We Will Miss You, Grandmother

It is with sadness that we announce that Vi Hilbert, Taqwseblu, Upper Skagit Elder, passed away on the morning of December 19, 2008, at her home in LaConner, surrounded by her family. Vi has been a longtime friend, inspiration, and supporter for many storytellers near and far, a blessing to her people, and a blessing to all who met her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. We will miss you, Vi! You will always be our favorite "bossy old lady", a grand lady, indeed. To learn and hear more, please visit Turtle Island Storytellers and HistoryLink.org.

Events

Here is a listing of Northwest storytelling events. There's a lot happening! More information on these events is available in the Seattle Storytellers Guild newsletter In the Wind. To receive a copy of the latest issue or to list an event, Email: newsletter or call (206) 621-8646.

January 8 — Bringing Back the Light. Allison Cox will share world tales and traditional midwinter stories that celebrate bringing warmth, cheer and light. Come share in the time honored joy of telling tales to hold the dark night at bay. Allison is co-editor and a contributing author of the award-winning The Healing Heart books, which explore storytelling as a healing art. She engages audiences in old stories with modern relevancy and, since she dreams in color, she tells tales of all hues.

February 12 — Unchained Spirit. In a celebration of the African-American culture, Eva Abram shares stories about strength, determination and humor developed out of the hardship of Slavery. Hear stories about a people whose spirit could not be chained, with multicultural folktales and historical teller Eva Abram of New Orleans. Says Abram, "As a child I remember my grandparents sharing many stories of their life and childhood. I was always intrigued by their methods of telling. Everything always came to life as if they were living it at that moment."

Guild Sponsored Special Events

DECEMBER

Ladders to the Moon" Solstice Concert Series
What Does Compassion Sound Like
Through Music, Dance, and Stories from Around the World

Sunday, December 21, 4:30 p.m. (families) and 7 p.m. (general)
Firehouse Performing Arts Center
1314 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA

Bring a pillow to help create a giant circle around the performance, and then get a sense of the village coming together for the evening of storytelling. Performances by Raven Dancer Gene Tagaban and others. Sponsors include the Bellingham Storytellers Guild. Suggested donation is $5, or $10 per family. Contact bhamstoryguild@comcast.net or (360) 820-9631.

JANUARY

She Can! He Can! We Can!

Saturday, January 24, 11 a.m.
Snohomish Public Library, 311 Maple Avenue, Snohomish, WA

Join Naomi Baltuck and Bea Garrard, as they tell in tandem this story about how no job is too big and no hero too small. Brains overcome brawn in these empowering multicultural folktales. For more information, call (360) 568-2898.

Other Ongoing Events

Every Monday & Wednesday

12 p.m. at The Children's Museum in Seattle

Storytellers use song, fingerplays, puppets, and much more to delight children.

First Mondays
Frog Rock Story Circle

Usually meets at this time.
6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 9702 Sands Ave. N.E., Bainbridge Island. For more information and to get on the mailing list, contact Ed Sheridan at (206) 842-4562 or e-mail sheridan@bainbridge.net.

Second Mondays

Fireside Story League in Tacoma

6:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Library. Each meeting includes a story circle and a storytelling lesson. For more information, contact Eileen Beckowitz at (253) 759-0941 or Penny Tennison at (253) 265-2113.

Third Mondays

Stories at Fern
7:15 p.m. with the Victoria Storytellers' Guild, 1831 Fern St., Victoria BC. Adults $55, students $3. For more info, see www.victoriastorytellers.org.

Fourth Mondays
F.E.A.S.T. (Friends Eating & Storytelling Together)
at the Olympic Hostel in Fort Worden, Port Townsend.
Bring a friend, bring a story, bring your ears. 6 p.m. potluck dinner, 7-9 p.m. story swap. Contact Sidonie Wilson at (360) 732-7564 or Charise Diamond at charise@hightales.com.

Third Thursdays
Tale Traders Story Swap
7-9 p.m., in Bellevue. Call Jan at (425) 747-6142.

Third Fridays
Bellingham Storytelling for the Love of It
7-9 p.m., Fairhaven Library Fireplace Room. Call (360) 714-9631 or e-mail bhamstoryguild@clearwire.net.

Sundays

Global Griot, KSER 90.7 FM
Broadcasting from 8-11 am Sunday mornings, live online at www.kser.org.

Second Sundays

Gypsy & Turkish Stories by storyteller Marion Moat, followed by Middle Eastern dance performances. 7 p.m., Kalia Indian Cuisine, 4520 200th St. SW, #202, Lynnwood. Call (425) 486-6713 or e-mail marion.moat@verizon.net. No cover charge: Mr. Kalia just asks visitors to spend at least $10 on a meal. Visit www.kaliacuisine.com.