2008 NEWS

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May 22, 2006
We are credited for yet another marriage!
"My husband and I would like to announce the celebration of our first wedding anniversary on May 28, 2006!!

We met at one of the Single Professional Network dances on Saturday, October 02, 2004 at the Crown Plaza...and certainly we found love at first sight!

Well, truthfully we were interested in one another to date and learn more. We continued to date, naturally explored the possibility of life partnership and perhaps marriage.

Our plans was finally realized on our Wedding Day on Saturday, May the 28, 2005 in the city of Toronto...friends and family were present to witness our happy union.

Here we are at a family Christmas Dinner Party; We did it!!!! and now, we are a very happy couple of old married fogey's. PRAYERS GO UP - BLESSINGS COME DOWN!!"

- Munur and Krystyna

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The Single Professionals' Network is involved in the Relationship Adventure, a project started by the The Toronto Star! Over the next 4 to 6 months, the Star will report on 20 single people as they try to meet someone special in their life. We met the particpants last week at the Toronto Star as the chosen 20 had their pictures taken.

The dating game
by Judy Steed, March 10, 2006
They wrote. We chose. They're nervous, excited. Now meet 20 people who have won a chance at love in the 2006 Get A Relationship Challenge!

"But first I have to tell you the response has been overwhelming. We received about 500 letters from readers who wanted to be part of our 2006 Get A Relationship Challenge. I read every letter, and I'm frankly amazed by the diversity, interests and accomplishments of everyone who wrote in, by your insights and willingness to let down your guard and open your hearts. Such honesty, such vulnerability in your search for "the one." It's truly inspiring..."

For that reason alone we expanded the pool of participants from six to 20. We will follow them for four to six months as they explore the singles scene with the help of dating services paid for by the Star.

It's a lucrative market, prompting the rapid growth of companies ranging from traditional matchmakers to event organizers who set up dances, dinner parties and even skydiving expeditions.

We're talking about a demographic that has flown under the radar. Close to one-third of adults in most major North American cities, including Toronto, live alone. And, according to a recent Harlequin survey, 75 per cent are afraid to make the first move when they meet someone they like.

That means a lot of people need some help, just like our participants. Let's meet the winners...

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September 3, 2005
We are credited for another marriage!
Berkley Power and Danielle Northcott met at the Old Mill on March 2004 and got married on Sept. 3rd 2005!!
We want to congratulate them and wish them all the best in the future!

The Toronto Sun, May 1, 2004
Singles Can Dance, Mix and Mingle Each Week!
Every week, The Singles Professionals' Network hosts singles dances at a variety of upscale venues throughout the GTA. The dances are an opportunity to dance and meet other singles between the ages of 35 and 58 who enjoy an evening out at some of Toronto's most prestigious locations.

The next singles dance will take place at the historic and romantic surroundings of The Old Mill (21 Old Mill Rd) on Saturday May 1st starting at 8:00p.m. The cost is only $13.00 with free parking and features music from the 60's to the present.

The organization also holds a number of Special Events throughout the year. On May 8th, a Hawaiian night will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (1250 Eglinton E at the DVP) where you can have fun dressing up in your favourite Hawaiian shirt and summer attire. Then on Saturday May 15th, a Speed Dating event is planned at the Pavillion Royale (5165 Dixie Rd.) from 6 until 8p.m. where individuals have an opportunity to date up to 10 people for 8 minutes each in one evening. If both parties find each other to be a mutual match, contact details are forwarded to both parties. This revolutionary approach is becoming very popular singles with a busy lifestyle. The price is only $39.95. For more information on Speed Dating, call 416-236-5959.

Peter and Diane Finch started the Single Professionals' Network in 1991 and personally host the events. Since then, they have been credited for many weddings in the city and feel this is the most rewarding part of the business. It is never too late to fall in love. Single Professionals' Network has steadily grown over the last few years. It seems any time of year is a good time to meet someone special. People come out from as far away as Niagara Falls and Oshawa to attend.

