Community Choir 2024 Concert Benefits Community Chest

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Pam Edwards, left, Community Choir Director; and Rich McClimon, at right, Community Choir Treasurer, presented a $750 check to Jackie Despain, Community Chest Treasurer. Edwards said one of the missions of the Community Choir is to give financial support to the Community Chest through the performance of an intergenerational ensemble. The Community Choir performance was June 26 in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall.

Farm Bureau to Host “Safety Starts with YOU”

Katie Laleman, FBCM, Manager
Henry County Farm Bureau®
July 2, 2024

Have you thought about safety for you and your family? Do you want to see demonstrations and receive free giveaways and information? Looking for a great, free event for the whole family to attend?

The Henry County Farm Bureau Health and Safety Committee will hold a FREE community event focused on areas of safety, health, and wellness. Join us on Wednesday, July 10, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Central Bank Pavilion, 218 North State Street, Geneseo, IL. Following the event will be the Central Bank Concert Series featuring “3 On The Tree”, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

The event will feature exhibitors that will highlight Grain Bin Safety & Rescue, CPR and “Stop the Bleed” Demonstrations, Mental Health, Ag Equipment Driving Simulator, “Touch a Tractor” and Overall Health & Wellness. Plan to enjoy food vendors along with safety demonstrations, kids’ activities, giveaways and much more!

Exhibitors will include Gold Star FS, Wyffels Hybrids, Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Henry County Health Department, Henry County Mental Health Alliance, Geneseo Fire Department, Bishop Hill Fire Department, Geneseo Police Department, Cintas, Prairie State Tractor, Operation Lifesaver Illinois and Henry County Farm Bureau.

Join us for this FREE community event focused on safety and open to the public. Enjoy great information, handouts and giveaways. An event for the whole family! For more information contact the Henry County Farm Bureau at (309) 937-2411 or email manager@henrycofarmbureau.org.

Film Photography Class at RutabagA Studio & Gallery

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Joseph Pustejovsky, a member of the RutabagA Art Studio & Gallery, will teach a class in Film Photography at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, at the Gallery, located at 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo. The class is for those people wanting to get into film photography, covering items such as how to adjust setting, ASA, shutter speed, aperture, focus, tips and tricks, double exposures, how to use accessories such as flash, shutter cables, lens filters and more. Those planning to attend should take their own camera. Cost is $10 for each person and registration can be made by calling RutabagA at 309-944-4994. Photo by Claudia Loucks

First Methodist Has A New Worship Director - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Joel Simpson left a job in IT to become worship director at First Methodist Church in Geneseo.

He said just hours after posting his résumé online at the beginning of this year; he was contacted by the Rev. Chris Ritter, directing pastor at First Methodist.

“I had never even heard of Geneseo before, but things progressed through the interviewing and hiring process and a few short months and a big move later, here we are,” he said.

Joel Simpson is the worship director at Geneseo First Methodist Church. Photo Claudia Loucks

Simpson has been involved in music since his teen years and he explained. He was born and raised in a small town in northwestern Wisconsin and attended the local public high school where he was part of the jazz band program, and also played bass in his church’s youth worship band.

While a student at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, he played music for student organizations and at a local church where he said he was “challenged by the worship director to seriously think about a full-time career in music ministry.”

After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at UW-Superior, Simpson attended Hillsong College, Sydney, Australia, to study the Bible and learn about music and church leadership.

He then returned to UW-Superior to complete a Master’s Degree while working part-time as a music associate at one church and took on the role of leading Saturday evening services at a second church in the area.

After graduating, Simpson returned to his home church in Wisconsin where he became worship director…”A year later, I followed my full-time career in IT to Madison, WI, where I also served as a volunteer musician for a new church plant,” he explained. “After five years in Madison, my employer relocated me to Rochester, MN, to work on projects with Mayo Clinic, where my wife, Clarissa, was a nurse.”

In addition to his fulltime IT job, he joined the staff of a church in Rochester as music director.

It was during those years in Rochester when Simpson said the responsibilities and travel requirements for his tech job continued to increase and he added, “These changes, along with a growing family, made it increasingly clear to us that it was time to move on.”

In addition to guitar, Simpson also plays bass and drums and added, “I also play saxophone, but that likely won’t make an appearance at church.”

