Katsch Boutique Celebrates 10-Years with Anniversary Event in Davenport

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Amy DeFauw is shown in front of Katsch Boutique in downtown Geneseo, which is one of her three boutiques.  A 10-year anniversary celebration is planned for Oct. 17 in Davenport.  Contributed Photo

   Amy DeFauw founded Katsch Boutique, a women’s apparel and lifestyle store, in Geneseo in 2015, and since then has expanded to two additional locations ---Geneseo, Davenport and Coralville’s Iowa River Landing. 

   To mark the milestone, Katsch will host a 10-year anniversary event from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at its Davenport location, 5619 Utica Ridge Road in Davenport.

   The celebration will feature exclusive giveaways, promotions, games and prizes, new arrivals and special treats for customers.

   DeFauw said, “Shoppers can expect an afternoon filled with style, fun, and community – a reflection of what we have stood for over the past decade.”

ABOUT KATSCH:

   Founded in 2015 by owner Amy DeFauw, Katsch Boutique began with a single small storefront in Geneseo, and has since expanded to the two additional locations – Davenport and Coralville Iowa River Landing.

   DeFauw, a wife, mother, and former corporate retail buyer, brings both heart and expertise to Katsch.  She has created more than just a store – it’s a welcoming space where women feel seen, confident, and celebrated.  Over the last decade, Katsch has become known for not only carrying top national brands like Liverpool, Z Supply, Varley, and Birkenstock, but also for its commitment to small-town values, community connection, and personalized service.

   “This milestone means so much to me, my family, and our team,” DeFauw said.  “We started Katsch with a dream and a lot of hard work, and it’s been incredible to watch our community grow with us.  Our customers are truly the heart of this business, and we can’t wait to celebrate together.”

   Public is invited to the Oct. 17 celebration event.  For more information, visit www.shopkatsch.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @shopkatsch.

EVENT DETAILS:

  -WHEN – Friday, Oct. 17, 3 to 7 p.m.
  -Where – Katsch Boutique, Davenport, 5619 Utica Ridge Rd.
  -What – Giveaways, promotions, games, prizes, new arrivals and treats for guests.

 

Angie Snook to Present Program on The Orphan Train Oct. 15 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Angie Snook

  Angie Snook, Geneseo Historian, who served as curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum for many years until her retirement last year, will present a program, The Orphan Train, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   In 1953, the Children’s Aid Society initiated a program to transport abandoned and orphaned children from crowed cities on the East Coast to foster homes in the Midwest.  By 1929, an estimated 200,000 children, ranging from infants to teens, were transported to new homes.

   At the library program on Oct. 15, Angie Snook will share her research, stories and photographs about The Orphan Train, a topic she refers to as “one of America’s best kept secrets.”…Of special interest, some local area and Geneseo families were involved in The Orphan Train program.

   She will present stories about the children, the families who took them in, and the descendants of the children alive today.

   Information received about the program states, “Some of the stories will warm your heart.  Others will break it.”

   The program is sponsored in part by the Illinois Humanities.

 

These Cousins Are Busy!

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


   Friday night football games find two sets of cousins who are very much involved in Geneseo High School activities.  Even though their extracurricular involvement keeps them quite busy, they also find time for youth activities at their home church – Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

Friday Night Lights at the Bob Reade Football Field at Geneseo High School involves many students, athletes, and fans, including two sets of cousins, from left, Suzie Nuemann, Janey Nuemann, Wyatt Nuemann, Jack Mickley Wyatt Mickley and Emmett Hill. Contributed Photo

  The cousins are Janey Neumann, daughter of Landon and Sharon Neumann; and cousins Wyatt Neumann and his sister Suzie Neumann, children of Corey and Ann Neumann; and brothers Jack and Wyatt Mickley, sons of James and Avery and James Mickley; and their cousins - brothers Harrison and Emmett Hill, sons of Jimmy and Evan Hill.

  Harrison Hill was absent for the group photo, but is just as much involved as the others.

   Wyatt Neumann, Jack Mickley and Harrison Hill are on the GHS varsity football team and Emmett Hill and Wyatt Mickley are members of the freshman football team.

