If you love Lemon Grove for its tight-knit community, small-town charm, rich history, local pride, diverse voices, warm neighbors, and deep-rooted traditions then this message is for you.

As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to be part of something special: a community storytelling celebration called “Memories That Made Us.” This project is about bringing us together — not just to celebrate the holidays, but to reflect, connect, and heal through the power of our shared stories.

We are calling on all Lemon Grove residents, whether you’ve lived here your entire life or just joined the neighborhood, whether you're a city staff member, teacher, student, firefighter, faith leader, or simply someone who cares deeply about this community, to share your most meaningful holiday memories.

We want to hear your stories, the ones that made you smile, made you strong, and stayed with you all your life. Whether it’s a moment of joy, a season of struggle, a cherished family tradition, or a small gesture that meant the world, your memories matter.

We believe your experiences are a gift, and we want to share that gift with the entire community.

Selected stories will be artistically woven into a heartfelt collective monologue or spoken word performance, to be presented live at CC: The Neighborhood during Lemon Grove’s first-ever Holiday Storytime: Memories That Made Us.

Performance: @ CC The Neighborhood December

Where: 7963 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA

Date and Time: Dec. 12/2025 @ Door opens at 7:00PM

Cost: FREE

Your words will become part of a shared performance spoken aloud with warmth, reverence, and pride, reminding our city of the strength, love, and legacy of Lemon Grove.

So we ask you: lend us your voice.

Share your story in writing, audio, or video format.

Submit to: calvin_manson@hotmail.com
Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025

Let’s come together to remember, reflect, and celebrate the soul of our city — one story at a time.

Please share with family, friends, and neighbors.

Let’s make this a true community celebration.

With hope and gratitude,
Calvin Manson
In partnership with Thrive Lemon Grove & The Neighborhood