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Restaurant at the Depot entertainment for December

[NOV. 29, 2001]  The December entertainment schedule at The Depot, 101 N. Chicago, features these musicians performing in the lounge from 6:30 until 10 p.m. (no cover charge):

Saturday, Dec. 1 — Thomas Anthony Quinn; acoustic folk/rock guitar and vocals

Friday, Dec. 7 — Thomas Anthony Quinn; acoustic folk/rock guitar and vocals

Saturday, Dec. 8 — to be announced

Friday, Dec. 14 — Eleanor Gunderman and Dr. John Raffa; piano and violin

Saturday, Dec. 15 — Thomas Anthony Quinn; acoustic folk/rock guitar and vocals

Friday, Dec. 21 — Eleanor Gunderman; piano

Saturday, Dec. 22 — Jason Yarcho and Allison Leonard; piano and vocals

Friday, Dec. 28 — Jason Yarcho and Allison Leonard; piano and vocals

Saturday, Dec. 29 — Jason Yarcho and Allison Leonard; piano and vocals

Monday, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) — Jason Yarcho, Allison Leonard, Thomas Anthony Quinn and Kim Quinn; piano, acoustic guitar and vocals. Dancing in the IC Room from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Restaurant hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (lounge stays open later); Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

[DEC. 26, 2001]  ^"When Children Grieve." John W. James, Russell Friedman, Leslie Landon Matthews, HarperCollins Publishers, 2001, 268 pages.

It is one of the most difficult moments facing a parent or adult — how to comfort and console a child during a time of tragic loss or unsettling changes. In their new book, "When Children Grieve," authors John W. James, Russell Friedman and Dr. Leslie Landon Matthews tackle this emotionally complex problem and advise adults how best to help children cope with the sensitive issues of death, divorce, pet loss or moving to a new home.

The life experiences and academic credentials of the three authors make them uniquely qualified in this field. The death of James’ 3-day-old son led to his writing the first version of "The Grief Recovery Handbook." Friedman’s visit to The Grief Recovery Institute was a result of the combination of a second divorce and a "financial meltdown." Landon Matthews’ journey to the institute was brought about by the death of her father, actor Michael Landon. Because of Landon’s fame and youthful age at the time of his death, the family found it difficult to grieve or find any comfort: "Often the pain is made more intense when the parent is young and is robbed of what would be considered a normal life span…(Landon’s) fame made it nearly impossible for Leslie and her family to deal privately with their emotions about his death."

All three had arrived at the institute to "complete the unfinished emotional business contained in their relationships with people. … Each of them had discovered that they had a desire and willingness to help others whose lives had been affected by significant emotional losses of all kinds."

The book is divided into six parts:

•  Monkey See, Monkey Do

•  Moving From Grief To Recovery

•  The Path To Completion

•  Moving From Discovery To Completion

•  Other Losses

•  Closing Up Shop

"Monkey See, Monkey Do" focuses on a troubling characteristic of the grieving process: Misinformation can sometimes be unconsciously passed from generation to generation. The authors specify what the problem is (and whose problem it is) by identifying six common myths associated with grieving: Don’t feel bad; replace the loss; grieve alone; be strong; keep busy; and time heals all wounds.

"Moving From Grief To Recovery" defines incomplete grief, how to help the helpers, and STERBs (short-term energy-relieving behaviors). Among the most common STERBS are food, drugs, alcohol, anger, isolation, sex, exercise and shopping.

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In "The Path To Completion" the authors emphasize that a crucial component of completion is the relationship review. According to the authors, "When a major change in the circumstances of our relationship with someone or something occurs, we automatically review the relationship. … It is in the time immediately following a loss that memories of the relationship are most accessible, accurate, and intense." Using this review effectively with children is a key element to a successful recovery process.

"Moving From Recovery To Completion" builds on this approach through different outlets for saying goodbye. A touching example is reprinted in a letter from 14-year-old Jessica to her deceased border collie, Thumper.

"Other Losses" describes the emotional impact of two other life-changing events not related to death: moving and divorce.

"Closing Up Shop" reiterates the salient points in the previous chapters and offers some samples of personal success stories from attendees of The Grief Recovery Institute. There is also a questionnaire, applied to two groups of children, that was used in Dr. Matthews’ research for her doctoral thesis.

"When Children Grieve" is an indispensable tool for anyone associated with children who are facing an emotional or traumatic loss in their lives.

Dr. Bernard McGrane of Chapman University and UC Irvine writes, "Once in a generation, a book comes along that alters the way society views a topic. … [This book] is an essential primer for parents and others who interact with children on a regular basis."

Fred Rogers, the producer and host of "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood," states, "It’s comforting to know that we are not alone in our sadness and that practical, easy-to-read, thoughtful help is available by way of Russell Friedman, John W. James, and Leslie Landon Matthews’ gentle insights."

