VOL. 61, No. 30, May 10, 2007

Today's meeting was presided over by Pres.-Elect Connie Gipson. Jeff Klimek gave the invocation and led us in the pledge of allegiance. We had two guests today: our speaker and Don Nalley representing the Chamber of Commerce - both guests of Al Renz.

Connie said the Respect-for-Law banquet was a great success. George Ferrell passed around pictures he took at the event. Gov. Tom Casteel added that more pictures can be viewed on our website. It was announced that Ed Clark was injured in a fall. Our wishes are for a speedy healing.

Al Renz introduced today's speaker, Ralph Petroff, whose PowerPoint presentation was excellent. Ralph has long been concerned with Alabama's image. Although Huntsville and Madison County are recognized internationally as evidenced by the many high tech companies located here, the Cummings Research Park, the Carl Jones International Airport, and UAH etc.; the image of Alabama reflected within `this' country has had trouble overcoming the picture of the `50s `60s. Don Nalley remarked that BRAC-related statistics are discouraging. Less than 20% of the people in Virginia, whose jobs are being transferred here, intend to move here. Ralph is proposing a grandiose celebration targeted for Jan. 31, 2008, the 50th anniversary of the successful launching of our 1st earth satellite, Explorer 1. Those of us who were in Huntsville at that time remember the excitement. Ralph's plans include many national celebrities coming here for the occasion. The number of scientists from the original German Rocket Team has dwindled, but a few are still active in their nineties and they will be honored. Since Ralph has a record of forming new companies and expanding them all over the world, one gets the feeling and the optimism that he can pull this off - and change Alabama's image for the better. Look for a story in this Sunday's Times on this subject. Thanks for a timely program, Al.



CALENDAR

May 17		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
May 24		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Larry Daniel - DA's Office
May 31		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Dr. Rao Kakani - Philosophy of Life
Carl W.

Also, we have the following middle school band concerts scheduled:

CONCERTS

SCHOOL		DATE		TIME		PLACE		OPTIMIST OFFICIAL
Westlawn Middle School		MAY 15		6:30		Westlawn Middle School (Gym or Bandroom)		Carl Winkler/Al Renz
Sparkman Middle School		MAY 15		6:00		Sparkman Middle School		Sidney Sandridge/Clyde Nevins
Davis Hills Middle School		MAY 15		6:30		Davis Hills Middle School Gym		David Schultz
Chapman Middle School		MAY 17		6:30		Chapman Middle School Lunch Room		Bob Martin
Riverton Middle School		MAY 17		7:00		Huntsville High School Auditorium		Bill Clarke
Liberty Middle School		MAY 21		6:30		Bob Jones High School		Carl Winkler/Al Renz

Try to attend some of these. You might be surprised by the talent of these youngsters.