Tel: (240) 620-3285
Email: information.fhnn@gmail.com
“Villages” is a nationwide movement of neighborhood organizations that help seniors age in place by providing social and individual support services and referrals offered by their neighbors on a volunteer basis. Neighborhood volunteers and supportive residents formed Friendship Heights Neighbors Network, or FHNN.
FHNN is a non-profit organization and is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax deductible. We have trained volunteers to provide services to members, and we offer all members social events and educational programs. The programs can be found on the Events Calendar tab. As the membership grows, we will expand the range of services and the programs we offer.
Our Mission
The Friendship Heights Neighbors Network is a volunteer organization that provides members with support services and opportunities for social interaction to enable neighbors to remain active and engaged in their community. We believe that active, involved residents, both seniors and others in need of support, and volunteers willing to help them will build a stronger community for all.
The focus of our efforts is on the eight residential, high-rise buildings located in Friendship Heights, Maryland, and each residence has volunteer representatives:
| The Carleton | Noel McCaman | nmccaman@gmail.com |
| Highland House West & Highland House | Richard Goodman | goody1944@gmail.com |
| The Elizabeth | Constance Row Jim Jones | constancerow@comcast.net jonesjcz@gmail.com |
| The Willoughby | Nora Kish | nfk1015@gmail.com |
| 4701 Willard | David Cohen | davidmcohen37@verizon.net |
| 4615 North Park | Sheila Footer | sfooter@yahoo.com |
| 4620 North Park |
Hazel Keimowitz |
hazelkeimowitz@gmail.com |
Constance Row, President 4601 N. Park Ave. Evan Smith, Vice-President, Treasurer 4701 Willard Ave. Linda Herson, Secretary 4450 S. Park Ave. David L. Rabin 4701 Willard Ave. Nora Kisch 4515 Willard Ave. James C. Jones 4601 N. Park Ave. Myrna Seidman 4701 Willard Ave
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Tel: (240) 620-3285
Email: information.fhnn@gmail.com
To apply for membership, please click on "Sign Up" at the top of any page on this website, then click on "Member." We look forward to hearing from you and will get back to you promptly.
FHNN members reside in the high-rise buildings of Friendship Heights:
| The Carleton | The Willoughby |
| The Elizabeth | 4701 Willard Avenue |
| Highland House | 4620 North Park Avenue |
| Highland House West | 4615 North Park Avenue |
There are two kinds of memberships: social and full.
Social Membership Annual Dues
Individual...................$300.00
Household (2) ...........$450.00
Full Membership Annual Dues:
Individual .............. $450.00
Household ............ $600.00
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Tel: (240) 620-3285
Email: information.fhnn@gmail.com
Interested in offering volunteer services to our members?
To learn more about FHNN volunteer opportunities, email us at the above address or volunteer.fhnn@gmail.com.
Volunteers make FHNN work and thrive. Together volunteers brought FHNN into existence. A group of volunteers first believed in the village concept, then formed a board and working committees. Now volunteers are involved in every aspect of the on-going tasks and are participating in our orientation classes so that they may provide direct services to members.
If you want to apply to be a volunteer, please click on Sign Up, then click on Volunteer from any page on this website. We'll get back to you promptly.
We hold orientation classes throughout the year to prepare volunteers to provide direct services to members. We conduct background checks to provide members with the greatest comfort.
Direct services to members include:
Transportation (to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, prescription pick up, etc.)
Technology support (computer or smart phone support),
Personal support (phone check in, friendly visits, pet care, plant care, organize papers, decluttering support), and,
Minor in-home tasks.
Volunteers are also needed for administrative support:
Accounting/bookkeeping
Event planning and logistical assistence
Fund raising
Marketing and Communications
Volunteer recruitment
Database management
Apply today to join this dynamic team.
