About us
š“Ā Our events are all aboutĀ connectionĀ āĀ meeting new friends, exploring new places, and doing fun thingsĀ togetherĀ ā that aren't focused on alcohol or romance.Ā We strive to create a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space for everyone. Thoughtful behavior is expected, and newcomers are always welcome!
š¢Ā Stay in the loop!
Make sure your Meetup notifications are turned ON so you learn about upcoming events as soon as theyāre announced by email!
š· See our Group Guidelines HERE
š·See ALL our scheduled eventsĀ HERE
š·Ā See our 10,000+ photosĀ HERE
š“ Help Keep the Fun Going in 2026
Weāre a volunteer-led group, and member contributions help cover annual Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals. See our 2026 contributor list. Please make your annual $20 contribution for 2026 by giving cash with your name to the host at an in-person event. (Contributions are not tax-deductible.) As a thank-you, you can opt in to receive one-way group text updates with reminders and last-minute announcements. New here? Enjoy a few events first, then pitch in if it feels like a good fit!
š“Ā Important Notice & Liability Waiver
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.
Upcoming events
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ā³Let Them, Let Me: Breaking Codependence and Building Better Boundaries ā Week 3
Ā·OnlineOnlineCan we accept people as they are without accepting behavior that is unhealthy for us?
Inspired by Mel Robbinsā book The Let Them Theory, this three-week Relationship Support series explores how releasing our attempts to control other people can help us break codependent patterns, establish healthier boundaries, and reclaim our own choices.
āLet Themā allows other people to make their own choices. āLet Meā returns us to our own agency.
In our final session, weāll bring the two together by exploring how to set boundaries, respond to repeated behavior, and release expectations and responsibilities that may no longer belong to us.Letting go does not always happen in one dramatic moment. It is often a gradual process of loosening our grip, accepting what another personās behavior is showing us, and choosing what is healthiest for us.
Join us even if you missed the first two sessions!
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Three-Week Series
Wednesday, July 22 ā WEEK 1
Let ThemāReleasing What You Cannot ControlWednesday, July 29 ā WEEK 2
Let MeāReclaiming Your Choices, Energy, and LifeWednesday, August 5 ā WEEK 3
Let GoāSetting Boundaries and Responding to Reality---------------------------------
This Week's Focus - WEEK 3
Let GoāSetting Boundaries and Responding to RealityLetting people make their own choices does not mean tolerating disrespect or harmful behavior. In our final session, weāll distinguish among requests, expectations, agreements, and boundariesāand explore why a boundary describes what we will do, not what another person must do. Weāll use repeated behavior as information, consider when to repair, adjust, step back, or let go, and acknowledge the grief of accepting who someone is rather than who we hoped they would become.
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You do not need to have read The Let Them Theory or attended the previous sessions to participate. Weāll briefly review the central framework before moving into the eveningās topic.
This is not a traditional book club. Weāre using the ideas as a starting point for exploring codependence, control, boundaries, personal responsibility, and healthier relationships.
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How We Learn Together
Each session is designed to help you understand the concepts, connect them to your own experiences, and leave with practical ideas you can apply in your relationships.
- Easy-to-understand teaching with relatable, real-life examples
- Video clips that bring key concepts to life
- Reflection exercises to connect the material to your own experiences
- Group discussion and practical ideas to strengthen your relationships
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Our Typical Agenda
⢠Brief Welcome & Introductions
⢠Teaching, Video(s), or Guest Speaker (30-45 minutes)
⢠Interactive Group Discussion
⢠Bio Break
⢠Confidential Sharing* (approximately 45 minutes)*We ask attendees to have their cameras on during confidential sharing to help create a safe and connected space.
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š¹ About the Group
This is a relationship support meeting that combines learning and sharing in a warm, supportive environment. Youāre always welcome to connect, reflect, and growāat your own pace.
⨠Come as you are and share only what feels comfortable. We do not record our meetings. You are welcome whether you are navigating divorce, separation, dating, family relationships, friendships, or simply trying to create healthier patterns in your life. ā¤ļø
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š A Little Support Goes a Long Way
If youāre finding value in these gatherings, we invite you to consider a $20 monthly contribution to help support:
- Our paid Zoom account
- Our Meetup Subscription
- Weekly preparation, curation, and handouts
- Ongoing care of this growing community
Venmo: @Amy-Papazian (last 4 digits: 8444)
10% of each donation supports New Beginnings ā our volunteer-led community creating friendship, fun, and fresh experiences.š¤ Thank you in advance ā whether you give now, later, or simply keep showing up, you help make this group special. š
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š± Continue the Conversation
Everyone processes differently. Some people find a group discussion most helpful, while others prefer the privacy of a one-on-one conversation.
