Memorial Day in Geneseo

By Cynthia Borkgren Abraham

Good morning, Geneseo! I am honored and humbled to be invited to speak to you during this Memorial Day remembrance. I stood on this same stage over 50 years ago, reciting the Gettysburg Address, a smaller version of me with no wrinkles, but no less moved by the gravity of the day. It is fitting and right that we honor all the men and women who have sacrificed so much, recognizing that our liberties as Americans come at a price.

I believe the leaders who instated this holiday back in 1868 as Decoration Day, what we now call Memorial Day, were true visionaries, who knew what they were doing when they designated May as our time to honor the fallen. With spring reflecting a time of rebirth after a long winter, those leaders must have imagined the budding trees and flowers, millions spread across the land, representing those lost in battles here and on almost every continent around the globe. They must have envisioned loved ones sitting with their children, using the opportunity to tell the stories of the past and encouraging them to pass these stories on to the generations to come.

Today we gather at cemeteries, monuments, and parks all over the country. We march in parades in cities from Hawaii to the Carolinas, North Dakota to Texas. We celebrate their memory and honor the loyalty and bravery of our fallen in this noble calling of military service. While this day is typically spent recalling the valor of those who died in combat, we must never forget the ones who answered the call to serve in peacetime as well. The history of our Nation and those who serve is summarized in a simple phrase...they are ordinary people who by virtue of their service and sacrifice are extraordinary.

Sadly, some forget the losses suffered by those in uniform. People brush over these sacrifices of life and limb, dismissing the reality. Winston Churchill referenced this issue when he said, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."  The majority of the population does not understand that less than ½ of one percent of all Americans go to defend us so the enemy does not invade our land. And guess what? Sometimes they die.

On Memorial Day, tradition dictates that our flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the position of half-staff, where it remains until noon. The flag is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million Service members who gave their lives in service to our Nation. At noon, their memory is raised by the living who resolve not to let their sacrifices be in vain, but to rise in their stead and continue the fight for liberty.

Across this great nation, wives and mothers, husbands and fathers, extended family and friends honor the memories of their loved ones each day. They display pictures and mementos of a life not fully lived. They carry on, understanding that their Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine chose this life of service and understood the potentiality of their death as a sacrifice for the sake of freedom. These families and friends, left behind, carry on their message, raising their memory like an unfurled flag. Today we also honor these families of those lost.  You are the ones who bear a burden that only you can comprehend. We are grateful for the support you gave your Service member so they could carry out the mission of protecting the rest of us.

We bear the responsibility as citizens to remember the Nation's brave fallen men and women, whether they died on foreign lands in the heat of battle or after a lifetime in the uniform of our military. Never forget our Service members who knew all too well the cost of our freedom, for their sacrifice to this country is the greatest gift of all.

So, as you enjoy the rest of your day with picnics, barbecues or family gatherings, acknowledge the true meaning of Memorial Day—the debt we owe to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. It is not just the traditional start of the summer vacation season.

Again, thank you for inviting me back home to participate in this ceremony. As a Veteran, I am duty-bound to honor my comrades, both those who sacrificed before me and those who will do so in the future. I ask God to bless those still deployed, who stand in harm's way, protecting our way of life. May God bless our leaders who are serving during these challenging times, where conflict and instability spread across the globe.  And finally, may God bless this Great Nation we call home.

 

Katie Sowder to Offer Family Practice at Hammond-Henry’s Colona Clinic

Katie Sowder, APRN. Submitted Photo

Colona, IL - Katie Sowder, APRN, will be returning to serve Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Colona Clinic as a family nurse practitioner on June 30. She will be joined by a newly signed Hammond-Henry Hospital family practice physician, Dr. David Cook, in the fall. Both providers will be accepting new patients. An open house in Sowder’s honor is scheduled at the Colona Clinic, located at 1604 Cleveland Road, Colona, on June 11 from 4 to 6 pm. All interested are invited and encouraged to attend.

Sowder is currently serving Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Port Byron clinic, which will close on June 27.

