'Lazy Bonz' one of many entries in popular naming contest

In the story we wrote last week about the new Lazy Bonz, formerly known as Klutzo the Clown, we gave you some of the names left on the cutting-room floor.

But due to space constraints, I couldn't list them all. So as a treat, here are the other things we could have been calling Lazy Bonz.

What are your thoughts on these monikers?

• Mr. Red Nose

• Clowny

• Algonee

• Bubbles

• Skittles

• Cookie

• Boots

We have Conrad Beech, a third-grader from Westfield Community School in Algonquin, to thank for coming up with "Lazy Bonz."

As part of the naming contest, area kids in grades kindergarten through third grade were invited to come up with a new name for Klutzo.

"Being little kids, they're more sincere than adults, and they give their heart and soul," said Jerry Glogowski, president of the Algonquin Lions Club, the group that was in charge of the competition.

I spoke with Conrad, 9, earlier this week and he said it only took him five seconds to think up the Lazy Bonz name.

Life for him hasn't changed that much in school since he won the contest, he said.

"I get a few pats on the back once in a while," he said.

In case you're wondering, this contest attracted roughly 120 entries.

Some kids even went the extra mile; besides offering a name, some wrote essays detailing how they came up with the name and why it would work, Glogowski said.

"It was kind of cute," he said. "It was more than naming a name -- they wanted to tell us why."

Jerry Kautz, the man behind Klutzo and now Lazy Bonz, tells me this clown will be more self-effacing than Klutzo ever was.

He's in the midst of patterning the clown's persona after the new name -- and that involves shopping for new clothes, makeup and accessories, Kautz said.

Kautz will have Lazy Bonz's debut at 10 a.m. March 29, at Rosen Hyundai of Algonquin, during an awards ceremony at which Conrad will receive a $1,000 savings bond from the dealership.

To all local writers: Aspiring and published writers will be meeting next week to talk about writing and to critique one another's work.

New members are welcome to attend this session, which will be led by a member of the National Book Critics Circle.

The meeting runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 27 in the Harnish Meeting Room at the Algonquin Public Library, 2600 Harnish Drive.

For more information, call the library at (847) 458-6060

As a side note, the library will be closed Sunday to celebrate Easter.

How to spot phony IDs: In April, the Algonquin Police Department will hold a training class that teaches alcohol sellers how to spot phony identification cards; who to serve, who not to serve; and about state laws that govern alcohol sales.

The class costs $35 and starts at 8 a.m. April 22. Anyone 18 years and older is allowed to take the class.

However, you must first register for it by calling (847) 658œ2720.