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Single in the Springs

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Contributed by: Denise Washington on 4/15/2008

Being single in Colorado Springs is not easy. According to Sperling's Best Places, Colorado Springs has a singles population of 40.47%. Even though the population is large, some singles find it difficult to meet people. Dave, age 52, moved here over 16 months ago. He says, "It takes a little more effort to meet other single people who are in my age range and lifestyle." Donna Scharfenberg agrees. "There are certainly some challenges just being a single person. But being single in Colorado Springs adds to those challenges because of the demographics. This does not leave a whole lot of single people over the age of 30, and those under 30 are frequenting bars," says Schafenberg who organizes the group, Cultured Singles. Yet, it's the bar/club scene that makes Colorado Springs ranked number two as the best city for dating. Sperling ranks the city high due to its survey taken by 18 to 24 year olds and the city's dating venues per capita such as concerts, coffee shops, bars, etc. The high ranking is due to the fact that Colorado Springs has a high college population. With many students staying in the Springs to work and live after they graduate, they have an instant built-in community. But what about those singles who have moved here from out of state, are over the age of 30, and want to meet other singles too?

Tim Offutt came to Colorado Springs about five years ago. When he arrived, he found it hard to meet people. "It's difficult to be single in any city not just Colorado Springs. Whether you're a single parent trying to juggle a career or a single professional that's too busy and too tired to plan any personal time," says Offutt. Based on the complaint from singles that there is nothing to do in Colorado Springs, he created an event and social club called MiniXcapes. The club offers events and activities like wine tastings, sports, cooking classes, plays, concerts, etc for like-minded singles. Paid memberships including background checks are available to individuals. The memberships include discounts from local businesses. But, you don't have to be a member to any attend any of the events.

Other groups have been created to reach the singles population in the Springs. Cultured Singles was formed in 2007 through Meetup.com, a website that lists different kinds of groups around the city such as knitting, hiking, dancing, writing, photography, etc. Donna Scharfenberg organizes the group of over 130 members. Cultured Singles offers a wide variety of events such as attending plays at the Fine Arts Center or Theatreworks, music events, cultural food experiences at local restaurants, and even participation in the Geeks Who Drink pub quizzes at Jack Quinn's and McCabe's Tavern. They also take trips to Denver. Once singles sign up on the site, they have access to the group's social calendar, message board, and opportunities to RSVP for events. For the new member or the shy single who may be overwhelmed by the large membership, Scharfenberg reaches out to them. "We have a specific place to find the other attendees. We display signs and also provide a point of contact cell number. New members or those shy ones can also read the communications between our members on our website and see just how friendly we all are."

Local businesses have stepped in and supported MiniXcapes and Cultured Singles. MiniXcapes' first event was a wine tasting at the Coffee Exchange with the tasting being taught by Mark Hejtmanek from Experiencing Wine. Door prizes were given by Ideal Image Laser Hair Removal. One of Cultured Singles' supporters is the Fine Arts Center. They have recognized the group's frequent attendance and have provided free things for the members. MiniXcapes also partners with local nonprofit organizations like TESSA where they are able to host events to help build awareness and fundraising opportunities.

Both groups provide the opportunity for singles to develop friendships or possible dating relationships. Even though some singles have tried online dating, speed dating, and the bar/club scene, meeting like minded people in a relaxed environment gives a different alternative. "Many dating services make the promise of introducing you to your life partner when they can't even guarantee an exciting date. They can be time consuming and are an unnatural way of meeting people. With MiniXcapes, you're guaranteed to make new friends while having a fantastic time, and who knows, you might even meet the one," says Offutt.

For some singles, they are not aware of groups like these. So, some of them are discovering things to do on their own. Catherine Hopkins moved to Colorado Springs nine years ago. At first it was hard to meet people, but she searched online and in the local newspapers to build her social life. "The internet is the best resource. You can find singles events or pull up local events from the Gazette or the Independent websites. If singles were aware of where to look on the internet, they would have much easier time than I did when I moved here," says Hopkins.

As the singles population continues to grow in Colorado Springs, singles over 30 will find ways to fill their social calendars, meet people, and build community. Despite the city not having the resources for singles like some larger cities, groups like MiniXcapes and Cultured Singles will help to fill that gap.

MiniXcapes http://www.minixcapes.com
Cultured Singles http://singles.meetup.com/1141/

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Denise Washington

Colorado Springs , CO

Denise Washington has posted 14 stories and 0 comments since joining on 11/28/2007. Denise Washington 's average story rating is 5.

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