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‘Sharing Our Best’

[MAY 16, 2001]   ^“Sharing Our Best: Carroll Catholic School Celebrating 40 Years Of Good Taste." Carroll Catholic School, Cookbooks by Morris Press, 2000, 166-plus pages.

One of the perennial favorites in public library collections is the cookbook. People always enjoy different recipes, improving some family favorites or experiencing new cuisines. When the cookbook is a local publication featuring some of the community’s best recipes, it’s only a matter of time before you’re enjoying some authentic Midwest dishes.

In this case that book is "Sharing Our Best," a compilation of recipes, stories and remembrances from graduates of and families related to Carroll Catholic School in Lincoln. The cookbook is composed of a variety of local favorites, some homespun advice and several inspirational vignettes.

"Appetizers & Beverages" contains recipes for refreshments served before dinner, including Debbie Pettit’s "Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts" and Sherry Schonauer’s "Crab Meat Dip" (flake style, please). A helpful hint for serving beverages: Never boil coffee; it brings out the acid and causes a bitter taste.

"Soups, Salads, & Vegetables" offers a wide choice of side dishes that compliment any entrée. Heat up a cool day with Tub and Sharon Baker’s "White Chilli" or cool off with Vicki Ludolph’s "Cherry Frozen Salad." A reminder: When cooking with onions, use lemon juice to remove the scent from your hands.

"Main Dishes & Casseroles" has a nice selection of one-dish, easy-to-prepare meals for the entire family. For something different try Christa Ross’ "Chicken Books" or Reneé Newton’s "Grandma’s Grocchi." Remember that when cooking stews, instant potatoes are a good thickener.

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The heart of the book’s recipes is found in "Meat, Poultry, & Seafood." There is a wonderful selection of entrees certain to satisfy any palate. Mary Williams’ "Polk-A-Dot Meat Loaf’ and Cindy McCullough Singleton’s "Scalloped Oysters" can be real crowd-pleasers. Got a recipe that calls for scalding fish? Try rubbing vinegar on the scales first.

No dinner is complete without "Breads & Rolls." If you’re looking for a new Christmas treat, try Frances Edwards’ "Egg Nog Bread."

The remaining chapters offer recipes on the sweetest part of any meal: the dessert. Cakes, cookies, candy, pies and pastries are included. To indulge your sweet tooth try Phyllis Janssen’s "Chocolate Ecstasy," Ruth Freesmeier’s "Carrot Cake In A Jar" or the school’s very own "After School Puppy Chow." Want to add candles to a special cake? Marshmallows can be used for the candleholders.

The final chapter, "This & That," is a collection of past memories, recipes for playtime and thoughts for a better life. Advice for a good day from Kathy Buse’s grandmother Ellen Bode: "If your day is hemmed with prayer, it is less likely to unravel."

"Sharing Our Best" is a wonderful throwback to the cookbooks of yesteryear used by our mothers and grandmothers. More than just food recipes, it contains directions for creating playthings for children as well as dispensing bits of time-honored wisdom.

The book comes with a handy chart of cooking tips, instructions for folding napkins, food quantities for large servings and a glossary of cooking terms.

This book is highly recommended for everyone to loves to cook, entertain or collect books of local history interest.

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

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

Released on video Tuesday, March 6, 2001

Rated R     Approx 127 Minutes     DreamWorks Home Entertainment -2000

Written and directed by Rod Lurie

Starring:

Jeff Bridges

Christian Slater

Sam Elliot

Joan Allen

Gary Oldman (also the executive producer)

This movie uses graphic language to describe sexual scenes and presents some nudity.

[MARCH 10, 2001]  The box said “two thumbs up” and “Thriller!”

In recent years, the "two thumbs up" endorsement has meant that I probably was going to find the movie to be a loser. "Thriller" usually means I may endure it but I’m probably not going to be thrilled with it.

However, in the case of "The Contender," both my thumbs are up too, and I am indeed thrilled.

"The Contender" is a gritty movie, a political "action" film of sorts. It is a thriller because you don’t have a clear shot at the plot until it is finally revealed for you. At the end, you look back on the film and say, "Yeah, I should’ve seen that coming."

"The Contender" is gritty because it focuses on a dirty fight between political rivals to appoint a new vice president of the United States. The president (played very aptly by Jeff Bridges) selects a woman, Sen. Lane Hanson of Ohio (Joan Allen), for the job, against the advice of party officials and his own advisers. The previous vice president died somehow in office — but "The Contender" never tries to explain his passing.

The whole plot is wrapped up in the confirmation hearings and the process of bringing an appointee to office or sending ’em off packing.

