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Meet new friends groups near Winthrop Harbor, IL

Better With Friends

Round Lake, IL

Better With Friends
We are a group of 45 ish and up singles looking to make new friends and build great relationships and memories. Let's meet for dinner, movies, festivals, music, volunteering, road trips, hikes or just hanging out! Most activities will be in the Lake County area and surrounding communities. This is NOT a big party group, "meat market" or place to bring negativity or cause drama.  In fact we like to keep our events limited to a smaller group in order to actually get to know one another and allow our friends to feel comfortable without the worry that they will be "hit on". Please be respectful of others opinions and should you ever find yourself in a "heated" conversation, please just agree to disagree and move on. There are too many controversial topics these days that can lead astray. I am not here to babysit grown adults...I'm sure you understand. If in the event a member cannot abide by these simple "asks" then you will be removed from the group. Also, if you do not agree with a waiting list or the way this group is run, please feel free to remove yourself and start your own group that better meets your expectations. There are plenty of other groups on Meet Up and we are sure you will find one that fits your needs. Have you ever been to a large event and still felt alone, almost lost in the crowd? Feel like you didn't fit into the "clicks" of other large groups? Our group is for the person that wants to get away from the norm of coming home on Friday night watching TV or Social Media. If you decide to join us, please be courteous of the organizers time and efforts. Please don't say you are coming and not show up. You will be removed from the group if you are a "No Show" or "Last Minute Cancellation" 3 times. Also, please be sure to have a clear, recent profile picture of yourself (not your dog or a flower) so we know who to look for at our events. Thank you and we look forward to meeting you soon!
521 members · Private

"Single Friends" of the Northern Suburbs

Fox Lake, IL

"Single Friends" of the Northern Suburbs

Guess what? SINGLE no longer means SOLITARY! Get off your computer and get into Real Life, with single FRIENDS eager to know you. You, as a welcomed and active member of this fun group, will now join activities, make friends, meet up, hang out, pick brains, get hugs, walk dogs, bring pets, enjoy cocktails, chow down, showcase talents, slow dance, accept compliments, pitch tents, suggest adventures, burn calories, share dreams, offer advice, travel everywhere, eat pizza, smile broadly, discuss books, laugh aloud, clean the highway, support our soldiers, hold benefits for pet and homeless shelters, shake hands, create ideas, clean up (OK, we may need your help SOMETIMES here!), and maybe even find love!

You'll also find we LOVE to travel! In groups of all sizes, on separate trips we've visited Puerto Rico, cruised the Caribbean 12 times (another coming every January!), beached it at gorgeous all-inclusive resorts all over Punta Cana and Mexico, and explore new and exciting countries in Europe for 10 nights every September (this year, Budapest, Prague & Krakow)! All our package deals are incredibly affordable, so forget about being an armchair traveler...pack your bag and let's GO!

By the way, our age group is almost entirely people in their 40s and 50s, and the age range we're including will be 38-65 years old. For those who do join, you'll need to have a real first name (no cutesy handles) and a profile here, and we suggest a photo too, as that's the best way to actually make new Single Friends!

5482 members · Public

Crafting and Coffee Klatch

Gurnee, IL

Crafting and Coffee Klatch
This group is created for crafty people to get together and craft while enjoying conversation and meeting new people. The idea is to bring your craft projects whether it's needlework (crochet, knitting, cross stitch, embroidery, hand sewing, etc.), diamond painting, sketching, coloring, rock painting, etc. and work on it with others at the same time. You'll want to bring projects that travel easily. Crafting and being creative helps people feel better, helps with reducing stress and anxiety, and can help create a sense of being more mindful. It's just a plus when you can share your projects and creations with others as well as make new friends. This group can also be used to help teach participants a craft they've never done (I would really love to learn to crochet!) as well as participate in opportunities to donate finished items for charities. I think if there's enough interest we can plan crafting activities like ceramics painting and carpooling to wool festivals among other events. Let's get together and create!!! \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Just wanted to make sure people know that I'll have a LARGE variety of crafting items to pick from and to keep for working on at no charge.  I'll be bringing the following to pick from (and note, all are suitable for beginners!): * cross stitch kits (stamped & counted) including all floss, needle and hoop * plastic canvas kits * rocks and paint pens * coloring pages and colored pencils * diamond painting kits (includes all necessary tools) * crochet hooks and yarn (for beginners to make a dish/spa cloth) * knitting needles and yarn (for beginners to make a dish/spa cloth) The important thing is to come, make new friends and have a great time! For anyone who doesn't mind, I'd love to be able to take pictures and post your work on the group page.
307 members · Public

