Storybook Children’s Theatre Participants to Present Musical Friday and Saturday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The young actors and actresses involved in the Storybook Children’s Theatre Camp, sponsored by the Geneseo Park District, will stage the musical “Alice in Wonderland,” at performances scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, July 25, and again at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26. Both performances will be held in the DePauw Theatre at Geneseo High School, 700 North State St. Tickets for the performances, at $5 for adults and $3 for youth 18 and younger, are available at the front desk of the Geneseo Community Center, 541 East North St., Geneseo.

Young performers have been rehearsing throughout the week at the GHS theatre. They are guided by two professional actor /directors and have had the experience of going through auditions prior to being cast (everyone gets a part), and have been working together to bring the production to life this weekend. All performers will be in costume for the productions.

The Theater Camp is sponsored in part by the Geneseo Park District Foundation, the Geneseo Foundation, Richmond Hill Players and Hazelwood Homes.

Hammond-Henry Hospital to Welcome New Orthopedic Surgeon

Geneseo - The Board of Directors and Administration are pleased to announce that Dr. Ryan Pizinger will offer fulltime orthopedic surgical services at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo, beginning in the fall of this year. He will also see patients in both the Geneseo and Kewanee Clinics.

Dr. Pizinger’s office will be located within the hospital’s first floor Specialty Clinic, formerly the Northwest Clinic, Suite 110. No referrals are necessary and those wishing to find out more information or schedule an appointment can do so by calling 309.944.1595. A public open house for Dr. Pizinger will be announced at a later date.

“Dr. Pizinger has more than 20 years of experience in orthopedic surgery, and we are thrilled he has roots in Illinois (Yorkville area) and wanted to come back,” said Colton Anderson, Director of Physician Recruitment and Clinic Services. “He specializes in total joint care and is highly experienced in total joint replacement operations, including the newer anterior hip replacement techniques. Having an orthopedic surgeon of our own is very important for advancing this service for our patients. Dr. Pizinger will be a wonderful addition to our staff.”

Dr. Pizinger specializes in sports medicine, joint replacement surgery, anterior hip replacement surgery, shoulder reconstruction, and hip, shoulder, and knee arthroscopy. Prior to his appointment at Hammond-Henry Hospital, Dr. Pizinger served SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic in Wisconsin and prior to that, the Illinois Orthopedic Institute, Joliet. While in Joliet, he also served as Director of Sports Medicine for Bolingbrook and Romeoville High Schools.

“I like giving my patients full autonomy in what they choose to do as far as treatment goes. Allowing them to make an informed decision that they are comfortable with is very important,” said Dr. Pizinger. “I ensure they fully understand the diagnosis and all options for treatment. What I like best, though, is fixing a problem and having that patient be happy and pleased with the outcome. It feels good to be part of that process.”

A Board-Certified Surgeon, Dr. Pizinger completed his Fellowship in Sports Medicine from Aspen Orthopaedic Associates, CO, in 2012; his Residency in Orthopedic Surgery from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, NH; Medical School from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, VA; and his Pre-Med degree from the University of Maine, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med with minors in Microbiology and Chemistry.

“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve this rural community in western Illinois, and I hope to see many years of treating people here,” said Dr. Pizinger.

Dr. Pizinger will see patients Monday through Friday. Dr. Pizinger is married to his wife, Jackie, and has two children, Shae, 17, and Samantha, 16.

First Methodist Church in Geneseo to Become Kingswood Church in 175th Year of Ministry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

GENESEO, IL — First Methodist Church in Geneseo, Illinois, is stepping into a new chapter of ministry with a new name. On August 17, the historic congregation located at the corner of State and Park Streets will be known as Kingswood Church.

The renaming comes as the church celebrates its 175th year of continuous ministry. After a yearlong season of dialogue and discernment with congregants and leaders, the decision was made to adopt a more distinctive identity in the community. Geneseo is currently home to five churches with “First” in their names, and two Methodist congregations.

“Jesus is our King, yet he went to the cross out of his great love for us,” said Pastor Chris Ritter. “The name Kingswood reflects both the crown and the cross. It also connects us to one of the most powerful revivals in Christian history. The First Great Awakening began in Kingswood—a coal-mining village near Bristol, England—where John Wesley and George Whitefield boldly preached the Gospel. We pray to be part of the next great move of God.”

