Lucille Ball Presentation Rescheduled at Geneseo Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Lucille Ball presentation, originally scheduled for July 31 at the Geneseo Public Library, has been rescheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.

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 the 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.

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

Technology Upgrades at Geneseo Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

On Oct. 11, 2011, the new $2.5 million Geneseo Public Library building opened to the public. It was funded entirely with private donations and community support. Inside the building were a bank of computers for public use with free Wi-Fi and printers. The library was tech-savvy!

That was then, and this is now: The internet speed back then was about 1 MBPS; as of 2019 it is 100 MBPS. Google appeared in 2011, and who would ever think of not using it now to find information? In addition, there are sophisticated cell phones, many new social media platforms and advanced AI technology.

Many people work remotely from their homes, so Microsoft Office and other software has been developed to facilitate that use. Google maps are used to find the way, Snap chat to share photos, What Sapp to message friends, Oculus to play virtual reality games, Netflix to binge movies/videos. Instagram to stay updated on what’s going on in the world in addition to many other technological applications.

Many shopping malls have closed because people are making purchases online, with the number one seller being Amazon.

The world of technology continues to move forward, and in keeping up with the pace, a major upgrade was in order for the library.

Here’s what’s new:

-To make working on your computer easier, two new high-up chairs have been added to the multi-tasking table near the north window in the library.

-Eight new computers have been installed for public use.

-Several of these computers have dual screens.

-All eight have USB hubs that accommodate all five USB device ports.

-All eight have headphones to keep your viewing experience private.

The Wi-Fi access also has changed. All patrons may access the Wi-Fi connection free of charge at the library, but must first agree to the user policy and enter the password: freewifi.

Wi-Fi also is available outside of the library. Patrons can access Wi-Fi from outside of the building 24/7. There are security cameras around the building, so should there be any “suspicious activity” while visitors are parked in their car after the library is closed, it will show up on the cameras. If anyone feels at risk of harm, they should call 911. The lighting in the parking lot also has been updated to make it a safer place after dark.

Guests Gather on Grounds of Geneseo Historical Museum to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Sunny skies and mild temperatures provided the perfect combination for the Garden Party held Saturday in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Geneseo Historical Museum. The event was held in the memorial gardens at the rear of the museum and light refreshments were served. Many museum volunteers and visitors were dressed in elegant attire suitable for the outdoor setting. Photos by Claudia Loucks

New Teacher 2024 Luncheon at Grace Church in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


New staff members in the Geneseo School District were honored on Aug. 8 at a luncheon at Grace United Methodist Church. The 2024 luncheon was the 44th year for the church to host new teachers and administrators to the district.

The new staff members include:

-ELEMENTARY: - Jennifer Nelson, first grade, Northside;
Rachel Oeder, third grade Northside; Kaitlyn Peters, third grade Millikin; Emily Ryerson, fourth grade, Northside; and Haley Tromblee, vocal music, Millikin.

Additional new staff in the Geneseo School District are, in front from left, Nora Minnaert, Shay Moorman, Shelly Britt; in back, Megan Miller, Julie Stevens, Michelle Westerdale and Tayloran Atwell. Photo by Claudia Loucks

-MIDDLE SCHOOL: - Tayloran Atwell, science; Shelly Britt, English; Nora Minnaert, science; Shay Moorman, art; and Kimberly Vandewoestyne, physical education/health.

Also, new as Geneseo School District staff are, in front from left, Philip Casarotto, Kaitlyn Peters, Haley Tromblee; in back, Matt Furlong, Kimberly Vandewoestyne, Hannah Hutton and Janea Oaks. Photo by Claudia Loucks

-HIGH SCHOOL: – Angelia Baumgartner, science; Matt Furlong, social science; Quincy McSweeney, science; Megan Miller, physical education; Janea Oaks, CARES Classroom; Calla Ritchie, English; and Michelle Westerdale, counselor.

New staff in the Geneseo School District are, in front from left, Emily Ryerson, Jennifer Nelson, Calla Ritchie; in back, Tricia Hull, Rachel Oeder, Quincy McSweeney and Angelia Baumgartner. Photo by Claudia Loucks

-HENRY/STARK: - Philip Casarotto, teacher; Tricia Hull, Life Skills teacher; Hannah Hutton, speech; Christine Rogers, CC teacher; and Julia Stevens, social worker.

