Girl Scouts Celebrate Girl Scout Week

From Jennifer Nelson
Service Unit Director 886

Girl Scouts celebrated the beginning of Girl Scout Week, which runs from March 8th to 14th, with a Community Service event this past Sunday, March 8th. Each troop brought all the necessary supplies for their station, which then Girl Scouts used to create items for our community. We had 60 Girl Scouts and Volunteers from Service Unit 886 of Geneseo and Atkinson participate. Afterwards most of the Girl Scouts went to a planned event at the bowling alley to celebrate their hard work. 

We would like to thank all of those that help support Girl Scouts, including those in our community and the Geneseo Community Chest. 

What these girls completed during the event:
- 45 bus driver and crossing guard treat bags 
- 100 Kindness rocks 
- 120 cat toys and 50 dog treats for the Humane Society
- 200 thank you bags for local teachers
- 60 cards for dialysis patients 
- Oodles of bracelets to make people smile 
- 50 Placements for nursing homes 
- 50 appreciation snack packs and cards for first responders
- 120 seed bombs for Girl Scout camp

Paintings from RutabagA Members for WQPT Fundraiser

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

RutabagA Art Gallery members Joyce Mattan, left; and Sharon Michaelsen, are shown with the paintings to be donated to the WQPT Public Broadcasting Fundraising Auction that begins Sunday, March 15, at WQPT’s Facebook Page.  
In addition to Mattan and Michaelsen, both Karen Vroman and Les Hoste also did paintings for the upcoming fundraiser.  Contributed Photo

Art Work by Sharon Michaelsen Featured at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Sharon Michaelsen. Contributed Photo

Geneseo artist Sharon Michaelsen is shown by some of her pastel paintings that currently are on display at the Geneseo Public Library.  The collection showcases historical locations she painted after traveling in Greece. The paintings are offered for sale and more information is available by contacting Michaelsen at 309-944-4580. 


 

Community Choir Concert is June 24

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Community Choir of Geneseo will celebrate their 18th annual concert, entitled, “American Tapestry-Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday,” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall.

   The Community Choir includes those people entering eighth grade and older adults.  Rehearsals are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, beginning Wednesday, May 27, and continuing through June 17 in the GHS Concert Hall.

   Repertoire includes “Blowin in the Wind”, “Tell My Father”, “The Gift to be Simple”, and “Beautiful City.”

   Anyone interested in singing is asked to contact Pam Edwards, Community Choir Director, at 309-944-7380 or email (singplay53@gmail.com) by Saturday, May 2.

   Students entering grades 4-7 are invited to sing in the Children’s Choir, and they will rehearse June 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24.  Registration forms are available through the Geneseo elementary and middle school choir instructors, or by contacting Pam Edwards.  Deadline to register for the Children’s Choir is Friday, May 8.  Repertoire includes “Mississippi”, “Everyday People” and “50 Nifty United States.”

  Combined choirs will sing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “This Land is Your Land” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”


 

Chamber Kicks Off 2026 with Networking Event at Central Schoolhouse Inn

Chamber President Jenna Rushing welcomes businesses and speaks about the Chamber’s 2026 priorities. Photo by Sarah DeMaranville

by Sarah DeMaranville

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce hosted its first networking event of 2026 on Friday, February 27, at Central Schoolhouse Inn, bringing together approximately 40 local businesses for an evening of updates and networking.

Chamber board members were present as President Jenna Rushing of Hanford Insurance shared the Chamber’s direction and priorities for 2026. Rushing summarized upcoming initiatives and focus areas intended to support and strengthen the local business community in the year ahead.

Business owner Katie Katsunis (Pegasus & Four Seasons) shares information on the new gift card roll-out. Photo by Sarah DeMaranville

Katie Katsunis, owner of Four Seasons and Pegasus, introduced the Chamber’s new gift card program. The program replaces traditional check-style gift certificates with an updated system designed to streamline transactions and modernize how Chamber gift cards are issued and redeemed among participating businesses.

The evening provided business owners and community leaders an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and gain insight into what’s ahead for the Chamber in 2026. The Chamber plans to host quarterly networking meetings throughout the year, with events taking place at various area businesses.

For information on Chamber of Commerce membership and benefits, visit geneseo.org.

Delivery Day to Dress for Success of the Quad Cities

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kim Schwarzkopf, left, and Bethany Winkleman

It was “delivery day” to Dress for Success of the Quad Cities when Kim Schwarzkopf and Bethany Winkleman finished packing the items that were collected for the not-for-profit support system. 

  Winkleman’s State Farm Insurance office, at 113 South State St. in downtown Geneseo, has been the drop-off point for the last two months for new or gently-used business attire clothing items, purses, and shoes for women only.  Dress for Success is a not-for-profit that provides career coaching, professional clothing and a support network to help Quad City and surrounding area women thrive in work and in life.

   Winkleman said this year’s donations were consistent, as they have been in the last four years that she has sponsored the clothing drive…”Even though I grew up in this community, it still amazes me at how generous the people are that live in Geneseo,” she added.

   Winkleman is the owner of Bethany Winkleman State Farm office in downtown Geneseo, and Schwarzkopf owns and operates A Spotted Apron, located at 12727 Wolf Road, Geneseo. 
Photo by Claudia Loucks