As worship director, he is responsible to plan the flow of services, handle oversight of the AVL systems, schedule the music and teach teams, create digital media and often lead the congregation in singing…”I also bring quite a bit of graphics and IT experience and will be using those skills, as well,” he said.

He and his wife have two children and Simpson said, “We are happy to call Geneseo our home. We love Jesus, we love the Church, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the First Methodist family. The congregation and community here have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. The New Testament points out that we should always continue to gather as the church, that we should sing to one another and from our hearts to the Lord, and that we should encourage one another as we follow Jesus in the way we live. As the worship director at First Methodist, my prayer is that we will see that kind of passionate worship and encouraging fellowship in our congregation and community, and the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit at work in each of us.”

Geneseo Community Choir Concert - By Elizabeth Hulsbrink

By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current

Close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, listen to all the sounds around you… sounds of birds singing, the breeze in the trees, a gentle wind chime playing a tune. Perhaps you hear the sounds of a busy street, cars buzzing by, people talking. Or maybe, you are sitting in an office, 90s soft rock playing on the speaker, computers humming, phones ringing. Does it matter?

Does any of it matter?

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the Geneseo Community Choir performed it’s 16th annual concert at the Geneseo High School Concert Hall, featuring local vocalists and instrumentalists, under the direction of Pam Edwards with accompaniment by Lynne Haars. This year’s theme, “Does It Matter” was selected in “hopes to open the audience’s minds to a renewed level of awareness of the many aspects of “Does it Matter”” replied Pam Edwards. She also shared that the theme selected would encompass “Gray Matter, mental health matters, care for the earth matters, music matters, YOU matter, justice, healing, peace, and democracy matters.”

The song selections were dedicated to bringing all these “matters” to attention. From Beethoven’s “Hymn to Joy”, Shaw’s “With a Voice of Singing”,Webber’s “Memory” from Cats, to Lojeski’s “Do You Hear the People Sing” from Les Miserables and even Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song”, the combined voices and instruments lifted the audience and roused a sense of awareness of what we can do with all this “matter”. The children’s choir sang, danced, and giggled their way through Schubert’s “To Music”, Berlin’s “Play for Me a Simple Melody”, and Huff’s “Mary Poppins Medley”, all of which were under the direction of Amy Croft, accompanied by Miss Edwards, and assisted by Denise Eiker and HannaWiyrick.

Two very special soloists were Isabella Haney and Addison Dykstra. Both are 2024 graduates of Geneseo High School. Haney’s clarinet solo, “Excerpt from Clarinet Concerto No. 2 Mvt. 3- Alla Polacca” by VonWeber, and Dykstra’s “Never Enough” from the musical The Greatest Showman by Pasek and Paul, left the audience reaching for more. Both were performed with absolute perfection.

For a grand finale, all the combined voices of the adult choir, children’s choir, brass section, percussion, string bass, guitar, and even dancers wowed the crowd with the jazz/swing classic, “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Prima (arranged by Kern), “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon (arranged by Shaw), and “God Bless the USA” by Greenwood (arranged by Brymer). Some audience members found themselves humming along and dancing in their seats. Not a dry eye in the house! Standing ovations and cheers filled the hall.

Spectacular work in just 4 short rehearsals with the adults, and 5 rehearsals with the children. The 114 members of this year’s Community Choir range from incoming 8th graders to great grandparents, and come from all walks of life. The 25 members of the Children’s Choir are incoming 4th – 7th graders. All these musicians participate simply for the love of music.

This year’s performance also included the First Lutheran Church Handbell Choir lead by Melinda Wildermuth, with audio provided by Larry Lord, and videographers Lucas Kaiser and Carter Eastburn. The concert will be played on Geneseo’s Channel 50 at a future date.

Accessibility Swim Tuesday at John & Carla Edwards Aquatic Center

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

There will be a special Accessibility Swim from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the John & Carla Edwards Aquatic Center. The reserved time is for swimmers with disabilities or sensory issues. Special accessibility swimmers are welcome to bring their immediate family members to join them.
The swim is free for Geneseo Park District and Aquatic Center members. There will be a $5 per person or $20 per family charge for non-members.

