Seth Ernst Soccer Slam Tournament Registration Begins Nov. 1

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Seth Ernst loved playing soccer and his parents, Dave and Betty Ernst, were always on the sidelines at their son’s games.

   That was when he was on the playing field. Their son was a sophomore at Geneseo High School when he and two classmates died from injuries incurred in a car accident on Oct. 15, 2000.

Plans are in place for the 19th Annual Seth Ernst Memorial Soccer Slam at the Geneseo Foundation Athletic Center (GFAC).  Registration opens online Nov. 1.  Members of the Ernst family in the photograph are encouraging teams to participate in the Soccer Slam, and they are, in front, Noah Stralow, Seth Stralow, Cora Stralow, Luke Stralow, Drake VerStraete, Will VerStraete; in back, Nathan Stralow, Erica (Ernst) Stralow, Dave Ernst, Betty Ernst, Megan (Ernst) VerStraete and Shane VerS traete.  Registration for the tournament, beginning Nov. 1, is available at www.sethernstsoccerslam.org.  Anyone with questions is asked to email soccer@sethernstsoccerslam.org or call Jill DePauw, tournament director, at 309-945-2696.  The tournament benefits Geneseo High School Soccer Boosters, Geneseo Soccer Club and Geneseo Rec Soccer.  Contributed Photo

   Generous financial contributions were made to the Ernst family in memory of Seth, and the couple chose to seek an avenue to keep their son’s memory alive.
    The Seth Ernst Memorial Soccer Slam was organized in 2007 and continues today, with the 19th annual tournament set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1 for ages 11-14/15 Boys and Girls along with Geneseo High School students in grades 9-12.  U14/15 players may not be in high school. 

   The second weekend of the Tournament is Feb. 27-March 1 for ages 6/7 – 10 Boys and Girls and U2Old.  The U2Old Division is for Geneseo School District residents, alumni, and SEMSS coaches, along with one guest player.   

    Special guests from Socialization, Training, Rehabilitation, Independence, Vocation and Education (S.T.R.I.V.E.) Rehabilitation Center in Prophetstown, will play a scrimmage against local heroes at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1.

   The Seth Ernst Memorial Soccer Slam has supported STRIVE for many years by donating money to purchase handicapped running carts, special rock-climbing equipment, basketball supplies and more to assist the valuable organization.

   A live and online auction, conducted by Stenzel Auction Service, will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, and again n Feb. 28 at the GFAC.  Anyone interested in donating a “unique” item for either of the Saturday auction dates, is asked to contact Betty Ernst at 309-714-1805.

   Representatives from Whimsy Pixie Paint will return for the ninth year to provide face painting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. 

   A new feature last year in the concession stand also will return – grilled chops, brats and hot dogs.

   Aside from financially supporting Geneseo Rec Soccer, Geneseo Soccer Club and Geneseo High School Soccer Boosters, at least four (4) $1,000 scholarships are given to two Geneseo High School senior boys and two senior girls who have played soccer for at least three years.  Applications for the scholarships are available on the Geneseo High School counseling page.  

   Dave and Betty Ernst came up with the idea of the soccer tournament in their son’s memory and Mr. Ernst said, “It took some time for us to come up with the tournament idea.  We wanted to have something that would be ongoing to keep Seth’s memory alive, and we wanted to have something that would benefit youth in Geneseo and the surrounding area.”

   The couple met with people from the Geneseo Soccer Club along with members of the Geneseo High School Soccer Boosters.

   “It was Greg Ogle who first suggested the tournament idea,” Mrs. Ernst said.  “The people who have helped with this tournament since its beginning have done a great job and they continue to help each year.”

   The tournament became so popular that today it encompasses numerous ages.

     “We added the U2Old Division and the UWay2Old Division, because we wanted Seth’s friends who are out of high school to be able to come home and play soccer,” Mr. Ernst said. 

     Last year there were 128 teams involved in the tournament.

   “Seth loved kids, loved to babysit and he loved to play soccer,” Mrs. Ernst said.  “He was in youth soccer when he was five.  I know Seth is proud of what the Geneseo soccer community has done.”

   “Without faith, you don’t get through a loss like this,” Mr. Ernst said.  “When we lost Seth, a friend said to us, ‘Isn’t it great to believe,’ and another said, ‘We’ll get to see him before we know it.’… We know where he is.”

   On the day of the accident Mr. Ernst recalled his church (Grace United Church) pastor, the late Rev. Ron Webb, being at the Ernst home and commenting, “We can’t do anything about what happened, but we sure can do a lot about the future.’…The loss of Seth has taught us to enjoy each day and the people around us.”  

   Mr. Ernst said he and his wife plan to continue presenting awards at the Seth Ernst Memorial Slam “even when we are 90.”

   The awards, too, are another unique aspect of the Soccer Slam. Sportsmanship pins are given to each coach at the start of every game.  They then present the pin to one player on the opposing team who best exemplified sportsmanship during that game. The main focus of this tourney has always been sportsmanship and again this year a special award will be presented to one team each day rated as the best team with overall sportsmanship.  The referees and scorekeepers rate each team, their coaches, and fans after every game.

    “Our tournament is unique in the fact that the biggest award a team can earn is not for first place, it’s for sportsmanship” Betty. Ernst said.

   “We’ve had amazing support from local businesses,” she added.  “The tournament utilizes a sound system for both weekends, thanks to Butch Bos.  In the concession stand, there is a 50-inch television for viewing GoPro video from games, double –sided scoreboards on pedestals for better viewing of the time and score.”

    Mr. Ernst said, “This tournament would not be possible without hundreds of sponsors, the support of the Geneseo School District, and all of the amazing volunteers from Geneseo Rec Soccer, Geneseo Soccer Club and Geneseo High School Soccer Boosters.”  

   Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or a volunteer for the tournament, is asked email soccer@sethernstsoccerslam.org.  

   “Even though the tournament is a bittersweet time for our family, we know God has blessed us with this wonderful event,” Mrs. Ernst said. 

How the Green Machine Character Originated

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Diane Browning Photo by Claudia Loucks

   Nearly all Geneseo residents are familiar with the “Green Machine” character emblem that has been used on T-shirts, sweat shirts and more, and most recently on the T-shirts sold by the Junior Class at GHS. But, like myself, many do not know how the “mean-looking little guy” originated.

   Recently, I was informed about a lady living in Geneseo who knew the history of the caricature,

   Diane Browning and her grandmother, the late Eleanor Ross, are the artists who are responsible for original drawing. Browning is a 1976 graduate of J.D. Darnall High School, now Geneseo High School, and she estimated that the drawing was done more than 50 years ago.

   “My grandma and I drew it together,” Browning said.  ‘My grandparents were big football fans and my grandma was a very good artist. We didn’t copy it from any picture or pattern, just drew it free-lance.”

   She recalled they were in the basement of her grandparents’’ Geneseo home when they created the cartoon character on a large sheet of plastic…”We just started drawing and somehow the picture of the ‘Green Machine” character came about.  We painted him in green and gold because those are Geneseo colors.”

Browning has a photo of her grandparents, the late Eleanor and George Ross.  It was her grandmother who, with Browning, sketched the “Green Machine” character. Photo by Claudia Loucks

   At that same time, Browning’s parents, Loren Ross, and the late Drucilla Ross, of Geneseo, operated a ’76 Gas Station at the corner of Illinois Rt. 82 and Ogden Ave.

   “My Dad posted the cloth picture on a large board and put it up on display by his gas station,” Browning said.  ‘It was up there every football season for a few years until a storm came up and ripped it apart.”

