Nancy Ballantyne always thought storytelling was “daunting.”
Then she started recording her mom’s stories as the elder’s memory began slipping away.
“Now, my mom cannot recall those stories. When I say we are going to read them, she replies, ‘I don’t have anything worth talking about’. However, when she chooses one of her stories like ‘first time driving a horse and buggy’ or ‘baking pies’, and I start reading, she starts remembering and engaging… and hours fly by,” Ballantyne said.
She added her mom has even said, “thanks for giving me back myself.”
To share the power of story with others, Ballantyne, who is part of Aging Together as Community (ATAC) helped organize ‘The Stories Within’, an event in partnership with Those Other Movies, taking place Oct. 4 at the Haliburton Legion.
The gathering will be collaborative, intergenerational and free.
People can join for either a morning movie screening, from 10 a.m. to noon with the film’s director, or for afternoon storytelling workshops, from noon to 4 p.m., or for both.
Organizers said anyone over the age of 10 is welcome, and a free lunch will be catered by Poquito Loco for those who attend all day, or just the afternoon workshops.
The movie is entitled Silver Screamers, directed by Sean Cistern.
“Be inspired by this documentary that captures older adults as they create a horror film by taking on every role, from set design and makeup, to acting, directing, and editing. Ask Sean any questions during a question-and-answer session right after the movie,” ATAC and TOM said.
They added people can then choose, and engage in, two of six afternoon storytelling workshops.
They stressed that storytelling experience is not required.
“Each workshop presenter will inspire and support you as you start on a storytelling adventure through writing, recording, games, video, and discussion.”
The six workshop options are: ‘and then what happened’ led by Fay Wilkinson; ‘take a bite into memoir’ with Gail Stelter; ‘where memory becomes poetry’ featuring Anabelle Craig; ‘don’t let the stories disappear’ under the guidance of Tammy Rae; ‘from story to screen: lights, camera, story’ with Cisterna; and ‘keep and share your voice’ with help from Ballantyne.
People will be encouraged to share their stories afterwards.
To end the day, Christine Keenan from KLHOHT (Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Ontario Health Team) will provide information on the LEAP (Lived Experience Advisory Partnership) committee and explain how Haliburton County residents can join the committee and share their stories.
For more information, including the details about each workshop, visit ATAC’s website (agingtogether.ca) or Facebook page.
Register before Sept. 27 either by accessing the QR code on ATAC’s storytelling poster or Facebook page, by emailing (agingtogetherhc@gmail.com), or calling 905-717-5334.
The event is funded by The New Horizons Seniors Program Grant, Those Other Movies, and SALC Haliburton County.
