The FriendShip Newsletter - December 2023

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.

Member/Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Kelly

Mary Kelly, associate member and volunteer

Did you know The FriendShip has two levels of membership (full and associate)? The associate level is a social membership; it's perfect for people who want to actively show their support for our mission and take part in programs and activities--but who don't feel they need regular assistance from volunteers. Joining at the (affordable!) associate level is a great way to get to know The FriendShip and support what we are all about!

This month, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on one of our wonderful, longtime associate members: Mary Kelly. She has been with The FriendShip almost from the beginning. Mary and her husband, Tom Wagner, have volunteered and also decided to join as associate members. “We want to support The FriendShip so that the services will be there when we need them.” Over the years, she has attended various FriendShip programs and particularly enjoyed memorable presentations by author Carla Damron, Dr. Donna Ray, and Rob Mullen, a specialist in polygraph testing. There's always something new to learn!

As a CPA, Mary has served as Treasurer and as a longtime member of the finance committee. She is also a volunteer driver and a faithful office volunteer—all manner of involvement. “What I love about The FriendShip is interacting with interesting people outside my family.” She says a benefit of volunteering with The FriendShip is that “I can volunteer when convenient for me—even with a packed schedule.” She emphasizes that volunteering for The FriendShip is flexible and on your terms.

What brings Mary joy (besides The FriendShip, of course!)? She loves to play bridge, garden, and spend time with her family, including her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thank you to Mary for the many, many ways she contributes to The FriendShip by participating both as an associate member and a volunteer!

November Activities Recap

Thanks to everyone who came out for our November activities! We kicked off the month with a Dutch Treat Lunch at CAVA. This restaurant is relatively new, and we enjoyed trying out the well-seasoned and tasty Mediterranean options. Then, later in the month, Dr. Shaun Owens from the USC College of Social Work gave a great presentation about how to begin the process of preparing your home for aging-in-place. Not only is Dr. Owens an expert is his field, but he is a very engaging speaker who was so generous with his time!

Dr. Owens with Board member Teresa Arnold

Audience members listening to Dr. Owens.

Dr. Owens standing in front of his PowerPoint presentation

'Tis The Season to Recruit New Volunteers!

snippet of the new holiday-themed volunteer recruitment flyer

Over the holidays, we all start thinking about new year's resolutions. Help your friends and family make good on their resolutions to volunteer more in 2024. Make sure they know about volunteering with The FriendShip! Our holiday-themed volunteer recruitment flyers can be shared in hard copy or electronically. Post a flyer at your favorite gathering spot or place of worship, pass copies out at a Christmas party, or send the e-version out on Facebook or via email to friends and family! Contact the office for hard copies or download the flyer from our website.

Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance

Thursday, December 14 - Holiday Program with First Presbyterian Children's Choir at 3:30 p.m.
Friday, January 5 - Dutch Treat Lunch at 11:30 a.m. (Location TBA)

More January programs will be announced soon! You can find an events calendar on our website as well.

Holiday Cheer with the First Presbyterian Children's Choir (Dec. 14)

Join The FriendShip on Thursday, December 14 at 3:30 p.m. for a holiday get-together. We are looking forward to hearing festive music sung by the First Presbyterian Children's Choir. And, we hope everyone comes ready to join in for a few Christmas carols too! There will be good company, sweet treats, and plenty of holiday cheer. Members, volunteers, and guests are welcome.

The program will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in the Dining Room. We'll start the festivities at 3:30 p.m. and then the children will join us after school to sing. Please RSVP by noon on Tuesday, December 12 by emailing contact@thefriendship.org or calling 803-602-6434. As always, we are happy to arrange rides for members who need them.

Holiday Visits Bring Joy & Smiles!

Volunteer Carol with member Alice and her Thanksgiving basket

Member Henriette with her Thanksgiving basket

In honor of Thanksgiving, volunteers put together and delivered holiday baskets for members. We were amazed by the cornucopia of goodies, from homemade cookies to spicy snack mix, and everything was packaged so beautifully! Our members could tell they were put together with such love and thoughtfulness--and that meant so much! Thank you to Carol Barnett and Terri Robertson who used their amazing talents to head up this project and to all the volunteers and members who participated as well.

We are in the process of coordinating holiday visits around Christmas. Please let the office know if you would enjoy a visit during the week before Christmas or if you can volunteer for this project.

Member Charline with her Thanksgiving basket

Volunteer Eileen with member Frances and her Thanksgiving basket

Office Reminder

During this holiday season, The FriendShip's office will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26, as well as on Monday, January 1. Members, please keep this in mind when making service requests for right before and right after the holidays.

SC Department on Aging Wants Your Input

The SC Department on Aging is collecting feedback on how people learn about and use the services and supports they need to live as independently as possible. Examples of these services and supports are: ramps, personal care with bathing or dressing, transportation assistance, home delivered meals, etc. Please participate in this anonymous online survey. Feel free to share the survey link with friends and family as well. If you have questions, please email YSnyder@sagesquirrel.com.

Thank You to Our Donors

The generosity of our donors is critical to our ability to fulfill our mission! We are grateful for November donations from:

Bill & Trish Eccles
Jill Ann Grote
Mary Kelly & Tom Wagner
Patricia Rock
Ann Ruderman & Bill Keane

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for a friend or family member?! Remember that donations can be made to The FriendShip in honor of a loved one! Those thoughtful contributions make the perfect gift!

If you would like to make a donation, you can mail a check to our office or donate online. Thank you for your support!