Speed Bumps - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Olympics

I’ve seen passed winter and summer Olympics, but this one is the best one yet, in my opinion. So many great stories told of the USA athletics. Just to mention one in particular was Noah Lyles winning the 100-meter final. He had overcome years of dealing with asthma and was still able to win the gold.
I know all about asthma and many times it was so tough to get a breath. I thought the opening ceremonies was neat with the boats on the river Seine. I wonder if they will have the same boats on the closing ceremonies? Probably not.
I had a little hard time understanding one of the British commentators with her heavy accent. As I write this China has won the most Gold metals with the USA way ahead of total metals. I’m sure I won’t be around for the next Olympics so I’m glad I was able to enjoy this one. Lorna and I watched a lot of the events so I really don’t have much new for this week’s column. Short ‘n sweet!!!

Cicada

I sure never heard cicadas in our neck of the woods, but Lorna said she thinks she heard them one day. As young cicadas tunnel out of the ground, some become infected by a fungus in the soil.
When the bugs shed their shells to become adults, the fungus makes their bottoms fall off. I guess they save on toilet paper!

Lucky

Last week I fed some unfrozen mice to our pet snake, Candy Corn. I only open a small part of the top of the aquarium and drop ‘em in. Usually, she grabs a mouse before it hits the bottom.
Well, Mr. Dufus here forgot to close the top of the aquarium and guess who made its exit?
Fortunately, we found her not far from her home. L-u-c-k-y!!!

To Bee or not to Bee

When you get stung by a bee, it mostly likely was a female. Male bees are all buzz, but no bite. Only female bees have stingers that can inject painful venom.

Politics

In my opinion, the Democrats made the correct call by picking Kamala Harris for their presidential nomination. I think Trump would have won had Biden stayed in the fray. I would like to see a debate between the two candidates. No live audience, too!

Humor

  1. Vic Bianchetta was afraid of speed bumps, but he slowly got over them!

  2. Linda Vanderleest decided to sell her vacuum cleaner. The reason being all it was doing was gathering dust!

  3. Vern Mariman recently emptied his wallet into a bowl of nachos. I guess one could say he cashed in his chips!

  4. Lyn Paris broke his leg in two places. His doctor told him to stay out of those places!

  5. Todd Sieben heard music from his printer. He said there was no problem as it was just jamming!

Quote of the Week

“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection!”

  • Michelangelo

Richmond Hill Players Comedy Opens Aug. 15 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Players continue their 2024 season with “The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase,” a comedy by Pat Cook. The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, Aug. 15-25, in the Barn Theatre at Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo.

Joe DePauw, Geneseo, directs the show.

ABOUT THE PLAY

When Uncle George invites his whole family up for a weekend of fun at his rustic cabin, he actually wants them together so he can read his will. But between the bequeathing and his rambling stories, George drops the bomb that somewhere on the property is a suitcase holding four hundred and eighty thousand dollars!

Violet Runty, at right, shows her parents, David Shaffer and Dana Skiles the dog that Uncle George whittled for her, in a scene from “The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase,” which opens Aug. 15 at the Barn Theater in Geneseo. Contributed Photo

What follows is a hilarious farce of pettiness, slander, and greed. The relatives end up wrestling each other, falling down the stairs, and getting stuck in the furniture.

“Yep,” said George as he’s seen carrying a shovel out the front door. But George’s gift is much more important that mere money, even though the relatives don’t see it that way – at first.

The cast features Bruce Carmen, Alex Claus, Dana Skiles and Violet Runty, all of Geneseo; Elizabeth Pyle, Cambridge; Mandi Wilson, New Windsor; David Shaffer, Moline, and Valerie Painter, Toulon.

Alex Claus, left, Bruce Carmen, and Elizabeth Pyle are among the cast members of “The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase.” Contributed Photo

The staff includes stage manager Elizabeth Shaffer, Moline; light and sound designer/operator Jennifer Kingry; set builder Mike Skiles, Geneseo, and set builder Jim Skiles, Colona.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are 3 p.m. matinees with the doors opening at 2 p.m.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244 or by visiting the website at rhplayers.com.

Late seating is not permitted; no one will be admitted to the theater after the show has started.

Admission to all performances is $12.

An audio description performance will be held Friday, Aug. 16. Richmond Hill also offers Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), which can be requested at the time reservations are made.

Farrell Dad and Daughter Duo Capture Golf Championship in Ireland - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Submitted Photo

Allison (Farrell) Cooney didn’t just submit the winning entry into a contest that sent her and her Dad, Ron Farrell, to Ireland to play together in a golf tournament, but they also won the tournament.

Cooney won the contest, sponsored by Women’s Golf Digest and Carr Golf through the social media platform Instagram, and she and her Dad received an all-expense entry into the tournament held at the Dooks Golf Club and the Waterville Golf Links in Kerry, Ireland.

There were 32 father and daughter from five countries – United States, Canada, Ireland, England and South Africa, competing in the three-day tournament.

