Vivi la France! - By Dan Dauw

Galva Lions

Okay, so last Valentine’s Day Lorna and I celebrated our engagement anniversary at the Galva Lions Valentine’s Dinner at the VFW. It was a good time.
It just so happened the Galva Lions had a public steak dinners with all the trimmings on Wednesday, July 24th. That is the date of our wedding anniversary so why not celebrate the occasion in Galva’s Veterans Park. The ribeyes, sweet corn, baked beans, etc. were excellent and for only $10.00 per person. It was nice chanting with some of the Galva folks.

Geneseo Ikes Fish Fry

A quick reminder that the Geneseo Izaak Walton League will host their fish fry on Saturday, August 3, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m. in the lodge. All members and guests are invited. Bring a covered dish and drink. The food’s great and it’s a nice event.

Geneseo Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet

This will be their 44th banquet event held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. It will be held at the Best Western Inn, 315 Canal St., Annawan, IL. We’ve been to this event and it is awesome. Great food, raffles, live auction, new firearms, and a female-black lab puppy (13 weeks old). Seating is limited so no tickets sold at the door.
Register by Sept 9th. For a registration form or more info contact Dale “Double Barrel” Doubler, PO Box 142, Cambridge, IL 61238. Tickets are reasonable so get your reservation(s) in soon.

Eiffel Tower Dog Fight

Years ago, when I was in Paris for the first time, a cab driver told us sailors that in WW2 an American pilot in his P-51 Mustang chased a German pilot in his Bf-109 fighter “under” the Eiffel Tower. I didn’t think much of it back then, but since I looked it up on the internet I discovered it really did happen in 1944.
William Overstreet Jr. was the American pilot and after both fighters cleared the ‘tower, Overstreet turned on his guns shooting down the German plane after a long dog fight.
Can you imagine way back when if you were standing under the tower and you saw two planes heading for the Eiffel Tower?
If you get over to Paris it is a must to see the famous landmark. Go to the top tier for a great view of Paris. It is especially beautiful at night when it’s all lit up. Of course, there are a thousand and one things to see while there.
As a side note, Lorna and I were in Paris on Bastille Day in 2007. We were going to the top, but armed soldiers did not let people on the elevator. Maybe afraid of terrorists? I’d love to go there one more time, but it ‘taint going to happen. Oh, well, “Vivi la France!”

Austria 1964 Winter Olympics

When I was in the Navy I had a chance to visit Austria and Germany. It was in January, 1964, and the first stop was in Innsbruck and they were getting ready for hosting the winter Olympics. The new ice skating rink was completed.

I never put on a pair of ice skates, but I had to try it. I fell down constantly. The only other person on the rink was a young Austrian lady. She helped me more than once. She was pretty so I think I took a few “extra” falls. Anyway, I finally turned in the skates and left very humble.
I often wondered if the young lady was one of the 83 Austrian athletes that participated in the ’64 Olympics? Guess I’ll never know!

Olympic Ceremonies

Wow, what an awesome job the French did on the opening ceremonies in Paris. It was a great event even though Mother Nature got carried away with all the rain. I guess she didn’t get the memo!!
A side note: Singer Celine Dion “knocked ‘em dead” with her singing. Anyway, we’ll be wishing the best for our favorites, United Sates, Belgium, Canada, Israel, France, Mexico and Ukraine.

Lorna

I’d like to say her back problems have gotten better, but unfortunately, not so! The doctor said it is just going to take time to heal. There sure are a lot of folks who have back problems. It’s especially tough on older folks.

This is “Jeopardy”

If you are a fan of the popular TV show, Jeopardy, and especially, Alex Trebek, then head over to your friendly post office. The new “Forever” stamps, in sheet form of 20 stamps, honor Alex Trebek. He passed away in 2020.

Postal Humor

  1. Dale Collis stopped at the Galva Post Office to mail 50 letters and so he bought 50 stamps. The postal clerk handed Dale the stamps. Dale said, “Geez, do I have to stick all these on myself? The clerk said, “No. You stick them on the envelopes.

  2. Jan Weber took her parcel to mail at the Geneseo post office. She had postage on it, but the parcel was still too heavy and the clerk said it needed more postage. She thought to herself, “Yeah, like that’s going to make it lighter!”

