Too Much Horsepower and Low I.Q.

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

2025 Maple City Band

  It looks like another great season of music provided by Band Conductor, Alan Kiser, and the Geneseo Maple City Band.  I believe they have close to 90 musicians in the band.  That is awesome!
The following is a list of band performances and Ice Cream Socials. The ice cream socials start at 6 p.m. with the band performances beginning at 7 p.m. All band performances are held in the band shell at the Geneseo Park.

JUNE 10: Band: Maple City Band   Social: Geneseo Izaak Walton League.

JUNE 17: Band: Maple City Band   Social: Geneseo Quilt Guild

JUNE 24:  Band: Geneseo Middle School Band  Social: Performing Arts Council.

JULY 1:  Band: Maple City German Band  Social: Social: Impact

JULY 8: Band: Miracle Bluegrass  Social: Geneseo Humane Society

JULY 15: Band: Maple City Band  Social: Henry County Auxiliary

JULY 22:  Band: German Big Band   Social: Boy Scout Troup 100

JULY 29: Band: Big River Brass Band  Social: Girl Scout Unit 886

Of course, don’t forget the big “Fourth of July” celebration in the park.  Great food prepared by those nice guys of the Geneseo “Pork ‘n the Park” Kiwanis. The Maple City Band will perform at 1 p.m.   

      

Bluebird yes, bluebird no!

   Geez, it’s almost every week we get a new species of bird at our feeders. The latest was last week when a “blue” bird paid us a visit. No, not the traditional “bluebird.” No, this bird was completely blue in color. It was beautiful, for sure. We looked in one of our bird books and it had all the signs our brief visitor was an indigo bunting. We haven’t seen it since. 
Some other observations we’ve noticed from bird watching are as follows: A red-breasted woodpecker always raddles and pounds on the rain gutter before he jumps on the suet cage. I think it’s some kind of warning. As I mentioned last week, Baltimore orioles are not the only fathered friends that enjoy grape jelly. Catbirds, cedar waxwings, house sparrows, and grossbeaks once in while like a shot of grape jelly.
We get all the local species of woodpeckers except the pileated woodpecker. Ah, but we know he’s out there in the woods somewhere. We can hold up our iphones and it can identify various bird sounds. All of the woodpeckers, especially the harry and downy, take over the suet cakes many times. The nuthatches come in a close second.  Something I notice when it starts to get dark. The cardinals and the orioles dominate the feeders as the other birds seem to roost earlier. Less competition, I suspect. We quit putting out oranges for the orioles as they much prefer their grape jelly.

 Quips

1)    The cause of most traffic accidents is too much horsepower and low I.Q.
2)    There are only two kinds of liars in car accidents: Both drivers!
3)    Two heads are better than one “except” in a head-on collision.
4)     If your car brakes fail, try to run into something cheap!
5)    Since most accidents happen at home and in traffic, the surest was to be safe is to leave home and sell your car.

 

Cape Cod

  My mother and step-father lived many years on the ‘Cape. Most of the time Lorna, myself and the kids packed up the old buggy and drove there (1,200 miles).
As the years went on, we flew to Boston and took a “puddle jumper” to the Cape. We had a lot of fun times and met some really nice folks.
Well, our daughter and husband asked if we would like to go with them to the Cape.  As for us, a trip whale watching is a must.  We always found it fascinating to see these giant mammals.
One time a whale came right along side the boat and turned on its side showing its huge eye. There are two long time friends we must see. Got to have a Lobster roll, maybe two…maybe three!! They are both retired teachers and even though they are both near the 90 mark, they are really sharp. In short, if you ever get the chance, visit Cape Cod.

Humor

  If money doesn’t grow on trees, then why do banks have branches?

Quote

 “The wise course is to profit from the mistakes of others.    - Terence

Henry County Reports First Mosquito Pool To Test Positive For West Nile Virus for 2025

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
Henry County Health Department

The Henry County Health Department is reporting that their first mosquito pool of the year to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) was a specimen batch collected and tested on May 27.

“The news of the first batch of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for local residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,” note Department Officials. “The best defense against West Nile virus is to practice the ‘Three R’s’: reduce, repel, and report’. IDPH urges everyone, and especially those who are older or have weakened immune systems, to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry.”

Last year in Illinois, IDPH reported that 72 counties around the state reported positive tests for WNV in mosquitos, birds, horses or humans. There were 69 confirmed human cases of WNV according to IDPH data and 13 human deaths, the highest number since 17 deaths were recorded in 2018. 

