The Somerville Arts Council has funded a second year of Voices of the Somerville Home, a weekly memoir writing class at The Somerville Home residential care facility. Now underway, the program’s participants once again gather around a folding table in the home’s living room every Wednesday, equipped with pens, pads of paper, and a yearning to set their memories down in ink.

“The Somerville Home is thrilled to have the opportunity to have the memoir writing program back again,” said Kelley Sferrazza, the home’s administrator. “We received rave reviews from the residents, staff and those in attendance at last year’s public reading. They all had the opportunity to open up and share their stories which many of their own family members had never heard before. Many residents expressed that after hearing others share their stories they were inspired to overcome their shyness and participate.”

Designed and taught by Somerville writer, Cam Terwilliger, the class uses writing exercises and group feedback to draw out the memories, opinions, and whimsies of the participants. According to Terwilliger, his students enthusiasm is only surpassed by their story telling ability, which impresses him every week.

“Going back in time to favorite memories is awesome, and the way we use our imaginations is incredible,” said Elena Lowry, a writer in the group. “The enrichment this fills us with is a true gift.”

The group is saddened, however, to be without a regular member from the previous year, resident and writer, Vivian Schouw. At 92 years old, she passed away in November, several months after the conclusion of the program’s first year.

“Vivian wowed us with deeply felt stories of traveling around the country during the depression,” said Terwilliger. “We are so thankful to have heard them while she was with us, and still more thankful that her memories were preserved for her family, some of which they were able to share at her memorial service last fall.”

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. The next public reading will be scheduled for mid-August, featuring free food, drink, and new selections of writing by Somerville Home residents.