown is quite familiar with

the "Daily Feeding Program," the mission that provides breakfast and lunch for hundreds of people in

need in Jacksonville. Many Uptown members volunteer to help with the breakfast program the second

Thursday of each month. Ju'Coby brought us up-to-date on how Clara White Mission has reached out

into the community in many ways. It has been a one-stop community center, stimulating economic devel-

opment in Jacksonville through job training in educational programs such a their Culinary Arts program and Janitorial Services programs.

Clara White Mission, under Ju'Coby's leadership has shown tremen-

dous growth over the years. It established "Riverside North," which

is the home for Ashley Street Catering which offers a full-service cor-

porate and special events venue, while providing on-the-job training and employment development for clients enrolled the Culinary Arts

Program.

The Clara White Mission acquired a vacant lot, three story structure

in downtown Jacksonville. This site will be developed into a perma-

nent supportive housing structure called "Beaver Street Villas." It will feature 16 residential units and support spaces for a laundry, stor-

age and equipment rooms of the upper floors. The ground floor will

house VA Community Resources and Referral Center. All of the

units are designed for occupation by low-income and

homeless people with veterans having priority.

"White Harvest Farms and Farmer's Market" one of the

newest ventures that Clara White Mission has taken

on was acquired in 2012. Clara White Missions started

this program on an 11.5 acre tract at 4850 Moncrief

Road. The tract is being developed as a farm, farmer's

market and educational training program. Ju'Coby said that White Harvest Farms will provide educational

training in the farming industry to the residents of the

community. This opportunity will enable the residents

to become the vendors of the farm and run an on-site

farmer's market. Under Ju'Coby's leadership, Clara White Mission is a Community treasure!

Above: Susan Hamilton intro-duced Ju’Coby Pittman and Wynester Sherrer thanked her.

Far left: Wynester presents Gayle

Kanak with Honorable Mention

banner patch for Shropshire Out-

standing Club award for Gayle’s

year as president.

Near left: Wynester present 1st

place recognition for 1st Place for

Club Newsletter to Mattie Fraser

Volume 32, No. 11

Uptown Civitan Recruiting & Social on the River

Friday, August 28, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Wine & Heavy Hors D’oeuvres

Hosts: Joyce DeVillez & Barbara Drake

Door Prizes for members bringing interested guests!!

Initiation fees waived for guests joining at party or by next meeting!!

1596 Lancaster Terrace, Unit 11B, Broadview Tower

At the curve on Riverside Avenue, turn onto Memorial Park Drive. The Condo building is at the end of the block, at the river. Parking is along the park or proceed

to Lancaster Terrace and park along the river where balloons will mark reserved spaces. Although the address reads Lancaster, the front door of the condo faces

Memorial Park Drive. A member will greet you at the door For direction assistance … Joyce at 353-0336; Barbara at 504-4953

RSVP please: Joyce ([email protected] or 353-0336

Invite your friends, co-workers and family to a fun event and learn

more about Uptown and Givitan International!

SERVICE, FELLOWSHIP AND KNOWLEDGE

Sandy Jones was guest of member Alice Painter. Ellen Rubens invited Jeanne Sandy also attended the Flagship 2015 Event. Keisling and she has now Hope you will join us Sandy! joined Uptown. Welcome, Jeanne!!

MEMBERSHIP ...

Volume 32, No. 11

FLAGSHIP 2015 …

On Saturday, July 18, many Uptowners and their friends came together at WJCT, public broadcast-

ing, for a fun evening of food, beverage, entertainment (thanks to Tony Novelly), outstanding MC

(thanks to Dan Kossoff for these duties and his great trivia questions), to Nancy Chamblin (for crea-

tively assembling the beautiful baskets and trivia prizes), to Sandalwood Junior Civitans (who served

as runners for the event), to all Uptowners who sold tickets, to all those who provided items for the baskets and the successful silent auction, and all those who helped in many, many ways the night of

the event and the months prior to that too. We could not have done it without the help of everyone.

Congratulations to our three winners: Uptowner Diane Young, Clara Webster (purchased her ticket

from Barbara Fiser) and Dr. Rod Winchester (purchased his ticket from Linda Weinstein). All three

winners were surprised and thrilled!! Great going ticket sellers!!

The final number of tickets sold was 264. Seven Uptowners (Joyce DeVillez, Lynn Bertram, Susan

Mack, Gayle Kanak, Wynester Sherrer, Linda Weinstein, and Mattie Fraser) sold 10 or more tick-

ets; each earned payment of one quarter’s dues. Congratulations and thanks to all who sold tickets.

