Mother's Day and it's Pop Culture Roots

Geneseo Current

Mother’s Day, as celebrated in the United States, traces its roots to the early 20th century. Though the concept of honoring mothers dates back to ancient civilizations, the American version of the holiday was largely shaped by the efforts of Anna Jarvis. Following her mother’s death in 1905, Jarvis sought to create a day of recognition for the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Her campaign gained national attention, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

The original intent of Mother’s Day was deeply personal and sentimental. Jarvis envisioned a quiet, reflective holiday focused on expressing love and gratitude toward one’s mother, often symbolized by white carnations—her mother’s favorite flower. Ironically, as the holiday gained popularity, it became increasingly commercialized, with businesses capitalizing on the tradition by promoting cards, flowers, and gifts. This commercialization eventually frustrated Jarvis, who spent her later years denouncing what she saw as a distortion of her original vision.

Despite the shift in tone, Mother’s Day remains a widely celebrated holiday in the United States. Modern celebrations vary greatly, but typically include giving gifts, preparing meals, or spending quality time with mothers and maternal figures. Florists report some of their highest sales during this time, and restaurants often experience a surge in reservations for Mother’s Day brunches and dinners.

In addition to traditional celebrations, many schools and community organizations host special events in the lead-up to Mother’s Day. Children often create handmade cards or crafts, while churches and community centers may hold services or gatherings to honor mothers. Social media has also played a role in how people now observe the day, with tributes, photographs, and messages flooding platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Mother’s Day in the U.S. has evolved from a humble movement of personal appreciation to a major national celebration. While its commercial aspects are now entrenched in popular culture, the underlying message of honoring and appreciating mothers endures. Whether through heartfelt notes, family meals, or acts of service, the day remains an important occasion for expressing love and gratitude toward those who nurture and care for others.

Winners in RutabagA’s Third Fine Art Exhibit

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Karen Vroman, Erie, received Honorable Mention for her “Chickens in the Cornfield” entry in RutabagA’s Second Fine Art Exhibit held May 4 at The Cellar, Geneseo.   Entries in the exhibit are on display through May 28 at RutabagA Art Gallery & Studio at 108 North State St., downtown Geneseo.  The Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Additional entries also are on display at The Cellar Restaurant in downtown Geneseo during their regular hours which are Wednesday through Sunday.  There were 97 entries in this year’s competition.  Tom Hempel, art instructor at Black Hawk College in Moline, judged the entries.

   Sunny Roberts, Seaton, captured Honorable Mention II for her entry, “Milky Way at Midnight.”

   Jackson Parchert, Rock Island, left; was awarded Youth Honorable Mention I for his entry, “The Blessing of Davion,” in the Fine Art Exhibit; and Joyce Mattan, Geneseo, also received Honorable Mention 1 for her entry, “Moon Over the Barn.”

Marinn Cisna, at right; Galva, received Best of Show with her entry titled “Bringing Her Home;” Lexi Gordon, Geneseo, won third place which is the Dick Carlson Memorial Award, for her entry, “Still Life;” and Aryanna Stahr, Andalusia, was awarded Youth Excellence II, for “Made in U.S.A.” 

Other winners in RutabagA’s Fine Arts Exhibit are, Tessa Wilebski, left, Geneseo, second place – Shirley Burnett Memorial Award for “A Neighboring Castle;” and Serina Nimrick, Geneseo, Youth Excellence I for her entry of “Spring Blooms.”

   Other winners in the competition, but who were not available for photos, include Kathy Williams, Waterloo, Iowa; for her photograph entry, “Daddy /Daughter Dance-Age 4;” Mike Lawrence, Rock Island, 3-Dimensional, “Box of Antiquities,” (wood); and Rick Lodmell, Wilton, Iowa, Honorable Mention III, for his entry titled, “Stark.”

