January 22, 2003

"Jeff for Jodi." Yes, J. Koonce presided as J. Moscona had to be out of town. Jeff made his selections of song leader (Bill Stracener), of leader of the pledge (David Cresson), and leading us in prayer Philip Jones. Our newest member was introduced, Julie Dauzat, by her recruiter, David Cresson. Nice to have you aboard! Then Steve Brown brought us up to date on supporters of our Mammoth Baseball Tournament and other items of tournament interest.

Then Jerry Boyce introduced his fascinating speaker on a fascinating subject - stress. We learned in 20 minutes how to control what we're all, most of us anyway, faced with daily - STRESS.

Yes, we all face 1042 opportunities to be stressed every day! And we can push it back down through exercise, diet, attitude, attention, deep breathing - some of the tools for relief. Lean your head to the right for four full seconds, then to the left for four seconds, then forward for four seconds, then back for four seconds. We learned about "AUTOGENIC STRESS RESPONSE" and how to watch the tiny stick-on dots go from black (stressed) to brown (tense) to green (calm) to the ultimate blue (relaxed) as blood flows more fully to our fingers.

Yes guys, close your eyes gently, breathe in and out slowly, and visualize yourself on a quiet beach, warmed by the sun and soothed by sounds of ocean and seagulls. Be a Beach Boy, or Girl, and relax.

A great 20 minutes! Jerry, bring the lady back!!

C.W.

P. S. Next week's speaker will be Karen Still of the American Heart Assoc.