VOL. 61, No. 24, March 29, 2007

Approximately 85 were in attendance for our NOW Banquet celebration. Essay Contest winners read their inspired writings and Oratorical Contest winners gave their speeches. The crowd was swelled by family members, contest judges, several members of our new Sparkman JOOI Club, and many prospective new Optimist Club members as guests. President Sidney Sandridge warmly welcomed everyone to our major membership drive for the year. He called on our Chaplain John Burns who rendered an invocation suitable for the occasion and then led us all in the pledge of allegiance.

We're optimistic that the enthusiastic remarks of our President, Clyde Nevins (Essay Contest Chair), VP Connie Gipson (Oratorical Contest Chair), Zack Thompson (Optimist Club history, including members who were prominent citizens), new member Clayton Hanna ("What Optimism Means to Me"), and PastPresident Will Dawes (closing comments); will result in a membership surge for our club. It's hard to understand how anyone could turn down Sidney's offer of membership; including our weekly fellowship meetings with outstanding programs, and the opportunity to work with young people via meaningful and proven programs structured by Optimist International.

Pres. Sandridge sprinkled entertaining stories throughout the evening and closed the meeting by leading us all in his famous audience participation "Sippin' Cider." It was just a great evening and demonstration of what our club means to this community.

NOTE: It's time for band instrument committee members to get in the name of the player to be honored at each school and when and where their concert will be. April's weekly luncheon programs have been arranged by George Ferrell. Don't forget this week's attendance prize will be effectively doubled since we had no box of names to draw from last time.

CALENDAR

Apr 5		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Bluegrass Concert
Apr 12		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Ann Vaughn
Apr 19		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
Apr 26		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Donna Epps
Carl W.