About us
🔴 Our events are all about connection — meeting new friends, exploring new places, and doing fun things together — that aren't focused on alcohol or romance. We strive to create a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space for everyone. Thoughtful behavior is expected, and newcomers are always welcome!
📢 Stay in the loop!
Make sure your Meetup notifications are turned ON so you learn about upcoming events as soon as they’re announced by email!
🔷 See our Group Guidelines HERE
🔷See ALL our scheduled events HERE
🔷 See our 10,000+ photos HERE
🔴 Help Keep the Fun Going in 2026
We’re 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!
🔴 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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🎥 TONIGHT at Stanford Theatre: Hitchcock Double Feature + Optional Dinner! 🍿
Stanford Theatre, 221 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA, USStep back in time for an evening of old Hollywood magic at the gorgeous, historic Stanford Theatre – a beautifully restored 1925 movie palace that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. With its ornate décor, plush seating, and surprise intermission treat (shhh… no spoilers!), it’s the perfect setting to see two of the most iconic films ever made – for the grand price of just $7 ($5 for seniors 65+).
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✨ THE LINE-UP
🎬 To Catch A Thief – 5:30 pm (103 min)
A Hitchcock classic. Cary Grant plays a retired cat-burglar on the Riviera, who is suspected of a series of jewel thefts committed by a copy cat. Stars Cary Grant and Grace Kelly at her best.💃 Rear Window – 7:30 pm (112 min)
Hitchcock’s masterpiece about a reporter confined to his apartment with a broken leg. He passes time watching the neighbors from this rear window. When the wife of a hen-pecked husband suddenly disappears, he can only suspect the worst! Stars James Stewart and Grace Kelly.----------------------------------
🎟 Tickets: One ticket gets you into both movies. $7 regular / $5 seniors (65+).
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📍 Let’s meet at 5:00 pm—so we can sit together!
We’ll gather in front of the theater at 5 pm and stand in line to buy our tickets (look for our green sparkly streamers!). We can enter together and choose great seats as a group. (Seats are first-come, first-served — another reason to arrive early!)----------------------------------
🍴 Optional Dinner Before the Show
We’ll meet at Oren’s Hummus (just a few doors down at 261 University Ave) at 4:00 pm for some Mediterranean goodness before the movie. No group reservations (the place is small), so we’ll split into smaller tables.----------------------------------
Other quick bites nearby, if you're short on time:
- Pizza My Heart – across the street (220 University)
- Crepevine – one block away (367 University)
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🅿️ Parking
Two big parking garages are within two blocks:- Bryant Street (north of University Ave)
- High Street (south of University Ave)
Street parking is also available. Try side streets off University Ave.
🚊 Public Transit
Palo Alto Caltrain station is a short, easy walk. Check schedules here.🍿 Come for the movies, the magic of the theater, the popcorn that costs less than your morning latte – and the company of your New Beginnings friends!
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🔷 See our Group Guidelines HERE
❤️ Help Make 2026 more fun!
We’re 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!🔴 Liability Reminder
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.3 attendees
🌱 Small Shifts, Big Change: Rebuilding Life Through Habits (4-Week Series)
·OnlineOnline“What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I stick with anything?” If you’ve ever had that thought, you’re not alone. It’s not you. It’s your system.
And you may not be meant to do it alone.
💧 A single drop creates a ripple. 💦
A tiny shift, repeated, can change everything. 🌊--------------------------------
Many of us try to make big changes—especially after a life transition like separation or divorce—and find ourselves stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged.
This 4-week series takes a different approach.
Instead of pushing harder, we’ll explore how to:
- Start small (really small)
- Build habits that actually stick
- Work with your natural tendencies instead of against them
- Shift not just behaviors, but patterns of thought and emotion
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🧭 What We’ll Explore Together
Week 1 (May 6): Tiny Changes, Real Hope
Why small works—and how to start in a way that feels doableWeek 2 (May 13) : Make It Easy, Make It Stick
How to design habits that fit into your real lifeWeek 3 (May 20): Why We Get Stuck (and What Helps)
Understanding accountability and what kind of support works for youIn Week 3, we’ll look at why some habits are harder to maintain on our own—and why that’s completely normal. You’ll explore how your natural tendencies influence follow-through, and discover what kind of accountability or support can make habits feel easier and more consistent.
