Senior Friendship Centers

Dec 18 - 22, 2023

----- IN THIS ISSUE -----

• Dining Centers in Sarasota County
• Activity Centers' In-Person and Zoom Weekly Calendar
• Activity Centers' Highlights

• Lifelong Learning Programs
• LGBTQ+ Programs
• Development Team Events
• The Caregiving Place

FEATURED EVENTS

Ugly Holiday Sweater Party

Wednesday, December 20th

1 - 3 pm

You're invited to our Ugly Holiday Sweater Party! The ugliest sweater will win a prize. The best holiday party songs will be provided by Krazy Karaoke Live, and a delicious hot cocoa bar will be provided by Archwell Health

Monday

9-9:45 am - Balance Movement

9 am - 3 pm Bistro Open

9 am - 3 pm - Friendship Treasures Thrift Store Open

NEW! 10 - 11 am Beginner German: Grammar & Conversation

10-11 am - Fun Stories Group

10-11:30 am – Art Class

11 am - 12 pm - Beginner Line Dance Class

11:45 am - 12:15 pm - Lunch (need to sign up - see above)

12 - 3 pm - Duplicate Bridge (Sign up with Graeme, 941-544-8446)

1-3 pm - Live Music & Dancing with The Bruno Connection

NEW! 2:30 - 3:30 pm - Learn to Speak Spanish

3:30 - 4:30 pm - Intermediate Tap Dance

Tuesday

9 am - 3 pm Bistro Open

9 am - 3 pm - Friendship Treasures Thrift Store Open

9:30-11:30 am - Bingo ($5 Fee)

10 am - 12 pm - Technology Assistance with Debbie

10-11 am – Chair Yoga

10 am-3 pm - Pinochle

NEW! 11 am - 11:50 am - Arthritis Exercise Class

NEW! 11:30 am - 12 pm - SSAS School Band Performance

11 am - 12 pm - Meditation & Mindfulness Class

11:30 am–3 pm - Latin Social Group (Spanish Speaker's Welcome!)

11:45 am–12:15 pm – Lunch (need to sign up – see above)

1-3 pm - Mexican Train Dominoes (New Players Contact Patty - 919-208-5514)

1-3 pm - Live Music & Dancing with Skip's Dixie Mix

1:30 - 2:30 pm - Aging Rebels Discussion Group (In-Person in Dwyer Room, Next Door)

CANCELLED THIS WEEK ONLY 3:15 - 4:30 pm - Indoor Pickleball Free Play

ACTIVITY CENTER CLOSING AT 3:45 PM FOR A PRIVATE EVENT

Wednesday

9-9:45 am - Balance Movement

9 am - 3 pm Bistro Open

9 am - 3 pm - Friendship Treasures Thrift Store Open

9:30 - 10 am - Advanced Tai Chi Instruction with Marty

10-11 am - Acapella Singing with Mary & Linda (Songs from the 40's, 50's, and 60's)

10 - 11 am - Intermediate Tai Chi instruction with Marty

11 am - 12 pm - Beginner Tai Chi with Marty

10 am - 12 pm - Mosaics Class

10:30-11:30 am - Short Story Book Club - Library

11 am - 12 pm - Ballroom Dance: American Tango

11 am - 12:30 pm - LGBTQ+ Grief & Loss Support Group - CRC Building (Next Door)

11:30 am – 3 pm - Latin Social Group (Spanish Speaker's Welcome!)

11:45 am–12:15 pm – Lunch (need to sign up – see above)

NEW! 1 - 3 pm - Ugly Holiday Sweater Party Sponsored by Archwell Health

1 - 3 pm - Popcorn & Movie

1:30-3:30 pm - Canasta (New Players Contact Patty - 919-208-5514)

3:30 - 4:30 pm - International Folk Dancing

Thursday

9-9:45 am - Balance Movement

9 am - 3 pm Bistro Open

9 am - 3 pm - Friendship Treasures Thrift Store Open

9:30 - 10 am - Instruction Led Pickleball

NEW! 10 - 11 am - Monthly Book Club

10-11 am – Chair Yoga

10 am - 12 pm Craft Club

10 am - 3 pm - Pinochle

10 - 10:30 am - Instruction Led Pickleball

10:30 am - 12:30 pm - Indoor Pickleball Free Play

10:30 am - 12 pm German Conversation (Grammar & Vocabulary Building)

NEW! 11 am - 11:50 am - Arthritis Exercise Class

11:30 am - 3 pm - Latin Social Group (Spanish Speaker's Welcome!)

