Andrews Junior Golf Tournament History and Winners - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

I may be a bit partial in writing this story, as I am very proud of my brother, Jim Andrews, for many things and especially for his work with young golfers at the Geneseo Country Club.

Golf is more than a game to Andrews, and he believes it is important for young people to understand and enjoy the game, and to also learn the etiquette and respect for others that goes along with the sport.

Several summers ago, Andrews organized a free junior golf clinic for youth ages 7-16 at the Country Club. That clinic became an annual event and eventually included a tournament for the youth, also held every summer.

This year’s tournament had an Olympic theme, planned in conjunction with the recent Olympics held in Paris, France.

Gold, silver and bronze medals and American flags were present to the young golfers as they stood on podiums and Olympic music was played while they received their awards.

An avid golfer himself, he said his goal was not only to teach young people golf etiquette and respect for others on the course, but also to use those values throughout their lives.

The clinics for youth are held each summer and include one session each week where golf etiquette is presented through a video before participants take part in chipping and putting. The young people are divided into age groups.

“We let them play a little bit on the course after the first session,” Andrews said.

From the great response in the first year of the clinic, Andrews thought the clinic should become an annual event and it now includes a golf tournament for the youth.

Young people in grades ranging from second through seventh took part in the recent Andrews Golf Tournament held at the Geneseo Country Club. The photo shows participates and volunteers at the tournament, front from left, Claire Rushing, Nina Paxton, Charlotte Smith, Adi Smith, Eliana Emmerson; in the middle, Merick Russelburg, Bo Oberle, Asher Russelburg, Carver Allen, Charlie Reed, Brock Oberle, Hadley Abbott, Ella Hepner, Annie Reed, Sadie Abbott, and in back, Jim Andrews, Ryan Gillespie, Breandton Spensley, Trace Hager and Ethan Hepner. Contributed Photo

“The kids seem to have a good time and their parents follow them along on the course, watching them play,” he said. “It is beneficial to everyone involved.”

What Andrews did not know at that time was that in the second year of the clinic and tournament, one of the volunteers with the clinic, Matt Biddle, approached the board of the Geneseo Country Club asking the tournament be named the Andrews Junior Golf Tournament.

Jim Andrews was not aware of the tournament name change until the second year of the tournament when he was given a plaque of recognition for his dedication to youth golf programs.

He did get somewhat misty-eyed when the plaque was given to him and he said

his hope is that the clinic will continue for many years to come.

In recent years, another tournament volunteer, Ryan Gillespie has taken charge of the tournament and Geneseo High School girls’ golf coach Jon Murray has taken charge of the clinic and Andrews helps with both the clinic and tournament.

Gillespie also shared about the value of youth clinic and tournament and said, “I had played in the old Geneseo Country Club Junior Golf Tournament years ago, way back when I was in eight grade, When my wife, Erin, and I moved our family back to Geneseo in the summer of 2015, we joined the Country Club. That is when I met Jim Andrews.”

Andrews asked Gillespie to help with the youth golf clinic that he offered each summer and Gillespie agreed. The next year Andrews asked Gillespie to take over the tournament.

“The goal of the tournament is simply to get kids out on the course and have a lot of fun, showing good sportsmanship and showing their parents what a nice time can be had with the game of golf at our club,” Gillespie said. “Everyone seems to have a great time and I see shots from kids that I couldn’t have dreamed of hitting back when I played in the tournament.

Gillespie admits the tournament is a lot of work, and he added, ”But it always is so much fun when you see the first fist pump from a boy or girl draining a putt or the smiles on their faces as the parents and members of the club cheer for them as they receive their plaques and medals.”

Gillespie said he was aware the tournament took on the name of the Andrews Junior Golf Tournament in 2015 in honor of the many years of volunteerism that Andrews has put in helping kids learn the sport of golf.

“He’s been running the summer golf clinic for years and he is always kind to the kids at the club,” Gillespie said. ‘I’ve personally appreciated how he treats my own sons, Gavin and Declan. He shakes their hands, and asks them, ‘how are you doing young men?’ and inquires about their golf games. He treats them, and all the youth of the club, like they are real members and golfers out there. They walk a little taller after their interactions with him.”

TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

-BOYS – second grade and under, first place - gold, Asher Russelburg, shot 51; third, fourth and fifth grade, first place - gold, Bo Oberle, 43; third, fourth and fifth grade, second place – silver, Brock Oberle, shot 47; third, fourth and fifth grade-third place, bronze, Charlie Reed, shot 49; third, fourth and fifth grade fourth place, Carver Allen, shot 53; third, fourth and fifth grades, fifth place, Merick Russelburg, shot 65; Middle School, first place – gold, Trace Hager, shot 42; Middle School, second place –silver, Brandton Spensley, shot 52; Middle School, third place – bronze, Ethan Hepner, shot 67.

