Kitty Cat for Dinner - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

Two party phone line. Mom did not like it. Another thing she didn’t like were snakes, but I did. When I was around age 8 or 9 I had forgot I left a live garter snake in my pant’s pocket. The next time she washed clothes she found a very dead and smelly pet snake.
I remember I went through a stage where I wasn’t nice to my parents. Finally, they had it! Time for a physical lesson. My dad took a paddle from our ping-pong table and told me this was going to hurt him more then me. Four or five whacks on the rump really hurt, but the end result adjusted my temperament for the good! No, I did not do that course of action with our kids.
I remember in my younger days my mom had a clothes wringer/washer. It was nothing like they are today. No dryer and she dried our clothes outside. Wonder what she did in the winter?
My dad built quite a model railroad in our basement. One place was close to the downstairs bathroom and if the train went to fast it would tip over inside a tunnel. He eventually put a hole in the wall so he could get to the overturned Lionel.
Oh, and one thing we had which was illegal, was a “one armed bandit.” It was fun pulling down on the chrome arm to see if I could win. Never did!
Do any of you remember seeing, for the first time, Russia’s “Sputnik?” I think the entire neighborhood came outside to see it as it flew pass in the sky. “All this when I wasn’t old!”

Kitty Cat for Dinner

From our daughter in Lockport comes this event last week. DeeDee is a cat lover and when at night she had a stray cat that wanted inside. She brought the cat inside. Well, guess what? They have security cameras and waiting outside, there sat a fox “and” a bobcat hoping for a feline dinner. A few years ago, they had a coyote in their backyard.
They don’t live out in the country, but there are woods nearby. Felix, the cat, was either very smart, or one very lucky, whiney stray cat.

Bishop Hill Restaurants

One thing I haven’t mention at this Swedish hamlet are the really great eating places. They are: The Filling Station, PL Johnson’s, The Colony Inn, H. Wyatt Bakery and Karns Kafe. Really, they are all excellent.
One of my favorites, Karns Kafe, have great sandwiches, and awesome milk shakes. The Henry County Historical Museum will close on October 31 and will reopen in the spring.

Chris Thurman

He works for the Colona Police Dept and is a good neighbor. He likes to read this column. I now have 6 people who read this column! My goal is to get 8 new readers for 2025. Lorna and our kids say they read Dan D Outdoors. Ha! Of course, when I quiz them about any certain article, they always change the subject.

Sweet Peas

We think this restaurant has “the” best spare ribs. We always end up getting a “doggy bag” so there is enough for another meal the next day.
We ate their last Friday and happen to see Mike & Brenda DeKezel. They were going to the GHS football game. That’s good so the other couple can explain the game to those two Belgians. We were just about to leave when Megan H. showed up for work. She wasn’t our server so I didn’t have to give her a 50% tip she always expects from us. All kidding aside, if you haven’t tried Sweet Peas, do so.

‘Da Bears

As of this writing they are 4-2. They have a bye week with their next game on October 27th. The NFC North Division looks to be really good. If the Bears can’t go all the way I hope the Vikings can.

Fishy Humor

  1. I went fishing just for the halibut. 2) I whale always love fishing. 3) Oh, my cod, I caught a big one. 4) It’s o-fish-al, I’m addicted to fishing. 5) I told a fish joke, but if floundered.

Quote of the Week

“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”

  • Thomas Paine

Market Outlook Seminar featuring Matt Bennett, AgMarket.Net

Matt Bennett, Co-Founder of AgMarket.Net, will be the featured speaker on Thursday, November 14 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona. Dinner will be served followed by the local grain market update from Tom Parchert of River Valley Cooperative. Reservations are required and must made by November 7 to guarantee your attendance.

Matt Bennett is a co-founder of AgMarket.Net. He is also a Windsor, Illinois, farmer and former grain elevator owner. He is Channel Seed’s grain marketing consultant and holds a Series 3 brokerage license doing business through AgMarket.Net, Farm Division of JSA. Matt brings the producer perspective to the table, enriched with his extensive grain marketing background. He specializes in formulating risk-management strategies for corn, soybean farmers and livestock producers.