If you'd like to talk about your own relationships or life transition in a confidential setting, I invite you to schedule a
complimentary 45-minute Strategy Sessionāor simply call or text me at 650.504.8444.--------------------------------
š New Beginnings Social Events
Ready to reconnect with the world a little more? Our New Beginnings Social Events group offers relaxed, welcoming activities ā both in-person around the San Francisco Bay Area and online ā for connection, laughter, and new friendships. Explore whatās coming up: meetup.com/bay-area-new-beginnings
17 attendees
š¶ šŗ Bud E. Luv Orchestra - A Fabulous Finale to San Mateo Music Series! š¶
San Mateo Central Park, 50 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo, CA, USš¶ šŗ The Bud E. Luv Orchestra Brings a Fabulous Finale to San Mateo Central Park! š¶
Join us for one last summer evening under the stars as the Bud E. Luv Orchestra closes out the 2026 Central Park Music Series with the timeless sounds of Big Band and Swing! With tongue firmly planted in cheek, the fabulous Bud E. Luv and his orchestra deliver a lively, larger-than-life show filled with classic Vegas favorites made famous by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones, Wayne Newton, and more. š¤š·
⨠Come ready to swing, sway, dance, and celebrate a memorable summer of music with an entertaining mix of musical talent, humor, and old-school showmanship!
Learn more about the Bud E. Luv Orchestra.
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š Location This Year
Due to playground construction, concerts are held at Fitzgerald Field (corner of 5th Ave & El Camino Real). Look for our signature sparkly green streamers in the middle of the field and friendly hosts wearing colorful bead necklaces!
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š§ŗ Come Early to Help Us Claim Space!
Weād love your help saving a spot for our big group. Bring a chair or blanket and arrive by 5 PM if you can. If you canāt get there that earlyāno problem! Just bring something to sit on and come when you can.
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š· BYO Snacks or Grab a Bite There
Food and drinks are available for purchase, or youāre welcome to bring your own picnic. Sharing snacks = instant new friends! š
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š² More Info:
Check out the City of San Mateoās Special Events page for updates.Letās make it a summer to remember! š See you at the park!
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š æļø Parking Tips:
- Lot under the tennis courts (ramp on 5th Ave)
- Lot across 5th Ave (with 2nd level)
- Downtown public lots and paid street parking (free after 6 PM)
- Be prepared to arrive early or walk a bitāitās a popular event!
š Taking Caltrain?
Get off at Downtown San Mateoājust a 12-minute walk to the park. Check Caltrainās current weekday schedule here.----------------------------------
š· See our Group Guidelines HERE
ā¤ļø Supporting More Fun, Friendship & Community
Weāre a volunteer-led group, and member contributions help cover annual Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals. See our 2026 contributor list. Please make your annual $20 contribution for 2026 by giving cash with your name to the host at an in-person event. (Contributions are not tax-deductible.) New here? Enjoy a few events first, then pitch in if it feels like a good fit!š“ Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guest(s) RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and fellow participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home. lol13 attendees
šø Los Altos First Friday: A Night of Music, Fun + 10-15 Bands! š¤ š¶ šš»šŗ
EnchantĆ© Boutique Hotel, 1 Main St, Los Altos, CA, USItās that time again! On the First Friday of every month, downtown Los Altos comes alive with 10ā15 live bands, dancing, food, drinks, and plenty of fun along First and Main Streets.
š¶ Featured Meetup Spot:
Our own Rob Van Wandelenās House Band will be playing on the patio at EnchantĆ© Boutique Hotel from 6:00ā8:00 pm. Expect high-energy, danceable favoritesāfrom the Stones and Beatles to Elton John, Pink, The Black Keys, and Adele.----------------------------------------
š Finding the Group:
While Rob is performing, he wonāt be hosting at a tableābut EnchantĆ© Hotel is our home base until 8:00 pm.- Look for one or two larger tables on the patio (or ask the bar staff to point you to New Beginnings)
- If you arrive first, feel free to start a table
- During the bandās break, Rob often swings by to say "hi!"
After 8:00 pm, we usually wander to nearby venues to catch more bands until around 9:00 pm.
š Full lineup: losaltosfirstfriday.funš¬ Connecting with others:
Use the Meetup comments to coordinateāor post if youāre new so we can keep an eye out for you!----------------------------------------
š· Venue Etiquette
To help us maintain a great relationship with EnchantĆ© Hotel, please keep in mind that we are patrons, even when seated outdoors. Please plan to purchase food or beverages from the venue, thank the staff, and tip generously. Out of respect for the business and health code requirements, please donāt bring outside food or drinks.----------------------------------------
āļø Weather Plan
This is an outdoor patio eventādress warmly!
If rain is expected, the band will decide by 4:00 pm. Any updates will be posted in the comments.----------------------------------------
šµ Preview House Band on YouTube
Ā· Twist and Shout
Ā· Not Your Stepping Stone----------------------------------------
⨠EVENT LOGISTICS
š æļø Parking:
Free lots and street parking nearby (short walk likely)š¤ Want to help welcome newcomers?
Text Amy if youāre willing to be a friendly point person.š± Day-of Contact:
Amy (NB Organizer): 650-503-4555----------------------------------------
š Come for the music, stay for the peopleāand enjoy a lively night out with your New Beginnings crew!
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š· See our Group Guidelines HERE
š“ Help Keep the Fun Going in 2026**
As a volunteer-led group, member contributions help cover Meetup fees and the occasional venue rental that make our gatherings possible. If you havenāt contributed in 2026, we invite you to give a $20 annual cash contribution (with your name) directly to the event host. (Contributions are not tax-deductible.) See our 2026 contributor list. New here? Enjoy a couple of events first ā then pitch in if it feels like a good fit!š“ Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and fellow participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.7 attendees
Past events
2059


