| A Letter from the Director |
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Hi there, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Halloween. Dr Gray and I were vampires!
This whole year, we’ve been celebrating Friendship Center’s 50th birthday and highlighting what a remarkable accomplishment that is for an organization. Our County Proclamation even used the word semicentennial, which made it sound like we’ve been around since the Middle Ages and have the whiskers to show for it. And yes, as an organization, particularly one here in Santa Barbara, fifty years is something to be incredibly proud of. But as a place defined by the people who spend their days here, fifty years is actually quite…adorable.
Around these parts, a 50th birthday is practically child’s play! Our friends here have lived entire lives since turning fifty, started new careers, begun families, explored new parts of the world, and discovered entirely new parts of themselves. I’ve been asking some of our members to reflect on their own lives since turning fifty, and their answers have been wonderful. “Fifty years old? I was just a kid!” Ron told me. “The best part of my life hadn’t happened yet, which was marrying my wife and becoming a stepfather. I couldn’t have enjoyed life nearly as much before that.”
So, after spending the better part of this year touting our five rich decades of experience, accomplishments, and hard work, I’m changing my tune a little; now we are focusing on everything we have ahead of us! We’ve reached one of what I know will be many, many special anniversary milestones, and if the past year is any indication, we have SO much more living to do.
We’ve accomplished so much just in this last year! We’ve hosted our inaugural Dementia Care Conference, received two major community recognition awards, dramatically expanded our program capacity, introduced new services, grown our team, and even built a barbershop! We’ve taken on some ambitious projects, tried new approaches, and found new ways to reach people who need us. We are certainly not hanging up our boots. If anything, we’re slipping into our best pair of comfortable, stylish, supportive shoes yet, because we have some serious ground to cover if we’re going to keep up with the needs of our community. OK, enough with the shoe metaphors. I think I’ve officially worn the soles thin…
One of the things I’m particularly excited about right now isn’t a new program at all, but something we’re doing to make sure families really understand the full extent of what Friendship Center can offer. We’ve started holding in-person Caregiver Orientations for all our member families, where we talk about everything we do, what we can’t do, and how we work alongside other organizations and professionals to help fill in the gaps. And I think even families who have been with us for years are discovering things they didn’t know! For example, did you know that we can provide one-on-one training to help you safely and comfortably assist your loved one in the bathroom? Or that we have funding available to help eligible families cover in-home care or short respite stays when they need additional support? Did you know that when we tell you you’re part of the Friendship Center family, we really mean it? Or that if we notice you seem exhausted, haven’t been sleeping, or are having a particularly difficult time, we’re going to say something, because we care about you, too, then we’re going to sit down together and figure out what might help.
I think sometimes people hear “adult day program” and picture a place where their loved one spends a few hours while they go about their day. And yes, we do provide that, and we do it very well! But what we’ve built over fifty years is so much more than a place to spend the day. We have a team of people who know your loved one, know your family, and want to help you navigate the many changes that come with aging and caregiving. We can’t solve everything, and we certainly don’t pretend to have all the answers, but we can help you find them, and we want you to know you can ask.
That’s what I find so exciting about this next chapter. Growth isn’t always about adding another program, buying another vehicle, or opening another location. Sometimes it’s about making better use of everything we’ve already created and making sure the people who need those resources actually know they’re there.
Which brings me to the grand finale of our 50th birthday year!
We’re launching our year-end fundraising campaign, and our message is simple: our golden years have only just begun! We’ve made significant investments this year in our people, programs, and capacity to serve more families, and I’m exceedingly proud of every one of those decisions. Now we’re asking our community to help us sustain that progress and build on it. You’ll be hearing more about the campaign soon, including some fun ways to participate, share your own stories about life after fifty, and help us introduce Friendship Center to more people.
For now, I hope you’ll think about what this milestone means, not just for Friendship Center but for the people in your own life. Think about everything that’s happened since you turned fifty, or everything you hope is still ahead if you haven’t gotten there yet. The friendships you haven’t made, the places you haven’t visited, the things you haven’t learned, and the people you haven’t even met who may one day become some of the most important in your life.
That’s how I feel about Friendship Center right now. I am so proud of the fifty years behind us, but I have no intention of spending the next fifty simply admiring what we’ve already accomplished.
We’ve got a lot of living left to do around here, and I hope you’ll be part of it!