726 - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

July 4th Fun in the Park

This is the “Big” event in the Geneseo Park and Richmond Hill. It starts with many volunteers putting the “Aisle of Flags” throughout the park. I believe they start putting up the flags at 7 a.m. and taking them down at 2 p.m. It is truly a beautiful sight. At 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Geneseo Kiwanis will be hosting their “Pork in the Park” in the pavilion. They will serve grilled pork chops and patties, coleslaw, chips and a drink. Those cooks do a great job!

Dessert and Music

After chowing down some great food courtesy of the Geneseo Kiwanis, you don’t want to miss visiting the Maple City Band Dessert Tent for homemade desserts and ice cream. Donations are welcome.

What would the Fourth of July event be without some great patriotic music courtesy of Director Alan Kiser and the Geneseo Maple City Band. They will begin at 1 p.m. in the band shelter. If you don’t want to sit on a parkbench, bring your lawn chair.
If any of you can volunteer to help set-up the tent and/or help serving food, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thrill on the Hill

The fun doesn’t end in the park. Richmond Hill is going to continue with lots of food and beverages from 5:3o to 9 p.m. There will be children activities from 6 to 8 p.m. How ‘bout some more music?
The “Jason & John Experience” will perform from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. I’m not sure what “Sushi Roll” is (fish?), but it will be available from 7 to 9 p.m. Face Painting and Hair Tinsel will be available from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Lyn Paris will like that.
To top it all off, the fireworks will begin at dusk. Last year they were awesome. Make sure to give a donation. So “all ‘n all” it looks like a jam packed day.
I talked to Mother Nature and she said if we are all nice, she will wave any rain forcasted.

On June 24th, at the Ikes Park, Geneseo Girl Scout "Daisys" learned about fishing from some members of the Geneseo Izaak Walton League.  Photo Submitted

Girl Scout "Mardy" (left) recently caught a fish while learning about fishing on the Canal.  Her friend, "Teagan" (right) helped Mardy bring the whale to shore. Photo Submitted

726

This is kind of crazy, but this number shows up many times when shown on TV. An example is if there is a countdown on some sporting event and the clock stops on 726 meaning 7 minutes, 26 seconds. This has been going on for at least a year or two. The number “726” was our house number when we lived in Moline. It’s not just sporting events, but when a number shows up many times it is “726.” Is it telling me to revisit my old homestead? Does it mean that on the 26th day of the 7th month (July) of some year, something good or bad happens? It is just weird. I’ll let you know unless, of course, on that day I’m lowered 6 feet below the grass!

Humor

  1. I’m not so sure I believe in an afterlife, but just in case I am bringing a change of underwear.

  2. I’ve reached old age when Lorna told me to pull in my stomach and I already have!”

  3. Brian Kiser, Tuba Player: “Did you hear my last recital?” Friend Lance Dauw: “I hope so!”

  4. “Why did the guitarist use a fish to play his instrument?” Ans: By Tuna-ing his guitar.

  5. Meredith McNaught has a very expensive guitar for sale. “No strings attached.”

Quote - “Every eel hopes to become a whale.”

  • German Proverb

Blood Drive July 2 at Geneseo First Methodist

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive on Tuesday, July 2, at the South Annex (back entrance of the Geneseo First Methodist Church (south campus) of the church. The drive will begin at 12 noon and continue until 6 p.m. Donuts donated by Geneseo Donut Shop will be available.

With the extreme heat the area has been experiencing, the Red Cross suggests that those people planning to donate should drink an extra 16 ounces of water or non-alcoholic drink prior to their donation.

It is also recommended that donors increase Vitamin C in their diet by eating fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, spinach and Brussels sprouts.

Donors are asked to make reservations by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED Cross). Walk-ins will be accepted in as timely a manner as possible with appointments taking priority. Those planning to give blood will be asked to present their Red Cross ID card (or a valid driver’s license) and will be asked to read the list of medications that might exclude their donation from being used or do a “Rapid Pass” before their donation.

For ease in donating, the Red Cross Donor app can be downloaded from the App Store to make Rapid Pass quick and easy.

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).

