Civitans celebrate 100th anniversary

ROGERSVILLE - March 17 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Civitan organization. Civitan was organized in 1917 as a service organization focusing on the needs of and to support the developmentally disabled. That focus has led to research in the areas of autism, Downs Syndrome, brain tumors, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and many other related issues. County Mayor Melville Bailey, seated at center, is shown signing a proclamation declaring March 17 as Civitan Day in Hawkins County. Also pictured (from left, seated) are Civitan Club members Sharon Jones, Bailey, Civitan Club President Judith Williams; back row, Linsey Stevens and Treasurer Carolyn Williams. Not pictured are club members Jerry Spaulding, Sharlene Spaulding, Mary Jane Pruitt, Andi Crawley and Pam Mayo. Members are active in numerous community-improvement projects throughout the year. Readers who would like to know more about the organization may contact Judith Williams at 423-754-0105. The Rogersville Civitan club meets each first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. at Pizza Plus on US 11W in Surgoinsville.