VOL. 59, No. 13, Jan. 20, 2005
Our monthly business meeting was held today at the ORC (Optimist Recreation Center) with President Alberto Duarte presiding. Following the inauguration of President Bush only minutes earlier our chaplain Hershel Bingham gave an inspired invocation, including several references to ceremonies in Washington. Hershel expressed gratitude for being still actively serving the Optimist Club as he approaches his 90th birthday in March. Our appreciation was extended to Will Dawes for arranging today's meal. Duane Plank was present today, and said his by-pass surgery will take place later this month. Our planned NOW banquet will be postponed until Duane is active again. Alberto announced that Kurt Leopard will be bulletin writer, starting in February, assisted by Will Dawes. Alberto and his son Fabiani supported Jesse Woods by serving as judges for the Sparkman debates last Sunday. Judges are needed for this Sunday's, Jan. 24, debates. If you would like to participate call Clyde Nevins.

This week's "Moments of History" centered around the 20th amendment to our US Constitution that set a date of January 20 at noon for the end of the terms of the President and VP - ratified in 1933. Alberto cited several memorable excerpts from inaugural addresses over the years.

--Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Klimek presented the club's monthly statement of receipts and disbursements, and there being no questions his report was approved. President Duarte, VP Dawes, Lt. Gov. Clark and District web master Tom Casteel all plan to represent our club at the District Board Meeting in Tuscaloosa, starting on the 28th of Jan.

The request from Optimist International for our club to adopt the OI by-laws. for tax advantages was discussed at length, and finally a motion to take this action was not supported; however, Will Dawes plans to have a tax attorney for our speaker next week to give us some guidance in this matter. Following that program we may vote again.

Karen Peterlin reported that no oratorical contestants can be identified at this time, even though 40 schools have been contacted. Alberto volunteered to help get speakers from Randolph and Grace Lutheran and possibly Sparkman. A similar situation exists for our Essay Contest. Since both these competitions now offer cash prizes it's hard to understand the lack of interest.

Clyde reported that his community service committee is considering offering fewer cash grants than we have awarded in the past, but to increase the dollar amounts of each grant to have a more significant impact in selected areas. The committee would like to understand in greater depth what we support, but this is not possible when we give various amounts to more than 20 organizations. Clyde asks the members to express their wishes along these lines as he starts to solicit the needs from the regular lengthening list that we usually support. Also, Clyde would like members to advise him of any organization he might add to his list. The community service committee wants to ensure that emphasis be on supporting the most vitally needed youth projects.

The fund raising committee is now looking into having a possible pancake and chili supper at Sparkman High to support the debating group's anticipated travel expenses as they advance to state competition in Montgomery, and later to Washington. Tom Casteel was recognized and thanked for creating our club's web site (huntsville.alms-optimists.org). Try it!

CALENDAR

Jan 27		Thursday		11:45 am		Hilton		Tax attorney
Feb 3		Thursday		11:45 am		Hilton		Betsy Allison - Girl Scouts
Feb. 8		Tuesday		4:00 pm		First Commercial Bank		Board of Directors Meeting
Feb 10		Thursday		11:45 am		Hilton		Return to Shuttle Flight
Feb 17		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Feb. 24		Thursday		11:45 am		Hilton		Frank Six on Hubble Space Telescope
Carl W.