Garden Club to Meet Sept. 12 in Atkinson

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Garden Club members will meet at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Frank Pumpkin Farm, located at 21730 Moens Rd. in Atkinson.  Those Garden Club members planning to attend the meeting should be at Frank’s at 1 p.m., and are asked to “reply all” for information about carpooling from Lona Pribble’s home in Geneseo.

   A presentation will be given about the pumpkins, mums, and kale available at the Farm. 

Frank Pumpkin Farm’s regular hours of operation are Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm.

 

Not That You Necessarily Care - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Happy Birthday, Margaret

  Roy and Margaret Pankey were the owners of Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle for many years.
While Roy passed away several years ago, Margaret, her son, Jay, and his wife, Debbie, took over the business until a few months ago.
It’s been sold and won’t continue to be a sporting goods store selling fishing, bait, hunting and trapping supplies. Running a bait shop demands long hours and after all these years they finally have retired.
Some years ago I started giving Margaret a cake for her birthday on August 28th. She has now hit the 95 mark and is still bright as ever. I told her she’s still a hard work’n Belgian.  A grand lady she be!

 Geneseo Ikes “Ham & Bean Supper” Sept 6.

  This is another traditional event which is very well attended. The soups and trimmings start on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The cost is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for children under age 10. There will be live entertainment and a 50/50 drawing. 

Vintage Farm Equipment Show, Sept 13th

Speaking of Belgians, Dave Carton and his volunteers will be presenting this event marking their 10th Year Anniversary in Atkinson, IL.
It’s open free to the public starting Saturday, Sept 13th at 8 a.m.  There will be horse drawn equipment, hit-miss engines, farm tractors and equipment, lawn & garden tractors, vintage farm trucks, horse ferrier, vintage motorcycles, blacksmithing demonstrations.
Dan Dauw, Living History Presenter, will present two presentations on “Aircraft Carriers.” They start at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.  Food (including old fashion ice cream and drinks will be available for the event.
There is also plenty of parking. It all takes place at Bridge Park, 19030 E. 2120 St., Atkinson, IL. 
For more information go to their website: www.vintagefarmequipmentshow.com. You can also contact Dave Carton at 309-441-5915, but not after 6 p.m. He needs his beauty sleep!!!  Hope to see you there!

 Fall Fishing For Fun

  You can just start to feel autumn is not far away. With the cooler temps most fish will move into the shallower depths plus they may be more willing to take your bait. I think we get the first frost in late Sept or early October. 

The Antics of Hummers

  I sometimes watch the hummingbirds for hours. There are four of them and they spend a lot of time chasing each other.  The other day I had one fly and hover about 5 inches from my nose. He was so curious.
Last year we didn’t see them after late September. They packed their belongings and headed south. They usually return in April.
During the past four or five weeks the bees have pestered the hummer’s feeder.  The little bees like the sugar water as much as the hummingbirds and it’s who gets to the feeder first, if not for a second.  Last winter we had a lot of different birds at our feeders. We hope that is the case this winter, too!

 Iowa PBS

  Not that you necessarily care, but here are the programs we enjoy watching Monday through Friday on Iowa PBS.  Monday: Antiques Roadshow (both British and American versions). Tuesday: Rick Steves Europe. Wednesday: Nova and Nature. Thursday: Father Brown. Friday: Iowa Press and Market to Market.
I used to watch the PBS News Hour, but like so many of the TV networks, they follow the anti-Trump agenda. A few weeks ago I sent an e-mail to Iowa PBS saying that we still support their network, but there is too much bias against the President. Actually, while it covers mostly Iowa news, it covers both sides of the issues discussed. Refreshing to say the least!  I did get a nice e-mail back from a person at PBS saying they appreciated the feedback. 

Happy Birthday, Lorna

  My lovely wife had her birthday last week. Our son, Lance, and his son, Luke, drove up here from St. Louis to help celebrate. We spread the joy having Frank’s Pizza and a birthday cake Lance had provided for dessert. She graduated from Iowa State and they provided a nice win for her over South Dakota.  This week it looks like a trip to The Cellar to add to her special day.  

Happy Birthday, Sailor Pete

  Pate Taylor, Missouri, was a fellow shipmate of mine serving on the USS Independence back in the early ‘60s.  He had a birthday on August 30th.

“Happy Birthday, Pete!” Keep ‘yer anchors up!   

 Humor

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

“I used to work at a Pepsi Cola plant. I left because it was soda depressing.”

 Quote

  “This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.”

