VOL. 60, No. 40, August 10, 2006

Jim Roe gave the invocation today, and led the pledge of allegiance. Pres. Will Dawes had Clyde Nevins introduce his Haitian guest who is currently enrolled in UAH's graduate school.

Will announced that Al Renz' training course was very successful, and might be repeated for one of the other local clubs, so if you missed the course you might have another chance. Bill Clarke passed around a sign-up sheet for members to indicate which middle school band programs they'd like to become involved with. Ed Clark told us that his wife Dorothy will be coming home from the hospital soon, and that she is grateful for the many prayers on her behalf. Lt. Gov. Ed, furthermore, said the next Optimist District Quarterly Board Meeting will be in Montgomery August 16 through 20. At least 5 of our members plan to attend. Duane talked with Fred Binner recently, and although he's not yet ready to have visitors, he's keeping up with our activities via the weekly newsletter and he'd welcome any phone calls. Deborah Severn slipped and broke her hip, so include Deborah, also, in your healing thoughts.

Duane presented Tammy Westmoreland an award for achieving Level I in the 7-step Optimist PGI (personal growth and involvement) Program. Duane further encouraged Thompson, Shirey and Winkler to each prepare an essay suitable for publication in the Optimist Magazine in order to qualify for Level VII

Our speaker today, member Ray Swaim, talked about challenges and achievements over the past 8 years as he served in the post of Supt. of Madison County Schools. Although our best students have postured themselves to compete globally (which becomes increasingly necessary), said Swaim, we have to continually strive to bring more high school graduates to this level. With BRAC families starting to move into our area Ray notes that quality schools are the 1st priority - even before housing.

At the Optimist Foundation Quarterly Review Meeting on Wednesday, August 16 we will meet our new portfolio manager, and maybe learn his philosophy regarding our investments. All members are welcome to attend.

Tammy Westmoreland reported that our annual pancake breakfast in support of the Hawthorne Music Conservatory will take place at the Central Presbyterian Church (corner of Randolph and Lincoln streets) on Saturday, September 16. Anyone desiring to help on this project, contact Tammy. She especially needs members to become involved in advertising, promotion and ticket sales. Bob Martin won the attendance prize today.

CALENDAR

Aug 15		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
Aug 16		Wednesday		4:00 pm		Regions Trust Department		Optimist Foundation
						659 Gallatin Street
Aug 17		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Aug 24		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Jerry Thomas, Talladega School of Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Aug 31		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Brian LeComple - Fair Tax Act
Sep 16		Saturday		TBD		Central Presbyterian Church		Pancake Breakfast
Carl W.