VOL. 59, No. 10, Dec 16, 2004

We held our last meeting of 2004 today at the Optimist Recreation Center with President Alberto Duarte presiding. After Will Dawes gave the invocation and led the club in the pledge of allegiance we enjoyed a buffet (also arranged by VP Will). The caterer was Qdoba Mexican Grill, located near Gay's bank, and the food was very tasty. It was good to have Zack Thompson in attendance. Several regulars were missing today, but we did have about 18 or 20 members and some lively discussion.

But, before that, came the "Moments of History" for this date. This week we remembered Beethoven, born in 1770 and a contemporary of Napoleon; Sir Arthur Clarke of 2001 A Space Odyssey fame, born in 1917; our Bill of Rights became law in 1791; Adolph Eichman on or about this date was sentenced to death in 1961 for his role in the WWII Holocaust; and in 1903 the Wright brothers demonstrated flight.

Our Secretary/Treasurer was sick today so we had no financial report. Lt. Gov. Ed Clark reported on his first very successful Zone meeting with representatives from all 5 clubs plus District Gov. Ryan. Will Dawes addressed the group in an effort to build support for Camp Smile-a-Mile dedicated to providing meaningful experiences for children with cancer. Duane Plank then spoke on the merits of the Optimist PGI (personal growth and involvement) program.

At our meeting today, then, Will Dawes continued with a review of the Dec. 7 Board Meeting. He said Connie Gipson has our Essay Contest on schedule and in good shape. Karen Peterlin and Clyde Nevins are making good progress on the Oratorical Contest. He added that the search for a new bulletin writer looks promising, but that Alberto would tell about this later. Unfortunately later never came this week since a lengthy discussion on the proposal from Optimist International that we adopt their recommended By-Laws in order to become a tax-exempt organization carried the program to 1:20 pm at which time people started to leave. Alberto appointed a committee of VP Dawes and VP Nevins, and hopefully others interested, to recommend what our response to OI should be, first at the next Board Meeting, and then at our first regular meeting in January. Brad Sanford reminded all that a chili/pancake fundraiser as a joint project with the Randolph Optimist Club is firming up for late January in the Randolph cafeteria.

Our current By-Laws call for at least a 10-day notice to all members when any action is anticipated to change the By-Laws. This bulletin fulfills this requirement. On Jan. 6 we will hear the findings and recommendation of Will, Clyde et al, and vote yes or no on the By-Law issue; so that our President can respond to 01 in a timely manner.

CALENDAR

Jan 4 Tuesday 4:00 pm First Commercial Bank Board Meeting
Jan 6 Thursday 11:45 am Hilton Jeff Brashears
Carl W.