VOL. 61, No. 41, August 2, 2007

Sheriff Dorning made a rare visit to the club today. We all felt safer. Come back often. Pres. Sidney called on him for the invocation. Blake said meetings with his deputies always start with a devotional, and he gave us a very thoughtful and meaningful one today. After we pledged allegiance to our flag, Gov. Casteel gave us an update of the District Convention August 16th through the 191h. On Friday the 17th, Dr. Huckaby, who spoke to our club several weeks ago, will be the keynote speaker. The Optimist International VP will speak on Saturday, and many of you know our Sunday morning speaker, Dr. Ralph Langley, the popular retired First Baptist minister.

From the Zone standpoint Lt. Gov. Duarte discussed accumulating door prizes. He asked for a volunteer to be the focal point for gathering the loot. Al Renz volunteered. Anyone wanting to give cash to purchase prizes will have their gift matched dollar for dollar by Zack. Pres. Sidney asked members to attend as many sessions as they can. Check out our web page (huntsville.alms-optimists.org) to monitor Convention plans. PGI chairman Al Renz recognized Sidney Sandridge reaching PGI level 6, and well on his way to level 7. Check with Al to learn where you stand and what you need to do to advance. Duane Plank preached PGI to the Birmingham Club last week and got many commitments from their members.

Duane introduced today's luncheon speaker, Sandra Moon, from the city council's South Huntsville District 3. She gave an excellent overview of Huntsville (past, present and future). She quoted Carl T. Jones who was one of Huntsville's most prominent citizens of the mid 20th century, "Anyone who grew up in HSV was lucky - anyone who moved here was smart." Back in the 1960's we had Carl as our featured, speaker for the model club meeting when the Convention was held here. People talked about his remarks for many years thereafter. Sandra said she is optimistic about our jail under construction on Wheeler Avenue. She sees Meridian Street as a great opportunity for development much the same as the 5 points area. Furthermore, she reports that Huntsville continues to show up on top -10 lists in a favorable way. Clyde won the attendance prize and turned the pot over to Al for door prize purchasing. I feel like Convention attendees will long remember Huntsville for generous door prizes, as well as excellent fellowship and training. According to my records the September Program Chairman is Jeff Klimek

8/ 23 Thurs.11:45 Downtown Holiday Inn Terry Davis (County Schools) 8/30Thurs.11:45 Downtown Holiday Inn Steve Ragsdale (Bridge Street) According to my records the September Program Chairman is Jeff Klimek

CALENDAR

August 7		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
August 9		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Shannon Blue (Books)
August 16		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
August 16-19						Airport Sheraton		AL-MS District Convention
August 23		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Terry Davis (County Schools)
August 23		Thursday				Von Braun Center		Chamber of Commerce Meeting
August 30		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Steve Ragsdale (Bridge Street)
Carl W.