u/CollectiveRipples

Hi! We’re hosting a free community reading gathering on the LIC Waterfront on Monday, August 17 from 6:30-8:00PM.

BYO Book is a casual and welcoming gathering for anyone who loves reading or has been meaning to get back into it. We read side by side as the sun sets over Manhattan, then come together to share what stood out - characters, themes, big questions, or unexpected tangents.

There’s no assigned reading! Bring whatever you want to read: the novel on your nightstand, that nonfiction you keep meaning to finish, poetry that stays with you, a library book due this week, or an old favorite worth revisiting. This is a space to slow down, be present, and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading alongside others.

BYO Book @ LIC Waterfront
🗓️ Monday, August 17
🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Gantry Plaza State Park, LIC Waterfront
🎟️ Free RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/vuruul59
💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

What to bring:
📖 Your current book (any format)
🧺 A picnic blanket or towel
🍿 Snacks & beverages of your choice
✨ A curious mind

(We’ll have a limited number of lanterns to share!)

The evening:
6:30–6:45 PM— Welcome & introductions
6:45–7:30 PM — Quiet reading as the sun sets
7:30–8:00 PM — Group sharing & conversation

Come solo or bring a friend! We hope to see you on Monday! 💛

Hi! Books & Bites will be returning on Wednesday, July 29th. Join us at Little Chef Little Cafe in LIC for a cozy evening of reading, good food, and conversation!

Bring whatever you’re currently reading (or have been meaning to read) and enjoy a relaxed night alongside fellow book lovers.

📚 Books & Bites
🗓️ Wednesday, July 29
🕖 7:00 - 9:00 PM
📍 Little Chef Little Cafe, 5-43 48th Ave. in Long Island City
💛 Hosted by: Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples
🎟️ $25 Early Bird (until July 26) & $30 Standard

Your ticket includes light snacks, a non-alcoholic beverage, NYC sales tax, and a tax-deductible contribution to Collective Ripples, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating community gatherings where connection, creativity, and compassion can thrive.

Every Books & Bites is a little different because everyone brings a different book, story, and perspective. That’s part of what makes these gatherings so special.

Whether you’re an avid reader, an occasional one, or simply looking for a low-key way to spend a summer evening with others, we’d love to have you!

Save your spot on Luma: https://luma.com/rkh12us9

Hi! I know this is still a few weeks away, but we are so excited to host this singing gathering and wanted to get it on your radars early so you can save the date!

When was the last time you sang just for the joy of it? 🎶💛

Join us on Friday, Aug. 7th for a welcoming evening of singing at Queens Plaza Studios in Long Island City. Explore your voice, connect with others, and experience the joy of singing side by side!

📅 Date: Friday, Aug. 7th
🕖 Time: 7:00–8:30PM
📍 Location: Queens Plaza Studios (42-01 Crescent St, Long Island City)
🎟️ Cost:** Free to atten**d (donations are welcome and appreciated!)
💛 Hosted by: Reise Hooper & Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

No experience needed. Whether you sing every day, haven’t sung since childhood, or are just curious to try, you are welcome here. There are no solos and zero pressure to sound “good.” This is a supportive space focused on connection, expression, and presence rather than performance.

What to Expect:
Together, we’ll:
* Settle in with gentle stretching, breath awareness, and a simple check-in
* Warm up our voices with easy, accessible exercises
* Learn a song through call-and-response
* Play with breath, resonance, and expression
* Connect with the emotions of the song and imagine the story behind the lyrics
* Sing as a group and reflect on how it felt

🔗 Free RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/9hsomwi3

Hi! I know this is still a few weeks away, but we are so excited to host this singing gathering and wanted to get it on your radars early so you can save the date!

When was the last time you sang just for the joy of it? 🎶💛

Join us on Friday, Aug. 7th for a welcoming evening of singing at Queens Plaza Studios in Long Island City. Explore your voice, connect with others, and experience the joy of singing side by side!