Quote of the Week

“Advice is seldom welcome. Those who need it the most, like it least.”

  • Samuel Johnson

Geneseo Welcomes Butch Patrick aka Eddie Munster to Geneseo For 'Spook the Loop II' Event

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
309-944-2686

On Saturday, August 10, 2024, Geneseo, Illinois will welcome back one of its most famous residents for a special event. Following the success of last year’s “Spook the Loop” event, Butch Patrick, also known as Eddie Munster from the classic Munsters TV sitcom, will return to Geneseo to run it all back for Spook the Loop II! Spook the Loop will be a Halloween themed Geneseo Shoot the Loop event, celebrating Butch’s iconic role as Eddie Munster amongst a community event atmosphere – featuring a classic car cruise and live music. Last year’s event attracted over 400 cars and 5,000 people to Geneseo for Spook the Loop.

Butch Patrick is a former resident of Geneseo, Illinois. Butch lived in Geneseo as a child, prior to heading to Hollywood to begin his acting career. In Geneseo, Butch lived above a Downtown storefront and attended school at St. Malachy Elementary School in Geneseo. After arriving in Hollywood, Butch went on to star in a number of classic TV sitcoms, including The Munsters, Lidsville, Bonanza, My Favorite Martian, Gunsmoke, Mister Ed, Rawhide, The Real McCoys, General Hospital, I Dream of Jeannie, Gunsmoke, The Monkees, Daniel Boone, and My Three Sons.

Butch Patrick will host a meet & greet for fans in Downtown Geneseo on Saturday August 10, 2024 from 1:30pm to 3:00 pm in the former Four Seasons Outlet Building, located at 120 S. State St. Butch’s famous Dragula car and his Munster Chopper motorcycle will be on hand for guests to snap photos and get a close up look at these amazing vehicles.

The Spook The Loop event will be a fun variation of the Geneseo Shoot the Loop events – which occur monthly in the summertime months in Geneseo. The Geneseo Shoot the Loop events begin in 2020 as a way for people to support small businesses who were affected by the pandemic-related shut downs. The new tradition has continued post-pandemic and is more popular than ever! Over 300 classic cars are expected in Geneseo for the Spook the Loop event at the City Park, which will run from 4p-7p. Public parking will be extremely limited in this area of the City Park during the event.

Butch Patrick on his chopper at the 2023 Spook the Loop

The event will also feature an ice cream social and a Geneseo Big Band performance from 3p-4p, benefitting local non-profits. A Loop Cruise will take place beginning at 5pm, and Butch Patrick will once again serve as the Grand Marshal of the car parade that will make its way through Downtown Geneseo in a circular fashion. The event will have a parade-like atmosphere, and guests are invited to join and say hi to Butch as he cruises by on his Munster Chopper!

Capping the evening will be a performance by Lynn Allen at the Central Bank Pavilion, sponsored by Hanford Insurance, from 8p-11p in Downtown Geneseo. Butch and his show cars will be on hand from 7p-9p at the Central Bank Pavilion area.

For more information, please contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686, or visit our website at www.geneseo.org.

Kippy Breeden Long-Time Volunteer with John Deere Classic - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Even though it has been a few weeks since the John Deere Classic Golf Tournament, memories of the tournament are still fresh in the mind of Kippy Breeden, who has been a volunteer with the tournament since 1987.

Breeden became involved with the tournament when a friend, Cris Nelson, was chairman of the transportation committee for the tournament, and was in need of volunteers to drive the PGA pros and their families for what was then the Hardees’s Classic and was held at Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley.

“She said it would be a lot of fun and that’s how it all started for me,” Breeden added.

She has always been part of the transportation committee for the tournament, became co-chair in 1995, and was appointed to head chair of the transportation committee in 1999, the same year the tournament was renamed to the John Deere Classic.

“I have seven co-chairs that help organize 113 volunteers, she said.

Breeden reminisced about the early years of her volunteering and said, “In the beginning the transportation committee was located in the pool house at Oakwood. They then got us construction trailers and different committees were assigned to them. We would pick up anywhere from 30 to 50 courtesy cards from different Chevy dealers in the Quad Cities. Those were used cars and the vehicles had many miles on them, they even had the crank roll-up windows. We would pick up the vans from Orby’s. We would park the vehicles under the big Oak trees at Oakwood Country Club, and one year we had a terrible storm and it blew all the acorns of the trees and every car ended up with damage, that looked like damage from hail. That was an expensive insurance claim.”

