"We started Chowdown Columbus, Indiana, a year ago," says Julia Federle, taking a sip of her latte from Gramz Bakery. "I needed a project to focus on after my husband passed away in December 2022 and Margaret and I had talked about starting a group to support local restaurants. With so many Facebook groups filled with negativity and complaints, Margaret and I knew Columbus needed something positive in that online space."

While her late husband, Cliff, was getting treatment for cancer, he, Julia and their son, Brian lived in Cincinnati for several months.

There, Julia discovered a Facebook group called Chowdown Cincinnati.

"I loved that it supported local restaurants and it was positive comments only," she says. "We started our own group and we have had so much fun exploring and supporting all the great local (nonchain) restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and food trucks."

While Julia and Margaret don't consider themselves "foodies," they love to experience new restaurants and try new foods. "We've had the best time dining out and adding to our list of places to visit!" the women say.

The Chowdown Columbus group has become a favorite for others who love exploring the local food scene. They also share events in Columbus when there is a connection to local food and drink. "We try to be a good resource for things like restaurants with outdoor seating, food truck schedules, gluten-free items, weekend entertainment, and things like that. We have contests to encourage dining out and restaurants donate gift cards for us to give to the contest winners," says Julia.

The pair notes that everyone is welcome to join Chowdown Columbus, especially people who are tired of the negativity online. "It's such a fun group and Columbus really does have amazing restaurants!" they say.

Julia and Margaret say that their friendship has only continued to grow through the birth of Chowdown Columbus. "Along with another friend and group admin, Sarah Campbell, we've met some of the nicest owners, managers, chefs, bartenders, and servers out there!"

Julia and Margaret have been friends for over 20 years. In that time, they have enjoyed countless meals together, gathered thousands of cherished memories, and supported each other through all of the ups and downs of life.

"I met Julia when my daughter, Savannah, enrolled in kindergarten at First United Methodist Church," Margaret tells me. "Julia had a son in the class and was the teaching assistant. I thought she was kind, thoughtful, and resourceful, and that has proven to be true throughout our friendship."

"We made several lasting friendships with moms in our childrens' class," says Margaret. "We formed a moms friendship group."

Julia nods in agreement. "Through the years, we've remained close to Susan Boxler, Carrie Green, Trish Heathcote, Billie Park, and Debra Gayman," she says. "We've had 22 years of friendship and fun!"

Though their children were only kindergarteners at the time, Julia and Margaret have supported each other through more than their share of life's twists and turns. From the early years of motherhood, to watching their children leave the nest and welcome babies of their own, Julia and Margaret have forged a friendship that has stood the test of time.

"I was married to Cliff for 34 years," Julia says. "We met in 1983 in Troy, Alabama. I was attending college there and he was an engineering co-op student from the University of Louisville. We have 2 sons, Troy and Brian. Troy is married to Audrey and they have 3 children. Brian is married to Eryn and they are expecting their first child.'

Margaret and her husband, Robert, met when they both worked at Quinco. They will celebrate their 34th anniversary in October. They have two children, Savannah and Simon. Savannah is married to Nick Langbehn and Simon is engaged to Emma Reising.

"Shortly after meeting Julia, the first event that has an indelible place in my memory is September 11, 2001," Margaret recalls. "Julia and Susan were the first adults I saw after hearing a plane had hit the first tower in New York City. They were probably as concerned and confused as I was but were ready to put on a calm, reassuring face for both parents and students."

"Throughout our friendship, Julia has been a constant loyal friend and led the way through the challenges of being a parent," says Margaret. "She was the first to send her oldest son to college, and she was a wealth of knowledge when it was time to send my old est off to college. I have often joked that if we have a natural disaster she is the first person I will call!"

Julia feels the same about her friendship with Margaret. "She's my partner in crime, adventure buddy, encourager, supporter, confidant, cheerleader, therapist, helper," she says. "I tell people that everyone needs a Margaret and I'm so thankful to have her."

"My husband Robert and I had wonderful times with Julia and Cliff dining out, going to trivia and music bingo at local bars," says Margaret, "They'd tell us about their adventures before they were married and tell of all the fun things they did with their children.

They were constantly inspiring me to make new memories with my own family."

