VOL. 59, No. 18, Mar. 3, 2005

President Duarte called the meeting to order at 11:45, and welcomed all attendees. He asked that we remember during our invocation members, families, and friends who are in physical or spiritual need.

Chaplain Bingham then led our invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Stars and Stripes.

It was great to have Duane Plank back with us today. His recovery from bypass surgery has been slow but steady, but he is getting stronger every day, and the voracious appetite seems to be returning. Remember Duane in your prayers.

El Presidente passed a sign up list for the NOW banquet to be held on Thursday, March 10. We hope for a great turnout, concentrating on qualified prospect to join OUR club, and contribute to the youth of our community. Thank you who have worked hard to spread the word and give us good candidates.

If your prospective member could not come, or you didn't invite anyone, please keep your eyes open and invite prospects to our luncheon meeting. The membership drive will not end with the NOW banquet.

The Board of Directors met on Tuesday, March 1. A report will be made at the next business meeting.

President Duarte recently attended an Awards Ceremony at the Weatherly YMCA, where our Club was honored for its support over the last few years. Plaques and certificates will be displayed at the ORC.

Highlights of today's Moment of History: On this date in
  1. 1931 - The Star Spangled Banner becomes the official anthem of the U.S.
  2. 1959 - Famed radio and film comedian Lou Costello dies at 52.
  3. 1959 - The SF Giants name their new stadium Candlestick Park.
  4. 1969 - Sirhan Sirhan testifies in court that he shot Robert Kennedy.
The decision was made by voice vote to go ahead with NOW Banquet plans, even though signups are sparse. If the Optimist Club can't make a leap of faith, I don't know who can.

Will introduced our guest speaker for today, Bill Farris of Crisis Services of North Alabama. As a domestic abuse specialist, he gave us a very interesting talk on prevention and mitigation of abuse in the home.

We closed as always with the Optimist Creed. I didn't win the door prize. Will.