Freedom Quilt Now on Display at Geneseo Historical Museum - Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

A quilt that tells the story of how people helped fugitive slaves on their journey to freedom recently was presented to the Geneseo Historical Museum. In the photo with the quilt are, Angie Snook, left; retired curator/director of the Museum; Amie Callahan, senior national vice president of the Great Lakes Region of the NSCAR; Bailey Callahan, (Amie Callahan’s daughter) former state president of the Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution (NSCAR); Mary Gustafson, Geneseo, Honorary State Regent, Illinois DAR; in back, Luanne Bruckner, past national vice president of the Great Lakes Region (NSCAR); Colleen Woehl; and Amy Balensiefen, Geneseo DAR Chapter Regent. The quilt blocks tell the story of “Aiding Freedom's Journey,” and those explanations are included in the quilt exhibit at the Geneseo Museum. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Angie Snook, left, and Bailey Callahan, are shown with the quilt now on display at the Geneseo Historical Museum. Photo by Claudia Loucks

“The Broken Chains: Aiding Freedom’s Journey” Project was conceived and developed by Bailey Callahan, Moline, at age 13, when she was State President of the Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution (ISCAR), in 2023-2024.

She visited the Geneseo Historical Museum when she was younger and was inspired by the stories she learned about how the people in Geneseo helped fugitive slaves escape along the Underground Railroad.

As State President of ISCAR, she wanted to not only fundraise for signs at the museum, but also inspire members of the Illinois CAR and others to learn about the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

She asked for CAR Societies and DAR Chapters to design and create quilt blocks that reflected how people in their own communities helped those journeying to freedom along the Underground Railroad. The blocks were assembled in March of this year and hand-quilted by Colleen Woehl of Chadwick, IL, before being presented to the Geneseo Historical Museum on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The quilt presentation also was a memorable moment for Angie Snook, who retired in June of this year as curator/director of the Museum, as she had shared so many stories about the slaves and the Underground Railroad and led so many tours to show the hiding hole in the basement of the Museum.

And Bailey Callahan did more than spearhead efforts for the quilt.

Callahan, 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.

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 then was 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.

“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 BLOCKS FROM THE QUILT INCLUDE:

-The block in the upper left corner is a representation of the Geneseo Historical and was sponsored by the Geneseo Chapter NSDAR. The Geneseo Historical Museum was the home of the Richards-Thede family who hid fugitive slaves in a “hidey hole” in their basement. One of the favorite stories about how this family helped fugitive slaves escape is about two freedom seekers who were being searched for by slave hunters who were at a hotel across the street. The family dressed the men as women in mourning clothes, complete with black veils. The fugitives were able to walk safely past their owner and the slave hunters without being recognized.

-The top right block is a representation of another of the favorite stories told about the people of Geneseo and how they helped protect freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. The block was designed by Scarlett Williamson of Robinson, IL, and the Fort LaMotte Society, CAR. This is how Bailey Callahan retold the story of Helen Cone Richards as she spoke around the State to raise awareness of the project and the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

“It’s an ordinary day in Geneseo, Illinois, in the mid 1800’s. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you are on the way to the market in Lyndon with a load of potatoes. Seems ordinary, but it’s not. It’s not ordinary because you believe that one person should not own another person. You are so passionate in this belief that you are risking your life and the life of your family to help the people hidden under your potatoes. A couple of men approach you on horseback. You are careful not to show that it is anything but an ordinary day. These men are slave hunters and they are searching wagons for escaped slaves. As they search your wagon they stab the pitchfork down into your potatoes, but they find nothing. After they are satisfied, you continue on your mission, your cargo safe in the hidden compartment.”

Ye Olde Forty-Fourth Madrigal Dinner Concert

By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current

Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses, Princes and Princesses, lend me your ear! The King (senior Dylan Gehl) and Queen (senior Elizabeth Mroz) of Merrie Olde England wish to share an evening of feasting, celebration, and of course, music during these high holiday times. Don thine finest raiment, make ready to partake of copious fare, and join us in merry song and mirth.

This year marks the 44th annual Madrigal Dinner at Geneseo High School, and this year’s particular group of musicians proved to be beyond fabulous talent! From the moment we drove up to the high school, we were transported to 16th-Century England with “fire” caldrons, beggars, a brass quintet and a full recorder ensemble. We were lead through the halls to the DePauw Theater where we were greeted with instrumental music as well as folly provided by the court Jesters. Then, with the sound of horns, we were lead to our banquet tables.

