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Dec 4-8, 2023

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

Dining Centers in Sarasota County

The dining sites in Sarasota and Venice are open to registered dining clients aged 60+ who reside in Sarasota County. Join us for a nutritious lunch in Sarasota from 11:45 am -12:15 pm Monday-Friday and in Venice from 12:00 - 12:30 pm Monday-Friday.



For information on how to register and qualify, please call (941) 955-2122 for Sarasota and (941) 429-0734 for Venice.

Sarasota Activity Center

1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota

(941) 955-2122

Center Hours:

Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

Jenny Macias

Senior Programs Manager

Membership is required for all classes and activities.

FEATURED EVENTS

Flu & Covid Vaccine Clinic

Tuesday, December 5

12 - 3 pm


Our Corporate Partners, Aetna and Archwell Health will be offering Covid and Flu Vaccines at our center. No appointment needed. Insurance cards are required. This event is open to the public.

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

NEW! 10-11:30 am – Art Class: Memorial Tree Ornament Decorating with Coastal Cremations & Senior Choices - Library

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 - 12 pm - Drums of Unity with Joe Licinski

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

11 am - 12 pm - Meditation & Mindfulness Class

11:30 am–3 pm - St. Jude’s Latin Group (Spanish Speaker's Welcome!)

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

NEW! 12 - 3 pm - Covid & Flu Vaccine Clinic Provided by Aetna & Archwell Health

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)

3:15 - 4:30 pm - Indoor Pickleball Free Play


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 - St. Jude’s Latin Group (Spanish Speaker's Welcome!)

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

1 - 3 pm - Live Music & Dancing with Pure Gold

1 - 3 pm - Popcorn & Movie

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

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


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

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! 10:45 am - 11:45 am - Off-Key Chorale Practice - Cafe

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

11:30 am - 3 pm - St Jude's Latin 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

9 am - 3 pm Bistro Open

9 am - 3 pm - Friendship Treasures Thrift Store Open

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

10-11 am - Tai Chi with Russ and Jane

10:30 am - 11:15 am - Balance Movement

11:15 am - 12 pm - Sing-a-long with Betty Comora

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

1-3 pm - Live Music & Dancing with Buffalo Swing Band

1-4 pm - Sarasota Duplicate Bridge Club

1-4 pm - Euchre

2-4 pm - What's Happening Now Group In-Person - Mirror Room



Future Events

December 12th - 4 - 5 pm - Activity Center Open House Event

December 22nd - 1 - 3 pm, Ugly Holiday Sweater Party with Krazy Karaoke Live

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

Venice Activity Center

2350 Scenic Drive in Venice

(941) 584-0052

Center Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Bistro Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 3 pm

Tammy Heller, Center Manager

Membership is required for all classes and activities.

FEATURED EVENT

Introducing Mark Unbannded Monday, Dec 4th 1-3 pm.

Enjoy live music and dancing with the "Singing Drummer"

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)

NEW! 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



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

9-11 am - Beginners to Improvers - Contemporary Line Dancing Class with Jean

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

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

NEW! 10 am-2 pm - Free Haircuts - Contact Robin to sign-up 941-584-0052

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

NEW! 11 am-1 pm - One-on-one assistance with Breeze Transit - how to use the app

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

NEW! Additional day & Time - 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!!

NEW! 9-11:30 am - Making Cards with Cathy

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

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

1-3 pm - Live music & dancing with Bob and Buds

1-4 pm - Hand 'n Foot Card Game

3-4 pm - Dance Class with Mike & Rana (canceled today only)


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

NEW! 10 am-12 pm -Art Made Easy - Christmas Angels

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)

NEW! Additional day & Time 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

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)

9 am-12 pm - Seniors vs Crime Representative on-site

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

10 am-12 pm – SCRABBLE

10:30 am- 12:30 pm - GULFCOAST Legal Services Representative on-site (call 941-584-0052 to schedule a 30-minute appointment)

10:35-11:20 am - Beginners Hawaiian Hula Dance Class

11:30 am-12:30 pm - Learn to Belly Dance for Better Health

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

1-3 pm - Live music & dancing with The Coastal Keys Band

1-3 pm - Duplicate Bridge



Future Events

December 13 - 12:15-12:45 pm - Curry Creek Cloggers

1-3 pm - Holiday Concert "Merry Christmas Darling" - Shirley St. John

Join us for pizza, cookies and a holiday cheer!

December 14 - 10 am-12 pm - Sip & Paint Party Painting Christmas Ornaments Sponsored by VIPCare

December 15 - 11 am- 12 pm - Joy's Christmas Critters Concert

December 15 - 1-3 pm - Holiday Party

December 18 - 5 pm - The Art of Hustle and Heart - Kiddos Dance Performance

December 29 - 1-3 pm - New Year's Party

Activity Center Highlights

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 beespapa@verizon.net 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 of Joan 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 Joan MacCormack or Robin Boyce (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 nnatal@friendshipcenters.org 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.



Mary Kay Holiday Beauty Event,

Hosted by Beauty Consultant: Laura Burness

December 8th, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Sarasota Campus, Dwyer Room, 1st Floor

Registration Required/Payment $ 15.00

Enjoy samples of skin products, Make-up, Mini-Makeovers and holiday must haves! You will have the opportunity to purchase products. We may also have Raffle prizes, Lifelong Learning trip/program deals and other special offers! Refreshments will be provided.


Cooking Demo - Healthier Holiday Alternatives

December 15th, 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm

Sarasota, Campus, Cafe

Limited Seating, Registration Required, Payment: $ 15.00

Enjoy watching and trying some "guilt-free" healthier, holiday desserts with Chef Kayla and Culinary student, Leigha from Keiser University. We will put together No-bake Christmas Cookies - Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and Dark Chocolate cookies with a side of Almond Nogg!


Zumbathon: Dancing Across the Globe

January 26th, 2024, 10 am - 2 pm

Sarasota Campus, Great Room

Suggested Donation: $10

This fun and interactive fundraiser for SFC Lifelong Learning will help raise money for the 2024 programs. Demonstrations will include Balance Movement Class, Belly Dancing Demo, 2 Instructors from Zumba Sarasota, and many Health & Fitness Vendors.


Living Healthier with Technology

Sarasota Campus, Cafe

March 20th, 1:30 pm - 4 pm

$10 Suggested Donation

Join us for a special conference 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 will also feature tech demos and health service information.


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 bruce@lehmannilon.com.


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

lanast@friendshipcenters.org

Carrie Seidman is an opinion columnist and the

dance critic for the 

Sarasota Herald-Tribune 

on Florida’s Gulf coast.


She is also the creator, writer and host of the FACEing Mental Illness newsletter and podcast, which features stories from people with lived mental health experience.


A graduate of the Columbia University School of Journalism and an award-winning daily newspaper reporter, critic and columnist for more than 40 years, she previously worked for the New York Times, Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, Albuquerque Journal and Albuquerque Tribune.



Click here to RSVP.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

4:30-6 pm

Senior Friendship Centers

1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota


Admission is free, with the option to purchase an autographed book.


Please join us for the launch of Sarasota Herald-Tribune opinion columnist Carrie Seidman's newest book. Carrie has gathered a collection of essays that explore the intersection between what sustains us physically and how it binds us emotionally.


Carrie will read excerpts, sign books and there will be time for a Q & A session. Purchase price of book $15; cash, check or credit cards will be accepted, there is an additional charge for credit card purchases of $1.25 (i.e.$16.25)



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.

(941) 955-2122
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