   Janey Neumann is a senior cheer captain on the varsity cheer squad and Suzie Neumann is a member of the freshman cheer squad.

   In addition, Wyatt Neumann participates in the half-time Marching Band performance and Janey Neumann is the Color Guard Captain.   

   There are two remaining GHS regular season home football games – Friday, Oct. 10 – vs. Sterling includes Homecoming festivities and Athletic Hall of Fame.  The last regular season home football game is Friday, Oct. 17 – Geneseo vs. Alleman.

 

Cathy Smit is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

Cathy Smit

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  Cathy Smit has been named “Volunteer of the Month” for October at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.   She has been volunteering at the food pantry for one year, and assists guests while they shop for food and clothing.  She also sorts and displays clothing donations and stocks shelves.

   Smit and her husband Alan have three grown children, Maya, Emily and Lucas. 

   She enjoys crocheting, crafts and thrifting, and she said the best thing about volunteering at the food pantry are the guests.  Her most memorable experience is “Scouting for Food” and she added, “It was a wonderful experience that I had with my children for many years and now I get to meet all the clients in the community that this annual event supports.”

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all you do for our guests Cathy!”

 

Car Show a Huge Success at Trains, Planes and Automobiles Celebration

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

2025 Trains, Planes, & Automobiles

Members of the Maple City Cruiser Car Club of Geneseo are pleased with the results of the 19th Annual Car Show at the Trains, Planes, and Automobiles celebration in Geneseo, and want to thank their 10 Major Sponsors and 26 Trophy Sponsors.

   In speaking for the Club, Jerry Snodgrass said, “Without these fine sponsors our show would not be the show that it has become.  This year we had our largest turnout of cars with 375 cars on display.  We would also like to thank the huge crowds that were estimated to be near 10,000 people in downtown Geneseo for this event.  You all bring a lot to the Geneseo businesses on the day of the show.  We hope to see all of you next year at our 20th annual show in September.”

2025 MAJOR SPONSORS:

Craig Betcher Trucking
Blackhawk Bank & Trust
Central Bank Illinois
Chicago Street Decorating
Double S Masonry and Carpentry
Geneseo Communications Charitable Foundation
Hanford Insurance Agency
Hartco Cable
Werner Restoration Services, Inc.
Wolf Road Waystation 

2025 TROPHY SPONSORS:

Atkinson Vintage Farm Equipment Show
B&B Lawn Equipment & Cyclery
Birley’s Farm Store
Compeer Financial
Country Financial, Eric Henderson
Danny Boy’s Pizza
Designs on the Boulevard
Ed Morse Ford North
Farmers National Bank
Gary’s Hometown Deli
Geneseo Brewing Company
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
Hancock Repair
Heritage Tractor
Jacob Steele Memorial
Leaman’s Bar & Grill
Lohman Companies Insurance
Mike Chavez, Sr. Memorial Trophy
Midwest Incentive Solutions
Pink’s Bus Services
Pink’s Paint & Body
Raelyn’s Pub & Eatery
State Farm Insurance, Bethany Winkleman
Turpin’s of Geneseo
Vandemore Funeral Home
VFW Post #5083
Maple City Cruisers Motorcycle
City of Geneseo, Mayor’s Choice
Maple City Cruisers Best of Show

 

Marian E. Rodgers: August 11, 1930 ~ October 5, 2025

 Marian E. Rodgers, 95, of Geneseo, IL, passed away on October 5, 2025, at Liberty Village in Geneseo, IL. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6 P.M. at Kingswood Church in Geneseo, IL. Pastor Chris Ritter will officiate. A private interment will take place at a later date at Greenview Memorial Cemetery in East Moline, IL. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service from 5 P.M. – 6 P.M. at Kingwood Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kingswood Chruch.  

Marian was born on August 11, 1930, the daughter of Joseph and Florence (Nelson) Clayes in Moline, IL. She graduated form Moline High School. She married Daniel Leonard on October 9, 1948. He precedes her in death. She later met and married Robert Rodgers On September 30, 1995. He precedes her in death. Marian was very involved in her community. She was a member of the Hammond Henry Auxilary, UMW Sewing Group, the Quilter Guild, and the Geneseo Moose Lodge. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Gary (Nancy) Lenonard of Madison, CT; daughter, Gay (Tom) Ware of Livonia, MI; 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Florence; husbands Daniel Leonard and Robert Rodgers; sister, Darlene Kolb.