While the new name does not include a denominational reference, the church remains proudly affiliated with the Global Methodist Church, a denomination of about 5,000 congregations worldwide. Pastor Ritter currently serves as chair of the Global Episcopacy Committee for the denomination.

Kim Gehling served as chairperson of the “rebranding team” that has been meeting to discuss a new name for Geneseo First Methodist Church.

She said, “Our team was honored to be entrusted with the church’s rebrand. Since October, 2024, we’ve followed a thoughtful, thorough process to develop a name and logo that reflects the church’s history, identity, and mission.”

When asked if the new name will include Kingswood Global Methodist Church, Gehling said, “The official new name is ‘Kingswood Church,”: and being a part of the Global Methodist Church will be referenced in some places, but not in the name.”

Founded in 1850, the congregation began as a small gathering led by a horseback circuit rider in Geneseo’s Seminary Building. Its first sanctuary, built in 1854, still stands today as the Don Cherry VFW Post. The church has been located at its current site since 1867 and today welcomes an average of 450 worshippers across four weekend services.

As Kingswood Church, the congregation looks forward to serving the region by proclaiming the Gospel, relying on the living presence of the Holy Spirit, and advancing Christian mission. The public is invited to a Kingswood Church Launch Weekend on August 16 (6:00 pm) and 17 (8:00, 9:00, or 10:30 am). Additional details are available at www.peopleneedjesus.org.

 

Chris Ward of Geneseo Invited to Present at World Therapy Congress in Scotland

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current



Chris Ward and Dr. William Hiebert, general secretary of the Family Therapy Association.

Chris Ward has more than 50 years of coaching experience and a 30-year background in counseling, and the knowledge of her combined roles earned her an invitation to present at the
Family Therapy Association 2025 World Therapy Congress held in Aberdeen, Scotland.

She explained her presentation, “Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT Techniques to Train Exceptional Athletes to Elite Success and Research Their Family Support Systems,”
focused on her use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her counseling practice (Geneseo Marriage and Family Counseling) and she said, “but I also encourage the CBT techniques to coach athletes.”

Ward and her husband Larry have been coaching gymnastics in Geneseo and Sterling for more than 50 years, and currently are the coaches for the Geneseo High School gymnastics team and for the Geneseo Park District, and Ward said, “We have no plans to retire, and I would not be able to do all that I do without the help and support from my husband Larry.”

Her knowledge of CBT also comes from having served as a middle school counselor for 29 years prior to retirement in 2020.

Chris Ward is photographed at the Family Therapy Association 2025 World Therapy Congress held in Aberdeen, Scotland.

In preparing for her presentation in Scotland, Ward interviewed 10 college track athletes and gymnasts, and she said, “I also did a qualitative research project with their feedback about how their own parents or families supported them to be the most successful.”

When asked to define CBT, Ward replied, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy uses the technique of learning to think differently about an issue, another person, or problem. Therefore, they may feel differently, and ultimately behave more positively. CBT is a very popular theory because it is so effective.”

Larry & Chris Ward.

She said CBT is effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as managing emotional challenges like grief and stress.

While positive thinking is part of the puzzle of CBT, it is not the only focus, CBT also incorporates behavior techniques and goals to help people develop a more balanced and realistic perspective, not just a positive one.

Ward and her husband Larry were in Scotland for 11 days and while much of their time was spent at the World therapy Congress, they also enjoyed touring Scotland and visiting castles.

 

A World Record Bass - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Where Art Thou?

Some fishing buddies and I were talking the other day about where has some insects seem to have vanished? Butterflies, lightning bugs, and grasshoppers, to name a few. Even gnats and mosquitoes seem to be far and few between. That’s okay, though!

Moisture

So far, so good! Mother Nature has been kind to our local farmers and we gardeners. She seems to unload her rains at the right time. Other than fighting weeds, our tomatoes, onions and radishes are doing great. As to beans, we planted those is containers and so far they have kept cottontails and squirrels at bay.

Eminent Domain

According to an article in Iowa Farmer Today, the Summit Carbon Solutions has proposed a 2,500 mile CO2 pipeline through five states to capture greenhouse gas from ethanol plants. Iowa is one of those states where the pipeline would run through farmland. Many farmers oppose the right of a state like Iowa to take away their land through eminent domain.
Sort of related, but thousands of acres of farmland has already been purchased by foreign countries. While you might think China is the biggest owner of American soil, that would be incorrect. As of now, they are far down the list.
There recently was a bill passed in Iowa to curtail the “Red Giant” from buying more land. In my humble opinion, hit the delete key on eminent domain. We are an AG country and we must be careful on allowing so many large, cemented parking lots, housing additions, and so on. Farmland is priceless!

