House, Junior Civitans, Seamark

Ranch, our socials and club meetings…..and the list goes on.

Every time I am around you, I am inspired by how you care for each

other, for our community and for the world. You have blessed my

life and made me smile many times!! I am thankful for your friendship and for your example

of what it means to give and bring happiness to others. I wish you

and your families a joyous season of good health, happiness and peace.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

A DIALOGUE WITH DIANA ...

Officers 2019-2020

President Diana Flagg

President-elect Ellen Rubens

VP Membership Maureen Baiocco

Secretary Nancy Reynolds

Treasurer Ann Mackey

Chaplain Sara Ann Murray

Sgt.-at-Arms Sherri Stratton

Education Michelle McGriff

Imm. Past President

Sandy Jones

Directors

Diana Fanning

Nanette Flood

Mattie Fraser

Judy Harrison

Penny Powell

Barbara Puestow

Dr. Patricia Stephens

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

December 2019

Volume 37, No. 3

Inside This Issue

Program

2

Membership / Uptown

Champion of Service

3

Social Activities

Fundraising

4—

5

Personally Speaking /

Junior Civitan NFSSE

6

Junior Civitan Sandalwood 7

Volunteer Activities 8

Uptown Activities /

NFSSE Honors Uptown

9

Pine Castle / Birthdays /

Greeters /

10

‘Tis the season!!! Anticipation

and excitement have been building since Halloween!!

Even though my children are grown, I still love to play San-ta. I leave out cookies and

milk the night before ... which I eat, of course. It has to look real, right?!? I love the joy and

happiness that I see on their faces when we get together to

exchange gifts. To me, this whole season is about loving others and giving happiness

to others whether it’s through a smile, a hug, time spent to-

gether, a word of encourage-ment, a gift, a meal or any number of ways. Mark Twain

once said “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”

That is so true!! Think back to when you have

felt a little low but you pulled up your bootstraps and put on a happy face for someone

… it cheered you up!! Uptown Women are great at bringing

happiness to others not just during the holiday season but throughout the year!!! I’ve

seen happy people at the Clara White Mission, Pine Castle, Ronald McDonald Diana

Volume 37 No. 3 Page 2

PROGRAM … Diana Flagg

Dee Quaranta, Executive Director of Northeast Florida Women Veterans Inc., spoke to us on November 12. This organization addresses the needs of women veterans who have not han-dled transition well or have experienced cir-cumstances beyond their control and now find themselves needing a little help. These women are subject to the same challenges as their male counterparts: PTSD, MST, high divorce rate, health issues, and even homelessness. Additionally for women, childcare, domestic violence, gender discrimination, and other is-sues present needs beyond the normal transi-tion challenges. In addition to services provid-ed by the VA, this organization works daily with community partners to ensure that wom-en veterans receive the personalized care and emergency resources they need. For more information, call (904) 862-6039. Pictured left with the speaker are Veterans in

attendance at this meeting, including members Barbara Drake and Sherry Dotson

Also at the November 12 meeting. Immediate Past Governor Wynester Sherrer initiated two new member … Jo Marks and Sherry Dot-son. See page 3 for picture.

Fred Meiner, Executive Director of Seamark Ranch, provided a presentation to Uptown at

the

Nov. 26 meeting. Seamark Ranch is a vibrant com-munity that helps children who, through no fault of their own, have been left alone in this world and require out-of-home care. Seamark Ranch pro-vides the nurturing care, developmental support, and opportunities these children need to overcome the loss, grief and trauma caused by family crises. Their program is based on work in five areas: home life, farm, equine, counseling, and educa-tion. Since opening their doors, Seamark has served over 100 children. Whether the children go on to be adopted, are eventually reunified in their biological families, or grow up at the Seamark Ranch, all the children are part of this family! For more information, call (904) 288-8885 or (904) 529-1951.

Volume 37, No. 3 Page 3

MEMBERSHIP ...

On November 12, Immediate Past Florida District Governor Wynester Sherrer initiated new members Jo Marks and Sherry Dotson. Pictured here are Presi-dent Diana Flagg; VP Member-ship Maureen Baiocco; Ellen

Rubens sponsor of Jo Marks; Jo

Marks; Sherry Dotson and her sponsor Linda Weinstein; with Wynester.

