The FriendShip Newsletter - October 2024
Office Information
Contact Info: 803-602-6434 or mailto:contact@thefriendship.org
Regular Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Happy Birthday to The FriendShip!
Nine years ago, in October of 2015, The FriendShip first began to provide services to members. Thank you to all who had a hand in creating this wonderful organization that helps older adults live independently! Over the years, our members and volunteers have inspired one another and created a caring network that enriches the lives of everyone involved.
Member/Volunteer Spotlight: Jane Blair
Jane Blair has been with The FriendShip since the beginning as both a member and a volunteer. She served as our first Vice President before becoming the President for several years. Her leadership helped take the young organization to the next level, and her dedication has helped it thrive. Since those early days, Jane has continued as both a member and volunteer and says she focuses her volunteerism now by “serving on the Member and Program Committees.”
A health and physical educator, she is retired from working as a school psychologist in Dallas. She says that "if you have health, you have hope, and if you have hope, you have everything.” Her professional skills have certainly benefited The FriendShip; for example, she has been a wonderful facilitator leading many lovely social hour chats over the years.
Outside of FriendShip activities, Jane enjoys listening to NPR and loves to read, “…not books as much as the NY Times and Smithsonian Magazine.” She says that “I have made a commitment to myself to exercise every day” and so can often be found out for a walk or at the gym. Jane has also been very involved with multiple activities at her church, from Bible Study to the knitting group and coordinating visits for church members in their homes.
She values her family and friends—especially friendships developed through The FriendShip. She says that “volunteers and members are kind, generous, and sharing.” She takes inspiration from “people who find a way to contribute in spite of hardships and obstacles.” In turn, we are inspired by Jane’s commitment and the way she always remembers to express gratitude.
You will see Jane regularly at programs and events. Introduce yourself! We thank Jane for her continued investment in The FriendShip and her wealth of imagination and ideas.
September Program Recap
Our September programs began with a Dutch Treat Lunch out to Chicken Salad Chick. Attendees enjoyed the variety of chicken salad flavors and sides--as well as cookies and good conversation!
Later in the month, we were so glad to have Christine Hait, Board President of the Columbia Area Chapter of the League of Women Voters, give us an overview of the League and share important resources for voters. Volunteers and members who attended the program got a real-time demonstration on how to use Vote411, an online resource with great information on candidates, voter registration, polling places, and more.
Make a Voting Plan Now!
The November 5th election is approaching quickly, and The FriendShip wants to remind you to plan ahead now to make sure you are prepared to cast your ballot!
Voting absentee by mail - Absentee voting allows voters who meet certain criteria to cast a ballot by mail prior to Election Day. To vote in this way, you must first fill out an absentee ballot application, and the deadline to return absentee ballot applications is 5:00 p.m. on October 25. For more info and to request an application, contact your county voter registration office.
Voting in-person early - Early voting centers are open as follows: Monday, October 21 through Saturday, November 2 from 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Note that they are closed on Sunday, October 27.) Click here to view early voting locations in Richland County.
* Important reminder to our members: Contact The FriendShip office if you need help finding info or need a ride to vote early or on Election Day!
Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance
- Tuesday, October 8 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Nick's House of Pizza
- Thursday, October 24 at 2:00 p.m. - Meet the K-9 Team of the Columbia Police Department
- Thursday, October 31 at 2:00 p.m. - Halloween-themed Social Hour
- Thursday, November 7 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Mr. Friendly's
- Tuesday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. - Thanksgiving Recipe Exchange
Reminder about rides: The FriendShip is happy to arrange rides for Full Members to/from programs, as needed.
You can find an events calendar on our website as well.
Lunch at Nick's House of Pizza (October 8)
You are invited to join The FriendShip on Tuesday, October 8 at 11:30 a.m. for our October Dutch Treat Lunch at Nick's House of Pizza. This pizza joint offers an extensive menu, including great options for pizza, pasta, and Greek dishes. Volunteers, members, and guests are welcome!
Nick's is located at 1042-A Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia, 29619. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP by Monday, October 7 at noon. Rides can be arranged for Full Members, if needed.
Meet the K-9 Team of the Columbia Police Department (October 24)
Please join The FriendShip on Thursday, October 24 at 2:00 p.m. in the St. John's Dining Room to meet members of the K-9 Team of the Columbia Police Department. You will be amazed by these incredible animals and the officers who work with them!
The K-9 Team will tell us about the extensive training the canines go through with their human partners to become skilled in tracking suspects, finding illegal drugs, sniffing out bombs, and apprehending criminals. All members, volunteers, and guests are all welcome to come learn more! To RSVP, contact the office at contact@thefriendship.org or 803-602-6434.
Halloween Social Hour (October 31)
Save the date for an afternoon of Halloween fun with other FriendShip members and volunteers on Thursday, October 31 at 2:00 p.m. Guests are welcome too! There will be plenty of time to share stories about Halloween costumes and traditions, as well plenty of Halloween candy on hand! (We'll be sure to have a healthy treat option available too.) Our social hours are always a pleasant way to spend the afternoon and to get to know one another better. Hope to see you there!
Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP.
Help After the Hurricane
Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Helene. Please let us know if you need help after the storm. FriendShip volunteers can assist members with tasks like yard cleanup or restocking your emergency supplies, refrigerator, etc.
Free COVID-19 Tests Available + Stay Up-to-date on Vaccines
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response is offering free COVID-19 test kits to every household. Follow the link below to order yours. Also, this would be a good time to check with your doctor to make sure you are up-to-date on your COVID-19 booster vaccines and to get your flu shot.
Donations/Memorial Gifts
In September, The FriendShip received many gifts in memory of Martha Bryan, who was instrumental in getting The FriendShip off the ground. From editing the foundational documents to providing rides for members and more, she gave her time and energy generously. Donations honoring her memory were given by:
- Jane Blair
- Ryan and Cara Earhart
- Bill and Trish Eccles
- Walter and Cornelia Edgar
- William and Margaret Fitch
- Mr. and Mrs. Haltiwanger
- Rusty and Plum Hammond
- Jim and Shirley Knight
- Barbara Mullen
- Lloyd Kapp and Wylly Stirling
- Nancy and Richard Truluck
- Faxie Watt
- Roger Way
- Laura Williams
If you would like to make a donation, you can always mail a check to our office or donate on our website. Thank you for your support!