Photo by Elizabeth Hulsbrink

The entire library lobby was decorated floor to ceiling with traditional-looking paintings, shields, wreaths, candles, and a huge “stone” fireplace. The audience was lit solely by the soft glow of candles on their tables, while the head table, reserved for the king’s court, was bathed in spotlights, making them clearly visible to everyone. With true-to-style dinner theater, the audience was encouraged to join in the singing and laughter, as well as help the Lord Chamberlain (senior Logan VanDeWoestyne), move the story along.

During the dinner, court Jesters Jule (Hope Kuster, senior), Patison (Nina Schmedding, junior), Will (Mickayla Bowles, freshman), and Tom (Elijah Coppejans, freshman) told jokes, sang songs, moved through the audience, and even danced during the court’s singing. Mimes Emilia Schmitt and JJ Money, both seniors, engaged the audience in their unique and captivating style. And beggars, Jameson Coppejans, Evelyn Dahl, Ruby Efflandt, Lizzie Lane and Vera Vincent all worked the audience in efforts of gaining sympathy and receiving tokens of candy (or mashed potatoes- as was the case at our table!).

The songs performed were exceptionally challenging, yet the students delivered them with remarkable ease and confidence, showcasing their impressive talent and dedication. Nearly all pieces were acapella, and included at times six, eight, or even ten-part harmony! There was a very special song towards the end of the program which included the trio of Joe Versluis (Bass Recorder), Kara Sancken (Soprano Recorder), and Paxton Sherbeyn (Acoustic Guitar), all seniors, joining with the full choir to perform “To Keep the Cold Wind Away” by Paul Brandvik. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! Simply amazing!

Photo by Elizabeth Hulsbrink

The sheer number of students involved in this production is astonishing! Vocalist in the King’s court included: seniors Tyler Holtzen, Shay Schehl, Cody Hensley, Clara Huddleson, Elanor DeBlieck, Avery Catour, and Carter Eastburn. Juniors: Landry Possin, Perry Farley, Jackie Milem, Theodore Phillips, Isabella Brooks, Ava Brewer, and Cy Sammons. Sophomores: Andre Diediker, Aria Mayo-Bechtel, and Ayame Stroh. Freshmen: Colin Roemer, and Chase VanDeWoestyne. Members of the brass quintet included: Juniors Jonathan Freadhoff and Tucker Tarkington. Sophomore Jacob Berry. Freshmen: Harrison Conley and Aiden Hawkins. Members of the recorder ensemble included: Seniors Sophia Clifton, Kara Sancken, and Joseph Versluis. Juniors: Liam Coleman, Sam Curcuru, Matthew Darnall, Anna Davis, Bee Scheider, and Kjerstin Wildermuth. Freshmen: Alivia Brown and Addie McSparin. And to complete the show, there were an additional four pages, one “cook”, and 24 servers (all students).

*It is important to note that this program is completely student-led! Though there were rehearsal directors, stage managers, sound and light managers, chairpersons, costuming, set construction, table settings, an abundance of food donations, decorations, waitstaff, tickets and programs, videography, and a parent-led cast party, the Geneseo High School Madrigal stands apart as a truly unique performance. A special recognition of appreciation goes to the incredibly talented musicians, whose skill and dedication brought an exceptional level of artistry to the performance. Their hard work and passion truly shone through, making the show unforgettable.

