The FriendShip Newsletter - April 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 and A Look Ahead
Spring has gotten off to a great start at The FriendShip with several fantastic programs. A group of members and volunteers enjoyed visiting Riverbanks Zoo. They admired all the amazing animals, as well as just enjoyed being out and about together. Our St. Patrick's Day Social Hour offered the opportunity to learn about the hammered dulcimer from our guest, Jackie Moore. It was a treat to hear the sweet sound of that beautiful instrument! And, in late March, Candy Waites joined us to share tips on organizing and decluttering!
Thank you to our guest speakers and Program Committee for putting together these events! We look forward to all that late spring and summer have in store!
April/May Activities
Mark your calendar for these upcoming activities!
- Wednesday, April 12 - Tour of the VA's Fisher House at 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, April 28 - Picnic at Congaree National Park (carpools gather at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's; meet at 11:30 a.m. at the park)
- Tuesday, May 2 - Midlands Gives Day
- Friday, May 5 - Cinco De Mayo "Dutch Treat" Lunch at Boca Grande Burritos at 11:30 a.m.
- Monday, May 15 - AARP "Smart Driver" Class at the Lourie Center at 10:00 a.m.
- Other May Activities TBA
More details about the April programs are listed in this newsletter, and details about the May lunch outing and other May activities will be coming out soon!
Tour the VA's Fisher House (April 12)
In February, a group of our members and volunteers created Valentine's Day cards for the VA's Fisher House, which is a "home away from home" for families and caregivers of veterans and service members receiving treatment at major military and VA medical facilities. Now, the Fisher House has invited us to tour its new facility on Wednesday, April 12 at 2:00 p.m. Join us to learn more about how the Fisher House supports veterans and their families! The tour will last half an hour and then those who are interested can take a walk together along the short trail outside the VA.
For more information or to RSVP, please email contact@thefriendship.org or call 803-602-6434. As always, we are happy to provide rides to members who need them!
Picnic at Congaree National Park (April 28)
Earth Day and National Arbor Day are both celebrated in April! So, let's get outside and soak up the beauty of South Carolina! Members, volunteers, and guests are invited to get together for a picnic lunch at Congaree National Park on Friday, April 28. Carpools will gather at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's, and we'll meet at 11:30 a.m. at the park. After the picnic, we can tour the visitor's center or walk the trail!
The Program Committee will be ordering sandwiches to have onsite for those who are interested; more details about the kind of sandwiches and the cost are forthcoming. Or, you are welcome to bring a bagged lunch.
For more information or to RSVP, please email contact@thefriendship.org or call 803-602-6434. Please RSVP by noon on Wednesday, April 26 if you'd like to order a sandwich and/or need a ride.
May Two... Counting on You!
5/2/2023
The FriendShip’s members rely on us every day to help them stay active, independent, and connected! Our volunteers help in so many ways—providing rides to doctor’s appointments, changing lightbulbs, troubleshooting TV or computer issues, and so much more! Our programs and outings provide opportunities to socialize and learn. Older adults in Columbia know they can count on us!
Now, The FriendShip is counting on YOU to help ensure that we have a successful Midlands Gives campaign!
What is Midlands Gives? It is a one-day online giving event for nonprofits throughout our region sponsored by the Central Carolina Community Foundation. The big day this year is on May 2! Not only is it a critical fundraiser for The FriendShip, Midlands Gives is also an incredible opportunity to introduce our work to new friends!
Here's how you can help:
- Spread the word - Make sure your friends and family know that The FriendShip participates in this popular philanthropy event! If you are on Facebook, be sure to share our posts about the big day!
- Create a fundraising page - You can create your own personalized fundraising page to encourage family and friends to support The FriendShip. It's fun, easy, and effective. To learn more, contact The FriendShip office or read more here.
- Donate - Donate on May 2! Or, get a jumpstart by clicking here to donate today; early giving is already open!
Your help on this fundraiser can make a big difference for The FriendShip and our members!
AARP "Smart Driver" Class (May 15)
The FriendShip is partnering with AARP-SC and the Lourie Center to offer the AARP "Smart Driver" course to volunteers and members. The four-hour class is designed to refresh driving skills and reduce the chance of getting into an accident. It is taught lecture style (i.e., it does not include behind-the-wheel or driving simulation instruction). SC drivers are eligible to receive a 5% discount on their automobile insurance coverage for three years upon completion of an approved driver improvement course such as this one.
The class will be on Monday, May 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lourie Center. To register, please contact The FriendShip office by noon on Thursday, May 11 at 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org.
The fee is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. The FriendShip is planning to cover the cost for our volunteers; if you are a volunteer and prefer to pay your own fee, please let the office know when you register.
For more info about this course, please visit the AARP website at aarpdriversafety.org.
Save-the-date: Annual Meeting (in-person!)
The FriendShip's Board of Directors will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. After several years of virtual annual meetings, we are excited to be planning an in-person get-together, including plenty of time for socializing and getting to know other members, volunteers, and supporters! Please mark your calendars! More details are forthcoming!
Last Call... Do You Want to Join "StrongerMemory"?
Last year, The FriendShip offered a 12-week session of StrongerMemory, a program designed to improve brain health, to our members and volunteers. They found the program to be both helpful and fun! We are now considering offering another 12-week session, pending interest. Check out the info below for an overview of the program and (if you haven't already done so) let The FriendShip office know you are interested by April 7.
Here's an overview of how it works: With simple exercises, the StrongerMemory program works to “stimulate the part of the brain that helps retrieve memories.” The curriculum includes exercises like: quickly doing simple math problems, writing/journaling, and reading aloud. Through consistent use of these exercises, participants have noticed improvement in their ability to focus, find misplaced items, and remember conversations.
How much time is involved? Participants will complete exercises about 5 days per week on their own and meet as a group once a week through the session.
Contact The FriendShip office if you have questions or need more info!