   Browning said her dad estimated the year all that happened was near 1974-1975.

   She does not have any original papers of the drawing, “only the memories,” she said.  “I was about 16 years old then, and my grandma and I were very close and would often draw things together.”

   The “Green Machine” character has been used on shirts and hats, etc., in previous years as well as this year, and Browning’s sister, Lory Woolsey, purchased one of this year’s T-shirts and presented it to her sister.

   “Having the shirt means the world to me, and when I see the picture of the little Green Machine guy, it makes me think of my grandma,” Browning said.

   Kim Windisch, who teaches at GHS, and who also is one of the class sponsors of the GHS Class of 2027, shared how the caricature drawing was used again on this year’s football T-shirts.

   “I have a T-shirt with the ‘Green Machine’ character from the football season of my senior year (2001) at GHS, and for this year’s football season, we wanted a throwback to the ‘Green Machine’ guy,” she said.  “We think he is just an awesome image.”

   She contacted Breedlove’s Sporting Goods in Kewanee, and they had the pattern from use in previous years.  The shirts were ordered and sold by the Junior Class earlier in the current football season, and most likely, with the popularity of the “Green Machine” character, the design will be used on T-shirts in many more GHS football seasons.

Tim Atwell, Geneseo Graduate, Who Became Kewanee A.D., is Retiring

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Tim Atwell has been named an “Honorary Boilermaker,” at Kewanee High School.  Contributed Photo

  Tim Atwell recently was named an “Honorary Boilermaker” in appreciation of his 28 years of service in education at Kewanee High School.  The honor was presented in conjunction with his retirement announcement as Athletic Director at Kewanee High School, a position he has held for the last 15 years. 

   Atwell, the son of Kenney Atwell, Geneseo, and the late Genendal Atwell, graduated from Geneseo High School (formerly J.D. Darnall High School) in 1984.

   He spent six years farming with his father, raising corn, cattle, and hogs.  During that time, he volunteered with the Geneseo Junior High Wrestling Program, laying the foundation for a lifetime of service to young people.

   His last day of teaching in Kewanee will be June 30, 2026, after 28 years at Kewanee High School, where he started in 1998, teaching Driver’s education and coaching – head freshman football coach, head wrestling coach and head girls’ track and field coach.

   “When I step away, I can honestly say this has been a very ‘fast’ 28 years and it has been a very rewarding career with many fond memories.”

   He will retire with 34 ½ years in education and he explained the ½ year was spent substituting in the Geneseo School District when he graduated from college and he was freshman wrestling coach at Geneseo High School, working with Coach Larry Kanke.

   “I am very grateful to the Geneseo School District and to Mr. Ted McAvoy, who at that time was GHS principal, for allowing me to get my feet wet teaching and coaching that year.”

   His 28 years at Kewanee High School include serving as Kewanee High School Athletic Director for 15 years (2011-2026).  He served as Athletic Director in his first year of teaching at Paw Paw High School (1994-1995) and he also taught for three years at Cahokia High School. 

   Information received from Kewanee High School’s Jacob Dean, about Atwell receiving the “Honorary Boilermaker” recognition states: “It was Geneseo High School Wrestling Coach Larry Kanke (now retired) who encouraged (Tim Atwell) him to take classes at Black Hawk College to become a teacher and coach.  He transferred to Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, in the fall of 1990, where he joined the SIU-E Wrestling Team.  He worked closely with legendary coach Larry Kristoff, assisting with practices, wrestling meets, and team organization.  His leadership and dedication earned him a scholarship during his senior year, and he graduated in 1993.”

   After graduation, Atwell returned to farming while substitute teaching in Geneseo before taking positions at Paw Paw High School and Cahokia High School.

   In 1998 he joined the staff at Kewanee High School.

   Information from Jacob Dean includes, “In his time at KHS, he has taught driver education, coached football, wrestling, and track, served as athletic director, and captured countless memories through his photography at nearly every event.  His impact, however, cannot be measured by job titles or bullet points.”

   “If you earned your driver’s license, it’s probably because of him.  If you ever played a sport or attended an extracurricular event, it’s because of his commitment.  If you’ve seen an unforgettable picture on our walls, it was likely through his lens.”

  Jacob Dean’s tribute to Atwell continued, “Beyond his professional contributions, he has embodied the true spirit of a ‘Boilermaker,’ ---dressing in head-to-toe orange at assemblies, stocking candy for stressed-out teachers and students, sharing a good conversation with anyone who needs it, and always putting others before himself.  He has spent his career encouraging students, athletes, and colleagues to be their very best, never asking for anything in return…. Simply put, he has lived and breathed the Boilermaker tradition.  His retirement this year will leave a void we cannot fill, but his legacy will remain an enduring part of Kewanee High School.”

   When asked about his retirement plans, Atwell said, “As far as plans go, nothing has been set.  But I do need to catch up on laundry.”

Students Gather in City Park Prior to GHS 2025 Homecoming Dance

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Geneseo City Park and North City Park were a sea of young people and a sea of color when students gathered to socialize prior to the 2025 Geneseo High School Homecoming Dance. held Saturday night in the high school gym.  Parents and friends also were in the parks visiting and taking photos.   The 2025 GHS Homecoming festivities were held throughout the week of Oct. 6-11, with a theme of “Enchanted Forest.” Claudia Loucks Photos

Quinn Cherry, Jaxon Seals, Ian McShane and Addie McSparin.

Leila Bries, Hayden Schaaf and Reese Schaaf.

Reese Elmer, Mark Shoemaker, Maci Gorman, Suzie Neumann and Hannah Wildemuth.

Gavin Davis, Wyatt Mickley, Helo Castro and Gibson Minard.

Ayla Schulz

Daphne Bertelsen, Joei, Christopherson and Hannah Stone.

King and Queen of GHS 2025 Homecoming - Lizzie Rapps and Kye Weinzierl.

Memphis Ramsey, Lydia Carton and Alexandria Hull.

Mayson Lambin, Dawson Hull, Cole Clifton and Jaydn Shipman.

Josh Stahl, Carson Peters and Jayden Wexell.

Landry Possin, Katy Wilson, Elli Barickman and Jack Kreiss.

Jack Mickley, Katherine Barickman, Emma Sebastian and Evelyn DeBaene.

Claire Swanson, Claire DeGrave and Lily Roodhouse.

 

Angie Snook to Present Program on The Orphan Train Oct. 15 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Angie Snook

  Angie Snook, Geneseo Historian, who served as curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum for many years until her retirement last year, will present a program, The Orphan Train, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   In 1953, the Children’s Aid Society initiated a program to transport abandoned and orphaned children from crowed cities on the East Coast to foster homes in the Midwest.  By 1929, an estimated 200,000 children, ranging from infants to teens, were transported to new homes.

   At the library program on Oct. 15, Angie Snook will share her research, stories and photographs about The Orphan Train, a topic she refers to as “one of America’s best kept secrets.”…Of special interest, some local area and Geneseo families were involved in The Orphan Train program.

   She will present stories about the children, the families who took them in, and the descendants of the children alive today.

   Information received about the program states, “Some of the stories will warm your heart.  Others will break it.”

   The program is sponsored in part by the Illinois Humanities.

 

Cambridge Methodist Fall Review Oct. 11

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Judy Anderson, left, holds a homemade fruit pie, and Norma Werkheiser, is holding two of the decorated items that will be available to purchase at the Gourmet Shop which will be included at the 35th Annual Fall Review on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Cambridge United Methodist Church.  Contributed Photo

The Fall Review at the Cambridge United Methodist Church originated 35 years ago and continues to be the major fundraiser for the church.

