The FriendShip Newsletter - August 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.
Volunteer Spotlight: Gera Singletary
*Gera is pictured at the right with another FriendShip participant, Jamie
Gera Singletary is a devoted volunteer whose love of people and community shines in everything she does. Born in Japan while her father served in the Army during World War II, Gera returned to Columbia with her mother when she was just nine months old. She’s called the city home ever since.
A proud graduate of Richland County schools, Gera attended Brennan Elementary and later returned there as a student teacher, launching a career in education with Richland One that would span 48 years. Her passion for learning and dedication to her students left a lasting legacy. “I loved teaching,” she says, “and I love retirement too!”
Gera began volunteering with The FriendShip two years ago, after her friend Ann Humphries, who is a member and volunteer, encouraged her to get involved.
Her favorite part of volunteering is driving members, which gives her the chance to form meaningful connections. “We have the most interesting members, all sorts of fun people,” she says. “Getting to know them has been such a blessing. They’ve blessed me more than I could ever bless them.” She encourages anyone who is considering becoming a volunteer to take the leap: “Just reach out and help others.”
Gera has two children who make her beam with pride, and she is grateful for close friends who bring joy and laughter to her life. Outside of volunteering, Gera’s biggest passion is gardening. She finds peace and joy in watching things grow, especially flowers passed down from her mother and aunt, which connect her to her family’s past. Though rabbits thwarted her tomato-growing efforts, she remains undeterred and excited for the colder-weather season ahead.
Thank you, Gera, for your kindness, spirit, and the deep care you bring to every person you meet.
(Thanks to Beatrice Maulfair for writing this month's volunteer spotlight.)
July Program Recap
In July, we kept the fun going with events that brought members and volunteers together all month. We kicked off with a delicious lunch at Mr. Friendly’s on July 11. We had a great turn out for some awesome food! Mr. Friendly's does not disappoint, which is why we love going back each year.
Next up was an informative and inspiring session with Columbia Green on July 22. We enjoyed hearing about the organization's many projects from tree planting efforts to educational offerings and grant programs for local community organizations. If you are interested in becoming a member of Columbia Green or want to learn more, visit www.columbiagreen.org.
We wrapped up the month with our “Fro Yo and Friends” Social Hour on July 28 at 16 Handles. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a cool afternoon treat on that hot summer day. It was a lot of fun to pick from the many frozen yogurt flavors and toppings--and we loved the opportunity to catch up with other members and volunteers!
As always, thank you to our Program Committee for planning another month of successful events for The FriendShip!
Office Closure Reminder
The FriendShip office will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day.
*Reminder for members: Please call or email to make service requests for the long weekend and right after by Wednesday, August 27 to give us plenty of time to find volunteers.
Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance
- Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at DiPrato's
- Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. - Social Connectedness for Healthy Aging
- Wednesday, August 27 at 2:00 p.m. - Social Hour at Knowledge Perk Coffee
- Friday, September 5 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Bonefish Grill
- More September dates TBA
You can find an events calendar on our website as well.
Lunch at DiPrato's (Thursday, August 7)
You are invited to our next Dutch Treat Lunch on Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 a.m. at DiPrato's Delicatessen. We are excited to visit this restaurant before it gets too busy during back-to-school season! DiPrato's has been a Columbia favorite for 20 years, and FriendShip friends love it too. Come enjoy delicious sandwiches, paninis, and salads with other members and volunteers. Guests are welcome. We are happy to arrange rides for Full Members, if needed. if you haven't already done so, please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP.
Social Connectedness for Healthy Aging (Tuesday, August 12)
At The FriendShip, we are all about providing support to help older adults stay active and engaged in their communities. And, as you may know, there's plenty of research showing why it is critically important to stay socially connected as we age.
Join us on Tuesday, August 12 to learn more about the relationship between social connectedness and healthy aging from USC Arnold School of Public Health graduate students, Ally Hucek (MPH, Doctoral Candidate), Mike Leonard (MEng, MEd), and Mina Karami (MPsych, Doctoral Student). The panel will present about the health impacts of social isolation, where to find resources and support, and more. You may recognize two of these presenters, Ally and Mike, who are longtime FriendShip volunteers. Please plan to attend the program to learn more and show your support to these students/volunteers!
This program will be held in the St. John's Dining Room on Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. Members, volunteers, and guests are welcome! Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP.
Social Hour at Knowledge Perk Coffee (Wednesday, August 27)
The FriendShip is taking our Social Hour out on the town again this month. Join us for coffee and conversation at Knowledge Perk Coffee on Wednesday, August 27 at 2:00 p.m. This cafe has a great atmosphere and lots of seasonal beverages and pastries to choose from for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up! Members, volunteers, and guests are welcome.
Knowledge Perk Coffee is located at 1527 Gervais Street and has an accessible entrance at the back of the building; there's a ramp located near the parking lot. As always, we are happy to arrange rides for Full Members, as needed. Please RSVP by noon on Monday, August 25 by calling 803-602-6434 or emailing contact@thefriendship.org.
Jigsaw Puzzle Library Interest?
Do you love to work on a good jigsaw puzzle? If so, please let The FriendShip office know if you would be interested in a puzzle lending library. One of our members/volunteers has offered to share a number of 300-500 piece puzzles to get this lending library started. If enough people are interested, we will consider using a space right outside of The FriendShip's office to house the puzzles. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to express your interest! (If we find out that there is interest in this idea, we will put out a separate call for puzzle donations.)
Thank You to Our Donors
We are grateful for the generous financial support which allows us to fulfill our mission of helping older adults. Thank you to July donors:
- Melanie Baker in honor of Laurie Barnwell
- Barbara Mullen
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!
Memorial Tribute
Frances Motte, a longtime member of The FriendShip, passed away last month. She will be fondly remembered by other members and volunteers who had the chance to get to know her at programs and through phone calls and visits over the years.
Volunteer visitors especially enjoyed spending time with Frances and knew her to be a "dear lady" who was easy to talk to and fun to be with. One of them shared this lovely remembrance of her: "Frances always had a smile and an ever-present sense of humor. During my visits with her, she would regale me with the history and all the stories of her neighborhood since she had lived in the same house [near Columbia College] since the age of 3. I will miss her presence in the world."
