Cancun Rocks!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year to every reader of my blog.

This blog's topic is the preview trip that Cassi and I took to Cancun, Mexico. I encourage every Civitan to book your vacation for Labor Day Weekend, 2010 for the Civitan International Convention in Cancun! Cancun Rocks!

On October 30th, Cassi and I were thrilled to be able to travel to Cancun to preview and begin planning for the Civitan International Convention at the Cancun Hilton Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort.

Our church (Central Christian Church, www.centralchristian.com) had some Peso coins that had been found in the offering so I bought them, about $3 worth or 40 Pesos. I did some research and Pesos use the same $ symbol as US uses. We had found a good fare on Continental Airlines going through Houston. We used our new passports at the Las Vegas Continental Airlines counter to receive our boarding passes and check our baggage. I was pleased that Continental did not charge for the first bag and provided a small breakfast without charge. On the plane from Houston to Cancun, we were given a form to fill out for the family that asked what we were bringing into the country.

We landed in Cancun and went through an easy passport check process where they checked our passports and asked why we were in Cancun. We just commented “vacation” and he passed us on through. Then we picked up our bags and got in a fast moving line that checked our baggage and turned in our form.

I saw an ATM in the Cancun airport and decided to get some more Pesos. This is one of the least expensive ways to convert money. I knew that there were approximately 13 Pesos to a dollar, but when the screen asked me how many pesos and showed denominations like 100, 200, 500, 1,000; I got confused, I pressed 500 and got one 500 Peso bill, I calculated it later and it was only $47 US, I probably should have gotten more.

We had a van pre-arranged to pick us up at the airport, so we were able to pass the timeshare salespeople and others that asked us if we needed a ride. We went out of the airport and our van driver met us and we left in his van for a scenic trip toward the Hilton. There was a Wet-N-Wild water park and many hotels along the road, all of them facing the beaches of the Caribbean Sea.

Soon we arrived at the unique shaped Cancun Hilton Hotel, (http://www.hiltonworldresorts.com/Resorts/Cancun/index.html#Cancun+index+++) with flags of many countries displayed including the U.S. and Canada. We were dropped off at the front door and a bellman took our bags. The lobby was beautiful, with floor to ceiling glass windows that overlooked the swimming pools and gardens. The atrium was circular and opened to the ceiling 10 stories above us. It reminded me of a cruise ship.

We checked in and went to the 8th floor to our Junior Suite. There was nothing Junior about it. It had a full tiled living room with a couch that makes out to a bed, a flat panel TV and a dining table. Through double doors, a king size bed in a large bedroom with a flat panel TV, a desk, a coffee maker, a safe in the closet and a bathroom with two sinks, a tub and a separate shower. There were two sliding glass doors that opened to an expansive balcony that overlooked the beach and the sea. The sound of the waves were very relaxing. As we went out on the balcony, there was a table with chairs, two chaise lounge chairs and a whirlpool tub on the balcony!

The beach sand was white and the water was an incredible green blue. I had never seen the sea with these unique colors.

On the bed was roses petals and a hand folded towel turkey, just like they leave on your bed on a cruise. We were also treated to a fruit plate and bottled water.

We settled in, unpacked our bags and relaxed on the balcony. We decided to have dinner in a Hilton restaurant called Milato. This restaurant was literally on the beach. Waves splashing only 50 feet away, it was an incredible way to dine. I had tilapia, Cassi had a steak. We shared for a little surf and turf.

We then relaxed in our room, read and went to sleep early with anticipation for the next day as we explore Cancun.

On Saturday, we woke up to a beautiful morning, had breakfast in the Hilton lobby restaurant. They had a very large buffet, but we chose the “American” breakfast off the menu. Yes, I know, we are not very adventurous! We then met the Event Manager, Manual Gomez for a tour of the property and the convention space. We went to the convention area which is very close to the atrium, we entered the convention space grand entrance and there again was an incredible view. The wall to ceiling windows overlooked the beach and the sea. There we toured the small and large rooms and the ballrooms. Two of the large rooms had full length windows so you could still see the sea. We noted the beautiful mural made of rocks, an ATM, a business center and a large built in check-in booths.

We then went out to the swimming pool area, where Manuel showed us the 7 connecting pools and waterfalls, the swim up bar, the café lounge near the pools, and the free grass umbrellas along with beach beds that you have to reserve for a fee. They also had a kiosk where you could get tubes, towels, ping pong paddles and more! There were two tennis courts, and the villas next door and the pathway to the Cancun Hilton Golf Course. Then we returned to the hotel and saw the incredible spa, the gift shops, the kids day camp, the workout facility (again I am reminded of the cruise ship amenities) and some small meeting rooms that we will probably use for the board meeting prior to the convention opening. Again a huge balcony overlooked the beach and the sea.