Sugar Maple Ladies Golf 2025 League Winners

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League held their end-of-season event at The Cellar and winners were announced for the season. Prizes were awarded for pars, birdies and no putts.   Lady golfers taking Low Net honors are, from left, Joan Windisch, Nancy Stover, Libby Trego, Deb Pulford, Connie Zerull and Sheila Cromien.  Julie Atwell also is a Low Net winner, but was absent when photo was taken. 

  Winners in the Low Gross Flight category are Barb Printy, left, and Donna Gradert.  Winners absent from the photo are Jan ZumMallen, Carol Johnson, Joan Luikart and Annie Jones.  Presidents of the Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League are Vicky McVietty, Teresa Carlson and Connie Zerull. 

 

Float Face-Off for GHS Homecoming

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Geneseo High School students gathered Monday afternoon and evening to work on their 2025 Homecoming floats at the annual Float Face-Off in preparation for this year’s Homecoming Parade which will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, starting at Geneseo City Park and traveling north through downtown to the high school.  This year’s homecoming theme is “Enchanted Forest,” and all class floats were designed and decorated around the theme. 

Photo by Claudia Loucks

Bella Goethals, left, Emma Loehr, Hannah Loehr and Anna Davis are shown with the garden gate they have decorated for their senior class float.

GHS seniors, from left, Jacob Ramsay, Karen Lester, Izabella Stewart and Oliver Merrill make paper flowers for their class float.

Eleanor Bertelsen, left; Viola Pettit (holding lanterns) and Bella Brown (painting), students in the Junior Class at GHS, are shown by their class float.

Sophomore students at GHS -William Rankins, left, and Zoe Friedline get some help in building their class float from class sponsors Ava Brewer, second from left, and Tara Laingen.

  Alexander Gentry, left; Faith Kuster and Chelsea Shamblin work on their class float at the Float Face-Off held Monday. 

 

Cambridge Methodist Fall Review Oct. 11

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Judy Anderson, left, holds a homemade fruit pie, and Norma Werkheiser, is holding two of the decorated items that will be available to purchase at the Gourmet Shop which will be included at the 35th Annual Fall Review on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Cambridge United Methodist Church.  Contributed Photo

The Fall Review at the Cambridge United Methodist Church originated 35 years ago and continues to be the major fundraiser for the church.

   This year’s Review is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Cambridge Church, 120 West Exchange St., and in the Community Hall, adjacent to the church.

   For more information, call the church at 309-937-2018.

   The event will feature a country breakfast, served from 7 to 9 a.m. in the church.  Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and carryout orders are available at 11:30 a.m.   The lunch menu includes “Red Delicious Ham Loaf,” cheesy potatoes, almond green beans and dinner rolls.  The ala carte luncheon menu will feature all plate lunch items in addition to chicken salad served on rye bread or croissant, potato soup, pumpkin pie, double lemon cheesecake or Turtle Cake.

   This year more than 30 crafters have registered to take part in the Review, including people from the Quad Cities and surrounding areas and from as far away as Ft. Myers, FL.

   Committee members require original work only, no commercially produced items.

   The Review also features frozen foods, bakery and gourmet shops. 

   Visitors to the Gourmet Shop will find an assortment of jams and jellies, fudge, relishes, pickles, mustards and mixes.

   New items in the Gourmet Shop include Butterfly Jam, Carmel Apple Jam, Carrot Cake Jam, Cranberry Raspberry Jam, Gingerbread Jam, Elderberry Jelly, and Jalapeno Mustard.

   Homemade cinnamon rolls, fruit-filled pies, cookies, and specialty breads including the popular Swedish Rye will be available in the bakery shop.

   In the “Frozen Food Shop,” visitors will find the popular “Red Delicious Ham Loaf,” cheese tortellini soup, apple dumplings, lasagna for two, Swedish meatballs, and 10 varieties of fruit pies.  The two new fruit pies this year are Peach Blush and Butterfly.

