VOL. 61, No. 21, March 8, 2007


2nd VP Byrom Goodwin presided today in the absence of President Sidney Sandridge who was out of town due to the death of his sister. Our sincere sympathy goes out to Sidney. Also, VP Connie was away on business. Byrom called on Lt. Gov. Alberto Duarte for the invocation. After we pledged allegiance to the flag Byrom noted we had no visitors today, but asked if there were any announcements. Alberto reported on the Zone Oratorical Contest. 4 boys and 4 girls competed before well-qualified judges from UAH, and our club's winners advanced to the next level. All either one of them has to do is be successful twice more to be the recipient of the District's college scholarship.

We were informed that the high school dance team of which Rebecca Billing's daughter is co-captain recently won a national championship in Florida competition. Congratulations to Rachel! Zack was asked about plans for the NOW Banquet scheduled for March 29. He said he understood that 26 were currently on the invitation list, but that our Board is now actually in charge of planning.

Will Dawes introduced Mary Flynn, Executive. Director of the Hawthorne , Conservatory, as today's speaker. Also, Will presented Mary with a $2,265.00 check, resulting from our pancake breakfast at the Central Presbyterian Church last year. He reminded the club that another breakfast is planned for August.. Mary thanked the club for the check and its longtime support, including the provision of musical instruments for deserving needy children. She singled out Tammy Westmoreland for an outstanding organization of the breakfast. Thanks for the good work, Tammy! Mary added that the Freeman House (where the Hawthorne is located) is 100 years old this year and they plan to celebrate the occasion. They were recently visited by the current Freeman family from Mississippi who were delighted to see the condition and use being made of their ancestors former home.

Mary said there are more than 60 students at the Hawthorne ranging in age from 5 to 82. When Zack heard this he said he had a violin, but no talent, and wanted to know if they could guarantee he could learn to play if he enrolled. Mary said she could guarantee excellent instruction. Will volunteered that Zack failed to qualify from the needy standpoint, but would have to buy in to become a student.

Byrom asked Mary to draw his name for the attendance prize. After all it worked for Sidney last week. This time, however, ole lucky George Ferrell won for the umpteenth time after Sanford and Renz were drawn, but weren't present.

CALENDAR
Mar 15 Thursday 11:45 am Optimist Recreation Center Business Meeting
Mar 22 Thursday 11:45 am Downtown Holiday Inn TBA Will Dawes
Mar 29 Thursday 6:00 pm Downtown Holiday Inn NOW Banquet
Carl W.