Too Much White Stuff - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

TOO MUCH WHITE STUFF

   If this first measurable snowfall we had, well, it just might be a l-o-n-g winter. We had 9” but it was still snowing.  My snowblower does not work, but our next door neighbor, Jim Putnam, came over twice and cleared the driveway and sidewalk.  He has been so helpful. Our health isn’t what it used to be. The “Golden Years!”  

HARD WATER FISHING

   I did the “soft water” fishing three weeks ago and I caught a few nice crappies and a bass. Enough for a meal, but “just.”  I think I’m going to have to hang up the ice fishing. I really like ice fishing, and have for many years, but the old body says stay off the ice. Mother Nature wins!
  Lorna always went with me for safety concerns, but bless her heart, I’m sure she won’t mind enjoying the warmth of our house vs. cold, wind, ice and that “white stuff!” 

SPORTS

  Of all times for our network to go on the blink, we missed seeing the Iowa State vs. OSU football game. The Cyclones, 8-4 beat the Cowboys, 20-13. We did get to see the Illini vs. Northwestern game with the Illini winning the “Hat” trophy.
Of course, the big win, for us, was ‘da Bears beating last year’s Super Bowl winner, Philadelphia Eagles. There are five more games left starting with the Packers on Dec 7. The Packers will win that game, but the Bears will beat them at home on Saturday, Dec 20.th.  As of this writing the Bears are 9 ‘n 3. Who would have thought??? 

WOW, THIS IS INTERESTING

  I don’t always believe everything on the internet, but if so, Detroit came up with something very clever. They made a road that charges electric cars while they drive. Of course, I suspect it would be very costly, but what an idea!   

WHEN I WASN’T OLD

  1) Chicken Pot Pies. Yuk!! Growing up my mom would sometimes serve them.

2) Portable Dish Washer. It had wheels and when it was full, my mom would wheel it to the kitchen sink, hook up the hose to the faucet, and “Walla,” happy dishes!

3) Wash & Wax cars.  When growing up I loved washing and waxing cars.  I remember I charged $15.00. I didn’t do the inside of the vehicle. I used JayWax or Simoniz. I remember I made some nice bucks doing the job after work at the Post Office.

4) When I started working for the PO I made $2.16 an hour and my hours were great, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The first Moline female letter carrier was Donna F. A lot of the guys did not like her because at that time it was a “Male”man’s job!  Not for women.  She stuck it out and did a nice job. 
One time we had a letter carrier that committed suicide. He would always sing while sorting the mail. He did have a beautiful voice. He was made fun of and one day he jumped off the Rock River bridge. When I think back it could have and  should have been avoided.

5) Gene McCarter at Alleman H.S. was one of my favorite teachers.  He was an amazing person. He coached varsity football at AHS and they had some really good teams. Gene was admired by everyone. Years later I met his daughter and told her what a great person he was.   

HUMOR

1) “A history degree is useless. There’s no future in it. 
2) I’m not a fan of elevator music. It’s bad on so many levels.
3) I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me!
4) How can you get four suits for a dollar? Ans: Buy a deck of cards.
5) What driver doesn’t need a license? Ans: A screw driver.

 QUOTE

  “A man’s age commands respect, a woman’s demands tact!” - unknown 

Gene Karzin Has Accepted the Position of Chief of Police for the City of Silvis

GENESEO, IL - The City of Geneseo is proud to announce that Deputy Chief Gene Karzin has accepted the position of Chief of Police for the City of Silvis, Illinois. His first official day serving the Silvis community will be January 5, 2026.

While we will certainly miss his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our community, we couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter in his distinguished career. Gene has served Geneseo with heart, integrity, and a genuine dedication to the safety and well-being of our residents. His impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

Throughout his tenure, Gene has spearheaded the development of safety protocols and planning for community events, the redesigning and rebuilding of the department’s firearms range, increased officer training to ensure we have better prepared police officers, telecommunicators, and staff, and has been a driving force behind the Geneseo IMPACT program. He has also worked tirelessly to build morale within the department and foster a positive, professional environment.

Chief of Police Casey Disterhoft stated, “Deputy Chief Karzin has been an integral part of our department and community. His leadership, dedication, and compassion have truly made a difference. He has been instrumental in improving our safety protocols, training, and department morale. The Silvis Police Department is fortunate to have him, as his professionalism and dedication will undoubtedly serve their community well. While we will miss him greatly, we are proud to see him take this well-deserved next step. We wish him all the best in his new role.”

