Senior Friendship Centers

Jan 15 - 19, 2024

----- 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

Learn to Speak Conversational French - Beginner & Advanced

Advanced: Every Monday

Beginners: Every Thursday

1 - 2:30 pm

Beginners will learn how to pronounce the French alphabet, vowels, greet someone, date, numbers, and tell time. Advanced will learn the necessary verbs, grammar, and vocabulary to help you speak French with more confidence.

Monday

9 - 9:45 am - Balance Movement

NEW! 10 - 11 am - Beginner Line Dance Class

10 - 11 am - Fun Stories Group

10 - 11 am - Beginner German Class: Grammar & Conversation

10 - 11:30 am - Art Class

11 am - 12 pm - Intermediate Line Dance Class

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

NEW! 1 - 2:30 pm - Advanced French Conversation

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

2:30 - 3:30 pm - Spanish Class

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

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

11 am - 12 pm - Mindfulness and Meditation 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) - 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.

NEW! 2 - 3 pm - Puppy Therapy with Pet Therapy Inc.

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

10 am - 12 pm - Mosaics Class

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

11 am - 12 pm - Beginner Tai Chi with Marty

11 am - 12 pm - Ballroom Dance: Rumba

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)

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)

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

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)

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 - 2:30 pm - Beginner French Conversation

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) - Room C

9:30 - 10:30 am - Sing-a-long with Betty Comora

10 - 11 am - Tai Chi

10:30 - 11:15 am - Balance Movement

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

1 - 4 pm - Euchre

1 - 4 pm - Sarasota Duplicate Bridge Group

2 - 3 pm - What's Happening Now Group

Future Events

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

February 14th - 1 - 3 pm, Valentine's Day Party with Skip's Dixie Mix

March 15th - 1 - 3 pm, St Patrick's Day Party with Krazy Karaoke Live

FEATURED EVENT

Did you know that we offer Clogging Classes? Yes we do! Join us every Tuesdays 3-4:30 pm and Thursdays

2-4 pm. If you are new to clogging, 2-2:30 pm every Thursday, is set aside just for beginners.

There are many health benefits in clogging!

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

9 am-11:30 am - Friendly Bridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 pm-4pm - Hand 'n Foot Card Game

3:15 pm-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

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

FEATURED EVENT 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

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

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

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

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

10:40-11:40 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 and dance with Mark Unbannded - the Singing Drummer

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 Bobbie

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

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

FEATURED EVENT 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 am-10:30 am - Zumba with L'Tanya

10 am-12 pm – SCRABBLE

10:30 am- 12:30 pm - GULFCOAST Legal Services Representative

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

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

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

1 pm-3 pm - Live Music & Dancing with Coastal Keys



Future Events

February 7 – 1 pm – Silver Foxes Roadshow comes to Senior Friendship Centers

February 7 - 2-4 pm - Introducing NOKO Band

February 12 - 1 pm - Valentines Art Class with Millennium Physicians Group

February 14 - 1-3 pm - Save the date for The Great Gatsby Valentines Party

February 20 - 11:30 am-12:30 pm - Panel Discussion with Golden Girls Solutions

Desoto Satellite Activity Center

917 N Arcadia Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266

(864) 494-5965

Center Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 1 pm

Lunch Served Daily at 11:00am 

Diana Harms, Center Manager

No membership needed, but being a congregate dining is required

JANUARY 2024 SCHEDULE

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 

9:30am-10:30am - Low-Impact Exercise Class 

Every Tuesday and Thursday   

9:30am-10:30am - Stationary Pedaling Class    

1st & 3rd Thursday of the month

Beading Classes 

10:30am-11:30am   

1st Friday of the Month

Birthday Celebration

Future Events

January 9 - 3-5 PM - Getting started with Zoom Workshop

January 23 - 3-5 PM - Hosting a Zoom meeting Workshop

January 11 - 10 am - Grandparents Support Group & Other Relation Raising Relations 

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.

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.

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, The Caregiving Place of Sarasota

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

Join us for an enlightening presentation by local author and physician, Dr. Logan W. Swaim, as he discusses his book, The Truth About Reversing Neuropathy Now. Dr. Swaim delves into his approach to addressing the root cause of neuropathy pain, and how to help your body, nerves, and tissue stop breaking down and start healing naturally without surgery.

Reversing Cognitive Decline - Brunch & Learn

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

Sarasota Campus, The Caregiving Place of Sarasota

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!

The Virtual Reality Experience

February 21st, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Venice Campus, Community Room, 2nd Floor

Registration Required/Payment:

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

February 28th, 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Sarasota Campus, Cafe Area

Registration Required/Payment:

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

Join, head of the Ringling College's Virtual Reality Program, Martin Murphy, as he explains the impact of Virtual Reality on all major industries from Travel & Tourism to Healthcare; specifically, highlighting Ringling College's work with Moffitt Cancer Center which focuses on engaging and creating a positive and comfortable experience for the patient. After the presentation, participants will have a chance to enjoy a "global" experience through the Virtual Reality lens!

Intro to Memoirs/Writing Your Life Story

February 23rd, 10:00 am -11:15 am

Sarasota Campus, The Caregiving Place of Sarasota

Registration Required/Payment:

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

David Bradshaw, Writer/Editor/Publisher, will offer an impactful discussion on the following: Healthy Reflection upon our lifespan, Creating short stories, Stages of Life, Emotional Intellectual and Spiritual Development. Then, finally, writing your life story. This is meant to be a starting point for those interested in continuing the memoir classes and writing their life story.

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.

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

Tickets for Sale $275

Event Sponsorship are available.

Click Here!

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.

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.