Geneseo Middle School - Second Semester Honor Rolls

First Honor Roll - GPA of 3.50 to 4.40

8th Grade

Raidyn P. Allison, Stella R. Allison, Piper M. Andersen, Claudia J. Angelo, Katherine H. Barickman, Landon L. Barnett, Layna Z. Bassett, Luke Z. Bedford, Lillian J. Bellagamba, Evan C. Bender, Tivya R. Bernier, Fritz E. Bolme, Allison M. Boone, Braxton W. Boone, Kanon J. Boster, Makayla R. Bros, Alivia J. Brown, Jaylee A. Brudos, Nolan J. Burton, Rylan R. Carlson, Sophie L. Carter, Lydia G. Carton, Quinn F. Cherry, Taeton P. Chirchir, Ella K. Clementz, Cole T. Clifton, Ellah R. Clifton, Harrison M. Conley, Elijah A. Coppejans, Brayden D. Cox, Mallory A. Daniels, Evelyn M. DeBaene, Emilie A. DeCastecker, Madelyn S. DeJohn, Olivia E. DeSplinter, Bryce M. Diehl, Isla D. Disterhoft, Sophia P. Doyle, Riley J. Dwyer, Camryn N. Ebert, Megan A. Ehlert, Kamee A. Eighmy, Mason W. Emerick, Brycen E. Fahnestock, Andrew M. Feely, Phoenix B. Ferro-Heller, Jasmine M. Foss, Jackson T. Frank, Carter A. French, Gretchen A. Fuelling, Hannah M. Fuelling, Jacey L. Gehl, Gavin M. Gillespie, Karlee C. Hankins, Vance B. Hansen, Kade M. Heilman, Kaylin A. Heller, Cole T. Henson, Skylar M. Hileman, James H. Hill II,I Madelyn M. Holmes, Cameron J. Jansen, Annibelle M. Juarez, Austen C. Kane, Anabella V. Kelley, Noah J. Klick, Penelope A. Kline, Lilah J. Klotz, Mayson J. Lambin, Isabella L. McConville, Raygen M. McKeag, Jillian N. McMahil,l Ian J. McShane, Addison C. McSparin, Catalina J. Meis, Faith N. Mierop, Alice M. Miller, Natalie R. Minnaert-Yocum, Ainsleigh K. Misfeldt, Madison J. Morrison, Keelie M. Mueller, Quin R. Nichols, Micah J. Nicke, Anastasia M. Pitsoulakis, Aleksie F. Possin, William Rankins, Colin M. Roemer, Ida G. Rowold, Ella J. Schaaf, Meghan M. Scheider, Dylan J. Schneider, Brooklyn J. Schnowske, Jaxson J. Seals, Ella R. Shannon, Madelyn E. Sherman, Alyssa C. Simpson, Maycie L. Sims, Stella M. Smith, Addison K. Snell, Sophia G. Snell, Sydney M. State, Addilyn G. Swan, Ella C. Taylor, Keiran L. Thornburg, Luca J. Turigliatti, Kellen E. VanKerrebroeck, Eden P. VanOpdorp, Patrick J. Versluis, Kailee L. Von Motz, Nicole E. Werling, Jayden C. Wheaton, Hannah M. Wildemuth, Sage R. Windisch, Peyton A. Woodruff

