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.
Featured event

š· Jazz on the Hill Festival & Picnic ā College of San Mateo š¶š
Join your New Beginnings friends for live music, good company, and summer fun at the 20th annual Jazz on the Hill, one of the Peninsula's premier outdoor music festivals!
This free festival at the College of San Mateo features live jazz on multiple stages, food trucks, artisan vendors, and beautiful hilltop views. We'll gather near the Main Stage to enjoy the music, socialize, and picnic on the lawn.
Bring your own lunch, grab something from the food trucks, or arrive early to visit the Farmers Market (9:00 AMā1:00 PM) for fresh produce, bakery items, and prepared foods.
Feel free to stay with the group or explore the festival at your own pace. Wander between stages, browse vendor booths, and enjoy an afternoon filled with great music and community.
-------------------------------
ā° HOSTED HOURS
Tom and Amy will be hosting from 11:00 AM until approximately 3:00 PM.
You're welcome to arrive earlier to visit the Farmers Market, join us later in the day, or stay after 3:00 PM and continue enjoying the festival until it concludes at 6:00 PM.
Come enjoy great music, sunshine, conversation, and a relaxing afternoon with New Beginnings!
-------------------------------
šµ WHAT TO EXPECT
- Live jazz performances throughout the day
- A relaxed picnic and social gathering
- Food trucks, artisan vendors, and community booths
- Plenty of opportunities to stroll, explore, and enjoy the festival
- Beautiful views from the College of San Mateo campus
-------------------------------
š§ŗ WHAT TO BRING
- Picnic blanket and/or low-back lawn chair
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Drinking water
- Picnic lunch or purchase from food vendors
- A light jacket (the hill can get breezy)
Please note: Outside alcohol is not permitted at the festival. Beer and wine will be available for purchase onsite.
-------------------------------
šŗļø FESTIVAL MAP
The festival organizers have provided a campus map* showing the Main Stage, Youth Stage, vendor area, food vendors, and designated free parking lots. (See the map in Photos for this event.)
* We recommend reviewing the map before arriving. The event takes place on the lawn in front of the Library and Theatre.
-------------------------------
š FINDING THE GROUP
Because festival setup can vary from year to year, we will choose our gathering spot after we arrive.
Look for Tom and Amy wearing colorful bead necklaces and waving our signature sparkly green streamers.
We will post a photo of our location and a brief description in the Meetup comments shortly after we arrive to help you find us easily.
š± Day-of-event texts: 650-503-4555 or 815-218-4455.
-------------------------------
š æļø PARKING
Free parking is available on campus. Parking lots highlighted in yellow on the festival map are designated for Jazz on the Hill attendees. (See the map is in Photos below.)
------------------------------
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 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.
Upcoming events
60

š Attachment Styles: The Hidden Blueprint of Relationships ā Week 1
Ā·OnlineOnlineWhy do some people crave closeness while others pull away?
Why do certain relationship patterns seem to repeat themselves over and over?
The answers may lie in a hidden blueprint formed long before we understood what relationships were.
Attachment Styles help explain the patterns that shape how we connect, trust, communicate, handle conflict, and recover from hurtāin romantic relationships, friendships, family relationships, and beyond.
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In this four-week journey, we'll explore the four primary attachment styles, discover how they influence our relationships, and learn practical ways to move toward greater security, connection, and freedom.
Whether you're healing from a breakup or divorce, navigating dating, improving family relationships, or simply interested in personal growth, this series offers insights that can help you better understand yourself and others.
No prior knowledge of Attachment Styles is needed. We'll begin with a beginner-friendly overview and build from there through video clips, discussion, reflection exercises, and practical tools for growth.
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š SERIES OUTLINE
- š Week 1 (June 3): What Is Your Hidden Blueprint?
- š Week 2 (June 10): The Pursuit of Connection
- š Week 3 (June 17): When Independence Becomes Protection
- š Week 4 (June 24): From Insight to Security
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This Week: What Is Your Hidden Blueprint?
An introduction to Attachment Styles and the four primary attachment patterns: Secure, Anxious, Avoidant, and Fearful-Avoidant. We'll explore where attachment styles come from, how they develop, and how they influence our adult relationships. Participants will have the opportunity to complete an attachment-style assessment and begin identifying their own patterns.