 

The History of May Day in America and Its Decline Among Children

May Day has become a lesser known holiday.  But May Day has a long and complex history in the United States, even though it's no longer widely observed, especially by children. Originally, May Day was a spring festival in Europe, filled with flower gathering, dancing around the maypole, and general merrymaking. When European settlers came to America, they brought some of these traditions with them, and for a time, May Day was a lighthearted celebration of nature and the changing seasons, often involving children in simple rituals like making flower crowns or delivering “May baskets” filled with blossoms and treats to neighbors.

However, the meaning of May Day in America shifted dramatically in the late 19th century.  May 1st became associated with labor activism and workers' rights. While many countries adopted May Day as International Workers’ Day, the U.S. government distanced itself from the date due to its radical associations. Instead, Labor Day was established in September to recognize American workers without aligning with socialist or anarchist movements.

This split in meaning affected how May Day was celebrated in the United States. The holiday remained significant for labor unions and political groups but lost popularity in mainstream culture. The more whimsical, spring-centered version of May Day, once celebrated in schools and neighborhoods, slowly faded. During the early to mid-20th century, some American schools still observed May Day with dances, plays, and floral decorations, but over time, these activities were replaced by more secular or standardized events, especially as the U.S. focused more on Memorial Day and the end of the school year.

Another factor is the changing nature of childhood itself. In earlier decades, children often played outdoors in their neighborhoods and participated in community-based activities like delivering May baskets. Today, children's lives are more structured and digital. With less free play and community involvement, simple traditions like May Day have lost their place. Parents and teachers may also be unfamiliar with the holiday, making it less likely to be passed down to new generations.

Though May Day is no longer a major part of American childhood, its legacy still lingers. It serves as a reminder of both the labor movement’s impact on American society and the simple joys of seasonal celebration. While few children today may dance around a maypole or leave flowers on a doorstep, the history of May Day in America reflects the nation's changing values and cultural shifts over time.

 

April Is Stress Awareness Month

Stress is a natural response the body uses to deal with challenges or threats, both real and perceived. It triggers physical and emotional reactions that help us respond to difficult situations. In short bursts, stress can be helpful—it can improve focus, energy, and motivation. However, when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, it can begin to negatively affect nearly every part of a person’s life.

When we experience stress, our bodies react by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to either fight or flee from danger. This response includes a faster heartbeat, tense muscles, quickened breathing, and heightened alertness. These physical changes can be life-saving in emergencies but can become damaging if the stress response is triggered too often or lasts too long.

Chronic stress can wear down the body over time. It has been linked to a number of health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. People under long-term stress may also experience headaches, fatigue, weight gain, and trouble sleeping. Mentally, stress can contribute to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and memory problems.

One of the most common sources of stress for adults is the workplace. Heavy workloads, tight deadlines, lack of support, or unclear expectations can all cause stress. When stress builds up, it affects concentration, decision-making, and overall job performance. Employees may feel burned out, irritable, or disengaged, leading to lower productivity and job satisfaction.

Workplace stress doesn’t stay at the office. People often carry that tension home with them, which can disrupt their ability to relax and connect with loved ones. Stress can make a person short-tempered or withdrawn, leading to conflicts with spouses, children, or roommates. Over time, this can strain family relationships and create a stressful home environment for everyone.

When a parent is under ongoing stress, the emotional atmosphere at home often suffers. Children, in particular, are sensitive to emotional changes in their caregivers at home. They may become anxious, develop behavioral issues, or struggle in school. Constant stress in the household can create a cycle where each family member's tension contributes to the others, making the home feel less safe and supportive.

Beyond physical health and relationships, stress can deeply impact a person's emotional well-being. Chronic stress can leave people feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless. It can erode self-confidence, make it hard to enjoy daily life, and lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, drinking, or avoiding responsibilities altogether.

Common signs of stress include mood swings, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep problems, trouble concentrating, and frequent illness. People under stress may also become more easily frustrated or anxious. Recognizing these signs early is key to managing stress before it becomes overwhelming.

