Health and recreation calendar

* Southeast Missouri State Tennis Team vs. Southern Indiana, April 6, Tennis Complex

* Southeast Missouri State Softball vs. Southern Illinois, April 6, Softball Complex

* Southeast Missouri State Baseball vs. University of Missouri, April 6, Capaha Field

* Meditation: A Practical Applications Approach , April 7-21,

Meditation is a very effective technique for reducing stress and findding yourself in this busy world...it is easy to learn and effortless to practice. Learn to sit still, quiet your mind, and live in the here and now. Meditation has been found to increase energy levels and decrease stress and anxiety. Discover a calmer and more centered lifestyle. Pre-registration is required.

ª* Healthy Bites Luncheon, April 7, Noon - 1 pm in the Saint Francis Health and Wellness Center Fitness Plus Conference Room. Losing weight is not easy, but keeping it off can be even more difficult. The Healthy Bites program was developed to help individuals continue a diet and exercise plan that will last a lifetime. Various health professionals will lead this monthly 30-minute educational program that will cover weight-loss topics pertinent to diet and motivation. Learn the benefits of exercising in water, regardless of age, physical condition or limitation. Learn how to improve and promote your health while having fun. Cost is $6.50. For more information call the Fitness and Wellness Department at 573-331-5399 or 573-331-5970.

* Spirit of St. Louis Marathon , April 8-10, St. Louis, Mo.

* Southeast Missouri State Softball vs. Eastern Kentucky, April 9, Softball Complex

* Special Olympics Track & Field Meet, April 9,

This event will be held at the Cape Central Jr. High Track, and will begin at 10:00a.m. and the track events will begin at 10:30 a.m. Special Olympics is a year-round program of sprots training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. For more information contact Penny Williams at 573-334-2859.

* Southeast Missouri State Softball vs. Eastern Kentucky, April 10, Softball Complex

* April 10 Multiple Sclerosis Walk, Annual event to raise funds to provide services for people in our area with MS. This event will be held at Arena Park Conservation Pavilion. For more information contact Teresa at 573-334-1777.

* Velo Girardeau Sunday Ride, April 10, Dutchtown-Allenville-Whitewater. Ride originates at the Dempster Hall parking lot, corner of Henderson and New Madrid at 2 pm. Contact Ride Leader Renate DeBlois at 573-651-3864 for more information.

* April 11-14 Pre-season Men's and Co-ed League Softball Tournaments. For more information contact the Shawnee Park Sports Complex at 573-334-2523.

* Healthy Points, April 11,

Under the supervision of Raina Childers, MS, RD, LD, a registered dietitian at Southeast Missouri Hospital, "Healthy Points" has been developed for health and weight management. Offered the second Monday of each month from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. at HealthPoint Plaza, Southeast's new fitness and rehab facility in Cape (Independence and Kingshighway), the class is designed for those seeking to lose 10 to 30 pounds. A weigh-in is followed by group support and education that includes topics related to exercise and proper nutrition. Fee is $10 per class for HealthPoint members and $15 for nonmembers. Call HealthPoint Plaza today at 986-4400, and ask for HealthPoint's Nutritional Services Coordinator Raina Childers to learn more.

* Lecture by Barbara Bushman, April 12, Lecture by Barbara Bushman, president-elct of the Central States Chapter of the American College of SPorts Medicine. Lecture is entitled "Exercise and Women: Pitfalls, Performance, and Potential."

* Southeast Missouri State Softball vs. St. Louis University, April 14, Softball Complex

* Southeast Missouri State men's and women's outdoor track teams hosting the Southeast Invitational, April 16, Abe Stuber Track and Field Complex

* Southeast Missouri State Softball vs. Samford, April 16, Softball Complex

* April 16-15, 2005 Shawnee Park Wiffleball Tournament

For more information contact the Shawnee Park Sports Complex at 573-334-2523.

* 26th Annual Dogwood Azalea Run, April 17, Charleston, MO,

Run through scenic historic neighborhoods; Contact Wayne Corse for more information, (573) 683-6361

* Saddle Up!, April 17, Spend an afternoon at the ranch...

Cane Creek Ranch and learn the basics of caring for and riding horses. Participants will learn about grooming, saddling, and proper riding skills. Time will also be spent riding horses in an enclosed riding area. Pre-registration is required.

* Velo Girardeau Sunday Ride, April 17, Trail of Tears Warped Circle, Leave from Dempster Hall at 2 pm. Contact Ride Leader Marikka Showers at 573-335-0213 for more information.

* April 18 Cape Tigers Classic

The Cape Girardeau 12yrs old boys baseball team is hosting this golf tournament. Four person scramble, lunch will begin at noon and a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. The tournament is limited to first 30 teams. For more information call 573-243-3923 or 573-335-7425.

* April 22-24 City of Roses Soccer Invitational

Club invitational soccer tournament with teams from IL, KY, AR, MO,TN. Approximately 60-80 teams will participate. Fee to enter is $375.00 per team for 11 & up, and $325.00 per team for 10 & under. For more information call Paul Nelson at 573-332-1947 or visit www.semosoccer.org.

* Southeast Missouri State Softball vs. Tennessee Tech, April 23, Softball Complex

Southeast Missouri State Baseball vs. Eastern Illinois, April 23, Capaha Field

* Steamboat Classic Triathlon, April 24, Cape Girardeau, 500 yd pool swim, 15.5 mile bike, 5 mile run; contact Chad Sierman at Cape Parks and Rec for more information (573) 335-5421

* Velo Girardeau Sunday Ride, April 24, Brackenford Rd.,

Leave from Dempster Hall at 2:00 pm. Contact Ride Leader Wayne Hiett at 573-339-0475 for more information.

* Southeast Missouri State Softball vs. Tennessee Tech, April 24, Softball Complex

* Southeast Missouri State Baseball vs. Eastern Illinois, April 24, Capaha Field

* Southeast Missouri State Softball vs. Eastern Illinois, April 27, Softball Complex

* April 29-30 American Cancer Society Relay for Life To benefit the American Cancer Society.

Huge walk or run in memory or appreciation of someone you know that has survived cancer. For more information call 573-334-9197.

* April 29-May 1 Drury Inn Invitational Boys USSSA Baseball Tournament

For more information contact the Shawnee Park Sports Complex at 573-334-2523.

* April 30 MAYB Basketball Tournament

For more information contact the Shawnee Park Sports Complex at 573-334-2523.

* May 1 MAYB Basketball Tournament For more information contact the Shawnee Park Sports Complex at 573-334-2523.

* Cave Exploration, May 1, Discover a world just below the earth's surface: 55 degrees year round, complete darkness, waist-deep running water, ledges, stalctites, stalagmites and more! Pre-registration is required.

* Velo Girardeau Sunday Ride, May 1, Over the Bridge and Thru the Fields to Gale,

Leave from Dempster Hall at 2:00. Contact Ride Leader Jim DeBlois at 573-651-3864 for more information.

* Run for Angelman Syndrome, May 7, Potosi, MO,

Run to benefit research on Angelman Syndrome; contact Missy Blanford for more information, (573) 438-5735