  • John F. Kennedy

The Scoop: City Hall

1.  The City Council voted on rules and official mapping of the public trail system at Prairie Park. The rules and mapping will posted at the park this Fall and the “parks” page of the city website will be undergoing an update to feature this information and to better highlight and promote all of the city’s parks. The solar farm project continues to be tabled, and there are no current plans for ongoing discussion in the near future. The city will be forming a volunteer group of individuals that are interested in assisting with keeping the trails at Prairie Park maintained.
 
 2.  Phase #1 construction on North State Street is nearly complete.  Unless there are unforeseen weather delays, the roadway will fully open by the second week of September.  Phase #2 (Wells to Ogden) is expected to begin in 2026, as the City Council develops plans and budgets for capital projects over the next two months. Additional neighborhood meetings will take place before the construction of Phase #2 begins in 2026, and all neighboring property owners on the route will be invited to attend and ask questions.

Trains, Planes and Automobiles Events at Geneseo Museum and Carriage House

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


The Geneseo Historical Museum and the Carriage House will be open to visitors of all ages during the annual Trains, Planes and Automobiles celebration on Saturday, Sept. 6, in Geneseo.

   Both the museum, at 205 South State St., and the carriage house and lawn, located to the rear of the museum, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 6.

   Melanie Rice, Museum Curator/Director, is shown in her 1950’s attire at the display inside the museum that depicts memories of Geneseo from the 1950’s. Photo by Claudia Loucks

 

   Volunteers inside the museum will be dressed in 1950’s attire, and a special exhibit for the TPA weekend is the 1950’s display which showcases Geneseo items in that era, including an “Orsi & Green” sign, which was a popular “soda fountain” shop on State St., in downtown Geneseo, well-known for the crowds of young people who frequented the establishment for the “famous” Green River and Chocolate Coke drinks.

   Melanie Rice, Museum Director/Curator, said the current military exhibit at the Geneseo Historical Museum, will remain on display through Sept. 6 so that anyone who may have missed seeing it before will have an opportunity on Sept. 6. 

   She said the exhibit, “In Service and Sacrifice,” is a tribute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces - highlighting some personal stories behind the uniforms. 

The displays on both the first and second floors of the museum showcase military uniforms with explanations of what they represent.

    Rice said “Every uniform tells a story, not just of the conflicts, but of courage, sacrifice and service!”

INSIDE THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AND ON THE MUSEUM LAWN

  The Paper Airplane Game will be on the lawn between the Geneseo Museum and the Carriage House on Saturday, Sept. 6, during the Trains, Planes and Automobiles celebration in Geneseo.

   The events inside the Carriage House and lawn connecting the Carriage House to the Museum, will feature activities and games relating to airplanes connected to the Harold Neumann Project display in the Carriage House.

   The activities and games include airplane ball pit, making balsa wood airplanes, rubber duck matching game, constructing and racing paper airplanes, card board plane races, a scavenger hunt, photos booth and much more.

   Information received from Paula Neumann Chapa, chairman of the Harold Neumann Project, states, “During Harold Neumann’s flying career of 70 years, he accomplished much more than that farm boy from Geneseo, ever imagined he could.  In 1935, Harold Neumann won the Greve Trophy, the Thompson Trophy along with the award of America’s #1 Pilot by the National Aeronautical Association.  He is acknowledged in the Smithsonian; he was a barnstormer, skywriter, and a Captain for TWA for 30 years.  From Jenny’s to Jets, this man was not just a pilot, he was a genius.”

   Neumann shared, “Collecting memorabilia of Harold’s from museums and family members across the country has been nothing less than thrilling for us.  We have his Greve Trophy and his Thompson Trophies, and they were just the tip of the iceberg.  On loan from Special Collections & University Archives, University of Illinois Chicago, we will have the original Eiffel Tower that Harold presented to Mayor Daley after his celebrated flight from Paris to Chicago in 1958.  That flight made O’Hare Airport an International Airport that day.”

   The Harold Neumann Project also now includes the fuselage, tail and wing skin from Neumann’s aerobatic Mon coupe, “Little Mulligan.”

 

Geneseo’s First-Ever Restaurant Week Is Almost Here!

Big news, food lovers: Geneseo is hosting its very first Restaurant Week, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate local flavor! From September 8–14, 2025, dozens of your favorite restaurants, bakeries, pubs, and cafés will be serving up a whole lot of hometown pride.

This inaugural event is brought to you by The Geneseo Current as part of our ongoing mission to highlight and support the incredible businesses that make our community thrive. For one week, you’ll have the chance to taste your way through Geneseo—whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, craft beer, fresh-baked treats, or something brand new.

Who’s Participating?

