VOL. 60, No. 16, February 16, 2006

Pres. Will announced that John Burns is now officially our chaplain. John gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. About 25 were in attendance for today's business meeting at the Optimist Recreation Center (ORC). Zack reported that Al Castelli is making good progress in rehab. Carl added that Al is worrying about his membership committee not functioning. I assured him that it was as evidenced by the NOW Banquet planned for Mar. 9. Furthermore, Al will move to Redstone Village next Thurs. to continue rehabbing. He knows most of the retired officers living there. Alberto said that Nelly is doing fine, and he thanked the club for asking about her.

Ralph reported on two recent meetings of the Huntsville Optimist Foundation (HOF) board -- the 1st in Paul's office where HOF officers for 2006 were elected: Ralph, Pres.; Jeff, VP; Carl, Sec/Treas. Funds for band instrument servicing and repair was approved along with $200.00 to go to OI in honor of Hershel and George Harris - and the 2nd HOF meeting was held with the Regions management team yesterday, but the principal Regions rep from Birmingham couldn't make the meeting. The HOF made it clear to those Regions people that were there that we have concerns with our arrangement with them. The HOF will meet again next week to possibly make some investment changes. Also at next week's HOF meeting, the club's request for community service and youth activities funding support will be discussed. Good to have you back, Fred.

According to Jeff the Holiday Inn has upped the price of our meals from $9.00 to $11.43. Duane Plank will discuss this hike with Mr. Larkin, the hotel manager, for possible relief.

At the Board meeting this week Pres. Will offered to step down as president since he has been absent so much, however, the Board rejected this unanimously. Will agreed to stay on and lead us to a successful year. Each of us needs to be more dedicated to this end.

Byrom has received 19 essays on the subject (I'm unique because ... ). He plans to appropriately honor the 1St, 2nd, and 3rd place winners at our Mar. 2 luncheon meeting. Connie is hopeful of having our oratorical contest on Sat. Mar. 4 at 9:30 am at the Renasant Bank, 4245 Balmoral. Bill Clarke has a write-up on our band instrument program nearly ready to send off to OI. Ed and Alberto are also involved. Mary Flynn from the Hawthorne Conservatory will be our speaker this week. We will present her a check from our pancake sale. Will said more pancake sales are contemplated.

Alberto wants to see us have a joint activity with the Randolph Optimist Club (ROC) soon. He suggests the 3rd week of March. The club voted to support the Hugh O'Brien Youth (HOBY) program to the tune of $350.00.

CALENDAR

Feb 21		Tuesday		4:00 pm		Coca Cola Conference Room		Optimist Foundation
Feb 23		Thursday		11:45 am		Holiday Inn		Mary Flynn (Hawthorne)
Mar 2		Thursday		11:45 am		Holiday Inn		Essay Contest
Mar 7		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
Mar 9		Thursday		6:30 pm		Holiday Inn		NOW Banquet
Mar 16		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Carl W.