October 2025: Board News
At the October 11 meeting of the FHNN Board of Directors, the Board took key steps toward solidifying FHNN's leadership and securing future growth. It unanimously elected Kim Coleman to the Board, effective January 1, 2026. Kim is a Friendship Heights resident and a community-health nurse. The search for a permanent Executive Director is moving forward, with the Development Committee having received 50 resumes and advancing four top candidates to second interviews. In securing critical funding, Kathleen McGuiness confirmed that Chevy Chase House has provided a $1,500 Platinum Sponsorship renewal.
The Board set dates for several major events. A "Mix and Mingle" for business sponsors is scheduled for October 22. In addition, the End-of-Life Planning program, supported by an $1,800 grant, will hold its second session on October 29. To boost recruitment, FHNN will host a breakfast at Junction on November 18.
Looking ahead to spring, Nancy Peavy and Estelle Quain will research three proposed dates—April 19, 26, or May 3—for potential conflicts for the FHNN annual fundraiser. This gala will be held at the Courtyard Marriott Ballroom, which has a 300 person capacity. A Gala committee will make final recommendations for the date. Evan Smith is currently performing the Treasurer’s duties and discussion of how to find a replacement will be taken up at the next Board meeting. The next Board meeting is scheduled for November 10. It will be in-person at the Residences at Mazza.
Over 50 People Attend Ice Cream Social in 2025
The annual ice cream social was attended by 56 people, the largest gathering for an FHNN ice cream social. Held at The Elizabeth party room on August 20, FHNN members, volunteers, and Elizabeth residents—both young and old—gathered together to enjoy ice cream, cookies, and a large assortment of toppings. A short presentation about FHNN membership and how to volunteer was also included. Cary Sennett, FHNN Member Services Manager, said, "It just goes to show how much people enjoy getting together and spending time with each other. FHNN is just so happy that so many peopled came out." Go to 2025 Ice Cream Social to see photos of the event.
Montgomery County Report Highlights Important Work of Area Villages
The numbers are in! In January 2025, Montgomery County, in conjunction with area villages, published a collective impact statement for fiscal year 2024 with 22 village submitting data. There was a record 4,049 events, a sign of the villages' ability to adapt by offering both in-person and virtual programming. Volunteers provided 10,785 direct services, including 6,169 rides, demonstrating the villages' critical role in supporting independent living. With combined budgets of $919,884, villages total volunteer time of 49,175 hours can be valued at over $1.6 million, a significant savings to the county. Tens of thousands of volunteer hours strengthened the safety net for thousands of Montgomery County seniors. As a result, seniors experienced a better and more robust quality of life.
The report also highlights that Montgomery County villages are more than the services they offer. In FY24 reporting villages hosted a combined average of 11 events per day, ranging from educational presentations to social activities. This represents a significant increase from previous years, as villages leveraged a hybrid model of in-person and virtual events to optimize accessibility. Overall, 37,721 participants attended these events, a testament to the villages' ability to engage residents throughout the county.
There are currently 30 active villages and 7 developing villages in
Montgomery County
Click here to download the report.
FHNN Crafters Donate Knitted Tool for Calming Patients
FHNN's Crafts & Chat group has been busy! In February, they donated a total of 50 twiddle muffs to three area organizations serving seniors. A twiddle muff is a colorful tube made of yarn and embellished with fun objects that can help calm restless hands. Holy Cross Home Care, the Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home, and the Hebrew Home memory care unit each received a collection of beautifully knitted and embellished twiddle muffs created by members of the Crafts & Chat group in partnership with area knitting groups. Karen Phillips, Activities Director of the Hurt Home, was thrilled to see the colorful creations. Those who care for patients with dementia or other cognitive issues are especially appreciative, since twiddle muffs help reduce people pulling on their IV or PICC lines.
FHNN Is Award Citation from Senator Van Hollen
On June 11, 2023 at FHNN's Annual Fundraiser, FHNN was awarded a Citation from US Senator Chris Van Hollen. The award was presented by Van Hollen's Constituent Services Representative, Karen M. Hendricks, JD. FHNN President Constance Row accepted the award on FHNN's behalf. The Citation reads as follows:
This citation is presented to the Friendship Heights Neighbors Network in recognition of eight years of outstanding dedication to the needs of seniors in Friendship Heights, and with gratitude to all the volunteers who offer their time and skill to help seniors thrive, age comfortably in their homes, build strong personal relationships, maintain dignity, and loneliness in a healthier and happier community.