meet to be held in Columbus the weekend of June 23–25. He reported that more volunteers were needed to give hugs and present medals to the winning athletes in the bowling, track and field events. As Certified Club Builders of the Shelby Civitan Club, Past Governors Bev and Bob Laird proudly displayed the Civitan International certificates that were presented to them by Gov. Ruth Ann. Bob is also “modeling” his new Club Builder’s jacket. Adding to her laurels, Bev will be honored as a Distringuished Governor

Last Chance to Break Stan Kopela's Bank

I feel bad about not attending the April District Meeting. It just happened that our military association (91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing) reunion was at the same time. Being treasurer of the association and member of the reunion committee, you can understand my absence. Most of April was spent in Louisiana, Shreveport Air Force Base and at the Holiday Inn in Bossier City where we held our reunion festivities. It was great to see and be with many of my ex-Air Force buddies. When I returned home, I expected to find gob's and gobs of new membership letters. Guess what??? You got it!!! Not one verification letter. If you forgot to send me your new member letter, get it in the mail now. Alice and I have made plans to attend the Oslo, Norway Civitan Convention. I have a huge stack of poker chips left. I don't believe that the banks in Oslo, Norway will honor my un-spent poker chips. Remember, the name of the game is "BREAK THE BANK." Sign up new members, then send me a note letting me know and cash in those poker chips. --Stan

A Special Olympics Story

A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said: "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.