Lifestories Testimonials

MEMORIES ARE IMPORTANT! That is the message I took away from a two day workshop with Rosanne Gulisano called MEMOIR WRITING. She came to Louisville, KY at my invitation to share her expertise in writing memories. There were 12 of us, recognizing a need to put into writing bits and pieces of ourselves to save not only for our children, but future generations. After all, as Rosanne said to us, within two generations each of us would be nothing more than an entry into a family tree computer print out if we don't record how we grew up, and share what we know of past family.

We returned the next day so enthusiastic about what we had accomplished in such a short time that 8 of us decided to meet one day a month to continue our writing. Ten meetings later we are still encouraging each other. One of the most frequent comments at each meeting is, "This group keeps me writing my memoirs, and I always look forward to the next month's topic."

I have become a passionate advocate of putting down in writing those things that help me learn how, what and who I am, and the things that shaped me from an early age. Yes, memories are important!

Sandy Reese
Louisville, KY

Thank you for the excellent strategies you gave us in writing our memoirs of our life. I enjoyed the tips on designing our own timeline of our early memories of birthday parties, incidents in grade school and moving experiences. It made my past come alive. And it enlightened my brother and sister of things I (being the oldest) knew that they didn't. And it is going to make the pictures in our old photo album have a different meaning than just-a lot of pictures staring into a camera.

It was so much fun! I hope you teach the class again.

Vennetta Switzer
Naperville, Il.

I thoroughly enjoyed the memoir sessions with you and the other women. You gave me the incentive I needed to put in writing the events in my life of which my children knew little or nothing.

Your suggestions of events, people and places of which to write triggered memories that were almost forgotten. Sometimes there are so many ideas that I feel swamped. I especially enjoyed the others' reminiscences that I could relate to.

So far, I have kept to a once-a-week writing schedule as you suggested. Thank you for an informative and interesting time that caused me to put down on paper my experiences.

Sincerely,
Myra Hegar

Thank you for delivering the Sisters Weekend Personal Enrichment Session on Saturday, April 12, 2008. We have received very complimentary feedback from the women who attended the session. read more

Deb Pfaff, Memebership & Volunteer Coordinator
Downtown St. Charles Partnership 

Thank you for a great program helping our patrons begin to write their memoirs and for giving valuable tips to those who have already begun recording their life stories. The attendees were very enthuiastic and felt that they learned a great deal about how to start and what to include. The group left quite motivated to continue this fulfilling project. read more

Mary Garvey, Adult Programmer
Schaumburg Public Library 

It was a pleasure having you speak to our Women's Business Council group. It really helped to put things into perspective when we are all so busy with our jobs, family and other engagements. Your presentation made us stop and think about leaving behind a great memoir for others to remember our history. Everyone truly enjoyed your speech. read more

Lori Hewitt, Executive Director
St. Charles Chamber of Commerce

Rosanne Gulisano owns her own business, Lifestories -Creating a Memoir, through which she offers workshops on personal history writing. As a member of the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Waubonsee Community College, she conducted classes on personal memoir writing on two occasions in 2005 and 2006. The LLI is an open membership organization for adults age 50+ focusing on college level learning. The members plan, lead and participate in courses and study groups. Because Rosanne received such positive student evaluations from her classes, I referred Elgin Community College to her when they consulted me about a workshop leader for their adult writing program. Rosanne went on to work with Elgin Community College, and fulfilled their expectations. read more

Margaret K. Plaskas, Community Education Coordinator
Waubonsee Community College