GHS Key Club Will Be Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF

Geneseo, IL - The Geneseo High School Key Club will be Trick or Treating once again for UNICEF on Monday, October 27th from 4:30-6:15pm in Geneseo neighborhoods and subdivisions. They will be chauffered by Geneseo Kiwanis members. Key Club, the largest high school service club in the world, is sponsored by Kiwanis. 

In 2024, due to the generosity of Geneseo residents, the GHS Key Club raised $2,000 in 90 minutes; this made them the #1 club in the entire Illinois-Eastern Iowa District - and the District was #1 internationally!

This year, those that donate will be offered either a coupon for a free kids meal at Texas Roadhouse or a coupon for 1/2 off a drink at Scooters. Key Club thanks Scooters and Texas Roadhouse!

Anyone that would like to donate but will not be home Monday or was missed by Key Clubbers can drop off or send a donation to the High School Key Club, 700 N State Street. 

Last week, Key Clubbers painted 38 pumpkins (donated by Frank Pumpkin Farm in Atkinson) and gave each resident of the HHH long term care unit a pumpkin for their room. In December they will be making tie blankets and donating them to nursing home residents.

This year's President is junior Hazel Harris. Faculty Advisors are Mrs. Sawyer Rahmus and Mrs. Kim Scott.

 

Hammond-Henry Hospital launches new Patient Experience Outreach Program

Geneseo, IL - Hammond-Henry Hospital has partnered with NRC Health on a new Patient Experience Outreach Program, which will begin November 1. This program is designed to improve patient experience. Patients will receive a survey, email, or text message with a web-based questionnaire from the hospital or HHH’s clinics within 24-72 hours of each concluded visit or discharge.

“Answering this survey, email, or text will take less than two minutes of your time, and it is definitely not spam or something that should be deleted,” said Krista Nixon, HHH Director of Quality Management. “The information you provide will allow us the opportunity to improve your experience as a patient going forward. We want to address all your concerns or questions as expediently as possible, and this new program will help us accomplish this goal.”

Specifically, the Patient Experience Outreach questionnaire will surface on your personal computer, cell phone, laptop, or other handheld devices, enabling hospital/clinic staff to provide a more rapid resolution of any issues identified. This questionnaire also affords patients the opportunity to provide feedback on extraordinary service as well.

“We want to make sure your experience with us met or exceeded your expectations. If not, we want to do something about it,” said Nixon. “We’d also like to know if someone in particular went above and beyond in your care, so that we can commend them. Ultimately, we want you to know your voice matters. We are listening, growing, and changing for the better all the time.”

'Paws for a Cause Gala’ a Success, But the Need Continues

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The photos included are of some of the guests who helped the animals at the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter, by attending the “Paws for a Cause Gala” held recently at Lavender Crest Winery in Colona.  The event was sponsored by the HCHS- Geneseo Shelter, and also marked the 50th anniversary of the Geneseo Shelter where about 15 dogs and 80 kittens/cats make their home.

   Even with the success of the Gala, there is a continuing need for financial support at the Shelter to maintain the health and well-being of the animals.

   Anyone who was not able to attend the Gala, but who would like to donate is asked to visit https://www.henrycountyhumanesociety.org/news.html for more information, or mail their contribution to Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter, 14606 Roos Hill Rd, Geneseo, IL 61254. 

Food Pantry Needs Sponsors of Families for Christmas

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Staff members at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry are hoping to bring similar smiles as those in the attached photo, to the local children who receive Christmas gifts from the pantry.  Contributed Photo

   The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry staff is asking for help from families, groups or organizations who would like to provide holiday gifts for a family in need this Christmas.

Additional information about adopting a family for Christmas is available at https://www.geneseofoodpantry.org/adopt-a-family/

   Those people interested in helping will be contacted with a family’s wish list, including sizes, favorite colors, etc., on Nov. 1.  The gifts need to be delivered to the food pantry by Monday, Dec. 15.

   All applicants for the Holiday Gifts program must have a child age 17 and under, live in the Geneseo School District, and meet the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry income guidelines.

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the food pantry, provided some additional information, including:

  -22 families have applied for the Holiday Gifts Program as of Oct. 14, and applications are due Oct. 31.

  -In 2024, donors provided gifts for 55 local families in need, and in 2023, donors provided gifts for 65 families.

  -Applicants must live in the Geneseo School District, have a child age 17 or under who lives with them at least four days a week, and meet income guidelines based on family size.