Fast forward to current day tournament and Breeden said, “Now we pick up 189 cars from Smart Lexus in Davenport for the pros and our volunteers use them for shuttles, and we get 20 vans from Enterprise to be used as evacuation vehicles on the course and 11 display cars for advertisement for Lexus.”

Breeden also explained the requirements of becoming a volunteer and said the training involves reviewing the protocol to be used when driving the pros, their families, the media and caddies…”There are topics about the position that cannot be discussed for safety concerns for the golf pros and their families. We have procedures for drivers taking turns and running errands for the tournament. Most of the training is done the first day of a volunteer’s work schedule and then the routes are distributed for driving media and caddy shuttles. We also go over what hotels and private housing the pros are using for accommodations.”

Volunteer training begins the Thursday prior to the tournament and the volunteers work until the Tuesday after the tournament….”We run three shifts at the course, starting at 5 a.m. and continuing until 10 p.m.,” she explained. “We have two shifts at the airport that start at 6 a.m. and run until the last flight arrives at night.”

“The volunteers do a variety of errands from taking a person from the medical trailer to their car, to picking up items for the John Deere Classic to driving a pro from Moline to Chicago O’Hare Airport to catch a flight to the next tournament and everything in-between.” she added.

And it isn’t just the 13 to 14 days of preparation before, during and after the tournament, Breeden said she and her volunteers do a lot of preparing throughout the year…”and there is a lot of hard done by the volunteers during the tournament.”

“We are responsible for millions of dollars by keeping track of where and who has the cars,” she said. “One time a pro took the car he was using to O’Hare and left it unlocked in the short-term parking lot with the keys under the floor mat and never let us know what he had done. It took us 24 hours to track him down and find out what he had done with the car when it was not returned to us at the course.”

In spite of the problems that may arise, Breeden said, “I really love doing this job because of the friendships I have made over the years with the volunteers, the golf pros and their families, and seeing amazing golf and the number of charities this event helps. It really is very rewarding. I work very long hours every day, but I can’t imagine missing out on the fun!”

When she isn’t working and when the weather is nice enough, Breeden can be found playing golf herself, and she shared that her Dad started her golfing when she was a teenager.

Kippy Breeden with Jordan Spieth at the John Deere Classic. Photo Submitted

Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run in 2024 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Race information: Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run – Saturday, Aug. 24, 5 K at 8 a.m. and one-mile run/walk at 9 a.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Atkinson.
Registration: Online at www.jordanrahnforeveryoungrun.org
Katie VanAntwerp is race director, and can be contacted at ktvanantwerp@gmail.com.

Lola and Ryan Rahn, Atkinson, stand by the kayak to be awarded to a participant in the 2024 Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run on Saturday, Aug. 24. The 10th annual event is in memory of their son who died in 2013.

The Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run continues to be a celebration of life in memory of Jordan Rahn, son of Ryan and Lola Rahn of Atkinson, and a means to help children in foster care.

The annual event is a result of the tragedy that claimed the young life of Jordan Rahn, who died unexpectedly in October of 2013, at the age of 19 while playing football with friends.

Proceeds from the upcoming 10th annual Run, in memory of the Rahn’s son, will be used to benefit children in foster care, including Foster Hope, which was founded by the Rahn couple in April of 2017. The race was not held in 2020 which makes 2024 the 10th year for the JRFYR.

Katie VanAntwerp, race director, said, “Because we did not have a race in 2020, this makes this year’s race our 10th event and we are hoping that this will be the biggest celebration yet.”

Registration is underway for this year’s Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run which is Saturday, Aug. 24, and Tuesday, Aug. 13, is the last day to register at the lower rate, and the last day to receive a T-shirt with registration. The 5K Race will begin at 8 a.m. and the one mile race kicks off at 9 a.m., both from Veterans Memorial Park in Atkinson.

Prizes include:

-5K Overall Male/Female winners will receive $100 cash.