Gotcha, Girl! - By Dan Dauw

Foreign Students Enjoy Thanksgiving

Geneseo and neighboring towns, Moline, Colona, Port Byron, Cambridge, and Coal Valley, had volunteers to host foreign college students from the Chicago area.
The students arrived by bus in Geneseo from the International House on Wednesday, November 27 and returned to Chicago on December 1, 2024.
The International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program started in Paris, IL. Marcia and Arlyn Helke, Geneseo, became coordinators of the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program, for over 50 years ago. They have done a tremendous amount of work coordinating the program through the years. Of course, many thanks goes to the volunteers and host families for opening their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday season.
The Helkes also arrange foreign business persons to stay with local hosts. It is a separate program based in Washington, DC. To date, there has been 3,909 international guests from 173 countries. The foreign students learn much about American traditions plus seeing various places of interest in Geneseo and the Quad City area.
We took our two guests, Huey Ru Lee from Malaysia, and Vartika Sinah, India, to the family farm in Iowa for Thanksgiving. We also took them to Bishop Hill, IL, Henry County Historical Museum, P.L. Johnson’s restaurant and the Mississippi River in LeClaire.
On Saturday, Nov 30th, all guests and host families had a potluck dinner at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church. The food was “so” good!!
Lots of foreign dishes. Naturally, “Mr. Dufus” dropped his plate of food on the floor. Ugh!! For entertainment, we were fortune to have Geneseo’s Pam Edwards and Paxton Sherbeyn with a medley of folk songs. They were totally awesome! The program ended with the singing of the beautiful song, “Let There Be Peace On Earth.” I can never get through that song without some tears.
Almost forgot, thanks to Father Daniel Gifford for saying Grace and his blessing. Thanks to Dr. & Donna Bordwell for briefly hosting our guests on the last day as we had to attend our VanDeWalle Christmas Party at Walcot, IA. Lastly, we wish the best to our two guests during their stay with us.
Huey, we really enjoyed your time with us.
As to “Vartika,” oh well, one out of two is good!!! Gotcha, Girl!!!!
Seriously, thank you for the kind letter. The End!

Solar Smart Savings

Stark County School District saved $15,068 from April, 2023 to April, 2024, at its elementary school thanks to the bank of solar panels installed. They are also going to have a solar bus barn/electric bus project.
Next will be the expansion of solar panels to the high school campus for additional savings.

Geneseo Ikes Christmas Party

All members and guests of the Geneseo Izaak Walton Club are invited for their annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Lodge.
The club will supply the main dish and please bring a dish to pass. New this year we are asking if you can, to bring a non-perishable food item for the Geneseo food pantry.
The spirit of Christmas can help those who may be having a tough go of it. For entertainment, there will be a fun trivia game and traveling bingo. Participants of bingo must bring a nice gift of about $15.00.
This is always a nice event so unhitch your horse and trot over to the Ikes Park this coming Saturday, Dec 7th.

Donate Red

Whether it’s in Geneseo, Cambridge, Moline or wherever, a kind thing to do is give blood. It is a busy time of the year, but if you can give about 45 minutes of your time, please donate blood. There is always a need for donated blood.

Humor

  1. Lyn Paris wonders this, “Does a straw have one hole or two?

  2. I didn’t get this at first, but the object of golf is to play the least amount of golf.

  3. How can you tell when Santa Claus is on your roof? Ans: Your television reception is bad.

  4. Why does Santa have a garden? Ans: Because he likes to hoe, hoe, hoe.

  5. Why didn’t Isaac Newton dodge the apple? Ans: He didn’t understand the gravity of the situation.

Quote of the Week

“Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them to your level. It’s cheaper.”

  • Quentin Crisp

2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk Schedule

Saturday December 14, 2024

**HOLIDAY SHOPPING & DINING ALL DAY THROUGHOUT GENESEO!

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON**

7:00a: Barricades up for Jingle Run

7:30a – 8:30a: Jingle Run 5K Registration & Packet Pick Up - Call to Victory Christian Youth Center - 218 S. State St.

8:00a: 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk opens

8:30a-10:30a: Jingle Run 5K - Call to Victory Christian Youth Center - 218 S. State St.

10:00a - 11:00a: Pick up & deliver luminaries from Richmond Hill to City Park

10:00a – 2:00p: Geneseo Police Department Toy Drive – Geneseo City Hall Lobby – 119 S. Oakwood Ave.

10:00a – 2:00p: Children’s Activity- Shop With Santa! – Dollar Fresh Market – 2181 S. Oakwood Ave.

10:00a – 8:00p: Geneseo Christmas Walk Gingerbread House Competition – Geneseo Art League & Gallery – 125 N. State St. – DISPLAY & VOTING OPEN FROM 10AM-8PM 10:30a: Barricades down for Jingle Run

10:30a – 12:00p: Luminary Set Up at City Park

11:00a – 1:00p: Live Music – Musical Memories Holiday Showcase – Central Theater – 111 N. State St.

12:00p – 3:00p: Children’s Activity – Pony Rides by Tri-Co Equestrian Center, LLC - $10 per ride – Geneseo City Park, near intersection of State & North Streets

1:00p: Downtown barricades go up. State St. closed to vehicular traffic.

