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[NOV. 10, 2001]  Family Reading Night at the Lincoln Public Library is Thursday evening, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m. Singer, musician, songwriter, storyteller and author Mike Anderson will be performing.

Anderson’s programs are entertaining for people of all ages, and he is an award-winning teacher. He received a National Children’s Television Award for "Mike’s Music Works," a television show that he wrote and hosted. His latest storytelling recording, a collection or original writing entitled "The Great Sled Race," won a Parents’ Choice 2000 Silver Honor. He has written a new children’s book entitled "The Phantom Teacher."

Light refreshments will be served after the program.

The library is located at 725 Pekin St. For more information about this program and future children’s programs, call the library at 732-8878 or 732-5732.

[Lincoln Public Library news release]

[NOV. 7, 2001]  ^“Following Fake Man," by Barbara Ware Holmes. Alfred A. Knopf, 2001, 228 pages.

"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."

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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]

• Lincoln Community Theatre

• Logan County Arts Association

[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.

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.

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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]

[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.

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]

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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/.

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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