Cookie Walks, Meal Sites and Warming Stations at Geneseo’s Christmas Walk

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Janet VanDerSchaaf

   Janet VanDerSchaaf, representing the Lightkeepers Ministry at Kingswood Church in Geneseo, will be helping serve the meal from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church during Geneseo’s Christmas Walk festivities on Saturday, Dec. 13.  The church is located at 302 North State St., and the menu includes Chili, hot dogs, chips, cookies and beverages, and monetary donations are accepted. 

ADDITIONAL COOKIE WALKS, MEAL SITES AND WARMING SITES ON DEC. 13:

  10 a.m. -noon – Cookie Walk Fundraiser, First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St.
  2 – 4 p.m. - Geneseo Girl Scouts Bake Sale, South State St., in front of Smith Studio & Gallery, 124 South State St.
  3 -7 p.m. – Cookie Walk planned by Concordia Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in Fellowship Hall of the church, to support the group’s mission projects.  Also, from 3 to 7 p.m., Chili, Baked Potato Supper from 3 to 7 p.m. to support Concordia Lutheran Academy.
  3:30 – 5 p.m. – Lighted Parade Staging, Grace United Methodist Church at 318 North Center.
4 – 8 p.m. – Warming Station:  Geneseo Chamber Info Center and Christmas Card Stamping, Hanford Insurance Agency at 119 South State.
4 p.m. – Warming Station:  Free Hot Chocolate – Geneseo Evangelical Free Church, at intersection of State and First Sts.
4 p.m. – Warming Station: Free Hot Apple Cider and Hot Cocoa, First Baptist Church at intersection of State and Second Sts.
4 –7 p.m. – Meal Site:  Chili, hot dogs, chips, cookies and a beverage, Kingswood Church, 302 North State, and monetary donations accepted.
4-7 p.m. – Meal Site:  Christmas Walk Pasta Dinner at First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St.; $7 for 10 years and older, $4 for children under 10.
4 –7 p.m. – Meal Site:  Chicken Dinner, open to the public, $12 to $16 per person, Geneseo Moose Lodge, 1025 South State St., A TROLLEY STOP.
5 p.m. – Warming Station:  American Family Insurance, Michele Weber-Enck Agency, 229 South State St.

 

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."

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

 

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. 

 

Online Health Literacy Session Offered by Library on Nov. 12

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   If you are a senior citizen in need of assistance of going online “safely” to obtain good health information, the Geneseo Public Library can help.  A 90-minute session, presented by Western Illinois University, will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

   Information from the Library states: “Instructors form Western will focus on teaching the basic online health literacy skills.  They’ll discuss the basic ideas of online health literacy, which online resources on health topics are safe to access, which online support groups you can access for health issues, and how to access your own personal health records.”

   The 90-minute session is free to the public, but spots are limited for in-person training, so anyone interested is asked to call the library at 309-944-6452.  Participants will be allowed to access a library computer after the class to put their skills to the test.

Women’s Health Series Program is Wednesday, Nov. 19

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Theresa Klotz, left, and Jan Sellman, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Women’s Health Committee; invite area women to the Wednesday, Nov. 19, program of the Women’s Health Series, sponsored by the Hospital Foundation Community Benefits Committee.  The program is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Geneseo Community Center Activity Room 541 East North St., Geneseo. 

Allision David, DC, ATC, CCSP at Hammond-Henry Hospital, Chiropractic Clinic, will present the program on “Chiropractic Care and Dry Needling.”  Cost of the lunch is $12, payable at the door on Nov. 19.  Reservations are recommended by Wednesday, Nov. 12, and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com.   Photo by Claudia Loucks

Hammond-Henry’s Cardiac Rehab Department Celebrates 25 Years of Service to the Community

Geneseo, IL - Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Department is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an Open House on Tuesday, November 18 from 2 to 4 pm in the Geneseo’s hospital dining room. Guided tours of the Cardiac Rehab Department will be conducted, and past and present Cardiac Rehab staff will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be served, and all interested are invited and welcome to attend.

Past and present Hammond-Henry Hospital Cardiac Rehab patients are especially encouraged to attend and also tell their story in advance of the event. Story cards are available now to fill out at the Cardiac Rehab desk, and all submissions will be placed on the Cardiac Rehab story wall.

“Our patients are always part of our Cardiac Rehab family, and we would love to see past and present patients and their families at our celebration. We would also love to see community members who have an interest in our program,” said Brandi Catton, CRT, RCP, HHH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Sleep Lab Supervisor.  “We are so grateful for the community support that started our program 25 years ago and those who support it today.”

Catton further noted that Cardiac Rehab’s focus has always been on the patients. “There are often anxious feelings associated with cardiac events that lead patients to our program. We work closely with our medical directors and the referring provider to support the patient through a difficult time,” she added. “Besides monitoring patients during exercise, our experienced team also concentrates on education to help patients better manage their cardiac risk factors and help them feel more confident in advocating for themselves. We want patients in our program to feel heard. We want them to know we are on this journey with them, and we care about their outcomes.” 

