Real Estate & Elegant Maine Living - The Way Life Should Be
Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s luxury real estate market, distinctive properties, and the lifestyle that makes this state such a special place to call home. Hosted by Elise Kiely, a top-producing real estate advisor and lifestyle connector with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, the podcast features thoughtful conversations with local leaders, creatives, and visionaries who embody the spirit of elegant living in Maine. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply Maine-curious, each episode offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the people and places that define Maine.
Real Estate & Elegant Maine Living - The Way Life Should Be
American Mahjong in Maine Part 2: Building Community One Tile at a Time
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Can a centuries-old game help keep your mind sharp while also bringing people together?
In Part 2 of my conversation with Melanie Charest, founder of Mainely Mahjong, we explore why American Mahjong is about much more than mastering the tiles. We discuss the growing body of research surrounding Mahjong and cognitive health, the importance of lifelong learning, and why gathering around a table with friends may be one of the healthiest habits we can cultivate.
Melanie also shares what keeps drawing her back to Maine each summer, why Peaks Island holds such a special place in her heart, and how Mainely Mahjong has become a vehicle for building friendships and strengthening communities throughout the state.
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is reflecting on the Elegant Maine Living Mahjong Nights I've hosted for my clients, podcast guests, and friends. Watching people who have never met leave with new friendships and plans for their next Mahjong game reminds me that some of life's best communities begin with simply pulling up a chair.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The research linking American Mahjong to cognitive engagement and healthy aging
- Why lifelong learning is important at every stage of life
- How Mahjong combines strategy, focus, patience, and social connection
- The power of gathering around a table instead of a screen
- What Melanie loves most about Maine and Peaks Island
- Why community is one of Maine's greatest strengths
If you've been thinking about learning American Mahjong, or you're simply looking for a new way to connect with others, I hope this conversation inspires you to give it a try.
- Melanie Charest on Instagram: mainelymahjong
Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.
Connect with Elise
🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com
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- Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
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Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at
- Elise@EliseKiely.com
Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.
Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.