We’ll be spotlighting a full lineup of participating businesses in the Restaurant Week app, but here’s a sneak peek:

  • 🍔 Local favorites

  • ☕ Coffee shops & bakeries

  • 🍕 Pizzerias & family restaurants

Download the App

To make the most of Restaurant Week, download the official app here: 👉 geneseo-restaurant-week.glide.page

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A full list of participating restaurants

  • Featured dishes and specials

  • A chance to enter giveaways all week long

Win the Grand Prize

Every time you participate, you’ll be one step closer to the Restaurant Week Grand Prize Basket—packed with gift cards from local restaurants. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting the restaurants that support Geneseo.

Why It Matters

Events like this aren’t just about great food—they’re about community. By dining local during Restaurant Week, you’re helping small businesses grow, strengthening our local economy, and making sure Geneseo’s food scene continues to shine.

Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to taste the best of Geneseo. We’ll see you September 8–14 for the first-ever Geneseo Restaurant Week!

Dynes to Perform at Quad Cities Fringe Festival

Elissa Dynes

Elissa Dynes is set to premiere her contemporary adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s one-woman play, "Before Breakfast," titled "Ro," at the inaugural Black Box Theatre of the Quad Cities Fringe Festival. The performance will take place at 7:30 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2025. This 30-minute production is part of her Independent Research Project for her MFA in International Theatre Practice and Performance at Rose Bruford College in London.
 
 "Ro" explores the complex gender dynamics and economic pressures that influence modern relationships through the story of a 28-year-old woman named Ro. The performance highlights the emotional and financial struggles she faces, ultimately prompting her to prioritize her own well-being. Please note that the show contains content warnings for discussions surrounding mental illness, drugs, nude photography, and opioids.

Elissa Dynes is the daughter of Gary and Gammy Dynes of Annawan.  Grandparents are the late Dwight and Nadine Swanson of Geneseo.
 
 Dynes holds a degree in Theatre and Politics from the University of Dubuque and has honed her craft at the National Theater Institute in Connecticut. Her previous credits include portraying Cecily Farr in "84 Charing Cross Road" with the Richmond Hill Players. For more information about the Fringe Festival, you can visit the Black Box of the Quad Cities Facebook page

 

GUMDROPS at Grace Church Registration Underway

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Four-year-old Sophie Rushing, left; her mother Jenna Rushing, and her seven-year-old sister Claire Rushing, are shown with some of the toys to be used for the Lil’ GUMDROPS - Grace United Methodist Church Draw, Read, Open Play and Snack – playgroup offered at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.  Registration is underway for the fall session which begins Wednesday, Oct. 8.  Registration deadline is Sept. 19.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

Lil’ GUMDROPS volunteers are ready to welcome youngsters at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

   The Lil’ GUMDROPS – Grace United Methodist Church Draw, Read, Open Play and Snack - playgroup will begin Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the church, 318 North Center St.

   GUMDROPS is a weekly play group and outreach program for children that is hosted and supported by Grace Church.

    Sessions are from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., on Wednesdays, from Oct. 8 through Nov. 19.  There is a special field trip on Friday, Oct .24 when the group will visit Frank’s Pumpkin Patch in Atkinson. 

The program is open to the community, for children ages 2-5.  Children who attend must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.   Cost is $20 for the first child and $10 for each additional child in the same family. 

   Registration deadline for the fall session is Friday, Sept. 19, and registration can be completed through the church website at www.geneseograce.org or through the group’s Face book page, www.facebook.com/lilgumdrops.   Space is limited for the fall session and registration is recommended as soon as possible.

   Lil’ GUMDROPS is under the direction of church member Jenna Rushing. 

   Rushing said the program includes time for play, snacks, crafts and stories with weekly themes. 

   Rushing said, “Special events are planned for the fall session, and photos will be taken with the group’s trip to Frank’s Pumpkin Patch, and at the session when the children, dressed in costume, go trick-or-treating throughout the church.  

  Rushing said, “GUMDROPS was founded as a way to initiate new relationships between church members and people in the community, and to witness God’s love through service.”

   The schedule:

  -Oct. 8 – Color Poetry.
  -Oct. 15 – Photos with Sarah Sunstrom.
  -Oct. 24 – Trip to Frank’s Pumpkin Patch.
  -Oct. 29 – Trick-or-Treat around the church.
  -Nov. 5 – Noah’s Ark.
  -Nov. 12 – Shapes.
  -Nov. 19 – Thanksgiving.

