What we’re about
Community may be the largest missing element in our current culture. The intention of this group is to gather in person as a community and get to know each other.
This community is inclusive. There are no orphans. All are welcome who wish to gather as a supportive community regardless of gender, age, religion, or political affiliation. Kids are welcome to attend gatherings provided they are supervised by parents or adults. Feel free to invite people!
This Meet-up will begin by gathering monthly. These monthly events have been happening outside Meet-up for a year now. I invite people from my neighborhood, my yoga class, work, and all aspects of my life. Participants also invite people they know. Hopefully, Meet-up will expand this community.
The current gathering happens around a bonfire at a public space across from my Ashland home. We typically meet on a Friday or Saturday night from 5-9 pm. During fire season, we will gather around a propane fire. When it is too cold or rainy, we will gather in my home.
People can bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, kombucha, soft drinks, and kid drinks for your kids. There is a propane grill if people want to bring some food to grill. Please bring camp chairs to sit around the fire if you can. You can also bring snacks if you are inspired.
Our events typically involve sitting around the fire and chatting with a beverage. There tend to be some of the same and different people at each event. Sometimes smores are made. Participants typically leave feeling connected and like they had a good time. The group is very inviting to anyone who decides to show up.
My name is Michael Hoffman, and I will be the primary facilitator of the monthly events. However, if you are inspired to add something to one of these events or to lead an event, that will be encouraged.
For instance, one of the participants decided to grill meat and veggie burgers during a gathering last summer. Soon another participant was cooking on the grill and we were breaking bread together. It added so much to that gathering. This is the essence of this community.
Someone showed up at the last gathering that was new to town and knew very few people in Ashland. She was so grateful to have met new people and felt like she had created some new friendships.
