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'Dr. Jeckel and the Speckled Monster'

[MAY 28, 2003]  "Dr. Jenner and the Speckled Monster: The Search for the Smallpox Vaccine" by Albert Marrin, Dutton Children's Books, 120 pages, grades 4-8

Review by Louella Moreland

The news in the past year has reported a great deal about the possibility of terrorists using chemical and biological warfare. Children have watched those news reports and had discussions about terrorism. How do adults address those questions and allay children's fears when many today do not even remember a time when polio and smallpox vaccines were a common part of childhood?

Mr. Marrin has written an easy-to-understand history of smallpox to be read by children. The book begins with the widespread outbreak of the disease that destroyed the powerful Aztec Empire in Mexico. From that story Mr. Marrin goes even further back in history to explain that diseases in general became epidemics only when people settled from nomadic life into farming communities. As people traveled, so did the highly contagious smallpox virus.

 

Smallpox is actually considered a young disease. It probably began about 8,000 years ago in Asia or the Middle East as a related disease in animals. From that initial disease the virus began to mutate, or change, being able to survive in a human host. A person who caught the virus either survived or died. Those who survived seemed immune to catching the virus again. The first smallpox victim we know of was Ramses V in Egypt, who died in 1157 B.C.

The name smallpox came from its scientific name, variola, and the Latin varius, meaning "spotted" or "speckled." The appearance of closely spaced red bumps is why it was often referred to as the "speckled monster." No one actually saw what the virus looked like until American scientists were able to study it in 1947 under a very powerful electron microscope.

 

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Dr. Jenner and the Speckled Monster: The Search for the Smallpox Vaccine

Inoculation to prevent the spread of the disease was first done in China around 950 A.D. Inoculation procedures spread through Asia and eventually to Europe, with only the very wealthy being able to afford the procedure. The first recorded "testing" was done in 1721 in London at Newgate prison. Sometimes the procedure worked; sometimes people died. It would be many years before doctors understood about sanitation, standardization, or the immune system and how it worked.

Edward Jenner would be the first doctor who made the connection of cowpox to smallpox. Milkmaids claimed they rarely came down with smallpox because they often caught cowpox while milking. During the smallpox epidemic of 1778, Jenner remembered the claims of the milkmaids and started experimenting. His new vaccination proved safer, cheaper and less frightening than earlier inoculation.

Through the use of vaccination programs, smallpox was slowly eliminated across the globe. In 1978 the World Health Organization declared victory over smallpox. At the end of his book, Mr. Marrin also explains the fears of governments and health officials today and why the last samples have not been destroyed.

For parents wanting good background information and easy-to-understand information to assist their children in understanding the disease and its role in current affairs, I would recommend first reading this book and then sharing all or parts of it with their families. It is not a pretty subject and is discussed plainly.

For this or other books on subjects in the news, visit us at the library, 725 Pekin St., or call 732-8878.

[Louella Moreland, Youth Services Department,
 Lincoln Public Library District]

 



LCT '1776' auditions

[JUNE 2, 2003]  Lincoln Community Theatre is looking for a few good men -- literally! Twenty-three men ranging in age from 20 to 50 are sought to fill roles in the final production of the 2003 summer season,"1776," a history-based musical. Roles include parts for older, "mature" actors as well as for one teenage male.

A few male non-singing roles are also required for the show, and two female (soprano) roles are available.

Auditions will be on Friday, June 6, at 6 p.m. and on Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. at St. John United Church of Christ, 204 Seventh St. in Lincoln.

Those auditioning for a singing role should have a song prepared. An accompanist will be provided.

Scripts may be viewed at the Lincoln Public Library two weeks prior to the audition.

 

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Questions regarding auditions should be directed to Marlene Perry, audition chairman, at (217) 732-2640.

Jennifer MacMurdo, formerly of Lincoln, is directing "1776," which will be performed Aug. 1-9.