The festivities were held July 15-18 and included three tournament rounds, July 16-18….”All rounds were played together in two different formals, best ball or alternate shot,” Cooney explained.

She shared the first day was a four-ball format, the second day a Scotch Foursome format and the final day a Four-ball format.

“The scoring format was Stableford which is a points based scoring based off the score relative to par,” she said. “We were 19 over par for the three-day score and scored 89 points.”

They each won trophies for their winning efforts.

In addition to the tournament, Cooney and her father were able to explore Dublin for two days prior to the golf tournament and she said, “We were able to take in all of the popular sites and enjoy some local food. The tournament provided a driver form Dublin to Waterville for the tournament, and on the way we were able to drive the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and see much of the countryside.”

“The Carr Golf Family took incredible care of us from the moment we arrived in Ireland,” she said. “They coordinated transportation, accommodations, meals, etc., to make our experience memorable. The Father Daughter World Invitational is truly a world-class event that we will remember for the rest of our lives.”

She shared the link to next year’s event and added, “in case anyone is interested in attending: https://carrgolf.com/tournaments/world-invitational-father-daughter-golf-tournament.

When asked about special memories of the trip, Cooney said going into the third and final round of the golf tournament, she and her Dad were sitting in fourth or fifth place…”We were within reach of first but knew we would need a solid final day to win the gross. On the back 9 of the final day my Dad nearly made an albatross. The tap in eagle gave us some momentum going into the final stretch. On the last day my Dad made a 12 ft. birdie putt to give us the win by one.”

She also commented, “We met so many incredible people through the event that share the same love for the game. We spent quite a bit of time with a family from England and South Africa. The people we met made the memories that much sweeter.”

Cooney offered a special tribute to her Dad when she said, “You don’t get many opportunities to do a trip of this magnitude with your Dad or Daughter. Golf is such a big part of both of our lives it was incredibly special to share this experience together. My Dad has done a lot to help me succeed in the game of golf. I know I would not be where I am today without his love and support. Winning this trip was the perfect opportunity for me to give back just a small piece of what he has given me.”

We asked Cooney’s Dad, Ron Farrell of Geneseo, to share some comments, and he said he felt “like a winner before we even left for the trip, and I told myself to simply just try to enjoy every aspect of it.”

The trip was a “once in lifetime experience,” he said. ‘I’m fortunate to have two great kids and to be able to spend a week with one of them overseas is something I never dreamed of. Everything about the experience was truly unbelievable.”

Submitted Photo

He commented that the Links style Golf courses, Carr Golf and Golf Digest “treated us to a spectacular and professional-style tournament. Allison is an exceptional player and carried the team (her father) for the majority of the three-day event, although I did have a chance to contribute on the back nine of the last day…Shooting the low gross score of the tournament was ‘icing on top’ of an already special week.”

Her Dad is right when he refers to Allison as “an exceptional player.”

Golf has long been a big part of the Farrell family as parents, Ron and Lisa Farrell, and sister, Ashley, are avid golfers.

After graduating from GHS in 2012, Cooney earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in Supply Chain Management from Western Illinois University, Macomb, before joining the work force in 2016. She also was on the golf team at Western.

While a student at GHS, Cooney played on the golf team and earned a spot at State in her senior year where she placed in the top 25 golfers.

She was the assistant golf coach at GHS from 2016 until 2023, when she and her husband, Robert Cooney, moved to North Carolina, where they live near Raleigh. She continues to play golf recreationally and said she and her husband play golf together several times a week.

In addition to playing golf, she also volunteers at a local golf course with the First Tee program…”I am helping teach five and six-year-olds skills they can use on the golf course as well as in life,” she said.

Submitted Photo

Allison’s Entry in Golf Contest – Why She Wanted to Play Golf with Her Dad in the Event

“At the age of 8 my Dad introduced me to the game of golf and sparked a life long passion. He has always, and will always, be my favorite golf partner. He started as my swing coach, and over time, those roles have reversed. I played college golf. 80 collegian rounds and my Dad never missed a swing. Since those days we've completed our "Spectator Grand Slam" to watch all four of the Men's Majors together. The feat was achieved at St. Andrews where my Dad took me on a golf trip of a lifetime to Scotland. I have since moved away from our hometown to pursue my dream of working in the golf industry. This means fewer rounds of golf together but makes the rounds we get that much more meaningful. Golf is much more than a game to both of us, but a way of life. Watching, playing, working, coaching - golf is always at the center of what we do together. Winning this would allow me to give my Dad just a small piece of what he has given me these past 20 years.” 