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(240) 620-3285
FHNN is pleased that you have chosen to renew your membership. Membership fees can be paid in the following manner:
1. Click on the Donate button below
2. Enter the dollar amount of your membership fee
3. Click on your choice of (a) PayPal or (b) Debit or Credit Card
4. Enter a note about your type of membership (Social Individual, Social Household, Full Individual or Full Household) and, if a Household, the name of the other Household member, as follows: (a) If by your PayPal account, login to it, click "Add a Note" and enter the information; or (b) If by your Debit or Credit Card, click "add special instructions" at the top of the page and enter the information.
5. Complete the payment process
6. FHNN will email you shortly to confirm your membership renewal
* * * * * * * *
Thank you for your interest in Friendship Heights Neighbors Network. Membership dues cover only a fraction of our operating costs such as office space, supplies, staff and insurance. Community members and businesses understand the benefit of neighbors helping neighbors and support the network through generous donations. These donations are essential for a sustainable organization that provides the quality of services that the community needs.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please either make an online donation by clicking the Donate tab below (and following the prompts) or sending a check payable to FHNN at the following address: FHNN, c/o Constance Row, 4601 N Park Ave, Apt 1719, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
FHNN is registered with the IRS as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization so contributions to it are tax deductible. A copy of its current financial statement is available by writing to it at the above address. Documents and information submitted by it under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-974-5534.
Tax ID: 81-4015002
Thank you for visiting our Support Us page. If you have any questions, please call or email us.
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May 19 Friendship Happening – A Great Success!
FHNN members and volunteers, plus other Friendship Heights residents and guests, filled the Center’s Huntley Hall to hear our Congressman Jamie Raskin and our State representatives Marc Korman, Susan Lee and Sara Love. Congressman Raskin spent half an hour answering questions on a wide range of national issues. He dubbed the questions “better than NPR.” After a break for refreshments and visiting with friends – new and old – our State representatives discussed the work of their last legislative session and answered questions about State issues. Congressman Raskin and the State representatives received enthusiastic applause. With a combination of sponsorships, donations and ticket sales, the Friendship Happening was a great fundraising success, which will help to support the work of FHNN in the coming months.
05/19/2019
If you missed the April 17 presentation, please see the excellent summary by Dr. David Rabin, the member of our Board who also coordinates the Speaker Series.
Officer Dana Stroman of the Bethesda Chevy Chase Area Police Department spoke about safety issues for seniors at our April Forum. She noted that Montgomery County with a large elderly population is overall a low-crime area. Nevertheless, there are many new forms of crime that relate to technologies that are particularly problematic for seniors. One is use of Bank credit card money withdrawal machines. Some have been tampered with so that credit card information can be recorded as it is entered into the card slot. Check to see if the slot unit is loose - if so that indicates the unit may have been tampered with. Another is placement of a tiny camera the size of a pin head at the top of the unit which can photograph your card. She suggested placing your hand or a piece of paper above your card as you insert it into the card reader slot so that the card number cannot be seen. Another emerging problem is use of small handheld devices that can record card information while a card transaction is occurring. This occurs in restaurants and retail establishments. Desirably these transactions should occur at your table or in front of you at a retail store.
Officer Stroman also discussed driving safety, encouraging seniors to respond to the evolving slower reaction times, diminished visual acuity and slower decision making occurring with aging. She suggested particular care at intersections, making left turns, entering highways or the beltway, and at traffic circles, by either by avoiding them or taking extra caution.
She reviewed the many telephone and cell phone scams and how clever their operators are in deceiving people who pick up calls from unknown telephone numbers. She suggests caution on any requests for money or information, stressing the fact that government agencies like the Social Security Agency, Treasury Department and the police do not make soliciting or threatening calls. She suggests not revealing your name and querying a caller as to how they got your name, number and who they are. Never reveal credit-card information or send money even for apparent emergency requests without further checking with family and friends about the legitimacy of requests for emergency funds.
