By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current
Happy Valentine’s Day
Many folks know that Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine. The problem is, there were two St. Valentines. Nobody knows for sure if the holiday originated with St. Valentine in Rome, or the other one in Terni, Italy?
In the 1300s, Valentine’s Day officially became a holiday associated with love. It was believed that February 14 was the start of birds’ mating season. Birds and romance had a connection.
Lorna and I became engaged on Valentine’s Day in her classroom at the junior high school in Barstow, IL. On that special day we always celebrate at The Cellar.
Like Father Like Son
Dennie Howell recently got a nice buck with his bow ‘n arrow. Not to be outdone, his dad, Mitch Howell, Colona, got a deer with his shotgun during this past shotgun season. Mitch got his deer on an island on the Mississippi River. Looks like there will be plenty of venison dinners as the winter goes on.
A Matter of Taste
Okay, bats see with their ears, snakes smell with their tongue and butterflies’ taste through their feet. The female monarch butterfly can taste if a plant is okay for her larvae to eat.
However, the process is not perfect as sometimes she can be tricked into laying her eggs on an invasive plant species causing the larvae to die within a few days.
Yay, Pancakes and the Trimmings
Just a second reminder that the Geneseo Boy Scout Troop 100 will host their “Annual Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast” on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. It’s only 7 bucks per adult and kids age 5 & under, free! C-U there!!
Geneseo Museum History Restarts
This was good news. Steve Kastorff, retired teacher, author and lecturer, told me that the Geneseo Historical Museum will be host to various monthly history talks at the museum.
Angie Snook started the programs some years ago and the talks were based more on the Civil War. As time went on, the one hour lectures covered both local and world history events. Besides Angie, she brought in other local speakers to present history related programs.
I’m not sure when the new programs are going to start, but I’m sure the new curator will get the word out. While Angie is retired from her years as the museum’s curator, I’m sure she will continue on the lecture circuit. She is an amazing lady.
Rock Falls Firearm Frenzy
This 50 new gun raffle is presented by Ducks Unlimited & Rock Falls, IL. It will be held at the McCormick Event Center, 205 E. 3rd St., Rock Falls, IL. The event will be on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with doors open at 11:00 a.m.
Each $25.00 ticket includes a chance on the 50 gun raffle, food, beverages and a chance on $3500 cash door prizes. If any questions contact Rodney Schlafer @ events@ducks.org.
Ice Fishing Report
Last Tuesday morning Lorna and I tried our luck on the hard water. We fished the main lake at Giant Goose, Atkinson. There was about 9” of good ice.
We fished for about 2 hours and brought home 13 bluegills. We got some small “dinks” and let them go. Jigs and waxies are what the ‘gills wanted for breakfast.
Bait for Fishing
As most of you anglers know, Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle is no longer in business. Living in Colona, it was just a “hop, skip ‘n a jump” for me to purchase bait, especially minnows, worms, waxies, etc. I was spoiled!
In Geneseo, you used to be able to get waxies and worms at Farm & Fleet. However, I have not seen their small refrigerator that contained waxies and worms for sale. So, long story short, that leaves two locations in which to get both bait and tackle. That is Porter’s Village Gas Station on Rt. 84 west, Hampton, IL., or E-Z Livin’ Sports Center, 231 1st Ave W., Milan, IL.
Porter’s is about 15 minutes closer to our home than E-Z Livin.’ E-Z Livin’ is a half-hour run from home, but they have a larger array of fishing equipment. The phone # for E-Z Livin’ is (309) 787-2244. The phone # for Porters is (309) 755-3862.
Geneseo DU Gun Bingo
“Bingo!” This event should be fun. The Geneseo Ducks Unlimited are hosting a “Gun Bingo” on Sunday, March 9, 2025. It will be held at The Black Ridge, 123 N. Prospect St., Cambridge, IL.
There will be guns, bingo, games, raffles, fun and auctions. Geeez, can they offer anything more? I think not!!!
The cost is $80 per person and while you might think that’s a bit steep, it includes entry, food, DU membership, 8 games of Bingo prize for each game is a gun or $400 bucks in cash. Food and soda will be provided – BYOB.
All this is limited to 100 individuals. Must be age 18 to play bingo. Doors will open at 11 a.m., Lunch at 11:30 a.m. Bingo at 1 p.m. Too bad they couldn’t add a dunking tank with Dale “Double Barrel” Doubler as the person falling in the tank. I mean, he’s all wet anyway!!!! If you need more information go to: www.geneseodu.org
Indian Navy Cadets Parade Dance
Okay U.S. Navy Vets and everyone else. I want you to go to your computer and type in “The Hornpipe Dance by Sea Cadets/Indian Navy Dance 2024.” Make sure you. click on the “2024” version. One can interpret the dance to tasks by sailors aboard ship. Very cool.
Rude & Tacky
The next time ‘yer in Quebec, keep your hands where they can be seen. Talking with your hands in your pockets is considered rude. If you want to be tacky, yawn in public when in Ecuador.
Lastly, do not relate to your friends that you read, “Dan D Outdoors.” Your grade of intelligence will be considered low.
Quote of the Week
“All men think all men mortal, but themselves!”
Edward Young