We then were shown each of the different rooms starting at only $99 plus only 2% tax (no resort fee). Each room has a view of the sea and the beach, many overlook the swimming pools. Then we saw the superior rooms that have a small balcony, then the junior suites with the large balcony and the whirlpool tub, then the master suite with a kitchen and a larger balcony with a whirlpool tub. Finally we were able to preview the Presidential Suite. I takes up a whole wing of the top floor with two bedrooms, a large living room, a kitchen and dining room and a huge balcony overlooking the 9 swimming pools and the sea. The balcony was a huge “L” shaped with a larger whirlpool tub. The Hilton is going to provide the Presidential suite complimentary for our convention. Cassi commented that this was one of the most beautiful resorts she had ever seen. With the sea on one side and the lagoon on the other!

That afternoon, we decided to see the sites of Cancun. We boarded a bus near the entrance to the Hilton and paid our 7 Pesos each (about 50 cents US) and traveled along the main street to downtown Cancun. We noticed the familiar restaurants like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Bubba Gumps Shrimp Company, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, Chili’s, Hooters, TGIFridays, Hard Rock Café, Rainforest Café. And unique restaurants with Mexican food, Argentinean Steakhouses, Italian food, seafood and Cuban. The shopping ranged from flea markets to shopping centers, shopping malls with movie theatres and popular retail stores and a luxury mall with Gucci and Rolex and more. We even found a Walmart to pick up some toiletries! There was also a Sam’s Club, Office Depot, bike rentals, boat rentals and car rentals.

Of course I had to stop at the Hard Rock Café for photos, bought a cool t-shirt, a drinking glass and a shot glass, they gave me a free plastic shot glass as well. We returned to the Hilton on the buses going the opposite direction by paying another 7 Pesos each and it dropped us at the entrance of the hotel. We had some fun taking pictures of me posing with the flags of the different countries.

That night, we were guest of La Bodeguita Del Medio, a famous restaurant founded in Cuba in 1942, now with a replica location in Cancun. The manager Ricardo Portilla treated us to a multiple course meal tasting appetizers, entrees and accompaniments to entice us to have a special event at their restaurant. This unique place provides a ladder and a marker and encourages diners to write on the walls and ceilings! Please note I wrote CIVITAN ROCKS! In two places. Maybe we will have a contest to see who can find the festive words!

The next day, we went to see the Tulum Ruins. http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/mayan-culture/tulum/ These ruins are south of Cancun in the Riviera Maya. We passed many resorts and themed parks like Xplor where they have zip lines, kayaks and four wheel ATVs. Xcaret, http://www.xcaret.com/ an ecological park with many family orientated exhibits and a great dinner show about the history of Mexico.

We arrived at the Tulum Ruins and walked around the gift shops. Cassi loved the iguanas and had her picture taken with one on her shoulder and one in her arms. We then boarded a train to the ruins entrance, paid the entrance fee and began to explore these unique Mayan Ruins. The many partial buildings and walls were marked with placards to understand the culture, the history and the architecture. The famous Tulum beach was a spectacular view of green and blue sea and many families played on the beach and in the water.

We drove back to the hotel, took a refreshing nap, and then had a quiet dinner in the Pizza & Pasta Factory at the Hilton. We wanted to try all of the restaurants at the Hilton and found them all to be very good. We also went to the gift shop to see the different items and toiletries that were available, along with souvenirs, towels, shirts and other beach attire.

Cassi and I awoke to our last full day in Cancun, what a fast few days. We decided to take some pictures on the beach and out by the pool to memorialize our work vacation and try to share the incredible sights at this beautiful Hilton resort. We scheduled a couples massage (a first for both of us!) and felt very relaxed! When we returned to our room, there were two kissing swans (towel creations) and more flowers on our bed.

Then that night, we were escorted back south to Xcleret for the dinner show depicting the Mayans, then the Spanish Conquistadors, the settling of Mexico, the sports and the cultures. It was an incredible history with replica costumes, music, incredible balladeers and actors of all ages.

We then returned to the Hilton for our final night. We packed our bags then slept. In the morning we were again picked up by a van and headed back to the airport. Some simple forms to be fill out, but once we checked the bags, we were free to shop at the duty free store and last minute souvenir shops. Our trip was ontime and uneventful. We landed in Houston and went through the passport check and customs very smoothly. We had a long layover so we had lunch at Pappadeux’s, a great Cajun restaurant! Then we headed on to Las Vegas, back home, safe and sound. A rockin’ vacation in beautiful Cancun!

