Sunday, December 14, 2003

Compiled by Johnna A. Pro

You can sit at home and cruise the Web looking for friendship or love, but there are dozens of ways to meet singles in the Pittsburgh area. We've compiled a sampling of groups to get you started, get you out of the house and out of the bars. The best advice? Take some initiative. The region's theaters, clubs, colleges and churches are brimming with activities that welcome singles. So take a class, join a new group, become a volunteer. And keep in mind, the people you meet will introduce you to others. Before you know it, your social calendar will be full.

The New Pittsburgh Collaborative is a one-stop shop for information on a diverse network of 21 groups and organizations, especially for those in the 25 to 40 age group. The collaborative Web site will link you to organizations in the city's African-American, Indian, Jewish and gay communities, among others. It will also link you to the Pittsburgh Singles Volunteer Network.

E-mail: npc_info@epiphyte.net.
Web: www.NewPittsburghCollaborative.org.

If you love to go out for dinner, but don't want to eat alone, consider joining Gatherings, a singles club for people 30 and older. Erin Connolly, who operates the organization, calls herself an Irish yenta. She currently has more than 200 members. For a $50 membership fee, you'll be invited to three dinner parties at some of the city's best restaurants. You pay for your own meal, and at each event you'll be seated with five new singles. There are three men and three women at each table.

Phone: 724-933-8881.
Web: www.gatheringspgh.com.

Women looking for a great way to make female friends and meet men, too, can check out the group Pittsburgh Girls Night Out, a loosely knit cadre of women, mostly separated or divorced, and mostly in their 40s, who like to get out and about.

Phone: 412-388-1832.
E-mail: Pghgirlsnightout@aol.com.

The Pittsburgh Ski Club has more than 1,000 members, the majority of whom are single and over age 35. Even if you don't ski, there are plenty of other activities.

Phone: 412-281-SKIS (7547).
E-mail: info@pittsburghskiclub.org.
Web: www.pittsburghskiclub.org.

The Catholic Alumni Club is open to singles 21 and older. Activities include volleyball, cruises, movie nights, house parties, cooking classes, volunteer efforts and much more. The cost to join is $30 annually.

Phone: 412-341-4070.

Web: www.cacpittsburgh.org.

If you're looking to debate the bigger questions of life, stop by a meeting of Theology on Tap, which has chapters in the North Hills and South Hills. Meetings, which generally draw the 25- to 35-year-old crowd, are held on Thursday nights at either Mario's on the South Side, Rhythm House in Bridgeville, or the North Park Lounge at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford.

Phone/South: 724-942-0609.
E-mail/South: oreodog@adelphia.net.
Phone/North: 412-366-5638.
E-mail/North: totnpgh@hotmail.com.

Dancing is great fun, great exercise and a great way to meet people. Coal Country Traditions takes over the Edgewood Club most Sunday nights and draws between 80 and 120 dance lovers, most of whom are single. Take a dance lesson, salsa and swing to some of the city's most popular dance bands and disc jockeys. Swing night is $7; Latin night, $5. The Web site will link you to other dance organizations in the region. Tango, anyone?

Phone: 412-242-1005.
Web: www.coalcountry.org.

The Association of University People is a singles group for professionals who have a four-year college degree. Most members are age 45 or older. Membership is $35.

Phone: 412-734-8445

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