VOL. 60, No. 17, February 23, 2006

Pres. Will called on Chaplain Burns to start today's meeting with a prayer - then pledge of allegiance to our flag. There were about 30 in attendance, counting guests. Alberto introduced new member Howard Wright, who in turn, introduced his guest, Kevin Lancher. Next, Alberto introduced his sister Carmen and her husband Javier. Welcome aboard Howard!

In introducing today's speaker, Mary Flynn, Director of the Hawthorne Conservatory; Will presented her with a $2,600.00 check from our successful pancake breakfast held last fall. Furthermore, he said we plan to make this an annual event. Mary Flynn has excellent credentials from her 25 years of experience (most recently at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music) teaching music, especially piano, to pre-schoolers through high school. She holds Masters Degrees from both the University of Colorado and the University of Illinois. In addition she has enjoyed a rich musical life while living in Vienna and London for extended periods. Her enthusiasm is reflected in the demonstrated dedication and achievement of the students. Currently they have 65 students playing band or orchestral instruments or studying voice. Most students are provided instruments and other materials by the conservatory, as well as, teaching by a well-qualified faculty. Support comes from the Central Presbyterian Church and from outside sources such as the Optimist Club. She thanked us again for the $10,000.00 we gave them last year in honor of Jeff Smith, and for the $7,500.00 piano that we furnished several years ago. Our club's middle school band instrument program fits in very nicely with the Hawthorne mission.

Next week well hear the 1st 2nd and 3rd place essays read by the authors. I hope we arrange to have a microphone available. It was announced that Holiday Inn manager has agreed not to increase our luncheon charges at this time and to give us a 2-month notice whenever they do. I understand Connie now has oratorical contest participants. George Ferrell won the attendance pot. NOTE: Renasant Bank is at 4245 Balmoral Drive.

CALENDAR

Feb 21		Tuesday		4:00 pm		Coca Cola Conference Room		Optimist Foundation
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 11		Saturday		1:00 pm		Renasant Bank		Zone Oratorical Contest
Mar 16		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Carl W.

URGENT - DUANE PLANK NEEDS NAMES, ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR ANYONE YOU'D LIKE INVITED TO THE NOW BANQUET. NEXT THURSDAY (MAR. 2) IS THE HARD CUT-OFF DATE FOR THIS.