Geneseo Education Foundation Celebrates Milestone of Contributions to Geneseo School District - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Students in the Geneseo School District receive many “extras” with funds provided by the Geneseo Education Foundation.

The Foundation, established in 1990 as the Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education, has provided more than $4 million in financial assistance to a variety of projects and programs.

The group recently celebrated the achievement at a gathering held at the Central School House Inn. The event was sponsored by Central Bank of Illinois.

Appreciation also was extended to Kim Schwarzkopf of “A Spotted Apron,” Kelsey Cherry of Cherry Creek Harvest; and Nicole Rubitsky of “I Bake it That Way,” for their contributions to the event.

Since the group’s establishment in 1990, the GEF has been instrumental in funding a wide array of opportunities and experiences aimed at enriching the educational experience within the school district. These initiatives span diverse areas such as technology, music, education, resources, cultural events, landscaping, teacher development, extracurricular activities and more.

Leslie Raya, president of the GEF board, was one of the speakers at the event and her comments included: “What has been particularly amazing to see over my time with GEF has not only been the generosity in our community, but the creativity and dedication of our educators. The grants continue to show the energy, excitement and innovation of our educators and their willingness to learn new approaches, bring new technology and to continue to challenge and enhance the classroom experience. From musical instruments to equipment for the physical education program to equipment for the trades and art as well as classroom books, there is always a wonderful variety of requests each year.”

Geneseo School District Superintendent Dr. Adam Brumbaugh shared, “A big reason we’re so fortunate to offer our students one of the best educations in Illinois is our staff. We’ve got outstanding teachers and leaders in every one of our buildings. But it’s an organization like the Geneseo Education Foundation that really puts our district over the top.”

He pointed out the amount of funding the GEF has provided the district and added, “These are not just funds for teachers, coaches and instructors to create a better learning experience – they are an investment in the future of our community. We appreciate our teachers, and the resources provided by the GEF are one more way we can show them that they have our full support in being the best educators they can be.”

He explained that the GEF has worked with other groups to further its impact, such as the Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation which enabled the district to get its instructional coaching program off the ground, build Geneseo High School’s Career and Technical Education Center, and rebuild the previous vocational spaces.”

The mission statement of the GEF is “Creating New Horizons of Educational Opportunity.”

Barb Fehlman was the executive director of the organization until 2017 when Fehlman retired from the position and Sharon Neumann was named executive director.

For more information about GEF, contact Neumann by email at geneseoeducation1@gmail.com or by calling 309-945-5326.

Sharon Neumann, left; executive director of the Geneseo Education Foundation (GEF); Roger Eickman, treasurer; and Leslie Raya, president, stand for a photo at the recent event held to celebrate the GEF’s achievement of having contributed more than $4 million to benefit projects and programs in the Geneseo School District. Contributed Photo

LOOKING BACK:

The 25th anniversary celebration for the school endowment, Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education or GEEE, was held in January of 2016 when the group had provided over $2 million in financial assistance for a variety of projects and programs in the Geneseo School District.

The late Mabel Brown was selected as spokesperson at the event.

Comments made by Brown in 1990 included: “I am extremely proud and honored to serve as chairperson of the GEEE fund raising campaign. GEEE’s efforts to assure the excellence of the school system are a worthwhile endeavor that I strongly believe in and fully support.”

Barb Fehlman was then the executive director of GEEE and at the 25th anniversary celebration of the group, Fehlman said, “The Foundation’s funds are used to complement, enrich and enhance the educational opportunities and experiences for students in the Geneseo District beyond tax support.”

These opportunities come from teachers writing grants for their projects.

Fehlman said the GEF board of directors reviews the grant requests and determines which grants to fund, based on a number of criteria.

Carlie Newton Sanchez, Former Geneseo Resident Pens Children’s Book to Help Cope with Grief - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Carlie Newton Sanchez Will Be at Book Signing on April 26 in Geneseo

It was through her own grief of losing both parents that Carlie Newton Sanchez penned a children’s book to help her cope, but also to help others through their sadness.

“’Mama, Where Are You?’ helps children deal with losing a loved one. It reminds children and adults to see all of the places those loved ones can still be. This is the story of Emma looking high and low only to find mama has been around her the whole time.”

The author will be in Geneseo for a book signing from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at Pegasus Fine Gifts, 117 South State St. in downtown Geneseo.

Copies of the books will be available to purchase at Pegasus, and also can be preordered from Pegasus by calling the store, 309-944-2359, or by emailing Katie@fourseasonsdirect.com.

The book was published by Amazon and is available to purchase at that site.

Even though Carlie Newton’s Mother, Cindy Newton, is no longer alive, she lives on in her daughter through the liver transplant she received from her mother when she was three months old. Carlie was born with a rare infant liver disease that affects the bile ducts.

