I didn't answer the strategy question. I think I would join a Church singles group and maybe a book club where we take turns hosting meetings. Maybe even something like Toastmasters...
While church wasn't always a good place for me, that's something that has worked for many people. Would you look for a mixed group book club or would that be primarily to hang out with other women. I've not heard of many book clubs where men participated. Toastmasters could be interesting as well. I guess I've always thought of them as people who were either as socially inept as I am and trying too hard to improve or as people who have joined because they are very competitive about climbing the corporate ladder. Maybe my prejudices are wrong, but I've never had a chance to check them out.