VOL. 60, No. 10, January 5, 2006

It seemed good to be back meeting again after a month not doing so, except for our Christmas Party. We had about 25 in attendance today, including a dental technician Sharon Allen, guest of Rebecca Billings. Since both Pres. Will Dawes and VP Sidney Sandridge were out of town, Past-Pres. Alberto Duarte was pressed into service to preside one more time, although without his customary "Moment of History". Chaplain Hershel Bingham, too, was absent so Alberto called on one of our newer members, John Burns, to give the invocation and lead us in pledging allegiance to the flag.

Pres. Dawes left word that he will be expecting board members, committee chairs and any other interested members to join him on Tues., Jan. 10, at 4:00 pm for our monthly Board Meeting to be held at Gay's bank on Whitesburg Drive.

We were privileged to have as speaker today the Alabama/ Mississippi Governor-Elect and a member of our club, Tom Casteel. Before beginning his remarks Tom urged all members to try to attend some of the 2nd quarter District Board Meeting to be held Jan. 27-29 at the Airport Sheraton here in Huntsville. Outstanding training sessions and social activities are planned. More on this next week.

Tom is one remarkable individual. From his modest childhood in a foster home in Shreveport, where he learned the inside secrets of successful gardening his life and experiences have been broad and varied. According to Tom boys and girls are a lot like plants. Knowledgeable TLC leads to sturdy growth. Tom sees the opportunities that the Optimist Club offers youth through a variety of programs, e.g., oratorical contests, essay contests, and our band instrument program helps to build character. Some of Tom's other interests and expertise include stamp collecting, woodworking, cross stitching, and computer activities, as well as still being employed in the engineering field. Today's program gave us a glimpse of what the District has in store for next year.

Zack announced that he is proud of his grandson who drew the cover picture on the new telephone book.

Clyde won the attendance prize - again

CALENDAR

Jan 10		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
Jan 12		Thursday		11:45 am		Holiday Inn Select		David Wood, Randolph School
Jan 19		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Jan 26		Thursday		11:45 am		Holiday Inn Select		Carl Winkler, Early Optimism
Carl W.