📅 Date:** **Friday, Aug. 7th
🕖 Time: **7:00–8:30**PM
📍 Location: Queens Plaza Studios (42-01 Crescent St, Long Island City)
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend (donations are welcome and appreciated!)
💛 Hosted by: Reise Hooper & Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

No experience needed. Whether you sing every day, haven’t sung since childhood, or are just curious to try, you are welcome here. There are no solos and zero pressure to sound “good.” This is a supportive space focused on connection, expression, and presence rather than performance.

What to Expect:
Together, we’ll:
* Settle in with gentle stretching, breath awareness, and a simple check-in
* Warm up our voices with easy, accessible exercises
* Learn a song through call-and-response
* Play with breath, resonance, and expression
* Connect with the emotions of the song and imagine the story behind the lyrics
* Sing as a group and reflect on how it felt

🔗 Free RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/9hsomwi3

Join us for an evening at the Whitney Museum of American Art as we explore exhibitions that examine connection, identity, memory, and community through contemporary American art.

📍 Whitney Museum of American Art
🗓 Friday, July 10
🕢 7:15 PM - 9:30 PM
🎟️ Free RSVP: https://luma.com/cwokxfz3
💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

Afterward, we’ll gather for an optional conversation to share reflections on the pieces that resonated with us.

Whether you’re a longtime art lover or new to contemporary art, there is no right interpretation. This is an opportunity to hear different perspectives, exchange ideas, and connect through a shared cultural experience.

Tickets
Admission is free. We have reserved 8 tickets for 7:30 PM entry available on a first-come, first-served basis.

RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/cwokxfz3

…

Collective Ripples is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates community gatherings where connection, creativity, and compassion can thrive. Follow us on Instagram @collective.ripples or Linktree at https://linktr.ee/collectiveripples.

Unwind after work with good books, light bites, and warm conversation at Books & Bites.

Join us Wednesday, July 1st for a cozy, candlelit evening of reading side by side at Little Chef Little Cafe in Long Island City.

Bring whatever you’re currently reading or have been meaning to start, and settle in alongside neighbors who appreciate books, reflection, and community.

Enjoy a curated assortment of snacks, a non-alcoholic beverage, and the simple pleasure of reading together before we transition into relaxed conversation inspired by our books, ideas, and experiences.

📅 Wednesday, July 1
🕖 7:00–9:00 PM (doors open at 6:50 PM)
📍 Little Chef Little Cafe, 5-43 48th Ave., LIC
🎟️ Tickets: Early Bird (through 6/28) $25 | Standard $30. Your ticket includes an assortment of light snacks, a non-alcoholic beverage, and a tax-deductible contribution to @collective.ripples
💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

Books & Bites is one of our ongoing micro-fundraisers supporting Collective Ripples. We’ve hosted 45+ free community gatherings since 2025, and every ticket helps us create accessible community gatherings rooted in connection, creativity, and compassion.

By joining us, you’re not only giving yourself a relaxing evening of reading and good conversation, you’re also helping make future gatherings possible for others.

Whether you’re an avid reader, an occasional one, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a summer evening, we’d love to have you join us.

Hope to see you there! Save your spot on Luma: https://luma.com/11bq0v3x

Join us Monday, June 22 on the LIC waterfront for a relaxing evening of reading and connecting with others.

BYO Book is a free, welcoming gathering for anyone who enjoys a good book — or has been meaning to get back into reading.

We read side by side, then come together to share what stood out to us: characters, themes, ideas, questions, or reflections inspired by our books.

Bring whatever you’re reading: the novel on your nightstand, the nonfiction you keep meaning to finish, poetry that stays with you, a library book due this week, or an old favorite worth revisiting. There’s no assigned reading. This is a space to slow down, be present, and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading alongside others.

🗓️** Monday, June 2**2
🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Gantry State Park, LIC Waterfront
🎟️ Free
💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

Come on your own or bring a friend. We hope to see you this summer!