   Anyone interested in purchasing items form the Frozen Food Shop should arrive early on Oct. 11 to buy coupons for frozen items, and they can pick up the items when they are ready to leave the Review.

 

  Linda Denison, a member of the Review committee, said, “Members grow, pick and prepare items.  They hand craft jar toppers, test recipes, decorate the buildings and meet in masse to make frozen food products.”

   The history of the Fall Review can be traced back to 1989 when the church held its first Review in the form of an all-church sponsored consignment craft show.  The event was such a success that it became a tradition and grew into the church’s top money-making event.  Last year’s Review raised about $20,000.

   Denison said the purpose of the Fall Review “is to raise much needed money for mission and ministry priorities of our church.  Profits from this year will be used for ministries within our church and community.”

   “Our church mission statement is ‘Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Both.’  Whatever we profit from the Review, we use to support our church programs, as well as the grade school program ‘Caring Hearts’ that helps families in need, our local food pantry and to Back Pack Blessings program for Cambridge students who receive weekend food packages.”

   “The Review not only is our major fundraiser, it has become a rewarding labor of love in serving others,” Denison said.  “Many church members work all year to prepare for it.  It’s a labor of love for the entire congregation.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Event Planned at Hammond-Henry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


 Katie Orwig, left; Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager; and Marcia Wirth, Food Service Manager at HHH, show an invitation to an event planned for Breast Cancer Awareness, “Turn Up the Pink,” on Thursday, Oct. 16.  

  “Turn Up the Pink,” an event to promote Breast Cancer Awareness, will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo.  Those attending are asked to enter the hospital at the North Entrance. 

   The evening will include information on breast health services at Hammond-Henry, in addition to some fun.  Those people in attendance will learn about the new automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) at the hospital.  The ABUS was purchased with help from funds raised at the annual HHH Celebrity Dinner held earlier this year.

   Katie Orwig, HHH Foundation Manager, explained the new piece of equipment is an additional screening tool commonly used for women with dense breast tissue.

   Additional testing equipment also will be displayed.

   “If you have never had a mammogram, now is the time to come in and learn about what to expect during the exam,” Orwig said.

   She added that the upcoming event will include some fun activities.  A flower bar will be available for guests to build their own bouquet for a free-will donation to the HHH Foundation to benefit women’s health services within the hospital Imaging Department.  The flower bar is courtesy of Ali (Craig) Spooner, owner of The Backyard Farm.

   Complimentary pink “mocktails,” along with “pink” snacks, will be served and free BINGO games will be played in the hospital dining room.

Historian to Speak on Lincoln Oct. 11 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Tom Emery of Carlinville, IL, noted history enthusiast, author, freelance writer and historical researcher, will be speaking at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   Emery has written books about the Civil War, the history of the State of Illinois, Abraham Lincoln and notable women in Illinois.  He has degrees from Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, and from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

   He said, “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed working on Abraham Lincoln and the Heritage of Illinois State University.  It may be the most fun I’ve ever had in writing and research.  I think we broke a lot of new ground there, and I loved every minute of it.”

   One of Emery’s recent books, “Stories of Historic Illinois Women,” celebrates the history of dozens of leading Illinois women.   Emery said relatively little has been written on women in Illinois history.   Among the women featured in the book is Jane Addams, the renowned Chicago social reformer who was called “the most famous American woman in the 20th century.”

 

Artist Displays Papier Mâché Creations at RutabagA Gallery

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Art work by Jeanne O’Melia, Princeton, is featured in October at RutabagA Gallery, and a reception will be held on Sunday, Oct. 12, to meet the artist.  Contributed Photo

  Jeanne O’Melia of Princeton, and a member of RutabagA Art Gallery in Geneseo, stands by her papier-mâché creations which are on display during October at RutabagA Art, located at 108 North State St., in downtown Geneseo.

   The public is invited to a reception planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at RutabagA to introduce the artist and her art work.

   In referring to the current exhibit, O’Melia said, “This exhibit contains my giant parade puppets and other papier mâché heads.  I realty like trying new art forms.  There are always several artworks going in my studio at one time.  I am never bored.  I enjoy creating special work for exhibits with a theme.  There is always a new challenge ready for me to tackle.  It makes my world go round.”

