VOL. 60, No. 35, June 29, 2006

Pres.-Elect Sidney Sandridge presided over today's luncheon meeting. Pres. Will Dawes was unable to get back in time from a trip, but he suggested that we cancel our regular meeting on July 6 and encouraged traveling to Nashville instead to attend some sessions of the Optimist International Convention. Seldom is the annual meeting held this close to home. The club voted to not meet July 6. Duane Plank gave the invocation and we pledged our allegiance again to the flag outdoors. There were no guests today - other than our speakers

Our first speaker was no stranger. She was Gerri Mills from Christmas Charities, and she has met with us on several occasions. Christmas Charities is now located out on the Ardmore Highway - not as convenient as when they operated out of a rent-free building on Cook Avenue furnished by the county. Gerri said that they now have a mortgaged building, making payments by selling off surrounding property. We gave CC $1,000 this year, and she assured us that it will be wisely spent to buy new gifts for kids up to age 18, who otherwise would not be getting anything. She takes advantage of clearance sales and really gets top value for the $. Some may not know that they also have a great need for items of furniture and bedding.

Our next speaker was our own VP Connie Gipson who talked about the merits of a national organization MATHCOUNTS. We gave $500 to the local chapter to help offset costs connected with local high school math contests. Twelve local schools competed this year with Randolph winning. Randolph also won at the state level, and the team participated in the national contest in Virginia where they finished about in the middle of the pack in that event. Connie said the Alabama team usually finishes pretty high.

Ruben Caudle described the good work going on at the Huntsville and Madison County Boys' and Girls' Clubs, serving about 750 youngsters. The $1,500 we gave them will go a long way toward providing internet access to the Triana club. Most of the children in this area are being raised by single parents or grand parents. Mr. Caudle said the leaders emphasize respect for law (another of our many programs), and he is optimistic this will pay off in good citizenship.

We can all take pride in our Community Service Projects described today that we support with cash grants. Remember, no meeting on July 6. Ole Lucky George Ferrell took home my half dollar again today.

CALENDAR

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	Community Service
July 20	Thursday	11:45 am	Optimist Recreation Center	Business Meeting
Carl W.