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 comedi
an Dave Petitjean, I addressed the atten
dees 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 fli
ght 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!