Matt’s analysis and commentary on the grain markets appears on various TV and radio stations across the Midwest, including “AgDay”, “U.S. Farm Report”, “Market to Market” and “This Week in AgriBusiness”.

A graduate of University of Illinois, Matt and his wife Tiffany live on the family’s centennial farm north of Windsor, where they are raising their five children. He owns and operates a 3,000-acre corn and soybean farm with his father while raising 60 head of registered Angus cows.

Additional dates and speakers for the 2024-2025 series include:

    • March 13, 2025 – Joe Camp, CommStock Investments

    • July 1, 2025 – Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing

Cost for the series is $90.00 and a single session is $35.00 (if not pre-registered cost will be $40.00). To make reservations, please call the Henry County Farm Bureau (309) 937-2411, Rock Island County Farm Bureau (309) 736-7432 or Mercer County Farm Bureau (309) 582-5116.

The Market Outlook Seminar Series is sponsored by the Henry, Rock Island and Mercer County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees, in conjunction with: Gold Star FS, COUNTRY Financial, BankORION, COUNTRY Crop Insurance, Central Bank, Compeer Financial, Big River Resources, River Valley Cooperative, Wyffels Hybrids, Hertz Farm Management, Blackhawk Bank & Trust.

Kristi Cobo Receives Park District RESPECT Award - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kristi Cobo, Geneseo Park District Gymnastics Coach and Teacher, recently received the District’s RESPECT Award:

-R – Recreational, Health & Wellness Opportunities.

-E – Excellence.

-S – Safety.

-P-Positivity.

-Equitable – Creating an environment of inclusion for the whole community.

-C – Communication.

-T – Teamwork.

Cobo has joined Larry and Chris Ward in coaching and teaching gymnastics for the Geneseo Park District and the Ward couple nominated her to receive the prestigious award.

Kristi Cobo recently was awarded the Geneseo Park District RESPECT Award

Their nomination letter stated, “Kristi is a wonder example and carries out the mission and core values of the Geneseo Park District.”

For R: - “Kristi has a shining personality that brings out the very best in her gymnastics students of all ages. She is an example of positivity and solid social skill success. The students radiate toward her for her creative ideas in choreography on the balance beam and floor exercise. She challenges the students to look up the rules about building routines for the IHSA program, the XCEL program, and the Developmental USAG Program.”

For E: - “Kristi is a successful Progressive Insurance claims adjuster outside of the Park District in Erie. She shows maturity in all of her gymnastics coaching decisions. She is involved in her community and reaches out to support her family and friends. She supports her son Trevor in his college football career and is an amazing mother.”

For S: - “It is remarkable that Kristi can spot all events and all skills. She is the gymnastics coach that makes sure safety is first.”

FOR P: “The energy that Kristi shows for the sport and the Geneseo Park District Gymnastics Academy is incredible. She enjoys the meets and has coached each meet with enthusiasm. She has a plethora of ideas for competition routines to advance the gymnasts at all levels.”

FOR E: - “Kristi has bonded with students of all levels and abilities. She is especially observant of making children feel comfortable and included in class and practices.”

FOR C: - “Kristi contacts her coaching team and her athletes whenever necessary. She is an honest person that believes in directly approaching each problem, situation, or event. She is responsible and punctual. She consistently follows through on commitments.”

FOR T: - Kristi has joined the team at the Park District with respect, admiration, and joy. When Kristi enters the gym, the coaches and gymnasts welcome her with shouts and enthusiasm. She adds a vitality that is greatly appreciated. Kristi always goes above and beyond in expectations and excellence as a gymnast professional.”

Geneseo International Fellowship Program In Need of Hosts - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Since 1960 the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program has arranged home stays and professional educational appointments in the Geneseo and surrounding areas, including the Quad Cities, for short term international visitors and students. The

GITFP board also works with International House in Chicago to arrange for interested guests and pairs them with hosts in our communities.

