VOL. 61, No. 27, April 19, 2007

Alberto Duarte led us in prayer today with particular emphasis on the events in Blacksburg, VA. Then we pledged allegiance to the flag and to the country for which it stands. This was our monthly business meeting, but we met at the hotel rather than at the ORC which was being used by the 4-H Club for their annual round-up. Several of our members served as judges for the 4-H activities earlier in the day.

Jeff Klimek distributed copies of the club's financial status. It was approved after brief discussion. Pres. Sidney told us that Connie Gipson's father had died unexpectedly, and our sincere collective condolence goes out to Connie in her time of bereavement. Next was the election of officers for 2007 / 2008.

The nominating committee's choices have been publicized for several weeks now, so it was a simple formality to unanimously railroad them all into office, starting Oct. 1st. Congratulations to our new slate of leaders! Let us al dedicate ourselves to having a banner year for President-Elect Connie Gipson.

Band Instrument Committee chairman Dave Schultz is preparing a schedule of middle school concerts where Optimists will be awarding engraved plaques to players who have been identified by their band directors for their exemplary work -this year Try to attend as many' as you can. Al Renz will be submitting a description of this project to the District as being unique to our club - and worthy of special consideration when determining the District Achievement winning club.

Gov. Casteel and several other members are planning to attend the training conference in Tupelo, MS. Tom says if you can't make this one you'll have another opportunity in August right here in Huntsville.

Remember no noon meeting on Thurs. 4/29, but. our YAW (Youth Appreciation Week) Banquet will be held that evening at 6:30 at Trinity United Methodist Church - orchestrated by Matt Hancock. Enter the church through the eastside door and follow directions to Wesley Hall. Keynote speaker will be Hon. R. Wayne Wolfe, Madison Municipal Judge. I understand the chef at Trinity knows how to prepare a tempting spaghetti dinner.

The Sparkman JOOI Club will be washing cars in the parking lot of Messiah Lutheran Church on Sat. 4/21 from 1:00 to 4:00. They'd love to wash your car. Go out Hwy 72W to Lowe's and you're there.

It's time to get serious about PGI. Review the Renz' Charts at` the next meeting. We're behind where we were last year at this time. Maybe it's time for a mafia surge. Bob Martin and Buddy Beck (co-chairs of our community service committee), and the whole committee, spent many many hours evaluating and ranking requests for our support from charitable organizations. They have made a very professional submission of priorities and dollar recommendations. Thanks!

Lt. Gov. Duarte won the money today.

CALENDAR

Apr 26		Thursday		6:30 pm		Trinity Methodist Church		Youth Appreciation Week Banquet
May 3		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Dexter Nilsson - Why Named That?
May 7		Monday		6:30 pm		Zone - Respect for Law Banquet		Mayfair Church of Christ
May 10		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Ralph Petroff - Alabama Image Initiative
May 17		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
May 24		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Larry Daniel - DA's Office
May 31		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Dr. Rao Kakani - Philosophy of Life
Carl W.