VOL. 61, No. 38, July 12, 2007


President Sidney Sandridge opened today's luncheon meeting with a prayer of thanks, followed by the pledge of allegiance. He passed around a sign-up sheet for members to commit to furnishing door prizes for the District Convention to be held here next month. Sidney said he wants to send a message to the attendees that Huntsville's generosity is second to none, giving the convention lasting memory. Clayton Hanna volunteered that Bill Heard Chevrolet will include a convention hat for each attendee, and he plans to convince the Huntsville Times to furnish several umbrellas in recognition of their extensive advertising in that paper. Clayton also offered 2 oil changes.

Al Renz informed us that our application for consideration of the Huntsville Optimist Club as the Huntsville and Madison County Chamber of Commerce's nonprofit organization of the year was well received. Al has been informed that the Chamber wants to make a video of us at a regular luncheon meeting. This will occur on Thursday July 26 at the Downtown Holiday Inn. Sidney asks for a good turnout on that occasion, and Al said be sure to wear a tie. Bob Martin added that he could arrange for 2 checks to charitable organizations we support be presented at that meeting, followed by brief remarks by the recipients. This would be in addition to our regular TBD speaker. I think we're in position to very favorably impress the Chamber. Get ready for SHOWTIME!

It was good to have Jerry Shoemaker in attendance today. He came up from Orange Beach where he regularly receives our weekly newsletter and he noticed we had someone he used to work with at Dean Witter as our scheduled speaker. Zack introduced Gene Pospicil, financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services. Gene was proud to report that his meeting with us coincided with the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching an all-time high, but he was reluctant to tell us if this was the top or if we had further to go as investors showed a flight from cash in favor of equities - due to the current loss in Dollar value compared to the Euro. This was, indeed, a timely program. I, for one, continue to be appreciative of the sound system in place at our meetings - thanks to Governor Tom Casteel.

Some of us heard Al Renz pitch PGI to the Noon Optimist Club on Tuesday at the Heritage Club. I understand Al will be PGI Chairman for the District, starting October 1st, and that the District will expand to include the state of Louisiana. Sounds like there might be some exciting meeting sites on the horizon. Nate Showers won the drawing today. Please let me know who the program chairman for August will be. This week, Thursday, July 19, well be at the Optimist Recreation Center for our business meeting. - I think the July program chairman will arrange for the catering. Jeff said we have a net loss of 9 in membership this. year. Any ideas?

CALENDAR

July 19 Thursday 11:45 am Optimist Recreation Center Business Meeting
Carl W.