   This year’s Review is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Cambridge Church, 120 West Exchange St., and in the Community Hall, adjacent to the church.

   For more information, call the church at 309-937-2018.

   The event will feature a country breakfast, served from 7 to 9 a.m. in the church.  Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and carryout orders are available at 11:30 a.m.   The lunch menu includes “Red Delicious Ham Loaf,” cheesy potatoes, almond green beans and dinner rolls.  The ala carte luncheon menu will feature all plate lunch items in addition to chicken salad served on rye bread or croissant, potato soup, pumpkin pie, double lemon cheesecake or Turtle Cake.

   This year more than 30 crafters have registered to take part in the Review, including people from the Quad Cities and surrounding areas and from as far away as Ft. Myers, FL.

   Committee members require original work only, no commercially produced items.

   The Review also features frozen foods, bakery and gourmet shops. 

   Visitors to the Gourmet Shop will find an assortment of jams and jellies, fudge, relishes, pickles, mustards and mixes.

   New items in the Gourmet Shop include Butterfly Jam, Carmel Apple Jam, Carrot Cake Jam, Cranberry Raspberry Jam, Gingerbread Jam, Elderberry Jelly, and Jalapeno Mustard.

   Homemade cinnamon rolls, fruit-filled pies, cookies, and specialty breads including the popular Swedish Rye will be available in the bakery shop.

   In the “Frozen Food Shop,” visitors will find the popular “Red Delicious Ham Loaf,” cheese tortellini soup, apple dumplings, lasagna for two, Swedish meatballs, and 10 varieties of fruit pies.  The two new fruit pies this year are Peach Blush and Butterfly.

   Anyone interested in purchasing items form the Frozen Food Shop should arrive early on Oct. 11 to buy coupons for frozen items, and they can pick up the items when they are ready to leave the Review.

 

  Linda Denison, a member of the Review committee, said, “Members grow, pick and prepare items.  They hand craft jar toppers, test recipes, decorate the buildings and meet in masse to make frozen food products.”

   The history of the Fall Review can be traced back to 1989 when the church held its first Review in the form of an all-church sponsored consignment craft show.  The event was such a success that it became a tradition and grew into the church’s top money-making event.  Last year’s Review raised about $20,000.

   Denison said the purpose of the Fall Review “is to raise much needed money for mission and ministry priorities of our church.  Profits from this year will be used for ministries within our church and community.”

   “Our church mission statement is ‘Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Both.’  Whatever we profit from the Review, we use to support our church programs, as well as the grade school program ‘Caring Hearts’ that helps families in need, our local food pantry and to Back Pack Blessings program for Cambridge students who receive weekend food packages.”

   “The Review not only is our major fundraiser, it has become a rewarding labor of love in serving others,” Denison said.  “Many church members work all year to prepare for it.  It’s a labor of love for the entire congregation.”

Documentary That Includes Filming at Food Pantry Airs Oct. 7 on PBS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


The new Frontline Documentary, “Born Poor,” will premiere Tuesday, Oct. 7, on PBS and includes partial filming at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.

   Karen Doy, president of the Food Panty’s Board of Directors, was interviewed during the filming at the local food pantry, when one of the subjects of the film was shopping there. 

   “Born Poor” is a Frontline Documentary concerning poverty in America.  More than a decade ago, “Poor Kids” the PBS series Frontline explored poverty in America as it is seen through the eyes of children.  On Oct. 7, the “Born Poor” documentary tells the stories of the now-grown children at the heart of “Poor Kids.”

Karen Doy is president of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry Board of Directors. 

   Karen Doy said she was “intrigued” when she first learned that Jezza Neumann was filming a sequel to “Poor Kids,” which was filmed some time ago.

   “My experience at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry and on mission trips made me realize not everyone is born fortunate enough to have thee meals a day, a roof overhead, and adequate clothing.”

  Doy said she liked watching “Poor Kids,” because it showed life from the child’s perspective…”I was looking forward to ‘Born Poor’ to see if their perspective had changed.” 

   “As fortune would have it, I just so happened to be volunteering at the Pantry on the Friday afternoon when the Pantry is usually closed,” Doy explained.  “I was excited to be asked to participate, but even more excited to meet one of the stars of the documentary.”

   And that is when Doy was introduced to Brittany and her son, and Doy said, “We first shopped on the food side of the pantry.  I assisted as I do with other clients:  touring through the shelves as one would at a grocery store while helping Brittany select her allowed number of items.  I bagged them up while she selected free seeds for her garden.”

   “Brittany and her son then went into the clothing room where they looked for clothes and toys,” she added.  “I helped her son select a toy while she looked for shorts that would fit him.  Unfortunately, she did not find shorts for him, but she did find enough items to fill her bag.”

   Doy said she looking forward to seeing “how all three ‘Poor Kids’ are now living their lives as adults.  I enjoyed the short time I had to get to know and interact with Brittany and her son.”

“BORN POOR” PRESS RELEASE

 

Born Poor
 October 7, 2025
 7/6c: pbs.org/frontline, PBS App
 10/9c: PBS stations (check local listings), YouTube
 & the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel
 www.facebook.com/frontline
 Instagram: @frontlinepbs | YouTube: youtube.com/frontline

More than a decade ago, in the Emmy-nominated documentary Poor Kids, the acclaimed PBS series FRONTLINE explored poverty in America as it’s rarely seen: through the eyes of children.

This fall, FRONTLINE’s 90-minute season premiere tells the stories of the now-grown children at the heart of Poor Kids — chronicling their lives from childhood to the present day, and offering a powerful, personal and longitudinal look at the realities of growing up in poverty in the U.S.

Filmed across 14 years, Born Poor premieres Tuesday, October 7, at 10/9c on PBS stations (check local listings) and YouTube, and at 7/6c at PBS.org/frontline and in the PBS App. 

The documentary is from an award-winning team led by director and producer Jezza Neumann and producer Lauren Mucciolo, who first began filming with Kaylie, Johnny and Brittany in 2011. Back then, these three kids from three families were living in the Quad Cities, a crossroads along the border of Iowa and Illinois on the Mississippi river that had been hit hard by the recession. 

“I’m just starving. We don’t get that three meals a day, like breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said 10-year-old Kaylie, who worried about missing so much school as a result of her family’s transient existence: “If I keep missing school then I see my future poor, on the streets, in a box,” she said from the motel room where she and her family were temporarily living.

It’s a worry that was all too familiar to 13-year-old Johnny, who had been living with his family at a homeless shelter since the recession hit his father’s business: “Grades is my only way out of here,” Johnny said.

Nine-year-old Brittany, whose father was laid off and whose family feared losing their home, also worried about what was to come: “Life is gonna be hard because there is hardly gonna be any jobs left in the future.”

In Born Poor, the filmmakers follow Kaylie, Johnny and Brittany across three chapters of their lives as they grow from kids to teenagers to adults, trying to pursue their dreams while dealing with an economy where they face more obstacles than opportunities — and trying to overcome the grinding poverty that shaped their childhoods.

“Changing the cycle that you were born into is very hard,” Kaylie observes.

Despite difficulty, loss and setbacks, Kaylie, Brittany and Johnny — now navigating parenthood themselves — refuse to give up on their pursuit of economic stability and an American dream that’s felt perpetually out of reach.

“Do I ever get tired of the struggle? Absolutely,” Johnny says. “But I feel like if you get another day to breathe and wake up and make something happen, you got to get off your butt and make it happen.” 

