Welcome to the Cincinnati Widows!
We are a group of widow(er)s who have become friends, and meet a few times a year to socialize, with food and libations.
Our founders met at a local hospice and grief center, where the wonderful folks there provided us with a sanctuary to speak, listen and be with people who get what it is like to have lost the most important person in our lives. Sadly, corporate culture long ago destroyed that sanctuary, but we are still here.
This group allows us to be surrounded more often with people who understand what it's like, when the rest of the world doesn't.
How to join
- Read the FAQ Please read the FAQ first, to understand more about how we function.
- Read the COVID/Flu Policy We also have a COVID/Flu policy that is important. Many people are vulnerable and it's important for us to protect them.
- Come join us! See how joining works, then fill in a short sign-up form.
Frequently asked questions
These are important to know. Please read!
Tap or click a question to see its answer.
What is this group for?
VERY IMPORTANT: This is a periodic dinner group, not an actual support group. We meet about three times a year. If you are having a difficult time with your grief and you need someone to talk to right now, contact a healthcare professional or call 911.
Who runs this website?
My name is Tommy and I was widowed in May 2012. I run this site at my own expense. There is no warranty, express or implied.
Do our names get out on the internet?
No.
It is not a discussion group or chat group, only private emails from cincywid (at-sign) gmail.com to you, inviting you to dinner with other widow(er)s.
Is this a "Meetup" group?
This is a completely private and independent group, and is not associated with "Meetup.com" or any other website. Not just anyone can join, and all members are verified before being allowed in.
Is attendance required?
Only for those who RSVP as Yes for a particular get-together. Anyone who RSVPs yes and fails to show up is a no-show, and three no-shows per person is the limit. We need your RSVPs if you're coming so that we have an accurate headcount for the restaurant reservation.
Is there a fee?
There are no dues or fees. Everyone pays for their own dinner and drinks.
What church runs this group?
This group is not affiliated with any other group. We get some referrals from friendly sources. If you're specifically looking for a religious-style grief support organization, ask your clergy who will know where you can get help.
Who may join?
Anyone who has lost a spouse, fiancé, fiancée, or significant other. We are safe for all orientations and faiths (including none.) We do not permit bullying.
Where do we go?
Local area restaurants. We choose from a small list of places that are easy to get to, have good parking, decent food and reasonable prices, and are easy to leave if you need to.
Are you counselors?
No. We are other widow(er)s, a group of people going out on occasion. Those who need counseling should seek a professional.
What about HIPAA?
Contrary to popular opinion, HIPAA only applies to healthcare providers or insurers, so it does not apply here. This is a private group, and all membership data is kept private.
Is this group sponsored by hospice?
No. Several of the members met at the local hospice more than a decade ago. Other than that, we are completely unaffiliated and no official connection exists.
May I rant about my/your religion, politics, or conspiracy theories?
This group is a place for caring for one another. Divisive subject matter is taboo. If you have a lecture or conspiracy theory prepared, please leave it at home.
What about other bereaved people?
This group is limited to people who have lost their spouse or significant other.
I need a sponsor. Who will be my sponsor?
This is not that sort of group. This is a group of widow(er)s who want to find common ground in a friendly setting. If you need the sort of help that needs a sponsor or counselor, please find a qualified professional.
I'm trolling for babes / dudes. Is that cool?
No.
If one member makes another feel uncomfortable, one complaint is enough to remove them from the group.
If someone in the group makes you feel uncomfortable, please notify me directly.
cincywid (at-sign) gmail.com
Someone else in the group is being creepy!
Report the person directly to me.
cincywid (at-sign) gmail.com
Hey! I have a great business opportunity / running for office / product / religion / political message / conspiracy theory to share with everyone!
No, thank you. No MLM, business "opportunities", product pitches, political campaigning, proselytizing or propagandizing here. This is a place for people to heal.
When do we meet?
Three times a year. February, June, and October.
I want to sign up anonymously or use my pseudonym. Is that cool?
No. Only real people are in this group. Anyone later discovered to have used false information to get into the group is deleted immediately, no questions asked. Sign-ups that I cannot validate are not added to the group.