7th Grade

Jocelyn A. Aguirre, Paisley J. Arnold, Avery K. Bagby, Jocelyn M. Bagby, Alex F. Balensiefen, Ella M. Bernhard, Anna G. Berry, Daphne M. Bertelsen, Hannah E. Billingsly, Boston J. Brewer, Leila M. Bries, Peyton L. Brodie, Dia R. Bros, Charlee A. Bruce, Annika R. Brumbaugh, Helo J. Castro, Ashlynn G. Chamberlain, Leah M. Cooper, Alexander R. Darnall, Gavin P. Davis, William A. Davis, Christian R. Dawson, Ellaina F. DeLoose, Henry M. Dwyer, Brenna Dykstra, Kyle M. Everett, Sawyer J. Forsythe, Landon A. French, Eleanor M. George, Bryce R. Gillespie, Maci L. Gorman, Ava L. Graham, Hailey R. Griswold, Daegan J. Hansen, Owen M. Harri,s Karoline M. Hasson, Kenzi J. Hasson, Lyla H. Henry, Emmett W. Hill, Emma J. Hofer, Hunter G. Hoover, Easton R. Hornback, Anthony J. Jackson, Ellie J. Jackson, Owen M. Jacobi, Brynn R. Kinney, Collin P. Kreiss, Madison G. Kuethe, Faith H. Kuster, Zebin Lin, Katherine A. Maloy, Chloe J. Mance, Liliana R. Marshall, Wyatt J. Mickley, Gibson M. Minard, Emma E. Minnaert, Tad R. Moore, Kasen J. Mosier, Paul M. Nelms, Katrina G. Nerud, Suzanne L. Neumann, Mia G. O’Dell, Isabella A. Ong, Jackson P. Parker, Henry A. Pratt, Annie C. Reed, Payton L. Riffe, Eve M. Robb, Brooke N. Robinson, Isaac J. Ropp, Cormac J. Round, Olivia L. Ruby, Jocelyn M. Russelburg, Novak B. Ryerson, Reese G. Schaaf, James W. Seals, Blazen J. Sellers, Chelsea R. Shamblin, Mark H. Shoemaker, Paige A. Sides, Benjamin C. Simosky, Kinley M. Smith, Jack A. Snook, Milla W. Stewart, Genevieve V. Talley, Ethan B. Temperley, Allison G. Tice, Garrett R. Tranel, Sophia I. Urquiza, Jaxson R. VanAntwerp, Payton N. Vanzuiden, Ella M. Versluis, Khloe R. VonHolten, Charlize A. Wachtel, Lucy C. Walck, Molly D. Wannemacher, Ashlyn M. Werthmann, Lilly M. Wilshusen, Giana M. Wurslin, Levi J. Wyffels, Jett F. Znamenacek

6th Grade

Kynlee G. Adam, Penelope M. Aukee, Lincoln Babcock, Lilith R. Ballard, Delia J. Bellagamba, Kenneth M. Bernhard JR., Mason D. Bess, David M. Betcher, Zachary L. Blank, Kobe T. Britton, Reegan R. Brown, Harmonie R. Burk, Drake M. Burton, Liam M. Campos, Eliana H. Charlet, Ryan M. Coleman, Colton M. Crutcher, Hattie R. Deaner, Finley A. DeSplinter, Sofie F. Diebold, Joshua A. Diehl, Cameron P. Doyle, Ella L. Driskel,l Kieran A. Efflandt, Will E. Ehlert, Tatum W. Eiselstein, Kameron R. Floming, Jason S. Flondor, Lillian C. Fritz, Lucas M. Fuelling, Alivia N. Gaines, Brady H. Garard, Thomas W. Gaskey IV., Sophia G. Gluck, Lily G. Green, Audreyana Grove, Drew M. Hagerman, Huxley O. Haley, Sean P. Haley, Maddison G. Harris, Addyson R. Havill, Emily F. Hayes, Evelyn R. Hemphill, Kura L. Henson, Ella A. Hepner, Ethan A. Hepner, Brooke N. Herington, Canon W. Hudson, Maverick X. Hull, Ella R. Johnson, Aislyn S. Kane, Jayden L. Kelley-Leach, Addison I. Kelly, Korah E. Klotz, Olivia M. Krause, Norah D. Kuddes, Carter J. Lampe, Gwendolyn R. Lee, Hillary M. Lewis, Wyatt T. Lynch, Zane S. Matheny, Jocelynn E. Matthews, Vander E. McAvoy, Adrian M. McSparin, Elijah J. Melton, Tristan R. Melton, Jaela J. Minnaer,t Wyatt L. Murray, Brylee J. Nelson, Willa K. Newburg, Easton P. Nichols, Kamryn E. Nordstrom, Zak N. O’Dell, Hailey R. Olson, Kenryk L. Osborn, Andrew N. Parrish, Aarav P. Patel, Elle M. Patterson, Carter G. Peacock, Lillian C. Putnam, Carter C. Robb, Macie R. Rotz, Jensen H. Rubitsky, Cooper T. Sanders, Jack W. Schaaf, Emma E. Schneider, Rykken L. Schweitzer, Braeden S. Scott, Reese M. Shanno,n Kyndall M. Shappard, Seren I. Sharpe, Hunter T. Short, Ayden M. Smith, Alexander A. Soukup, Dryden B. Stokes, Jack D. Sullivan, James D. Sutherland, Skilynn N. Tarrant, Gabriel H. Taylor, Myleigh G. Thinglum, Savanna F. Thompson, Charlotte J. Vandersnick, Adler M. VanOpdorp, Lillian G. VanOpdorp, Kenna L. Weber, Cole B. Weinzierl, Rosella J. Wentz, Peyton E. Wexell, Addison L. Williams, Brooklyn S. Williams, Kyle T. Wirth, Leotho K. Woodruff, Henry V. Woodward, Sesamir H. Yearby, JR.

