StoryCorps CT

In this conversation, lifelong friends Maerie and Roberta honor the memories of their mothers, Mildred and Alberta, the deep bond between all four of them, and what amazing women they were. They also share the supportive role that Al-Anon played in all their lives. 

“Had I not had your mom, I don’t know what path I would have taken.” - Meari

“Blessed are thou that we had our moms and that we have each other.” - Roberta

Hear Mearie and Roberta's full conversation in the StoryCorps Archive.

For more about StoryCorps CT, visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct.

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Sandra and Doreen both immigrated from Barbados to the U.S. in their youth and share two share very different experiences of coming to North America. Doreen also explains how she never felt confident putting roots down here.

“I have to say I was initially very impressed. I  was a very curious child, so I was looking around, I was like, I love the lights. There was so much to like.” - Sandra 

“Clearly, I’m still here. And so, at some point, I’m going to have to own this American self.” - Doreen

Hear their full interview in the StoryCorps Archive.

For more on StoryCorps CT, visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct.

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Andrea Rapacz talks with Lydia Mele about her parent's love story and the impact Lydia's mother, Olga Mele, had on their family and the Hispanic community in the Hartford area. You'll hear about her early involvement in the San Juan Center and her tireless efforts to support the people in her community. Lydia told Andrea, “Mom inspired everyone to reach their highest potential, including me.”

“Her main mission was to help people find jobs, get educated, and empower them to help themselves.” - Lydia Mele

“He always said my mother was his salvation.” - Lydia Mele (referencing a story about her father)

Hear the full interview in the StoryCorps Archive.

For more on StoryCorps CT, visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct.

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Lynn and Gerard have spent over four decades together. In this conversation, they recall the early days of their relationship and what their experiences were like coming out to their families.

“I remember going home to my apartment building, and I walked in the front door and just screamed, ‘I just told my mother!’” - Gerard

“I hope we have another forty years together.” - Lynn

For more on StoryCorps CT visit, ctpublic.org/storycorpsct.

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Tina grew up in Nicaragua and Ruby’s family is from Mexico. The two met in New Haven and shared their experiences growing up and how they developed deeper connections to their roots while living in the United States. 

“The first thing I did was connect more with my family.” - Ruby

“When I left, I realized how much I actually loved my culture and loved my country.” - Tina

“I feel like New Haven is a good place to grow.” - Tina

Hear their full interview in the StoryCorps Archive.

For more on StoryCorps CT, visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct.

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Kristin and Ken met through an online dating app. Ken was a former PGA Tour golfer who lost his right leg and more in a tragic accident. In this conversation, Kristin shares what attracted her to Ken and how amazed she was at his deep relationship with his friends.

“When I look back on life, those the are things you’re gonna remember. The relationships you’ve had with people.” - Ken

“If you’ve got that great connection with people you love, it’s a home run.”- Ken

Hear Ken and Kristin's full interview in the StoryCorps Archive. 

For more on StoryCorps CT visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct

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Sally and Sam Roudebush had been married for 43 years at the time they recorded this interview. Together they talk about how Sam’s job in the U.S. Coast Guard allowed them to meet so many wonderful people. Sally shares her perspective on being a military spouse and the positive social impacts of the military community. 

“That’s one of the best things of moving around as much as we did, meeting the people we did.” - Sally

“Some of my favorite parts of our travels have been the people we’ve gotten close to. All the wonderful folks that are still part of our lives.” - Sam

To hear their full interview, visit the StoryCorps Archive.

For more about StoryCorps CT visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct

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Two sisters from West Hartford, tell the story of their maternal grandmother. She is Native American and was forced to live in an Indian Residential School in British Columbia when she was five. They describe the trauma she experienced during her time in the school and how that trauma extended into the next two generations of their family. A cycle they are determined to break for the generation they're raising now. They also share how much they love and appreciate their grandmother, who's in her nineties.

“It’s been very important to me to end the cycle with us.”  

 To hear more stories visit StoryCorps CT

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Bryan Sayles's twin daughters showed interest in learning music at a young age. Despite challenging times he and his wife always found ways to support Molly's drumming and Emma's trombone playing and music composition. The family talks about how music has brought them together and created lasting memories to continue today.

Credits:

• Interview Facilitated by: StoryCorps Mobile Tour
• Connecticut Public Producers: Meg Fitzgerald, J Holt, Catie Talarski
• Music by: Niamh

For more visit StoryCorps CT

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Endia DeCordova talks with her mother, Gem DeCordova, about how her late father was introduced to the West Indian community in Harford after immigrating to the States from Jamaica. Gem shares how the West Indian Social Club was born out of those early community gatherings and the legacy of kindness and inclusion her husband left behind.

“When they get a day off, this is where they go. It was like a party house for everyone to meet, and that kind of hold them together as Jamaicans knowing there are other Jamaicans they can rely on.” – Gem DeCordova on the role of the West Indian Social Club in their lives.

“Daddy was one to really lead from his heart. He epitomized the idea that we are all one. He really lived by that motto ‘one love.’” – Endia DeCordova

“He was such a giving man. A giving man until the day he died.” – Gem DeCordova

Credits:

• Interview Facilitated by: StoryCorps Mobile Tour
• Connecticut Public Producers: J Holt, Megan Fitzgerald, Catie Talarski
• Music by: Niamh

This conversation was recorded in 2021. 

For more, visit StoryCorps CT

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