Friendship Happening

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

Safety Issues for Seniors, Presentation by Officer Dana Stroman

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

FHNN Volunteer Orientation and Training on February 9 Was A Great Success!

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

Being More Secure Using Technology Devices

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

Sing-along

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

Wakling Group grows

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

Wine Tasting in Friendship Heights Enjoyed by All.

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

Villages Anniversary Celebration with Atul Gawande

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

Social Media: What It’s All About

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

Meditating Neighbors

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

Crafts and Chat

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

Ice Cream Social

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

Volunteer Training

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

Soft Launch

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

Creativity and Chat

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

Swing Dancing: Friday June 2 7-9PM

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

First Friendship Fling Success

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

Program Rescheduled

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

Sunderland event a big success!

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

Let's Talk Tech success

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

Strategic Planning Meeting

Board members, building representatives, and interested neighbors met for an extended planning meeting mapping out the route to launching the Network.

11/30/2016

Tax Exempt Status

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

Election day table a success!

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

Election Day Table at Friendship Heights Village Center

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