City Administrator Brandon Maeglin expressed, “On behalf of the City of Geneseo, I congratulate Deputy Chief Gene Karzin on being selected as the next Police Chief in Silvis, IL. His leadership and dedication to our community have been invaluable, and we'll greatly miss him. We wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter.”

Gene addressed the residents, visitors and guests of Geneseo, "I have been truly proud to work alongside the dedicated and professional staff of the Geneseo Police Department. Our officers and staff exemplify integrity, commitment, and excellence every day, and it has been an honor to serve with such an outstanding team. Their professionalism and unwavering dedication have been a constant source of inspiration, and I am grateful for the privilege of working with such an exceptional department."

Sarah Says Things: The Annual December Shuffle

Every December, I convince myself I’m going to glide through the month like someone in a cozy holiday commercial—calm, organized, maybe even holding a mug of something warm. And every December, reality taps me on the shoulder and hands me a schedule that looks like it lost a wrestling match with the Christmas Walk.

It starts the second the first event reminder hits. One minute you're feeling good—tree up, a few gifts stashed away, nothing too wild—and then suddenly it’s Christmas Walk week, and your calendar looks like a scavenger hunt written by someone who actively dislikes you. The parade. The Jingle Run. School concerts. Choir performances. Cookie exchanges. Work parties. The “quick stop downtown” that is never actually quick. Oh, and the annual scramble to remember which events you promised you’d attend, support, or simply not forget existed.

Shopping in Geneseo during December is its own special sport. You run into someone you know in every aisle, which should be lovely—and it is—but it also means a “quick trip” now includes three conversations, one friendly argument about weather models, and at least one reminder that you still haven't mailed your Christmas cards. And then you walk out with five things you didn’t intend to buy and none of the things you came in for. Classic.

And the weather… well. It’s December in Illinois, which means it could be 55 degrees, or it could be Snowmageddon, or it could be both within six hours. Around here, the forecast is more of a suggestion than a plan. You check it, you shrug, you grab your coat anyway.

But for all the overbooking, the running around, the forgotten cookie trays, and the “wait, that’s tonight?” moments, there’s something about December here that hits different. The lights downtown. The windows. The kids running around with red noses but refusing to wear gloves. The way everyone crosses paths, on purpose or by accident, and somehow it feels like part of the season.

So no, December will never be calm. Not here. Not anywhere. But the December Shuffle—the real Geneseo version—has its own charm. A little chaotic, a little cozy, a little too full, but always worth it.

Hospital Auxiliary 2025 Love Light Tree

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathleen VanDeRostyne

   Kathleen VanDeRostyne, Auxiliary/Volunteer Supervisor at Hammond-Henry Hospital, stands by the banner for the Auxiliary’s Love Light Tree, displayed at the corner of Wells St. and College Ave.  Ornaments will be given for this year’s Love Light Tree to anyone making contributions of $20 and more to the Love Light Tree in memory of a loved one.  Contributions to the Love Light Tree also may be made in honor of a special person in someone’s life.

   The tree is an auxiliary fundraiser and funds received this year will be used for Health Career

Scholarships.  Donations forms and additional information are available at the hospital volunteer office, 309-944-9130; at the hospital website www.hammondhenry.com/participate/volunteer or by email at volunteer@hammondhenry.com.  Checks may be made payable to Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary and mailed to the Auxiliary at 600 North College Ave., Geneseo, IL 61254.

   Names of all donors and names of those remembered and honored will be displayed at the main and east entrances to the hospital.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

 

Sarah Says Things: The Great Geneseo Snowmagedde-geddon-palooza of 2025

(…or whatever wannabe-meteorologists are calling it by the time you finish reading this)

There’s a special moment every winter when the forecast stops being a forecast and turns into theater. You know it’s here when the meteorologist leans toward the camera with a solemn expression usually reserved for tax audits and whispers those fateful words: “Significant accumulation.”

From there, the local ritual begins.

Fareway sells out of bread like the entire town suddenly decided to open competing toast restaurants. The Dollar Fresh parking lot becomes a live-action stress test for humanity. And on Facebook, half of Geneseo is calmly sharing radar images while the other half is calling it “The Big One” and asking if anyone remembers 2011.