-GIRLS – second grade and under, first place – gold, Nina Paxton, shot 50; second grade and under, second place - silver, Claire Rushing, shot 56; second grade and under, third place – bronze, Charlotte Smith, shot 70; third, fourth and fifth grade, first place – gold, Eliana Emmerson, shot 45; third, fourth and fifth grade, second place – silver, Adi Smith, shot 50; third, fourth and fifth grade, third place – bronze, Sadie Abbott, shot 53; Middle School, first place – gold, Hadley Abbott, shot 43; Middle School, second place – silver, Annie Reed, shot 46; and Middle School, third place – bronze, Ella Hepner, shot 63.

Hammond-Henry Hospital Welcomes Dr. James Schrier As New General Surgeon

The Board of Directors of Hammond-Henry Hospital and its Administration announce the addition of Dr. James Schrier, FACS, General Surgeon, to its hospital staff, beginning November 1.  

“We believe it is of the utmost importance that we can accommodate all the general surgical needs of our community, and for that reason, we’ve been seeking an additional highly skilled and respected board-certified general surgeon,” said Colton Anderson, Director of Clinics and Provider Recruitment. “We are confident that Dr. Schrier will fulfill this need.”

A Board-certified surgeon, Dr. Schrier performs the following general surgeries: appendectomies, bowel obstructions/resections, breast cancer care, colonoscopies, endoscopies, gall bladder removal, hemorrhoid surgeries, laparoscopic surgeries, port placements, skin cancer removal, and soft tissue mass removal. He will begin serving patients at Hammond-Henry Hospital on November 1.

Dr. Schrier attended the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts, obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree, and continued his education at the University of Iowa College of Medicine for his Doctorate. He has completed residencies at the University of Iowa in general surgery and family practice. His surgical experience and interests include, but are not limited to, core general surgery, oncology, laparoscopic and advanced laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery with the DaVinci robot.

“Dr. Schrier is an outstanding surgeon, and we are grateful to have someone with his expertise and commitment to excellence in healthcare serving on our surgical staff,” said Anderson. Dr. Schrier will join Dr. Matthew Heberer as part of the Hammond-Henry Hospital Surgical Clinic team. Those interested in more information about obtaining a referral are asked to call 309.944.1595.

Illinois Farm Bureau, National Education Center For Agricultural Safety Celebrate National Farm Safety and Health Week

BLOOMINGTON, ILL. — The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is once again collaborating with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) to promote farm safety and health during National Farm Safety and Health Week, which will take place from September 15-21, 2024. This year's theme, "Don't Learn Safety by Accident," is dedicated to raising awareness about the hazards of working in agriculture. It underscores the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of those who work tirelessly to provide our abundant supply of food, fiber, and fuel. 

“We’re excited to help promote and support NECAS’s efforts in keeping farmers and farm families safe,” said Katie Laleman, Manager, Henry County Farm Bureau. “Harvest season can be particularly dangerous for farmers with long hours and stress of weather delays, equipment breakdowns or high operating costs, and this year’s activities will reinforce the importance of organizations like ours working together to ensure farmers make it home safely to their families at night.”  

Each day of the week has a designated topic of focus to promote various aspects of farm safety:

  • Monday, Sept. 16 – Equipment and Rural Roadway Safety

  • Tuesday, Sept. 17 – Health and Wellness

  • Wednesday, Sept. 18 – Generations of Farming

  • Thursday, Sept. 19 – Confined Spaces

  • Friday, Sept. 20 – Reporting Ag Injuries

     

The 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the agricultural sector remains the most hazardous industry in America, with 453 fatalities, equating to 19.5 deaths per 100,000 workers. Fall harvest time is particularly busy and perilous for those in agriculture. Consequently, the third week of September has been designated as National Farm Safety and Health Week to emphasize the importance of safety and health in this critical industry. 

“Farmers are notorious for their work ethic and determination, both qualities that also can be a detriment when it comes to safety,” said Laleman.  “While farm safety is top of mind every week for farmers, their families and their employees, National Farm Safety and Health Week is an opportunity to spotlight safety reminders that keep those both inside and outside the agriculture industry aware and mindful during the busy harvest season.” 

For more information about National Farm Safety and Health Week, contact your local county Farm Bureau, visit www.necasag.org, or contact Donna Gallivan at 309-557-2350 or dgallivan@ilfb.org.  