“It has been my absolute pleasure caring for the Port Byron community. I have them to thank for making our office so successful,” said Sowder. “The move to Colona signifies growth that we could no longer accommodate in our Port Byron location. I'm excited to join the Colona office and expand on what we can offer our patients. It's an exciting move, and although I will miss our river view, I hope our patients join us on this journey!”

According to Colton Anderson, Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Clinics and Physician Recruitment Director, there were many factors that went into this decision to close the Port Byron facility, but the main reason was to eliminate consistent barriers to growth.

“Most prominently, we continue to experience limitations in finding an appropriately-sized space to serve our patients from inside Port Byron,” Anderson explained. “Our clinic in Colona immediately offers a more accessible atmosphere for Katie and her team to serve its community members. This move will also give Colona Clinic and Katie significant growth potential, overall improved depth in staffing, and improved resources and amenities.”

Furthering the need to make this change, Dr. Maxhn McCaw of Orion announced his plans to retire this summer, leaving that community without a provider. “With Katie serving Colona, she will provide an accessible option for Port Byron, Colona, and Orion residents by being in this centralized location. It’s never easy making a decision like this, but doing the best for our patients’ health and well-being is always our primary goal. I think this move will accomplish that goal.”

The Colona Clinic is currently open for walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Family practice hours in Colona will be announced at a later date.

Sowder’s medical specialties include family medicine, walk-in care, and sleep medicine. She has worked as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse within Hammond-Henry Hospital since November of 2012 and the Port Byron Clinic since November of 2020. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from Loyola University, Chicago.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 309.949.2999.

Kenneth Turner: October 19, 1930 ~ May 16, 2025

Kenneth Turner, a cherished family man and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at the age of 94, in Geneseo, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, with a memorial mass immediately following at 11:00 a.m.  Father Daniel Gifford will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kenneth and JoAnn Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family, and online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Kenneth was born on October 19, 1930, in Dwight, IL, the son of James and Clara (Corrigan) Turner.  He was a proud graduate of Dwight Township High School, class of 1949. His high school years were filled with academic, athletic and theatrical achievements. Kenneth’s spirit of service was evident early on. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950. Following his military service, he joined his sister and brother in laws’ freight business and was employed as truck driver for Harper's Redline. Kenneth’s children adored his retelling of the adventures that he experienced during his Redline days.  Kenneth then embarked on a distinguished career as a Procurement Contracting Officer at the Joliet Arsenal and the Rock Island Arsenal, where he worked diligently for 37 years until his retirement in January of 1987.   

Kenneth lived a life marked by devotion to his faith and his family. He married the love of his life, Regina JoAnn Coughlin, his beloved “Jo”, on November 19, 1955, in Kinsman, IL.  Together they built a life based on family, faith and service that lasted nearly 60 years. JoAnn preceded him in death on June 8, 2015.  Those who knew him will remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a committed Catholic, a man extremely proud of his Irish heritage, one who enjoyed a great steak, an ice-cold beer and a game of euchre.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kenneth was deeply involved in his community. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was devoted to volunteering at St. Malachy Catholic Church, including serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus. An avid reader, he found solace in the pages of countless books, and his passion for woodworking allowed him to create beautiful holiday decorations for his family and friends. His love for sports was evident as he cheered on his beloved Cubs and Bears, and he passed on his love for the game by coaching Little League baseball and basketball.  A man of the outdoors, Kenneth enjoyed boating, fishing and going for walks with his much-loved dogs. He was a fixture at his children and grandchildren's events, always there to offer enthusiastic support and encouragement.   

Those left to cherish his memory include children, Colleen Turner of Naperville, IL, James (Karen) Turner of Geneseo, IL, Kenneth (Susan) Turner of Nags Head, NC, and Don (Sue) Turner of Glen Ellyn, IL; grandchildren, Erin (Joseph) Haluska, Patrick (Katelyn) Turner, Kevin (Jordan) Turner, Hannah Turner, Emmett Turner, Grace Turner, Caroline Turner, and Madeline Turner; and great-grandchildren, Harper Haluska, Jake Turner, Amelia Turner, Stella Haluska, Ryne Haluska, Connell Haluska, Eloise Turner, and Raegan Turner. 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, James and Clara Turner; his loving wife, JoAnn Turner; and siblings, John Turner, Margaret Harper and Donald Turner.

