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Eagle exhibit on display at library

[APRIL 16, 2002]  The Illinois Audubon Society’s traveling exhibit on eagles is now on display at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St. The display is in the Annex and can be seen during library hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

North America’s bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States, is at last making a comeback after its precipitous decline in the mid-1900s. In the 1800s, bald eagles were widespread throughout Illinois, building nests and raising their young. But by the mid 1900s they were on the endangered species list.

[Photos by Joan Crabb]

Today these magnificent birds, having a 6- to 7-foot wingspan, standing 3 feet long from head to tail, and weighing 8 to 10 pounds, can once again be seen in Illinois.

Because of the widespread use of DDT and other pesticides, eagles and some other raptors (birds that kill and eat other animals) became endangered in the lower 48 states. The chemicals washed into rivers and streams and became concentrated in fish, the eagle’s favorite food. The eagles ate the contaminated fish and began laying eggs with shells so thin they would break before they could hatch. Some birds were also illegally shot and poisoned.

Since the ban on DDT, these birds have begun to increase in numbers and can now be seen in Illinois, especially in winter, along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Along the Illinois River, they can be seen at Starved Rock State Park, Rice Lake and Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. The birds especially like areas below dams that provide open water where they can catch fish. Many of the eagles that winter in Illinois will migrate to the upper Midwest and Canada for nesting in the spring, but several pairs are nesting in Illinois once more.

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Bald eagles can live for 30 years in the wild and often mate for life. They like to return year after year to the same nesting site, a platform of sticks and branches high above ground, usually near water. Both parents feed and care for the young.

These birds do not mature and acquire their adult plumage, the distinctive white head and tail and huge yellow beak, until they are about 4 years old. Until that time, young bald eagles are brownish-black, although they are as big as adult birds.

The golden eagle, the other species found in the lower 48 states, is brown with a golden wash over the back of the head and neck. This bird is rare in the East but is fairly common in the West, where it lives in mountainous areas and hunts for small mammals, snakes, birds and carrion.

[Leslie Starasta reads about bald eagles at the Lincoln Public Library display.]

The Illinois Audubon Society, founded in 1897, is one of the oldest conservation groups in the Midwest. It focuses primarily on state and local issues, working to preserve habitat, promote good conservation practices, and foster an appreciation of wildlife through its education program. It is not affiliated with the National Audubon Society. The traveling exhibits are funded, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Division, which is also supported by the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.

The Illinois society is a non-profit organization, and contributions are tax deductible. Information can be obtained from its headquarters at Illinois Audubon Society, P.O. Box 2418, Danville, IL 61834-2418, or on the website, www.illinoisaudubon.org.

[Joan Crabb]

‘Treemendous Tree’ Contest

[APRIL 9, 2002]  The Logan County Master Gardeners are springing forward with several activities to promote horticulture in the county. Mark your calendars for April 27, when they will have a plant sale, planned to become an annual event. Perennials and houseplants will be available for purchase at the Extension office located at 980 Postville Drive.

The group will celebrate Arbor Day by sponsoring several activities April 30 through the first of May. Kickoff of the Arbor Day activities will be on April 30. Larry Mayhan, author of "In Search of Big Trees," will be the guest speaker at the Logan County Extension building at 7 p.m. This meeting is open to the public, and you are cordially invited to attend.

The Master Gardeners are also sponsoring a "Treemendous Tree" Contest, searching out the biggest trees of Logan County. All residents and property owners of Logan County are eligible to enter. Entry forms will be available at local banks and businesses throughout the county. Entries will close May 3, with trees being measured the following week and certificates awarded. [See more information on the tree contest.]

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Don’t know where to put those plants you bought at the plant sale? The Master Gardeners will host a garden walk in Lincoln on June 8. Eight beautiful gardens in Lincoln will be featured. Highlights include gardens with water features, antique roses and the Scully estate. The gardens are truly inspiring and will give you many great ideas as well as an enjoyable day about town.

It is the goal of the Master Gardeners to encourage citizens of Logan County to develop a greater appreciation for horticulture in their community. Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Classes will begin this fall. The group encourages all people who are interested in gardening to "grow" along with them.

If you have any questions, please direct them to John Fulton at 732-8289.

[News release]

‘Simple Fountains for Indoors & Outdoors’

[APRIL 17, 2002]  ^"Simple Fountains for Indoors & Outdoors." Dorcas Adkins, Storey Books, 1999, 149 pages.

Until recently indoor and outdoor water fountains were considered by some to be an unaffordable decorating extravagance. Thanks to entrepreneur and author Dorcas Adkins the soothing sounds of a water fountain can be enjoyed in any home or garden. In her book "Simple Fountains for Indoors & Outdoors" Adkins explains how anyone can construct a working fountain to complement any style, surroundings or taste.

Why are water fountains becoming so popular? According to Adkins it is the element of water: "Of all of nature’s elements, water is perhaps the most essential to life, health, and happiness. … Nothing smoothes the furrowed brow like the soft lap of wavelets on a lakeshore, the thunder of surf on a barrier island, or the silvery tinkle of a stream falling through the spring forest." These relaxing effects can now be introduced into any private indoor or outdoor living space.

