New Beginnings Social Events

💬❤️ Cracking the Code: When Love Gets Lost in Translation - Week 1

Wed, Jul 1 · 7:00 PM PDT

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Online

Online

We all express and receive love differently. Sometimes we're saying "I love you" loud and clear—but the other person is hearing something entirely different.

In this three-week series, we'll explore Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages and discover why love can get "lost in translation." Whether you're dating, married, divorced, rebuilding family relationships, strengthening friendships, or simply wanting deeper connections, understanding how people naturally give and receive love can transform the way you communicate and relate to others.

Join us for one session or the entire series!

July 1 (Week 1) - Why Good Intentions Aren't Always Felt
July 8 (Week 2) - Speaking Their Language
July 15 (Week 3) - Putting Love into Practice

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This Week's Focus

💬❤️ Why Good Intentions Aren't Always Felt

Have you ever thought, "I know they love me... so why don't I feel loved?" Or wondered why your thoughtful gestures don't always seem to mean as much to someone else as you hoped?

This week we'll introduce Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages and explore why people often express love in very different ways. Sometimes love isn't absent—it simply gets "lost in translation." We'll discover how understanding these differences can transform the way we communicate with romantic partners, family members, friends, and even coworkers.

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What to Expect Each Week

Our meetings combine learning, reflection, and discussion in a supportive and welcoming environment.

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

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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🔹 About the Group

This is a relationship support meeting that combines learning and sharing in a warm, supportive environment. 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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💌 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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🌱 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 Session—or simply call or text me at 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

🎸 Los Altos First Friday: A Night of Music, Fun + 10-15 Bands! 🎤 🎶 💃🏻🕺

Fri, Jul 3 · 6:00 PM PDT

Enchanté Boutique Hotel, 1 Main St, Los Altos, CA, US

It’s that time again! On the First Friday of every month, downtown Los Altos comes alive with 10–15 live bands, dancing, food, drinks, and plenty of fun along First and Main Streets.

🎶 Featured Meetup Spot:
Our own Rob Van Wandelen’s House Band will be playing on the patio at Enchanté Boutique Hotel from 6:00–8:00 pm. Expect high-energy, danceable favorites—from the Stones and Beatles to Elton John, Pink, The Black Keys, and Adele.

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📍 Finding the Group:
While Rob is performing, he won’t be hosting at a table—but Enchanté 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 band’s 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.
👉 Full lineup: losaltosfirstfriday.fun

💬 Connecting with others:
Use the Meetup comments to coordinate—or post if you’re new so we can keep an eye out for you!

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🍷 Venue Etiquette
To help us maintain a great relationship with Enchanté 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 don’t bring outside food or drinks.

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☔️ Weather Plan
This is an outdoor patio event—dress warmly!
If rain is expected, the band will decide by 4:00 pm. Any updates will be posted in the comments.

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🎵 Preview House Band on YouTube
· Twist and Shout
· Not Your Stepping Stone

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✨ EVENT LOGISTICS

🅿️ Parking:
Free lots and street parking nearby (short walk likely)

🤝 Want to help welcome newcomers?
Text Amy if you’re willing to be a friendly point person.

📱 Day-of Contact:
Amy (NB Organizer): 650-503-4555

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😎 Come for the music, stay for the people—and enjoy a lively night out with your New Beginnings crew!

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🔷 See our Group Guidelines HERE

🔴 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 haven’t 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 — 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 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.

🇺🇸 ⭐️ July 4th Picnic & BBQ - Flood Park – America Turns 250! ⭐️ 🇺🇸

Sat, Jul 4 · 11:00 AM PDT

Flood Park, 215 Bay Road, Menlo Park, CA, US

****Monday, 6/29: Hi folks! We're looking forward to celebrating America's 250th Anniversary of Independence with all of you!🎉
We're now approaching 100 attendees! As we finalize plans for this weekend, we need your help with two quick items:

✅🍉🌭🥗 If you haven't already done so, please add what you'll be bringing to the potluck sign-up sheet. Many of you already have—thank you! About half of our attendees still haven't listed an item, and there are plenty of options available. Potluck Sign-up Sheet

If you have trouble accessing the sign-up sheet, just leave a note under Comments below and we'll add it to the Sheet. 👇

✅ If your plans have changed or your guest’s plans have changed and you or they can no longer attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible.

🎉See you on the 4th!🎉 ****

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⭐️ July 4th Potluck Picnic at Flood Park, Menlo Park – America turns 250! ⭐️

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with New Beginnings at a relaxed, fun-filled Independence Day picnic in the beautiful Maple Picnic Area at Flood Park in Menlo Park! 🎉

We’re gathering for an afternoon of BBQ, potluck favorites, music, lawn games, laughter, and good company as we celebrate this milestone anniversary together. 🍔🌭🍉🎶

Bring a chair or blanket, your favorite picnic dish or barbecue item, and your festive spirit! ❤️🤍💙

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🏐 Flood Park offers plenty of ways to play:

• Multi-use field
• Horseshoe pits (bring your own equipment)
• Pickleball courts
• Tennis courts
• Sand volleyball
• Basketball courts

(All courts and activity areas are first come, first served.)

⚽ Maybe we’ll even organize a casual soccer or volleyball game for those of us who still have moves… or at least enthusiasm. 😄

🎤 Plus: laid-back singalong fun throughout the day — just us singing along to favorite songs with the original music playing in the background. No talent required. Enthusiasm absolutely welcome.

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🧺 POTLUCK DETAILS

Please sign up for potluck and/or barbecue contribution here: Potluck Sign-up Sheet

Plates, napkins, cups, and utensils will be provided - thanks to generous member donations. 🙌

🔥 We plan to fire up the barbecues around 11:30 AM, so if you’re bringing something to grill, please try to arrive by then.

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🍺 GOOD TO KNOW

• Beer and wine are allowed (no hard liquor) ✅
• Dogs are welcome on leash 🐶
• No fireworks permitted in the park 🎇🚫
• Charcoal fires only in barbecue pits
• Drones or remote-control vehicles are not permitted
• Please help us leave the area clean and beautiful at the end of the day ❤️

Want more info? Check out Flood Park Regulations.

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🅿️ PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY

Parking in the Flood Park lot is free, although it may fill early in the day. Once filled, look for parking on Bay Road and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

For anyone with mobility concerns, it may be easiest to be dropped off near the pedestrian entrance on Bay Road, which provides convenient access close to our Maple Picnic area (see the map in Photos below).
🚙 We also encourage carpooling if possible.

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✨🇺🇸 We hope you’ll join us for this special summer tradition and historic 250th Independence Day celebration! 🇺🇸✨

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🔷 See our Group Guidelines HERE

❤️ Supporting More Fun, Friendship & Community**
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 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. Bottom line: have fun, be safe, make smart choices, and look out for each other. 🤗 🇺🇸