GHS Building Trades House Complete and For Sale - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The one-story ranch home, constructed by students in Building Trades Classes at Geneseo High School, is complete and is offered for sale by Jay Pettit of Hazelwood Homes.

Six students in the building trades classes completed the construction with help from Travis Mackey, Career and Technical Education Center Director for the Geneseo School District; Bryan Stone, GHS Vocational Instructor; and with help from employees of Hazelwood Homes, Inc., Today’s Builders, Durian Builders, Wirth Plumbing and VanOpdorp Electric.

The three-bedroom home features two full bathrooms; a walk-in closet in the master suite and custom tile shower in the Master bathroom; open concept kitchen with quartz countertops, dining room and great room with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace with stone face and custom mantel in the great room; 16’ x 12’ covered rear porch and large covered front porch with stonework on the walls.

There is a crawl space with full-sized door for access and poured concrete floor; low maintenance Pella vinyl windows; three-car garage with zero-step accessible entry and insulated overhead doors with openers and door opening into back yard.

The 1,568 square foot- home, at 851 East St. in Geneseo, is being offered for sale at $382,000, and anyone interested in more information is asked to contact Jay Pettit at 309-441-5184. Pettit said any profit made from the sale of the house will be returned to the Building Trades Program at GHS.

Mackey said he is pleased with the interest in the program and plans are to build another home next year…”We already have 12 students signed up for the program.”

He explained that the building trades program was at one time “a staple in the Career and Technical curriculum, but was then removed for several years…”We are very excited to have it back,” he added. ‘The students and instructor Bryan Stone worked very hard on the project this year.”

Stone was hired in 2016 to teach a building trades program that did not have much participation or support, he said…”For two years we did odd jobs in the community and the program was shut down in 2018. We have been working hard to revamp the program to get it back, and with the help of several local businesses and contractors, a nearly-all-new school board, Mr. Travis Mackey’s and Bob Pettit’s dedication to the program, it happened!”

Stone added, “The program is so much bigger and better than I think any of us thought it would be. The community took notice that we needed this program and with the help of everybody, it’s more than back!”

With the help of Hazelwood Homes, Durian Builders and Today’s Builders, Mackey said, “We were able to stay on track and finish the house before the end of the school year. A special thank you goes to Damon Willaert who helped with the project on a regular basis and worked closely with Mr. Stone and the students.”

Completion of the house also was possible with donations of materials, labor, and furnishings from Chicago St. Decorating, Village Home Stores, Fireplaces Plus, Sullivan Door Co., Connor Co., Comfort Concepts, Anchor Lumber, Crossroads Supply, Edwards Ready Mix, Riverstone Group, J.L. Hardscape, Elite Concrete, Elite Siding & Gutters, River City Pella, Premier Plaster and Drywall, Eller Construction, Advent Painting, Vern’s Home Improvement, VanOpdorp Electric, Steve’s Mirror & Glass, Wirth Plumbing & Heating and Lona Dekezel.

An open house for school district staff was held recently at the Geneseo School District building trades home located at 851 East St. in Geneseo. Posing for a photo in the kitchen area of the home are, from left, Travis Mackey, Career and Technical Education Center Director; Bryan Stone, GHS Vocational Instructor; Alexis Clementz, Alex Davis, Kade VanOpdorp, William Hamerlinck and Luke Abrahamsen-Collins, students in the GHS Building Trades Program. Karson Bannister also is in the school building trades program, but was absent for the photo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast 2024 at Gen-Air Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Bob Kuhns, left, and Scott Durian are shown by Kuhns’ 1966 Cessna 182 Skylane which will be on display at the annual Father’s Day Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast at Gen-Air Park on Sunday, June 16. Serving will be from 7 to 11 a.m. and Gen-Air Park is located two miles east of Geneseo. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The event will feature demonstrations, Young Eagle flights, aircraft on display and flying-in to the airport. For more information, call 309-912-0437 or 218-464-7340. Photo by Claudia Loucks

RutabagA Art Sponsors 2nd Fine Arts Exhibit

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The second Geneseo Fine Arts Exhibit will be held Sunday, June 9, through Sunday, July 7, with displays of art work at the RutabagA Studio and Gallery, 108 North State St., and The Cellar Restaurant, 137 South State St., Geneseo.

