Singles groups merge
By JEWISH REVIEW
article created on: 2010-03-01T00:00:00
A group of singles who met during last fall’s 40+ bowling league for singles and couples have started Jewish 40+ Singles PDX.
“We are diverse in our Jewish observance and identity, looking to create a warm, welcoming, active social group,” said Randy Goldenberg, a member of the singles group as well as a member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue.
Goldenberg said the core group first met when Shale Macks and Jodi Berris teamed up to present a three-week bumper bowling league for Jewish singles and couples in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Goldenberg said several of the single participants decided they wanted to continue to meet and planned a New Year’s Day party and potluck.
After the success of that inaugural event, the group went to the Chocolate Festival Jan. 31. They attended a Cascade Blues Association performance Feb. 3 and have planned two bowling events and a karaoke night in March.
The group recently gained members when it merged with the NW Jewish Singles Network started by Rinatta Paries about the same time. Paries said she had launched the network as a group on meetup.com. But with the merger, that virtual presence has been abandoned in favor of Google and Facebook groups.
“I didn’t realize they were around when I created my group,” said Paries. “It’s kind of serendipitous.”
The combined group has more than 50 members.
Those who are single, Jewish, 40+ years old, live in the Portland area, and want to meet others, are invited to join the Google Group so they can be invited to future events. Group membership is free.
“We use this list to discuss and plan events. Our group is private, non-searchable, your personal address won’t be shared with anyone without your permission and you do not need a Google account,” said Goldenberg.
The group’s online portals are: Google Group: groups.google.com/group/jsinglespdx (request to join); and Facebook group: search “NW Jewish Singles” when signed into Facebook, then ask to join.
SINGLES EVENTS
March 4, 7-9:30 p.m., bowling party at Valley Lanes, 9300 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy.
March 14, 10 a.m.-noon, bowling at Valley Lanes.
March 16, Karaoke, Voicebox Karaoke, NW 21st and Hoyt.
For details on any events, contact the group administrator at j40singlespdx@gmail.com.
For more information, email J40singlespdx@gmail.com or call Amanda at 503-223-0188.