There are many strategies for reducing stress. Physical activity, even something as simple as a daily walk, can help lower stress levels. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can calm the mind and body. Setting boundaries at work and learning to say no when necessary, can also prevent stress from piling up.

If stress becomes unmanageable, it’s important to seek help. Mental health professionals such as counselors, psychologists, and therapists can offer support and teach effective coping skills. Many workplaces provide access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), which often include free counseling services. Primary care doctors can also provide guidance and referrals to mental health specialists.

There are also many community-based and online resources for managing stress. Local health centers, support groups, and nonprofit organizations often offer stress-reduction workshops or therapy at low cost. Online platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, or national organizations such as Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer accessible support and educational tools.

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us. By understanding what stress is and how it affects the body, work, and family life, we can begin to recognize it and take steps to manage it in healthy ways. Whether through personal strategies, professional help, or support from loved ones, everyone has the ability to reduce the impact of stress and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

 

From Print to Inbox: What the Current Weekly Means for Geneseo

It’s no secret—print publishing isn’t what it used to be. The days of grabbing a local paper with your morning coffee are quietly slipping into the past. Rising costs, shrinking ad budgets, and the pace of digital life have all played a part in the changing landscape of local news.

But that doesn’t mean local stories matter any less. In fact, we believe they matter more than ever.

That’s why we’re launching The Current Weekly, a new digital email publication designed to bring you the heart of Geneseo—straight to your inbox, every Friday.

Why the Shift?

We’ve loved bringing you The Current Scene in print, and we believe in the power of a good feature story or a well-placed community spotlight. But like many small publishers, we’ve faced the reality that print alone just isn’t sustainable in today’s world.

People are reading differently now. They want timely updates, quick access, and content that’s easy to digest between school drop-offs and soccer games. And honestly, we get it.

What You Can Expect

The Current Weekly will be more than just a newsletter—it’s a curated mix of what makes this town tick:

  • 🗞️ Top local news stories

  • 🏈 Sports scores and game-day highlights

  • 📅 A rundown of upcoming events

  • 💬 Spotlights on local businesses, nonprofits, and the people making a difference

  • 📸 Photos, polls, promotions, and more

Each edition is bite-sized, easy to read, and 100% free to subscribe.

What We Hope to Bring to the Table

At its core, The Current Weekly is about connection. We want to create a space where readers feel informed, inspired, and plugged into their community. We also want to support the small businesses that keep Geneseo vibrant, with advertising that doesn’t get skipped over—but gets seen, shared, and remembered.

This isn’t just an additional format. It’s a new chapter. A more nimble, accessible, and modern way to share the stories that matter—without losing that local charm we all love.

We can’t wait to hit send.

Sign up, spread the word, and stay tuned for the first issue of The Current Weekly—arriving in inboxes on May 2.

You're Invited to Attend the 2025 Geneseo Artwalk

Zack Sullivan - Executive Director
zsullivan@geneseo.org

The 2025 Geneseo Artwalk will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Downtown Geneseo, IL. Geneseo will be full of art during the last weekend of April! Geneseo is a regional art destination, with three art galleries, local sculptors, a music store, a music academy, and the Geneseo Mural Project that has brought five murals to life in Geneseo since 2022, with plans for sixth mural in 2025.

Businesses in Geneseo will host art performances in stores while artists will be set up throughout Downtown Geneseo featuring original works and live art demonstrations such as painting, sculpting, pottery, wood-working and more. Live music and interactive exhibits will also be featured. Many local students and artists will be on hand to share their art with guests of the Geneseo Artwalk. Shake off your cabin fever and join us in downtown Geneseo on Saturday, April 26th to help us celebrate our local art community!

For more information, please contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686, or visit our website: https://geneseo.org/2025-geneseo-artwalk/. The 2025 Geneseo Artwalk is proudly sponsored by: Cassie Stahler – Country Financial.

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Joins Quad Cities Delegation for Successful Advocacy Trip in Washington D.C.