Someone will insist the storm always “falls apart anyway.” Someone else will say this is “nothing compared to the Blizzard of ’79,” whether or not they were actually alive then. And there’s always that one relentlessly cheerful local who chirps, “At least downtown will look pretty!” while the rest of us are calculating how many inches of snow it takes before we give up on shoveling and consider moving to Arizona.

To be fair to the forecasters, Midwest snowfall is an emotional creature. One minute it’s heading straight for Henry County; the next, it jogs north to bother Davenport or decides to dump everything on Atkinson for no reason whatsoever. Predicting it is less science and more roulette.

Still—jokes aside—we all share the same hope: that everyone in Geneseo gets through the storm safely. Whether this turns into a blizzard, a light dusting, or one of those famous “hyped for three days and melted by noon” specials, we’re better off prepping than panicking.

So yes, have a laugh, grab the hot chocolate, and prepare for another episode of As the Snowstorm Turns. But also check on your neighbors, avoid driving like you’re auditioning for Fast & Furious: Route 82 Drift, and make sure your phone’s charged.

Because no matter what actually falls from the sky, the only thing that matters is that Geneseo gets through the Great Snowmagedde-geddon-palooza of 2025 together—in one piece, warm, safe, and maybe just a little smug that we handled it better than those big cities.

Close Encounter - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

LAWN TRACTOR vs. DEER

   As most of you know, it’s rut season meaning buck deer have one thing in mind and it’s not much of anything else.  Last week one of neighbors was cutting grass on his riding mower.
  All of a sudden, out of the woods came one not so friendly buck and it hit the side of our neighbor’s tractor. It then ran back into the woods. Our neighbor was not injured, but it was a close encounter, for sure!

 SPORTS

  What the heck is going on with the MN Vikings?  I figured they would be ahead of all four teams in the North Central Division save maybe for Detroit. How ‘bout those Bears. As of this writing, they lead the division with 8 wins. 
  I hope I’m wrong but I think their luck is going to run out on Friday, Nov 28, at Philadelphia. Syracuse had a horrible time last Saturday playing Notre Dame. Syracuse lost by 70 points. That’s a basketball score!!
  A few weeks ago I watched Ohio State play and they have one awesome team. Their “D” is really something to watch. Last week the ladies Notre Dame team beat USC by a basket. I know its old, but watching Hannah Hidalgo is such a joy to watch. 
 As I mentioned in last week’s column, the loss of their 4 last season’s starters makes for a l-o-n-g season. Having said that, I’m sure Coach Ivy will do her best to get ‘em in shape. They just need to play as a team and that takes time! UConn is the team to watch.
 The last I looked, UConn was at the top 25 in the women’s basketball poll. Their coach, Geno, knows how to get the best out of his teams, both past and present. Besides ND, we are Iowa State fans, but I haven’t seen the men or women teams yet. 

FISHING

  Three of us braved the cool air last Saturday for about 3 hours of fishing at a private lake. We caught a total of 6, 3 crappie and 3 bass.  Just enough for one meal.  
  Went fishing at Giant Goose, Atkinson, last Sunday morning, Nov 24th. I was surprised at how low the main lake was.  I only had 3 bites using worms and minnows. At 10:30 a.m. I left empty handed.  Because of health reasons I think I’m going to have to forego ice fishing. I did enjoy it.   

FEED THE BIRDS

  Just a reminder to feed our feathered friends of the sky.  Birds really need help when the ground is covered with that white stuff. Snow will come soon enough. 

RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP

  As an old sailor I am glad to see the increase in the building of submarines. Yes, aircraft carriers get lots of publicity and well they should. I spent 2 years on one, but sometimes I wonder if there isn’t a shift to a more difficult target on the seas.
 Today submarines are much more stealth than they were during the World Wars.  Yes, we need aircraft carriers, “tin-cans” and so on, but I think the submarine is one major “go-to” weapon if WW3 ever happens. Hopefully not! 

HUMOR

   It doesn’t matter if you are tall, short, thin, fat, rich or poor. At the end of the day, it’s night!”  Lorna told me to pick up 6 cans of Sprite at the grocery store. When I got home, I realized I picked 7-up. 