Week 4 (May 27): Habits of Thought & Emotion
Shifting the inner patterns that shape how you feel and respondEach session includes:
- Short, practical teaching
- A brief video clip to bring ideas to life
- Simple, in-the-moment exercises (no homework pressure)
- Group reflection and discussion
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📅 Join Anytime
While the series builds week to week, each session can also stand on its own. Come to one or join us for the full journey.
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💛 This is for you if:
- You feel stuck or overwhelmed trying to make changes
- You’ve “started over” more times than you can count
- You want a gentler, more sustainable way forward
- You’re open to experimenting with small steps
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need to be motivated.
You just need a place to begin.✨ Come as you are. Start where you are.
Small shifts can create big change.---------------------------------
🔹 About the Group
This is a relationship support meeting with a mix of learning and sharing. You’re always welcome to connect, reflect, and grow—at your own pace.
✨ All are welcome — regardless of relationship status, timeline, or background. Come for the insights, stay for the connection. ❤️
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Our Meeting Agenda:
• Introductions
• Video(s) or Talk (30-45 minutes)
• Group Discussion (15 minutes)
• Bio Break
• Confidential Sharing* (45 minutes)*We ask attendees to have their cameras on for confidential sharing time.
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💌 A Little Support Goes a Long Way
If you’re 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 — our volunteer-led community creating friendship, fun, and fresh experiences.🤗 Thank you in advance – whether you give now, later, or simply keep showing up, you help make this group special. 💕
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☎️ If you need immediate relationship support, please book a free strategy session with Amy Papazian, Divorce Coach, or call/text 650.504.8444.
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🎉 New Beginnings Social Events
Ready to reconnect with the world a little more? Our New Beginnings Social Events group offers relaxed, welcoming activities — both in-person around the San Francisco Bay Area and online — for connection, laughter, and new friendships. Explore what’s coming up: meetup.com/bay-area-new-beginnings
11 attendees
🎮 NB Monthly Night Out - Games & Happy Hour at GAMA Ride in San Mateo!
GAMA Ride, 2200 Bridgepointe Pkwy, San Mateo, CA, US🕹️ Ready for a playful night out with great people and lots of ways to join the fun? Come hang out with New Beginnings for an easygoing evening of arcade games, bowling, karaoke, rides, laughter, conversation, and cheering each other on from the sidelines! 📣
Whether you’re competitive, adventurous, musical… or just there for the company and Happy Hour, there’s something for everyone at GAMA Ride in Bridgepointe Shopping Center.
🎳 🎮 🚗 🎤 More info about GAMA Ride.
🍻 Happy Hour Specials (5–8 PM)
- Buy one beer, get the second half price
- Separate checks available when ordering at the bar
🍔 Curious about their food and drinks? Check out the budget-friendly
GAMA Ride Menu.---------------------------------
📍 Location:
GAMA Ride (Bridgepointe Shopping Center)
2200 Bridgepointe Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94404🗓️ Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🍻 Happy Hour: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM🤝 Meet & Connect: We’ve reserved tables in the bar area from 5–6 PM so our group can relax, eat, drink, chat, and get to know each other before everyone heads off to enjoy games and activities throughout the venue.
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Activities & Pricing
GAMA Ride uses a reloadable game card system. The cards themselves are free.
Based on recent visitor experiences, many guests start with about $20–$25 on a game card, which can provide about 45 minutes to 2 hours of play depending on the activities you choose.
Approximate pricing:
🕹️ Arcade games: $1–$2
🎳 Bowling: $6
🚗 Bumper cars: $6
🚀 Rides: $6–$8
🎤 Karaoke $15 per 15-minute sessionTheir karaoke experience is inspired by The Voice. It’s available on a first come, first served basis in 15-minute increments. Are you feeling brave? 😄
🎟️ Generous bonus credits are available for larger game card purchases ($50+) if you'd like to make it a big evening or save the balance for another visit.
