It’s always nice to get a news tip for the Villager!
Thank you, Louanne, for telling us about the Gesin family!
- WLV Communications Committee
This month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with our neighbors, Dave and Cindy Gesin. Dave was recently inducted into the Forrestville Valley School District 221 Hall of Fame, located at Forrestville Valley School District #221 601 E. Main Street, Forreston, IL 61030. Their story is one of lifelong dedication to education, family, and community, with deep roots that stretch from Leaf River to Forreston, and now, right here to Westlake Village in Winnebago, IL.
Getting to Know Our Neighbors:
An Interview with Dave and Cindy Gesin
A Career Built on Science and Service
Dave Gesin’s career in education spans an impressive 30 years as a full time junior high science teacher in Forrestville Valley School District #221. It didn’t start that way, Dave said, “I started college thinking I was going to be an engineer, because my dad was an engineer at Micro Switch/Honeywell in Freeport. But I quickly found out that math wasn’t my strong suit. My interests led me to major in psychology and a teaching degree. At the time, Forrestville only needed a science teacher, so I had to go back to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb to complete more classes to make sure I was more than on top of it, because those kids were sharper than me!”
Last year Forrestville established a Hall of Fame. There are four wings, a Dedication Wing, a Service Wing, an Extra-Curricular Wing and a Teamwork (Sports) Wing. Dave was nominated for the Hall of Fame/ Dedication Wing by a former student and inducted in 2025. When asked about his induction, Dave modestly shared, “I just enjoyed teaching, and I think the kids had a good time, too.” The honor recognizes former students, coaches, teams, and staff for their contributions to the school community.
Even after retiring from Forrestville, Dave’s passion for teaching and helping others kept him busy. He went on to work at the Village of Progress in Oregon, Illinois, a wonderful organization that supports people with disabilities. He then returned to teaching full time for another 14 years at Faith Christian School of Grand Detour. “I just can’t sit,” he says with a laugh, explaining that he still runs a small business trimming shrubs, volunteers, and also still works at the Village of Progress one or two days a week!
A Bus Driver for the Grandkids
While Dave was inspiring students in the classroom, Cindy was a dedicated educator in her own right. She taught preschool for the Head Start program in Freeport and then in the Forrestville Valley District. A true believer in being present for her own children, she ran a home daycare so she could be a stay-at-home mom. Dave was born in Leaf River and moved to Forreston with his parents when he was just 9 months old. Cindy was born and raised in Forreston. The Gesins moved to Westlake Village 13 years ago from Forreston. The move was a practical decision, driven by their most important role: being grandparents. Before moving to Westlake, Cindy became the ultimate "bus driver." "Cindy was driving everywhere to babysit," Dave recalls, explaining how they made the decision to buy their home in Westlake Village because their son and daughter-in-law, Matthew & Julie Gesin and two grandchildren live here, so Cindy could simply walk across the street to care for their grandkids. The move also brought them closer to their other two grandchildren in Rockton. They are now fixtures at local games, cheering on their grandson, who is “nuts on football and basketball,” which is not surprising since their son-inlaw is the varsity basketball coach at Hononegah High School.
The Gesins are not big travelers; they find their greatest joy right here at home. “Just think about that,” Dave muses, “your grandkids right there a block away, and you can stop and be with them. I hear the basketball bouncing off the hoop and I can just go over and shoot hoops with them!” They both enjoy walking around Westlake and are amazed at how much the lake has improved in recent years! They cherish the close-knit community and appreciate the local spots, especially Rosie's, their favorite place to grab a warm beverage and a pastry.
We are so grateful to have the Gesins as part of our community and look forward to hearing more of their stories!
“
- thought these birds were pretty
”
October is National Fire Prevention Month
Purpose: To raise public awareness about fire hazards and promote safety practices to prevent fires in homes and communities.
Origins: The observance commemorates the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and other significant fire disasters in 1871.
Fire Prevention Month highlights the importance of having smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire
It is observed every October to encourage proactive measures and to help people learn how to minimize the risks associated with fires.
Why October?
The Great Chicago Fire started on October 8, 1871. This event, along with other devastating fires that year, led to the establishment of an annual time to focus on fire prevention.
Key Fire Safety Tips:
Install and Test Smoke Alarms: Place them on every level of your home and inside/outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.
Create an Escape Plan: Ensure your family knows two ways out of every room and has a designated meeting place outside.
Practice Fire Safety: Develop fire safety habits throughout the year, not just during October.
Stay Safe While Cooking: Never leave cooking unattended and keep the kitchen area clear of flammable items.
Have the Right Equipment: Keep a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket ,readily accessible in key locations like the kitchen and garage.