11:45 am - 12:15 pm - Lunch (need to sign up - see above)

1 - 2:30 - Grief & Loss Support Group - CRC Building (Next Door)

1-3 pm Bridge Group

1-3 pm Live Music & Dancing with Keith Carman Band

1-3 pm Mah Jongg

3:30-4:30 pm Intermediate Tap Dance

Friday

THE ACTIVITY CENTER WILL BE CLOSED DUE TO THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

Future Events

December 29th - 1 - 3 pm, New Year's Eve Masquerade Party with Krazy Karaoke Live

February 12th - 1 - 3 pm, Mardi Gras Party with Krazy Karaoke Live

FEATURED EVENTS

Monday, December 18th @ 5 PM

Join us for the best intergenerational event of the season! The youth of "The Art of Hustle and Heart" will be entertaining us with a hip-hop dance performance. Katie Kunker, CEO of "The Art of Hustle and Heart" not only teaches these youth how to dance, but teaches them life skills as well. Light refreshments sponsored by VIPCare.

Monday

8:30 am-4:30 pm - Billiards Room Open

8:30 am-4:30 pm – Horseshoes, Corn Hole and Ping Pong!

9 am-3 pm - Bistro Open

9 am-3 pm - Unique Boutique Open

9-10 am - Chair Core Class with S n J Simply Fit

9-11:30 am - Friendly Bridge

9-10 am - Beginner Tai Chi, Marty Reichgut, MD, Instructor

10-11 am - Intermediate Tai Chi, Marty Reichgut, MD, Instructor

10-11:30 am - Hand 'n Foot Card Game

11 am-12 pm - Advanced Tai Chi, Marty Reichgut, MD, Instructor

12-12:30 pm - Nutritious Lunch (need to sign up)

1 pm-3 pm - Live music & dancing with Mark Unbannded the Singing Drummer

1-4pm - Hand 'n Foot Card Game

3:15-4:15 pm - Zumba with L'Tanya

FEATURED EVENTS

5-6 pm - Hip-Hop Dance Performance

Join us for the best intergenerational event of the season! The youth of "The Art of Hustle and Heart" will be entertaining us with a hip-hop dance performance. Katie Kunker, CEO of "The Art of Hustle and Heart" not only teaches these youth how to dance, but teaches them life skills as well. Light refreshments sponsored by VIPCare.



Tuesday

8:30 am-4:30 pm - Billiards Room Open

8:30 am-4:30 pm – Horseshoes, Corn Hole and Ping Pong!

9 am-3 pm - Bistro Open

9 am-3 pm - Unique Boutique Open

9 am-12 pm - Art Studio Open (fiscal conference room - 2nd floor)

8:30-9 am - Intro to Line Dancing with Jean (canceled this week)

9-11 am - Beginners to Improvers - Contemporary Line Dancing Class with Jean (canceled this week)

9:30-11 am - Loss and Grief Support Group

9:30-11:30 am - BINGO ($5 Fee)

11 am-1 pm - Tech Help with Chris (contact Robin to schedule appt 941-584-0052 - members only)

12-3 pm - Woodcarvers

12-12:30 pm- Nutritious Lunch (need to sign up – see above)

1-4 pm - Hand 'n Foot Card Game

1-4 pm -PINOCHLE

1:30-3 pm - Caregiver Support Group

1-2 pm -Chair Core Class with S n J Simply Fit

2-2:45 pm - Balance Movement Class with Mike

3-4:30 pm - Clogging Class - Open to all cloggers and non-cloggers - Taps are not required

Wednesday

8:00 am - Produce Distribution Drive-Thru - outside - while supplies last

8:30 am-4:30 pm - Billiards Room Open

9 am-3 pm - Bistro Open

9 am-3 pm - Unique Boutique Open

8:30 am-4:30 pm - Horseshoes, Corn Hole and Ping Pong!!

9:30-11:30 am- BINGO ($5 fee)

9:30-10:30 am - Zumba with L'Tanya

10:40-11:30 am YOGA FOR EVERYONE 

12-1 pm - ESSENTRICS - a dynamic stretch workout - Nancy Hamm, CPT, SNS, Apprentice Instructor (canceled this week)

12-12:30 pm - Nutritious Lunch (need to sign up – see above)

1-3 pm - Live music and dance with Bob and Buds

1-4 pm - Hand 'n Foot Card Game

3-4 pm - Dance Class with Mike & Rana

Thursday

8:30 am-4:30 pm - Billiards Room Open

8:30 am-4:30 pm - Horseshoes, Corn Hole and Ping Pong!!