   O’Melia studied art at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, at Augustana College, Rock Island, and at The Clearing, Door County, WI.

   Traveling extensively throughout the world, she makes line drawings in ink or paints in watercolor on location.  Her drawings from travels and at home are the inspiration for cyanotype prints, acrylic paintings and found-object sculptures…”I employ a variety of media to express my feelings and reactions to the world we live in,” she said.

   “I have been drawn to depicting the human figure since I first learned to draw,” she said.  “People come in all shapes and sizes and are fascinating to watch.  Watercolor was the first medium I used.  I still take my watercolors, paper and a sketchbook with me on trips, even biking or kayaking.”

   About 20 years ago O’Melia began making sculptural figures from found objects, brazing metals together.

   Growing up on a farm near Princeton, she knew about welding.  Most metal scraps were found during bicycle tours, she said…”I’ve added dumpster-diving to gather a wider range of found objects.  Gradually I have used other materials – plastic, paper, and even cigarette butts.  A variety of adhesives are used to hold the pieces together including JB Weld and Gel Medium.”

   She said she has been creating large papier mâché heads “for years.  They get burned with their clothed, firecracker filled-bodies each New Year’s Eve at midnight.  Many ethnic groups have used papier mâché in art and for festivals, and I’ve always been fascinated by them.”

   O’Melia taught art as part of the Illinois Arts in Education Artist Roster program.  In Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, where she volunteered to work with children creating art from found objects, and she said, “Being up to my elbows in papier mâché paste with a group of first graders is really fun for me.”

   Her work has been exhibited in the Quad Cities and other venues throughout Illinois and in Cook, MN.  She also exhibited in Montreal and Atikokan, Quebec, and won first place in the Friends of Quetico Provincial Park (Canada) Art Show.  She was a delegate on a “Friendship through the Arts” Tour in China.

 

Documentary That Includes Filming at Food Pantry Airs Oct. 7 on PBS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


The new Frontline Documentary, “Born Poor,” will premiere Tuesday, Oct. 7, on PBS and includes partial filming at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.

   Karen Doy, president of the Food Panty’s Board of Directors, was interviewed during the filming at the local food pantry, when one of the subjects of the film was shopping there. 

   “Born Poor” is a Frontline Documentary concerning poverty in America.  More than a decade ago, “Poor Kids” the PBS series Frontline explored poverty in America as it is seen through the eyes of children.  On Oct. 7, the “Born Poor” documentary tells the stories of the now-grown children at the heart of “Poor Kids.”

Karen Doy is president of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry Board of Directors. 

   Karen Doy said she was “intrigued” when she first learned that Jezza Neumann was filming a sequel to “Poor Kids,” which was filmed some time ago.

   “My experience at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry and on mission trips made me realize not everyone is born fortunate enough to have thee meals a day, a roof overhead, and adequate clothing.”

  Doy said she liked watching “Poor Kids,” because it showed life from the child’s perspective…”I was looking forward to ‘Born Poor’ to see if their perspective had changed.” 

   “As fortune would have it, I just so happened to be volunteering at the Pantry on the Friday afternoon when the Pantry is usually closed,” Doy explained.  “I was excited to be asked to participate, but even more excited to meet one of the stars of the documentary.”

   And that is when Doy was introduced to Brittany and her son, and Doy said, “We first shopped on the food side of the pantry.  I assisted as I do with other clients:  touring through the shelves as one would at a grocery store while helping Brittany select her allowed number of items.  I bagged them up while she selected free seeds for her garden.”

   “Brittany and her son then went into the clothing room where they looked for clothes and toys,” she added.  “I helped her son select a toy while she looked for shorts that would fit him.  Unfortunately, she did not find shorts for him, but she did find enough items to fill her bag.”

   Doy said she looking forward to seeing “how all three ‘Poor Kids’ are now living their lives as adults.  I enjoyed the short time I had to get to know and interact with Brittany and her son.”

