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[SEPT. 26, 2001]  ^“Beauty: The New Basics." Rona Berg, Workman Publishing, 2001, 404 pages.

In "Beauty: The New Basics," author and editor Rona Berg writes that the book is dedicated to "my breathtaking, beautiful grandmother, Lillian Berg, who taught me that true beauty lies within — but a little lipstick doesn’t hurt, and you may as well put on some powder, stand up straight, and dazzle ’em while you’re at it." It is this philosophy that cosmetics and beauty products can enhance a woman’s appearance that is at the heart of this book’s message.

What is beauty and why do women strive to be beautiful? According to Berg, beauty is "personal and political…it is many things: strength, confidence, passion, grace...but one thing is certain: every woman wants it."

In a market where the female consumer is bombarded with advertisements on every conceivable kind of beauty product, Berg sifts through the marketing campaigns to "cut through the hype to create a book that’s jam packed with everything you’ll need to become not only an informed consumer but an expert on how to obtain head to toe beauty through gentle, healthy means."

The book is divided into the three major categories of beauty care: the face, hair, and the body.

"The Face" explains the basics of a beauty regimen program, skin care, facials, the aging process, makeup and the ways of the flesh (acne, skin allergies, hair removal, etc.). In this section the reader learns how to read and understand product labels, skin cleaning and moisturizing techniques, how to do at-home facials, color selection and cosmetic application, and how to slow the aging process.

In "Hair," a healthy routine means exercising proper hair care, understanding hair coloring, and selecting the right haircut and hairstyle. Along the way Berg explains how to select the best hair care products, salon verses at-home hair coloring, and how to determine the best cut or style based on face shape, hair texture and body type.

In the concluding section, on "The Body," Berg discusses the importance of body bathing, caring for the hands and feet, and the benefits of a visit to a spa. Bathing is examined in the context of the best cleaners, body smoothers and other products available on the market. The care of hands and feet concentrates on manicures and pedicures as well as the soothing effects of foot reflexology.

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One of the more informative chapters pertains to the spa. Many people have never visited a spa and are unaware of its benefits. Berg describes how to "spa hunt" and the many treatments that professional spas offer (stone therapy, wraps and rubs, and the different massage techniques).

"Beauty: The New Basics" is a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the latest beauty trends, products and regimens for today’s woman. The book has numerous illustrations and an overall visual presentation that helps explain the text. The beauty industry’s terminology is included in a glossary; an index and several appendices also make it easy to locate information.

One interesting and entertaining feature is the timelines that are included in each of the three major sections. These timelines explain some of the beauty techniques practiced by women throughout the ages. In order to camouflage pitted skin, European women in the late 1600s glued small silken shapes and patterns over the scars. In 1905 Charles Nestle created the first permanent wave machine for hairdos. In 1880 the Johnson Company created their popular Palmolive soap entirely from vegetable oils.

Placing the use of beauty products in perspective, Berg writes, "If this book accomplishes one thing, I hope it will help women realize that cosmetics exist to empower them — not enslave them."

"Beauty: The New Basics" is highly recommended to women and young women who are looking to accentuate their appearance through the use of cosmetic products and healthy living.

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217) 732-8878.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

• Lincoln Community Theatre

• Logan County Arts Association

[SEPT. 26, 2001]  Keith Zimmerman, former director of bands at Lincoln Junior High School, will present his faculty saxophone recital at Bradley University in Peoria at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the Dingledine Center. On Thursday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m. he will repeat the recital, performing in the Westbrook Auditorium of Presser Hall on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus, where he is also saxophone professor. The recitals are free and open to the public.

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Zimmerman directed bands at Lincoln Junior High for 33 years before retiring May 26, 2000, to devote more time to university and private teaching and saxophone clinics and seminars for students and teachers.

