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St. Petersburg/Tampa Connect Group

St. Petersburg, Florida
54 Members

Live Yes! Connect Groups offer local connections, education and empowerment. Adults living with arthritis from our local community come together for professional- and volunteer-led sessions on a variety of topics, as well as fun group activities including Warrior Movement activities.

We offer a place of understanding and encouragement for both people living with arthritis and their loved ones. Group participants become self-advocates, develop self-management skills and learn how to not just survive life with arthritis but to thrive.

Upcoming Events

  • Saturday, November 16th, 2024
    11:00 AM ET
    1h
  • Frida's Cafe and Bakery 9700 Ulmerton Road Largo, Florida Get Directions
  •   1 person attending
St. Petersburg/Tampa In-Person Connect Group Event-Coffee with Friends

Arthritis warriors, friends and supporters are all invited to join us for a casual gathering on the covered outdoor Patio at Frida's Cafe.  We will spend a few moments introducing ourselves and enjoy some coffee (or your beverage of choice) sharing ideas and tips for managing chronic illness with others "who get it".  Free to attend, plenty of free parking.  Each person is invited to purchase their own coffee or other beverage and snack if you wish from Frida's.  Arrive a few minutes early to purchase inside and meet us on the Patio at 11am.  (the baked goods are off the hook and they have gluten free and vegan options too!)

 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Saturday, September 21st, 2024
  • BOUDIN BAKERY 160 Jefferson Street San Francisco, California Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
Facilitator(s)
Members
  • Event List
Arthritis Foundation Event
  • Saturday, November 16th, 2024
    11:00 AM ET
    1h
  • Frida's Cafe and Bakery 9700 Ulmerton Road Largo, Florida Get Directions
  •   1 person attending
St. Petersburg/Tampa In-Person Connect Group Event-Coffee with Friends

Arthritis warriors, friends and supporters are all invited to join us for a casual gathering on the covered outdoor Patio at Frida's Cafe.  We will spend a few moments introducing ourselves and enjoy some coffee (or your beverage of choice) sharing ideas and tips for managing chronic illness with others "who get it".  Free to attend, plenty of free parking.  Each person is invited to purchase their own coffee or other beverage and snack if you wish from Frida's.  Arrive a few minutes early to purchase inside and meet us on the Patio at 11am.  (the baked goods are off the hook and they have gluten free and vegan options too!)

 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Saturday, September 21st, 2024
  • BOUDIN BAKERY 160 Jefferson Street San Francisco, California Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Thursday, November 21st, 2024
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Thursday, December 5th, 2024
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Sunday, December 15th, 2024
  • George M. Steinbrenner Field 1 Steinbrenner Drive Tampa, Florida Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Friday, March 28th, 2025
  • The Westin Chicago Lombard 70 Yorktown Center Lombard, Illinois Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
Facilitators [2]
Members [54]

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Connect Groups - St. Petersburg/Tampa

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Comments [4]
Kiley B
Kiley B
November 3, 2023 - 8:24 PM

Hi everyone, 

I am currently a freshman at the University of South Florida. As an honors project, a few classmates and I have set out to understand how people with arthritis face specific barriers that prevent them from employment. Our project is centered around creating artisitic career opportunities, such as baking and painting, for those who suffer with arthritis. I was hoping to get some insight into what activities help with your arthritis.

Thank you, and feel free to reach out to be at [email protected]

Sandy B
Sandy B
November 7, 2023 - 9:06 PM

Hi Kiley,

Thank you so much for registering for our Connect Group.  We are excited that you and your classmates are looking into creative solutions for those with arthritis facing many challenges in daily life, including the workplace.  This is a great topic to explore.  Arthritis affects individuals in many ways and requires a lengthy reply to this question.  Is there any chance you and any of your classmates would be able to join our upcoming Connect Group gathering on Saturday, Nov 18 at 11am at Frida's Cafe in Largo?  This way, you could meet a few arthritis warriors in person and ask permission to interview those able and williing to participate.  Not right then, but to make an appointment to do so.  Some are very comfortable sharing about challenges in front of others, some may prefer to do that in a more private fashion.  

Here is the link to Register for the Connect Group, in case this is possible for any of you to attend  connectgroups.arthritis.org/events/event-detail?eventid=164337

I will also share your request in a broadcast email with our Connect Group and share your note and email address in case any would be like to be a part of the conversation with you, but are not going to be in attendance at the next gathering. 

Thank you again for reaching out, this subject warrants such enthusiastic curiosity to look for ways to help.  

SandyB

Sandy B
Sandy B
July 10, 2023 - 3:11 PM

Hi Christine! 

Yay, so glad you are interested in gathering.  Our next Connect Group will return to Tampa in August.  Likely we will once again go to Whole Foods Cafe in Midtown for convenience, free parking, available seating and well, food options galore.  We move the group gatherings between both sides of the "bridge" to offer Connection as convenient for those in Pinellas and Hillsborough as possible.  You are right, it is a lot of turf to cover. 

Would love for any/all in the group to let us know what they wish to see and where!  Please share your thoughts with us via the group or privately if you prefer, Sherry and I want to hear from you. Our emails:  [email protected] and [email protected]

Christine H
Christine H
July 10, 2023 - 2:33 PM

Would anyone like to meet casually in the Tampa area once in awhile, maybe lunch or early dinner?  Sandy and Sherry, our facilitators are fantastic but of course they are over the bridge trying to accomodate a wide area. Like most of us I think, nobody wants to formally take on the job as facilitator, but would still like to meet. Anyone? Thanks! -Christine

Sandy B
Sandy B
July 10, 2023 - 3:13 PM

This is my first time using the Discussion board to Reply, same message as above, this time using the Reply feature!!

Yay, so glad you are interested in gathering.  Our next Connect Group will return to Tampa in August.  Likely we will once again go to Whole Foods Cafe in Midtown for convenience, free parking, available seating and well, food options galore.  We move the group gatherings between both sides of the "bridge" to offer Connection as convenient for those in Pinellas and Hillsborough as possible.  You are right, it is a lot of turf to cover. 

Would love for any/all in the group to let us know what they wish to see and where!  Please share your thoughts with us via the group or privately if you prefer, Sherry and I want to hear from you. Our emails:  [email protected] and [email protected]

Marcie M
Marcie M
August 27, 2020 - 4:42 PM

Does this high humidity effect others as much as it ACHES 7 PAINS me? Mine loves the heat and thankful it's not cold, cold feels awful to me! How about you?

Marcie M
Marcie M
August 27, 2020 - 4:44 PM

*7=& LOL

Marcie M
Marcie M
August 27, 2020 - 4:44 PM

*7=& LOL