U.S. Army 250 Years

I enjoyed the parade celebrating the Army’s 250th year anniversary. I hope the U.S. Navy/Marines does something for their anniversary on October 13, 1775. Somehow, I don’t think too many submarines and aircraft carriers will make it down Constitution Ave as in the U.S. Army parade.
Still, a gala flotilla of some Navy ships and aircraft would be neat to see maybe in Boston harbor, Norfolk, New York or someplace the public could view. Betcha the Fox network would cover the event. There will be a 250th Navy/Marine Commemoration at Independence Hall on October 13th.

Poison Ivy

Well, it’s no wonder Lorna and I came in contact with the toxic plant. We do a lot of trimming and pulling weeds. Fortunately, neither of us got it bad. In fact, we had zero itching.

Fishing Report

It continues to be good. Last week Tom Simpson tangled with a really big bass. It ended up breaking the ball baring part of his leader. He was too far away from his brother, Gary and myself to get the landing net.
Tom swears it would have been a world record. That might have been a stretch, but who knows?! Someone has to catch a world record bass. Later in the morning his brother, Gary, caught a 4 lb plus channel cat and had to be netted. He released it to grow bigger.
As for me, I ended up with about 20 bluegills. Had them for supper last Sunday. Sooooo, good to the taste!

Humor

Last week Dale Collis of Galva was in a shark attack on the canal. He said the shark took out his whole “left” side. He is all “right” now! Steve Weber purchased a new sweater, but it started picking up static electricity. So he decided to return it. The sales clerk gave him another one free of charge!

Quote

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death, but once.”

Who Have Passed Away

Lorna and I were sad at the passing away of Glen Anderson, Mary Farrell, Ray Rogers, Glenn Sigwalt and Jim Weisser. All very nice people who are in a better place, for sure. May God bless their souls.

Sugar Maple Lady Golfers Raise over $3,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Lynda DeMoss, left, and Janice Durick, at right, co-chairwomen of the recent golf outing to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness, are shown with Colleen Rafferty, Director of Development, Unity Point Health, Trinity Health Foundation. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The recent Annual Breast Cancer Awareness event, hosted by the Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League and held at Sugar Maple Golf Club, raised a total of 3,319 which was donated to Trinity Health. The donation is part of the League’s $7,500 five-year pledge titled, “Swing FORE the Cure.”

A statement from the Ladies Golf League said, “The funds will support the Unity Point Health – Trinity Cancer Center Expansion Campaign, which will ensure high quality accessible, local oncology care for generations to come. An infusion chair in the newly-expanded Trinity Cancer Center in Moline will be named for ‘Swing FORE the Cure’.”

The Ladies Golf Outing also honored and celebrated the lives of two League members, Sharon VanKerrebroeck and Judy Walters, who lost their battles with cancer in the last year.

There were 42 golfers representing 14 area communities who participated in the 2025 event.

Cancer survivors who partaiciapted in the recent golf outing were recognized and given gifts.

Karen Taylor of Sheffield received a prize for the lowest score of 36.

In addition to the nine holes of golf, the day included a salad luncheon provided by members of the Sugar Maple Ladies League, raffle drawings for gifts donated by members and businesses, in addition to gift certificates donated by local businesses. Money from the raffle drawings totaled $855; money from the 50/50 drawing totaled $281 with the winner donating half back to the event, and $41 was realized from “Mulligans.”

A spokesperson for the Ladies League said their group “sincerely thanks the Sugar Maple Golf Club, the Hwy 6 Supper Club (which remain closed for lunch to the public the day of the event); Sugar Maple Ladies League members, employees of Sugar Maple, and husbands and other men who handled golf clubs and food for League members and guests.”

Lona Pribble Will Share Her Gardens at Upcoming Porches, Pools & Patios Tour

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Guests on the upcoming Porches, Pools and Patios Tour will have the opportunity to see the results from Lona Pribble’s love of gardening that expands five decades.

It’s like entering into another world when one steps into the back yard of the Lona Pribble home in Geneseo.

Guests on the upcoming Tour will have the opportunity to experience that transformation this Saturday when they visit the Pribble grounds and walk through the garden gate onto a brick patio that seems to encompass the entire yard with flower borders on both sides and a grape arbor to the front.

