New group supports singles
Speaker to address grief at Feb. 17 meeting
Staff writer
Sue Peterson of Marion has begun Merry Widows et Cetera, a new group for widows, divorcees, or unmarried women who are looking for a place to socialize.
The group meets at 10 a.m. every first and third Thursday at The Arc in the Bowron Building at 230 E. Main St., Marion.
Peterson said her pastor, the late Jeff Lee, gave her the idea for the group.
“He lived to see it started,” she said.
The group meets for a “Snack and Yak” time once a month and has other activities at other times.
Its first meeting was in October. In November, the group toured Main Street Ministries in Hillsboro. In December, it visited Comfort Care homes in Newton and sang Christmas carols.
“We’re a fledgling group,” Peterson said. “I’m an over-achiever. I want everything to be perfect, but we’re having a slow start.”
They have been discussing attending a women’s retreat and possibly sponsoring a community prayer service on the National Day of Prayer in May.
The group sometimes goes out to eat after the meeting or has a carry-in luncheon.
On Feb. 10, the group will meet at Sue Peterson’s home, 136 Lakeshore Dr., Marion County Lake, for a Valentine brunch. Peterson will serve bierocks. Reservations are not necessary.
Martha Unruh-Szambecki, bereavement coordinator for Good Shepherd Hospice, Newton, will speak at 10 a.m. Feb. 17 at The Arc.
More information is available from Peterson at (620) 366-1092.