Can’t wait to return Labor Day, 2010 for the Civitan International Convention with hundreds of Civitan friends taking over most of the Cancun Hilton Hotel! Cancun Rocks!

Civitan District Conventions-Third 4 Trips

Tucson, Arizona

During the July International Convention in Las Vegas, I promised the Phil Schlesinger Civitan Club that I would be at their Installation Banquet this fall. The Phil Schlesinger Club was recognized as the Big Fish Club, the club with the most delegates at the convention. 26 members attended and most paid their own way by saving for months. They also were the delegates who brought the country flags into the hall during the Parade of Flags.

Since I was planning on flying to Tucson for the banquet, I had two requests to come a couple of days early to install officers of the Roadrunner and the Old Pueblo Civitan Clubs. I was hesitant since this was another travel weekend, but I was able to bring my daughter Morgan and we stayed at my cousin Lori Foster’s home.

We left on Saturday morning, September 26^th and arrived around noon in Tucson via Southwest Airlines. My cousin Lori Foster picked us up (Lori joined Civitan!) Morgan wanted to drive through the University of Arizona campus, a campus she was considering as a current Senior in High School. We had lunch at Frog and Firkin http://www.frogandfirkin.com/, salads for Lori and me, cheeseburger and fries for Morgan. We then settled in at Lori’s home.

Carl Mangelsdorf III, Past President of the Roadrunner Civitan Club and creator and founder of the Golf Civitan Club concept picked me up to take me to the Roadrunner Club Installation. We met at Ana Nygren’s home and ate a Mexican themed dinner. I was thrilled to initiate three new members and then install the officers and directors. Many awards were presented by outgoing President.

The following day, Carl again performed chauffer duties and drove me way out east to the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, a dude ranch that was founded in 1868. I was introduced at the beginning of the Old Pueblo Civitan Club banquet and after a couple of awards, I was able to initiate a new member and then install the officers and directors. The buffet that followed was extensive and delicious!

That afternoon, Lori, Morgan, friend Austin and I went to the Saguaro National Park to see the hundreds of cacti and drove by the Desert Museum and Old Tucson. When we arrived back at the home, Lori steamed king crab legs for dinner.

On Monday, I worked on church and Civitan projects. Then Carl again picked me up for the 29^th Anniversary Phil Schlesinger installation banquet. We both wore tuxes, I was all in black (of course), Carl wore a white tux jacket. Carl was the master of ceremonies and many, many awards were presented including member longevity awards for members that had five years to 29 years of service to Civitan. I was given a great frame with three pictures of the Phil Schlesinger Club members at the Civitan International Convention.

On Tuesday morning, Lori took us back to the airport and we headed back to Las Vegas. The trip home was quick and safe. After I dropped off Morgan, I went to work at the church for a few hours. Then I went home to wash my clothes and repack!

Mississippi

The very next day, Wednesday, September 30, I headed back to the airport for a trip to Columbus, Mississippi, home of my Governor John Longmire of Mississippi North Civitan District. The Delta flights were on-time and John met me at the airport security area. After gathering my baggage, we went to a restaurant on a river called Ruben’s. I had Surf and Turf, Ruben’s Style, rib-eye steak and catfish! John had a whole catfish.

Then we went to his 32 acre “plantation” with a creek and deer stands and beautiful home. John’s wife Helena was looking up a tree at their pet raccoon named "Ringo". Ringo was very tame, John’s sons James and Daniel played with the raccoon, fed it cat food and it tried to climb my leg. I got some bad mosquito bites there. We had a great evening playing Yahtzee.

I stayed up late that night. I wanted to write an October 1^st “Civitan Rocks – Day One” letter for my Blog (still available for reading on this blog page). I also sent out many emails to my Governors, the International Board of Directors, Europe, Asia and African Civitan leaders and staff at headquarters. The emails went out just after midnight Mississippi time. As I became Civitan International President, I thanked outgoing President Danny Jackson and Corine for their hard work during a challenging year.

My first day of Civitan International President included a drive to Tupelo, Mississippi for the Tupelo Luncheon Club banquet. This is the largest club in Civitan with 156 members. When we arrived, I was surprised with the Summit Center’s marquee that had “Welcome Civitan International President Mark Eisinger”. That was unexpected. About half of the members attended the banquet and I was able to feast on more beef and catfish! I was honored with the Key of the City of Tupelo by a representative of the city council.

