Hopscotch has Become Break Dancing - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Ikes “Ham & Bean” Supper

This annual event is always very well attended. Besides being a big event it helps to fund various projects such as the campgrounds, road repairs, Kids Fishing Rodeo, improvements to the lodge, etc. The Geneseo Izaak Walton League will host the event which is open to the public.
It will be held at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo on Rt. 82. Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024. Time: 4 – 7 p.m. Cost: $10.00 for adult, Kids under age 10, $5.00. There is always plenty of parking and nice picnic Tables, too. The soups and trimmings are always really good.
For entertainment we are fortunate in having Paxton Sherbeyn. He plays the guitar and sings. He is a senior student at GHS and from what I hear, the lad is amazing. Moving on, we hope to see you there!

Fall Swap Meet

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the Quad City In-Fisherman Club will host this popular event. It will be held at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave., Rock Island, IL. The hours are 8 to 11 a.m. Admission is free.
You will be able to purchase new or used hunting, fishing, camping, or trapping equipment. No guns or live ammo. They will be serving biscuits and gravy.

Vintage Farm Equipment Show

This is another enjoyable event held at Bridge Park, 19030 E. 2120 St., Atkinson, IL. It will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from morning to afternoon.
There will be lots of displays such as horse-drawn equipment, hit-miss engines, farm tractors and equipment, lawn and garden tractors (stock & Custom), vintage farm and motorcycles, etc. Food and drinks will be available.
Dan Dauw, History Presenter, will provide two presentations, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., on military cutlery.
The nice thing is it coincides on that Saturday with Atkinson Heritage Days, September 12-15, 2024. Fun for the whole family! I noticed there will be a car show in downtown Atkinson on that Saturday. If any of you are interested in buying my (deceased) mom’s 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL convertible/hardtop let me know. It is covered in a garage outside of McCausland, IA. It is a nice car (70,000 original miles) and I’ll sell it cheap. If interested, call me at 309-796-0795.

Aspirin

I have, for a long time, taken a baby aspirin every day. It has always been said it guards against a heart attack and stroke. In the latest issue of Consumer Reports “On Health,” depending on age and other health factors, it’s a “yes,” “no,” or “maybe” on the benefits of taking a daily aspirin. The next time you visit your doctor you may want to run it by he or she.
As for myself, I think I might continue taking a daily low-dose aspirin until my next visit to the doctor.

Geneseo H.S. Football

At the recent Geneseo Kiwanis “Steak Fry” meeting the guest speaker was Matt Furlong, Geneseo H.S. Head Football Coach. He seems like a good and knowledgeable fellow.
One thing we should all remember is that a coach can only do so much on winning a game. He or she cannot physically run out on the field to execute a play. Best of luck for a good season!

Humor

Bob Mays has become a real menace behind the wheel. The way he barrels around those hills and swerves all over the place. He’s a real threat. I wouldn’t be caught on the same fairway with him!

Evolutions

Iceboxes have become refrigerators. Stoves have become ranges. Roads have become freeways. Hopscotch has become break dancing.

Quote of the Week

“The common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war.”

• John F. Kennedy

Antique Engine & Tractor 2024 Show Sept. 13-15 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The annual Antique Engine & Tractor Association’s three-day Working Farm Show takes visitors back to what life on the farm was like in an earlier time.

This 63rd annual show is Friday, Sept. 13, through Sunday, Sept. 15, at the show grounds, north of Geneseo on Illinois 92, three miles east of Interstate 88, or one half mile west of Illinois Rt. 92.

The Working Farm Show is a popular attraction for residents and visitors of all ages, and is a family event with lots of activities for children, including train rides around the show grounds. Admission to the show is $7 per day or $15 for the entire weekend. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Golf carts and gator-type vehicles can be brought to the show, but the entry fee for those vehicles is $20 per day or $30 for the weekend.

Chad Jacobs, president of the Antique Engine & Tractor Association (AE&TA) photographed in the seat of the D 21 Allis Chalmers tractor; with Ed Klundt, at left; and Phil Jordan, AE&TA board member. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The historical working farm show features field demonstrations and displays.

It is where the AE&TA harvest corn and beans with mid-1900’sequipment, show the use of horses for working a field, thresh oats or wheat, run a saw mill, plowing, baling, and demonstrate the use of gas engines as they were used from the early to mid 1900’s.

The annual show get larger every year with several hundred tractors, garden tractors and gas engines, plus other agricultural memorabilia on the grounds.

Each year the AE&TA features a different brand of antique engine and/or tractor and this year the group is showcasing Allis-Chalmers tractors and implements.