He has performed in England, France, Germany, Canada and many parts of the United States as soloist and chamber music player. He was a founder of the Illinois Saxophone Quintet and a member for the entire 22-year life of that group. He is also a saxophone artist and clinician for The Selmer Company whose saxophones he plays. As a founding member of the World Saxophone Congress and the North American Saxophone Alliance, he has frequently appeared as a performer at regional, national and international meetings of those bodies. Since 1994 he has been first alto saxophonist with the Pekin Municipal Band. He previously worked as lead alto saxophonist for the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus on many occasions.

[News release]

First of the season

Lincolnland Community Concert
recital by soprano Alison England

[SEPT. 24, 2001]  Friday, Sept. 14, the Lincolnland Community Concert series began. The first program was a recital by soprano Alison England entitled "Opera, Broadway, & Beyond."

England, accompanied by pianist Sandra McCune, performed a variety of songs from various operas and musicals, including "Romeo & Juliet," "Carmen" and "South Pacific." Styles in the first act ranged from the romantic "Le Canzone de Doretta" (Doretta’s Song) from Puccini’s "La Rondine" to the absurd Carol Burnett-esque version of "I Could Have Danced All Night" from Lerner & Lowe’s "My Fair Lady."

England did not allow for a passive audience, either. In the racy "Meine Lippen, Sie Kussen So Heiss" (My Lips, They Kiss so Hot) from Lehar’s "Giuditta," she descended from the stage to flirt with "six wonderful guys" who happened to be seated on the aisle.

After the intermission, the audience was greeted with a stage empty of all but McCune and her piano, as England made her way up the aisle in the darkness. She wore a cloak and carried a lantern, setting the stage for her next set, a mysterious mixture of music from Yeston’s "Phantom" and Webber’s "Phantom of the Opera."

Switching moods completely, England dedicated her next set to Judy Garland, whom, she says, many people say she resembles. This set included songs from Berlin’s "Easter Parade" and Martin & Blane’s "Meet Me In St. Louis." Besides just her appearance, England imitated Garland in her attitude. She sat on a stool, rolled around on the piano, and kicked her legs in a way that would have made Judy Garland proud.

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Before her final set, England allowed a short question-and-answer period, during which it was revealed that it was her birthday. The audience sang "Happy Birthday" to her, after which she responded, "I’m 25." Members of the audience asked question such as "Do you still get nervous?" (yes); "Do you want your daughter to follow in your footsteps?" (no); and "What are your favorite roles in musicals?" (Anna in "The King and I," and Maria in "The Sound of Music"). The last question asked was "Where is home for you?" She responded, "Home is Beverly Hills. That is where I would like to live!" She went on to explain that she currently lives in Covina, Calif., which is a town outside Pasadena, but was raised in New York. As though it were planned, this question led her directly into her last set.

The final set of the concert was dedicated to the "heroes" of the terrorist acts of Tuesday, Sept. 11, from the men and women serving now to help clean up to those who called on their cell phones from the airplanes, trying to make a difference. The set consisted of Mariah Carey’s "Hero," Celine Dion’s "My Heart Will Go On," and Margaret Bonds’ arrangement of "He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands."

After a standing ovation, England returned for an encore consisting of Albert Hay Malotte’s version of "The Lord’s Prayer" and "America the Beautiful." During the final song, she invited children sitting on the front row to come and join her on stage, and the audience to stand and sing with her. The mood was undeniably touching.

[Gina Sennett]

[SEPT. 18, 2001]  The Logan County Arts Association, meeting at Lincoln Public Library on Monday night, chose officers and discussed plans for its first three events, which include a clown, a showing of "Casablanca" and a classical Spanish guitarist.

Marshall Jacobs of Lincoln, previously the organization’s acting executive director, will continue to lead as its first president. Jean Gossett as vice president, Louella Moreland as secretary and Jeanie Xamis as treasurer round out the slate of officers. Chris Gray was selected as first program chair and Marshall Jacobs as marketing chair.