I made a speech similar to my Las Vegas, installation banquet speech outlining Civitan qualities and the next year’s plans and goals. Then I installed the many officers and directors for the next year’s successes. I also presented a Fellow to President-Elect David Neilsen and George Copen.

After the banquet, John and I went to Elvis Presley’s birthplace park, gift shop and chapel. We took photos and then followed new Tupelo Luncheon Club President Phil Gann to his home to see his catfish pond, his memorabilia collections of Elvis, Coca Cola, sports, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Phil gave me a Tupelo goody bag and a keychain had the words Elvis Rocks Our World!

We then headed back to Columbus and changed into our Civitan Rocks shirts and then went to the Mississippi University for Women. We provided pizza and soft drinks in an open house environment to 8 women interested in a new Campus Civitan Club now being formed. We took turns talking about the benefits of the organization and the potential projects the new club could participate in. David Neilson, the Junior and Campus District Chair also attended this meeting and Katie Banasiewicz, a former Junior Civitan Governor from Alabama Central Civitan District, now a sophomore at the MUW.

We took the leftover pizzas to John’s home, then after a round of pool, the family and I played a game of Crazy 8’s. It was a fun time with John’s family!

Connecticut

The next morning, John played chauffeur again, back to the airport, this time I traveled to Atlanta, then to Hartford, CT for the New England Civitan District Convention. Unfortunately, my flight to Atlanta was delayed and I missed my flight to Hartford literally by two minutes. I was further discouraged that the only available flight was at 9:30pm, arriving at midnight. I was standby on the 6:00pm flight. I stood in a long line to see if there were any other options on a different airline and miraculously a seat became available on the 6:00pm flight. I arrived at 8:25pm in Hartford and Region 4 International Director Charlie Jackowski and Patti met me as I left the secured area. We went to get my bags and then off to dinner with my Governor Matt Oblon. Due to the later flight, I missed the proposed German Dinner celebration at the East Side German Restaurant but had a great Italian dinner of tilapia at Baci Grill.

After a great rest at the Crown Plaza hotel in Cromwell, Charlie and Patti and Past New England Governor Leo Kania arrived early for our trip off to the New England Civitan District convention at the La Trottoria restaurant near Simsbury, CT.

Had a great time at the convention seeing so many familiar faces and friends. Even Carl Mangelsdorf IV was in attendance and met some great people like Karen and Andrew Rose, a young

couple leading the Civitan Club of Simsbury and the

Farmington Valley. I gave the presentation called the Big Picture (puzzle team building exercise), a Civitan Rocks speech and installed the District officers with Rocks!

After the meeting, Matt Oblon, Mark Oblon, Charlie Jackowski, Carl Mangelsdorf and I discussed the creation of a new Golf Civitan Club in Danbury, CT.

Then back to the hotel, to get ready for the Middletown Civitan Club Installation Banquet which was conveniently held at the same hotel I was staying. We had a wonderful meal and I enjoyed the blueberry pie! Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano and his wife attended the banquet and I installed the officers with Rocks! I was given a painting of a legendary restaurant called O’Rourke’s.

The next morning, Matt Oblon and Candy and Matt’s boss picked me up at the hotel and we drove to Boston for the New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens NFL Sunday football game. I think this was my first professional football game! It was incredible. Patriot’s stadium was huge and outdoors. The weather was great (two weeks later, the Patriots played in the snow!) The Patriots played a great game and the Patriots were victorious winning the close game 27 to 21. We drove back to Cromwell happy that the home team won. Matt, Charlie and I then met for dinner, another Italian restaurant called Lido’s, where I enjoyed more fish!

After a final night in Cromwell, on Monday morning, Charlie chauffeured a final trip to the airport and I headed for Vegas via US Air! I was blessed with a safe flight home.

Phoenix, Arizona

I had one night at home, to unpack, launder, and repack! The next day, Tuesday, October 6, I flew via Southwest Airlines to Phoenix where I met up with my Heart of the West Governor Roger Smart. I was picked up at the airport by Heart of the West Civitan District Area Director John Maddox and Roger. We took off to Sun City, Arizona to meet with the Civitan Club of the Sun Cities. Over a Chinese lunch, I became their keynote speaker and talked about the latest goals and happenings for the coming year.

After lunch, we headed to the Joyce Ridge Civitan House to meet up with Past Governor Deborah Maddox. Many years ago, Civitan gave the down payment for the home for 22 developmentally disabled individuals. Most of them have jobs and pay all or a portion of their rent. Max McQueen, Civitan House Director, took us on a tour of the three buildings.