The exhibit is being sponsored by RutabagA, the Heart of Regional Art, NFP and RutabagA Studio Corp. The exhibit is open to all area artists, high school age and older.

The judge for the event is Annette Lezotte, who teaches art at Black Hawk College, Moline.

A reception and critique will be held at The Cellar, beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. The opening awards ceremony and judge’s critique are open to the public. After the event at The Cellar, the RutabagA Gallery will be open until 5 p.m. The exhibit will be on display during regular gallery hours, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, and during open hours at The Cellar, 5 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, through Sunday, July 7.

Prizes will be awarded on June 9 at The Cellar with the Best of Show receiving $350. The first seven awards are cash prizes and the eighth and ninth awards are gift certificates from Dick Blick Art Supplies, Galesburg.

According to Sharon Michaelsen, president of RutabagA, entries for the exhibit feature art work by artists in Dixon, Kewanee, Clinton, Quad Cities and Geneseo.

She said unless a piece is market NFS (Not For Sale), all are for sale and all sales go directly to the artist. RutabagA retains no commission.

Vroman’s Art Work Featured in RutabagA Window

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Karen Vroman is shown with some of her watercolor art work that is being featured in June in the window of RutabagA Studio and Gallery at 108 North State S t. in downtown Geneseo.

Vroman, who lives in Erie, grew up in Prophetstown and majored in Art at Illinois State University, Normal. Her minor was geography which created her passion for landforms, rocks and minerals, all of which continue to be present in her art today. Flowers are another favorite subject of hers in her art work.

She has studied under a number of college professors and members of the American Watercolor Society. Beginning in 1964, Vroman has taught art workshops every year for various organizations in Illinois and Iowa.

She shared that teaching the workshops has kept her art more versatile and has contributed to her own growth, including having met other artists who have made an impact in her life.

Her paintings have been accepted in many watercolor exhibits. In 1988, after her third acceptance into a Transparent Watercolor Society of America’s annual exhibit, she was elected as a signature member of that organization. Her art work is owned by national collectors as well as by clients in Australia, Germany and Japan.

Vroman lives in Erie with her husband Robert. More of her art work, including her quilting and copper tooling can be seen in her studio at 8549 Springhill Rd., Erie. For more information call or text 815-718-5245. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Emotive Artwork Display at Smith Studio

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The art work of Heather Shore is featured in a display at Smith Studio & Gallery at 124 South State St. in downtown Geneseo.

According to information from Studio owner David Smith, for many years Heather Shore has focused on the art of making circular Mandalas. Several years ago, she went through an artistic transformation as she dealt with the loss of a close friend.

The artwork in the current exhibit is the result of a two-year period in which her emotions were expressed through the art she produced.

Shore has expanded her artistic expression to include images of emotive portraits. Her collage artworks are created with cut paper and acrylic paint and she finds that patterned paper has many possibilities when the paper is used as an element of design, Smith said.

The exhibit will remain at Smith Studio until July 31, and Studio and Gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Grief Share Seminar June 8 at First Methodist

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kippy Breeden, left, and Barbara Leonard, discuss the upcoming Grief Share Seminar to be held Saturday, June 8, at His Place, the south campus of First Methodist Church in Geneseo.
Breeden will lead the seminar from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, June 8, at His Place, the south campus of First Methodist Church, 224 South State St. The program is open to anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one. There is no cost.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by contacting First Methodist Church at 309-944-2793 or by visiting the GriefShare website at y.biddle@peopleneedjesus.org. 

Central Bank Has a New Look - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Central Bank, at the corner of State and 1st Sts. in downtown Geneseo, has a new look. The exterior of the building has been completely renovated, a project that began in October of last year and was completed this month.

Russell Construction, Davenport, was the project manager of the renovation, which was done in an effort to take the exterior of the building back to its original look, according to April Davis, Central Bank Marketing Officer.

The entire exterior of the building was redone, including removing the old cornice work and existing metal trims, removing HVAC units and sidewalk planter box, removing existing metal paneling from front face and canopy and removing and salvaging the building-mounted clocks.

Central Bank was founded in 1907 in Geneseo.

