VOL. 61, No. 22, March 15, 2007

Today's business meeting was at the Optimist Recreation Center (ORC). Dave Schultz gave the invocation and led us in the pledge of allegiance. After we enjoyed a delicious barbeque meal President Sidney Sandridge called on Dave again - this time to report on the status of our band instrument program. Dave passed out information to his committee members and reminded them it was time to contact their school band directors to determine the one player at each school to be the recipient of the annual Optimist Award for demonstrating excellence in band spirit, teamwork, leadership, character and optimism. Recall this award is in the form of an engraved plaque. Also, the school's band-room plaque is updated to include this year's winner. In addition, the band director is given a $100 check for band expenses. This all happens at the final band concert of the year in May. A schedule of concert times and places will be forthcoming so all may attend.

Rebecca reported that the Sparkman JOOI Club has started a fund-raising program. For $5 you can purchase a book of Parisian discount coupons. See Rebecca if you want to support our junior club. Bob Martin announced that his community service committee is on the verge of recommending which charitable organizations merit our support this year. Jeff Klimek's financial summary was reviewed and approved.

Pres. Sidney said the highest priority item on his agenda is the NOW Banquet, Thursday, March 29, 6:30 pm, at the Downtown Holiday Inn (No noon meeting on that day). He is still soliciting more names of prospective new members to invite. Plans call for letters of invitation to be sent out Friday, March 23. Zack has agreed to tell the invitees about our club's many faceted activities; and as evidence of our youth work, recent oratorical contest winners will give their speeches, and recent essay contest winners will read their essays.

Next week Will Dawes has arranged for State Representative Sue Schmitz to be our luncheon speaker. Be prepared to ask her anything you always wanted to know about what goes on in Montgomery. George Ferrell is program chairman for April, so we can look forward to enjoying our annual bluegrass concert by Jimmy Pearson and the rest of the Young & Restless Group. The date for this concert has not been finalized.

CALENDAR

Mar 22		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		TBA Will Dawes
Mar 29		Thursday		6:00 pm		Downtown Holiday Inn		NOW Banquet
Apr ??		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Bluegrass Concert
Apr 19		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Carl W.