-One Mile Overall Atkinson Resident Male/Female winners will receive $50 Village of Atkinson gift certificates.

Again this year, a race participant who is 18 years of age or older, will be given the choice of a kayak or $300 cash. There also will be bikes awarded to one boy and one girl who participate in the Run and are 12 years old or younger. A Fit Bit will be awarded to a participant who is 13 to 17 years old. The prizes will be awarded in random drawings and winners must be present to win the prizes.

Activities are planned in Veterans Park after the race. There will be a Post Race Party and Beer Tent in Veterans Park

-Margaritas will be available to purchase for adults 21 years of age and older.

-Live music by Shaun Easton from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

-Live music by John Heasly from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

-Free kids’ games from 10 a.m. to noon.

-Gaga Ball

-Emily’s Face Painting from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

-Kid’s Inflatables from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

-FOAM Party for kids from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

-Emily’s Face Painting from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m.

-Sol’s Legacy Ministries minis from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

-Miller’s Petting Zoo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

-Tiny Tail Exotics form 10 a.m. to noon.

-QCCAN Therapy Dogs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

-Tropical Sno Cambridge from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

-Atkinson Booster Club Cookout opens at 10 a.m.

-Fuego Taco from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until sold out.

-Sourdough BAE Booth.

All proceeds benefit children in foster care through Foster Hope.

As a result of that first race, Lola Rahn was able to connect with several foster care parents and she and her husband started a foster parent support group, Foster Hope that meets in Foster Hope offices located in the former Atkinson Grade School, 107 South State St. The couple also hosts several appreciation events for foster families.

Foster Hope is a 501-c3 non-profit organization and Rahn said, “Our mission is to educate, inspire and support the foster care community. Educate by providing a place for foster parent trainings, including CPR classes; Inspire by providing a place for our support group meetings; support by being able to meet the immediate needs of a foster family after they receive a child in their home such as providing them with diapers, clothes, cribs and other necessary items.”

More information about Foster Hope is available on Face book page at Foster Hope-Quad Cities Area.

They Choose Your Nursing Home - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

84 Charing Cross Road

That is the name of the recent comedy-drama play at the Richmond Hill Barn in Geneseo. Lorna and I attended the play on Saturday, July 20th.
Jackie Patterson, who played “Maxine,” did her usual excellent job. Jakie Skiles had a lead part and “knocked ‘em dead.” Other cast members who did a great job were Mimi Sweetser, Jim Strauss, Mischa Hooker, Elissa Dynes, John Simosky, Susan Hopton, and Rolan Swanson. Rolan reminded us of our one grandson, Caden Nommensen. Caden is a senior at Lockport H.S. and was a really good actor in plays, but he has other interests now.
In short, it was about an American writer and a British bookseller. We enjoyed the play, but it did have a sad ending. After the play I asked one of the staff members how they obtain all the props for the play. She said it can be very difficult to find the correct items. There will be future plays in August, October and November.
I noticed in the program an ad listing future plays at “The Black Box Theatre” in downtown Moline. One play that interests me is about WW1 entitled, The Weir. It is about the Christmas Truce of 1914.

Geneseo Ikes “Fish Fry”

All members of the Geneseo Izaak Walton League and guests are invited to the club’s fish fry on Saturday, August 3, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m. Bring a covered dish and a drink. If you like catfish, crappies, walleye and bluegill make sure to attend. It’s all free!

Stoolball

Baseball-like games can be traced back to the 14th century. Baseball was a descendant of a British game called “Stoolball.” It is still played in England, but the rules are different and the game is mostly played by women.
In 1330, poet William Pagula recommended to priests that stoolball be forbidden within churchyards. As to the Cubs, they should be forbidden to play anywhere!!!! Remember Sammy Sosa? Well, in May of 2004, Sosa sneezed so hard that he injured his back, sidelining the Cub’s outfielder and had one of the worst hitting slumps of his career.

Olympics, Sure Beats Politics

All of us have our favorite Olympic events. Any water sports I “surf” to a different station. Love gymnastics, track ‘n field, basketball and some others I can’t think of right now.

