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[JULY 25, 2001]   ^“Gawgon and the Boy." Lloyd Alexander. Dutton Children’s Books, 2001. 199 pages. Grades 5-7.

"They really thought you were a goner," David’s sister said cheerfully as she stood at his bedroom door. And then she added, "Uncle Justice was ready to sell us a tombstone. ... What a nuisance you are."

David was feeling pretty good about the doctor’s diagnosis of pneumonia because he wouldn’t have to go back to school for a while. His sister was worried about being quarantined, because then she wouldn’t be able to go out and visit her friends, called the Tulip Garden by David. He gave them that name because they all looked the same, with bobbed hairdos on slender necks.

The boy, David, had secret names for several members of his family. His Aunt Annie was the Gawgon, so-named because the aged woman seemed as frightening as a monstrous snake-haired Gorgon. The Gawgon would become the boy’s tutor, and he knew from the beginning she would not be bamboozled.

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Aunt Annie turned out to be an excellent teacher. She introduced the boy to Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes, Napoleon and da Vinci, and he used the information to create fictitious adventures, which included Gawgon and the boy. David enjoyed his lessons so much that he chose schoolwork over a trip to Atlantic City and the beach. His aunt had a magical way of turning history into an irresistible adventure.

This book is full of humor, as we read David’s descriptions of family life and his fantasies, but we also get a glimpse of real life in Philadelphia in the 1920s.

Alexander has written more than 30 books for young people, including the award-winning "Prydain Chronicles."

[Pat Schlough, Lincoln Public Library]

[JULY 25, 2001]  ^“How to Be a Real Person (in Just One Day)." Sally Warner. Knopf, 2001. 123 pages. Grades 5-7.

Twelve-year-old Kara writes a first-person account of juggling life at home, where she is caring for a manic-depressive mother, and at school, where she is trying to be "real."

At home she is responsible for cooking and all household chores. At school Kara tells everyone her mother is sick and an aunt is caring for her. She doesn’t want anyone to know she is alone trying to take care of her mother and help her recover.

To help herself cope, she invents rules for herself so she can be a "real" person, someone who fits in and doesn’t appear different. One list of rules is "How to Get Ready for School," which includes "creep upstairs and brush your mossy, not-perfect teeth." Another list of Kara’s is "How to Blend In."

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Kara also escapes to Lonely Island to help cope with her mother’s illness. Her favorite book is "Island of the Blue Dolphins," and she puts herself on the island just by thinking about it and to "make things better."

Eventually, Kara’s mother ends up in the hospital, and Kara realizes that her mother’s illness is not her fault.

Warner has written a story that is very believable, with "real" characters to whom the 11-14 age group can relate.

[Pat Schlough, Lincoln Public Library]

[JULY 25, 2001]  The newly formed Logan County Arts Association seeks to forge a bond between the people of Logan County and the arts. The arts association is in the process of determining how their logo should appear. Local artists and other interested parties are asked to submit their rendition of a new association logo.

The following guidelines should be used in making the logo:

1. Use the name Logan County Arts Association.

2. Use unique identifiers of Abraham Lincoln. These could include his signature or even his hat.

The winner of this contest and results will be announced in Lincoln Daily News. Entries should be submitted by Aug. 20.

You can mail your submissions to:

Lincoln Daily News

Subject: Art Association logo

601 Keokuk

Lincoln, IL 62656

Or submit your entry by e-mail to ldneditor@lincolndailynews.com, with "Art Association logo" on the subject line.

Call Marshall Jacobs, (217) 899-6243, with any questions you may have about the association or logo.

[News release]

[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.

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

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]

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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