VOL. 60, No. 34, June 22, 2006

FIRST OF ALL I'D LIKE TO SEE OUR CLUB PROCURE A FIRST-RATE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM, POSSIBLY WITH A WIRELESS CLIP-ON MICROPHONE SO THE SPEAKER COULD WALK AROUND, IF HE CHOOSES TO DO SO, AND STILL BE CLEARLY HEARD BY ALL. I DON'T MIND ADMITTING THAT I SOMETIMES MISS ABOUT A THIRD OF WHAT IS SAID, AND I DON'T THINK I'M ALONE.

We had a good crowd of about 30 today, counting the 2 speakers and guests. After President-Elect Sidney Sandridge gave thanks we pledged allegiance to our flag located outdoors, since we couldn't find a flag to stand in our room. Pres. Will then asked Sidney to introduce his guest, who happened to be his son-in-law, Bick Whitener, visiting from Arizona. Al Renz then introduced potential member, Glenn Smith, a law enforcement officer. Al said Glenn was a member of the Harvest Mafia AKA the Ford's Chapel Mafia, currently building up rapidly in our club, in support of our soon to be President.

Al Castelli made a great effort to be with us today after a long absence to voice his opposition to the proposed Optimist International organizational changes. Pres. Will. asked for a show of hands of those expecting to attend the OI Convention in Nashville next month. Five plan to go and Will promises to caucus with all club members before we cast our 2 votes on any issues. Al looked very good, especially compared to his appearance just after his fall in January.

Bill Clarke passed around a paper showing total membership for several organizations over several decades. Many organizations had their peak membership in the 60's, and have trended down since. In comparison OI continued to grow slowly from the 60's into the 90's before it, too, started a membership down trend. Bill said he doesn't see how the proposed re-organization will effectively return OI to a growth trend. He would like to see more emphasis put on why we started to lose members starting in the 90's. We must have been doing something right relative to other clubs from the 60's to the 90's. Taking power and control away from the well-established District structure in favor of paid Region representatives could be a mistake.

Will Dawes introduced our main speaker, Ray Saunders from the HEALS (Health Establishment At Local Schools) Clinic. Our club supported their work with children with a $5,000 check recently. Ray, a native of Trinidad with degrees from Oakwood and A&M described in much `detail the free medical and dental service they provide for kids mainly in the Lincoln School/ Dallas area. He recognizes a great potential in these kids and is determined to give them a chance via the medical attention they require and deserve, and he embraces each one of them with much love. HEALS is making a difference, and we can be proud of our part in it. Ray then introduced Sharon Petroc who told us about the dental part of HEALS. George Ferrell won the attendance prize - again.

Next week we'll hear from another organization we are supporting.

CALENDAR

June 29		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Checks To Charity
July 6		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Checks To Charity
July 11		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
July 13		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		TBA by Will Dawes
July 20		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Carl W.