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[JULY 26, 2001]   

History

A sheep, duck and rooster were the first lucky passengers to float through the air in a hot-air balloon, launched by Joseph and Ettienne Montgolfier in 1783. The first recorded manned flight, in a hot-air balloon constructed from paper and silk, took place in Paris that same year. According to www.balloonzone.com, local farmers were very suspicious of the fiery object descending from the sky, so pilots offered champagne to appease them and celebrate the first human flight — a tradition carried on even today.

The first balloon flight in North America, piloted by Jean-Pierre Blanchard, was in Philadelphia in 1793, but it wasn’t until 1960 when the modern hot-air balloon was born.

The first man-carrying free flight took place in Nebraska in a Raven prototype balloon constructed of a polyurethane-coated nylon and powered by a propane burner.

By 1963, the growing sport was able to sustain the first U.S. national championships. The
balloons used for passenger flights today were developed in this country during the 1960s and have two main technological advances: rip-stop nylon, which is a safe and reliable material for the envelope, and a gas burner to heat the air in the envelope. Today there are over 5,000 balloon pilots in the United States alone.

How balloons fly

Hot-air balloons consist of three major parts: the envelope, burner and basket. The envelope is the colorful fabric bag that holds the hot air. When the air inside the envelope is heated, the balloon rises. The burner is positioned above the passengers’ heads and produces a huge flame to heat the air inside the envelope. The basket is where the
passengers ride and is usually made of lightweight, flexible wicker.

To descend, the pilot allows the air to cool, and the balloon becomes heavier than air. The pilot has complete control of up-and-down movements by controlling the heat in the envelope. Once airborne, balloons just float with the wind. A pilot checks wind conditions before launching, so even though pilots can’t steer the balloon, they can move up and down to find a layer of air that will allow the balloon to change direction.

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During the flight, the balloon is followed by the chase crew, usually in radio contact with the pilot. The crew help the pilot prepare the equipment, hold open the envelope while it fills with cold air and apply weight to the outside of the basket as needed before launch. They also follow the balloon in a vehicle and help pack the balloon up and take it back to the launch site.

Besides terrain, the other main concern for a balloonist is weather, especially wind conditions. Ideal weather for this sport consists of high pressure, moderate temperature and wind speeds of less than 8 mph on the surface. Most balloons fly within two or three hours of sunrise and sunset, when winds are calmest and conditions most stable.

"The weather is very critical. We like to fly when winds are less than 10 miles an hour. You’ve got to watch that. When you’re flying, the biggest concern is looking out for obstacles on the ground. You don’t steer the balloon. You can go different directions by going different altitudes, but you just go where the wind blows," Ireland said.

(To be continued)

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]

[JULY 21, 2001]  A hot-air balloon ride taken during a 1985 vacation to California changed Jim and Nancy Ireland’s life. "We took our first balloon ride that year in the Napa Valley and kind of got hooked on it," Nancy said.

Upon returning to their home in Lincoln, the couple began working on a crew for a hot-air balloonist in the area, but that wasn’t enough to fulfill their passion for their newly discovered sport. They soon purchased their first balloon, named Sunglow for its bright orange color, and Jim earned both his private and commercial pilot’s licenses. The couple now own their third balloon, which retains the same name but is drenched in a rainbow of colors.

But it’s not just the feeling of floating among the clouds or the fantastic views from above that keep the couple involved in the sport. "One of the greatest things about it is seeing people that come out and watch the balloons and take a ride and see how excited they are. Especially the children; they love it," she said

"I just enjoy the flying part of it. I like to fly. It’s just fun to be with the people and see the smile on the kids’ faces," her husband added.

The couple attend approximately 10 festivals a year, mostly in surrounding states, but have also flown several times in the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in New Mexico, which is one of the country’s largest events, with more than 500 participating balloons.

Ireland, 60, who is soon to retire from his job with the Illinois Department of Transportation, said he and his wife, who is already retired, plan to do a lot more traveling with their balloon in the future when time allows.

As with many hot-air balloon enthusiasts, the Irelands’ hobby is shared by their family. Their daughter Sherry, and her fiance are both hot-air balloon pilots, while their other daughter works on the crew.

For 41-year-old Aissa Frazier, the passion for the sport was sparked 13 years ago during her stint as chairman of the Logan County United Way. The organization sponsored one of the balloons at the Logan County Art and Balloon Festival, and her then 3-year-old son, Beau, was fascinated with the large, inflatable object. Over the years, they began
watching local events and assisting balloon crews.

"He wanted a balloon, and I told him when he was 16 he could get his license. We bought a balloon last May, and now we are both student pilots," she said. Her 14-year-old son, Luke, is already studying for the day he can be a student pilot, and her 6-year-old daughter lends a hand, while her two older children also join in the fun when visiting.

"It’s really a big family affair. We fell in love with that aspect of it. Groups of families crew together. For my family, it’s such a draw for us to be together," she said. "It’s fun the whole family can participate in together."

Frazier, vice-president of the Balloon Association of Greater Illinois, has named her balloon "Oh, Baby" because it signifies family ties.

While some pilots travel every weekend to some event across the country, Frazier, a principal at Heyworth Elementary School, said having a balloon has given her a way to help people. Although she does attend festivals and events in the Midwest, she has focused on events close to home and donated her skills to help raise money for a friend suffering from cancer, among other causes.

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"Some pilots travel every weekend and compete. It takes a fair amount of skill to make money competing, but some prize purses are much as $10,000. If you’re competitive, you can support your habit," she said. "We have given charity rides, and we use it for its fun.

"It’s amazing. I feel that God gives you some neat talents you can share with people, and this is my way. When you see people get so excited about something that’s positive and healthy, it’s such a good thing."

And, despite the fact that weather in the Midwest can be unpredictable, she says the view from above gives a new perspective to corn and beans. "I love the solitude. In the morning, the flying is unbelievably beautiful. In Illinois, to fly over a field of crops, it gives you such a good perspective of the beauty even here in the flatland. It gives you a different appreciation," she said.

Frazier also says the sport is something people of all ages can get involved in. "A member of our crew is in her late 60s and she loves it. Whether you’re 2 or 72, there’s something you can do, like drive the car, give weather reports, move the basket and a lot of things that allows everybody to feel like they are a part of it."

The communities of Champaign, Lincoln and Danville, which all host balloon festivals, also seem to have the most hot-air balloonists and balloon dealers. One reason for that, according to Frazier, is that the tradition and love of the sport is being passed on to the next generation. "We’re all grooming our children. Many people who first got involved are now getting their children involved," she said. "The Lincoln festival was small enough at the start that people could get involved. Now, it’s the second largest in central Illinois."

The best time for flying in central Illinois is during the months of August, September and October. "That’s prime ballooning season. The weather is more stable, and we have less rain and turbulence," Frazier said. "But flying in the winter is beautiful. You just have to dress warmer."

(To be continued)

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]

[Click here for Part 2]

[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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