Friendship Center — The Friendly Finch March newsletter

MARCH 2025

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” – Robin Williams
Dear Friends,

With sunshine peeking through the trees and filling our courtyard with energy, it’s the perfect time for something exciting—and Friendship Center is ready to welcome it with bells and whistles!

On March 18th, we’re officially opening the Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub! This innovative satellite program captures our day program expertise and brings it right to the heart of town. Hosted at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center on Tuesdays and Fridays, this program will offer connection, support, and engaging activities for older adults and caregivers in this special seaside community. We can’t wait to welcome new friends through our doors!

And speaking of getting places… our wheels are in motion! Our new transportation program is rolling out to ensure members can safely and easily join us each day. Like any good road trip, we’ve hit a few unexpected tolls along the way, and we’re actively seeking financial support to keep this vital program running smoothly.

Thank you for being part of our journey—we couldn’t do it without you!

With gratitude,

Kathryn Westland, MPH

Executive Director/ Carpinteria Busybody

(Right to left): Kristina Calkins (Executive Director of the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center), Gerrie Shapiro (FC Board Member), and I celebrating the launch of the Healthy Aging Hub at our Heart of Community event on Feb. 23!

Click to learn more about supporting Friendship Center

In this edition of the Friendly Finch…

  • Key Dates
  • NEW SITE
  • Program Activities
  • Spotlight: Cycling Without Age
  • February in Photos
  • Caregiver Resources **new**
  • Articles of Interest
  • Remembering Our Friends
  • Legacy & Leadership

KEY DATES

  • March 1st: AgeWell Carpinteria Sock Hop, sponsored by Friendship Center
  • March 18th: Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub begins offering programs
  • March 19th: Coffee for Caregivers
  • March 20th: Spring Tea at Friendship Center
  • April 5th: Parkinson’s Symposium
  • April 16th: Coffee for Caregivers
  • April 23rd: Senior Day @ SB Botanic Gardens
  • April 30th: SENIOR PROM**

**Volunteers & community partners needed for Senior Prom!

Contact Justine (events@friendshipcentersb.org) to get involved!

NEW SITE

We’re thrilled to announce that Friendship Center’s Healthy Aging Hub at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center will officially launch on March 18!

This program- which will meet Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM- will provide a safe, engaging, and supportive space for older adults living with dementia or memory changes, offering structured activities, nutritious meals, and social connection—all designed to reflect the heart and culture of Carpinteria.

While the program is designed for participants needing daytime care, we also invite the entire community to be part of it. Whether through volunteering, collaborating, or simply spreading the word, the Carpinteria community’s involvement is crucial to the success of this unique program.

Many people have also asked about the site for this satellite program. When considering a location for the Healthy Aging Hub, we wanted a space that reflected the essence of community, inclusion, and joy – qualities that are at the heart of what we do at Friendship Center. The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center is exactly that. It’s a beautiful, central location that defies traditional notions of dementia care. This space is all about making everyone feel welcomed and included, which perfectly aligns with our mission.

Click to Learn More about the Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub

Click image below for info in English and Spanish

Program Activities

Click to View Our Montecito Day Program Monthly Activity Schedule
Click to View Our Carpinteria Day Program Monthly Activity Schedule

Connections Group

Guest Speaker Series Topics:

  • Tuesday 3/4: Manzanar: One Internment Camp with 10,000 Lives and Stories with Bob Burtness
  • Thursday 3/6: History of License Plates with Bob Burtness
  • Tuesday 3/11: Weird Things of the World with Kathryn Westland
  • Thursday 3/13: Walking Wisely: Safety and Fall Prevention with Lore Coudert
  • Tuesday 3/18: Interesting Stories from Public Service with Cathy Murillo
  • Thursday 3/20: Topic TBC–> Steps to Safety OR Eating Well

Would you like to share a story or topic of interest with our group? Contact Kim@friendshipcentersb.org

Program Spotlight: Cycling Without Age

Cycling Without Age Santa Barbara first rolled up to Friendship Center in 2019. The idea of sitting in a European-built trishaw was puzzling to most but the goal was clear to all: Feeling the wind in their hair and the joy of the open road once again. Since then, Cycling Without Age has been a key component of our Day Program activities. Through this program, our members have the opportunity to hop aboard specially designed trishaws, piloted by dedicated volunteers, for scenic rides that spark joy, connection, and a sense of freedom.

For many, these rides aren’t just about movement—they’re about reliving cherished memories, feeling the fresh air on their face, and engaging with the world in a way that feels exhilarating. The simple act of a bike ride fosters conversation, laughter, and the magic of being part of the community.

We’re so grateful for the volunteers- including our very own Board President, Cynder Sinclair (pictured above)- who make this possible!!!!

To learn more about this local, volunteer-powered movement, led by the legendary John Siegel-Boettner, visit cwasb.org.

February Fun

Caregiver Support & Resources

Check out Friendship Center’s new virtual Dementia Resource Hub

Click to access no-cost supportive resources & services

Articles of Interest

The Graceful Exit: How Caregivers Can Help Loved Ones Leave a Job or Surrender Car Keys by AARP

How do caregivers and family members assist in this process long before errors are made, dignity is wounded, or worse, someone is injured?

Read more

Prevent Falls and Stay Independent
Every year, one in four people over 65 falls.

Falling can lead to a broken bone, a long-term hospital stay, and for some people, long-term disability.

But many falls are avoidable!

Watch this video to learn tips to prevent falls and stay independent as you age.

The Vibrant Mind: A Guide to Neuroprotective Nutrition from the Global Brain Health Initiative

Emerging research in nutritional neuroscience and the social determinants of health estimate that diet and lifestyle factors can explain up to 80% of our overall health outcomes. This influential information supports the development of a powerful global platform to advance our understanding of the impact of nutrition on the brain and ways to implement dietary guidelines for cognitive health.

Read more

Remembering Our Friends

John McCafferty

04.24.1935 – 12.28.2024

Obituary

James Gutmann

FC Supporter of 36+ Years

02.22.1937 – 01.12.2025

Obituary

Rudy Hernandez

12.20.1935- 02.02.2025

Obituary

Roger Dawson

04.01.1939-02.08.2025

Obituary

Leave Your Legacy

Legacy giving ensures that the vital work of Friendship Center continues for generations to come.

Consider including Friendship Center in your will or estate plan, such as through a bequest, planned gift, or significant lifetime gift. By doing so, you become a member of our esteemed Legacy Society.

If you would like to learn more about the ways you can invest in Friendship Center and leave a lasting legacy in our community, our Legacy Liaison, Heidi Hollylegacy@friendshipcentersb.org

Support Our Work

Thank you for continuing to support Friendship Center as a member of our family, advocate of our work, or benefactor keeping our programs running. We are grateful to be able to spend our days with the finest of folks and welcome you to come visit us anytime!

Friendship Center Leadership & Partnerships

Officers

President

CYNDER SINCLAIR

Vice President

JOE WHEATLEY

Secretary

ZANDRA CHOLMONDELEY

Treasurer

JEFFREY KRUTZSCH

Member-at-large

JACQUELINE DURAN

Directors

VIVIAN ARMANIOUS

NATHAN BERO

MARTI CORREA DE GARCIA

PAT FORGEY

GRETCHEN HEWLETT

GERRIE SHAPIRO

STEPHEN SHARPE

MONICA VIDGER-TRENT

Executive Director

KATHRYN WESTLAND, MPH

Friendship Center | 805-969-0859 | Annual Report| friendshipcentersb.org