Write My Lifebook Project

Last Friday, we welcomed students and teachers from the AP Seminar and AP Research programs at Strongsville High School to share the impact of the “Write My Lifebook” project, a partnership connecting students with residents at Altenheim Senior Living and Shurmer Place. The program, created by Ariana Del Re, helps seniors preserve their life stories through professionally printed memory books. Our club helped sponsor the project by contributing toward the cost of printing the books.

Teachers explained how the project was integrated into the AP curriculum through themes of memory, perspective, and service learning. Students spent four sessions interviewing residents, learning about their childhoods, families, careers, hardships, and accomplishments. The interviews were eventually turned into personalized keepsake books, complete with photos and stories gathered throughout the process.

What stood out most during the presentation was the effect the experience had on the students themselves. Several shared how eye-opening it was to connect with people from a different generation and hear firsthand accounts of lives shaped by very different times and experiences. Students spoke about learning empathy, patience, resilience, and perspective. One student reflected on how hearing about a resident adapting to life’s challenges gave her confidence that setbacks in her own life could also be overcome.

The Altenheim staff shared how meaningful the visits were for residents, especially for those who do not regularly receive visitors. They described the final book presentation gathering as emotional and deeply rewarding, with many residents proudly sharing their completed books with family members. One resident highlighted during the discussion, Dana Martin, has since passed away, making the book an especially treasured keepsake for her family.

The project involved more than 60 students in its pilot year, though the number of residents was intentionally limited as organizers tested the program format. Both the school and Altenheim expressed strong interest in expanding the program in the future, potentially involving more community members beyond the senior living campus.

Clubs 48th Anniversary

Last Friday we also celebrated the 48th anniversary of the club, which had its Charter Nigh on April 28th, 1978 with a presentation highlighting many of the projects and partnerships that have shaped the club over nearly five decades of service.

Rather than presenting a year-by-year history, the program focused on a wide range of community and international projects that members have supported through the years. Members were encouraged to share additional stories, photos, and memories to help continue building the club’s historical record.

Some of the earliest projects highlighted included construction of the Strongsville welcome signs in the early 1980s, a project that continues in updated forms today. Other city beautification efforts included repainting fire hydrants and helping maintain community spaces such as the Historical Village and local parks.

Several long-term community projects were featured, including the Backyard Preserve and memorial tree dedication, the construction and ongoing support of Safety Town, and fundraising efforts for the Pat Catan Stadium turf project. Members also recalled volunteer work at the city playground project at Surrarrer Park and StrongFest contributions that helped support the Strongsville Town Center pavilion project.

One of the club’s largest local accomplishments was the fundraising campaign to build a permanent home for the Strongsville Emergency Food Bank. More than $250,000 was raised from the Strongsville Rotary Foundation including major donations from the community, for the project after the food bank lost its former location in the old middle school garage.

The presentation also highlighted the club’s long partnership with Camp Cheerful, including renovation projects, support for events, and the ongoing Kids Fest Duck Race that will be held at the camp this year. Other local service efforts included support for Meals on Wheels, the community garden, Wintergreen Cabin renovations, senior holiday parties and picnics, Boy Scout projects, and the long-running Eddie Bond Jones Home Baseball outing for children.

International service has also been a major focus throughout the club’s history. Members reflected on PolioPlus fundraising efforts dating back to the late 1980s, shipping thousands of books to schools in Nigeria, medical missions to the Philippines, water and watershed projects, disaster relief work, and partnerships supporting communities in places including Togo, Pakistan, Honduras, Guyana, Ukraine, Hawaii, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

The presentation concluded with recognition that while many projects were covered, countless additional stories and service efforts remain part of the club’s history. Members were encouraged to continue sharing memories and materials so future anniversary presentations can preserve and celebrate the impact the club has made over the past 48 years.