Gary Oldman plays Sheldon Runyon, the Republican chairman of the selection committee. The highly respected, powerful senator seems bent on not only denying the president his day in the sun but also destroying the very career of Sen. Hanson.

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Two things about this movie made a good impression on me.

First, the acting was excellent. Oldman plays a perfect bad guy in this film (he seems to have the bad-guy act down pat). Jeff Bridges, who I thought incapable of playing a convincing president, stepped up to the plate and delivered. Christian Slater played the part of a freshman congressman who was seeking to do the right thing on principle, and was perfectly cast for the part. Finally, Joan Allen was wonderful in her portrayal of the contender under siege.

Second, the plot was dynamite. This movie seems to make you move away from certain characters and make certain assumptions, but you find yourself making a couple of 90 degree turns before it’s done. In the spirit of "The West Wing," it is full of political intrigue and the power of the Washington scene. "The Contender" is a film about respect and dignity and the rocky road to realizing those two values.

The first hour of the movie has a single weakness: The lack of actors on the set portraying political operatives, appointees, devotees and those holding office makes you believe the story less. They needed a fuller cast to make it seem like Washington and government.

This is not a partisan film about the usual struggle between Republicans and Democrats. Instead it is a story about the dynamics of power, accusation and truth.

So, I recommend this film to you if you enjoy a good thriller, if you enjoy stories about the political struggles of this nation and if you like a good fiction about how truth prevails.

I give it 3½ stars (out of five).

[midge]

midge@lincolndailynews.com

[MAY 4, 2001]  Sixty-seven young people from second through 12th grades auditioned for Lincoln Community Theatre's upcoming children’s play. Thirty-nine have been cast in what promises to be a delightful rendition of "Tom Sawyer." Performances will be at 7 p.m. June 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. June 30 and July 1 at the Johnston Center on the Lincoln College campus.

Cast / Characters

Alison Maske of Mount Pulaski — Susan Harper, school girl

Gracie Wood of Lincoln — Gracie Miller, school girl

Brian Welter of Lincoln — Muff Potter, town derelict

Joe Allspach of Mount Pulaski — Sheriff

Anthony Jones of Hartsburg — Injun Joe (dangerous)

Tom Swanson of Lincoln — Doc Robinson, young surgeon

Kaitlyn Przykopanski of Mount Pulaski — Mrs. Walters, Sunday School superintendent

Holly Phillips of Lincoln — Widow Douglas, Aunt Polly's friend 

Julie Wood of Lincoln — Mrs. Harper, Joe's mother 

Brianna Skaggs of Mason City — Amy Lawrence, school girl 

Kelly Dowling of Lincoln — Aunt Polly, Tom's aunt 

Ben Herrington-Gilmore of Lincoln — Tom Sawyer (always in trouble)

Spencer Harris of Lincoln — Huck Finn, Tom's friend (a free spirit)

Alison Kessinger of Lincoln — Cousin Mary, Tom's relative 

Doug Rohrer of Lincoln — Judge Thatcher (new in town) 

Emili Moneyhun of Lincoln — Mrs. Thatcher, the judge’s wife 

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Molly Mathewson of Athens — Becky Thatcher, daughter of Judge and Mrs. Thatcher

Shelby Voyles of Lincoln — Sally, school girl

Payton McVey of Atlanta — Ben Rogers, town boy 

Max Pozsque of Lincoln — Joe Harper, town boy

Corey Moynahan of Sherman — Alfred Temple, town boy 

Nate King of Lincoln — Mr. Dobbins, schoolmaster 

Patrick Perry of Lincoln — Reverend Sprague, minister 

Townspeople

Emily Berglin, Taylor Berglin, Tony Curcuru, Kelsey Dallas, Nettie Duncan, Stephen Duncan, Greg Gandenberger, Luke Hanger, Katy Reynolds, Moses Rogers and Todd Schumacher, all of Lincoln; Joel Rankin of Mount Pulaski; Jillian Nichole Dowell of Kenney; Darci Dixon of Athens; Tanner Milan of Sherman; and Emma Jo Schumacher of Springfield

Coleen McLaughlin-Moore is the director, Miranda Stone is technical director, and Rachel Washam is audiovisual technician.

The local production of "Tom Sawyer," by Tim Kelly, is presented by special arrangement with publisher IE Clark.

For more information see the LCT website, www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre. 

[MAY 3, 2001]  ^"Oklahoma!" Come and see the farmers and cowmen be friends at Lincoln Community High School. The LCHS Fine Arts Department musical, starring Kyle Pepperell as Curly, Allison Leonard as Laurey and Kirsten Knutilla as Aunt Eller, will be presented in the LCHS auditorium May 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. and May 13 at 2 p.m.