The program is in need of host families for Nov. 27-Dec. 1 of this year. Questions and application information is available from Marcia Helke, GITFP Coordinator, at 309-944-4486, or at gitfp60@gmail.com.

Application deadline (see form) for host families is Nov. 11. Applications should be submitted by the deadline to a church representative or to Arlyn & Marcia Helke, 607 South Spring St., Geneseo, IL 61254.

A host informational meeting is planned for Nov. 18 to provide additional details.

Information received from Helke stated that most students are singles, but a few may be couples or have families…”It is a wonderful time to learn about each other’s cultures and make new friends as well. There have been 571 hosts welcoming 2,635 guests over the years and many have remained in contact.”

The students travel by bus from Chicago to Geneseo and should arrive at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, to meet their host families. There will be a potluck meal and program on Saturday, Nov. 30, in Geneseo, and departure from Geneseo is at 2 p.m. sharp on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Helke said, “The rest of the time they should just fit into your family and holiday activities, possibly show them some of the sites in the area and just get acquainted.”

The Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program returned last year with 10 guests, after a three-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic.

Richmond Hill Players “Of Mice and Men” Was Faubulous!

By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current

If you have ever read John Steinbeck’s 1937 classic, “Of Mice and Men” you might remember the story- George and Lennie find themselves working on a ranch, where they encounter various characters, including Candy, Slim, Curley (the boss's aggressive son), and Crooks, the isolated black stable hand. The story explores themes of friendship, dreams, loneliness, and the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression. But what you might not remember is how those characters interacted, how they fed into each other, how each one couldn’t exist without the other. THAT is exactly what director Justin Raver brought to life on the stage of Richmond Hill Players! 

When you enter the only theater in the round within 150 miles, you will find yourself drawn back to the 1930s in the agricultural valley of Northern California, along the Salinas River in the small town of Soledad. Birds and insects singing, the gentle wind whispering through the brush, bluegrass music quietly playing in the distance, and two travelers (migrant field workers), George and Lennie, find themselves stopping for the night. The two share a deep bond and dream of one day owning their own piece of heaven where they can “live off the fat of the land.”

Nothing is simple about this story. And time and time again we have seen theater troupes try to tackle this particular play, but oftentimes they fall flat. However, the vision of Justin Raver, with the help of Megan McConville and Jennifer Kingry, not only brought the story to life, they told it in such a way that we as the audience were completely drawn in! The stage connection between actors Kevin Maynard (George) and Matthew McConville (Lennie) proved to display incredible chemistry, complementing each other's performances seamlessly. Then add the dynamic energy of Patrick Kelley (Candy), elevating the entire production. Their interplay was so natural and  engaging adding richness and depth to the play, making it a truly captivating experience. 

A few new faces to Richmond Hill Players (Lily Blouin, Zack Sullivan, and Anthony Mitchell) as well as some seasoned veterans (Mike Skiles, Kevin Keck, Glenn Kluge, and Julian Totton), filled in the rest of the story. Their contributions added layers to the performance, enriching the production and creating a balanced ensemble. Of course, the special guest appearance by “Kane”, a 9-year-old German Shepherd dog owned by Matt Escoto, was the final element needed to make “Of Mice and Men” truly powerful. 

Do not hesitate to see this show- buy your tickets before it sells out. “Tell me about the rabbits, George.”