Zack Sullivan - Executive Director
zsullivan@geneseo.org


The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce represented the interests of its local business community in Washington D.C. earlier this month. Executive Director Zack Sullivan accompanied the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce for its 2025 DC Fly-In, marking the first time in 16 years that Geneseo has sent a representative to the nation’s capital for business advocacy.

Sullivan joined a delegation of regional business and civic leaders to engage directly with federal policymakers and advocate for priorities critical to the economic well-being of the Quad Cities region, including Geneseo. The week-long trip provided a valuable opportunity to connect with federal decision-makers and share the unique story and needs of Geneseo’s small business community.

“Participating in the Quad Cities Chamber’s DC Fly-In was an incredibly insightful and impactful experience,” said Zack Sullivan. “It was an honor to represent Geneseo and ensure our small business community’s voice was heard in our nation’s capital. This trip underscores the Geneseo Chamber’s commitment to proactive advocacy at all levels of government.”

Zack Sullivan with U.S. Representative Darin LaHood(IL-16)

During the Fly-In, Sullivan attended briefings from organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and government departments including the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Small Business Administration. A significant portion of the trip was dedicated to direct engagement with federal legislators. Sullivan specifically highlighted the opportunity to connect with U.S. Representative Darin LaHood (IL-16), who represents Geneseo in Congress. “It was great to touch base with Congressman LaHood and discuss the issues most pertinent to our local businesses,” Sullivan noted.

Sullivan reported that the advocacy efforts focused on key areas impacting Geneseo’s business environment, including tax policy, trade, and tariffs, communicating how these federal policies directly affect small businesses within the Geneseo community. Furthermore, Sullivan actively promoted the potential benefits of bringing high-speed passenger rail through Geneseo, distributing relevant information and Geneseo tourism magazines to members of Congress and extending invitations for them to visit the community.

Sullivan expressed his gratitude to the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce for the invitation to participate in this important regional business advocacy trip and thanked the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for their support in ensuring Geneseo was represented.

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce remains dedicated to fostering a thriving business environment and will continue to leverage opportunities for advocacy and collaboration to support its members.

Newcomer Sally Eberhardt elected, Vorac, Klavohn and Henson re-elected to Library Board

Newcomer Sally Eberhardt elected, Vorac, Klavohn and Henson re-elected to Library Board.
Monica Vorac, Jan Klavohn and Jim Henson were reelected to the Geneseo Public Library Board in Tuesday’s election.
As reported on the Henry County Elections website, current board members Vorac received a total of 17% of the vote with 737 votes, Klavohn received a total of 11% of the vote with 498 votes, and Henson received a total of 11% of the vote with 491 votes. 
Former teacher Sally Eberhardt was the newly-elected board member who received a total of 16% of the vote with 689 votes.
Library Director Claire Crawford was thankful for all those who came out to vote on this April Fool’s Day.  “Congratulations to Monica, Jan and Jim on being reelected.  I know you will continue to serve the best interests of the community well,” said Crawford.  “I am happy to welcome Sally Eberhardt to the board.  I know she will be a real asset.”
Outgoing board members are Anne Lobdell, Karen Turner and Lee Fluck.
The Library Board will install its new members at its next board meeting on Monday, April 14 at 6:30 pm, to be held this month only in the Central Bank Room at the library (because of a presentation in the Foundation Room by former resident and author Dave Markward). 

Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Stands Firm in Support of Original High-Speed Rail Route, Opposes Colona/Barstow Alternative

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce reiterated its strong support for the established Iowa-Interstate Railroad high-speed train route connecting the Quad Cities to Chicago through Geneseo, Annawan, and Wyanet, expressing deep concern over the proposed alternative BNSF routes via Colona or Barstow. Based on recent developments and ongoing discussions regarding the Quad Cities passenger rail service, the Geneseo Chamber believes that the original route remains the most economically viable and strategically beneficial option for the Quad Cities region.

