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‘Following
Fake Man’
[NOV. 7, 2001] “Following
Fake Man," by Barbara Ware Holmes. Alfred A. Knopf, 2001, 228
pages.
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"This
kid was nursed on a pickle," Madeleine liked to tell anyone who
would listen. Meaning me, of course, Homer Winthrop. "Nursed on
a pickle and weaned on prune juice."
This
is our introduction to the main character of this book as the
housekeeper, Madeleine, is describing him.
Homer
enjoys not talking and sulking as a way to get back at a mother he
feels has closed him out of her life. Homer’s father was a
neurologist who died of a neurological disease when Homer was 2
years old. That is almost all he knows about his father because his
mother refuses or is unable to talk about him.
The
Winthrops live in Boston but are on their way to Maine for summer
vacation, which in itself is a mystery to Homer because his mother
doesn’t take vacations. He has a feeling that this is more than a
vacation when his mother announces that the house they will be
staying in is their house.
This
knowledge really surprises Homer, and he decides to talk because he
wants to know all about the house. He realizes that his father would
have been there at one time, and he is determined to find the truth
about his father’s death. His mother tells him as little as she
can, and the rest of the story he must find out for himself.
Homer
goes exploring on his first morning in Maine and meets a boy named
Roger, who introduces Homer to the mystery of the costumed man.
Roger has discovered that even though the man appears to be old and
gray, it is really a disguise. Homer and the mysterious man are soon
linked when his mother reacts drastically to seeing him on the
street. He is sure that this man is a part of the answers he needs
about his father. The boys soon become fast friends with the common
goal of exposing "Fake Man."
[to top of second column in
this review]
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Shortly
after seeing Fake Man, Homer’s mother announces that he is not to
make any connections while they are there and takes to her bed with
one of her frequent migraines. This makes Homer more determined than
ever to find out the truth. There is something about being where he
has history that gives him a courage he has never experienced
before. His mother’s illness also makes it easier for the boys to
carry out their plan of following Fake Man.
This
leads them to a cabin in the woods at the edge of town, where even
more secrets are exposed. Homer eventually follows Fake Man to Owl
Island. The man turns out to be a famous artist who disguises
himself so he can paint in peace. He was also Homer’s father’s
best friend. He tells Homer about his father and other much-needed
information about his past. They confront Homer’s mother with the
information, and it seems as if the Winthrops will be able to start
the healing process and have a future together as a family.
This
is a humorous yet poignant story about friendship and family. It is
recommended for grades five through seven. Barbara Ware Holmes has
written several other books for children, including "Letters to
Julia" and "My Sister the Sausage Roll."
For
more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217)
732-8878 or 732-5732.
[Linda
Harmon, Lincoln Public Library District]
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Arts
group sets classical guitar event, begins to plan theater
restoration
[OCT.
18, 2001] On
the heels of a sellout of its first classic film offering, on Oct.
11, the Logan County Arts Association laid plans Monday night for
its next event, a classical Spanish guitar performance by Chris
Culleton at Trinity Episcopal Church on Dec. 16.
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Culleton
is a Lincoln native. A reception will follow his 2 p.m. classical
guitar performance. Tickets will be sold in advance, with a maximum
of 200 seats available for $5 each. Proceeds will go to the
association for future arts programming.
Association
President Marshall Jacobs reported a meeting with Kerasotes Theatres
officers, Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis and Bobbi Abbott, executive
director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, at which a
"workable framework" for transfer of the Lincoln Cinema’s
theater to the chamber was devised. He said plans are for the arts
association to restore the interior of the building with office
space on the second floor. Work would start after GKC has completed
a new theater complex, probably in the fall of 2002.
The
architectural firm of Kenyon & Associates, which oversaw
restoration work on Lincoln Public Library, will examine the theater
building soon, and other firms have also expressed interest in the
project, expected to cost more than $1 million. Jacobs said that
$5,000 to $10,000 seed money is needed, and at least two grants have
been applied for.