A Hippo is Really Heavy - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

When I Wasn’t Old

There used to be a ferry from Rock Island to Davenport. I think it was 5 cents to ride, but not sure. I only rode on it once with my Uncle Harlan. It was up river from the Centennial Bridge.
I also remember, that, for a short time there was a Navy Patrol Craft Escort tied up on the Davenport side of the Mississippi River. It was above the Government Bridge. I can remember that I was always afraid whenever my parents would drive over that bridge. Petersons Von Maur in downtown Moline’s 5th Avenue used to have a beautiful Christmas display. I loved to see the model electric trains. For a time my mom worked at Petersons as a sale’s clerk. Across the avenue was Parker’s store.
At different times both my mom and I worked for Grosman’s store on the 1600 block of 5th avenue. It was a Jewish run store and the owner, Sid Grosman, and others there were really nice. I had a crush on a waitress at Hughes restaurant that was just down the avenue. I was too scared to ask her for a date. Ha! She was almost twice my age.
When I could drive a car many of us would drag race the one ways in Rock Island and Moline. My first car was a 1954 Willys Aero and it was a dog.
One time some friends and I were walking on 15th St. just north of 19th Ave in Moline. All of a sudden we saw a car drag race by us and it hit a man carrying groceries. It made me so sick I threw up. I knew the kid who hit the man. Myself and friends had to go to court as witnesses.
Speaking of 19th Avenue, I’m sure not many remember, but there used to be a long boulevard from 15th St. west to about 2nd St. It was a two-way street until they tore it all up and made it partially 4 lanes as it is today. All this when I wasn’t old!

Bison Meat

Last week I made our annual trip to CSI Homes in Cambridge to purchase a good supply of bison meat. I always get the ground bison meat at $8.00 per pound. Lorna doesn’t care for it, but I sure do. It’s healthy as there is less fat. CSI also sells bison boneless roasts, ribeye bison steak and other bison meats.

Saukenauk BPS Annual Meeting

The Bi-State Sportsman’s Association, 571 Cleveland Rd., Colona, will host the Saukenauk Black Powder Shoot meeting on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. Membership dues are $100.00 if paid prior to March 1, 2025.

Illinois Fall Trout Fishing

Reminder: The Illinois Fall Trout Season opens Saturday, October 19, 2024. The limit of trout is 5. Make sure you have your fishing license and Trout permit.

Henry County Historical Museum

Starting Thursday, October 31, 2024, this Bishop Hill museum will be closed. It will reopen on May 1, 2025. It’s just a short drive to Bishop Hill so enjoy the beautiful fall sites Bishop Hill has to offer. They have four really nice restaurants, too.

Drive Carefully

A short reminder to everyone that there are still farm fields to yield their corn ‘n beans so have patience if you encounter a slow combine, tractor, wagon and/or other farm vehicles. Also, watch out for deer, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.

Humor

What is the difference between a hippo and a zippo? Ans: A hippo is really heavy and a zippo is just a little lighter.

Sometimes I hear music from my printer. I found out it’s just the paper jamming.

Quote of the Week

“Brave actions never want a Trumpet.” - Thomas Fuller

Meet Melanie Rice – Geneseo Historical Museum Curator

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Melanie Rice has been named curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum, stepping into the position held by Angie Snook, who recently retired after serving as curator/director since 1996.

Even though the title is quire new for Rice, her involvement with Geneseo’s gallery of history began years ago.

She moved to Geneseo in 1991 to work as a school social worker in the Geneseo School District…”In the early 1990’s JCTV (Jaycees) was launched and I was in the Jaycees at that time and fairly new to town,” she said. ‘There was an opportunity to cover the Geneseo Historical Museum and I volunteered to do the monthly segment that played on Channel 50. That’s when I met Angie Snook. I interviewed her once per month about something historical and highlighted the Museum. It was just fun and I learned a lot.”

Rice was asked to become a member of the Museum Board and said that allowed to learn even more about Geneseo history…”However, when our four children got busy with sports and activities, I chose to resign from the Board.”

Prior to that time, history was part of Rice’s life as she shared that her interest began as she was growing up…”Each summer, my family would take a two-week vacation in a van or station wagon, whatever we had at that time,” she said. “It seemed like we would always stop at a Museum, a historic plantation, a previous president’s house or a famous historical figure’s home or workplace. Some of my favorites include Edison and Ford’s home in Ft. Myers, FL, and Andrew Jackson’s home in Tennessee.”