Not Your Average Social Club

Gurnee, IL

Not Your Average Social Club
**Not Your Average Social Club** is the ultimate meetup group for adventure seekers, community explorers, and creative individuals that prefer no drama and building new friendships! Join us as we uncover hidden gems and venture into the heart of our communities through movies, arts & entertainment, eco-conscious activities, team trivia, museums, mall/trail walking, and more. Our group is open to men, women, couples, singles, people of all ages over 21 (although, there will be family friendly events if there is interest!) The main rules are only to be kind to one another and we'll avoid the discussions of politics and religion. Admittedly in today's world this can be difficult, but this group is created to provide a judgement free zone. From social networking and brainstorming sessions to promoting cooperation and collaboration, we believe in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Join us for delicious meals, refreshing drinks, interactive games, and engaging discussions that encourage fun, healthy living. Unleash your higher self, embrace your inner nerd, learn social dancing, and embark on day trips and other exciting events with like-minded individuals. We are truly encouraging the participation of many to come up with free and low cost opportunities to spend time with others who want to make new friends. Let's create unforgettable memories together! **The small print:** * While the location shows Gurnee, IL, events will be scheduled within about a 45 minute drive radius from Gurnee, unless it's a special event. * Please don't let the location keep you from joining the group to get our event notices! * For many of the events an RSVP won't be required, but is always appreciated. * If you RSVP and change your mind or can't make it, please change your intention on the event page. It's polite to the others in the group and the venue for the event. * Depending on the event, there could be restrictions to the number of people who can attend. A waitlist will always be an option. So PLEASE CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND. * Remember to: * Be KIND * No DRAMA * Have FUN
540 members · Public

Kenosha / Racine Social 40s 50s & Up Meetup

Kenosha, WI

Kenosha / Racine Social 40s 50s & Up Meetup
Our fun group is for anyone interested in meeting new friends, hanging out, going out to eat, live music events, dancing, movies, tastings, whatever we find fun and interesting! We welcome anyone over age 40 looking to meet nice new people & get out for great events! :). We have worked to be a team to make this a great group! Please attend events, message the organizer about upcoming fun events you would like us to post for others to attend, & we encourage you to host events as well! Let us know what interests you have & how you would like to be involved. There's so many great events in the Kenosha County area & we venture further out too! We hope to see you soon at an event & get to know you! We MUST have a photo of your face on your profile or we can't approve you. Without a pic no one can find you at events so make it easy for us. Clear photo of only you & no sunglasses **RESPECT OTHERS** \- Please do **not** message people from this group before meeting them in person. This is **not a dating group** and we don't want members feeling uncomfortable about attending an event. If you are reported for messaging someone, you will be removed. You are free to exchange personal info with others that you would like to get together with outside the group once you get to know them. Meeting great people & making friends is a great bonus! **IMPORTANT** \- If you RSVP to an event and it turns out you won't be able to come\, please make sure you change your RSVP\. This really helps us to make sure we haven't left anyone out\, it allows another person to come if an event is full\, plus it's just common courtesy\. ;\)  **3 STRIKES, YOU'RE OUT** • We completely understand that things come up - but if you cancel on the day of the event 3 times, you will be removed. It’s courteous to cancel in time to allow others to come that would like to attend. • Anyone who fails to cancel an RSVP 3 times will be removed from the group. **Annual Fees are $10 with a 30 Day FREE Trial period** Please attend an event soon so we can meet you! We have an annual fee of $10 to keep this group on MeetUp.  There is a fee every 6 months charged from MeetUp. The $10 fee you pay will cover those semi-annual costs. There is $1 per transaction fee that is deducted by meetup when you pay.  You all will have 30 days free trial to come to group events to meet people & get out for great times!  Please sign up & come so we can meet you!  I hope you all understand that this minimal cost must be passed on to members joining so we can keep this fun group in Kenosha/Racine area. Thank you for understanding & see you soon to enjoy time out with local friends!
63 members · Public

