35+ J Connection Celebrates its First Year

with Successes

by Susie Davidson

Advocate Correspondent

NEEDHAM - From the initial capacity crowd nearly one year ago, Jeff Popkin’s 35+ group’s successes have mounted as he continues to provide a social niche for older singles seeking soulmates. His J Connection can take credit for over 30 marriages as well as hundreds of relationships and friendships.

The popularity of the group, begun in 1998 for 20s and 30s singles with an attendance of over 350 people at the first event, seems to be reverberating to the 35+ side as well. People are showing up, mingling and meeting; Popkin’s aim in his mission to boost the basherte.

Each group’s dozen or so annual events are eclectic, with fun, casual themes. A weekend Nantucket trip and “Bagels and Jocks” at Club Getaway supplement the agenda with travel opportunities.

“The J Connection has attracted a very good mix of professional men and woman,” says “Sarah”. “Most people come to the parties with an interest in meeting someone. One can feel very comfortable coming alone, because people are friendly and enjoy the atmosphere.”

It worked for her. “I met my boyfriend at a party in January,” she continues. “We had seen each other at Jeff's first event, but for some reason never connected. If it wasn't for Jeff's parties, I wouldn't have had the opportunity, since I live in another New England state with a small Jewish population.”

Popkin, a Newton native currently living in Needham, formed the Ellie Fund in 1986 with his brother, following the tragic death of his mother from breast cancer. The nonprofit Fund seeks to combat the disease while easing its effects on patients and families.

“Today,” says Popkin, “The Ellie Fund has its first executive director. Most of the original supporters were friends and family, and I have consulted for many bars, restaurants and nightclubs in Boston as well.”

Following my 1991 degree in finance and economics,” he says, “finance jobs were few and far between, so I continued to work in the restaurant business, in a management training program.” Popkin moved to Colorado in 1993 to open a Java Hutt Coffee restaurant chain; upon his return, he expanded on his experiences and contacts with local venues. “My group of friends,” he recalls, “were looking for social outlets other than the normal bars and restaurants. What we envisioned and implemeted was a fun, upscale social gathering in a nonreligious and non-social justice format.”

“The 35+ group is a wonderful addition to the greater Boston social scene,” says Ellen Cooper, who has organized singles events at Lexington’s Temple Emunah. “It provides a much-needed service to a huge market.”

“The 35+ group,” says Shari Lyons of Brookline, “brings a huge mix of attendees from all over New England, many of whom I have never before seen.”

Some, however, grumble about the relatively high cover charge of $20 ($17 in advance, online). “My feeling,” says Popkin, “is that keeping the price above $10 and under $20 attracts a certain crowd; price and guests’ seriousness about meeting someone at the event go hand in hand.” Not so, say these past attendees, who claim the same people would come no matter what the price was (they float $12 as reasonable.) “’Trophies’, where he seems to be centered now,” says Rich from Brookline, “has a tiny dance floor, and the narrow rectangular shape of the room with the bar in the middle is not conducive to mingling.”

Clearly, not everyone can be pleased. Yet Popkin is focusing on the positive and plans to continue his chosen path as the mensch with the yenta streak.

“Both groups,” he says, “have grown through word of mouth. Looking back, I see how easily all of my experiences came together.

Friends have coined my current title as a ‘social entrepreneur’.”

Upcoming 35+ events include a free, “thank you,” annual Summer

Bash July 24 from 6:30 – 10 p.m. at The Rack, 24 Clinton St., Boston, and a Sunset Cruise from 6-9 p.m. on August 18, leaving from 290 Northern Ave. For more information visit www.thejconnection.com or call 781-444-7771.