General Interest Articles from our 2008 Grapevine Newsletter
A Year of Transitions • Grant Awards • In Memory of a Friend
A Year of Transitions
by Greg Weiss, President
It has been an eventful year of transition for Northlands. That’s a polite way of saying there has been a lot of change, not all of it “happily ever after”. Our hearts go out for the dear friends we have lost, and others who are battling serious illness. May 2008 bring healing and solace to all!
However, we have reasons to celebrate change, as well.
Our annual conference is moving to Green Lake, Wisconsin. We will still provide the same quality conference, with diverse offerings—but it will cost members less to attend. Savings will be seen in housing and food options. These are the two areas that we were able to address, while maintaining the high standards our attendees expect for the conference. Not only will the conference cost less than if we stayed in Madison this year, but when the numbers were all “crunched”, we found it will even cost less than last years conference. Accommodations at Green Lake feel like a cross between resort and retreat. Away from the “noise” and bustle of a major urban center, storytellers will surely find inspiration in the beautiful natural surroundings—a great place to contemplate and to nurture stories.
As of January 1st, Northlands became an affiliate member of the National Storytelling Network. The benefit for members is a ten percent discount on National dues, for those who join NSN.
Speaking of member benefits, know that we have budgeted for more grant funds in 2008. Check the website for grant applications. Additionally, we will be offering an exciting, one-time grant opportunity available later this year—stay tuned for application details.
With change comes new faces to the board. We welcome Bev, Ben and Janet! An email was sent to our membership regarding upcoming board vacancies. Will you be the next person to share your time, talent and energy with Northlands by serving on the board? The work is real, but so is the benefit you’ll receive from collaborating with other dedicated colleagues. As suggested in the email, go to the website and contact any current board member if you have any questions. Otherwise, send your letter of interest to Kevin Strauss.
Like the ice storms visited upon us this winter, change is inevitable. A teacher I once had used to say, “Resist change and languish, embrace change and flourish.” May the change that comes your way this year feed you and your stories!
Greg Weiss, President
Northlands Storytelling Network
Grants Awarded in 2007
$1,000.00 – Story City (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce for its Story! Celebrating the Art of Storytelling Festival
$800.00 – Jim Winship to mentor storytellers in El Salvador.
In Memory of a Friend
by Gwyn Calvetti
I first became acquainted with Leanne Johnson’s quick wit and sensitivity as fellow members in an online storytelling community, the Storytell listserv. Not long after we began corresponding a bit off list, she told me she was coming to the Northlands Storytelling Network’s conference, then located in Dubuque. We hoped to meet “in real life” there.
I’d signed up for the School of Storytelling. The session I’d chosen was a large one, and all the participants were circled up and doing their introductions. After I’d barely begun my introduction, a sprite of a woman across the room from me leapt up, ran across the room, flung her arms around me and said “Gwyn!” She didn’t even have to tell me who she was; she was exactly as I’d pictured her.
I had the delightful privilege of hearing Leanne tell at many of the concerts and also at little venues we’d hold during our meetings when both of us were serving together on the Northlands board of directors. I especially loved those moments when she combined her Celtic harp with her exquisitely crafted stories. Many of us have vivid memories of her telling such a story a couple years ago in that gorgeous purple dress.
Leanne Johnson left this world on August 24, less than two months after first experiencing symptoms that were quickly diagnosed as cancer. We will miss her quick comebacks as much as her gentle soul. Leanne’s spirit seemed indomitable, her humor kind and razor sharp all at once, and her storytelling…it will be sorely missed, gone away before her time.
******
It was Leanne’s wish that any memorials go to Northlands Storytelling Network, P.O. Box 1055, McHenry, IL 60050-1055.
Leanne’s “Giving Back” Challenge
Originally posted on Storytell in 2006
I started something new last year, and wanted to share the idea with others. I always feel sorry when I receive those end-of-the-year pleadings from the organizations that I support, reminding me that I can make a final tax-exempt donation. I never ever have any money to spare, especially during the holiday months of November and December.
Well, last year I took an envelope and wrote the name of one of my favorite storytelling organizations on it. And each time I received payment for a storytelling performance, I took a dollar from the total and stuck it into that envelope. By December, I had a tidy little sum tucked away, and I was able to donate it to a cause near and dear to my heart. It felt good.
This year I’ve set aside two envelopes. How about you?
best,
Leanne
Editors Note:
Leanne’s envelope was for Northlands.