Free RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/l9zox0qd

Join us at the LIC waterfront for Crafternoon - a free monthly gathering where you can spend a Sunday afternoon making, creating, and connecting with neighbors.

Bring whatever you're working on or curious about - sketching, knitting, watercolor, collage, beading, journaling, mending, and more. We'll have some shared supplies on hand too, so you're welcome to just drop in and try something.

🗓️Sunday, June 14th
🕟** 4:30 – 6:00 PM
📍 **Gantry State Park’s north picnic benches, LIC Waterfront
🎟️ Free: https://luma.com/sgh67w7k
💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

Work quietly on your own, or chat, share ideas, and meet new people.

Beginner-friendly — no art or craft experience necessary. Our gatherings center on exploration and play rather than perfection or productivity. There’s no instruction, critique, or expectation to make anything “good”. Crafternoon is a space to slow down, follow your curiosity, and make something alongside neighbors.

Come solo or bring a friend! Please RSVP on Luma so we can get a sense of attendance and bring enough supplies. 🎨💛

Books & Bites returns next Wednesday, June 17th!

Bring a book you’re enjoying or one you’ve been meaning to start, and join us for a cozy evening of conversation, connection, and delicious snacks.

At our last gathering, conversations wandered far beyond books - from personal courage and dream bookshops to unfinished reads and unexpected ethical dilemmas. We laughed, shared stories and perspectives, and found ourselves still talking long after the evening was supposed to end. That’s the magic of Books & Bites!

📅 Wednesday, June 17

🕖 7:00 - 9:00 PM

📍Little Chef Little Cafe, 5-43 48th Ave., Long Island City, NY

🎟️ $25 Early Bird (until 6/14) & $30 Standard. Your ticket includes an assortment of light snacks, a non-alcoholic beverage, and a tax-deductible contribution to @collective.ripples

💛 Hosted by: Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

📚 Books & Bites is one of our ongoing micro-fundraisers supporting Collective Ripples. We’ve hosted 45+ free community gatherings since 2025, and every ticket helps us continue creating accessible gatherings rooted in connection, creativity, and compassion.

By joining us, you’re not only giving yourself a relaxing evening of reading and good conversation, you’re also helping make future community gatherings possible for others.

Hope to see you there!

Save your spot on Luma: https://luma.com/la0d5vj6** **

Books & Bites returns to Little Chef Little Cafe next Wednesday, June 17th!

Bring a book you’re enjoying or one you’ve been meaning to start, and join us for a cozy evening of conversation, connection, and delicious snacks.

At our last gathering, conversations wandered far beyond books - from personal courage and dream bookshops to unfinished reads and unexpected ethical dilemmas. We laughed, shared stories and perspectives, and found ourselves still talking long after the evening was supposed to end. That’s the magic of Books & Bites!

📅 Wednesday, June 17

🕖 7:00 - 9:00 PM

📍Little Chef Little Cafe, 5-43 48th Ave., Long Island City, NY

🎟️ $25 Early Bird (until 6/14) & $30 Standard. Your ticket includes an assortment of light snacks, a non-alcoholic beverage, and a tax-deductible contribution to @collective.ripples

💛 Hosted by: Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

📚 Books & Bites is one of our ongoing micro-fundraisers supporting Collective Ripples. We’ve hosted 45+ free community gatherings since 2025, and every ticket helps us continue creating accessible gatherings rooted in connection, creativity, and compassion.

By joining us, you’re not only giving yourself a relaxing evening of reading and good conversation, you’re also helping make future gatherings possible for others.

Hope to see you there!

Save your spot on Luma: https://luma.com/la0d5vj6** **

Join us at the LIC waterfront for Crafternoon** **- a free monthly gathering where you can spend a Sunday afternoon making, creating, and connecting with neighbors.

Bring whatever you're working on or curious about - sketching, knitting, watercolor, collage, beading, journaling, mending, and more. We'll have some shared supplies on hand too, so you're welcome to just drop in and try something.

