“In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love.” -
submitted by Parivash Rohani
Superpower Collages
Across the state, events are taking place, designed with intention, to connect one another in community. We are collecting superpowers at these events; our superpowers are just the things that we need to change social isolation to social connection!
What is your superpower for connection?
These are the hearts we collected today at the Maine Prevention Network's fall conference, where the Maine Coalition for Social Connection joined a panel on the power of connection with moderator Nirav Shah, and panelists Matt Wellington, MPHA, Haley Bezon, Hearty Roots,, and Tom Mahoney, Retired Older Men Eating Out (ROMEO). Empathy, listening, kindness, humor - even "being a great mom."
Connection is both. It's communities and organizations building places where people belong - and it's micro moments: a conversation, a smile, meeting someone where they are. Thank you to everyone who shared their superpower today!
Our superpower hearts are coming to Machias! Visit the MCSC table at the Downeast Healthy Aging Expo on Friday, October 23 (10 AM - 1 PM, Machias Savings Bank Ed Hennessey Education Center) and add your heart to the collection.
Fridays from 11a-noon, Gardiner Public Library
On 10.02.26 I had the good fortune of being invited to spend time at the Gardiner Public Library. On Fridays at 11a they have a coffee time, which is open to the public. I met a fantastic group of people who I would encourage any of you in the area looking for something to do to stop by and visit. The coffee and cookies were also delicious.
As part of my visit, I had the group share their superpowers; the collage is here. The beautiful thing about these superpower activities is that A) we all have a superpower and B) our superpowers are exactly the qualities we need to promote social connection.
For more information about the library’s coffee time, visit https://gardinerpubliclibrary.org.
My heart is so full. 💛 Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Maine Coalition for Social Connection table at today's NAMI Maine Walk to share your superpower — empathy, humor, resilience, kindness, listening, and so many more.
Every single one of these is proof of what today was all about: connection.
#NAMIWalks #NAMIMaine #SocialConnection
Where will you share your superpower today?
Storytelling as a way of Connecting
The Summit Project
“We carry their stone for a hike; We carry their story for a lifetime.” The mission of TSP is to honor our state’s post-9/11 fallen service members and–through education, fellowship, and physical activity–provide assurance to their families that these sacrifices will never be forgotten. Unlike any project in America, TSP allows Maine communities to honor our fallen heroes through action. Surviving families unearth and donate stones that uniquely represent their loved ones. Volunteers discover the lives of our heroes and then carry these stone and their stories on treks throughout Maine and across the world. We literally share the burden shouldered by our fallen heroes and their families. Each trekker must (1) learn about the fallen hero they choose to honor; (2) carry his/her tribute stone through a physical challenge; and (3) compose a post-event reflection letter addressed to his/her surviving family.
Jane’s Walk
Jane’s Walk is a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks combine the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement. Next year’s walks take place on May 1st, 2027.
Healthy Peninsula
Healthy Peninsula is a one-of-a kind community health organization which serves the nine towns of the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle/Stonington. We focus on the areas of healthy eating, healthy families, and healthy aging, listening to community voices and creatively responding to priority needs with our own unique programs, as well as collaborations with local and regional partners.
Porch Fest
This annual event showcases 75+ musical performances throughout the neighborhood. Each year more than 500 individuals make this event happen through volunteering with logistics, performing, and hosting- it’s truly a community effort! Check out the guiding principles here. Next Year’s event is set for September 13, 2026 from 12p-5p.
September 28th
Location TBD
Can’t join us? Here are some things you can do on your own - feel free to share your photos of your events with us! Reach out to your neighbors with a friendly greeting or note. Organize a neighborhood gathering or potluck to foster community spirit. Offer help with tasks like yard work or grocery shopping for someone in need.
“… a driving movement that unites community members to accelerate change. It is a deeply coordinated and collaborative effort led by United Way of Kennebec Valley and driven by community leaders coming together from across business, nonprofit and government sectors.” - United Way, Kennebec Valley