Civitan International President enjoys successful Canadian visit
Posted Feb 11, 2010 By Tara Gesner
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EMC News - While in Canada for a short visit recently, Mark Eisinger, the International President of the Civitan Club, participated in several tours of area clubhouses - Almonte, Lanark, Perth and Smiths Falls, just to name a few.
Tara Gesner, Almonte
Civitan Peter Guthrie (President) and Civitan Eric Pottle (Governor-Elect).
"It's very exciting for him to be here," said Peter Guthrie, president of the Almonte Civitan Club.
The local club hosted a luncheon for the distinguished leader last Wednesday (Feb. 3), which was attended by several members and a few special guests, including Canadian District East Governor Ted Coqueran and town of Mississippi Mills Mayor Al Lunney.
According to Guthrie, the Almonte Civitan Club has approximately 80 members.
Although there are numerous clubs in the United States, Eisinger said, "Clubhouses are few and far between.
"Meetings are held in restaurants and hotels."
Eisinger, the 88th International President, hails from Las Vegas, Nevada. He lives with his wife - Cassi, and three children. He joined the Las Vegas Civitan Club as a charter member in 1989.
"Proudly, I have been a Civitan member for 21 years," he said.
The theme for Eisinger's one-year term as president (2009-2010) is 'Civitan Rocks our World'.
"It symbolizes the worldwide impact we make, and it celebrates the Civitan members, the clubs and the districts that make a difference in the lives of people we help," he said. "Our theme is more than a message, it is a drive for the future."
Known as a master club builder, the illustrious chief has built six Civitan Clubs across his state.
Along the way, he has held the title of Heart of the West District Governor, Strategic Planning Committee Chair, and Civitan International Board Senior Director. He was also a member of the Growth and Retention Committee. Within Civitan, Eisinger has been praised with club, district and international honour keys.
With a degree in banking and finance, Eisinger is employed as the business administrator for Central Christian Church.
Prior to stopping in 'The Friendly Town' last week, Eisinger was in 'Sensational Smiths Falls' - having breakfast with members of the local Civitan Club.
President Bonnie Laming was thrilled to play hostess, and she noted it was a very big deal for the club, which boasts just over 30 members.
On hand for the festivities were town of Smiths Falls Mayor Dennis Staples and township of Montague Reeve and Civitan member John MacTavish. Each presented Eisinger with a book about the history of their municipality.
Arriving in Canada from warm, sunny Las Vegas on Friday, Jan. 29, Eisinger said the weather was a bit of a shock.
"It's extremely cold, but I love it," he laughed. "It's a nice change from the constant heat. I am enjoying my visit."
In an effort to help the Civitan International President stave off the frigid temperature while in town, Staples presented him with a 'Toque Tuesday' hat. He explained the toques are being sold across Lanark County and Smiths Falls to raise awareness of rural youth homelessness.
A highlight of Eisinger's Canadian tour was a get-together at the Perth Civitan Hall last Tuesday evening (Feb. 2), where area Civitan Clubs welcomed the most distinguished visitor.
Guests and members were treated to dinner and then Perth Civitan Club president Ken Fournier initiated the social and welcomed Eisinger - the keynote speaker.
Civitan has grown to over 40,000 members in 24 countries, including youth and college programs.
Eisinger believes this year will be one of renewal, and Civitan will have an opportunity to make a huge impact on the world.
He is proud of the work being done by Junior Civitan, and noted $44,000 was raised at this year's Sno-Do (pronounced "snow dough") fundraiser, held Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 in Barrie, Ont. Eisinger attended a portion of the event.
Junior Civitan raises money for the Civitan International Research Centre, located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Birmingham. The centre researches the causes of developmental disabilities and provides clinical services and programs for those individuals in need.
According to Eisinger, the developmental disabilities the centre researches include autism, cerebral palsy, etc.
"Members of the Junior Civitan are passionate about the international research centre because they know cures will be found in their lifetime," he said.
The mission of Civitan worldwide is to build good citizenship by providing a volunteer organization of clubs dedicated to serving individual and community needs with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities.
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