RutabagA Window Display Honors Two Late Members

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The north window at RutabagA Art Studio, 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo, features an exhibit of work created by two late members – paintings done by Shirley Burnett and wood word by Warren Hadley.  Joyce Matten, at left, holds a lidded vessel that was turned by Hadley, who passed away earlier this year; and Sue Elliott, shows an oil painting done by Burnett, who died in late 2024.  Current RutabagA members want to honor the two late RutabagA Lifetime members with the window display through June.

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Applications Being Accepted for Geneseo Woman’s Club Scholarship in Honor of the Late Patti McNaught

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The Geneseo Woman’s Club is offering a scholarship in honor of the late Patti McNaught, who was a 50-year member of the Woman’s Club before her death in 2022.

   Applications are being accepted for the $500 scholarship to be used to help pay for college expenses.  Applicants will need to provide proof that they are a graduate of Geneseo High School, currently enrolled in a college or university where their major is music education, and that they have completed at least two years.   The scholarship will be awarded directly to the recipient in the form of a check from the Geneseo Woman’s Club.  Application deadline is July 1 and those students who qualify may apply through this link: 

https://forms.gle/Bk4dWtHcvpvDdcqQ7

   The late Patti McNaught was involved with music in Geneseo from 1969 until her death in 2022.  She taught elementary music at Millikin Elementary School, accompanied the junior high and middle school choirs, taught piano lessons for more than 40 years, and accompanied many students for solo and ensemble contests. 

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RutabagA Window Features Art Work Done by Sharon Michaelsen

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Sharon Michaelsen, president of Geneseo Rutabaga Art Gallery, shows two of her paintings that are included in the current window display at the gallery, 108 North State St.  in downtown Geneseo.  The window exhibit features her art work done after her travels to France and Greece, and includes the American Cemetery of Omaha Beach (Normandy) and a pastel painting of the home of her maternal grandfather who was born in the ancient mountain village of Prestos in Greece.   In commenting about her art from form her memories of the trip, she said, “The experiences I had are in my heart forever.”   The RutabagA Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.   Claudia Loucks Photo

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Garden Club to Meet June 16th at City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, June 16, at the South Center Street shelter in Geneseo City Park. 

   Geneseo artist Sheila Wigant-McGee will take the group on a tour of the park, and provide information on those sculptures in the park which she created.

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Glass Butterflies at the Library's Butterfly Garden

The Geneseo Art League made fused glass butterflies for the Geneseo LIbrary's new butterfly garden. They were delivered to Claire Crawford at the library this morning by Art League president Marie Skiles.

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Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast June 15 at Gen-Air Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Kent Johnson, left, and Scott Durian are shown by a 1941 J-3 Piper Cub,which will be on display at the annual Father’s Day Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast at Gen-Air Park on Sunday, June 15.  Serving will be from 7 to 11 a.m. and Gen-Air Park is located two miles east of Geneseo.   Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.  The event will feature demonstrations, Young Eagle flights, aircraft on display and flying-in to the airport.  For more information, call 309-912-0437 or 218-464-7340. 

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Lunch Box Program for Area Youth Underway in Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Linda Flatt is director of the “Lunch Box” summer food program for children in Geneseo.  A nutritious sack lunch is served to young people from ages four to 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  The program began June 2 and will conclude on Friday, Aug. 8, at the Geneseo Community Center, 541 East North St.  Entrance to the lunch site should be made through the door on the west side of the building.  “There is no need for kids to sign up in advance, we just want them to show up,” Linda Flatt said.  In an effort to eliminate “food shaming,” all young people in the community are welcome.  The program is funded with local grant money.  For questions call 309-945-3600.    Photo by Claudia Loucks

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Donna McKinley is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Donna McKinley has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.  She has been volunteering at Food Pantry for about 15 years, where she assists guests in the food room and helps sort donations in the clothing room.

   She and her husband, John, have four children, four grandchildren, and two cats, and she enjoys doing crafts, gardening, and organizing. 

   McKinley said the best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is the people she gets to help and work with, and she shared that the most memorable experience at the Food Pantry is about how busy it can get, especially during the holidays.

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all you do at the Food Pantry Donna!”

