VOL. 60, No. 7, November 17, 2005

Today's business meeting was held at the Optimist Recreation Center. President Will Dawes called on Chaplain Bingham to get things started with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Will asked about anyone having problems that we ought to know about. Clyde Nevins reported that Nelli Duarte (wife of Past Pres. Alberto) was in the hospital. Paul Fowler's father died recently. Will Dawes' sister was doing some better. Our comforting thoughts go out to all those struggling with adversity. Sidney Sandridge reported that there were 20 Optimist-related attendees at the funeral service for Will Sanderson last week.

Ralph Caneer told about yesterday's Optimist Foundation meeting. The total value of our investments is down a little, but Regions expects the equity portion (about 30% of our portfolio) to benefit from a 4th quarter rally, but 2006 may be difficult. The Foundation voted to transfer $600 to the Club for band instrument expenses, and to provide the Club with $200 to be used to honor Duane Williamson and Will Sanderson at Optimist International as is our custom. Furthermore, Ralph reminded the Club, that two 3-year Optimist Foundation Board terms needed to be filled. Pres. Will called on nominating committee chair Duane Plank to make the necessary nominations. They recommended that Zack Thompson be re-elected for another term, and that Clyde Nevins replace Beth Townsend who intends to step down. Two further nominations were made from the floor: Dave Schultz and Buddy Beck. Think about these nominees and be prepared to vote at the Dec. business meeting.

Jeff Klimek passed out the Sec. /Treas. report and it was accepted after little discussion. Bill Clarke is working on a history of our band instrument program for possible submission to Optimist International. Byrom Goodwin has plans for our essay contest well underway, as does Connie Gipson for our oratorical contest. The prize money for the essay contest is $100 - $50 - $25 for lst, 2nd & 3rd places. The same goes for the girls' oratorical contest and the boys' oratorical contest

Jeff Klimek has the programs for December and he will be our speaker on the 1St, followed by Hershel Bingham on the 8th. Looking out further Dr. Sandridge is planning our January programs.

CALENDAR

Nov 24		Thursday				NO MEETING		Thanksgiving
Dec 1		Thursday		11:45 am		Holiday Inn Select		Jeff Klimek
Dec 6		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
Dec 8		Thursday		11:45 am		Holiday Inn Select		Hershel Bingham
Dec 15		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Carl W.