Breath-a-Lasers - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current


When I Wasn’t Old

In 1957 my dad and I went to Florida. I can remember seeing a water fountain at a gas station in Florida with a sign that read, “Whites Only.” We’re all familiar with the Chevrolet logo. Its nick name is “bow tie.”
A few days ago I sold my (deceased) mom’s 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL. It only had 70,000 miles. I can remember how she so loved that car. She could no longer drive and I remember her crying when we drove it home from Cape Cod. A long time ago I drove it over the Rock River bridge between Carbon Cliff and Colona. There was no traffic and in that short of speedway I hit 120+mph. Sad, but we don’t need 3 vehicles.
I had asthma as a kid. It was no fun and they didn’t have breath-a-lasers, or whatever you call those gadgets. My parents bought a big International Harvester window air conditioner and that helped somewhat during the pollen season. Could not have a dog as it was thought at that time it caused asthma attacks. Last attack was in Corfu, Greece at age 21.
Knew two classmates in grade school that came down with polio. Both had braces on their legs. Sad to say some kids made fun of the two. I hope I wasn’t one of them.
My dad pulled some strings and when I graduated from high school I worked as a stock chaser at International Harvester, East Moline. Made $2.33 an hour. Got laid off, took the post office test and carried mail at $2.16 an hour.
Remember “Kings?” You would cross your two fingers and hold them behind your back. This way it was okay to not tell the truth. All this when I wasn’t old.

Sorry Hummingbirds

The bees of plenty have taken over our two hummingbird feeders. They are so bad that they will not let the little birds have a drink. The bees were not bad until maybe two or three weeks ago.

Fishing Report

Last week myself, and two other friends fished in the morning on a private

lake. We caught 14 nice crappies, 8 bass, two bluegills and a big snapping turtle. At 11 a.m. they just completely quit. Had some crappies for supper and they were “so” good! Tried “Siggy Bay” recently on the canal and caught & released 3 nice size pumpkin seeds. I think they are the most beautiful fish of the sunfish family.

Sadly to Mention

Glenn Sigwalt, former Geneseo Ikes Board Member, recently passed away.  Some years ago a sign, "Siggy Bay" was erected by the bay honoring all his work on various projects. Submitted Photo

Two members of the Geneseo Izaak Walton recently passed away. Glenn Sigwalt joined in 1994 and Rex Rogers in 1999. I really did not know Rex Rogers very well other than he was a good volunteer and a nice person.
Glenn Sigwalt was also a good volunteer. He used to ice fish the canal bay east of the Ike’s lodge and did a lot of work with the various Izaak Walton events. Some years ago, the canal bay was named, “Siggy Bay” and a sign was erected in his honor. Both fellows will be sorely missed!

Grant Hatch, Colona, recently took this photo of Mr. Bob Cat as it prowled the Green River hamlet area of Colona.  Submitted Photo

Ag Days/Harvest Festival Successful

Bishop Hill’s “Annual 19th Century Harvest Festival” was really great. Lorna and I volunteered, as did others, at the Henry County Historical Museum. I gave a program on “Military Cutlery.” I was very happy with the turnout of visitors.
We had 181 that registered and toured the museum. It also happened to be the “40th Anniversary of the Henry County Historical Society Museum.” There were a lot of compliments on the former school turned museum.

Humor

What would the terminator be called in his retirement? Ans: The exterminator.

Some of you may not know it, but Bob Kuhns is not only a “musician,” but also a “magician.” Some think he is doing his disappearing act too often. I disagree.

I think it’s just a stage he’s going through! How do you organize a party in space? Ans: You planet.

Quote of the Week

“Death and life have their determined appointments, riches and honors depend upon heaven.”

  • Confucius

Olivia Drive Condo Project Underway - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

There’s a new property development project happening in Geneseo!

Affinity Growth Community Developer LLC is a property development company based in Geneseo and founded by local businessmen Jeremy Dodge, Brad Toone and the Wirth family.

The group currently is involved in a condo project on Olivia Drive in Geneseo, which is at the north east side of Geneseo, near the Public Library and WoodRidge Supportive Living.

According to Brad Toone, the mission of the company “is to provide high-quality, accessible homes that cater to the evolving needs of the Geneseo community. Whether you are looking to downsize, reduce home maintenance, or simply enjoy a more accessible living space, our condos are the perfect solution.”

The condos will be built as they are sold and will be owner-occupied, not for rent, Toone said.

Contributed Illustration

Phase 1 of the development includes a total of 24 condo units, eight buildings in all. Interested persons are invited to contact the company by email at affinitygrowth@gmail.com or by phone at 309-944-3137. Additional details also are available at https://affinitygrowthcd.com.