Pecatonica Public Library
400 W. 11th Street Pecatonica, IL
Pecatonica Library Calendar
10/02/2025 Every Other Thursday
10/06/2025 & 10/22/2025
10:00 AM - Noon QUILT SWAP with JoEllen Every other Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Lucky Quilt Company Quilters Club
10/07/2025 Tuesdays 11:000 AM Story Time Every Tuesday
10/9/2025 10:00 AM Pec Historical Society Coffee and Conversation
10/9/2025 1:00 PM Bunco
Coffee and Conversation Quilts and the Underground Railroad Susan Knoup
October 9th, 2025 10:30am
815-239-2616
https://pecatonicalibrary.org/
Held every other Thursday. Need help finishing a quilt? Bring it in and check with JoEllen.
Held 1st Monday and 4th Wednesday of month
Join us for stories, craft, snack, and playtime with friends. Every Tuesday.
This month's presentation: Quilts and the Underground Railroad More info: Contact Marni Rawson 815-239-2616
Come play Bunco! All are welcome!
Fall has arrived at Grandpa’s Place. Come out for a taste of Fall and some great prices on a variety of your Fall favorites.
Grandpa’s Place is happy to supply all of your Fall favorites, including a large variety of pumpkins, gourds, squash, Indian Corn, shucks and straw bales. Come and capture a little yesteryear, take some photos and browse our Fall selections!
Days and times vary, so it’s best to follow us on Facebook or do a driveby… we are located on the corner of Hoisington/US 20.
Mapping address: 13622 West State Road Pecatonica, IL 61063 (US20 is West State Road)
Winnebago County Awards $150,000 Grant to Support Pec Playhouse Theatre’s “Miracle on 3rd Street” Capital Campaign.
Pecatonica, IL – Pec Playhouse Theatre is proud to announce that the Winnebago County Board has awarded a $150,000 grant in support of the “Miracle on 3rd Street – Rebuild Pec Playhouse Theatre” capital campaign. The unanimous vote took place at the County Board meeting on September 4, 2025, marking a major milestone in the community-driven effort to restore and reopen the beloved local theatre.
Winnebago County Host Fees were utilized to fund the grant. The campaign has now raised over $1.6 million of the $1.75 million dollar renovation project.
The $150,000 grant from Winnebago County will go directly toward construction and renovation costs, ensuring the theatre can reopen with updated facilities that will serve generations to come.
Pec Playhouse Theatre will continue fundraising efforts to reach its overall campaign goal of $1,750,000. Community members are invited to learn more about the Miracle on 3rd Street campaign and how they can contribute by visiting our Donation Page.
Congratulations to Anna McLevige!
Anna was named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program! About 34,000 Commended Students through the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed, among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition, by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT). Congratulations, Anna!
The following students have won the Pecatonica High School September Student of the Month Award: Senior – Colton Maurer, Junior – Addison Stender, Sophomore - Isabelle Zissler, Freshman – Cailyn Larson. Congratulations!
10/10/2025 10/24/2025 10/29/2025 1:35/1:45 PM Early Dismissal Parent Teacher Conference 10/13/2025 No School COLUMBUS DAY 10/25/2025 5:30 to 7:30 PM Mummy & Son Monster BashWhat to Expect: Dance, Games, Refreshments and FUN!!!
Costumes but no blood, gore or weapons. $3.00 Entry Fee benefiting Pec Key Club and Trick or Treat for UNICEF
The WLV Bookworms meet the second Thursday each month at 2PM in the Community Center. New members are always welcome! Next meeting: October 9, 2025 2PM at WLV Community Center. Questions? Please contact Joleen Petit: 779-537-0814.
The October Book of the Month is: Middle of the Night by, Riley Sager, a NY Times Best Selling Author.
A man must contend with the long-ago disappearance of his childhood best friend and the dark secrets lurking just beyond the safe confines of his picture-perfect neighborhood.
An interesting review of this book will be led by Barbie Blosser. Light refreshments will be provided, please bring your own drinks.
Free Movies
Mad About The Boy 10/07/2025 2:00 PM
Renée Zellweger returns as her iconic rom-com heroine, Bridget Jones, as Bridget, now a widowed mother, forges a new path toward life and love.
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN 10/14/2025 2:00 PM
New York, 1961. A young Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, forging relationships with music icons on his meteoric rise which culminates in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide. Warning: Some flashing-lights scenes in this film may affect photosensitive viewers.
Winnebago Public Library introduces Book Art Workshops held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10:30.
A new craft will be featured each month making or using books. No charge. All supplies are provided!
