The FriendShip Newsletter - July 2025

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.

Member Spotlight: Ken and Gloria Bayer

Laurie, our volunteer spotlight, with two other volunteers at our annual meeting

Gloria and Ken Bayer joined The FriendShip as a couple earlier this year. Ken was raised in Cleveland, where he lived with his parents and grandparents. He met Gloria in the fourth grade—a love story that’s now spanned more than 80 years. Both attended Purdue University, and after college, they settled in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where they raised their family. They have three children—two sons in Summerville and Isle of Palms and a daughter in Chicago—and are proud grandparents to nine grandchildren. Family is the cornerstone of their lives. This past June, they celebrated an incredible milestone: their 67th wedding anniversary.

Four years ago, they made the move to Columbia in search of warmer weather and new adventures. At 90 years old, Ken still loves to sing in his church choir, just as he did in the Purdue Glee Club. Gloria enjoys reading and playing games. As they’ve settled into Columbia, they’ve made connections in their new community as active members at their church and by taking classes at The Shepherd’s Center.

They discovered The FriendShip through an occupational therapist after an accident made driving difficult. Since then, the organization has become a key part of their daily life. “It’s been monumental,” Gloria says. “The nicest people in the world—we were stunned by their friendship.”

To the Bayers, The FriendShip means more than just rides or services—it means connection, ease, and joy in aging. “It makes getting older easier,” they say, noting that it's far more fulfilling than calling a rideshare. They now make it a point to spread the word to others, eager to share the gift they’ve found in this welcoming community.

Thank you, Gloria and Ken, for your warmth, wisdom, and enthusiastic spirit. You make The FriendShip a better place for everyone!

(Thanks to Beatrice Maulfair for writing this month's volunteer spotlight.)

June Program Recap: It's Officially Summer!

We kicked off June by trying out a restaurant that we hadn't visited before: Tupelo Honey, which is located in the new Bull Street development. It was fun to try a new place together, and our group really enjoyed the food!

The heat kicked up in June so we turned our social hour into a Summertime Soiree. Members, volunteers, and guests enjoyed sharing summer memories, and it was neat to hear how many of those involved gardening/farming. Thanks to our Program Committee chair, Dana Turner, for providing perfect-for-summer treats like watermelon, lemonade, and cucumber sandwiches made with homegrown cucumbers from Frances and Will Brown's garden!

Members and volunteers at a round table at the June social hour

Local Resources of Interest

The SC Department on Aging is hosting another Dementia 202/Positive Interactions webinar on July 24 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Presented by Dementia Care Specialist Tori Anderson, this webinar gives an overview of communication strategies and tips for navigating relationships with someone who is living with dementia. The webinar is free. Sign up by visiting the SC Department on Aging's website. If you can't make this one, you can check the website for another upcoming session.

The Richland County Library now has free, online classes for adults 55+ on their GetSetUp platform. It is easy to navigate and gives you access to on-demand and live courses. Some of the course topics include iPhone Basics, Watercolor Painting, How to Use Your Apple Watch for Medical Emergencies, and much more! Visit the library's website for more info or to sign up for free.

Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance

Friday, July 11 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Mr. Friendly's
Tuesday, July 22 at 2:00 p.m. - Learn about Columbia Green
Monday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m. - Fro Yo and Friends Social Hour
Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Di Prato's
Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. - Social Connectedness for Healthy Aging
Wednesday, August 27 at 2:00 p.m. - Social Hour at Knowledge Perk Cafe

You can find an events calendar on our website as well.

Lunch at Mr. Friendly's (Friday, July 11)

You are invited to our next Dutch Treat Lunch on Friday, July 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Mr. Friendly's in Five Points. This restaurant serves new Southern cuisine and is always a hit with our members and volunteers! Come enjoy Mr. Friendly's delicious food, which often features local ingredients, as well as the casual-yet-sophisticated atmosphere. The lunch menu includes weekly specials as well as their always popular classic southern dishes, sandwiches, and salads.

Mr. Friendly's is located at 2001 Greene Street, 29205. As always, we are happy to arrange rides for Full Members, if needed. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP by noon on July 9.

Learn about Columbia Green (Tuesday, July 22)

two images of hands, one with a globe in it and the other with a heart in it

The FriendShip is delighted to announce that we will be hosting a presentation by Columbia Green on Tuesday, July 22 at 2:00 p.m. This local nonprofit works diligently “to improve and protect the natural beauty of greater Columbia and promote a healthy environment for all our citizens.” Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about all the wonderful projects that Columbia Green leads, including the Annual Festival of Gardens and community grants and education to promote public green spaces. You will learn how Columbia Green works to enhance the quality of life in our area and hear about ways you can get involved.

Members, volunteers, and guests are welcome! We will meet in the Dining Room at St. John's and hope to see you there! Please RSVP by noon on Friday, July 18 by calling 803-602-6434 or emailing contact@thefriendship.org.

Fro Yo and Friends Social Hour (Monday, July 28)

cups of ice cream and frozen yogurt with sprinkles and ice cream cones

Join other FriendShip members and volunteers on Monday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m. to grab an afternoon treat and hang out! We are holding our July social hour at the newest frozen yogurt place in town: 16 Handles in Trenholm Plaza. This is the perfect post-lunch plan and a fun way to start your week. We are looking forward to trying this new spot together!

Please RSVP by Thursday, July 24 at noon by calling 803-602-6434 or emailing contact@thefriendship.org. 16 Handles is located at 4840 Forest Dr Suite 19, 29206.

Save-the date: Social Connectedness for Healthy Aging (Tuesday, August 12)

At The FriendShip, we are all about providing support to help older adults stay active and engaged in their communities. And, as you may know, there's plenty of research showing why it is critically important to stay socially connected as we age.

Join us on Tuesday, August 12 to learn more about the relationship between social connectedness and healthy aging from USC Arnold School of Public Health graduate students, Ally Hucek (MPH, Doctoral Candidate), Mike Leonard (MEng, MEd), and Mina Karami (MPsych, Doctoral Student). The panel will present about the health impacts of social isolation, where to find resources and support, and more. You may recognize two of these presenters, Ally and Mike, who are longtime FriendShip volunteers. Please plan to attend the program to learn more and show your support to these students/volunteers!

This program will be held in the St. John's Dining Room on Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. Members, volunteers, and guests are welcome! Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP.

Thank You to Our Donors

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community support to fulfill our mission. Thank you to generous donors in June:

Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Midlands Gives Day Fund
St. Andrew's Women's Club
Tuesday Morning Men's Bible Study of St. John's Episcopal Church

If you would like to make a donation, you can mail a check to our office or donate on our website. Thank you for your support!