The couple has created a warm and comfortable atmosphere for people to meet each other They have discovered that meeting others face to face is still very popular because you can make eye contact, be greeted with a smile, then be adventurous by asking that person to dance. Peter says, "It is important to make your own good time." He provides the friendly surroundings to do just that. There are few places in the city where the over thirty crowd can simply enjoy an evening of dancing.

The cost of most dances is very affordable at $13.00 to $15.00 depending on the event. If you would like more information about the Single Professionals' Network, call their 24 hour hotline at 416-236-8222 or visit their website at www.singlesparties.com.

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December 27, 2003
We are credited for another engagement!
Rick and Karen got engaged at our event on Saturday December 27, 2003. The couple met in 1997 and had their first date at our dance at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Dec. 19, 1997 when Davy Jones was our D.J. and dedicated a song to the pair.

Rick surprised Karen when they were celebrating the 6th anniversary of their first date by asking her to marry him. Davy Jones was D.J. again on this special evening. About 40 of their friends also in attendance that night to witness the surprised and very happy look on Karen's face that night and watch her accept the proposal. A date is yet to be set for the wedding. Congratulations Karen and Rick!

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The Toronto Sun, Wednesday April 23, 2003
Get connected with the Single Professional's Network
Looking for a singles dance with a more elegant atmosphere and geared to the Baby Boomer generation? The Single Professional's Network has just the right place.

It holds events in some of Toronto's most prestigious locations. From the romantic surroundings of the Old Mill in Etobicoke to the posh Delta Toronto East in Scarborough to the Crowne Plaza centrally located at the Don Valley and Eglinton, no matter what part of the city you live in, the Single Professional's Network has a dance conveniently located near you.

They are the perfect opportunity for you to get dressed up (definitly no jeans or running shoes), look good and have a great night of mixing and mingling. The music is from the 60's to the present and consists of a top DJ or live music.

Peter and Diane Finch started the Single Professional's Network in 1991 and personally host the events. Since then, they have been credited for many weddings in the city and feel this is the most rewarding part of the business. It is never too late to fall in love. Single Professional's Network has steadily grown over the last few years. It seems any time of year is a good time to meet someone special. People come out from as far away as Niagara Falls and Oshawa to attend.

The couple has created a warm and comfortable atmosphere for people to meet ech other. They have discovered that meeting others face to face is still very popular because to can make eye contact, be greeted with a smaile, then be adventurous by asking that person to dance. If you cannot dance, don't worry, if you come early, many of their events start off with two of the best dance instructors to entice you to learn a few steps or take that first step. Whether it is a Jive or Latin American, it is a chance to try the steps with someone new. Peter says, "It is important to make your own good time.". He provides the friendly surroundings to do just that.

Peter and Diane put together many special events during the course of a year ranging from a summertime Boat Cruise on Lake Ontario, to an Autumn Corn Roast, as well as events that mark special occasions such as Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, where Peter surprised everyone by presenting young Irish dancers who stole the crowd's hearts. not to mention their New Year's event that grows in popularity each year.

The next special event will be a Hawaiin night complete with leis and special prizes for the most colourful shirt. The ballroom will be decorated to the fullest with decorations, as are all special events. Hawaiin night will take place on Saturday, May 25 starting at 8:00 pm at the Travelodge on Keele St and the 401.

Peter tries to make the evening more memorable for everyone with special touches such as a lounge piano player or Karaoke where you can sing like Elvis.

About the crowd, Peter says, "The mix has always been a good balance, never more than 60/40 ratio of men to women, either way".

At $12, the cost of most dances is very affordable. For more information about the Single Professional's Network, call their 24hr hotline at 416.236.8222, or visit www.singlesparties.com, which features a monthly schedule of events and a photo gallery of the most recent events.

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The Toronto Sun, December 23, 2002
Singles: New Year's Eve fun awaits
Looking for a great way to ring in the new year with hundreds of eligible singles in the city? Then check out the Single Professional's Network's 11th Annual New Year's Eve Gala.

Taking place at the Shriner's Entertainment Centre, which is located at 3100 Keele Street, just south of Sheppard Avenue, the evening is sure to be a memorable way to usher in 2003.

You can enjoy optional predinner cocktails at 7:00 pm, followed by a lavish dinner buffet featuring roast beef, seafood and a scrumptious selection of salads, all while being entertained by live music.