 

Geneseo's Scarecrow Row to Feature Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Pageant

Zack Sullivan, IOM,
Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce

On Saturday October 25, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, join businesses and families in the Geneseo City Park to celebrate the Halloween spirit with Geneseo’s Scarecrow Row! If you’d like to make a scarecrow for display, stop by the Smith Studio and Gallery, located at 124 S. State St. in downtown Geneseo, and pick up your FREE wooden scarecrow starter frame and information sheets. Then, get busy! Get creative! Bring your finished scarecrow to the Geneseo City Park on Saturday, October 25th between 9:00 am -10:00 am where all the scarecrows will be exhibited on “Scarecrow Row.” EVERY scarecrow will receive a special ribbon, with Geneseo Chamber Gift certificate prizes being awarded to the top three Scarecrows on display.

The public will be invited to come to the City Park to view the scary, exciting and weird creations. From 10:00 am-12:00 pm candy and Halloween treats from Geneseo businesses will be distributed to children visiting Scarecrow Row. Families are encouraged to come to the park dressed in their Halloween costumes. Scarecrows will be on exhibit throughout this special Halloween Saturday until 4pm.

New in 2025 for Scarecrow Row will be Geneseo's first ever HOWL-O-WEEN Doggie Costume Pageant! Happening during Geneseo‘s Scarecrow Row on Saturday October 25 at 11:00 am at the City Park Bandshell. Free will donations will be accepted and proceeds go directly to the Henry County Humane Society of Geneseo. Dress up your doggies and come join the Halloween fun!

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

Dr. David Cook to offer family practice at Hammond-Henry’s Colona Clinic

Dr. David Cook

COLONA, IL – The Hammond-Henry Hospital Board of Directors and Administration are pleased to announce that Dr. David Cook is joining the staff at its Colona Clinic on Monday, November 3. He is currently accepting new patients via waitlist by calling 309.949.2999. Dr. Cook joins Katie Sowder, APRN, as part of the Colona Clinic’s Family Practice team. An open house in Dr. Cook’s honor is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29 from 2 to 4 pm at the Colona Clinic, located at 1604 Cleveland Road, Colona. All interested are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served, and there will also be small gifts for everyone in attendance.

“Thanks to Dr. Cook and Katie Sowder, we are now able to offer family practice services at our Colona Clinic,” said Wyatt Brieser, Hammond-Henry Hospital CEO. “Both are dedicated to bettering the health of the community and are excited to build or continue to build relationships with their patients. Prior to June of this year, we only served walk-in patients at the Colona Clinic. This expansion of services was needed, and we’re happy to welcome Dr. Cook to our already great team.”

Dr. Cook’s medical specialties include family practice and specifically, chronic disease management, preventative medicine, comprehensive urgent care, and a wide range of procedures including skin biopsies/excisions and joint injections. Dr. Cook received his BA in Pre-Med from Augustana College, Rock Island. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, where he also participated in the Rural Student Physicians Program with Hammond Henry as his sponsor site. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at the University of Illinois/Dixon Rural Training Track at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon.

A Silvis native and graduate of United Township High School, Dr. Cook added that working at Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Colona Clinic would be a “seamless transition” as he spent a six-month rotation his third year of medical school working with Dr. Remi Satkauskas.

“Most of my colleagues had only four to six weeks for each separate rotation, while I had the opportunity to have six months of integrated clinical experience working in Hammond-Henry’s Emergency Department, doing rounds in the hospital, and of course, working side-by-side with Dr. Satkauskas who’s a longtime, and well-respected family practice provider. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the patients, and I was equally attracted to the positive culture and focus on community that makes Hammond-Henry and all its clinics and staff so unique.

“The main goal of administration here is to care for the community and to keep quality healthcare close to home,” Dr. Cook continued. “Colona is like my back yard having grown up in Silvis. My training is well suited to this position, and I know there is no problem that we can’t initiate care for at our clinic. I’m excited to get started, and I look forward to meeting everyone.”
 

The Colona Clinic is currently open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Family practice hours are available by appointment.

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.

 

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

 

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.

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.

 

Kingswood Church Plans Garage Sale to Benefit Operation Christmas Child

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  Helen Johnston, left; and Sharon Carton will be helping at the 2nd Annual Garage Sale planned at Kingswood Church in Geneseo to benefit Operation Christmas Child.  The two-day event is being held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the church’s South Campus building.  Oct. 4  also is the State Street Market event in downtown Geneseo.  All proceeds from the garage sale will he used for shipping costs for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, which is a $10 cost for each shoebox.  The goal is to raise $12,500 from the two-day sale to help with the shipping costs.