Second Honor Roll - GPA of 3.00 to 3.49

8th Grade

Robert R. Armstrong, Cyrus J. Babcock, Mickayla J. Bowles, Greyson F. Claerhout, Brynn K. Coats, Brinnley P. Coppejans, Lydia M. DeKezel, Van M. DeSplinter, Jack B. Drouin, Madison S. Fontenoy, Jeremiah J. Frere, Zoe J. Friedline, Jack C. Gehling Evelyn S. Gernant, Kane J. Hamer, Andrew J. Hamerlinck, Eva J. Hansen, Aiden C. Hawkins, Aundrea J. Haynes, Anadiyah M. Karn, Mikenzie J. Langdon, Ethan J. Leetch, Taylor R. Lohberg, Rayne P. Mangin, Tanner L. Massingill, Isaiah J. Melton, Evan M. Orwig, Jadynn B. Pollard, Arianna L. Robbins, Macey M. Rosholm, Titus J. Schweitzer, Kadence M. Shappard, Jaydn K. Shipman, Luke J. Snodgrass, Kyla K. Strode, Cole J. Tully, Chase M. VanDeWoestyne, Korionna M. VanZuiden, Ryan J. Waterman, Parker L. Weisser, Olivia H. Yost

7th Grade

Kylie A. Achenbach, Cole P. Anderson, Evan M. Bei,l Arie B. Blancarte, Cullen V. Boone, Alden C. Brown, Savannah K. Carlson, Knox D. Causemaker, Autumn M. Cunningham, Miles G. Curcuru, Zachary M. Davis, Davin R. DeBoef, Lilyonna L. Decker, Jacksen K. Doubet, Chazz J. Eng, Emily A. Garcia, Wesley D. Graham, Cooper G. Hudson, Clare R. Hulsbrink, Eli D. Johnston, Delaney T. Killian, Matthew E. Krause, Andrew J. Kreps, Michael G. Lawson, Isabella L. Lewis, Rylie J. Lopez, Luke E. McCann, Tylaiha M. Medina, Kellan J. Miller, Ryder J. Painter, Owen A. Pollock, Coralie J. Randall, Violet E. Runty, Faith H. Schaver, Julia R. Schnaufer, Emma R. Schroeder, Klaire E. Sikardi, Alydia M. Smith, Kais A. Sproston, Gage R. Steffes, Ean R. Tank, Grace L. Toney, Wyatt F. Vroman, Aiden M. Weishaar, Preston C. Wood, Alec L. Woods

6th Grade

Kaelyn J. Ash, Lyrin A. Barnes, Natalie A. Beavers, Allison A. Bos, Mason F. Brooks, Kellan S. Courtright, Jaxon T. DeCastecker, Grant R. Dietsch, Giovanni A. Escobar, Everlee M. Fobert, Jesus R. Guerrero, Bennett A. Holke, Charlize J. Janczak, Maddux K. Kennedy, Kinleigh J. Kiefer, Cohen M. Krantz, Hunter T. Lambin, Vanessa M. Logsdon, Alexander M. Lopez, Clara P. Mallum, Connor J. Maloy, Gage A. Mariman, Shayla A. Monahan, Adelynn R. Murphy, Hayley L. Newburg, Garrett V. Nicholson, Hunter J. Olson, Baylen M. Poffenberger, Teagan A. Price, Tessa O. Reveal, Mason L. Schaapveld, Michael Sichling JR., Easton A. Sigwalt, Mylee M. Sim, Aubrey L. Skinner, Mason P. Smith, Preston T. Snell, Henry J. Staffeldt, Madeline S. Thornburg, Noah W. Tully, Genessa K. Underwood, Easton R. Veloz, Ryker J. Vincent, Trigg J. Vincent, Caden J. Williams, Ryland A. Williamson, Aspen F. Znamenacek

Family Honors Norma Lodge in 2024 Kiwanis Club Doo-Dah Parade

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Norma Lodge(left) being driven by Brynn Wildemuth(right).