“BORN POOR” PRESS RELEASE

 

Born Poor
 October 7, 2025
 7/6c: pbs.org/frontline, PBS App
 10/9c: PBS stations (check local listings), YouTube
 & the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel
 www.facebook.com/frontline
 Instagram: @frontlinepbs | YouTube: youtube.com/frontline

More than a decade ago, in the Emmy-nominated documentary Poor Kids, the acclaimed PBS series FRONTLINE explored poverty in America as it’s rarely seen: through the eyes of children.

This fall, FRONTLINE’s 90-minute season premiere tells the stories of the now-grown children at the heart of Poor Kids — chronicling their lives from childhood to the present day, and offering a powerful, personal and longitudinal look at the realities of growing up in poverty in the U.S.

Filmed across 14 years, Born Poor premieres Tuesday, October 7, at 10/9c on PBS stations (check local listings) and YouTube, and at 7/6c at PBS.org/frontline and in the PBS App. 

The documentary is from an award-winning team led by director and producer Jezza Neumann and producer Lauren Mucciolo, who first began filming with Kaylie, Johnny and Brittany in 2011. Back then, these three kids from three families were living in the Quad Cities, a crossroads along the border of Iowa and Illinois on the Mississippi river that had been hit hard by the recession. 

“I’m just starving. We don’t get that three meals a day, like breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said 10-year-old Kaylie, who worried about missing so much school as a result of her family’s transient existence: “If I keep missing school then I see my future poor, on the streets, in a box,” she said from the motel room where she and her family were temporarily living.

It’s a worry that was all too familiar to 13-year-old Johnny, who had been living with his family at a homeless shelter since the recession hit his father’s business: “Grades is my only way out of here,” Johnny said.

Nine-year-old Brittany, whose father was laid off and whose family feared losing their home, also worried about what was to come: “Life is gonna be hard because there is hardly gonna be any jobs left in the future.”

In Born Poor, the filmmakers follow Kaylie, Johnny and Brittany across three chapters of their lives as they grow from kids to teenagers to adults, trying to pursue their dreams while dealing with an economy where they face more obstacles than opportunities — and trying to overcome the grinding poverty that shaped their childhoods.

“Changing the cycle that you were born into is very hard,” Kaylie observes.

Despite difficulty, loss and setbacks, Kaylie, Brittany and Johnny — now navigating parenthood themselves — refuse to give up on their pursuit of economic stability and an American dream that’s felt perpetually out of reach.

“Do I ever get tired of the struggle? Absolutely,” Johnny says. “But I feel like if you get another day to breathe and wake up and make something happen, you got to get off your butt and make it happen.” 

Amid headlines about economic uncertainty, inflation and the faltering U.S. job market, Born Poor is a must-watch documentary that gives an unforgettable perspective on the lasting impact of financial distress. 

“Once you get in the hole,” says Brittany, “it’s extremely hard to find your way out.” 

Born Poor will be available to watch at pbs.org/frontline and in the PBS App starting October 7, 2025, at 7/6c. It will premiere on PBS stations (check local listings) and on FRONTLINE’s YouTube channel that night at 10/9c and will also be available on the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel. Subscribe to FRONTLINE’s newsletter to get updates on events, podcast episodes and more related to Born Poor.

Credits
 Born Poor is a FRONTLINE production with True Vision Productions.  The director is Jezza Neumann. The producers are Jezza Neumann and Lauren Mucciolo. The senior producer is Frank Koughan. The editor-in-chief and executive producer of FRONTLINE is Raney Aronson-Rath.

Elsie DeClercq to Be Honored Friday on 103rd Birthday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Elsie DeClercq

   Friday, Oct. 3, is being referred to as a “double golden” birthday for Elsie DeClercq of Geneseo.  She was born on Oct. 3, 1922, turned three years old on Oct. 3, 1925 (10/3/1925), and this Friday, Oct. 3, she will mark her 103rd birthday – 10/3/2025.  

   Elsie DeClercq went for her first motorcycle ride on her 100th birthday in 2022, and said she may want to try kayaking next year on her 104th birthday. 

   This year, for her 103rd celebration, she chose to enjoy a family gathering at Allure of Geneseo, where she resides at 702 South Illinois St., Apt. 5 B, Geneseo, IL, 61254, in an Independent Living apartment. 