With love and gratitude,
Kathryn Westland , MPH
Executive Director |
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IN THIS EMAIL YOU WILL FIND…
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- Key Dates
- Activity Schedules
- Special Feature: We Won – Best of Senior Care Services 2026!
- October Photos
- Supporter Spotlight: Sue & John Adams
- Friendship Center in the News
- Meet the Team: Brian
- Caregiver & Family Resources
- Articles & Videos of Interest
- In Memoriam
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- Wednesday, November 4th: Downtown Santa Barbara Memory Cafe @ 9:00AM
- Thursday, November 12th: Veterans Luncheon @12PM (RSVP HERE)
- Wednesday, November 18th: Downtown Santa Barbara Memory Cafe @ 9:00AM
- Wednesday, November 18th: Coffee for Caregivers @ 9:00AM
- Wednesday, November 18th: Remembering Our Friends with Dying in Grace @ 5:15PM (RSVP HERE)
- Thursday, November 19th: FC closes at 3:00PM for staff training (every 3rd Thursday of the month)
- Wednesday, November 25th: Thanksgiving Luncheon @12PM (RSVP HERE)
- Thursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th: Friendship Center closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
- Monday, November 30th: Caregiver Orientation @12PM (RSVP HERE)
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Upcoming Parties & Special Programs
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*Our Barber Shop is NOW OPEN!*
Friday, November 6: Jersey Day – wear your favorite sports jersey
Tuesday, November 10: School Pride Day – wear your high school or college swag
Thursday, November 12, 12:00PM: Veteran’s Luncheon (RSVP HERE)
Wednesday, November 18: Disney Day – dress up in character or wear Disney gear
Tuesday, November 24: Western Day – wear your boots and hat
Wednesday, November 25, 12:00PM: Thanksgiving Luncheon (RSVP HERE) |
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| Monday, November 9, 10AM: Songs for Seniors
Monday, November 16, 1PM: Trudy & Rob
Tuesday, November 17, 10AM: Fredrik on Piano
Tuesday, November 17, 1PM: The Unaccompanied Miners
Thursday, November 19, 1PM: Gem
Tuesday, November 24, 10AM: Fredrik on Piano |
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| Wednesday, November 4: Loteria & Fall Craft
Monday, November 9: Mind Benders & Movie Day
Wednesday, November 11: Chair Yoga & Fall Art
Monday, November 16: Memory Game & Sing-Along
Monday, November 23: Thanksgiving Art & Trivia
Monday, November 30: Movie Day & Trivia |
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Connections Social Group Topics
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| Thursday, November 5: Claudia Uretz sharing Peanut the Horse
Tuesday, November 10: TBD
Thursday, November 12: TBD
Tuesday, November 17: Larry Basham speaking on Saving Your Family Stories
Thursday, November 19: TBD
Tuesday, November 24: Susie Clothier speaking on Wildlife National Parks |
| Friday, November 6: Decorating Leaf Paper Art
Tuesday, November 10: November Clay Class
Friday, November 13: Making Oragami Art
Tuesday, November 16: Holiday Gallery Stroll & Ice Cream!
Friday, November 20: Holiday Pumpkin Pie Party
Tuesday, November 24: Arts & Crafts – Making Gift Boxes |
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| Wednesday, November 4: All About Fall Art, Ball Toss, & Visit from Santa Barbara Walking Tours
Wednesday, November 18: Thanksgiving Craft & Visit from Bellosguardo Foundation |
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SPECIAL FEATURE: We Won – Best of Senior Care Services 2026!
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| On Thursday, October 22, we were honored to be named Best of Senior Care Services for 2026 by The Santa Barbara Independent.
Thank you, Santa Barbara, and our wonderful Friendship Center community, for your votes and for recognizing the important work we do for seniors living with dementia in South Santa Barbara County.
We are so grateful for your support! |
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| Photo credit: Ingrid Bostrom |
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? CLICK HERE ?
(& scroll to the bottom of the page)
to see our Best of feature
by Tiana Molony in The Santa Barbara Independent
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SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: Sue & John Adams
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| This month, we’re honored to recognize Sue and her son John for their continued support of Friendship Center and their generous event sponsorship in memory of Sam Adams. Following our 50th Anniversary Family Reunion in September, Sue shared these heartfelt reflections on our community, our mission, and the compassionate care that makes Friendship Center so special.
In Sue’s Words: The Heart of Friendship Center
For almost 70 years I’ve lived in a city where hospitality, charm and charity have proved to be characteristic of who we are, or at least, who we aspire to be. |
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| Santa Barbara, in many respects, is still a village where neighbors continue to provide a “cup of sugar “or provide a helping hand.