This year visitors will be introduced to a learning center which has been constructed in the Lester Building, attached to the main barn. The goal of AE&TA members is to promote and educate all facets of agriculture through audio visual training, hands-on experience and guest speakers. Funds for the Center came from grants from the Geneseo Foundation and the Miller Foundation.

Louis Bodamer, Princeton, will demonstrate his skills in working with metal at the blacksmith building.

The Vendor Fair at the Show will feature a variety of crafts, rug weaving, broom making, wood turning, gardening and other demonstrations.

The entire show is handicap accessible. Pets are not allowed, with an exception for service dogs.

In 2010, the AE&TA moved to its current location after 48 years in different locations. The 40 acres of land was donated to the Association by Bill and June Cole of Hillsdale. AE&TA purchased an additional 10 acres to connect the grounds to Illinois 92, which allowed for a driveway from the highway to the show grounds.

They also rent additional acreage from Orville and Maxine McCord.

Handicap transportation is available and the “people mover” also is a convenient means to transport people around the show grounds.

The AE&TA grounds showcase the timber frame barn that appears to have been built decades ago. The building was constructed using age-old techniques. Trillium Dell Timberworks, along with help from the Timber Framers Guild, assembled and raised the large building.

About 95 per cent of the barn was constructed with timber from Illinois forests. Even though the AE&TA barn was built with new lumber, it appears to have been part of the Henry County countryside for years.

A food building also was added to provide seating for visitors to the show.

The Jordan Mercantile Building was donated to the club in 2013 from Phil and Karen Jordan.

A train building was constructed in 2015, with labor and materials donated by the late Larry Colo, Geneseo, and Bill Cole, Hillsdale

A special addition is the enclosed walkway connecting the timber frame barn to the Lester Building, which is where the new Learning Center is located.

Phil Jordan, AE&TA board member, said, “The enclosed walkway includes handicap restrooms, and connects the Lester Building to the timber frame barn.”

AE&TA members share a belief in preserving the historic value of antique, power-driven farm equipment, from early horse-drawn plows to gasoline and steam tractors to equipment from the 1900’s to the 1960’s.

The group also believes in keeping the machines running by putting them to work and that makes the group’s show unique as they use the equipment on display in demonstrations.

For more general information, contact Phil Jordan, 309-314-5000, or Chad Jacobs, 309-314-0783.

The daily schedule of events – Sept. 13-15:

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

-6 a.m. – Gates open for exhibitors.

-7 a.m. – gates open for visitors.

-8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – engine and tractor displays.

-9 a.m. – Raising of flag by AE&TA veterans.

-9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – children’s activities and train rides – with the exception of Sunday, Sept. 18, when children’s activities and train rides will conclude at 4 p.m.

-9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – demonstrations including blacksmith demonstrations sawmill, threshing, wood carvers, cane press, horse farming and field demonstrations..

-10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – food stands open.

-1 p.m. – parade on show grounds, line up at feature tractor area.

-4 p.m. – lowering of flag.

-5 p.m. – gates close.

-5:30 p.m. - Ice Cream Social.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14: - same as activities on Sept. 13 with the addition of:

-9 A.M. – Raising of flag by Durant American Legion Post 430, assisted by members of Boy Scout Troop 308.

-9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – field and grounds activities.

-After the parade, there will be a Kiddie Tractor Pull in the Food Building.

-3 p.m. – auction of donated items with pie auction to follow.

-5 p.m. gates close.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 – Same as Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 with these changes:

- 9 a.m. – noon and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – children’s activities and train rides.

-9 a.m. – raising of flag – Cordova American Legion.

-9 – 10 a.m. – church services.

-12:45 p.m. – 50-50 raffle drawing in main barn.

-4 p.m. lowering of flag and show closes.

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Announces 2024 Cruise the Canal Tours

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

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce announces its popular Cruise the Canal golf cart tours of the Hennepin Canal for 2024 on Friday September 6 and Friday October 18. The Cruise the Canal tours allow tourists in our area to enjoy one of Illinois’ State Parks and a second chance to experience the tours surrounded by fall foliage.

Submitted Photo

"The popularity of the Hennepin Canal State Parkway north of Geneseo has increased over the past few years, with over 1.9 million people visiting the 104.5 mile long park in 2023.” says Zack Sullivan, Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. "People organize group hikes, kayaking and canoeing are popular, and of course, the fishing is great! Combined with the majestic sights and sounds of nature at the canal, this is a unique opportunity to discover, or rediscover, one of our area’s best kept secrets.”