1:00p – 3:00p: Children’s Activity – "Draw A Snow Globe", presented by the GHS Art Club – Smith Studio & Gallery – 124 S. State St.

1:00p – 3:00p: Children’s Activity - Jingle Bell Obstacle Course - Geneseo Community Center - 541 E. North St.

2:00p – 3:30p: Live Music – The Nice List – Anthology for Books (performing above the Cellar) – 137 S. State St.

2:00p – 4:00p: Warming Station - Geneseo Girl Scouts Bake Sale - S. State St. by Smith Studio & Gallery

2:00p – 8:00p: Christmas Walk Market presented by the Geneseo Farmer’s Market – First Methodist Church South Campus Building – 224 N. State St.

2:00p – 8:00p: Warming Station – GHS Softball Boosters Bake Sale Fundraiser featuring a Hot Cocoa Bar, and a Holiday Activities for Kids – The VIC/Fellowship of Christian Athletes – 218 S. State St.

2:30p – 4:00p: Children’s Activity - Meet Santa Claus - Front Porch of Geneseo Historical Museum - 205 S. State St.

3:00p – 5:00p: Children’s Activity – Create A Christmas Star - Free for Kids - Geneseo Art League & Gallery - 125 N. State St.

3:00p – 6:00p: Children’s Activity – Create a Clear Ornament with Various "Stuffing" - RutabagA Art - 108 N. State St.

3:00p – 7:00p: Meal Site - Cookie Walk, Baked Potato Bar and Chili Supper – Concordia Lutheran Church - 316 S. Oakwood Ave.

3:30p: Live Music – Geneseo Middle School Swing Choir Performance – Concordia Lutheran Church - 316 S. Oakwood Ave.

3:30p – 4:00p: Live Music - Geneseo Elementary Schools Caroling - Intersection of State & First St. – Downtown Geneseo

3:30p – 5:00p: Lighted Parade Staging - Grace United Methodist Church - 318 N. Center St.

3:30p – 8:30p: Free Trolley Rides between Geneseo Moose Lodge & Downtown Geneseo

4:00p – 4:30p: Live Music – Ukelele Group and Hand Bell Choir Performances – Musical Memories – 112 N. State St.

4:00p – 8:00p: Warming Station: Geneseo Chamber Info Center & Christmas Card Stamping – Hanford Insurance Agency – 119 S. State St.

4:00p: Warming Station: Free Hot Chocolate - Geneseo Evangelical Free Church - Intersection of State & First St.

4:00p: Warming Station: Cookies – Grow Ministries - S. State St. by Smith Studio & Gallery

4:00p: Warming Station: Free Hot Apple Cider and Hot Cocoa - First Baptist Church - Intersection of State & Second St.

4:00p – 7:00p: Meal Site: Chili, Hot Dogs, Chips, Cookies, and a Beverage - First Methodist Church - 302 N. State St. – Monetary Donations Accepted.

4:00p - 7:30p: Meal Site: Chicken Dinner - Open to Public- $12 to $16 per person- Geneseo Moose Lodge #990 - 1025 S. State St.—TROLLEY STOP!

4:00p - 7:30p: Civil War Re-enactors—Corner of State & Second St. near Abraham Lincoln Bust – Downtown Geneseo

4:15p: Lighting of the Luminaries at City Park & State St.

4:30p – 5:00p: Live Music – Vocal Student Performances – Musical Memories – 112 N. State St.

4:30p – 8:00p: Holly Jolly Christmas Party at Central Bank Pavilion with a Live DJ from Twisted Mic’s Music Entertainment and Ice Sculptures courtesy of the Geneseo Foundation – 200 Block of N. State St.

5:00p: Warming Station: American Family Insurance - Michele Weber-Enck Agency - 229 S. State St.

5:00p – 8:00p: 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk Living Windows – Downtown Geneseo

5:00p – 8:00p: 2024 Geneseo Victorian Luminary Display – Geneseo City Park

5:00p: 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk Lighted Parade steps off towards Downtown Geneseo

5:45p: City of Geneseo Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Intersection of State & Second Streets

5:45p – 8:00p: Children’s Activity - Meet Santa Claus – Sam’s LaRoma Pizza – 103 E. Exchange St.

6:00p: Live Music - GHS Madrigal Singers, Brass Players, and Recorder Players – Central Theater – 111 N. State St.