IDPH and Local Health Departments maintain a robust surveillance system to monitor WNV both in the environment, with laboratory testing of mosquito batches and sick horses, and among Illinois residents by investigating and monitoring human infections. Follow this link for Henry & Stark County surveillance numbers https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/302/Vector-Surveillance

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.  Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks.  Most people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms; however, in rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death, can occur.  People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

IDPH urges the public to Fight the Bite by practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report:

  • REDUCE - make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.  Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.  Try to keep doors and windows shut.
    Eliminate, or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers.

  • REPEL - when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone according to label instructions.  Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

  • REPORT – report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.  The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito larvae.

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Geneseo Music Festival

Zack Sullivan - Executive Director
zsullivan@geneseo.org

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 57th Annual Geneseo Music Festival, which will take place on Father’s Day Weekend, June 13-15, 2025 in Geneseo, IL. The event promises to be a weekend of fun and entertainment for people of all ages, with music performances, food vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

One of the highlights of the festival is the popular Father's Day Music Festival Parade, sponsored by Geneseo Communications, in downtown Geneseo on Sunday June 15 at 1pm. The parade is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with Fathers, Grandfathers, and Uncles with a classic Midwestern summertime festival backdrop. It offers a chance for Geneseo and guests to come together and enjoy the festive spirit.

The Geneseo Music Festival is an event that has something for everyone. Music lovers will appreciate the wide range of musical genres, including rock, country, jazz, and blues. Foodies will enjoy the variety of food vendors, offering mouth-watering dishes for all to enjoy. Festival-goers can also participate in fun-filled activities like carnival games, or unique crafts and gifts from over sixty vendors at the Music Festival Craft Fair, and more.

The Little Miss Music Fest Pageant returns in 2025 after a successful debut last year, which will take place before the annual Geneseo Rotary Music Festival Queen Pageant on Friday evening. Live music can be found throughout Geneseo on Saturday at the Geneseo City Park and at Geneseo Brewing Company. On Sunday morning, the Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast at Gen-Airpark is a very popular draw.

Zack Sullivan, the event organizer with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming 2025 Geneseo Music Festival, stating, "We are absolutely thrilled to bring this longstanding community festival to Geneseo for its 57th year. Our goal is to create a truly fun and memorable experience for every attendee, from families enjoying a day out to music lovers soaking in the performances." Sullivan emphasized the enduring appeal of a beloved local tradition, adding, "The Father's Day Parade is always a crowd favorite, a cornerstone of our community's celebrations. We're incredibly excited to witness the Geneseo community coming together once again for this special occasion, enjoying not only the parade but also the musical acts and activities we have planned throughout the festival weekend."

With Summer 2025 officially underway, it's the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway in Geneseo with family and friends. The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience and a highlight of the summer season for all.

For more information about the Geneseo Music Festival and the Father's Day Parade, please visit our website at www.geneseo.org, or call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686

 

2025 Geneseo Music Fest Schedule
Friday June 13
● 5:00 pm: 2025 Geneseo Music Fest begins and Food Trucks open
● 5:00 pm: Kiwanis Annual Doo Dah Parade – Downtown Geneseo
● 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Geneseo Rotary Ice Cream Social – Geneseo City Park
● 5:30 pm: 2025 Little Miss Geneseo Music Festival Pageant – City Park Bandshell
● 7:00 pm: 2025 Geneseo Music Fest Queen Pageant presented by Geneseo Rotary – City Park Bandshell
Saturday June 14 CITY PARK BANDSHELL SCHEDULE
*(All acts take place at the Geneseo City Park Bandshell)
● 7:00-10:00 am: Maple City 4 Run presented by Geneseo Rotary Club
● 10:00 -11:00 am: Jazzercise Strength 45 in the Park by Jazzercise
● 11:30-2:00 pm: Musical Memories Recital
o 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Geneseo Panic!
● 2:00-3:00pm: GHS Cheer Clinic
● 3:00-4:00 pm: LIVE MUSIC - Paxton Sherbyn & The Solid Gold Boys
● 5:30-7:30 pm: LIVE MUSIC - Smooth Groove
Saturday June 14
● 8:00 am – 3:00 pm: Geneseo Farmer’s Market – North City Park
● 8:00 am – 6:00 pm: AETA Tractor Display – North City Park
● 9:00 am – 3:00 pm: Family Fest (inflatables & more) presented by Geneseo Park District
– Geneseo City Park
● 9:00 am – 6:00 pm: Geneseo Music Fest Art & Craft Fair – Geneseo City Park
● 10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Pony Rides by Tri-Co Equestrian Center, LLC - Geneseo City Park
near the intersection of State & North Streets
● 11:00 am – 3:00 pm: LIVE MUSIC - Party on the Patio - In-A-Godda-Da-Vida Music
● 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: FFA Ag Alumni Lunch Cookout – Geneseo City Park
● 12:30 pm: Dean Olson Memorial Pedal Pull – Geneseo City Park
o Trophies Sponsored by: Clements Farm
● 2:30 pm – Geneseo 4Baggers Bags Tournament for Youth – Geneseo City Park
● 4:30 pm – Geneseo 4Baggers Bags Tournament for Adults – Geneseo City Park
● 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm: LIVE MUSIC – Shaun Easton – Geneseo Brewing Co.
● 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Ice Cream Social - Geneseo Art League – Geneseo City Park

