The Birdman of Henry County - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

With Sadness

We received a phone call from Janet Anderson on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, that her husband, Glen, had passed. That was a phone call that Lorna and I were sorry to have received.
Glen did so many good things while his 90 plus years on this earth. He was a former board member of the Geneseo Izaak Walton League and was recognized for his work with the league. I know he was also a volunteer for the Geneseo High School football program and the Hammond-Henry hospital.
He was a strong advocate on conservation of our lands and waters. He gave many lectures to various groups on the importance of saving our native prairies and woodlands.
Glen was an expert concerning birds and built bluebird houses that were placed along the canal at the Ikes Park. I always called him, “The Birdman of Henry County.” He made sure to feed birds year round on his acreages. Our sympathies go out to Janet and family. God bless his soul.

Ironically

I was going to call Glen because we had a pair of cedar wax wings and one northern flicker at our bird feeders. I always let him know when we havean unusual bird to be seen. He had such a great amount of knowledge concerning our feathered friends.

No More Citations Given

Tony and Laura Petreikis, Illinois City, IL., both retired Conservation Police Officers, recently hopped on their snowmobile, but for joy riding, not looking for individuals who might warrant a citation.
In the photo it almost looked like two creatures from outer space. Even without all his garb, Tony is still scary looking!

Tony Petreikis caught these bluegills in a local pond.  Ha-Ha! At least that's what he said.  

David Wyffels, Fish Biologist

He was the guest speaker at the February 10th meeting of the Geneseo Izaak Walton League. He covers several counties including Henry County.
His office is located in Sheffield and he works for the Illinois DNR. He checks water and fish conditions. He has a boat that is rigged up with shocking devices that can give him information on fish species counts.
The shocking does not harm the fish, but it provides enough time to analyze the health of fish and if stocking is needed. He answered a lot of questions and did an excellent job.
Next month, on March 10th, Steve Kastorff, retired teacher, author and lecturer, will provide a program on the Geneseo Fish Hatchery at 7 p.m. in the Ikes Lodge.

Pam Edwards & the Geneseo H.S. Choir

They presented a really nice Valentine Love Concert for the Geneseo Kiwanis “Guest Night” on February 11th. The boys ‘n girls choirs sang some songs after which they passed out music sheets so everyone could sing along.
The song selections were: You are My Sunshine, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, and Love Me Tender. Director Pam certainly picked the right songs for the older audience.
Great job, Pam Edwards and the Geneseo High School Choir. It made for a nice evening!

Poem for Glen Anderson

It was but a few days ago,
a trip to Heaven, he did go;

Over 90 plus years he spent on this sphere,
He taught many students from far and near;

Glen volunteered to help, whatever the day,
He would always refuse, any type of pay;

He fed the birds and watched them eat,
Looking out their window, it was all very neat!

So, in ending, peace be with his kind soul above,
On his shoulder may ride a white mourning dove.

Quote of the Week

“Goodness is a special kind of truth and beauty. It is truth and beauty in human behavior.”
- Harry Allen Overstreet

Your Grade of Intelligence - By Dan Dauw

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

Deer Me, Time For A Drink - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Love Pancakes & Trimmings

The Geneseo Boy Scout Troop 100 will host their 52nd Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This breakfast fundraiser will be held at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. Besides delicious pancakes you get sausages, fruit, eggs, orange juice, milk and coffee.
It is a big event so get there early in case they might run out of an item or two. Well, not hardly, but just saying! It’s only $7.00 per person with kids age 5 & under, free!
Keep in mind that all proceeds stay here locally enabling scouts with their various projects.

Kiwanis Pancake Day

Time for some more pancakes and trimmings? Well, stop by the Geneseo Moose Lodge, Sunday, March 2, 2025, for the Geneseo Kiwanis “Pancake Day.”
This event is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Kiwanians will be serving up pancakes, sausages and all the trimmings. Carry-out meals will also be available.
The cost is $7.00 per adult and children, age 10 and younger, just $3.00. Proceeds go to help serve the Kiwanis projects of the greater Geneseo area.

Record 2024 Soybean Crop

According to a report from Tony McCombie, State Rep., Dist. 89, our Prairie State had a harvest soybean record crop of 688 million bushels. The Illinois Soybean Association reported Illinois farmers had harvested beans from 10.75 million acres of Illinois land.
It works out to a yield of about 64 bushels per acre. Illinois is one of the largest concentrations of food-related businesses in the world. Soybean products can also be used to make products such as soy-based biodiesel fuel.

Deer me, time for a Drink

One of my former and good USPS bosses, John B., sent me a couple of photos of some whitetails he recently had in his backyard. He said he doesn’t feed deer, but does have a heated fountain which offers water for deer and I suspect birds, too!

Deer & Walleye

Two bucks battle it out in John B's backyard.

For Christmas our daughter gave me a 1941 published booklet on the Illinois Game and Fish Regulations. It showed that deer hunting was illegal.
So, I looked it up on the computer when deer were allowed to be hunted in Illinois. It was not allowed until October 1-15, 1957, and bow & arrow only. Only 220 deer were harvested.
In 2023, Illinois deer hunters were allowed to use a single-shot rifle and only certain calibers allowed. Ha! So, leave your .22 at home!
An Illinois hunting license in 1941 was $1.50. An Illinois fishing license that same year was .75 cents. A few places in the booklet it mentioned certain fish species. It showed walleye spelled, “Wall-eyed Pike.” Walleye and northern pike are two different species.
I remember The Cellar used to list “walleye pike” on their menu. I pointed out the mistake to server “Cindy”, and she promptly hit me over the head with a bread roll. No matter how they spelled it, it sure tasted good!

Another buck seemed to say, "Guys, you can fight

Michael Madigan

Remember this former Illinois House Speaker? I always thought he had more power than the governor. He’s going through some battles with prosecutors on bribery schemes and other deals.
So, do you think he’ll serve time? Don’t hold your breath! The crooked pathway to and from the Windy City and Springfield is a worn one!

For Seniors

I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up ‘n down and perspired for a good hour. However, by the time I got my sweats on, the class was over.

Humor

Why was the snowman looking through the carrots? Ans: He was picking his nose.

What do you call rubber bumpers on yachts? Ans: Shark absorbers.

Why won’t sharks eat clowns? Ans: Because they taste funny.

Quote of the Week

“I fear explanations explanatory of things explained.”

• Abraham Lincoln

Carpfish Cookies - By Dan Dauw

January not so Bad

There are just a few days left of January weather, but overall, I think it was mild month. We missed some heavy snowfalls that went north and south of our area. Now, Mother Nature, if ‘yer reading this how about giving us February’s 28 days of above normal temps?! Just saying!

When I wasn’t Old

As a young teen I can remember when Moline’s river drive was, for the most part, kind of junky. Through the years the city fathers turned it into a really nice path and greenery setting from about 25th street to and including East Moline.
I can remember working a short time at the International Harvester plant. My dad was an accounting supervisor and got me a Job as a stock chaser. I was always dirty when I came home each day. I made good money at $2.33 an hour. My boss was known as “Red.” He was sort of a tough guy, but if you did your job, no problem.
Anyway, I got laid off, took the test for the Postal Service at $2.16 per hour. After 38 years later, I retired.
I remember there was and is a small factory on about 41st & 4th avenue in Moline that instead of having to cut their grass they had sheep to do the work. The building is still there today, but “Little Bo Peep’s sheep” are no where to be seen.
Way back when, I had a good friend, I’ll call him “J.A,” and we went hunting and fishing together. We were the same age and our parents were good friends. He came home one day after school and found his mother had committed suicide by cutting her wrists. That is a bad memory.
On a more pleasant note. John F. and I dated the same girl, Mary S. We would say she liked one of us better. Ha! She married a letter carrier. I still think she liked me better!!!