Winnebago Library Calendar
10/1/2025 10:30 AM Story Time Held every Wednesday with Mrs. Black
10/02/2025
10/16/2025 1:00 - 3:30 PM Card Club
10/4/2025 8:30 AM Garden Club
10/6/2025 2:00 - 8:00 PM Quilt Club
10/9/2025 10:30 AM Wash Tape Journals Make small (notebooks)
10/9/2025 6:30 PM Teen Advisory Board
10/11/2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Make & Take Book Pumpkin
Meets every other Thursday in Community Room. Free to join and play!
Meets first Saturday of month in community room.
Meets 1st Monday of every month
Super easy and only takes about an hour! No charge! No reservation needed. All supplies provided
Kits can also be picked up on Oct.11, 13 & 14th with most materials needed to make a book pumpkin at
10/13/2025 6:30 PM Winnebago Library Book Club Meets once a month. The October selection is: Westering Women by Sandra Dallas
10/21/2025 Every 3rd Tues 10:30 AM Book Bingo
Join us for refreshments and bookish prizes! Lower level of library. No registration required.
10/21/2025 5:00 - 7:00 PM Friends of the Library Book Sale Preview Night: $3 Charge
10/22/2025
10/23/2025
10/24/2025
10/25/2025
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 09:00 AM -2:00 PM
Friends of the Library Book Sale Readers & Crafters Alike: Support the Library! Buy Lots of Books! Call Paula Black (815) 335-2568 for questions, to volunteer or to donate!
10/30/2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM I-Pass Free Tag Event
Get your Sticker Tag at the Library! A convenient way to sign up for I-Pass to pay Illinois Tolls Online.
10/3/2025 Every Friday 3:30 - 7:00 PM Winnebago Farmers Market Elida Street (South of the Library) Winnebago, IL
10/3/2025 4:30 - 7:00 PM Fish Fry
First Lutheran Church
627 Taylor Street Pecatonica, IL
SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO…
Held Every Friday. LAST ONE October 24th! Rustic Oven Wood Fire Pizza Truck will be on site., 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24
Dinner includes: Fried or Baked Fish (all you can eat), (Original batter) Baked potato bar, Coleslaw, Dinner Roll, Beverage, One Dessert. Children 8 and under eat free: Hot Dog or Fish, Chips, Beverage, One Dessert. Tickets: $18 At the Door, $15 in advance. Take out available!
10/4/2025 2:00 PM Color Run
10/05/2025
10/17/2025
10/26/2025
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pec Middle School 1200 Main Street Pecatonica IL
Acres Pizza & Music Rustic Acres 10831 Telegraph Road Winnebago, IL
10/10/2025 7:30 PM Community Night Marching Band
Winnebago H.S. Football Field
10/11/2025 7:00 PM - 10:00PM Halloween Bingo Night Pec Legion Post 197 403 Main Street Pecatonica, IL
10/15/2025 5:30 - 7:00 PM Family Reading Night Pec Elementary School 721 Reed Street Pecatonica IL
10/18/2025 11:00:00 AM …....
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Annual Bazaar and Curbside Pickup Dinner Dine-in seating *** Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.***
10/25/2025 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Fall Festival
Winnebago First Presbyterian Church 208 W Winnebago St Winnebago, IL
Run or Walk and get blasted with color! To be held at Pec Middle School to benefit Pecatonica Preschool. Cost: $15 per individual or $50 per family of 4 (additional $10 for each additional immediate family member if more than 4). All paid participants receive a medal! Kona Ice will be selling some tasty treats! Complete registration by Sept. 19th. Race Day Registration is available, but we cannot guarantee a medal for later sign-ups. **Wear something you can get colorful (messy!). White works the best to show the colors!**
Music : Lady & the Tramp! 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Come listen and watch the Marching Band
$20 Donation. Donation includes - 2 Bingo Cards. Wear a costume to get a 3rd card. 20 Rounds = 20 Awesome Prizes. Fun for the whole family! Process go to PWC Scholarship Fund!
Books, Activities, Entertainment, and MORE Books! Refreshments Served.
Downtown Pecatonica FREE Family FUN! FREE FOOD! Live MusicPetting Zoo - Bake Sale - Bounce Houses - Axe Throwing - Bungee Run - Balloon TwisterGames - Haunted House - Vendors - Barrell Train Rides - Trunk or Treat & MORE https://www.facebook.com/RusticOvenWFP
Bazaar features handcrafted items, needle work, baked goods & candy. Dinner includes: Turkey & Dressing, Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Cranberry Relish, Coleslaw and Pie. For Ticket Orders Please call: Cindy Erb: 815-3357017, Faye Reed: 815-335-2893, Sue Jansen: 815-979-4333. Ticket prices: Adults: $15 (11 & over) Children $8 (5-10), 4 & under free. Make checks payable to Presbyterian Women. https://thewfpc.org/
https://www.winnebagocountyfair.com/holidazzle