Information provided by Toone said the standard units are over 1,700 square feet, with options for a sunroom, four-season room, or additional ,living space for pre-sold units that could increase the square footage to just under 1,900 square feet.

“Each condo includes an open-concept kitchen and great room, a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a second bathroom with a shower tub combo, a laundry room, and an electric fireplace. The condos also have a tank less water heater and high efficiency, attic-ducted A/C system.”

The exterior design of the condos features a neutral color combination with stone wainscoting on the front and vinyl siding for the remainder. Each unit has a two-car garage with attic access via a drop-down ladder for additional storage. Both front and rear covered porches are included in the base package.

Toone said the exterior of each condo is designed to be as maintenance-free as possible.

Initially, Affinity Growth Community Developer LLC will handle exterior maintenance, including lawn care and snow removal, he said, and added, ”Once the project is 51 percent owned by buyers, the Olivia Drive Condo Association will take over responsibilities for exterior upkeep, including lawn care and snow removal. A monthly association fee will be required by each condo owner when they take occupancy,” Toone explained.

Rebuilding Together Henry County Installs 400th Wheelchair Ramp - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It was just two years ago when volunteers with Rebuilding Together Henry County completed their 300th wheelchair ramp, and this week the group installed its 400th wheelchair ramp at a Cambridge home.

Steve Durian, left, and Dewey Ritchie were among the Rebuilding Together Henry County volunteers who constructed the group’s 400th wheelchair ramp in Cambridge. Submitted Photo

The organization was able to build 100 ramps in two years as a result of their “amazing volunteers, known as the ‘RAMP CREW’,” according to Sarah Snyder, executive director of RTHC. “The ramp crew is always looking for new volunteers and anyone interested is joining the group is asked to contact the office at 309-288-4600, and their contact information will be given to the volunteer crew leaders.”

The group recently began building ramps in Stark County and is seeking volunteers from Henry County and Stark County to assist with the program.

The ramps are provided free of charge to those in need, and there currently are more than 170 ramps currently in use throughout Henry and Stark counties. The remainder of the ramps, not in use, are being stored and will be installed at additional locations. A completed ramp request application is necessary prior to being added to the list and there currently is a waitlist of nine requests.

Applications are available at www.rebuildingtogether-hc.org or by calling 309-288-4600.

Dan Brudos is photographed at work on the recent ramp constructed by RTHC volunteers. Submitted Photo

In 1996, RTHC, formerly known as Christmas in April, constructed its first wheelchair accessible ramp at the former Geneseo Food Pantry on Russell Ave.

In the last five years, the group has provided more than 200 ramps for individuals with compromised mobility. When volunteers first started building the ramps, there was only one volunteer that would design the ramps, now there are six volunteers that are trained to design the ramps throughout the county.

Information received from Sarah Snyder stated that the ramps are temporary structures that, when no longer needed, are removed so that the large section can be recycled and used on another ramp. This “recycling” has kept costs down, especially now that lumber and material costs have continued to increase over the last few years.

Snyder said the program “relies heavily on local funding form the Geneseo Community Chest, Geneseo Foundation, Miller Foundation, and Moline Foundations. A partnership built by our National Organization with Lowe’s has helped build 40 or more ramps each year. This partnership over the past five years has been crucial to the success of the program. The Geneseo Foundation, Miller Foundation, and the Geneseo Community Chest have been amazing local supporters. Additionally, Great Dane has been providing the steel pillars that are placed at the end of every ramp as in-kind donations have helped reduce costs as well.”

Rebuilding Together Henry County volunteers include, from left, Hal Clark, Jack Gowan and Steve Durian. Submitted Photo

Geneseo High 2024 Homecoming Festivities - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

“Viva Las Vegas” is the theme of the Geneseo High School Homecoming Week, to be held Monday, Oct. 7, through Saturday, Oct. 12. Candidates for homecoming king and queen are seniors, in front from left, Kendall Ellerbrock, Gwenivere Erickson, Emilia Schmitt, Annie Maxwell, Addison Snodgrass, Katie VanDeWoestyne, Sydney Nelson, Isabella Fletcher, Madelyn Mooney and Sophia Bellagamba; and in back, from left, Alex Moe, Zachary Montez, Brady Hamer, Kruiz Ludwig, Kamden Ariano, Austin Pearce, Dru Curcuru, Paxton Sherbeyn, Dylan Gehl and Shane Bagby. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Homecoming festivities, with a theme of “Viva Las Vegas” will get underway on Monday, Oct. 7, at Geneseo High School.

