VOL. 61, No. 31, May 17, 2007

Today we held our monthly business meeting at the ORC (Optimist Recreation Center). We were sorry to learn that Pres. Sidney and his wife Gladys were both still ailing, but President-Elect Connie was present to run things. It was good to have Ed Clark and Dorothy with us today. By the way, we enjoyed a sumptuous meal: beef brisket, garnished with cheese, potato salad, Cole slaw, rolls and choice of cake. Al Renz, program chairman for May, gets credit for this tasty fare.

Connie called on Jeff Klimek for the financial report. Jeff passed around copies for all to inspect and after minor adjustments the report was approved. Dave Schultz reported that the final band concerts of our middle schools are about completed, and plaques honoring players for musicianship, attitude and optimism have been distributed. Al Renz and I attended the Westlawn concert this past week, and since their band director also directs the Huntsville Concert Band he invited them to perform also. Our own Joe Pullen plays trumpet in the latter group. Furthermore, Dave -reminded us to pick up our instruments before the school year ends next week. The community service committee, headed by Bob Martin and Buddy Beck, passed around a final package of recommended financial grants from our club to charitable organizations for 2007. The membership approved the package. The next step is to get the supporting documents to Ralph Caneer, President of the HOF (Huntsville Optimist Foundation) so checks can be written. Ralph said the HOF met with Regions yesterday and that we're currently enjoying an 11 to 12 % return.

Connie asked for a PGI (personal growth and involvement) update. Al Renz said Perry Law was ready to speak briefly on Optimism in order to fulfill the requirement to advance to the next PGI level. Perry spoke on the way membership in the Optimist Club has enriched his life. He gave a very moving, well-delivered and positive outlook. So many good points were made that I, for one, would like to have a copy. Another great ambassador for Optimism can be heard this coming Monday, May 21 at Bob Jones High School where Al Renz will be making our band instrument award to a player from Liberty Middle School. Al makes you proud to be an Optimist. The concert, which features one of the finest middle school bands in the state, starts at 6:30pm.

George Ferrell noted that this month our club is 60 years old. He said that on our 40th and 50th anniversaries, Paul Fowler furnished a banner depicting the event, and a picture of the banner with all the membership included was printed in the OI magazine. George proposed repeating this. Connie asked him to please proceed.

CALENDAR

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.

Also, we have the following middle school band concert scheduled:

CONCERTS

SCHOOL		DATE		TIME		PLACE		OPTIMIST OFFICIAL
Liberty Middle School		MAY 21		6:30		Bob Jones High School		Carl Winkler/Al Renz