Geneseo Izaak Walton League

All members and guests are invited to next month’s February 10th meeting at the Ikes Lodge. The guest speaker is Dave Wyffels, Fish Biologist, IL-DNR. The program starts at 7 p.m. with refreshments to follow.

Hey, come back!

According to the 48th Annual National Movers Study, our state is second to the most folks leaving Illinois. The first is New Jersey at 66.94% with Illinois at 59.94%. New York is 3rd place at 59.01% and California at 57.97%.
Okay, then where are all the folks moving to? The number one state people are moving to is West Virginia (hear that Bob Mays), followed by Delaware (huh?) and South Carolina. The other two states are Washington, DC and North Carolina (there you go, Don & Barb). Alaska and Hawaii were not included in the study.

Girl Scout Cookies

Just a reminder, make sure to order your cookies from the Girl Scouts. We order ours through Audrey Scheider. The proceeds help the Girl Scouts in their various projects. The cost per box is $6.00. Some year they should come up “Carp-fish” cookies.

Ice Fishing Report

Geneseo's Brian Herron recently caught this crappie and several bluegills at Giant Goose Lake, Atkinson, IL.  Jeff Scheider and Lorna Dauw also caught fish.

Last Saturday, Lorna and I fished the private main lake at Giant Goose, Atkinson, IL. When we arrived so did members Brian Herron and Jeff Scheider.
The ice wasplenty thick at 9-10 inches. Everyone caught fish except one person who’s name is not important! The temperatures were not bad, but we could do without the wind. Still, we had a good time and I cleaned 5 fish when we got home. The guys felt sorry for me. Thus the 5 fish! We hope to try it again this week.

Humor

What candy do you eat on the school playground? Ans: Recess pieces.

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Ans: Frostbite.

How do you make an apple turnover? Ans: Push it down a hill.

Quote of the Week

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”

The Sharks Got ‘em All - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Izaak Walton League

The next monthly meeting of the Geneseo Ikes will be Monday, February 10, 2025, beginning at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be David Wyffels, Fish Biologist, IL-DNR.
There will be a business meeting and refreshments after Mr. Wyffels presentation.

Boy Scout Troop 100

This is a reminder that the scouts will host their annual breakfast for the public on Sunday, February 16, beginning at 7 a.m. It will be held at the Geneseo Moose Lodge.

Cold legs for Owls

Many owls have long legs. The Great Horned Owl’s legs, for example, can account for half its body length. The reason we don’t notice its bare legs is because they are hidden by the bird’s fluffy body feathers. See what you can learn by reading this column! Not really!!!

Maple City Band

‘Tis a way’s away, but the kind maestro, Alan Kiser, recently gave us the MCB concerts dates for 2025.
They are as follows: June 3, June 10, June 17, July 4th (Friday), and the Maple City “German Band” on July 15. With the exception of July 4th, all concerts start at 7 p.m.
Each year the band has added more and more musicians. Let’s hope there is room for everyone on the stage. Maestro Kiser and the band will provide great music so make sure to check it out.

Ice Fishing Report

Lorna and I went ice fishing last Friday for a few hours. It was a warm day in the high 40s, maybe low ‘50s. Perfect day for ice fishing. The ice was plenty thick at 9 inches. Lorna helped me with the ice fishing gear and then went back to the SUV to read her book.
I fished a few hours and caught 10 bluegills and lost a few. Waxies worked, minnows did not. I fished the main lake at Giant Goose.

It was a "Dan D" outdoors last Friday to do some ice fishing. The fish were biting , too!

Go, Redbirds!

Last Saturday, the Nommensen and Dauw families traveled to Bloomington-Normal to watch the ISU “Red Birds” play Missouri State University.
The game was mostly favorited by MSU, but then with maybe 5-10 minutes to go, ISU “turned ‘n burned” with some much needed 3 pointers to win the game. As you can see in the photo it shows our motley crew cheering on ISU.

The Nommensen and Dauw family enjoyed a great basketball game between Illinois State University and Missouri State University.  ISU won!  

Humor

A fella was fishing off the coast of Florida when his boat tipped over. He yelled at an old beachcomber on shore if there were any ‘gators around here? The old guy said, “Naw. They haven’t been around here in years.”
Feeling safe, the fisherman started swimming for shore. About halfway to shore he yelled, “How did you get rid of the ‘gators?” The old guy relied, “We didn’t do anything. The sharks got ‘em all.”

Quote of the Week

“Growing old is no more than a bad habit which a busy man has no time to form.” - Andre Maurois

Do Fish Sleep? - By Dan Dauw

Awesome Challenge

Last week I was e-mailing with a friend, Tony Petreikis. He and his wife, Laura, were local Conservation Police Officers. They are retired and livening the good life in Wisconsin. They are big anglers and have set a goal of fishing in all 50 states. That includes fishing the great lakes which they have done so except for Lake Huron.
They have 22 states checked off. I know of another friend, Don Morrison, who lives in North Carolina and is working on playing golf in all 50 states. Knowing these fellows I think they will achieve their goals.

Do fish sleep?

I know a lot of you have wondered that for years. Well, the problem is fish have no eyelids so it’s hard to know if they are dozing off, or ready to take your bait when fishing.

When I wasn’t Old

Growing up on Fridays I think we mostly had fish sticks for supper. Ha! I guess we wouldn’t go to heaven if we ate meat. It’s kind of funny, but we still go out for dinner on a lot of Fridays.
In my opinion, “Sweet Peas” has great fish and Lorna likes their ribs. On special occasions, it’s a trip to “The Cellar.”
Another food I had in my younger days was chicken pot pies. I didn’t care for them as they had too many peas mixed in.
Way back when, I disliked peas, broccoli and beets. As one gets older tastes can change, but beets are still a “yuk” for me.
I remember we had a next-door neighbor that would leave her house and would always sing. It drove my mom nuts because she said no one’s that happy. Her husband built a boat “inside” their house. He had a mistake in his calculations and could not get it out of the house. He finally got his saw and somehow got it outside.
We had good neighbors although one fella was a newsman for a local TV station and he thought he was a pretty cool dude. He was kind of a jerk.
Growing up we went to Sunday mass at Sacred Heart Church, Moline. I always remember one time the Monsignor chastised some people for coming late to mass. I’ll bet they never came back after that! My mom never cared to go to church, but my dad did. Before I check-out I should go to that same church, just for old times sake.

Sports

Some great games over last weekend. Notre Dame beat Penn State in football and the ND women’s BB team won even though they were without their number one scorer, Hannah Hidalgo. Iowa State pulled out an overtime win beating Texas Tech in basketball. Let’s hope the Geneseo H.S. can do better in basketball. “Some days are diamonds, some days are stone.”

Feed the Birds

Just a reminder that our feathered friends enjoy eating seeds, suet, and water during these snow covered days. I felt sorry for one blackbird that comes to our feeders. It has a piece of string about five inches long that seems to be caught under its peak. It drives the poor bird nuts as it try’s everything to get free from the pesky thing.

Humor

1. “I’m making a documentary on how to fly a plane. We’re currently filming the pilot.”

2. When you wear a belt of $100 bills, it’s just a “waist” of money.

3. Lorna asked if I’ve seen the dog bowl? I said I never knew he did.

4. Whoever stole the copy of my Microsoft office, I will find you. You have my word.

5. A friend of mine said he only believes in 12.5% of the Bible. I guess that makes him an “1/8th”iest. (Note: As I am typing this, coyotes are in our backyard).

