Big River Brass Band
This great band performed last Tuesday evening, July 11th, in the Geneseo Park. They did an excellent job. It was a perfect evening for an outdoor concert. We had not seen Bill and Jean McComb’s for a long time. Always nice visiting with Jean. Sorry, Bill!
Kevin and Tina Holevoet were there to cheer-on their daughter, Megan, who plays the Euphonium in the band. The Holevoet’s are a nice family! Anyway, outdoor concerts in the park are so nice to attend. It’s always kind of sad when the local concerts end in later August.
More Concerts
Just a reminder that there are three more concerts in the park’s bandshell. Maple City Band, July 18th, Maple City German Band, July 25th, and the Geneseo Big Band on August 8th. The ice cream socials are on hand to provide great desserts. Besides, it is a good fundraiser for the various groups.
Geneseo Ikes Fish Fry
This is also a reminder that the Geneseo Izaak Walton Club will be hosting their fish fry for members and guests on Saturday, August 5, 2023. It will be held in the lodge starting at 6 p.m. If you have fish to donate for the event, please drop them off on Friday or Saturday. Sorry, as of this time I’m not sure on the times to drop off your gar, carp, dogfish and/or shad.
Jokes
Cambridge’s Dale Doubler used to work in a pet store. One day Galva’s Dale Collis drove to the local pet store carrying a “beak.” Collis said to Doubler, “I’m looking for a bird to match this beak!” Doubler said, “No problem. I’ve got one that’ll fit the bill.” What do you call a bird that’s been eaten by a bobcat? A swallow. (Hey, don’t blame me! ‘Yer the one reading this column!)
Flowers
I guess one could accuse us of getting a tad carried away in the flowering world. Both Lorna and I share the love of planting flowers and watching their colors blossom. Did you know that there is a Meaning of Flowers? Most every flower has a meaning. For example: Orange blossom symbolizes chastity, purity and loveliness. A red chrysanthemum means I love you. Take weddings as another example. Across-the-pond in jolly old England, Prince William and Kate (now Catherine) Middleton made sure her flowers had special meaning. As for Prince William, he wore a flower in his button-hole that Kate had in her bouquet. The tradition goes back to Medieval times. We missed going to the wedding as I had a really awesome lake to catch carp.
Gunslinger’s Fishing Haunt
With the Rock River low, or at least as I’m writing this it is, I had tried Keith Vandewoestyne’s place. It was in the evening and just before I started to leave a northern pike hit my catfish lure. Last year the exact same thing happened only this time Mr. Pike had thrown my lure in my face, so to speak. Whatever species of fish that swims in our midwestern waters can be found in the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. We anglers in this little part of the world are blessed with so many places to fish.
Clarke Barnes
The former Judge Barnes and retired Marine Colonel, recently passed away. He was one classic man and accomplished so much during his lifetime. He and his wife, Gayle, raised a nice family. I’m sure the good Lord will bless this honorable man.
Ben McAdams
Sadly, another great individual recently passed away. Lorna and I go way back to when Ben McAdams was Superintendent of the Carbon Cliff/Barstow School District. He and the school board hired Lorna as a science teacher and at the same time, hired me as a part time custodian. We could say that Ben was responsible for Lorna and I getting married. He was an outstanding person in so many ways. He went on to become Superintendent of the Moline/Coal Valley School District. He had many educational positions in various school districts. He was also a superb wrestler and cross country champion, and officiated in wrestling. In short, “God bless you, Ben McAdams, for all your accomplishments and good deeds.”
Fishy Humor
What kind of hair does the ocean have? Wavy. Why do oceans never go out of style? Because they’re always current. What did the ocean say to the shore? “Glad to sea you!” What do you call a fish with no eye? A fsh.