As a result of the transplant, she was able to live a normal childhood and even traveled to Disney World for her “Make A Wish” trip in 2009.

She graduated from Geneseo High School in 2015 and from the University of Iowa with a Communications and Sociology degree in 2020.

Newton Sanchez remains active with the Iowa Donor Network and takes part in the Donate Life Transplant Games which is organized by Transplant Games of America, and is a multi-sport festival for individuals who have undergone transplant surgeries. This year the event will be in July in Birmingham, AL.

Newton’s journey with grief began in 2018 while Newton was competing at the transplant games when her mom was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer, and after a period of radiation, was declared cancer-free.

“The tides turned in 2020,” she shared. “It was close to Mother’s Day when I got a call that my Mom was not feeling well and was going to the ER. We first thought my Mom had Pancreatitis but after two excruciating weeks of waiting for all the results, we found out she had Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.”

“I had just graduated from the University of Iowa, was working my first full-time job in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and my parents were living in Geneseo,” she said.

Cindy Newton was given six months and her daughter quit her job in Cedar Rapids and moved back to Geneseo to be with her parents.

“My Mom was diagnosed in May of 2020 and died in July that same year…”It is a brutal cancer,” Newton Sanchez shared. All of the five weeks after the diagnosis, she was sick and was in like a comatose state for the last two weeks of her life. We brought Hospice in so we could keep her at home as it was during the Pandemic.”

Carlie Newton Sanchez, at right, is photographed with her late parents, Cindy and Vince Newton, when the threesome attended the 2017 Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA, when Carlie rode on the Donate Life float in the parade. Contributed Photo

“My Mom and I were very close,” she said. “We were best friends and we never went more than like four hours without taking to each other by phone.”

Two years after her mother died, her father, Vince Newton, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. He died in October of 2022.

Writing the children’s book, “Mama, Where Are You?” was therapy for Newton Sanchez.

She began working on the book a short time after her Mother died and while her Dad was sick.

“Writing the book has helped me, it has been therapeutic for me to put my thoughts down in writing,” she said. “I hope the book makes it into the hands of children who have been in similar situations as me and I hope it brings them a sense of comfort that they are not alone, as it did for me by writing the book.”

She currently is working on a second children’s book, “for kids who have lost their Dads,” Newton Sanchez said.

In addition to writing a book, Newtown Sanchez also organized a grief support group, S.O.U.L. (support, optimism, understanding and love) where those who have lost a loved one get together on a monthly basis, share a coffee, talk and share experiences, and she said, :This has also helped my grief.”

Carlie Newton Sanchez and her husband Colton Sanchez live in Huntsville, AL, where she works as a client experience specialist with Keel Point, a finance firm; and her husband works for Boeing.

Carlie Newton Sanchez, formerly of Geneseo, now lives in Huntsville, AL, with her husband Colton Sanchez. Contributed Photo

Mayor’s 2024 Prayer Breakfast Is May 2 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The National Day of Prayer on May 2 will be observed in Geneseo at the Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.

The event, with the serving line opening at 6:30 a.m., and the program from 7 to 8 a.m., is on Thursday, May 2 at First Methodist Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo, and is sponsored by the Geneseo Ministerial Association and open to all area residents. The Ministerial Association serves the entire Geneseo School District, including Atkinson. Breakfast will be served beginning at 6:30 a.m.

The Rev. Laura Kamprath, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, is president of the Geneseo Ministerial Association.

Laity from area churches will lead prayers for the nation, state, community and world. Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft is the honorary host, as Mayor Sean Johnson is not able to attend.

Detective Jamie Shoemaker, with the Geneseo Police Department, is the keynote speaker at the event. She will share information about the “IMPACT Task Force,” and about Geneseo as a “Dementia Friendly Community,” a title which is given through the Dementia Friendly America group and works in coordination with the Geneseo Police Department’s efforts to raise awareness of mental health conditions in the area.

Detective Shoemaker recently was named Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Executive Institute’s 2024 Women in Criminal Justice Female Officer of the Year.

She received the honor for her dedicated work in serving the Geneseo community, including her work with mental health and crisis calls.

Tickets for the May 2 breakfast, at $16 each, can be purchased in advance online. Tickets are electronic and no printed copy is necessary. Their names will be added to the list of paid attendees along with the number of tickets purchased. To purchase advance tickets, visit https://www.peopleneedjesus.org/prayerbreakfast, or purchase a ticket in person at the office of First Methodist Church.

The idea for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast originated with the Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter, directing pastor at First Methodist Church, Geneseo.

Eleven years ago on the National Day of Prayer, he and two others gathered outside Geneseo City Hall to pray for their community, state and nation.

