Love, dating, motherhood among themes for Tallahassee Storytellers Project 2019 events

After a successful inaugural season, the Tallahassee Storytellers Project is gearing up for an exciting 2019. 

Four themed nights have been scheduled on topics from love and dating to motherhood to outdoor adventures.  

“This next set of storytelling events invites listeners to look into a window of the experiences of others – people with whom they might never have crossed paths. Relating to each other in this way builds bridges and connects the community on a very personal level,” said Nada Hassanein, a Democrat reporter who coaches storytellers. “Come listen with an open mind and heart.”

The curtain came down on the 2018 season with four storytellers who told true anecdotes about heartbreak and impromptu decisions on Nov. 30. 

Their stories were warmly received by more than 150 people who laughed, held their breaths and whispered quiet "wows" during the hour-long event at the American Legion Hall  Post 13 at Lake Ella. The event was held as a fundraiser for Lee's Place, a nonprofit trauma, grief and loss counseling center. King Arthur's Tools, composer Carlisle Floyd, and Fairytale Brownies were the major sponsors. 

Each participant recalled a moment that reflected the night's theme, "In the Blink of an Eye: Stories of Tragedy, Triumph and Transformation." 

Kenneth Jones, a journalism professor at Florida A&M, told a story of his encounter with a disrespectful corner store owner in a poor Tampa neighborhood and his decision to walk away from a life-changing moment. 

Rachel Sutz Pienta, who manages Wakulla County 4-H, talked about the death of her sister, caring for the 4-year-old son her sister left behind and the way it all shaped her career path. 

Elementary school teacher Domonique Rora took listeners back to his middle school advanced language arts class, where a lesson plan about family lineage taught him a lesson he would never forget. 

Real estate broker Christic Henry told the story of her father's death, the memories she keeps with her and how she carries on his legacy.

All their stories can be heard online at Tallahassee.com.

The Tallahassee Storytellers Project's ticketed events aim to connect the community through stories and by sharing diverse voices telling first-person stories in 8 to 10 minutes in front of a live audience.

Its other events this year included were an introductory evening, "Teachers and Life Lessons" and "How Tallahassee Became Home."

And there's more to come in 2019. On Feb. 5 storytellers will talk about romance in the age of apps and online match services during "Love & Dating in the Digital Age." On May 7, men and women will share stories about moms and motherhood during "A Mother’s Nest: Stories of Mothers and Motherhood." 

Stories of "Outdoor Adventures" will be shared on July 9. The 2019 season will wrap up with an homage to hurricane season when storytellers recall "The Storms of Our Lives" on Oct. 22.

For next year, the Tallahassee Storytellers Project needs help from the community. It's searching for storytellers, sponsorsand venues for each of its four events. Anyone who is interested in becoming involved should contact  Andrew Skerritt at 850-599-2168 or askerritt@tallahassee.com. 

"The storytelling project is for us coaches a wonderful way to connect with our readers," said Storytelling Coach Andrew Skerritt. "Each event reminds us of why stories matter and always will."

For more information about the event or listen to past events, visit www.StorytellersProject.com/Tallahassee.

Contact Ashley White at adwhite@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @AshleyyDi.