   Household items in good condition are being accepted for the sale and may be left at the rear door of the South Campus between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26; from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27; and from 8:15 to 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28.  A volunteer will be available during the drop-off times at the rear door of the South Campus.

   All household items in good condition will be accepted with the exception of clothes, cribs and car seats, encyclopedias, Halloween decorations, house paint, large appliances, large exercise equipment, mattresses, old computer monitors and Tube-style TV’s. 

   A link to a video about the cost of shipping the OCC shoeboxes is available at: https://video.samaritanspurse.org/project-leader-workshop-journey-of-a-shoebox/

   Operation Christmas Child is an outreach of Samaritan Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization.   The non-profit organization specializes in meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, disease and natural disaster, in order to demonstrate God’s love and share the Gospel.

   The ministry uses the shoebox as a tool to open the door for the Gospel and make disciples of all tribes, tongues and nations.  OCC started in the United Kingdom in 1990 as an outreach to Romanian Orphans and OCC began in North America in 1993.

 

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 State Street Market

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce

State Street Market Geneseo, a beloved Midwest autumn tradition, returns to the beautiful State Street in Downtown Geneseo, Illinois, for one day only! Celebrating ten years in 2025, State Street Market been your destination for amazing style, unbeatable savings, and guaranteed smiles!

Don't miss out on the FREE open-air market happening Saturday, October 4th, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm. Discover a fantastic selection of curated handmade and vintage vendors, enjoy live music, snap some fun photos, savor delicious food, and explore the wonderful shops and restaurants that Geneseo has to offer.

A curated list of over 60 vendors and mobile boutiques will be set up along historic State Street in Downtown Geneseo from 10am-4pm. Shop vintage, handmade, and handpicked goods from all over the Midwest region.

Make a day of it! Enjoy excellent shopping and dining city-wide all day long. This year you can expect to see many of past market vendors returning alongside some new names setting up for their very first market. This is a great day to make Geneseo, Illinois a shopping and dining destination. Geneseo is conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest on Interstate 80 at Exit 19 in Illinois, and is easily accessible by Interstate 80; Interstate 280; and Interstate 74.

Live music and Fun! Right at the center of State Street Market you will find LIVE MUSIC happening the entire market time. Paxton Sherbeyn will perform at State Street Market from 10am-1pm, Bugz Benson will play at the Food Court from 11am-2pm, and Chloe Mae will take the hayrack stage from 1pm-4pm. Food trucks will be setup for market guests and picnic tables and blankets will be spread out for a safe and fun outdoor dining experience. Geneseo’s brick and mortar stores and restaurants will also be open and ready for all of your local shopping and dining needs.

For more information about the 2025 event, follow State Street Market Geneseo on Facebook and Instagram: @statestreetmarketgeneseo #statestreetmarketgeneseo

Questions? For more information, call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686 or via email at geneseo@geneseo.org.

Find Out Why Women Wear Hats at Sept. 19 Library Program

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  For centuries women have adorned their heads and framed their faces with hats and head coverings.  What was the reason?

   That question will be answered at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Geneseo Public Library when Elizabeth Carlson, known as “Ellie,” will present a program on hats through the years.

   Carlson is a historian and performer who gives lectures, workshops, and programs to groups on various topics including “Women’s Underwear (The Rise and Fall of it),” what it was like to be a schoolteacher during Laura Ingalls Wilder’s time, what it was like to be at Woodstock, and Women’s Suffrage.

   She began taking children’s theater classes at the age of 11 and continued to work in theater through high school and college.  She has performed or served in various capacities at Drury Lane, Chicago Opera Theater, Candlelight dinner Playhouse and Second City Children’s Theater.  Combining theater and history in graduate school led Carlson to museum work.

   She previously has presented several programs at the Geneseo Library and information received states that she “is a crowd pleaser…Her programs can be somewhat whimsical, especially those calling for first-0person interpretation, like the program she calls ‘Regretting Mr. Wright,’ about the married woman who fell in love with Frank Lloyd Wright.  Another of her characters travels to her presentation in a time machine.”

   The information from the library includes, “Anyone who owns a hat from long ago is asked to dust it off wear it!  Then be prepared to share the story behind it.  Ellie encourages audience participation.”

   On a special note, at the conclusion of the program on Sept. 19, Carlson will be serving decorated sugar cookies that look like little hats.

 

Kaleidoscope Caravan to be at Geneseo Library Sept. 20

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Tom Chouteau and his Kaleidoscope Caravan will be at the Geneseo Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20.  The Kaleidoscope on wheels will be parked outside of the library and visitors are encouraged to stop by and experience a mirrored, kaleidoscope environment inside the colorful school bus.

