Need Help, just came back

Hello, thanks for reading
I just came back to the game, I played one week into DF but life happened.
I had previously played 7000+ hours so I am familiar with the game itself but not DF
I have no idea where to start? I hate missing patches because I feel so lost.
Also I am looking for a vibrant community to join, I am a social player so preferably one with voice chats, and random groups

thanks all