SPARK STORIES
"Spooky. Freaky. Just Weird."
October 27, 2024
We hope you enjoy our  true personal life stories. Click on the story titles to see YouTube video recordings thanks to CWC Productions.

Scott was born and raised in Salem, Ohio. He taught high school English, and has been an elementary, middle school and high school principal.  Scott served as Superintendent of West Branch Local Schools for 12 years until his retirement in 2016.  Scott and wife Shelley have two grown children and one adorable granddaughter, Vienna, and another grandchild “coming soon!”  This is Scott’s fifth appearance with The SPARK Storytellers. Working with Kandace Cleland, Coach Robin Tener, and a group of creative colleagues has been an amazing, rewarding experience.

Robin and her husband Dean relocated to Lisbon in 2021.   As she continues to step toward retirement from her career as a child psychologist, Robin is enjoying many new activities.  SPARK Storytelling is definitely a favorite!   Robin grew up in Detroit, Michigan and enjoys telling stories about her past experiences.  SPARK Storytelling has given her the opportunity to share her recollections with others.

DeLisa is a head clerk in the Sebring library. She creates programs and is in the beginning stages of implementing a local author section. DeLisa self-published her book, Clearing the Room, which is available via Amazon. She is also a storyteller, writer, poet, and Minister. She is currently working on a play about her grandmother. DeLisa grew up in Youngstown but moved to Sebring 6 years ago. When DeLisa isn't working on a writing project, she can be found thrift store shopping with her mom or spending time with her 3 children (33, 29, 19) and 9 grandchildren.

Gloria was born and grew up in Lisbon. After graduating from The Ohio State University, she began a journalism career that took her to Pittsburgh, New York and London. She returned to Lisbon and the family farm in 2001. She worked or MCTA for 15 years retiring in 2022. She is involved with the Lisbon Alumni Association and the OSU Alumni Club of Columbiana County. She is past chair of board of the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, on the board of the Lisbon Historical Society, secretary/treasurer of the Algonquin Spinners & Weavers Guild and secretary of the Great Lakes Fiber Show. Her farm chores include caring for three dogs, eight cats, seven cows, two goats, five sheep and several chickens.

Fritz is co-founder of THE HUB, a Columbiana based group using storytelling to facilitate spiritual connections and is a frequent storyteller at HUB gatherings and workshops.  He is grateful to the Stage Left community for the connections made and knowledge gained through the SPARK storytelling process.  When not immersing himself in the spirituality of story, Fritz pastors Presbyterian churches in Columbiana and East Palestine.  This is his first time on the SPARK stage.

Lynne resides in Salem, but her love of performing has resulted in her traveling to many area theaters during the last ten years.  SPARK is Lynne’s third appearance on the Playhouse stage, but it is her first attempt at storytelling. She is excited to use everything she has learned about the art of storytelling to share her story with you.  

Stephen is no stranger to the Trinity Playhouse. He has appeared onstage in several different productions, most recently in “Senior Moments”. He is also a thirteen year veteran of the U.S. Army, serving 4 years active duty and 9 years with the Ohio Army National Guard. He would like to thank his lovely wife Caroline who is always there to set him straight when he goes astray. 

Jo has told many stories during her 40 year teaching career.  However, this is her first try at formal storytelling with SPARK.  Jo enjoys biking, kayaking, paint-by-number projects, crafting and chalking up the sidewalk. She loves shopping for treasures, decorating her home, snuggling with her dog, Ivy, and indulging in all things Snoopy. Jo writes and  records a weekly podcast called Midweek Pause for THE HUB made up of prayers and reflections. She appreciates her health, cherishes being a Gigi, and thanks her husband for sharing a wonderful life with her.