Ignite Begins Oct. 2 At First Methodist In Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shawn King, left, director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo, chats with second grader Matingly Lewis-Raley about the Ignite Children’s Program at First Methodist Church. The program, open to all students in grades K-5, will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 2, when school is in session.

Transportation will be provided for students at Northside, Millikin and Southwest schools.

Shawn King said, “Our program is designed to provide kids with age-appropriate, fun, hands-on learning experiences that allow them to know who Jesus is and what it means to have a relationship with Him.”

Students will be provided with a light snack and learning experiences at Bible, Discipleship, Games, and Craft stations.

Registration may be made online at www.peopleneedjesus.org/ignite or by contacting Shawn King at s.king@peopleneedjesus.org or by calling 309-944-2793 for more information.

Corn Sweat?

By Curt Jacobs
Geneseo Current

If you have spent some time on social media recently or you have watched your local news you have most likely heard about corn sweat, but what is it?  Corn sweat refers to the process of evapotranspiration, where corn plants release moisture into the atmosphere. This occurs when the plants absorb water from the soil through their roots, which is then transported to their leaves. Tiny pores on the leaves, called stomata, open during the day to allow carbon dioxide in for photosynthesis while simultaneously releasing water vapor into the air. 

Why does this happen? This process helps cool the plant, similar to how sweating cools humans. The plants need to regulate their temperature to survive. 

While the term "corn sweat" is popular, it's important to note that all plants undergo evapotranspiration, not just corn. Some research suggests that soybeans may contribute even more moisture than corn in certain cases.

Corn sweat is a natural process that plays a significant role in local weather patterns, particularly in the Midwest. While it can make summer heat feel more oppressive, it's also a sign of healthy, growing crops.

How much water is given off by a corn plant? Let's do some math and give it some real numbers. On average a plant can give up 3 - 4  cups of water per day.  Lets just use 3 cups per day, 1 acre and 34,000 plants per acre.
That 1 acre would give off approximately 6,375 gallons of water. That is from an acre of corn or about 1 football field of area.  An 80 acre field could give off just over 500,000 gallons of water a day. That’s enough water to fill one Olympic swimming pool.

Angie Snook Retires As Curator Of Geneseo Historical Museum - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Retiring has been a “journey” for Angie Snook, curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum, and her retirement became official in June of this year. For Snook, the “third time” truly was a charm as she had planned to retire from her position at the museum two previous times…And moving into that phase of life is bittersweet for her.

She first retired as curator at the Geneseo Historical Museum in 2015, but returned in 2016 to take the place of a director who had resigned. In the fall of 2019, Snook thought she was stepping into retirement, but was once again was asked to be in charge of the museum for a bit longer.

Her official retirement did take place though, on June 1st of this year.

Melanie Rice is now the curator/director. Rice was a social worker for the Geneseo School District, but retired from the school district in May of 2024.

Snook said, “I am excited for Melanie in her position as director. She has been on the museum board for many years and I know she has a passion for Geneseo history.”

Angie Snook is retired as curator at the museum, but continues to be actively involved, serving as a board member and an enthusiastic volunteer.

“I will always enjoy being involved with the museum,” she said. “The museum is like my baby. I have given it up for adoption, but I still have visiting rights.”

Even though she will not be at the museum on a daily basis, the popularity of the programs she began while serving as curator will continue as she has already scheduled future programs.

Snook was named curator in 1996, but her involvement with the museum’s place in history started nearly 20 years earlier during her time as a volunteer and board member.

She was instrumental in the purchase of the Italianate house for the museum, which had been located in the original Geneseo Public Library building on State St.

“As president of the Geneseo Historical Museum, I knew that house would be the perfect setting for the new museum,” she said.

The museum board submitted a bid to purchase the home and when that bid was opened by Rosalie Thede, owner of the home, Snook recalled Thede said, ‘That is what my mother always wanted.’”

In November of 1996 the Thede house became the Geneseo Historical Museum’s permanent home.

“We were working on a fund to pay for the new museum,” Snook said. “Don Stocks was the curator at that time and somehow found a way to save $113,000 during his 25-year tenure. The late Marie Lodge, a museum board member, gave the Historical Association a $100,000 loan “to get the museum up and going,” Snook said.

During the museum’s move from the “old library” to its new home, Stocks became ill and died.

