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About us

We're moving and excited about all the new possibilities for our community! Feel free to join either/both and check us out.

Join us at: https://heylo.group/walthamsocial πŸ’•

I started this Waltham community group 8 years ago to create a friendly, local space for people to meet, socialize, and build real connections close to home. It’s been my passion to keep this group going and to bring people together in a fun, relaxed environment.

Visit us at: walthamsocial.com

Who Is This Group For?

This group is for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s living in Waltham, Newton, and surrounding areas who want to:

βœ”οΈ Connect and make new friends without the hassle of going into downtown Boston
βœ”οΈ Explore local restaurants, pubs, and outdoor activities
βœ”οΈ Enjoy walks, hikes, kayaking, and seasonal outings
βœ”οΈ People who truly want to be part of creating a community
βœ”οΈ Socialize in a welcoming, easygoing environment

I'm slightly outside the age range β€” can I still join?

We’re not super strict, but we do ask that you be honest when answering the membership questions.

This group is geared toward people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s because most members are in that stage of life. If you're just outside that range but genuinely feel you'd fit in socially, that’s totally fine. What matters most is that you're a good match for the vibe of the group.

Please don’t fudge your age just to join, we want to keep things open and authentic. It helps us keep the group comfortable, relatable, and welcoming for everyone.

### Our Goal

We aim to create a space where you can build meaningful friendships, or just have a good time socializing. In today’s busy world, in-person connections can be rare, so let’s make it easier and more fun to meet new people nearby!

### Why Join Us?

Our events are casual, low-pressure, and designed to help you connect naturally with others. Whether you’re new to the area or older than the typical age range, if you’re friendly, respectful, and want to be part of the community, you’re welcome here. We value members who engage honestly and positively; that’s what keeps this group fun and inclusive for everyone.

### How You Can Help Keep the Group Alive

This group thrives when members share in the fun and the effort! If you love the community and want it to keep growing, here are simple ways to help:

βœ… Invite fellow members to events that you're interested in to foster a sense of community
βœ… Suggest event ideas anytime on the discussions tab or Heylo groupβ€”no idea is too small!
βœ… Volunteer to host or co-host events when you feel ready and inspired

I’m here to support you in hostingβ€”no pressure or heavy lifting required. Hosting can be as easy or involved as you want it to be, and even occasional help makes a big difference.πŸ’•

P.S. We also have a sister group for Latin@s, providing a space for Latin@s in the area to connect. https://www.meetup.com/raiceslatinaswaltham

Member Dues: Why the $15 Annual Dues?

Your one-time yearly contribution of only $15 helps keep the group going and adds value for everyone. After processing fees, the group receives $13.38 per member, which supports:

β€’ Meetup organizer fees (so the group can exist!)
β€’ Building a reserve to support current and future activities
β€’ Occasional shared appetizers or desserts at group meals (after meeting the organizer fee goal for the year)
β€’ The ability to reserve private rooms at restaurants when possible
β€’ Supplies for events like name tags, game night materials, or special surprises
β€’ Creating a better, more consistent experience for all members

Your support helps ensure the group stays active, welcoming, and fun, now and in the future.

Why the change?

We've switched to a $15 annual membership fee to make participation more affordable for everyone. Instead of paying $3 per event, the $15 annual payment provides access to all events for the year, which breaks down to just around $1.25 per month.

We host at least 2 events per month (often more), which means your cost comes out to about $0.63 per event, and even less whenever we have more events on the calendar.
Since we offer multiple events each month, the value really adds up, and you’ll be able to attend as many events as you like without paying per event!

Encourages commitment – Helps reduce no-shows and ensures events are filled with people who truly want to connect.

More sustainable – Covers the Meetup organizer subscription so the group can continue running long-term.

Where does the money go?
First, it helps cover the Meetup organizer subscription ($380/year) to keep the group running.

After covering that cost, extra funds can contribute to improving events, providing supplies, and building a reserve for current and future activities.

Group Expectations & Community Guidelines
To help keep our group safe, respectful, and welcoming for all, we’ve put together a shared document outlining our community guidelines.
Please take a moment to review them before attending events:

https://www.notion.so/Community-Guidelines-for-Friends-Beyond-Boston-Waltham-Social-20-s-to-40-s-2a93ed28e6d780e7a7e8c70b371a3439?

