“True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”
— Brené Brown
Building community through the years…
Everywhere I’ve lived, I've always sought to be a part of something bigger than myself.
More than just networking, community is a way to put down roots and really feel a part of the people and place that you are growing in.
1990s
📍Buffalo, NY
When I first moved away from my hometown with my new little babies, I started a playgroup by advertising in the local paper.
📍Cincinnati, OH
Upon my next move to the midwest, I put a flyer in over 60 mailboxes to start a bookclub, which lasted well after I moved.
2000s
📍Westport, CT
When our family moved east, I was involved with and eventually became President of New Neighbors—a group serving over 400 families.
2010s
📍Milford, CT
After my kids were grown, I moved to a new town and started a Ladies Night Out. LNO began with 5 of us and has grown to over 40 women who still meet monthly.
A snippet from September 2021
Appearing as a guest on my friend Donna Cimarelli’s livestream show: Speak Your Mind Value Your Voice.
We discuss small acts of kindness and building a life you love.
…and building community today!
📍Belgrade Lakes, ME
In 2020, I bought the old town Schoolhouse in Belgrade Lakes, which had been abandoned for 15 years.
I renovated the space and split it into two sections: one portion was available for Airbnb rental, while the other was reserved for use as a Classroom for locals.
In the two years that I ran the Schoolhouse, we used the Classroom for everything from writing groups to Culinary Club to book clubs and more.
At one of our events, a local fell in love with the Schoolhouse and wanted to make it their forever home. ❤️
Photos of the Schoolhouse renovation…
…and the finished product!
Here are some of the local friends that make up my community in Belgrade Lakes.
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Wicked Good Elderberry
Wicked good shop run by my friend Kristin. They sell locally made crafts, foods, and other wares. Stop in to find some of my SophistiKateME products!
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7 Lakes Alliance
Amazing local resource for supporting land and water conservation in our beautiful town. Tons of cool events and classes all year round.
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Oliver & Friends Bookshop
It’s a real treat to have a such a well-stocked bookstore in our little downtown. Run by my friend Renee, with books and gifts aplenty.
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Day's Store
A Belgrade Lakes mainstay, Day’s has been around since 1958 offering grocery staples, souvenirs, and summer ice cream and concerts.
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Hello, Good Pie
Delectable treats, both sweet and savory. A great spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or dessert, with a spacious patio for summertime snacking.
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Remedy Salon & Spa
Jessica and Max are masters of well-being and self care. Remedy has excellent services for hair, nails, massage, and more.