Quote of the Week

“I want to be forgotten, even by God.”

• Robert Browning

The Best Dam Show - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

2025

It sure didn’t start very good with the New Year’s massacre at New Orleans. Just plain senseless. I hope I’m wrong, but let’s pray there are no copy cats out there willing to kill innocent people for some stupid cause.

Go, Bears & Others

Last weekend I was happy to see my favorite sport teams come away with wins. My “Super Bowl” was ‘da Bears beating the Packers. Great game!
So was the Notre Dame women’s basketball team beating North Carolina. They are so awesome. Other fun-to-watch teams were Illinois, Nebraska and Iowa State. All winners in either football or basketball.

Hornpipe Dance

I like to watch military parade marching bands from all over the globe. One that I recently found on the internet was from India. You will see an India Navy band marching and when it stops, about 75 young lady India Sea Cadets do a really neat and nautical performance. I forwarded the video to friend, Tony Petreikis, and he hit the nail-on-the-head.
The music was like that of the old Popeye cartoons. The ladies mimicked many Navy nautical moves like swabbing the decks, etc. Check it out by typing the following: The Hornpipe Dance by Sea Cadets of the Indian Navy 2024 (or 2023, it’s the same routine).

Garrett Petreikis, son of Tony Petreikis, retired local Game Warden, recently caught this northern pike in a Wisconsin lake.  

Speaking of India

One of the foreign students we hosted during the recent Thanksgiving holidays was from India and attending the University of Chicago. She is Mrs. Vartika Singh, 38. She was one very bright young lady. I enjoyed teasing her and she would match my joking. I told her I should say prayers for her poor husband! Anyway, it was nice having her stay with us and also learning more about India.

When I wasn’t Old

When I was a teen, I worked summers pumping gas for pleasure boats at the Rock Island Boat Club. One time I had forgotten my gasoline pump keys. I drove my motor bike (Mo-ped) in a big hurry to get the keys. I switched lanes and a big old Buick hit me from behind. Back then, helmets were rare to be seen. Fortunately, I wasn’t hurt badly and the guy took off.
My poor Mo-ped actually made it home so I got the pump keys and made it back to work. I was very lucky!
You would not believe the drunks that came to the dock. Sometimes they would come in way to fast and scratch the side of their boat. One time a guy fell when he hit the dock. He was so plastered.

Switching gears, remember guys our haircuts back then? The crewcut, mohawk, and flattop were popular. I always got a crewcut at Arnie’s (Anderson) Barber Shop, 2300 block of 5th Avenue in Moline. One time I had a crush on a gal that worked at the LeClaire Hotel in Moline.
I was a substitute letter carrier and the hotel had a mail chute. I had to go inside and empty the mail from the chute. One time I was in a hurry and somehow broke the glass on the inside door. I didn’t get in any trouble. However, one winter I hit a car with my postal vehicle. It was a very minor accident, but I did get my wrists slapped! That was 1961. Oh, one more thing. When I had a mail route in Moline I had to deliver mail in the 5th Avenue Building. I can’t remember exactly how many floors, but I would drop off #3 postal sacks full of mail on various floors as I went to the top floor. Now just think, that would never fly today. It would be so easy to steal mail from the sacks.
The building also had mail chutes and they would often jam from someone pushing bundles of letters in the narrow chutes. Long ago, Moline Postmaster, Wally Babl, and I would have lunch together. Often a waitress, when we were leaving would say, “Thank you, and have a nice day!” Wally would say, “No thank you, I have other plans!” He was funny.

Humor

Don Morrison, North Carolina, is quite the bird guy. A few days ago his obese parrot died. It was a huge weight off his shoulders.

Dale Dobbler, Cambridge, got another deer. Yeah, like he needs another deer head on the wall. Pretty soon he’ll have them mounted on the “outside” of his home. He told me the other day he should invent a beer called, “Occasionally.” So, when asked, Dale can say “I drink occasionally.”

Dale Collis, Galva, went to his doctor. The doctor said, “You have the “Peak A Boo” virus. So, he sent Dale straight to the ICU.

Dale Kiser, Geneseo, recently saw a documentary on beavers. He said it was the best dam show he’d ever seen.

Quote of the Week

“To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”

• George Washington

Deer In The Headlights - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

“Sell the Team, 6 to 3!”

Our son, Lance, Lorna and I watched the Seahawks vs. Bears game last Thursday. It got to be just hilarious the way ‘da Bears played so horrible. QB Williams was definitely like a “deer in the headlights.”
We wondered if before the game their offensive line stayed in the locker room and switched uniforms with one of the local high school teams?
I’ve seen a zillion Bears’ games both at Soldier Field and on TV and this one had to be in their top 5 worse games ever. Now that’s saying something!
At the end of the game the rain-soaked fans were chanting, “Sell the Team, Sell the Team, etc.” Six to three was the final score. The last game of the season will be at Green Bay so again it’s time to bring out the over-the-head paper sacks like at the Seattle game. “Go, Bears!” Ugh!!

Happy New Year 2025

What will it bring? Last year seemed to be a mess. No matter how we voted it should be quite a ride, good ‘n bad.
Healthwise, Lorna and I held our own although it sure could have been better for Lorna. Still, we know lots of folks where it has been really rough going. God help them!

Sports

Wow! The two bowl games with Nebraska and Iowa State in participation were really good games.
Sunday’s women basketball game between Virginia and Notre Dame was fun to watch (that is, if ‘yer a ND fan). It is really fun to watch those ND gals play up ‘n down the hardboards. When they get Maddy Westbeld back in the starting five, look out!

When I wasn’t Old

I don’t know exactly why, but I can remember as a kid growing up I wanted to join the French Foreign Legion. I think it might have been from seeing some movie. What brought it to mind recently was I saw on the web a 2024 military parade in Paris. It showed marching Legionnaire Engineers in the front of the parade. They had leather aprons on and each soldier carried an axe. Their marching was slow and interesting.
Behind the Engineers marched the French Army. If you type on the web, “French Foreign Legion Parade, 2024” you will see photos of the event. With a little more exploring you can see the actual video of the parade. Unusual and very cool.
I remember growing up in the late 40s, early ‘50s I wanted to be a cowboy, priest and a knight (I remember I made a wooden sword and some sort of cape).
Me and my friends had fun playing cowboys and Indians. We all liked Roy Rogers because he used real bullets.
One more thing: Remember the full size polar bear in the lobby of the former Holiday Inn in Moline? I wonder what ever happened to the stuffed bear?

Christmas Day

Probably like some of you folks traveling, we took I-80 East to visit our daughter’s family for Christmas. (Yay! Hardly a semi in sight). Christmas evening we went to New Lenox to visit our son-in-law’s family, Mike and Sheryl Nommensen Family. Geez, what a feast did they have! Unbelievable!!!!
Our son, Lance, who lives in St. Louis, visited us for a few days after Christmas. I mentioned to our kids that from here on I might not live to see anymore Christmases and that I love them. I’m glad I did that.
We did make it to Church services at St. John Vianney Church as honoring the Christ child is important to us. Lorna’s sister played the hand bells at church and that was nice.
Most unusual Christmas gift received? A battery powered bird feeder that takes photos when a bird lands on the perch.

Humor

1. What do you get when you cross a Lassie with a rose?

   Ans: A collie flower.

2. Where can you leave your dog while you shop?

   Ans: A barking lot.

3. What did the mother buffalo say to her son before he left?
   Ans: “Bison!”

4. Why did the farmer give the horse a hammer at bedtime?

   Ans: So the horse would hit the hay.