Dien Bien Phu - By Dan Dauw

New Pope

  It’s too early as to say which way Pope Leo XlV wants to steer his flock of 1.4 billion Catholics. I don’t really care whether he’s a Sox or Cubs fan. Okay, maybe I’m happy he’s a Bear’s fan. So much for my shallow thinking.
I do hope he can make good decisions during his time on this earth.  I really enjoyed watching the event on TV.

 Memorial Day

   It used to be known as “Decoration Day.” It honors all the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. 
It originated during the American Civil War when citizens put flowers on deceased soldiers and sailors that were killed in battle. It is always celebrated on the last Monday in May. In this case, May 26, 2025.

Dien Bien Phu

  Last Christmas I received a book from our daughter entitled, “Guerrilla Warfare,” by William Weir. It tells about various irregular warfare in the 20th Century.
I had not heard those three words (DBP)in years, but there was a chapter about the fighting in the 1950s between the French and the Vietnamese guerrillas of the Viet Minh Army.  The French did win some battles, but the major battle for Dien Bien Phu was won by the Communist because of superior number of soldiers and weapons provided by China. 
As you know, we took our hand at fighting the North Vietnamese in the 1960-70s and to no great purpose. Russian troops fought several years in Afghanistan and also ended with no purpose.  Of course, we went into Afghanistan and we ended up with no purpose except providing the “bad guys” with tons of weaponry. Will we ever learn?

When I wasn’t Old

  My fascination with firearms goes way back to, I think, 1949-50. My dad had a friend who was in the war and brought back a German rifle. The rifle had no stock and for some reason he gave it to my dad.  He made a Bishop sporting stock for it and from then on, I was hooked. Still have it today.

When I was about age 11 or 12, Jimmy Anderson and I went hunting on a farm by 2nd St. in Moline. The farmer passed the word that anyone on his property would be shot at with his “salt ‘n pepper” shotgun.  I’ll be darn if that old farmer did shoot at us one time, but at a long distance. One would have to be 1 foot away to be injured by a shotshell loaded with “salt and pepper!”  We had Crossman pellet rifles and hunted rabbits all the way to Rock River.

Another time Jimmy and I had BB guns shooting at sparrows in Stephens Park, just off of 7th St. in Moline. A Moline Police car pulled up and the officer said to go home. I was “so” scared and told the officer I’m sorry and he can have my BB gun.  He said he didn’t want my BB gun and to go home, which I did.

Gardening

  Lorna and I enjoy working outside. Our larger garden has 20 tomato plants, and rows of onions. We used to plant beans, but the squirrels dig ‘em up. We have a resident raccoon that takes his share, too! We love flowers and if you drive-by you’ll see what I mean. 
The one negative is our front lawn. We recently hired CurbAppeal, Carbon Cliff, IL, to spruce the lawn up like it was before the grubs did their dastardly deeds. 

 Flowers, Vegetables & Birds

   We do so enjoy watching all the various birds that come to our feeders. We love the hummingbirds. We have plants for hummingbirds and three bottled feeders on our upper deck.  We have three flower gardens in the back of our house. 
Unfortunately, at our age it makes it very difficult to keep everything how we want it.  My sense of balance is horrible even with a cane or walker.  Both Lorna and I have had our share of falls. We do have great next-door neighbors, the Putnams, that help us a lot.     

Worth Reading?

   I really don’t know how many people read this column. Maybe 10, 25 or hundred(s)? Do me a favor, send me an e-mail (deboonelr@aol.com) if you like or dislike the “Dan D Outdoors” column. Feedback, good or bad, is always welcome.

Bear’s Schedule Ugh!