“Fast forward to when I had my own family and in between travel soccer and baseball games, if there was a significant window of time, we would search out and visit anything historical in that particular area,” she said.

“I was very busy with my own family and even made them all volunteer at the Museum when they were all old enough,” she added. “We did a lot of cleaning of the front porch as well as picked weeds and cut Hosta flowers. I wanted to still be involved with the Museum in some way and this was a way to help and teach my children about volunteering in the community.”

When Angie Snook first planned her retirement in 2015, Rice was asked by a Museum Board member if she was interested in considering the position…”I responded that I intended to finish what I started and had about eight years to go until I retired from being a school social worker,” she shared. “During the winter of 2022, I heard that Angie was going to look to retire, again, and on a whim, I called a Board member and said I was interested if they could wait two years.”

Rice interviewed for the position and the Museum Board accepted the idea of her working at the Museum during summers and days off, and Snook also agreed to wait two years until Rice retired from the school district.

“It was a great way to ease into such an information-heavy job!” Rice added. “I learned many things during those two years by observing, reading, studying and being around the Museum, attending Board meetings and listening to anything I could. I have so much more to learn and am excited about all the possibilities.”

In the beginning days of assuming her position at the Museum, Rice worked on the Wedding Dress Exhibit which displayed 110 historical wedding dresses that were sprinkled throughout the Museum…”We were able to host a Victorian Garden Party in August and we were open to many visitors during Geneseo’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ festivities, as well as being open for the recent State Street Market in downtown Geneseo.”

Rice is currently busy working on the Christmas Open House at the Museum, always a popular event, which will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and she added, “The Museum will sparkle and highlight an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas.”

“In the future, we plan to offer Mini-Exhibits in our Stees-Keppy Education Room every six to eight weeks,” she said. ‘Currently, our display is ‘Ladies Fashions Through the Decades.’ These exhibits are educational in nature and will highlight different historical artifacts. Tune into our new Website coming by the end of October and this will also link interested visitors to our new Face book Page that has a Historical Highlight posted on each Friday.”

The Museum also has opportunities for interested community members to become involved as a Friend of the Museum, Rice explained, and added, “We have 20 plus dedicated individuals assisting with tours, exhibits, decorating, grounds-keeping work as well as other activities. Anyone interested in joining our Friends of the Museum group, is asked to contact the Museum (309-944-3043) for more information.”

Rice commented, “The Geneseo Historical Association has been around since 1972. The Museum would not be what it is today without Angie Snook and previous, dedicated board members and volunteers working countless hours paving the way for what visitors see today. The plan is to continue the dedicated work and carry the brightly lit torch into the future for many generations to come with more school tours, educational opportunities, rotating historical exhibits and much more, all the while, carrying on the tradition of sharing our Geneseo History with local community members as well as out-of-town visitors.”

She invited visitors by adding, “Stop by the Geneso Historical Museum and see what’s new! We are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m., by chance or by appointment. We’d love to see you’re here!”

Garden Club to Meet Oct. 22 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Garden Club meeting will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St. The October meeting originally was planned for the third Tuesday in October, but because the library room was already in use, the meeting has been changed to Oct. 22.

Tiffany Phillips, owner of Green Bee Shoppe in Geneseo, will present the program on herbs. Phillips has a booth at the Farmers’ Market in Geneseo where she sells herbs, creams, and more. She also will have products with her to sell when she does the program on Oct. 22.

Shadow Lake Becomes Beautiful Venue - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

What once was an overgrown campground has been transformed into a peaceful and perfect setting for weddings and other events.

Shadow Lake is surrounded by nature and is located at 27340 East 1350th St., 10 minutes north of Geneseo, off Illinois Rt. 92, and directly behind the Antique Engine and Tractor property. There are locked gates, and for a viewing of the property, appointments can be made. For more information, visit shadowlakevenue.com or email shadowlakevenue@gmail.com.

The 144-acre property, featuring a 90-acre lake is privately owned by Tom Wise, Henry Carius, Drew DeCap, Joe Ballegeer, RJ Carius, Brice Johnson and Jake Hancock.