The homecoming court will be announced at a pep rally at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at Bob Reade Football Field, and will include a king and queen, duke and duchess and lord and lady from the senior class, and two candidates from each of the freshman, sophomore and junior classes.

The coronation of the homecoming court will take place at the homecoming dance on Saturday, Oct. 12, in the school gym.

Events planned by the GHS Student Council include Spirit Week Dress Days, Oct. 7 through Friday, Oct. 11; Float Face-Off at Richmond Hill from 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and the Pep Rally on Oct. 10. The homecoming parade will be at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, starting at Geneseo City Park and traveling north through downtown to the high school.

This year’s parade has a slight detour that takes the parade route down Exchange St. to Russell Ave., due to construction on State St.

The varsity football game (Geneseo vs. Dolton Thornridge) will be at 7 p.m. after the frosh-soph game at 5 p.m.

SPIRIT WEEK DRESS DAYS – OCT. 7-11.

-Monday, Oct. 7 – Jersey vs. Jersey Shore Day.

-Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Teacher-Student Swap Day.

-Wednesday, Oct. 9 – Country vs. Country Club Day.

-Thursday, Oct. 10 – Hawaiian Day.

-Friday, Oct. 11 – Spirit Day - Green/White, Team - Club Day Homecoming Parade Starts at 3:30

Mission Trip Project Comes to Geneseo Grace Church - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

When plans didn’t work out for a mission trip to at Grace United Church in Geneseo, the mission outreach was brought to the church.

Karen Doy, chairman of the Mission Committee at the church explained that each year the church donates money to organizations “near and far. We wanted to be a little more involved with helping others, so we put a notice in the church bulletin and on the Mission Bulletin Board to gather interest for a two-day mission trip to central Illinois.

That idea became more difficult that imagined as people’s schedules would not align with the dates, Doy said.

“Therefore, we decided to bring the mission field to our church,” she said.

Midwest Mission designated Sunday, Sept. 15, as Mission Sunday, providing various opportunities for “reinvigorating our congregation by getting them excited about serving and making a difference around the world and around the corner…This was our opportunity to host an event at our church. We settled on assembling student kits.”

The photo shows the student kit supplies for a recent mission project at Grace United Methodist Church. The supplies were assembled in bags by the congregation. Contributed Photo

At the close of the church service, the Grace church congregation was invited to take part ion the project and directions were provided for building the student kits.

“All of the necessary supplies were purchased ahead of time by the Mission Committee,” Doy explained. “We thought if most people built one kit before leaving church, we would have 100 kits built in no time. We made it a fun time by providing donuts to those who participated.”

The completed kits will be delivered to the Midwest Mission in Pawnee, IL.

Each kit includes three one-subject spiral notebooks, one 12-inch ruler, six unsharpened pencils, one two-inch pencil eraser, one box of 12 colored pencils, one box of 24 crayons, and one pair of scissors. The supplies are contained in individual handmade one-handled bags, made by church member Norma Lodge. The pattern for the bags was supplied by Midwest Mission.

Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League 2024 Winners

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League held their end-of-season event at The Cellar and winners were announced for the season. Lady golfers taking honors in Low Gross are, from left, Jan VanKerrebroeck, Flight A; Connie Zerull, Flight C; Connie Driessens, Flight B; and Barb Printy, Flight D. Joan Luikart was the winner in Flight E, but was absent for the photo.

Winners in the Low Net category are , from left, Erna Miller, Flight C; Nancy Stover, Flight D; Jan Hartsock, Flight E; and Barb Specht, Flight B. Sheila Cromien was the winner in Flight A, was absent for the photo.

Henry & Stark County Health Department & Henry County OEM Note National Emergency Preparedness Month

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
September 27, 2024

The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) note that this September we mark the 23rd year anniversary of 9/11.   Since then, September has been designated as National Preparedness Month.  This event was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S.  RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, states, "The designation is a nationwide, month-long effort that encourages individuals, families, businesses, and communities to work together and take action to prepare and plan for emergencies." 

    The goal for National Emergency Preparedness Month 2024 is to encourage all Americans to take active steps toward getting involved and becoming prepared.  Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it takes a whole community.   This year's National Preparedness Month focuses on turning awareness into action by encouraging all individuals and all communities nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan. 

     This year's theme for National Preparedness Month's is, “Start a Conversation.” Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but it’s important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe. Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace: 

     National Preparedness Month is a good reminder that emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.  That's why the Health Department and OEM staff are continually taking steps to become educated, trained, and better prepared, and we urge you to take time this month to do the same. 

