The Good News Puppeteer Puppets have become a way of life for a McNabb woman Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
S
ome people count sheep while struggling to fall asleep at night, but Ida Boyle of McNabb has a more unique thing to think about – puppets. As a dedicated puppeteer for more than 30 years, her mind – day and night – is constantly churning out ideas for puppets, concepts for shows, and how to build the props she envisions for performances. As the leader of the
Good News Bears Ecumenical Puppet Team, which is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Henry, Boyle works with those who are in fourth grade and older to develop and perform puppet shows to spread the word of God’s love. “I have been involved with it for well over 30 years,” Boyle said. “I think it’s important to get the message of God’s love out in a fun way.
It’s a way for kids to get involved in ministry. Kids can do a lot.” The kids who belong to the puppet group often remember the experience for the rest of their lives. “I have a lot of fond memories of being a Good News puppeteer,” Kimberly Yee of Henry, who was a member of the group in the late 1980s, said. “We were able to reach See PUPPETS page 6
Puppeteer Ida Boyle stands behind a black curtain to demonstrate how a puppet show really looks for those in attendance. The adults and children who work with Boyle stand behind the curtain and have to reach above their heads while holding the puppets and props.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | June 2021 5