“I decided then that Geneseo could do a better job of commemorating this important event,” Rev. Ritter said. “Since our U.S. presidents convene a Presidential Prayer Breakfast with the help of religious leaders throughout the country, I saw no reason why the Geneseo Ministerial Association could not help our Mayor to hold an event on the community level.”

Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft, left; Linda Flatt, treasurer of the Geneseo Ministerial Association; and Detective Jamie Shoemaker are inviting area residents to join them at the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 2, at First Methodist Church in Geneseo. Detective Shoemaker is the keynote speaker. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Rebuilding Together Henry County to Celebrate 30th Anniversary at Open House April 21 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Rebuilding Together Henry County will celebrate its 30th anniversary at an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at the organization’s home at the corner of Church St. and U.S. Route 6 in Atkinson. Area residents are invited to the event and to tour the facility which was completed in June of 2021.

The conference room will be dedicated to the Rev. David Esche at a ceremony planned for 2:30 p.m. on April 21. Esche was the co-founder of the organization and it was his vision and passion that led to its success. He served as president of the board of directors at various times during a 25-year period prior to his health issues.

Esche and his wife Sharon now reside near DesMoines, and he will not be at the April 21 open house, but s recording will be shared with him.

The Atkinson site was chosen for the location of the RTHC building as it is in the Geneseo School District and its proximity to the rest of Henry County.

The 6,000 square-foot building includes offices and conference room space, a workshop and a storage room. The shop space is used for building wheel chair ramps and other projects by volunteers.

The storage space provides room for the groups program to loan adaptive medical equipment to people in need. Donations of good condition adaptive medical equipment are accepted by RTHC.

Sarah Snyder, executive director of Rebuilding Together Henry County, said there is a need for wheelchairs, shower chairs and tub transfer seats.

For more information about the REUSE Medical Equipment Loan Program, call Snyder at 309-944-6442 or email her at ssnyder@rebuildingtogether-hc.org.

Rebuilding Together Henry County has a long and rich history in the area and Snyder shared some of the statistics, “Beginning in 1994 as a non-profit, at that time called ‘Christmas in April- Geneseo,’ our organization has made home repairs with a market value of over $2 million. We have installed over 368 wheel chair ramps for our Henry County neighbors who have limited ability to access their homes - once again at no charge to the recipients.”

She said other projects scheduled by the group are a “demo day” in Geneseo on Friday, April 26; a Work Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, and “We are also hoping to have a deep cleaning day at our facility in Atkinson on the morning of April 27.

RTHC is supported through donations and grants.

For more information about the organization or to make a donation, visit www.rebuildingtogether-hc.org or email ssnyder@rebuildingtogether-hc.org.

Sarah Snyder, executive director of Rebuilding Together Henry County, is shown in her office in the home of RTHC, located in Atkinson. An open house is planned for Sunday at the facility to celebrate the group’s 30th anniversary. Photo by Claudia Loucks

ABOUT THE REV. DAVID ESCHE

Rev. Esche and his family moved to Geneseo in 1993 when he was called to serve as pastor at First Presbyterian Church, a position he held for 20 years.

“I spent the first six weeks interviewing community leaders in an effort to learn about the community for my benefit as well as for the benefit of the church,” he said. “What we discussed in those interviews were the strengths in the community as well as the needs.”

“I learned that although there were not pockets of poverty in the community, there were families who were not able to keep up their housing,” he said. “They told me about folks in the community who traveled around the country and built homes for Habitat for Humanity.”

He also was told about churches in Geneseo who had volunteers who did home repairs for their members who were not able to do those tasks.

“At that time, Steve Durian, a member of First Presbyterian in Geneseo, had just spent a week with a mission team that built a home in Mexico,” Esche said. “I also learned from the community leaders that money was available to do the home repairs for those people who could not afford to hire the work done.”

Christmas in April became a reality in the Henry County area in 1994 and Esche served in various capacities with the group from its founding, including as president.

Rev. Esche and Steve Durian were instrumental in starting Christmas in April in March of 1994.

The Rev. David Esche in 2017. Photo by Claudia Loucks

GHS Spring Musical Opens April 25 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nearly 100 students from the theatre and music departments at Geneseo High School are in final rehearsals for the 2024 musical Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The show is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials also are supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. The show is licensed by Music Theatre International.

Performances are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25; 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, in the DePauw Theatre at the high school, 700 North State St.

Tickets, at $15 each, are available and reservations can be made at the Geneseo High School website, www.geneseoschools.org. Advance reservations are encouraged, and any unsold tickets will be available at the door on the performance dates.

Joe DePauw is the director/producer of the show, which is the traditional story of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

Staff members are Larry Lord, technical (Fine Arts Facility Manager), Steve LaCroix, vocal director; Bryan Stone, set construction; Christine Rogers, orchestra director; Kathy Lafrenz, choreographer; Suzy Heaton, house manager; Bob Manasco, program layout; Kailan Neff, costumes and makeup; Karl Bodenbender, rehearsal accompanist; Angela Rathman, set designer and dresser; Tom Ryerson, GHS principal/activity director; Andrew Hogue, Geneseo Performing Arts Council representative.

