It blew us all away. Zack gave his permis-

sion to share his poem with you. We

should be proud of the work by our Re-search Center and the work we all do to

contribute to helping others “find their

voice.” During this Father’s Day month, we

should thank all the father’s as well as

mothers and mentors, who have helped us

find our voice. DEER

BY Zachery K. Hayes Beautiful in every sense Despite its incompetence Flowers bloom in its exile Won’t you come and stay a while The place where the roses bloom With every flower in a beautiful flume This animal runs through valiantly Despite all the insanity

When everything is deep at rest And the birds are asleep in their nest This creature slowly shuts its eyes While the owl takes off into the skies In the swamp the frogs do croak And the squirrel rests in the sturdy oak Now all creatures sleep With everything in the water deep

Musings from Jan Miller ...

Officers 2017-2018

President Janice Miller

President-elect Sandy Jones

VP Membership Diana Flagg

Secretary Ellen Rubens

Treasurer Ann Mackey

Chaplain Alice Derreberry

Sgt.-at-Arms Sara Ann Murray

Education Dr. Pat Ellis

Imm. Past President

Barbara Fiser

Directors

Alice Derreberry

Mary Jo Marjenhoff

Sara Ann Murray

Sharon Rosenblum

Ina Taffet

Adonnica Toler

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

June 2018

Volume 35, No. 9

Inside This Issue

Program

2

Membership 3

Flagship 2018 4-5

Personally Speaking 6

Social Activities 7

Area Meeting /

Volunteer Activities

Junior Civitan

8

9

Fonkoze

Uptown Activities /

Recipes

10

11

Pine Castle / Birthdays /

Greeters /

12

I have been reflecting on two events

that occurred over the past month,

one was attending my 50th college re-

union at the University of Pennsylva-

nia in Philadelphia and attending the

Graduation of the Pace Center for Girls, class of 2018. The Philosophy of

the PACE Center is to value all girls

and young women, believing each one

deserves an opportunity to find her

voice, achieve her potential and cele-

brate a life defined by responsibility,

dignity, serenity and grace. What a

powerful statement, not only for girls

but for all of us to find our Voice and

achieve our potential. It seems this is

what we are about in Civitan, helping

others to find their voice to be produc-

tive and responsible citizens. The Re-

search Center is providing critical re-search to help unlock the mysteries of

neurological disorders and has made

strides in creating ways to improve

the lives of those who struggle with

these differences. Especially within

the area of Autism, specific treat-

ments have been developed which

have vastly improved the lives of these

children and adults.

When I was in Philadelphia, I visited a

close friend whose grandson has been

diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome,

which is on the Autism spectrum. As you may know, verbal communication

as well as the ability to understand

the subtilities of social cues is diffi-

cult. Zach is a bright 11-year-old who

is ahead of his grade in math, is deal-

ing with ADHD and has some of the

typical behaviors of someone with As-

perger’s. Recently, he had an assign-

ment to write an unstructured poem.

My friend feared this would cause a

major melt down. What a surprise

when he produced the following poem. Jan

Volume 35 No. 9 Page 2

PROGRAM … Sandy Jones

As spring winds down and summer approaches, Uptown Civitan

celebrated our 35th anniversary we were so thrilled to have two lead-

ers in Civitan visit us. As one of the few all female clubs, these women are continuing to define Civitan in a multitude of ways.

Daniella Nevells, Florida District Governor, spoke to us on May 8.

Daniella shared some of the challenges of the District in increasing

membership in Civitan and

urged Uptowners to recruit new members to provide hands-on

service to make a difference in

our community. This Maine

transplant came to Civitan in

the Leesburg Club only four

years ago. In her professional capacity, she has a passion for

those with extreme autism. She

shared information on autism,

including a number of her per-

sonal experiences with clients, making us aware of possible

ways to handle if these issues should come into our lives. Daniella is working toward her Regis-

tered Behavior Technicians license. She is a breath of fresh air and very inspiring! Her goals for

volunteerism in Florida Civitan, Civitan International, women and children are being felt statewide.

(Editor Note: Congratulations are in order to Daniella who recently attained her Behavior Techni-

cians certification. Way to go, Daniella!!!)