She encouraged people to notify police when there are concerns about possible bad behavior. It is through public reporting of incidents that authorities can understand the extent of problems and seek solutions. When there is a possible threat or suspicious behavior, please call 911 or if it is not an emergency, 301 279-8000.
04/17/2019
Volunteer leaders Linda Herson and Beth Warner trained new volunteers on February 9. The group learned about FHNN and how volunteers can assist our Full Members with services such as driving to medical appointments, picking up groceries, reading for those with sight impairment, and making friendly calls. Volunteers learned about other opportunities to help FHNN grow in its mission to assist our senior neighbors. The training was an opportunity to meet neighbors, ask questions, and interact! Volunteers are always needed. Contact FHNN for more information.
02/09/2019
January 11, 2018.
Pong Ruangpanyapot, FHNN volunteer and computer consultant, led a lively discussion at the Village Center on ways to make technical devices more secure and less vulnerable to malicious viruses and hackers. The attendees technical knowledge ranged from beginner to more advanced. Pong reviewed a “Secure Your Device” handout that he and Linda Herson developed. He discussed technical terms such as “firewall,” “cookies,” “phishing” and ways to use computers more securely as well as options for purchasing anti-virus software. Pong noted that while it’s not possible to be completely “safe” from the “black hats,” (hackers) there are ways to be more aware and alert to scams.
01/11/2018
December 18, 2017
A crowd of 30 folks gathered in the 4701 Willard party room on Dec. 18 to join in a festive evening of song and good cheer. Ann Hoopes, a talented musician and member of FHNN, led us on keyboard and accordion. David Cohen put together song books with the words to favorite carols, show tunes and other holiday songs so we all could join in. It was a time for all of us to relax, enjoy the season, catch up with friends, and welcome many newcomers to the Network.
12/18/2017
November 05,2017
The Walking Group is growing and enjoying the exercise and the camaraderie on these lovely crisp fall days! Weather permitting, they meet Mondays at 10 at the park on the corner of Willard and Friendship Boulevard.
11/05/2017
October 12, 2017
The free wine tasting event held at the Friendship Heights Gourmet Market could satisfy the taste buds of anyone’s wine palate…tastings of 2 whites, 2 reds and a rose allowed time to mingle with Board members and to visit with old friends and neighbors and new, one who just moved to FH only a month ago!
10/12/2017
September 25, 2017
The FHNN speakers program featured a webcast interview with Atul Gawande MD, noted author and surgeon, about the needs of the elderly and innovative ways in which they can be met. The occasion was the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the first Village founded in Beacon Hill, Boston. Gawande discussed the importance of autonomy, care decision making, and respecting individual values and preferences. Following the interview there was a discussion about personal preferences and challenges discussing them with family.
09/25/2017
September 13, 2017
Kathleen McGuiness, neighbor, expert on marketing and event planning, President, KMM Consulting and FHNN volunteer presented a well-attended introduction to Social Media. She gave an overview of Facebook, Twitter, Skype, and Instagram, illustrating some of their benefits and limitations. She included advice about privacy settings and personal security.
09/19/2017
August 16, 2017
Twelve neighbors met in Rachel Gur-Arie’s apartment for their first meditation practice. Leader Andy Streich explained that the “art” of meditation is simply to focus on breath, staying in the present, and observing one’s thoughts. During the hour, Andy guided a 1 minute meditation, then a silent 3 minute meditation, and finally silence for 5 minutes. Andy emphasized the need to practice meditation, at least 5 min. each day. The meditation series continues thru Sept. 27 (no session Sept. 20). Next series will begin in mid-late Oct. If interested but not already on our waiting list, email FHNN at the address above.
08/16/2017
August 3, 2017
A group of creative members gathered in an apartment at 4701 Willard to share their enthusiasm for crafts and to get acquainted. Some members had been to the first session in June; others came for the first time. People agreed on a monthly meeting. Anyone interested in knitting, crochet, quilting, or other crafts should come on September 28. Go to Event Calendar, click on September 28 to respond.