The Kiwanis Club Doo-Dah Parade is an annual activity in the Geneseo Music Festival weekend. This year it also became a family birthday celebration for Norma Lodge, who will be 99 years old on July 20.

Lodge’s family members of all ages, from children and grandchildren to great-grandchildren, walked in this year’s Doo-Dah Parade held Friday, June 14, in downtown Geneseo. They wore T-shirts that read “Norma’s 99.”

The “birthday girl” can be seen riding in a gator, being driven by her great-granddaughter, Brynn Wildemuth, and the band members providing the birthday music are Lodge’s great-grandchildren.

Families who took part in the event included Lodge’s daughter and son-in-law, Steve and Lynette Wildemuth and their son Dirk Wildemuth and his wife, Megan, and their children; Wildemuth’s daughter Heidi Fleming and her husband, Adam Fleming and their children; and Lodge’s daughter Mary Gorman and her daughter Chrissy Weir and her children, and the children of Gorman’s son, Tom Gorman.

Nearly 25 members of the Lodge family took part in the parade to celebrate the milestone birthday of Norma Lodge.

Community Choir Concert and Children’s Choir Concert June 26

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The 116-voice adult Geneseo Community Choir and the 26-voice Children’s Choir will celebrate their 16th annual concert entitled “Does It Matter?” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall, located at the south end of Geneseo High School, 700 North State St.

Repertoire includes “Do You Hear the People Sing,” “Memory,” and “Bridge over Troubled Waters.”

The Geneseo Children’s Choir will sing “Play for Me a Simple Melody” and a “Mary Poppins Medley.”

Combined choirs will sing “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Earth Song,” and “God Bless the USA.”

Special performances will be presented by Addison Dykstra (2024 GHS graduate), and Isabella Haney (2024 GHS graduate and recipient of the Community Choir Scholarship).

Brass ensembles, a hand bell choir, guitarists, percussionists and dancers will be featured at the program.

Tickets are $5 for K-12th grades, $7 for 18 years of age and older; and children under five years old are free.

Steve Scherer Was Grand Marshal of Music Festival Parade - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Steve Scherer is retired as the Geneseo High School band director, but in no way is he retired from the world of music.

He recently served as grand marshal of the 2024 Geneseo Music Festival Parade held on Father’s Day, a fitting role as music continues to be a major part of his life.

Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and event organizer for the Geneseo Music Festival, commented about the selection of Scherer as grand marshal and said, “Steve retired a few years ago as band director at Geneseo High School after decades of inspiring band students and sharing his gift of music with so many.”

  “Steve's retirement and contributions to the community marks a well-deserved honor, which is fitting to take place during the Geneseo Music Festival as Grand Marshal of the annual Father’s Day Parade in Geneseo,” Sullivan added.

After retirement as GHS band director, Scherer took a nine-month piano technician course and is certified to tune and repair pianos. He also is part of the music team (praise band) at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

Grandchildren also are a big part in Scherer’s life and at 7:30 on Monday though Friday mornings, he can be found at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Bronson Good, where he entertains grandsons, Adler, 4, and Rowan, 2, and their 10-week-old sister Leonora, while their parents get ready for work.

In addition, Scherer and his wife, Jane Scherer, have a son, Jack, Chicago; and a daughter, Diana, who lives in Cardiff by the Sea, located outside of San Diego.

Steve Scherer(left) as Grand Marchal of the 2024 Geneseo Music Festival Parade.

He also spends time with his parents, taking them to all of their scheduled appointments. His father, Dick Scherer, is a resident in an apartment at Allure of Geneseo; and his mother, Annette Scherer, lives in the nursing home at Allure.

In 2021, after 34 years as a band director, Scherer stepped down as a band director. He was drawn to music in his childhood and said when he and his brother each received a Panasonic tape recorder for Christmas, he was fascinated with the technology and started recording all kinds of sounds for fun…”The next year we received a portable record player and two 45rpm records each. I would listen and marvel at how realistic the tones of each instrument sounded. At the end of fifth grade, when we could try out instruments for band starting the next school year, I knew I wanted to play one. I chose drums and percussion and I never stopped playing and still play today.”

