VOL. 59, No. 8, Dec 2, 2004
We met yesterday at the Hilton with a full room of people - thanks in large part to VP Will Dawes who contacted several other service clubs in the area to hear today's program. Sidney Sandridge gave the invocation and led the group in pledging allegiance to the flag. President Alberto Duarte presided over the meeting and had our many guests introduced. Guests were each asked to say a little about themselves. Alberto then welcomed them to the Optimist Club and pointed out our motto "Friend of Youth".

Next, Pres. Duarte recalled "Moments of History", events that occurred on or about this date in previous times. In 1955 Rosa Parks ignited the bus boycott in Montgomery which was then further organized by MLK, Jr. In 1804 Napoleon crowned himself emperor of an empire that extended across continental Europe from Russia to Spain. In 1862 Pres. Lincoln addressed congress, giving a State Of The Union assessment following his Emancipation Proclamation given weeks earlier.

Alberto said a full report of last week's Zone meeting with the Alabama/Mississippi District Governor would be made at our next business meeting Dec. 16. On Tues. Dec. 7 the Club Board Meeting will be held a First Commercial Bank on Whitesburg at 4:00 pm. Gay Pepper reported that our Christmas Party will be Thurs. Dec. 9 at the Optimist Recreational Center at 6:30 pm. Please bring a small gift so we can deliver a basket to Hope Place (an organization serving abused women and children) - and a COVERED DISH.

VP Will Dawes introduced Lynn M. Thompson today's luncheon speaker. She is Executive Director of Camp Smile-A-Mile whose mission it is to provide challenging recreational and educational experiences to young cancer patients from across Alabama at no cost to them or their families. Furthermore, it is their purpose to provide these children with avenues for fellowship to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life. SAM is- one of the organization our club has supported in recent years, and we appreciate Mrs. Thompson making a special trip up from Birmingham to tell us more about Camp SAM. Camp SAM is located on Lake Martin near Alexander City, AL, and has been in business since 1985. A short video was shown that gave a complete description of Camp SAM activities - and several smiles were evident on the video. Our own Beth Townsend's niece has benefited from Camp SAM's efforts. Mrs. Lynn gave several testimonies she has received from campers.

Mrs. Thompson drew Alberto's name so he took home the money. We recited the Optimist Creed and adjourned.



CALENDAR

Dec 6		Monday		4:00 pm		Paul Fowler's Office (Coca Cola)		Foundation Meeting
Dec 7		Tuesday		4:00 pm		First Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
Dec 9		Thursday		6:30 pm		Optimist Recreation Center		Christmas Dinner
Dec 16		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Dec 23 & 30		NO MEETINGS
Carl W.