It's never too late for a new beginning
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Eleanor Speicher of Kenmore catches up with friend Jo Amatuzio of Tonawanda during the New Beginnings for Widowed People meeting held March 4.

Charles Stevens of Buffalo needed to find others who were experiencing the same emotions and trials of life he was going through after his wife of 55 years passed away.

Three years ago, he found New Beginnings for Widowed People, a social interaction group for people who have lost their significant others.

Just one month after joining, Stevens met his current girlfriend, Peluce Tudy, who was a widow.

In a story like many others in New Beginnings, Mary Ann and Ed Forczek, both of Tonawanda, got married 15 years ago after meeting at one of the group's social gatherings.

Mary Ann Forczek was one of the original members of the group when it formed in 1986.

"I didn't know how to handle life, until I got to know people in the same situation," she said.

Forczek and 21 other widows and widowers started New Beginnings after they had been members of a similar group.

They branched off because of financial issues but kept a lot of the same rules. For instance, if a couple meets within the group and marries, they can remain members of New Beginnings for Widowed People. However, if a widow or widower marries outside the group, the couple can no longer attend the social gatherings or meetings.

Barbara Mancuso calls out the winning tickets during the brown paper bag auction at the New Beginnings for Widowed People meeting March 4.

Alice Dwyer of Tonawanda became part of the group three months ago after her friend talked her into joining.

"It's something to look forward to," she said of the weekly gatherings and monthly meetings.

New Beginnings for Widowed People meets one Sunday each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 711 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst.

Members of the group also meet weekly for brunch, coffee and dinners.

Friends get together at noon on Wednesdays for brunch at Demetri's Restaurant, 2265 Sheridan Drive, Amherst. They also gather for coffee at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Tim Hortons on the corner of Sweet Home Road and Sheridan Drive.

Upcoming dinners will be held on the following dates and times.

+ 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at Chinese Food, 938 Maple Road, Williamsville.

+ 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 26 at Danny's for the meat loaf special. The restaurant is located at 3715 Genesee St., Cheektowaga.

+ 7 p.m. Saturday, March 31 at Pane's Restaurant, 984 Payne St., North Tonawanda.

+ 7 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at Mr. Bill's Restaurant, 1500 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga.

NBWP has more than 160 members, and during its monthly meeting, there are often ice cream socials, raffles, picnics and entertainment.

The average membership age is between 60 and 70, but there are some men and women in their fifties and nineties, according to President Carole Reid.

Reid said the organization is not a support group but a place for companionship.

The annual dues cost $20.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 1. Entertainment will be provided by Sensational Seniors.

For more information, call Reid at 683-8897.