    “My mission is to place kaleidoscopes and mirrored environments out in front of the public eye in the best way possible so that those who view them may have their lives enhanced and refreshed,” Chouteau said.

   Chouteau is a native of Davenport, Iowa, and has been creating kaleidoscopes for 30 years.  He has received numerous awards and has led dozens of workshops on the subject of kaleidoscope creation.

   Information from the Geneseo Library states, “People of all ages have been taught by Tom how kaleidoscopes are put together, what makes them work, and the many varieties of mirror tunnels and images that can be created.  Tom has taught after-school classes in the Iowa Quad Cities, has demonstrated at local organizations and clubs, and directed senior citizens and teen classes at area libraries.

   He purchased the bus, now the Kaleidoscope Caravan, from Midcoast Fine Arts in 2025 for $1. The 1985 Chery Thomas School Bus was converted by Midwest Fine Arts to be a First Fine Art experience for third graders of the Quad City Metro Area.  It was named “The Art-O-Mobile.”

   The agreement we made when I purchased it, was that I would use it for educational purposes,” Chouteau said.  “I worked on the Caravan in a sporadic way.  One year, I’d work on the brakes, the next year, installing mirrors, and, maybe the next, painting the exterior.  My whole challenge was to be able to take it to schools, campgrounds, fairs, and parties.  But now I’m starting to feel that, maybe, I should have it say in one place most of the time.  Have people come to visit, at least, until I’m able to really get the get-up very sound…kind of like the Wizard of Oz!”

    Information from the library also stated that the Kaleidoscope Caravan is for both adults and children.  Oftentimes, the adults must be coaxed to leave!  The interior is lit up with florescent black lights and painted details that kind of place you into an unfamiliar world.  Sort of like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland!”

   One of Chouteau’s creations, the Blue Note, is a large kaleidoscope located inside the Geneseo Public Library.  It has a secure stepladder for children to use to look through it. 

ADDED INFORMATION ABOUT KALEIDOSCOPES:

   A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument with two or more reflecting surfaces (or mirrors) tilted to each other at an angle, so that one or more (parts of) objects on one end of these mirrors are shown as a symmetrical pattern when viewed from the other end, due to repeated reflection.  These reflectors are usually enclosed in a tube, often containing on one end a cell with loose, colored pieces of glass or other transparent (and/or) opaque) materials to be reflected into the viewed pattern.  Rotation of the cell causes motion of the materials, resulting in an ever-changing view being presented.

   The kaleidoscope was invented by a Scottish scientist named Sir David Brewster.  In 1815, he was doing experiments with light and discovered how mirrors could create these repeating patterns.  Two years later, in 1817, he officially got a patent for his invention.

   Brewster’s first design was a simple tube.  It had pairs of mirrors at one end and clear disks at the other.  In between these, he placed small beads.  These beads were what created the colorful, shifting images.

   Brewster chose a skilled lens maker to be the only person to produce his new invention.  The kaleidoscope became a huge hit!  In just three months, over 200,000 kaleidoscopes were sold in London and Paris.  People loved them so much that Carpenter couldn’t make them fast enough.

   On May 17, 1818, Brewster allowed manufacturers to start making kaleidoscopes too, so more people could enjoy them.  Even though it was first meant to be a scientific tool, the kaleidoscope quickly became a popular toy.  Brewster had hoped to make a lot of money from his invention, but a small mistake in his patent application meant that others could easily copy his design without paying him.

Lil Leaf Cheerleaders Perform at GHS Football Game

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School varsity cheerleaders led the “Lil” cheerleaders through their performance at the Sept. 12 football game held at Bob Reade Football Field at GHS.  Photos by Claudia Loucks

   Blake Fritz, left; Grechyn Hintgen and Jensen Fritz were among the nearly 90 “Lil” cheerleaders, in kindergarten through fifth grade, who entertained football fans with the chants they learned at a recent Lil Leaf Cheer Clinic.   Their performance was held Friday night in conjunction with the Green Machine’s football game against Rock Island, when Geneseo dominated the night with both freshman and varsity wins. 

 

Next Step Vending Business in Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Jen and Kris Keegan are owners and operators of Next Step Vending.  There is no store front for their business, but they are located off Chicago St. in Geneseo, with business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Through Friday.   For more information, call the business at 309-945-7472.  Contributed Photo

Jen and Kris Keegan looked to the future when they opened Next Step Vending in Geneseo.

   The couple was looking ahead for their next step in life after retirement and that is how they chose their business name, Next Step.