Slow With TV Messages

This drives us nuts when messages are put on the screen and we are given one second to read the translation or message and then, “poof” it’s gone!
With PBS as one exception, it is amazing how the TV networks have their commercials synchronized so we’ll get commercials no matter what station we go to. I used to watch the news on PBS, but “wow” have they switched from fair and honest reporting. Setting that aside, PBS has really good programming.
As to President Biden at age 81. I can understand he is calling it quits whether he really wanted to or not. In my humble opinion, I think Trump had a better chance running against Biden then Kamala. I won’t be around for the 2028 elections, but I do hope Nikki Haley gets the top job, or at least VP. As for now It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Yeah, I Needed A New Bumper

Two months ago Lorna had a scrape with a brick wall. The wall won!
So, last week it was my turn. I was in a big hurry to join the Dahlquist boys on a morning fishing adventure. Unfortunately, in my hurry the front bumper snagged on our snow blower and in my case, the snow blower won. A trip to Pro/Tech was the end result.
Oh, and how was the fishing you might ask? Not too good for me, but good for the other guys. They’re such show-offs!!!!!

Gnats are a Pain

Usually, these pesky little creatures last a week or two, but I seem to attract ‘em in our backyard or out fishing. On the plus side, mosquitoes this summer have not been bad in our neck of the woods.

Humor For Seniors

  1. What’s the best part of old age? Ans: It doesn’t last very long.

  2. I used to know a couple who grew fruit trees together. They lived to a ripe old age.

  3. I called the incontinence hotline recently. They asked if I could hold?

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

  5. What’s worse than middle age? Ans: Knowing you’ll grow out of it.

Quote of the Week

“To appreciate heaven well, ‘tis good for a man to spend fifteen minutes in hell.”

  • Will Carleton

Sugar Maple Ladies Host Golf Outing - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Forty-two golfers from four area golf clubs, representing 14 area communities, took part in the recent Golf Outing hosted by the Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League. The event was held at Sugar Maple Golf Club, Geneseo, on July 15, a day referred to by many of the ladies as “the hottest, most humid day of summer.”

A total of $2,354 was presented to the Trinity Health Foundation, which is part of the Ladies League’s five-year pledge of $7,500, to “Swing Fore the Cure.”

According to Jean Hahn, who served as co-chairperson of the recent event with Nancy Stover, the funds raised locally will be used to purchase a named infusion chair for the expansion of the Trinity Cancer Center in the Quad Cities, which is designed to make cancer treatments more available locally.

This year’s theme for the outing was “Butterflies and Birdies” – Butterflies symbolize hope.

Cancer survivors who took part in the recent outing hosted by the Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League include from left, Carol Brunner, Barb Specht, Vicki McVietty, Sheila Cromien, Kathryn White, Carole Flowers, Sharon Yoder, Donna Gradert. Phyllis Heckman and Vickie Farrell also are survivors, but are not in the photo. Contributed Photo

In addition to the golf outing, 10 of the golfers, who are cancer survivors, received special recognition. Fused glass butterfly plant stakes were created by 10 members of the Sugar Maple Ladies, under the direction of local glass artist Marie Skiles, and those stakes were presented to the 10 cancer survivors.

Karen Taylor of Sheffield received a prize for the lowest score, one over part; Vickie Farrell, Libby Trego and Jan VanKerrebroeck also were recognized for earning Birdies during the golf round. Winners of special events during the round received hand-made potted plant motif kitchen towels.

The outing included nine holes of golf, a salad luncheon provided by members of the Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League, and an array of gifts given by members and businesses and gift certificates donated by local businesses.

Hahn expressed appreciation to the businesses and listed them: Sugar Maple Golf Club, Trinity Health Foundation, Country View Golf Club, Baker Park Golf Course, BEMER Health & Wellness -Julie Thiel, Kent Johnson (manager GEN-AIR, INC.), Village Florist, Village Home Stores, Pampered Chef (Beth Ford Consultant), Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, Cerno’s Bar & Grill, Culver’s, The Cellar, Dairy Queen, Geneseo Fareway, Four Seasons, State Street Café, Sunrise Café, Wal-Mart.

“It was a very successful event,” she said. “Special thanks to all who had a part in our Outing: Sugar Maple Golf Course, Sugar Maple Ladies League members, employees of Sugar Maple, and the Bag Boys (husbands and other men) who handled clubs and food for our members and guests.”