Inspire Continuing Care Director Looks to the Future, Fundraiser Set for Oct. 12 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

In August of 2021, Inspire Continuing Care (ICC) opened its doors to young adults with unique qualifications.

Jenn Johnson launched the daytime program for young adults that have aged out of special education or graduated from high school, and the last three years has made her aware of immediate and future needs of the participants.

In an effort to offer more, a fundraiser, “Big Buckle Barn Dance,” which is the inaugural fundraiser for Continuing Care, is planned. Johnson and Melanie Rice are co-chairpersons of the event.

The event, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 in the Red Barn at Oxford Cove, Geneseo, includes dinner, drinks and dancing with a live auction from 7:30 to 8 p.m. and a silent auction running throughout the hours of the event. There will be music, line dancing lessons and a mechanical bull.

A limited number of tickets are available at inspirecontinuingcare.org. Live and silent auction items will be available for live online bidding during the event via the ICC website: inspirecontinuingcare.org. Cost of the evening is $75 per person and $500 for a table of eight.

Tax deductible donations are accepted anytime via the ICC website: inspirecontinuingcare.org.

In planning the upcoming fundraiser, Jenn Johnson shared the information that was used to promote the Big Buckle Barn Dance fundraising event:

“Have you met the participants who gather Inspire Continuing Care? What extraordinary people! These young adults and their families receive professional, loving daytime supervision along with opportunities to learn and contribute within their own community. And, ICC provides resources for participant well-being and development without government funding!

The “Big Buckle Barn Dance” fundraiser is being held Oct. 12 to benefit Inspire Continuing Care (ICC) in Geneseo. ICC participants, in front from left, Jacob Martin and Diana Butler; and in back, ICC Director Jenn Johnson, back left, and Melanie Rice, are hoping the community will support the event. Johnson and Rice are co-chairpersons of the fundraiser. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The nonprofit organization provides services through the use of community grants, private donations, and tuition from participants’ families. Right now, we are raising funds so ICC can address immediate and future needs by:

-Establishing annual scholarships to reduce participants’ tuition fees by half – financial assistance ICC intends to offer for all time.

-Creating accessible, affordable housing to meet the unique needs of our friends with disabilities, allowing them to live as independently as possible and thrive as contributing adult members of the Geneseo community.

-Continuing to build on Geneseo High School’s excellent vocational training program, supporting the needs of post-high school adults as they navigate and experience paid employment opportunities in the Geneseo community.”

Sponsors of the “Big Buckle Barn Dance” are: Bill and Jane Wyffels and Robert W. Baird & Co., Silver Buckle Sponsors; Anthology for Books, Chicago Street Decorating, Farmers National Bank, Winkleman Insurance & Financial Services, Wyffels Hybrids and Chris and Sarah Rupiper, Bronze Buckle Sponsors.

Some basic information about ICC:

ICC receives no state or federal funding which allows the program to operate differently than most non-profit community day programs, Johnson said, and explained, “For instance, we’re open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., rather than the usual 5-6 hour limit. So, how do we afford ICC’s staffing, facilities, insurance, and other expenses? Through grants, donations, and participant tuition - which costs $20,000 per participant per year. Scholarships allow us to reduce each family’s fee by 50 percent, bringing their contribution under the monthly Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) most participants receive.”

The participants and staff experience field trips in Geneseo and beyond and Johnson added, “Maybe you’ve seen us in coffee shops, restaurants, and stories around town. We also venture out to festivals, museums, libraries, and more. These excursions into the community enrich our participants’ social and emotional well –being.”

As ICC director Johnson said, “Without us here, they wouldn’t get out there!”

Each week, ICC participants embrace the meaningful responsibility of shopping for, and preparing, and providing a home-cooked meal for their families…”What pride they experience by being a contributing adult family member through the ‘Take & Bake’ meal opportunity!”

“ICC seems to be a magnet for generous and spontaneous acts of kindness,” Johnson added. ‘Fellow diners pick up the participants’ lunch tab. Friends drop off gifts and goodies. People shower us with surprises. The participants enjoy doling out goodness as well – making and delivering treats, buying a round of coffee, choosing and delivering gifts. Our Sharing Sweetness fund affords them an opportunity to be spontaneously kind and generous community members, demonstrating appreciation for those we are blessed to encounter.”

ABOUT INSPIRE

Inspire is a daytime community program for young adults that have aged out of special education or graduated from high school – (ICC) is located in The Victory Center, (The Vic building) at 218 South State St. in Geneseo, and is open year round.

The young adults who attend ICC must be at least 18 years of age and have completed four years of traditional high school.