$45.00
πŸ₯‚ Tapas Brunch at Solea β€” Celebrating 9 Years of Friends Beyond Boston

πŸ₯‚ Tapas Brunch at Solea β€” Celebrating 9 Years of Friends Beyond Boston

Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar, 388 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, US

About Our Community
Friends Beyond Boston – Waltham Social (20s–40s) is a local community built around genuine connection, small events, and welcoming spaces where people can actually get to know each other.

This is a community-led group. Members are welcome (never required) to host or co-host simple events with support, or help out behind the scenes, it’s how we keep things fun, varied, and shaped by the people who make this community special.

We’re also slowly moving to our new home on Heylo, where members can stay connected more easily.

Join us on: https://heylo.group/walthamsocial
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About this event:

This April marks 9 years of Friends Beyond Boston – Waltham Social, and for the first time, we’re celebrating that milestone together.

Nine years is no small thing. This community has grown, shifted, and evolved, shaped by the people who keep showing up β€” and this event is a way to pause, share a table, and enjoy what we’ve built.

For our first anniversary celebration, we’ll be gathering at Solea, one of Moody Street’s longtime favorites, known for its warm atmosphere, authentic Spanish flavors, and excellent wines and sangrias. 🍷

I worked directly with Solea’s private event planner to create an exclusive tapas-style experience just for our group, something relaxed, social, and easy to enjoy together.

We’re hoping this is the first of many special ideas we’ll bring to life as a community.
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🍴The Experience

Instead of juggling menus and splitting checks, everything will be prepaid and ready to enjoy, so you can focus on conversation and connection.
Each guest will choose 3 tapas from a fixed selection, plus 1 dessert, all included.

Tapas Menu (Pick any 3 of 6):

Proteins

  • Arepa y Carne – Arepas topped with beef, chimichurri, and avocado mousse
  • Camarones al Ajillo – Shrimp in tomato garlic sauce with toast

Carbs

  • Patatas Bravas – Potatoes with brava sauce, roasted garlic & lemon aioli
  • Tortilla EspaΓ±ola – Potatoes, onion, eggs, with shaved jamΓ³n

Veggies

  • Espinacas Gallegas – SautΓ©ed baby spinach with garlic, pine nuts & golden raisins
  • EspΓ‘rrago y Zetas – Asparagus with shiitake mushrooms, sherry wine butter & Manchego

🍰 Dessert included
πŸ₯‚ Drinks are ordered and paid for individually at the restaurant
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πŸ’‘What to Expect

  • A warm, welcoming atmosphere where it’s easy to talk and connect
  • A shared meal designed for conversation, not logistics
  • No check-splitting, no Venmo, no end-of-night stress
  • The freedom to enjoy wine, sangria, or other drinks separately

If we reach the 15 RSVPs, we’ll have Solea’s private dining room exclusively for our group, perfect for relaxed conversation and celebrating together.
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πŸ’ΈGroup Rate

We’ll be enjoying special group pricing, approximately 25% off regular menu value, arranged exclusively for this event.

Price: $45 per person
Includes 3 tapas, 1 dessert, tax, and gratuity.
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πŸ” Refund & Ticket Policy (Please Read)
To support the restaurant’s planning and preparation:

  • Full refund for cancellations made 7 or more days before the event
  • No refunds for cancellations made less than 7 days before the event or for no-shows
  • Ticket transfers are allowed with host approval, provided the replacement RSVPs in advance

Thank you for understanding, this helps keep the event smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
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🌱A Final Note

If this sounds like your kind of evening, sharing a table, easy conversation, and a welcoming space, you’re in the right place.

This anniversary dinner isn’t about networking or pressure. It’s about celebrating community, showing up as you are, and enjoying a good meal together.

We’d love to have you join us.
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⚠️ RSVP Policy (Please Read)

This is a private event for members of this Meetup/Heylo group who RSVP in advance.

For safety and group flow, walk-ins and guests not on the RSVP list cannot join.

We love meeting new people, just be sure to RSVP ahead of time so we know you’re coming!

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