We all tell stories all the time. Nearly every time we get together with other people, we tell them stories. Think of every time you or someone else has started a conversation by saying, “You won’t believe what happened to me today,” or “I saw the weirdest thing today!”
On Thursday, January 16, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, come on out to the library, have some delicious (and free!) Smokin’ Dave’s dinner, and listen to and learn to tell stories from master storyteller Jane Anne Ferguson. All ages are welcome. Bring your own plates and utensils, some cornbread to share, and register here. If you plan to attend, please register very soon so we can tell Smokin’ Dave’s how much food to order.
Presented by the Wide Spaces Community Initiative, a program of the Lyons Regional Library, Third Thursdays will be offered from January to May. This is part of our effort to combat the causes of mental illness, suicide, and ill health from early on. A huge cause of these things is loneliness and isolation. The research is clear that isolation kills, even more so than obesity or cigarettes. Research also shows that doing and learning something creative in a group improves not only mental health, but also physical health in significant ways. This is why the Lyons Community Foundation has funded these events, and Smokin’ Dave’s is donating the food.
We encourage folks to use this as an opportunity to combat loneliness. Reach out to someone you don’t see very often, or a neighbor who seems to not go out anymore. Offer to order their ticket and give them a ride and bring a plate and utensils for them. Let’s start breaking down barriers, cliques, and life as usual, and create a community of belonging for everyone in Lyons!