Dan Fitzgerald Is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Dan Fitzgerald has been named “Volunteer of the Month” for June at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. He has been a volunteer for three years, picking up food distributions from Midwest Food Bank and River Bend Food Bank and delivering the food to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. He also does heavy lifting when needed.

Fitzgerald is a widow with four adult children and four grandchildren.

His hobbies are running, vintage cars and motorcycles and chasing children.

He said he feels fortunate to be retired and have time available to help support the Food Pantry, and he added that his favorite memory from volunteering is watching another food pantry representative pick up their food in a small SUV, and being amazed at how much they squeeze into the small vehicle every time.

Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, said, ”Our Food Pantry would have a lot less food without Dan’s deliveries, so we are grateful for Dan, his truck, and all of his hard work.”

Grace Church GUMDROPS Meet K-9 Kauzi

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Youngsters in the Grace United Methodist Church GUMDROPS program took a field trip to City Park where they were introduced to Sgt. Jamison Weisser and K-9 Kauzi,

Lil GUMDROPS (Grace United Methodist Church Draw, Read, Open Play and Snack) is a weekly play group and outreach program for children in the community. Children who attend must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

The group’s spring session ended May 29 with a field trip to City Park where they spent time on the playground equipment before taking seats on the park benches to hear Sgt. Weisser share how he uses K-9 Kauzi in his police work.

In addition, Detective Jamie Shoemaker of the Geneseo Police Department spoke to the group about the IMPACT Task Force - Integrated Model Police and Crisis Team (IMPACT) that is designed to put focus on community issues relating to mental health, substance use and intervention.

Jenna Rushing is director of GUMDROPS, which is geared for children ages 2-5. Sign-up for the fall session of GUMDROPS will be announced at a later date.

Photos by Claudia Loucks

Sandra Peach now accepting new patients at Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Kewanee Clinic

KEWANEE, IL - The Board of Directors of Hammond-Henry Hospital and its Administration announce the addition of Sandra Peach, APRN, to its Family Practice staff in the Kewanee Clinic, located at 1258 W. South Street. 

“We are excited to have Sandra Peach as part of our healthcare team, here in Kewanee. She is passionate about her work and takes exceptional care of her community, having a soft spot for children,” said Colton Anderson, Director of Clinic Services. “If you are looking for a new provider or if you’re new to the area, we encourage you to make an appointment.”

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Sandra Peach will be accepting pediatric and adult patients when she begins her practice on June 24. Scheduling is now open for appointments during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 309.853.3677.

“I’m in the helping profession for a reason and am committed to caring for your entire family,” said Peach. “I really look forward to meeting and serving everyone in need of a healthcare provider, especially in the Kewanee area.”

A member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Sandra Peach obtained her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, Peoria, in May of 2016, receiving Academic Honors of Distinction.

Prior to obtaining her MSN, Ms. Peach served as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Surgical Acute, Medical Intermediate Care Unit, and Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit at Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, from 2009-2016. From 2016-2021, she focused on the nursing care of children as an Adjunct Faculty/Nursing Clinical Instructor for Bradley University, Peoria, and also as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, focusing on pediatric surgery, for OSF Medical Group, Peoria, IL, before coming to Hammond-Henry Hospital in 2022.

To date, Ms. Peach has served Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Kewanee Clinic, assisting walk-in patients, but as of June 24, she will be accepting new family practice appointments.

Geneseo Man to be Inducted Saturday into Senior Olympics Hall of Fame - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Mike Cherry has competed in the Quad City Senior Olympics since 2008, and will be participating again this year, on Saturday, June 1, at Augustana College. He has won medals every year, but this year he will receive more than medals.

Eighty-six-year-old Cherry will be competing in the track and field events Saturday afternoon, after which he will be inducted into the Quad City Senior Olympics Hall of Fame.

He said the dinner ceremony will begin at 4:30 in the Ken Anderson building on the Augustana College football field.

In the years he has competed, Cherry has captured medals in the high jump, shot put, weight throws, discus and javelin.

“There are always lots of different events to try at the Olympics,” he said, “and I like to try pretty much everything in the track and field division.”

“I used to do some of the running events and once when I started the 50-yard dash, I took off and fell down, so no more running events,” he said.