“Enrollment depends on the needs of each young adult,” Johnson said. More information is available at inspirecontinuingcare.org.

“We have an agreement with Bob Pettit, (owner of the building) to use the facility which is entirely handicap accessible, including restrooms,” Johnson said.

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Where are the Birds?

I just don’t get it? Very few birds are stopping at our bird feeders and it has been that way this summer. At least we’re saving $$$ on bird seed!
This past spring we had many species of birds, but just a few stop by and not for very long. Grant you, I’m sure there are plenty of other food sources in the warmer months, but still, something is going on.
I should add that others I’ve talked with also wonder “Where are you tweedy birds?” We do have three hummingbirds that enjoy drinks from their special feeder. Besides feed we have water to wash it down with, but “no go” there, too.
I guess they can fly over to the canal which borders our land. Autumn isn’t far away with winter to follow so those non-snowbirds that stick around better take advantage of free meals.

Fido Sweats

That we know, but dogs do not sweat by panting. They release excess heat through their tongues while taking short, rapid breaths and sometimes as many as 300 to 400 per minute. This process expels hot air from their lungs and body cavities.
Such breathing is quick and shallow so it doesn’t use up much energy. See what you can learn by reading “Dan D Outdoors?”

Oops Headlines

  1. “New Study of Obesity looks for larger Test Group.”

  2. “Red tape holds up new Bridge.”

  3. “Kids make Nutritious Snacks.”

  4. “Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery---- Hundreds Dead.”

  5. “Hospitals are sued by 7 foot doctors.”

Space

No, I’m not talking about that large amount between my eyes. I’m referring to “Outer” space! The next time you take a ride in the Skylab you will grow about 2 inches because of zero gravity. Earth is the only planet in our solar system that’s not named after a god. Okay, so who named this planet, “Earth?” Seventeen years ago a small meteorite found in Siberia sold for $122,750 at an auction in New York City. Probably some “Rock” star bought it!

Quiz

Let’s see how smart you are in the World of History? You can’t be too smart, ‘yer reading this column!!! Anyway, the answers below.

  1. In what year did Elizabeth II become the queen of England?

  2. In what year of the 1980s did the UK and Argentina go to war?

  3. The ancient temple, The Parthenon, stands above which city?

  4. Which U.S. President won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919?

  5. Which American industrialist invented the assembly line?

Humor

I told Lyn Paris ten jokes to make him laugh. Sadly, no pun in 10 did.

Waiter: “Do you wanna box for your leftovers?” Dale Kiser: “No. I’m more of a wrestler.”

Janet Anderson told her husband, Glen, to get 6 cans of Sprite from the grocery store. He realized when he got home that he had picked “7 up.”

Answers to Quiz

  1. 1952 2) 1982 3) Athens 4) Woodrow Wilson 5) Henry Ford


Quote for the Week

“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” - Satcheil Page

Women’s Health Series Luncheons Begin Sept. 26 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Knowledge can lead to many benefits, according to members of the Community Benefits Committee at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo.

The Women’s Health Series is sponsored by the committee which is an extension of the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation. Jan Sellman and Linda Storm serve as co-chairpersons of the committee.

The 2024-2025 program series begins its season on Thursday, Sept. 26, with a program, “Sleep Issues,” to be presented by Katie Sowder, APRN, and Karri Herberg, BA RPSGT Neuro/Sleep Center Coordinator, both of Hammond-Henry Hospital Medical Group.

The monthly health series luncheon meetings are from 12 to 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, from September through May, with the exception of December, at the Geneseo Community Center Activities Room, 541 East North St., Geneseo. Cost is $12 per person, payable at the meeting.

Jan Sellman, left, Linda Storm, representing the Women’s Health Committee at Hammond-Henry Hospital, invite area residents to the Thursday, Sept. 26, program of the Women’s Health Series, sponsored by Hammond-Henry Foundation Community Benefits Committee. The program, “Sleep Issues,” will be presented by Katie Sowder, APRN and Karri Herberg, BA, RPSGT Neuro/Sleep Center Coordinator, both of Hammond-Henry Hospital. Reservations are needed. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Reservations may be made by calling the Hospital Foundation office, 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. As a caterer is being used, walk-ins are not guaranteed a meal and reservations are required to secure a meal. Guests are welcome to arrive at the luncheon events anytime after 11:15 a.m.

The series of programs began in 2003 in an effort to help educate the community, according to Katie Orwig, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation manager. Program topics are selected by members of the Community Benefits Committee.

“At that time, the sessions were for both men and women, and men are still welcome, but it seems that we focus more on women’s topics because they are the primary caretakers of the family,” she said.