Scarlet Thompson, Civitan International’s Executive Vice President, was our speaker on May 22 as

we celebrated our 35th anniversary. This lady is a ball of fire! A native of Birmingham, Alabama,

home to Civitan, she began her career in news production in her hometown, winning a number of

awards for her journalism. She found a home in non-profit organizations beginning with the

American Cancer Society and The Arc. Her passion stems from her own experience and personal testimony with one of her

three children diagnosed with autism. As Civtian International

enters into its 101st year, Scarlet, who

joined Civitan one year ago, has insti-

tuted a number of changes in the headquarters organization directed at

improving services to our members

and raising public awareness of what

Civitan is and how we contribute to

our communities. There was a reduc-

tion in a number of staff positions to reduce administrative costs. Scarlet

said we are currently in 30 countries.

Scarlet has pledged transparency in

operations at headquarters.

June Programs … June 12 … David McGowan, President/CEO WJCT

June 26 … Jennifer Smith, Giving Closet Project

Volume 35, No. 9 Page 3

MEMBERSHIP …

We were so pleased to have Florida District Governor Daniella Nevells and Executive Vice President Scarlet Thompson attend our meetings in May to celebrate our 35th anniversary. Daniella was with us on May 8 and Scarlet on May 22. We were so for-tunate to have them as part of our celebration.

Uptown is proud that so many of our past presi-dents are still members of the club. Shown with Scarlet are: Pat Ellis, Jan Miller, Susan Hamilton, Barbara Fiser, Wynester Sher-rer, Mary Jo Marjenhoff, Mattie Fraser, Pat Johnson, Elaine Hall, Nan-cy Chamblin,

Linda Weinstein, Mary Jarrett; seated is Diane Young, Uptown’s charter president-elect. A number of past presidents were unable to attend this meet-ing.

WELCOME to new members Sandy Myers and Sherri Stratton who were sponsored by Jan Miller. Sherri and Sandy have already been involved with a number of the club’s projects.

Pictured below left are Diana Flagg and her guest Annette Anderson. Pictured right are Donna John-son, a guest of Wynester Sher-rer, and member Barbara Drake

Sunday, August 26, 2018,

1:30-5:30 p.m. TOPGOLF,

Our Second Annual

TOPGOLF Event

The recipient for Flagship 2018 is the North Florida School of Special Education. Their Mission Statement is:

The mission of North Florida School of Special Education is to discover and foster each student’s unique abilities revealing their highest potential within an engaged community.

Your participation is vital to the success of this event. Sell tickets. Secure sponsors. Acquire silent auction items. Be an advocate for this event. YOU are we will have a win-win event for NFSEE and Uptown.

Tickets, brochures, and silent auction letter and form Join the Flagship 2018 Com-mittee to add your voice and energy to this important fundraising activity.

Brochures and tickets were distributed at our May 22 meeting. There are four more meetings (only one meeting in July due to Civitan International Convention in Reno, Nevada) before the event on August 26. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you pick up the brochures and tickets, secure sponsors, and sell tickets right away so we can have a successful event. You do not have to pay for the tickets until you sell them. It is hoped that ALL members will purchase or sell at least three tickets. If you would like me to mail these to you just let me know.

Each of us can contribute in some way … sponsorships, ticket sales, and silent auc-tion items (all three would be wonderful!).

SPONSORSHIPS … Presenting … $10,000; Ace … $5,000;

Eagle … $2,500; Birdie … $1,000; Par … $500

SILENT AUCTION … golfing foursomes; gift

certificates of any kind; art work (paintings, sculp-

ture, etc.); resort weekends; travel getaways; res-taurants, spa, etc.

Use your own ideas.

Volume 35, No. 9 Page 4

FLAGSHIP 2018 … Mattie Fraser

Volume 35, No. 9 Page 5

FLAGSHIP 2018 … continued

On May 16, several Uptowners were treated to a tour of the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) by Sally Hazelip, Head of School and Kit Thomas, Director of Annual and Capital Campaigns. NFSSE will be the beneficiary of our 2018 Flagship Fundraising Project. Sally and Kit guided us through the School while students were going to their classes and activities. Some of the students stopped to introduce themselves and give us big hugs. We loved the hugs!! Our tour included a look at the kitchen where they make Barkin’ Biscuits, an all-natural dog treat.