9 am-3 pm Bistro Open

9 am-3 pm - Unique Boutique Open

9:30-11:30 am - BINGO ($5 Fee)

9:30-11 am - Line Dancing Class

10:30-11:30 am - Yoga Class with Denise

11:15 am - 12:15 pm - Zumba with Mary Lynn

11:30 am-1 pm - Intermediate Hawaiian Hula Dance Class Room)

12-12:30 pm - Nutritious Lunch (need to sign up – see above)

12-3 pm - Woodcarvers

12-1 pm - Live café background music with Steve

1-4 pm Hand 'n Foot Card Game

1-4 pm PINOCHLE

1:30-2:30 pm - Advanced Tai Chi, Marty Reichgut, MD, Instructor

2-4 pm - Clogging Class – 2-2:30 set aside for beginners

Friday

THE ACTIVITY CENTER WILL BE CLOSED DUE TO THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY



Future Events

December 29 - 1-3 pm - New Year's Party "Jazz Up the New Year with a Splash of Color"

January 2 - 10 am-2 pm - Free Haircuts - Contact Robin to sign-up 941-584-0052 (First Tuesday of every month)

Monday-Friday - Live Music & Dancing- Sarasota

1-3 pm

Monday, Wednesday & Friday - Live Music & Dancing - Venice

1-3 pm

Monday-Thursday - SHINE Program Counseling - Venice

By appointment as needed

Please call the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 to schedule an appointment.

Tuesdays - Aging Rebels - Sarasota

In-Person in Sarasota

1:30 pm. This discussion group tackles topics such as loneliness, finances, physical and mental limitations, responsibilities, fear of aging, fear of dying, grief, isolation, relationships and anything having to do with the aging process. Facilitated by Professor Emerita Dr. Nancy K. Schlossberg, author, speaker and motivator, and Michael Karp. Email [email protected] to register.

Tuesdays - Technology Assistance with Chris - Venice

11 am - 1 pm

Having issues with your cell phone, iPad or computer? Chris Kropilak, CEO of Suncoast IT Consultants, is available for one-on-one assistance for members only. For a 30-minute appointment - call Robin at 941-584-0052.

Tuesdays and Thursdays - Wood Carvers - Venice

12 am - 3 pm

The wood carvers meet for 3 hrs., every Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone is welcome. Some people carve relief style (flat picture) and some carve caricature (3D figurines). The carvers have connections for patterns, how to books, wood and tools and are happy to teach.

Wednesdays - Ballroom Dancing Lessons - Sarasota

A fun class led by former Arthur Murray Dance Studio instructors Greg & Bonnie Ryan. Singles and couples will learn ballroom, Latin, and swing dance techniques. Whether you're a beginner or just want to brush up on your skills this class is for you! Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 11 am-12 pm, contact Greg at (860) 712-8321 to sign up.

Wednesdays - International Folk Dancing - Sarasota

A class learning dances from all over the world: Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Israel, Turkey, Croatia, England, Russia and more!

Last Friday of Every Month - United Way - Sarasota

Every Friday - Gulf Coast Legal - Venice

Qualifications for services apply.

Sarasota, please contact Ernie Mack, Business Office Manager, at

(941) 955-2122, to schedule appointments. 11 am - 2 pm.



Venice, please contact Robin (941) 584-0052 to schedule appointments. 10:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Fridays - Seniors vs Crime - 9 am - 12 pm - Venice

Representatives on-site at the Venice location to help seniors who have been victimized.

"Unique Boutique" - Open M-F: 9-3 pm

Upscale Thrift Store-Venice

Shop in our Venice boutique for new and previously owned merchandise, including clothing, housewares, jewelry and more! "Visit Rachael our new model in the center. She will be wearing the latest in boutique fashion."

"Friendship Treasures" - Open M-F: 9 am-3 pm

Upscale Thrift Store-Sarasota

Shop in our Sarasota boutique for new and previously owned merchandise, including clothing, housewares, jewelry and more!

Lifelong Learning Programs

Please contact Nicole Natal, Lifelong Learning Coordinator, at [email protected] or 941-955-2122 Ext. 166 to register and make payment for any of these programs. Payments should be made in advance. Credit Card or Check Only. Please note:

Registration/payment in advance is Required for all Lifelong Learning programs and trips. All payments are non-refundable.

The truth About Reversing Neuropathy

(Presentation & Book Signing)

January 12th, 11:00 am -12:00 pm

Sarasota Campus, Caregiver Resource Center

SFC Members: $ 10/Non-Members: $ 15

Dr Swaim will provide an educational presentation on neuropathy and book signing for The truth About Reversing Neuropathy.

Reversing Cognitive Decline - (Brunch & Learn)

January 19th, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Sarasota Campus, Caregiver Resource Center

SFC Members: $ 10/Non-Members $ 15

Dr. Glenn will discuss the "The Root Cause" approach to brain health as well as lifestyle changes and proper nutrition when dealing with cognitive decline.

