VOL. 61, No. 48, September 20, 2007

Jeff Klimek brought pizza to our Business Meeting today. Pres. Sidney Sandridge asked Lt. Gov. Alberto to lead us in prayer, followed by the pledge of allegiance. Sec/Treas Jeff went over the monthly finance report, showing us going out of the year with a positive balance; and the preliminary budget for the Optimist year, starting October 1, 2007. These spread sheets were accepted after little discussion.

Playground for Handicapped Children - Ralph Caneer talked about this project that we considered taking on a few years back, but got curtailed over fund raising options. Depending on what equipment will be included Ralph estimates that the overall cost could range between 163K$ and 336K$. Incoming Pres. Connie Gipson will be forming a committee to determine member interest as well as City interest in such a venture, and if some joint effort might be possible.

Pancake Breakfast - Alberto said an article on the Hawthorne Conservatory will appear in the Huntsville Times, Friday, Sept. 28; just one day before the Optimist Pancake Breakfast designed to support the conservatory. Ticket sales are going well, and volunteer workers are signing up. Will Dawes has arranged for all the basic foods required.

Artist Drawings - Alberto showed many beautiful high quality 11"x15" hand drawings produced from small snapshots. These impressive pictures are available for $175 with $50 going back to our club for each picture.

Installation - Sidney said this is set for Thurs., Oct. 4, at 6:00 pm at the ORC. Bring many guests. I hear Elvis plans to drop in. Dr. Huckaby will be motivating. Ken Gibbs from the Arab Optimist Club will be catering. Alberto asked Sidney if he would be singing? He said "yes", and we proceeded to have a real-time sippin' cider rehearsal.

Achievements - Al Renz passed out a summary of the club's documented achievement points in District-wide competition for the year. Congratulations to Al for another job well done! We showed an increase from 29,000 points last year to more than 52,000 this time.

CALENDAR

September 27		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Tom Ewing- Gen. Mgr. WAAY FM
September 29		Saturday		07:30 to 11:30 am		Central Presbyterian Church		Pancake Breakfast
October 2		Tuesday		4:00 pm		First Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
October 4		Thursday		6:00 pm		Optimist Recreation Center		Installation of Officers
October 11		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Mayfair Child Development
October 18		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
October 25		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Karen Peterson / Scott taylor (YMCA)
Carl W.