About Us
Committees
Committees enable us to support the mission of our organization which is to support and promote medical education, research, clinical care, and scholarship, and to serve the needs of the community of which we are a part.
Lion’s Share/Lion's Pantry Drive
Lion’s Share supports Lion's Pantry by online monetary donation through Penn State’s secure system, the stocking of shelves at the pantry twice a month, and the donation of summer produce. Read more.
Coordinator: Judy Dillon
Palliative Care Initiative
AFF had a big role in establishing Palliative Care Medicine at then Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University in 1997 & has supported this program ever since. Interested AFF members who volunteer for this Palliative Care Committee must complete a training program accredited by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPC ) in addition to the hospital volunteer training program. These volunteers would donate their time & energy to help Palliative Care staff, their patients and/or patients’ families. Read more.
Coordinator: Behjat Noori
Peace Tree
AFF members gather together at the Medical Center with faculty, staff, students, patients, family members, and guests from the community, for a special evening program acknowledging the sponsored names and showcasing local talent. Donations to the 2026 Peace Tree are to benefit the Anne Marie Jallon Memorial Fund.
Peace Tree - Wednesday, November 18, 2026. 6-7pm.
Coordinator: Lisa Braccini-Barletta
Hospital & Community Outreach
Blood Drive
In collaboration with the American Red Cross, the AFF sponsored annual blood drive will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2027 from 9am to 6pm at the Hershey Medical Center's University Conference Center,
Coordinator: Lisa Braccini-Barletta and Michele Angerer
Splash Packs
Splash Packs are toiletry items that are collected to give to unprepared caretakers of palliative care patients.
Coordinator: Behjat Noori
Interest Groups
These groups serve the mission of providing a community of friendship to our members. Information on meetings and events is published on our social media pages.
Book Group
The Book Club meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the Hershey Public Library to discuss a book.
Coordinator: Jill Muscat
Bridge Group
This group was formed for members who desire to play bridge in a relaxed social setting. A course in beginning bridge is suggested for those who wish to join the group. The group plays twice a month at the Hershey Country Club; usually on the 1st and 3rd or 4th Thursdays of each month from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Followed by lunch at The Hogan Grille for those who wish to stay.
Coordinators: Sue Demers and Jaque Repke
Cocktails & Conversations
This group is for members who like to get together monthly to enjoy happy hour at a member’s home or area restaurant.
Coordinator: Patti Deutsch (with Vera Kolstrom from December 2025)
Gourmet Group
The gourmet group consists of a limited number of couples who participate in a monthly planned dinner which is held at a different home each month. A quarterly ethnic dinner group may also interest you..
Coordinator: Susan Promes
Nittany Knitters
The Nittany Knitters group meets once a month from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Knitters of all levels may join the group at any time. Projects have included fidget squares, lap blankets for adult and pediatric chemo patients, chemo caps for pediatric and adult patients, and scarves for breast cancer patients.
Coordinator: Betty Rigberg
Outings & Day Trips
Outing and Day Trips is an adventurous group where members suggest, select, organize and lead a variety of social excursions such as hikes, theatres, museums, bus trips, and tours all in the name of fun. A monthly movie matinee group may also interest you.
Coordinator: Felicia Paymer
PHOTOS BELOW: AFF group activities, community outreach events, and committee events. Hover on an image for the description.