6:00p: Live Music - Geneseo Community Choir performs on Front Porch of Geneseo Historical Museum (following lighting of City Christmas Tree) - 205 S. State St.

6:00p – 7:45p: Live Music – Geneseo Panic! (youth rock band playing Xmas music) and Individual Solos – Musical Memories – 112 N. State St.

6:00p – 8:00p: Live Music – Cody Haars and Todd Nyquist – Geneseo Art League & Gallery – 125 N. State St.

6:00p – 8:00p: Live Music – Double Treble Handbell Duo – Reap & Sow Nutrition – 128 S. State St.

6:00p – 8:00 p: Live Music – Travis Hosette, Professional Frank Sinatra Singer – Village Florist & Antiques – 108 S. State St.

6:00p – 8:00p: Live Music - Geneseo Kitchen Band – Smith Studio & Gallery – 124 S. State St.

8:00p: 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk closes

8:00p: Featured Movie – Central Theater – 111 N. State St.

8:00p – 11:00p: Children’s Activity - Moonlight Bowling – Arcadia Family Fun Center - 925 S. Oakwood Ave.

9:00p: Barricades come down, State St. reopens

Sunday December 15, 2024

11:00a: Luminary tear down at City Park

Community Christmas Day Dinner 2024 at First Lutheran in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The congregation at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo believes in its mission of sharing Christ’s love every day, including Christmas Day, and they invite the public to join them for a free community dinner on Christmas Day.

The dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the Fellowship Room at First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., Geneseo.

In addition to serving a hot meal at the church, the dinner is available for delivery in the Geneseo, Atkinson and Cambridge areas. Arrangements for delivery to those who are homebound can be made by calling the church office, 309-944-3196, or by calling Betsy Brudos, 309-945-5496, by noon on Monday, Dec. 23.

The menu includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, salads, rolls and Christmas cookies. There is no charge for the meal and no offering will be taken.

The Rev. Laura Kamprath, lead pastor at First Lutheran, said, “This meal is my favorite meal of the whole year – not just because the food is delicious, but also because it is made with great love and because we share the feast with the whole community. What a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior, by gathering with brothers and sisters in Jesus’ name. Our church likes to feed people, just like Jesus does.”

The annual Christmas Day Dinner tradition started in 2006 at First Lutheran Church and served approximately 50 people that first year. That number has more than tripled and the committee expects to serve more than 150 people this year.

Janet Larson, who founded the Christmas Day tradition at First Lutheran, said she enjoys serving the community on Christmas Day…”Christmas Day can be the loneliest day of the year, and we invite anyone whom might be alone to join us for a hot meal and fellowship. We hope this meal will be enjoyed by our friends and neighbors who need to feel the love and hope that God provides.”

The church will hold multiple worship services this year and the community is invited to attend. Candlelight, Carols & Communion services are at 4 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Both services will be live streamed form the church website, www.firstgeneseo.org. Carols and Communion is the 10 a.m. service on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Sold Whitewalls - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

Remember the little swing-out, ventilated windows on cars? I wonder how and why those ’40s ’50s and some early ‘60s cars had those? Probably with more and more cars sold with air conditioning those little ventilated side windows weren’t needed.
Changing oil and anti-freeze were an easy job to do. Today, forget it! Everything is buried under the hood.
My dad’s first car was a Ford Model A. He told me that car tires were not the best. He said sometimes drivers would get blow-outs going over hot tracks just after the train was passed.
One thing I do remember were the downtown trolley car rails. I don’t ever remember seeing the trolleys.
How ‘bout changing the windshield wipers back then? Pain in the rump. The pair I had on my Willy’s Aero had only one speed. I wish they still sold whitewalls. They were hard to keep clean, but they were neat on cars. Remember the “moon” wheel covers? A lot of cars in the ‘50s were two-toned. The top was usually white or black.
I enjoyed waxing cars and picked up some extra bucks along the way. Best wax back then was J-Wax. Maybe like you, I had a lot of cars and a few trucks starting around 1958 and so on. In my opinion, American cars were pretty much junk back then. If you got 100,000 miles consider yourself lucky.
It’s different today as foreign cars woke up Detroit and they’re pretty reliable vehicles these days. Ha! I say that and I have two “foreign” cars in the garage! At my 82 years, I don’t see us getting a new car unless the “boss” is tired of her ’21.

