Finding Friends (for PDX Mid-Lifers)

REGISTRATION IS A 2-STEP PROCESS
1. Please RSVP here on MeetUp,
2. and most importantly, because the West Linn Library will manage the real, full, "official" registration list, please also register here: https://calendly.com/wlpl-adult-services/speed-friending-at-the-west-linn-public-library-summer?month=2025-05 (choose the date, then time, & input your info.)

WHY
Making new friends isn’t always easy – back in school we mixed and mingled with a variety of potential chums, all in the same stage of life, all the time. If your job puts you in touch with a lot of people perhaps you still do, but that’s not the case for many gig workers, entrepreneurs, empty nesters, retirees, and others.
If:

• now feels like the time to meet new people and forge new friendships, and
• you’d like to take a purposeful approach, but
• you aren’t sure where to start, or how to get beyond polite small talk,

…then let’s give this a try!

WHO
Mid-life locals interested in meeting potential pals. You'll meet new people every time you come out!

The focus is on meeting new peeps, enjoying conversation, and potentially forging new friendships so, please, no youngins and no soliciting.

West Linn, Oregon City, and Lake Oswego are the focus; that said, you do not have to live or work in these communities to participate. All who are willing and able to be kind, respectful, and good-natured are welcome.

WHAT
The idea is something akin to Speed-DATING, sans the romantic intention.

The event consists of short, structured conversations with different people. We’ll set the stage first with a couple easy warm up ice breakers that have proven quite successful at getting folks engaged right off the bat. Within minutes you’ll quickly find common ground, and begin to get to know others around the room.

In addition to those brief opening exercises, there'll be optional conversation starter prompts. We’ll pair up (regardless of gender, orientation, or status, unlike a dating event) to visit one-on-one for a few minutes, then switch partners and chat with someone new for a few minutes, and so on. We wrap up with a few minutes of group sharing at the end.

WHO ATTENDS?
These events have consistently brought out shy, introverted, and / or "Highly Sensitive" folks -- though that is expressed in many different ways! A lot admit to having to force themselves to stretch their comfort zones and come out, but then being amazed by how much fun they have once they're there!

Those who are, perhaps, more socially outgoing but looking for more meaningful conversation and connections also turn out to these events.

Folks are pleasantly surprised how easy and enjoyable the events are. They rave about feeling welcome, and surprised to find it much less "painful" than they expected.

THEN WHAT?...
During the event, if and as you connect with others over shared interests, you’re encouraged to exchange contact info.** You might continue chatting over coffee or drinks when the event over, or schedule your own get together at another time.

Once you've attended one Speed-FRIENDING event, come back again and / or attend "MEET'CHA THERE" events posted to this group to keep meeting new people.

And, at the same time, follow up with those you exchanged contact info. with to get to know each another better.

**SAFETY
Registrants are not vetted. Only share what you’re comfortable with in each instance. For example, you might share your first name vs. your full name, or offer to communicate by email vs. phone, etc.

COST
None

RSVP
To guarantee a seat at the event, be sure to RSVP with the library.

Please also register here on MeetUp to:
--help me gauge interest
--keep you informed of additional upcoming events, including notice of next month's Speed-FRIENDING event, as well as other social activities not held at the library

Note that the library is also promoting these events; not all attendees are included in the RSVP list shown on MeetUp.

Those who choose not to register at all, may drop by and see if there’s room to join in; however, priority will be given to those who've registered with the library.

To claim a seat go to
https://calendly.com/wlpl-adult-services/speed-friending-at-the-west-linn-public-library-summer?month=2025-05

I'm so looking forward to this and am excited to meet / see you!
-Jo / Finding Friends group organizer

You can find the Original EVENT Page here:
https://www.meetup.com/hump-day-hobbies/events
...for Full Details & to RSVP.

COME NURTURE YOUR SOUL & FURTHER YOUR PROJECT
Join my other MeetUp group -- Hump Day Hobbies -- for an evening of light, friendly socializing and personal hobby / crafting. It's like a quilting bee... but not necessarily quilting and, despite stereotypes, this is not just for the ladies. =)

'Hope to see you there,
-Jo

MeetUp GROUP Page:
https://www.meetup.com/hump-day-hobbies-or-city-w-linn-l-oswego/

HOW IT WORKS
- We start and end as a group, including intros and easy icebreakers
- In between, we walk-&-talk in small, rotating groups
- We keep the pace chill
– It's about connection, not cardio
- You’ll receive optional prompts to help get started, and go beyond small talk
- Some prompts will be inspired by Michael Singer's Untethered Soul
–No reading required! If curious about the book, here's a brief summary

WHY
This isn’t just about finding your person or posse – it’s about staying open and living with intention. When we show up authentically and vulnerably, who knows what connection we may find!

At the very least, we’ll all enjoy a lil’ socializing with the PNW’s natural beauty as our backdrop.

YOU’RE WELCOME IF YOU’RE...
- Open, curious, and kind
- Seeking connection, be it platonic or romantic, friendship or love
- Straight, gay, bi-, cis-, trans-… all are welcome

WHERE TO MEET
- We start at 5PM -- please arrive before 5 in order to park and use the restroom, if needed
- We'll meet you in the 2nd, larger parking lot near the dog run area. We'll be near the 1st of 2 trailhead entrances and wearing light yellow-green vests

PLEASE NOTE
- We walk rain or shine – dress smart and come open-hearted
- Everyone’s here for different reasons – stay grounded and kind
- All identities welcome
- Hurtful and harmful behavior is not
- Respect, honesty, and maturity expected
- No pressure and no pickup vibes (consider offering your info., rather than asking for theirs)
- No kids, no soliciting

COME JOIN US
…for a fun single-mingle for those in their 40s–60s looking for something real, be it romantic or platonic.

We're so looking forward to this and am excited to meet / see you!
-Jo & Shannon, event organizers

Throughout 2025, the Barclay House in OrCity, which is next door to and part of the McLoughlin House Unit of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, is offering a different Victorian Craft event on the 2nd Sat. of each month through Nov.. Except Aug. =)

DEETS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR:

• No cost (donations are welcome)
• All materials provided along with instruction
• The events start at Noon; instruction takes about an hour
• After the featured craft event in the 1st hour, all are welcome to stay another hour or two for instruction on beading technique
• Located on-site within a historic home from the Victorian area; tours are available before or after class
• Walk-ins will be accommodated in the class if possible but the organizers ask for RSVP to assure ample materials
• More info: www.mcloughlinhouse.org/programs-and-events/victorian-crafts-series

I plan to attend most, if not all, of these monthly events.
'Hope to see you there,
-Jo / Finding Friends Group Organizer