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Holiday Joy
As you know, holidays can be especially lonely for elders without family or friends. Happily, on Christmas Eve day LBFE elders were surrounded by close to 200 "family members." You brought joy, comfort and the holiday spirit to elder friends who otherwise might have spent the day alone. The elders truly appreciate you and cherish your kindness. Thank you for your support.
Loneliness doesn't take a holiday
For our elder friends, isolation and loneliness is present in their lives throughout the year. Please consider bringing friendship and connection in other ways, too.
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Elder Friend Gertie with Volunteers Armando, Anne and Tanya
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Christmas Eve Selfie
No, that's not a construction worker in the bright green vest! That's Tanya Castillo who, along with her husband Alex, volunteers year in and year out as the onsite First Aid responder at the Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners. Thank you for being there for us, Tanya and Alex!
Did you and your Elder Friend snap a holiday selfie? Send us an email and picture.
Will you be the next Selfie of the Month?
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Upcoming Volunteer Enrichment Opportunities
The Art of Listening
Tuesday, February 13, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly
1845 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Hearing is a physical ability while listening is a skill. Listening allows us to understand what another person is saying, but is a skill that takes practice to master. During this session, we will look at the many ways we can become better listeners and therefore better friends for our elders, family members and caregivers. There will be plenty of time to practice with fellow volunteers!
5:30 - Refreshments; volunteer networking and sharing
6:00 - The Art of Listening, featuring Jodi Green, LBFE Visiting Volunteer and Stephen's Ministry Trainer
7:00 - Q&A and wrap-up
To register, please email Ann Fosco at
[email protected] and include The Art of Listening in the subject line. Family members and friends are welcome!
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Reminiscence Workshop
Thursday, March 1, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly
1845 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Reminiscence work aims to improve the psychological and social health of older people by maintaining personal past and identity. Reminiscence can generate memories and interpretations of life events through handling objects, art activities, music, poetry and conversation. Join us for this interactive workshop and discover how to create an enjoyable social activity, improve mood and well-being, and create a sense of community than can be found in the sharing of experience.
5:30 - Refreshments; volunteer networking and sharing
6:00 - Reminiscence workshop, featuring Shannon Nixon, MFA, Life Enrichment Specialist, Jewish Family Service of St. Paul
7:00 - Q&A and wrap-up
and include Reminiscence in the subject line. Family members and friends are welcome!
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Should Loneliness Be the Next Vital Sign?
Why aren't primary care providers regularly questioning patients about loneliness? Surely, if loneliness is associated with poor health outcomes, and even death, a few precious minutes of an annual visit should be devoted to the topic.
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