"Oklahoma!" is the story of Curly and Laurey, two people reluctant to love one another. Curly, the charming and eager cowboy, is mighty fond of Laurey, a country girl with "purtty" eyes, and plans to take her to the annual dance. The only obstacle that stands between them is Jud Fry, played by James Phelan.

Intertwined in this tale is the story of Ado Annie, her "peddler man" and Will Parker, played by Betsy Buttell, Beau Hangar and Eric Agostino, respectively.

Other people starring in "Oklahoma!" include Ann Elliott as Gertie Cummings and Stanton Schumacher as Carnes. Kyle Monday, Micah Kilgallin, Adam Voyles, Collin Voyles and Heather Bean round out the cast.

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Tom Quinn is the acting director. His student assistant is Miranda Stone. Tony Corpus is orchestra director and is assisted by Jason Yarcho. Kim Peterson-Quinn is the vocal director and director of choreography. Her assistant in choreography is Heather Bean.

Dancers include Angela Martin, Amanda Perry, BreeAnn Kelly, Holly Swinda, Cara Brewer, Kerry Dobihal, Colleen Fitsimmons and Audrey Beach.

Chorus members include Kelly Dowling, Marla Camilo, Holly Spickard, Julie Wood, Abby Ebelherr, Laura Kodatt, Mallory Coons, Jenny Boehl, Doug Rohrer and Jim Allen.

[APRIL 23, 2001]  Lincoln Community Theatre’s cast for the first performance of the summer season, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," is set to begin rehearsals. This popular musical was the very first production ever staged by LCT in 1972 and will kick off Lincoln Community Theatre’s 30^th season.

Cast as the ever-suffering Charlie Brown is Sean Edward Hall of Springfield. Hall has directed several LCT productions, but this will mark his debut performance on the Lincoln stage.

Appearing as Linus will be Jeff Kindred of Atlanta, a familiar face on the local stage.

Two of the leading performers from last summer’s popular show "Annie" will also be appearing in "Charlie Brown." Jill Nessler of Sherman ("Annie’s" Miss Hannigan) and Carrie Schreiber of Lincoln ("Annie’s" Grace Farrell) will appear as Lucy and Patty.

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Rounding out the cast will be LCT newcomers Josh Twente of Lincoln as Schroeder and Tony Crawford of Clinton as Snoopy.

Season tickets for the entire season are still available by contacting LCT, Box 374, Lincoln 62656 or by calling (217) 732-2640.

Further information regarding season memberships, auditions and cast lists is available at the LCT website located at http://www.geocities.com/
lincolncommunitytheatre/.

[LCT news release]

LCT chooses summer production staff

[MARCH 12, 2001]  Lincoln Community Theatre has announced the 2001 summer production staff.

The first production, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," which runs from June 8 through 16, was selected in celebration of LCT’s 30th anniversary season. This musical was the first performance offered by Lincoln Community Theatre during the organization’s first season in 1971.

The 2001 production will be directed by Sean-Edward Hall of Springfield. Wayne Mara of Lincoln has been hired as technical director, with Jason Yarcho, also of Lincoln, as accompanist and orchestra director. Lights and sound will be managed by Stuart Wyneken of Lincoln.

The July 13 through 21 comedy, "Moon Over Buffalo," will be directed by Jerry Dellinger of Lincoln. He will also serve as lighting director. Technical director will be Max Levendel of Bloomington.

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LCT’s final production, "The Wiz," will be directed by Tracy Tiritilli of Bloomington, with husband Mark Tiritilli serving as technical director. The show will run Aug. 3 through 11. Yarcho will again serve as musical accompanist, and Wyneken will handle lighting and sound.

LCT also plans a children’s play this summer. Performances will be June 28 through July 1.

For more information see the LCT website, www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre. 

[LCT news release]

Lincoln Community Theatre’s (LCT) website is up and available. The site serves a number of functions, from providing information on becoming a season ticket holder to showing what new productions are being planned for next season. It lists everything one wants to know about LCT — except the scripts. The top of the page lists those already involved in the theatre and announces any paid or unpaid positions, which are still available. Audition dates are also listed for prospective actors.

The site also links to Gus Gordon Productions and Grand Ball Costumes. Gus Gordon produces plays all over central Illinois, and the site lists the upcoming plays. Grand Ball Costumes rents costumes here in central Illinois for plays, Halloween, weddings, birthdays or any other occasion.

A little farther down, the site offers information on upcoming plays, admission prices and season ticket prices. Presently, LCT’s website is displaying pictures of recent performances: "Annie" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

If you are interested in joining a performance or just going to see one, visit LCT’s website at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html, e-mail LCT at lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com, or write to Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656.

[LDN]

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