August 18, 2016
 
Meghan Vigeant
Stories to tell
 
Personal History Service
Storiestotell.net
 
People hire Meghan to create books and audio and eventually video
Became fascinated with getting stories from people and giving them back to folks for their use, not public use. 
 
Why folks want to write their memoirs
1.Very powerful life experiences
2.Family – folks want to pass the stories onto their grandchildren
3.Unbelievable stories
4.Not alone – heavy life experiences and they want to share these experiences with others.
5.Go public – want to bring stories to wider audience
6.Outside the box folks
7.Those who want to capture the stories of their loved ones.
8.Some people are just overwhelmed with the amount of memories they have
9.Gain Insight – looking back on experience to gain insight
10.Connect with generations – build strong bonds and self esteem
 
Stories are a bridge
She’s really good at is the stories
She sits down with a client at their home – mostly listens.  Challenges folks to look at their stories a little differently.  After the interview(s) – she begins editing the transcript, staying true to the authors voice. 
 
We all have stories that we have learned from – it’s how we look at our stories that makes a difference.
 
3 types of narratives
Ascending – family came to this country with nothing & became successful
Descending – We used to be great and then something terrible happened – downwardly mobile
Oscillating – Ups & downs but we’ve always stuck it out.
 
Descending and ascending are just incomplete – if you look back far enough you will find oscillating narrative.
 
Knowing our oscillating narrative gives us the sense of resilience.
 
New found passion – attending a week long film workshop.
 
Q&A
Are you able to work with folks with dementia?
Yes – they have an easier time talking about the past – this is how they remember the story “at the time”. It is about the experience of remembering – capturing their character, values and humor.
 
Are there things that help?
Asking questions that are open ended.  “tell me more” “explain how that happened”.  She spends a fair amount of time gathering information.
 
Do you go through pics and create a history
Yes – pic 50 photos and go through stories
 
Keep a notebook on hand to capture unexpected triggered memories.
 
How do you figure out how to charge for this?
It depends on the project – some fit into a standard format and time.  Offers free consultations.  It’s not cheap.  It’s time intensive. 
 
Have you been involved in Camden Historical Society?
No – but I get asked by lots of organizations.  Worked with children in schools to teach them how to interview and use tools.
 
Buckets for the food pantry
 
Backpack programs
Members donated $500
$150 in item donations
$50 from staples
$50 from individual donor
 
 
36 backpacks going out this week
10 to the food pantry
Remaining to the hospitality house
 
Lisa Dresser
Inducted Richard Goff
 
Tora – heading to Spain with a West Bay Rotary fleece
 
RYLA – not perspective folks for RYLA
21-35
 
Next Week – Annie Cassler will talk about bats
 
Maine Boats Homes & Harbors – Went well – thanks to all who participated.
 
Habitat for Humanity – 8a – noon, Saturday, August 20 / Brewster Street
 
Chowder Challenge – September 3 – volunteers needed
Sponsors needed
 
Social – Wednesday, September 14 – Rockport Boat Club – 5-7:30p
Pot luck sign up. 
 
 
Hospitality House Needs List
 
We need…
Donations:
Old cars that still have life in them — “Change lives!”
Cash donations
 
Volunteers for:
Transporting residents
Help moving a client to a new home
Teaching healthy cooking to our residents
Mentors for our families, adults and children
Doing activities with or reading/tutoring children
Participating in arts and crafts
Handy helpers and groups for repairs and maintenance
 
Move in Kits:
Broom and dust pan
Mop and bucket
Cleaning supplies
Laundry detergent
Shower curtain
Dish soap and sponges
Can opener
Cutlery
Pots and pans
Tall kitchen garbage bags
Paper towels
 And all those little items needed when we move! 
 
Outdoor Living Supplies:
Tents
Sleeping bags
Lanterns
Camp stoves
 
Toiletries:
Shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant
Hair brushes
Toilet paper
Tampons and pads
Shaving supplies 
 
Wooden or Metal Furniture:
Bed frames
Night stands
Kitchen tables and chairs
 
Additional Client Needs:
Straight Talk or Verizon phone cards
Gas cards
Large plastic tubs
New socks and underwear