VOL. 61, No. 16, February 1, 2007

Pres. Sandridge had to attend a funeral today, so Ole Reliable Duane Plank pinch hit. Duane came up with an interesting program even though our scheduled speaker also had to cancel at the last minute. Suzanne Thames was the guest of Rebecca and was introduced as our newest member. Lt. Gov. Alberto presented Ed Clark with several awards he brought back from the District Convention for two years of outstanding performance as Lt. Gov. Dorothy was here, also, and she said Ed would be going back into eye surgery Monday. She asks for our prayers as the doctors probe to recover a lens that was lost in his last lengthy operation. Fred Binner had two friends in the hospital and solicited prayers for them, too.

On a more optimistic note Brad Sanford recently got married. We're so happy to send along our best wishes, and look forward to meeting the Mrs.

At the Mobile Convention Al Renz was elected PGI chairman for the District and he gave a report today. Zack Thompson was raised to PGI's Level 7 at that meeting and got hugged by the President of OI. Al said your bulletin writer also qualifies for this honor and will be recognized at the Tupelo meeting in April, but won't necessarily get hugged. Al continued by reporting on the progress of the Sparkman JOOI Club. On Monday at 3:00 pm we'll be presenting them with an official Optimist gavel and pins for each member - a banner to follow later. Anyone able to make this meeting is encouraged to.

Gov. Tom Casteel is very upbeat about the growth of Optimism in the Ala-Miss District this year. His slogan is "5 5 5" - 5 new clubs, 5 new JOOI Clubs, and 5% increase in membership. The District New Club Building Chairman said his goal for new clubs was too low, and if we got 10 new clubs would Tom agree to have his head shaved? Gov. Casteel readily agreed. Let's make it happen! These District Meetings sound like fun. Our next opportunity is April 27-29 in Tupelo. I think it will be at the Quality Inn, but I'm not sure. John Shirey said the most scenic drive is to pick up the Natchez Trace at Tuscumbia and exit at Tupelo.

Gov. Tom is pushing the dime-a-day program as an OI Foundation fund raiser. Make your $36.50 checks to the OI Foundation and get them to Tom. You might win a laptop.

The Valentines Social (Sat., Feb. 17, 6:30 pm) at the Elks Lodge on Franklin Street offers chicken breast for $10 or steak for $12. Make checks to Elks Lodge 1648 and give them to Al Castelli. George Ferrell again won our attendance prize.

CALENDAR

Feb 8		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		TBA by Gay Pepper
Feb 15		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Feb 17		Saturday		6:30 pm		Elks Lodge		Valentine Social
Feb 22		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		TBA by Gay Pepper
Carl W.