VOL. 61, No. 33, May 31, 2007

Pres.-Elect Connie Gipson presided again today in lieu of Pres. Sidney Sandridge. Sidney is becoming active again after his recent hospitalization. Several of us from the club along with over 200 family and friends helped Sidney celebrate his 80th birthday last Sunday in Sandridge Hall on the Athens State University campus. He's not allowed to drive for another month, but hopes to be back with us soon.

Jim Roe gave the invocation today and led us in the pledge of allegiance. Three wives of members were guests today: Marlene Renz, Nancy Martin and Margaret Winkler. Gov. Tom Casteel reminded us of the Optimist District Convention scheduled for Huntsville in August. Tom said our club is responsible for staffing the hospitality room and collecting door prizes to give out during training sessions. Attendees look forward to these -- so let's make the Huntsville Convention one to remember door prize wise.

Al Renz introduced today's speaker, Dr. Rao Kakani - a native of India. He is married and they have 3 daughters. Dr. Kakani received his medical degree in India and came to this country in 1967. After assignments in Cleveland, OH and Memphis; he has been practicing general surgery in Huntsville since 1974. His remarks to us centered around the philosophy of Life in India. This included an overall description of the 8 levels of yoga. He made: reference to Mother Teresa, who was loved in India, for her tireless service, He pointed out that a healthy body, mind and spirit are essential to achieve a happy life experience. According to Dr. Kakani it is important that we understand that life is forever, and that our physical experience on earth is just a small part of it. We are all participants in a divine plan that we shouldn't necessarily completely grasp or be able to explain. He sees our current existence as an opportunity to choose any of 3 options, controllable to some extent by our brains. (1) We can engage in what is called the dark force: murders, wars, atrocities, etc. (2) We can pursue power, money, arrogance and ego. And (3) we can be dedicated to sharing and promoting common good. He sees the Optimist Club emphasizing the third. Furthermore, Dr. Kakani stressed the importance of eating natural foods without additives, and controlled breathing. Today's program was both timely, and thought provoking.

Connie has the June programs. Since Sidney is still somewhat inactive and Connie will be out of town on the 5th of June, she has moved the board meeting to the 12th. Dave Schultz won the attendance prize. CALENDAR

June 7		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Sarah Savage - Challenge Youth Leadership
June 12		Tuesday		4:00 pm		1st Commercial Bank		Board Meeting
June 14		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		TBD by Connie
June 21		Thursday		11:45 am		Optimist Recreation Center		Business Meeting
June 28		Thursday		11:45 am		Downtown Holiday Inn		Tom Cunningham Huntsville City Engineer
Carl W.