One of the technological breakthroughs that have made constructing water fountains affordable is the electric pump. These small, reliable pumps are generally inexpensive to purchase yet provide the necessary pressure to deliver adequate water flow. Submerged at the bottom of a small pond or container, they offer the perfect solution for making a water fountain.

"Materials and Supplies"

The only limitation to building a water fountain is one’s imagination. Despite the variety of fountains that can be constructed, they are basically composed of three elements: a reservoir to collect and store water, a fountain piece from which the water flows into the reservoir, and a pump to supply a steady stream of water. Reservoirs can be containers made from wood, concrete, metal, stone or ceramic; fountain pieces can be any hollow object that will accept the flow of water through some kind of tubing. Supplies for decorating the fountain in or around the reservoir include rocks, seashells, marbles, candles, plants, tumbled glass pieces, mosaic chips and sculptures. When choosing a pump, remember to consider the size and capacity for intake and outflow. This can be determined by the pump’s GPH (gallons per hour).

"Tabletop Fountains"

In this chapter Adkins gives step-by-step instructions for five easy-to-make tabletop fountains: Mountain Seep, Seaside Beach, Lava Rock Bonsai Garden, Tsukubai and Overflowing Pottery Jar in Old Copper Basin. The overflowing pottery jar fountain is especially interesting because it includes instructions for aging the jar and oxidizing the copper bowl to a beautiful blue-green patina. The Tsukubai, with its bamboo fountain, ceramic reservoir and living plants, evokes images of a Japanese garden.

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"Projects in Bamboo and Wood"

Fountains constructed from bamboo and wood are perfect for designing pieces of water art. The materials are abundant and inexpensive; they also lend themselves to modifications and changes after the original fountain is completed. One drawback is that contact with water causes wood to decay faster than metal or stone. Adkins includes several handy techniques for working with bamboo (cutting, sawing or wrapping). The five outdoor projects include Cedar Water Garden With Bamboo Flute, Cedar/Bamboo Fountain For A Pond, Shishi Odoshi (or Deer Scare) and Half Barrel With Spouting Sculpture. Instructions are also included for a Bamboo Dipper (traditionally used outside of teahouses to allow visitors to dip water and wash their hands).

"Projects In Ceramic, Concrete, Stone, And Metal"

Although these seven projects involve a little more ingenuity and work, the results can be rewarding. These materials are prized for their surface beauty and resistance to the water’s effects. The projects incorporate many different features and artistic elements. They include a Small Mosaic Fountain, a Ceramic Spouting Wall Fountain, a Concrete Spouting Wall Fountain, a Splashing Ceramic Lotus Fountain, a Portable Tsukubai Fountain, a Birdshower Fountain and a Concrete Coin Basin With Bamboo Spout. The spouting wall fountains are interesting because clay and plaster masks are used to direct the flow of water. For the ambitious do-it-yourselfer Adkins includes instructions for building a small waterfall and pond. The project is small enough that heavy equipment is not needed yet large enough to accommodate populations of fish and turtles.

"Simple Fountains for Indoors & Outdoors" is a beautifully illustrated introduction to the world of water fountains. Author Dorcas Adkins has done an outstanding job explaining the advantages enjoyed from fountains in one’s environment. In the introduction she writes, "It is my hope that this book will get you started. Buy a pump and begin to play with it. Try out your own fountain designs. Make mistakes. Most importantly, have fun." This book is recommended to anyone interested in water fountains for decorative purposes or as a hobby.

[Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District]

• Lincoln Community Theatre

• Logan County Arts Association

Auditions for summer shows

[APRIL 9, 2002]  Lincoln Community Theatre is looking for local talent to sing, dance and act in its summer 2002 productions. Singing and non-singing roles are available.

If auditioning for a role in one of this summer’s musical productions, individuals should have a song prepared. An accompanist will be available. Individuals should also be prepared to learn a few basic dance steps at the audition.

Those auditioning for non-singing roles will be required to do cold readings from the script. Scripts may be viewed at the Lincoln Public Library two weeks prior to each audition. Library scripts may not be removed from the building.

All auditions will be conducted at St. John Church of Christ, 204 Seventh St. in Lincoln.

Production and audition dates are as follows:

•  "Hello, Dolly!"

Performance dates: June 14-22

Auditions:

•  Friday, April 12, 6 p.m.

•  Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.

•  Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m., callbacks only

You will be asked to sing a song, your choice or one from "Hello, Dolly." You will also be taught a simple dance (you do not need to prepare one). The director is looking in the age range of 25 to 60, but all are welcome to audition.

•  "Dearly Departed"

Performance dates: July 12-20

Auditions:

•  Friday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.

•  Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.

The director is looking for actors age 20 and above. There will be four to six men, six to eight women, a trio of singers and a part for one teenage girl. There are lots of parts for older mature actors. People auditioning should plan to be there for entire audition session (1½ to two hours).

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[Judy Rader, LCT publicity chairman]

Lincoln Community Theatre’s website is at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html. Pictures from past productions are included.  The LCT mailing address is Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656.  E-mail: lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com.

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