VOL. 59, No. 15, Feb. 3, 2005
President Alberto Duarte presided again over today's meeting at the Hilton. Hershel Bingham gave another inspiring blessing as always and also led us in the pledge of allegiance. Alberto, Tom Casteel, Ed Clark and Will Dawes attended the 2nd district meeting in the wonderful city of Tuscaloosa. Alberto said as soon as he left there he had a trip to New Orleans. (Too bad he just missed Mardi Gras)

Today's moment in history we were reminded of President Bill Clinton's lifting of the trade embargo with Vietnam, two decades after the fall of Saigon.

Alberto announced Duane Plank is doing better, but due to other complications he has not come home from the hospital. Get well soon Duane! Also announced was our NOW Banquet that is scheduled for March 3rd at the Hilton at 6:00 PM. In charge are Will, Ed and Alberto and they ask that each member please try to bring one potential member. Alberto has 3 candidates he hopes will attend. Also we hope everyone now has an understanding of the 501(c)(3) tax laws. The vote on this will held at the business meeting. The oratorical contest is scheduled for Saturday Feb. 5th. Judges are still needed and a few members are on the lookout. Right now we are looking at this being at the Elks Lodge. Ten contestants met the essay contest deadline according to Connie Gibson and they are in route to the judges. Thanks Connie! Buddy Beck also announced Sparkman High School's government team came in 2nd place at state competition, losing by the slimmest of margins-3 points to Vestavia Hills. Rumor has it there was some home cooking.

Clyde Nevins introduced the speaker: Betsy Allison of The Girl Scout of North Alabama and Southern Tennessee. She is the public relations director. She has achieved the Lifetime Member and Gold Awards. Betsy had an impressive power point presentation that gave us a history and statistical information for the Girl Scouts. In North Alabama and Southern Tennessee there are 7,000 members in the 14 counties that make up this district. Betsy stated the ultimate goal of Girl Scouts is to inspire character, conduct, patriotism and service. She also reminded us to make sure and buy their cookies. Thank you Betsy for the wonderful presentation.

James Overbeek won the attendance prize. Again as emphasized before, it pays to go to club meetings. Remember the web site at huntsville.alms-optimists.org.

Kurt L.

CALENDAR

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. 15		Tuesday		4:00 pm		Regions Trust Department		Optimist Foundation Quarterly Meeting
Feb 17		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Feb. 24		Thursday		11:45 am		Hilton		Frank Six on Hubble Space Telescope