By 9:30 pm, the DJ will have you up on the dance floor, dancing the night away. At midnight, the huge balloon drop will shower hundreds of balloons on the crowd as you enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne.

The New Year's Eve Gala costs $69.95 plus taxes, or you have the option of coming to the dance after 9:30 pm for $40 in advance or $45 at the door, where you'll enjoy cake, coffee, complimentary champagne and party favours.

Peter and Diane Finch started the Single Professional's Network in 1991, and personally host all the events. The couple create a warm and comfortable atmosphere for people 30 years of age and older to meet each other.

Since then, they have been credited for many weddings in the city, and feel this is the most rewarding part of the business.

They've discovered that meeting others face-to-face is still very popular, because you can make eye contact, be greeted with a smile, and then be adventurous and asking someone to dance.

Other upcoming events include a Festive Party at the Old Mill (21 Old Mill Road) on Friday, Dec. 27, and a dance on Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Ramada Hotel, located near the Don Valley Parkway and Sheppard Ave.

At $12, the cost of most dances is very affordable. For more information, or to book for New Year's Eve, call the 24hr hotline at 416.236.8222, or visit www.singlesparties.com, which features a monthly schedule of events and a photo gallery of the most recent events.

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The Toronto Sun, October 23, 2002
Spooktacular Halloween for Singles
Looking for a great way to enjoy Halloween with lots of other eligible singles in the city? Then check out the Singles Professionals’ Network 11th Annual Spooktacular Event on Saturday October 26th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at1250 Eglinton E.(DVP and Eglinton). The evening is sure to liven up your Halloween with lots of ghoulish decorations and most attendees in costumes. There will be over $500 in prizes for the best outfits and a costume parade for all that want to participate or you can simply come out to watch the fun.

Peter and Diane Finch started the Single Professionals’ Networking 1991 and personally host the events. Since then, they have been credited for many weddings in the city and feel this is the most rewarding part of the business. It is never too late to fall in love. Single Professionals’ Network has steadily grown over the last few years. It seems any time of year is a good time to meet someone special. People come out from as far away as Niagara Falls and Oshawa to attend.

The couple has created a warm and comfortable atmosphere for people over 30 years of age to meet each other. They have discovered that meeting others face to face is still very popular because you can make eye contact, be greeted with a smile, then be adventurous by asking that person to dance Peter says, “It is important to make your own good time.” He provides the friendly surroundings to do just that.

Peter and Diane put together many special events during the course of a year ranging from a summertime Boat Cruise on Lake Ontario to Hawaiian Party, as well as events that mark special occasions such as Valentines or St. Patricks’ Day where Peter surprised everyone by presenting young Irish dancers who stole the crowd hearts. Not to mention their New Years event that grows in popularity each year.

The cost of most dances is very affordable at $12.00. If you would like more information about Single Professionals’ Network, call their 24 hour hotline at 416-236-8222 or visit their website at www.SINGLESPARTIES.com which features a monthly schedule of events and a photo gallery of the most recent special events.

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The Toronto Sun, August 28, 2002
Mix, mingle and maybe find a match
Participants enjoying a recent Toronto boat cruise held by The Single Professionals’ Network. Richard Renaud never thought he would meet his wife to be when he came out to Single Professionals’ Network dance for the first time. He came out not knowing what to expect, but that night he met Katrina, the girl of his dreams.

They danced the night away and soon became good friends. Now, they are engaged to be married. Richard and Katrina are busy planning their wedding and are going to use Davy Jones as their DJ. – the same DJ. play the music the night they met.

“She is the girl of my dreams. I have looked for a girl like her for a long time now. She has shown me she loves me very much too,” Renaud says. The couple still comes out to the dances just to enjoy an evening out.

The Single Professionals’ Network provides a variety of weekly events throughout the year. The Labour Day weekend, the Single Professionals’ Network is having two great events. The first event will be a Moonlight Boat Cruise on Lake Ontario on Saturday Aug. 31. It is on the Wayward Princess departing from Spadina Pier. The cruise is from 7:30p.m. until midnight and includes a full buffer dinner, all for just $49.95 inclusive.