Completion
of the theater restoration in 2003 would make it available for use
in relation to Lincoln’s sesquicentennial that year. Jacobs said
plans are for the chamber of commerce to hold the theater as part of
the downtown historic district. Details of how the building would be
used have been discussed but not finalized.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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The
classic film showing of "Casablanca" on Oct. 11 was a
sellout, netting the arts association about $650. "I was very
pleased with the turnout, and the demographics were great,"
Jacobs said, adding that all age groups were represented. The
community is asking, "What’s next?" according to board
secretary Louella Moreland, and a list of preferred choices is being
drawn up.
In
contrast to the success of the classic film viewing, the association’s
other recent presentation attracted only a small audience.
"Music, Magic and More," a Sept. 29 performance by Mr.
Tone, a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey-trained clown, was
described as an "excellent show" which "the kids
loved." However, only about 30 people attended.
About
half a dozen logo designs have been submitted in the association’s
contest. The board decided to keep the contest open.
A
membership committee consisting of Jean Gossett, Dan Bailey and
Jeanie Xamis was formed. The committee is charged with writing
policies for what benefits come with a membership in the association
and with planning a membership drive.
The
Logan County Arts Association is seeking corporate sponsors for
coming events, including the classical Spanish guitarist and future
classic film nights.
[Lynn
Shearer Spellman]
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Lincoln
hears Pasadena Roof Orchestra
[OCT.
13, 2001] Thursday
night, the second of this year’s community concert series brought
what seemed like most of Lincoln to the LCC chapel. The Pasadena
Roof Orchestra from London, England, filled the hall with its blend
of ’20s and ’30s jazz, big band and swing music.
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The
band, which got its name from Warren’s "(Home in) Pasadena,"
had the style and appearance of the 1920s lounge
bands, from their suit-and-tie apparel to their music stands with
the PRO logo on the front. They delighted the audience with old-time
favorites such as "Jeepers Creepers," "My Melancholy
Baby" and "Forty-Second Street."
Each
band member got his turn in the spotlight. Pianist Simon Townley
"tickled the ivories" in "Kitten on the Keys";
Andy Kuc, the baby of the group, shone on the rhythm guitar in
"Play that Hot Guitar"; and Dan Hammerton stole the show
with his dynamic trumpet solos in almost every song.
Lead
vocalist James Langton had amazing stage presence. His white tie and
tails complemented his loose and interactive style. When he wasn’t
caressing the microphone with his smooth voice, he was dancing
around the stage and mingling with the band members. There was only
one time when he seemed to lose touch with his audience.
"Sugarfoot
Stomp" contained around seven minutes of instrumental solos.
The lack of vocals was almost too long. The band was saved, however,
when they did their "rousing conclusion" two songs later.
"Minnie the Moocher" by Calloway and Mills brought the
audience to life with its wailing trumpet and echoed scat. Blues
Brothers fans kept up nicely with the energizing refrain.
[Gina
Sennett]
[to top of second column in
this article]
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The
Pasadena Roof Orchestra members are:
James
Langton — orchestra leader, vocalist
David
Ford — trumpet
Dan
Hammerton — trumpet
Steve
Shaw — trombone and vocal trio
Nick
Payton — alto and baritone sax, clarinet
Paul
Jones — alto sax and clarinet
James
Scannell — alto sax and clarinet
Simon
Townley — piano and vocal trio
Andy
Kuc — guitar and banjo
John
Sutton — drums
Dave
Berry — bass and sousaphone
Thorsten
Merriott — sound engineer
To
learn more about the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, visit http://www.pasadena.co.uk/.
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Lincoln Community Theatre website
Lincoln
Community Theatre’s website serves a number of functions, from providing information on
becoming a season ticket holder to showing what new productions are
being planned. Pictures from past productions are also
posted.
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.
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