Having received close to 100 medals in the years he has competed, Cherry said it isn’t just the medals, but the fact that so many of his family members attend the competition.

“My daughter-in-law-Karen Cherry had red shirts made that read “Team Cherry” on the front.

When asked how he keeps in shape to be able to compete in the athletic events, he said, “I am busy all the time, doing gardening and woodworking and I just keep busy. I don’t like to just sit around.”

He was out for track and competed in the high jump, mile run and two-mile relay when he was a student at Geneseo High School (formerly JD Darnall High School). He graduated in 1957, and he and his wife Mary Jo, are parents to two sons, Mark (Karen) Cherry, Anthony, FL; and Mick (Teresa) Cherry, Geneseo; five grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Prior to his retirement, Cherry worked in construction and later was assistant manager at Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Geneseo for 20 years.

Meet Lucy, Assistant Art Instructor at GMS - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Meet Lucy, the therapy dog who accompanies Geneseo Middle School art instructor Logan Hamilton to classes every school day.

Hamilton shared how Lucy came to be part of his teaching routine and he said, “I frequently need to adjust my curriculum to meet my students evolving emotional needs, which requires the constant designing and scrapping of ineffective methods.”

It was that frustration that led him to create a more unconventional social-emotional learning instruction method that incorporates his other passion: his therapy dog Lucy.

“I began developing this idea,” he explained. I wondered how I could use a therapeutic approach, beyond sensory experiences and reading support, to enhance social-emotional learning (SEL) every day.”

“The first day Lucy was in my room, I quickly discovered that everyone talks dog,” he said. “Whether they own a dog or have a friend who owns a dog, everyone seems to have some sort of connection, which makes this the perfect icebreaker to get the SEL conversation rolling. Even students who aren’t fond of dogs can participate in the class discussion by sharing their reasons.”

Hamilton said the connection was an inspiration for him,”forcing me to analyze more purposely the ways our discipline is inherently SEL-based. In fact, it is near impossible to avoid SEL when teaching art. I focused on tapping into this relationship by designing SEL lessons that followed a framework using Lucy as the lesson starter, sandwiching the core SEL content in the middle, and finishing with art-making SEL connections.”

Lucy is part of Hamilton’s daily instruction by way of meditations and brain breaks and he said some days are set aside for specific social-emotional learning lessons…”My most successful lesson to date is focused on relationship skills connected to tone of voice.”

He begins by defining tone of voice and then asks his students if they have unintentionally found themselves in a situation where a friend or adult told them, “I don’t like your tone.”

“Almost everyone has a grievance to share which sets the stage for this lesson,” added. “I transition to dog training connections with Lucy as a model. We discuss how tone of voice impacts how Lucy interprets her commands. As we transition to the middle of the lesson, I focus on the way tone relates to peer and adult conversations. We begin by watching a short video that shows modeled interactions with misperceived tones, including explanations.”

Hamilton said the best way for students to get the hang of tone and to discuss its implications is by role-playing…”Each student is challenged with reading sample statements such as ‘What happened to you?’ in a neutral tone. As a class we discuss how the tone changes the meaning of the statement.”

As they finish the lesson, Hamilton said they discuss how tone and mood is portrayed in art.

He said while the importance of tone represents only one of many ways Lucy is integrated into his art lessons, he has begun to experience the positive impacts…”By the end of the year, students began to self-correct when communicating with their classmates and parents.”

From listening to comments from his students, Hamilton said, “These comments give me validation that this therapy dog-centered approach to SEL and art is creating a more supportive classroom environment while connecting students it the art-making process and their peers.”

When Hamilton was asked how Lucy came into his life, he explained that after Covid, the Geneseo School District scheduled a Professional Development Day and a local therapy dog group, QCCAN (Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network) took a team of dogs to the high school as one of the distress sessions.

“I was really inspired by the work the handlers did and I had no idea that therapy not-for-profit existed,” he said.

That led him to begin researching what it takes to train a therapy dog…’I looked into all the local therapy dog organizations, and I investigated what dog breeds were best for the work,” he said. “I spent the better half of a year locating a breeder and going through the selection process of choosing a dog that had the right temperament for the work.”

