The FriendShip Newsletter - July 2020Office InformationContact Info: 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org Regular Hours: The office is open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Note: While the physical office is closed to visitors right now, you can still reach The FriendShip by calling the main number. Please leave a message, and your call will be returned during our business hours. Win A Big Green Egg GrillTickets for the Big Green Egg Raffle are available now. Just $20 each! That's a great price for a chance to win a Big Green Egg Grill and the accompanying Nest! Please help The FriendShip accomplish our mission by selling and/or purchasing tickets. Contact The FriendShip’s office at 803-602-6434 or order online at http://www.thefriendship.org/raffle.html. The drawing will take place on July 31, 2020. Board UpdatesAs of July 1, The FriendShip's Board of Directors is pleased to welcome two new members:
The FriendShip extends sincere gratitude to Paul McCullough, who has rotated off the Board as of June 30. We have benefited greatly from his leadership and caring service--and are grateful that he will be staying involved as a volunteer. Paul is a true friend of The FriendShip! Reminders & Thank You from the Services CoordinatorUnfortunately, the number of coronavirus cases in our region continues to be high. This means that even though we might be feeling weary of the protective measures, it is more important than ever to observe public health guidelines to keep ourselves and others safe. At The FriendShip, members are asked to continue to limit requests to essential services—such as transportation to medical appointments and errands for groceries. Members and volunteers should always wear a face mask (that fits over the nose and mouth) during all services and should maintain “social distance” as much as possible during services. On a personal note, I wanted to share that I’ve found myself talking to members and volunteers about how we are spending more time observing the natural world around us these days… It is a source of comfort and gives us perspective that there is still so much beauty in this world. Similarly, focusing on the kindness and incredible dedication that we see throughout The FriendShip network is uplifting and offers reassurance. Our work together celebrates both independence and the ways we depend on one another! Thank you! - Eleanor Happy Fourth of July!As we head into this July Fourth weekend, The FriendShip celebrates the independent spark in each of our members and sends gratitude to all our volunteers for their support! Join The FriendShip for July Programs via ZoomDuring June, The FriendShip enjoyed an excellent program about "How to create a more colorful and bird-friendly yard" presented by Jay Keck of the S.C. Wildlife Federation. Members and volunteers also gathered for a virtual social hour and enjoyed getting to know each other better while sharing favorite books. In July, we look forward to more virtual gatherings--until we can meet in person again! So, please mark your calendars for the following programs:
More details are forthcoming! Both of these programs will be held via Zoom*. The Zoom link and dial-in information will be sent out in advance to all members and volunteers. *Zoom is a video-conferencing program that can be used from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. But, you can also dial in on your phone if you don't have those devices or prefer using your phone. Please contact the office if you would like assistance downloading and using Zoom. Check out the Annual Meeting VideoThe FriendShip held a virtual Annual Meeting for members, volunteers, and other friends on Tuesday, June 30. The meeting featured remarks by Board members, committee members, and staff who reflected on accomplishments from the 2019-2020 fiscal year and looked ahead at how we can continue to build this wonderful network. Tons of thanks go out to volunteers Gordon and Eileen Schell for coordinating and creating the video compilation of the meeting. Do You Need Help on a One-Time Yard/Outdoor Project?Last fall, the Servant Ministry of St. John's Episcopal Church held a "Saturday of Service "and completed one-time yard projects for our members. They took care of things like raking, trimming shrubs, mowing, cleaning siding, and more. It was a wonderful day! This summer, the group is organizing youth ages 13 and up from the church to assist once again in late July! The youth will work with and be supervised by adult volunteers. If you have a yard/outdoor task that you need help checking off your list, please contact The FriendShip office to discuss this opportunity as soon as possible--and not later than July 10. (Please note that spaces may be limited and are being offered first to full members.) Memorial TributePeggy Shaw, one of The FriendShip's very first members, passed away on June 23. She was a delightful person with a lovely, quiet way about her. Our volunteers enjoyed getting to know her by driving her each week to and from the beauty parlor. In remembering her, they have remarked on her "positive spirit and beautiful smile" and shared that they admired her as "classy" and a "true Southern" lady. She will be greatly missed by her many friends at The FriendShip. |