Living in Troubled Times: The Power of Community Strength and Support

By Greg Madden

HAINES FALLS — Recently a few of us were sitting around a local table pulling on some caffeine discussing the issues of our world today. As one might guess, there were both similar, and differing views, even in this small gathering.

This was a civic minded yet civil group, all of whom were concerned about the many issues of the day and where we see ourselves in our journey. Likely, nothing different than any coffee shop anywhere on the planet, or was it.

During the chat, instead of each person fighting for their own, or one’s cause, the discussion's direction moved forward to focus on the cause of the ONE unit. The collective of the community, pulling together as "one" stronger unit.

This was the genesis of something new we call “Stronger Together” a community focused group desiring to help all who share these thoughts and feelings. A soft place to land in challenging times.

So, why this group and the community gathering now?

Well, we are all living in times that often feel unpredictable, overwhelming, and ever so challenging. Whether it’s the lingering effects of a global pandemic, economic instability, political tensions, environmental crises, or personal hardships, the collective burden weighs heavily on many shoulders.

Yet, amid all the chaos, one profound truth shines through: we are stronger together. The power of community support has never been more essential, offering hope, resilience, and healing in a world that seems increasingly fragmented. At the end of the day we are all Earthlings, for all of our differences we must look for a singular focus away from the existence of several million agendas.

Living under these circumstances can foster fear, anger, and division. However, these same challenges also present an opportunity. A call to rediscover and strengthen the bonds of community, compassion, and mutual aid.

At its core, a community, our community is not just a group of people living in the same place; it is a network of relationships grounded in trust, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Communities provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging that can make difficult times not just bearable, but transformational.

Our group thought that we should gather and provide open discussion on topics that our neighbors find challenging and use these discussions to strengthen our region. Listening to all voices is key to this process. So come and let your voice be heard and also bring a yearning to work together as ONE energy.

So we invite everyone to join us to create a stronger “We” within our community on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 at 1pm for round table discussions on showing just how we grow stronger during challenging times, while also sharing the positives already underway that are setting the foundation of our community.

We’d like to thank Peace Village (54 O’Hara Road, Haines Falls, NY 12436) for offering to host our community event. Peace Village is a partner in our event “Stronger Together” is community based and not one of their amazing programs. We thank them for their generosity and the tasty meal they will provide.

Jonathan Gross and his wife Elizabeth moved here years ago because of the natural beauty of our area. They loved the outdoor life and all that it provides but they have since embedded themselves here and now deeply love the community, he offered, “Stronger Together is our way to say thank you to our friends and neighbors and to see what we can learn from each other as we try to build a stronger more inclusive community where no one is left out and all voices are heard. Hope to see you there.”

So, please join us bring your friends, family, thoughts and feelings and register/ R.S.V.P at www.tiny.cc/StrongerTogether