Amid headlines about economic uncertainty, inflation and the faltering U.S. job market, Born Poor is a must-watch documentary that gives an unforgettable perspective on the lasting impact of financial distress. 

“Once you get in the hole,” says Brittany, “it’s extremely hard to find your way out.” 

Born Poor will be available to watch at pbs.org/frontline and in the PBS App starting October 7, 2025, at 7/6c. It will premiere on PBS stations (check local listings) and on FRONTLINE’s YouTube channel that night at 10/9c and will also be available on the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel. Subscribe to FRONTLINE’s newsletter to get updates on events, podcast episodes and more related to Born Poor.

Credits
 Born Poor is a FRONTLINE production with True Vision Productions.  The director is Jezza Neumann. The producers are Jezza Neumann and Lauren Mucciolo. The senior producer is Frank Koughan. The editor-in-chief and executive producer of FRONTLINE is Raney Aronson-Rath.

Elsie DeClercq to Be Honored Friday on 103rd Birthday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Elsie DeClercq

   Friday, Oct. 3, is being referred to as a “double golden” birthday for Elsie DeClercq of Geneseo.  She was born on Oct. 3, 1922, turned three years old on Oct. 3, 1925 (10/3/1925), and this Friday, Oct. 3, she will mark her 103rd birthday – 10/3/2025.  

   Elsie DeClercq went for her first motorcycle ride on her 100th birthday in 2022, and said she may want to try kayaking next year on her 104th birthday. 

   This year, for her 103rd celebration, she chose to enjoy a family gathering at Allure of Geneseo, where she resides at 702 South Illinois St., Apt. 5 B, Geneseo, IL, 61254, in an Independent Living apartment. 

   She said she hopes to receive “103 cards for my 103rd birthday.”

   The motorcycle ride was a 100th birthday gift from her granddaughter, Julie Ghys-Williamson, who lives with her husband Ed, near Bloomington.

   DeClercq moved to Allure in 2009 and keeps busy saying her prayers every morning and watching “Wheel of Fortune” in the evening.  She also goes to the Bingo games held at Allure, and her granddaughter added, “She seems to always win.”

   Last year, at the age of 102, she gave up her driver’s license and until that time, had been driving to church on Sundays at St. Anthony’s in Atkinson.  Her daughter, Mary Ghys now takes her mother to Mass on Saturdays at St. Malachy Church in Geneseo.

   When asked what she attributed her long life to, DeClercq said, “I worked hard with some hard times, but I trusted God to get me through.”

   DeClercq was born in Cornwall Township to Theophil and Julia Cauwels and lived there until she married John DeClercq when she was 17 years old.  The wedding was held at St. Anthony’s in Atkinson.  The couple farmed together in Cornwall Township until retiring in 1982 when they moved to Hillcrest Drive in Geneseo.  Mr. DeClercq died in 1995.

   The couple had three daughters, Leona, who died shortly after birth; and Phyllis Henderson, who died in 2021.  There is one living daughter, Mary (Dick) Ghys, Geneseo; six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grand grandchildren.

 

Geneseo Animal Shelter Needs Your Help

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current



The more than 100 animals at the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter, need your help!

Linda VanDerLeest, left; president of the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter Board; Katie Irwin, co-chair of the upcoming “Paws for a Cause Gala,” and Cindy Hoste, Board treasurer, are hoping area residents will join them at the Oct. 18 Gala planned in observance of the 50th anniversary of the Geneseo Shelter and to raise funds for the many animals currently living at the Shelter.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

   In order to continue caring for the animals at the Henry County Humane society -Geneseo Shelter, the staff and volunteers need to raise $25,000 In funds by the conclusion of the Oct. 18 Gala.

  The group hopes area residents will reach out in support by attending the “Paws for a Cause Gala” planned in observance of the 50th anniversary of the Geneseo Shelter.

   The event, which includes dinner and drinks, live music entertainment and auction items, will be from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Lavender Crest, 5401 U.S. 6, Colona.  For more information, call 309-944-4868.  Ticket information is available by emailing  info@henrycountyhumanesociety.org, or visiting  https://www.henrycountyhumanesociety.org/news.html,  or by using the QR Code included in this story.

   Linda VanDerLeest, president of the Geneseo Shelter Board, said, “As we reflect on this journey of observing 50 years of caring and compassion for the shelter animals, we are deeply grateful for the people who have made it possible.  With your continued support, we will be able to provide food, medical care, safety, and most importantly -love to countless animals.”

   She added that she would “be truly honored if you would join us for our first-ever ‘Paws for the Cause Gala’ on Oct. 18 to celebrate this milestone together.  The evening will be filled with community, stories of impact, live and silent auctions, and of course, a celebration of the animals whose lives have been forever changed.”

Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter Board member Kim Park is shown with “Caliber,” one of the dogs at the Geneseo Shelter.  Contributed Photo

   “This celebration would not be possible without the people who have helped us reach this moment!” she said.  “We hope you can be part of this special evening as we honor the past 50 years and look ahead to the future.”

   Currently, the HCHS in Geneseo is operating at full capacity, as they have been for some time.  In 2024, they provided shelter, medical care and second chances to over 300 animals, finding loving homes for more than 250 of them.

   “But with rising veterinary costs, up over 20 percent, and a growing waiting list, the need for support has never been greater,” VanDerLeest said.

   The upcoming Gala on Oct. 18 is more than a celebration of 50 years, it’s being held in hopes of raising essential funds for the animals who are dependent on those people who care for them.

   Anyone unable to attend the “Paws for the Cause Gala,” and who would like to make a donation for continued care of the animals can mail contributions to 14606 Roos Hill Rd., Geneseo, IL 61254

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:

  -Ultimate Kids Birthday Bash for 10.
  -Locked and Loaded with Generosity.
  -Evening Comedy Escape at Dragonfly Farms.
  -Up, Up and Away.
  -An Afternoon of Christmas Cheer.
  -Shopping and Spring Blooms.
  -Bear Down, Bundle Up.
  -Fall Home Glow-Up from Frank’s Pumpkin Farm.
  -The Tailgater’s Dream.

SPEICALITY BASKETS INCLUDE:

  -Pumpkin Time.
  -Cozy Winter Vibes.
  -Girls Will Be Girls
  -Golf Basket 

 

Chairman of Harold Neumann Project Flies in Mr. Mulligan

  Paula Neumann Chapa is chairman of the Harold Neumann Project, which showcases the accomplishments of Harold Neumann’s flying career.  Harold Neumann grew up in Geneseo.

   Chapa was invited recently to fly in Mr. Mulligan in Clear Lake, Iowa, and shared this information with me:  “Doug Rozendaal is the proprietor and it was something for me to be able to do with the history of Harold Neumann and this plane.”

   Information received previously from Paula Neumann Chapa, states, “During Harold Neumann’s flying career of 70 years, he accomplished much more than that farm boy from Geneseo, ever imagined he could.  In 1935, Harold Neumann won the Greve Trophy, the Thompson Trophy (With Mr. Mulligan in 1935) along with the award of America’s #1 Pilot by the National Aeronautical Association.  He is acknowledged in the Smithsonian; he was a barnstormer, skywriter, and a Captain for TWA for 30 years.  From Jenny’s to Jets, this man was not just a pilot, he was a genius.” 