A highlight of our tour was walking through Berry Good Farms, an urban farm fea-turing a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruit. Talk about farm to table…. we were treated to a delicious lunch with most of the food coming from their farm. Those in attendance were: Diana Flagg, Mattie Fraser, Mary Jo Marjenhoff, Sharon Ros-enblum, Sherri Stratton and Linda Weinstein.

The Gardens at NFSSE

Kit, Sally, Mattie, Diana, Mary Jo, Sharon, Linda, Sherri

Volume 35, No. 9 Page 6

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Uptown Members Make New Friends … Pat El-

lis, Barbara Fiser, Lois Lawrence, and Jan Mil-

ler (not pictured) have made new friends from South Sudan. Pictured with them are from left to

right: Rina Angelo, Yacoub Elmahi and Kawasar

Tower who are among refugees from South Sudan

who spent over 12 years in refugee camps in Egypt

before obtaining Refugee Visas to come to the

U.S. Jan, Barbara, Lois, and Pat have been part of a Sunday morning group at their church that par-

ticipate in "Coffee, Tea, and English Conversation" sessions to reinforce the English programs the ref-

ugees attend during the week and to help them

feel a part of their new culture. It has been a won-

derful learning experience for all. Emma Ellis, granddaughter of Uptown member Pat

Ellis, expresses her appreciation to The Woman’s of

Jacksonville for a college scholarship. Emma was

recommended for the competitive scholarship by Up-

town member Karen Taylor. Emma has just com-pleted her freshman year at Flagler College in St Au-

gustine.

(Pictured with proud grandmother Pat Ellis are Emma and her parents, Pat’s son and daughter-in-law)

Ellen Rubens said “George and I just returned from a glori-

ous European cruise adventure during the month of May.

The transatlantic cruise carried us from Tampa to Key West,

Las Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and Malaga

and Barcelona in Spain. Then we remained onboard heading to

Cannes, France, and down around

Italy to Rome, alongside the glorious

Amalfi coast, Sicily, Sorrento, ending

in Venice. We toured every oppor-tunity we could and discovered so

many places and treasures that we

honestly didn't even know existed!”

Jon Kanak, Gayle Kanak’s son and

Mattie Fraser’s grandson, came from Los Angeles to, primarily, spend

some time with his niece, Emmie,

and the rest of the family too. Emmie

loves her Uncle Bubba!

Volume 35, No. 8 Page 7

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES … Diana Flagg/ Kimberly Reed

The much anticipated cooking class by Tamer Britton was held on the next evening, May 17.

Even though there was heavy rain in the forecast, many Uptowners showed up to learn the fin-

er points of baking with puff pastry. After we enjoyed the variety of puff goodies prepared ahead of time by Tamer, she demonstrated her techniques, gave us insider tips and provided us

with copies of her recipes and puff pastry tips. Many, many thanks to Tamer for opening up

her home to all of us and for sharing with us her culinary skills. It was a fun evening!!

Those in attendance were: Tamer Britton (chef extraordinaire), Ruth (Tamer’s assistant and

friend), Monica Burgess, Nancy Darlow, Alice Derreberry, Barbara Fiser, Diana Flagg,

Mattie Fraser, Gayle Kanak, Ann Mackey, Mary Jo Marjenhoff, Kira McKay, Jan Miller, Penny Powell, Kimberly Reed, Sharon Rosenblum, Jean Smith, Sherri Stratton, Lana

Suggs and Linda Weinstein. So glad that two of our new members – Monica Burgess and Kira

McKay – were able to come to the social. Also, it was great to have our potential new member,

Sherri Stratton, join in the fun as well. These socials are a great way to meet other Uptown la-

dies……. And enjoy some great food and fellowship, too!!

DELICIOUS FOOD AND WONDERFUL FELLOWSHIP Our next social is to be determined. It is planned for some time in June and will be an oppor-

tunity to invite potential new members to join our unsurpassable Uptown Civitan Club!! Stay

tuned!!

