Garden Club Outing July 21

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The next outing of the Geneseo Garden Club will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 21, at the gardens of Martha Smith at 110 E. Girard Ave. in Monmouth. Estimated travel time is about one hour from Geneseo.

Smith recently retired as the Horticulture Educator at the University of Illinois Extension in Milan. Her 32-year career history included educating the public in horticulture as well as participating in the Perennial Plant Association and American Conifer Society.

Anyone interested in carpooling is asked to “reply all” to the email they received as to whether they want to ride or drive, and those wanting to ride together will meet at the home of Lona Pribble.

 

Native Culture and History Program at Geneseo Library July 16

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Contributed Photo

  Kim Sigafus Melver, accomplished writer and speaker, will present a program on Native Culture and History at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   Information received from the Geneseo Library states: “Kim believes that education is an ongoing process for everyone, and she enjoys teaching curious listeners about her heritage.  She will be dressed in her native regalia and will give a history of natives in Illinois with a focus on native women, or what was considered ‘The Hidden Half’.”

   She has written non-fiction, children’s and young adult books and has traveled all over the Midwest to bring her native culture to life.

   Her family is from White Earth Reservation, located in the northwest corner of Minnesota, and her Ojibwa name is ”Bekaadiziikwe,” which means “quite woman.”

   She also sings and drums.

   The speaker will have an assortment of books she has written available to purchase when she presents the program at the  Geneseo Library.

 

Kathleen Roby Is Food Pantry Volunteer of the Month

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Kathleen Roby has been named “Volunteer of the Month” for July at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.  She has been volunteering at the Food Pantry for nine months, and assists guests in the food room and stocks shelves.

   Roby enjoys sewing and quilting, and she said the best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is helping staff and guests, and meeting new people.

   Her most memorable experience at the Food Pantry was when she had the privilege of helping a new guest with small children.  The guest was embarrassed for needing to ask for help, but Roby provided positive support and reassurance, and by the end of the visit, the individual felt more confident.

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all your help, Kathleen!”

 

Community Choir Concert Benefits Community Chest

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Lorrie Lord, at right, treasurer of the Community Choir of Geneseo; and Pam Edwards, in the center, Community Choir Director; presented a $1,000 check to Jenna Rushing, pictured at left, Community Chest treasurer.  Ms. Edwards said a mission of the Community Choir is to provide financial support to the Community Chest through the performance of an intergenerational ensemble.  The Community Choir presented a concert on June 25 in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall, and the theme was “HOPE.” 

 

Girl Scout Service Unit 886 Held Their 14th Annual Day Camp June 23-27

Submitted By: Jennifer Nelson
Girl Scout Service Unit 886 Director for Geneseo/Atkinson

Last week June 23-27 Girl Scout Service Unit 886 of Geneseo/Atkinson held their 14th annual Day Camp at Cole Cabin in Geneseo.  The week consisted of 92 Girl Scouts (age ranging from 1st-12th grades) and 35 Volunteers that are college age Girl Scouts, current GS leaders, and volunteers.  The theme was Creatures of the SEA (Science, Education, and Adventure).  Girls of all ages participated in cooking their own lunch using campfire or camp stoves, hiking, fishing at Izzak Walton, crafts, songs, games, learning new skills and swimming.

Depending on their age, in addition to all the other items listed, girls were also able to go kayaking on the Hennepin Canal, archery, biking, horseback riding, and camping overnight.  It was a full week packed full of fun and activity, even in the extreme heat!  Girls and volunteers will tell you "It's the best week of the summer and they look forward to camp every year." 

We couldn't hold this camp without all of our volunteers and community support.  We would like to thank Geneseo Community Chest, Cole Cabin Trustees, Izzak Walton League, Geneseo Kiwanis Club, Smith Art Studio, B&B, Tim Eastman, It's a Pleasure Horses, Indian Creek Mini Golf, Pinks and Geneseo Park District.

Abby Engli (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Adeline Rice (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Charlie Hessenkemper (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Left To Right: Elliot Mathew, Emerson Jansen, Millie Turner, Estes Pauley (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Madelin Arnold (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Violet Aune (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Pictured Left To Right: Dawn Bos, Hannah McGee, Rachel McGee, Lilah Thompson, Elaine Argo, Marissa Roush, Lulu McCallum, Grace Jacobs and Isabel Werner. (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

(Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

(Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

(Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Audrey Mance (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Caylee Straka (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Charlotte Young (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Lyla Gorman (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Ripley Hessenkemper and Charlotte Jones (Photo Submitted By Jennifer Nelson - Thank You!)

Ice Cream Social on July 8 to Benefit Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Linda VanDerLeest, left, holding “Tinsel Tail,” and Jamie DeSplinter with “Ely,” are hoping area residents join them at the upcoming Ice Cream Social from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, in Geneseo City Park.  All proceeds will benefit the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, which is in need of support to care for the high number of dogs, cats, and kittens making their home at the shelter.  VanDerLeest is president of the board of the HCHS Geneseo Shelter and DeSplinter is vice-president.  Donations also are appreciated and can be sent to Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, at 14606 Roos Hill Rd, Geneseo, IL 61254.  For more information about adoption, foster care, visitors, volunteers, and donating, contact the Geneseo Shelter at 309-944-4868.  Music will be provided by the Miracle Blue Grass Band.
Photos by Claudia Loucks

 

Results of Dean Olson Memorial Pedal Pull

Submitted By Diane Olson

Forty one 5- 10 year olds took part in the pedal pull at this year's Music Festival on Saturday afternoon.  The free event is sponsored by the Geneseo FFA in memory of Dean Olson who started the event and organized it for many years.  Trophies are donated by Steve Clementz, and Vern Mariman volunteers his retired auction truck and serves as announcer.  Pictures below feature the winners of each division.  FFA Members and the Music Festival Queen and court cheered on the participants and passed out trophies.  A good time was had by all.

Five and Six Year Old Results: 3rd place Kashen Rahmus, First place Cody Edlefson and 2nd place Beaux Puls

Resluts of Seven and Eight Year Olds:   2nd place Adalynn Rahmus, First Place Judd Steele, and third place Camille Wildermuth

Resulta of the Nine and Ten year olds: Second place Breckyn Granell, First Place Wyatt Edlefson, Third Place Akif Onder 

 

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.