PAULA NEUMAN CHAPA’S STORY OF FLIGHT IN MR. MULLIGAN

HOWARD DGA-6

“MR. MULLIGAN” 

Harold Neumann and Benny Howard in Mr. Mulligan 1935

   “As we taxi down the runway, I am feeling a great deal of wonder as I am not sure if I am going to be able to enjoy the flight or sit with my eyes closed the whole time. Dramamine -check, something to throw up in – check, reminding myself to breath…. Before I knew it, the wheels had left the runway, and we were flying! What a rush! A smooth as silk climb into the sky. My first ever flight in a non-commercial plane, let alone a racer.

   Doug Rozendaal, proprietor of Mr. Mulligan, Clear Lake, Iowa, gave me the Harold Neumann flight as if I were actually in the Thompson Race myself - 235 miles an hour and turning the plane as if actually rounding the pylon. How they flew so close together, racing in and out of each other is beyond me.

   These are large planes maneuvering around a tower, not knowing where the other planes were in the race. It takes a person with focus and patients to be able to do that feat, and Harold obviously was that sort of pilot. As Jimmy Doolittle once said, “I was successful with racing only because I was good at focusing on one thing. I could focus on the race and only the race.”

Paula Neumann Chapa looking out the same window of Mr. Mulligan on her recent flight.

   Being able to look out of Mr. Mulligan and see as far as the eye can see, was like nothing I had experienced before. Fields, lakes, water ways and cities. Another rush I was not expecting. I am reminded of Harold’s first flight in his Jenny. How he felt seeing things from above for the first time. No wonder pilots are drawn to the sky. It is wonderful! Calming and exciting at the same time. Just to fly along without a care in the world. My kind of medicine.

   As we flew, I was also reminded about stories in Harold’s 1939 book about fixing the planes midflight. If something was not right, especially if flying Mike or Ike, Harold would work on the plane…. DID I MENTION WHILE FLYING! It amazes me that someone can think that fast. Multitasking to say the least!

We came around to land and just as smoothly as we took off from the runway, we landed. The kind of smoothness only men like Doug and Harold could provide. I was glad to be on the ground and yet, I was disappointed that what I had been excited for was over.  Just another reason to come back and do it again, Doug said.  And you can bet I will if the opportunity is there.

   It was the night of Doug & Kim’s 3rd Thursday fly in. I was able to meet some wonderful people that just like to fly together and talk with other pilots about planes. The potluck was great as were the people. I brought the Greve and Thompson Trophies from the Geneseo Historical Museum as well as some pictures and old newspaper clippings to share. That was a hit, and it was fun to answer questions about some of the aviation pioneers that I have uncovered through years of looking through Harold’s clippings and notes.

   As they pulled Doug & Kim’s additional planes back into the hangar, I was reminded about the comradery of these aviators that have become friends through the years. I was reminded of stories Harold told of how often a problem would occur and how they all worked together for a solution. The wonderful stories and laughter that occurred as we ate together was something that I will look forward to experiencing more of in the future.

   I may not be a pilot, but I still feel like a big part of this thing called aviation. It has certainly touched my soul as I can only imagine it did Harold’s.” 

Paula Neumann Chapa, Chair, Harold Neumann Project (My Grandfather and Harold were first cousins.) geneseoaviationpioneer.com – webpage

haroldneumannrace – facebook

geneseoaviationpioneer@gmail.com - email

 

 

Klavine Motor Co. (Museum) to Mark 100th Anniversary at Geneseo Location - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Dan Klavine in his shop. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Klavine Motor Co. has been in the family for 107 years, and on Oct. 1 will mark a milestone of being located in the same place for the last 100 years.

   Dan Klavine, the third generation Klavine who now owns and operates the business said no special celebration is planned. 

   The company remains in its original location, at 119 South Center St.  where it moved in 1925, although it has grown from its location at the back of the building to now occupying the front as well.   Dan Klavine estimates “seven rooms,” on the first and second floors, not counting the basement and attic.

Dan Klavine holds an antique wrench which is one of the many antique tools at Klavine Motor Co.  The large clock on the wall is from the former Northside Elementary School building on Russell Ave., in Geneseo.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

 

   The business is so much more than a “Motor Co., showcasing countless cases of memorabilia, old tools, motors, engines, and “everything in-between,” Klavine said.  

   Dan has been involved in the family business since childhood, although the official year of him starting work is 1977.  He recalls being at the shop when he was in grade school, and he also was involved in the family business when he was a “coop” student at J.D. Darnall High School (now Geneseo High “School.”)  

  He shared a memory of he and his dad, Roy “Joe” Klavine building a go-kart together.

Dan Klavine, owner and operator of Klavine Motor Co. in Geneseo, is photographed in front of the building at 119 South Center St.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

   Both Dan’s grandfather, Joe A., and his dad, Roy Joe, have passed away, his grandfather died in 1981, and his dad in 2019, and he isn’t sure what will happen to the business when he decides to retire.

   “My son, Brandon, is not interested in working in the business,” he said.

   Klavine Motor Co. was the first such in Henry County to offer refrigeration and repair service and the second to fix car air conditioners in Geneseo.

   Joe A. Klavine, who was born in 1899 and grew up on a farm in Edford Twp., was the founder of the business in 1918. 

   After tiring of farming, he went to work for the railroad and later became interested in car repair, opening his own shop in 1918 in Osco, near the family farm.

   It was one of his customers who encouraged him to open a shop in Geneseo, which he did in 1925 in the location where it remains today.

   At one time the building was a buggy factory and some of the bows and seats remain there, although now the upstairs is used primarily to store old parts and some family antiques, “and junk,” Dan added. 

Klavine is standing by the antique horse-driven road cart housed at the shop.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

  In the front of the shop are numerous glass cases, filled with memorabilia, ranging from toy tractors, to items from Geneseo stores and yet another case holds memorabilia from the Klavine business.  On a wall in the building at the front hangs a pendulum clock which at one time was located in the original Northside School building.

   During World War II, Klavine Motor Co. serviced an area that reached from the Quad cities to New Boston, Knoxville, Princeton, Rockford and Clinton, Iowa.  The company covered commercial refrigeration repair throughout northwest Illinois.

   “Most of my customers now bring their work to the shop,” Dan said.

   Klavine Motor Co. sells welding supplies which Dan said keeps the farmers visiting the shop, and they also recharge paint ball guns.

   When asked how much longer he plans to operate the business, Dan answered, “Until I know it’s time to leave.”

 

Women’s Health Series Luncheons Begin Sept. 25

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Knowledge can lead to many benefits, according to members of the Community Benefits Committee at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo.

   Jan Sellman, left, and Linda Storm, representing the Women’s Health Committee at Hammond-Henry Hospital, invite area residents to the Thursday, Sept. 25, program of the Women’s Health Series, sponsored by Hammond-Henry Foundation Community Benefits Committee.  The program, “Pre-Diabetes,” will be presented by Chad Martens, MD, of Hammond-Henry Hospital Geneseo Medical Group in the Geneseo Community Center, Activity Rom.    Photo by Claudia Loucks

    The Women’s Health Series is sponsored by the committee which is an extension of the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation.  Jan Sellman and Linda Storm serve as co-chairpersons of the committee.

   The 2025-2026 program series begins its season on Thursday, Sept. 25, with a program, “Pre-Diabetes,” to be presented by Chad Martens, MD, of Hammond-Henry Hospital Geneseo Medical Group. 

   The monthly health series luncheon meetings are from 12 to 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, from September through May, with the exception of December, at the Geneseo Community Center Activity Room, 541 East North St., Geneseo.  Cost is $12 per person, payable at the meeting.