5) Where do baby calves go for lunch? Ans: The calf-eteria.

Quote of the Week

“Fear is a feeling that is stronger than love.”

• Pliny the Younger

Why Judge, Just Enjoy!!! - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

When I wasn’t Old

All families have some “not-so-ordinary” relatives. Here are two brother and sister who went different ways. One for the good, one not so good. Even though the following events happened a long time ago, I best not get into my cousins’ names. I had a lot of cousins on my father’s side of the family.
I’ll put the good first. My oldest cousin was a very bright fellow. He graduated from Notre Dame with a PhD. He had three sisters. The oldest, “MJ,” also very bright, graduated from St. Mary’s University/Notre Dame. She became an author of mystery books and spent a good amount of time in San Juan, PR. She was very successful until an unknown disease took her life. I have one of her books, Remember March. I didn’t like the book, but to each his own.
I have a second cousin, Anny Dauw, who lives in Belgium and has all of MJ’s books. They had become friends, way-back-when. In short, MJ was very bright, a successful author and a fun gal.

Now for the “not-so-good” side of the same family. MJ’s brother, “DD,” got caught up in a big scandal in Chicago involving fake sexual problems on various nationwide TV talk shows. I won’t list the shows, but you would have heard of all of them. Anyway, DD and two others served time in Joliet prison. Sad, really. After serving time, he moved to Florida and I’m sure he was successful whatever his endeavor.

Christmas Walk

It was a nicer Saturday on the 21st for the annual Geneseo Christmas Walk. There might have been a little less folks in attendance, but still there were lots of locals and out of towners.
We again had our Civil War campfire and lots of visitors warmed themselves by the fire. Lorna and I really enjoyed talking with all the nice people. Zack Sullivan and his volunteers did an awesome job with the event. Considering the bad weather the Saturday before it caused some tweaking and the parade was stationary. Zack, Santa Claus and the crowd gave the countdown for the lighting of the new tree.
A special “thank you” to the police for their traffic control. I talked to three of the officers who were very nice and the handcuffs didn’t hardly hurt as I went to jail.
Seriously, we thought the event was really nice and all the many volunteers helped to make it a very nice evening.

Christmas Cards

Each year we mail fewer cards only because some friends and relatives are no longer with us. I’m sure Lorna and I will someday be scratched off some folk’s Christmas card list.
As I’m in the 80s group, I’m pushing the envelope on longevity so wherever my soul shall go I hope I won’t need an air conditioner!!!
We do enjoy reading Christmas letters other than just a signature. Don’t get me wrong, every card is very much appreciated, but it is nice to read about their 2024 happenings.
We received three homemade cards which are really cool. One card even contained an ornament.
Our kids and five grandkids we will see during the Christmas holidays. For New Years eve we and two others have to honor the event at The Cellar. Gotta love that place! Maybe we’ll get Cindy as our server, but they’re all good.

Humor

1. What kind of nuts always seem to have a cold?
   Ans: Cashews.

2. What kind of coffee was served on the Titanic?
   Ans: Sank-a.

3. What do you call a sad fruit?
   Ans: A blueberry.

4. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?
   Ans: Nacho cheese.

5. How do you make a walnut laugh?
   Ans: Crack it up!

‘da Bears

Just two more games after the Lions. It’s been a long season. Yuk!!

Quote of the Week

“I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.”

• Pearl Buck

One More Thing

I like driving on Wolf Road at night to see all the outside Christmas lighting by many folks. In our court we all, save one, have such lighting. Geneseo has really beautiful outside Christmas displays both downtown and residential. The small hamlet of Green River has a large corner house that has neat displays. There are really so many awesome displays it is hard to judge the best, but then, why judge, just enjoy!!! Merry Christmas!

LST-325 - By Dan Dauw

When I wasn’t Old

Growing up I don’t ever remember us having a live Christmas tree. I do remember we had to put the branches into holes in the artificial pole stand. It was kind of a pain.
When we got married the boss said it was a real tree or no tree. Well, something like that! We’ve been getting our tree from the place in Colona near where the bridge goes over the Rock River. This year’s tree is smaller than past ones which is what we wanted. It cost $30.00.
Back then, I remember the only choice on lights were colored bulbs. When one light would burn out so the others would go out. You had to check all the bulbs before you found the bad one.
I remember some years ago Lorna and I brought home a tree and when it started warming up inside it smelled like a skunk. We got rid of it.
Being the only child it had its advantages at Christmas time. I got some really cool gifts. Some of my favorites from Santa were a balsa wood airplane, Gilbert Elector Set, a metal red IH tractor and a Caterpillar tractor that I cut my knee on.
As time went on some Christmases were a lot of hassle mixed with good times, too! In our court 5 of the 6 homes decorated the outside of their places. Usually, all 6 decorate their place, but for some reason one didn’t this Christmas. Hope they’re okay.
In our travels we like to see all the neat homes decorated at night. Beautiful downtown Geneseo is also a “must to see” place.

Notre Dame Ladies BB

Gees, are they something else. They did loose 2 games in a tournament on November 29-30, but their record as of this writing is 9-2. They won a big one against #2 UConn 79-68.
Are there any better guards on the floor than Hidalgo, Miles and Citron? I think not! Forward Maddy Westfeldt has been out with an injury, but when she gets back in the line-up, watch out! Go, Irish!

LST-325

Mark you Calander! One of a few WW2 ships still floating is the LST (Landing Ship, Tank) 325 docked in its homeport of Evansville, IN. It certainly is a ways away, but she will be dropping anchor on September 11-15, 2025, at either Muscatine or Burlington, IA. It is worth the trip to see this vintage WW2 ship. The tour price for adults 18 & over is $15.00.
In the past, she has visited Moline and Bettendorf. There were a lot of people boarding her, me included, while in the Quad Cities.

Christmas Walk vs. Mother Nature

It a wise move of Zack Sullivan, Chamber of Commerce, to cancel last Saturday’s Christmas Walk. We got there after driving on icy Rt. 6. We started to set-up our Civil War firepit, but it was just miserable and found out the event was cancelled.
Zack is right, there could have been a lot of accidents as the roads were dangerous. As of this writing, the event has been moved to Saturday, Dec 21st. Make sure to check for sure.

Illinois Flag

So, what is the problem with our current flag? It has served us pretty well since the state legislature adopted it back in 1915.
In my opinion, the dozen submitted flag designs look horrible. For example, one flag has an orange butterfly in the center, some others have a single star along with added background clutter. The current Illinois flag is also submitted.

Humor

1. What do you get if you cross a snowman and a vampire?

   Ans: Frostbite.

2. What did one tomato say to the other tomato during a race? Ans: “Ketchup!”

3. What do you call a peanut in a spacesuit? Ans: An astronut.

4. What do you give a sick lemon? Ans: Lemon aid.

5. Why do potatoes make good detectives? Ans: They keep their eyes peeled.

Quote of the Week

“He who eats the fruit should at least plant the seed.”
- Henry David Thoreau

Merry Christmas

Bad Apples - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

I had asthma growing up so when I was young my parents bought me an International Harvester (IH) window air air-conditioner. Way back when International Harvester made not just ag equipment, but refrigerators, window air-conditioners and other non-ag items. They even made IH vehicles called a “Scout.” They were right-or-left hand drive vehicles.
In the ‘60s I drove a right hand drive Scout for the USPS. Before that we use to drive 3-wheel Cushman vehicles. The early ones had canvas enclosures and the later ones were made of fiberglass. I liked the later ones to deliver mail in, but their heaters were junk in the winter. They were not good if you got hit by a car. One Moline carrier got hit by a car and fortunately, he survived with only a few pieces of fiberglass impeded in his body.
We had one top heavy postal vehicle that had the dumbest location for the accelerator pedal. It was mounted flat on the floor and to go forward you moved the accelerator with the “side” of your foot. It was really a pain especially in the winter with snow and ice. The heaters in those vehicles were poor, too! Fortunately, the postal service soon got rid of the stupid things.
Today it seems like there are other types of postal vehicles besides the older LLVs (Long Life Vehicle). I delivered mail during a lot of Christmases. Back then the letter size (Christmas cards) was high volume, but today I think the parcel business has helped to pick up some of the slack of letter mail. I noticed recently on the news that the USPS is still very much in the red. They have been in financial trouble for a long time.

