The FriendShip Newsletter - November 2022
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.
Recent Program Recap & More Fun Ahead!
The FriendShip has enjoyed some great programs so far this fall! In September, our Board member Teresa Arnold shared an AARP presentation on the six pillars of brain health. She was such an engaging presenter, and we had a lot of fun while exploring this important topic!
At the beginning of October, members and volunteers enjoyed lunch together outdoors at Oktoberfest. Then, on October 18, we gathered at the home of Board member Sam Waldrep to enjoy is gorgeous fall decorations. At the end of the month, we heard spooky tales from storyteller Shelagh Montes, a FriendShip member and volunteer, and shared some of our own Halloween memories.
Another highlight from last month was our Volunteer Get-Together! Volunteers came out on a Sunday afternoon, October 23, to socialize with one another and to learn about mobility assistance from Martha Acuff, an experienced physical therapist who serves on our Board.
All of our programs are fun opportunities to get "out and about" and to get to know one another better. Thank you to everyone who planned and participated in these events! We look forward to more good times together at upcoming activities!
Check out what's in store for November!
Events-at-a-Glance
- Wednesday, November 16 - Thanksgiving Get-Together at 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 30 - Afternoon Social Hour at 2:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Pie & Stories! (Nov. 16)
There's nothing we're more grateful for than our members and volunteers! And, there's nothing that says "Thanksgiving" like pie! Please join The FriendShip on Wednesday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. We'll enjoy time together and enjoy a slice (or two!) of pie!
We will meet in the Dining Room at St. John's Episcopal Church. Please let us know if you can attend by contacting The FriendShip office at 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org. RSVPs are not required but would be appreciated by noon on Tuesday, November 15. The FriendShip is happy to provide rides for members who need them.
Social Hour (Nov. 30)
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 Social Hour on Tuesday, November 30 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's. More details to come!
Giving Thanks & Thanksgiving Delivery Plans
The FriendShip has so much for which to be thankful. Our members and volunteers are at the top of our gratitude list! Our lives are truly enriched as we get to know one another, lend a helping hand, and share our time and stories. Thank you to all of our supporters for your involvement, dedication, kindness, and generosity!
Once again this year, The FriendShip is planning to coordinate holiday deliveries/visits for members who would like them. We are reaching out to all members and volunteers to find out who would like to participate. Please let the office know if you would enjoy a delivery/visit and if you would like to volunteer to help out!
Office Announcements
The FriendShip office will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for Thanksgiving.
Special request to members: Please try to submit service requests for the week of November 28 as early the week before as possible (or sooner).
New Faces Around The FriendShip!
During the fall semester, The FriendShip has been very lucky to have some extra (and very capable!) helping hands. We have two graduate students on board!
Maddie Bennett is a social work intern from the University of South Carolina. Originally from Columbia, she received her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Columbia College and continues to live locally in West Columbia. After graduating with her Masters of Social Work and Public Health, Maddie says she "hopes to work in communities experiencing health care disparities such as the actively aging population." Maddie loves animals and enjoys crocheting in her free time. She will be with The FriendShip for the entire school year working on a variety of projects from assisting with member needs to helping on outreach efforts and more.
Ally Hucek, originally from Columbus, Ohio, is a Ph.D. student in the Arnold School of Public Health within the Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior department at the University of South Carolina. In addition, she is completing the Graduate Certificate in Aging. Prior to moving to SC, she received her bachelor's and master's in public health from the University of Kentucky. Ally will begin her dissertation next year and is exploring topics concerning the aging population. She hopes to teach in public health and conduct research after completing her degree. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dog Henry, a two-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and exploring cities in South Carolina. Ally has been working to increase The FriendShip's social media presence and has helped out at recent events.
Get Ready to Raffle!
The Friendship's Fundraising Committee is excited to announce that we are putting on another awesome Holiday Raffle as a year-end fundraiser! How about a new Weber Gas Grill valued at over $700?! And, that's just one of the prizes! You could also win a big stash of gift cards to local businesses and restaurants totaling $500 or more!
Keep your eyes out for more details when tickets officially go on sale soon, and please help us spread the word!
* Raffle donations are appreciated! If you would like to contribute a gift card, please contact the Fundraising Committee by emailing contact@thefriendship.org.
Protect Yourself & Those Around You!
Since the holidays are around the corner, it is time to make sure you are protected from seasonal illnesses. Unfortunately, flu season has hit early and hard here in South Carolina. Roll your sleeves up soon for a flu shot, if you haven't already!
In addition to that important flu shot, be sure to stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 booster shots. There is a new updated (bivalent) booster now available for everyone ages five and up. The updated (bivalent) boosters protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5. More information about booster shots is available on the CDC's website. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about when you should receive your booster.
The FriendShip is happy to assist members who need help with scheduling or getting to their vaccination appointments! Remember: getting vaccinated not only protects you from serious illness but also makes it less likely that those around you will be exposed as well.
Sharing Resources & Opportunities
Members and volunteers of The FriendShip often learn about resources and opportunities they'd like to share with others in the network. Here are several things that may be of interest!
- Exercise classes through Richland County Recreation Commission - These free arthritis exercise classes are aimed at increasing strength, reducing pain/stiffness, and improving balance! The exercises can be done standing or sitting. Several of our members and volunteers have really enjoyed going to the classes at Trenholm Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m., and there are other class times/locations as well. Contact Lisa Smart at 803-699-7425 for more details.
- Step-by-Step Navigation App for Prisma Health - The new Prisma Health GO app is designed to help you find your way to medical practices, parking spots, and more at Prisma Health facilities. It can even provide directions once you are inside the buildings. You can download it for free in your App Store.
- Digital Skills Classes at the Library - Richland Library is partnering with Senior Planet from AARP to help people over 50 learn new online skills. Check out the "Events" listings on the Richland Library website for info on upcoming topics, including affordable home internet, protecting personal information online, and more.
Support The FriendShip When You Shop on Amazon!
Click here to designate The FriendShip as your favorite charitable organization and Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to us when you shop! Once you've registered, you do have to be sure to shop at smile.amazon.com (and not just at amazon.com).
Feel free to contact The FriendShip office if you need any help with setting this up on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