Please invite others to come and enjoy the fun and fellowship of Uptown Civitan. Extra hands allow us to make a difference in our community.

Pictured left is Penny Powell with her guest Toni Martin

UPTOWN CHAMPION OF SERVICE SPOTLIGHT… Diana Flagg

At our November 26 Luncheon, Uptown Civitan Club recognized another out-

standing Champion of Service!! Judy Harrison was recognized for the many ways she serves others. Judy has only been in the club a little over a year but

you can find her helping to prepare a meal at the Ronald McDonald House,

serving breakfast at the Clara White Mis-sion, helping with the Sandalwood Junior

Civitans and the PACE Graduation Re-ception and doing whatever is needed to

help make sure our club luncheons run smoothly. Judy is one who sees some-

thing that needs doing and just does it … and always with a smile!!

Thank you, Judy!! You Are A Champion of Service!!

Volume 37, No. 3 Page 4

SOCIAL … Nan Flood

We had a lovely time at Friday Musicale. Sherri Stratton, Patricia Stephens with 2 of her friends, and a group from The Arc attended and me. It was a full house which was shocking for a morning con-cert. Sherri and I plan to attend the holi-day concert on December 13 at 11 a.m. The location is challenging to find. It worked great having Sherri meet at my house then driving together. I might men-tion that we will be going and if anyone else is interested we could meet at my house at 9:45 and caravan over.

It’s a busy Civitan December!

Friday Musicale’s Holiday concert is December 13. Free ADMISSION! It features Michale Newman & Laura Oltman and is certain to delight! For those attending for the first time, we can meet at Nan Flood’s house at 9:45 a.m. Doors open at 10:30 with concert at 11 a.m. Nan’s address is 3641 Hedrick St. Jacksonville, FL 32205. Friday Musicale’s Concert Hall is located at 645 Oak St. Jacksonville, Fl. Those inter-ested can grab lunch after the concert.

A Tuba Christmas is Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2 p.m. Location is 75 1st St. N. Jacksonville Beach Time 2p.m. Admission is free. For those interested, we can grab an early dinner then see the Lighted Deck The Chairs at Jacksonville Beach. Make sure to sign up on the clipboard with phone number and email.

The Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Extravaganza is February 7, 2020. In order to take advantage of pre-sale savings and best seats, the deadline for signing up and paying for tickets is Tuesday December 10. The ticket price is $40. Make sure to sign upon sheets provided on the clipboard at the meeting. Please make checks

payable to Nanette Flood and place in the envelope on the clipboard. We will make dinner reservations at The Omni’s Juliette's for those interested. Any questions con-tact Nan Flood Fourfloods@aol.com or Sharon Rosenblum srosey0709@gmail.com

Nan Flood 904-253-3246 cell 571-332-3323

HAPPY HOLIDAYS… HOW EVER YOU CELEBRATE!!

Volume 36 No. 3 Page 5

FUNDRAISING … Sandy Myers

A big THANK YOU to all our bakers and buyers!!! I believe that we had 15

bakers, LOTS of buyers, and raised $465!!!! Sherri Stratton donated a FITZ and FLOYD salt and paper set as a door prize for bakers. Linda Weinstein

was the winner! I’m very tickled at the results of the Bake Sale! FUNDRAISERS SO FAR AND FOR THE FUTURE

Two 50/50 fundraisers … raised $310; for the club $155 Bake sale-November 26 (as above … raised $465!!) Makeup and Mimosas-December 12 at home of Judy Harrison

Hambingo…at Hamburger Mary’s - January 13 INVITE A FRIEND TO COME Silent auction items are needed for the “Hambingo” event. Please bring to our nest meeting … or call me to let me know you have.

Bake or Book sale (?) Maybe February 11 Bobbles, Bangle & Bling – April 28

In addition to 50/50’s @meeting, we

have approximately 30 bags of nuts to sell. So far nut sales have raised about $140.

A sampling of some buyers!! And a pic-ture of some delicious cookies that Up-towners and their family enjoyed for

Thanksgiving. Sandy was busy collect-ing money. Davy Parrish and Ina Taffet were two

buyers

Volume 37, No. 2 Page 6

PERSONALLY SPEAKING ...