I hear talk of the "other" group or the "2012" or the "founders" group. Can I join that, too?
This website is the home of the real Cincinnati Widows group. You're already in the right place.
I have this fabulous deck! How about a potluck? Can we organize a thing at my house?
Sure, but you will have to organize it yourself.
I only organize at local public places that are easy to find, easy to park at, and easy to leave. Be aware that people who are newly bereaved may not be willing to go to a private residence of someone they hardly know.
I'm having horrible grief! It doesn't seem fair that other people at the get-together are having a good time.
Everyone grieves differently and we are all in a different space at any given time. It's a social group, and the conversation just goes wherever it goes. At some gatherings, hardly a word is spoken about grief or bereavement. At others, it's the majority of what folks are talking about. Everyone there "gets it." People like being with those they feel safe with, and when grieving, one often feels like "outsiders" just don't "get it." This is how people can have a good time while still going through grief.
Do I have to sign a contract?
There is no contract, since no consideration or money is given in exchange for membership. We reserve the right to remove members from the group as is applicable and appropriate to maintain the safety of all those in the group.
Is there any RSVP "policy" for get-togethers?
Everyone will receive an invite to go to the dinner from cincywid (at-sign) gmail.com.
Click the green Yes or red No button, or just reply with Yes or No.
Hey! I'm gonna be late!
We usually order about 10 to 15 minutes after the start time. If you show up and get seated by the time it's done, it doesn't get counted as a no-show, but you might go hungry. It's up to the restaurant whether you’ll be served if you arrive near the end.
Can I bring a widow(er) that I know with me to a dinner?
Yes, but we are keeping the group to widows and widowers only, please. There are other groups for other types of loss out there somewhere.
Done reading?
COVID/Flu Policy
The purpose of the Cincinnati Widows Group is for people who understand the grief of losing a significant other to get together. It is a "safe space" and is meant to be exactly that. The only starting membership requirement is that one be a widow, widower, or someone whose significant other has passed on.
As a group whose purpose is to care for each other, we should take steps to care for one another before and when meeting. We do not mandate masks or vaccines, but do recommend people follow the common sense guidelines from their board-certified doctor.
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," please skip the gathering, regardless of your RSVP. Let me know you're sick, and your RSVP won't count as a no-show.
- Fever or chills?
- Coughing?
- Shortness of breath?
- Muscle or body aches?
- Recent loss of taste or smell?
- Sore throat?
- Nausea or diarrhea?
- Tested or diagnosed positive in the last ten days?
- Exposed to someone infected in the last two weeks?
On the subject of COVID or Flu, conspiracy theories are covered under the FAQ question regarding religion and politics. Please read the FAQ for those.
Cincinnati Widows Group is NOT a healthcare provider. It is a dinner group whose attendees share a common experience. If you are having a very difficult time with your grief, or if you are considering harming yourself or others, contact a healthcare professional or call 911.
Done reading?
Come join us!
FIRST THINGS FIRST: This is a periodic dinner group. We are not a healthcare organization. Please call a professional or 911 if you are in any sort of urgent situation.
When you sign up, you're not creating an account anywhere, or joining a mailing list. All entries are checked by hand before being added as a member, with no automation. Entries that appear frivolous or fake will not be added. Entries that attempt to be anonymous or appear to be made-up are not added.
Invitation emails will come from cincywid (at-sign) gmail.com. Please add this above address to your contacts or your list of safe email addresses so our emails do not wind up in your spam folder.
When a dinner is planned, you will get an invitation by email that looks like the one below. To answer, click the green Yes button or the red No button, then press Send in the email that opens. Or just reply to the email with Yes or No.
Emails only come from cincywid (at-sign) gmail.com.
Sign up
All information is kept strictly private. Your information is not given to anyone outside the group.
This group is not affiliated with any outside organization.
Please answer every question. When you are done, press the Send my sign-up button at the bottom.
Thank you! Your sign-up has been sent.
Every sign-up is checked by hand and vetted before I add them as a member! Be sure to add cincywid (at-sign) gmail.com to your safe list so it does not get flagged as spam.
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