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Western Illinois University, Macomb, and a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois in 2001. His first teaching job was in Bedford, IN.

He then took an adventurous break from teaching and moved to Austin, TX, to play and tour professionally in a rock band. Nine years later he and his family moved to Geneseo to raise their family.

That move was 30 years ago and Scherer first taught beginning band in Pleasant Valley, IA, for a year, before becoming the Director of Bands at Rock Island High School.

In 2002, his predecessor in Geneseo, Victor Bianchetta, retired, and Scherer applied for the position and was hired.

I Don’t Cook! - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Oh, Canada

If you don’t want to read about my trip to the northern wilderness of God’s country, then read something of more quality.

There were four of us anglers, Dennis & David Schoening, David Jensen, and myself, that left Eldridge on Friday, June 7, to Bear Claw Wilderness, Ontario. The camp just turned new ownership a few days before we arrived. For several years we all went to Bluffy Lake Resort, but there was a mix-up so we ended up in a new location on Wabaskang Lake.

It was less than an hour’s drive north of Dryden. We stayed overnight at a motel in Dryden. My room was $375. Ugh! We arrived at the camp the next day about 11 a.m. We had excellent lodging and our cabin had running water, bathroom, etc. Very nice! The new owner, “Toby,” his son, Max, and two others, Brian, and a lady, were all super friendly. Of course, our main objective was to catch and eat “Walleyes!”

We compare everything to Bluffy Lake because it is an outstanding walleye lake. In that respect, this new location fell quite short. We did have 4 walleye meals which included the awesome “David Schoening’s Walleye Chowder.” To die for!!

One day the three guys portaged to Lost Lake (Catch & Release only) where they caught nearly 100 walleyes, northerns, yellow perch and I think a “smally.” If you take away that day, the fishing was slow for walleyes. Not horrible, but not even close to the catches of the past Bluffy Lake adventures.

We were not alone, as it was tough going for other boats, too! We saw eagles, ducks, ground hogs, and a cow moose. When Mrs. Moose picked up our scent, she quickly went back into the forest.

Ground Hogs

One day I kept hearing a noise from under our cabin. It turned out there were three ground hogs having a party under the cabin. Camp worker, Brian, set out live traps and caught three in a matter of minutes. One was actually in our bathroom and how he got there is a mystery.

White Fish

Dennis caught a 20” fish we had never seen before. It kind of looked like a sucker or carp. We let it go and found out it was a white fish. I guess it would have been okay to eat.

Eaters

The slot limit on walleye was anything up to 18.” We caught and released some 18 - 21 inchers, and sometimes it was hard to catch “eaters.”

We did catch some nice yellow perch. They had spots we found on them, but they were okay to eat. We’re still alive!

Bait

We used worms, minnows and jigs. In Dryden I bought a $100.00 worth of nightcrawlers at Clark’s Bait & Tackle.

Worms were the bait of choice. Remember, you cannot bring worms across the border. Speaking of the border, we lucked out both coming and leaving Canada. No lines. Of course, the border guards are not the friendliest folks, so skip any kidding with them.

Master Cooks

I don’t cook! I don’t know how to and at 82 I’m useless behind a range. Fortunately, the two Schoening guys and David Jensen are really into cooking. I must have gained 10 pounds. Great food!

Handicap

I won’t harp on this, but it was hard on me getting around with my cane. It was a steep place to get to and from the boats, but the camp guys, Brian and Max, hauled me to our cabin in an ATV cart. Sometimes I tried to make it by myself, and Dennis, and the two Davids helped me. Those guys were “soooo” helpful. I should also mention that Dennis did most of the driving “to and from” Canada. He said he likes to drive. We enjoy solving the world’s problems. He used to be my boss with the Postal Service so we hashed around the “good old days!”

In Two Years

We now go to Ontario every two years. I’m not too sure I will be around in 2026, but I guess that’s up to the Big Fisherman in the sky above. If not, I have great memories of the trips to Canada since 1966.

Quote of the week

“I know of no way of judging the future, but by the past!” – Patrick Henry