The established route, which aligns with existing infrastructure and offers direct access to key communities, promises to stimulate economic growth and enhance connectivity for Geneseo and its surrounding areas. Currently, Geneseo is slated to host a stop along the route, with plans to build a small depot in which travelers can access Geneseo, while offering local residents and visitors an option to travel to Chicago and the Quad Cities via rail service. Diverting the route would not only disrupt years of planning, infrastructure modifications, and investment for a stop along the route in Geneseo, but would also potentially diminish the long-term benefits intended for the region.

Geneseo City Administrator, Brandon Maeglin, adds: “In 2017, the City of Geneseo made a significant investment in land acquisition to accommodate the planned Geneseo Amtrak Depot. The City, and the Geneseo community, are looking for answers so that we can properly plan for the future of this vacant piece of land in a key part of our Downtown Business District.”

The Geneseo Chamber emphasizes that the original and more direct route through Geneseo, Annawan, and Wyanet was chosen after careful consideration of various factors, including population density, existing infrastructure, and potential economic impact. The proposed shift to Colona or Barstow raises significant concerns about increased costs, longer travel times, potential delays, and the long-term sustainability of the project. The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce believes that prioritizing the original route ensures that the Quad Cities region maximizes the opportunities presented by high-speed rail, fostering economic development, enhancing tourism, and improving transportation access for residents and businesses alike.

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce urges State of Illinois and Quad Cities officials to remain committed to the established route and to reject any proposals that would compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the high-speed rail project. We believe that a unified and consistent approach involving all stakeholders along the route is essential to delivering the promised benefits of this vital infrastructure investment to the entire Quad Cities region. We will continue to advocate for the original route, ensuring that the interests of Geneseo and the surrounding communities are protected and that the region’s economic future is secured.

Gun Locks Available at Geneseo Public Library

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced a major milestone in its effort to promote firearm safety: the agency has now provided more than 100,000 free gun locks since the statewide initiative began less than a year ago.

In partnership with Illinois State Police and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, IDPH launched the “Together for a Safer Illinois” campaign to help gun owners secure their weapons and make sure their firearms do not fall into the wrong hands. The initiative is intended to prevent access to firearms by children, those who are not trained in the safe use of a weapon, or those who might use the gun to harm themselves or others.

“IDPH is thrilled to see the public interest in our gun lock distribution program,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.  “Preventing gun violence and injury is a critical public health goal, and gun locks are an important tool to prevent accidental shootings, gun violence, and suicide.  100,000 distributed gun locks are only the start of this important initiative.  As IDPH and our partners work Together for a Safer Illinois, we look forward to continuing our gun lock distribution at events across Illinois this spring and summer.”

IDPH has partnered with local health departments and community groups across Illinois to make gun locks available at a variety of public events since the program was initiated in June 2023. The locks include installation instructions for auto-loading pistols, revolvers, auto-loading and pump-action shotguns, bolt action rifles, modern sports rifles, and single action revolvers. The locks also come with information about the national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

 IDPH and its partners plan to continue the gun lock giveaway at events across Illinois, including summer festivals, county fairs, back-to-school events, community outreach programs, health fairs, suicide prevention awareness events, National Night Out events, and the Illinois and DuQuoin State Fairs. Local health departments and community organizations can get more information about offering free gun locks in their communities at IDPH/VIPS Gun Lock Request Form (smartsheet.com) or by visiting the IDPH gun safety webpage at Gun Safety (illinois.gov).

The effort is part of IDPH’s ongoing commitment to firearms safety, which also includes the “Pause to Heal” campaign launched this spring to increase awareness of firearms restraining orders (FROs). An FRO is a way for family, household members, or law enforcement to ask a court to restrict a person’s access to guns, ammunition, and firearm parts when that person poses a significant danger to themselves or others. An FRO is a tool to buy time in a crisis situation and empowers families and law enforcement to prevent gun violence and firearm-related suicide. Learn more about FROs and IDPH’s gun safety efforts at Firearm Restraining Orders (illinois.gov).