Submitted by Mary Lou     

As always, whether at the beginning of the "Spellbinders Season" or nearing the end of each school year, it is great fun to listen to the stories that  our fellow Spellbinders share at the workshops!

"incrediente segreto"

http://www.amazon.com/Strega-Nona-Tomie-dePaola/dp/1442433558 

Strega Nona - YouTube 

by Melissa Albro · "Ferdinand The Bull" - 1938 - Duration: 7:54.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULUG8IIo9-8

Val Thompson  believes that it is important to remember and share the songs of our childhood with the newest generation. At her 16-year-old grandson's suggestion, she sang   "The Ugly Duckling" from the 1952 Danny Kaye movie" Hans Christian Andersen". Val also lists "High Hopes" and" Swing on a Star" as some of her favorites for kids. She tells stories to kindergarten classes at Lincoln OM Fruitvale and Dos Rios  Thank you for so pleasantly sharing this song with us Val!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq8ABdKCbdU

  

Anne  Saunders  made  a special request  for Elizabeth Clark to come and  tell  her original  version of The Tortoise and the Hare.  We are so lucky she did!    The Hare  has a nervous lisping voice and is a  ssssstupendously boastful  braggart  who has very little concern for others. " Just Ssssay GO!!"  He comes to race the Tortoise who moves along  slowly " bommm bi-di  bommm,"  with  purposeful  intent  and mindfully  enjoying  the   lovely  world around him: 

... It is itself a variant of a common folktale theme in which ingenuity and trickery ...

• Penny presented a Treasurer's Report itemizing the necessities that keep our group up and running.  The Sunrise Rotary Club, our "Happy Jar" as well as  individuals and various groups help keep up the majority of our funding.  If anyone has the opportunity to speak to a group about Spellbinders, mentioning the importance of their contribution may bring in additional funds to our organization. 

• Liaisons are needed for coordinating storytellers with schools.  Those in this position are necessary for expediency in handling issues.  At this time two volunteers are needed.  These very important positions help to establish a good rapport  between our organization and the school district.  This keeps our organization strong and thriving while establishing good communication with the schools.  It is important that our organization be visible outside of the classroom and coming into contact with school staff through attending staff meetings, contact the Principal, etc., would be worth considering.  Contact Cindy Beckage if interested.  She will be handing out Liaison Folders at the May meeting.

• The First Annual Go Bananas for Spellbinders - Goofy Golf, Silly Stories and Tall Tales Mini-Golf Tournament fundraiser will be held on October 7, 2015.  Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with tournament play running from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  It was  suggested that the Liaisons could possibly attend a school staff meeting before school starts in August to generate interest for this event within the classrooms.

• MaryAnn announced the dates for the 26th Annual Timpanogos Storytelling Festival which will be Friday, September 4, 2015 through Saturday September 5, 2015 under the shadow of the majestic Timpanogos Mountain located in Orem, Utah. Two days prior, from Wednesday, September 2, 2015 through Thursday, September 3, 2015, the Conference will be conducted.  More information on the Festival and lodging will be forthcoming as details emerge.  For more information go to Timpanogos Festival. 

• At our May 14th meeting, we will have a special presentation conducted by Jeremy Franklin.  Jeremy is a former Mesa County Spellbinder and is now a Professor in theater at CMU.