VOL. 61, No. 19, February 22, 2007

Chaplain Burns opened today's meeting with a prayer, and then led us in the pledge of allegiance to old glory. About 30 were in attendance. President Sidney Sandridge asked Clayton Hanna to introduce his guest. It turned out that Dave Grewe is a member of the Pensacola Optimist Club. He travels around the country as a computer servicing contractor, usually staying in one location about 6 months. Zack recognized Clayton for his extensive work with the youth of our community. Clayton described, briefly, some programs he has initiated via Bill Heard Chevrolet, giving the Optimist Club credit for getting him started in this direction. $100 goes to the school system for each car sold. So far this has meant $110,000 for local education. He projects this to be a half million over the period of a year. Clayton has also sponsored a contest where kids design their concept of an automobile. A winner was selected by a panel of judges and awarded a $5,000 savings bond. Soon kindergarteners and 1st graders will have an opportunity to draw an American flag with the winner also getting a $5,000 bond.

A NOW Banquet is planned for March 29 at the Downtown Holiday Inn. Pres. Sandridge made a strong appeal for support from the members by furnishing him with, names (along with addresses and telephone numbers) of prospective new members. He asks that we each give this our highest priority.

Lt. Gov. Alberto Duarte reminded us that the Zone Oratorical Contest will be held Saturday, March 3, At the Renasant Bank on Balmoral Drive - speaking to begin at 9:00 am. Also, he said he recently participated in the 40th anniversary of the Noon Club, and that our own 60th will occur in May. Gov. Tom Casteel encouraged people to attend a Leadership Training Conference in Meridian in late March. A proven Optimist International faculty group will reveal their secrets for success. Tom also mentioned the dime-a-day program earmarked for funding essay and oratorical scholarships. To make giving more attractive one $36.50 participant will win a laptop computer. George Ferrell announced that our new 60th anniversary brochures will be available starting next week. These could be important in promoting our NOW Banquet.

We had two 4H (head, heart, hands & health) speakers today, one being a member of the Decatur Optimist Club. They thanked us for our support last year, and could use a similar effort on our part this time. Judges are needed for their many-faceted projects to be included in the Madison County 4H Roundup to be held at the ORC (Optimist Recreation Center) on Thursday, April 29. Nate Showers took home the $$$ today. This week's speaker will be from the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

CALENDAR

Feb 24		Saturday		9:00 am		Renasant Bank		Club Oratorical Contest
Mar 1		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Chamber of Commerce
Mar 3		Saturday		9:00 am		Renasant Bank		Zone Oratorical Contest
Mar 6		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
Mar 8		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		TBA Will Dawes
Mar 15		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Carl W.