The FriendShip Newsletter - November 2024
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.
Volunteer Spotlight: Janet Reynolds
“I’m already busy,” said Janet Reynolds to her daughter, who saw a Facebook post about The FriendShip on a friend’s page. “Mom, this sounds perfect for you.” So, despite her already full plate, Janet filled out a volunteer application in April 2023 and has been a steadfast volunteer ever since, mostly providing transportation when she isn’t cruising on the French Riviera, the Mediterranean, or in the South Pacific; or driving granddaughters to volleyball from North Augusta; or playing LPGA Amateur golf.
Janet retired from AgFirst Farm Credit Bank rising from entry-level secretary to department manager. Alongside the other interests she has been able to pursue in retirement, she also attends local theater and enjoys Broadway shows at the Koger Center.
Janet has many friends and often finds she meets friends of friends. “At our age, we must continue to meet new people, and The FriendShip offers new friends to meet.” She says that members and volunteers are “nice, so nice. Each week, I look at the list of volunteer opportunities and sign up for several.” She would tell potential volunteers that The FriendShip "allows you to work on your availability, on your schedule.”
Janet's friendly, relaxed manner puts members at ease, and they are grateful for her kindness. She always contributes a fun story at our lunches and social hours, and she serves on our Volunteer Committee too. Flexible, dependable, and dedicated, she is a vital part of The FriendShip team!
We’re glad Janet (and her daughter!) found The FriendShip and tells her friends about us. Thank you, Janet!
October Program Recap
Our October Dutch Treat Lunch took place at Nick's House of Pizza in West Columbia. This restaurant has been around for a long time, but we'd never gone as a group before. Members and volunteers really enjoyed the pizza and the time together!
Then, later in the month, we celebrated Halloween at our Social Hour. We had a great time reminiscing about trick or treating experiences and sharing ghost stories. We even got to admire some terrific costumes; a couple of pirates, a witch, and Minnie Mouse were all in attendance! Special thanks to Carol Barnett, Dana Turner, and Cathy Caldwell for putting together fun decorations and cute Halloween-themed treats, like a chips and dip display shaped like a witch!
We ♥️ Photos of Volunteers & Members
It is always great to have photos of volunteers and members together. If you are up for taking a selfie/picture together, send it to us. We love sharing photos of the wonderful interactions that occur when volunteers are in the field assisting members.
Here are some recent photos. One was taken when a volunteer served as a walking partner for a member, and the other was taken when a volunteer provided transportation to an exercise class.
Office Closure Update
The FriendShip's office will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of Thanksgiving. Members, please keep this schedule in mind when making requests for right before or after the holiday.
Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance
- Thursday, November 7 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Mr. Friendly's
- Thursday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. - Meet the K-9 Team of the Columbia (Note: new date & new time!)
- Tuesday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. - Thanksgiving Celebration & Recipe Exchange
- Friday, December 6 at 11:30 a.m. -Dutch Treat Lunch
- More December activities are TBA!
You can find an events calendar on our website as well.
Lunch at Mr. Friendly's (November 7)
You are invited to join The FriendShip on Thursday, November 7 at 11:30 a.m. for our Dutch Treat Lunch at Mr. Friendly's, a Five Points favorite featuring new Southern cuisine. The lunch menu includes weekly specials as well as their always popular classic southern dishes, sandwiches, and salads.
These lunches are a great way to spend time with other members and volunteers while enjoying Columbia area restaurants. Guests are welcome too. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP by November 6 at noon. Rides can be arranged for Full Members, if needed. Mr. Friendly's is located at 2001 Greene Street, 29205.
Meet the K-9 Team of the Columbia Police Department (November 14)
Please join The FriendShip to meet members of the K-9 Team of the Columbia Police Department on Thursday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. (Please note that this program has been rescheduled to a new date/time.) You will be amazed by these incredible animals and the officers who work with them!
The K-9 Team will tell us about the extensive training the canines go through with their human partners to become skilled in tracking suspects, finding illegal drugs, sniffing out bombs, and apprehending criminals. All members, volunteers, and guests are all welcome to come learn more! To RSVP, contact the office at contact@thefriendship.org or 803-602-6434. This program will take place in the Dining Room at St. John's.
Thanksgiving Celebration & Recipe Exchange (November 19)
At The FriendShip, we are always full of gratitude for our members and volunteers who make this such a caring network. So, Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays! This year, we have a special Thanksgiving celebration planned for Tuesday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to bring a favorite family recipe to share at this event--or feel free to bring a recipe you've always wanted to try. (You can send it in advance or bring it on the day of, and we'll make copies for you to pass out.) Thanksgiving desserts will be served, and we'll share stories of Thanksgiving traditions together. Members, volunteers, and friends are all welcome!
Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP by noon on November 15.
Help Us Spread the Word
Join Our Speakers Bureau
Are you interested in helping broaden The FriendShip's network? Do you love to tell people about how great The FriendShip is? Please reach out to our Communications & Outreach team (via The FriendShip office) if you would like to be on our Speakers Bureau. We have all the promotional materials you'll need, and you can even partner with another volunteer/member when talking to a community group.
Invite Us to Give a Presentation/Share Info
Also, we can present to your neighborhood association, Sunday School class, book club, or other civic or social group about our mission and volunteer opportunities. And/or, we can share our work by placing a brief paragraph in your next newsletter. If you know of a group that might be interested in hearing about The FriendShip, please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org.
Interest in The Nutcracker?
The Columbia Classical Ballet has offered free tickets to The FriendShip for its outreach performances of The Nutcracker on Wednesday, December 4 and Friday, December 6. The performances are at 10:00 a.m. at the Koger Center. So, we are polling our members/volunteers to see if there is enough interest to make a group outing. If you haven't already done so, please let the office know by November 7 if you would be interested in going.
Donations/Memorial Gifts
Donations are critical to our non-profit and allow us to succeed in our mission of helping older adults in the Columbia community. In October, donations were made by:
- Charline Brandt (A legacy gift)
- Mary Kelly in memory of Martha Bryan
- Barbara Mullen
- Nicole Vives in memory of Anna Hammond
If you would like to make a donation, you can always mail a check to our office or donate on our website. Thank you for your support!