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Concordia Lutheran Academy Annual Fundraiser Features Raffle Prize Recreated by CLA Students

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Elementary students at the Concordia Lutheran Academy (CLA) in Geneseo, from left, Molly Prochaska, Michaiah Mueller, Emmett Glazier, Charlotte Prochaska, Logan Akers, Gideon Mueller and Ethan VanAntwerp, have “recreated” the “Starry Night” painting by Vincent van Gogh.  The “masterpiece” will be included in the raffle items at the CLA’s third annual Golf Fundraiser on June 21, at Valley View, 0701 Illinois Highway 82, Cambridge.  Cost to play is $160 for two players, golf cart, lunch and swag bag.  There will be a chance at winning $10,000 for a Hole-In-One.   Scan the attached QR code to register or call 309-944-3993.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

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Hospital Auxiliary Ice Cream Social is June 5

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathleen VanDeRostyne, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary volunteer/auxiliary supervisor; Lisa Farrell and Linda VanDerLeest, Auxiliary members and ice cream social co-chairs; will be helping at the group’s annual ice cream social on Thursday, June 5, in Geneseo City Park.  Sandwiches, chips, a variety of pies and cakes, along with ice cream and beverages will be served, beginning at 5 p.m.  This year’s scholarship recipients will be introduced at 6:25 p.m. at the ice cream social.   The Miracle Blue Grass Band will provide music for dancing and listening, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Proceeds from the social benefit the Auxiliary’s Health Career Scholarship Fund.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

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Memorial Day Service May 26 in Geneseo City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The VFW Program planned for Monday, May 26, in Geneseo City Park will begin at 9:30 a.m. with music by members of the Geneseo Middle School Band.  Speakers are scheduled at 10 a.m. 

   Dr. Cynthia (Borkgren) Abraham, formerly of Geneseo, who now lives in Wisconsin, and is a practicing veterinarian, will be the featured speaker.  She served in the U.S. Army, as a Lieutenant Colonel, retiring in 2024. 

    Steve Laleman also will provide updated information about the Geneseo Aisle of
Flags.

   There will be a “by donation” pork chop lunch served after the ceremony and veterans will eat at no charge.  In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Geneseo High School Performing Ars Center. 

   The annual Memorial Day ceremony is sponsored by the Don Cherry VFW, VFW Auxiliary, and the Aisle of Flags.

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Girl Scout Junior Troop Earns Bronze Award

Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Girl Scout Junior Troop 2435 earned their Bronze Award on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.  Fourteen girls were honored with this award, the third highest award a Girl Scout can earn, by creating eighteen fidget blankets for the Memory Care patients at Liberty Village, Geneseo.  The girls designed the blankets, hand sewed the items, and finally machine stitched the entire project together, spending 20 hours each to complete their award.  The girls fundraised for their project by holding a bake sale during the Geneseo Christmas Walk in December.

The girls who were honored with this award are: 

Kendall Murphy, Aubree Straka, Eloise McCallum, Caylee Straka, Mary Bevan, Lilah Thompson, Abby Egli, Georgia Maddox, Rachel McGee, Gracie Jacobs, Lilly Sisson, Sophia Pollock, Marissa Roush, and Isabel Werner

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GEF Provides Lunches for Staff at Geneseo Schools

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The Geneseo Education Foundation recognized Geneseo School District 228 employees and Henry-Stark employees by recently delivering lunches to all schools in the district.

   Representatives of the GEF delivered a total of 282 sack lunches, prepared by Gary’s Deli, Geneseo.

   According to GEF director Sharon Neumann, “The gesture is a way to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of these educators during Teacher Appreciation Week and to give back to the community.  Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, (Central Bank, Farmers Bank and Hanford Insurance) it is a win-win for everyone involved, and a reminder of the importance of supporting our local schools and educators.”

   The Geneseo Education Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation, was established to solicit and receive gift bequests and grants to complement, enrich, and enhance the educational opportunities and experiences for students of the Geneseo School District beyond existing tax support.

   For more information about GEF, and supporting its mission, visit http://www.geneseoeducation.com or contact Neumann at geneseoeducation1@gmail.com or call 309-944-5522.

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Bishop Hill Heritage Acting Troupe at Geneseo Library on May 28

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The Bishop Hill Heritage Acting Troupe is on the move again!  Those 1850 Swedish Colonists, after being on the ocean in a tall ship, then Erie Canal Boats, are now walking from Chicago to their new home in Communal Bishop Hill, Illinois.

Submitted Photo

   Many experiences take place along the way with these Swedes.  They haven’t mastered the English Language, so who knows what they’ll say!  What will their jobs be in the newly-settled village?  Will cholera find their trail?  Has Brita weakened and fallen for Swen’s romantic ways?  Will Anna, at last, find that sought-after husband?

   Those answers and more when those lively Swedish maids land at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at the Geneseo Public Library.

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Pioneer Day 2025 for Geneseo Southwest Third Graders

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

    Three classes of Southwest Grade School third graders had a lesson in history, but not from textbooks.  

   A Pioneer Day was planned by Southwest third grade teachers Michelle Craig, Jacque Kelly, and Tyann Hintgen to offer their students a peek at what life was like at the turn of the century.  The “lesson” included a trip to the home of Linda Flatt and her husband, the late Steve Flatt, then to City Park for lunch before a going to Central Theater for a showing of the movie “Little House on the Prairie.”