In 1996, after being a preschool educator at Growth, Inc., Geneseo, Snook became the curator.

The museum opened the doors to its new home during Geneseo’s 1997 Victorian Walk.

“People were lined up to see the museum, to the north along the downtown street,” Snook said, adding that more than 2,700 people visited the museum on that evening.

“In the spring of 1998, the museum had so many tours and programs scheduled that the board decided it was necessary to set regular hours of operation,” she said.

“In 2014, there were about 11,000 visitors to the museum and about 3,200 students came for tours.”

And Snook also took museum programs “on the road’ and she visited schools in the Quad City area, Galva, Cambridge, Colona and Orland Park in the Chicago area.

“Many high school football teams visited the museum when they came to play football in Geneseo….The ‘underground railroad’ stories are the biggest reason for all the programs and tours. Slavery and the freedom trail that are part of Geneseo’s heritage have generated great interest.”

In 2003, a museum volunteer, Bea Welsh, convinced Snook the museum would be the perfect place for tea parties for little girls.

Those were not just tea parties as Snook and volunteers incorporated “taking tea and tea etiquette” in the events.

“Little did we know how much fun it was going to be for the children, but also for myself and ‘Maid Alice’, (the late Aiice Lopez). The children loved it and our tea parties snowballed into teas for women, boys and girls and entire families,” Snook shared.

The rule at the tea parties was that everyone had to choose a hat from the museum collection to wear to the tea party.

“Over the years there have been hundreds of tea parties for all ages and it was one of the highlights that the museum offered,” Snook said.

Snook commented that creating displays has always been a favorite for her.

“I loved the museum from the very first time I became involved as a volunteer,” she said. “Hearing stories from the visitors and sharing in their love for antiques and history brought me great joy.”

She said what gave her the most joy was when donors shared about what they were donating to the museum and how the item had been saved for generations…That is heartwarming,” Snook said. “To think they loved it enough to give it to the museum to preserve and display. Everything in the museum is a gift and is special.”

Each item donated has been logged and numbered with the name of the donor.

The success of the museum would not be possible without the support from many people, Snook said. “There have been many people in my many years at the museum that have done much to insure the museum will always be alive with history.”

“None of the projects would have been possible without all the gifts, estates, grants, donations and the many volunteers sharing their time and talents. Many local businesses discount their materials and services for the museum.”

In 1996, the museum board made a wish list and with everyone working together, these visions came to fruition.

“We were able to add the Stees & Keppy Education Wing in 2010 and the carriage house on Center St. in 2014. Both of those projects would not have been possible without all the donated hours of labor by the late Les Stees and his brother Gene Stees.”

The museum is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization which does not receive any city, state or federal tax dollars.

Snook’s family has been part of her “journey,” and she said from the time her own children were youngsters they went with her to the museum.

Angie and her husband, Mel, have one daughter, Ami (Jon) Murray, Geneseo; and their children, (Sam (Autumn) Murray, Geneseo; and Eryn Murray, Geneseo); and a son, Andy (Trista) Snook, (children Aydan and Josephine Snook) who live in Bangkok, Thailand. There is also a great-grandchild, Forrest Murray, Geneseo.

Many family vacations were spent doing research and Snook recalled the year she and husband Mel followed the freedom trail along the Ohio River.

“It confirmed the fact that Geneseo’s founding fathers were among the 70 early abolitionists,” she said. “That led to our research vacation to Genesee County in New York, and that trip proved that our founding fathers came here in their quest to abolish slavery…That discovery ranks right up there with me with getting married, having children and grandchildren.”

In her retirement Snook plans to continue to work on Geneseo’s history including the underground railroad.

PTA Life Memberships 2024 Presented at Football Scrimmage

By Claudia Loucks
Correspondent

PTA Life Memberships were presented at the recent football scrimmage held on the Bob Reade Football Field at Geneseo High School. Recipients of the awards are, from left, Misty Olson, Northside School; Angela Krause, Millikin School; Sarah Wirth, Southwest School; Susan Ash, Northside; Anne Marie Stone, Geneseo High School; Crystal Durnell, Geneseo High School; Nate O’Dell, Geneseo Middle School; and Bill Eaker, Geneseo Middle School. Paige Panicucci also received a Lifetime Membership, but was absent for the photo. The Lifetime awards are presented annually to PTA members who have gone above and beyond for PTA and in serving their schools.