As guests stroll toward the grape arbor they see that the brick goes on, and leads them into the second phase of the patio, this one flanked by two ponds, a huge arborvitae, more planting areas and a seating area. Tucked away is a hidden garden secluded by the arborvitae tree.

Most people ask “Where does your yard end?” When Lona points beyond the green expanse of lawn to the surrounding fence most people are in awe. To the right is the Hosta Garden filled to the brim with Hosta this time of year. In April, when the Hosta are still enjoying their winter rest, this area is solid blue with bluebells. Various wild flowers and bulbs are mingled among them adding shades of yellow, pink, red and orange.

The Lightkeepers of First Methodist Church Porches, Pools & Patios Tour is Saturday, July 19, with the designated properties open to visitors form 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day includes a salad and charcuterie luncheon, with serving from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commons at First Methodist Church, 302 North State Street in Geneseo.

Tickets, at $20 per person, are available in advance at porchespoolsandpatios.com with tickets, and maps of the five tour destinations, will be mailed to those purchasing tickets online. Tickets also are available during the week in the church office, and on the day of the Tour, July 19, tickets will be available to purchase at $25 each.

Guests will be able to visit the sites on the tour at their own pace by using the provided map. Ticketholders will be asked to present their tickets when they arrive for lunch at the church.

The conifer gardens, with a vast variety of plantings, spreads to the right as well. The many Conifers and plantings are the back drop to a playhouse, fairy gardens, ponds with fish and a seating area within a pavilion. The entire garden is accented with a large center island of giant Hosta’s anchored by gigantic walnut trees., and to the left is a garden filled with a variety of flowers, and a rock garden. To the rear of the yard is a fountain flanked by more conifers and beyond that you see an explosion of color from the Zinnias Pribble has planted.

The variety of Conifer gardens surround a large pavilion that includes a fire pit.

Pribble has created a botanical dream behind her house, located across from the Geneseo Swimming Pool. The pathway leading to the back yard was created with 8,000 bricks put in place by her late husband, Ray Pribble.

Recently, Pribble was hostess to the American Conifer Society which includes members from across the United States.

Pribble said the 165 Society members lodged at Bally’s in Rock Island and for three days toured gardens from Clinton, Iowa, to Monmouth, including the Pribble gardens.

"I enjoy sharing my gardens," Pribble said. "Because I do share it with others, I try to make it as attractive as possible for all seasons.

Pribble admits she finds peace in her garden and has posted a sign which reads, “The best place to seek God is in the garden.” Another sign states, “How lovely is the silence of growing things.”

The Pribble gardens have been a "50-year process," and gardening is something Pribble admits she has always enjoyed. "We have had a cutting garden and a vegetable garden in the rear of the yard since we moved here more than 50 years ago," she said. "I have always had flowers here and there around the house."

Those original gardens have been expanding for the last 50 years to where they now are the spacious back yard, about ¾ of an acre, Pribble said.

"Our garden had no 'master plan,' it simply evolved," she said. "I take after my mother in that I enjoy working in the garden."

Whenever Pribble thinks the gardens are “finished," she always seems to come up with one more idea.

“A garden is never finished,” she said.

 

James W. Weisser: October 18, 1940 ~ July 13, 2025

James “Jim” Walter Weisser, 84, of Geneseo, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Hammond Henry Hospital – Long Term Care Unit, Geneseo, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Deacon Mike Sigwalt will officiate. Inurnment will follow at North Cemetery, Geneseo. Military honors will be accorded by Geneseo VFW, with Taps to be played by Roy Van Meter. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Hammond Henry Hospital Foundation on behalf of the Weisser family.

James was born on October 18, 1940, the son of Frank and Vera (Wenger) Weisser, in Moline, IL. He graduated from JD Darnall High School, class of 1958. James married Mildred “Mil” Buechler on February 24, 1963, at Concordia Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on August 22, 2022. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961 – 1965. He owned and operated Weisser & Son Electric from 1976 – 2010. His hobbies included beekeeping, traveling, amateur radio operator, woodworking, fishing, and scooter riding. He enjoyed having coffee and donuts with his friends. Jim was a member of First Methodist Church – Geneseo, Geneseo Lions Club, Geneseo Jaycees, Stewart Mason Lodge #92 A.F. and A.M., Geneseo Izaac Walton League, and the Geneseo American Legion.