 

PTA Life Memberships 2025 Presented at Football Scrimmage

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

PTA Life Memberships were presented at the recent football scrimmage held at the Bob Reade Football Field at Geneseo High School.  Recipients of the awards include, from left, Bob Thomas, Geneseo Middle School; Brian Hofer, Southwest School; Dean Johnson, Geneseo Middle School; LuAnn DeGrave, Northside School; and Jodi Marshall, Southwest School. Also receiving Lifetime Memberships, but absent when the photo was taken, are Andrea Hogue, Geneseo Middle School; Kathy Buysse, Geneseo High School; Jon Murray, Geneseo High School; Michele Soukup, Millikin School; and Sharon Skelton, Northside.    The Lifetime awards are presented annually to PTA members who have gone above and beyond for PTA in serving their schools.  Geneseo District 228 PTA organizations have given the Life Membership Awards since 1954 to more than 400 individuals.  Contributed Photo 

 

I Battled Mr. Whiskers - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current


Go, Bears!

   Yes, I know it was only pre-season, but I liked what I saw the three games they played, Dolphins, Bills and Chiefs. It’s anyone’s guess, but they will win more games than they did last year (6).
The other day I was talking to Vic Blanchetta, who is a big Bear’s fan, on his take about the “Monsters of the Midway.”  He said, and I agree, if ‘da Bears were in a different division they probably would not end at the bottom. 
The other 3 teams, Packers, Vikings and Lions are expected to be really good this season. The Bears start the regular season playing the Vikings on Monday night, Sept 8, @ 7:15 p.m.  They finish the season playing the Lions in early January. 

Good Win, Cyclones!

Hey you hummers, we butterflies can use this feeder, too!

  Boy! That was some game between Iowa State and Kansas State. It was played “across-the-pond” in Ireland. A good share of the game was a bit sloppy on both sides of the ball. The win for ISU was a good way to start off the season.
They have a lot of good players and an excellent coaching staff.  I think they are going to have a good season. 

Stole my rod ‘n reel

  Thanks to one big catfish encountered last Friday, it pulled my
rod ‘n reel into the lake. I was fishing from shore using two rod & reels. I had been battling a big catfish on my ultra-light rig with 6 lb. test line. My other pole I had setting on the ground while I battled Mr. Whiskers. 
Well, the catfish took a fast run for it and my line snapped. Unfortunately, the cat crossed my other line and it snagged that line pulling the rig into the lake. There is no way of knowing it, but I wonder if it was the same fish that I had caught two weeks ago? It went 10 lbs, 8 oz, and I had released it.  Oh, well! I needed a new rod ‘n reel (not really!!!).   

Ham ‘n Bean Supper

   Just a reminder, the Geneseo Izaak Walton League will be hosting their annual public “Ham & Bean Supper” on Saturday, September 6th, from 4 – 7 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo on Rt. 82.  The cost is $10 per adult and children under age 10, $5.00.  There will be live entertainment, a 50/50 drawing, plenty of good food and free parking.

WW1 Book

  I just finished a very interesting book on WW1. I had purchased the book about 10 years ago, when on a fishing trip to Kenora, Ontario.  It tells about a Canadian soldier, Frank S. Iriam, who was a sniper during the years 1914-1918. He kept a very lengthy diary of his experiences.
The author of the book, Glenn R. Iriam, was the son of the soldier.  The name of the book is “In The Trenches, 1914-18.” It is a totaling fascinating book.  The carnage during those war years had to be horrible on both sides. There was so much new weaponry developed during The Great War that a soldier was extremely lucky to have survived without injury or death. “In The Trenches, 1914-1918” is by far the best book I have ever read about WW1.

“Kilroy Was Here”

   Those words can still be found somewhere, someplace! It was especially used during WW2 and the Korea War, but those 3 words were also seen during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. So where did the saying originate from?
A popular belief was a fellow named Kilroy was a welder. When he finished welding a job he stamped the piece, “Kilroy was here,” meaning the piece was completed correctly. It was sort of a proof mark.

Humor

   Lorna is threatening to throw me out of the house because of my obsession with acting like a news anchor. “More on this after the break!”

People think that grass don’t be wet in the morning, but it dew!

Quote

  “Politeness is the ritual of society, as prayers are of the church.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Harvest Time Music Fest 2025 is Sept. 20-21

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School band and choir students from left, Violet Runty, Nina Schmedding and Anna Davis are promoting the prizes to be awarded in the raffle drawings at the Harvest Time Music Festival, Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21.  First place prize is one year of free groceries from Geneseo Dollar Fresh.  Additional prizes in drawings are listed in this story. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The Geneseo Harvest Time Music Festival will kick off a weekend of activities with the 35th annual Maple leaf Marching Band Classic on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Geneseo High School.Bob Reade Football Stadium. 

