The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Atria Newell Creek brings community together
In efforts to develop a better connected world, Atria Newell Creek is participating in a storytelling initiative.
The senior living community in Mentor recently hosted Better Together, which was the first in a series of events to celebrate the importance of storytelling.
Executive Director Linda Marshall said Atria Newell Creek is one of nearly 200 senior living communities across the U.S. and Canada operated by Atria Senior Living, each of which will host similar events in January and throughout the year.
The event series is inspired by Atria StoryWise, a collection of thoughtfully curated topics and cues designed to spark memories, tap into personal experiences and help people everywhere connect more deeply through the power of storytelling, according to the news release.
Marshall said StoryWise is a way to bring people together, reconnect or get to know someone for the first time.
A person selects a random card from the box and answers the question, which sparks a conversation. In addition to the StoryWise box, there is also an app available that allows users to record, share and keep their stories.
“It’s all about sharing stories,” she said.
Wickliffe Schools Superintendent Joseph Spiccia shared a story about his good friend and mentor Larry at the Better Together event on Jan. 11.
Spiccia discussed how Larry, who is now 85 or 86 years old, has always been someone he could depend on.
“I know you all have been somebody’s Larry,” he said. “I want to thank you for that and encourage everyone to be there for someone.”
Spiccia even selected a card and answered the random question.
“Storytelling is a simple and meaningful way to connect and pass wisdom from one generation to the next,” said Tiffany Bazan, who is the engage life director at Atria Newell Creek. “So many of our residents and employees enjoyed Atria StoryWise with their families during the holiday season and I’m really excited to launch a year’s worth of programs around Atria StoryWise.”
Marshall explained that these events are also part of a fundraiser to promote literacy.
“For every person that shares a story and it is videotaped, we’re giving money to the National Library Foundation to go back into the library systems, because books tell stories,” she said.
Between Jan. 11 and 31, Atria will donate $1 for every story shared through the wisdom library in the Atria StoryWise app to the American Library Association.