This moving and insightful book is highly recommended for anyone who has contact or association with children and young adults.

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217) 732-8878.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

• Lincoln Community Theatre

• Logan County Arts Association

[DEC. 11, 2001]  The Logan County Arts Association executive board, meeting on Monday night, announced plans to show "It Happened One Night," "On the Waterfront" and "The Ten Commandments" at its Classic Film Nights in February, March and April 2002. The movie to be shown Jan. 10, however, is still unconfirmed.

Marshall Jacobs, president of the arts association, said he has requested "Gone With the Wind" for the January showing at Lincoln Cinemas but has not received confirmation that the 1939 classic is available. Backup possibilities are "The Adventures of Robin Hood" with Errol Flynn, "High Noon" with Gary Cooper and "Singin’ in the Rain" with Fred Astaire.

Scheduled for Feb. 14, "It Happened One Night" was produced in 1934, when it won best actor and actress Oscars for stars Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. "On the Waterfront" (1954), to be shown March 14, stars Marlon Brando, who also won an Oscar for that performance. Cecil B. De Mille’s 1956 blockbuster "The Ten Commandments" will be shown at Lincoln Cinemas on April 11.

The association’s first Classic Film Night was a sellout. Because people had to be turned away from "Casablanca" on Oct. 11, the board is investigating whether future films can be shown at 4 p.m. as well as 7 p.m.

Corporate sponsors for future Classic Film Nights and other arts events are being sought. Those interested should contact Marshall Jacobs, (217) 899-6243, or Stuart Wyneken, (217) 732-4298.

Wyneken, coordinator for the film nights and for the arts association’s project to restore the Lincoln Cinemas building, announced that he has blueprints from when the theater was "twinned," or divided for showing two movies. When Kerasotes Theatres builds its new theater complex, the corporation has indicated that it will transfer the Lincoln Cinemas building to Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. Jacobs said plans are for the chamber of commerce to hold the theater as part of the downtown historic district and for the Logan County Arts Association to restore the interior of the building. Work will not begin until at least the fall of 2002.

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The arts association is looking for community members with photographs of either the interior or the exterior of the theater building at any point in its history. People with such photos are asked to contact Wyneken. Any photos located will be scanned and returned to their owners.

In more immediate business the board completed plans for the Dec. 16 classical guitar performance by Christian Culleton of Chicago. The concert will take place at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church at 402 Pekin St. Tickets cost $5 and are available from Lincoln Public Library Annex, Gossett’s Design Studio, Serendipity Stitches, arts association board members and at the door. Jacobs announced that the local association will register Culleton with the Illinois Arts Council, which will include him in its next biennial listing of artists.

The regular meeting time of the Logan County Arts Association board was changed to the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The January 2002 meeting, however, will be on the second Tuesday. The meeting place is the lower level of Lincoln Public Library.

In other business the board authorized Jacobs to purchase $1 million in liability insurance from State Farm Insurance. The insurance is to be in effect before the Dec. 16 classical guitar concert.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

[NOV. 30, 2001]  Lincoln Community Theatre is pleased to announce three productions selected for the summer of 2002.

Kicking off the 31st of entertainment will be the irresistible musical "Hello, Dolly!" the story of the beloved matchmaker Dolly Levi and her whirlwind efforts to marry Horace Vandergelder, the well-known millionaire, and send his money circulating among the people.

"And what do you do for a living, Mrs. Levi?" asks Ambrose Kemper in the first scene of this delightful musical comedy.

Dolly replies, "Some people paint, some sew … I meddle."

This family show will please audiences of all ages.

The July production, "Dearly Departed," is described as a comedy revolving around a colorful and dysfunctional group of Southern eccentrics dealing with an unexpected death in the family. The struggle to get Papa buried involves the whole clan, including the not-so-grieving widow, who wants to put "Mean and Surly" on the tombstone.

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LCT’s final production of the summer will be "The King and I," a delightful musical story of an attractive English widow employed by the king of Siam to teach English and other Western ideas and philosophies to members of the royal family, including the king’s many wives and many more children.

The unforgettable Rodgers and Hammerstein score includes "Shall We Dance?" "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Hello Young Lovers" and "Getting to Know You."

To help kick off the holiday season, Lincoln Community Theatre is offering holiday gift certificates for season memberships to the summer 2002 season. Certificates may be mailed directly to the receiver or to the gift giver.

Certificates for adult memberships are $20 each; for children through eighth grade, $12. Requests for gift certificates may be sent to LCT, Box 374, Lincoln, IL 62656. Further information is available at (217) 732-2640.

[Judy Rader, LCT publicity chairman]

Lincoln Community Theatre’s website is at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html. Pictures from past productions are included.  The LCT mailing address is Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656.  E-mail: lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com.

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