Blog: Dermot Cole
Mr. Checkers checks in
Published Friday, September 4, 2009
Mr. Checkers, aka John Lentine, sent a note saying hello to his friends in Fairbanks.
Lentine is teaching art and doing occasional magic tricks in Orange County, Va. at the Locust Grove Elementary School.
The local newspaper reported recently that Lentine redid the art classroom in the diner motif.
“Art’s Diner,“ he said. “Where every meal is a masterpiece.“
"The classroom, which really does resemble a diner, is a unique place for children to learn art. Students take on jobs within the diner, taking turns playing host, busboy, waiter and health inspector, each with unique jobs like passing out materials, recording attendance and cleaning up. While no food is actually made or used in the room, students create projects that have food names."
They recently did a “Me-Lover Pizza.“
“Students trace a circle onto construction paper using a paper plate and then draw lines on the circle to divide it into slices,“ Lentine said. “On each slice, the student draws something about them.“
For more, go to http://www2.orangenews.com/ocn/lifestyles/announcements/article/cooking_up_fun_in_lges_arts_diner/44575/
It good to see John in his element. He was the choir director at our church before his departure to points East. He is a gifted man, mentally and spritually. He is still very much missed around here.
Of course, he boats out in the Chesapeake Bay where I used to sail on US Coast Guard icebreakers to get out to the Atlantic.
I guess he'll know who I am now. God Bless, John.
WTG John! We miss you. Any child is lucky to be part of your classroom. Great idea with the diner theme.
I think he left a void in the community that is yet to be filled. Is there another local magician available to do kids' parties?
John has been around for as long as I can remember. I stopped seeing him and wondered what happened. It's good to know he still teaches, but sad that it isn't here.
Good "hearing" from you John!
The kids (and I) miss you
That sounds amazing! What a wonderful opportunity for him. We sure miss the old nights at Pizza Hut where he used to perform magic (for those who can remember). Moreso the singing and playing at St.Marks. God Bless Him
Cool... I'm near 40 now - but I went to Locust Grove Elementary long before moving here. It was a good school in the 70's and I'm glad to see it is still a good one now.
ah Mr. Checkers... I have fond childhood memories of him teaching us art in elementary school... gosh, 20 some odd years ago. Glad to hear he's still at even if it's not here.
He was a great teacher for my kids, and a fine entertainer for all of us. Pay us a visit sometime, John.
Thank you, Dermot, for posting this article and to all of you who commented! Fairbanks is such a friendly family town. Hi to all my friends! I truly enjoyed all 34 of my years there. They were magical indeed. It was always so wonderful when I would meet students who had grown up (and even THEIR children who were also my students!) Not only would they tell me about the art we did, but often one of them would tell me I sawed him/her in half! Thank you for all the great memories. Someday I hope to be back for a longer visit, more music and a fun magic show! Thank you all for adding magic to my heart! God bless you! Sincerely, John, Mr. Checkers the Magician
Sailing on the Chesapeake Bay? Now that truly is magic. I'm seeing you hoisting the sails and I'm pee green with envy!!!!!
At first, Dove, I was just "green" but my wife told me ginger chips are the key to stability on the water! And it has worked pretty well! Who ever thought I would be a sailor? Actually, when we visited Seward this summer, we went on a beautiful sail there in Resurrection Bay. What a treat!!!! I love it.
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