We then went to the Arizona Grand Resort, http://www.arizonagrandresort.com/luxury-arizona-villas.php, this resort is one of the candidates for the Heart of the West Civitan District Convention next summer. We stayed a night at this location. Roger and I dressed up for the great banquet that evening, the 30^th Anniversary of the Phoenix Bird Civitan Club. Made up of developmentally disabled individuals, many who are residents of the Civitan House.

We had a great evening. Roger and I were honored to install the Phoenix Bird Civitans and the Metro Phoenix Civitan Club at the same time. There were many Civitans from all over Phoenix area. I was given a saguaro cactus wind chime as a gift from the Phoenix Bird club.

The next morning, Deborah met us and we had breakfast at the Arizona Grand and a tour of the convention facilities. Then, Roger and I headed to the airport and I again headed back to Vegas! Another Rockin’ trip, 12 days of travel was quite wearing.

Civitan District Conventions-Second 3 Trips

Magnolia District Civitan Convention
On Thursday, August 27, I began my trek to Louisiana for the Magnolia Civitan District Convention. I combined this trip with work for Central Christian Church, www.centralchristian.com. One of the companies we work with is headquartered in Shreveport, and I was able to find a non-stop flight on a low-fare Allegiant Airlines. This is one of those no-frills, low cost airlines based in Las Vegas traveling to smaller regional airports. Very inexpensive, but you have to pay to select your seat, pay for your first and second bag, even pay for juice or a Coke. The MD80 plane seemed retro, there was no back pocket on the seat in front of me and the seats do not recline. First time I have seen this type of seating. But I arrived safely!

Then the trouble started. First the bags took over an hour to get from the plane to the baggage carousel, but then I was pleased that Hertz upgraded me to a Mustang! I walked out the double doors and down the lane of cars and found a dirty white Mustang. Well that didn’t stop my enthusiasm, I figured it was just going to get dirtier! Placed my bags in the trunk and opened the car door. The smell of tobacco smoke came out of the car, still not dissuaded, surely with the open road and the windows open, I could blow the smoke and dust out of the car. I started the car and found that there was only ¾ tank of gas, despite the documentation that indicated that the car was full of gas. That was the last straw. So I went to the Hertz counter and complained, I was greeted with another vehicle. Dirty white on the outside, but clean and full of gas. This little compact Chevrolet Aveo looked like it had roller skate wheels.

I had borrowed my wife Cassi’s GPS, which made it easy to navigate to the business meeting I had planned for the church. Then off to the Hilton hotel down the street. I went to my floor, entered my room and opened the curtains and before me were the Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino and the Eldorado Hotel and Casino. I thought I was looking out of a window in Las Vegas! There was a Ralph & Kacoo’s restaurant about 20 miles away. The last time I enjoyed Ralph & Kacoo’s was in Birmingham in early 1998 during Governor-Elects’ Academy. Across the highway from our hotel was a Ralph & Kacoo’s Restaurant on a hill. Three of us went to the restaurant and shared an appetizer of alligator. Although the sign is still displayed in Birmingham, the restaurant has been closed for years. I didn’t have alligator this time, but did enjoy a mixed grill platter that included catfish, shrimp, soft shell crab, crab stuffed shrimp and oysters.

On Friday morning, I left the hotel and ventured toward Lafayette, Louisiana, the site of the Magnolia Civitan District Convention. My Governor Peggy Brewer and Ralph were meeting me just north of Lafayette for lunch at a Cajun restaurant called Perjean’s. I had downpours of rain so thick I could barely see. Then there would be sun and clouds with no rain, then I would drive into another downpour. When I arrived at the restaurant, Peggy, Ralph and Kate Geoghegan greeted me at the front door of the restaurant. The parking lot was almost full for early Friday lunch. The menu was quite extensive. I was undecided and was reluctant to try the crawfish, so I settled on blue crab cakes. The lunches arrived and the food was delicious. Kate had crawfish etouffee and fried crawfish and allowed me to try both. Wow, they were delicious!

We then drove to the Lafayette Hilton and checked into our rooms. Ralph offered to give me a tour of the city, and then Breaux Bridge, and Atchafalaya Swamp. We stopped at a visitor center that had free Community coffee, a fantastic goody bag for me and Ralph and I watched a short movie about the forming of the swamp, its inhabitants, and its ecological benefits.

