We’re back at it again & planning for our November 2018 event! If you would be interested in becoming a presenter for our next evening of storytelling or know someone who would love to share their amazing adventures, please check out our application.
Guidelines and Application 2018
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Thursday, November 16th
7:00-9:00 pm
“Do Tell! – Greeley Voices that Inspire” features compelling stories presented by local residents on stage at the Hensel Phelps Theater. The stories are not the work of professional presenters, but are based upon the experiences of “real people” who have been selected through an audition process to tell their story. The storytellers will offer an array of topics with personal and unique perspectives that have had a significant impact on the storyteller’s life in some way.
“From Canterbury Tales to modern day TED Talks, storytelling remains an enduring means to relate the human experience,” notes Becky Safarik, Greeley Creative District President.“Do Tell! – Greeley Voices that Inspire” will feature compelling stories presented by local residents on stage at the Hensel Phelps Theater. The stories are not the work of professional presenters, but are based upon the experiences of “real people” who have been selected through an audition process to tell their story. The storytellers will offer an array of topics with personal and unique perspectives that have had a significant impact on the storyteller’s life in some way.
2017 Storyteller Bios
A Special Evening of Storytelling ~ Who Will Be Sharing Their Story?
Sandi Elder ~ “Hope’s Answer”
A young girl transcends from a childhood full of difficult struggles to adulthood, but learns that she has inherited the polycystic kidney disease that took her father’s life when she was 10 yrs. old. She has married, raised two children, and welcomed grandchildren, when the disease finally threatened to take its deadly toll on her, too.
Sandi will share a video and her story of courage, faith and the commitment and that of her and her live kidney donor, and her gift of life.
Sandi has served on the Greeley City Council for the last 8 years and in numerous related leadership and community service capacities. She is a dedicated volunteer and community advocate; she and her husband, Willie, are the proud parents of a son and daughter who each serve Greeley in public safety careers.
Danielle Bock ~ “Legos and Bathroom Bills”
Selecting a public restroom or changing room is a straightforward decision for most. Not so, for those who identify in non-traditional gender roles. This story presents a personal perspective on the opportunity to support diversity in a broader and more inclusive way in our community.
Danielle will share the experience of living as a gender-neutral adult in Greeley with the hope that this story will offer others, especially children, the ability to overcome a fear of not belonging anywhere in this world.
Danielle is the Director of Nutrition Services for Greeley-Evans School District 6, a partner, and parent.
Michael Olivier ~ “Music as a Healing Art”
Childhood abuse left its painful marks of anxiety and depression. But, seeking –and finding – community in art and music became a catalyst for positive change and healing, and formed a talented musician.
Michael will accompany his story with guitar playing and singing as he shares his journey to leave the past and embrace positive change.
Michael is a gigging musician, professional audio engineer, and member of the Greeley arts community.
Josh Aho ~ “Climbing Colorado’s 14ers with Sawyer”
The quest to climb all of Colorado’s fourteen-thousand-foot peaks stretched into an eleven-year adventure for a golden retriever named Sawyer and his owner, Josh. Attempting to be just the second dog/man team in history to achieve this ambition proved a life-changing event.
Josh will share the story of friendship, failure, and faith and what fueled this enduring challenge.
Josh chronicled his story in a self-published book and website. When he is not climbing Colorado’s mountains, he is the Graphics Technician for the High Plains Library District.
Shawna Cranmer ~ “Finding My Way”
Perseverance has been Shawna’s response to not one, but multiple life challenges: enduring as a teen mom, surviving domestic violence, and battling substance abuse. Through it all Shawna has found herself through helping others.
Shawna will share her story of recovery with slides and a view to the strength within that comes with service to those who are struggling with similar challenges.
Shawna works at North Range Behavioral Health and is also a student.
Dr. Robert Kahn ~ “Holocaust Remembered”
Born in Mainz, Germany in 1931 young Robert viewed firsthand the rise of Nazism and watched as his father and grandfathers were arrested by the Gestapo, who entered the family home on ‘Crystal Night.’
Dr. Kahn will relate how his mother secured the release of his father from the Buchenwald Concentration Camp and how they reunited in Holland, and will tell of attacks by Hitler Youths, school problems, and other experiences arising from this sad page of history.
Dr. Kahn has spoken extensively to schools, churches and Synagogue, at the Holocaust Memorial, area service clubs, and the Story Corp in Cheyenne WY.
Do Tell! on Facebook
Watch the 2017 Do Tell! Videos on YouTube
2016 Do Tell DVDs Still Available!
Stop by the Downtown Development Authority at 802 9th Street, Suite 100, Greeley to get your DVD. The cost is $15 and can be purchased with either cash or check. Or, you can watch and relive all of those stories on YouTube.
These eight presenters shared their compelling stories in November of 2016:
