Meet new friends groups near Franklin, NJ

Welcome to Thriving Through Books, a personal growth book club where readers come together to connect, learn, and thrive! Here, you’ll find more than just great books—you’ll enjoy refreshments, engaging conversations, and the company of like-minded individuals who are passionate about personal development. With themed events, book swaps, and a supportive community, every gathering is an opportunity to grow, share insights, and have fun. Whether you’re here to discover new perspectives or simply unwind with a good read, we’re excited to have you on this journey with us. Welcome to your new favorite chapter!

When you're young, making new friends is easy - the opportunities are everywhere! However, as an adult, it can be much more difficult. Are you a woman that ended a relationship or marriage to find out you have no close female friends anymore? Are you new to the area? Did you put all your energy for years into work or education and now want to broaden your social circle? Did you spend years focusing on having children or starting a marriage or relationship and are now missing the companionship of friendship? Do you have interests or fun things to do that you simply have no one to share with? Well, you're not alone! There are lots of women out there looking to make new friends that simply don't know where to start - so why not start here? To join this group, all you have to be is an adult female, live in the Morris/Sussex county area of NJ, and interested in meeting new friends. You don't have to be childless, looking for people to meet men with, or interested in getting together only in bars (although all those things are welcome as well). We're sure there are other people out there with similar interests or with things they want to do that other people would be interested in trying. We do ask for a yearly contribution of $5 to help offset Meetup dues and events costs. Looking for someone to take an art class, zumba class, or go to an outlet shopping center with? Post it here! You may be able to find someone with the same interest or that's willing to give yours a try! We're more than open to anyone posting ideas, or even last-minute invites to things they want to do (see a movie, try a restaurant, go to a concert) with someone to enjoy it with. Looking forward to a lot of fun!

Fun Friends of Northern NJ love to try different restaurants and bars, see movies, play at game nights, and celebrate events in the area. We like to kick back with a drink and good conversation, or relax and chat over coffee. Our dinners and happy hours draw a mix of new and old friends who are warm and welcoming. 

Fun Friends are in our mid-30's, 40's & 50's but everyone is WELCOME! 

Please use a photo of your face as your primary profile picture for this group, so we can greet you at events.

If you remember the Saturday Night Live skit with the ladies hosting “Coffee Talk” this group is for you. Our group “Cawfee Talk” (New Jersey accent intended) is perfect for folks who are looking for easygoing, no fuss events, scheduled for weeknights after work or weekends. This is not a dating group, just friends . 😀 We all have crazy lives and sometimes it is all about escaping the craziness for just an hour or so, sitting down and enjoying a cup of coffee with friends. Will also be planning other events around nature walks, bonding with our fur babies, etc. all subject to the interests and suggestions of our members. Definitely let us know what you would like to see us do. Looking forward to meeting for Cawfee Talk real soon! Here’s to a great 2024 filled with new adventures and to the friends we haven’t met yet!

Come join us for game nights at Unplugged A Board Game Cafe in Franklin, NJ! Whether you are new to a board game or a seasoned player, all are welcome to join the fun! Each event will feature a different game, if there is one that you would like to try let us know! Events will be broken down by two categories: Unplugged Events: Unplugged hosts a number of game nights and tournaments that we will announce on this page. There may be times that the organizer of the event may not be able to attend an Unplugged event—this will be marked in either the description or comments of the event. Unless otherwise stated, these events are planned with gamers like you in mind! Link up with people at the cafe that are there to enjoy a day being unplugged. North Jersey Game Night: we will be announcing our own game nights ranging from full day game events for those large box games, classic game nights, and newer game nights. Most games that are being selected can accommodate either a large number of players or there are versions available at the cafe. Bring your friends and family along to events! Events that have a player count cap will be clearly marked. Unplugged A Board Game Cafe is located at 190 Munsonhurst Road Franklin, NJ. Please note: there will be game play fee that is collected by the cafe when you get there. They do have membership and additional game time options available. At no time will an organizer ever ask for money in advance through Meetup or a third party site. The game play fee is set and collected by Unplugged :) if you have any questions please let me know! https://unpluggedboardgamecafe.com

If you're looking to meet like-minded fellow entrepreneurs this is the place to be! We're looking to connect on social level, help each other through new growth, changes, sharing our experiences and expertise to help each other grow! This isn't meant for sales - this is a collective for collaboration!

