VOL. 60, No. 1, October 6, 2005
Well it's time to kick off another year of Optimism in the Rocket City. Our new Officers and Board Members were duly installed last week, and are chomping to get to work! Vice President Sidney Sandridge presided today in our meeting at the Holiday Inn - Select, in the absence of President Will Dawes. Sidney called on Hershel Bingham to give the invocation and lead the pledge of allegiance. Sidney said he had no "Moment of History", but instead challenged all members to make this an historic year as we press on to the greater achievements of the future.

Clyde Nevins distributed several awards in recognition of members' work last year, to those who were not in attendance last week. Dr. Sandridge announced that, a one-hour Board Meeting is scheduled for Tues. Oct. 11, 2005 at New Horizons (Will Dawes' company) at 4:00 pm. All Officers and Board Members are urged to participate in this important first Board Meeting of the new year. Here's how you get there. Go west on Bradford - right on Explorer - right on Discovery - then the 3rd entrance (620 Discovery Drive - 2nd floor).

Will Dawes had planned to be today's luncheon speaker, but asked Sidney to pinch hit for him. Sidney read some poems he had written, followed by a gripping tale of the time he was kidnapped near Birmingham. He was accosted, beaten, blind folded, tied up and thrown into the trunk of his car; which his captors then drove away. He was convinced his time had come to meet his maker, and over the next several hours in the trunk he described his thinking and the peace of mind he came to as he was transported to a remote area near Atlanta. When he was removed from the trunk he told the men that he had done a lot of thinking and wanted to tell them that he loved them. They turned him loose without further injury, and drove off in his car. This brief synopsis doesn't do his account justice, however, I feel we may have other occasions this year to enjoy our master story teller.

Bill Clarke reported on band instruments. He needs to be aware of instruments available for distribution.

Duane Plank reminded members to become active in the 7-level PGI (personal growth and involvement) program. Ask Duane for details on your current status level.

CALENDAR

Oct. 11		Tuesday		4:00 pm		New Horizons, 620 Discovery Drive		Board Meeting
Oct. 13		Thursday		11:45 am		Holiday Inn Select		Will Dawes, speaker
Oct. 16		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Oct. 27		Thursday		11:45 am		Holiday Inn Select		TBD
Carl W.