Arab Civitans Celebrate
50 Years Of Service
April Designated Civitan Awareness Month

Mayor Gary Beam signs a proclamation designating April as Civitan Awareness Month in Arab. Looking on are (L-R):  Jerry Lawson, Charles Lawson, Annette Duncan, and Cathy Barker.     Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

March 31, 2009
Members of the Arab Civitan Club are making preparations to celebrate a milestone in the history of the local organization -- 50 years of community service. The Arab club was chartered in October 1959 with Arab Mayor Kermit Gibbs as the Charter President.  As a lead up to the 50th anniversary, Arab Mayor Gary Beam has designated April as Civitan Awareness Month in Arab.

The Civitan organization was founded in 1917 by a small group of businessmen.  The Arab Civitans are a part of the nearly 50,000 men and women making up nearly 1,100 Civitan International clubs worldwide.  All of those members are dedicated to making their communities better places to live.  Civitan International offers members opportunities for personal and professional development while providing meaning and rewarding community involvement.

Civitans around the world have contributed millions of dollars to help mentally and physically disabled adults and children.  Civitan International is recognized for it's support of research and treatment of mental retardation and other developmental disabilities through the Civitan International Research Center and other international and local projects.

Carrying on the tradition of community service, the Arab club has a full calendar of projects and fundraisers set for this year.  All of the funds raised go to community projects and causes.

A portion of the current club projects include:

• Vidalia Onion sale - Members of the club are holding their annual Vidalia Onion sale.  The onions are available from any club member at a cost of $10.

• Special Olympics and Arab High School Seniors picnics - The annual Special Olympics picnic is scheduled for May 1, and the annual AHS Seniors picnic is set for May 28 at the Arab City Park.

• Car Seat Drive - A car seat drive is set for May 16 at the Arab Wal-Mart.

• Adopt-a-Mile - The club participates in the Adopt-a-Mile program and will be picking up trash along their adopted street during the City's annual cleanup day set for April 25.

• Radio Day - Set for June 9, members of the club will put on their best radio voices and take to the air to read local commercials as part of the annual radio day at WRAB.

• Arab Home and Garden Show - Club members will be manning the snack bar at the First Annual Arab Home and Garden show set for April 4th at the Arab Recreation center.

Membership in the Arab is open to those interested in serving their community and fellowman.  The next club meeting will be April 7th at 6:30 p.m. at Son's House of Barbecue.