‘Da Bears

Can they be any worse? Yes! They are really in a tail spin that’s for sure. The interim head coach, Brown, looked to me like a deer in the headlights. I can’t blame QB Williams too much. With a few exceptions, his supporting cast are fair, at best. There are just too many bad apples on that team. We’ll still watch ‘em and the fans will continue to pack them in at Soldier Field.

Geneseo Ikes Christmas Party

This nice event was held at the Ikes Lodge last Saturday. A big “Thank you” goes to Brian Herron, Larry Wieneke, Terry Travis and Vic Bianchetta for putting up all the decorations, cooking, etc. If I left out anyone, I am sorry.
There were 17 attendees and the Christmas dinner was excellent! Afterwards there was a trivia game and bingo. It was also nice that everyone donated can goods and non- perishable items for the Geneseo food pantry. We were sorry that more members and guests were not able to attend the festivities. It was a very nice evening.

Geneseo “Christmas Walk”

If you’re reading this on or before next Saturday, the 14th, make sure you visit downtown Geneseo to see all the beauty Christmas time has to offer. The parade is a big attraction, too. It starts around 5 p.m.
Warm your hands at our Civil War campfire just north of the museum. In fact, that is also a neat place to visit and warm yourself.
There are lots of things to see and enjoy so hopefully you can go to the Geneseo “Christmas Walk.”

Hanna Township Ends Recyclable

This is kind of a bummer. I saw a sign by the recyclable dipsy-dumpster off Wolf Road that they will no longer take recyclables starting December 30, 2024. It isn’t profitable to continue that service. Sad, but understandable.

Joke

Todd Sieben, Geneseo, cut his hand so he went to a medical facility. The doctor said to Todd, “Try this new bandage. You can swim, water-ski, snorkel, or scuba dive with the bandage on. Todd said to the doctor, “That’s great! I couldn’t do any of those things before I hurt myself!”

Illinois Gun Legislation

A big “Thank You” goes to Illinois State Representative, Tony McCombie, for her support of the 2nd Amendment. She is very good on keeping we citizens informed on all types of legislation, good or bad. Wish she would run for the Illinois governorship.

Food Humor

1. What kind of nuts always seem to have a cold? Ans: Cashews.

2. Why did the banana go to the doctor? Ans: Because it wasn’t peeling well.

3. What did the hungry computer eat? Ans: Chips.

4. What is a pretzel’s favorite dance? Ans: The Twist.

5. Why shouldn’t you tell a secret on a farm? Ans: Because potatoes have eyes & corn has ears.

Quote of the Week

“The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.”

• Jacques Benigne Bossuet

Gotcha, Girl! - By Dan Dauw

Foreign Students Enjoy Thanksgiving

Geneseo and neighboring towns, Moline, Colona, Port Byron, Cambridge, and Coal Valley, had volunteers to host foreign college students from the Chicago area.
The students arrived by bus in Geneseo from the International House on Wednesday, November 27 and returned to Chicago on December 1, 2024.
The International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program started in Paris, IL. Marcia and Arlyn Helke, Geneseo, became coordinators of the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program, for over 50 years ago. They have done a tremendous amount of work coordinating the program through the years. Of course, many thanks goes to the volunteers and host families for opening their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday season.
The Helkes also arrange foreign business persons to stay with local hosts. It is a separate program based in Washington, DC. To date, there has been 3,909 international guests from 173 countries. The foreign students learn much about American traditions plus seeing various places of interest in Geneseo and the Quad City area.
We took our two guests, Huey Ru Lee from Malaysia, and Vartika Sinah, India, to the family farm in Iowa for Thanksgiving. We also took them to Bishop Hill, IL, Henry County Historical Museum, P.L. Johnson’s restaurant and the Mississippi River in LeClaire.
On Saturday, Nov 30th, all guests and host families had a potluck dinner at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church. The food was “so” good!!
Lots of foreign dishes. Naturally, “Mr. Dufus” dropped his plate of food on the floor. Ugh!! For entertainment, we were fortune to have Geneseo’s Pam Edwards and Paxton Sherbeyn with a medley of folk songs. They were totally awesome! The program ended with the singing of the beautiful song, “Let There Be Peace On Earth.” I can never get through that song without some tears.
Almost forgot, thanks to Father Daniel Gifford for saying Grace and his blessing. Thanks to Dr. & Donna Bordwell for briefly hosting our guests on the last day as we had to attend our VanDeWalle Christmas Party at Walcot, IA. Lastly, we wish the best to our two guests during their stay with us.
Huey, we really enjoyed your time with us.
As to “Vartika,” oh well, one out of two is good!!! Gotcha, Girl!!!!
Seriously, thank you for the kind letter. The End!

Solar Smart Savings

Stark County School District saved $15,068 from April, 2023 to April, 2024, at its elementary school thanks to the bank of solar panels installed. They are also going to have a solar bus barn/electric bus project.
Next will be the expansion of solar panels to the high school campus for additional savings.

Geneseo Ikes Christmas Party

All members and guests of the Geneseo Izaak Walton Club are invited for their annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Lodge.
The club will supply the main dish and please bring a dish to pass. New this year we are asking if you can, to bring a non-perishable food item for the Geneseo food pantry.
The spirit of Christmas can help those who may be having a tough go of it. For entertainment, there will be a fun trivia game and traveling bingo. Participants of bingo must bring a nice gift of about $15.00.
This is always a nice event so unhitch your horse and trot over to the Ikes Park this coming Saturday, Dec 7th.

Donate Red

Whether it’s in Geneseo, Cambridge, Moline or wherever, a kind thing to do is give blood. It is a busy time of the year, but if you can give about 45 minutes of your time, please donate blood. There is always a need for donated blood.

Humor

1. Lyn Paris wonders this, “Does a straw have one hole or two?

2. I didn’t get this at first, but the object of golf is to play the least amount of golf.

3. How can you tell when Santa Claus is on your roof? Ans: Your television reception is bad.

4. Why does Santa have a garden? Ans: Because he likes to hoe, hoe, hoe.

5. Why didn’t Isaac Newton dodge the apple? Ans: He didn’t understand the gravity of the situation.

Quote of the Week

“Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them to your level. It’s cheaper.”