The popular golf cart tours offer the opportunity for guests to learn the story of the Hennepin canal - including the construction, history, and ecosystem of the canal. Tours are offered three times per day, with tour times at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm. All tours begin at Lock #24 and travel west to Lock #26 before turning back towards the starting point. The cost per person to participate is $25/person. The Geneseo Chamber also works with assisted living facilities to provide rides for seniors with no cost for the caregiver to drive.

A portion of the proceeds from the Geneseo Cruise the Canal tours goes to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for preservation, upkeep, and maintenance of the Hennepin Canal State Parkway. Information on how to get involved with canal preservation efforts is available at the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of the Hennepin Canal.

The canal tours are expected to sell out, so make your reservation ASAP! For more information and to reserve a spot on one of the tours, call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686 or email geneseo@geneseo.org.

I'm Only Going to Demonstrate this Once - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

A Geneseo Classic Airplane Flight

Last year we attended a Boy Scout event which had various items or services in a silent auction. You could write down a bid and hopefully be the highest bidder. Well, we bid on a ½ hour flight in Kent Johnson’s WW2 replica Piper J-3 Cub. Our daughter’s youngest son, Caden Nommensen, 17, likes airplanes so he got the nod for the flight last Sunday from the Geneseo airport.
Unfortunately, the WW2 Piper J-3 Cub had a flat tire which isn’t the best when taking off and landing. Ah, but Kent had a friend, Dion Carr, Geneseo, who had a 1946 Aeronca Champ 2-seater plane that he would be happy to take Caden into the wild blue yonder.
It was a beautiful day for flying and it was kind of Dion as he through in an extra 15 minutes amongst the clouds. He even let Caden fly the plane for awhile. Both pilots, Kent Johnson and Dion Carr, were excellent about explaining the working of their aircraft. Dion also has an aircraft next to his Aeronca that he is rebuilding.
It was a great time for Caden, his parents and older brother plus Lorna and myself. Thanks Kent and Dion for making it so!

Experimental Aircraft Association

That’s “EAA” for short. It is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, WS. Now I’m kind of ashamed, but while I love airplanes, I’ve never been to the Oshkosh annual event. It is the largest aviation gathering of its kind in the world.
Actually, the Geneseo EAA Chapter 410 has a program entitled “EAA Young Eagle Flight” and is provided by members of the chapter. It is for young people ages 8 – 17. It’s free.
If you have a youngster that has an interest in airplanes you can contact Kent Johnson at (309) 912-0437 or e-mail: Airport3G8@gmail.com.
Growing up I always liked airplanes ‘n still do! When I joined the Navy, many moons ago, I wanted to serve on an aircraft carrier and of the three ships, I spent the longest (two years) on the carrier, USS Independence. Whenever I had the chance I went to the o8 level on the ship’s “island” and watched the planes take off and land. It was not an easy task for those pilots especially in rough seas or at night. Those flyboys were a different breed I’ll tell you that.
Anyway, get in touch with Kent if you know of a boy or girl that likes airplanes and would like to touch the heavens above.

Olympics

So, what did you think? Great? We watched a lot of the various events. Lorna can’t move very well because of her bad back so both of us spent a lot of time in front of the boob tube. Our good old USA did really well in the number of medals awarded.
As of this writing we are tied with China with 40 for the gold. Our USA had a total of 126 medals. We had to pull for Belgium and actually they did pretty darn good with 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 6 Bronze medals. Belgium almost beat France in Men’s basketball for the Gold. Had they won they would have played USA, but it was not to be.
The game between USA and France was a somewhat close game until towards the end of the game with Curry hitting three “3s.” We really like the final ceremonies. Very “Artsy” as only the French know how. Well, Belgium, too!!

Ham & Bean Supper

This is a reminder that the annual Geneseo Izaak Walton Club will be hosting their annual “Ham and Bean Supper” on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ikes Park. This is a very popular event and it helps fund many noteworthy projects such as improvements to the campground, youth fishing derby, handicap ramp to the lodge and events for both the public and Geneseo Ikes members. The cost of the event is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for kids under age 10.

Just some plane Humor

What did the kamikaze pilot tell his students? Ans: I’m only going to demonstrate this once, so look closely.

The attendant at the Delta Airlines check-in said to the passenger, “Window or aisle?” Ans: The passenger asked, “Window or you’ll what?”

Why was the airplane sent to its room? Ans: “Because it had an altitude.”

