Published Tuesday, August 27, 2002
HERMITAGE
meeting place
Herald Staff Writer
Rich Parks of Mercer has used every technique in the book in hopes of finding a partner between 40 and 55 years old.
First, the 48-year-old said he decided not to purchase a washer and dryer because he thought there would be plenty of beautiful women to meet at the Laundromat. He never met any.
Next he went through a dating referral service and met 38 women, but never found Miss Right.
Then he tried the old grapefruit technique, handing a woman in the grocery store a grapefruit scribbled with his name and telephone number in marker.
The woman said, "You've got to be kidding me" and handed it back, he said.
He recently tried a personal ad that reads: single white male, six feet, blue eyes, blonde hair, 180 pounds, who loves flying, seeking single white female, to take me for a loop, perhaps a mile high.
He is counting on it to work, but if it doesn't, there's always the monthly Singles Night at Shop 'n Save in Hermitage.
Owners Aileen and Mike Magnotto, who host a variety of community events -- such as health clinics and gingerbread house-making at Michael's Cafe -- began Singles Nights as Mrs. Magnotto's latest idea to offer local singles a change in scenery for finding true love.
Mrs. Magnotto started Singles Night in April, incorporating free food and music with an opportunity to shop for a date.
"It's a nice place to hang out and have fun even if you're not single," Mrs. Magnotto said.
At Singles Night, searching singles have to fill out a personal profile of their likes and dislikes and wear name tags that contain a first name or an assigned number, so they can be identified. If an interesting single is spotted, that person's profile can be viewed to see if it's a potential match.
Many people have begun coming to Singles Nights, which draw an older crowd of about 30 to 40 people, said Mrs. Magnotto.
"A lot of younger people might feel awkward coming in and registering, but we do offer free hors d'oeuvres, and we have some people playing live music. We've had an accordion player, a violin player and a jazz band from Sharpsville High School. There's also an older gentleman who comes in with his boom box and teaches swing dancing," she said.
Most people who come to Singles Night have found out about it through flyers and through word of mouth. For example, Parks said his podiatrist told him about it, prompting him to give it a try. He said it was a nice change from the bar scene.
"I never have an opportunity to meet women because I work with a bunch of guys. And I don't drink," he said. "I went to the bar and had to pay $3.50 for a Diet Pepsi," he said.
Mrs. Magnotto said that was one reason she was motivated to start a night for singles.
"I do a lot of events in the community and I'm always thinking of things that the community needs. It's hard for single people in the area because there's no other place to go other than a bar or church to meet someone. I know other places have tried this and I thought, 'Let's see what happens if we try it here.' They've pretty much formed themselves and made a name for themselves," she said.
Lonnie Straub, 45, of Greenville has been to four Singles Nights so far and likes coming because he feels included.
"I find when I come here that I'm not the only one out there who's single," he said. "I've met all types of different people here. Not many are my age, but after you're my age, age doesn't mean anything."
Mary Kennedy, 61, of Sharon and a first-timer at Singles Night, said she heard about it from a friend and decided to check it out.
She said she loved the music and the food, but wished more of the men would start approaching the women.
"There aren't any men making any moves," she said.
Mrs. Magnotto said she has had couples leave together, a sign of success. She's also incorporated small giveaways for the people who attend, such as certificates for back massages and beauty and make-up sessions. She said singles are also invited to a Sweetest Day Surf 'n Turf Dinner at Shop 'n Save, Oct. 19. Make reservations by Oct. 17.
Singles Night is 7 to 9 p.m. on the fourth Thursday each month at Shop 'n Save, 2199 East State St., Hermitage, with the exception of November, which will be Nov. 4 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Free. Information and other events: (724) 347-2232 Ext. 102
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore at ltheodore@sharon
herald.com