This your opportunity to celebrate the last long weekend of summer where there will be three floors of fun and dancing under the stars. As an added feature, there will be three floors of fun and dancing under the stars. As an added feature, there will be professional dance instructors to lead attendees from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The second party will be held at the Travelodge (Keele & 401) on a rare Sunday. The evening features the live music of Rhonda Silver. It’s a chance to get dressed up (definitely no jeans or running shoes), mix and mingle with people in the 35 and above age bracket. The music will be from the ‘60s to the present, and the large dance floor is ideal for dancing to your favourite tunes. It will take but a brief moment to find an interesting partner to dance with.

Peter and Diane Finch started the Single Professionals’ Network in 1991 and personally host the events. Since then the organization has steadily grown over the last few years – it seems any time of year is a good time to meet the person of your dreams. People come out from as far away as Kitchener, Niagara Falls and Oshawa.

The couple has created a warm and friendly atmosphere. Peter and Diane feel that the magic is in people meeting face to face because you can make eye contact, be greeted with a smile and then ask that person to dance. The couple has no idea how many marriages they have ignited, but do know lots of friendships have been started over the years.

The Single Professionals Network organization weekly events in some of Toronto’s most prestigious locations. From the romantic surroundings of The Old Mill in Etobicoke, to the posh Delta Toronto East to the Colony Hotel Downtown, the Single Professionals’ Network has a dance conveniently located near you.

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The Toronto Sun
Enjoy an Evening to Remember
Looking for a singles dance with a more elegant atmosphere and geared to the Baby Boomer generation. The Single Professionals’ Network has just the right place. They hold events in some of Toronto’s most prestigious locations. From the romantic surroundings of the Old Mill in Etobicoke to the posh Delta Toronto East in Scarborough to the Crowne Plaza centrally located at the Don Valley and Eglinton, no matter what part of the city you live in, The Single Professionals’ Network has a dance conveniently located near you. They are the perfect opportunity for you to get dressed up (definitely no jeans or running shoes), look good and have a great time night of mixing and mingling. The music is from the 60’s to the present and consists of a top D.J. or live music.

Peter and Diane Finch started the Single Professionals’ Network in 1991 and personally host the events. Since then, they have been credited for many weddings in the city and feel this is the most rewarding part of the business. It is never too late to fall in love. Single Professionals’ Network has steadily grown over the last few years. It seems any time of year is a good time to meet someone special. People come out from as far away as Niagara Falls and Oshawa to attend.

The couple has created a warm and comfortable atmosphere for people to meet each other. They have discovered that meeting others face to face is still very popular because you can make eye contact , be greeted with a smile, then be adventurous by asking that person to dance. If you cannot dance, don’t worry, if you come early, many of their events start off with two of the best dance instructors to entice you to learn a few new steps or take that first step. Whether it is the Jive or Latin American, it is a chance to try the steps with someone new. Peter says, "It is important to make your own good time." He provides the friendly surroundings to do just that.

Peter and Diane put together many special events during the course of a year ranging from a summertime Boat Cruise on Lake Ontario to an autumn corn roast, as well as events that mark special occasions such as Valentines or St. Patricks Day where Peter surprised everyone by presenting young Irish dancers who stole the crowd hearts. Not to mention their New Years event that grows in popularity each year.

The next special event will be a Hawaiian night complete with leis and special prizes for the most colourful shirt. The ballroom will be decorated to the fullest with decorations as are all special events. Hawaiian night will take place on Saturday May 25th starting at 8:00 p.m. at the Travelodge on Keele St and the 401.

Peter tries to make the evening more memorable for everyone with special touches such a lounge Piano player or Karaoke where you can sing like Elvis.

About the crowd, Peter says, "The mix has always been a good balance, never more than a 60/40 ratio of men to woman either way.

The cost of most dances is very affordable at $12.00. If you would like more information about Single Professionals’ Network, call their 24 hour hotline at 416-236-8222 or visit their website at www.singlesparties.com.