    For more information on the Health Department's Emergency Preparedness visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or visit www.ready.gov. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Department.  Funding for this program was provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Announces 2024 State Street Market

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

Geneseo, IL - The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you into Geneseo on Saturday October 5th for the 2024 State Street Market. A day of shopping, food, live music, and more! A curated list of over 60 vendors and mobile boutiques will be set up along historic State Street in Downtown Geneseo from 10am-5pm. Shop vintage, handmade, and handpicked goods from all over the Midwest region.

Make a day of it! Enjoy excellent shopping and dining city-wide all day long. This year you can expect to see many of past market vendors returning alongside some new names setting up for their very first market. This is a great day to make Geneseo, Illinois a shopping and dining destination. Geneseo is conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest on Interstate 80 and is easily accessible by Interstate 80; Interstate 280; and Interstate 74.

Live music and Fun! Right at the center of State Street Market you will find LIVE MUSIC happening the entire market time. Angela Meyer will perform at State Street Market from 10am-1:30pm and Bobby Ray Bunch will take the hayrack stage from 1:30pm-5pm. Food trucks will be setup for market guests and picnic tables and blankets will be spread out for a safe and fun outdoor dining experience. Geneseo’s brick and mortar stores and restaurants will also be open and ready to greet you.

For more information about the 2024 event, follow State Street Market Geneseo on Facebook and Instagram: @statestreetmarketgeneseo #statestreetmarketgeneseo

Questions? For more information, call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686 or via email at geneseo@geneseo.org.

Richmond Hill Players to Present American Classic Beginning Oct. 3 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


The Richmond Hill Players continue their 2024 season with John Steinbeck’s American Classic “Of Mice and Men,” to be presented Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 3-1 3, at the Barn Theatre at Richmond Hill Park in Geneseo.

Justin Raver, Kewanee, directs the show.

ABOUT THE SHOW

“George and Lennie, two drifters with dreams of living off the “fat of the land” arrive at a ranch, hoping to work for enough money to buy their own place. Lennie is a man-child, a little boy in the body of a dangerously powerful man. His obsessions with things soft and cuddly have made George cautious about whom the gentle giant associates with.

Matthew McConville as Lennie, talks to his pal and guardian George, played by Kevin Maynard, Rock Island, two drifters looking for work are among the cast members in “Of Mice and Men.” Contributed Photo

George’s promise to let Lennie “tend to the rabbits” on their future homestead helps keep the overgrown child calm. But the ranch owner’s son is a brutal bully with a promiscuous wife, and Lennie’s encounters with them lead to tragic results.

Realizing they can’t run away anymore, George is faced with a moral question: how should he deal with Lennie before the ranchers find him and take matters into their own hands?”

The show is rated PG-13 for language and adult themes.

Zack Sullivan, left, Geneseo; Julian Totton and Kevin Keck, both of Davenport; and Mike Skiles, Geneseo, rehearse a scene from “Of Mice and Men,” which opens Oct. 3 at the Barn Theatre, Geneseo. Contributed Photo

The cast features Matthew McConville, Mike Skiles, Glenn Kluge, Zack Sullivan, Kane Escoto, all of Geneseo; Kevin Maynard, Lily Blouin, Anthony Mitchell, Rock Island; Pat Kelley, Kewanee; Kevin Keck and Julian Totton, Davenport.

The staff includes stage manager Megan McConville; set builder Mike Skiles, light and sound designer Jennifer Kingry; crew member Leslie Day, all of Geneseo; and set builder Jim Skiles, Colona.

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

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

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

Admission to all performances is $12.

An audio description performance will be held Friday, Oct. 4. Richmond Hill also offers Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), which can be requested at the time reservations are made.

Author Tim Pletkovich to Present Program Saturday on U.S. Presidential Genealogy

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nationally Recognized author Tim Pletkovich, Geneseo, will be featured at the Toulon Public Library in Toulon at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday for a program entitled “U.S. Presidential Genealogy.” The program is sponsored by the Stark County Genealogical Society.

Ulysses Grant Dietz, a great-great-grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant, will join Pletkovich remotely for the presentation.

Pletkovich currently is writing a book about the subject with several presidential descendants, most of whom are either grandchildren or great-grandchildren of the nation’s commanders-in-chief. His previous works include “Civil War Fathers and Nuns,” “Nazis,” and “Notre Dame.”

