VOL. 61, No. 18, February 15, 2007


This was our Feb. Business meeting held at the ORC (Optimist Recreation Center). Chaplain Burns opened the meeting with a prayer, followed by our pledging allegiance to our, flag. Pres. Sidney Sandridge had a table spread with several honors earned by our club and awarded at the District Convention last month. Sidney presented Jeff Klimek with a framed certificate recognizing him as Sec. / Treas. of the Honor Club we became last year. It turns out our club ranked 2nd in District competition which is something to be proud of considering the many clubs in Alabama and Mississippi. With Al Renz keeping up with the points we can qualify for this year Pres. Sidney looks for us to lead the District. One way to ensure this is by moving to the next PGI level. Talk to Al. Also Al said we get points for making an interclub visit to another club with at least 5 of our members.

Zack is planning a NOW Banquet and needs the names of potential new members also needed so that our president can send out letters of invitation. Clyde suggested that we award the Essay Contest winners at that occasion, maybe having the winning essay read as an example of our youth work. Jeff Klimek's financial report showed the club to be in good shape from that point of view. Bob Martin said applications for grants have been sent out. The requests that are received will be evaluated by his committee and recommendations for club support will be made this spring. The 4H Organization will furnish our luncheon speaker this week. Our programs for March are being arranged by Will Dawes.

Several of our members are becoming involved in the organization of youth clubs in our Zone. The 1St JOOI Club was at Randolph HS, followed by Sparkman 9th Grade. A proposed Sparkman HS Club is ready to be organized pending the identification of a faculty advisor. Lt. Gov. Duarte said at least 3 other JOOI Clubs are in their early stages. A lengthy discussion seemed to lead to the agreement that our club could support these JOOI Clubs by furnishing membership pins, a gavel, a banner and paying OI dues for the 1st year in order to get them firmly established.

Connie reminded us of the Oratorical Contest to be held at the Resanant Bank on Balmoral Drive Saturday morning 2/24. Speaking starts at 9:00 SHARP, so please come a little early. Call Connie if you can help with light refreshments. The Zone contest will be held the following Saturday at the same place. George Ferrell said 300 of our new 60th anniversary brochures have been ordered.

CALENDAR
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
Mar 1 Thursday 11:45 am Downtown Holiday Inn TBA Will Dawes
Mar 3 Saturday 9:00 am Renasant Bank Zone Oratorical Contest
Carl W.