VOL. 61, No. 37, June 28, 2007


We had about 25 in attendance at today's luncheon meeting - no guests. However, it was good to have one of our newer members present - Suzanne Thames. Pres. Sidney Sandridge presided and it was good to have him back at the helm. Sidney called on Dave Schultz for the invocation and to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Sidney told us that Perry Law's father-in-law has died. We send our condolences to Perry and his family.

Gov. Tom Casteel reminded us that the Optimist District Convention will be held at the Airport Sheraton Aug. 16-19. Parking will be free - just have your parking ticket stamped at the convention desk. Tom added that our International Vice President and his wife plan to attend, and that a tour of Huntsville's Botanical Gardens has been set up for her. Wives of members are encouraged to join this tour.

Lt. Gov. Alberto Duarte has had a Zone Meeting to plan for the convention. I understand 4 clubs will be participating as sponsors. Each club is asked to collect at least 20 suitable door prizes. The Evening Optimist Club has agreed to staff the hospitality room. Sidney suggested that members from our club might want to contribute a batch of home-made cookies. Alberto said a tour of the Marshall Space flight Center can be arranged, but he must have the names of those interested at least 2 weeks prior to the convention.

George Ferrell passed around a newspaper article describing our club's 60 years of supporting youth activities, including a picture of members standing behind our 60th anniversary banner, that he has recently gotten published. There will be no meeting on July 5 - and no bulletin that week. Our next meeting will be July 12. Zack has arranged for our speaker to be stock broker Gene Pospicil. Members may be interested in hearing Al Renz speak to the Noon Optimist Club about the Optimist PGI (Personal Growth and Involvement) Program, Tuesday, July 10 at the Heritage Club. Let Al know if you plan to attend.

Connie introduced our speaker today - Long Term Planner Steve Dinges. He focused on the Economic and Transportation Impact of BRAC on Huntsville and Madison County. It is projected that our population by 2030 will be 372,000 about double what - it is today. The speaker made the argument that even though BRAC is expected to result in many good-paying new jobs, increasing the tax base, projected costs to accommodate this influx are still a problem since most of the new tax revenue is first laundered through the state. Only about half the tax monies produced here get returned to this area. This is the Governor's call and he is being pressured to change this policy, but until we get a North Alabama Governor this will continue to be a problem.

CALENDAR

July 5 Thursday NO MEETING    
July 10 Tuesday 11:45 am Heritage Club Noon Club - Al Renz on PGI
July 12 Thursday 11:45 am Downtown Holiday Inn Gene Pospicil - Stocks
July 19 Thursday 11:45 am Optimist Recreation Center Business Meeting
Carl W.