The FriendShip Newsletter - June 2017Office InformationContact Info: 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org Regular Hours: The office is open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m - 1 p.m. Eleanor's Hours: Eleanor staffs the office on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. (Call or come see me!) Midlands Gives Thank You & Help Pack the Baseball Park To Support The FriendShipOn May 2, The FriendShip participated in Midlands Gives, a one-day donation drive sponsored by the Central Carolina Community Foundation (CCCF). Thanks to so many wonderful donors and a generous matching sponsor, The FriendShip increased its gifts during Midlands Gives this year, with a total of nearly $4,000. Thanks to all for your support! In August, The FriendShip will be joining in another fundraiser spearheaded by CCCF. This one is called Pack The Park and enables local nonprofits to raise money by selling tickets to a Columbia Fireflies game. The FriendShip will receive 50% of the proceeds from the tickets we sell! The benefit game will take place on August 7 at 7:05 p.m., and tickets cost $10. Tickets will be on sale in July at The FriendShip office and more info on how to order will be sent out soon. So, go ahead and mark your calendars for August 7 and spread the word on this fun way to help support The FriendShip! An Introductory Note from the Services CoordinatorI've said it before, and I'm sure to say it many, many times again... I'm so excited to be joining The FriendShip as the new Services Coordinator. I began working here in May and so appreciate the very warm welcome that I've received. A little about my background that I bring to this work... Most recently, I have worked on aging policy issues staffing the Long-Term Care Taskforce for the S.C. Institute of Medicine and Public Health. Prior to that, while pursing my Masters in Social Work at USC, I had the opportunity to intern with AARP and Jewish Family Service. I was also part of a fellowship program that studied congregations as sites for geriatric social work. This new job at The FriendShip allows me to draw on all my favorite parts of those previous roles. It is incredibly meaningful to have the opportunity to work closely with all of you as we build a community that is truly supportive of us as we grow older. A Georgia native, I've been in South Carolina for about 10 years, and I feel so lucky to have landed here. There is so much to take advantage of in Columbia (performances, festivals, parks, libraries, and more), and I love the proximity to the beach! Now, I'm so happy to have found The FriendShip too! I look forward to continuing to get to know you all! - Eleanor * More introductions will be featured in the next newsletter, as The FriendShip welcomes three new board members: Mr. Lucas David, Ms. Gloria Prevost and Dr. Donna Ray. Message to VolunteersThe Volunteer Committee is working to update all volunteer files. We will be reaching out soon to get updated information, as needed, on volunteers' interests and availability. Also, we are exploring providing transportation on the weekends and offering regular, informal visits to members so please let us know if these two areas are of interest to you. May/June RecapThe FriendShip had a busy schedule during May and June with several great programs. One special highlight was the luncheon hosted by FriendShip member Ruth Smith on May 3 at her home. She read from her book and shared her beautiful stories about growing up in the South Carolina country. Thanks to our host for cooking a delicious lunch for everyone--and especially for sharing her stories that inspired so many memories! (Thanks to the FriendShip Historian, Roger Wilson, for supplying the photo above.) On May 9, members and volunteers gathered at St. John's for the annual meeting. Special kudos to FriendShip member Steve Blair, retired professor from the USC Arnold School of Public Health, for sharing results from numerous studies that demonstrate the importance of increasing physical activity. It is never too late to start, to do something rather than nothing, and to reap the rewards of increased energy and a better quality of life. Exercise is medicine! On June 2, special guest Marie Craig offered a presentation on her "Kick The Bucket List," sharing her system for how to ensure that your important information is accessible in the event of an emergency. She approached this sometimes difficult topic with candor and practicality and reminded participants that putting these items in order can bring peace of mind and is a gift to those who will be sorting out affairs on our behalf. Upcoming ActivitiesThe schedule for July and August programs is currently being finalized. Keep your eye out for additional details about the activities listed below and more! Let the office know if you have other summer program ideas that would be fun and keep us out of the heat! Dutch Treat Lunch Outings will continue over the summer! Hope you can join us for the next one:
(Please note that the date of July's lunch outing has been moved to the second Wednesday of the month, due to the July 4th holiday. August's lunch outing will be back to the first Wednesday of the month.) Looking for a way to learn something new and meet people across the country all from the comfort of home? Check out a free, award-winning program called Senior Center Without Walls. This virtual senior center offers “activities, education, friendly conversation, and an assortment of classes, support groups, and presentations to seniors” over the phone or via computer. The extensive range of offerings includes both weekly sessions and one-time classes; there’s something for almost everyone! The next session begins on July 10, and the new catalogue of offerings will be out soon. Please call the office for more info. (Note: Eleanor can help you get registered, and there is no commitment if you just want to try it out to see what you think.) Local Resource of Interest: Book Delivery ServiceDid you know that the Richland Library has a book delivery service that will bring your favorite author to your living room? Through the Books To You program, library staff/volunteers visit participants monthly to deliver books, magazines, and more! Large print, audio books, and e-books are available. To learn more, contact Julie at the Books to You program at 803-929-3416. * If you know of another local resource that others in The FriendShip might like to know about, share your wisdom by letting Eleanor know! |