Currently, Cardiac Rehab is located on the hospital’s Second Floor, adjacent to Physical Therapy. This location allows the Cardiac Rehab team to work in an interdisciplinary fashion. “Our patients benefit greatly from the many service lines that our Rehab Department offers. With the expanded space, we have been able to add multiple pieces of equipment,” Catton said. “In 2023, we upgraded our Cardiac Rehab system. Some of the advancements included continuous pulse oximetry monitoring when needed, electronic signatures capability for our staff and medical directors, and the most up-to-date software available to allow us to monitor up to 10 patients at one time. 

“Our community has supported our program, and much of our upgrades are due to funds raised by the Hammond-Henry Foundation and Auxiliary and by generous donations from patients and their families,” she added.

In addition to guided tours, refreshments, give-aways, and time spent reading the story wall, Catton anticipates offering the public a favorite heart-healthy treat from our HHH Dietitian Marcia Wirth plus several recipes to take home. 

Past Cardiac Rehab patients attending the event will receive a special sticker. For more information about the event, call 309.944.9169 or 309.944.9153. Hammond-Henry Hospital is located at 600 N. College Avenue, Geneseo

Richmond Hill Players Conclude Season with Holiday Comedy Opening Nov. 13

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Tom Akers, left, as Sherlock Holmes, with Jackie Skiles as Martha, and Jason Schaad as Dr. Timothy Cratchit, try to deduce who might be the owner of a lost hat in “A Sherlock Carol,” the holiday comedy opening Nov. 13 at Richmond Hill Barn Theatre.  Contributed Photo

  Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Players conclude their 2025 season with “A Sherlock Carol,” a holiday comedy by Mark Shanahan.  

   The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 13-23, in the Barn Theatre at Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo. 

   Joe DePauw, Geneseo, directs the play.

ABOUT THE PLAY

   The play is described in a press release as “a festive literary mash-up with surprises around every corner.”

   Moriarity is dead and Sherlock Holmes is depressed.  Without his number one adversary, what’s the point of it all?  But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the mysterious death of his benefactor, Ebenezer Scrooge, the game is afoot.  This charming reimagining of two of the most beloved literary characters is a “Dickens” of a yuletide detective story.  Six actors transform into multiple characters before the audience’s eyes in a playful, clever, and joyous holiday comedy that is “elementary” as a festive outing sure to delight audiences of all ages.

   The cast features Tom Akers, Cambridge; Glenn Kluge, Jason Schaad and Jackie Skiles, all of Geneseo; Samuel Carrington, Galesburg; and Amanda Wilson, New Windsor.

   The staff includes stage manager Elizabeth Shaffer, Moline; stage crew Sally Hamer, costumer Suzanne Rakestraw; light and sound designer Jennifer Kingry; light and sound operator Dana Skiles; set builder Mike Skiles, all of Geneseo; and set builder Jim Skiles, Colona.

   On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Sunday shows are 3 p.m. matinees with the doors opening at 2 p.m. 

   Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244 or by visiting the website rhplayers.com.

   Late seating is not permitted; no one will be admitted to the theater after the show has started. 

   Admission to all performances is $12.

   An audio description performance will be Friday, Nov. 14.  Richmond Hill also offers Assistive Listening devices (ALDS), which can be requested at the time reservations are made.

   ABOUT:  RICHMOND HILL PLAYERS - a non-profit community theater group presenting plays in the converted top floor of an old dairy barn in Geneseo since 1968.  Approximately 100 active members are involved on and off-stage each year, with actors, directors, backstage personnel, support staffs, and audience drawn from a 75-100 -mile radius that includes cities in both Illinois and Iowa

 

Learn More About the Life of Audrey Hepburn on Nov. 6 at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Anyone who is an Audrey Hepburn fan will be able to learn more about her life at a 2 p.m. program on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Geneseo Public Library.

     The program will be presented by Leslie Goddard, historian and author who writes and lectures on American cultural history with particular expertise in women’s history.  She has a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a M.A. in Museum Studies. 

   At the Nov. 6 program, Goddard will delve into the multi-faced actress’s life and struggles through her portrayal of one of Audrey Hepburn’s most well-known roles.

   Facts that one may not know about Audrey Hepburn:

  -That she trained as a classical ballet dancer, and she had a deep passion for the art, but her dream of becoming a professional prima ballerina was curtailed by severe malnutrition and other factors during World War II, as well as physical limitations like her height.  Her intensive ballet training, however, profoundly influenced her grace, poise, and expressiveness, which became trademarks of her successful career.

  -That she was 31 years old when she portrayed Holly Golightly, a 19-year-old.
  -That Shirley McLaine turned down the role in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
  -Her first son was born in July 1950; “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” came out in 1961.

  -Her salary for the film was $750,000 (roughly equivalent to $7.3 million as of 2022), making her the highest paid actress per film at the time.
  -She called herself an introvert, saying she preferred to be alone often.
  -She had big feet; she wore size 10 shoe!
  -Her parents split up when she was six, and her father’s departure had a huge impact on her with respect to relationships with men.  (She was married twice).
  -Her real name was Audrey Kathleen Ruston; didn’t start using Hepburn until 1948.  (Her father, Joseph Ruston, changed the family name to Hepburn-Ruston).