  The “Monsters of the Midway” better live up to that title because they have a really tough schedule. The NFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. All three teams, Vikings, Lions and Green Bay made the playoffs. They have some tough non-conference games, too! My Super Bowl is beating the Packers!

Humor

  What did the duck say when he bought Chapstick? Ans: Put it on my bill.  

Quote of the Week

“It is a nobler fate to be envied than to be pitied.”    - Pindar

Dr. Allison David Joins Chiropractic Team at Hammond-Henry Hospital

Dr. Allison David

Geneseo, IL - The Board of Directors and Administration are pleased to announce that Allison David, DC, ATC, CCSP® will be accepting patients in Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Chiropractic Clinic, beginning May 27. Her office will be within the Geneseo Clinic, located on the first floor of the hospital. Those interested in scheduling appointments may do so by calling the Geneseo Medical Group at 309.944.1275. She will also accept walk-ins. No referrals are needed.

“We are exceptionally proud to have Dr. Allison David expand our current chiropractic team,” said Wyatt Brieser, Hammond-Henry Hospital Vice President of Operations. “She’s worked closely with Riverdale, Prophetstown, and Geneseo High Schools’ sports programs as a certified Athletic Trainer in the past, so many people around this area already know her skill and vast knowledge of chiropractic techniques.

“We’re also grateful to have another doctor join our practice to even better fulfill the chiropractic needs of our community,” Brieser continued. Dr. David joins Dr. Owen McConnell, who began accepting patients in the HHH Chiropractic Clinic last December. In addition to chiropractic and athletic trainer services, Dr. David, who is also a Certified Dry Needling Physician, will conduct a dry needling clinic.

Dry needling is the insertion of a fine, filiform needle into a muscle or connective tissue to stimulate a neurophysiological response. This is designed to improve healing in the presence of a neuromusculoskeletal issue or movement dysfunction.

Since serving as a certified Athletic Trainer, Dr. David has obtained the postgraduate designation of Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®) by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians™ (ACBSP™). This instruction is specific to physical fitness and the evaluation and treatment of injuries encountered in sports. Dr. David sees all patients of all ages, from birth to geriatric - including pregnant women, and has attained many trainings and certifications in dry needling, cupping, soft-tissue work, and sports and injury rehabilitation.

“Typically, within a few visits, patients see positive results including reduced chronic pain, improved muscle tension, and range of motion,” said Dr. David. “Dry needling and other chiropractic techniques can be used for both acute and chronic injuries: muscle tightness, muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint pain, movement dysfunctions, chronic pain, chronic and acute sports injuries, trigger points, myofascial pain, and painful scars.”

Dr. David hails from Potosi, WI but currently resides in Hampton with her husband, Tyler. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. She then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where she graduated this past October as valedictorian, attained Summa Cum Laude honors, and was also nominated for the school’s Clinical Excellence Award. She was one of less than 10 of the 90 graduates to be nominated for this honor.

Similarly to Dr. McConnell, she has a vast sports injury background and knowledge of diagnosis, treatment, and rehab exercises to enhance her patients’ recovery.

“As a Chiropractic Physician and Certified Athletic Trainer, my philosophy is simple: everyone is an athlete in their own right. Whether you’re a high school athlete pushing your body to its limits or a busy parent trying to keep up with the demands of daily life, movement and health are essential to everyone’s well-being. My mission is to empower individuals from all walks of life to prioritize their movement, optimize their physical health, and lead a vibrant, active lifestyle,” said Dr. David.

“With years of experience working with athletes across a range of levels - from middle school sports teams to Division 1 college athletes, and even those aspiring for professional careers - I’ve come to realize that the principles of sports medicine and rehabilitation apply to all individuals, not just those competing at the highest level,” she continued. “The human body was designed to move, and I believe that with the right tools, guidance, and mindset, every person can achieve better mobility, reduced pain, and improved overall health.”

A public open house will be held in Dr. David’s honor on June 24 from 2 to 4 pm in the first floor Dining Room at Hammond-Henry Hospital, 600 N. College Avenue, Geneseo. All interested are welcome and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be small give-aways to all attendees.

