VOL. 60, No. 25, April 20, 2006

We had our monthly business meeting today at the Downtown Holiday Inn. Our regular room was occupied so we had to accept 2nd class accommodations after eating in the dining room. There were about 25 in attendance today; including Jack Mayo, grandson of Duane Plank and Michel Henderson, guest of Howard Wright.

Dave Schultz reported on "Respect for Law" plans. Six clubs from the Zone will meet together on May 1st at 6:30 pm at the Mayfair Church of Christ (corner of Garth and Carl Jones Drive). Rocky Carden of the Drug Enforcement Division will be the featured speaker, along with some singing entertainment.

Jeff Klimek's business report was reviewed and accepted. Nominations for club officers for 2006/2007 were named: Sidney Sandridge, President; Connie Gipson, 1st Vice President and Byrom Goodwin 2nd Vice President. Also, since Byrom is currently on the Board, 4 Board Members are to be elected (3 for 2 years and one for 1 year). The nominees are: Al Renz, Buddy Beck, Gay Pepper and Duane Plank. It appears the nominating committee has made outstanding selections, and thanks to those willing to serve. Elections will take place at our May 18 business meeting.

It was noted that Bill Clarke's Adult Learning Center activities were recently written up in the Huntsville Times, including a large close-up picture. In the same Times issue appeared a picture of Farrah Spalding, daughter of the late George Harris, as athlete of the week. Buddy Beck learned that the fishing rodeo at Braham Springs Park will be on Saturday June 3 this year.

Buddy passed out his committee's Community Service recommendations. The total outlay is $20,000 - same as our budget. Since the Board and the Membership have voted to support the 10 charitable organizations recommended, Optimist Foundation President Ralph Caneer agreed to call a meeting of the foundation soon to verify the tax-exempt status of the recipients so that checks can be forthcoming.

This week's speaker will be 18t Sgt. Johnny Whisenant who has recently returned from National Guard service in Iraq. Our program chairman for April, George Ferrell, has heard his message, and he strongly urges all to attend and bring many guests. George has asked Korean War veteran and once 20-year old Master Sgt. Zack Thompson to make the introduction.

CALENDAR

Apr 27 Thursday 11:45 am Downtown Holiday Inn Johnny Whisnet
May 1 Monday 6:30 pm Mayfair Church of Christ Respect For Law Banquet
May 2 Tuesday 4:00 pm 1st Commercial Bank Board Meeting
May 11 Thursday 11:45 am Downtown Holiday Inn TBA
May 17 Wednesday 4:00 pm Regions Trust Department Optimist Foundation
May 18 Thursday 11:45 am Optimist Recreation Center Business Meeting


Below is a list of band concerts where Optimist Awards will be made. Try to hear some of these. You just might be amazed.

CONCERTS

SCHOOL DATE TIME PLACE OPTIMIST OFFICIAL
Westlawn Middle School MAY 2 7:00 Westlawn Middle School Carl Winkler/Al Renz
Huntsville Middle School MAY 3 7:00 Huntsville High School Carl Winkler/Al Renz
Davis Hills Middle School MAY 9 7:00 Davis Hills Middle School David Schultz
Ed White Middle School MAY 9 6:30 Ed White Middle School Ed Clark
Chapman Middle School MAY 11 6:00 Chapman Middle School Lunch Room John Shirey
Meridianville/Hazel Green MAY 11 7:00 Meridianville Middle School Gym Bill Clarke
Mountain Gap Middle School MAY 11 6:30 Mountain Gap Middle School Gay Pepper
Whitesburg Middle School MAY 15 7:00 Grissom High School John Shirey
Liberty Middle School MAY 16 6:00 Bob Jones High School Carl Winkler/Al Renz
Sparkman Middle School MAY 16 6:00 Sparkman Middle School Sidney Sandridge/Clyde Nevins
Carl W.