   Reservations are due by Thursday, Sept. 18, and may be made by calling the Hospital Foundation office, 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com.  As a caterer is being used, walk-ins are not guaranteed a meal and reservations are required to secure a meal.  Guests are welcome to arrive at the luncheon events any time after 11:15 a.m.

   The series of programs began in 2003 in an effort to help educate the community, according to Katie Orwig, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation manager.  Program topics are selected by members of the Community Benefits Committee. 

   “At that time, the sessions were for both men and women, and men are still welcome, but it seems that we focus more on women’s topics because they are the primary caretakers of the family,” she said.

   The women’s sessions led to establishing a men’s health series in 2013 where health topics for men are presented four times each year at 7 a.m. in the hospital conference room.

   In addition to the programs being educational, Orwig said they are also a social time.  “Beyond what they learn, they also view the time as a social outing and look forward to visiting with other people who attend,” she said.

   “The programs are a means for us to let people know about services offered at Hammond-Henry,” Orwig said.  “I have often heard remarks such as, ‘I had no idea that was offered at the hospital.’…I also think the people who attend the programs are in a more comfortable setting to ask questions of the presenters.”

   “It is a fun way to learn,” she added.

   Orwig said feedback is gathered at the programs, asking those in attendance to submit ideas.  These ideas are reviewed by the committee and a list of topics is chosen for the upcoming year…”We have never run out of topics,” she said.

   The 2025-2026 programs:

  -Sept. 25 – Pre-Diabetes.
  -Oct 23 – Swallowing/Speech Therapy.
  -Nov 19– (THIRD WEDNESDAY) – Chiropractic Care/Dry Needling.
  -Dec – No Program
  -Jan 22, 2026 – Balance and Vertigo.
  -Feb 26 – Incontinence.
  -March 26 – Bemer.
  -Apr 23 – Orthopedic Surgeon.
  -May 28 – Infusion.

Antique Engine & Tractor Working Farm Show Opens Friday and Runs Through Sunday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   James Krieger, president of the Antique Engine & Tractor Association, stands by a Russell tractor this is reported to be the “only one known in existence.”  The tractor will be displayed in the Timber Frame Barn at the 64th Annual Working Farm show which begins Friday, Sept. 12, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 14. 

Every year the Antique Engine & Tractor Association show features a different brand of antique engine and/or tractor. This year the group will showcase “The Lesser Known” for the group’s 64th Annual Working Farm Show, which will be held Friday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 14, at the show grounds, north of Geneseo on Illinois 92, three miles east of Interstate 88, or about one mile west of Illinois Rt. 92.

   The Working Farm Show is a popular attraction for residents and visitors of all ages, and is a family event with lots of activities for children, including train rides around the show grounds.  Admission to the show is $10 per day or $20 for the weekend.  Children 12 and younger are admitted free.

  On Friday, Sept. 12, admission is $5 for veterans.

   In addition to “The Lesser Known” tractors and implements, this year’s show will feature gas engines, crawlers and power units, providing they are not homemade.

   Other features include AE&TA members harvesting corn and beans with mid-1900’s equipment, showing the use of horses for working a field, threshing oats or wheat, running a saw mill, plowing, baling, and demonstrating gas engines as they were used in the early 1900’s.

   The annual show gets bigger each year with over 400 tractors, over 100 garden tractors and hundreds of gas engines, plus other agricultural memorabilia on the grounds.

   The Vendor Fair at the Show will feature a variety of crafts, rug weaving, broom making, and other demonstrations.  This year there will be a Hocking Valley Apple Press operating, located next to the Mercantile Building.  The press was donated to the AE&TA by the Rob and Jeanne Ohlsen family of Geneseo.

   The entire show is handicap accessible.  Pets are not allowed, with an exception for service dogs.

   In 2010, the AE&TA moved to its current location after many years in different locations.  The 40 acres of land was donated to the Association by Bill and June Cole of Hillsdale.  AE&TA purchased an additional 10 acres to connect the grounds to Illinois 92, which allowed for a driveway from the highway to the show grounds.

   They also rent additional acreage from Orville and Maxine McCord.

   Handicap transportation is available and the “people mover” also is a convenient means to transport people around the show grounds.

   The AE&TA grounds showcase the timber frame barn that appears to have been built decades ago.  The building was constructed using age-old techniques.  Trillium Dell Timberworks, along with help from the Timber Framers Guild, assembled and raised the large building.

  About 95 per cent of the barn was constructed with timber from Illinois forests.  Even though the AE&TA barn was built with new lumber, it appears to have been part of the Henry County countryside for years.

   A food building also was added to provide seating for visitors to the show.

   The Jordan Mercantile Building was donated to the club in 2013 from Phil and Karen Jordan.  

   A train building was constructed in 2015, with labor and materials donated by the late Larry Colo, Geneseo, and Bill Cole, Hillsdale 

   A special addition is the completion of the enclosed walkway connecting the timber frame barn to the Feature Building.

   Last year, a learning center was added, which was constructed in the Feature Building and is attached to the main barn. The goal of AE&TA members is to promote and educate all facets of agriculture through audio visual training, hands-on experience and guest speakers. Funds for the Center came from grants from the Geneseo Foundation and the Miller Foundation.

   AE&TA members share a belief in preserving the historic value of antique, power-driven farm equipment, from early horse-drawn plows to gasoline and steam tractors to equipment from the 1900’s to the 1960’s.

   The Association also believes in keeping the machines running by putting them to work and that makes the group’s show unique as they use the equipment on display in demonstrations. 

   For more information about the “Lesser Known,” contact Paul Searl at 309-781-2896 or Rollo Searl at 309-781-9012.  For general information about the show, contact Chad Jacobs, 309-314-0783 or Jeff Laleman, 309-314-3625.   

  Additional information also is available by visiting www.ae-ta.com.

   The daily schedule of events – Sept. 12-14: 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 12: 

  -6 a.m. – Gates open for exhibitors.
  -7 a.m. – gates open for visitors.
  -8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – engine and tractor display.
  -8:30 a.m. – Raising of flag by AE&TA veterans.
  -9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and post parade. – 5 p.m. – children’s activities and train rides – with the exception of Sunday, Sept. 14, when children’s activities and train rides will conclude at 4 p.m.
  -9 a.m. to noon and post parade – 4 p.m. – demonstrations including blacksmith demonstrations, sawmill, threshing, wood carvers, cane press, horse farming and field demonstrations.
-10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – food stands open.
-1 p.m. – parade on show grounds, line up at feature tractor area.
-4 p.m. – lowering of flag – AE&TA veterans.
-5 p.m. – gates close.
-5 – 7 p.m.- Ice Cream Social Celebrating “The Lesser Knowns,” sponsored by West Jersey Express, West Jersey, IL.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13:

 - same as activities on Sept. 12 with the addition of:
-9 A.M. – Raising of flag by Durant American Legion Post 430.
- 9 a.m. – noon and post parade until 5 p.m.– children’s activities and train rides.
-After the 1 p.m. parade, there will be a Kids’ Tractor Pull in the Food Building.
-3 p.m. – auction of donated items with pie auction to follow.
-4 p.m. – Lowering of Flag – Durant American Legion.
-5 p.m. gates close.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 14 – Same as Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 with these changes:

- 9 a.m. – noon and post parade until 4 p.m.– children’s activities and train rides.
-8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Demonstrations.
- 8:30 a.m. – raising of flag – Cordova American Legion. 
 -9 – 10 a.m. – church services in Food Building.
 -4 p.m. lowering of flag, Cordova American Legion, and show closes.   

