The Kickoff Luncheon for the Senior Circle, formally know as the Senior Friends, was filled with laughter, great food, and very well-dressed attire, thanks to the ladies of the Purple Passion; a local Red-Hat Society here in Corsicana.  This group was welcomed by Xavier Villarreal, chief executive officer of Navarro Regional Hospital.  Villarreal is new to the area and was ready to get the new programs kicked off for the community. 

The programs are designed to be tools and an avenue for the citizens of Corsicana to lead a more healthy and active lifestyle.  Frank Martinez, director of marketing for the hospital thanked the "Pink Ladies,” the members of the Auxiliary and the Junior Volunteers for their help at the hospital and the other ways that they help the community. The Auxiliary is also promoting the sale of their cookbook, Volunteers in the Kitchen, which can be purchased at the gift shop or at the Navarro County Times for $18.  The proceeds from the fundraiser cookbook will go to the Auxiliary's Winona Stewart Scholarship Fund for Navarro College students entering the medical field.

The keynote speaker for Monday’s luncheon was Dr. Neal Green, a well-known obstetrician in Corsicana.  Dr. Green’s  remarks were filled with jokes and amusing anecdotes from his experiences and his life.  He encouraged everyone to come to grips with their physical limitations.  “It’s not the downhill slide of 35, but the uphill slide of 85.”  He is still acting young for his age, whether he’s playing the trumpet out of a hospital window or using the emergency stop button on an elevator, then pretending he has no idea what happened. 

He ended his presentation on a more serious note.   Enjoy life, keep working, quit smoking, channel stress, drink in moderation, go to church and get right with God.  Dr. Green thanked everyone in attendance for what they do.  He received a token from the hospital; a small horn for his bicycle, so when he rides his bike in the hospital, everyone will be more safe.

Ms. Connie Beal was presented a plaque in recognition for her hard work and dedication.  The Senior Circle meets the second Friday of each month. Membership applications are also being accepted, $15 per year for one or $27 for two.   Please contact Connie Beal, Senior Circle Advisor at 903-654-6802, for more information.

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