The FriendShip Newsletter - May 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.
Program Recap: What Fun We've Been Having!
The FriendShip's members and volunteers have enjoyed great activities over the last month! In mid-April, we toured the VA's Fisher House, which serves as a "home away from home" for families of veterans and service members while their loved ones are receiving hospital care. The facility, which will be open soon, is absolutely beautiful, and provides lodging at no cost to the families. We know it will be a source of comfort and relief to so many caregivers. During our tour, it was neat to hear our members and volunteers share memories of their experiences staying in or volunteering at Fisher Houses that are located in other cities.
At the end of April, we enjoyed a lovely day at Congaree National Park. Our members and volunteers strolled along the board walk under the amazing canopy of hardwoods then enjoyed a picnic lunch. It isn't always easy to get out to this South Carolina treasure so it was especially meaningful to make sure our members and volunteers could experience it together!
We kicked off May with a Dutch treat lunch at a local restaurant, Boca Grande Burritos, and are looking forward to more opportunities to spend time to together at other upcoming activities!
Upcoming May/June Activities
Mark your calendar for the programs we've got planned for May and June!
- Wednesday, May 17 - Walk Timmerman Trail at 11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 31 - Afternoon Social Hour at 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, June 11 - The FriendShip's Annual Meeting from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 23 - Dutch Treat Lunch at Pitas Mediterranean Restaurant at 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, June 29 - Afternoon Social Hour at 2:00 p.m.
More information about the May programs is listed in this newsletter, and additional details about June activities will be coming out soon!
Wow! Thank you, Midlands Gives Supporters!
The FriendShip is so grateful to all of our Midlands Gives supporters! We had a very successful, record-breaking campaign this year! We raised over $20,000, including $10,000 in matching funds. That's the most we've ever raised! We are also thrilled to report that 120 donors contributed, and again, that's a record number! We are especially excited to have expanded our base of donors because that means we are reaching more people--increasing our fundraising and our friend-raising!
Thank you to everyone who helped plan this campaign, and to all of you who donated and spread the word! We couldn't have done it without you! Your support ensures that we can continue to help older adults in Columbia thrive!
Enjoy a Walk at Timmerman Trail (May 17)
Walking is good for our bodies and our spirits! Join us for an uplifting walk at Timmerman Trail! It's part of the Cayce Riverwalk, and at several points along the way, there are nice views of Congaree Creek. The trail is lovely and completely paved so it makes for easy walking. We can go at any pace you'd like; enjoy a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll with FriendShip friends!
All members and volunteers are invited, and guests are welcome too! We will meet at the trail on Wednesday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. (If we have enough people who would like to ride together, carpools will gather at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's.) Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 16 at noon to The FriendShip office by emailing contact@thefriendship.org or calling 803-602-6434. We'll follow up with those who RSVP to provide the exact meet-up location. As always, we are happy to provide rides for members, as needed!
Afternoon Social Hour (May 31)
Members and volunteers are invited each month for a social hour. Sometimes, we have a discussion topic, play a game, or do activities. But, the main focus is to just enjoy being together! Join us for the next Afternoon Social Hour on Wednesday, May 31 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church. Let us know if you can attend and if you need a ride by calling The FriendShip office at 803-602-6434 or by emailing contact@thefriendship.org.
These social hours are a great chance to take a break from your usual day-to-day routine; we always enjoy chatting and getting to know each other better! Hope to see you there!
You're Invited to The FriendShip's Annual Meeting (June 11)
The FriendShip's Board of Directors will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 11 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. After several years of virtual annual meetings, we are excited to be planning an in-person get-together, including refreshments and plenty of time for socializing!
During this past year, we've welcomed aboard new members, volunteers, and Board members. Don't miss this opportunity to get to know others who make up our wonderful network! Please mark your calendars and be on the lookout for more information soon.
Stay Up-to-Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
Did you know that there is a new updated COVID-19 booster? The CDC is currently recommending that everyone 65 and older or individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive this new vaccine to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This new updated vaccination protects against both the original strain of COVID and Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. Don't wait, schedule your vaccination booster today!
