Storytellers: A celebration of the joys and pressures of parenting

I grew up in a rancher, so I never heard the phrase “Don’t make me come up there” from my mom or dad when my siblings and I got into arguments – or when our shenanigans (one of my dad’s favorite words) got out of hand.

The kids hung out in the finished basement, so what we heard was, “Don’t make me come down there.”

Or worse: “Wait until your father gets home!”

We had our share of drama: Literal fistfights with my brother. Shouting matches with my sister when she refused to turn down her horrendous Shaun Cassidy records.

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My own kids had their share of drama, too – and they certainly tried our patience as parents. They’re basically full grown now – and they still try our patience.

They are also hands down the best thing that ever happened to us.

The pressures and joys of parenting and family life are universally relatable, so they make for good stories.

That’s why we chose “Don’t make me come up there” as the theme for our next York Storytellers Project event, Feb. 5 at Wyndridge Farm.

It’s an evening of live, true stories by folks in our community. No fancy visuals or technology. Just a stage, a mic and an open heart. It’s not journalism, per se – but it’s another way for YDR to fulfill its mission of sharing the stories of our community.

We have a great lineup to kick off the 2019 season:

• Todd Platts – yes, that Todd Platts. Former congressman, current judge. He’ll tell a tale about his beloved parents – Dutch and Babs.
• Meagan Given – Give Local York organizer, York City champion and dedicated mom.
• Jeanie Parker – Proprietor of Tiny Tumblers and baseball mom of a Division I pitcher who almost wasn’t.
• Steven Hall – Youth counselor in York who is originally from Los Angeles, California. Anything Marvel is a surefire conversation starter with him.
• Madeline Geiman – York chapter lead for March on Harrisburg, supporter of the arts and lover of the smell of old books.
• Jason Konopinski – York yoga instructor whose day job is with GRIT Marketing Group. His story prominently features borscht.
• Gordon Freireich – Longtime York Sunday News columnist whose story will make you nostalgic for York in its heyday.

It’s going to be a great evening of community building.

I hope to see all of you moms, dads, sons and daughters there.

Scott Fisher is community engagement editor for the York Daily Record. Email: sfisher@gannett.com.

If you go

What: Don't make me come up there – an evening of curated, true stories.

Where: Wyndridge Farm

When: 7 p.m., Feb. 5 – doors open at 6. Stories start at 7 p.m.

Refreshments: Beverages will be available for purchase. Those who wish to have dinner before the show are strongly encouraged to make reservations with Wyndridge in advance: 717-244-9900.

Tickets: $10, $5 for students. Purchase tickets in advance at tickets.ydr.com.