Genealogy Talk: Researching Your Family History

January 23rd, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Venice Campus, Community Room, 2nd Floor

Registration Required/Payment:

SFC Members $ 10/Non-members $ 15

Join Paul Skeels, President of Englewood Genealogical Society of Florida, Inc. for a special presentation on how to Research your family History. This presentation will discuss the Research tools, Important Resources, Valuable Tips, Family Tree Diagrams and all that you need to know in order to help you on your journey to connect with your family history!

Cooking with Herbs and Spices (Brunch & Learn)

February 23rd, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Sarasota Campus, Caregiver Resource Center

Registration Required/Payment:

SFC Members: $ 10/Non-Members: $ 15

Dr. Maria Rometo of UF/IFAS will provide a presentation on the history and health benefits of Herbs and Spices. We will also enjoy a Brunch & Learn to try some of these wonderful and beneficial herbs and spices!

Living Healthier with Technology (Expo)

Sarasota Campus, Cafe

March 20th, 1:30 pm - 4 pm

$10 Suggested Donation

Join us for a special expo which will feature the latest and greatest in life-changing technology tools for you and the ones you love! Guest speakers include Lighthouse Vision Loss Education, ElliQ - voice operated companion, and The Electronic Caregiver - Connected Care Technology. We may also feature several tech demos and health service information.

Lifelong Learning Dept - Trip Ticket offers

Naples Botanical Gardens, McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, Selby

Botanical Gardens (Christmas Lights in Bloom), Shows and more!

Please call or email if you are interested in a (select) program + trip deal or to find out details about our current trip offers.

LGBTQ+ Programs

LGBTQ+ Book Club Zoom

Every Other Monday

3:00-4:30 pm

Contact Bruce for more details and to sign up:

(202) 262-0262 or email [email protected].

LGBTQ+ Loss and Grief Support Group

Every Wednesday

Sarasota Campus

11 am - 12:30 pm

LGBTQ+ Loss and Grief support groups help members of the LGBTQ+ community process and deal with ‘loss’ in their lives such as, but not limited to, loss of a partner due to death or breakup, death of a pet, loss of a job, end of a friendship or any other situation that creates feelings of loneliness, sadness, and isolation. It is a peer-directed, community group created to provide mutual support and shared experience to help individuals deal with painful life experiences in a safe and encouraging environment.

The Development Department

SAVE THE DATE!

Celebrate being together while supporting

Senior Friendship Centers' important work!

Sponsorships are available,

contact Lynne Anast

(941) 556-3269 or

[email protected]

The Caregiving Place



Adult Day Services are open in Sarasota and Venice and are accepting referrals. Support groups are currently being held virtually AND in person (hybrid). Call (941) 556-3268 to join the group or for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Venice Adult Day Center Open House for Senior Service Professionals

December 5th | 4:00 - 5:30 PM | 2350 Scenic Drive Venice. FL 34293

Sarasota Adult Day Care and Caregiver Support Groups Open House

December 14th | 4:00 - 5:30 PM | 1820 Brother Geenen Way Sarasota, FL 34236

Sarasota

Adult Day Services

8:30-3:30pm. Our fully licensed Adult Day Service is the ideal program for an older adult who is experiencing cognitive impairment or frailties of aging Caregivers are provided peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving quality, compassionate care.

Caregiver Support Groups

Have you recently become a caregiver? Do you experience feelings of isolation, frustration, or stress? Join us for a weekly support group offering designed to help you regain a sense of control over your situation and provide you with emotional support, useful information, and resources. This group is for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

• Wednesdays | 1pm - 2:30pm | Zoom only
• Thursdays | 10am - 11:30am | In-person + Zoom

Loss & Grief Support Groups

Find a compassionate space to share and connect with others who have experienced loss. Our facilitated group provides camaraderie and shared experiences. Don't face it alone - join us at Senior Friendship Centers.

• LGBTQ+ Loss & Grief Support Group | Wednesdays | 11am- 12:30pm
• Loss & Grief Support Group | Thursdays | 1pm - 2:30pm

Venice

Adult Day Services

8:00-3 pm. Our fully licensed, Adult Day Service is the ideal program for an older adult who is experiencing cognitive impairment or frailties of aging. It’s also a place that offers you, the caregiver, peace of mind – for as many days and hours you choose each week.

Tuesdays - Caregiver Support Group

1:30-3 pm. This group provides active caregivers insight into the journey of caregiving.

Tuesdays - Loss & Grief Support Group

9:30 am-11 am. Find a compassionate space to share and connect with others who have experienced loss. Our facilitated group provides camaraderie and shared experiences. Don't face it alone - join us at Senior Friendship Centers

Highlights

Memory Screenings

Danielle Valery, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Memory Disorder Clinic Manager, offers free memory screenings at their location and in Venice. Call (941) 917-7197 to schedule your screening.