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Each session includes:
- Easy-to-understand teaching and real-life examples
- Video clips that illustrate key concepts
- Reflection exercises to help connect the material to your own experiences
- Group discussion and practical ideas for moving toward greater security in relationships
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This series is not about labeling ourselves or others. It's about understanding the relationship patterns we've developed, appreciating how they may have helped us in the past, and discovering new ways to create the connection and security we want today.
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š¹ About the Group
This is a relationship support meeting with a mix of learning and sharing. Youāre always welcome to connect, reflect, and growāat your own pace.
⨠All are welcome ā regardless of relationship status, timeline, or background. Come for the insights, stay for the connection. ā¤ļø
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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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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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āļø 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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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
20 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!
----------------------------------------
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.8 attendees
š„ š„Ŗāļø Saturday morning coffee at Franklin Street CaffĆ© š šš»
Franklin Street Caffe, 1053 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA, USKick off your weekend with our legendary Saturday morning coffee hangout!
Here's the deal:
š Drop in whenever you canāno pressure, just good vibes.
š Bring friends! The more, the merrier (bonus points if theyāre coffee lovers).
š Say hi to new facesāwe're all about making everyone feel like part of the crew.
š RSVPs for this event open one week prior, in the evening. (RSVP Details)
š Please update your RSVP if you aren't coming, so waitlist folks can get in!We meet on the 1st, 3rd, and (when the calendar gets fancy) 5th Saturday of each month. Come for the coffee, stay for the laughs (and maybe a pastry or two). Your Saturday mornings just got WAY better! āļø
Learn more about Franklin Street CaffƩ on Yelp.
š¤ CafĆ© Etiquette
We love being welcomed by local spots like this one! Please support Franklin Street CaffĆ© by ordering food or beverages, thanking the staff, and tipping generously. Even when weāre seated outdoors, outside food or drinks arenāt allowed due to health code requirements.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 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.12 attendees
š· Jazz on the Hill Festival & Picnic ā College of San Mateo š¶š
College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo, CA, USJoin your New Beginnings friends for live music, good company, and summer fun at the 20th annual Jazz on the Hill, one of the Peninsula's premier outdoor music festivals!
This free festival at the College of San Mateo features live jazz on multiple stages, food trucks, artisan vendors, and beautiful hilltop views. We'll gather near the Main Stage to enjoy the music, socialize, and picnic on the lawn.
Bring your own lunch, grab something from the food trucks, or arrive early to visit the Farmers Market (9:00 AMā1:00 PM) for fresh produce, bakery items, and prepared foods.
Feel free to stay with the group or explore the festival at your own pace. Wander between stages, browse vendor booths, and enjoy an afternoon filled with great music and community.
-------------------------------
ā° HOSTED HOURS
Tom and Amy will be hosting from 11:00 AM until approximately 3:00 PM.
You're welcome to arrive earlier to visit the Farmers Market, join us later in the day, or stay after 3:00 PM and continue enjoying the festival until it concludes at 6:00 PM.
Come enjoy great music, sunshine, conversation, and a relaxing afternoon with New Beginnings!
-------------------------------
šµ WHAT TO EXPECT
- Live jazz performances throughout the day
- A relaxed picnic and social gathering
- Food trucks, artisan vendors, and community booths
- Plenty of opportunities to stroll, explore, and enjoy the festival
- Beautiful views from the College of San Mateo campus
-------------------------------
š§ŗ WHAT TO BRING
- Picnic blanket and/or low-back lawn chair
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Drinking water
- Picnic lunch or purchase from food vendors
- A light jacket (the hill can get breezy)
Please note: Outside alcohol is not permitted at the festival. Beer and wine will be available for purchase onsite.
-------------------------------
šŗļø FESTIVAL MAP
The festival organizers have provided a campus map* showing the Main Stage, Youth Stage, vendor area, food vendors, and designated free parking lots. (See the map in Photos for this event.)
* We recommend reviewing the map before arriving. The event takes place on the lawn in front of the Library and Theatre.
-------------------------------
š FINDING THE GROUP
Because festival setup can vary from year to year, we will choose our gathering spot after we arrive.
Look for Tom and Amy wearing colorful bead necklaces and waving our signature sparkly green streamers.
We will post a photo of our location and a brief description in the Meetup comments shortly after we arrive to help you find us easily.
š± Day-of-event texts: 650-503-4555 or 815-218-4455.
-------------------------------
š æļø PARKING
Free parking is available on campus. Parking lots highlighted in yellow on the festival map are designated for Jazz on the Hill attendees. (See the map is in Photos below.)
------------------------------
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 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.4 attendees
Past events
2006


