The FriendShip Newsletter - February 2025
Office Information
Contact Info: 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org
Regular Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thank you, Vera!
This month, we want to pay special tribute to Vera Tucker for her long tenure on our Board. For six and a half years, she served as Treasurer of The FriendShip, and we could not have asked for a more committed and trustworthy person in this role. She devoted countless hours to the position, looking after our finances and serving on the Executive and Finance Committees—and went above and beyond in every way. As Board President Sam Waldrep noted when presenting a token of our appreciation to Vera recently, her “time and effort are tremendous gifts in and of themselves, and her dedication and professionalism are commendable.”
While fulfilling the duties of Treasurer, she also continued to help members one-on-one with service requests, and we are so glad that she will stay in our FriendShip family as a volunteer. We've said it before and are sure to say it again... Thank you, Vera!
Board Update: Welcome to our New Treasurer
The FriendShip's Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Maria Sophocleous was elected to the Board and as our new Treasurer in January. Having volunteered with The Friendship for three years, she knows our work firsthand, and we are grateful that she has taken on this leadership role.
Our Website Got a Makeover
The FriendShip has a new look online! Head over to our website to check it out. It is now mobile-friendly, and we hope you'll enjoy the new pictures on it as well. The web address is the same as before: https://thefriendship.org/.
Office Closure Reminder
The FriendShip's office will be closed on Monday, February 17 in observance of President's Day. Members, please keep this in mind when making requests for right before and right after that day. Please submit any requests for February 15-18 by Thursday, February 13, in order to give us time to match requests with volunteers.
Program Recap: Fun Times Kickin' Off 2025
For our first gathering of the new year, the Program Committee planned a Dutch treat lunch at a restaurant that we hadn't been to before. Members and volunteers enjoyed the food at Badd Boys Cafe, and we're sure to head back there again! As always, the lunch outing provided a wonderful chance to connect with one another.
At the end of January, we held a social hour at All Good Books in Five Points. We had a great group of members, volunteers, and guests who enjoyed chatting and browsing. After being stuck indoors due to the cold and ice, it was especially nice to be out on the town. We think everyone left with at least one new book recommendation on their 2025 reading list!
In January, we tried new things and enjoyed spending time together. Here's to more such opportunities in the coming year!
Call Us for Errands!
Members, here's a reminder that FriendShip volunteers are available to run errands for you! If you need a prescription picked up or some groceries delivered, give us a call! Here are some examples of errands that we have helped with before:
- Mailing packages at the post office
- Picking up groceries, prescriptions, takeout meals, etc.
- Delivering items to a donation drop-off location
Our volunteers are happy to help and love to stay busy. So, please contact us to assist the next time there's an errand on your to-do list! As always, advance notice is greatly appreciated for all service requests.
Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance
- Thursday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. - Valentine's Day Card-Making for the Women's Shelter
- Friday, February 21 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at J.R. Cash's
- Late February - Learn How to Protect Yourself from Scams (to be rescheduled from January; exact day/time TBD)
- Tuesday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. - Mardi Gras Social Hour
- Friday, March 21 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Lizard's Thicket on Forest Drive
- Thursday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. - Browns' Birds: A Presentation on Birds & Birding with Will & Frances Brown
You can find an events calendar on our website as well.
Valentine's Day Card-Making Event (February 6)
Join us for a special Valentine's Day card-making event to spread love and kindness! On Thursday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the St. John's Dining Room, we will make cards for women at our local shelter, sharing messages of support and hope. All supplies will be provided. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day extra special for those who need it most. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP.
Lunch at J.R. Cash's (February 21)
The FriendShip is headed to J.R. Cash's Grille & Bar for our next Dutch treat lunch on Friday, February 21 at 11:30 a.m. Their large menu will offer anything you may be craving that day including sandwiches, steak, or seafood! The restaurant is located at 2005 North Beltline Boulevard, 29204. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP by noon on Thursday, February 20.
Rescheduling in Process: A New Date is TBA for Our Scam Prevention Program
In late January, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs was scheduled to offer a presentation about how to guard against identity theft and scams. However, the program had to be canceled due to inclement weather. We know there was lots of interest in this topic and are working to reschedule the program (maybe as soon as late February). We will announce the date/time as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you know you are interested in attending (schedule permitting), please let the office know, and we will contact you directly with the updated information. Guests are welcome!
Mardi Gras Celebration (March 4)
Join us to socialize and celebrate Mardi Gras during our March Social Hour. We'll have games and refreshments on hand and invite you to bring any Mardi Gras memories you'd like to share. Pull out your Mardi Gras beads and dress in festive attire if you would like to!
We'll gather on Tuesday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dining Room at St. John's. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP by noon on Monday, March 3. As always, all members, volunteers, and guests are welcome!
Thank You to Our Donors
Donations are so important to The FriendShip and enable us to fulfill our mission of supporting older adults. Thank you for January donations from:
- Stan and Elaine Frick in honor of Barbara Mullen
- Noel Dennis Gowen in memory of Mary Moore Roberson
- Mary Kelly and Tom Wagner
- Galen McWilliams in memory of Sidney Wait
- Sandra Polanski in honor of Bill and Trish Eccles
- Julie Ruff
If you would like to make a donation, you can mail a check to our office or donate on our website. Thank you for your support!
