The holidays have a way of bringing back memories of family traditions and meals, festive gatherings, friendly competition, plenty of laughs and the people who made the season special. Some stories have been told for years, while others may have been tucked away for a while.
FISH of SanCap is inviting the community to bring those memories to “Tell Your Holiday Story,” a relaxed, interactive storytelling workshop on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. Light refreshments and coffee will be provided. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP here https://tellyourholidaystory.rsvpify.com.
The gathering will give participants an opportunity to think about the people, places, traditions and moments that have shaped their holidays over the years. The workshop is open to adults of all ages, and participants are welcome to come on their own or with a friend or family member.
“Tell Your Holiday Story” will be facilitated by Christine Cargnoni, DTM, a member of Toastmasters International through the Naples Advanced Toastmasters Club. Cargnoni will use storytelling prompts and a simple outline to help participants recall and organize their own holiday stories.
“This festive workshop gives people a chance to reminisce, laugh and spend some time with others in the community,” said Simon Robson, FISH Community Outreach and Resiliency Director. “Everyone has stories. Some bring back people we miss, some make us laugh years later and some may be memories we have not thought about in a long time. We hope people will come and enjoy where the conversation takes them.”
Participants who are comfortable sharing will have an opportunity to tell their story to the group. Sharing is optional, and those who would rather listen and enjoy the stories of others are equally welcome.
The workshop is part of FISH’s Island-Based Education programming, which offers opportunities throughout the year for residents, members of the island workforce and others in the community to learn, participate and connect. FISH also provides Food Programs, Senior Services and Helping Hands financial assistance, allowing the organization to respond to a wide range of needs among people who live or work on Sanibel and Captiva.
“Programs like this give people another way to be part of FISH and part of the community,” said Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “Someone may first come to FISH for a workshop, a community gathering or to volunteer. Another person may come because they need help with groceries, transportation or an unexpected financial situation. There are many ways people connect with FISH, and opportunities to simply spend time together are an important part of that.”
For Robson, the workshop also offers participants a chance to preserve stories that could otherwise be lost. “A story someone remembers during the workshop might be one they decide to write down, tell their children or grandchildren, or share around the dinner table this year,” Robson said. “We hope people leave thinking about the stories they carry, the people connected to them and perhaps a little more inspired to keep those memories going. The holidays give us a wonderful reason to share them.”
Questions about Tell Your Holiday Story may be directed to Simon Robson, FISH Community Outreach and Resiliency Director, at simon@fishofsancap.org.
