This
article appeared in the April 22, 2004 Jewish Advocate.
For
singles groups, the more the merrier
By
Susie Davidson
Advocate
Correspondent
As seasons change for singles, one constant remains. With each change in the weather, every holiday, each reason to celebrate, dedicated event producers work hard to get singles onto cruises, out on dance floors, into restaurants, concert halls and nightclubs, out of town, even to other countries, all with the mission to get Jewish singles together in ways that are both entertaining and enriching.
In
mid-2003, several prominent area organizers realized that by pooling resources
and manpower to sponsor dances, trips and events, they could increase the fun,
and the odds of success for their attendees as well. While maintaining their
own regional and individual schedules, the groups have seen the fruits of their
efforts go well beyond the tasty appetizer platters.
ÒThe
combined effort has really brought out new faces and increased attendance at
events,Ó said Jeff Popkin, who heads the J Connection, as he lauds their value.
ÒWhere else can you have an all-inclusive evening with dancing and hors
d'oeuvres for less than $20, with the very real potential to meet new friends
and possibly a significant other?Ó
Presently,
Popkin is planning a full slate of springtime fun for both of his groups, one
for 20s and 30s and another for over 35 years of age. ÒAfter the long winter,
people are looking to get out meet friends and significant others,Ó he said.
ÒWe fulfill this need with events of good value, at great locations.Ó His
upcoming lineup includes a Spring Gala dance for 35 and up, this Saturday
evening at the Holiday Inn in Brookline, 1200 Beacon St., from 8 p.m.Ð1 a.m.,
and a May 1 Spring Fling at Vinalia, 101 Arch St., Boston, from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
for the 20s and 30s group. Both are presented in conjunction with North Shore
Jewish Singles Connection and Club Getaway, which gives away a weekend trip at
each event.
A
three-day Memorial Day Weekend trip to Nantucket on May 28-31 is also planned;
tickets to J Connection events can be reserved online at www.tjcboston.com,
by calling 781-444-7771 or by check to The J Connection, PO Box 488, Needham
Heights, Mass., 02494.
Popkin
allies with groups such as JDate, college Hillels and graduate associations.
ÒOver 50 venues, including many Jewish restaurants and retail stores throughout
Greater Boston, are also helping to spread the word as well,Ó he said. He has
also co-sponsored events with the Newton JCC.
ÒThe J Connection's events are always held at unique venues, often with creative themes,Ó said Sara Berkowitz of Brookline. ÒThe atmosphere is always welcoming, friendly and fun. You always know you will meet interesting people. It's much more inviting than the typical Boston Ôbar sceneÕÓ.
ÒSpring
and the J Connection make a great combination,Ó said Popkin, who notes that
hundreds of couples have met at their events. ÒOur goal is to provide Jewish
professionals with fun exciting events and social opportunities to meet,Ó he
added. ÒThe more partners we can work with, the better the events and success
of our goal.Ó
Felice
Cohen also runs a busy ship at the North Shore Jewish Singles Connection. As
the Director of its programs, which are under the auspices of the Jewish
Federation of the North Shore, she is based at 21 Front St. in Salem. The
groupÕs events, which often occur in the North Shore area and serve ages 20s to
50s, are known for being lively and eclectic. Recent outings include an April
16 ÒShabbat Around Town,Ó which organized carpools to go to Temple Ahavat Achim
in Gloucester, an April 17 ÒSingles Having FunÓ at Ryles Jazz Club in
Cambridge, which included a swing and salsa lesson and dinner at the nearby
S&S Deli, and a dinner at JoeÕs American Bar and Grill in Woburn the same
night.
Tonight,
the group will sponsor ÒMixing and Mingling for Sophisticated SinglesÓ at the
Hawthorne Hotel in Salem at 7:30 p.m. A ÒYoung Urbanite Professional SinglesÓ
cocktail hour for ages 20s to 30s, and a ÒFlirting with FashionÓ workshop with
Ginger Burr, presented by Ginger Burr, president and owner of Total Image
Consultants, will precede the mingle. This Saturday, they co-sponsor the Spring
Gala with the J Connection in Brookline, and on Sunday, the next ÒSingles
Having FunÓ will occur at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem at 1:30 p.m.,
featuring a tour of the museumÕs collections of Asian, Native American,
American, African and Oceanic art and photography and its historic houses and
gardens.
In
collaboration with Singularly Yours, a Hadassah-sponsored Jewish singles group
for ages 45-59, the NSJSC will also present relationship expert Herb Pearce
this Sunday, from 6-9 p.m., at a TBA location which can be obtained by calling
781-444-7769 or 617-730-8009. On Thursday, April 29, another ÒMixing and
MinglingÓ event at the Hawthorne Hotel will feature Marion B. Davis, founder
and president of Self-Esteem Boston, which assists individuals in area shelters
and transitional programs. On Wednesday, May 5, Jodi Smith, president and owner
of Mannersmith, will talk about increasing social savvy and confidence.
For
more information or reservations to any of these events, call 978-745-4222
x217, email felice@jfns.org or visit
www.jewishsinglesconnection.org.