Season tickets are still available for this summer. To order, send check or money order ($20 adults, $12 children through eighth grade) to LCT, Box 374, Lincoln, IL 62656.

More information regarding Lincoln Community Theatre's season is available at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre.

[Judy Rader, LCT publicity chairman]

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"Nuncrackers"

JUNE 13-31

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Lincoln Community Theatre box office opens

[MAY 28, 2003]  The Lincoln Community Theatre box office will open for the summer on Monday, June 2. The box office is located in the lobby of the Johnston Center for Performing Arts on the Lincoln College campus.

Season ticket holders may begin making reservations for any of the three summer productions by calling (217) 735-2614 or by visiting the box office between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Season tickets for the summer cover the musical comedy "Nuncrackers," which opens June 13 as the season's first production; the July bittersweet comedy, "Steel Magnolias"; and the August musical, "1776."

Season tickets, priced at $20 for adults and $12 for children through eighth grade, are still available for the 2003 summer season. General admission tickets are offered to the public one week prior to the opening of each show for $9 for adults and $6 for students through eighth grade.

Further information is available at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre.

[Judy Rader, LCT publicity chairman]

 

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Lincoln, IL

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LCT 'Nuncrackers' cast

[MAY 19, 2003]  The cast for Lincoln Community Theatre's June 13-21 production of "Nuncrackers" was recently announced by director Sarah Knutilla.

Featured roles include Gail King of Lincoln as the Reverend Mother, Lesa Andrick of Decatur as Sister Hubert, Linda Schneider of Springfield as Sister Robert Anne, Angela Bayler of Decatur as Sister Amnesia, and Ann Ehnes of Manitoba, Canada, as Sister Mary Leo. Rounding out the adult cast will be Chuck McCue of Mount Pulaski as Father Virgil and Allen King of Lincoln as the stage manager. Four area children also appearing in the production are Amy Knutilla and Rachelle Cravens, both of Lincoln, Nick Kmetz of Mount Pulaski, and Brianna Skaggs of Mason City.

On the show's production staff are Paula Stone, technical director; Jason Yarcho, musical accompanist, vocal and orchestra director; Ehnes, choreographer; Tony Crawford, lights and sound; Cynthia Knutilla, costumes; and Marlene Perry and Tom McLaughlin, LCT board liaisons.

 

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People who have season tickets can make reservations beginning June 2, when the LCT box office opens. General admission tickets will be available June 7. The box office is located in the Johnston Center for the Performing Arts on the Lincoln College campus.

Season tickets for the summer are still available at $20 for adults and $12 for children through eighth grade. Send check or money order to LCT, Box 374, Lincoln, IL 62656.

Additional information regarding LCT's upcoming season is available at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre.

[Judy Rader, LCT publicity chairman]

 


Classic films return to Lincoln Cinemas

The Logan County Arts Association, in conjunction with GKC Cinemas Corporation, has brought the classic film night series back to the Lincoln Cinemas. The next set of films is scheduled for every second Thursday through October, with shows at 7 p.m.

Classic films lined up for the 2003 season:

  • "My Fair Lady," June 12
  • "Old Yeller," July 10
  • "The Apartment," Aug. 14
  • "Wuthering Heights," Sept. 11
  • "War of the Worlds," Oct. 9

Tickets are $5.50 for adults and $4.50 for senior citizens and children 12 and under. The tickets are available at GKC Lincoln Cinemas.

Anyone wanting more information may call the Logan County Arts Association at (217) 735-4422.

[Press release from the
Logan County Arts Association]


Lincoln Community Theatre information

Lincoln Community Theatre's box office, phone 735-2614,  is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday for the summer season. The office is located in the lobby of the Johnston Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Lincoln College.

Performances of "Dearly Departed" are scheduled for July 12-20, and "The King and I" will be presented Aug. 2-10. Show times are 2 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The LCT mailing address is Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656; e-mail: lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com.

Visit the LDC website at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html. Pictures from past productions are included.

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