THANKSGIVING JOKES

Why did the turkey start a band? Ans: He had drumsticks.
What did pilgrims use to bake cookies?  Ans: May-flour
Who doesn’t eat on Thanksgiving? Ans: The turkey because it’s always stuffed. 

QUOTE

  “The present column is a very long one, simply because I had no leisure to make it shorter!”   - - Blaise Pascal

“HAPPY THANKSGIVING”

Geneseo Model Railroad Club Donates to Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Claire Crawford, director of the Geneseo Public Library, and Mike Gawrysiak, representing the Geneseo Model Railroad Club, are shown at a recent meeting of the Model Railroaders when a donation of $50 was made from the club to the library.  Gawrysiak said, “The library is a huge supporter of our train club and our monthly meetings are held at the library, at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday  of each month.  To show our gratitude to the library we decided to make this year’s donation to the library, and we have miniature library billboards included in our displays,” Anyone interested in learning more about the Geneseo Model Railroad Club is welcome to attend the meetings, and Gawrysiak said, “All scales, gauges and ages are welcome.”  Claudia Loucks Photo

 

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2025 Geneseo Christmas Walk: Windows of Hope

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce

The 2025 Geneseo Christmas Walk will take place Saturday December 13th from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in Geneseo, IL. The 2025 Geneseo Christmas Walk marks the 40th Anniversary of the annual Geneseo Christmas Walk.

The Geneseo Christmas Walk theme of "Windows of Hope" is the designated theme for the 2025 event. This theme encourages a celebration of hope and the holiday spirit within the community. It involves businesses and residents decorating their windows into the popular Living Windows to reflect messages of optimism and Christmas cheer. The theme aims to capture the wonder and charm of the holiday season in a small-town setting.

New this year, the Windows of Hope concert will take place at 7:30 pm at the Geneseo High School Performing Arts Center. As the finale to the 2025 Geneseo Christmas Walk, “Windows of Hope” is a free Contemporary Christmas Celebration Concert. Come sing with us! You’ll know every song! Some high energy, some emotional, yet all filled with joy and hope during the holiday season. The evening will close in candlelight.

The 40th annual Geneseo Christmas Walk is coordinated by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. Zack Sullivan, Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber, commented, “The Geneseo Christmas Walk hosts one of the best small town holiday celebrations in the Midwest. Many people travel from afar to attend this annual community event, the biggest event Geneseo hosts all year.

The annual Christmas Walk themes change year to year, and the event is very versatile. We thought that after 40 years, it would be a great idea to pay homage to the Living Windows that have been a staple of the event for the past four decades.” Sullivan said, “The Geneseo Christmas Walk is a kaleidoscope of holiday offerings, including live music, holiday shopping, warm meals, a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, living windows, luminaries, trolley rides and so much more! This has always been one of my favorite events in Geneseo. People from throughout our region make the annual trip to Geneseo to celebrate Christmas time!”

The Geneseo Christmas Walk has something for everyone. The Geneseo Jingle Run 5K race kicks off the big day’s festivities at 8:30 am. The Lighted Christmas Parade is a popular regional attraction, which steps off in Downtown Geneseo at 5:00 pm sharp. The parade leads up to the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony of the City Christmas Tree at approx. 5:45 pm at the intersection of State and Second Streets.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank Pavilion will host a Holly Jolly Christmas Party from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – featuring holiday-themed dance music from a live DJ, ice sculptures, and a trackless holiday train for the kids to enjoy.

The Geneseo Christmas Walk started in 1986 as the Geneseo Victorian Walk, offering a unique way to celebrate Christmas in Geneseo while providing a boost to local small businesses during the holiday season. Since then, the event has become an all-time favorite for Geneseoans and visitors from the Quad Cities region alike – capturing the wonder and charm of experiencing Christmas in a Christmas-movie-like small town setting. Event organizers anticipate attendance of over 10,000 people this year. Geneseo’s population is 6,500 people.

The evening will be filled with Christmas magic in Geneseo and we invite you to join us both that evening and at any time in Geneseo, IL. Most events are free unless otherwise indicated; some meal and warming sites will accept free-will donations.

