Administration
Letter from Heidi
Virtual Tour of FC
Catholic Daughters
Covid Booster Update
Program
Connections Resumes Nov. 16
Halloween Party
Cycling without Age
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Life is too short not to nurture your inner child.
Make sure in your busy life of ‘To-Do Lists’ that you make time to have fun!
~Jennifer Gamboa, Founder of Body Dynamics
October felt like fall ~ if only briefly. We finally got some rain! Here at Friendship Center, we had lots of fun at our “Halloween Bash,” with costumes galore and, oddly enough, everyone wearing masks! (See the pictures below.)
It’s not quite back to normal, but we are longing to connect, have fun and make memories. We remain mindful that the delta variant, while losing steam, is still in our midst. Yet it’s so refreshing to gather!
Now that November is here it really does feel like fall! As we proceed with caution toward fully reopening the Center, we’re excited to announce that “Connections,” our program for those with early memory challenges, will meet on Tuesdays, beginning Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. Connections provides an opportunity to learn and practice techniques designed to enhance memory and brain health and mental/physical well-being while making new friends. Please see below for more information.
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My bunny friend and me. Among our happy activities are regular visits from SB Party Animals, who bring us bunnies, guinea pigs, tortoises and chinchillas to snuggle.
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We are pleased to resume our outings with “Cycling without Age,” led by Primary Power Peddler John Seigel-Boettner. Woot! Do you feel the breeze in your hair as pilots take members on an ocean tour on their shiny trishaws! Peddling to their heart’s content. (We have more pictures below.) Cycling Without Age began in 2012 by Ole Kassow who wanted to help older adults get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. We are so fortunate to have this program, with stalwart volunteers that peddle with compassion.
Last but not least, we now have a walking tour video. The link is below if you’d like to visit and give a thumb’s up.
Now that the holiday season is upon us, with shorter days, crisper evenings, it’s time to bring out the warm apple cider, have fun and savor every moment. I look forward to seeing you all once again!
With gratitude,
Heidi
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Virtual Walking Tour of Friendship Center Enables Off-Site Visits
Prospective members and their families may now take a virtual tour of Friendship Center. Join Heidi Holly, executive director and Kim Larsen, family services manager as they walk through each of our Montecito facility’s recreational areas, while also providing an overview of our Covid-19 safety protocols.
Click the Friendship Center logo above to watch the video on YouTube.
The video also features images of some of the fun we’re having (and have had over the years) at Friendship Center! If you or anyone you know could use a break from daily caregiving, send them the link!
For more information about enrolling, please contact Family Services Manager Kim Larsen at: kim@friendshipcentersb.org or (805) 969-0859, ext. 2.
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Connections Social Club Benefits
Minds & Bodies in Early Dementia
Connections Senior Social Club, Friendship Center’s brain-training program, resumes Tuesday Nov. 16 at All Saints-by-the-Sea Church.
As the name suggests, Connections is about connecting, both socially and cognitively. Each three-hour session features socially engaging activities, music, group discussions and light exercise. Connections is geared specifically toward members in the early stages of a dementia diagnosis, with the two-fold goal of challenging the mind and encouraging new synaptic connections in the brain.
Members will be required to wear masks and socially distance during meetings.
All Saints-by-the-Sea Church has given Friendship Center the thumbs up to resume Connections meetings in their Parish House Fireside Room, across from Friendship Center.
When: Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon, at All Saints’ Parish House Fireside Room, across the street from Friendship Center.
Cost: $50 per session.
For more information about enrolling, please contact Family Services Manager Kim Larsen at: kim@friendshipcentersb.org or (805) 969-0859, ext. 2.
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Board of Directors Meet to Plan a Bright Future
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like “free” “personalized” “complimentary” or “customized.” A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like “for a limited time only” or “only 7 remaining!”
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Above Board President Joe Wheatley sets priorities; below, l-r: Board Members Sue Adams, Cynder Sinclair, Monica Vidger-Trent and Dana VanderMey, Family Services Manager Kim Larsen and Board Member Justin Redmond.
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‘Catholic Daughters’ Showcases Good Works
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Photos: CDA volunteer Maribel and Kim. Lisa Gosdchan, Father Dan, Kim and Lisa’s mother Ann Granberry.
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Family Services Manager Kim Larsen represented Friendship Center at a luncheon hosted by volunteer organization Catholic Daughters of the Americas, which last year donated $750 to Friendship Center
The luncheon, which showcased the group’s many positive contributions to worthy causes, was held at San Roque Church and was attended by 116 members and guests.
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Cycling without Age Rolls Again into Friendship Center
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Pumpkin Donation Put to Good Use
Thank you to Vons, Montecito store manager Tom Reynolds for pumpkin donations! You can see our members put them to good Halloween use!
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COVID-19 Booster News
California Department of Social Services Provides the Following Guidance:
Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 and the Flu: COVID-19 vaccinations are free and readily available throughout the state for people 12 and older. Appointments can be made at California My Turnwebsite and many sites offer same day/walk-in vaccinations. Seniors, healthcare workers, long-term care residents and other individuals at-risk are now eligible for booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. Boosters can be scheduled at the California My Turnwebsite, with private healthcare providers, and local retail pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, etc.). For additional information on eligibility and booster shot recommendations see the CDC website regarding COVID-19 booster shots. Please note that booster shot information is rapidly changing at this time. Consider getting an annual flu shot. The flu is the eighth leading cause of death in the state Influenza can weaken the body and make people more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus. Note that you can contract the flu and COVID-19 simultaneously. A breakdown of the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19 can be found at the CDC’s website. If you are vaccinated, consider keeping your vaccine card or an image of your vaccine card with you in case it is required. You can also use the California digital COVID-19 vaccine record.
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By Rachel Graef, Program Manager
If you love being unapologetically authentic, want to learn about amazing life experiences, and get more involved in the Santa Barbara community, I encourage you to give volunteering at Friendship Center a try!
We need . . .
ENTERTAINERS! Trust me . . . you have a talent! Music, singing, dancing, exercising, baking, teaching, art ~ sky’s the limit!
COMPANIONSHIP for our members. Through conversation, games, providing comfort ~ create individualized experiences for individual or small groups. A great opportunity to reminisce!
TECH-SAVVY folks to help with our website design.
WRITERS to assist with blogs, newsletters, and grant writing.
Note we have no age requirements. Opportunities can be in-person or remote, though in-person folks must be able to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination status.
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Make Friendship Center Your Amazon Charity and Donate While You Shop! Amazon will donate .05% of your purchase to Friendship Center at no extra cost to you.
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Virtual Programming to Continue as We Transition
At Friendship Center, we foster strong partnerships with family caregivers. Even as we transition toward in-person services, we will still continue with Zoom services in some capacity. Staff is still available to show caregivers how to help members stay connected via Zoom.
Keeping our members engaged with friends and activities while we implement the transition back to in-person activities is our continued goal. We are here to make this possible.
For more information about enrolling, please contact Family Services Manager Kim Larsen at: kim@friendshipcentersb.org or (805) 969-0859, ext. 2.
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CCL Licensing Santa Barbara: #421701581 | CCL Licensing Goleta: #425801731
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