   The two-day festival concludes Sunday, Sept. 21, with festivities in Geneseo City Park. 

   The Maple Leaf Marching Band Competition takes center stage from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, with area high school bands competing for top honors.

   Public is invited to the competition featuring high school bands from Sherrard High School, Streator Township High School, United Township High School, Galva High School, Minooka Community High School, Macomb High School, Rock Falls High School, Western Dubuque High School, Bettendorf High School, Rockridge High School and Rochelle Township High School.

   Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students.

   Geneseo Middle School Band students will perform the introduction and The Sound of Geneseo Marching Band (TSOG) will perform in exhibition.  Western Illinois University musicians will perform at the conclusion of the evening. 

   On n Sunday, Sept. 21, in Geneseo City Park, or at the high school if it rains, activities will include pork chop sandwiches and concessions, available from noon to 5 p.m., with karaoke and music from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m.

   The seventh-and eighth-grade choirs will perform at 1 p.m., with high school choirs at 2 p.m.  Choirs representing grades 4-12 will present the grand finale at 4:30 p.m., with songs connected to this year’s theme, “Seasons.”

   A talent show of students is from 3 to 4 p.m.

   Also on Sept. 21, a silent auction will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. with winners announced at 4 p.m.

   Raffle drawings will begin at 4 p.m. for large raffle items and conclude with smaller raffle items.

Prizes include a first-place prize of one year of free groceries form Geneseo Dollar Fresh, second prize is a 4-Day, 3-Night All-Inclusive Getaway Vacation to Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, including gas and gift cards, a $2500 value - sponsored by the local businesses in Geneseo.   Third prize is a Geneseo package – one year membership to the Geneseo Park District including the swimming pool, five hours of computer repair from Wolfe Computer and Console Repair, free piano tuning from Misfeldt Instrument Repair, gift cards to Sweet Marie’s, Caffeine & Carbs, Reap & Sow Nutrition, Pegasus Fine Gifts, Geneseo Brewing Company, Habaneros, and Anthology - $1,600 value – sponsored by Wolfe Computer and Console Repair, Misfeldt Instrument Repair and Geneseo local businesses.   

   Tickets for raffle items are $10 each, five for $40, and are available at the festival and from band and choir members.  Raffle tickets also are available to purchase online through the GPAC website: geneseoarts.com. Online tickets may be purchased until 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.

   The annual two-day Harvest Time Music Festival is sponsored by Geneseo Performing Arts Council (GPAC) and proceeds benefit Geneseo band, choir and drama students.

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Announces the 19th Annual Trains, Planes, & Automobiles

Zack Sullivan
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce

The 19th Annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles event will take place Thursday September 4th through Saturday September 6th in Geneseo, IL.
This year’s event will feature a model train display, WWII Stearman Bi-Planes, a guided historic golf cart tour of the Hennepin Canal, Food Trucks, Live Music, and the event boasts one of the largest annual car shows in Illinois, featuring over 350 classic cars!

The annual Trains, Planes and Automobiles festival is highlighted by the VFW Salute to America on Saturday September 6 at noon. During the Salute to Veterans, the VFW Honor Guard will lead the tribute that includes a moment of silence, a national anthem performance, and a stirring airplane fly-over.
The Erie RC Club will feature a Model Airplane Display for guests to get an up-close look at Model RC Planes and to learn more about the hobby.
The Geneseo Historical Museum will also be celebrating local Aviation Pioneer Harold Neumann during the event with a celebration that will feature exhibits, a children’s scavenger hunt, and family activities.

The Gold Sponsor for the 19th Annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles festival in Geneseo is Hiland Toyota.

The following is a schedule of events for the event. Please watch for street closures and dates throughout the event.

Thursday, September 4th
Stearman Fly-In at Gen-Airpark 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
· Gen-Air Park is hosting the annual Stearman Fly-In, located on Rt. 6 east of Geneseo
· Experience the sights and sounds of WWII Stearman bi-planes. Absolutely No Pets.

Friday, September 5th
Cruise the Canal from Hennepin Canal Lock #24 to Lock #26 and back.

· 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Enjoy historic tours of the Hennepin Canal.

• Tours end at approx. 3:00 pm.

· Reservations Required. $30 per person. Includes golf cart (driven by you) and guided tour of the Canal. LIMITED SEATS STILL AVAILABLE.

· Cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license. Reservations: Geneseo Chamber 309-944-2686.

TPA Pre-Party sponsored by Erdman Construction – 101 S. Chicago St.

• 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Food Trucks & Geneseo Brewing Co.