Volunteer Named for the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Correspondent

Lillian Bellagamba, has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. She has been volunteering at the Food Pantry this summer and she stocks shelves, assists guests in the food room, and sorts clothing donations. In addition, she helped pack and distribute school supplies.

Bellagamba has two cats, Lucky and Layla and she enjoys singing, writing, reading and golfing.

She said the best thing about volunteering at Food Pantry is the people working to help others. Her most memorable experience at the Food Pantry was when she and another worker discovered a crossbow that someone had donated and found that they had a lot in common.

Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Lillian has been a wonderful addition to the Food Pantry. Thank you Lillian!”

Red Cross Blood Inventory Plummets, Blood Drive Sept. 3 at First Methodist South Campus - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Information received from the American Red Cross states that the organization faces an emergency blood shortage after its national blood inventory plummeted more than 25 per cent in July.

Local residents have the ability to help the situation.

The Red Cross is holding a blood drive on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the South Annex (back entrance of the Geneseo First Methodist Church (south campus) of the church. The drive will begin at 12 noon and continue until 6 p.m. Donuts donated by Geneseo Donut Shop will be available.

Walk-ins will be accepted in as timely a manner as possible with appointments taking priority.

Those planning to give blood will be asked to present their Red Cross ID card (or a valid driver’s license) and will be asked to read the list of medications that might exclude their donation from being used.

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

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

Information received from the American Red Cross states that the summer’s record- setting heat is a significant contributor to recent blood collection challenges impacting more than 100 blood drives in the last month, in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood, further compounding other typical seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as vacation travel and summer activities.

Meanwhile, hospital demand for lifesaving blood products has remained constant, rapidly drawing down the blood supply.

The Red Cross is working with hospitals around the clock to meet the blood needs of patients. However, due to the supply of type O blood being so low, the organization has had to reduce distributions of this vital blood type in recent weeks to below hospital comfort levels.

“Having type O blood products readily available is vital to providing timely and lifesaving care to patients in need,” said D r. Baia Lasky, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross. “In fact, for a patient suffering massive blood loss, like an individual in a car accident or a mom experiencing a severe post partum hemorrhage, group O is the most commonly transfused blood type. For trauma patients, each minute of delay can increase the chance of death by 5 per cent. More than a quarter of all blood products each year are used in critical care and emergency room situations – those transfusions are only available because of the generosity of blood and platelet donors.”

All types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood shortage.

The statement from the Red Cross also said, “When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to the nation’s supply are hard to overcome. More individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood following accidents, during surgeries and for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer….Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors.

Events Planned on Sept. 7 to Remember and Honor Harold Neumann – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Harold Neumann Project committee along with the Geneseo Historical Museum will host an event on Saturday, Sept. 7, during Geneseo’s Trains, Planes & Automobiles celebration. Activities will be held in the Carriage House, located to the rear of the museum, and on the back lawn of the Geneseo Historical Museum.

At 9 a.m. on Sept. 7, the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce will dedicate the Harold Neumann Mural (at the north side of the Mel Foster building by the train tracks) with a ribbon cutting.

Col. John Morrissey, Kansas, will speak at the Harold Neumann Museum exhibit at 10:30 a.m. The exhibit is in the Carriage House which is located to the rear of the museum.

According to a spokesman on the Harold Neumann Project committee, “Harold was a great influence on John in life as well as in aerobatics. In an article in 1978 in the Sport Aerobatics Get to Know Your Member page, he wrote, ‘I’ll always remember that God may have given me the sky, but it took a gentle man in a white Monocoupe to show me how to enjoy it’.”

At 11:30 a.m., on the lawn connecting the museum and the Carriage House, a question and answer panel has been put together, to include Col. Morrissey, to answer questions about Harold Neumann growing up in Geneseo, and his career in racing, commercial flying and barnstorming.

In information received from the Harold Neumann Project committee states, “During Harold’s flying career of 70 years, he accomplished much more then that farm boy from Geneseo, IL, ever imagined he could. In 1935, Harold Neumann won the Greve Trophy, the Thompson Trophy, along with the award of America’s #1 Pilot by the National Aeronautical association. He is acknowledged in the Smithsonian; he was a barnstormer, skywriter, and a Captain for TWA for 30 years. From Jenny’s to Jets, this man was not just a pilot, he was a genius.”