●7:00 pm–10:00 pm: LIVE MUSIC–Monica Austin–Geneseo Brewing Co.
●8:00 pm: Outdoor Movie Series & LIVE MUSIC–“TBD”-presented by the Geneseo Park District Foundation-Geneseo Park District Athletic Field
Sunday June 15
●7:00 am–11:00 am: Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast–Gen-Airpark
●10:00 am–4:00 pm: Geneseo Music Fest Art & Craft Fair–Geneseo City Park
●10:30 am: Sunday Morning Church Service–First Methodist Church-Geneseo City Park Bandshell
●11:00 am–1:00 pm: Father’s Day Parade Staging–Geneseo High School Parking Lot
●1:00 pm: 2025 Geneseo Music Fest Father’s Day Parade–State Street/Downtown Geneseo - Parade Sponsored by: Geneseo Communications
●2:00 pm: LIVE MUSIC–Ryan Bizarri and Friends–Geneseo City Park Bandshell
●4:00 pm: 2025 Geneseo Music Fest Conclude

Plenty of Fish to Clean - By Dan Dauw

Geneseo Ikes “Youth Fishing Contest.”

  This is a big showtime, especially for kids ages 2-16.  The event will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, starting at 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration begins at 11 a.m. Parents and Grandparents are more than welcome. The contest is free for the public and donations are welcome. Free lunch for all will be provided after the fishing. Bait and fishing gear will be available for use.
Free giveaways for all contestants, door prize drawings and trophies for winners.  The event takes place at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo, along the Hennepin Canal. Look for the event sign. 
Any questions call Justin Shoemaker at (309) 269-3107 or Dan Dauw at (309)796-0795.  As I said, the kids and everyone will have a great time.

Yay, Rain.

  It was about time, Mother Nature, to give most of us a good soaking two weeks or so ago. Our rain gauge showed 3 ¼” over the span of 4 days. Hopefully, most area farmers were able to get their planting in before the monsoon.

Good Fish’n!

   Maybe you have had this fishing experience like I had two weeks ago. Gary Dahlquist, Tom Simpson and myself were fishing from shore on a beautiful morning. Both Gary and Tom were really nailing the bluegills, crappies, bass and Tom’s big channel cat (he let it go).
So, where did it all leave me? I had a few in the fish basket, but not the numbers these guys had. Ah, but wait! Lady Luck didn’t leave the party. All of a sudden, I had so many nice bluegills I could only use one pole. I told those guys the ‘gills finally recognized who had all the cards. I only had a few worms left, but a lot in the fish basket. Of course, we had plenty of fish to clean, but the end result will be some good eaten meals.

Gnats

  They are one big pest. When they get really bad I have a ballcap that contains netting. You just pull it over the head and shoulder. Kind of a pain, but better that than getting eaten alive by those *&^Y$%$79!!!!!

Birds

  This Spring we made sure we had lots of feeders for our feathered friends. Because of that, we have seen a lot of species we’ve never saw before.
For example: Cat birds, Baltimore Orioles, Northern Flickers, Red-headed Woodpeckers (my favorite) and a few others I can’t remember. We have 3 glass feeders for the humming birds plus certain podded flower plants for the little guys. We just have two so far. 
We have a downy woodpecker who thinks he’s a humming bird and drinks his share of sugar water. He is very tame and drinks right in front of me.
Baltimore orioles have their own feeder which holds oranges and grape jelly. They are such a beautiful bird.

Humor

What pronouns does chocolate use?  Ans: Her-shey.
Do they allow loud laughing in Hawaii? Or just “A lo Ha”?

Quote for the Week

  “When people agree with me I always feel that I must be wrong.” - Oscar Wilde

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