He chose Lucy, a mini-American Shepherd.

Geneseo Middle School seventh grade students photographed with Lucy are, in front from left, Lilly Marshall, Faith Schaver, Emma Minnaert, Katrina Nerud, Peyton Brodie; in back, Kellan Miller, Boston Brewer, Hunter Brooks, Maysen York, Jeff Znamenacek, Molly Wannemacher, Tori Finegan, Landen Burk and Ean Tank. Photo by Claudia Loucks

During his research, Hamilton said he also found himself wondering what other ways therapy dogs could be integrated into a classroom setting beyond sensory experiences.

He reached out to several resources he found online that included a middle school art teacher in Geneseo, NY; a museum director in Canada, and a magazine editor, all of which had experience implementing dogs into instruction.

It was then that Hamilton began to design his own unique ways of using the dog as an instructional tool as well as a means to relieve stress for his students.

He attends monthly classes with the Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network…”This is a local not-for-profit that volunteers across the QC area,” he said. “I also am a mentor for the group and I work with a committee of other trainers who also have facility dogs in the surrounding schools. Together, we help design training instruction for other area handlers who want to use their therapy dogs in their classroom or office.”

Molly Wannemacher, left; Logan Hamilton, Geneseo Middle School art teacher; and Emma Minnaert pose for a photo with Lucy, the therapy dog who assists Hamilton in his art classes.

Geneseo Christmas Walk Presents: The Last Lighting

May 28, 2024
For more information contact:
Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
309-944-2686

Lighting the City Christmas Tree during the annual Geneseo Christmas Walk is a time-honored tradition in Geneseo. Our City Christmas Tree has served us well for decades. But the tree's health has been in constant decline for years, with an independent arborist advising that the tree is at extreme risk of failure and should be taken down for safety purposes.

The City of Geneseo has understandably made the difficult decision to remove the tree this summer. The Geneseo City Council has already taken action to invest in a beautiful outdoor artificial tree to become the focal point of our holiday traditions.

To honor this great Christmas Tree, the Geneseo Christmas Walk will be hosting a one-off event on Saturday June 1 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm called "The Last Lighting". Geneseoans and area Christmas enthusiasts are invited to join us at The Last Lighting as we light Geneseo's City Christmas Tree one final time. We will be closing off the street at the tree and take photos with the tree, enjoy Christmas Music, holiday treats and luminaires! Of course, Santa will be on hand to help us light the tree one more time.

The Last Lighting will also feature Christmas music, a food truck, luminaries set up around the tree, and Double Treble performing Christmas Carols using handbells. It will be a one-of-a-kind summertime Christmas celebration you won’t want to miss!

The City Christmas Tree deserves a proper send-off and we are going to give it the kind of sendoff that only Geneseo can deliver. Join us for an evening of summer holiday fun and remembrance and bring the family for one final photo with the tree. It will be a wonderful evening in Geneseo.

Mind Your P’s and Q’s - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Happy Birthday, Bill M.

Just remember, Mr. Marine, I have two years over you so mind your “p’s and q’s.” I’m your senior, but that also means I probably will “check out” before you!!! If so, I will save a place for you. Although, you might want to take an air conditioner and a long extension cord.

Geneseo Maple City Band

This is going to be another great season of outdoor music in the Geneseo Park. Maestro Alan Kiser and his excellent musicians are already practicing . Here are the Tuesday 7 p.m. concert dates: June 4, June 11, June 18 and July 16, 2024. As in the past, the band will perform in the park on July 4th at 1 p.m.
The popular “MCB German Band” will perform on Tuesday, July 9th, at 7 p.m. On “Father’s Day,” June 16th, the MCB will hitch a ride on a flatbed truck while playing music.

Galva Found a Nitch

You have to give this nearby town credit for providing some really great musical groups. Their “Summer Concert Series” started on May 26th at Wiley Park, Galva, IL.
According to their web page, the “Levitt AMP Galva Music Series” will provide live music every Sunday, May 26th through August 4th starting at 6 p.m. It is free and family-friendly. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. I know we are looking forward to attending some of their concerts.

