Over the past 15 years there have been news stories about North Webster resident Ken Strong regarding his endeavors as a grand-scale illusionist, actor, vocalist and paramedic. However, one story had never been told. For more than a decade there was a story inside of him, and in late 2010 Strong finally let this memoir out in a personal narrative titled “My Elusive Michele”. This tale was never intended for public eyes but, with the encouragement of the few who had read it, Strong posted the memoir as a “note” on his personal Facebook page. From there the story took on a life of its own. Strong received good reviews from Facebook readers that he had never met. Along with that came publishing opportunities. Strong said, “I was reluctant at first, as this is like a page from my own journal. It’s very personal and was quite painful at times to write. However, I soon realized how touched people were from reading it and I learned that people were somehow connecting to my own story. So, I felt led to share it on a larger scale.” “My Elusive Michele” is the story of Strong’s first love. It asks the question, “If it is ‘true’ love and if that person is your ‘soul-mate,’ then is it possible to move on and to find that kind of love ever again?” The story begins in his original hometown of Avon, where he was a local firefighter-paramedic, then leads into his move to the Kosciusko County area in 1996. Strong still resides in the North Webster area where he has worked for the past 16 years as a paramedic for North Webster EMS. He also has been working as a full-time flight paramedic on a Fort Wayne-based medical helicopter for the past six years. Local residents may know him better as a former professional illusionist or as an actor. For the past three years, he has portrayed the lead role of Jesus Christ in the Lakes Area Player’s production of “Christ’s Passion” in Syracuse. He was also the lead singer of the former contemporary Christian band “Falling on Faith”. Though his careers in emergency medicine and the performing arts have brought Strong success and fulfillment, he remains single to this day. Strong said, “This book explains a lot of that … why I have never been married, never engaged, rarely even in a serious relationship.” Strong admits that the writing of “My Elusive Michele” was part of a healing process and his hope is that it will also inspire healing in others. “My Elusive Michele” is available as a paperback and e-book through most online book retailers including Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Borders. The book is also available through some local libraries and North Webster-based shops such as Consegna & Coffee and Ace Hardware of North Webster.A special book signing has been scheduled locally in the soon-to-open “Grandma’s Kitchen Cupcakery” within the Benson Communications complex in downtown Syracuse. The cupcakery is scheduled to open for business Friday and will feature the book “My Elusive Michele”, along with its treats. The book signing is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