The author received the Ella A. Dickey Award for Literature in 2017 for “Civil War Fathers.” Past Dickey Award recipients include former First Lady Laura Bush, former U.S. Senator and Democratic Party presidential candidate, the late George McGovern, and former U.S. Secret Service Agent Paul Landis.

Copies of Pletkovich’s books will be available to purchase after the program Saturday in Toulon.

 Pletkovich, the son of John and Shirley Pletkovich, graduated from JD Darnall High School in 1978.

When I Wasn’t Old - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

“When I Wasn’t Old”

If you regularly read this column you know that towards the end I have an article entitled “HUMOR,” followed by the “QUOTE of the Week.”
Starting this week, I will add a regular article, “WHEN I WASN’T OLD.” It will be about various happenings, experiences, and so on when growing up in the Quad Cities, Geneseo/Henry County, and foreign countries I visited “when I wasn’t old!”
So, let’s get started! 1) I had no siblings. I think it was one of those, “Ooops, no birth control pills in 1942. 2) Asthma was not fun, but I lied about not having it to get into the Navy. 3) Dad had a good job at International Harvester, East Moline Works. Great Dad, but alcohol, smoking and cancer took his life. 4) Mom worked at Grossmans store in downtown Moline. I worked there when I was a junior at Alleman H.S. Made .60 cents an hour. One time I took Miss America (1958 or ‘59) in the store’s elevator to second floor. There were other dignitaries with her. She wanted a hat and, as I remember, Mrs. Grossman gave her the one she liked. 5) Remember the three movie theaters in downtown Moline? There was also one on 23rd Avenue and the Roxie theater on 15th street. On Saturdays there were serials. “Rocket Man” was my favorite. Movie tickets were .25 cents and .10 cents for popcorn. 6) There were still electric trolley car tracks on 4th Ave going east from 34th St. Can’t remember seeing any trolleys in the late 1940s or ‘50s. 7) We got our first black & white, 14 inch screen TV set. It’s tubes kept burning out! 8) I remember my dad once said that Geneseo was a rich man’s town and that most folks there were farmers. In high school, myself and two friends rode out there a few times on our Mo-Peds with a top speed of 32 m.p.h. One time I got hit by a 1953 Buick in Rock Island. Just suffered bruises, didn’t wear a helmet, but no one did back then. 9) Do you remember parking meters? They had them in downtown Moline, but people and merchants complained so they were Kaput. 10) Okay, last one! One time, for fun, my best friend and I wore bright yellow pants to high school. Not too smart! Anyway, maybe some of the things I mentioned you can relate to, or find interesting?

Ag Days

Bishop Hill’s “Annual 19th Century Harvest Festival” will take place on Saturday, Sept 28 and Sunday, Sept 29, 2024. The Bishop Hill Heritage Association have scheduled a ton of events from old ways of farming to musical performances to a petting zoo to great food, etc.
Added to all this is the celebration of the “40th Anniversary of the Henry County Historical Society Museum” to be held on Saturday, Sept 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. just outside of the museum.
The guest speaker will be William Furry, historian, journalist and the Executive Director of the Illinois State Historical Society. For entertainment, Dan Holmes is an “old school singer and songwriter.” He has performed in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Florida, Ohio and California. His music will touch you and inspire you.
In the museum I will present a program on “Military Cutlery” at 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. It was very well attended at the recent “Vintage Farm Equipment Show” in Atkinson, IL. We hope to see you at Bishop Hill, IL., on Sept 28, 2024.

Model Trains

While I still have my Lionel trains all set-up on our ping-pong table, they pretty much gather dust. Our 5 grandkids have little or no use for them.
So, I went on the internet to see if they had any worth, but the trains I have, while old, are not among the top 5 model trains. Joshua “Lionel” Cowan and Harry C. Grant founded Lionel Corporation in 1900.
Their first trains were on O gauge tracks. Mine are on the later model .027 tracks. One of the most expensive Lionel train sets went for $250,000 in 1934 at an auction house. There is some place in downtown Geneseo that have model trains. Someday I’ll see if they would like them.

Dayton Valley View Cookout

This Colona housing addition will have their annual cookout in the DVV Court on Friday, October 18, 2024. I don’t know the time, but I suspect 5 or 6 p.m.
As to the ending time, figure midnight or there abouts! Lots of Kool-Aid downed so it’s nice were all in walking distance of our homes! Great neighbors, great time!

Geneseo Ikes Cookout

All members and guests are invited to the Geneseo Izaak Walton Fall Weiner Roast. It will be held on the outside east patio on Saturday, October 26, 2024. It starts at 5 p.m. It’s always a fun event. Bring a chair, hot dog stick and covered dish. The club will supply the rest. There is just something nice about gathering with friends around a firepit.