The special event prize winners at the “Swing FORE the Cure” golf outing hosted by the Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League are, from left, Pat Warren, Sonja Everett, Carole Flowers, Karen Taylor, Joan Windisch and Erna Miller. Contributed Photo

Derecho's Affect All of Us - By Curt Jacobs

By Curt Jacobs
Correspondent

Until recently, the term derecho was new to most of us.  The National Weather Service gives the description of a Derecho as a widespread, long-lived wind storm. Derechos are associated with bands of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. They have some additional requirements including  a swath of wind damage that extends at least 400 miles,and is at least 60 miles  wide, includes wind gusts of at least 58 mph along most of its length, and also includes several, well-separated 75 mph or greater gusts. The majority of  these storms are found in North America.

The first of these storms to be identified as a derecho was documented in 1877. It traveled from South Dakota to Ohio. Derechos on average occur once every 2 years in Iowa and on average once per year in Illinois. The storm that crossed Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana generated hundreds of wind damage reports. Those reports ranged from tree, powerline, structural and crop damages, along with several confirmed tornadoes. In parts of southern Illinois and southern Indiana they were hit twice. Once from the remnants of hurricane Beryl and also the derecho.   

Photo by Curt Jacobs

Several types of crop diseases can be the result of a derecho. Physical damage can range from broken off plants to wind damaged leaves. These leaves become susceptible to fungal pathogens such as leaf blights and could lead to root rot.  Soil erosion and wind can carry spores of pathogens into new areas and create new infections of plants. The timing of the storm can greatly affect the crop, especially during the pollination of corn leading to poor pollination and reduced crops. These are just some of the possible outcomes from a major storm event. 

The derecho in August of 2020 damaged approximately 14 million acres of crops. Total economic losses to agriculture were estimated at $3.8 Billion. It is too soon to estimate the damage that this storm has caused.  It will take months to realize all the damage that has happened.  If you see someone that is cleaning up storm damage, take some time and help out if you are able too. You never know when you may be the next person that needs a little extra help. 

Lucille Ball Presentation July 31 at Geneseo Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Leslie Goddard, a gifted, award-winning historian, author, actress and lecturer who has been presenting on topics in American History and women’s history for more than 20 years will be making her debut presentation as Lucille Ball at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, at the Geneseo Public Library. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Lucille Desiree Ball was an American actress, comedian, producer, and studio executive, and was recognized by Time as one of the most influential women of the 20th century for her work in all four of these areas.

Contributed Photo

In the 1950’s, she captured the hearts of television audiences across the nation. Off-screen, she and her real-life husband launched their own television studio and pioneered new technologies. Unbeknownst to her viewers, however, the day-to-day struggles of living your life on TV took a toll on the couple’s marriage.

A former museum director, Leslie Goddard holds a PhD from Northwestern University as well as master’s degrees in museum study and in theater.

She is known nationally for her work in bringing women’s history alive through her portrayal of famous women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, artist Georgia O’Keefe, actress Bette Davis, and Chef Julie Child and others. She also has portrayed Betty Crocker, lectured on the history of the Barbie doll and on the life of airline stewardesses in the 1960’s in her portrayal as “Pan Am Betty.”

Goddard presents more than 400 performances and lectures each year to public libraries, professional associations and colleges/universities. She has served on the board of the Illinois State Historical Society, the Illinois Association of Museums and the Civil War Round Table of Chicago.

She is the author of three books on Chicago history: “Remembering Marshall Field’s,” “Lost Chicago Department Stores,” and “Chicago’s Sweet Candy History.”

Contributed Photo

International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program July 23 Ice Cream Social - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Andrea Hogue, left, and Margaret Hitzhusen, board members of the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program, are in charge of the July 23 Ice Cream Social at Geneseo City Park.
Desserts and ice cream will be served, beginning at 6 p.m., with music by the QC’s Big

River Brass Band beginning at 7 p.m.

Dessert donations are needed for the ice cream social and anyone interested in donating a baked item or in making a monetary donation is asked to contact Hogue at 309-945-2537

The 40-member BRBB plays in the style of European brass bands and draws literature from classic crass band repertoire, and classical, jazz and pop arrangements.