Dating & Opposite Sex Connections for Liberal Singles 50+

Gurnee, IL

Yes, this is a dating group for people 50+ who are looking for one or more real, long-term relationships or friendships with members of the opposite sex. It is a group for those of us who STILL desire serious, mutually supportive companionship and maybe intimacy, even in our older age. I started this group because I am spending Way too much time alone and would like at least one closer relationship with a male that extends beyond a meetup event! Our purpose here is to bring opposite sex members together based on things in common. First Things First: I have used the term “liberal” because that is the best descriptor of my views. This is a dating and relationship group, not a political group, but it is pointless to date people whose views we feel are seriously misinformed or ultimately destructive. If you think Trump won the last election, would vote for that criminal again, are an “anti-vaxxer”, a Q-Anon believer or believe the “far-right” media, this is NOT the group for you. This group is also not tailored to any particular religion. If you have fundamentalist, very literal religious type beliefs, this is also not the group for you. But for all others: WELCOME! This group has a more general purpose than a strict dating group in that it seeks to forge “opposite sex connections” for those 50+, but the specifics of those connections may not fit any conventional mold. The reasons for my wording are several: In our age group, you can’t assume where a man or woman is at with regard to intimacy. I’d personally like intimacy in a relationship, but many people, both men & women in my age range, are done with intimacy. This is usually due to the effects of aging on our bodies & minds. And some people have simply had enough of conventional “dating”, but still would like ways to connect with the opposite sex with friendship or interests. So here you can traditionally “date”, just make friendships, or do both if you find the connections! Since I’m still interested in “dating”, as well as making valuable male friendships, I want this group to bring members of the opposite sex together to figure out what they have in common & how they might connect. You can’t assume what a person is looking for until you find out about their personality, values, interests & many other attributes – and until they tell you! And that takes a little time…time that I hope to allow for in multiple meetup events I’ll call “socials”. The idea is that we make connections where we can ultimately get together OUTSIDE of meetup events – where most of life happens anyway! This group is looking for people who want honest & serious connections, even if those connections are limited in scope. We are all TOO OLD to look for new friends or relationships that don’t have the potential for long term. We are too old to waste time by not bringing our best to a possible new connection: showing kindness, honesty, thoughtfulness & respect. This goes for friendships, as well as dating/relationship attempts. LET’S BE REAL: Most of our lives are already behind us. We’ve seen some friends die & may now be managing some medical conditions. Most of us got heavier due to aging & we LOOK older! But do you still want more good human connection and are able to do some things?? Well, join the club! Making any decent connection TAKES TIME & should be valued for the long-haul, since we may not have time to find these connections again. The point is to make the REST of our lives less lonely & more enriched with people we can relate to! To find connection, even if it’s not in the conventional ways. You might get lucky & find the traditional relationship you might desire. OR NOT. In the meantime, let’s find the ways we can enrich each other and find out what we have in common. HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE CONNECTION: Before you even think about “dating” someone, see if you have anything in common & if you feel a potential connection. Can you have a good conversation with this person? Do you share a number of common interests, or perspectives? Are you finding a sense of humor in common? We will have our “socials” where we find some of this out. The point is, you can find the WAYS in which you relate to someone: maybe intellectually, maybe humorously, maybe in shared activities, maybe in just feeling comfortable to hang out & relax together. We aren’t looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Goodbar (he died in the 80s), so we can focus on how we DO connect, and not worry about the ways in which we don’t. We want to find people to relate to OUTSIDE of meetup events, as well as AT meetup events. I want to enrich my life with more friends, companions & “dating” (if possible). Other singles meetups have been great to have, but you simply CANNOT get to know anyone well if you’re limited to events. Don’t you want someone to know about YOU & YOUR life? Not just make very superficial chatter at one meetup event after another? Part of the purpose here is to get to know opposite sex members well enough that someone knows a reasonable amount about your life (& visa versa). How else can you be helpful with feedback for your friend, or provide any mutual support? You have to KNOW somebody some! And of course, you look for hobbies or interests in common that you can share together. Maybe you’re both interested in art, music, afternoon outings, nature…whatever! Maybe you could use a partner to join you for “walk & talks”, where you get exercise while catching up with your lives. Maybe you find a physical connection where you both feel comfortable with mutual affection or even intimacy. Maybe you just want to go to dinner together and come back home and relax in front of the TV for a while! And maybe you can encourage each other to keep up with the seemingly endless tasks & responsibilities of life. IT’S ALL LEGAL! So to hell with the conventional definition of relationships at this age. This is NOT a “get married” group, or promising to find your “soul mate” or “the one”. I don’t believe in those fairy tales. I made this group simply so that those of us who are serious & still desiring the closeness of a real relationship, or good friendships, COULD CONNECT! You can have a serious relationship with someone without a marriage certificate and without living together if you wish. It’s up to YOU TWO to determine how you want to configure your relationship. Keep those parts of your life that are working intact, and negotiate with your partner how and when you want to see each other. Determine which interests you want to share and how you want your time together spent. The key is that you’re serious about a long-term relationship, or friendship, and are willing to provide mutual support & continuity…IF the two of you connect. I stated “IF” because you simply cannot know if you connect with another person until you take the time to get to know them. Just be respectful and honest with the other person and know your own boundaries – so you don’t misrepresent what you can offer. \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ We will have very low-pressure “socials” where we meet, make introductions, find out about interests, hobbies, and how a person would like someone to possibly fit into their life. There doesn’t need to be some exact script for how two people try to connect. How you connect can be determined over time, over multiple “socials”, and will need to be flexible enough to work for both parties. You’ll need to use the art of gentle negotiation and a little trial & error! These socials will allow males and females to get a sense of each other and try to get that often subtle read on possible chemistry on a variety of levels. The best way to even just get a “feel” for other people is in a light-hearted, but structured format and I intend to provide some structure in conversation. AND IT HAS TO BE DONE LIVE. Screw social media! Screw dating apps that are full of SCAMS! They don’t work! We’ll be meeting LIVE & talking about all kinds of things, including what you might be looking for! We know you can’t just meet new people and find some instant connection. It takes TIME to get to know anyone, so there is NO PRESSURE to delve into something UNTIL you get to know someone pretty well. BUT YOU AIN’T GETTIN’ ANY YOUNGER, HONEY!! So if you’re looking for something other than just a sporadic activity with a meetup group, or a con game with a dating site, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! To be a member of this group, you MUST fill out the short questionnaire, the same as you would for any dating site. This is where you will provide an introduction to yourself. You MUST have a picture of your face so we know who you are. You also MUST be fully vaccinated and preferably “boosted”. Lastly, know that I created this group to find better connections IN MY OWN LIFE. I did NOT create this group to make a buck -- like several other “dating” groups. I pay good money to have any groups at all! And you will NOT be steered to a dating site; there are no con games here!
40 members · Public

