Todays guest blogger, Lola Hotchkiss.
The “I have a Dream” prompt I assigned writers in my classes last month inspired them to write about dreams they have for the world, for their country, and for their loved ones. Some even wrote about recurring nightmares!
The one that surprised me the most? This flattering essay by today’s guest blogger Lola Hotchkis. She hasn’t achieved her dream yet, but sounds like she’s pretty close!
by Lola Hotchkis
My dream began when email brought me Beth Finke’s late summer newsletter. Having lived in Beth’s hometown of Elmhurst for almost 40 years now, my ears perk up every time she mentions that this suburb would be a prime market for a memoir-writing class like ours.
Now Beth’s newsletter brought more encouragement. The article said, “We need more memoir-writing teachers. I’ve written a Memoir Teacher Masterclass on how to start and run your own memoir-writing course.”
My copy of the Masterclass was downloaded to my computer and I read all the material in one sitting. Beth makes it sound fulfilling and fun for both the students and leader. Of course, first-hand experience tells me it’s so for the students.
I started by developing a business plan. I asked my husband Doug to help by setting up a website. Don’t look for it yet because it doesn’t exist.
Now what?
Everything you wanted to know about teaching a memoir class but were afraid to ask.
Looking for a sponsor, I discussed my idea with a programming director at the Elmhurst Public Library. She said, “When I took this job, I was warned to never, ever start a writing class. They tried it once and it was a mess.” What I did learn was that if I just want to rent a conference room without official sponsorship, she can help me.
Next up? An acquaintance who leads a class at Lexington Square and Park Place retirement communities gave me his contacts and said I could use his name. Park Place? No response to email or phone calls. Lexington Square? Fiona, the Enrichment Director, is most enthusiastic. I offered an introductory session for interested residents. They can then decide whether they want to join a class. Fiona promised to draft a notice that she would then post around the building and in their newsletter.
That was early November. Have not yet received a draft.
I talked to her assistant once and she was also very enthusiastic. “We just have to get through the holidays. January would be a great time to start this.”
Since then I was sick with a virus before Christmas. A different virus hit me on Jan. 4. Not COVID, not flu, just a bad head cold. I turned 72 years old on Jan. 2. I’m fatigued with these viruses. Am I really up for this?
Twelve years ago I retired and became free at last. Am I ready to begin a new adventure?
Despite feeling tired and congested, I again contacted Fiona on Jan. 13. Will she answer?
My next steps? The Elmhurst Park District Senior Center. If I can’t find a sponsor, is my dream durable enough to find a room to rent, publicize the class, and try to energize potential students?
So many questions. Not enough answers. It’s like the man who prayed to God to win the lottery. One night God told him, “You have to help me a little. Buy a ticket.”
I’ll never fulfill a dream if I don’t try. Am I up for a new adventure? The answer is a resounding “yes.”
Beth here. I know that a fair number of you blog readers grew up and/or live in Elmhurst, my hometown. If you still have connections there who might be able to help Lola make this a dream come true, please leave a comment here to let us know. I’ll have Lola get in contact with you!
Lola, if you do decide to rent a conference room at the library, I would love to come to your class and I think I know a few more ladies that would like to attend. Hopefully the library will see how popular your class is and open a classroom and advertise in their periodical. Fingers crossed…..
Lola. If Fiona was enthusiastic when you first talked to her, assume she still thinks it’s a good idea. You have no idea what is going on in her life, so I would persist. It’s perfect for retirement communities. Everyone should write down their stories. Very few people do. When my mother help start a book club in your facility, I suggested Beth’s Book. She said the library provides the books to everyone. I went to the Billings Montana library with the book only to have it kicked back in 24 hours. There were too many references to Chicago in the book. In retrospect, I should have taken it to the director of Mission Ridge where my mother lived because she loved my mother and by association, she loved me. There’s more than one way to skin a cat. Keep up the perseverance. (I apologize if you have a cat).
Al, I don’t have a cat so no foul. Yes, I will keep trying — in one way or another.
Cheryl, thanks for the encouragement. Yesterday i sent a proposal to the program supervisor at the Elmhurst Park District senior center on St. Charles Road. I talked to her in person Monday and she told me to email a proposal. Programming is finished through summer, so this would be for fall.
I’m hopeful the Elmhurst Park District will offer your class at their new Senior Center facility this fall. It would be a perfect fit. As Al said, “everyone should write their stories” and I know there are a lot of stories to be told…..just eavesdrop at a any local “coffee-klatch” in town where seniors gather with friends. Looking forward to the fall semester:)
Don’t give up on getting the class. I’m grew up in Elmhurst but now live in Westmont. I wanted to have a skateboard and bike park built in Westmont Illinois where I live so the boys had a safe place to ride. I got my son and 2 of his friends and we went door to door asking for signatures and pledges, we never collected the money. Myself and the boys did all our homework on building this park and having classes. We were turned down several times so we went to the village board meeting to get their f÷dback on the possibility of working with the village. We had over 5000 signatures of children and parents who liked and supported us in our endeavor. Long story short myself and 3 6th graders got both the city and the park district to support it and we raised $900,000 to pursue it and it took 8 years but it was finally built when the boys were 15. They learned how to work with the park district board and village board and the park is still there today. Try setting up a table in those senior communities, also other public events and get taxpayers interested in the class or those who feel it’s just a great idea for a class to sign a petition. Once you have signatures of voters and taxpayers they pay attention and suddenly will see a need. And getting signatures before an election you will have both sides running against each other trying to get votes and back it publicly. I knew Beth we went to school together. Contact the class of the 1970s reunion committee. I bet a lot of Beth’s friends many who still live in town would sign so you could get your class. Contact me thru my Facebook profile page and I can direct you to the person at the classes of 1970s reunion committee to get signatures. The boards listen when you have support from people who live in Elmhurst. Good luck. Patricia Russo Kolar. Russo is my maiden name when I lived in Elmhurst. I could share your petition for signatures also.
Patricia, your story is admirable. What a great way to introduce your kids to the process! I actually have managed to obtain a place for class. Starting on Oct. 10 I will offer a 6-week memoir-writing class at the Elmhurst Park District senior center. Registration will be through the park district starting Aug. 5 for residents and Aug. 8 for non-residents. Please spread the word to anyone you know. I don’t have a Facebook account so I can’t get to your profile page.
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