Since 1960 the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program has arranged home stays and professional educational appointments in the Geneseo and surrounding areas, including the Quad Cities, for short term international visitors and students. The GITFP board also works with International House in Chicago to arrange for interested guests and pairs them with hosts in our communities.

The Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program returned last year with 10 guests, after a three-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic.

There is a need for host families for Nov. 27-Dec. 1 of this year. Questions and application information is available from Marcia Helke at 309-944-4486 or at gitfp60@gmail.com.

Andrea Hogue shared some comments about her family’s experience in hosting with the program and she said, “In our experience in the four times hosting, our family has made bonds that have lasted years with German, Chinese and Japanese students and young professionals. We hear from them regularly. It helped my kids understand the world is bigger than just us in our community.”

Margaret Hitzhusen added, “It gives us an opportunity to learn about other cultures and to showcase our wonderful community.”

Galaxy Vacation Trip - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Long Range

I’m typing this the day after the shooting of Trump and others. It was reported that the shooter was 100 to 200 yards away from where he was shooting. Some of today’s AR-15 style rifles can reach out to 1,000 yards plus.
Of course, it takes certain calculations such as wind, cartridge, bullet weight and drop, etc. Let’s hope in the future that distance is taken into consideration by the Secret Service. Obviously, they know more than I do on security, but whether it’s on an AR-15 platform or a souped-up bolt action hunting rifle, long distance accuracy can be attainable.

License Renewal

Okay, I know some of it is me and my age, but I had a time trying to renewal my vehicle license plate sticker on-line. Fortunately, you can also renew by mail which was so much easier.

Galaxy Vacation Trip

You might want to re-think your vacation plans as I read recently that a trip around our galaxy would take 100,000 years to finish. I think I’d rather just drive to Canada and go fishing.
Also, forget planning a trip to Jupiter. Its gravity is more than two-and-a-half times greater than on Earth. I imagine sky diving would be a fast adventure providing the plane can get off the ground.

Geneseo Ikes Fish Fry

Members and guests are invited to the “Geneseo Izaak Walton Fish Fry” on Saturday, August 3, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m. Bring a covered dish and a drink. Last April’s fish fry was really nice featuring catfish, crappies, walleye and bluegill. So good!!!!! I’m sure this August’s fish fry will be great, too!

Geneseo Ikes “Ham ‘n Bean Supper”

This very popular event will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Park. 1 mile north of Geneseo.
Besides good food, there will also be a 50/50 drawing. I believe there will also be live entertainment. Only ten bucks for adults, and children under ten, five bucks. For sure, It’s a fun time.

Bad Fall

Just an up-date for those of you who know Lorna, she had taken a bad fall recently at our house. After a trip to the RI hospital and a 7 hour wait in the Emergency Room, the x-rays showed a fracture on her spine. She has a back brace and takes medication. Unfortunately, it’s going to be a long haul. Ah, the “Golden Years.”

Civil War

General Joseph Mansfield spent months pestering the North’s War Department for a field command that would be his career’s crowning glory. He finally got his wish and was made commander of the Federal XII Corps. In less than an hour, he was killed leading his corps into action. I guess, “careful what you wish for!”

Humor

1) The other day I stopped at the DQ ice cream parlor. I slowly shuffled and painfully got up on the counter stool. I ordered a banana split. The waitress asked kindly, “Crushed nuts?” “No, I replied. Arthritis.”

2) Which underwear brand do seniors love best? Ans: It “Depends.”

3) Age is mind over matter. If you don’t “mind” getting older, then it really doesn’t “matter.”

4) Yesterday a bird bit me. “Owl.”

5) I always wanted to marry “Miss Right,” which I did. I just didn’t know her first name was going to be “Always.”

Quote of the Week

“So now he is a legend when he would have preferred to be a man.”