 

With Heartfelt Gratitude to Our Community

As we reflect on the recent 50th Anniversary “Paws for the Cause” Gala, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the incredible love and support shown by the Geneseo community and beyond.

For fifty years, this community has been the heartbeat of our mission. Your generosity, kindness, and belief in our work is the reason we are able to rescue, protect, and love animals in need, and why second chances will continue for years to come.

To every business, organization, and individual who donated auction items or contributed monetary gifts toward baskets and event needs, thank you. Because of you, wagging tails, healing hearts, and new adoption stories are already beginning.

Every contribution, whether a handcrafted item, meaningful experience, essential service, sponsorship, or financial gift, was deeply felt. The success of this event was a powerful reminder that this community leads with compassion and always shows up when it matters most, proving once again that our community has a heart like no other.

Your support was seen. It was celebrated. And it will make a real and lasting impact!

With sincere appreciation The Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers

Scarecrow Row in Geneseo a ‘Huge Success’

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current



    Geneseo’s Scarecrow Row made its debut in 2020, and the Halloween event continues to draw crowds of people, young and old, to City Park, just days prior to the official date of Halloween on Oct. 31.  This year’s event was held Saturday, Oct. 25, and included a “Howl-O-Ween” Doggie Costume Pageant.

   Scarecrow Row is sponsored by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and the “Howl-O-Ween” Doggie Pageant was sponsored in partnership with the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter.

   The Scarecrow Row display featured 90 scarecrows, designed and created by local businesses, organizations, and families.  Participants handed out candy to children who were trick-or-treating in the park Saturday morning.

  Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, said, approximately 4,000 people attended this year’s event, and he added, “We have had about 80 scarecrow displays in each of the last two years, and with 90 this year, we are encouraged by the number of participants.

   There were 35 dogs in the Howl-O-Ween Doggie Costume Pageant, and Sullivan commented, “We would have been happy with 10 (dogs), so we were thrilled with the turnout.”

   The doggie pageant was described as an “on-sight” fundraiser for the HCHS- Geneseo Shelter and participating dogs were awarded treats.

   Sullivan said the Geneseo Chamber is thrilled with the success of this year’s event, “and we are planning ahead for the 2026 Scarecrow Row.”

   He added, “David Smith of Smith Studio and Gallery in downtown Geneseo, is a driving force behind the event and I am very appreciative of his support.”

   First, second and third place prizes were awarded to the top three scarecrow displays, and each winner received a Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate.

“Our First Responders Deserve Some Fun,” was the theme of the second-place winner in the Scarecrow Row display held Oct. 25 in Geneseo City Park.  The display was created by the Bob and Jan Sellman family.  Contributed Photo

THE WINNERS:

  -First place -Girl Scout Troop 2930 with a theme of “Sally S’More,” received a $150 Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate.

  -Second place – Jan Sellman (family) with a theme of “Our First Responders Deserve Some Fun,” received a $100 Chamber Gift Certificate.

  -Third place – DeFauw Family with a theme of “Mickey and Minnie Mouse,” received a $50 Chamber Gift Certificate.

 

STEAM on Wheels Bus at Library Nov. 1

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Attention students ages 7-12!  The STEAM on Wheels bus will be at the Geneseo Public Library at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. 

   Information received from the library staff states:  Students ages 7 to 12 are encouraged to visit the Geneseo Public Library for a non-traditional-and entertaining hour of hands-on activities that could include laser-cut art projects, creative building challenges using tools like 3D pens, or working with large collaborative puzzles.  The activities are designed to spark curiosity creativity and problem-solving.

   STEAM on Wheels is a volunteer-based non-profit where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics meet with art to form a unique experience that enriches students and helps them learn concepts in a joyful environment.  Their goal is to provide students with learning opportunities that may not be available in a traditional classroom.  They do this by exposing students to educational science experiments, hands-on projects, and interactions with volunteers in the STEAM field.

   They believe that through hands-on activities they can “teach students by example” and reinforce concepts and enable long-term retention.  They try to uplift underprivileged students through outreach and scholarship programs.

   STEAM On Wheels founder and Executive Director Samuel McCullum said, “At STEAM On Wheels, we are dedicated to introducing children to engaging subject matter that will one day encourage them to become inventors, scientists, innovators and future leaders.  Many students are not able to find the motivation to pursue further study in their regular education -particularly outside of the usual pathways.  We hope to change the thinking of young people to open up greater possibilities and let them know how much power and influence they can cultivate through education and application of knowledge.”

   “Our vision is to bring courage and innovation to every participant worldwide, allowing them to become the next pacesetters and visionaries who are able to stand out among their peers in the 21st century marketplace.  We hope to change the thinking of young people to open up greater possibilities and let them know how much power and influence they can cultivate through education and application of knowledge.”

   McCullum has a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology and a Master’s Degree in Community and Economic Development.

 

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.”