All About Wool Group

Winthrop Harbor, IL

All About Wool Group
A place for any skill-level knitter or crocheter can socialize, share tips and ideas, and work or show off their projects. About this event This is an open group in which we can socialize, show off our knitted or crocheted projects, offer tips, and learn new techniques at the same time. So wherever you are in the world, you are welcome to join. Just be advised this group does not teach members how to knit or crochet, so you must be able to knit or crochet, but all skill levels are welcome. The zoom link will be sent to the email that you provide upon registration. ***[Group Rules/Terms](https://www.meetup.com/allaboutwoolgroup/discussions/6755397671998979/chat/)*** 1. ***[YOUR CAMERA and SOUND must remain on during the meeting. You are okay to mute for phone calls or brief household interruptions to avoid disturbing the group.](https://www.meetup.com/allaboutwoolgroup/discussions/6755397671998979/chat/)*** 2. ***[The name you log on with must be your Meetup name.](https://www.meetup.com/allaboutwoolgroup/discussions/6755397671998979/chat/)*** 3. ***[Do not bring up Negative/Offensive/Sensitive topics to the group, including Politics and Religion!](https://www.meetup.com/allaboutwoolgroup/discussions/6755397671998979/chat/)*** 4. ***[We respect everyone in the group regardless of Race, Gender, Sexual Identity or Preference, political preferences, and Religious Beliefs.](https://www.meetup.com/allaboutwoolgroup/discussions/6755397671998979/chat/)*** 5. ***[Please keep rude or unnecessary comments and judgments to yourself.](https://www.meetup.com/allaboutwoolgroup/discussions/6755397671998979/chat/)*** ***[Anyone not adhering to these conditions will be removed immediately!](https://www.meetup.com/allaboutwoolgroup/discussions/6755397671998979/chat/)***
141 members · Public

ECKANKAR - Spiritual Seekers of Kenosha

Kenosha, WI

ECKANKAR - Spiritual Seekers of Kenosha
[ONLINE Meetup ECKANKAR in WI](https://www.meetup.com/eckankar-wi-online/events) \-\-\- [All Public Events](https://eckankar-wi.org/events/) **Have you experienced intuition, dreams of flying, or déjà vu?** Have you always felt there was something more? Are you looking for inner peace and wisdom? **The purpose of this Meetup group** is to provide a common meeting ground for all who have had, or would like to have, a life-changing spiritual experience. **Other goals of this Meetup group** are to help people • validate and gain insight into their own spiritual experiences, • understand what their experiences really mean, • learn new and advanced ways of exploring their inner worlds. This Meetup group, sponsored by Eckankar in Wisconsin, is a spiritual resource for people of all faiths and beliefs. Eckankar is the Path of Spiritual Freedom. It is an individual, creative practice to experience and explore past lives, dreams, and Soul Travel. Meetup-group activities may include • spiritual-exploration classes, • Sound of Soul events, • ECK Light and Sound Services. For more on the resources offered by Eckankar, the Path of Spiritual Freedom, visit  [www.Eckankar.org](http://www.eckankar.org/). For classes and events in Wisconsin, visit [www.eckankar-wi.org](http://www.eckankar-wi.org/) or Facebook: Eckankar in Wisconsin [https://www.facebook.com/Eckankar.in.Wisconsin/](https://www.facebook.com/Eckankar.in.Wisconsin/) . The opinions expressed in this site are those of the writers and not necessarily those of ECKANKAR or the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master, Sri Harold Klemp. Copyright © 2022 ECKANKAR. All rights reserved. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, P.O. Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 USA.
158 members · Public

Read Girl, Read!