Southwest School third graders Kendall Galloway and Claire Ptak get a lesson in playing jacks from Lindsey Henry.

   Students and teachers were dressed in “pioneer” clothing for their outing.

   At the Flatt home, boys and girls were able to take part in living like pioneers and spent time visiting different stations where they participated in activities that included spinning and carding wool, making music on homemade instruments, churning butter and cooking on a wood stove, school room using slates, kneading bread and grinding wheat, churning ice cream and then tasting, laundry using wash boards, hair braiding, shaving, gardening, quilting, games and more.

   According to the three teachers, the students learned what it was like to work in a pioneer kitchen and thoroughly enjoyed pretending to make baked goods and pumping water from a hand pump.

  After completing a mini-unit on Pioneers and the Westward Expansion, students were able to experience life as a pioneer.

Janelle Minneart is photographed showing third graders Grace Pettie, left, Admire Smith and Novaya Burk how the pioneers did their laundry

Caroline Gramling and Ellie Lenth, both in third grade at Southwest School, are learning how to quilt at the recent Pioneer Day held at the home of Linda Flatt in Geneseo.

Retired Southwest third grade teacher Shawn King, volunteered at the Pioneer Day and is photographed showing Kamdon Bullock, Akif Onder, Dominic Kleckner and Griffin Newton how to church butter. 

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Bees at Work on Hydrant in North City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Walkers in North City Park may want to be a bit cautious as the hydrant at the northwest corner of the park has some new residents.  A group of bees has constructed their hive on the hydrant.  The area has been marked off with yellow caution tape and includes a sign that reads “Bees at Work.”  Photos by Claudia Loucks

Richmond Hill Players Auditions May 17-18

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Richmond Hill Players will hold auditions for the last three shows of their 2025 season from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17; and from 4 to 6 p.m.  on Sunday, May 18, at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo.  Those interested in auditioning need to attend only one day.

   Auditions are being conducted for “Marjorie Prime,” a drama by Jordan Harrison, directed by Jennifer Kingry, with the show running weekends (Thursday through Sunday) Aug. 14-24; “The Woman in Black,” a mystery by Stephen Mallatratt, based on the novel by Susan Hill, directed by Dana Skiles, show running in Oct. 2-12; and “A Sherlock Carol,” a comedy by Mark Shanahan, directed by Joe DePauw, show running Nov. 13-23.

   Roles are available for eight adult males and five adult females.  For more detailed information about the shows and auditions visit the Richmond Hill Players’ website at www.rhplayers.com.  Questions may be directed by email to info@rhplayers.com or left at 309-944-2244. 

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Bible School is Back at Grace Church

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Claire Rushing, at right, daughter of Robbie and Jenna Rushing, are among the children who will attend this year’s Vacation Bible School at Grace United Methodist Church, 318 North Center St., Geneseo.  Molly Hamer, at left, is the director of this year’s Bible School program, which will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 9, through Friday, June 13.  Theme for the week is an Alaskan Adventure - “True North, Trusting Jesus in a wild world.”  In addition to the Bible stories, there will be science experiments, music, games and snacks.  There is no cost to attend Bible School which is open to all area children, with one section open to preschool children ages 3-5 and a second section for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade.   Registration is available online at https://geneseograce.com/vbs/ or by obtaining a registration form at the church office, or by using the attached QR code; and volunteers also may sign up to help at Bible School through one of the previous listed options.   Photo by Claudia Loucks

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Lisa Schaefer is Food Pantry Volunteer of the Month

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Lisa Schaefer has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry for the month of May.  She has been a volunteer for eight months at the food pantry, where she restocks shelves and helps guests shop in the food room.

   Schaefer has two granddaughters and three grandsons.  She enjoys gardening, Genealogy, reading and crossword puzzles.

   When asked what she considers to be the best thing about volunteering, she said, ”getting to meet guests, and it’s even better when you can improve their day!”

   Her most memorable experience of volunteering is “unloading 1,000 pounds of chicken legs into the freezers.”

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all you do, Lisa!”

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From Bright Beginnings Preschool to the GHS Class of 2025

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo High School Class of 2025 includes alumni of the Geneseo Park District’s Bright Beginnings Preschool.  They are, in front from left, Mia Schmidt, Avery Snook, Dylan Snell, Hope Kuster, Allison Wille; and in back, Kendall Ellerbrock, Carter Eastburn, Avery Catour and Nathan Stees.  The message from Park District staff – “We’re bursting with pride as we cheer on all the graduates – especially our amazing Geneseo Park District Bright Beginnings Preschool alumni!  From tiny footsteps to big dreams, you’ve come so far.  Here’s to your next adventure!”  Contributed Photo

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