The women’s sessions led to establishing a men’s health series in 2013 where health topics for men are presented four times each year at 7 a.m. in the hospital conference room.

In addition to the programs being educational, Orwig said they are also a social time. “Beyond what they learn, they also view the time as a social outing and look forward to visiting with other people who attend,” she said.

“The programs are a means for us to let people know about services offered at Hammond-Henry,” Orwig said. “I have often heard remarks such as, ‘I had no idea that was offered at the hospital.’…I also think the people who attend the programs are in a more comfortable setting to ask questions of the presenters.”

“It is a fun way to learn,” she added.

Orwig said feedback is gathered at the programs, asking those in attendance to submit ideas. These ideas are reviewed by the committee and a list of topics is chosen for the upcoming year…”We have never run out of topics,” she said.

The 2024-2025 programs:

-Sept. 26 – “Sleep Issues.”

-Oct 24 – “Depression.”

-Nov 20– “Neurology”

-Dec – No Program

-Jan 23, 2025 – “Chair Yoga.”

-Feb 27 – “Skin Care.”

-Mar 27 – “Healthy Eating.”

-Apr 24 – “Thyroid Issues.”

-May 22 – “Compounding Pharmacy.”

Fluck Family Remembers 9/11 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

with Contributions from Kathi Fluck

Many Americans remember where they were and what they were doing on Sept. 11, 2001, when they learned of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. that reportedly left nearly 3,000 people dead and brought forth the reality of terrorism.

A Geneseo family, Kathi and Lee Fluck, and their three sons, Kyle, Justin and Adam, were traveling in France when the horrific 9/11 attacks occurred in the U.S., It was a trip the family expected to be their final family trip as one son was in college and the other two in high school.

Kathi Fluck recounted the experience:

“On the morning of Sept. 11, my husband and I were in Giverny, France, at the home and gardens of Impressionist Claude Monet…Our sons did not want to see Monet’s home, so they were spending their last day in Paris, where we would meet them in the afternoon. We were to fly home the next morning, Sept. 12.

As we entered the gardens, we came upon a group of Americans who were visibly upset listening to a fellow traveler while on the phone. They told us a plane had crashed into the World Trade Towers. I believe the local time was around 1 p.m.

We walked through Monet’s home and gardens wondering how that could have happened. It must have been a small plane and pilot error. Returning to Paris, the awful news about the World Trade Towers was confirmed. Everyone was quiet; we were all having difficulty processing the information. Was it a global attack? What if when we get back to Paris the Eiffel Tower was gone?

When the couple met their sons in Paris, the young men told their parents how they had seen early coverage of the attacks on television…”It was obvious that they were shaken up by this,” Fluck said. “We cancelled our plans to take a dinner river cruise down the Seine River; no one was hungry and no one wanted to go anywhere. Instead, we sat in our hotel room for hours, watching the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), playing the video of the plane crashing over and over.”

She said no one in the family had much sleep that night and the next day, the car they had arranged to take them to the airport arrived. The arrangements were made for the car when the Fluck family scheduled their trip.

Kathi and Lee Fluck, at left, and their three sons, from left, Kyle, Justin and Adam, were vacationing in France when the 9/11 attacks occurred in the United States, and as Kathi Fluck said, “It is something we will never forget.” Contributed Photo

“When we arrived at the airport, we found the TWA ticket counter was closed with a sign stating the airline had suspended operations and had declared bankruptcy,” Fluck said. “American Airlines had absorbed it, and at the AA counter, we were ticketed on their flights home, but no flights were being allowed into the United States. We had nowhere to go. We were told there were three hotels at the airport, so we chose one and checked in.”

“The five of us were now very worried and just wanted to go home,” she added. “People were told to call their embassies, but when we did, all we got was a recording to ‘leave a message.’ For one entire day, we sat in our hotel room and watched replay after replay of the planes crashing into the towers and the towers collapsing.”

The next day the family once again went to the airport and was told that no planes were allowed into the U.S.

“We decided we needed to make the most of our situation, we were in Paris!” she said. “So we took the train back into the city and went to a museum for the day. We tried to enjoy ourselves, but couldn’t forget what was going on back home.”

“The next day my husband went to the airport early in the morning and found out that planes were being allowed into the U.S, we packed and hurried to the airport. Military police were walking around with machine guns. The lines were long and it was very crowded. Just as we reached the front of the line to check our luggage, A French policeman came into the area. He blew a whistle and told everyone to get back, there was a bomb in the area.”