Those left to cherish his memory include his significant other, Barbara Sandberg of Cambridge; children, Chris Weisser of Geneseo, Dee (Roy Van Meter) Hall of Woodhull; and Jamison (Jaime Walters) Weisser of Atkinson; grandchildren, Christine Montes, Cody Weisser, Colton Weisser, Jesse Mohr, Stormee (Mike) Baker-Brown, Tyler (Halle) Weisser, Avery Weisser, and Parker Weisser; and great-grandchildren, Obadiah Brown and Rohnan Brown.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Vera Weisser; his wife, Mildred “Mil” Weisser; son-in-law, Scott Hall; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Weisser; and brothers, Robert Weisser and Glenn Weisser.

Bryson Boxell Receives Aviation Scholarship - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Bryson Boxell, who will be a senior at Geneseo High School, has received a full scholarship opportunity for flight training from the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 410 of Geneseo, and the Ray Aviation Scholarship Program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI.

Bryson Boxell, third from left, is the recent recipient of a $12,000 scholarship for flight training to obtain his private pilot license from the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. With Boxell are Kent Johnson, at left, of the Geneseo Airport and president of the EAA Chapter 410; Bryson’s father, Brent Boxell; Bryson, and his mother Shelley Boxell. Contributed Photo.

He is the son of Brent and Shelley Boxell, Geneseo. The Ray Aviation Scholarship program provides up to $12,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The Ray Foundation has provided $2.25 million in 2025 to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standards of 20 percent to 80 percent for program participants. Local EAA chapters are responsible for identifying youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and mentoring them through flight training. The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James C. Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education.

Since its introduction in 2019, the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program has allowed over 600 youths to complete their flight training and receive their pilot licenses. The program has been consistently meeting and exceeding its expected 80 percent success rate each year.

Boxell’s scholarship is the third scholarship the Geneseo Chapter has awarded and administered on behalf of the Ray Aviation Foundation and the EAA of Oshkosh, WI.

Cooper Schaad, a 2024 GHS graduate, received the 2024 scholarship, and Nathan Dunker, also a 2024 graduate of GHS, received the 2023 scholarship.

Boxell is training at Quad-Cities Aero, based at the Quad-City Airport in Moline. The scholarship is designed to support a flight student through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of successful FAA pilot certification.

EAA chapters play a significant role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. Chapters interested in participating are prequalified by EAA through an application process. If selected, they mentor and support the scholarship recipient throughout their flight training journey. Once selected as a Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient, candidates also commit to volunteer service with the local EAA chapter.

EAA Chapter 410 of Geneseo is one of 900 local chapters of EAA, the world’s largest organization for recreational flying. It meets at the Gen-Air Airport in Geneseo on the first Saturday of each month. More information about the EAA Chapter is available at https://chapters.eaa.org/eaa410 or on Facebook.

ABOUT EAA

“The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, WI. The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts, EAA’s 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-564-6322 or visit www.eaa.org.”

Men of the Cloth - By Dan Dauw

Geneseo Community Concert

This annual event is always a home run, for sure! Their 17th annual concert was held on Wednesday, June 25, at 7 p.m. in the Geneseo HS Concert Hall.
Director Pam Edwards, plus her young and older singers did some awesome singing. For as young as they are, the Children’s Choir “really” nailed it. My favorite of the night was “Maria” (Amy Croft) and the Children’s choir singing “Do Re Mi” from the Sound of Music. I swear Julie Andrews was up there on stage.

Happy Fourth

Great music, Great food, Great time! It all comes together this coming 4th of July at the Geneseo Park starting with “Pork in the Park” courtesy of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club. They usually start serving around 10:30 a.m. or there about.
Just leave room for a trip to the Maple City Band “Dessert Tent.” There will be pies, cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc. A donation is very well accepted.
The band will begin at 1 p.m. I really hate missing the event, but we have a family get-together in Cedar Rapids. Don’t forget the fireworks on July 3rd at Richmond Hill, Geneseo, IL.

This photo was taken on July 4, 2025, of the Geneseo Maple City Band, 80 musicians strong. Their last concert will be Tuesday, July 15, 2025.  