AREA MEETING … May 22

Volume 35 No. 9 Page 8

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES… Sharon Kantor/Sharon

On Wednesday, May 16, Uptowners served breakfast to

those who visit the Clara

White Mission. Uptowners de-liver the food

to about 300 people in the dining room.

This month those serving were: Diana Fanning, Linda Weinstein Alice Soliman, Susan Connors,

Sharon Rosenblum, and Wynester Sherrer.

The Civitan clubs in this area were invited to participate in the Area Meeting on May 22 to hear from Civitan International’s new executive vice president Scarlet Thomp-son. Although we were fortunate to have Civitans from First Coast Civitan, Lee Con-rey and Susan Best, members of other clubs were unable to attend that day. Wynester Sherrer wore two hats that day as a member of Uptown and a member of the Downtown WEB in Action Club. BUT we all were very lucky to hear from Scarlet what is going on at Civitan Interna-tional. Among items she shared were the reduction in staffing there-by reducing the administration costs, and being transparent with all Civitans. See Program report, page 2, for more information. Pictured right are Lee Conrey, President of

First Coast, and Susan Best with Mattie Fraser. Uptown sponsored this new club in 2016. Gayle Kanak, Jean Smith and Mattie Fraser were club builders from Up-town.

Civitan International Convention in Reno

Congratulations to Nkosi Alexander-

Williams who received the Uptown Past

President’s Scholarship award from immedi-ate past president Barbara Fiser.

We are so proud recognize Nkosi and his many accomplishments. Nkosi who graduated from

Sandalwood High School and with an AA degree

from Florida State College Jacksonville within

the same week. He also received one of the Flori-

da District Don DeVane Scholarships which was awarded at the Florida District Junior Conven-

tion in April.

In addition, Nkosi was one of the African-

American scholars who was recognized by the

High Potential Youth Recognition Awards Pro-gram, hosted by the University of North Florida.

Nkosi will attend UNF starting this fall.

I know Nkosi’s mother, Uptowner Curtina

Williams is very proud of her son!

Volume 35 No. 9 Page 9

JUNIOR CIVITAN …

Join us at the Civitan International Convention in Reno, July 22-25, 2018 when the Unsurpassable Uptown Civitan Club will receive the following awards for 2016-2017: Dr. Courtney W. Shropshire Outstanding Civitan Club...OUR 12TH TIME!!!, first place for Club Newsletter, and second place for Outstanding Service to Individuals with Development Disabilities!! More information at www.civitan.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!

Volume 35, No. 9 Page 10

FONKOZE … Laura Crooks

Our Unsurpassable Uptown Civitan Club Does It Again!

Over the years, Uptown Civitan has supported a micro-finance program in Haiti. The program

is called "Fonkoze" which means "shoulder to shoulder". This program helps poor women in

rural areas of Haiti get education and training that enables them "to pull themselves out of poverty" and support their families. Women chosen to be a part of the Fonkoze Program are

from the poorest of the poor in their villages. They are given a metal roof for protection from

the elements and food to sustain their families as they receive training that will enable them

to start small businesses in their villages.

After training in areas such basic literacy, small business practices and techniques, and book keeping, each participant is placed in a co-heart group in their village that continues to meet

on a regular basis. A representative from Fonkoze is available to offer support as well as pro-

vide workshops where members learn nutritious ways to feed their families, learn team work

and new skills that are designed to help them be successful

in their own family lives as well as continue to become suc-

cessful small business owners.

In May, representatives from Haiti came to Jacksonville to

give supporters and community members interested in the

Fonkoze Micro-finance Program an update on the success of

the program. The reception took place at St. Vincent's Spirit-

uality Center in Riverside. Members of Uptown provided a Reception for approximately 100 people that followed the pro-

gram.

Mr. Michael Fisher, the founder of the "Jacksonville for Haiti"

program expressed his deep gratitude to the Unsurpassable

Uptown Civitan Club for its help and support over the years.

UPTOWN ACTIVITIES … KEEP THE DATES!!!

