You would think that here in the Santa Clarita Valley, there would only be a couple of ways for people our age to meet someone new. We know that there’s the Internet, and local meet-up organizations (described below). But did you ever consider the freeway?
I’ve written before about SCVsingles. It offers local singles’ events for people over 40. If you e-mail: scvsingles@gmail.com and request to be put on their mailing list, you’ll receive information regarding monthly mixers in the area. They have met at places like the Hyatt and All Corked Up. Even if you don’t find Mr. or Ms. Perfect-for-You, you might end up making a new friend or two, as did my friend Safiya. She’s made business connections and has even introduced some of the men she met at these events to her girlfriends. If you meet someone who doesn’t quite click with you in those areas you feel are must-haves, think of a friend, take a number, become a matchmaker. I’ve done that before, but I’ll admit — I’m lousy at it. So far, I probably have the worst matchmaking record out there. But I keep trying. And the funny thing is, my friends are still my friends! For another group here in town, you can register with meetup.com, answer a few questions, then go to the Exploring SCV group and sign up. This sets you up with groups of other singles in this area with similar interests (tennis, golfing, walking, etc.) My friend Burt did this. He said it was pretty casual and easy. If you know of any other local-area ways to meet singles our age, please write to me. I’ll research and share it. Finally, one more way to meet someone in Santa Clarita, but beware! I was driving home on the 5-freeway last month near the Lyons off ramp. The music was playing, the sun was shining, and I was in a good mood. There was an SUV next to me. The driver, a very handsome man just about my age, was smiling at me. I smiled back. He held up his business card. I motioned him to throw it into my car (ok, I was kidding, but he started rolling down his window!). To make yet another long story somewhat shorter, we got off the freeway and pulled into the Alberstons’ parking lot. We spoke briefly and I stayed in my car with the engine running (ready for a sudden departure). We met for dinner a couple of weeks later and had a lovely time. After dinner we went to another spot for a glass of wine, as neither of us wanted to end the evening quite so early. The next day he e-mailed saying he’d had a very nice time. End of story. I never heard from him again. Weird, no?
For more information, e-mail Julie at writelove@sbcglobal.net .