Welcome to our Scrapbooking and Card Crafts Meetup Group! Join us for adult paper craft classes, where we explore hand-crafted productions inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Learn new techniques in paper arts and share your love of art appreciation with like-minded individuals. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or new to the world of card making, our group offers a supportive and creative environment for all skill levels. Let's gather together to create beautiful hand-crafted items and celebrate the artistry of paper crafts in a fun social setting! Laurie Kellogg 973-800-2751 **Shop with me** (click to copy and paste into browser): https://www.creativememories.com/cm/LaurieKellogg

**History and Activities of the Colonel Henry Ryerson Civil War Round Table – Newton, New Jersey** The concept of organizing a civil war round table in Sussex County started in September back in 2003 with a first meeting at the Sussex County Community College, spearheaded by then College president Brad Gottfried.  A Civil War Round Table is an independent organization that shares a common objective in promoting and expanding interest in the study of the military, political, and sociological history of the American Civil War.  There are hundreds of such organizations throughout the United States, with some in other countries as well.  Our organization became a recognized not-for-profit with the State of New Jersey and has a duly elected Board of Trustees and Officers.   At those first few meetings there was much discussion about a name for the group.  Many sided heavily for the General Judson Kilpatrick Civil War Round Table – the General having been born and raised in Wantage Township within Sussex County.  In the end it was decided that the group would be named after Colonel Henry Ryerson, a resident of Newton during the war who helped recruit, and then volunteered with, the 2nd NJ Volunteer Infantry regiment.  He was fatally injured at the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864 in Virginia, and is buried in the Old Newton Burial Grounds in Newton, New Jersey.   Each year since then the group has met in September, October, November, January, February, March, April, and May, first at the College, then at the Main Branch of the Sussex County Library, after that in the Town Hall room at Bristol Glen United Methodist Community off Route 206, and currently back at the Sussex County Community College in Newton.  Our accommodations at the College are superb with easy parking, a spacious room, and good audio/visual capabilities.  Our regular meetings start at 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of those months listed above (except for May when we meet at a local restaurant).   At each meeting we have a professor, author or artist, historian, reenactor, or other expert give a presentation that lasts approximately an hour.  Past local speakers have included Dr. Heidi Weber, County Historian Wayne McCabe, and author Dr. Peter Lubrecht.  Regionally and nationally known speakers have included Bill Styple, Joe Truglio, and David Martin.  One year we had actor / historian Patrick Falci give a memorable presentation as General A.P. Hill.   Each year in January we have our Annual Movie Night and have watched notable (and lesser known) movies that have included Buster Keaton’s silent classic *The General*, *The Red Badge of Courage* with Audie Murphy, and more recently we watched *The Hunley* with Armand Assante and Donald Sutherland and *The Raid* with Van Heflin and Anne Bancroft.   Twice a year the group organizes a Civil War Tour, most of which occur in Gettysburg and its environs, though we have met at Antietam, Monocacy, Arlington Cemetery, Fort Delaware between Delaware and New Jersey, and Harpers Ferry.  At the tours the Round Table picks up the cost of the Tour Guide.  We give special attention to our New Jersey monuments at Gettysburg and at times have been recognized for our maintenance around these monuments by the Gettysburg National Military Park.   One of the highlights of our year is the annual Dinner Meeting in May.  It has been held in various locations throughout the County including Sheridan’s, Lafayette House, The Lamp Post, and one notable year at The Sacred Heart Center in Newton.   The Round Table is a member of the League of NJ Historical Societies, and our members have participated in numerous local events such as the Sussex Historical Society’s Newton Burial Grounds Tour, Sussex County History Day, and the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show with a display booth.   Funds to run the organization and help defray costs are only collected from annual dues, a book raffle at each meeting, and donations.  The Board and Officers receive no renumeration for their time or efforts.  Though meetings can easily number 30 attendees, paid memberships average about 20.   Now in existence as a historical group in the County for almost twenty years, the Round Table has been a place for people who enjoy history, the Civil War, and the 19th Century to get together to discuss and enjoy that aspect of our nation’s history.  Our meetings are free and open to the public.  All who are interested are encouraged to attend!  For more information about the Round Table, please contact Jennifer during the day at 201-320-5989. ## Jennifer CS Brylinski Past President, Colonel Henry Ryerson Civil War Round Table January 30, 2023

The Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) is a Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, which hosts monthly moderate bike rides in the warm weather. The length of the ride will be 17 miles, (round trip), unless a majority of the group choose to ride less or more. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level biking.

Hello, Join us! We are a group of nature lovers. We see taking pictures as a way to tune into the present moment and its beauty, slow down and relax. Any camera will do - I use my iPhone :) We enjoy getting out there, meeting others, making memories and taking pictures. Our meeting places are usually in North NJ, suggestions are always welcome, and **our walks are typically 2-3 hours at a VERY slow pace.** Can't wait to meet you or see you again soon, Leona

