They hail from New York, New Jersey and New Mexico – from Philly and Pittsburgh and points north, south, east and west. And they live in North Phoenix and Chandler, Sun Lakes and Gilbert and Tempe. They are members of the East Valley Jewish Couples’ Club, a mixture of transplants with a common cause: meeting and making new friends. Under a starry Arizona sky on a recent Saturday night some 40 people, including a few singles, met to socialize, schmooze and enjoy artisan pizzas at The Olive Mill in Queen Creek. The perennial popularity of Jewish geography was going full blast, second only to the serious discussions on the superiority of “back east” pizza, with major kudos for Chicago deep dish.
The club originated years ago at the JCC in Tempe, disbanded and was restarted with a boost from Melissa Hirschl, who “got it off to a great start” about five years ago, says Eileen Shapiro, who now serves as coordinator.
“As the coordinator I maintain the email distribution list, club directory and annual calendar,” says Eileen.
“I work with the volunteering couple to organize their event for the month, and I then publicize it to the membership. Additionally I serve as the ‘welcoming committee’ to potential new members, fielding their questions, introducing them to the club and making sure they do not feel left out.”
Lisa Krone, a Valley resident for 20- plus years, says, “It’s always fun to add to the repertoire of people I know.”
On a summer Sunday, interested parties gather for a kick-off brunch and sign up to plan an event for the coming season. This year’s planning party will be Aug. 17. Open slots fill up through the year, and friendships are formed and fostered.
“Our August planning meeting and our Hanukkah party are the two most attended events,” says Eileen. “Most of our members want to be involved and come to the planning meeting with ideas on how to improve the club and to sign up to ‘host’ an upcoming monthly event.”
The calendar fills up with outings, which in the past have featured hikes and visits to local points of pride including the Musical Instrument Museum; comedy clubs, theater, dinner and a movie, potlucks; and a field trip to the Jewish History Museum in Tucson. A highlight of the annual Hanukkah party, held at a Chinese restaurant, is a gift exchange and, one time, a collection of stuffed animals to donate to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “There usually is food involved,” Eileen adds. “After all, we are Jewish!”
For information about upcoming events or to be added to the membership list, contact Eileen Shapiro at 480-370-6520.