‘Da Bears

They had better clean-up their act, or it’s going to be a long, long season. As to QB Williams, so far he isn’t showing all the hype bestowed on him. College football is one thing, but the Pros is quite another!

Humor

Bob Sellman told me once that he was allergic to peanuts. It’s so bad that he can’t even read Charlie Brown in the funnies! Bob’s lovely wife, Jan, really wants to buy one of those supermarket checkout dividers.
The problem is the check-out lady keeps putting it back. Years ago, I remember our daughter saying I don’t give her enough privacy. At least that’s what she said in her diary.

What did Beethoven become after he died? Ans: A Decomposer.

Here is something I really always wondered? Why do scuba divers always fall backward in the water? I finally found out why! It’s because if they fell forward, they’d still be in the boat!

Quote of the Week

“A slowness to applaud betrays a cold temper, or an envious spirit.”

  • Hannah More

Interim Pastor at Grace Church Pens Book - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Rev. Michael (Mike) Smith served as an interim pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo, and recently returned to the Geneseo church as a guest pastor. He also shared some of the topics in the book he recently wrote, “Teaching the Pastor to Curse,” which he describes as a “collection of humorous and thought-provoking essays that help readers see their daily lives in a new light.”

Pastor Mike is an ordained United Methodist pastor, and in addition to his Biblical knowledge, has a warm-hearted sense of humor.

The Rev. Michael (Mike) Smith, who served as an interim pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo, visits with church member Alan Yager at a recent Sunday service at Grace Church when Smith was guest pastor and shared a bit about the book he has recently written. The book, “Teaching the Pastor to Curse” is available to purchase on Amazon.com Photo by Claudia Loucks

He served as interim pastor at Grace Church in Geneseo from January though June of 2022 and added, that “It was one of the most wonderful experiences in ministry that I have had in my 50 years as a pastor.”

The description of his book includes “The author’s style is hard to pin down: part diary, part satire, part travelogue, part personality sketches, part scholarship and part pure orneriness. He will make you laugh, weep, cringe, and think – often on the same page. For over 50 years, Smith has written a ‘Sunday Post’ to share with his congregations and friends. This book is a selection of those writings, including such pieces as The Apostle Paul on an Internet Date, How to be a Manly Man, Driving in Florida, Those Chickens Nearly Burnt My Church Down (happened at Grace Church in Geneseo), The Pope Slaps a Troublemaker, A Ride with Farmer Tom (Tom Hitzhusen of Geneseo), and I Thought My Wife Was Trying to Kill me.”

Statements in the book’s information, About the Author, state: “Mike Smith, despite being an ordained United Methodist pastor, has been a misfit in the church all his life – a discomfort felt by many other pastors and church members. He has thrived by approaching each congregation as a laboratory – an opportunity to experiment with how to practice the mysterious love –demands of Jesus.”

He now devotes his time to writing and consulting. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, then Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C., his writings reflect influences from Benedictine and Quaker spirituality, the holiness movement, and faith-based community organizing. He writes a weekly blog that can be found on his website: www.jmichaelsmith.net. Readers can correspond with him there. He and his wife, Jie Wu, live in Urbana, IL. They are the parents of three daughters and four grandchildren.”

Symmetry - By Dan Dauw

AG DAYS, A BIG EVENT

Bishop Hill’s “Annual 19 Century Harvest Festival” will take place on Saturday, Sept 28 and Sunday, Sept 29, 2024. The Bishop Hill Heritage Association have scheduled a “boat load” of events from old ways of farming, musical performances, Author Mary David saver’s book signing, all kinds of great food, a petting zoo, and so much more.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I will be giving two presentations on “Military Cutlery” at the Henry County Historical Museum. The presentations start at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday only.
I was really pleased at the number of folks who attended my lectures on the same topics at the recent Atkinson’s Vintage Farm Equipment Show.
The Henry County Historical Museum board, volunteers and the public are going to celebrate the museum’s 40 years since it was an elementary school. It will be held outside of the museum and there will be prominent guest speakers at 2 p.m.
Entertainment will be provided by Dan Holmes, singer/songwriter and former student when the building was a school. Roy Swenson, president of the museum, will talk about the event on KWQC-TV6. I think the interview is set for Sept 20th, but don’t hold me to that. Anyway, there has been a lot of hard work by a lot of volunteers so it should be a fun weekend. For more information you can e-mail: 1963hchs@gmail.com or phone (309) 927-3528.

