Maureen is a talented storyteller because of her vivid stories that make our residents feel as if they are there. She is brilliant when it comes to keeping everyone engaged and mesmerized with her stories. When Maureen is here, what a crowd she can strike up! We are so thankful to have someone as professional and thoughtful as she is. We look forward to having her back in the future!
– Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Menorah Manor
Ray Teasdale
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It was such a great delight Maureen, to hear your enchanting stories of Ireland !
I was especially captivated by your personal charm and warmth , you are a most gifted and gracious storyteller who truly does have twinkling eyes, a light in your heart , and fairy magic that carries us away !
Thank you for a magical evening!
Linda Benitez, Toastmaster
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“Thank you for “Celtic Stories and Songs” and congratulations on a full house! Karen Richey (of Friends of the Library) gave a glowing report of your performance and the reception of the audience. The damp weather can’t dampen the fun of the Irish!”
Many thanks, Maureen. I hope you’ll come again.
Michael Bryan
Library Director
Seminole Community Library
At St. Petersburg College
“Thanks, Maureen, for the best bit of Blarney I’ve heard since Id heard since I was in Dublin!” Pat Ryan, Royal Palms, Largo
“Enjoyed the presentation, especially with the Gaelic.” (brogue) I liked The Widow’s Lazy Daughter the best.
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“Maureen’s gestures, intonation and characterizations are spot-on” Sherri Higgins, Librarian, East Lake Library, Palm Harbor
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Comments from listeners at Celtic Program held at the West Community Library, St. Petersburg.
“You keep telling your stories. I love them!”
“Beautiful show. Thank you. I loved it.”
“ ‘Tis a gay show!”
“…it was a good to bring in songs with your stories.”
“Very, very entertaining. Maureen has a real enjoyable way of telling stories.”
“You did a splendid lovely job–continue on your path.”
“We were very happy with the job that you did and the kids had a great time.” Doreen Jesseph, Tampa (private holiday party host)
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Written Comments from the audience at
CELTIC STORIES & SONGS, performed at the Dunedin, FL Library:
“You were very engaging–brought the audience in with you.”
“What talent!”
“lovely show…would enjoy more”
“You are terrific & your eyes DO shine.”
“You had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know the ending of each story.”
“Your program was absolutely delightful — I was so happy to be able to attend! What a good attendance too — proof that Dunedin is ready for an additional form of theatre and entertainment. Fantastic!!”
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Thank you for coming to Sun City Center today for a successful program.
A few quotes from the attendees..
“another great program!”
“she was absolutely delightful’
“Maureen is a natural storyteller”
” the stories were a lot of fun”
“Speaker was really cute, with cute stories.”
“Looking forward to further programs”
shared by Cyrille Cobe (program chairperson)
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Maureen,
The ladies at the Club want to thank you so much for your presentation of “Truth and Lies with Twinkling Irish Eyes”. We all enjoyed your stories and your delightful personality. We hope we will meet again real soon.
Yours truly,
Marcia Bye-Programs
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Hello Maureen.
Thanks so much for the engaging intergenerational storytelling event. (held 7/18/14)
Elizabeth Minor
Aging Well Center
1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL
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Still getting compliments on our Valentine’s Day program. Thanks for making it happen.
Betsy Hayba, Freedom Pointe,
The Villages
Maureen’s storytelling program was wonderful! It was entertaining for the whole family. Everyone enjoyed the participation and multi cultural stories.
Jennifer Davis, Youth Librarian
Dunedin (FL) Public Library
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We were so glad to have you. I went to the country club last night and all over one could still here chatter about you from earlier in the day. I think we might just have to have you back one day! Big hug!
Terry McGuirk, Tampa Palms Ladies’ Club,
Our March 21st Irish storytelling by Maureen Belote was a first class event. After dining on a home prepared lunch of Irish stew, Irish soda bread, salads, and desserts, we listened to Maureen spin her clever tales. With an Irish brogue, she told of the little people and their wee ways. Thank you Maureen!
Tampa Palms Ladies’ Club
Great set at Heritage Park. Well done!
Ross Tarr, Storyteller & Santa Claus
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Maureen doesn’t just tell a story, she brings everyone around her into the world of the narrative. From using costumes to voices to brogues, Maureen embodies her tales and captivates listeners of all ages. Her stories are sometimes instructive, other times whimsical, and always memorable. And, she does it all with professional aplomb and a twinkle in her eye.
Becky Robbins-Penniman, January
Dunedin, FL
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“Maureen’s joy and love of story shines through her work.”
Susan Klein
(Internationally recognized storyteller, author, producer and story coach)
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Maureen is a wonderful “teller of tales.” Her voice holds the audience’s attention and her entire demeanor is engaging and pleasant. We have been blessed to have her with us on several occasions and have always found her to be a delightful professional!
Reverend Bob Waggenseil
Calvary Episcopal Church
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I am happy to write a letter recommending my fellow storyteller, Maureen Belote. She has an engaging manner, a pleasant voice, a professional approach, and a repertoire of many stories ready to tell to children, adults, and family gatherings. As an added bonus, I would like to mention that The Tampa Bay Storytellers’ Guild has grown and is flourishing under her leadership.
For your information, I, Betsy Jones Hayba, taught Storytelling in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s at Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, as an adjunct instructor. Also, I developed and directed a storytelling festival called Terrifying Tales and Tales and Tales. It was an annual affair held at a park in Dayton, Ohio, each September for nine years. When I retired and moved to Florida, Terrifying Tales was put on by the Miami Valley Storytelling Guild for another five years.
Betsy Jones Hayba, Master of Storytelling
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Maureen Belote came to us as a last minute program and we couldn’t have been more pleased. She came early, checked out the facility and arranged the room to make the experience the very best possible for the audience. Although I personally was unable to attend her program, I got wonderful feedback from both parents and children that enjoyed her performance. Ms. Belote is involved in the Florida Storytelling Association and promotes storytelling as an art form in our community. She is an excellent resource and I have consulted her regarding storytelling events on more than one occasion.
Julie Hudson
Youth Services Librarian
Clearwater Countryside Library
2741 State Road 580
Clearwater, FL 33761
727.562.4970
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It is my pleasure to recommend Maureen Belote as a professional storyteller. She faithfully serves as the president of the Tampa Bay Storytellers Guild. Maureen has an array of stories in her repertoire which includes a beautiful selection of Irish tales. Maureen Belote is a delightful storyteller and an asset to any storytelling venue.
Tamara Green, Florida Storytelling Association, Youthful Voices Director
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Maureen has a remarkable ability to involve her audiences, always keeping their interest. She has a large repertoire of stories for occasions.
Deborah Frethem, author, storyteller
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Storytelling is an art form and Maureen does it well. I recently had the opportunity to bring Maureen to our Boat Club in Dunedin, Florida, to spin her wonderful stories for our members. Maureen captivated the audience with her performance. The stories were tailored to the sea, and our members enjoyed every moment. I look forward to a return engagement in the near future and await more tales of nautical intrigue.
Captain Ron Kinkead
Vice Commodore
Dunedin Boat Club
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When Maureen Belote hits the stage, her audience is in for a treat! Her originality, charm, and energy guarantee a wonderful storytelling experience for adults and children alike.
Emily Harris
Board Member of the Florida Storytelling Association
March 12, 2020 Dunedin Newcomers’ Club responses to program of TRUTH, LIES & IRISH EYES
Favorite Story for most was WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS
“Thanks, very entertaining!”
“Expressive”
“Great job.”
“Loved the program”
“Good visuals and songs”
“Really enjoyed hearing you tell the stories. Thank you for today!”
“Captivating!”