• 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: LIVE MUSIC by Soul Cage

Saturday, September 6th
Downtown Geneseo 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Car Show - Train Display - Airplane Display - No Pets Please

• Maple City Cruisers Car Show, Free show, Donations accepted

• 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. registration. Dash Plaques to first 300 entries, goody bags to first 250 entries.

• 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Music provided by 3D Sound.

• 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Operating Model Train Display by Geneseo Model Railroaders at 154 E. Exchange St.

• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Harold Neumann Aviation Pioneer Celebration at Geneseo Historical Museum featuring exhibits, a children’s scavenger hunt, and family activities.

• 11 a.m. Youth Pedal Car Parade, meet at The Cellar at 10:45 a.m.

• 12 p.m. Salute to America - VFW Honor Guard, airplane fly-over.

• 2 p.m. Trophy Awards & Geneseo Chamber 50/50 Raffle Drawing, Car show ends at 3:00 pm

The event will be filled with many opportunities to experience these mighty machines up close and we invite you to join us both during the event and at any time in Geneseo, IL. Our incredible stores and restaurants will be open all day long for your shopping and dining needs. All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

For more information, call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686.

Michael L. Floto: December 22, 1955 ~ August 20, 2025

Michael Leroy Floto, 69, of Cambridge, IL, passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Reverend Randy Mullen, Dave Nowack, and Pat Boone will officiate.  Inurnment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery, Cambridge, IL.  The memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. before the memorial service at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the Cambridge Ambulance Authority, 303 S. East Road, Cambridge, IL, 61238. 

Mike Floto, born on December 22, 1955, in Geneseo, Illinois, was the cherished son of William E. and Ruth E. (Dersham) Floto. A proud graduate of Geneseo High School’s class of 1974, Mike built a life filled with love and meaningful moments. On October 15, 1977, he married his beloved Carrie Gibbons in a heartfelt ceremony in Osco, Illinois. Mike dedicated himself to his craft as a journeyman machinist at Arconic, formerly Alcoa, where his skill and commitment shone brightly. Outside of work, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life - whether casting a line while fishing, tinkering with cars, tending to his home, or nurturing his yard. He often said, “Nothing was worth doing if it wasn’t done right”. Above all, Mike treasured time spent with his family, creating memories that will live on in their hearts. His adventurous spirit led him to Mexico, where he delighted in snorkeling and embracing the wonders of the sea. Mike’s warmth, passion, and devotion to those he loved will forever be remembered. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Carrie Floto of Cambridge; daughters, Christina (Timothy) Davis, Jessica Floto – Haley of Geneseo, and Amanda (Shaun) Floto – Weisz of Hubbard, OR; grandchildren, Alex Davis, Zach Davis, Angelicze and Evelyn Wendland, Huxely, Libby, Charlie, Lennon, and Sawyer Haley; and siblings, Cynthia Cathelyn, Susan (Pat) Boone, Victoria Daniels, James Floto, and Robert Floto. 

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruth Floto; and infant sister, Debra Floto.

Geneseo Class of 1980 Plans Reunion

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nancy Bauwens Archer, left; Jill Baalman Fitzpatrick, and Ron Farrell, members of the J.D. Darnall High School (now Geneseo High School) Class of 1980, are on the committee planning the 45th class reunion.

   The two-day event will be Friday, Oct. 10, at the Geneseo High School homecoming football game; and on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Geneseo Country Club.  For more information, visit the reunion page on Facebook: GENESEO IL CLASS OF 1980 CLASS REUNION.

 

Hammond-Henry Hospital Adopts State-of-the-Art EMR System

Geneseo, IL - Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Board of Directors, Administration, and IT Management are proud to announce that the hospital and its Family Practice/Walk-In Clinics’ Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system is transitioning from Meditech to Epic, a state-of-the-art platform hosted by UnityPoint.

Hammond-Henry Hospital has utilized its current EMR software (Meditech) since 1999, according to Heather Henry, IT Manager. Over time, technological advancements and regulatory requirements in the healthcare industry have demanded more from EMR systems and the hospital’s move to Epic is in response to that need.

“We want to give our patients the best possible care, but in this transition period, we ask for your patience and understanding as our staff continues to learn and adapt to new workflows,” said Wyatt Brieser, CEO. “The decision to move to Epic included the year-long-plus effort of heavily researching EMR companies and determining which would best meet current needs while also helping Hammond-Henry Hospital reach its goals for the future.”

The move to Epic will mean all existing and new HHH patients will have a new patient portal entitled MyChart. MyChart will allow patients to communicate with their care team, schedule and manage appointments (including rehab/therapy services appointments), review medical records (such as immunization history and test results), and view After-Visit Summaries and clinical notes documented by your provider.