First Class Stamp Increase

Unless lawmakers step in, the U.S. Postal Service will increase a First Class stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents on July 14, 2024. It would be a smart move to purchase the forever stamps now before the rate increase.
One reason for the increase is the high price of gasoline. The USPS has over 230,000 vehicles with 190,000 to deliver mail to homes and businesses. Even if gasoline jumps a penny or two, we are talking about some serious bucks! The current LLVs (Long-Life Vechles) have outlived their usefulness and are being replaced by Next Generation Delivery Vehicles at a cost of $2.98 billion.
Many of the new vehicles will be powered by electric batteries. I’m not to sure how electric vehicles will work in our northern states with the snow, ice and cold temps? Whatever, it’s a step in the right direction.

Your Mailbox

I can remember delivering mail, sometime after the earth cooled, at the Moline Post Office. Some of my routes were rural with the mailbox on a post by the road.
Back then most mailboxes were big enough to handle letters, magazines and small parcels.
Today, many people order goods via the internet. Larger mailboxes are needed, plus they keep the mail dry and it’s better than leaving the item on a porch. You can purchase a larger size mailbox for around $60.00. If you keep your current standard size mailbox, make sure you have your house number on the outside of the box.
I’ve also seen people have their last name on the “inside” mailbox door. Smart!!

Nikki Haley

Darn it, I wish she had not burned bridges when dealing with Trump. For different reasons, I can’t take Biden or Trump. I know it’s not going to happen, but I wish the two would bury the hatchet with Trump picking her for his Vice President. I guess I’m just a poor loser.

Geneseo Ikes “Youth Fishing Derby”

This is always a big event for kids ages 2 – 16. Mark your calendar, it will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo off Rt. 82. Look for signs.
The hours are from 8 a.m. to Noon and it’s all free. Lots of nice prizes will be given away. If you need a fishing pole, we can supply you with one. Bait is provided free by Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. It’s all free including lunch.

Buggy Humor

1. Where do insects shop? Ans: The Flea Market.

2. What do you call it when a swarm of insects goes to Italy?

   Ans: A Venice fly trip.

3. What European city has the most ants? Ans: Antwerp.

4. Who keeps the picnic insects in good working order?

   Ans: The maintain-ants department.

Quote

“We must remember that any oppression, any injustice, any hatred, is a wedge designed to attack our civilization.”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt

First Methodist Bible School Is June 17

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shawn King, left, Director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo; and Milo Jones, a third grader, invite area children to this year’s Vacation Bible School: “Start the Party: Celebrate the Good News!” VBS at First Methodist will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, through Friday, June 21, and children ages four through those entering fifth grade are invited. Registration can be made at peopleneedjesus.org/vbs. For more information, contact Shawn King at s.king@peopleneedjesus.org.
Photo by Claudia Loucks

Blood Drive Is May 28 at Geneseo Library

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, May 28, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St. The drive will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m.

Donors are asked to make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED Cross).

According to information received, blood donors are needed, and anyone donating blood will receive a Tetris and American Red Cross T-Shirt while shirt supplies last, and names of donors will automatically be entered into a drawing for a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov.

Donors can complete their health history questions (Rapid Pass) online using any device before their visit at redcross.org.

The Red Cross Blood Donor app is available at Google Play or at the app store. The app allows those planning to donate to schedule their appointment, complete Rapid Pass, view previous donations/health histories and follow their blood donation.

It’s also recommended that those planning to donate increase their vitamin C to their diet by eating fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, spinach and Brussels sprouts.

Anyone with questions about donating, getting a Red Cross ID card or who would like more information, is asked to call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS).

Look, but Don’t Touch

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Ike’s Youth Fishing Derby

This big and very popular event will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The hours are from 8 a.m. to Noon. It is all free including lunch. Glen Anderson, “Birdman of Henry County,” and Lorna Dauw will do the registration that begins at 7:30 a.m. Kids from ages 2 to 16 are eligible. There will be a lot of neat prizes. It all takes place at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo. Look for signs. Free bait and if you need a fishing pole, it will be provided free.

Look, but don’t touch

Unfortunately, the other day I was mowing our lawn and I ran over a rabbit’s nest. With all the woods and cover by our house, “Mom Rabbit” has to build her birthing place in a wide-open space.