On Friday evening the Magnolia Civitan District Convention began, I was thrilled to see Past International President Alvin Owens and Lorraine and after an awesome fried catfish dinner, and a very amusing Cajun comedian Dave Petitjean, I addressed the attendees with a question and answer session. I utilized the topics from my speech I made at the Civitan International Convention Installation. Then we all went to the hospitality room to bid on some silent auction items and discuss many Civitan ideas.

Saturday morning began the business session of the convention, I was surprised when I was presented with the Key to the City of Lafayette. I provided a fun activity with The Big Picture puzzle team building exercise. This was the largest group that I had ever had for this exercise and was pleased with the result. It was entertaining as well as educational. After lunch, I trained the Area Directors in their new positions.

Then at dinner, I presented the installation of Peggy and her new team, using the Civitan Rocks installation speech. Alvin Owens to assisted me with the pinning of the team. Peggy and her team had prepared a rendition of the WE WILL ROCK you lyrics complete with blow up guitars, sunglasses and more. Awards were presented to many clubs and Civitans that night.

Early the next morning, I awoke and started back to Shreveport for my return flight to Las Vegas. The weather, the car and everything cooperated and I arrived home safely.

I had a weekend off, as no districts plan their conventions on Labor Day weekend. So I worked my regular days at the church and had a list of honey-do’s and to-do’s to complete. I realized on Friday prior to Labor Day that my upstairs air conditioner was not working, so I shut it down and called in to have a service man come on Tuesday. Fortunately the days were not too hot. I also had a sprinkler that would not stop running, so I had to find and replace the solenoid.

Florida Civitan District Convention
On Thursday, September 10th, Cassi and I awoke early. She was finally able to travel with me to the Florida Civitan District Convention in Indiatlantic/Melbourne, Florida. We had scheduled a flight on Southwest Airlines from Las Vegas to Orlando and our two flights were on time and safe. We receive our luggage and took a shuttle to our Holiday Inn Hotel. After we freshened up, we met newly elected President-Elect Gay Aaron and Past International Director Helen Galloway in the lobby and then met more Florida Civitans at the Tony Roma’s including B.J. Cook and Marilyn Terborg and Robert Brightman.

I had changed my status on Facebook to indicate that I was on the way to Melbourne, Florida. Like usual, I receive comments from 5 or 6 friends each time. But this time, I received an email from Jim Hale. Jim and I worked at a Rent-A-Racer in Indianapolis in high school. I haven’t seen or spoken to him for more than 30 years. He tells me in the email, that he lives only a few blocks from the hotel I was staying at. Although we were not able to meet up due to each other’s schedules, it amazes me that we live in a world where we can connect with friends without geographic boundaries. www.facebook.com/civimark.

The next morning, my Governor Frank Kelley and his wife Kim met us at the hotel to travel to Melbourne. It was great to catch up with Frank and spend time getting to know Kim. Cassi and I noticed all of the lakes and rivers and then when we arrived at the Crown Plaza Hotel, we found ourselves on the beach. We checked in and we were very pleased with our fourth floor balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beach before it. A sign on the sliding glass door warned of the light from our room, that could disturb the sea turtles. This was the best view from a hotel room so far! I was glad that Cassi could enjoy it. She does so love the ocean view and sounds of the waves.

I attended the Board of Directors meeting and then the convention began with Friday night banquet. It was great to see Past International President Polly Forestier and Victor. Polly is very involved in the district, I find that very admirable. The luau themed event was entertaining and the Michelee Puppets demonstrated one of their educational puppet shows that showed how to help a friend that is be bullied at school.

The next morning started early with the Past Governors’ Council and the new Presidents and Presidents-elect forum at 7:00am. I attempted to attend both by starting at the Past Governors’ Council then moved to the Forum. Then the opening ceremonies began at the Business Session. I made my Civitan Rocks Our World speech. During lunch, the Florida District presented a young high school Senior with a $1,000 scholarship.

After lunch, I was to present a workshop to the delegates called “Mark”eting Civitan, Recruitment and Retention. This interactive visual and verbal workshop encourages the delegates to think about potential members that could be Civitans and then gives them methods to begin recruiting them to the club, project or social. Frank Kelley also had me train his area directors for the coming year.

Cassi and I arrived at the closing banquets in my suit and her dress. The banquet room was decorated by Frank’s home club, the Clearwater Civitan Club. With blow-up guitars on the walls and palms, the Civitan Rocks Our World banner up front and a small bag of three rocks and a larger rock that had the word SPIRIT on it. I has the honor of presenting two Freedom Fellows to George and Elli Corey and a Research Center Fellow to Lori Clapp, then I also presented three Honor Keys to Steve Steenberge, Paul Deeley and Lori Clapp. I used my Civitan Rocks installation speech and the room Rocked! Lori spoke about her year and thanked the many people and clubs that helped her and Frank spoke about the coming year.