Vintage Farm Equipment Show

As I mentioned in the above article, this event on September 14th was really nice. Dave Carton and his volunteers did a nice job putting the event together. I told Dave that in the past years of presenting various programs, this was the most attended. It was also nice seeing a few old friends, too!

Ham & Bean Supper

A giant “Thank You” to all those Geneseo Izaak Walton volunteers and Boy Scout Troop 100 who made the Sept 7th event so successful. The same goes to all you folks who attended the feast. The live entertainment provided by Paxton Sherbeyn was a nice musical touch, too! Great food and a great evening it was. Thanks, again!

The Grubs Got Us

Yeah, I was asleep at the switch and now I have “the” ugliest looking lawn in our neighborhood. I should have noticed it right away, but I did not. I since put down some stuff that is suppose to kill the “U(^*^%73” bugs, but with no rain it can’t do too much.
In our addition we are not suppose to water our lawns so I hope we soon will get some good rains. I enjoy gardening, but at 82, I just can’t get the old body to work like it did in the good ‘old days.
A cane is my companion and without it I’d be grounded. Lorna is still having problems with her back and thigh suffered from her falls.
Shots, pills, cane, physical therapy and myself help her, but it’s not a fun time! However, there are worse things many have to deal with.

Don Beck

This nice man recently passed away. The last time I visited with him was when he gave me two pictures of the old Mississippi River boat, W.J. Quinlan. She was 112 feet long and 40 feet wide. The boat was built in 1904 and she was condemned as unsafe in 1945. As a teenager, I remember the boat sitting on shore at the Rock Island boat landing. She was licensed to carry 500 passengers. I used to fish near the boat and I remember it was kind of sad to see it rusting away. On April 8, 1967, it was set afire by vandals. Getting back to Don Beck,
I remember him as being a really kind gentleman. I’m sure he will be missed by those who knew him.

Humor

Todd Sieben said he was not a big fan of stairs. He felt they were always up to something!

I recently had my whole left side of my body amputated. I’m alright now!

Where are all the mathematicians buried? Ans: In the Symmetry.

Quote of the Week

Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause.

  • Voltaire

Geneseo Library Adding Reading Garden - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Public Library looks to the future with the addition of a Reading Garden, located on the grounds to the north of the library.

The Garden has been part of a vision for the future, and it is now beginning to take shape in phases, with the first phase of planting of shade trees completed last year.

This year, the land was graded in accordance with City ordinances and local businesses installed a fenced at the area as part of Phase II, and Claire Crawford, library director, commented, “We’re excited to be able to look out the window and envision what will become a beautiful garden.”

According to information received from library staff, it is hoped to have the concrete path poured and concrete reading figures installed next spring as part of Phase III.

The sculptures are the creation of local artist Sheila Wigant-McGee. Child-size concrete sets that resemble books, and also created by Sheila Wigant-McGee, may be installed at the same time.

Wrought iron benches, manufactured in Galva, are available to purchase through the library for $1,500 per bench…”The purpose of these benches is to allow family and friends to dedicate a place in the garden to the memory of a loved one who has passed or as a testament to their family,” Crawford said. “Later, we hope to add a few rocking chairs for parents with small children or adults to relax in.”

Two of the benches are now displayed at the entrance to the library for visitors to look view if they are interested in purchasing a bench. For more information about the benches, visit the library website or call the library, 309-944-6452

Phase IV, the installation of a pergola and stadium seating for children’s programs, will be one of the last additions to be placed in the garden…Information from the library staff stated, “It is hoped local businesses will consider partnering with the library, particularly in this phase.”

“Throughout the phases of this project, we will continue to maintain the area with integrity; we’ll keep the lawn mowed and the Geneseo Garden Club will be sharing their expertise by planting blooming flowers and bushes that will enhance the area,” Crawford said. “It’s a real group effort, and we hope local businesses will acknowledge it as such by donating either monies or services/products. We’ve received several private donations already and are thankful for those who support the library. It is for everybody.”

The (current) Geneseo Public Library building opened its doors on Oct. 1, 2011, and was funded solely by private donations and community support. Since its opening, the library has continued to move into the future with improvements and upgrades. A new roof was necessary, due to damage from derecho winds. The steel roof, which should last at least 50 years, was funded by grants…Recently; to meet the needs of patrons, a complete upgrade of the patron-used computers was completed. Additions to the Children’s Department were made, including AWE computers. These upgrades were funded by the library.

OCC Shoebox Changes Child’s Life - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Operation Christmas Child is a project of international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to millions of children in need each year.

For years, Geneseo families have packed shoebox gifts for boys and girls around the world. One of those gift boxes reached Dioany Yosuino in Venezuela when she was 11 years old.

