Each month as I write a 300 biographical write-up on one of our Jerome Seniors, I realize what an “honor” it is for me to tap into their lives as they share so many tender, precious, often protected memories of their journey filled lives. There is a richness is learning from the Senior generation, and they, in turn, deserve the tiny but short lived glory they receive in these published write ups. And my limit of only 300 words is my biggest challenge!!
When I contact a senior to interview, they generally schedule me for a 30 minute visit which most often turns into an hour. “Oh my” they say, “how time flies when we talk about ourselves, and who doesn’t like to boast and reminisce?!”
I encourage anyone who is wanting to spotlight the seniors to consider doing these write ups for a very deserving generation. Tis all for their honor and the glory!
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This sounds like a really great project. Can you post some details? How many Seniors do you have? Where do you publish the information? any other suggestions on getting started would be great.
There are as many “Seniors” as there are Seniors in our fine city. Those highlighted in the newspaper are folks that live here in Jerome but not limited to people that frequent the library.
What’s been interesting is that the Senior writeup in the paper and what is posted on the Senior Connections bulletin board at the library (same writeup) are slowly but surely attracting more Seniors to the library, yea!!
They want to bring their family and friends into the library to view their write up and picture on the Senior Connections bulletin board which is posted for an entire month.
Also word of mouth gets around about someone who has been recognized, they comment about this at the front desk, at post office or even in line at the grocery store, clearly an advantage of small town living.
You get started by simply starting!! I began by interviewing a former library Senior volunteer, she was surprised and delighted. She came to the library and it took about 30 min. for an interview. I snapped her picture with our digital camera and when I completed the writeup, I sent picture and writeup to the newspaper edior by e-mail. Our local newspaper editor is great, but be sure to check with them about word limits. I was not aware of this limit and submitted writeups that were way too long and have since learned to use “word count!”
Keep it simple is my motto. I feel that the Seniors
are willing to participate if this process is uncomplicated, that appeals to them.
I have created a short interview sheet of about 15 questions. They do love to talk about themselves (don’t we all!!) and it is such fun!
I invite them to the library, or meet them at their place of business or do a phone interview. I have done all of these and they work great. Do what works Senior by Senior, their comfort should be your focus.
Suggested Seniors for writeups are added to my own list of “potentials” in my Senior notebook, then I simply choose a Senior. No fretting or fussing, just forge ahead and pick your Seniors at random….a good policy and it works for me.
Try it, have fun, both you and your Seniors will be delighted! What have you got to lose?