Kenosha, WI

Read Girl, Read!
Do you love books? Are you a woman who's trying to love books ? Are you a local author who wants to share your book with your community? Look no further! **\*Although "Read Girl, Read!" is physically located in the Southeastern Wisconsin region, anyone who joins the group can participate in online book club events!\*** **Our Mission:** Our imaginations don't have to be a lonely place. This club is about connecting active readers, aspiring readers, and authors through each book's unique story. Through reading, members will be able to connect and interact with people they normally wouldn't. The biggest hope is that reading these books will introduce you to new ideas about the world, and even new revelations about yourself. **This group is for Women with all reading levels:** You don't have to be a hardcore "read 20 books a month' reader to be in this group. Instead of worrying about speed, we will be a space for people from all walks of life and reading levels to explore the world of storytelling. **What we'll be reading:** The old classics, the new stuff, and all in between! Both non-fiction and fiction. From short stories, to sci fi to fantasy to self-help to mysteries! However, since this group is local to the Kenosha/Southeastern Wisconsin area, we'll be reading alot of local artists' work to support their journeys with authorship (and hopefully having them join us to lead in some discussions!). **\*Preferences given to books by black women and other minority communities.** **Events:** Most events will be online (for now). All online club meetings will be free. Although donations are much appreciated! **Connect with Read Girl, Read! on Socials:** Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125854063941182/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/joycehousepub?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg== **Rules (PLEASE READ):** 1. **No "No-Shows"** \- Please only RSVP to an event if you plan on coming\. Do not RSVP to an event if you are unsure that you'll show up\. More than 4 "No\-show" RSVPS in a month period will result in removal from the group\. 2. **Be Respectful** \- Book discussions will likely include differing viewpoints\. That's perfectly okay and what we want to see\! However\, please keep your tone and arguments constructive\. The goal is not to convert anyone to do anything or to dominate other's perspective\. 3. **Stay on topic** \- Discussions should stay focused on the subject matter\. Though its okay if we veer off to relate the book to our experiences as needed\, it is NEVER permitted to attack speakers or other club members\. If so\, you will be removed from the group permanently\. 4. **Read the book** \- Or atleast\, attempt to so that we can all have a chance to get as many viewoints as possible\. If you didn't read the book all of the way through\, no worries\! We still want to see you :\)
168 members · Public

Nahuatl study group

Zion, IL

Nahuatl study group

We are starting a Nahuatl study group.
Please understanding that we are not, by any stretch of the imagination, experts in this subject. We are merely interested in it. We have come to realize, however, that unless we are able to find people who share this interest, we will not progress in our understanding of this language.
Why learn a new language – especially one as apparently obscure as Nahuatl?
1) Learning new languages is a mind-broadening experience. I’ve heard it said that if you want to improve your skills in a second language, use that second language to learn a third. If you already know Spanish, you probably already know quite a few Nahuatl words and phrases. Atole, cacahuate, guajalote, and so on. Even hard-core Anglophones will find that Nahuatl has added a few words to their vocabulary – coyote, tomato, or guacamole to name a few.

2) Learning a language broadens your outlook on the world. It has always bothered me that when my ancestors first came to this land, they made little or no effort to learn the languages and customs of the people who had existed on this land from time immemorial. Nahuatl, although fundamentally a Mexican language, is still entirely a product of the so-called “New World”. What is especially compelling about this language is that it contains a substantial body of literature – from the poems of Nezahualcoyotl and Sor Juana de la Cruz to the political speaches of Emiliano Zapata.

In all fairness, over the past few centuries, Nahuatl has fractured into a number of different groups – many of which are quite distinct. For this reason, we will be focusing on Classical Nahuatl. We haven’t made a final decision on which text to use. We are quite open to suggestions. We do, however, recommend checking out Nahuatl Naman. This is a wonderful ap that will provide you with some basic vocabulary. Also, if you’d like to get a nice, simple over-view of Nahuatl grammr, you might want to check out D. K. Jordan’s Inadequate Nahuatl Reference Grammar.

16 members · Public