By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A chance meeting. A lesson learned and applied. An observation.

 

These were all some of the stories that were shared during the first WKTV’s Storytellers Project that was held in February at Wyoming’s The Stray, 4253 S. Division Ave.

“I moved among the crowd to see their reaction and it was really nice to see how much people were enjoying themselves,” said founder and host Donna Kidner Smith.

In fact, The Stray was packed on that snowy, cold day in February, to listen to about 14 local storytellers share a 5-6 minute story from their life. It was such a success that a second storytelling event has been scheduled for Friday, April 15. The program will be at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

The idea for the project came from Moth Radio Hour, which airs on NPR stations across the nation. The program features storytellers who share stories that honor both the diversity and commonality of human experience, and satisfies a human need for connection.

“This time there will be a theme,” Kidner-Smith said, adding that the theme is “That didn’t Go as I Had Planned.” There will be about 12 storytellers including Kidner-Smith.

The Stray’s menu features a selection of coffees and non-coffee items such as tea, hot chocolate and Brix soda. There is also a lunch menu of sandwiches and salads and in the evening, the offerings include flat breads and a selection of beer and wine.

For those who missed the February event or would like to get a sneak peek as to how it all goes, can watch the February WKTV Voices Storytelling Project at 9 p.m. Tuesday, 7 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 p.m. Saturday on Comcast Channel 25.

 

WKTV also will be recording the April 15 event as well.