The property was purchased by the group in 2022.

According to Tom and Tracey Wise, “The property was bought with the thought of using it as a wedding/event venue since there are not many outdoor venues right next to a lake in the QC area.”

Shadow Lake previously was a public campground with a private residence, and the Wise couple added, “When we purchased it you could hardly even see the water in the lake. It was so overgrown that we spent the first several months doing nothing but cleaning up the property. Then we took down a house and two fallen-down barns.”

In addition to taking down the house, multiple old sheds, as well as the old building for the campground, the “cleaning up” of the property included removing trees, overgrown brush and old fences.

“The road system has basically been redesigned and rebuilt and landscaping rock was added all around the lake,” Tom Wise said.

This year, 2024, is the first full year Shadow Lake has been open as a wedding venue and the owners decided to begin by providing a “nice golf course type tent for our venue with the possibility of building in the future. If we do build in the future, we would need to move dirt from other areas of the property to build it up so it is above the flood zone. The previous owners did not have issues with flooding since there is a pump by the river to help control the flow of water.”

The reception tent (see photos) seats 275 people and includes the use of tables and Chiavari chairs as well as access to the property for engagement and wedding photos.

“Everything would be set up and ready for decorating on the morning of the couple’s wedding,” Wise said. “Couples can use any licensed caterer, and we also have a great set up for food trucks. There is an arbor next to the lake that can be used for a wedding ceremony, and there is a fire pit that can be utilized during the reception, as well as when any outdoor games are played, that renters provide for their guests.”

The site has a train car that has been gutted and turned into men’s’ and women’s’ bathrooms, which are air conditioned and heated.

All Photos Contriubuted

GHS 2024 Fall Play Opens Oct. 17 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Students in the drama department at Geneseo High School will take the stage on Thursday, Oct. 17, for the opening of their fall play, “Down to Earth,”

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, and on Saturday, Oct. 19, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, in the DePauw Theatre at the high school. There are 299 seats in the DePauw Theatre. Tickets, at $10 each, will be available at the door on the nights of the performances as there are no advance ticket sales.

The performance on Saturday, Oct. 19, will include Senior Night when all seniors will be honored immediately after the performance.

The show, by Bettye Knapp, is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

Joseph DePauw is director/producer of the show.

Other staff members include Larry Lord, Fine Arts Manager (lights and sound); Bryan Stone, set construction; Rachel Pratt, GPAC Speech and Theatre Vice-President; Tom Ryerson, GHS Principal, and Bob Manasco, Program Layout.

The cast includes JJ Mooney, Beth Mroz, Callie Copeland, Nadia Karn, Hannah McGee, Ella Brooks, Faith Mierop, Perry Farley, Jackson Brumbaugh, Colin Roemer, Evan Orwig, Logan VanDeWoestyne and Taeton Chirchir.

Taeton Chirchir, on the floor; Callie Copeland, kneeling; and Nadia Karn and Hannah McGee, standing, rehearse a scene form the “Down to Earth,” to be presented by members of the Geneseo High School theatre department. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Cast understudies are Jonathan Freadhoff and Gretchen Fuelling.

Crew members include Piper Andersen, Natalie Aukee, Tivya Bernier, Erin Bowers, Lydia Carton, Marley Cherry, Jonathan Freadhoff, Gretchen Fuelling, Hannah Fuelling, Lilyann Garza, Evelyn Gernant, Sydney Hoover, Erik Kelly, Josephine Kubicek, Isabella McConville, Madilyn Minnaert, Lilyann Mooney, Serina Nimrick, Carson Pratt, Kaleb Rahn, Madison Reade, Natalie Reisner, Cy Sammons, Kara Sancken, Bee Scheider, Paxton Sherbeyn, Reid Simpson, Peyton Woodruff and Claire Yenor.