Stories from 9/11 To Be Presented Sept. 14 in Play at Kingswood Church in Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


  A staged reading of the play “110 Stories,” by Sarah Tuft, will be performed on Sunday, Sept. 14, at Kingswood Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo.

  The play, which will begin at 3 p.m., is a compilation of representative stories about 9/11 and New York’s Twin Towers, the rescuers, the rescued, the healers, the healing, those who ran toward danger, and those who perished.

   All proceeds of ticket sale will be donated to the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

   Information received about the needs at OEM read – “OEM needs to replace the Radiation Detection Unit, now long past its prime and beyond grant-funding from Homeland Security.  The unit not only detects radiation, but also air-quality generally at disaster sites, which encompass operations in Henry, Stark and Mercer Counties – an area of 1,683 miles, the largest such district in the State of Illinois.”

   Advance tickets, at $12 each, are available at Kingswood Church before and after weekend services.  A QR code is included with this story where ticket orders can be placed online, at $13 each.

   Due to the graphic nature of the horrors of 9/11, the performance is not recommended for children under the age of 13.  Out of respect for the actors, patrons and individuals honored by these stories, late seating will not be permitted.

   The production is directed by Jackie Patterson of Geneseo, and includes a total of 29 actors and a small technical team.  The poster art was created by local artist, Brooke Gatter.

AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION – Sarah Tuft

   “I was volunteering in the 9/11 recovery effort when people started sharing their stories with me, saying it helped them to “get it out.”

   I was struck by the power of their stories – what they revealed about how we cope with trauma and how we seek recovery through compassion and service.  I was also struck by the vibrancy and humanity of the ‘characters’ who were relaying their experiences to me.  So, in the immediate aftermath of September 11th, I conducted a hundred interviews, combed through dozens of emails, and began writing ‘110 Stories.’  By giving voice to those who experienced September 11th first-hand, I hoped to restore dimension to an event that’s been sensationalized, sentimentalized, and politicized to serve other agencies.  I also hoped to preserve what it really feels like to witness unimaginable horror, suffer unbearable grief, and to be united with our fellow human beings in the common goal for alleviating suffering.  I’m grateful to the many people who shared their stories with me and to the many theatre artists – like you – who share ‘110 Stores’ with their community…”

Outdoor Stage Complete at Richmond Hill with Help from Girl Scout Hannah McGee

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Brett Lohman, left, representing the Geneseo Foundation; Mark Breeden, representing the Miller Foundation; Girl Scout Hannah McGee; and Brandon Maeglin, Geneseo City Administrator, are shown in front of the recently completed outdoor stage structure at Richmond Hill Park.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

  There’s something new on the grounds of Richmond Hill Park in Geneseo. 

   The new stage structure is a collaborated effort between the City of Geneseo and Hannah McGee, a senior at Geneseo High School who became involved with the project through her work for the Girl Scout Gold Award.

   According to Brandon Maeglin, Geneseo City Administrator, the Richmond Hill Stage Project was initiated earlier this year after many years of discussion about adding a permanent stage structure to Richmond Hill Park.

   “During the planning for Richmond Hill Park upgrades 10 years ago, there were concepts of adding an amphitheater structure to the park in a future phase,” Maeglin explained.  “As that project developed and moved to constructions phases in 2018-2019, pickleball, basketball and other court structures took priority, along with the new pavilion and playground structures that our community enjoys today.”

   Geneseo High School senior Hannah McGee became involved with the project last year when she approached city officials about working with the city on a project for her Girl Scout Gold Award.

   She learned about the Richmond Hill Stage Project when she attended a meeting of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club through her membership in the GHS Key Club.

   Maeglin offered McGee the opportunity to be part of the group for the stage project.

   “Hannah has attended all the planning meetings regarding the new facility and has brought several ideas to the table,” he said.  “Hannah also applied for a number of grants to get the project off the ground, and the project was awarded $20,000 from the Geneseo Foundation and $20,000 from the Miller Foundation.”

   Maeglin said that one of McGee’s ideas, for which she currently is fundraising, is an informational board which will be positioned directly behind the stage in the Florence Love Wildflower Garden. 

   “The permanent board will contain information about Geneseo’s native trees and other local nature-related items, along with information about the Florence Love Wildflower Garden, the stage project, and about scouting.” Maeglin added.

   McGee will be fundraising for the board on Saturday during the Trains, Planes and Automobile celebration in Geneseo, and the public is encouraged to stop by and speak with her where she will be set up at the intersection of 1st and State Streets.

ABOUT THE NEW RICHMOND HILL STAGE – FROM BRANDON MAEGLIN

   The Richmond Hill Park Stage will be used by the City of Geneseo for the annual “Thrill on the Hill” concert in July, and the city plans to soon announce a Labor Day event and concert for year 2026.  The city plans to coordinate with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, Henry County Tourism Bureau, and other local organizations for additional opportunities to have entertainment and events at the venue for decades to come.

   The stage was designed to be used as an ideal space for outdoor performances, while also being able to double as an outdoor pavilion for other rental opportunities. 

   In 2026, the city will open the structure up for public reservations, and business/community members will be encouraged to coordinate with the city about using the new structure as an option for outdoor gatherings.

   The new stage structure, completed in August of this year, is made of Douglas Fur timbers and was constructed by Signature Big Timbers of Port Byron.  The concrete base and retaining wall were completed by Construction Group of Geneseo, along with staff from Geneseo Electric, Public Works and the Building Inspections/Development Department.  Total cost of the stage and surrounding structures was $93,000, with half of that funding coming from grant awards and other fundraising measures.  

MEET HANNAH MCGEE

   Hannah McGee, daughter of Shawn and Taunya, is a senior at Geneseo High School. 

   Her membership in Geneseo High School Key Club led her to attend a meeting of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club, which sponsors school Key Clubs, service-oriented clubs.  It was at that meeting where she learned of the Richmond Hill Stage Project the City of Geneseo was working on…”I had been looking for something to help with for my Scouting Gold Award.  I went to the City Administrator, Brandon Maeglin, to ask about it and he mentioned wanting to making a Richmond Hill Stage, and I was granted access to help with the stage.  Another reason that I grew interested in the opportunity is the fact that I am interested in engineering and I believe this will give me good experience and an understanding of what my future career may look like.”

   In her effort to raise funds for the proposed sign to be placed at the back of the new Richmond Hill Stage, McGee will be sharing information about the stage and about scouting to interested passersby at the Trains, Planes and Automobiles event on Saturday.  She will be at the intersection of 1st and State Street in downtown Geneseo, and said she hopes to be able to visit with lots of people and raise funds for the sign.

   In looking to the future, Miss McGee is interested in pursuing a career in engineering and plans to attend either Purdue University or Bradley University.

   She has been involved in Scouting for 13 years and will continue to be involved as a volunteer at day camp, doing community service and become a Scout leader.

 

Trains, Planes and Automobiles Events at Geneseo Museum and Carriage House

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


The Geneseo Historical Museum and the Carriage House will be open to visitors of all ages during the annual Trains, Planes and Automobiles celebration on Saturday, Sept. 6, in Geneseo.

   Both the museum, at 205 South State St., and the carriage house and lawn, located to the rear of the museum, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 6.

   Melanie Rice, Museum Curator/Director, is shown in her 1950’s attire at the display inside the museum that depicts memories of Geneseo from the 1950’s. Photo by Claudia Loucks

 

   Volunteers inside the museum will be dressed in 1950’s attire, and a special exhibit for the TPA weekend is the 1950’s display which showcases Geneseo items in that era, including an “Orsi & Green” sign, which was a popular “soda fountain” shop on State St., in downtown Geneseo, well-known for the crowds of young people who frequented the establishment for the “famous” Green River and Chocolate Coke drinks.

