The name Lego is derived from the combination of the Danish words "leg godt," which means to play well. The company believes that play, the essential ingredient in a child's growth and development, is good for the human spirit and encourages imagination, conceptual thinking and creation.

For 12-year-old Joseph Zembsch of Cape Girardeau, who won first place in the arts and crafts Lego division at the SEMO District Fair this year and last year, Legos have cemented a bond with his grandfather, Hank Pekarek. Together, the pair have engaged in the creation of elaborate Lego designs through contributions of time and effort. Joseph, who has at least 50,000 Legos, said he could always use more.

Pekarek is known for buying and selling all kinds of video games out of his Charles Chips van located at the Town Plaza parking lot on William Street for 15 years. Recently Pekarek and his wife had an automobile accident that resulted in broken ribs and a concussion for her and a three-week stay in intensive care followed by admittance to the Lutheran Home for him.

His daughter, Sara Zembsch, said, "The man was always an early riser. He'd be up at 5:30 a.m. to hit the garage sales, searching for Legos for Joseph. Having the garage sales all mapped out he'd hunt down those Legos knowing how Joseph really excels in making unique creations." Presently Pekarek is bedridden because his heart is too weak to allow him to undergo an operation that would enable him to walk again, she said.

Legos are creative outlet

Although Joseph Zembsch has an exceptionally high IQ on the verbal side, 130 to be exact, he suffers from dyslexia which makes reading difficult. The Legos Pekarek has supplied for his grandson for two years enable him to create on his own without having to read directions. Engaging in the activity helps to satisfy his creative ability.

Joseph won first place in the arts and crafts Lego division at the SEMO District Fair for his entry of Elvish Fortress, an inspiration from the movie "The Lord of the Rings." He also entered in 2002 and won first place. Joseph said, "The structure is from my imagination. Everything in it has purpose and works. I like the medieval era a lot because fighting was based on skill, people were more productive -- they had to fish and grow their own food and stuff. People fought for a purpose, not just because they were mean."

Joseph enjoys building. He likens it to watching something grow. "You start out with a platform and some pieces and then make it become something much, much more."

Elvish Fortress took about two months to complete. Joseph explained that if it weren't for his grandfather he wouldn't have built anything. "The expression on his face when he sees what I make encourages me to keep building," Joseph said.

With about 30 square feet of counterspace that store his projects in progress, Joseph usually works on a medieval and a futuristic project simultaneously. Disassembling the projects is necessary to begin new construction. Joseph, who doesn't have an infinite supply of Legos, said, "Taking it apart and putting the pieces back together usually makes the next structure even better."

While Pekarek recuperates in the Lutheran Home, the Zembsches and friends of the family visit as regularly as possible with pictures of winning creations and plans for upcoming winners.