• Quentin Crisp

Sold Whitewalls - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

Remember the little swing-out, ventilated windows on cars? I wonder how and why those ’40s ’50s and some early ‘60s cars had those? Probably with more and more cars sold with air conditioning those little ventilated side windows weren’t needed.
Changing oil and anti-freeze were an easy job to do. Today, forget it! Everything is buried under the hood.
My dad’s first car was a Ford Model A. He told me that car tires were not the best. He said sometimes drivers would get blow-outs going over hot tracks just after the train was passed.
One thing I do remember were the downtown trolley car rails. I don’t ever remember seeing the trolleys.
How ‘bout changing the windshield wipers back then? Pain in the rump. The pair I had on my Willy’s Aero had only one speed. I wish they still sold whitewalls. They were hard to keep clean, but they were neat on cars. Remember the “moon” wheel covers? A lot of cars in the ‘50s were two-toned. The top was usually white or black.
I enjoyed waxing cars and picked up some extra bucks along the way. Best wax back then was J-Wax. Maybe like you, I had a lot of cars and a few trucks starting around 1958 and so on. In my opinion, American cars were pretty much junk back then. If you got 100,000 miles consider yourself lucky.
It’s different today as foreign cars woke up Detroit and they’re pretty reliable vehicles these days. Ha! I say that and I have two “foreign” cars in the garage! At my 82 years, I don’t see us getting a new car unless the “boss” is tired of her ’21.

New Top Nation’s Farm Gal

It looks like there may be a new head of Agriculture Secretary (USDA). If she is confirmed, Brooke Rollins, will succeed the Biden’s administration’s Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. What I’ve read through the years that Vilsack has done an excellent job.
Ms. Rollins has a very impressive record of accomplishments having graduated from Texas A&M University and earned her J.D. from the University of Texas. She received an undergraduate degree in agricultural development. It appears Trump made a very wise choice in selecting Brooke Rollins for that position.

Deer Rut Season

Keep in mind that bucks have a surge in their testosterone levels during this time of the year. That means they have one thing on their mind and that doesn’t include watching out for vehicles, especially in the evening and early morning.
Through the years, Lorna and I have hit four deer. That is no fun! At night use your brights unless traffic is coming the opposite way. Remember, sometimes there is more than one deer on the side of the road.

Ice Fish’n?

Sadly, I guess I’ll have to hang up the old rods ‘n reels until Spring. It will be up to Mother Nature if she wants to throw me a nice day or two for some soft water fishing.
Last February we had two really nice days and there was still some open water. The fishing was excellent!

Christmas Humor

1. Who is a Christmas tree’s favorite singer?
   Ans: Spruce Springsteen.

2. What’s everyone’s favorite breakfast in the North Pole? Ans: Mistle Toast.

3. What did the gingerbread man put on his bed?
   Ans: A cookie sheet.

4. How does the snow globe feel this year?
   Ans: A little shaken.

5. What do you call a shark that delivers toys at Christmas?Ans: Santa Jaws.

Quote of the Week

“I honestly believe it is better to know nothing than to know

what isn’t so.” - Josh Billings

Bring Your Own Drumsticks - By Dan Dauw

My Poem

Roses cause lice,
Violets like mice;
But my poems,
Are always nice!

The holidays are very near,
And ‘da Bears are nothing to fear;
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving Day,
This poem is free, you need not pay;

So, watch out for deer when driving at night,
And if you read this poem, you’re not mentally
Right!

When I wasn’t Old!

Do you remember the former and late governor, George Wallace? He was hardly a friend of black folks and was a racist. He spoke at a rally at the Wharton Field House in Moline. A buddy and I had nothing to do so we drove over there to see what it was all about.
It was October 21, 1968. We didn’t go inside, but outside there were a lot of demonstrators with signs backing Wallace. There were some fights, too. Several windows were broken. We didn’t stick around for fear of getting hit with a brick or whatever. He was shot in 1972 and was paralyzed.
Speaking of racism, I remember in 1959 my dad and I drove to Florida. One time we stopped in Georgia for gas and there was a water fountain at the gas station. Above it a sign read, “Whites Only.” The bathroom was also so marked. I was a teenager at the time, but I thought it was odd. We didn’t travel much when I was a kid. As to vacations, it was either Lake of the Ozarks or The Dells.

Geneseo’s Solar Project

I don’t know all the particulars, but from what I’ve read it sounds like a Geneseo “win-win” scenario. I noticed Colona has some solar powered panels and Geneseo has them on the south part of town by the wind turbines.
The next time you drive out to Bishop Hill, you will see a lot of wind turbines. Some say they are noisy and kill birds. For me, I’m for harnessing wind power except I don’t like destroying the beauty of the countryside.

An almost 4 pound Largemouth (the fish, not me!). I caught it last week at a private lake.  It was released.  

Bears Another Loss

And I’m afraid there will be more bad news for ‘da Bears before the season is done. A bright spot is even though they lost to Green Bay, I think the new Offensive Coordinator has his act together. Same goes for QB Williams. Next up, the Vikings and then Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. Ugh!!!!

Humor

1. What’s the official dance of Thanksgiving called?

   Ans: The turkey trot.

2. What was the turkey suspected of?

   Ans: Fowl play.

3. Why was the turkey asked to join a band?

   Ans: He could bring his own drumsticks.

4. Why did the turkey cross the road twice?
   Ans: To prove he wasn’t chicken.

5. What’s something insulting, but not on Thanksgiving? Ans: A family member giving you the bird.

Quote of the Week

“You shall judge a man by his foes as well as by his friends.”

What Else Can I Do While I’m Down Here? - By Dan Dauw

When I wasn’t old!

The farthest back I can remember seeing a U.S. President was Harry Truman. That was seeing him on our 14” TV set and he was talking about the Korean “Conflict.”
It was not called a “War” until years later. The first U.S. President that I voted for was JFK. A lot of people don’t know it, but when Kennedy ran for election, he stopped in the Quad Cities. He gave a speech in the gym at Rock Island High School. A buddy and I waited in line to see what he had to say. We were really impressed with the man. Who would have thought that years later Lorna and I would see the building from where he was assassinated.
We helped chaperon the Geneseo H.S. Band and our touring bus stopped to show us the building & window from where Oswald did his dastardly deed. The last President I voted for was Jimmy Carter. Lorna’s cousin, Ray, worked at the White House and liked Carter. Ray once gave me a private tour of the place. That’s a whole different subject in itself and I had my 15 minutes of glory. Anyway, it happened “when I wasn’t old!”

Veterans Day

Gary Dahlquist, John Cahalan and myself took advantage of a great breakfast courtesy of Hy-Vee. It was to honor we veterans and it was really, really nice. A big “Thank You” goes to all the local Hy-Vee stores for hosting the event.

The local Hy-Vee stores honored veterans with a really nice breakfast on Veterans Day. Veterans Gary Dahlquest, John Cahalan and Dan Dauw are shown in the foreground. Gary D. and John C. are residence of Geneseo. Dan D. is from Colona.  

Bad News Bears

My gosh, they looked totally horrible at last Sunday’s game with the ‘Pats. They are going to get crushed when they play the other three NFC North teams.

Yedi

Or if you prefer, Sasquatch, Bigfoot, or Abominable Snowman, this real or fake creature still seems to pop-up somewhere. The latest sighting happened last month when a contract driver for the Postal Service had a close encounter with an 8 feet high creature, standing on two legs, covered in brown hair and yellowish, glowing eyes. It happened in Peoria County & Rt. 9. If you read about the entire event, I have to say that I think there is some credibility to his story.
He said he only saw the thing for a few seconds along the road, but it really did scare him. He was teased from his fellow employees, but he stands firm on what he saw. He said, “All I know is, it scared the absolute hell out of me!”

Geneseo Ikes Christmas Party

The Geneseo Izaak Walton Club members and guests are reminded to circle your calendar for Saturday, December 7. That is when their club’s annual Christmas Party takes place.
It starts at 5 p.m. in the club’s lodge. I’ll have more details as time moves on. It is always a fun event.

Humor

The other day I stooped to tie my shoelace and thought to myself, “What else can I do while I’m down here?

Yesterday I fell down. Lorna asked if I was alright? I answered, “No, I’m half left.”

