Welcome

Welcome to the first Voices That Matter at Atria Cuttermill newsletter.

This past month marked the beginning of a new community storytelling project rooted in connection, listening, memory, and shared experience. Through our first Story Circle gathering and one on one conversations, residents, families, and staff began sharing the stories, reflections, humor, wisdom, and lived experiences that make up the heart of this community.

Within these pages you will find moments from our time together, reflections from the circle, and our first featured story from Maxine, whose story reminds us of the resilience, individuality, and humanity carried within every life.

Thank you for being part of this growing community of stories.

Because every voice carries something worth remembering.

Monthly Story Event

On April 21st, we gathered for our very first Voices That Matter Story Circle at Atria Cuttermill. Though our group was small, it was deeply meaningful and filled with warmth, conversation, and connection.

We began by going around the room, introducing ourselves, and sharing something about our lives with the group. What quickly became clear was how diverse and beautiful our community truly is. Our circle included people from South Africa, Germany, Poland, and many different places across the United States.

Together, we participated in a paired storytelling activity centered around the theme of first jobs. Stories included working in a grocery store, a department store, on a sailboat, and answering phones raising money for the Fraternal Order of Police. Alice shared about her experience as a magazine writer and how writing and the love of it still remain an important part of her life today.

As we listened to one another, we began to see how connected we are through our stories. No matter where we come from or what paths our lives have taken, stories remind us how much we share in common and offer us an opportunity to know one another more deeply.

It was a beautiful beginning to our monthly storytelling circle, and I’m looking forward to gathering again on Sunday, May 31st at 2:15 PM in the Activities Room.

We hope you’ll join us and invite your family members as well.

Featured Story

Maxine-This is Me

Community Storytelling

One of the most meaningful parts of our first Story Circle was discovering how quickly stories help create connection between people.

Though many of us came from different places, cultures, careers, and life experiences, we found ourselves relating to one another through shared memories, laughter, work experiences, family stories, and the small moments that shape a life.

This month’s conversations reminded us that stories have a way of helping us feel seen, understood, and less alone.

As we continue gathering each month, this section will become a place to share reflections, quotes, memories, and moments from our growing community of stories.

Because sometimes the simplest story opens the door to deeper connection.

The Scribe Is In

Residents, family members, and staff are invited to schedule a one on one conversation with the Scribe to share a more personal story.

There is no need to prepare. Simply come as you are.

One conversation.
One story shared.

With permission, stories may be featured in future newsletters and within the private Voices That Matter at Atria Cuttermill archive.

Because every voice carries something worth remembering.

Personal and Family Legacy Projects

Residents and families interested in exploring more personal storytelling and legacy projects are invited to connect with the Scribe for more information.

Projects may include personal life story collections, family legacy books, memorial projects, stories for future generations, and collections of memories and photographs.

To learn more, visit Voices That Matter.

Because every family carries stories worth remembering.

Looking Ahead

Our next Voices That Matter Story Circle will take place on:

Sunday, May 31st at 2:15 PM

Activities Room

For our next gathering, we will continue exploring connection through story with prompts and conversations centered around meaningful memories, life experiences, and the people and moments that have shaped us along the way.

You may wish to reflect on questions such as:

  • What is a memory that has stayed with you throughout your life?
  • Who had a meaningful impact on the person you became?
  • What place once felt like home to you?
  • What is something you learned early in life that still stays with you today?

There is never any pressure to share more than feels comfortable. Simply coming together and listening is part of the experience.

Family members are warmly invited to join us as well.

We look forward to continuing this growing circle of stories together.

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