Geneseo’s Dr. Brumbaugh Receives Superintendent of Distinction Award - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Dr. Adam Brumbaugh, Superintendent of the Geneseo School District, has been named the 2015 Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the Blackhawk Region of the Illinois Association of School Administration (IASA).

  He was honored at an awards luncheon held recently in Springfield.  State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was the featured speaker, where 21 IASA regional Superintendents of distinction were recognized.

Submitted Photo

   A press release from the IASA stated Dr. Brumbaugh as having said, “I am humbled and honored to represent the Black Hawk Region, and I am grateful to work alongside so many talented superintendents.  Such recognition is a credit to Geneseo and the committed families, staff, students and Board of Education I have the pleasure to work with.”

   Brumbaugh has been an educator for 21 years and superintendent of Geneseo CUSA #228 for the seven years.

   He has accepted a position in Germantown Hills School District, after serving as Superintendent of Geneseo Schools since 2018.

   The press release continued:

   Those nominating Brumbaugh noted a number of successes during his tenure including:

  -Implementing instructional coaching cycles for every teacher.
  -Led the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
  -Oversaw construction of a new $4.2 million Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center.
  -Renewed a standards-based approach to teaching and learning.

   The Blackhawk Region includes school districts in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties.  Superintendents of Distinction were selected by peers in their region based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.

   “Effective school leadership [ requires both vision and the ability to execute,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark.  “Dr. Brumbaugh has demonstrated both qualities consistently throughout his career in Geneseo.  His focus on building community partnerships while enhancing educational opportunities has created lasting positive change for students.”

   The 11th annual award luncheon was sponsored by Stifel, the country’s leading underwriter of K-12 school bonds.

   “The superintendents honored today exemplify the depth of leadership and personal commitment that exceptional superintendents bring to their districts to serve students and staff to be the best they can be,” said Anne Noble, Managing Director of Stifel.  “Stifel’s longtime commitment to IASA culminates in honoring these amazing superintendents and thanking them for all they do for the students of Illinois.”

Mary Carole Farrell: February 6, 1942 ~ May 19, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Carole Farrell on May 19, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and dedication touched the lives of many. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Malachy Catholic Church. Father Daniel Gifford will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo, IL. Visitation will be held one hour before the funeral service from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at St Malachy Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo in her honor.

Born on February 6, 1942, to Erwin and Elizabeth (Tenzinger) Negele, Mary grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where she attended St. Patrick Academy. She later married John Farrell in 1971 at St. Marcelline Catholic Church in Schaumburg, Illinois, forming a partnership of 54 years rooted in love and faith.  

During early adulthood, she served as a secretary at the Chicago Tribune and a supervisor at Teletype Corporation in Skokie. After moving to Geneseo in 1977, her dedication to education and community was evident in her volunteer work, where she served as a 4H leader, Southwest School PTA President and room mother, past president of the Geneseo Junior Women’s Club, Geneseo High School Choral Board member and a committed member of the Geneseo Public Library Board.

Mary had an enduring love for books and could often be found lost in their pages. Her passion for reading made her work at the Geneseo Public Library especially meaningful, where she dedicated her time until her retirement in 2009. Whether sharing recommendations, engaging in literary discussions, or simply savoring a quiet moment with a book, Mary’s love for stories was infectious, and she delighted in sharing her passion for books with family, friends, and library patrons alike.

A faithful parishioner of St. Patrick’s Parish in Colona, followed by St. Malachy’s Parish in Geneseo, Mary embodied kindness, generosity, and a genuine passion for helping others. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, John; daughter Cynthia Farrell and son-in-law Chris Wilkins (Evergreen, CO); son Michael Farrell and daughter-in-law Brooke (Jans) Farrell (Evergreen, CO); brother, Hilary (Fran) Negele and her cherished grandchildren, Aidan Patrick Farrell and Olivia (Wilkins) Ingalls.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Elizabeth Negele. 