What do you call a million rabbits walking backward? Ans: A receding hareline.

Senior Bumper sticker: “Honk if you still have all your original body parts.”

Quote of the Week

“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.” - Michelangelo

Venomous Snakes - By Dan Dauw

Congrats to President Trump

I’m glad I was wrong thinking that Harris would win the presidency. The people spoke loud ‘n clear, it is time for a change. The results should send a message too the national media. Be honest and fair with no bias towards either party. Try it! You may get back the respect and trust of much of the American people.

Glen Anderson

This Geneseo gentleman is one amazing fellow. He has done a tremendous amount of volunteer work for much of his 90 years on this planet. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Glen through his work with the Geneseo Izaak Walton League.
He was also a volunteer for 30 years with the Geneseo High School football program. He has given a zillion presentations on prairies, conservation, birds (Birdman of Henry County), wildlife, etc.
To add to his many awards and accolades through the years comes one more. On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Brian Herron, President of the Geneseo Izaak Walton League, along with Geneseo Ike’s members, Vic Blanchetta, Fran Kiger and myself, presented Glen with a beautiful plaque which read: Izaak Walton League of America, Illinois 2024. “Winged Preservation Award” Presented to Glen Anderson in recognition for your dedication to the preservation of pollinator gardens for birds, bees and butterflies.”
Because of health reasons, Glen can no longer present his excellent programs on environmental issues, nature, etc. I should also mention that he has built many bluebird houses and placed them at various locations. His accomplishments are so many, one could almost fill a book.
So, “Congratulations” goes to Glen on receiving the award. We wish the very best to both he and his wife, Janet, on all their years of volunteer work.

When I Wasn’t Old

When I was around age 9 or 10 and before it was time to go to bed, I would yell “E-Ugh-Key” out my window to our neighbor kid, Dave Holst. It was supposed to be our secret code. What it meant, I do not remember. We didn’t do it in the winter. I can remember I was spoiled being the only child. I don’t mean all “only childs” are bad, but I got most of what I wanted. Fortunately, I had a great friend that brought me down to earth. He “unspoiled” me!

The Current Scene

Dalcon DeMaranville, along with Art Neuleib and Garrett Newman, are a team that puts together the Geneseo Current.com and the relatively new, “The Current Scene.” A few weeks ago, Dalcon gave a nice presentation to the Geneseo Kiwanis. It was about the Geneseo Current.com and The Current Scene. The ‘Scene is free and is available at various Geneseo locations. The main focus of the pub is to provide information on Geneseo festivals, sporting events, businesses and individuals that make the town of Geneseo so unique.

Short Animal Quiz

1. Spiders have 8 legs, but how many eyes do they have? Ans: 8.

2. A sleuth is a group of what animals? Ans: Bears.

3. Alligators are native to what to two countries? Ans: USA and China.

4. How many venomous snakes are found in England?

   Ans: 1.

5. How many venomous snakes are found are found in Washington, DC? Ans: All of them.

Quote of the week

“Politicians are all the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river!”

• Nikita S. Khrushchev

It Depends - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

When I Wasn’t Old

A week or so after high school graduation, 1960, my good buddy, Ron DeBruyckere (now deceased) and I went to work at a resort in Canada. On a lonely road heading to the place the generator on my ’54 Willys went kaput! Finally, a Canadian stopped, took me to a gas station, and all be darn if they didn’t have a used one for my Willys.
The fella took me back to our car, installed the generator and off we went. I hope I tipped him for all his toil. We were there about a week when our cabin stove stopped working. We had the owner’s wife come over to fix it. We didn’t know it at the time, but she recently had a nervous breakdown. Anyway, the gas had built up and she went to light the pilot light. BANG!!!! The explosion knocked her against the wall. She was really mad. We were fired and left for home the very next day. Not one of my best trips to Canada!

Yay, No More Political Ads

If you didn’t vote, and could have, shame on you. I voted early via the mail and Lorna at the voting booth. As usual, I think there were plenty of lies to go around, both from elephants and donkeys. Prediction? Harris wins. Certainly not by my choice. I hope your picks worked out for you, but if not, don’t worry the sky won’t fall and “chicken liken will make it across the road!”

Wild Game Feast

The Boy Scout Troop 131 will host their annual “Wild Game Feast” on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. The hours are from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. A donation of $12.00 per person for ages 13 and over. For ages 4-12 it’s only $6.00 per person and free for ages 3 and under. We go to this event every year and it’s great!

Pro/Tech Auto Body

So, I was in a big hurry to go fishing and backing out of our garage I caught the front bumper of the SUV on our snowblower. It was not a pretty picture. I heard through the grapevine that Pro-Tech in Geneseo does nice repair work. I agree, it now looks good as new.

Fishing Report

Great for trout. Poor for crappies! For trout, Lorna and I fished the Centennial Park Lake, Rock Falls, IL. We fished two days and had enough rainbows for 3-4 meals. We never caught our limit of 5 each, but came close on the second day.
Gary Dahlquist and I tried a private lake for crappies. We had a total of 3 for two days. Good size for “paper mouths,” but hardly enough for a meal. Oh, well. Some days are diamonds and some days are stone.

Senior Humor

1. What goes up but never comes down? Ans: Your age.

2. Which underwear do seniors love best? Ans: It Depends.

3. How is the moon like dentures? Ans: Both come out at night.

4. Be kind to your kids. They choose your nursing home.

5. Why do retirees smile so much? Because they can’t hear a word you’re saying.

Quote of the Week

“Wait until it is night before saying it has been a fine day.”

• Proverb

The Pharmacy and the Bathroom! - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

I think it was in 1959 myself and two buddies drove our Mo-Peds out to Geneseo to view the country side. Now don’t think I’m nuts, but we came across, somewhere north of Wolf Road, a WW1 tank. It was small compared to say a Sherman tank. It was just sitting all by itself on the side of the road and rusting away. How long it had been sitting there I don’t know?
I remember hunting outside of Geneseo when I was a teenager. There were three of us and we would always stop at Bob Cherry’s Gas Station (where the new coffee place is now). I remember I bought a shotgun and shells from Bob. I think he moved out east and for a time he sold replica firearms.
One time I was driving my trusty 1954 Willys and I hit a raccoon. We stopped the car as our one friend wanted the pelt. He put it in my trunk and when we got to his house in East Moline we opened the trunk. That big old bandit was plenty alive and scared the heck out of us. We slammed the trunk shut, got a board, opened the trunk and thus end of story.

Politics

Ugh! Won’t you be glad when it’s all over with? In my case, I doubt whether I’ll see another presidential election. Ha! Of course, that could be either good or bad depending on where my soul ends up.
I think this election will be close. I voted by mail, but some people I talked with thought that it might not be a good idea to do so. I trust the Postal Service and Henry County election folks to get it right.
Lorna is going to the polls to cast her votes. I sure see a lot of Trump signs in Henry County. I doubt it will change anyone’s vote, but who knows? If you want to see a lot of political signs check out Dayton Corners in Colona.

Neighborhood Wiener Roast

Our Dayton Valley View Addition had its annual neighborhood party last Friday evening. As always it was lots of fun and great food, too!
The mild temperatures, no wind and a full moon were a nice touch provided by Mother Nature. Ha-Ha! Lots of stories were told and even more after a few Budweisers!!!

Trout fishing was good on Tuesday morning, October 22nd, as shown 4 for Dan and 3 for Lorna. Trout for dinner!!!! 

Halloween

There sure are a lot of folks who celebrate this holiday. We travel Green River Road a lot and there is a large home in the Green River Hamlet that really goes all out with decorations. We put out a pumpkin and that’s just about it.

