Carquinez Village Project presents "Turning Memories Into Stories"

Whether it is a silver locket, a fishing tackle box or some yellowing portrait photographs, families can be strengthened to learn the history and the values tied through stories to such keepsakes. Lois Requist, who has taught courses on building a family memoir, will be the featured speaker of the Carquinez Village Project (CVP) monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21. Her hands-on presentation, “Turning Memories into Stories,” will help attendees learn how to craft their own family tales. The meeting will be held at the Benicia Public Library, 140 East L Street. A social time will follow the meeting.

Individuals are encouraged to bring a family memento to the April 21 presentation. Requist will share storytelling techniques and how to use them as a launching point for future writing. Then, attendees will get time to put the writing tips in practice to write down what story ideas their memento sparks.

“These are times when family members across the generations are aching to know how things are connected,” Requist, a professional writer and Benicia poet laureate, said. “Sometimes the most important action is to write down a memory - it can strengthen ties that hold a family together,” she added.

The mission of the Carquinez Village Project is to explore the creation of a “neighbor-to-neighbor” volunteer network that would provide social, practical, and referral assistance to older adults in Benicia and Vallejo who want to remain in their homes and live full and independent lives as they age. A feasibility study will be finished in May, 2016, by the steering committee to determine if the project will be formalized. The more interest shown by seniors, younger generation members from families, neighbors and community organizations, the more likely the CVP will go forward and establish a village. More information is available at www.CarquinezVillage.org or by calling 707-297-2472 or Lois Requist, Co-chair of the Steering Committee at 707-280-0588. o-fare� ��̎