Downton Abbey

The grand finale will be at theaters on September 12th. I saw some of the trailers on the Internet and it looks like another “Downton Abbey” winner! I think it takes place in the early 1930s. They all look a bit older and sadly, Maggie Smith has passed away. We haven’t gone to a movie theater in a long time. Ha! I’ll bet it was the second DA movie we saw on the silver screen. Anyway, to the theater we go!

E-15

We always try to use E-10 gasoline when we stop at any BP gas station (We get 15 cents a gallon discount). We haven’t seen E-15 at any pump, but I’d try it if we get the same discount. Also, if it helps farmers and is better for the environment, why not?

Saving $$$ on Bird food

You sure can tell there is plenty of natural food outside for the birds. During the spring I spend a small fortune on birdseed, but it’s enjoyable watching all the different species. Now I tend to our bird feeders about every three or four days a week. We haven’t seen any Baltimore orioles raid the grape jelly for at least three weeks. The humming birds are still around and they are always fun to watch. Other than a few sparrows, nuthatches, and an occasional red-winged blackbird, that’s about what we see.

Humor

How do “men of the cloth” get rid of insects inside a church? Ans: Let us spray! People think that grass don’t be wet in the morning. Ans: But it dew!

Quote

The man who believes he can do it, is probably right, and so is the man who believes he can’t. – Don Morrison

Norma Lodge’s 100th Birthday Open House on July 20 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Norma Lodge. Contributed Photo

Norma Lodge is reaching a milestone birthday. She will be 100 years “young” on July 20 and will be honored at a birthday open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, at Grace United Methodist Church, 318 North Center St., Geneseo

Family and friends are invited to the event and there is a “no gifts” request.

Norma Lodge credits her long life to her “orneriness,” but those who know her have a different explanation.

She has a sense of humor and age hasn’t changed that, commented a church friend of Lodge’s, who added, “Norma is a good person, always going out of her way to help others.”

Visitors to her home often find her at her sewing machine, working on pillowcase dresses and more. Lodge totals over 100 pillowcase dresses in addition to shorts and tops each year for the Operation Christmas Child project at Grace Church, and she also sews cloth diapers and book bags for Midwest Mission which also is supported by Grace Church.

“It is good to be busy,” Lodge said. “These are just small things we can do for others.”

Music also has been an important part of her life and Lodge was a choir member at her church until she turned 90, and she chose to drop out then “because it just became too difficult.”

She also was a member of the “Love Unlimited” music group at Grace Church.

Her late husband, Glenn Lodge, was a well-known area musician, and Lodge said the entire family enjoyed music.

“Singing is something we could do together,” she said. “We weren’t rich and that didn’t cost money.”

She is mother to five daughters, Nancy Lund, Lynette Wildermuth, and Mary Gorman, all of Geneseo; Janice Thayer, Atlanta, GA; and Joan Eshbaugh, Denver, CO.; two sons, Roger Lodge, Rock Island; and Larry Lodge, Andover; one son, Jim Lodge, is deceased; There are 18 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

 

Garden Club Outing July 21

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The next outing of the Geneseo Garden Club will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 21, at the gardens of Martha Smith at 110 E. Girard Ave. in Monmouth. Estimated travel time is about one hour from Geneseo.

Smith recently retired as the Horticulture Educator at the University of Illinois Extension in Milan. Her 32-year career history included educating the public in horticulture as well as participating in the Perennial Plant Association and American Conifer Society.

Anyone interested in carpooling is asked to “reply all” to the email they received as to whether they want to ride or drive, and those wanting to ride together will meet at the home of Lona Pribble.

 

Love of Vegetables Spurs Produce Sales Business for Young Entrepreneurs

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Fifteen-year-old Braxton Boone and his 14-year-old brother Cullen have been gardening since they were toddlers, and it is their love of vegetables that led the two to launch their own business. Braxton Boone’s Produce, on the family farm west of Geneseo.

Braxton Boone stands in front of the sweet corn in his garden.

   The brothers are the sons of Vince and Sarah Boone and their mother, Sarah, shared a favorite story of hers from when the boys were very young.

   “I took Braxton and Cullen with me to the grocery store when they were two and three years old and they begged me to buy radishes,” she said.  How many toddlers do that?”

   Braxton is responsible for the vegetable garden and his brother recently planted just over 110 holes of pumpkins that will be offered for sale in the fall.

   Sweet corn and tomatoes are Braxton’s biggest sellers, although his garden offers a variety of vegetables including, spinach, lettuce, beets, broccoli, peppers, green beans, radishes and more.  Their mother refers to the variety and abundance of plantings as “Mr. McGregor’s Garden at Its finest.”

