The FriendShip Newsletter - April 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. 

Midlands Gives is around the corner... Here's how you can help!

It's that time of year again... Midlands Gives season is upon us! This online giving event for nonprofits in our region is sponsored by the Central Carolina Community Foundation, and it is The FriendShip's biggest fundraiser of the year.  

We need your help to ensure a successful campaign again this year!

• Spread the word - Make sure your friends and family know that The FriendShip participates in this popular philanthropy event. Your targeted outreach to family and friends will make a big difference! If you are on Facebook or Instagram, be sure to share our posts about the big day.
• Donate - Donate on May 6! Or, get a jumpstart by donating during "early giving," which opens on April 1. 

Since so many people know about this community-wide day of philanthropy, it provides an easy way to introduce our work to new friends. Help us fundraise and friend-raise! 

Volunteer Spotlight: Bill Robinson

Bill Robinson is a recently retired Internal Medicine physician from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University and later pursued medical school in New Orleans. An opportunity in the Army brought him to Columbia, where he has lived ever since. 

As an ambitious lifelong learner, Bill keeps himself busy in Columbia by exploring bookstores, researching new topics, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions with friends about medicine and society. He and his wife are embracing this phase of life with a spirit of adventure, embarking on exciting travels—including upcoming trips to Florida and Italy.

Through good friends, he was invited to join the Board of The FriendShip four years ago. As a member of the Board and the Communications and Outreach Committee, he plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission and increasing its visibility.

Throughout his medical career, Bill witnessed firsthand the impact socialization has on older adults’ health, recognizing how easy it can be for them to feel left behind. To him, The FriendShip serves as a vital connection, bringing people together and fostering community. Bill says “The FriendShip will meet you where you are,” both figuratively and literally, and is a true vehicle for friendship. Thank you for all your efforts, Bill, to strengthen our organization and help older adults lead full lives!

*Thanks to Beatrice Maulfair for writing our Volunteer Spotlight this month.

Welcome to Our Newest Board Member 

The FriendShip is pleased to announce that Rolfe Olsen has been elected to the Board of Directors. She has worked in the packaging industry for 35 years, most recently having served on the Executive Leadership Team for Graham packaging. In addition to her professional experience, Rolfe brings a wealth of experience from serving on other nonprofit boards, including Keep the Midlands Beautiful and Teach for America. She is a lifelong South Carolinian, an avid tennis player, and a member of the Toastmasters International. We look forward to working with Rolfe and are grateful to have her onboard The FriendShip!

March Program Recap

Spring has officially arrived, and with it came beautiful weather and the wonderful programs that took place in March. We had a great turnout for our lunch get-together at J.R. Cash's Grill & Bar. Members and volunteers were excited to head to this restaurant and it did not disappoint!

Our members and volunteers come from different walks of life, with a wide variety of jobs, hobbies, and interests. That is why we love to learn from each other's experiences via programs. In late March, our very own Will and Frances Brown gave a wonderful presentation about backyard birding. They shared many beautiful pictures of birds that were taken right in their own backyard in downtown Columbia. They also passed along some neat bird trivia (did you know bluebirds aren't actually blue?!), as well as gave tips on how to identify birdsongs and how to attract certain birds. Thanks to the Browns' passion for birding, it was a fun afternoon, complete with door prizes that were perfect for bird lovers: certified bird friendly coffee (Birds and Beans) and Amy Tan's birdwatching book (The Birdwatching Chronicles)! 

Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance

• Wednesday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. - "What's College Like These Days?" Social Hour
• Thursday, April 10 at 2:30 p.m. - All About USC: Hear from Student Tour Guides/University Ambassadors
• Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m. - Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Event
• Thursday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m. - Learn about Advance Directives with a USC Med Student
• Tuesday, May 6 - Midlands Gives Day! Donate and spread the word!
• Friday, May 9 at 11:30 a.m. - Picnic at Quinine Hill Park 
• Tuesday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. - Using Technology to Stay Physically Active
• Thursday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m. - Social Hour

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

"What's College Like These Days?" Social Hour (April 2)

Join us on Wednesday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. for our college-themed social hour. Morgan, Allison, and Bea, student volunteers, will share their experiences about what it's like to be on campus in 2025. It'll be a fun chance to compare notes about how times have changed--and what might've stayed the same. The discussion is sure to touch on topics such as attire, classes, student organizations, and social life. Bring anything you'd like to share! We'd love to hear stories about your college days.

This program will not only be an enjoyable afternoon but also a great chance to show support to these hard-working students! All members, volunteers, and guests are welcome.

The social hour will take place in the St. John's Dining Room from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org to RSVP by Tuesday, April 1 at noon. Rides can be arranged for full members.

All About USC: Hear from Student Tour Guides & Historians (April 10)

Following up on our April social hour, we are going to stay with our "college" theme and take a trip to USC's campus. On Thursday, April 10 at 2:30 p.m., we will meet at the Visitor Center to hear from two USC Tour Guides and University Ambassadors. The Visitor Center is located on the historic Horseshoe, the heart of South Carolina's campus. 

Ally and John, University Ambassadors, will lead the presentation about their role on campus, the history of USC, and recent changes to the university. They will be sure to save time to answer your questions at the end. Also, you may consider walking around the beautiful campus after the presentation is over.  

Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 8 at noon by calling 803-602-6434 or emailing contact@thefriendship.org. We are happy to arrange rides for full members, as needed, and we might carpool from the St. John's parking lot, if there is interest. 

Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Event (April 27)

The FriendShip's Board of Directors will hold a joint Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Event on Sunday, April 27 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Join us to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, look ahead at the upcoming year, and thank our wonderful volunteers. You're sure to enjoy the delicious refreshments and socializing with other FriendShip fans as well.

The committee planning the event is putting together a lovely afternoon. Don't miss it! All members, volunteers, and other supporters are welcome and encouraged to attend. Save the date! More details are forthcoming!

Learn about Advance Directives with a USC Med Student (May 1)

Advance care planning involves "discussing and preparing for future decisions about your medical care if you become seriously ill or unable to communicate your wishes." While this is not an easy topic to discuss, it is an extremely important one. Taking the time to consider and communicate your wishes can bring peace of mind to you and can be a true gift to your loved ones. In early May, fourth-year medical student John Eckenrode will lead The FriendShip in a discussion about what advance care planning is, how to get started on it, and what options there are for legal documents/advance directives. The program will approach this sensitive topic in an accessible way so please join us on Thursday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m. Members, volunteers, and guests are welcome!  

Thank You to Our Donors

Donations are so important to our ability to serve older adults in our community. Thank you for March donations from:

• Mary Denis Cauthen
• Vicki Porter
• The Thursday Study Club in memory of Martha Bryan

If you would like to make a donation, you can mail a check to our office or donate on our website. Or, make a donation on or before May 6th via Midlands Gives. Thank you for your support!