Storytellers pursue theme of ‘Independence’ in fourth round of Light Switch Stories | Arts & Entertainment – KVNU

LOGAN – Independence was the theme of the fourth monthly chapter of the “Light Switch Stories” held on July 26 at the LionHeart Hall in Logan.

As usual, seven brave individuals shared candid recollections of real experience coping with foibles, failures and triumphs that taught them valuable life lessons about standing on their own two feet.

“Our shows are community friendly,” emphasizes Tracy Monson, who serves as one of several rotating Masters of Ceremonies for the storytelling series that recalls that moment of crystal-clear realization when the “light switch” went off in the heads of the speakers.

“But we don’t shy away from difficult topics,” she adds.

During the “Light Switch Stories” series installments presented in April, May and June, most of the featured storytellers were Cache Valley friends and neighbors. In something of a departure from that norm, however, Ms. Monson and host Ryan Leonhardt brought in a ringer for this month’s event.

That professional speaker was Jenny Taylor, the widow of Major Brent Taylor, the former mayor of North Ogden. A member of the Utah National Guard, Maj. Taylor was killed in a tragic “blue-on-blue” shooting incident while serving in Afghanistan in November 2018.

In the years since Maj. Taylor’s shocking death, Mrs. Taylor has unexpectedly and frequently found herself in a position to speak out about the price of freedom, the value of community support and her personal quest for healing.

At LionHeart Hall, Ms. Taylor talked about finding the strength to overcome the sense of dread every time her four-times deployed husband would say “Hon, We need to talk.”

Other home-grown storytellers at the July 26 events were Ms. Monson, Daisy Quiroz, Debbie Andrew, Savannah Cordova, Carolina Calbimonte and Colin Combs.

Ms. Monson discussed finding a new sense of personal identity during a teenage summer in the wildly diverse atmosphere of her father’s hotel in Idaho Falls.

Ms. Quiroz recalled the teenage trauma of being ostracized by her friends and forced to navigate the emotional minefield of middle school on her own.

Ms. Andrew discussed the employment discrimination faced by single mothers in Cache Valley in the early 1980s.

Ms. Cordova confessed that she once ruined a perfect rendition of “The National Anthem” before her entire high school when she took a pratfall after the final note.

Ms. Calbimonte credited her young children with helping her find her own voice here in Cache Valley.

Finally, in an emotional speech, Coombs explained the many problems and concerns facing individuals diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

Each of those sometimes gut-wrenching stories was rewarded with applause from the rapt audience at LionHeart Hall.

The “Light Switch Stories” series is slated to continue through December, according to Leonhardt, the owner of that performance venue.

“Everyone has a story to tell,” he explains. “Our next event will be on Friday, Aug. 16, when the overarching theme will be stories about things that are ‘mandatory.’”

In following months, the storytellers will explore the themes of “Schooled,” “Elements of Surprise,” “Traditions” and “Joy.”

For more information about the series, prospective storytelling volunteers are urged to follow “Light Switch Stories” on Facebook and other social media or contact the series organizers at [email protected]

LionHeart Hall is located at 480 North, 100 East in Logan.