The Woodlands at Furman

12/22/2025

’Tis the Season!

The past few weeks at The Woodlands have been filled with music, laughter, tradition, learning, and a whole lot of holiday spirit. From shopping local at our One Stop Holiday Shop to sharing timeless music with friends from Furman University and the greater Greenville community, this season has been one of connection and celebration.

We’ve enjoyed festive concerts, caroling, and joyful performances in our own spaces, as well as special outings just down the road to experience beloved seasonal traditions together. Our residents gathered for markets, cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and evenings of great food, conversation, and cheer. We also made space for reflection and learning, and throughout the season we proudly honored Hanukkah with nightly menorah lightings, celebrating the traditions that make our community so rich and inclusive.

Whether it was hearing familiar carols, welcoming Santa, supporting local artists and vendors, laughing at a holiday comedy, or simply spending time together with neighbors and friends, each moment added to the warmth of the season.

As we head into the final days of the holidays, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays from all of us at The Woodlands. Thank you for making this such a meaningful and memorable season.

12/09/2025

A Woodlands Winter Wonderland with the Furman University Symphonic Band

Our community was treated to a holiday spectacular this week as the Furman University Symphonic Band brought Sounds of the Holidays to the Camellia Room. Under the direction of Dr. Sue Samuels and Dr. David Stanley, residents enjoyed festive favorites like Sleigh Ride, A Christmas Festival, Feliz Navidad, All I Want for Christmas Is You, and more.

For more than 100 years, Furman’s Symphonic Band has been a showcase of musical excellence, made up of students from across campus and known for performances that inspire audiences nationwide. Having them perform here at The Woodlands is a beautiful reminder of our special partnership with Furman University as one of only two Certified University Based Retirement Communities in the country.

Moments like these highlight the joy, learning, and intergenerational connection that make life at The Woodlands truly stand out.

✨ Thank you, Furman musicians! You make every season brighter!

12/04/2025

Santa is here! 🎅🏻

12/02/2025

(A little late due to the holidays...)

🌟 October Rockstar Award Recipients! 🌟
Please join us in celebrating Cathy Ruiz and Katisha Benitez, our October Rockstar Award winners! (Awarded in November for their contributions to the team throughout October.)

Cathy’s leadership in Dining has made a noticeable impact, from improved service flow to stronger teamwork among staff. Lovingly referred to as our "Queen of the Evergreen," Cathy's creativity shines during special events, where her festive decor and playful encouragement bring warmth and joy to every table. Residents and staff alike feel the difference she makes each day through her dedication, kindness, and attention to detail.

Katisha has been an absolute force behind the scenes, stepping up in a big way during a particularly challenging billing cycle. Her initiative, support, and problem-solving mindset made a huge difference when it mattered most. On top of that, she’s played a key role in organizing Arboretum events, bringing energy, coordination, and a true team spirit to everything she does.

Thank you both for the professionalism, heart, and excellence you bring to The Woodlands every day. 💙

12/02/2025

11/27/2025

As we gather with friends, neighbors, and loved ones, we’re grateful for the incredible community that makes The Woodlands feel like home every day.

From shared meals to shared moments, we’re thankful for the joy, connection, and kindness that fill our halls all year long.

Wishing everyone a warm and happy Thanksgiving. May your day be full of good food, good company, and plenty of reasons to smile.

🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Woodlands at Furman.

11/25/2025

The Woodlands at Furman kicked off Thanksgiving week with a celebration of both old traditions and new beginnings.

Last Tuesday, residents gathered for our annual Friendsgiving Celebration in the Camellia Room. Neighbors arrived with homemade sides and desserts, filling the room with good food, laughter, and the shared spirit of gratitude that makes this tradition so special.

Then on Monday, we debuted a renewed a great tradition brought to us by our esteemed former head of Wellness Marissa McFarland: the Turkey Trot Fun Walk from Community Village to Mary Lou’s Café. Residents and staff bundled up in their best fall gear and set out together for a cheerful stroll, complete with turkey onesies, inflatable costumes, and plenty of smiles. A big thank-you to Charmaine and her Wellness team for bringing the festive energy, and to Ben and Dining Services for the cider, pie, and warm welcome at the finish line.

As we head into Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for both the traditions we’ve built over the years and the new ones we’re creating side by side. Most of all, we’re grateful for the friends who share them with us.

Wishing all of our residents, families, and staff a warm and happy Thanksgiving.

Hashtags:

11/17/2025

What a night. Last Thursday, our Woodlands Block Party brought out the best of fall fun, great food, and even better company. DJ Sean Boyd (aka Daddy Woodlands) kept the energy up while residents gathered under the tents and around the firepits, sharing laughs, team spirit, and plenty of good cheer.

The food trucks were the stars of the evening, and the reviews say it all. From BBQ to sushi to fries to sweets, everyone left happy and full. Dining Services wrapped things up perfectly with hot cider and cobblers that disappeared fast.

Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make the night such a hit!

11/13/2025

🎃✨ Halloween creativity was in full swing at The Woodlands! ✨🎃

A local Girl Scout troop stopped by for an afternoon of arts, crafts, and sweet treats with our residents. From spooky decorations to shared goodies and lots of laughter, it was one of those simple, joyful moments that remind us how special intergenerational connections can be.

A big thank-you to these amazing Scouts for bringing so much spirit and kindness to our community. We loved having you here!

11/11/2025

Today, we honor the veterans who call The Woodlands home, and all those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Your courage, your dedication, and your love of country have shaped the freedoms we enjoy every day. To those who came home, and those who did not: we remember you, we thank you, and we stand in gratitude for your service.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from all of us at The Woodlands at Furman! 👻

What a treat it’s been to wrap up Employee Appreciation Week with an extra-spooky twist our 5th Annual Community Trick-or-Treat event. We had wild animals. We had princesses. We had Jedi. We had wizards and witches. We had oompa loompas.

And we had a lot of fun.

Residents, team members, neighbors (and occasionally even their kids!) came out in full costume, handing out sweets, playing games and bouncing in the bounce house! 🍬🧙‍♀️

If the Woodlands is a family, that means part of the fun is creating these fun experiences for the next generation to carry with them. Thank you to everyone who came out (and dressed up!) to make this one of our favorite Woodlands traditions. Here’s to more moments of joy, togetherness, and sugar.

And to all the children (and children at heart), be safe tonight and have fun out there!

🎃🧡