Quote

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

  • Michelangelo

Dion Carr, pilot and member of the Geneseo EAA Chapter 410 presented a flying certificate to Caden Nommensen on Sunday, 8/11/2024. Photo Submitted

Geneseo pilot, Dion Carr (left), took Caden Nommensen for a flight in Dion's post WW2 Aeronca Champ airplane. Caden is the grandson of Dan & Lorna Dauw. Photo Submitted

Col. Andrew J. Nash Receives Leadership Award - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It’s no surprise to those who know Andrew (Drew) Nash that he continues to receive awards and recognition for his leadership. He is just that type of young man who believes in continuing to try to make “everything better.”

Earlier this year, Col Nash was recognized at the Distinguished Alumni program held at Geneseo High School.

He currently is Director of Operations (A3) at the Arkansas National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Camp Robinson, AR. With 23 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Col. Nash coordinates military and emergency response operations for the Arkansas Air National Guard.

Officials at the awards ceremony include, from left, Fort Smith Mayor George McGill, CEO Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Tim Allen, Col. Andrew Nash, Arkansas Director of Military Affairs Col. (ret.) Rob Ator, and Oklahoma Gas & Electric Community Affairs Manager Eddie Lee Herndon. Contributed Photo

Recently, he was honored by the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce when he was named recipient of the 2024 Jack White Award, which was created as a tribute to Jack White and to acknowledge the impact of leaders in the Fort Smith region.

Since 1990, the award has recognized community and business leaders who have had significant impact on the area. Nash received the award at the Leadership Fort Smith Commencement event at Wyndham Fort Smith.

Jack White was an employee of the Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. in Fort Smith for 35 years, a U.S. Navy veteran, family man, and lifelong learner. He was highly regarded for his service, leadership, reputation and collaboration to make the Fort Smith a better place, according to the Chamber. He died in 1997 at the age of 57. The void he left has since been “filled by the work of other leaders that carry his spirit of servant leadership, hard work, and determination in pushing for progress to get things done to make our region a better place to live,” according to the Chamber.

Col. Nash is a command pilot with more than 2,000 hours in the T-37, T-38, F-16, A-10, and KC-135 aircraft. As an F-16 and A-10 fighter pilot, he has flown and led numerous combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Prior to his role at Arkansas Joint Force Headquarters, Nash served as the 33rd Fighter Wing Detachment 1 Commander for the F-16/F-35 Foreign Military Sales Pilot Training Center basing action at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

Information from the Fort Smith Chamber said, “In this position, he executed United States Air Force basing plans for future placement, maintenance, and operations of 36 fighter jets (F-16 and F-35’s) from five different countries. Col. Nash has also served as the 188th Wing Detachment 1 Commander-Razorback Aerial Bombing Range at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.”

In his current Arkansas Joint force headquarters role, Nash is based at Camp Robinson in central Arkansas and he coordinates and oversees military and domestic emergency response operations involving Arkansas Air National Guard personnel, equipment and installations.

He has been recognized with multiple awards, including five meritorious Service Medals, two Air Medals, NASA Aircraft Operations Top Engineer Award, Distinguished Graduate for both the USAF A-10 and KC-135 flight schools, and Combat Readiness Medal.

Col. Nash is the son of James Nash, Geneseo; and Joanne Conroy, Moline. His step-mom is Judi Nash, Geneseo, and step-dad is Greg Conroy, Moline. Nash was born and raised in Geneseo and after graduating from college in 1998 with an engineering degree; he received his Air Force Officer Commission in 2001 and has held various command positions, including the 33rd Fighter Wing Detachment 1 Commander and the 188th Wing Detachment 1 Commander.

He currently resides in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with his wife Dr. Carrie Crotts Nash; son Adam; step Nate; step-daughter Ashley; son-in-law Nick, and three grandchildren Hallie, Tyler and Parker.

Family members who attended a recent awards ceremony for Col. Andrew Nash include, from left, James Nash, Judi Nash, Ashley Lewellen (Drew’s step-daughter); Col. Nash, Dr. Carrie Nash (Drew’s wife); Nate Hampton (Drew’s stepson). Adam Nash (Drew’s son); and Hallie Lewellen (Drew’s grandchild). Contributed Photo

As a civilian, Col. Nash was employed as a flight test engineer at the NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. Here he conducted in-flight experiments on NASA’S KC-135A Reduced Gravity Research Aircraft and NASA’s WB-57F High Altitude Research Aircraft. His current civilian employment is as an Airbus 330 First Officer with a major commercial airline. He has pursued extensive education, including completion of Air War College in 2022, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

He also was one of nine Geneseo graduates who were inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at ceremonies held Feb. 29 in the DePauw Theater at Geneseo High School.

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.”

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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.

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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.”