The total gross income from this Flagship 2015 event, including in-kind donations, was $37,429. To-tal expenses … including the $10,000 to our winners … were $15,324. This means an estimated net

of $13,190 for philanthropy. Silent auction proceeds amounted to $3,610 which goes to our operating

account! Thanks to all who participated in this great addition to our Flagship event, donating and

purchasing items.

Nancy Darlow, proxy for Diane Young, and Clara Webster, one of he winners.

Sharon Rosenblum accepts “first loser” of the event with a

delicious basket of Peterbrooke Choco-late, thanks to Karen Nasrallah

At the July 28 meeting the other two winners accepted their checks. Shown here are: Wynester Sherrer, Susan Mack, Chair of Flagship Event, winner Diane Young, Barbara Fiser proxy for Clara Webster, winner Dr.

Rod Winchester and Karen Nasrallah, co-chair Flagship Event.

Volume 32, No. 11

2015 FLAGSHIP PROJECT … SOME PICTURES

Family and friends enjoy the Second Annual Golden Opportunity for the Community and YOU!!

Volume 32, No. 11

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER … Tamer Britton

CONTENTMENT IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

Don’t acquire everything you want.

Contentment with your situation breeds satisfaction.

If you believe for a moment that you own even a single possession, your contentment will be

tied to it.

If you can’t get to sleep at night, check your pillow.

If you can’t get to sleep for two nights, check your mattress.

If you can’t get to sleep for three nights, check your conscience.

Joy comes from controlling, rather than exercising, your passions.

Consider whatever misfortune may be your lot, someone always has it worse than you—

always.

Enjoy happiness; treasure joy.

The best time to relax is when you’re too busy.

Beware the barrenness of a busy life.

Cherish tranquility.

Since exhaustion begins and ends on the inside, that’s where genuine rest must originate.

Learn to relax without feeling guilty.

Live somewhere between complacency and crisis.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES … Sharon Kantor

The monthly activity of serving breakfast to the homeless on Thursday, July 9, brought together many Uptowners ...Ellen Rubens and her hus-

band George, Linda Weinstein, Wynester Sher-rer, Lois Lawrence, Jan Miller, Sharon Rosen-blum, and the chair of this activity Sharon Kan-tor.

As in the past, the group headed for brunch at the Uptown Café. The volunteers look forward to this wonderful opportunity to combine fellowship with service to the community.

Note: On August 13, please bring school supplies for those in the Culinary Program...composition books, pens,

pencils, notebooks, etc.

Volume 32, No. 11

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

In July, Laura and Jim Crooks took their daughter, Sarah, and granddaugh-ter, Emma, to Costa Rica for an "adventure with nature." The first part of the holiday was spent at the Arenal Springs Resort, just outside of a little town called La Fortuna, in a mountainous area. While there they enjoyed a nature walk over swinging bridges and through a rain forest where, in addition to seeing all kinds of beautiful plants, flowers, bugs and critters, had a chance to view the famous Arenal Volcano. Even though we encountered rain on the second day of our visit, we were able to thoroughly enjoy bathing in the hot mineral springs at Tabacon which were heated by the magma found in the

earth’s core. We were driven to The Falls at Antonio Springs Resort, hiked through Manual Antonio National Park Rainforest, saw sloths, land crabs the size of my hand, beautiful birds, white-faced monkeys, bathe in the ocean...the sights and sounds were amazing. The highlight of the trip for me

was the zip line course. I was "elected" by our group to do the "zip line adven-ture" with Emma, my granddaughter? Our guides were awesome, making sure that we understood the safety rules, got our zip lining gear on correctly and assuring us we would not "die". As I stood on the platform, getting ready to take off, I wasn't so sure, but there was no turning back so off I went and it turned out to be the "experience of a lifetime"! With my granddaughter fol-lowing me, we did 10 zip lines through amazing canopy, one hanging bridge, that thanks to the teens following me, swung back and forth and up and down, one Tarzan swing and a repel-free fall drop (a real heart-stopper) from a platform down to the last zip line! As we came into home base, Emma and I were jubilant at having shared this experience together. It was the thrill of a lifetime! Our last day was spent horseback riding from a resort area where we had a typical Costa Rican lunch, down to a lovely waterfall where we swam in a cool and refreshing pool. It was a holiday to remember!! (Love Laura and granddaughter in their “zip” gear!)

Update on Connie Hodges: Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer on July 16. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and is recovering before her oncology treatments start in August. Our thoughts and prayers are with Connie as she goes through this difficult time.

