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| Spellbinders Mesa County Newsletter
Volume 1/Issue 2 |
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| Once Upon a Time.... |
April 2009 |
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Profiles in Storytelling
As you all know, Norma Roscoe and John Wagner are moving to be closer to their respective families. We will surely miss them! So, it could not be more fitting than to have our Question of the Month be about the memories they will leave with us when they go! |
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I've missed writing to each of you throughout this year. News about Norma moving to Oklahoma brings, for me, a great sense of admiration and appreciation. Her involvement from the beginning was nothing short of remarkable. We also hear that John will be moving to New York to be closer to grandchildren-and children. John, as an educator and experienced storyteller, continues to inspire and bring so much to our Mesa County Spellbinders. I hope each of you get a chance to visit with Norma and John before the year ends.
And, by the way--isn't this newsletter wonderful? Thank you, Karen, for all your work!
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Spellbinders of Mesa County Statistics
School Year 2008/09
(as of 3-31-09)
Total Student Audience: 29,986
Classrooms: 353
Schools: 25
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 Greetings!Welcome to Mesa County Spellbinders Newsletter!
A little bit about us:
The mission of the National Spellbinders organization is to nurture literacy, character and intergenerational community through the art of oral storytelling. In order to spread the magic of oral storytelling Spellbinder chapters train volunteers to become storytellers in their communities.
This newsletter is sent to you by the Mesa County Spellbinders. Enjoy! |
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Question of the Month:
What is your favorite memory of John and your favorite memory of Norma?
 With Norma, everything is possible! Her red hat, in my mind, is a heartfelt symbol of commitment and devotion to Spellbinders and all those children who treasure her stories. Lois Becker
John's reputation as a kindred storyteller will resonate for years to come as children grow and come into their own. He is modest about his own telling experiences, yet is remindful to new tellers of their storytelling influences on school age children. Lois Becker
No specific memory stands out in my mind because Norma is such a quiet presence in our chapter. She leads by example, by the humble way in which she calmly and gently helps us all succeed to be the fruitful chapter we have become under her direction. She leaves a stunning legacy that will serve as an example to any who yearn to impact their future through the lives of our children. Mary Ann Janson
If not for John's encouragement and strong sense of confidence that he instilled in me, and he continues to instill in other new Spellbinders, I would not have completed my training! But John calmed my anxiety and built a sense of confidence in my abilities that allowed me and others to go forward. Under his gentle and loving care and guidance many new Spellbinders were added to our chapter. We are grateful!
Mary Ann Janson
Hats! I really like Norma's hats and John's cowboy hats!
Sally Matchett
What I have valued over the time period I've known them both is the fact that they were always so kind, willing to help, and ready to listen. I am glad for having known them!
Gertraud Jones
John is one of those "Good Guys" who doesn't draw attention to himself, is always there to give advice and praise, and expects nothing in return. He filled me with enthusiasm from the first meeting, which has not flagged since the Fall of 2004! Thank you for your inspiration and friendship! Penny Stewart
Norma is the sweetest, kindest person one could ever know. I decided to have an "animal" of some sort to help me tell stories to the younger children. A small white stuffed rabbit now accompanies me to all my storytelling sessions. What is his name? Roscoe, of course! Norma may be far away, but I shall think of her each time Roscoe and I tell our stories. Penny Stewart
Speaking on behalf of the "wanna-be-like-Norma" and "wanna-be-like John" storytellers that they both have trained, coached and mentored...Thank you Teachers!! You encouraged us in our emergence. You inspired us when we doubted. You celebrated us for our efforts and never made our attempts seem feeble. Pauline Lyttle-Porter
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Spellbinders Show & Tell
 We heard two great stories by two great storytellers at our March workshop!
Janice Shepherd shared a wonderful original story called "Death of a Cougar." She wrote this for a class she took a number of years ago. Quite a few folks asked her for a copy or an outline of the story for future use! Janice has created an outline for the story, so if you'd like a copy of this please send me an email with your request and I will forward it to you! Please include Cougar story outline as the subject of the email.
John Wagner shared "New Pots From Old" from Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope. What a treat! John also shared an activity sheet that he gives to teachers after telling the story. It includes a summary of the story and some suggested follow-up activities.
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Coming Attractions!
Next month our Question of the Month will be: What if I get half way through the story, and either forget what comes next, or realize that I've left out an important part?
If you have a great suggestion/answer to this question feel free to share it with your fellow Spellbinders by sending me an email. Please include Question of the Month in the subject line. Some of these suggestions will appear in our next issue along with a note citing the source.
We will have our first Spellbinder Profile. Ingrid Leland has graciously consented to being our first! I enjoyed getting to know her better....you will too!
Spellbinders National has launched a Spellbinders-Only yahoo group to provide volunteers with a place to share stories and ideas! I'll include more details next month,but in the mean time you can find out how to join this group by visiting the Spellbinders National website. Check it out!
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We hope you find this newsletter useful. Please let us know what you would like to see in future issues by clicking Newsletter Feedback to send your suggestions via email.
Thank you for your contributions and support to our organization.
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 Sincerely,
Karen Hurst
Spellbinders Mesa County |
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| Quotes from kids: Jane Spears was telling stories for a class for the first time when she was asked if she knew their former teller, Bob Spears. She responded that he is her husband. One little girl replied, "He never told me he was married!"
(Do you have any quotes from kids that you would like to share? Send them to me along with your permission to use them in our Quotes from Kids section!) |
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| Copyright (c) 2009 Mesa County Spellbinders. All rights reserved (but feel free to copy it, post it, quote it, think about it, and forward on to others.) |
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