A while back when I still wasn't up to par, Lloyd sent me a newspaper article about himself and his efforts in bringing old time music, dance, and stories to the people of his community in North Carolina.

You may recall that he was recovering from surgery recently, too. Anyway, I asked for permission to post the article, didn't hear back, then lost track of what I was doing. I just cleared off my desk and found the article and wanted to share it with you all.

As I still haven't heard back from him for permission, I have X'd out all of the pertinent place names etc. just in case he doesn't want all of that known on the Web. Please bear with me. If anyone is in the area and wants to know more info, please PM me and I will let you know more.

Here ya go and thanks,

SHARING SONGS AND STORIES OF YESTERDAY

Lloyd Michalsen didn't live here long before he found a way to share his love of storytelling and folk music with others while also benefiting the community. He had heard of many fond memories of living in North Carolina from his wife, Opal, who grew up in XXXX. They relocated to XXXX from Chicago in February.

One of Michalsen's favorite pastimes was to hold storytelling and musical events at an old 1840s farm when he lived in Chicago.

When he stumbled across the Historic XXXX Farm he couldn't help but think what a great setting it would be for sharing stories and dancing.

"I have always been interested in historic places," he said. "I had a history of working with a farm in Illinois."

His idea turned into a full fall schedule of programs in which he will donate his time and experiences at the Historic XXXX Farm.

"I went to them and said `Look, this would be a great fund-raiser,'" Michalsen said of his wish to have barn dances and storytelling at the farm.

He will be hosting a storytelling picnic from 11 am. to I p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. The cost is $5 per family, and Michalsen and his wife will share tales, legends and Native American stories with the public.

"You have to have an active imagination and a child within you,' he said of storytelling.

Participants are asked to bring a picnic lunch and a blanket for sitting during the stories.

He will also teach several old-style dances for the program, beginning with a community barn dance on Sept. 15. A live band and clogging demonstration will be part of the fun.

On September 29, Michalsen will show visitors some of the party game dances of the 1880s, when young folks were not allowed to dance. They played party game dances instead, which were very similar to dances.

"We'd like people to wear 1850-1900 dress, such as long skirts for the women and dark slacks and vests for the men," he said. "I'm attempting to make it as authentic as possible."

Proceeds from the fall programs will go towards continuing efforts to restore and preserve the farm. The Historic XXXX Farm is owned by XXXX County Public Schools and operated by the non-profit Education Foundation of XXXX County.

"I hope to have an ongoing relationship with the farm," he said. "I have a real love of historical sites."

Singers, musicians, storytellers, and spectators can also enjoy Michalsen between 7 and 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at the XXXX in the XXXX Park Shopping Center. He started a group called the XXXX Park Circle of Sounds, which meets each week at the coffee house to share stories and acoustic music.

"Everybody loves him," XXXX owner Rxxx Mxxx said. "He has stories that just captivate people."

People take turns singing songs, telling stories, playing instruments and just having fun. Some just sit back and enjoy the entertainment. The music is usually old-time or bluegrass and all skill levels are invited to join in. Anyone with an instrument sitting in their closet collecting dust is also encouraged to come.

"He just wants everyone to feel like a big family," Mxxx said.