Best wishes and prayers, too, for two members whose husbands underwent surgery recently to install pace-makers ... Bonnie Hardman’s husband, Bruce, and Mary Jo Marjenhoff’s husband, Frank. We’re happy to say that both are home and recovering.

Ivy Cream reports: “I finally bought that house for which I have been searching for the last year. It’s been an overwhelming task, but thanks to the gracious help of family and friends progress is being made. As with all major undertakings, there have been several challenges—AC breaking (unfortunately the weekend of the Flag-ship event); cracking a tooth (requiring a root canal, gum surgery, crown); severe underground water leak; bro-

ker dryer. I am approaching these as opportunities since I recognize how fortunate and blessed I am to be able to purchase my very own home! Once my life has stabilized, I will return to more active involvement in Civitan.

Did you notice Martha Tromberg’s column in the Times-Union the other day? Martha wrote about how seniors are affected by identify theft and fraud, giving ways to help them when this happens. Way to go, Martha!!

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

On August 1 incoming President Nancy Chamblin and President-

Elect Barbara Fiser, attended Leadership Training at the Crown

Plaza at Jacksonville airport. Also attending was Betty Rohan the President of the Hometown Civitan Club, The Villages. (Betty is still

a member of Uptown too.) Theresa Wakeman was the trainer and

Nancy and Barbara thought she did a great job! Representatives of

the Arlington, Sunset (Daytona Beach) Clubs, as well as Pat Kirk,

Incoming Florida District Governor, and her daughter, DeeDee who

will be president of Tampa Metro also attended. Nancy and Barba-ra agreed it was a great experience; they learned a lot to help them.

Nancy, Theresa, Betty showing off their project.

Volume 32, No. 11

CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION … July 12-16, 2015

Over 500 Civitans from around the world gathered in St. Louis for the 95th Annual Conven-

tion. Over 20 Civitans from the Florida District, including Wynester Sherrer, Lana Suggs, Bet-

ty Rohan, and Mattie Fraser from Uptown among them. Election of the 2015-2016 President-Elect Duane Capps, along with others who will represent their Region. There was no election

from our Region since Lura Boggs is completing her second year of service on the Internation-

al Board. An amendment to Bylaws to allow voting for International Directors to include all

Civitans rather than the present way of only those from the Region voting. The amendment

failed so election will remain as is.

Opening ceremonies recognized a new of special awards including: Outstanding New Club,

Shropshire Outstanding Club, the Civitan International Honor Key, and presentation of grey

club builder jackets to those who have built five clubs. Following this a Roaring 20’s party

was great fun and a good way to begin our convention.

During the awards ceremony on Tuesday, Uptown was presented with Honorable Mention for the Shropshire Outstanding Club award and first place for the Uptown Update. Mattie and

Wynester participated in Putt N Chip along with about 150 Civitans.

Dr. Harrold Sontheimer’s report on activities at the Civitan International Research Center at

the University of Alabama at Birmingham was, as usual, an outstanding report of all their

outstanding work. It was, however, bittersweet since Dr. Sontheimer left on July 1 for a chal-lenging new position with Virginia Tech. We wish him well but will miss this dedicated leader.

Dr. Sontheimer’s replacement is Dr. David Sweatt. We welcome him.

The Membership Extravaganza is always a fun time, with lots of enthusiasm and entertain-

ment and the theme for the coming year announced … Civitans WE are the Key. Incoming

Governors were installed by PIP Mark Eisinger, among them Pat Kirk, Florida Dis-

trict Governor for 2015-2016. Pat is a mem-

ber of the Tampa Metro Club. The installa-

tion of 2015-2016 officers was conducted by

the first woman president of Civitan Interna-

tional and a member of the Florida District, Polly Forestier. Polly did an outstanding

job. Installed were Debbie Bruce-Juhlke,

president, Duane Capps, president-elect,

and past president Jay Albertia.

Volume 28, No. 2 Page 6

UPTOWN ACTIVITIES … KEEP THE DATES!!!