New Top Nation’s Farm Gal

It looks like there may be a new head of Agriculture Secretary (USDA). If she is confirmed, Brooke Rollins, will succeed the Biden’s administration’s Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. What I’ve read through the years that Vilsack has done an excellent job.
Ms. Rollins has a very impressive record of accomplishments having graduated from Texas A&M University and earned her J.D. from the University of Texas. She received an undergraduate degree in agricultural development. It appears Trump made a very wise choice in selecting Brooke Rollins for that position.

Deer Rut Season

Keep in mind that bucks have a surge in their testosterone levels during this time of the year. That means they have one thing on their mind and that doesn’t include watching out for vehicles, especially in the evening and early morning.
Through the years, Lorna and I have hit four deer. That is no fun! At night use your brights unless traffic is coming the opposite way. Remember, sometimes there is more than one deer on the side of the road.

Ice Fish’n?

Sadly, I guess I’ll have to hang up the old rods ‘n reels until Spring. It will be up to Mother Nature if she wants to throw me a nice day or two for some soft water fishing.
Last February we had two really nice days and there was still some open water. The fishing was excellent!

Christmas Humor

  1. Who is a Christmas tree’s favorite singer?
    Ans: Spruce Springsteen.

  2. What’s everyone’s favorite breakfast in the North Pole? Ans: Mistle Toast.

  3. What did the gingerbread man put on his bed?
    Ans: A cookie sheet.

  4. How does the snow globe feel this year?
    Ans: A little shaken.

  5. What do you call a shark that delivers toys at Christmas?Ans: Santa Jaws.

Quote of the Week

“I honestly believe it is better to know nothing than to know

what isn’t so.” - Josh Billings

“My Son Is Crazy, But Promising" an Absolute Must See!

Directed by Dana Skiles - Richmond Hill Players
Nov. 14-17 & 21-24, 2024
By Elizabeth Hulsbrink

Picture this: Arizona in August, no pool, no air conditioning, and the ice machine is broken! This isn’t your average Ritz Hotel; this is the Ritz-Apache Lodge in Tumbleweed!

Hollywood screenwriter, Bud Granger (played by Derek Bolme, in his acting debut) trades the glitz of Tinseltown for the rugged charm of Tumbleweed, Arizona, where he buys a rundown lodge near the legendary "Lost Dutchman Mine." Bud hopes to strike it rich and retreat into a quiet millionaire's life, but his plans go completely off track when he discovers the lodge is over-crowded with eccentric characters. The funky space lady, Cora Ames (Jane Simonson) kept the audience roaring, while the melodramatic mobster, Oysters Rockefeller (John Simosky) and his starlet-in-the-making fiancée Chi-Chi Vazoom (Tifany Simosky- John’s sister-in-law), proved to be filled with unexpected warmth and charm.

Tilly Granger (Carol Neuleib) Bud’s out-of-work-actress mother shows up unannounced, and tries her best not to get sucked in to the pandemonium of the hillbilly town. Honeymooners June and Arthur Whitney (Elizabeth and David Shaffer) are indubitably and the wrong Ritz. And locals Sheriff Bates (Jonathan Graff) and Gert Witherspoon (Beth Nyland) are fed up with the ensuing chaos that always seems to find its way to the Lodge. The on-stage relationship between the terrible spy Dimitri Jones (Jim Skiles) and his FBI handler Susan Claypool (Stacy Herrick) confirmed that not everything you see can be believed. And while Fay Armstrong (Katie Orwig) is chancing her story, Karen Russell (Terri Nelson) puts a major development into a completed unhinged twist. A special shoutout goes to Elliana Moore- the illusive UFO.

However, the true standout that brings all this chaos into focus is the fascinating dynamic between Bud and his Hollywood director, Larry Lime (Samuel Carrington). Despite being complete opposites, these two form an unstoppable duo!

From a flying saucer, buried treasure, and a roller-skating corpse, to Brussel sprouts on a stick, Richmond Hill Players has done it again! Congratulations to director Dana Skiles, for bringing this to life. The hilarious comedy, “My Son Is Crazy, But Promising” is an absolute must see!

Experience a Victorian Christmas at the Geneseo Museum on Dec. 7 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Visitors are invited to step back in time and enjoy the magic of the holiday season at the Geneseo Historical Museum Annual Victorian Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The museum is located at 205 South State St .in Geneseo.

