Marilyn Burridge of East Lyme, Connecticut College’s Conferences and Events Coordinator, received the Barbara L. Reed Award, one of three professional awards presented at the 41st Annual Connecticut Storytelling Festival and Conference in New London on June 29 and April 30.
Other winners included Rebecca Scotka, Children and Young Adult Librarian at East Lyme Public Library, co-winner of the Kate McClelland Librarian’s Award; and Reona Dyess, director of The Center: A Drop-In Community Learning and Resource Center, Inc., winner of the Spencer Shaw Educator’s Award.
Burridge’s award, named for the founder of the Storytelling Center, recognizes “distinguished and exceptional service to the storytelling community.” Burridge hosted the storytelling festival for many years when it was held at Connecticut College.
The prize will be awarded during “The Gathering” at the Center des Arts de la Garde on Saturday morning April 30 at 9:30 am.
Dyess’ award celebrates “the fostering of education through professional storytelling and storytelling in Connecticut classrooms.” Dyess has served on the board of the Connecticut Storytelling Center and has been an advocate for education and literacy programs for children in New London. The award will be presented at the Bill Harley Family Concert at the Garde Arts Center on Saturday April 30 at 4:30 p.m.
The Scotka Prize celebrates “the encouragement of professional storytelling and storytelling in Connecticut libraries.” Scotka initiated the Storytelling Roundtable in the Connecticut Library Consortium and hosted the Librarian Storytellers Showcase. The Librarian Award will be presented at the New London Public Library during storyteller Tom Lee’s ‘Tales for Teens’ performance on Saturday 30 April at 12.15pm.
Information about the festival is available at www.connstorycenter.org.