Mary will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, learning, and service will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Resisting A-Rest - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Olivia Egert

 This young lady, who attends the University of Illinois, is going to make a run for the Miss Illinois USA Pageant on Friday, May 23, 2025. She has already won the Miss Mississippi Crown Pageant, 2025. 
She belonged to the Geneseo Kiwanis Key Club. The Kiwanis members donated money towards her adventure. The pageant will be held at the Illinois State University’s Braden Auditorium, Normal, IL. 
Tickets range from $91.00 to $99.00. I am not to sure there are any tickets left for the pageant. Miss Egert gave those donors an autographed photo and personal note thanking them for contributing to her fundraiser in benefit of the Miss Illinois scholarship.
If you ever had the chance to talk with Olivia Egert you cannot help feel she is a very special young lady. Her personality matches her beauty and that says it all.  We wish her the very best at the pageant.

 10th Year Anniversary

  That being the “Vintage Farm Equipment Show,” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Bridge Park, Rock Island Avenue, Atkinson, IL.  It’s about 4 months away, but Dave Carton, Show Garu, already has the flyers distributed at various places in Henry County.
It is free to the public with displays such as Horse-drawn equipment, hit-miss engines, Farm tractors and equipment, Lawn and garden tractors (stock ‘n custom), Vintage farm trucks and motorcycles, Horse ferrier, and Blacksmithing demonstrations. Food & modern restrooms are available with plenty of free parking for your Rolls Royce.
I will be giving presentations at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on “Aircraft Carriers.” Hope to see you there!

 Henry County Museum

  It is now open daily for visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It used to be a school with each “classroom” showing different theme of antique artifacts. For example, the farm room displays buggies, plows, etc.  My favorite is the “Military Room!”
If you love history and antiques, make sure to visit this museum located at the corner of Knox and Park St., Bishop Hill, IL.  Great restaurants, too!!!

 Geneseo Ikes “Youth Fishing Derby”

  This popular event is not too far away! The derby will begin at 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for kids age 2 to 16. It’s all free including lunch and prizes.  It will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, along the canal at the Geneseo Ikes campground, 1 mile north of Geneseo on Rt. 82.
All kids must register at the brown building next to the canal.  Bait and fishing poles will be provided if need be. Winners are determined in each of 4 age groups (2-5, 6-9, 10-12 and 13-16). This event is really a fun time.

When I Wasn’t Old

1)A buddy and I used to walk through alleys searching for items that people put out in the trash. We were in our pre-teens and lots of kids would do the same fun thing. I can’t remember any of the junk we took, but it wasn’t stealing. It was fun.

2)There was a mild earthquake in Moline when I was a teenager. I cannot remember when it happened, but I do remember it was all the talk.

3)I took a fishing trip once with some guys to Wisconsin. One night a friend and some others tipped over a single hole’r. There was a girl inside that the guys knew and she was mad. She didn’t get hurt. Ha! Years later the one kid graduated from West Point and was mayor of Davenport.

4)I had an aunt who became mentally ill. I liked her. Sadly, I remember one time seeing her dancing in downtown Rock Island. There was no music and she had no partner. She ended up at a mental institution in East Moline. Later it became a prison which is still that today. Her husband had serious booze problems, and they had three daughters. That is a sad story in itself.

5)“Go fly a kite!” That was a fun thing to do many moons ago. I wonder if kids do that anymore. Yeah, probably not! Lots of times my kite would find itself a tree or a telephone pole.

 Humor

1)I forgot when Lorna’s birthday is so I asked her when her birthday was? She said, “March 1st.” So, I walked around the room and asked again.

2)Our daughter accidently took her cat’s med’s last night. Don’t ask “Meow.”

3)Our son’s dog accidentally ate a whole bag of scrabble tiles. So, he took him to the vet. Still no word yet.

4)Next week we start “Diarrhea Awareness Month.” Runs until Friday.

5)If a child refuses a nap, are they resisting a-rest?

 Quote of the Week

 “People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks them.”     - Eric Hoffer