Our sincere sympathy goes to Cathy Winterfield on the loss of her husband, Peter. We send our prayers during this sad time. Mattie Fraser was very happy to have grand-son Scott Fraser visit for Thanksgiving week from Denver, Colorado. Scott is Gayle Kanak’s nephew. We enjoyed family get-togethers with all our family in Jacksonville. Pictured here is Mattie, Scott and Lana Champion.

For the month of November, the NFSSE Junior Civitan ran a food drive for the Hub-bard House. We plan to drop off the food this week. Also this week on Thursday, December 5, we plan to go to Palm Garden. The students made treat bags and NFSSE students made holiday cards for all the residents which will be delivered to all the residents. We will also make holiday wreaths with the residents.

Here are the pictures from the Hubbard House project. These pictures were taken by a Hubbard House staff (they have restrictions on photos due to confidentiali-ty). The students did a great job collecting, unloading and representing Junior Civi-tans and NFSSE!

JUNIOR CIVITAN … NFSSE … Rina Park

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PLACING CANDY OR COIN BOXES, CONTACT JUDY HARRISON AT 673-6043

JUNIOR CIVITAN …

Volume 37, No. 3 Page 7

The Sandalwood Junior Civitans volunteered at Hope’s Closet on Saturday, November 9,

2019, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Hope’s Closet is a thrift store that is associated with a local ministry

whose mission is to help clothe those in the community needing assistance. Eleven members arrived early and worked sorting and arranging an array of clothing, books, shoes and other

items. They were thanked for their willingness to spend their Saturday morning helping in

their community. They are truly Champions of Service....achievers who are representing

Civitan and Sandalwood HS well!

Light the Night is an annual walk that the Sandalwood Junior Civitans eagerly await every

year! This Walk funds research for Leukemia and Lymphoma and supports those who have

survived this dreadful cancer, those who are yet fighting for a cure and unfortunately those love ones who have passed away. Our Team was named “Diane’s Dollies” after Uptown Civi-

tan Charter Member and Past-President, Diane Young. Diane was not able to walk with the

group this year but supported our efforts financially. Joining the Sandalwood Juniors were

Diana Flagg, Uptown Civitan President and Lana Champion, Liaison for the Sandalwood

Club. We are Champions of Service and indeed achievers!

Volume 37, No 3 Page 8

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

On November 20, 10 Uptowners

(Carol Belcher, Susan Connors, Sher-

ry Dotson, Diana Flagg, Judy Harri-son, Sharon Kantor, Ellen Rubens

and guest George Rubens, Ina Taffet,

and

Linda Weinstein were

joined by Ju’Coby

Pittman, Executive Director of Clara White

Mission, and Lenny

Curry, Mayor of Jack-

sonville, to serve break-

fast to those in need at the Clara White Mis-

sion.

On November 19, 11 cooks

(Tamer Britton, Susan Con-

nors, Ellen Rubens, Lana Champion, Diana Flagg, Sha-

ron Rosenblum, Lynn Reed,

Linda Dicks, Judy Harrison,

and Maureen Baiocco gath-

ered at the Ronald McDonald House to cook for the families

whose children are undergoing treatment at

Jacksonville area hospitals. Financial support was received from 19 Uptowners to total cash

donations of $274. The total cost of the food was $169.79, leaving a balance of $104.21 to use

toward purchase of food for the next time to offset the cost of the food. This does not include

the cost of the food provided by the cooks.

Five Uptown members and guest, Karen Backilman (knitting in-

structor), gathered at home of Linda Weinstein in November for pot

luck dinner and evening of knitting, looming, crocheting and no

knit or sew lap blanket making. Caps for infants and children and lap blankets were made. After the last Uptown meeting Ina Taffet

and Sharon Rosenblum delivered over 100 baby caps to UF-

Health in downtown Jacksonville. Ina said the hospital was most

appreciative. Pictured right: Diana Flagg, Susan Conners, Linda Weinstein, Ina Taffet, and Lynn Reed

The next volunteer activity is Sunday, January 12 for Beaches Fine Arts. Signup sheets will be available at the next meeting.