**Our Goals** Our primary focus is to help writers at all levels of development, to evolve and improve both their skills as a writer, and their knowledge and abilities in aspects of self-publishing. We do this by pursuing four goals. Goal 1 - To Sharpen our writing skills through discussions of craft and technique, by performing fun group writing exercises, and by critiquing each others work in a structured format. Goal 2 - To add to our knowledge of the craft and business of writing, through the selected readings of some of the best books on the market. Each month our group will read one book from a list of selected titles. What we learn from each book, will be the basis of our discussions as we share ideas and experiences, building on the material we've read. Goal 3 - To explore the rapidly grow opportunities arising from the world of self-publishing through discussion and sharing of experiences and ideas. Building mailing lists, construction of marketing funnels, building product catalogs, calls to action, e-book pricing, hybrid publishing, paper print vs digital - all these subjects and more will be examined. Goal 4 - To network with like minded writers, to share ideas, to encourage, to mastermind. Writing can be a lonely pursuit. It often helps to get together with those walking the same path as you. As the group grows and gets comfortable with each other, additional gatherings may be arranged, from an occasional get together over a few drinks or a cup of coffee, to going as a group to a writers conference (RWA 2015!). **Who This Group Is For** This group has evolved over the last couple years to include both non-fiction and fiction writers. Non-fiction can be on any topic. Fiction can include fiction, short stories, novella's, novels, serials, screenplays, stage plays. Memoirs can straddle the fence, depending on how much literary license an author takes. While all writers within these categories are welcome, it should be noted that this group will be especially geared towards the entrepreneur, the person(s) looking to write professionally, or at least make some supplemental income. Self-publishing will also have a strong focus, though we will also touch on traditional and hybrid publishing during the course of our journey. Existing professional writers are more than welcome (we will worship you accordingly), as are beginners and everyone in-between who have finally decided its time to pursue that dream. The group is length agnostic - short stories, novella's, novels, serials, all are welcome. The group is also genre agnostic. Whether your writing westerns, science fiction or romance, the crafting of story shares the same techniques and difficulties. **Which is Why ...** Writing groups are notoriously tough to start and maintain on meetup.com. With your help, we're going to be different. While we appreciate you joining our little "kickass" group, "just joining" and three dollars will help pay for coffee. SHOWING UP to a meeting is what really counts! Come to a meeting. You will have fun, sharpen your skills and learn tons of valuable stuff. *Lesson two - start with a call to action, then end with a call to action. See you at the next meeting:)*

Welcome to a world of creativity, laughter, and new friendships with your fellow North Jersey Mischief Makers! Our Kids Club is the perfect blend of educational activities and playtime, providing a vibrant space for local kids to learn, grow, and have a blast. Join us weekly for exciting hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Kids get the chance to make friends and build lasting memories through interactive play. We meet regularly to provide a consistent and enjoyable experience for children and their families.

The Parks Lake (and Rockaway Mall) Walkers and More! group. Like no other Meetup. If you have been thinking of getting out and walking, maybe meeting some new friends in an easygoing and fun atmosphere, well… this group is for you! *We meet at Cinnabons in the Food Court at Rockaway Mall. Yes, as an exercise & walking group we meet at Cinnabons! The entrance to the Food Court is by Lord and Taylor).* The group walk is about an hour. We can become many smaller groups (based on the preferred walking speed of the individuals) who meet at the end of the walk to socialize with the entire group. Meet old friends and new ones! **Everyone is free to go at their own speed. No matter your pace, no one walks alone.** We will also have many other “fun events” and group walks which will be posted here. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in. ***Hi all,*** ***Starting the third week of July, Rockaway Mall Walkers and Cawfee Talk groups will be holding a monthly supply-donation drive for a different charity, cause, each third Saturday of the month. This will be at our Parks Lake walk and at Cawfee Talks Birthday dinner.*** ***First up is 11th Hour Rescue. Myself and Randi will be posting a list of the 11th Hour Rescues WISH LIST. No one is obligated to do anything. If you choose to donate, it’s appreciated. This can be anything from paper towels to pet beds. The Wish List will be posted in advance.*** ***Thank you ALL for making these two meetup groups the most inviting, social and fun groups in all of meetup. It is not the group per se, it is the people, you guys, that have done this for all of us.*** ***Paul***

**( Zoom Meeting ONLINE )** **\~ Must RSVP \~** No Dues, No Fees to Join, No Mandatory Meetings  The purpose of this Business Referral & Networking Group is to grow your influence and impact. Meet other business professionals, sow seeds into those relationship, grow them by having one-to-one's [1n1], and cultivate your professional garden. Your field will be blooming and Fruitful! A Different Mindset & Atmosphere in this Group: "Come to farm, not to hunt. Sow into others, in business, what you would like to reap, with increase, and be Fruitful!" \~ Rosemary Hayda **Joining us for a meeting?** Please do the following action steps: 1. RSVP here on Meetup 2. Register on Eventbrite 3. Come to the meeting: with your 1:00 minute elevator pitch /'commercial' 4. Your business contact info ready/typed out ahead of time to share in the Zoom Chat box: Name, Company, Phone #, Calendar scheduling link, if you have one, Website and Email.