Geneseo High School theater department students, from left seated, Logan VanDeWoestyne, Beth Mroz, and in back, Perry Farley, Jackson Brumbaugh and JJ Mooney are among the cast members of “Down to Earth,” by Bettye Knapp to be staged at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 19, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, in the DePauw Theatre at Geneseo High School. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Free Frames Available for Geneseo’s Scarecrow Row - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Area residents are invited to join in the fun October celebration and create their own unique scarecrow for the fifth year of Scarecrow Row planned for Oct. 26 in Geneseo City Park. The Halloween event is sponsored by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and Geneseo businesses.

Free scarecrow frames and instructions are available at the Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 South State St., or at the office of the Geneseo Chamber, located in City Hall.

Those people building scarecrows are asked to take them to City park y 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.

David Smith of the Smith Gallery and a member of the Chamber’s scarecrow committee, said, “Just place your special character in one of the flagpole holes located throughout City Park and we instantly have a unique and spontaneous event.”

David Smith of Smith Studio and Gallery in downtown Geneseo stands with “Art the Skeleton,” and “Priscilla,” two Halloween creations he created that are currently on display at Smith Studio in downtown Geneseo. This year’s Scarecrow Row is Saturday, Oct. 26, in Geneseo City Park. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Smith added that the Chamber “is hoping to see 100 spooky, funny and special scarecrows this year in City Park. This is a communal event that succeeds when the community joins in.”

Prize ribbons are awarded to all participants and there are three monetary awards for the best scarecrow designs, including a first place prize of $150; second place of $100 and a third place of $50. The prizes will be Geneseo gift certificates from the Chamber of Commerce.

Children are invited to trick-or-treat among the scarecrows in City Park from 10 a.m. to noon.

“Many participants like to stand by their scarecrow during the morning hours in order to hand out candy, although this is not required,” Smith said. ‘Families, club and business representatives should all consider being in the City Park if they would like to be a part of the celebration.”

The scarecrows will remain on exhibit through the afternoon so those people who want to see the Halloween event in a “quieter way” can visit the City Park. At 4 p.m., the scarecrows will be taken home by their owners and can be installed in their yards for a special Halloween decoration, as Thursday, Oct. 31, is Halloween.

Give My Regards to Broadway - The 2024 Harvest Fest Finale

By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current

Dim the lights…Cue the music… and Curtain! This year’s Geneseo Performing Arts Council presented Harvest Fest 2024, “Give My Regards to Broadway”. Featuring choral students from Millikin, Northside, and Southwest Elementary Schools, Geneseo Middle School and Geneseo High School, this year’s program highlighted Broadway favorites from “The Wizard of Oz” (1942) to “Hamilton” (2015).

Photo by Elizabeth Hulsbrink

The 4:30 concert, due to weather, was held at the Geneseo High School Performing Arts Center. The show opener, “There’s No Business Like Show Business” (Annie Get Your Gun, 1994) featured vocal students from 4th grade through 12th grade! This massive combined choir filled the concert hall and rang through the school halls. Such a beautiful sound.

Song selections included pieces from The Music Man, West Side Story, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Annie, A Chorus Line, Grease, Into the Woods, Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof, Aladdin, Matilda, Rent and George M! Each group of kids got at least two feature songs, and since some singers were on the stage and others were in the balcony, the sound was always moving throughout the auditorium. Larry Lord, manager of the Performing Arts Center, did a fantastic job keeping the lights and microphones moving with each group, making sure everyone was seen and heard.

Photo by Elizabeth Hulsbrink

The 900-seat state-of-the-art concert hall was completely packed, with extra seating brought in to the side isles. Recognition goes to Haley Tromblee (Millikin), Michael Eckwall (Southwest), Laurel Filzen Etzel (Northside), Amy Croft (GMS) and Stephen LaCroix (GHS) for directing this massive undertaking. And extra special recognition goes to Pam Edwards and Kim Schwarzkopf for their amazing talents, especially in regards to accompanying all songs. Truly, an hour of music from the Geneseo music program is an hour well spent!

Photo by Elizabeth Hulsbrink