Tag archives: Heidi Holly

A Friend for All Friendship Center’s New Executive Director
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 10, 2023

Kathryn Westland is the new executive director for the Friendship Center Adult Day Services (FC) in Montecito. This is the first appointment to the position since Heidi Holly, who held the position for 38 years and retired earlier this year. Westland worked at the FC as program manager from fall 2017 through January 2021, and […]

Friendship and Brass Bears
By Richard Mineards   |   August 8, 2023

Heidi Holly, executive director of the Friendship Center in Montecito and Goleta, has retired after 38 years, and 120 friends and supporters gathered at a fun-filled farewell bash at Brass Bear Brewing Uptown to give her a rousing sendoff. Kathryn Cherkas, Heidi’s successor who worked as a program director of the organization as well as […]

Veterans Day Recap at the Friendship Center
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 29, 2022

The Friendship Center Montecito held a private Veterans Day celebration to honor its senior members who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The event was chaired by Family Services Manager Kim Larsen and Development Director Sophia Davis. Key event sponsor was Montecito Rotary Club President Tony Morris. The program, emceed by Carol Metcalf-Roth, starred […]

The Friendship Center’s 10th Annual Wine Down
By Joanne A Calitri   |   September 27, 2022

The Friendship Center Montecito held its annual wine event on Thursday, September 8 at the center’s outdoor patio area. Guests were greeted with an option to wear a mask made available at the reception desk. Ready with big smiles at the wine glass pickup area were Event Chair Kathy Marden and Co-Chair and Board Vice […]

Happy (Fiscal) New Year!
By Lynda Millner   |   July 26, 2022

This was the 9th annual “Fiscal New Year” fête hosted by Ernesto Paredes to get executive directors together for a sip and greet. He had help from a committee of Heidi Holly, Kim Olson, and Sophia Davis.  It was held at the former Chuck’s Waterfront Grill near the Maritime Museum. There was even a sponsor […]

You’ve Got a Friend in Me: Friendship Center Finds a Way to Stay Connected
By Steven Libowitz   |   June 3, 2021

The Friendship Center serves an often overlooked, but much-needed niche for the aging adult community — providing a daytime home away from home where the dependent seniors can take advantage of companionship and engaging activities. They also receive necessary supervision while their family caregivers receive respite and a much-needed break from the demands of caregiving […]

Friendship Center
By Lynda Millner   |   May 6, 2021

Friendship Center has been there for its seniors and their families for many years. There are two facilities, one in Montecito across the street from the Episcopal church (All Saints-by-the-Sea) and another in Goleta. They provide day care for elder and dependent adults. Before the pandemic, their centers were a home away from home. Members […]

Hearts & Hugs For Heroes
By Lynda Millner   |   November 26, 2019

Friendship Center held their first veterans’ celebration with lots of red, white and blue, a hug line and applause for each veteran attending. If you gave a hug you were rewarded with a home baked heart shaped cookie. Lt. John Blankenship from Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation was there with a color guard, Deborah Bertling sang […]

Festival Of Hearts
By Lynda Millner   |   February 21, 2019

The Friendship Center elder day care held its 20th Festival of Hearts Luncheon turning Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort into the Emerald City from The Wizard of Oz. The 20th milestone of an event is symbolized by emeralds hence the suggestion to come as an Oz character or at least wear green. The results were […]

Festival of Hearts
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   January 31, 2019

Friendship Center is hosting its 20th Annual Festival of Hearts on Saturday, February 9 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. This festive pre-Valentine’s Day event features a sit-down lunch and local wines, with live music by Montecito Jazz Project.  Since the first Festival of Hearts, the centerpiece of […]

Wine Down
By Lynda Millner   |   September 27, 2018

Friendship Center gave its 8th annual Wine Down and Big Heart Awards at its Montecito location. As executive director Heidi Holly said, “Thursday is the new Friday.” That’s because their event was on a Thursday and everyone was wining down. Friendship Center in Montecito and Goleta “share the care” for ageing and dependent adults through […]

Festival of Hearts
By Lynda Millner   |   February 22, 2018

“The Queen of Hearts Tea Party” was the theme for Friendship Center’s 19th annual Festival of Hearts at the Fess Parker. It was to benefit H.E.A.R.T (Help Elders At Risk Today), which allows Friendship Center’s programs to remain available to all in need, regardless of income limitations. It’s always a fun luncheon, and this year […]