Editor's Note

Hello, Fellow IL Tellers. So much has happened since the first issue of I'll. Tell. Prairie Tales at New Salem is now but a memory. It was a beautiful weekend of stories and songs. The skies were blue tinged with a melancholy cloud - a harbinger that the happily ever after was near.

But, storytellers from across IL fanned the flames as they brought the Illinois Storytelling Festival back from the ashes. It was an honor to be at  Spring Grove. The tent was virtually alive. I swear it swelled as the audience caught its collective breath during some of the finest telling Illinois had to offer. Kudos to the Illinois Storytelling, Inc Board for "the spark!"

I also accepted the IL state liaison position for the National Storytelling Network. As such, this e-newsletter has already taken on it's first transformation. It will now go to all storytellers throughout IL. It's goal is to promote storytelling from the dark bluffs of Southern IL to the skyscrapers of Chicago. One feature will be links to the various guilds across the state. If your guild is not listed below, please let me know.  If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, please forward it to them. Have them contact me via my email address, and I will include them in the mailing. Unfortunately, they must have e-mail access.

This newsletter will serve to co-ordinate storytelling from across the state through the National Storytelling Network, The Northlands Storytelling Network, and Illinois Storytelling Inc. It will come out quarterly after the Northland Board meetings. Separate mailings about events that happen in between the newsletters will be sent as needed.

       Northlands Storytelling Network

Highlights of the Northlands Board meeting-

September, 2005

 The board met and discussed the following:

*The Northlands Treasury looks hale and healthy. There was much discussion on the costs for the conference.

*Karen Wollscheid proposed allowing our non-profit status to serve as umbrella for fundraising efforts for Katrina. Since this is not a financial commitment, and offers something other than what is offered by National, it would be a good choice for our response as an organization. (501.3 status)

*Youth Voices - There was discussion on ways to encourage youth attendance at the Northlands Conference. Discussion ensued on considerations as to the legalities and responsibilities when youth are present. Judy Sima will take the lead on this committee.

*CEU's may be offered for college credit through National Louis University, with Jane Stenson acting as professor of note.

*The biggest accomplishment was deciding on workshops for the conference. Northlands received many, many fine proposals. I should know...I read some of them. The board hopes that those that weren't chosen this year will re-apply next year. Congratulations to the many IL tellers chosen to present. At this time, not everyone has been notified so I'll save those accolades for the next I'll. Tell.

Be sure to mark your calendars now for the 2006 Northland Conference - April 28-29.

Member recently received  the Northlands Journal and  Membership booklet with addresses of fellow Northlanders and, as an added bonus, several excellent articles on storytelling. IL contributors include: Sue Black, Donna Dettman, Brian Fox Ellis, Linda Gorham, and John Walsh. It's just one of the many bonuses one receives as a member of Northlands. To learn more about Northlands and to become a member go to Membership.

Congratulations to Judy Sima who will be the North Central Rep on the National Storytelling Network's board.

The next board meeting is early in November. Please contact me if you have any concerns, ideas or suggestions. I'll put them on the agenda to discuss. Your voice will be heard!

            I'll. Tell quote of the month

Modern storytellers are the descendents of an immense and ancient community of holy people, troubadours, bards, griots, cantadoras, cantors, traveling poets, bums, hags, and crazy people.” 

-Clarissa Pinkola Estes in Women Who Run  With the Wolves

          In and About Illinois

                  I'll. Tellers - in the news!

The National Storytelling Network is teeming with ideas and opportunities. Here are the current National Storytelling Bulletins. In it you will find the Katrina relief effort put forth by NSN, and ways you can help. Or, you can just click the link below to see how you can help. Donations to the Katrina Relief and Emergency Fund

If you are a member of NSN and are going to the Festival in October, be sure to take note of the membership party. If you are not a member, then now is the time. Just click on MEMBERSHIP.

                      I'll. Tell Gifters

If you are looking for a unique gift to give to your storytelling friends or sponsors, take a look at

http://www.story-lovers.com/calendars2006.html

Story-lovers also has a page to post your business card and your website. Check it out!

I'll. Tell.- Summer, 2005

HOME

               Storytelling Events

For a complete listing of what's going on around the state, just click on the calendar on Illinois Storytelling, Inc. But, here are just a few of the highlights from around IL.

**Be sure to add the following site to your favorites.

             www.celticknotpub.com

                     Katrina Relief 

Hey all. Just wanted to let you know of what's going
on in my corner. Along with my school district's
Parent Teacher organization and fellow storyteller
Carol Kerman, I've put together Stories to Strengthen:
A Hurricane Benefit. Our program will be held the
evening of Thursday, Nov. 11. Donations will go to the
Red Cross and (hopefully) a couple of selected arts
organizations. Time and Place TBA

I know that the Story Tsunami pieces haven't all been
assembled. But I've been wanting to do something and
this is it.

Wish us luck, all! And if you're in the Chicago area
and would like to come, drop me a line...
lainlev@yahoo.com
I'll let you know how it all shakes out.

Lainie Levin
"Stories to tickle the funny bone and touch the heart"
Evanston, IL

            Illinois Youth Storytelling

Brian Fox Ellis was appointed Illinois State rep for the National Youth Storytelling Showcase. He needs our help. Time has already passed for this year, but read Brian' letter at  Read Brian's Letter to see if you can help next year.

                                 Tune in 

 Roberta Codemo:

Story Bites is on 88.3 FM WQNA Springfield.  Two hours of conversation and storytelling with an interview with a guest teller for the first hour and storytelling the second hour. Tune in Monday afternoons 3-5 pm.

         Watch for your favorite I'll. Tellers at:

         Missouri River Storytelling Festival
October 21 and 22 at the Katy Depot in historic St. Charles, MO with with Lainie Levin, Greg Tyler, Joseph Wos, Marilyn Kinsella, Diann Bank, Ron
Adams, Pat Baker, Diann Bank

Friday night 7-9 and Saturday afternoon 2-4 at Katy Depot will be FREE!!!!

Saturday morning workshop with Joseph Wos -  $30 --  8 a.m. to noon "Storytelling for Creative Visualization" -- at the Katy Depot (coffee and
donuts provided!)

"Ghost Stories with Ron Adams" Saturday 5-6:30 --  $10 at the JC Stage in
Frontier Park (bring a chair or blanket).

Saturday evening concert $10 --  7-9 p.m. at Riverside Community Church,
1701 Second Street.

Contact Karen or Mike Potts at 636-928-7984 or Sue Hinkel 636-271-7914.

"Truth is for tailors and shoemakers… I, on the
contrary, have always held that the Lord has a penchant for
masquerades."

                                                 -Isak Dinesen