Guests will experience the elegance and warmth of a Victorian Christmas as they stroll through the displays featuring vintage ornaments, garlands, candlelit rooms and antique toys.

Some of the highlights include a Victorian parlor adorned with a Christmas tree inspired by Queen Victoria’s own.

There are Christmas decorations throughout the entire 27-room Italianate home.

Melanie Rice, Curator of the Geneseo Historical Museum, is shown by the displays at the museum that are ready for the Victorian Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Melanie Rice, Curator of the Geneseo Historical Museum, said, “We’re thrilled to offer our visitors a journey through time with our Victorian Christmas displays.”

“Additionally, in the Stees-Keppy Education Room, there is a small, warm Victorian family room exhibit with a tree, decorated fireplace, and antique toys under the tree and so much more,” she said..

There will be a special guest in the decorated Carriage House, located behind the museum, where Mrs. Claus will accept letters to Santa in the Harold Neumann exhibit…”Mrs. Claus will be giving away old fashioned candy lollipops and sticks with information about Harold Neumann,” Rice said, and added, “There also will be a drawing for a book, “Corn Plow to Cockpit,” - Harold Neumann’s Manuscript, as well as for a Mr. Mulligan ornament.”

“Join us this season to celebrate a Victorian Christmas, where history and holiday spirit come together in a unique and memorable experience for all ages.”

For more information, visit https://geneseohistory/com/ or contact Melanie Rice at 309-944-3043 or email ghmuseum8@gmail.com for private tours, in addition to regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Bring Your Own Drumsticks - By Dan Dauw

My Poem

Roses cause lice,
Violets like mice;
But my poems,
Are always nice!

The holidays are very near,
And ‘da Bears are nothing to fear;
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving Day,
This poem is free, you need not pay;

So, watch out for deer when driving at night,
And if you read this poem, you’re not mentally
Right!

When I wasn’t Old!

Do you remember the former and late governor, George Wallace? He was hardly a friend of black folks and was a racist. He spoke at a rally at the Wharton Field House in Moline. A buddy and I had nothing to do so we drove over there to see what it was all about.
It was October 21, 1968. We didn’t go inside, but outside there were a lot of demonstrators with signs backing Wallace. There were some fights, too. Several windows were broken. We didn’t stick around for fear of getting hit with a brick or whatever. He was shot in 1972 and was paralyzed.
Speaking of racism, I remember in 1959 my dad and I drove to Florida. One time we stopped in Georgia for gas and there was a water fountain at the gas station. Above it a sign read, “Whites Only.” The bathroom was also so marked. I was a teenager at the time, but I thought it was odd. We didn’t travel much when I was a kid. As to vacations, it was either Lake of the Ozarks or The Dells.

Geneseo’s Solar Project

I don’t know all the particulars, but from what I’ve read it sounds like a Geneseo “win-win” scenario. I noticed Colona has some solar powered panels and Geneseo has them on the south part of town by the wind turbines.
The next time you drive out to Bishop Hill, you will see a lot of wind turbines. Some say they are noisy and kill birds. For me, I’m for harnessing wind power except I don’t like destroying the beauty of the countryside.

An almost 4 pound Largemouth (the fish, not me!). I caught it last week at a private lake.  It was released.  

Bears Another Loss

And I’m afraid there will be more bad news for ‘da Bears before the season is done. A bright spot is even though they lost to Green Bay, I think the new Offensive Coordinator has his act together. Same goes for QB Williams. Next up, the Vikings and then Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. Ugh!!!!

Humor

  1. What’s the official dance of Thanksgiving called?

    Ans: The turkey trot.

  2. What was the turkey suspected of?

    Ans: Fowl play.

  3. Why was the turkey asked to join a band?

    Ans: He could bring his own drumsticks.

  4. Why did the turkey cross the road twice?
    Ans: To prove he wasn’t chicken.

  5. What’s something insulting, but not on Thanksgiving? Ans: A family member giving you the bird.

Quote of the Week

“You shall judge a man by his foes as well as by his friends.”

Gehling Appointed to FNB Board

Kim Gehling has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Prophetstown Banking Co. and Farmers National Bank. Prophetstown Banking Co. is the holding company for Farmers National Bank, a community bank with over $850 million in assets and four locations in Geneseo, Prophetstown, Morrison, and Mount Carroll. Gehling joins current board members Carey Bauer, William Dale, Tricia Mickley, Garett Plumley, Brad Toone, Donald Vogel, and Jeffrey Woodworth.