UPTOWN ACTIVITIES … KEEP THE DATES!!! Ongoing Fundraising Candy/Coin Boxes

Ongoing Volunteer Clara White Mission

(Sharon Kantor/Sharon Rosenblum) Ongoing 2nd/4th Thurs. noon Volunteer Pine Castle Civitan Club

(Diane Young, Elaine Hall, Nancy Darlow)

Ongoing Volunteer Baby Caps (Linda Weinstein)

Ongoing Volunteer Sewing Catheter Bags for Brooks Rehab

(Linda Weinstein)

Ongoing Volunteer Ronald McDonald House,

(Susan Connors/Sharon Rosenblum)

Ongoing Fundraising Sandy Myers

Annual Flagship Nancy Chamblin/Sandy Jones

Ongoing Social Nanette Flood / Sharon Rosenblum

2019

Dec. 18 Clara White Mission Volunteer Sharon Kantor /Sharon Rosenblum

2020 Jan. 12 Beaches Fine Arts Volunteer Mattie Fraser/Gayle Kanak

Jan. 15 Clara White Mission Volunteer Sharon Kantor/Sharon Rosenblum

Feb. 9 Ronald McDonald Volunteer Susan Connors/Sharon Rosenblum

Feb. 19 Clara White Mission Volunteer Sharon Kantor/Sharon Rosenblum

Mar. 18 Clara White Mission Volunteer Sharon Kantor/Sharon Rosenblum

Apr. 15 Clara White Mission Volunteer Sharon Kantor/Sharon Rosenblum

May 17 Ronald McDonald Volunteer Susan Connors Sharon Rosenblum

May 20 Clara White Mission Volunteer Sharon Kantor/Sharon Rosenblum

If you have volunteer, social, or fundraising activities you would like to have added to this calendar,

please e-mail me. mandsfraser@yahoo.com

Volume 37, No. 3 Page 9

The Uptown Civitan Club was honored at the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals)

philanthropy luncheon on November 21, 2019. NFSSE said,” … This group of energetic and dedi-

cated women exemplifies “Enriching Lives Through Service. Over the last two years, these civic-minded women have raised over $50,000 through their flagship Tee-Up fundraiser for our students and postgradu-ates with intellectual and development differences. Through this relationship Uptown Civitan Jacksonville has also partnered with NFSSE to develop a Junior Civitan Club for our students. Thank you Uptown Civi-tan Jacksonville for your partnership and commitment to NFSSE.” Thank you NFSSE for this great honor!!

Our own Jessica

Waugaman was

Chair for this event. Congrats Jessica!!

Representing Uptown were Diana Flagg,

Sandy Jones,

Mattie Fraser, and Linda Weinstein

UPTOWN HONORED AT AFP LUNCHEON

WELCOME Guests … Sandra Boyd, Toni Martin, Dr. Menia Speights

New members … Invite others to join us!! Add their names here.

WHAT’S COMING Also see Uptown Activities Calendar,

Dec. 4 Board Meeting, WJCT, Noon Dec. 10 Holiday Program Dec. 24 NO MEETING Jan. 8 Board Meeting, WJCT, Noon Jan. 14 David Clark, DESC Jan. 28 Jill Filmont, Safe Harbor Boys Home

GREETERS FOR MEETINGS Dec. 20 Jan Miller, Wynester Sherrer

Jan. 14 Connie Hodges, Ann Mackey Jan. 28 Pat Ellis, Pat Vail

Editor: Mattie Fraser, mandsfraser@yahoo.com

Uptown Civitan Club, Jacksonville, Florida

On November 14, the Pine Castle members decorated holiday-themed placemats for Uptown's December luncheon, an annual project for them. The room was filled with busy hands and joyful chatter! Volunteering to-day were: Elaine Hall, Nancy Darlow, Ina Taffet, Diana Flagg, and Ellen Rubens.

There was only one meeting in November and will be only one in December, the 12th. The members are all excited for the annual visit of Santa Claus.

PINE CASTLE CIVITAN CLUB … Diane Young

Uptown Civitan Club P. O. Box 10266 Jacksonville, FL 32247 Membership: 96

Visit www.floridacivitan.org

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

4 Ellen Rubens 18 Nancy Reynolds 23 Jo Marks 25 Jeanne Keisling 30 Helen Willoughby

MANY HAPPY RETURNS If it’s your birthday and your name is

not here, let me know.

Visit www.floridacivitan.org Uptowncivitanjacksonville.org

Life is short. Spend it with people who make you laugh

and feel loved!