Connecting

In December, members joined for a holiday gathering while progress was made on the renovation (which is about halfway done!).

We also got exciting news we'll share below ;)

Connection Matters

"Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond. By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, and by supporting community efforts to rebuild social connection, we can rise to meet this moment together." - Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the U.S.

Did you know loneliness and social isolation are as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?

In fact, your chances for heart disease or stroke rise by about 33% if you endure a lack of social connection. It's all because a lack of social stimulation creates a unique stress on the body. This is why the CDC released a major report  called "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation" in 2023.

In other words, our health depends upon other people. We need good, consistent social connection like we need good, consistent sleep.

Watch a child struggle with an emptiness after a best friend goes home after a sleepover. Haven't we all experienced this sort of longing for a friend? Such connection is powerful and our bodies crave the nutrients that come from these relationships.

In prior newsletters we've mentioned our Why around establishing the MaybeItsFate co-op, and it's partly to provide a unique space to form new connections. Now we're turning our attention to how we understand and measure this impact, and we want your help:

Please take a 3 question survey!

Renovation Update:

In December, a lot happened on the property:

1. We investigated water damage on some exterior walls and made a plan to resolve.

2. We worked with the Fire Marshall to resolve stairwell needs to finalize the permitting (5 months in process).

3. New bathrooms on the 1st and 3rd floors got electrical and plumbing hookups.

4. HVAC and plumbing are nearly done, and electric awaits construction on the elevator shaft.

In January, the plan is to install the fire sprinklers, fix the water damage, and begin work on the exterior for the new elevator shaft.

NEWS FLASH:

MaybeItsFate Pegged as Host for Leonardo LaserTalks

Leonardo/ISAST LASER Talks is a program of international gatherings that bring artists, scientists, humanists and technologists together for informal presentations, performances and conversations with the wider public.

The mission of LASER is to encourage contribution to the cultural environment of a region by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and opportunities for community building to over 50 cities and 5 continents worldwide.

Leonardo chose MaybeItsFate to be the first host of LaserTalks in the Midwest of the U.S. and cements your co-op as the space for the most interesting conversations in Louisville!

https://leonardo.info/laser-talks