President Will Dawes had an emergency situation come up, so he asked Lt. Gov. Ed Clark to preside over today's business meeting. Sidney Sandridge gave the invocation and led the pledge to our flag. About 20 were in attendance for our barbecue feast. It was reported that Hershel Bingham had a fall and was in the hospital - Room 833A.
Al Castelli announced that George Ferrell and Carl Winkler will be recognized for their Optimist service years (49 for the former, 50 for the latter) at the District Meeting Breakfast on Sat., Jan. 28, at 7:30 am. Furthermore, Al said that breakfast tickets can be purchased for $8.75. There's no need to pay the entire registration fee, however, several excellent training sessions are planned for those registering fully. I understand that free Sheraton Hotel parking is available at the airport.
Those committee chairs present gave their reports. Things seem to be moving along toward another successful year. Ed Clark will be getting our speakers during February. Al Castelli is making preliminary plans for a NOW Banquet in March. Since our business meeting room will not be available for the 3rd Thursday in April, due to a need to utilize all facilities of the Optimist Recreation Center for a 4-H convention, we will either change the date for our business meeting or hold it at the Holiday Inn - Select (it's TBA). The 4-H has invited us to have an Optimist booth at their meeting, and it was decided that the Publicity Committee would handle this (that's Rebecca, George and Carl).
If you've wondered about activities involved in the formation of OI (Optimist International) and our own club Carl Winkler will furnish some insight next week. Also next week, following the program, Duane Plank plans to present PGI (personal growth and involvement) awards to several members.