   She said she hopes to receive “103 cards for my 103rd birthday.”

   The motorcycle ride was a 100th birthday gift from her granddaughter, Julie Ghys-Williamson, who lives with her husband Ed, near Bloomington.

   DeClercq moved to Allure in 2009 and keeps busy saying her prayers every morning and watching “Wheel of Fortune” in the evening.  She also goes to the Bingo games held at Allure, and her granddaughter added, “She seems to always win.”

   Last year, at the age of 102, she gave up her driver’s license and until that time, had been driving to church on Sundays at St. Anthony’s in Atkinson.  Her daughter, Mary Ghys now takes her mother to Mass on Saturdays at St. Malachy Church in Geneseo.

   When asked what she attributed her long life to, DeClercq said, “I worked hard with some hard times, but I trusted God to get me through.”

   DeClercq was born in Cornwall Township to Theophil and Julia Cauwels and lived there until she married John DeClercq when she was 17 years old.  The wedding was held at St. Anthony’s in Atkinson.  The couple farmed together in Cornwall Township until retiring in 1982 when they moved to Hillcrest Drive in Geneseo.  Mr. DeClercq died in 1995.

   The couple had three daughters, Leona, who died shortly after birth; and Phyllis Henderson, who died in 2021.  There is one living daughter, Mary (Dick) Ghys, Geneseo; six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grand grandchildren.

 

I Don’t Trust Stairs - By Dan Dauw

Ag Days

  A great weekend, Sept 27 & 28, that was held in Bishop Hill, IL. The weather was nice and the folks really turned out in numbers. Lorna and I were host at the Henry County Historical Museum.
There were 98 visitors who visited the museum. On Saturday, Elder White Winnebago, Native American, gave a presentation entitled, “Ho-Chunk Native Americans an Illinois Indigenous Tribe.
  The museum’s meeting room was packed with folks from all over the county and beyond. On Saturday and Sunday I gave a presentation in the Military Room on the “U.S. Navy and Aircraft Carriers.” I was really happy at the number of people in attendance. Of all the individuals I talked with, a lad about age 10 was amazing with his knowledge and questions about military ships and aircraft.
Let’s hope the merchants did well during the two day “Ag Day” celebration.  A big “Thank You” goes to all the volunteers who made the event so much fun.

Downtown Abbey – The Grand Finale

  We recently attended this movie at the Davenport theater. We had to see it on big screen. Lorna, her sister, Elneta, and myself are big DA fans. We were not disappointed.
We kind of shed a tear at the end.  If you’re a DA fan, make sure to see it.  Also, do you remember Tom, the chauffeur? About a year ago I e-mailed saying what an excellent actor he was. He sent me a reply thanking me for my kind words. The writer, Julian Fellowes, had to be a genius as the DA series was outstanding.   

 Poison Ivy in the Fall

   This fall, poison ivy will show some beautiful leaves in colors from yellow to shades of orange, red and sometimes, purple.
Obviously, just look, don’t touch!  They can be in shrubs or vines. Birds can be drawn to the colored plants to feed on poison ivy seeds.
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants are toxic all year. This time of the year some folks burn leaves. Be aware that the poison plants should not be mixed in with the leaves. The burned particles are both allergenic and irritant. If you do come in contact with the poison plants, wash with regular soap & water within 15 minutes. 

 Reminder @ Richmond Hill Barn

  “The Woman in Black” mystery play will be held on October 2-5 and 9-12, 2025. Admission is only $12.00 per person. The play is not recommended for children under age 12. Phone 309-944-2244 or go to: rhplayers.com for more information.  

Cats are Hungry

   The channel catfish are hungry. Gary Dahlquist, Tom Simpson and myself ventured on old man river last week.  We caught 22 channel cats. Most were in the eaters, 1-2 pound range. 
Now is the time to seek ‘em out before all the dead vegetation comes down river. It piles quickly on your line making it difficult to feel the bite. 

 Humor

  I don’t trust stairs, they’re always up to something.
  I have a fear of elevators, I’m taking steps to avoid it.

 Quote

  “Never strike sail to a fear! Come into port greatly, or sail with God the seas.”    -  Ralph Waldo Emerson