Hands-On Shell Art by Sonya at Lunch with Friends

A September birthday celebration with cake for Francis and Suzanne Winslow at Lunch with Friends.

Father and son attendees Louis MarinaccioSr.and Louis Marinaccio Jr.

A big thanks to the smiling September volunteers.

At a recent meeting, City Councilannounced September as “Hunger Action Month” and commended Our Daily Bread Food Pantry for its contributions to combating hunger in the community.

Sonya Seward (Shell Art by Sonya), Maureen Wilde, Theresa Perkins, and Colleen Mescall (also a September birthday celebrant).

Mary Kyper and Bob McAllister (seated) with Jack and Nancy Wampler, and Nancy Kot. Marylost her husband Frank on August 25, 2026. She’s holding a photo of when she and Frank attended the June Lunch with Friends. 

Posted Wednesday, September 23, 2026 8:00 pm

By Maria Lamb

The September Lunch with Friends (LWF) hosted 110 seniors at the Marco Lutheran Church. Nancy Kot, of Our Daily Bread Pantry, welcomed several new folks and was thrilled to have them join the group. “The theme that keeps coming back to me is friendship,” said Kot. “It’s my favorite day of the month.” Kot had a special mention for their support and regular attendance to Pastor Matt from Wesley Methodist Church and also for Josh Baudin, who just had a birthday! Also, Pastor Ed from United Church of Marco Island stopped by as he usually does along with John Riley from the YMCA. A big thanks to the San Marco Catholic Church Council of Catholic Women for sponsoring the delicious lunch, which was prepared by The Boulevard.

Kot also shared the sad news of one of LWF regular attendees, Frank Kyper, who passed away August 25, 2026. Frank insisted on attending the June LWF and that was his last social event. Mary, Frank’s wife, was in attendance and sat with her usual group of Bob McAllister, Jack and Nancy Wampler.

Pastor Jim Thelen of the Marco Lutheran Church provided the blessing and touched on the importance of friendship. “This is what’s all about: to lose somebody that you love and we can all come together, rally around you, support you and love you through this tough time,” said Pastor Thelen. He also announced that the Marco Lutheran is starting a Faith, Friendship and Fellowship Community Luncheon. It is a special time to gather and share a meal. There will be music and a chance to learn about God’s teachings. The luncheon is free to the public, and the first luncheon is on October 6, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please RSVP at marcolutheran.org.

The program activity was provided by Sonya Seward of Shells by Sonya. Shelling is a favorite activity here in Marco but September is still scorching hot outside. Sonya brought the shell craft activity indoors with her oyster shells ready with decoupage instructions on the table. These DIY decoupage oyster shells needed her creative instructions to turn oyster shells into a charming coastal gift. Sonya also added plain flat rocks or stones for the seniors to add their creative motifs. Often referred to as kindness rocks, they are meant to be left in public places for others to find and enjoy.

A big thanks to all the September volunteers and to the Pantry’s list of sponsors as follows: Al’s Pals, ODBFP, Marco Lutheran Church, and the YMCA. Door prizes and September birthdays were celebrated!