Ongoing Fundraising Candy/Coin Boxes (Adonnica Toler)

Ongoing Volunteer Clara White Mission (Sharon Kantor/Sharon Rosenblum)

Ongoing 2nd/4th Thurs. noon Volunteer Pine Castle Civitan Club

(Nancy Darlow, Diane Young, Elaine Hall))

Ongoing Volunteer Baby Caps (Ellen Petersen/Linda Weinstein)

Ongoing Volunteer Sewing Catheter Bags for Brooks Rehab

(Linda Weinstein)

Ongoing Volunteer Ronald McDonald House (Sharon Rosenblum/Helen Willoughby))

Ongoing Fundraising Ellen Rubens /Barbara Fiser Annual Fundraising Flagship Event

Ongoing Social Diana Flagg / Kimberly Reed

2018

June 8 PACE Graduation Volunteer Tamer Britton

June 10 Ronald McDonald House Volunteer Sharon Rosenblum June 20 Clara White Mission Volunteer Sharon Kantor / Sharon Rosenblum

July 18 Clara White Mission Volunteer Sharon Kantor / Sharon Rosenblum

Sept. 9 Ronald McDonald House Volunteer Sharon Rosenblum

Nov. 11 Ronald McDonald House Volunteer Sharon Rosenblum

If you have volunteer, social, or fundraising activities you would like to have added to this calendar, please e-mail me.

Volume 35, No. 9 Page 11

NEW COLUMN … RECIPES

BROCCOLI/CAULIFLOWER SALAD Nancy Chamblin 1 head cauliflower separated into very small florets

1 bunch broccoli separated into very small florets 1 med red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup raisins

3/4 chopped walnuts or pecans 1/4 lb. bacon fried and crumbled

Dressing 1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sugar 2 tbsp vinegar

Mix dressing ingredients and let stand one hour Pour over broccoli mixture & toss

WELCOME Guests … Annette Anderson, Susan Best, Lee Conrey, Donna Johnson, Sandra Myers, Sherri Stratton,

New members …Sandra Myers, Sherri Stratton

WHAT’S COMING Also see Uptown Activities Calendar,

June 7 Board Meeting, WJCT, Noon June 12 David McGowan, Pres./CEO, WJCT

June 26 Jennifer Smith, Giving Closet Project July 3 Board Meeting, WJCT, Noon

July 10 July 24 NO MEETING

GREETERS FOR MEETINGS June 12 Kira McKay, Curtina Williams June 26 Linda Hull, your name here July 5 Mattie Fraser, Jean Smith

Editor: Mattie Fraser, mandsfraser@yahoo.com

Uptown Civitan Club, Jacksonville, Florida

Pine Castle Civitan Club members learned some incredible facts about mothers at

their meeting on May 10. Nancy Darlow shared record-breaking information that sur-prised all. Mother’s Day in USAA was begun the first of the 20th Century. Greeting cards by the millions are the largest gift. Pine Castle members decorated handmade

remembrances to take to their special moms. Uptown members assisting in addition to Nancy were Elaine Hall, Sharon Kantor, Sharon Rosenblum, Carol Tatum and Diane Young.

Pine Castle Civitan Club will celebrate its 29th anniversary this month. Uptown and many of its member have been working with this club each meeting … guiding and helping them through obtaining speakers and with projects. The mission of Pine Cas-

tle … to empower adults with intellectual and development disabilities through oppor-tunities to learn, work and connect ... dovetails perfectly with Civitan’s mission which is to help in their community with an emphasis on those with disabilities.

Please join us as we celebrate this milestone on June 28.

PINE CASTLE CIVITAN CLUB … Diane Young

Uptown Civitan Club P. O. Box 10266 Jacksonville, FL 32247 Membership: 94

Visit www.floridacivitan.org

HAPPY JUNE BIRTHDAYS

3 Carol Tatum 4 Dr. Iris Eisenberg 20 Joyce DeVillez 24 Arlette Gerlach 28 Connie Hodges 29 Kira McKay MANY HAPPY RETURNS

If it’s your birthday and your name is not here, please

let me know

Visit www.floridacivitan.org Uptowncivitanjacksonville.org

You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice. Bob Marley