She said her husband “refused to go far, he wasn’t going to lose our place in line! The Bomb Squad arrived and we couldn’t see what was happening, but assumed they’d remove the bomb and would blow it up somewhere. Suddenly, there was a loud explosion and people screamed. They had detonated it right in the terminal! It was somebody’s forgotten luggage!”

“People ran like crazy to get back into line, and there stood my husband, at the front of the line with a grin on his face. Just as were to go through security, a ticket agent came out and asked, ‘Who is going to Miami?’ “We are!” We were pulled out of the line and told to follow the agent because the plane was waiting to take off.”

“Then an announcement was made: We were to observe 112 seconds of silence in reverence to those who had died. The time we had to stand there felt like hours, and when it was over, were instructed to run down a hallway where we were met by another agent. ‘Are you the Flooks?’ The Flooks are here!’ We ran down the stairs and boarded a bus loaded with passengers who cheered and applauded when we got on. They could not go to the plane!”

She said, “We couldn’t believe we were finally on our way home. We were tired, scared and just wanted to be in our own country. Were we worried about getting on a plane again? No way!”

When the family arrived in Miami, Fluck said they found the atmosphere: eerie, it was nearly empty. Shops and food vendors were closed. We saw baggage wrapped in large bundles with clear cellophane and tape. When we went through security check, we saw piles of pocket knives, box cutters and cigarette lighters. We arrived home at 3:30 a.m., tied, but so very glad to be home!”

She added that the plane they took from Paris to Miami was the only flight that got into the U.S. that day.

It is understandable that the Fluck family will not forget Sept. 11, 2001.

Harvest Time Music Festival 2024 Is Sept. 21-22 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Harvest Time Music Festival will kick off a weekend of activities with the 34th annual Maple leaf Marching Band Classic on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Geneseo High School.

The two-day festival concludes Sunday, Sept. 22, with festivities in Geneseo City Park.

The Maple Leaf Marching Band Competition takes center stage from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, with area high school bands competing for top honors.

Public is invited to the competition featuring high school bands from Orion, ROWVA, El Paso-Gridley, Streator, Monmouth,-Roseville, Rock Falls, Kewanee, Macomb, Dunlap, Rochelle, UTHS, Limestone, Davenport Central, Quincy, Rock Island and Washington.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 students and senior citizens.

Geneseo Middle School Band students will perform the introduction and The Sound of Geneseo High School Marching Band (The Sound of Geneseo (TSOG) will perform in exhibition.

The University of Wisconsin Marching Band will perform at the conclusion of the evening.

From noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, in Geneseo City Park, or at the high school if it rains, activities will include pork chop sandwiches and concessions, available from noon to 5 p.m., with karaoke and music from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m.

The seventh-and eighth-grade choirs will perform at 1 p.m., with high school choirs at 2 p.m. Choirs representing grades 4-12 will present the grand finale at 4:30 p.m., with songs connected to this year’s theme, “Give My Regards to Broadway.”

A talent show of students is from 3 to 4 p.m.

Also on Sept. 22, a silent auction will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. with winners announced at 4 p.m. Raffle drawings will begin at 4 p.m. for large raffle items and conclude with smaller raffle items.

First prize includes one year of free groceries form Geneseo Fareway; second prize is a Safe and Smart Home Bundle (Generator, Ring Doorbell System, Google Smart Home Starter Kit, Roomba) sponsored by the Clifton Agency, Inc., and locally owned businesses; third prize is an Outdoor Entertainment Bundle (Patio Furniture Set, Wi-Fi Enabled Ice Maker) sponsored by locally owned and operated businesses.

Tickets for raffle items are $10 each, five for $40, and are available at the festival and from band and choir members. Raffle tickets also are available to purchase online through the GPAC website: geneseoarts.com. Online tickets may be purchased until 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.

The annual two-day Harvest Time Music Festival is sponsored by Geneseo Performing Arts Council (GPAC) and proceeds benefit Geneseo band, choir and drama students.

Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers Membership Event Sept. 17

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Julie Zwica, left, and Deb Deener, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary, are ready for the “Field of Blooms” volunteers membership event planned for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., Geneseo. The membership event is for auxiliary members and prospective members and will include brunch. Taylor Meints of Taylor & Co., Geneseo, will be the guest speaker. Kathleen VanDeRostyne, volunteer/auxiliary manager at the hospital, will share a variety of opportunities for auxiliary volunteers. Reservations are required by Thursday, Sept. 12, by calling Zwica, 309-269-3563; Deb. Deener, 309-945-2136; or Kathleen VanDeRostyne, at 309-944-9130. Zwica added that anyone who might be interested in becoming a volunteer is encouraged to make a reservation and attend. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo Library Has a New Free Streaming Service Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Public Library has a new free streaming service available to its patrons.