😁 You do not need to participate in every (or any) activity to have a good time. Some of the best moments happen while watching, laughing, cheering people on, and connecting with others in the group.
🤹🏼 Come play a little, sing a little 🎶, bowl a little 🎳, eat, drink… and enjoy a fun night with your New Beginnings friends.
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How to Find Us
🌱 We’ll begin the evening at our reserved tables in the bar area from 5–6 PM. After that, attendees are welcome to spread out and enjoy the arcade games, bowling, karaoke, rides, and other activities throughout the venue.
Look for the New Beginnings group inside the bar area. Your hosts, Dulce and Christine, will be wearing colorful bead necklaces. They'll show us the ropes and help everyone connect.
We look forward to a lively night of fun, laughter, and maybe a little friendly competition too!
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💌 RSVP early. Event spots fill quickly. As always, please update your RSVP if your plans change so others may have the opportunity to join us.
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🍽️ Restaurant Etiquette
We’re lucky to have local places like this to host us—let’s show our appreciation! Please plan to order food or drinks, thank the staff, and tip generously. Remember: outside food or beverages aren’t allowed due to health code requirements.
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🅿️ Parking
There is plenty of parking in the surrounding shopping center lots.
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🔷 See our Group Guidelines HERE
❤️ Help Keep the Fun Going in 2026
We’re 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!🔴 Liability Disclaimer
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guest(s) 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.35 attendees
💎 Hidden Gems of Pacific Heights: Architectural Walking Tour in SF! 💎
Jackson Tower, 2040 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA, US💎 “I Never Noticed That Before” – Discover the Hidden Stories of Pacific Heights 💎
Join architect Martin Bernstein for a lively and engaging 1.5-hour walking tour through one of San Francisco’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods.
One of his popular “I Never Noticed That Before” walking tours, this experience invites you to slow down, look up, and notice the details most people walk right past. From architectural quirks and design secrets to fascinating history, hidden symbolism, and colorful stories about the people who once lived behind these grand facades, Martin brings Pacific Heights to life in a way that’s both entertaining and eye-opening.
You’ll never look at the neighborhood quite the same way again.
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📍 Starting Point: 2040 Franklin Street (corner of Franklin & Jackson)
🕜 Starting Time: 1:30 PM sharp — please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin on time.Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just looking for a fresh way to explore the city, this tour promises plenty of “aha!” moments and a delightful afternoon of discovery.
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🎟️ COST: The Walking Tour is FREE, but we are supported almost entirely by walker donations. At the end of the tour, you will be given the opportunity to make a suggested $20* cash contribution or to contribute via Zelle to: martinbernstein617@gmail.com.
*10% of each donation supports New Beginnings, a volunteer-led community that brings people together to make new friends, have fun, and share new experiences.
✨ We hope you will consider contributing so we can keep walking!
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WHAT TO BRING
☀️ Sun protection — hat and/or sunscreen
💧 Water to stay hydrated
👟 Comfy shoes
🤔 Your curiosity🚗 PARKING
Free 2-hour Street Parking throughout the neighborhood. Note signs for any special parking restrictions. For paid garages, visit Haas-Lilienthal House - Driving Directions & Parking. (Haas-Lilienthal House is near our starting place.)🚇 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
- Muni Bus, BART, or Cable Car: For detailed directions, visit the Haas-Lilienthal House - Driving Directions & Parking page.
- Muni Bus Fare & Schedule: $2.75 for adults, $1.50 for seniors (65+). Pay with cash or through the Muni Mobile app. Check routes and timings at SFMTA.com.
- Taking the Train into SF? Exit at 4th & Townsend (the final stop). From there, take Muni or Uber/Lyft to our meeting location.
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✨ Spots are limited to 20 — RSVP soon to save yours!
If the event fills, join the waitlist. Walk-ups welcome if space allows.👨🏻💼 Your Tour Guide
Martin Bernstein, Architect
martinbernsteinarchitect.com
Palo Alto ∙ San Francisco
📞 650.387.1000-------------------------------
🔷 See our Group Guidelines HERE
🔴 Help Keep the Fun Going in 2026
We’re 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!🔴 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.
4 attendees
Past events
1994