Cullen Boone is photographed in his pumpkin patch.

   The Boone brothers have offered their produce at the Farmers’ Market in Geneseo through the years, but they now sell mostly from their farm in Geneseo.  Braxton Boone uses his face book page, Braxton Boones Produce, to advertise what vegetables are in season.

   When asked what they were saving their profits for, the answer was “cars and college.”

   Even though the gardens primarily are the responsibility of Braxton and Cullen, they do get some help from their parents and younger brothers, (Declan, six, and Holden, five) as “Mom” does the picking and freezing and canning…”We do sell a lot, but we put things up for ourselves too,” she said.  “I like knowing where my food comes from and my kids’ eat more vegetables because they help grow them.  Not a lot of five-year-olds eat beets and mine does.”

   Much of the teens’ knowledge about gardening comes from their dad as Vince Boone also grew up caring for his own garden, a trait he learned from his late grandfather, Bill Floto of Geneseo.

The Gardens

   Braxton said what he likes most about having his own garden is “getting people fresh food.  My least favorite thing about the garden is the weeding.”

   Cullen responded, “What I like most about the pumpkin patch is watering time because I get some peace and quiet from all my brothers.  What I like least is picking the weeds.”

 

Farm Bureau to Host “Safety Starts with YOU”

Cambridge - Have you thought about safety for you and your family?  Do you want to see demonstrations and receive free giveaways and information?  Looking for a great, free event for the whole family to attend?

The Henry County Farm Bureau Health and Safety Committee will hold a FREE community event focused on areas of safety, health, and wellness.  Join us on Wednesday, July 9, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Central Bank Pavilion, 218 North State Street, Geneseo, IL.  Following the event will be the Central Bank Concert Series featuring “Cats and Dragons”, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

The event will feature exhibitors that will highlight Grain Bin Safety & Rescue, CPR and “Stop the Bleed” Demonstrations, Mental Health, Ag Equipment Driving Simulator, “Touch a Tractor” and Overall Health & Wellness.  New this year, come and see WQAD’s “The Beast” and plan to enjoy food vendors and local restaurants, along with safety demonstrations, kids’ activities, giveaways and much more!

Join us for this FREE community event focused on safety and open to the public.  Enjoy great information, handouts and giveaways.  An event for the whole family!  For more information contact the Henry County Farm Bureau at (309) 937-2411 or email manager@henrycofarmbureau.org. 

Native Culture and History Program at Geneseo Library July 16

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Contributed Photo

  Kim Sigafus Melver, accomplished writer and speaker, will present a program on Native Culture and History at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   Information received from the Geneseo Library states: “Kim believes that education is an ongoing process for everyone, and she enjoys teaching curious listeners about her heritage.  She will be dressed in her native regalia and will give a history of natives in Illinois with a focus on native women, or what was considered ‘The Hidden Half’.”

   She has written non-fiction, children’s and young adult books and has traveled all over the Midwest to bring her native culture to life.

   Her family is from White Earth Reservation, located in the northwest corner of Minnesota, and her Ojibwa name is ”Bekaadiziikwe,” which means “quite woman.”

   She also sings and drums.

   The speaker will have an assortment of books she has written available to purchase when she presents the program at the  Geneseo Library.

 

Kathleen Roby Is Food Pantry Volunteer of the Month

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Kathleen Roby has been named “Volunteer of the Month” for July at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.  She has been volunteering at the Food Pantry for nine months, and assists guests in the food room and stocks shelves.

   Roby enjoys sewing and quilting, and she said the best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is helping staff and guests, and meeting new people.

   Her most memorable experience at the Food Pantry was when she had the privilege of helping a new guest with small children.  The guest was embarrassed for needing to ask for help, but Roby provided positive support and reassurance, and by the end of the visit, the individual felt more confident.

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all your help, Kathleen!”

 

Community Choir Concert Benefits Community Chest

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Lorrie Lord, at right, treasurer of the Community Choir of Geneseo; and Pam Edwards, in the center, Community Choir Director; presented a $1,000 check to Jenna Rushing, pictured at left, Community Chest treasurer.  Ms. Edwards said a mission of the Community Choir is to provide financial support to the Community Chest through the performance of an intergenerational ensemble.  The Community Choir presented a concert on June 25 in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall, and the theme was “HOPE.”