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The Toronto Star, Saturday, January 16, 1999 - LIFE section
Bringing Sanity to the Search for a Soulmate
Special Interest matchmaking Services help kindle the fires of love - by Robin Harvey, Life Writer

Seven years ago, Peter and Diane Finch opened the Single Professionals Network for singles over age 30. Peter Finch had worked in the hospitality industry and felt there was a need for structured singles events that were relaxed but a bit "upscale".

Members of the network get bulletins about it's singles events - usually dances at upscale venues in the Toronto area.

The group has a fairly loose structure, Peter Finch says, adding that the network doesn't do matchmaking or set up dates. It simply holds events that set the stage for singles to connect. As long as people come to the dances dressed appropriately (definitely no jeans, he says) and behave themselves, they are free to mingle.

It costs $25 to receive the network brochure listing ongoing events. Singles pay cost of admission which varies depending on the event. Singles can also pay cover at the door whithout necessarily having obtained the brochure.

Peter says 500 to 600 people turn up at the dances where hors d'oeuvres, music (sometimes live, usually a deejay) and a cash bar are the standard fare.

"There aren't many places in the downtown where the over-30s can go for a fun night out (to) meet people," he says. "I tell everybody just to go out and have fun and enjoy themselves. If something is gong to happen and you meet someone, fine. But if not, you can still have a great evening."

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More Than Just Walking Newsletter, January 25, 2002
New Year's Eve

The song (and I) asked "What are you doing New Year’s Eve?" Our Pied Piper Frances responded: "I’ll let you know" … Fade to the Single Professional Network soiree at the Shriner’s Center on Keele North where our numbers swelled to 12. “The Dirty Dozen” – No, we agreed to report we were all very well behaved. The abundant number of women in our group (10) tried not to break too many hearts – and ‘our’ Steve looked very dapper and waltzed more than one “Matilda” around the room. Good on you mate!

Food? Hors d’oeuvres of finger sandwiches, veggie & dip, crunchable, etc. on our two-candlelit tables pushed together. (Merci, thoughtful, Linda for the chocolates). The bar was located out in the anteroom where smoking was permitted. As the hours to midnight ‘thinned out’ the smoke in the bar area did the opposite. You never know when your yoga breathing techniques will serve you. I found I could retrieve one gin and tonic in two deep breath sessions!

This DJ’d even took over two adjoining ballrooms in the Shriners facility and was attended by about 400 people with about 410 opinions of “appropriate dress”. Tuxedos to teeny weenie minis, sweatshirts to head toe sequence … all blissfully certain they had it right’. I on the other hand know I had something right – ‘comfortable’ shoes.

Speaking of shoes – keen observers will note that ‘Ginger’ Stroud “Frances” ALWAYS wears t-strapped high heeled shoes to any venue where dancing might be possibly involved. (If we hiked past the “Palais royal” I’ll betcha she’d have those T’s in her knapsack – just un case!) As in the tale of Cinderella, the shoe clue is pivotal here. A T-strapped helps a lady’s shoe stay put and all professional ballroom dancers wear them. Fellas, you’re not dealing with a neophyte here! As Aileen mentioned, unlike most of us, Frances knows how to follow beautifully.

Midnight erupts, ‘Champers’ dispersed, horns blown hugs and even some kisses exchanged. The requisite balloon ‘shower’ was met by retro ‘kids’ who just had to break almost every one. The prolonged popping and banging was akin to having lit a very long band of those little firecrackers. Remnants of our ‘dozen’ ended up in a circle dancing and pouncing around one of the rate surviving ballons (joined by a white satin-shirt “American” dandy named Bill who, it turns out, actually was from Hamilton!)

In summary, if you haven’t had a New Year’s Eve date without Dick Clark in awhile, give it a ‘Ginger’ (or Fred) whirl with a group. I, (and Buffalo Bill) did and it was great.

Take care of you in 2002, Regards,
Bonnie Branton, (Literary License) #003

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HOTToronto Magazine, April 1999
Places To Go for the 30 and up crowd!
Social Eyes, with Susan

If the weekend is more in tune with your schedule, how about The Single Professionals’ Network. The social event of the season, no matter what season it is.

