Maine-ly Storytellers

Willey Phinedit blends facts with fiction in an original concoction using the Down East humor traditions of old, blending folk with original tales of fantasy as dry as your morning toast and as fresh as your next cup of coffee!

Willey often includes interactions with his audiences and he peppers his performance with lots of clichés, and puns which may not be suitable for young children. Parents and their offspring would not be offended by his performances; however the lines go so above the young ones heads they may struggle reaching for them.

Drawing on voice characters, audience participation, laughter and drama, Vernon grew up in Bar Harbor Maine where his love of stories began. As a parent raising his daughter Shanna in Orland he refined his tales at many a scout campfire.
Vernon spent the third Saturday of every month as a reader and performer for the Buck Memorial Library’s Story Hour in Bucksport Maine. He now lives in Westbrook Maine with his wife Bobbie and their golden retriever Daisy.

As story teller Learnin’ Vernon, he has entertained audiences from Presque Isle, Maine to *Hollywood California
He has been an Air Force medic, cook, custodian, mental health worker, electrician, volunteer firefighter, E.M.T. and a lifetime member of Girl Scouts. I
t is through all of these memories that Vernon draws for his tales. He has learned that every day a new journey begins
and a new experience unfolds.

That is why he shall always remain
a Learnin’ Vernon!



*Hollywood!
Ok truth is I was there for a taping of the Pyramid show and they asked for talent between takes as an audience warm up. I told "Prinderella" to the delight of the studio audience which included its host. No money exchanged hands but my wife personally met Donnie Osmond and shook his hand and that was priceless.

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Testimonials

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What others say about Learnin’ Vernon:

“With great energy, zest and poise, he drew his mixed- age audience into the spell of his words and held us.”
Anne Mundy
Head of Children’s Services,
Bangor Public Library

“With spindly arms and unbelievable facial expressions,
Learnin’ Vernon showed the art of storytelling
is alive and strong in southern Maine.”
Ms. Cathie Bunk
grade one teacher, Edna Libby School, SAD 6

“Thank you so much! We loved having you, you were great!!! Your personality with the crowd of pumpkin carvers was terrific and more than I expected! Really you made the whole festival sparkle!”
Susan Plimpton
Children's Librarian Southwest Harbor Public Library

“Vernon has the ability to take you anywhere his story is created. It may be in Baxter State Park, the streets of India, or even in a pond.
He has the gift to hold his audience in the palm of his hand.”
Christine Beckwith
Audience member of Tellabration ™ 2004 sponsored by *M.O.O.S.E.

“Thank you for lending your wonderful story telling skills to
our annual meeting last weekend. As always, people were
impressed with your ability to make the written word come alive.
I know our guests especially enjoyed hearing you for the first time.”
Sarah Medina
President Abnaki Girl Scout Council May 25,2000

“Vernon, thank you so much for your hilarious and engaging performance last night! Everyone had a grand time and the stories were appropriate for all ages.
We very much enjoyed meeting you. Best wishes to you, and we'll keep you in mind for future events!”

Judy Higbea
Principal of the Mast Landing School Freeport Maine

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What others say about Willey Phinedit:

“You were wonderful, as usual, as Learnin Vernon and Willey Phinedit unforgettable characters. That mind of yours must be going all of the time to come up with some real winners.”
Judy Marcus
Beals Island Maine

”Willey- you are too funny. In the vein of Bert and I you have struck gold!
The puns are good, the acting better.”
Norah Dooley
Storyteller, author, and techno-artistic mentor to the masses

“This was a very funny presentation, complete with maps and newsletters and moose calls.”
Mike Harris
Maine Storyteller and award winning Speaker

“Well let me tell you this guy is some ol' wicked funny. Now vacations are quite expensive these days....BUT for a mere $8.00 you can go on a MENTAL VACATION with your tour guide Willey Phinedit. I would recommend, no, I would URGE you to send away for Mental Vacations today.”

Purchase CD or MP3 download at: www.willeyphinedit.bravehost.com
Bob Gomes
Editor for the Pond Street Report
published weekly prior to breakfast in Bucksport Maine

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Our latest albums are on
www.lulu.com/tales

I have been a member of *MOOSE since 2004 and **LANES since 2005. These organizations support us as we support each other and I am sure I have been given much more than I could ever return. (Though I do try)

You can support MOOSE and Lanes through direct donations or by attending the performances of their members. (You could start by attending mine and then hit every member on the list :)

* The Maine Organization Of Storytelling Enthusiasts
moosetellers.ning.com

** League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling
http://www.lanes.org



Learnin' Vernon's Official website:
http://learninvernon.bravehost.com

Willey's Official website:
http://willeyphinedit.bravehost.com