Six years ago, Julia and Margaret, along with their friends from their moms group started Columbus IN Rocks, a Facebook group with a mission to spread kindness and positivity by painting and hiding rocks. "Many of the rocks have inspirational phrases on them," says Julia. "Our group members hide them around Columbus, and the finders can keep them, or rehide them."

If you find a painted rock in Columbus, the group asks that you post a picture to their Facebook group (Columbus IN Rocks), and tell where you found it. If you're feeling inspired, paint a rock with a happy picture or a kind and encouraging word or phrase and then hide it and know that someone will find it and smile!

Since its formation in 2017, the group has grown to 9000 members.

"Everyone is welcome!" Julia and Margaret say.

During the pandemic and lockdown, Julia and Margaret kept busy by painting and hiding rocks and encouraging others to do the same. The group began making encouraging rocks for the employees at Columbus Regional Health and they lined the employee entrance with kindness rocks to show their appreciation.

The kindness and encouragement Julia and Margaret spread goes far beyond painted rocks, however. "Covid was a difficult time for everyone," Margaret agrees. "At the time, my daughter Savannah was an RN at a major hospital in Indianapolis. I remember telling Julia that Savannah was running low on PPE. The next thing I know, my daughter received a package of disposable PPEs from Julia!"

During those difficult months, Margaret was a primary caretaker for her mother who was suffering from dementia. "I was taking care of her during the darkest of times, and my mother and I would often sit in Julia's driveway so we were able to visit with her while keeping our social distance. She was such a big support for me."

Like Julia gave unwavering support to Margaret throughout her mother's illness, Margaret supported Julia through some of her most difficult moments as well.

"In 2015, my husband was diagnosed with cancer," says Julia. "We had lots of love and support from family and friends but Margaret was my constant. Through the next eight years, Cliff's cancer returned twice, but Margaret was always by my side. She was my lifeline"

"I can't remember what I was doing when Julia told me that Cliff had cancer, but I do remember thinking, 'Ok, this is going to be a battle - we are going to do everything we can to support them,' says Margaret.

"Margaret and Robert did so much for us during that time," Julia says. "Being a caregiver is hard work and they helped by running errands, picking up prescriptions, bringing meals, and so much more. The moral support meant so much to me. Margaret checked on me daily and encouraged me to take care of myself. She listened to my worries and my hopes, and always seemed to show up with coffee and a scone at just the right time."

Margaret recalls one of Cliff's appointments she attended as support for Julia. "She was armed with her equipment for battle: a pen, notebook, and the resourcefulness that I admired about her. She had scoured the internet, spoken to a friend of the family who was surviving the same type of cancer and spent hours writing down questions for the doctors," says Margaret. "Julia would become the ultimate caregiver, nurse, advocate, and companion for Cliff, spending every day and night by his side."

As Cliff's cancer progressed, Julia continued to be a constant strength for her family and friends, and supported Margaret through her mother's dementia and ultimately passing away.

"During Cliff's illness, Margaret was also facing her mom's battle with alzheimers," says Julia. "She was the best daughter. So patient, sweet, and loving. Her mom told me many times through the years she didn't know what she would do without Margaret. I felt the same way!"

"When my husband died in December 2022, it was the worst time of my life," Julia recalls. "Those days are a blur now, but Margaret was there. She would randomly show up at my lowest point, when I couldn't stop crying, when I couldn't get out of bed, when I couldn't see past the ocean of grief I was facing. She was the kindest, most gentle, understanding friend."

For Margaret, being supportive to both Julia and Cliff was her biggest role during this time, but one she felt unqualified to fill. "I wasn't always sure what to do or say, but in the back of my mind I was always thinking, 'How would Julia handle this?

"Being present for someone during difficult times isn't easy but watching someone dedicate their life to someone they love is an inspiration and a gift you don't often get to witness."

"Death and grieving make people uncomfortable," Julia says. "It's lonely. You feel isolated. Going from a 'we'to a'me' is heartbreaking. Luckily Margaret hung in there with me. She went on the grief journey with me and she is still there for me. We talk about Cliff, which I need and love."

"This December will be two years since Cliff died and Margaret is still helping me, checking on me, showing up when I have rough days, encouraging me and telling me she's proud of me. It means so much. I could talk for hours about everything she has done for me and I'd never be able to list it all. Her friendship is such a gift!Like I said, everyone needs a Margaret."