Evelyn James:Our Founder and Our Inspiration! [M.A. in Theatre, Speech and English] Directs progrms, special events, and exhibits at the Tyler Public Library---yes, she's become "The Libray Lady!" Adjunct faculty in the Theatre Department at UT Tyler, Theatre instructor for the Tyler Civic Theatre Acting Conservatory. Travels as a storyteller, trainer and conference speaker. Known for her hilarious telling style, Evelyn shares folklore, true history and tales from her family heritage. She is co-producer of our Squatty Pines Storytelling Festival. espjames@cox-internet.com [Tyler]
Jim Connally: A True East Texas Treasure! Jim is TISD Director of the Outdoor Learning Center at Camp Tyler & Co-Chairperson of ETS. He has never met a truth he couldn't improve! A 4th generation Tylerite and 10th generation East Texican, he claims to be one of the last of the certifiable native large-mouthed prevaricators. Along with his family stories he loves to tell about Paul Bunyan, Boomer, the oil field roughneck and Pete, the hermit. With a 40 year history in scouting, Jim is a favorite among scouts of all ages. He annually hosts the Squatty Pines Storytelling Celebration at Camp Tyler. connallyj@tyler.sprnet.org [Tyler]
Joanne Buendtner: "The Accordion Lady" As Outreach Coordinator & resident children's literature specialist at The University of Texas at Tyler's Robert R. Muntz Library, Joanne uses storytelling to promote the joys of literature and reading. She especially likes participatory tales that get the audience involved and is often accompanied by one of her 3 accordions. She regularly tells at area schools, daycares, libraries, churches & nursing homes, spends summers teaching young teenagers the art of storytelling in programs co-sponsored by UT Tyler, TLC through Literacy & ETS. She presents "how to" workshops to educators, parents & grandparents, students & Girl Scouts. She is webmaster for this site & several others, including the U.T. Tyler Library site. vjbuendtner@earthlink.net [Bullard]
R.W. & Shirley Coon: Glowing Chalk & Ventriloquism! This husband & wife team have recently added Jeffery (who refuses to be referred to as a dummy) to their storytelling act. Shirley & Jeffery tell stories while R. W. uses colored chalk to illustrate & enhance the experience. Sometimes Shirley & Jeffery tell alone, but most often you'll find all 3 working together. Shirley is a retired elementary teacher who enjoyed teaching with stories in the classroom. She tells folk tales, fairy tales, & especially enjoys presenting Bible stories. The Coons often share their special talents in schools, churches, & nursing homes. shirlrw@juno.com [Tyler]
Anne McCrady: There's a Song in Her Heart!Anne mixes original stories, poems and songs with contemporary and traditional tales and folk music. Her stories offer inspiration for the soul and food for thought in performances that are designed for all ages. Anne is a published poet and workshop presenter and has appeared at the Texas Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Conference. She is often an emcee at Squatty Pines Storytelling Retreat and in 2008 will direct the retreat. More about her is available on her website, www.InSpiritry.com. annemccrady@inspiritry.com [Henderson]
Pam Pipkin: Our Gentle Teller! Pam is the Director of the Rusk County library and she has a quiet gentle style that befits her profession. She enjoys telling a variety of stories, especially folk tales and fables. Sometime balloon critters find their way into her stories. She has been telling since 1986 and in 1996 represented East Texas Storytellers as a regional teller at the Texas Storytelling festival. She has been featured in various Children's Concerts throughout East Texas. She also serves on the Tejas Storytelling Assiciation Board of Directors.. pipkinw@hotmail.com [Kilgore]
John "Coach" Phillips: A Real Sport! Coach is a retired high school coach and ex-marine who now works as a professional massage thearapist. In the last year he has added storytelling to his life. He tells traditional and Bible tales to children & adults. He also tells tales of his childhood and of life in the USMC. Some of his tales are tall indeed! Ask him about the snake! coachphilips@pdq.net [Grapeland]
Sharon Hudspeth: Has Stories, Will Travel! A former elementary, high school and adult education teacher, Sharon often used stories in her classrooms. This sparked interest in the subjects she taught and encouraged the enjoyment & the power of reading in her students. Now days she travels with her husband, only spending about half the year in East Texas. She shares folklore, history, personal narratives, as well as warm & funny true stories of her 15+-years of Alaskan adventures. fbhudspeth@aol.com [Tyler/Alaska]
Liz Lawrence: Is She Supergirl or Ham?By day a quiet mild-mannered office manager, She is secretly a ham at heart and enjoys storytelling as an outlet for that side of her with the funny bone! She prefers traditional tales and folk tales...especially the ones with a humorous twist. Liz is worth the listen. Experience her great facial expressions, & you're sure to want more! [Tyler]
This page was last updated on: November 7, 2007
Gerald McKinnon:Like Diamonds, He's an Arkansas Treasure! Gerald is a lifelong storyteller, entertaining family & friends for many years. If you get close to him & stand still for a minute, you'll hear a story or two. "He can talk the horns off a billy goat" originated when someone stopped to listen! He specializes in stories that are fun to listen to. Gerald has performed at state parks, in classrooms, nursing homes, storytelling festivals & public libraries, as well as the Elberta Arts Council. [SW Arkansas]
John "Red" Murff:He's a Hit! Red was a major league pitcher in the 50s but is even better known for his 32 years as a major league scout. Signing Nolan Ryan to his 1st pro contact got him inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame. He shares baseball lore & dugout tales. He is a published author and is currently working on a historical novel set in 1836-40 Texas. smurffs@msm.com [Tyler]
Karen M Kinnon: Energetic, Funny & She Teaches Too! She has always had a passion for storytelling since she sat at her grandfather's feet absorbing his tales of advetures from the good ol' days. She enjoys telling stories that are full of energy, movement & comedy to children. She believes that stories teach about character traits and encourage reading. She tells at state parks, youth groupsk, libraries, festivals and nursing homes. Karen also teaches storytelling to 6th graders. She has been an ETSG "Rising Star," too. kmack59@hotmail.com [SW Arkansas]
Dru Woods: Creative & Enthusiastic! Dru offers professional programs for young children through Senior Adults, designed to motivate reading & instill an appreciation of literature and storytelling. She has 30 years experience in teaching Speech & Theatre..She incorporates music & puppetry to enhance the magical experience of her listeners. druwoods@yahoo.com [Holly Lake Ranch]