That young girl, now 24 years old, will be visiting Geneseo residents and will share how the simple gift changed her life.

She will be telling her story to local groups and area churches, including at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, in The Victory Center (The VIC) at 218 South State St., Geneseo. The community is welcome.

DIOANY YUSUINO

INFORMATION RECEIVED:

Yosuino was born into an indigenous Christian household in the Venezuelan Amazon. Living under a crumbling economy, she and her family often found the shelves empty at the grocery store and couldn’t afford things like quality art supplies. Her parents encouraged her to pray and bring all her requests to God.

When Yosuino received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, she felt seen by the God who delights in His children.

During Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week, Nov. 18-25, Geneseo residents can take gift-filled shoeboxes to numerous drop-off locations across the area to be announced in late October.

For more information, call 630-474-9478 or visit samaritanspurse.org /occ.

Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

According to David Jones, OCC area coordinator of the Greater Quad Cities Iowa Illinois team, there were 1,373 filled shoeboxes contributed from the Geneseo area in 2024.

Jerrod and Andrea Minnaert Open Third Business in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseeo Current

Jerrod and Andrea Minnaert care about their community and they want to see it grow and offer “something for everyone.”

The couple recently launched their third Geneseo business. The Bakery, at 726 South Oakwood, is a cozy and comfortable establishment with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The menu includes a full service coffee bar and flavored energy drinks, in addition to a variety of fresh and flavorful breakfast items, a medley of lunch choices, and that’s not all, there’s also an assortment of tempting and tasty bakery treats (see photos).

Kitchen hours at The Bakery are from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 pm. on Saturday. Bakery items are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Minnaert couple said hours may be expanded at The Bakery, but that’s “still in the experimental phase. We did expand when school was back in session, to give parents a new option when picking up those kids who oftentimes are ready for an after-school snack.”

Andrea and Jerrod Minnaert are shown in front of the sign that is posted at the entrance of The Bakery, located at 726 South Oakwood in Geneseo. The Bakery is the third business the couple has opened in Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The Minnaert couple also owns and operates Raelyn’s at 217 North State St. Geneseo, and the Geneseo Brewing Company (GBC) at 102 South State St., Geneseo.

When asked how they came up with the idea for The Bakery and what to serve, they answered, “We felt Geneseo was in need of a full service bakery. We had been many years without one in community.”

The menu at The Bakery offers more than “baked items,” and the couple said, “We added a few other items to try to appeal to our customers in a variety of ways.”

When asked about launching a third business in Geneseo, Jerrod Minnaert said his wife, Andrea, has worked in the Quad City area for many years and “when she would come home to Geneseo, we felt we had to drive back to the QCA to find places to dine and experience.. We wanted to create something in our own town like we were looking for elsewhere, and something we hoped others would enjoy as well. Geneseo is an amazing place to live and raise children, We want our community to be a place where people want to stay, and we want to offer options for them to enjoy right here in our own backyard.”

Jerrod and Andrea Minnaert opened Raelyn’s in 2011. The pub and eatery “has the largest selection of beers on tap in town,” the couple said. “And we are unique in the fact that we offer many menu items that are made from scratch.”

Geneseo Brewing Company, which opened its doors in 2014, offers a wide selection of specialty beers made in-house – (Geneseo Blonde, Yep Yet IPA, Vikings Amber, Peanut Butter, porter and Oktoberfest are some of the staples)

GBC also offers what the Minnaert’s consider “a non-traditional food menu.”

In addition to the hours and efforts the couple puts into their local businesses, they both have other jobs….Jerrod farms and Andrea works full time for the Federal Government at the Rock Island Arsenal.

First Congregational Church Donates to Police Department Programs

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Geneseo have made contributions to programs of the Geneseo Police Department.

In May, a “Ladies Spring Fling Luncheon,” with a 1950’s picnic theme was held and included a silent auction fundraiser. The money raised from the event, $1,180, was donated to the IMPACT program of the Geneseo Police Department. Wayne Stone, who serves as chairman of the mission board at the church, presented the check to Detective Jamie Shoemaker of the Geneseo Police Department, when she attended a recent worship service at the church. (“The IMPACR Task Force is to provide a coordinated professional police response to individuals affected by mental illness, substance abuse or who are in need of crisis intervention”). Contributed Photo

Wayne Stone, at right, chairman of the mission board at First Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Geneseo, recently presented a check in the amount of $440 to Geneseo Police Officer Alex Ingle. The contribution is designated for the National Child Safety Council. Contributed Photo