   Melanie Rice, Museum Director/Curator, said the current military exhibit at the Geneseo Historical Museum, will remain on display through Sept. 6 so that anyone who may have missed seeing it before will have an opportunity on Sept. 6. 

   She said the exhibit, “In Service and Sacrifice,” is a tribute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces - highlighting some personal stories behind the uniforms. 

The displays on both the first and second floors of the museum showcase military uniforms with explanations of what they represent.

    Rice said “Every uniform tells a story, not just of the conflicts, but of courage, sacrifice and service!”

INSIDE THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AND ON THE MUSEUM LAWN

  The Paper Airplane Game will be on the lawn between the Geneseo Museum and the Carriage House on Saturday, Sept. 6, during the Trains, Planes and Automobiles celebration in Geneseo.

   The events inside the Carriage House and lawn connecting the Carriage House to the Museum, will feature activities and games relating to airplanes connected to the Harold Neumann Project display in the Carriage House.

   The activities and games include airplane ball pit, making balsa wood airplanes, rubber duck matching game, constructing and racing paper airplanes, card board plane races, a scavenger hunt, photos booth and much more.

   Information received from Paula Neumann Chapa, chairman of the Harold Neumann Project, states, “During Harold Neumann’s flying career of 70 years, he accomplished much more than that farm boy from Geneseo, ever imagined he could.  In 1935, Harold Neumann won the Greve Trophy, the Thompson Trophy along with the award of America’s #1 Pilot by the National Aeronautical Association.  He is acknowledged in the Smithsonian; he was a barnstormer, skywriter, and a Captain for TWA for 30 years.  From Jenny’s to Jets, this man was not just a pilot, he was a genius.”

   Neumann shared, “Collecting memorabilia of Harold’s from museums and family members across the country has been nothing less than thrilling for us.  We have his Greve Trophy and his Thompson Trophies, and they were just the tip of the iceberg.  On loan from Special Collections & University Archives, University of Illinois Chicago, we will have the original Eiffel Tower that Harold presented to Mayor Daley after his celebrated flight from Paris to Chicago in 1958.  That flight made O’Hare Airport an International Airport that day.”

   The Harold Neumann Project also now includes the fuselage, tail and wing skin from Neumann’s aerobatic Mon coupe, “Little Mulligan.”

 

Harvest Time Music Fest 2025 is Sept. 20-21

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School band and choir students from left, Violet Runty, Nina Schmedding and Anna Davis are promoting the prizes to be awarded in the raffle drawings at the Harvest Time Music Festival, Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21.  First place prize is one year of free groceries from Geneseo Dollar Fresh.  Additional prizes in drawings are listed in this story. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The Geneseo Harvest Time Music Festival will kick off a weekend of activities with the 35th annual Maple leaf Marching Band Classic on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Geneseo High School.Bob Reade Football Stadium. 

   The two-day festival concludes Sunday, Sept. 21, with festivities in Geneseo City Park. 

   The Maple Leaf Marching Band Competition takes center stage from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, with area high school bands competing for top honors.

   Public is invited to the competition featuring high school bands from Sherrard High School, Streator Township High School, United Township High School, Galva High School, Minooka Community High School, Macomb High School, Rock Falls High School, Western Dubuque High School, Bettendorf High School, Rockridge High School and Rochelle Township High School.

   Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students.

   Geneseo Middle School Band students will perform the introduction and The Sound of Geneseo Marching Band (TSOG) will perform in exhibition.  Western Illinois University musicians will perform at the conclusion of the evening. 

   On n Sunday, Sept. 21, in Geneseo City Park, or at the high school if it rains, activities will include pork chop sandwiches and concessions, available from noon to 5 p.m., with karaoke and music from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m.

   The seventh-and eighth-grade choirs will perform at 1 p.m., with high school choirs at 2 p.m.  Choirs representing grades 4-12 will present the grand finale at 4:30 p.m., with songs connected to this year’s theme, “Seasons.”

   A talent show of students is from 3 to 4 p.m.

   Also on Sept. 21, a silent auction will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. with winners announced at 4 p.m.

   Raffle drawings will begin at 4 p.m. for large raffle items and conclude with smaller raffle items.

Prizes include a first-place prize of one year of free groceries form Geneseo Dollar Fresh, second prize is a 4-Day, 3-Night All-Inclusive Getaway Vacation to Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, including gas and gift cards, a $2500 value - sponsored by the local businesses in Geneseo.   Third prize is a Geneseo package – one year membership to the Geneseo Park District including the swimming pool, five hours of computer repair from Wolfe Computer and Console Repair, free piano tuning from Misfeldt Instrument Repair, gift cards to Sweet Marie’s, Caffeine & Carbs, Reap & Sow Nutrition, Pegasus Fine Gifts, Geneseo Brewing Company, Habaneros, and Anthology - $1,600 value – sponsored by Wolfe Computer and Console Repair, Misfeldt Instrument Repair and Geneseo local businesses.   

   Tickets for raffle items are $10 each, five for $40, and are available at the festival and from band and choir members.  Raffle tickets also are available to purchase online through the GPAC website: geneseoarts.com. Online tickets may be purchased until 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.

   The annual two-day Harvest Time Music Festival is sponsored by Geneseo Performing Arts Council (GPAC) and proceeds benefit Geneseo band, choir and drama students.

Finishing Touch Longarming Business in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Jan Hartsock is the owner/operator of Finishing Touch Longarming business located in her Geneseo home.

  It was her passion for sewing and quilting that led Jan Hartsock to launch her own business when she retired from a career in real estate.

   Finishing Touch Longarming is a machine quilting/computerized business located in the Hartsock home at 16554 East 1600 St., Geneseo.  Hours of the business are by appointment by calling 309-945-8819 or emailing Hartsock at jlhartsock56@gmail.com.

   Hartsock began sewing when she was in junior high school, making clothes for herself, then for her children and later for her granddaughter…”About 30 years ago a friend introduced me to quilting and I knew then that when I retired, I would turn my passion into a business.”

   When asked where she got the idea for her business, Hartsock replied, “As a quilter when you have your quilt top finished, you still have to put the batting and backing together.  There are various ways to complete this step, which is one of the finishing steps.  For years I took my quilts to a long-armer to have this done.”

   About 15 years ago she purchased a hobby quilting machine and began quilting many of her own quilts.   When she retired in 2023, she upgraded her quilting machine to an industrial machine so she would be able to not only complete her own quilts, but to also do that finishing step for other people.

   In addition to machine quilting, Hartsock also offers minor mending and machine embroidery and she also has finished quilts, pillow cases and gift items for sale.

   When asked about the biggest hurdle she had to overcome in starting her own business, she said, “Getting the name out.  In the past, leaving your business cards at quilt stores, and having quilt store owners recommend a long-armer, and word of mouth was quite easy.  There are new challenges since Covid, more brick and mortars have switched to online stores, and many stores have closed.  Locally, two of my ‘go-to’ quilt shops have sadly gone.  The owners of Quilt Box in Kewanee retired after a storm damaged their building and after 20 years in business; and Our Crafty Life in Geneseo has been converted to an online business.”

   She added, “The hobbyist has the same challenges, where to go to get their sewing/quilting supplies?  The popularity of quilting and crafts has not diminished and that is represented by the number of local quilt guilds, such as the Geneseo Quilt Guild and Prairie Queen Quilt Club in Bishop Hill.