Paula Neumann Chapa, chairperson of the Harold Neumann Project, said, “Collecting memorabilia of Harold’s from museums and family members across the country has been nothing less than thrilling for us. We have his Greve Trophy and his Thompson Trophies, and they were just the tip of the iceberg. On loan from Special Collections & University Archives, University of Illinois Chicago, we will have the original Eiffel Tower that Harold presented to Mayor Daley after his celebrated flight from Paris to Chicago in 1958. Hours and hours have been spent reading letters, logbooks, and notes of Harold’s, trying to put together the stories of his life with the memorabilia we collected. We want the museum exhibit to be educational as well as informative.”

From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 on the lawn of the museum, there will be activities and games for all ages to include plane ball pit, make your own balsa wood airplane, rubber duck matching game, make and race paper airplanes, photo booths and more. Those planning to attend area asked to take their own lawn chairs.

Grants Provide Additions to Playground at Park District Athletic Field

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

John DuBois, left, president and CEO of Central Bank, Geneseo; Julia McAvoy, Geneseo Park District board member; Andy Thurman, executive director of the Geneseo Park District; Mark Breeden, board member of the Frances G. & Betty J. Miller Foundation; and Tyler Mackey, vice president-trust officer at Central Bank, are photographed at the climbing boulder added recently to the playground area at the Geneseo Park District Athletic Field.

The playground is a somewhat hidden treasure at the Geneseo Park District Athletic Field, located to the rear of the building on the grounds. The playground equipment and installation was done in 2022 with $80,000 in funds received from the Geneseo Foundation. The area also features an Outdoor Classroom made possible with $10,000 in funds from the Charles Davis Trust.

Recently, with contributions of $28,000 from the Frances G. & Betty J. Miller, $10,000, the Charles Davis Trust and the Geneseo Park District Foundation, the Park district was able to install two additional benches, picnic table additional lighting and a climbing boulder with safety surface padding and turf at the Athletic Field.

Andy Thurman, executive director of the Geneseo Park District, commented that the “playground, outdoor classroom and now climbing boulder have been huge assets to our Day Camp program. This gives the children a playground onsite and something for kids to do during Youth Football games as well.”

“We waited a couple of years to see the need for tables and benches and these newly –installed features are great for families eating a snack or taking a break while the children play,” he added. “The complete safety surface surrounding the playground makes it ADA compliant.

Thurman said the sidewalk surrounding the playground and classroom, as well as the adjacent track, gives parents or caregivers the ability to walk while the children play…”This play area at the Athletic Field provides the Park District’s first playground and is a great place for children to use in this area of town.”

From the Loving Family of Grace Loftus

From the Loving Family of Grace Loftus

Geneseo Model Railroaders to Display at Trains, Planes & Automobiles

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the Geneseo Model Railroaders Club will have operating train displays in conjunction with the annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles celebration in Geneseo.

A variety of events are scheduled in the Geneseo area from Thursday, Sept. 5, through Saturday, Sept. 7. The main day of the event is Saturday, Sept. 7, and the Model Railroad Club showrooms, at 154 East Exchange St. in Geneseo, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for visitors to see the operating model train display.

The group also will open their doors to the public at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, during the Cruise the Canal tours. A spokesman for the Club said, We also will be open on that Friday to local day care centers and nursing homes. We believe it would be easier for these groups to enjoy the displays with less foot traffic.”

The Geneseo Model Railroaders Club was established by model railroad enthusiasts in 2011 in Geneseo and is open to collectors and hobbyists of all scales and gauges of model trains. Club meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Geneseo Public Library.

For more information about the Geneseo Model Railroad Club, email questions to gmrrclub@gmail.com or visit Geneseo Model Railroaders Club on face book.

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.

Kathy Williams Is Featured Artist at RutabagA

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathy Williams is the featured artist for August at RutabagA Art Gallery, 108 North State St., Geneseo. The artist enjoys working with watercolors, screen printing, (and said she “learned most of what she knows with Don Beck’s assistance”) and acrylics. Williams joined the Geneseo Art League in 2004, where she was a member for nine years before moving back to Iowa. When RutabagA formed in 2016, Williams was invited to join the group and said, “I have enjoyed it very much and working with the art friends I’ve made here.” The RutabagA Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Photo by Claudia Loucks

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