Geneseo 2025 Christmas Walk Ornament Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Megan Harrington

Megan Harrington, daughter of Mike and Jill Harrington, Geneseo, shows the 2025 Christmas Walk ornament, which reflects this year’s Christmas Walk theme of “Windows of Hope.”  The limited number of ornaments are now being offered for sale at $20 each at Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 South State, RutabagA Studio & Gallery, 108 North State St., and Geneseo Art League, 125 North State St.

  Dale Smith of Smith Studio and Gallery, Geneseo, designed the ornament commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Geneseo Christmas Walk. The ornament was created by Lou Hanson of Hantverk Pottery in Bishop Hill.

   The 2025 white porcelain ornament is circular shaped and showcases the design of a white dove in the center of a blue circle with the words “2025 Geneseo Christmas Walk.”

   Stepping back in time to 1993, the year when Don Beck created the very first ornament to commemorate the Victorian Walk in Geneseo.  The Victorian Walk became the Geneseo Christmas Walk in 2008.  Beck retired from making the ornaments in 2006, but the ornament tradition continues.

   David Smith, who, with his wife, Dale, own Smith Studio & Gallery, said, “The Christmas Walk ornament is a special Christmas tradition for many families who look forward to adding this year’s ornament, knowing that these will be cherished heirlooms for generations to come.”

   There are 60 ornaments created each year. 

 

Food Pantry Meets Needs of Families for Thanksgiving

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Michael Sigwalt

 “What a great community to be part of!” were the words from Michael Sigwalt, director of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, when asked how the current food shortage crisis and government shutdown has affected the pantry.

   Sigwalt added, “Geneseo is generous.”

  The GAFP served a record number of families in October of this year, (501 families in total), which Sigwalt said is a 17.6 percent increase over the previous record of 426 families, which was reached in Sept. 2025, and Sigwalt said the community stepped up to meet the increased need.

   “The 501 families served also is a 57.5 percent increase over the number of families served in October of 2024, which was 318. 

   “For all of fiscal year 2025, we’ve served an average of 371 families per month, which is a 60 percent increase over the families served in fiscal year 2024, which was 233.

  The included chart shows the progression of families served at the pantry since August of 2021.

   Sigwalt commented, “In response to the national news concerning Federal actions, or inactions, the people of the City of Geneseo have responded so incredibly favorably.  Because of their amazing generosity, we have not had our pantry shelves lacking of food!”

   Keeping the shelves stocked has also been the result of the pantry staff seeking new food sources and Sigwalt added, “We most certainly have been very busy exploring as many new food sources as possible.”

   He listed the sources:

  -Greater utilization of River Bend Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank resources.
  -An increase in purchased inventories.
  -Fabulous food drives throughout the community!
  -Incredible support form our area food retailers!

   “Because of the community’s incredible support, we have been able to provide some of our Thanksgiving food items for our guests, such as canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, corn bread mix, stuffing mix, and mashed potatoes.”

   The Thanksgiving food items did not include meat this year and Sigwalt said the reason being there were too many families and rising meat costs, and he added, ”Of course, if anyone would like to donate a ham or turkey, we would make it available for our friends,”

   Sigwalt answered my question of how the Geneseo -Atkinson Food Pantry been impacted by news reports with: ‘Yes, GAFP has most definitely been impacted by all the reports we’ve all heard in the news!  But the community’s response has been so phenomenal that we’ve been able to still provide needed for families in need.”

  He added that he does not know what to expect now that the government has opened – “We didn’t’ know what to expect when it was shut down!  But I’m certain, no matter what the current crisis might be, the citizens of Geneseo will help us help our neighbors!”

IN LOOKING AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS

   “For Christmas, we’ll be doing something very similar to Thanksgiving, including many of the same items,” Sigwalt said.

   Those items include pumpkin pie filling, cranberry sauce, corn, green beans, crispy fried onions, cream of mushroom soup, corn bread mix, pie crust mix, sweet potatoes/yams, dried mashed potatoes, aluminum roasting pan.

   Donations of any of those items would be helpful and Sigwalt said the pantry is “always in need of cereal (hot or cold), baking items (mixes, flour, oils, sugar, etc.), condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise), canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.); Hygiene, cleaning and paper products, (napkins, paper towels, wax paper, cling wrap, etc.) always are welcome.  We go through those quickly and our guests cannot purchase them with their SNAP benefits.”