Kanopy is an ad-free streaming service that distributes content through membership at public libraries and universities, according to Claire Crawford, director of the Geneseo library. “Kanopy focuses on providing movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos without commercial interruption, and it’s free to our patrons.”

Kanopy charges libraries and universities a fee for providing content to their members. Each member is allotted a certain amount of free digital rentals per month.

Anyone who has a library card is eligible to receive the free service and those patrons with library cards will be asked to use their library card number and a PIN password.

The new service offers PBS, Paramount, HBO Documentaries, A24, The Criterion Collection.

There is an entire section of Kanopy that is dedicated to children – Kanopy Kids. Some of the content includes: Peanuts, Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Arthur, Calliou, and Franklin the Turtle in addition to parental controls and classes for kids.

Even though it won’t have the most recent blockbuster movies, the library staff believes those people looking for independent films, documentaries and lots of content for kids “will really like it.”

Residents of Geneseo who do not have a library card can apply for a card at the library. They will need to present two proofs of residency (a current driver’s license with their address) and a paid utility bill that has their address.

AE&TA Working Farm Show Is Sept. 13-Sept. 15 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Phil Jordan, Antique Engine & Tractor Association board member, stands in the new learning center located in the Lester Building, which is part of the main barn on the AE&TA show grounds where the Working Farm Show begins Thursday, Sept. 13. The 63rd annual show continues 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 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.

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.


A Student’s Story about How a Visit to the Geneseo Historical Museum Inspired Her - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

A visit to the Geneseo Historical Museum left a lasting impression on Bailey Callahan of Moline.

Callahan, the daughter of Michael and Amie Callahan, and a Moline High School sophomore, was instrumental in fundraising for a sign, now in place on the front of the museum that recognizes the museum as at one time being used to help hide slaves on their journey to freedom north to Canada along the Underground Railroad.

Amie Callahan, back left, and her daughter, Bailey Callahan, back right; both of Moline; and in front, Luanne Bruckner, seated at left, of Thompson, IL, and Angie Snook, Geneseo, are shown by the sign that was recently presented to Snook at an Honor Awards Ceremony of the DAR-CAR (Daughters of the American Revolution and Children of the American Revolution) held in Springfield. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Callahan’s interest in the Underground Railroad began when she first visited the museum with her local CAR Society (Charles Carroll Society), which is under the umbrella of the Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution.

Angie Snook, who was then curator/director of the museum, took the group on a tour of the historic house and shared many stories from the past, including that of the hiding hole located in the basement of the museum.

“We got to see the hiding hole in the basement of the museum and hear the stories,” she said. “I especially remember hearing about the two men who dressed in funeral clothes (women’s 1800’s mourning clothes) and walked past the slave hunters without the slave hunters realizing the ‘women’ were actually the escaped slaves. That visit sparked my interest in learning about the Underground Railroad.”

She read books about Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth; and others, “and I took my home school group to the museum in 2019 to show them the hiding hole,” Callahan said.

Callahan shared that her family is very active in the Children of the American Revolution (CAR) which she said was founded in 1895 by Harriett Lothrop and is the oldest youth patriotic organization in the United States…Callahan followed in the footsteps of her mother, uncle, and two of her older siblings when she became State President of the Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution and served in that post from April 2023—April 2024.

Each year the State President designs and implements a project and the project usually has two main parts.

“One part is about education and the other is a related fundraiser,” Callahan explained. “For my project, I chose the theme ‘Broken Chains: Aiding Freedom’s Journey’ One of the things my visits to the museum taught me was that the Underground Railroad happened here in Illinois. It wasn’t just a story from a history book. It was real. Slavery was a horrible thing, but people in Illinois took the risk to help people in need. I wanted the members of the Illinois CAR to learn about how people in their own communities helped others along the Underground Railroad.”

The CAR members were asked to research the Underground Railroad in their communities and to design a quilt block that represented how their community “Aided Freedom’s Journey” and the quilt top has been assembled and is being hand-quilted.
“It will be on display at the Geneseo Historical Museum when it is finished,” Callahan said.

She also designed a pin that has symbols representing the Underground Railroad – a railroad, a lantern (conductor) and broken shackles…”We sold the pins for $10 each and I also sold tote bags that were designed with the emblem of the Underground Railroad, T-shirts and some chocolate bars. The money from this fundraising was used to pay for two signs at the Geneseo Historical Museum and for some repairs at the Jacksonville African-American History Museum. The JAAHM is a new museum which is located in the Asa Talcott House in Jacksonville. Asa Talcott bought the house in 1833 from Joseph Duncan before Duncan became Governor of Illinois. Talcott and his wife, Marie, hid slaves in their barn before sending the slaves to Woodlawn Farm and on to Canada.”