Mr. Tone, a clown who presents hands-on children’s programming, will perform at the association’s first fund-raiser, to be Saturday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m. in Fellowship Hall of St. John United Church of Christ. Admission prices are $1 for children 2 to 6 years, $2 for children 7 to 12 and $3 for adults. Mr. Tone, of Atlanta Ga., is a graduate of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. Gossett’s Decorator Studio is co-sponsoring the event.

"Casablanca" will be shown at the association’s first classic film night, planned for Thursday, Oct. 11, at Lincoln Cinema. Kerasotes Theatres is the co-sponsor. Seating will be limited to 200, with ticket prices of $5 for adults and $2.50 for those 13 and under. Tickets will be on sale at the theater starting Oct. 1, as soon as the poster appears in the window. At the showing Marshall Jacobs will present a brief introduction, including cinematographic techniques and facts about the film.

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Chris Culleton, a Lincoln native, will present a classical Spanish guitar program on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church. All proceeds from the three fund-raisers will go to the Logan County Arts Association.

The association is also in the midst of a logo contest, with Oct. 10 as the cutoff date. Local schools have been notified about the specifications.

Board members tentatively set a second classic film night for Jan. 10, 2002. An exhibit of paintings by Lincoln artist Leola Dowling has already been scheduled for October 2002, and other potential programs include exhibits of ceramics and watercolors.

The Logan County Arts Association is in the process of soliciting memberships, beginning at $25 for an individual, and sponsorships.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

Logan County Arts Association will join the celebration of Illinois Arts Week

[SEPT. 7, 2001]  Joining an annual statewide celebration of the arts, the Logan County Arts Association will host Classic Film Night on Thursday, Oct. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater. Classic Film Night will feature "Casablanca," courtesy of George Kerasotes Corporation. The film is to be shown in its entirety, without commercial interruption, on the big screen.

Gov. George Ryan has proclaimed Oct. 7-13 as Illinois Arts Week 2001. "To reach out to the community and beyond, Classic Film Night will be included in the Illinois Arts Council’s statewide campaign to promote Illinois Arts Week," said Marshall Jacobs, president of the local arts association.

"The Illinois Arts Week theme, ‘The arts are all around us,’ captures the important message that the arts are present every day, in some way, in our lives. Arts Week helps to focus our attention on all the arts activities and programs that surround us in our communities," said Illinois Arts Council Chairman Shirley R. Madigan.

"Logan County Arts Association is pleased to be able to join the Illinois Arts Council to be part of this statewide initiative," said Jacobs. "We hope that the entire community and surrounding area will take the opportunity to attend Classic Film Night and join the exciting statewide celebration. "

Admission to the local event is $5 per adult and $2.50 for children.

[Logan County Arts Association news release]

[SEPT. 1, 2001]  The Logan County Arts Association is a newly formed organization dedicated to introducing all disciplines of the arts to our area. From hands-on programs for children to classical music for adults, the spectrum is broad and entertaining. Though it is still very new and in the setting-up stages, the association has already scheduled several events. 

"Music, Magic, and More" by Mr. Tone, a professional clown, is geared to children's activities and set for Sept. 29. Classic Movie Night featuring "Casablanca" will open on Oct. 11. An afternoon performance of classical Spanish guitar by Spanish-trained Chris Culleton is scheduled for Dec. 16.

"What we don’t have," says Marshall Jacobs, director of the association, "is an identifying logo that graphically shows who we are! Here's where we hope you can be of help and have fun in the process."

The association is sponsoring a contest in Logan County schools for a logo the arts group can adopt. Jacobs says this challenge can be an exciting art project for students in middle school and high school.

The winner will be publicly recognized and receive a cash award and a free membership to the association’s first-year activities.

Entries should be sent to:

Logan County Arts Association

303 S. Kickapoo St.

Lincoln, IL 62656

Entries should be postmarked no later than Oct. 10 to be considered in the judging. For more information, please contact Jean Gossett, (217) 732-7542.

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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