🗓️** Sunday, June 14t**h
🕟 4:30 – 6:00 PM
📍 Gantry State Park, LIC Waterfront
🎟️ Free: https://luma.com/sgh67w7k
💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

Work quietly on your own, or chat, share ideas, and meet new people.

Beginner-friendly — no art or craft experience necessary. Our gatherings center on exploration and play rather than perfection or productivity. There’s no instruction, critique, or expectation to make anything “good”. Crafternoon is a space to slow down, follow your curiosity, and make something alongside neighbors.

Come solo or bring a friend! Please RSVP on Luma so we can get a sense of attendance and bring enough supplies. 🎨💛

Hi! Next Wednesday marks 6 months of our Books & Bites at Little Chef Little Cafe, and we’d love for you to join us!

What started as a small, quiet reading night has grown into a lovely community gathering we look forward to every other Wednesday. We are so incredibly grateful for the wonderful folks who we’ve gotten to know through their books, their questions, and their stories.

It’s a super relaxed, low-key evening: Bring a print/digital/audio book you’re currently reading or have been meaning to read, settle in with delicious light bites and refreshing drinks, and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading together alongside neighbors and fellow book lovers. It’s a great way to let your book become a bridge of connection to yourself and to others.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 3
🕖 7:00 - 9:00 PM (Doors open at 6:50 PM)
📍Little Chef Little Cafe, 5-43 48th Ave., Long Island City, NY
🎟️ $25 Early Bird (until 5/31) & $30 Standard. Includes an assortment of light snacks, a non-alcoholic beverage, and a tax-deductible contribution to @collective.ripples
💛 Hosted by: Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

📚 Books & Bites is one of our ongoing micro-fundraisers supporting Collective Ripples and our mission to create accessible community spaces rooted in connection, creativity, and compassion. Since 2025, we’ve hosted 45+ free community gatherings, and every ticket helps us continue creating spaces for people to feel seen, nourished, and connected.

When you join us for Books & Bites, you’re not only giving yourself a restorative midweek pause, you’re also paying it forward and helping make future community gatherings possible for others.

We’d love to see you in June!

Save your spot on Luma: https://luma.com/5h0zuy84

Hi! Next Wednesday marks 6 months of our Books & Bites at Little Chef Little Cafe, and we’d love for you to join us!

What started as a small, quiet reading night has grown into a lovely community gathering we look forward to every other Wednesday. We are so incredibly grateful for the wonderful folks who we’ve gotten to know through their books, their questions, and their stories.

It’s a super relaxed, low-key evening: Bring a print/digital/audio book you’re currently reading or have been meaning to read, settle in with delicious light bites and refreshing drinks, and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading together alongside neighbors and fellow book lovers. It’s a great way to let your book become a bridge of connection to yourself and to others.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 3
🕖 7:00 - 9:00 PM (Doors open at 6:50 PM)
📍Little Chef Little Cafe, 5-43 48th Ave., Long Island City, NY
🎟️ $25 Early Bird (until 5/31) & $30 Standard. Includes an assortment of light snacks, a non-alcoholic beverage, and a tax-deductible contribution to @collective.ripples
💛 Hosted by: Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

📚 Books & Bites is one of our ongoing micro-fundraisers supporting Collective Ripples and our mission to create accessible community spaces rooted in connection, creativity, and compassion. Since 2025, we’ve hosted 47 free community gatherings, and every ticket helps us continue creating spaces for people to feel seen, nourished, and connected.

When you join us for Books & Bites, you’re not only giving yourself a restorative midweek pause, you’re also paying it forward and helping make future community gatherings possible for others. We’d love to see you in June!

Save your spot on Luma: https://luma.com/5h0zuy84

Join us for a relaxing and creative afternoon transforming up-cycled glass bottles into something beautiful. Explore your creative side in a welcoming, community-focused space.

No prior art experience necessary; just bring your willingness to play with the materials. All art materials provided, including brushes, paints, pressed flowers, sealants, and bottles.