   Next Step Vending is a business that specializes in Vending Machines, coffee stations, and open markets.  The Keegan couple bought into the Naturals 2 Go franchise utilizing a lot of their machines, and Kris Keegan added, “But we have access to all makes and models to fit anyone’s needs.”

   Owner Kris Keegan said, “Our machines are set up to the client’s needs and wants.  Our base machine is refrigerated and can carry up to 60 different products.  We can offer chips, candies, cold foods such as wedge-style sandwiches, and even sodas out of the same machine.”

   He added, “We are not tied to any specific brand of drink, we can offer any brand.  If they need peanut free, sugar free, or healthy options, we are able to fulfill their needs.”

   When asked why he started the business, Kris Keegan replied, “I was intrigued by the idea and looked to lower the life stress and escape the 9-5.”

   He hired a broker to locate small business ideas as he had been searching for passive incomes…”When this one came across my desk, it just seemed to fit,” he said.

   After initiating the business in August of last year, Kris and Jen Keegan went to Savannah, GA, for training in September, 2024, and Keegan added, “with the first machine hitting the ground just before the end of 2024.  We are adding machines to our fleet every month.”

   When asked, “What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome,” he answered, “As much as I like learning new things, learning a new industry was a little bit of a challenge.  But the one biggest hurdle was landing the supplier contacts to bring my products into the mainstream.  We have access to hundreds of different products and currently carry over 200 products in stock.”

   Next Step Vending is the Keegan’s second business.  In early 2024, they purchased an apartment building in Geneseo, “Next Step Rental Properties LLC.”

 

Native American Culture Program Sept. 12 at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


  Native American Indian Rudy Vallejo will share his Native American culture through song and dance at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Geneseo Public Library.  Weather permitting, Vallejo will put his tent up outside the library.

   Vallejo did not grow up with the Kickapoo tribe, but often visited his family there.  When he was nine years old, his grandfather gave him the Indian name, “Shoip-she-0wah-no,” which means “Vision of a Lion.”  The name is of Potawatomi origin, as is his tribe.  Kickapoo means “he who moves about.  Potawatomi means “people of the fire.”

   There are two other Kickapoo tribes in the U.S., the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.  There also are Kickapoo in Mexico, where Vallejo’s father was from.  His mother’s family was of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation from Kansas.

   Vallejo’s maternal grandmother and grandfather (of Kickapoo descent) were sent to boarding schools designed to “take the Indian out of the Indian” and given the western names of “Susie and Frank.”  Vallejo acknowledges the severe struggles encountered by Native children who were forced to abandon their culture and language and he thinks it’s important to “overcome those times and keep going.”

  Information from the Geneseo Library included: “Sharing native culture and history during events such as the one at the Geneseo Library allows Native Americans opportunities to do that.”

   Vallejo has been teaching the Eagle Dance to young and old for years in order to preserve and promote Native culture and history.  He treasures the memories of his grandmother…” My grandmother inspired me to follow in her footsteps and carry on the tradition of dancing, and we need to teach our young people these values and traditions before we pass away and they are lost forever.”

   The Eagle Dance is an honor dance traditionally performed in honor of the elders of the tribe.  Vallejo explained that real feathers are used in the dance, but are received from the National Eagle Repository in Colorado.  Because it is illegal to pick up Eagle feathers from the ground, native Americans can apply for them through the repository.

   “There are 12 feathers on an eagle’s tail,” Vallejo explained.  “The two middle feathers are the straightest. They are called the chief feathers.  The two feathers on the outside are known as the dance feathers.  These are the ones we wear on the dance roach when we perform the eagle dance.”

   “The remaining eight feathers stand for what Native Americans, and all Americans, should be,” he added.  “These traits are honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage, wisdom, power and lastly, majesty.”

  In order to prepare for the dance, Vallejo has to dress accordingly.  On his head, he wears a head roach:  which is a traditional headpiece fashioned of porcupine skin with red, white and blue feathers atop.  And he must abstain from consuming alcohol.  They must handle the eight eagle feathers with care so as not to drop them.  In the event that they drop a feather on the floor, the drum would stop playing and a veteran would pick it up and return it to the dancer.

   At one time, Vallejo said Indian tribes could trade eagle feathers for a horse.  His grandfather taught him how to clean eagle feathers by dipping them twice in a river.  Today, he still goes to the Mississippi River to clean the eagle feathers he owns.

   Members of federally recognized tribes are allowed to own eagle feathers because of their great cultural and religious significance.  However, even eligible Native Americans must get a permit to receive and own them.  They are allowed to wear, use, inherit, and give eagle feathers to other Native Americans, but they cannot give them to non-Natives.