Geneseo FCA to Serve Ice Cream Treats Saturday in City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will be serving ice cream and toppings, in addition to root beer floats beginning at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Geneseo City Park. A free will donation is asked, and water will be available to purchase. All proceeds support FCA. The event is being held in conjunction with “Spook the Loop,” when Butch Patrick, also known as Eddie Munster from the classic Munsters TV show, returns to Geneseo for this year’s “Spook the Loop.”

The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Announce “Walk-In” School Ready Exam Clinics on Monday, August 12th from 12-6pm in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
July 30, 2024

First Choice Healthcare reminds residents they will be holding a special “Pop Up Walk-In” School & Sports Exam days on Monday, August 12 from 12pm-6pm at their clinic locations in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon. 

     These special clinics will offer school & sports physicals at a cash price of only $40.  Those with insurance coverage, please bring insurance information if billing to insurance. 

   The clinic will offer area Junior High and Senior High School Athletes, Freshmen, Sixth Graders, Kindergartners, and Preschoolers school or sports physicals.  Please note, to help reduce wait times, arrive with your physical forms (obtained through your local school districts) already completed.   

    For more information you may call the First Choice Healthcare clinic nearest you: Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd. 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St. 309-792-4011; or Toulon, 120 E. Court St. 309-852-3115.

Geneseo Chamber Celebrates Excellence at 2024 Awards Banquet

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

August 2, 2024 - The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the winners of the 2024 Chamber Awards during the 2024 Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet. Over 140 local business and community leaders enjoyed a spectacular evening held at Lavender Crest Winery on Thursday August 1, 2024. This annual event is a highlight for the Geneseo business community, offering a chance to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and businesses that enrich the Geneseo area.

The evening was a success, marked by heartfelt recognitions, professional networking, and a shared sense of community spirit. The awards presented were:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Chris Thompson of Central Bank Illinois

• Business of the Year: Geneseo Communications

• Business Person of the Year: Travis Mackey of Geneseo School District 228, with Geneseo School Superintendent Dr. Adam Brumbaugh accepting the award on Mackey’s behalf.

• Accessible Competitive Employment Stakeholder (A.C.E.S.) Award: State Street Café, with Jenn Johnson of Inspire Continuing Care accepting the award on their behalf.

• Beautification Award: The Red Barn.

• Rising Star Award: Barb Jacobson of UpLoved

• Volunteer of the Year: Sheilah Wigant-McGee of Sheilah Wigant-McGee Originals

In addition, Geneseo Chamber Past President Ben Young of Wisdom Financial Services, L.L.C. was recognized for his outstanding service and leadership with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The accolade was presented by Geneseo Chamber Board President Katie Kutsunis of GWK Enterprises.

“We are immensely proud to honor this year’s award recipients,” said Zack Sullivan, Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. “Their remarkable achievements and commitment have made a significant impact on the Geneseo community. It was truly a joy to celebrate their successes together.”

For more information about the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and future events, please visit www.geneseo.org or call at 309-944-2686.

Sheilah Wigant-McGee is Volunteer of the Year

Ben Young(left) and Katie Kutsunis(right). Photo Submitted.

Barb Jacobson(left) was awarded the Rising Star Award

Ashley Marshall(right) received the Beautification Award

Jenn Johnson accepts the A.C.E.S. award on behalf of State Street Market

Dr. Adam Brumbaugh announces Travis Mackey as the Businessman of the Year

Geneseo Communications receive Business of the Year

Chris Thompson receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from Chris DuBios of Central Bank.

National Night out Aug. 6 in Geneseo City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft, left, and Timothy Steines, Detective with the Geneseo Police Department, are encouraging area residents to join them at the National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in Geneseo City Park. Photo by Claudia Loucks

National Night Out in Geneseo is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work.

The 2024 National Night Out will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in Geneseo City Park.

According to Jessica Damewood, Administrative Assistant at the Geneseo Police Department, Geneseo’s first National Night Out was organized by retired Police Officer Mike Gawrysiak in 1999.

“The Geneseo Police Department and the City of Geneseo are teaming up again this year for the fun family event,” Damewood said.

Some of the features visitors can expect at the Park on Aug. 6 are bounce houses, vendor books with activities for kids, dunk tank, face painting, balloon animals, law enforcement gear, area law enforcement and much more.

There will be free raffle tickets for prize drawings.

“We will also have food and desserts in the shelter and Sgt. Jamison Weisser and K-9 Kauzi will be doing a demonstration on the north side of the Park,” Damewood said.

There will be a display of vehicles from the Geneseo Fire Protection District and the Geneseo Police Department.

Prizes in raffle drawings will be drawn on Wednesday, Aug. 7, and winners will be notified by telephone.

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