The FriendShip Newsletter - November 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.
Member Spotlight: Gina Forcelledo
Gina Forcelledo’s life has been shaped by family, faith, and community. Born in Havana, Cuba, she grew up in a close-knit family. She and her sister loved spending days at the beach, enjoying the bay, and sharing simple joys that reflected the warmth of their family life.
After graduating from high school, she left Cuba in 1954, moving with her family to St. Louis, where she began building a new life. Over the years, she married, raised four children, and lived in places like Rio de Janeiro and Peru before returning to the U.S., settling in Virginia and then Maryland. After retiring, she moved to Tampa Bay to be near her daughter—the beaches and sunshine reminded her of home in Cuba.
Ten years ago, Gina moved to Columbia, to be close to another daughter. She quickly fell in love with the friendly people, pleasant weather, and her welcoming church. Today, she cherishes her family of four children, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren spread across several states.
She learned about The FriendShip during an outreach presentation nine years ago and became a full member last year. Through the program, she receives rides to appointments, church events, and lunch outings, but what she values most is the companionship. “The FriendShip means a lot to me,” Gina says. “It gives me the chance to socialize and make friends I wouldn’t have otherwise. It keeps my brain stimulated and my spirits up.”
Gina remains active by attending church twice a week, joining Bible lessons, doing physical therapy, and playing cards on Fridays. She enjoys reading, doing crossword puzzles, cooking, and spending time with family. To her, The FriendShip feels like an extension of her lifelong community, rooted in kindness and friendship.
Thank you, Gina, for sharing your story and being part of The FriendShip. Our community is brighter because of you.
(Thank you to Beatrice Maulfair for writing this blurb.)
October Recap: Celebrating Fall and Friendship
October began with a Fall Picnic at Heathwood Park. Although the weather wasn't perfect, we stuck it out and it was worth it! Special thanks to Dana from our Program Committee for coordinating everything; we especially enjoyed the yummy sandwiches from The Other Store and the brownies for dessert.
Our next event was a blast! Medical students from USC led an Afternoon of Games and Puzzles. They started with a brief talk about why playing games can be beneficial as we age. Then, we got into the real fun! Some people learned new games like Quiddler and Chronology, while others put together a jigsaw puzzle. Thank you to the students for helping out and to everyone who joined us.
Later in the month, we held a Birthday Party Social Hour to mark a big milestone: the 10th anniversary of The FriendShip. It was wonderful to have people there to celebrate who were responsible for kicking things off ten years ago, alongside so many new members and volunteers who have joined over the years! Attendees enjoyed cake and good company, all thanks to The FriendShip which has brought us all together.
Office Closure Dates & A Reminder to Members
The FriendShip office will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving weekend. Members, please send any service requests through December 1 to the office by noon on Monday, November 24 (the Monday before Thanksgiving) so we can coordinate with volunteers before the holiday weekend.
Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance
- Friday, November 7 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Luna Kitchen
- Tuesday, November 11 at 2:00 p.m. - Presentation on Sesquicentennial State Park
- Friday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m. - Holiday Craft Social Hour
- Thursday, December 4 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Casa Linda
- Friday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m. - Holiday Get-Together
- More dates TBA
Please mark your calendar for these activities. You'll find descriptions of the November activities in this newsletter, and more details will be announced soon for December. You can find an events calendar on our website as well.
Lunch at Luna Kitchen (Friday, November 7)
The FriendShip's next Dutch treat lunch is set for Friday, November 7 at 11:30 a.m. We'll be trying an Asian restaurant in Five Points called Luna Kitchen. Come enjoy delicious potstickers, noodle bowls, rice dishes, and more!
Luna Kitchen is located at 724 Harden Street, 29205, and it shares a small parking lot with All Good Books. If there is interest, we can arrange a carpool from St. John's. As always, rides can be arranged for Full Members, as needed. If you haven't already done so, please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP.
Learn about Sesqui (Tuesday, November 11)
Please join us on Tuesday, November 11 at 2:00 p.m. to hear from John Wells, Park Manager of Sesquicentennial State Park. In this presentation, we will learn about Sesqui and all it has to offer, as well as about the important role John serves in supporting this park and Goodale State Park in Camden. Members, volunteers, and guests are welcome! This program will take place in the Dining Room at St. John's.
RSVPs are not required but would be appreciated by noon on Monday, November 10. To let us know if you can come, call the office 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org.
Chat, Craft, and Sip! (Friday, November 21)
With the holiday season around the corner, join us for a cozy gathering to make a Christmas tree ornament—no crafting skills required! One of our volunteers, Janel Hagar, will lead this simple and fun activity, while we enjoy hot cider and snacks together. Your handmade ornament will make a lovely gift or a charming addition to your own tree!
We will meet in the Dining Room at St. John's, and please note that we need RSVPs earlier than usual in order to have time to get the craft supplies. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org by November 14 to let us know if you would like to attend.
Light Up the Night with Luminary Kits: Proceeds Benefit The FriendShip
The Homes for the Holidays Tour is coming up on December 7. This annual event in the Shandon/Hollywood-Rose Hill neighborhoods is always a treat, offering the opportunity to admire some beautiful homes and amazing holiday decorations!
This year, Homes for the Holidays is selling luminary kits alongside tickets to the tour. The FriendShip is very grateful to have been chosen to be the beneficiary of the proceeds of the luminary kit sales! The kits are $20, and the tour tickets are $40. For more info and to purchase kits or tickets, visit the website at https://homesfortheholidays-columbia.com/.
Spread the word!
Important Message for Transportation Volunteers
Starting on November 12, The FriendShip will begin to use a new process for sending out and assigning transportation services. We provided an in-person training on this process at our Volunteer Meet & Greet on November 2. If you were not able to attend, please reach out to the office to set up an individual orientation session; we can meet over the phone, via Zoom, or in-person. More details and training materials will also be sent out via email.
Thank You to Our Donors
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community support to fulfill our mission. Thank you to generous donors in October:
- Anonymous - in memory of Martha Bryan
- Garden Ellas Garden Club - in honor of Sam Waldrep
- Barbara Mullen
- Sam Waldrep
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!