Ongoing Fundraising Candy/Coin Boxes (Linda Weinstein)

Ongoing Volunteer Clara White Mission (Sharon Kantor) Ongoing 2nd/4th Thurs. noon Volunteer Pine Castle Civitan Club (Nancy Darlow/

Elaine Hall/Diane Young/Cathy Grant)

Ongoing Volunteer Baby Caps (Ellen Petersen/Linda Weinstein)

Ongoing Volunteer Sewing Catheter Bags for Brooks Rehab

(Marion Anderson) Ongoing Volunteer Ronald McDonald House (Helen Willoughby)

Ongoing Fundraising Ellen Rubens

Annual Fundraising Flagship Event (Susan Mack)

2015

Aug. 13 Volunteer Clara White Mission (Sharon Kantor)

Sept. 10 Volunteer Clara White Mission (Sharon Kantor) Sept. 18-19 District FLORIDA DISTRICT CONVENTION, Tampa area

Sept. 27 Volunteer Ronald McDonald House (Helen Willoughby)

If you have volunteer, social, or fundraising activities you would like to have added to this calendar, please e-mail me at [email protected]

Volume 32, No. 11 Page 9

On July 10, twenty Uptowners and guests enjoyed lunch at the training

café featuring an upscale menu, at “Clara’s at the Cathedral,” an out-

growth of Clara White’s Culinary Arts Program. This provides students with extensive hands-on training in production, presentation and front-of-

the-house restaurant service. It has been operated through a collaboration

with St. John’s Cathedral Church since March, 2007. The Café offers a re-

laxed dining experience within the Cathedral’s historic Taliaferro Hall, lo-

cated in downtown Jacksonville at the corner of Duval and Market Street.

All proceeds directly benefit the Clara White Culinary Training Program.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE … Laura McLaughlin, Barbara Fiser

WELCOME Guests … Sandy Jones New members … Jeanne Keisling

WHAT’S COMING Also see Uptown Activities Calendar, Page 9

Aug. 5 Board Meeting, Noon, WJCT

Aug. 11 Russ Armistead, CEO, UF Health Shands

Aug. 25 Michael Boylan, WJCT Sept. 2 Board Meeting, Noon, WJCT

Sept. 8 Farewell Address, President Wynester Sherrer

Sept. 18-19 Florida District Convention, Tampa

Sept. 22 Installation of Officers for 2015-2016

GREETERS FOR MEETINGS Aug. 11 Barbara Fiser, Penny Powell

Aug. 25 Jean Smith, Cathy Grant

Sept. 8 Lesley Wolfson, Laura Crooks

Sept. 23 Renee McQueen, Lynn Bertram, Laura Crooks Editor: Mattie Fraser, [email protected] Special Contributor: Laura Crooks [email protected]

Uptown Civitan Club, Jacksonville, Florida

At the July 9 meeting, Pine Castle Civitans clipped coupons to send to commissaries in Germany for use

by military personnel and families. These coupons are good up to six months after the US expiration date. Ellen Rubens did an excellent job of explaining, with graphics, the very important part of coupon

clipping … the bar code … so that all coupons cut would be valid. Nancy Darlow brought prizes for the

members whose names were printed by Wynester Sherrer to be drawn from a “hat,” with the recipient

doing the next drawing. Uptown members helping were Sharon Kantor, Sharon Rosenblum, Ellen

Rubens and husband George, Elaine Hall, Nancy Darlow, Wynester Sherrer and her granddaughter Ayana, and Diane

Young.

The July 23 meeting was a great timely program about “water

safety.” Even those of us who have lived in this area for many

years appreciated the reminders of this important information for all. Members were given sheets to color and take home, as

well as pamphlets from the American Red Cross on “ocean safe-

ty.” The 22 members participated in the Q&A time and were re-

lieved to learn that alligators are not in the ocean! Nancy Dar-

low brought a life jacket and life saver as well as other rescue tips. Uptown members assisting were Nancy Darlow, who

brought granddaughter Sydney and grandson Jacob, Ina Taf-

fet, Sharon Kantor, Elaine Hall, and Diane Young.

PINE CASTLE CIVITAN CLUB … Nancy Darlow and Diane Young

Uptown Civitan Club P. O. Box 10266 Jacksonville, FL 32247 Membership: 91

I’m Civitan Happy

Visit www.floridacivitan.org

HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY

4 Tamer Britton 6 Susan Farwell 7 Susan Hamilton 8 Cathy Grant 11 Gayle Kanak 18 Sharon Rosenblum 22 Wynester Sherrer 25 Gladys Maxwell 26 Marion Anderson 29 Lynn Bertram 29 Nina Waters 30 Chris Gibson MANY HAPPY RETURNS

If it’s your birthday and your name are not here, please let me know

Join us at the Florida District Convention in

Tampa, September 18-19 … Part of regis-

tration includes Friday night visit to The

Florida Aquarium; Saturday meeting to be

held at The Argosy College Registration $75;

Club pays for full dues paying members

Visit www.floridacivitan.org

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