08/03/2017
July 23, 2017
More than 25 full and social members, volunteers and guests gathered in the Elizabeth Party Room to enjoy sundaes with an array of ice creams and toppings. The occasion was an opportunity for all to get better acquainted. Many spoke enthusiastically of the one to one connections and sense of community FHNN was creating with such events.
07/23/2017
July 18 and 22, 2017
Jackie Lapidus and Linda Herson led two groups, totaling 18 volunteers, in a 2 1/2 hour training session. Each trainee received a Volunteer Handbook for guidance on best practices for direct services to our Full Members.Trainees watched and critiqued a member-volunteer role play, then responded to possible situations a volunteer might encounter. Future volunteer trainings are set for late September and early October. If interested, please RSVP at the email address above.
07/18/2017
July 1, 2017
FHNN is in the "Soft Launch" phase during July and August, having reached the first year goals of one year's worth of membership and funding. During the "Soft Launch" phase, part-time Executive Director Jackie Lapidus and volunteer Board members are training and vetting volunteers, arranging social and educational programs for the fall, and getting insurance and the computer-based management system up and running. We plan to start services for full members in September, with full operation expected by October 1. New members and donations are welcome as start-up funds will expire in about one year. See the Membership tab on the home page of this website for information about joining and the Support Us tab to make a donation. Also see the Events Calendar tab for upcoming programs.
07/01/2017
June 26, 2017
Several neighbors met in a volunteer's apartment to get acquainted and share their love of stitching and crafts. By the end of the afternoon all had some new friends, ideas for projects, and enough enthusiasm to want to meet again, perhaps on a regular basis. If you have an interest in crafts, plan on Aug. 3, watch the FHNN calendar and emails for details.
06/26/2017
The Friendship Heights Village Center is hosting its first swing dance party. Champion dancers Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg will treat us to a demonstration and a lesson and stay to DJ an hour of dancing. Tom and Debra are the founders of Gottaswing LLC and have been teaching at Glen Echo among other places and performing for nearly 25 years. You don’t need a partner or experience swing dancing.
Wear comfortable clothing and flat, smooth-soled shoes that will stay on your feet securely. The cost of admission is $10 per person: register at the Center or $15 at the door. Children 7 to 14 are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments will be served.
05/26/2017
On May 21, at the Village Center, over 100 people gathered for food, music, a fabulous silent auction, to raise money to support FHNN membership as we prepare to launch services. There was a great sense of community as people enjoyed themselves. Promoting community is an FHNN goal and we are starting to see that take shape. Come join us for our June events and bring a friend or meet a new one.
05/25/2017
Please note that the video and discussion with Dr. David Rabin has been rescheduled from May 17 to June 13 in the Elizabeth Party Room from 7-8:30 PM. See our calendar for more details. We hope you will join us for this important discussion.
05/17/2017
On Wednesday, March 22, in the Elizabeth Party Room, leading geriatric expert, Dr. Trey Sunderland, spoke to a capacity crowd from around the neighborhood about ways we can age in place more successfully. The program was lively and interactive, with attendees reacting to Dr. Sunderland's presentation by talking about their own experiences. The program ended with all who were there wanting more, including Dr. Sunderland!
03/22/2017
On Sunday, March 19, people gathered in the Elizabeth Party Room to get hands' on help with their electronic devices - phones, tablets, iPads from volunteers willing to teach. It was fun and informative and it is just the beginning. We plan Let's Talk Tech, Part 2 - take it up a notch. More questions; more answers.
03/19/2017
Board members, building representatives, and interested neighbors met for an extended planning meeting mapping out the route to launching the Network.
11/30/2016
Friendship Heights Neighbors Network has received official IRS recognition of its tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), which means that your donations to it will be tax deductible. See Support Us to make a contribution.
11/09/2016
From 7AM to 6PM, 20 FHNN volunteers took turns staffing our Election Day table. FHNN volunteers distributed information about the national Village movement in general and about the FHNN progress in forming our own village. The volunteers met with community members and exchanged ideas with 16th district delegates Marc Korman and Bill Frick.
