By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Andrea Hogue, left, and Margaret Hitzhusen, board members of the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program, are in charge of the July 23 Ice Cream Social at Geneseo City Park.
Desserts and ice cream will be served, beginning at 6 p.m., with music by the QC’s Big
River Brass Band beginning at 7 p.m.
Dessert donations are needed for the ice cream social and anyone interested in donating a baked item or in making a monetary donation is asked to contact Hogue at 309-945-2537
The 40-member BRBB plays in the style of European brass bands and draws literature from classic crass band repertoire, and classical, jazz and pop arrangements.
Since 1960 the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program has arranged home stays and professional educational appointments in the Geneseo and surrounding areas, including the Quad Cities, for short term international visitors and students. The GITFP board also works with International House in Chicago to arrange for interested guests and pairs them with hosts in our communities.
The Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program returned last year with 10 guests, after a three-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic.
There is a need for host families for Nov. 27-Dec. 1 of this year. Questions and application information is available from Marcia Helke at 309-944-4486 or at gitfp60@gmail.com.
Andrea Hogue shared some comments about her family’s experience in hosting with the program and she said, “In our experience in the four times hosting, our family has made bonds that have lasted years with German, Chinese and Japanese students and young professionals. We hear from them regularly. It helped my kids understand the world is bigger than just us in our community.”
Margaret Hitzhusen added, “It gives us an opportunity to learn about other cultures and to showcase our wonderful community.”