In the morning, we awoke early again and met Frank and Kim Kelley and their son Bryan and Lori Clapp for breakfast. Then Lori drove Cassi and me back to Orlando. Our flight on Southwest again was uneventful (that is good!) and we only had one-stop and didn’t have to get off the airplane. When we arrived at Las Vegas airport, we waited and waited for our suitcases. After an hour, we decided to go over the to Southwest baggage handling office and Cassi found our two bags sitting there, apparently they arrived on an earlier flight than we did. As I become a more seasoned traveler, I think I will remember that this could happen, could save me an hour here or there!

Region 5 Civitan Convention
On Thursday, September 17, I fly on United to Toronto, where Paul Scudds and Anna Cavicchia met me at the airport and we went to their favorite Italian Restaurant called Mastro’s. I stayed at their home for the night, then off to Midland, Ontario for the Region 5 Convention where both Canada District East and Canada District West have their combined conventions. Again, I felt that I was driving through the forest, can’t seem to get used to that. It was cooler in Midland than Toronto, especially when we arrived at Georgian Bay. We had lunch at Scully’s overlooking the bay and the boat harbor. Along with Paul and Anna, Norma Johnston, Sandie Smale, and Greg and Suzanne Dobbie had lunch with us. I had the Crabby Patties, which reminded me of my daughter who watches Sponge Bob. I posed with one of the Blues Brothers at the restaurant. The off to the hotel, noting the beautiful murals on the walls of buildings along the way in this quaint village.

I checked in to the Best Western and my suite was very large, with a fireplace, Jacuzzi tub, bathrobes. I called Cassi and told her. She wished she would have been able to join me. She was supposed to be there, but the FDIC auditors were at her bank for an annual review. My friend Trina Smith posed with me with one of her favorite hats!

Friday night began with a Western themed dinner. There was a local DJ and the “Boat Races” began at 10pm. I was able to participate in this fun activity, but I am sworn to secrecy!

The next morning began with an early morning hot breakfast and the Civitan International Foundation of Canada meeting. Fred Chalk announced his retirement as Chairperson of the Foundation after a celebrated 20 year term. After competitive elections were completed, Lyle Armstrong became the new Chairperson.

The Region 5 Meeting then began and Region 5 Director Bob Evans led his final meeting. I was able to address the delegates and provided a speech similar to the Las Vegas installation speech “Civitan Rocks Our World”. Incoming Region 5 Director Ross Munro addressed the delegates as well.

The districts then split into their respective rooms and conducted the business of Civitan for the next Civitan Year, speeches were given by incoming as well as outgoing leaders.

After a quick “ironing board” luncheon, I presented my “Mark”eting Civitan, Recruitment and Retention seminar followed by “The Big Picture” puzzle team building exercise. The Governor’s reception followed, then it was back to the room to put the tux on! Every table had “Rockets” candy, another fitting candy (like Pop Rocks and Rock Candy) to go with the theme “Civitan Rocks Our World”.
The outgoing and incoming district leaders and International dignitaries and spouses and guests assembled for the receiving line. Then a bagpipe player led the line into the banquet hall and the head table were seated. The program was very formal with remarks and thank yous. The honor key was given to Linda Keast and Greg Dobbie. Civitan of the Year was presented to Fred Chalk. A Research Center Fellow was given to Region 5 Director Bob Evans and Fred Chalk. A Junior Civitan Fellow was presented to Norma Johnston. I installed the new leaders of both districts with the assistance of Bob Evans and Ross Munro. I used the “Civitan Rocks” installation. Paul Scudds and Anna Cavicchia provided three rocks in bags for each person in attendance. I also presented a speech about the Civitan International Research Center, the past Civitan year and the future of Civitan. Both of my Governors Ted Coqueran and Paul Scudds spoke on their goals for the next Civitan year. The Junior Civitan Governor Aliyah Mohamed and her brother and father attended the convention. Aliyah’s father was very impressed with the Civitan organization and the brother is interested in forming a Campus Civitan Club at the University of Toronto. Incoming Governor of California District Sandie Shapiro was present as well, and we had some time to discuss the next year.

After a brief pause to remove the head table, a great band called “The DeSotos” performed hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The drummer was the lead singer and he was a great impressionist of the song artists of that era.

