VOL. 61, No. 17, February 8, 2007

VP Connie Gipson presided today. She called on Al Renz for the prayer and to lead us in the pledge. It was good to have Will Dawes back with us. He introduced one of our newer members, Anita King, who has broad experience in advertising and sales; and is now employed by New Horizons as a Senior Account Executive. Welcome to the Huntsville Optimist Club, Anita.

Connie asked Al Castelli about the Valentine dinner/ dance planned for Sat. 2 / 17 at 6:30 at the Elks Lodge on Franklin St. Al needs checks at the rate of $10 for chicken breast or $12 for steak. He said they have outstanding chefs ready to please us. Live music will be furnished by the Ray Hanson Band a product of our senior center. Look for some good old familiar tunes.

Clyde said we have 32 essays being judged for our Essay Contest. He had about 20 more, but was able to off-load them to another club via Lt. Gov. Alberto. That means 3 more youngsters will be prize winners. Our Oratorical Contest will be Sat. morning 2/24 at the Renasant Bank on Balmoral Drive. Connie expects several last minute entries like happened last year. Drop in and hear some good speaking.

Al Renz passed around pictures of a happy bunch of Sparkman JOOI Club members. They recently held their 4th meeting, and now have 28 on board. Al was pleased to announce that the banner had come in to. go along with the gavel and pins we gave them. Recall our Rebecca's son is President.

Gov. Tom Casteel presented your bulletin writer with a Level 7 PGI award. Our PGI chairman Al said that 2 of the 3 teams in competition are running neck and neck, but the 3rd has yet to exit the starting gate. It's time to help your team by moving up to the next level. Take a look at the Renz' Charts posted at each meeting to see where you stand. Gov. Tom added a word in support of the dime-a-day program he is pushing for the OI Foundation. Make out your $36.50 check to OIF and give it to Tom. Later this year when the District meets in Huntsville some lucky contributor will win a laptop.

Gay Pepper introduced today's speaker, Jill Garvin, who told us of the many family services available to the community through their facility on St. Clair Ave. Her particular specialty is grief counseling for homicide survivors. It's comforting to know that dedicated qualified individuals stand ready to render this care. Gay said that on the 22nd our speaker will either be from the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra or from the little known Veterans Museum. John Shirey took home the attendance prize.

CALENDAR

Feb 15		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Feb 17		Saturday		6:30 pm		Elks Lodge		Valentine Social
Feb 22		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		4H Organization
Feb 24		Saturday		9:00 am		Renasant Bank		Club Oratorical Contest
Carl W.