🗓️ Sunday, May 17th
🕖 2 - 4 PM
📍 The Blue Bus Project 46-16 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
🎟️ Free
💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/szuouaou

Come on your own or bring a friend! We hope to see you then!

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and join us on Saturday, May 16th for a relaxing afternoon of art-making, cooperative games, and genuine connections on Governors Island.

The intention is to slow down, relax, and connect with others in a way that feels natural and unhurried.

📅 Saturday, May 16th

🕑 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

📍Nolan Park in Governors Island

🎟️ Cost: Free

💛 Hosted by: Jenny Jiang (@collective.ripples)

🎨 We’ll provide:

* Color pencils, markers, pastels & paper

* Cooperative conversation-inspiring games like Ito & Best to Worst

🧺 Bring your own:

* Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks

* A blanket, towel, or something comfortable to sit on

Feel free to:

* Experiment with colors, doodle, sketch or let your mind wander

* Join a game

* Settle into conversations that feel natural and meaningful

* Take a walk and explore the island together

* Stretch & relax on the lawn

There’s no pressure to be “on” or perform. You can be social, quiet, curious, playful, or somewhere in between. This is a space to relax, play, and connect at your own pace.

Come solo or bring a friend!

RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/d1d14i1f

Join us for a relaxed and creative afternoon transforming everyday glass into something beautiful. Paint or decorate your own vase using upcycled wine bottles and glass jars. Explore your creative side in a welcoming, community-focused space.

🗓️ Sunday, May 17th

🕖 2 - 4 PM

📍 The Blue Bus Project

46-16 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101

💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

🎟️ Free

All materials will be provided, including glass bottles and jars, paints, brushes, pressed flowers, glue, and sealants.

Free and open to all while supplies last. Bring your creativity and come make something special!

RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/szuouaou

Books & Bites returns to our cozy, candlelit reading lounge at Little Chef Little Cafe on Wednesday, May 6.

Settle in with a book of your choice, unwind in the soft glow of candlelight, enjoy light bites fresh from the kitchen, and let the themes and ideas from your books become bridges of connection with fellow readers.

🗓️** Wednesday, May **6

🕖 7–9 PM

📍 Little Chef Little Cafe

5-43 48th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101

🎟️ $25 early bird / $30 standard

Includes an assortment of light bites, non-alcoholic beverages, sales tax, and a tax-deductible contribution to Collective Ripples

💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

Books & Bites is one of our ongoing micro‑fundraisers to support our upcoming free community gatherings. (We’ve hosted 45+ free gatherings since 2025.)

When you join us, you’re not only caring for yourself with a restorative midweek reading break, you’re also paying it forward by helping us create more accessible gatherings where connection, creativity, and compassion can thrive for everyone.

We’d love to welcome you for more books, more bites, and more moments of connection in May! 📚💛

Save your spot on Luma: https://luma.com/orpcn9cg

We’d love to welcome you for more books, more bites, and more moments of connection in May! 📚💛

Books & Bites returns to our cozy, candlelit reading lounge at Little Chef Little Cafe on Wednesday, May 6.

Settle in with a book of your choice, unwind in the soft glow of candlelight, enjoy light bites fresh from the kitchen, and let the themes and ideas from your books become bridges of connection with fellow readers.

🗓️** Wednesday, May **6

🕖 7–9 PM

📍 Little Chef Little Cafe

5-43 48th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101

🎟️ $25 early bird / $30 standard

Includes an assortment of light bites, non-alcoholic beverages, sales tax, and a tax-deductible contribution to Collective Ripples

💛 Hosted by Jenny Jiang @collective.ripples

Books & Bites is one of our ongoing micro‑fundraisers to support our upcoming free community gatherings. (We’ve hosted 45+ free gatherings since 2025.) When you join us, you’re not only caring for yourself with a restorative midweek pause, you’re also paying it forward by helping us create more accessible gatherings where connection, creativity, and compassion can thrive for everyone.

Save your spot on Luma: https://luma.com/orpcn9cg