FIRST FRIENDS

By: Marsha Strickland

Marsha Strickland, Ada Pool, and Donna Price

The Cotton Patch in Longview was the happening place for the February First Friends luncheon. Hosts were Donna Price, Ida Pool and Marsha Strickland. It was great to see so many members on such a fine warm day after ice and snow kept many of us inside for days.

Carol Molina, guest, brought by Vivian Peacock

Mary Retallak, Coordinator of Good Shepherd Hospital's ClassiCare program was the guest speaker. She told members about the many great benefits of ClassiCare, including group trips to places like New England and New York. Other getaways include attending plays and shopping trips. There are also monthly luncheons that have Doctors speak on a wide variety of subjects to help keep us up to date and healthy. ClassiCare started in 1985 and now has more than 5,000 members with a "focus on fitness" for the over 50 age group. There are daily classes of stretch and flex, yoga, and pool exercise.

For class schedules you can contact Mary at (903) 746-4815 or the Health Institute at (903) 323-6500. The Health Institute runs specials from time to time like 3 month memberships. They also offer ClassiCare discounts. Mary also reminded us that Good Shepherd always needs volunteers so if you have 4 hours a week they would love to have you aboard.

Marsha Strickland, Carol Molina and Melba Blitch, winners of the door prizes

Next month First Friends will meet on the 18^th at Johnny Cace's with the beautiful sounds of Treva Wilcox. Hope to see you all there! In April we will be going on a field trip to Carthage, so stay tuned for more info on that exciting trip.

CALL IF YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF FIRST FRIENDS

CAROLYN MATTER 903-643-3955

THIRD THURSDAY

March 18th!