Vintage

My Convention Experience

(l-r)Perry McCain, Bob Cheney, Jim Smith, Mark Eisinger, John McCall, Tommy Johnson, Walt Spiro, Chuck Rice, James Moores

Well I attended yet another Civitan Convention this past week and what a blast it was. Cindy Barrington and Louise Donaldson threw another outstanding convention and if it weren’t for the Enterprise Club I might have won a door prize to bring home too!

I announced at the Spring Meeting that I would be running for Governor-elect this year at the convention. My home club has been extremely supportive and I knew they would help me get elected any way possible. We have two extra votes in our club with Past Governors Bob Cheney and Walt Spiro. Both came to convention to give their votes and support. Walt drove down on Election Day to Pensacola from Montgomery just to cast his vote of support and I truly appreciated it!

The Convention started off on Friday with an International Research Center update that was very moving and informative by International President Mark Eisinger. There were appreciation gifts that followed as well as recognition of Jimmy Russell, Gene Autry, Tammi Awe, and Jacque Hawkins for the large number of members they brought into Civitan this year. Jacque Hawkins also received a district honor key as well.

The day had finally come and the Election was upon us. I was nominated as well as Jack Groves a longtime Civitan from the Monroeville Club. Jack is one of the finest Civitans I know. He has been a district officer for many years and when it comes to just plain good people, Jack and his wife, Margaret Groves are the finest people I know. You never know exactly how much support you have but I knew I had our five guys standing behind me. Bob Cheney gave a moving speech of support on my behalf. Jack got words of support from Randy Eckoff, a past International President of Civitan. Then Jack went to the podium and told the Delegates that he would like to withdraw from the race due to health reasons. He told everyone the District would be in good hands with John McCall as Governor one day. Tears formed in Jacks eyes, and mine as well as he spoke. I was then elected by acclimation. Terry Gafford was elected Area Director to replace Jimmy Russell and Cindy Barrington was elected to Past Governor Director. I know I’m in good hands with Cindy helping out. Blue Jackets were then handed out to Club Builders.

After celebratory Champagne back in the room, thanks to Bob & Ann Cheney, we prepared for the evening meal and my debut as a singer in a bluegrass band. Chuck Rice, Tommy Johnson, James Moores, and Perry McCain allowed me to sing a couple of songs with their Bluegrass Band, “Home Remedy” while they were entertaining the evening crowd. My performance was not nearly up to par with the band but I had a lot of fun. I was installed as Governor-elect and I then really realized how much responsibility I had taken on. Standing in front of such an awesome group of Civitans with them relying on me to lead them in the coming years is a huge task and I will do my utmost to continue the work of Jim Smith, James Jones, and Cindy Barrington to bring this district to the top!

After dinner time was spent with past Governor Jim Smith, International President Mark Eisinger, past Governor Cindy Barrington, Governor James Jones, Convention Coordinator Louise Donaldson, and my wife Stephanie in our room talking Civitan. What a great group to start off your first hours as Governor-elect. Thanks to everyone who gave me encouraging words this years to give me the confidence I needed to run and thanks to all of those who will help me succeed as I continue to serve this Alabama-West Florida District and Civitan International. My hands truly do the work of World. I AM CIVITAN!