By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ANDERSON TWP. - Thousands of people around the world will gather today in small towns and cities to enjoy an annual evening of storytelling known as Tellabration.

This year, Anderson Township joins in.

Greater Anderson Promotes Peace (GAPP) will produce a local Tellabration event at 7 p.m. at Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church on Newtown Road.

TELLABRATION 2003

Who: Greater Anderson Promotes Peace sponsors Tellabration 2003. What: An evening of stories with Tellers Golden Eagle, Jeanne Marie Brightfire Stophlet and Neeake, whose English name is Fred A. Shaw When: Today at 7 p.m. Where: Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church, 2710 Newtown Road, Anderson Township Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children or $12 for a family Call: (513) 588-8391/reserved seating is recommended

"It's exhilarating to know that we'll be a part of a worldwide event right here in our community," said GAPP Executive Director Louise Lawarre. "For people who have never experienced a storytelling performance, this will be a great opportunity."

Tellabration debuted in 1988. In 2002, there were more than 300 Tellabration events in 42 states and 10 other countries.

Storytelling, Lawarre said, is as old as humans and as contemporary as today's events. Stories, she said, "tell our history and traditions, teach values and life lessons, and share the hopes and dreams of individuals and communities.

"We have a terrific lineup of storytellers who bring their outstanding talents in support of this event," she said. "November is Native American month, and we've invited three local Native Americans to share some of their traditional stories."

The three storytellers will be cloaked in traditional Native American dress as they deliver two stories each. Authentic Native American food also will be served, and Native American photographer Mary Annette Pember will display her photos.

The storytellers are: Golden Eagle, who has studied 19th century American history since boyhood and helped form the North American Indian Council of Greater Cincinnati; Jeanne Marie Brightfire Stophlet, chairwoman of the North American Indian Council and Neeake, also known as Fred A. Shaw, who was one of only 10 American Indian storytellers invited to participate in the inaugural national Native American Indian storytelling festival at Corn Island in 2000.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com