In the News

The memory of the elevator doors opening and seeing his wife for the first time is still Dick Bell’s top favorite memory decades later.

“So many people think that love is this feeling,” said Bell, 73, of Zion, who still laughs remembering that double date when he fell in love with Darlene, who had been dating his buddy then. “And it is, that’s a part of it. But love is a decision…’I’m going to love you, no matter what.'”

Bell is one of dozens interviewed for Words of Wisdom, a video project by two Chicagoland entrepreneurs who got the idea to interview seniors to collect their memories and shared words of wisdom.

Co-founders Dave Voitik and Justin Jackola met at a networking event and teamed up to create a video project that shares “the untold stories in our culture.”

“We felt that we can learn so much about life’s meaning from the people all around us if we could just give them the stage or forum for sharing,” said Voitik, 50, president of Legend Creative Group, a marketing studio in Lake Zurich that produces web and video projects.

Jackola, 25, director and founder of JJack Productions in Chicago, asks the questions from “was he a good kisser,” to “what is the meaning of life.” The founders said they seek to ask questions that inspire interesting, meaningful and educational responses.

“We have found that there is at least one moment in almost every interview that is particularly touching or poignant, reducing everyone on set to tears,” Voitik said.

The project launched December 2014, and one year later, they have 2,381 views with 6,924 minutes of watch-time. According to the founders, they were surprised to find more than 40 percent of their audience were ages 25 to 34.

The interviews consist of a four-person crew, usually at participants’ homes or at shows or other facilities. With a set of 21 questions, the interviews usually take between 20 to 30 minutes, and are edited down to five- or seven-minute clips.

So far, they’ve done more than 30 interviews and after two shoots in January, expect to have about 30 more. The goal is to post one new video every week.

Funded solely by the two founders, the project promises a coming together of quality production values and great questions. The self-funded project is seeking sponsorships and partnerships to grow its reach.

They’re also considering crowd-funding, as the financial challenge of maintaining overhead costs of production, editing and travel is taking a toll on the two.

They’ve since branched out from personal networks to senior-focused organizations to find participants. Last summer, they filmed for two days at the Senior Lifestyle Expo.

In addition to more views and interviews, they hope the project will diversify and expand to a global audience.

“We plan to continue the series into the foreseeable future as we feel that this is part of our legacy to the world,” Voitik said. “The lives and experiences of all of our interviewees are so very important to share.”

Bell, who knows co-founder Jackola’s parents, appreciated the opportunity to share about his life with beyond his immediate family.

“People tend not to pay attention to seniors,” he said, despite the wisdom and knowledge that can be gained from others’ years. “I don’t ever remember being asked those questions by anyone else.”

Christine Won is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Link to full article.

The memory of the elevator doors opening and seeing his wife for the first time is still Dick Bell’s top favorite memory decades later.

“So many people think that love is this feeling,” said Bell, 73, of Zion, who still laughs remembering that double date when he fell in love with Darlene, who had been dating his buddy then. “And it is, that’s a part of it. But love is a decision…’I’m going to love you, no matter what.'”

Bell is one of dozens interviewed for Words of Wisdom, a video project by two Chicagoland entrepreneurs who got the idea to interview seniors to collect their memories and shared words of wisdom.

Co-founders Dave Voitik and Justin Jackola met at a networking event and teamed up to create a video project that shares “the untold stories in our culture.”

“We felt that we can learn so much about life’s meaning from the people all around us if we could just give them the stage or forum for sharing,” said Voitik, 50, president of Legend Creative Group, a marketing studio in Lake Zurich that produces web and video projects.

Jackola, 25, director and founder of JJack Productions in Chicago, asks the questions from “was he a good kisser,” to “what is the meaning of life.” The founders said they seek to ask questions that inspire interesting, meaningful and educational responses.

“We have found that there is at least one moment in almost every interview that is particularly touching or poignant, reducing everyone on set to tears,” Voitik said.

The project launched December 2014, and one year later, they have 2,381 views with 6,924 minutes of watch-time. According to the founders, they were surprised to find more than 40 percent of their audience were ages 25 to 34.

The interviews consist of a four-person crew, usually at participants’ homes or at shows or other facilities. With a set of 21 questions, the interviews usually take between 20 to 30 minutes, and are edited down to five- or seven-minute clips.

So far, they’ve done more than 30 interviews and after two shoots in January, expect to have about 30 more. The goal is to post one new video every week.

Funded solely by the two founders, the project promises a coming together of quality production values and great questions. The self-funded project is seeking sponsorships and partnerships to grow its reach.

They’re also considering crowd-funding, as the financial challenge of maintaining overhead costs of production, editing and travel is taking a toll on the two.

They’ve since branched out from personal networks to senior-focused organizations to find participants. Last summer, they filmed for two days at the Senior Lifestyle Expo.

In addition to more views and interviews, they hope the project will diversify and expand to a global audience.

“We plan to continue the series into the foreseeable future as we feel that this is part of our legacy to the world,” Voitik said. “The lives and experiences of all of our interviewees are so very important to share.”

Bell, who knows co-founder Jackola’s parents, appreciated the opportunity to share about his life with beyond his immediate family.

“People tend not to pay attention to seniors,” he said, despite the wisdom and knowledge that can be gained from others’ years. “I don’t ever remember being asked those questions by anyone else.”

Christine Won is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Link to full article.

One of our recent Words of Wisdom contributors, Vita Verden, was recently the focus on an article in the Daily Herald. She is the creator and host of “Senior Issues Etc.” a cable television show available on Comcast.

Article excerpt:
“Recently, “Senior Issues Etc.” was discovered online by the Words of Wisdom Project, and Verden and the crew were contacted and profiled. Words of Wisdom was founded more than a year ago as a venue for seniors to share their life stories, life lessons, hopes and fears, according to co-founder Dave Voitik. More than 60 interviews have been posted.”

Link to full article.

Congratulations Vita and Good Luck with your show “Senior Issues Etc.”