The sign is on the front of the Geneseo Historical Museum identifying the Museum as a site of the hiding hole for the Underground Railroad. There also is a second sign from the DAR-CAR identifying the museum as the Richards-Thede Historical Home of the Underground Railroad, and that sign will be put in place by the front walkway. Photo by Claudia Loucks

“We also sold engraved bricks for the site as Asa Talcott was a bricklayer,” Callahan added. “The total amount raised for the project was just over $14,000 before taking out the costs for sales items.”

Callahan estimated that she gave approximately 50 presentations about her project and those presentations included stories she heard from Angie Snook.…”We learned about People in Hutsonville, IL (along the Indiana border), Sheldon Peck in Lombard, the Lovejoy brothers, the Abbott family in Morrison and the Phelps family along the Spoon River among others,” she said.

“One of my favorite quotes is found in the exhibit in Geneseo,” Callahan said. “It says ‘Freedom is the result of daily choices made by ordinary people'. I think this quote speaks to how people stood up for freedom then, and inspires us to stand up for what we think is right today.”

Callahan designed the project when she was 13 years old and served as State President at the age of 14.

After serving as State President this last year, she was elected to the National Board of CAR as the National Vice President of the Great Lakes Region which includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

In July, she helped plan and preside over the Great Lakes-Mid Southern Regional meeting in Covington, KY, where 180 people participated.

As a Moline High School sophomore, Callahan is in band, orchestra, and choir and plays soccer. She also is active in 4-H where she participates in Horse Bowl and Hippo logy (study of the horse) and serves on the Illinois State 4-H Influencers Team (social media).

Erdman Construction Will Open Doors Friday at New Home - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Neal Erdman is ready to unveil the showrooms at the new home of his business, Erdman Construction, 101 South Chicago St., Geneseo. The grand opening will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and the public is invited.

Food and lemonade trucks will be available for guests to purchase items and Erdman will provide beverages from Geneseo Brewing Company to guests.

Erdman started his construction business in 2019 after doing projects for friends, family and other people in the area.

“I got very busy with those work projects and decided to turn it into a full time business,” he said.

In the beginning it was just Erdman doing all of the work – from projects in the field to all of the sales and office work.

“It quickly became a lot of work so I hired a bookkeeper (Heidi) to help with some of the office work. She is still with Erdman Construction and has become an integral part of the internal operations of the business.”

In the beginning, Erdman worked out of his garage, which he used as his shop, and an extra bedroom in his home became his office.

“I began to hire carpenters to help with the increased workload and in the winter of 2020 space became available at 105 South Chicago St. and we moved the business into that location. The space was a former dance studio, next to Mega Tan and I remember sitting in that huge space, with my little desk as the only furniture and thinking ‘this is too much space, what will we do with it all’?’’

When asked about the biggest hurdle he had to overcome in running his own business, Erdman replied, “Right after I moved into the new space in the winter of 2020, things shut down as a result of Covid. The first few months were a bit scary as the phones did not ring much. I kept the marketing going, and eventually the phones started ringing and have never stopped. I hired business coaches to teach me how to scale a business without making some of the mistakes that could happen along the way.”

One year later, 2021, Erdman Construction had many more carpenters than Erdman himself in addition to a project manager. Office space and a showroom were added…”We hired even more carpenters and sales staff to handle the increased workload,” he said. “We partnered with Amwood Homes for our new home construction side of the business and we became very busy building homes on top of all our room additions and remodels.”

In addition to the already heavy workload, Erdman decided to obtain his roofing license for Illinois and said, “We quickly became very busy in our roofing and exterior department, and I brought on two roofing salesmen and it didn’t take long until we felt we had outgrown our current space, that at one time had seemed like too much space, and needed to look for something larger”

The current home of Erdman Construction, right across the parking lot from where they were located, became available in the fall of 2023 and Neal Erdman said, “We jumped on the opportunity. We decided to expand our services again into cabinet retail and began to build out our showroom and cabinet design center in our new building.”

“With the help of all of our great team members, we have built a premiere showroom for our new home selection process and cabinet retail space,” he added.

Erdman currently has 18 employees from field crews to project managers, sales staff, marketing and customer relations, office staff and an in-house design coordinator.

When asked why he started his construction business, Erdman replied, “I felt that I could be successful by focusing on quality, customer experience and integrity, and I will continue to do that.”

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).