Sunday morning began with a breakfast reception for incoming Governors Ted Coqueran and Paul Scudds. Everyone said their goodbyes and so longs, with many saying “see you at Sno-Do!” Most of the Canadian District East were transported by bus. Then Paul and Anna loaded the car and we were off to the Toronto airport. I flew Continental this leg of the trip. I arrived with plenty of time to navigate the bag check, customs and security and walk a long way to get to my gate, a hidden gate B7 in Terminal 3. A small jet made a short trip to Cleveland and I thought about the sitcom “That 70’s Show” that sings “Cleveland ROCKS!” and I thought about the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. Too bad I didn’t have time to shop for souvenirs. I saw a Max & Erma’s Neighborhood Bar. Many great memories of the Max & Erma’s in Indianapolis when I lived there.

We boarded the long flight to Las Vegas and I was surprised that Continental provide a light dinner with the flight for free? Rare these days. Only a salad and a chicken and cheese wrap, but it was a good snack to tie me over.

Another fantastic weekend convention. The Canadians definitely know how to celebrate! Oh, by the way, I never had time to use the fireplace or the Jacuzzi tub… Too much to do at the convention. They worked me all day on Saturday. But that is what I am here for! Civitan ROCKS Canada!

Civitan Rocks - Day One

Greetings Civitans and future Civitans!

Today is the first day of a new Civitan Year. As your new Civitan International President, I first want to thank President Danny Jackson and Corine for serving our great organization. Thank you to the leaders of this past year for their hard work and their efforts to volunteer to help others during a challenging time. Congratulations to club builders, to new clubs, and clubs that qualify for Honor Club status and Golden Circle status. Congratulations to member recruiters and to new Civitan members. Welcome to Civitan!

With every new year, we are able to start anew, to look toward the future with anticipation. I believe that this year will be one of renewal. We have the opportunity to make a huge impact in our world. The Civitan International theme for this year is Civitan Rocks Our World. This theme symbolizes the worldwide impact we make and celebrates the Civitan members, the Clubs and Districts that make a difference in the lives of people we help.

Why Civitan? Civitan Rocks! Because we:
• Have a ROCK-solid international, service club organization with a hard working volunteers and staff.
• Have a renowned Civitan International Research Center discovering cures to diseases and disabilities in our lifetime.
• Have an awesome Junior Civitan youth program and Campus Civitan college program!
• Will expand the use of today’s technology, including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and video conferencing, to reach Civitans and potential Civitans of all ages.
• Will strategically expand into new countries and add clubs in existing International countries.
• Will build more special interest clubs this year, including Civitan clubs for golfers, scrapbookers, quilters, bowlers and more.
• Will Leave a Legacy by building younger clubs in communities so that the Civitan name and service will continue in those communities.


I believe that we will have a successful year. I hope you believe what I believe. Now, how do we begin? Recruitment of new members and retention of members is of utmost priority. I challenge each of you to write down four names of people you would like to invite to be in Civitan, in your club or another club; and invite them (in-person, by telephone, by email, by letter, by greeting card) to a club meeting, project or social.

Ask them to have the same great opportunity you are experiencing. Think about former Civitans, your friends, co-workers, son, daughter and other relatives, . Please recruit a member by December 31st and let’s kickoff the year right! Encourage these new members to recruit more members. Someone asked you, someone asked me, so please ask someone to join Civitan! To help retain club members, thank your fellow Civitans for their membership and participation! Tell them that they are making an impact in the lives of others. Tell them “YOU ROCK!”

A special invitation for those of you that are not Civitans, we invite you to join the excitement, join our cause to help others, children, seniors, and especially individuals with disabilities. Our vision is larger than our membership, so join us, we need YOU to help us make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate. Join Civitan! (Email me for more information, my email is listed below or click on www.civitan.org.)

I will be communicating with you throughout the year through my “Civitan Rocks!” blog, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and more. Please see the links below.

Our theme is more than a message, it is a drive for the future. We are not maintaining an organization that will last for ten more years, we are building an organization to last another 92 years and more! Civitan Rocks Our World!

Have a Rockin’ Year! Passionate about Civitan,

Mark Eisinger, MST
President 2009-2010
Civitan International

Mark's links and email:

www.civitan.org/blogs
www.facebook.com/civimark
www.twitter.com/civimark
civimark@helloworld.com


Link to Mark Eisinger’s full speech from the Installation Banquet at the Civitan International Convention in Las Vegas, NV, July 8, 2009:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBoKLZT8Xlc&feature=channel_page

International links:

www.civitan.org
www.juniorcivitan.org

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Civitan-International/35675760574
http://www.youtube.com/user/civitandave