Ikes “Booo” Party

The Geneseo Izaak Walton Club will be having their annual Halloween Wiener Roast on Saturday, October 26th at 5 p.m. All members and guests are welcome. Bring a dish to pass, a chair to sit on, and hotdogs ‘n buns are supplied. You might want to bring your favorite drink, too!
There will be a nice fire to sit around on the east patio. See you then!

Trench

That is the name of an excellent book I have finished on WW1. The author is Stephen Bull. The book gives a history of trench warfare on the Western Front. It is by far “the” best book I think concerning the Great War. There are some fascinating photos taken of the horrible conditions both sides endured. There was such a murderous slaughter of young soldiers as they “went over the top” to face barbed wire, machine guns and artillery. Somewhere before I’ve read the following oddity before. The first British soldier to die in WW1 was Private J. Parr. The last British soldier to die was Private G.E. Ellison on November 11, 1918. Oddly, Elliston was buried just a few feet from Parr.

Humor

Remember guys ‘n gals when our hangouts used to be the sports bars and the coffee shop? Now it’s the pharmacy and the bathroom!

Quote of the Week

“My reading of history convinces me that bad government has grown out of too much government.”

• John Sharp Williams

Kitty Cat for Dinner - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

Two party phone line. Mom did not like it. Another thing she didn’t like were snakes, but I did. When I was around age 8 or 9 I had forgot I left a live garter snake in my pant’s pocket. The next time she washed clothes she found a very dead and smelly pet snake.
I remember I went through a stage where I wasn’t nice to my parents. Finally, they had it! Time for a physical lesson. My dad took a paddle from our ping-pong table and told me this was going to hurt him more then me. Four or five whacks on the rump really hurt, but the end result adjusted my temperament for the good! No, I did not do that course of action with our kids.
I remember in my younger days my mom had a clothes wringer/washer. It was nothing like they are today. No dryer and she dried our clothes outside. Wonder what she did in the winter?
My dad built quite a model railroad in our basement. One place was close to the downstairs bathroom and if the train went to fast it would tip over inside a tunnel. He eventually put a hole in the wall so he could get to the overturned Lionel.
Oh, and one thing we had which was illegal, was a “one armed bandit.” It was fun pulling down on the chrome arm to see if I could win. Never did!
Do any of you remember seeing, for the first time, Russia’s “Sputnik?” I think the entire neighborhood came outside to see it as it flew pass in the sky. “All this when I wasn’t old!”

Kitty Cat for Dinner

From our daughter in Lockport comes this event last week. DeeDee is a cat lover and when at night she had a stray cat that wanted inside. She brought the cat inside. Well, guess what? They have security cameras and waiting outside, there sat a fox “and” a bobcat hoping for a feline dinner. A few years ago, they had a coyote in their backyard.
They don’t live out in the country, but there are woods nearby. Felix, the cat, was either very smart, or one very lucky, whiney stray cat.

Bishop Hill Restaurants

One thing I haven’t mention at this Swedish hamlet are the really great eating places. They are: The Filling Station, PL Johnson’s, The Colony Inn, H. Wyatt Bakery and Karns Kafe. Really, they are all excellent.
One of my favorites, Karns Kafe, have great sandwiches, and awesome milk shakes. The Henry County Historical Museum will close on October 31 and will reopen in the spring.

Chris Thurman

He works for the Colona Police Dept and is a good neighbor. He likes to read this column. I now have 6 people who read this column! My goal is to get 8 new readers for 2025. Lorna and our kids say they read Dan D Outdoors. Ha! Of course, when I quiz them about any certain article, they always change the subject.

Sweet Peas

We think this restaurant has “the” best spare ribs. We always end up getting a “doggy bag” so there is enough for another meal the next day.
We ate their last Friday and happen to see Mike & Brenda DeKezel. They were going to the GHS football game. That’s good so the other couple can explain the game to those two Belgians. We were just about to leave when Megan H. showed up for work. She wasn’t our server so I didn’t have to give her a 50% tip she always expects from us. All kidding aside, if you haven’t tried Sweet Peas, do so.

‘Da Bears

As of this writing they are 4-2. They have a bye week with their next game on October 27th. The NFC North Division looks to be really good. If the Bears can’t go all the way I hope the Vikings can.

Fishy Humor

1. I went fishing just for the halibut. 2) I whale always love fishing. 3) Oh, my cod, I caught a big one. 4) It’s o-fish-al, I’m addicted to fishing. 5) I told a fish joke, but if floundered.

Quote of the Week

“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”

• Thomas Paine

A Hippo is Really Heavy - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

When I Wasn’t Old

There used to be a ferry from Rock Island to Davenport. I think it was 5 cents to ride, but not sure. I only rode on it once with my Uncle Harlan. It was up river from the Centennial Bridge.
I also remember, that, for a short time there was a Navy Patrol Craft Escort tied up on the Davenport side of the Mississippi River. It was above the Government Bridge. I can remember that I was always afraid whenever my parents would drive over that bridge. Petersons Von Maur in downtown Moline’s 5th Avenue used to have a beautiful Christmas display. I loved to see the model electric trains. For a time my mom worked at Petersons as a sale’s clerk. Across the avenue was Parker’s store.
At different times both my mom and I worked for Grosman’s store on the 1600 block of 5th avenue. It was a Jewish run store and the owner, Sid Grosman, and others there were really nice. I had a crush on a waitress at Hughes restaurant that was just down the avenue. I was too scared to ask her for a date. Ha! She was almost twice my age.
When I could drive a car many of us would drag race the one ways in Rock Island and Moline. My first car was a 1954 Willys Aero and it was a dog.
One time some friends and I were walking on 15th St. just north of 19th Ave in Moline. All of a sudden we saw a car drag race by us and it hit a man carrying groceries. It made me so sick I threw up. I knew the kid who hit the man. Myself and friends had to go to court as witnesses.
Speaking of 19th Avenue, I’m sure not many remember, but there used to be a long boulevard from 15th St. west to about 2nd St. It was a two-way street until they tore it all up and made it partially 4 lanes as it is today. All this when I wasn’t old!

Bison Meat

Last week I made our annual trip to CSI Homes in Cambridge to purchase a good supply of bison meat. I always get the ground bison meat at $8.00 per pound. Lorna doesn’t care for it, but I sure do. It’s healthy as there is less fat. CSI also sells bison boneless roasts, ribeye bison steak and other bison meats.

Saukenauk BPS Annual Meeting

The Bi-State Sportsman’s Association, 571 Cleveland Rd., Colona, will host the Saukenauk Black Powder Shoot meeting on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. Membership dues are $100.00 if paid prior to March 1, 2025.

Illinois Fall Trout Fishing

Reminder: The Illinois Fall Trout Season opens Saturday, October 19, 2024. The limit of trout is 5. Make sure you have your fishing license and Trout permit.

Henry County Historical Museum

Starting Thursday, October 31, 2024, this Bishop Hill museum will be closed. It will reopen on May 1, 2025. It’s just a short drive to Bishop Hill so enjoy the beautiful fall sites Bishop Hill has to offer. They have four really nice restaurants, too.

Drive Carefully

A short reminder to everyone that there are still farm fields to yield their corn ‘n beans so have patience if you encounter a slow combine, tractor, wagon and/or other farm vehicles. Also, watch out for deer, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.

Humor

What is the difference between a hippo and a zippo? Ans: A hippo is really heavy and a zippo is just a little lighter.

Sometimes I hear music from my printer. I found out it’s just the paper jamming.

Quote of the Week

“Brave actions never want a Trumpet.” - Thomas Fuller