Ten years ago Peter and Diane saw a need for the upwardly mobile single, over thirty, to have a place where they could get together with others much like themselves. Something more than a street dance or a drop in, to attract the clientele the Baby Boomer Generation had become. If they were going to get all dressed up and venture out on their own, they needed a really nice place to go.

It was a genius of an idea and "The Single Professionals’ Network" was born. A social club for singles to meet other interesting unattached men and women. Their events provide an opportunity build a circle of friends where you can meet and feel welcome. They also strive to hold their functions in upscale settings where you can enjoy the surroundings of some of the most prestigious addresses around town.

From The Boulevard Club on the Lakeshore to The Old Mill. From The Old Mill to the Crowne Plaza to The Chelsea Inn. Doors usually open at 8:00. Admission is $12.00. There is always a huge crowd, looking forward to dancing the tunes from the 60’s to the present. His ten year track record shows it is a success, but keep an eye on Peter, he likes to play match maker as he hops from table to table, making conversation and encouraging introductions.

No matter what area of the city you are in, Peter hosts a dance in that area. So go ahead, spoil yourself, get dressed up and come join the party, come out and become part of the party. Come to the social event of the season, no matter what season it is. To find out where the next event is being held, contact Peter Finch at 416-236-8222.

Susan Davieau

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Evening Out Magazine, January 1998
Single Professionals' Network Brings Hearts Together
by Bob Hackett

Valentine’s Day (February 14th) is fast approaching, putting us in mind of romance and expressing our love for each other. Out world is becoming larger and, in many instances, colder. Interacting with each stress levels increase. Modern technology is great in many ways but it seems to be making our world more intense, not more relaxed. Computers, the internet, chat lines have added a dimension to our lives, but they are not the real thing - a one-on-one, physical human interaction.

There is no substitute for the old-fashioned way of meeting and the dance is still one of the best ways for people to get to know each other. or the past seven years the Single Professionals' Network has been holding dances in some of the city's most upscale settings such as The Old Mill (near Bloor and The Kingsway), The Boulevard Club (on Lakeshore Blvd. near CNE) and The Radisson Hotel at Don Valley and Eglinton. In these great surroundings people have an opportunity to build a new circle of friends and feel welcome.

Over the years Peter and Diane Finch, who started Single Professionals' Network, have staged events which have drawn people from as far away as Niagara Falls, Kitchener and Barrie. Their socials club is the premier of singles' dances and the classiest of them all. It is very successful and has grown in popularity. In the beginning Peter and Diane held one dance a month and now they offer one dance a week and often two dances a week.

"It's giving people the opportunity to meet in the old-fashioned way, face-to-face," says Peter and wife, Diane, who organize, host and greet people at the door. They continue, "We've created a comfortable atmosphere for individuals (over 30) to meet each other. In this environment women feel comfortable coming with friends or on their own."

June and I attended a recent function at The Boulevard Club and we were most impressed. As soon as we walked through the door we could feel the warmth of Peter and Diane. They set the tone of the evening. The ballroom was packed with happy dancers, while a deejay played the tunes (there are four other deejays and sometimes a live band). Certainly the setting, overlooking the lake, was a romantic one. The crowd was large, well-dressed and attractive. Peter and Diane encouraged people to dress like they're going out for dinner on a Saturday night.

The outgoing, personable Peter and Diane enjoy introducing people, especially new ones. However they point out, "We want people to come along and make their own good time." The atmosphere is definitely conductive to meeting, mingling and having fun.

There are no memberships. People simply phone to find out when the next dance is, go and if they enjoy themselves, ask to be put on a mailing list. Every two months Peter sends out a calendar of events.

On January 10 a dance will be held at The Radisson in the east end while on January 17, 23, 30 the venue will switch to The Old Mill in the west end. On January 17 at The Old Mill there'll be complimentary dance lessons. The Valentine's location is yet to be finalized at press time, so call 416-236-8222 for that information.

Oh, and to illustrate how well the Single Professionals' Network works, Peter and Diane were invited to a wedding this past October. The groom, Walter, (who had been single 20 years) met his wife-to-be, Polina, at a Single Professionals' Network dance. We don't know who were happier? The bride and groom or Peter and Diane? Happy Valentine's, everyone.

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