Friendship News
May is Older Americans Month
County Commission Chairman Charles D. Hines read a proclamation to recognize May as Older Americans Month. Attending the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners meeting were Friendship Centers board members Vicki Dworski, Paul Caragiulo, and Chairman Frank Fleischer,...
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Run for the Roses
Heading to the Kentucky Derby Marilyn Belvoix is a fan of the longshot. In 2005, she put $50 on a horse at the Kentucky Derby with 50-1 odds…and won big. Belvoix, who is assistant manager of the Friendship Centers Activity Center in Sarasota, has attended the Derby...
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Advance Care Planning: A gift for me and my loved ones
Do you and your loved ones know what you want in the event of a sudden illness or injury that leaves you unable to communicate?
A health crisis can hit any of us, anytime, at any age. Be in control of your health care wishes by completing your advance care plan. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your loved ones.
Time to Give Back – Finding New Purpose as a Volunteer
From the minute she walked through the door at Friendship Centers in 2016, Teddy Picard knew she was in the right place. Recently retired and bored, she was feeling useless and down in the dumps, and was looking for more out of life. Picard had worked in advertising...
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Guide to Medicare in 2019
We are now well into 2019, and new changes to Medicare this year feel more concrete. Approved changes to Medicare came by-way of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 and have already taken effect to inside the national healthcare system that millions of seniors rely on....
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The Truth About Seniors and Depression
In the U.S., we often think of retirement as a period of relaxation - a time when we can finally lay all our worries to rest and live the remainder of our lives in relative tranquility. But sadly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that older...
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FST Improv Night
Join us Sunday, February 24, 2019 6:30 – 9:30 pm to benefit Friendship Centers while enjoying a fun evening! Improv and open bar for $25!
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Blooming Friendships January 24, 2019
Friendship Centers proudly presents Blooming Friendships, an opportunity to come together and celebrate its important mission: to promote health, dignity and quality of life throughout the journey of aging. This festive dinner is co-chaired by Andi Munzer and Bunny Skirboll.
read moreFriendship Center Testimonials
The Friendship Centers provides a myriad of services for older adults in Southwest Florida including:
Compassionate, high-quality medical and dental services for low-income and uninsured adults age 50 and over.
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Friendly Visitors Provide Human Connection
Donald App can’t see well and suffers from Raynaud’s disease, a disorder that numbs his hands and feet. He recently ended up in rehab after falling over a heater by his bed and breaking his femur in three places. App, 83, lives alone in Nokomis, but since this summer...
read moreFriendship Centers Announces Six New Governors to its Regional Board for 2018
(Sarasota, FL) – Oct. 25, 2018 – Friendship Centers, a nonprofit serving adults over 50 in Southwest Florida, announced six new board of governors members at a recent board meeting. The board of governors brings together regional community leaders from five counties...
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Reinvention Convention Year 2 Is Scheduled for November 9 at Art Ovation Hotel
Most people are aware that Sarasota County occupies a unique place among communities in the United States and around the world in that a large number of part and full-time residents are over the age of 65. Because of that, the county finds itself at the epicenter of a...
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Home Share Pilot Program Announces New Criteria for Home Sharers
We are excited to announce changes to this new pilot program, helping to match older homeowners in Sarasota with working professionals to create a private domestic arrangement to share a home. Home providers are people who have a home they are willing to share and who...
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Venice Lights of Friendship is Slated for December 13, 2018
Friendship Centers presents the fourth annual Venice Lights of Friendship event on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the Venice Yacht Club.
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Ease Into a New Exercise Routine
So, you’ve decided to start exercising. Maybe you just retired and finally have time to reap the many physical and mental benefits of getting in shape. Good for you – but don’t jump in with both feet on the first day. “Take baby steps. The No. 1 thing to realize is...
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5 Steps to Prepare for Retirement
Most of us look forward to retirement for decades – whether at age 55 or 75. Finally, we can take that trip to Italy or learn to play the guitar. But, to be successful, this new phase of life requires lots of planning. First of all, define your retirement. Set...
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Wise Legal Advice: In your 60s, Plan for your 80s
As retirement approaches, attorneys recommend that you write a will and get other legal affairs in order. “A person of any age should have a will, trust, power of attorney, health care surrogate and living will, if they choose to do so,” says Craig Harrison, a partner...
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Guest Post: Key to a Successful Retirement – Creating your Psychological Portfolio
Reactions to retirement vary: Some people slide into it easily by turning their hobby into a full-time activity, while others struggle to find a new life. The challenge is to recast your identity, re-establish meaningful relationships and develop an engaging purpose...
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Guest Blog: Social Connections Boost Physical and Mental Health
By Nancy K. Schlossberg The chapter title from my book, “Too Young To Be Old,” says it all. “Keep Your Dance Card Full: Pay Attention to Friends, Family, and Fun.” Social connections lead to better physical and mental health, according to Robert J. Waldinger, director...
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Volunteer Physicians and Dentists are Needed
Many dedicated professionals, both retired and active, volunteer their time to treat low-income patients at Friendship Centers’ medical and dental clinics in Sarasota and Venice. But more are desperately needed to meet the demand. Currently, both campuses are seeking...
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Intergenerational Reading Program Unites Seniors and Students
Senior volunteers and elementary school students bridge the generation gap every week in a successful partnership between Friendship Centers and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “Volunteers come in and the kids read to them. It’s just this beautiful...
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For Value and Impact Become a Corporate Partner
By Jane Icely Charitable Giving Officer If your company is looking for a way to reach older adults in Southwest Florida, consider sponsoring a program or an event at Friendship Centers, aligning your brand with a trusted leader in the aging field for 45 years....
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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE #BeTheOne May 1 & 2
The Giving Challenge is an online-only giving event. Your donation to Friendship Centers during this 24-hour online event can make a huge difference in the well-being of an older adult. Why? Your donation of $25 or more (up to $100) will be DOUBLED making your...
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Friendship Centers Announces Five New Governors to its Regional Board for 2018
Welcome to new BOG members Dr. Robert Nordland, Christine Fenn, Dr. Thomas Logio and Thomas Rice. Christine Schlesinger is not pictured. Friendship Centers, a nonprofit serving older adults in Southwest Florida, announced five new Board of Governors members at its...
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