Hammond-Henry will continue to contract with the same insurance plans and bill for service independently. It will also continue to work with Magnet Solutions for payment plans and self-pay.

“Epic is used by some of the largest hospital organizations in the country. These vast networks of hospitals have extensive teams of technical support staff and other resources needed to implement and maintain highly complex systems and interfaces,” said Brieser. “Small critical access hospitals, like us, lack these resources. To accommodate small hospitals, a program called ‘Epic Community Connect’ was formed. This program allows larger organizations, UnityPoint Health in our case, to host Epic for a sub-network of smaller hospitals.”

“This doesn’t mean we are now owned by or affiliated with UnityPoint Health. We remain an independent hospital,” he continued. “Even if you see the UnityPoint Health name and logo, please know that Hammond-Henry remains the independent critical access organization that you know and trust.”

Patients’ first couple of visits may take a little longer than usual, and they may be asked for information that was already provided in the past.

“Please realize that communication between you and your care team will be improved because of this move to Epic,” said Brieser. “At the end of every visit, patients will receive an After-Visit Summary via the communication method of your preference. This document will outline your visit from that day, show any future appointments you have scheduled, and list your current medications and any new orders or changes made.

“The After-Visit summary also includes patient instructions from your provider, personalized care recommendations, helpful resources, and contact information,” Brieser added. “We are trying to make this move as easy as possible. We appreciate UnityPoint’s assistance, and we anticipate an even better workflow and dissemination of health information in the very near future.”

Please visit www.hammondhenry.com/about/epic-mychart for more information. The transition to Epic will take place on September 21, 2025.

Geneseo Chamber Powers Ahead, Honors Excellence at 2025 Annual Dinner

Zack Sullivan
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director

GENESEO, IL – The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce gathered business and community leaders last night at Lavender Crest Winery for its 2025 Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet—an evening of celebration, recognition, and a shared vision for the future.

“The Geneseo Chamber isn’t coasting – we’re charging forward. And we’re bringing Geneseo with us,” said Zack Sullivan, IOM, Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, as he opened the evening.

The event was more than a celebration—it was an opportunity to reflect on a year of milestones and to share plans for continued progress. Sullivan highlighted key achievements from the past year, including:

• Investment in professional development for Geneseo Chamber staff.

• The Geneseo Chamber’s first advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. in 16 years, representing Geneseo’s business community at the national level.

• Successfully adapting the 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk after an ice storm forced last-minute changes.

“I can’t be the only person who has noticed Geneseo’s positive economic momentum over the past five years,” Sullivan told the crowd. “This progress is not the result of two people at the Chamber office. It is the result of all of the hard work our business community puts into their crafts, of the leadership at our City, and of your dedication to making Geneseo the best place it can be.”

The Geneseo Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the local economy, stating: “We are eager to see Geneseo’s continued growth during the second half of the decade. And we’ll be here to support Geneseo’s incredible business community along the way!”

The evening also honored individuals and organizations that exemplify leadership, service, and innovation within the Geneseo Business Community:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Lorrie & Barry Snodgrass

• Business of the Year – Blain’s Farm & Fleet

• Business Person of the Year – Tina Cooper of NOSH (accepted via video message)

• ACES Award – Geneseo School District 228 (presented by Inspire Continuing Care; accepted by Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado)

• Beautification Award – Erdman Construction LLC

• Rising Star Award – Habaneros Geneseo

• Volunteers of the Year – Kristen Granell & Ashley Moore, Little Miss Geneseo Music Fest Pageant The Geneseo Chamber thanks its 2025 Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet sponsors: Apex Clean Energy, Mel-O-D Lane Boarding, Sedlock Construction, Trackside Liquors, In A Godda Da Vida Music, Geneseo Communications, Catherine Rothschild CPA, and Caffeine and Carbs.

The evening concluded with a spirited auction, friendly networking, and a shared sense of excitement for Geneseo’s future

Lifetime Achievement Award – Lorrie & Barry Snodgrass

ACES Award – Geneseo School District 228 (presented by Inspire Continuing Care; accepted by Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado)

Rising Star Award – Habaneros Geneseo

Business of the Year – Blain’s Farm & Fleet

Beautification Award – Erdman Construction LLC

 

Finishing Touch Longarming Business in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Jan Hartsock is the owner/operator of Finishing Touch Longarming business located in her Geneseo home.

  It was her passion for sewing and quilting that led Jan Hartsock to launch her own business when she retired from a career in real estate.

   Finishing Touch Longarming is a machine quilting/computerized business located in the Hartsock home at 16554 East 1600 St., Geneseo.  Hours of the business are by appointment by calling 309-945-8819 or emailing Hartsock at jlhartsock56@gmail.com.

