By CATHERINE LEGG / Community Columnist

For the past 33 years, Montevallo has been the fortunate recipient of the presence and service of the Montevallo Civitan Club, its actions and benevolences.

In 1979, John McKinnon, a charter member of the club, and some other local citizens felt the need for a civic organization that would help provide good fellowship, knowledge and service to the community. That began the long history of the local chapter of Civitan International; a history of dedication, friendship and reaching out to others. The Montevallo club operates under a charter granted by Civitan International and carries the motto: Builders of Good Citizenship.

Hilda Hicks, current president of the club, explained that some of the worthwhile causes currently supported by the club are: the Civitan International Research Center in Birmingham, the Civitan Home for Challenged Adults, the Alabama Wildlife Center, the Humane Society, Shelby Emergency Assistance, recycling, the Kids-to-Kamp program, Positive Image Outreach and various other scholarship programs.

Montevallo’s seniors look forward each year to the ice cream social given by the Civitans, and local ministers enjoy the annual brunch honoring clergy.

“The club supports these causes and activities,” said Hicks, “with funds raised by member dues, an annual fruit cake sale, Vidalia onion sales, candy box sales, the coin boxes, pizza suppers, yard sales, penalties for members not wearing their label pins and the sale of recycled aluminum cans in our ‘Civican’ project.”

The newly elected officers of the club are, in addition to Hicks: Cindy Tidwell, vice-president; Kate Vogel, secretary; and Barbara Readal, treasurer. At present, there are 26 members, and meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday nights at 5:45 p.m. at University Baptist Church.

Other club members are David Lash, Allison Lash, Ann McGaughy, Lelia Mitchell, Mary Jo Morrow, Emily Pendleton, Nancy Simmer, Don Whiten, Billie Tibbs and Robin Norsworthy. Additional members are Barbara Broadhead, Linda Cicero, Earl Cunningham, Claude Elledge, Roscoe Hicks, Margaret Kennerly, Gail Knight, Billie Lacey, T. J. Ingram, Tommy Ingram and Robert Cowan.

The upcoming program for October 24 is a report from Trey Colly, the recipient of the scholarship to the youth leadership seminar in Searcy, Arkansas. On November 14, guest Hollie Cost will talk about the new programs in service learning at the University of Montevallo

Hicks volunteered, “New members are most welcome, and we encourage those who are interested to call me at 665-2635, or contact any member of the club.”

Catherine Legg can be reached by email at clegg2@bellsouth.net.