President & CEO Garett Plumley(Left) with new board member Kim Gehling. 

A native of Geneseo, Gehling graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She later received her Master of Science, also from ISU. Kim is President and Owner of Websites to Impress, Inc. in Geneseo. Her community activities have included the Hammond-Henry Hospital Board, International Exchange Student Program, and First Methodist Church Board of Trustees. Kim and her family reside in rural Geneseo where they farm and operate Pink Prairie Gardens.

Hammond-Henry’s Wyatt Brieser Named Among State Hospital Network’s Top ‘4 Under 40’ Leaders

The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) announced its “4 Under 40” Hospital Leadership winners, including Wyatt Brieser, VP of Operations, Hammond-Henry Hospital, Geneseo, during the organization’s Annual Conference held November 14 at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign.

He is joined in this honor by Jessica Delost, Chief Compliance and Legal Officer, Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City; Erin Frank, Director of Marketing & Communications, Horizon Health, Paris; and Kristy Wisslead, APRN-FN, Memorial Hospital, Carthage.

Wyatt started his career at Hammond-Henry Hospital in 2009 as a Rehab Tech. Since that time, he has received several promotions, including the titles of Physical Therapist, LTC Manager, Director of Ancillary Services, and currently, Vice President of Operations.

“As a leader and as a human being, Wyatt is someone to emulate. He ensures that every employee has a voice, from every department, in all walks of life. Everyone is equally important to him,” said Stephanie DeMay, Hammond-Henry Hospital Marketing Manager. “Admiration for Wyatt, his work ethic, and his expertise extend past the walls of the hospital, too. From our Hammond-Henry Hospital and Clinics community, his church community, multiple service organizations, and countless preschool through college-aged students, everyone appreciates Wyatt not only for his kindness and his humility, but his extraordinary ability to build others up in the process.”

Most recently, Wyatt has been instrumental in helping to bring new physicians and new service lines to Hammond-Henry’s hospital and clinics including neurology, chiropractic care, and pain management while also ensuring significant upgrades to our MRI, fluoroscopy machine, and 3-D mammography. He also continues to cover athletic training at offsite sporting events and to build up the Geneseo and Annawan Middle and High School Boys and Girls Summit sports programs and the community-wide Free2Play Youth Fun Day. Wyatt is also an active member of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club, a member of St. Anthony's Church, is an Inspiring Continuing Care Community Partner, and serves as the Geneseo Community Center's Seminars Coordinator.

“It would be impossible to name all the successful projects Wyatt has accomplished since first becoming hired at Hammond-Henry. However, one project stands at the forefront for him: managing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Long-Term Care Living Center through COVID including staffing, regulation changes, testing, and fear of losing a patient to COVID,” said DeMay. “Those years forced Wyatt to get comfortable outside his comfort zone. It forced him to strengthen his skills in creative thinking, problem-solving, resiliency, accountability, hard work, and leadership and, as always, he met and exceeded the goal. Wyatt can also be proud of his success directing and managing the Long-Term Care Living Center in general as this facility has been named a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-Star facility for 12 years in a row.”

Wyatt, as Director of Ancillary Services at the time, also supervised laboratory services during COVID where Hammond-Henry Hospital was recording and processing about 45,000 tests per month. Following COVID, Wyatt spearheaded and saw to fruition the $1 million laboratory remodel in 2023 which features an open floor plan for increased efficiency, a staff reception area and waiting room, private blood draw stations, office and storage spaces, and two handicapped accessible bathrooms plus the moving of the main chemistry analyzer and its back-up, a full microbiology lab, molecular diagnostics, chemistry, and all the hematology equipment. The new laboratory was completed in 2023, and its team of 20 continues to handle at least 500,000 lab tests per year.

ABOUT ICAHN

ICAHN’s “4 Under 40” Hospital Leadership Award is open to new and emerging leaders aged 40 and under employed by an ICAHN member hospital or as a member of this hospital’s board for at least two years with a strong record of innovation and outstanding performance.

Located in Princeton, IL, ICAHN is a network of 59 small, rural hospitals dedicated to strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. The organization is composed of Illinois hospitals who have earned critical access hospital designation by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is recognized nationally for its work with rural healthcare, administering several state, federal, and private healthcare programs.