We still dwell in this ethic. At the Friendship Center Reunion in September, we greeted each other with the warmth and acknowledgement of 50 years of shared experiences. Caring for those who are facing dementia symptoms requires an expertise that goes far beyond day care. The Friendship Center provides a compassionate environment that honors the individuality and unique personality of each of its members. I know of no other day care enterprise that can offer the dignity, engagement and personal attention that their supportive staff provides.
My husband enjoyed each day of his attendance, and to revisit the Center’s staff and its mission poignantly recaptured those tender memories. It was a heartwarming occasion to remind us of the love we share for our family members and for those who support these special individuals. |
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| FRIENDSHIP CENTER IN THE NEWS |
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| MEET THE TEAM: Brian, Driver & Program Specialist |
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| Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Brian attended Santa Barbara High School and Santa Barbara City College. He spent seven years in the hospitality industry at the Four Seasons, working as both a valet and front desk associate. He then transitioned into education, serving as a paraeducator at Kellogg and Hollister Elementary Schools before finding his place at Friendship Center.
One of his favorite parts of working at Friendship Center is getting to know the many different personalities he encounters each day. He enjoys finding ways to connect with each person, meeting them where they are, and bringing a little laughter into their day. |
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| For him, building those individual connections is what makes the work so rewarding.
Outside of Friendship Center, Brian keeps busy practicing and competing in Muay Thai, a combat sport similar to kickboxing that also allows knee and elbow strikes. He also enjoys playing guitar and spending time at home in Santa Barbara with his girlfriend and stepdaughter. |
| We’re grateful to have his energy, humor, and ability to connect with others as part of the Friendship Center family! |
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| CAREGIVER & FAMILY RESOURCES |
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| We’ve opened availability for FC support groups! All support groups currently have openings for to those supporting a loved one living with dementia. To register, please contact kim@friendshipcentersb.org.
Support Groups held at Friendship Center:
- Every Monday, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm with Gina Bell
- 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm with Joe Wheatley
- 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, Virtual, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm with Gina Bell, RSVP HERE for the meeting link
- 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 11:00 am with Jeffrey Krutzsch
- Every Friday, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm with Gina Bell
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| Virtual Event Offerings for Support:
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| ARTICLES & VIDEOS OF INTEREST |
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| REMEMBERING OUR FOREVER FRIENDS |
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Marilyn Louise McLychok
1942 – October 2, 2026
Obituary
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Martha J. Osborne
May 3, 1937 – October 4, 2026
Obituary
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Sincere Gratitude to our Friendship Legacy Society Members:
Rick & Heidi Holly; Craig Markson; Mary H.Walsh;
Pat Cramer; James & Jeannette Hudgens; Marty & Dixie Moore; Kathryn Westland;
Michael Dean; Steven Gilbar; Suzanne Retzinger; Joe & Pat Wheatley;
Paul Didier; Karolyn Hanna; Gerrie Shapiro;
Joel & Vasanti Fithian; Kenneth & Francie Jewesson; Pauline Short;
Dennis Forster; Rod Lathim; Cynder Sinclair;
Inge Gatz; Arthur Lindo; Lynda Stuart
Friendship Legacy Society recognizes donors who name the Center in their wills or trusts and those who make planned gifts to the Center. Your support makes it possible for us to provide services for those most in need regardless of their ability to pay. Please let us know if have already named Friendship Center in your estate plans so that we may show our sincere appreciation! By doing so, you help to inspire others to support our work as well.
You can contact Heidi Holly, Legacy liaison, at legacy@friendshipcentersb.org
Tax Identification Number: 95-3398938
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Friendship Center Leadership & Partnerships
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| Officers
President
JEFFREY KRUTZSCH
Vice President
JOE WHEATLEY
Secretary
ZANDRA CHOLMONDELEY
Treasurer
GRETCHEN HEWLETT
Member-at-large
GERRIE SHAPIRO
Directors
SUE ADAMS
VIVIAN ARMANIOUS
NATHAN BERO
NOELLE BUBEN
PAT FORGEY
KIMBERLY KIEFER
KATHY MARDEN, MFT
SHIANNE MOTTER
Executive Director
KATHRYN WESTLAND, MPH |
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Follow our social media pages, linked below, for regular posts about the day-to-day happenings at FC!
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