   Hartsock began sewing when she was in junior high school, making clothes for herself, then for her children and later for her granddaughter…”About 30 years ago a friend introduced me to quilting and I knew then that when I retired, I would turn my passion into a business.”

   When asked where she got the idea for her business, Hartsock replied, “As a quilter when you have your quilt top finished, you still have to put the batting and backing together.  There are various ways to complete this step, which is one of the finishing steps.  For years I took my quilts to a long-armer to have this done.”

   About 15 years ago she purchased a hobby quilting machine and began quilting many of her own quilts.   When she retired in 2023, she upgraded her quilting machine to an industrial machine so she would be able to not only complete her own quilts, but to also do that finishing step for other people.

   In addition to machine quilting, Hartsock also offers minor mending and machine embroidery and she also has finished quilts, pillow cases and gift items for sale.

   When asked about the biggest hurdle she had to overcome in starting her own business, she said, “Getting the name out.  In the past, leaving your business cards at quilt stores, and having quilt store owners recommend a long-armer, and word of mouth was quite easy.  There are new challenges since Covid, more brick and mortars have switched to online stores, and many stores have closed.  Locally, two of my ‘go-to’ quilt shops have sadly gone.  The owners of Quilt Box in Kewanee retired after a storm damaged their building and after 20 years in business; and Our Crafty Life in Geneseo has been converted to an online business.”

   She added, “The hobbyist has the same challenges, where to go to get their sewing/quilting supplies?  The popularity of quilting and crafts has not diminished and that is represented by the number of local quilt guilds, such as the Geneseo Quilt Guild and Prairie Queen Quilt Club in Bishop Hill.

 

Many Years of Drowning Worms - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Duck’s Unlimited

   This is always a big event. It will be held on Saturday, September 27th at the Best Western Inn, Annawan, IL.  There will be over 40 guns to be raffled off. It starts at 4:30 p.m.  For more information go to www.geneseo.org or call Dale “Shotgun” Doubler @ 945-3516. Best to get your ticket(s) early.

Geneseo Ikes “Ham ‘n Bean Supper”

   Open to the public, this annual event will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 4 – 7 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north on Rt. 82.  The cost is $10 per adult and children under age 10, $5.00.  There is plenty of parking and seating available. There will be live entertainment and a 50/50 drawing.  

 The Grand Finale

  The last “Downton Abbey” movie will be released worldwide on September 12, 2025.  It will take place in the 1930s.  It promises to be an excellent, farewell tribute to the Crawley family. Of course, you never know what Director/Producer Julian Fellowes’ had up his sleeve for his final DA movie?. Whatever, it will be seen by millions of devoted followers including Lorna and myself. 

 Marjorie Prime

  We recently went to see this play at the Richmond Hill Barn. Janet Anderson went with us and we all enjoyed the play. There were just 4 actors, but that was all that was needed. There are two actors that we especially like to support, Jackie Patterson and Lorrie Lord.  Jackie was in the play, A Fox on the Fairway, and Lorrie in Marjorie Prime. Both ladies did an excellent job.
We are always amazed how actors can remember all their lines. The next play at Richmond Hill is entitled, The Woman in Black. It looks like a really good mystery. The play is not recommended for children under 12. We hope to be there.

A “Dan D” Fish

A real "Dan D" of a catfish recently caught by Dan Dauw. It was released back into the lake.  

  Last week I ended up catching the biggest catfish in my many years of drowning worms. The channel cat bit on a dew worm just as I was reeling in close to shore. It seemed to take forever to bring Mr. Whiskers to where fellow fisherman, Tom Simpson, could net it.
I was using an ultra-light rig with 6 lb, test line. We weighed it before releasing it. It was 10 lbs, 8 oz. It looked like she had a belly full of eggs.

Vintage Farm Equipment Show

  Just a reminder that this event will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Bridge Park, Atkinson, IL. It’s free to the public and it starts at 8 a.m. There is plenty of parking and food available.
There will be horse-drawn equipment, hit-miss engines, farm tractors, Vintage farm trucks and motorcycles, lawn & garden tractors, Blacksmithing demonstrations and much more. Dan Dauw will give a presentation on the Navy and aircraft carriers starting at 10 and 11 a.m. This is the 10th Year Anniversary of this Vintage Farm Equipment Show.

 Humor

What did the pickle with a big ego say? “I’m kind of a Big Dill.  
I wish I had started my grey hair in Las Vegas. What happens in ‘Vagas stays in Vegas!

 Quote

  “Friends, though absent, are still present.” • Cicero