YOUR HELP IS NEEDED:

FRIENDS ACROSS THE AGES LEADERSHIP TEAM

 

In the September issue of the Nursing Home News, we shared some details with you about changes that are afoot in the leadership of Friends Across the Ages.  For full details, see that newsletter (http://www.acrosstheages.org/news/news.asp?news_id=676EF320-1F26-48EB-B652-0838F5D8656C).  The short story is that after 10 years at the helm, Steve and Allison Blay are in the process of transitioning to being part of a comprehensive leadership team for Friends Across the Ages, rather than being executive directors of the organization.  Instead of trying to find another executive director (or directors), the Board of Directors is now fully at the helm, headed up by its executive committee of officers.  However, the board will require a great deal of assistance with a variety of roles on a Friends Across the Ages Leadership Team to keep the organization vital and strong.  This is where YOU come in! 

 

The board is putting together this leadership team, and has identified several roles that would greatly help Friends Across the Ages remain a strong organization, and perhaps grow even stronger.  Some board members have stepped up already in some roles, but there are several more which need to be filled.  And of course the leadership team need not be limited to these roles.  If you can think of a special talent you have or niche you could fill that would help us continue to “bridge generations through ageless friendship” we are all ears!  We need as many caring and dedicated people as possible to step up to help us move into the future.  Those of you who are familiar with the situation of people in nursing homes know the need is great for an organization like ours to reach out to residents in need of friendship and to call others in the community to do the same.  And the residents have so much to share with us all if only given the chance.

 

Here is a list of the roles the board has identified, some of which have been filled, some of which have not:

 

Available Positions:

§         Marketing Coordinator

§         Media Coordinator

§         FATA Membership Coordinator

§         Newsletter Editor

§         Volunteer Support (help with)

§         Anything else you can think of that would help support FATA and its mission!

 

Positions that have been filled—but we still would welcome additional help:

§         Nursing Home Staff Liaison: Sandra Johnson

§         Volunteer Training Session Coordinator: Vi Asmuth

§         Volunteer Support: Keri Shinn (help with)

§         FATA Staff Liaison: Jon Shinn

§         Nursing Home Group Coordinators:

v     Palm Garden: Dianne Walsh

v     Parklands: Steve and Allison Blay

v     Park Meadows: Vi Asmuth

v     Signature Health Care: Jean Lansford

 

                       

If you are at all interested in learning more about the Friends Across the Ages Leadership Team, or have any suggestions for ways you or others could help, please contact us!  You can reply to this e-mail, or you can call us at (352) 381-1117.

 

OCTOBER SPECIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Each month, in addition to groups that meet weekly for regular volunteering/visitation, Friends Across the Ages sponsors a few special events and activities at various nursing homes.  These events require no ongoing commitment, though we do ask you to let us know ahead of time if you plan to attend any of these events so that we can be on the lookout for you.  If you would like more information about our weekly visitation groups and becoming a regular Friends Across the Ages volunteer, please let us know that as well.  Here are our special events for October:

 

Monday, October 13th, 3:30 – 4:30PM – Blackjack with Steve – A monthly event at Parklands Nursing and Rehab – By popular demand, Steve comes the second Monday of each month to deal blackjack for the residents (who play for “bingo bucks”).  He can always use some extra dealers, so let us know if you’d like to come join the fun!

Friday, October 24, 11AM – 2PM – Trip to Homecoming Parade – Every year we take a small group of residents from Parklands Nursing and Rehab to the Homecoming Parade.  We usually need roughly one volunteer per resident (so, roughly 8-10 volunteers) to help residents get on and off of the MV transport buses, push them down to watch the parade, pass out lunches, etc.  (We usually go to the South side of University Avenue, right around 10^th Street.)  If you are interested in helping out with this special event, please let us know ASAP as we will need a very solid headcount of volunteers for this event. 

Tuesday, October 28th, 10-11AM– Playgroup Halloween Visit – A local playgroup will be visiting the residents of North Florida Rehab and Specialty Care on the morning before Halloween, with the kids (and some of the moms) wearing their Halloween costumes.  This same group came out the last two years.  Although this event is primarily for the members of the playgroup, others are welcome to attend as well.  Contact us if you’re interested, and wear your Halloween costume if you’d like! 

Thursday, October 30th, 2:30-3:30PM -- Birthday celebration -- Help us wish a happy birthday to all residents of Parklands Nursing and Rehab with birthdays in October. Meet us in the dining room where we will have singing and cake. Volunteers are needed to help gather the residents together, serve the cake, sing, clean up, etc.  Do you play an instrument or have some other talent?  We are always looking for new entertainment for the party – let us know!

 

MORE INFORMATION

Remember, be sure to check above to find out the nursing home at which an event will be held.  Directions to all the nursing homes can be found at:

http://www.acrosstheages.org/directions.asp

All events are open to everyone (children are welcome at most events, please inquire). If you've never been to a nursing home before, feel free to reply to this email and us know what events you'll be attending, so we will be looking for you. You can also call us at (352) 381-1117.