MONTEREY, Mass. — The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area has awarded a $2,500 grant to The Friends of Monterey Public Library to host a memoir writing workshop facilitated by professional storyteller and teaching artist Mary Jo Maichack.

 

The four-part workshop, titled Presenting the Past: Berkshire Memoirs of Work, will be held at the library on Thursdays—January 23, 30, February 6, and 13—from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The sessions are free and open to adults of all writing levels, with no registration required. Participants are encouraged to arrive early for the 10:30 a.m. start time.

 

Attendees may join one or more sessions, with the program culminating in a month-long exhibit of participants' writings on the theme of work, aligning with Housatonic Heritage's annual focus. The Friends of the Library will provide in-kind contributions matching the grant amount.

 

"Mary Jo led a memoir writing workshop this fall that was well-attended and well-loved," said library director Mark Makuc. "Now we are able to help sponsor a record of personal work experience by more Berkshire residents."

 

Maichack, who has delivered more than 5,000 storytelling and singing programs over 35 years, expressed gratitude for the support.

 

"I believe in building on the positive and am fulfilled when I hear about people's lives," she said.