August 20

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Nicki Alander has fond memories of enjoying family stories ardently presented around the kitchen table of her grandparentsfarm. So memorable were these antidotes that she began writing them as family keepsakes, an interest that has continued. The majority of her teaching career was spent at Joliet West High School with her last and favorite position as Student Assistance Coordinator. Community activities vary widely. Of primary interest is the Plainfield Riverfront where she developed the Educational Center. She still finds time to enroll in Great Courses at Waubonsie Community College, the last session being on China. Her interest in other cultures, history and geography has led to extensive travel. She considers herself most fortunate to have lived in what is now called the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as the renamed country Zimbabwe. A resident of Plainfield, Nicki is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Eunice is a retired elementary teacher and has also worked in the field of Mental Health. After retiring she explored the worlds of Stand-up comedy, Storytelling, and Improv. She has performed at Listen to Your Mother (Whiting and Hobart, Indiana), Do Not Submit, The Book Cellar, The Acorn Theater (3 Oaks, Michigan), Homewood Stories, and This Much is True. She does clean storytelling and comedy for local civic organizations and churches. She is the proud mother of two sons who used to be embarrassed by her shenanigans. Now they say she is "Adorable." She has a few ex-husbands and those experiences gave her wisdom and fun punchlines. Still happy to claim Hammond, Indiana as her hometown.

Anagha has always considered herself a storyteller, mostly in her head and yes a few times at a Storytelling event. A passionate logophile, her love for language extends beyond words on a page—she speaks five languages fluently and delights in exploring the nuances of each. As an immigrant, she found comfort, connection, and meaningful friendships through storytelling events, which gently guided her towards a sense of purpose. By day, she works as a Marketing analyst with a deep curiosity for data and analytics, but tonight, she’s here to share the stories that have always been part of her inner world.

Meghali Mazumdar is the author of the book The Girl Who Flaps Her Hands- a story of resilience and courage amidst adversities of life. The book is based on her struggles of being an immigrant and a mother of an autistic girl. She has done numerous storytelling shows around Chicagoland, most notably the opening act of That’s What She Said Naperville 2024 and APIDA arts festival 2023. Originally from Assam, India, she weaves authenticity, kindness, generosity into her stories. She is a neurodivergent advocate and works extensively to remove the stigma associated with special needs families.

Meredith Morris is a former reporter and public relations professional, now working in senior living. She’s well aware that truth is stranger than fiction, and that every person has a story if we will listen and wait for them to tell it. Meredith lives in Lockport with her husband, Don, and cat, Sitka. She treasures the rich history of Lockport which makes this an exciting place to live. It’s a privilege to carry forth the well-known and untold stories here.