It reminds me, if you find a nest with babies inside, it’s okay to look,but leave them alone. I have read two different things on touching baby rabbits or some other wild youngsters. I was always the understanding that the mother will reject her babies if she detects human scent.

I read the other day that is not true and that mom rabbit will not reject her young if she smells human scent. Whatever, I think it’s best to take a quick look, but leave them alone.

Humor

1. Ask not what your country can do for you, but how close the restrooms are located.

2. Among Hollywood celebrities, a marriage is considered a success if it makes it through the commercial.

3. This fits for today. “Have you heard about the new Politician’s Diet? You only eat your words.”

Color of Eyes

Rock bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass have red eyes, but some others have brown. It’s like us humans, having blue, green, or brown eyes. Some think the red pigment helps the fish see better in the dark.
Friend Tony Petreikis, retired game warden, does fish taxidermy as a hobby. Over the years, he has noticed differences in fish eyes. In a taxidermy supply catalog it always gives “suggested” eye sizes for a fish form. When doing “Illinois” fish, the eyes size is typically “right on.”
However, when doing Canadian fish, he found the eyes are always too small. He believes this is because fish eyes never quit growing. It takes a Canadian walleye more years to reach ten pounds. He believes their eyes are bigger than a ten pound “Illinois” walleye.
It is just a theory, but interesting. It may be one way to identify fish that have “stunned growth,” big eyes on a smaller fish.

Armored Tank of the Animal World

Our son, Lance, lives in St. Louis and occasionally he sees an armadillo He thinks more of these “armored creatures” are moving into Missouri. The nine-banded armadillo almost always gives birth to four babies, no more, no less! The babies are either all males or all females.

Speaking of the Olympics

Well, sort of. What was the first American city to host the Summer Olympic Games? Nope, ‘yer wrong! It was St. Louis.

Mask Banded

We are not big fans of raccoons as they make messes on our decks and with some success, get at our bird feeders. They do what they have to do and they were here long before we came on heir turf, but we still find them annoying.
Last night it really did a number on our oriole feeder. Geeez, do I have to move it so high not even we can reach it???

Memorial Day

It originated during the Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. It used to be called,
Decoration Day. It became a national holiday in 1971. Through the years a lot of men and women gave their lives for old Glory. For those who set fire to our flag in protest, well, they should be so lucky they live under democracy.

God bless those souls who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Quote of the Week

“Bullies are always to be found where there are cowards.”

• Mahatma Gandhi
  

Memorial Day Program in Geneseo Will Include Horse Therapy

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

In addition to the previously announced VFW Program planned for Memorial Day, May 27, in Geneseo City Park, there also will be a public demonstration by Megan Sundeen, executive director of Sundance for Our Soldiers (SOS) , and her therapy horse. Sundeen’s presentation is scheduled for after the VFW ceremonies which will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Monday in Geneseo City Park. The annual event is sponsored by the Don Cherry VFW, VFW Auxiliary and the Aisle of Flags.

Music will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the speakers scheduled for 10 a.m.

There will be a “by donation” pork chop lunch served after the ceremony and veterans

will eat at no charge. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held in the

Geneseo High School Performing Arts Center.

Sundeen said she is “excited to share the story of this horse (Smokin Soprano, a retired Standard bred horse) because he has a great story of many people he has helped as well as veterans from most combat wars and other service-related PTSD.”

Her late father, Charles Sundeen, was a lifetime member of the Don Cherry VFW Post in Geneseo, and she said her program on Memorial Day will focus on his story and how it led to horse therapy.

Sundance for Our Soldiers serves military serviced members and their families…”After Covid, we expanded to include First Responders, healthcare p rofessionals, teachers, youth, and the elderly,” she said.

Sundeen is certified by EAGALA, the global leader in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL).

For more information, contact Sundeen at 309-945-7257.