  • Jacqueline Kennedy

Blue Stars DCI Come to Geneseo

By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current

Strolling down Ogden Street on a clear Thursday morning, the sound of the loudest metronome could be heard blaring over the Geneseo High School football stadium speakers, while the hum of five charter busses, four semi-trucks, and about 120 marching band members took to the field for practice. But these were no ordinary marching band members… these were the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps from La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Celebrating their 60th anniversary, the 2024 Blue Stars presented Universal, a program which beautifully contrasts the universal language of love with a depiction of the cosmos. Brass, percussion, color guard, and visual elements all take the audience out of the stands and into space. Musical selections in this program include excerpts from Steven Wilson (The Harmony Codex), Yoko Kanno (Inner Universe), Juris Karlsons (Oremus and Adoratio), Tomas Kaco (Nocturne), Hoagy Carmichael (Stardust), Sza (Saturn), Kendrick Lamar (All the Stars), Ultravox (I Remember), and Coldplay (Yellow).

This year’s corps is made up of students aged 16-21 from all around the United States. The audition- based group relies on donations and scholarships in order to travel the country for rehearsals, shows, and competitions, from Wisconsin to Texas and everything in between. They are currently in the top 12 in DCI and are award-winning World Class Champions.

On Friday, July 12 from 12:30-3:30 Blue Stars held clinics with the Geneseo High School marching band, The Sound of Geneseo (TSOG). Then after a quick competition elsewhere, the full group returned to GHS for a 9:30pm final run-through of their entire show. It was out of this world!

For more information about the Blue Stars, visit their website at bluestars.org.

Kelly Wolf Appointed New Henry County Tourism Director

July 12(Cambridge, IL) - The Henry County Tourism Bureau is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Wolf as the new Tourism Director. Kelly brings a wealth of experience in tourism and hospitality to the team. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to her contributions in promoting Henry County as a tourist destination.

Kelly, originally from Geneseo, has more than 15 years’ experience, primarily gained in Houston, where she contributed to various aspects of the city's tourism industry. Along with her extensive background, Kelly holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University. In her most recent role as the RISE (Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery) Grant coordinator she developed the 2024 Strategic Tourism Plan for Henry County.

After the Henry County Tourism Bureau became inactive in 2021, the county worked with stakeholders and local government officials to form a new Henry County Tourism Board. The goal was to reintroduce a new Henry County Tourism Bureau that provides a stronger engagement of all tourism related stakeholders in the county. The plan not only aims to take advantage of the existing resources and attractions, but to also explore new opportunities for growth and to attract a larger number of visitors.

"We're excited to have Kelly on board," said Tourism Bureau Chair Gary Bradley, adding "she did a tremendous job of working with the bureau to put together the tourism plan, and we think she'll do an even better job of implementing that plan over the next few years, helping each community and Henry County in our efforts to maximize the economic impact the tourism sector can have on our local communities. "

Kelly will collaborate closely with partners from the Henry County Tourism Bureau, the Henry County Economic Development Director, and neighboring tourism communities.

"It's a great privilege to be able to contribute to Henry County's tourism efforts. Having grown up here, I'm excited to bring back the knowledge and experience I've gained to support the community's growth."

Kelly said, "I'm looking forward to collaborating with colleagues and partners across the county and surrounding areas to further enhance Henry County's tourism landscape."

The Tourism Bureau is excited to see where Kelly will lead the organization and looks forward to the positive impact she will have on our region.

Kelly Wolf. Photo Submitted

Taylor Zvonic Receives Park District RESPECT Award - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Taylor Zvonic, Day Camp Manager for the Geneseo Park District, recently received the District’s RESPECT Award:

-R – Recreational, Health & Wellness Opportunities.

-E – Excellence.

-S – Safety.

-P-Positivity.

-Equitable – Creating an environment of inclusion for the whole community.

-C – Communication.

-T – Teamwork.

The letter of nomination for Zvonic, written by Nathaniel Hines, Recreation Program Manager for the Park District, states: “As the Day Camp Manager, Taylor has consistently demonstrated qualities that make her an outstanding leader and a true asset to our organization.”

“One of Taylor’s standout qualities is her ability to create a sense of community within the Day Camp. She goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment where every camper feels valued. Taylor’s dedication to ensuring that each child’s experience is positive and enjoyable speaks to her commitment to the well-being of our campers. When looking at the Day Camp, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who cares about the institution more, or who has contributed more to it……The experiences that she leads in facilitating clearly have a lasting impact on our campers that will last a lifetime.”

Zvonic is a 2022 graduate of Geneseo High School and will be a junior at Bradley University in Peoria, where she is majoring in Kinesiology and Health Sciences.