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‘Armageddon Summer’

[JULY 18, 2001]   ^“Armageddon Summer," by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville. Harcourt Brace and Co., 1998, 266 pages.

This time the world will be destroyed by fire and it will happen on July 27, 2000, according to Reverend Beelson and his Church of the Believers. Reverend Beelson has called exactly 144 True Believers to Mount Weeupcut in western Massachusetts to wait for the End of the World. Jed and Marina, the two main characters in the story, arrive on the mountain to prepare and wait for July 27, Armageddon and Marina’s 14^th birthday.

Jed is on the mountain with his father. Jed’s mother recently left his father for a photographer, and they live in Colorado. Marina’s family on the mountain consists of her mother and four brothers. Her father is not a believer and refused to go with them to the mountain. Marina is a believer but constantly struggles with doubt. Jed is definitely not a believer and is only on the mountain to watch over his father, who hasn’t been the same since his wife left.

Life on the "Cut," as The Believers refer to it, consists of digging latrines, living in tents, stockpiling supplies and building an electric fence to keep out the LMCs, the Last Minute Christers. Reverend Beelson tells The Believers that as the day of Armageddon approaches, the Unbelievers will become Believers and converge on the mountain, and they can’t let them join because it can only be 144 Believers.

Marina also has the responsibility of caring for her four brothers. Her mother is so enamored with Reverend Beelson that she has completely abandoned her children.

Jed spends most of his time avoiding the work and trying to get alone with his laptop computer, which has been forbidden on the mountain. He wants to hear local news because he is sure that trouble is brewing down the mountain.

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Jed witnesses an incident, at the electric fence,  that makes him even more sure of impending trouble. An irate father who wants to see his children charges that Reverend Beelson and The Believers have kidnapped them. The father threatens to bring the police, army, FBI or whomever it takes to get his children back.

In the midst of preparing for the End of the World, Jed and Marina find each other and are immediately attracted to each other. In the beginning their differing opinions about "The End" are what they talk about the most, but eventually they get to know each other better. Marina wants desperately to believe, but her common sense and the poems of Emily Dickinson cause her to question the reality of the teachings. Jed and Marina wrestle with issues of faith, skepticism, family responsibilities and their interest in each other.

As Reverend Beelson predicts, a type of Armageddon does take place on July 27, 2000, but as Marina sadly comments, it is one "made by man. Not by God." Jed and Marina are able to rise above the terror and confusion and get the children in the camp away from danger.

This is an exciting and suspenseful story that is told in the alternating voices of Jed and Marina. It is a story right out of the headlines and very relevant to our times. It deals very convincingly with dynamics and dangers of cults. It also gives opportunity for discussion about parental neglect, medical care, hypocrisy, news media behavior, abortion and family relationships.

This book is recommended for readers in sixth to ninth grade. For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217) 732-5732.

[Linda Harmon, Lincoln Public Library District]

[JULY 20, 2001]  The winner of a pair of tickets to Lincoln Community Theatre’s "Moon Over Buffalo" is Mary Wood.

[JULY 17, 2001]  The executive board for the Logan County Arts Association met Monday evening. Led by President Marshall Jacobs, the board continued discussions revolving around the formalities of getting organized into a state-recognized not-for-profit association.

The 501 C 3 paperwork has been completed, and the group voted on the contributor levels that they would officially enter with it.

Eight categories have been accepted:

$25-$49

$50-$99

$100-$299

$300-$499

$500-$999

$1,000-$2,499

$2,500-$4,999

$5,000-plus

The group is seeking the development of a logo to be made locally. There was considerable discussion about trying to harness the talents of our youth. It was pointed out that it would increase interest and awareness if kids from kindergarten through grade 12 were helping. With this concept in mind, Marty Hargett stated, "All different age groups involved, that would be great." Jacobs concurred, "Young people need to be involved in this." It is tentatively planned to go to the schools and seek their involvement.

Jacobs announced that the Chamber has offered their location as a postal address. Mail can be sent to:

Logan County Arts Association

c/o Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce

303 S. Kickapoo St.

Lincoln, IL 62656

A flyer is being designed that will bring about awareness of this newest Logan County asset. It is hoped to be completed and ready for distribution downtown at the Art Fair, at the Logan County Fairgrounds during the Balloon Festival and at prime outlying community locations. Jacobs emphasized that this is intended for all of Logan County, and the group needs to reach into the other communities.

A number-one goal of the association is to build support membership. They are planning to have a membership drive.

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The first fund-raising activity was set forth and is under development. It is planned to have regular Classic Movie Nights. Richard Sumrall pointed out that there are 16 film genres to choose from. Once the details of the place and frequency to view them are worked out, the first movies will be ordered. It was thought that patrons will be given ballots to choose future movies.

Patrons will purchase tickets to see these great classics on the big screen. It is hoped to have pre-movie introductions and optional post-movie discussions led by people who are knowledgeable and passionate about this art form. The post-movie discussions may be a ticketed event as well, with refreshments at Eckert’s Fine Dining, making it a great date night.

In other discussion of future goals, Jean Gossett suggested, "I would like to see us bring in a live, breathing artist and have a display of their works." The beauty and stature of Logan County Courthouse was suggested as an excellent location for this activity. The Logan County Board will be approached for their approval in the use of the courthouse rotunda. Then artists will be sought for shows.

As a last order of business, Larry Steffens requested that the newly completed bylaws be approved "so we can move on." There was a motion to do so that was seconded, and they were unanimously accepted.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 20, in a Lincoln Public Library meeting room.

Logan County Arts Association mission statement: "To enhance the quality of life by actively promoting arts dissemination, thereby making the arts an integral component of life in our community and the surrounding area."

[Jan Youngquist]

LCT’s box office is open for 
‘Moon Over Buffalo,’ a comedy

[JULY 7, 2001]  Lincoln Community Theatre’s box office is open with tickets available for the next summer performance, "Moon Over Buffalo," a comedy. Performance dates are July 13-15 and 17-21 at the Johnston Center for the Performing Arts on the Lincoln College campus.

The cast of eight includes Lincoln residents Bruce Clausen, Amanda Frioli, Josh Twente, Nick King, Connie DiLillo and Allen King. Also appearing are D Ann Jones of Clinton and Mitchaleen Lowe of Decatur. The play is directed by Jerry Dellinger of Lincoln. Sets were designed and created by Max Levendel of Bloomington.

In the story, an acting couple on tour are given one more shot at starring roles, and a famous director is on his way to catch their matinee performance in Buffalo, N.Y. The setting is backstage as their daughter brings her fiance to meet her parents. Hilarious misunderstandings pile on top of misadventures, all of which are magnified by the deaf mother who manages the theater.

The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and one hour before each performance. For more information, call (217) 735-2614 or visit LCT’s website at http://www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/.

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. Pictures from last season's productions are also posted.

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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