Hospital Auxiliary 2024 Ice Cream Social June 6

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathleen VanDeRostyne, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary volunteer/auxiliary supervisor; Lisa Farrell and Linda VanDerLeest, Auxiliary members; will be helping at the group’s annual ice cream social on Thursday, June 6, in Geneseo City Park.  Sandwiches, chips, a variety of pies and cakes, along with ice cream and beverages will be served, beginning at 5 p.m.  This year’s scholarship recipients will be introduced at 6:25 p.m. at the ice cream social. The Miracle Blue Grass Band will provide music for dancing and listening, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the social benefit the Auxiliary’s Health Career Scholarship Fund. Claudia Loucks Photo

Greg Mullin Honored With Valor Award

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Greg Mullin is a Senior Federal Wildlife Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stationed at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah, and is the recent recipient of the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award.  (Contributed Photo)

Greg Mullin, formerly of Geneseo, recently was awarded the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award at the Department of Interior’s 77th Honor Awards Convocation Ceremony on May 7 in Washington, D.C.   

   A 1987 graduate of the former JD Darnall High School, (now Geneseo High School), Officer Mullin is a Senior Federal Wildlife Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, stationed at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah.  He is the son of Dr. Randy and Linda Mullin, Geneseo; and the late Fran Mullin.

   The Valor Award is presented to Department of the Interior employees for acts of heroism involving a high degree of personal risk in the face of danger and Mullin received the Valor Award for his rescue of two waterfowl hunters by airboat on Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge during a severe winter storm last December.  He was assisted by Officer Connor Curtis from the Perry City, Utah Police Department, who was honored with the Department of Interior Citizen’s Award for Bravery.

Contributed Photo

   In our conversation, Officer Mullin was asked to comment about receiving the award and he said, “I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive the Department of the interior’s Valor Award. I am proud to serve as a Senior Federal Wildlife Officer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

   It was early evening on Dec. 1 of last year and Greg Mullin was pulling into the driveway of his home after finishing his shift at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah, when he received a call from a hunter who was in distress.

   The call was forwarded to Officer Mullin’s cell phone from the main office phone system at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge….”Therefore, my caller ID showed the main Refuge telephone number and not the hunter’s,” Mullin explained.

   The hunter told Officer Mullin that his boat would not start and it was his impression that the hunter was having difficulty walking out of the hunting unit.

 “The call disconnected mid-conversation, likely due to poor cell coverage and weather conditions,” Mullin said and added that the area was experiencing freezing conditions, high winds and snow. 

   Due to concern for the hunter’s safety, including increased risk of hypothermia, Officer Mullin returned to the Refuge, navigating miles of icy and snow-covered roads to search by airboat.

   When he reached the Refuge boat ramp where the hunter had likely launched from, the local emergency services dispatcher (911) gave Officer Mullin additional information to help him find the hunter, including his cell phone number.

   “It’s my understanding that the hunter called 911 while I was driving back to the Refuge so the dispatcher was able to get a call-back number.  Because of a severe winter storm, it took me over an hour to reach the Refuge and retrieve an airboat.”

   Officer Mullin asked Perry City Police Officer Connor Curtis, who had just gone off duty, for assistance.

   He contacted the hunter’s cell phone and the hunter told him he had a respiratory issue and felt very ill. He texted his location on a GPS map screenshot before the cell connection was lost.

   Officers Mullin and Curtis launched the airboat in steady snow with sustained winds that pushed snow horizontally, making visibility less than 10 feet. Using the GPS screenshot, Officer Mullin piloted the airboat in hazardous whiteout conditions for approximately one mile to the stranded hunters. The hunters were extremely cold and wet after having been on the water for more than five hours. The officers brought the hunters onto the airboat and towed their boat back to the ramp. On shore, they warmed and provided supportive care to the hunters. When the hunters felt capable of leaving and were in good cognitive condition, Officer Mullin escorted them safely off the refuge.

   He said, “Without Officer Connor Curtis’ help, I would not have been able to navigate to the stranded hunter in the severe weather conditions.”
   Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is approximately 76,000 acres; he explained and added, “The hunter’s location was within a large management unit open to hunting, so we were searching in a big, open water area with no landmarks.”

   After graduating from high school in Geneseo, Officer Mullin graduated from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, in 1991. He has worked in law enforcement for 28 years for the Federal Government. His career began as a Park Ranger for the National Park Service, and for the last 18 years as a Federal Wildlife Officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

   He lives in Utah with his wife, Lisa Mullin, and their daughter Caroline Mullin. His adult children are John Mullin and Christine Mullin, both living in Illinois.