Senior Friendship Centers

Feb 26-March 1, 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

Sarasota Activity Center

Monday

9 - 9:45 am - Balance Movement

NEW! 9:30-10:30 am - Breakthrough Neuropathy Treatment - Free Presentation - Caregivers Resource Center

10 - 11 am - Fun Stories Group

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

10 - 11:30 am - Art Class

Rescheduled to March 14 - 10:30 - 11:30 am - Environmental Program: Water Issues

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 Still Life Painting with Nancy

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)

NEW! 10 am - 2 pm Cholesterol Screenings from the Dept of Health

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

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 beespapa@verizon.net to register.

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

Cancelled This Week 11 am - 12 pm - Ballroom Dance: Fox Trot

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

NEW! 10 - 11 am - Monthly Book Club: The School for Good Mothers

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

10:15 am - 11:45 am 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)

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)

9:30 - 10:15 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 - 4 pm - What's Happening Now Group

Future Events

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

May 3rd - 1 - 3 pm, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta with Juan Bongeo

May 20th - 1 - 3 pm, Senior Prom with DJ Krazy Karaoke Live

June 17th - 1 - 3 pm, Sock Hop Summer Bash with DJ Krazy Karaoke Live

Venice Activity Center

FEATURED EVENT

Friday, March 1st

9:30-11:30 am

Free Hearing Aid Consultation with Lauren Pulsifer, Ear-Resistible Hearing Centers

(Held the first Friday of every month)

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

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

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

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

11 am-1 pm - Tech Help with Chris (contact the front office 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

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

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

9:30-10:30 am - Zumba

10:40-11:40 am YOGA

12-1 pm - ESSENTRICS/Stretch Yoga Senior Class

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

NEW! 1-3 pm - Live Music & Dancing with The NOKO Band

1-4 pm - Hand 'n Foot Card Game

NEW! 1:15-2:15 pm - Beginners & Learn to Play Mahjong

NEW! 2:15-4 pm - Mahjong (contact the front office to sign up 941-584-0052)

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 am-11 am - Tech Help with Mark (contact the front office to schedule a 30-min consultation 941-584-0052)

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

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

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

FEATURED EVENT! 9:30-11:30 am - Hearing Aid Consultations with Ear-Resistible Hearing Centers

9:30 am-10:30 am - Zumba

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 am-12 pm - Neuroboxing 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

March 8 - 10 am-2 pm - Save the date! The Department of Health will be on sight for free cholesterol screenings with results in 5 minutes! Cholesterol friendly snacks sponsored by VIPCare

March 13 - 12:30-3 pm - St Patrick's Day Party - featuring a performance by the Curry Creek Cloggers at 12:30; live music & dancing with Krazy Karaoke Live 1-3 pm; games; door prizes; refreshments sponsored by Visiting Angels and VIPCare

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

FEBRUARY 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    

2nd & 4th Thursday of the month

Beading Classes 

10:30am-11:30am   

1st Friday of the Month

Birthday Celebration

2nd Thursday of the Month

Grandparents Support Group

10 am - 11 am

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 the front office (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 us at 941-955-2122 for questions regarding any of the listed programs below. Please note that we host these programs at various locations.

Living Healthier with Technology Expo

Sarasota Campus, Cafe

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

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 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.

Silver Pride

Saturday, June 8th

12 - 5 pm

Project Pride SRQ, Senior Friendship Center, and Golden Girls Solutions present “Silver Pride Sarasota,” celebrating LGBTQ+ aged 50 and better!

We will celebrate our senior members of the LGBTQ+ community, and this FREE event will feature live music, vendors, food trucks, and more from community partners.

The Development Department

Celebrate being together while supporting

Senior Friendship Centers' important work!

Sponsorships are available, contact Lynne Anast

(941) 556-3269 or

lanast@friendshipcenters.org

Heartfelt thanks to our

generous sponsors!

Benefactor

HALFACRE Construction Company

Sarasota Film Festival - Mark Famiglio (In Kind)

Patron

Dale & Steve Adler

John Gill

Supporter

Joan and Dr. Bart Levenson

Gail and Skip Sack

Northern Trust

WUSF

Advocate

Joseph Arena

Bob Carter

Patricia & Roger Courtois

Dr. Richard & Jean Georgiades

Empath Health

Judith & George R. Hofmann, Jr.

Pam-Baron Mahoney & Art Mahoney 

Janice & Jeff Newman

Dr. Philip & Deborah Maiese

Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP

Sarasota Bay Club

Kathy & Jim Silverberg

Dr. A. Albert Tripodi M.D./Fran Harris

Arnold Vance - Vanguard

Mary Jean & Robert Wenzel

Friend

Michael Cochrane, Daniel Fecteau, Golden Girls Solution, Neuropsychology Health Center, Philip S. Deming & Associates, Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, Diana & Douglas Rothauser, Sarasota Music Conservatory, Sarasota Neuropsychology, Neuropsychology Health Center, Lynne Anast,

Christine Schlesinger, Irving & Marilyn Naidtich Family Foundation,

Stutler Strategies, Barbara Zdvracky

Be Our Guest for the Azara Ballet!

LOVE between LINES

Experience the grand finale of Azara Ballet's inaugural season with a mesmerizing contemporary ballet show with an overarching theme of cultural freedom and liberation. This unique production features four original short works of art, each a testament to the creative prowess of Azara Ballet. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the magic of LOVE between LINES!

Registration is required by February 29, 2024.

Two tickets per person – tickets will be held at Will Call.

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.