11/09/2016
Friendship Heights Neighbors Network will have a table outside the polling station at the Friendship Heights Village Center on Election Day, November 8. Stop by, visit us, and learn more about our plans and how you can participate.
11/08/2016
FHNN. Powered by Scan Archives © 2020 All Rights Reserved
Tel: (240) 620-3285
Email: information.fhnn@gmail.com
If you are interested in becoming a member or volunteer, please click on "Sign Up" at the top of any of the pages on our website. Even if you're not ready, you can still continue to get information by signing up as a "Village Friend" if you are in our neighborhood or "General Public" if you are outside the immediate area. Some of our upcoming events may be open to Our Friends and General Public as well as members and volunteers.
For donations to help support FHNN, please select "Support Us." Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization so donations are tax deductible.
To speak to our administrator, please call or email us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
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This site stores personal information about you, including your name, contact information (addresses, phone numbers, email), demographic data (date of birth, etc.), user name and password. FH Neighbors uses this information for membership activities, including event registration, tracking member interests, discussion forums, committees, donations, member directory, etc.
Within this website, only authorized administrators have access to personal information on members. FH Neighbors does not sell or trade membership data to third party vendors.
This website does not collect information as you navigate around the site, using standard Internet technologies (such as IP addresses and cookies, and reading your browser version, operating system and computer type, etc.)
Neither FH Neighbors nor village manager and board officers have direct access to your password or credit card information. This data is encrypted by the system using state of the art technologies and cannot directly be accessed. If you forget your password, we can reset it at your request. You will then be required to change it when you next log in.
FHNN will take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information of its members and shall, in no event, use the information for commercial purposes. However, when concerns regarding a member’s health or safety arise, FHNN reserves the right to contact those listed under the member’s contact information or any appropriate authority. FHNN may also use member information when required by law and to protect the legitimate rights of FHNN or its board, staff, volunteers or other members.
We do not send unsolicited email (aka spam) to email addresses in your club's database.
FH Neighbors will not sell or otherwise share your name or any contact information with any third parties, including partners, advertisers or service providers, except as necessary to fulfill your explicit requests. For example, when you renew your membership and pay online using a credit card, we must share data with the credit card processing company to approve the transaction. But we will never sell or share this data for marketing or revenue purposes.
FH Neighbors may generate and provide aggregate statistics about our club customers and their members, online traffic patterns and related information to customers and partners, but this information will not contain data which is individually identifiable or which can be linked back to a specific person, family, or business organization member.
We will disclose information if required to do so by law or by order of a competent government authority (such as a court order) or to protect FH Neighbors or a member club in the event of a threat against the company or an employee or club officer.
FH Neighbors' computers are hosted by an independent hosting company in their secure data center behind a firewall. Only authorized personnel have physical access to these computers. We take care to promptly install all service packs and security updates, and the data is backed up nightly. We continually test our platform to ensure that security is maintained. Confidential data is transmitted using SSL/TLS encryption; our SSL Certificate was issued by Global Sign, one of the most respected names in Internet security.
Within FH Neighbors, only authorized employees, who are trained in the proper handling of confidential customer information, have access to your records.
This website is not intended for unsupervised access by children under the age of 13. We will not knowingly collect information from site visitors of this age group. We encourage parents to talk to their children about their use of the Internet and the information they disclose online.
From time-to-time, based on customer feedback as well as changing community and legislative standards, FH Neighbors may modify this privacy policy without notice. Updated policies will be dated at the top of the page, so you should check back periodically to see if anything has changed.
Donations are collected in cash, check or by credit card processing. Donations are not refundable.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the information practices of this site, please contact us at:
FH Neighbors
4601 North Park Ave, Suite 1719
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Phone: 240-620-3285
Email: information.fhnn@gmail.com
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