A Big NO-NO - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Wingshooting Clinic

For those of you who want to learn to handle and shoot shotguns safely, the Illinois DNR and the Johnson-Sauk Trail S.R.A. will be offering an “Introductory Wingshooting Clinic” for all ages. Novice shooters are welcome.
Participants will learn to handle and shoot shotguns safely. They will practice the fundamentals of hitting a moving target.
The National Sporting Clays Association and IL-DNR certified instructors will supply 28 gauge semi-automatic shotguns. The clinic is sponsored by the Rock Island/Henry County Pheasants Forever. The fee is $10.00 per person. Registration is required. It will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Johnson-Sauk Trail Park, Rt. 78, Kewanee, IL. For more information call the office at 309-853-2425 or e-mail: DNR.JohnsonSaukTrail@illinois.gov.

Henry County Museum

I suspect in a few more weeks we will start having some nicer temperatures and fall colors. Whether then or now, consider taking a drive over to Bishop Hill and check-out the neat and quaint sites that historical town offers.
You shouldn’t have to drive home hungry as there are 5 really nice Bishop Hill restaurants: The Filling Station, PL Johnson’s, The Colony Inn, H Wyatt Bakery and Krans Kafe.
Besides other museums, make sure you stop in the Henry County Museum which is located a block and a half west of the main street (corner of Knox & Park Streets).
They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. May 1st through October 31st. It used to be a school and is all on one level. Lorna and I, along with other volunteers, host at the museum at different times during the open months. It really is a neat museum.

Animal Quiz

Let’s see how smart you are on animals that would compete against each other in a race? (Answers below)
1) For the 100-Meter Dash, what animal would be the fastest and swiftest sprinter on four legs? A. Black Bear B. White-tailed deer C. Coyote.
2) Which bird travels the farthest each year? A. Bobolink B. Hudsonian Godwit C. Pectoral Sandpiper.
3) With 50 meters to the finish line, which fish taps the wall first? A. Trout B. Northern pike C. Blue catfish.
4) Which critter would have the longest jump? A. Cottontail B. Bullfrog C. Mountain Lion.

Football Season

Yay, the season is finally here! Starting with the high school season, a few weeks ago Geneseo’s new varsity coach, Matt Furlong, was the guest speaker at a Kiwanis meeting.
I think the powers-to-be made a wise choice in hiring Coach Furlong. Of course, keep in mind a coach is only part of the winning equation. You need good players, a good schedule and maybe a little luck, too!

College football has started and those games I think are especially fun to watch. We’re rooting for Nebraska, Grand Valley State and Missouri because of our grandkids. Of course, we’re for Iowa State and Notre Dame, too!

The Pro-football regular season starts on “Grandparents Day” and it’s nice to be recognized! I think the NFC North division is going to be very competitive this year. Hopefully ‘da Bears are in the mix. They won all their preseason games, but the regular season is a whole different ballgame. “Go, Bears!”

Two Local Events Not Too Miss

The Geneseo Izaak Walton League will host their annual “Ham & Bean Supper” on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Park, one mile north of Geneseo off Rt. 82. The cost is only $10 per adult and $5 per child under age 10.
The soups and trimmings will be really, really good! There will be live entertainment by Paxton Sherbeyn. There will also be plenty of picnic table sitting and lots of parking spaces. A 50/50 drawing is available, too!
This big event helps to fund various projects held during the year. The Vintage Farm Equipment Show will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Bridge Park, 19030 E. 2120 St., Atkinson, IL. It will be open 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, etc.
Food and drinks will be available. Dan Dauw, History Presenter, will provide two presentations on military cutlery from 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Animal Quiz Answers

  1. C. 2) B. 3) G. 4) G.

Humor

  1. Double negatives are a big NO-NO.

  2. What do you say to comfort a a Grammer teacher? Ans: There Their They’re

  3. “Can I ask you a question?” Ans: “You just have.”

  4. A man went into a fish market and asked just for a tail. The man behind the counter said, “And they all lived happily ever after.”

Quote

The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think.

  • James Beattie

Lil Leaf Cheerleaders at GHS Football Season Opener

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

More than 100 “Lil Leaf” cheerleaders entertained football fans with the chants they learned at a recent Lil Leaf Cheer Clinic. Their performance was held Friday night in conjunction with the Green Machine’s season opener against Chicago Comer in which Geneseo dominated the night with a victory of 48-0. Photos by Claudia Loucks

Hammond-Henry Hospital Welcomes Four New APRNs for Clinic Walk-In Service

The Board of Directors of Hammond-Henry Hospital and its Administration welcome four new Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). These highly qualified nurse practitioners, Emily Bess, Jill Clong, Heather Lowry, and Cassandra Olson will serve patients utilizing walk-in services in Geneseo, Annawan, and Colona, and as needed in the Kewanee and Port Byron clinic offices.

“We constantly listen to the needs of our patients, and because it is imperative for us to ensure everyone is expediently seen when arriving at any of our clinics for walk-in services, we have hired four new APRNs,” said Colton Anderson, Director of Clinics and Provider Recruitment. “These Nurse Practitioners will not be accepting appointments for family practice, but they will offer a much deeper bench of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for those coming in for walk-in services here at our clinics.”

Anderson added that same-day service is standard at Hammond-Henry’s clinics, but with the addition of these new and/or returning APRNs, the wait time will be greatly reduced along with the ability to keep our walk-in clinic open.

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“We always strive to attain five-star service in everything we do, but with the addition of these APRNs, additional family practice physicians, neurology and sleep medicine services, and soon, more specialists, it is our goal to be your community hospital of choice,” said Anderson. “This is just another step in achieving that goal.”

Regarding walk-in services only, Cassie Olson and Jill Clong will serve the Annawan Clinic, while Kathy Versluis, Dawn Bopes, and Janelle Pillard will serve the Colona Clinic. Treena Adams will serve both the Annawan and Colona Clinics as needed. Emily Bess, Heather Lowry, and Staci Circello will serve the Geneseo Clinic, and Angela Schmieder and Katie Sowder serve the Port Byron Clinic.

Hammond-Henry Hospital has clinics at the following locations:

Annawan Clinic, 203 W. Front Street - Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5:30 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm (open on Labor Day from 8 am to 2 pm).

Colona Clinic, 1604 Cleveland Road - Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm (open on Labor Day from 8 am to 2 pm).

Kewanee Clinic, 1258 W. South Street - Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4:00 pm for walk-ins, and from 8 am to 4 pm for family practice appointments (closed on Labor Day).

Geneseo Clinic, 600 N. College Avenue - Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5:30 pm for walk-ins, and from 8 am to 5 pm for family practice appointments (closed on Labor Day).

Port Byron Clinic, 105 N. Main Street - Open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 4:30 pm and on Friday from 8 am to noon for walk-ins and family practice appointments (closed on Labor Day).

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.

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.

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.