Todd puts unity

in community
By Scott Nicholson
nicholson@wataugademocrat.com

It’s the wrap-up of one event series and the launch of another in the historic Todd community.

The last monthly “CommUnity Dance” of the season will be Friday, May 16, at the Todd Mercantile. Nancy Mamlin will be calling the square and circle dances, with the Blue Ridge Road Gang providing the music.

Admission is $4.

The dance begins around 7:30 p.m., with a “children’s dance” starting things off. No dancing skill or knowledge is necessary, as dances are taught by the caller. Fresh baked goods will be available from the mercantile. The dance series will be on hiatus, as the Summer Music Series in the Walter and Annie Cook Park starts in June. For more information on the dances, contact Cecil Gurganus at (828) 262-1953.

The Todd General Store storytelling series begins next week, featuring mountain favorites and regional tall tales. Noted tellers, such as Orville Hicks, Charlotte Ross and Dianne Hackworth will be joined be other veterans of the back-porch tradition. Storytelling takes place each Tuesday night at 6 p.m., with dinner served beforehand.

Mountain music, bluegrass and jam sessions will begin Friday, May 23, with dinner served before the music begins at 7 p.m. The sessions feature both established bands and rising talents, offering a blend of tradition, fun and serious musical licks.

For more information on the storytelling or Friday night music, call the general store at (336) 877-1067.

2008 Todd Storytellers Series
At the Todd General Store. All events begin at 6 p.m.
May 20: Terry Rollins
May 27: Charlotte Ross
June 3: Rhody Jane Meadows
June 10: Orville Hicks (right)
June 17: Charlotte Ross
June 24: Dianne Hackworth
July 1: Rhody Jane Meadows
July 8: Orville Hicks
July 15: Doyle Pace
July 22: John Asburn
July 29: Sherry Boone
Aug. 5: Rhody Lane Meadows
Aug. 12: Orville Hicks
Aug. 19: Doyle Pace
Aug. 26: Sherry Boone
Sept. 2: Rhody Jane Meadows
Sept. 9: Orville Hicks
Sept. 16: Doyle Pace
Sept. 23: Sherry Boone
Sept. 30: John Ashburn

Oct. 7: Terry Rollins
Oct. 14: Orville Hicks
Oct. 21: Charlotte Ross (right)
Oct. 28: Dianne Hackworth