Students in the cast are Eleanor Bertelsen, Raelyn Bjorkman, Isabella Brooks, Jackson Brumbaugh, Taeton Chirchir, Sophia Clifton, Callie Copeland, Elijah Coppejans, Perry Farley, Jonathan Freadhoff, Alyssa Gentry, Imogene Greene, Bryce Henderson, Tyler Holtzen, Clara Huddleston, Hope Kuster, Hannah McGee, Jackie Milem, Madilyn Minnaert, Elizabeth Mroz.

Also, Carleigh Norton, Madison Ochs, Evan Orwig, Colin Roemer, Shay Schehl, Bee Scheider, Reid Simpson, Ethan Sundeen, Rolan Swanson, Dashall Urquiza, Chase VanDeWoestyne and Logan VanDeWoestyne.

Students working on the crew are Marley Cherry, Callie Copeland, Jameson Coppejans, Phoenix Corlew, Evelyn Dahl, Perry Farley, Jonathan Freadhoff, Lillyann Garza, Alyssa Gentry, Hayley Henry, Sydney Hoover, Maddox Jansen, Claire Kehoe, Erik Kelly, Owen Kelly, Kay McAvoy, Hannah McGee, Lilyann Mooney.

Also, Janey Neumann, Sienna Nimrick, Carson Pratt, Sydney Rasmussen, Haley Rubitsky, Cy Sammons, Paxton Sherbeyn, Cade Wolf and Rebekah Zimmerman.

Students in the orchestra are Karl Bodenbender, Greta Bolme, Brooklyn Bos, Brennan Brown, Thomas Carlin, Daniel Coleman, Liam Coleman, Phoenix Corlew, Sam Curcuru, Anna Davis, Keira Disterhoft, Tyler Dowdal, Quinnland Einfeldt, Allyson Ford, Jenna Freadhoff.

Also, Cora Gorman, Nolan Griffith, Isabella Haney, Kay Hogue, Abby Holman, Lorrie Lord, Wyatt Neumann, Annabelle Ropp, Kara Sancken, Justin Schmidt, Dylan Shipman, Tucker Tarkington and Maddie Wells.

Students in the theater and music departments at Geneseo High School will present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” on Thursday, April 25; Friday, April 26; Saturday, April 27; and Sunday, April 28, in the DePauw Theater at GHS. Cast members include, from left, Colin Roemer, Dashall Urquiza (Chip); and Bryce Henderson. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Hope Kuster, left; Perry Farley, Tyler Holtzen and Jackie Milem are among the students in the cast of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” which opens Thursday, April 26 at GHS. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Richmond Hill Players Open 2024 Season with Comedy - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Richmond Hill Players will open their 2024 season with the comedy “Exit Laughing,” by Paul Elliot. The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, April 11-21, at the Barn Theatre, atop Richmond Hill in Geneseo.

Mike Skiles, Geneseo, directs the show.

Jennifer Kingry, publicist for the Richmond Hill players, shared information about the production: “When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the “girls,” what happens when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? If you’re Connie, Leona and Millie, three Southern ladies from Birmingham, you do the most daring thing you’ve ever done. You “borrow” the ashes form the funeral home for one last card game, and the wildest, most exciting night of your lives involves a police raid, a stripper and a whole new way of looking at all the fun you can have when you’re truly living.”

The show is recommended for mature audiences due to alcohol use, some profanity and sexual innuendo.

The cast of features Suzanne Rakestraw and Heidi Hamer, both of Geneseo; Elizabeth Melville and Jane Simonsen, both of Davenport, and David Shaffer, Moline.

The staff includes Elizabeth Shaffer, Moline, stage manager; Dana Skiles, Geneseo, light and sound designer/operator; Larry Lord, Geneseo, sound co-designer, and Jim Skiles, Colona, set builder.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. On Sundays, matinees begin at 3 with the doors opening at 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244 or by visiting the website at rhplyers.com. Late seating is not permitted as no one will be admitted after the show starts. Admission to all performances is $12.

An audio description performance will be held Friday, April 12. Assisted Listening Devices (ALD’s) also are available when requested at the time reservations are made.

ABOUT RICHMOND HILL PLAYERS

Richmond Hill Players is a non-profit community theater group presenting plays in the converted top floor of an old dairy barn in Geneseo since 1968.

Approximately 100 active members are involved on and off-stage each year, with actors, directors, backstage personnel, support staffs, and audiences drawn from a 75-100- mile radius that includes cities in both Illinois and Iowa.

Heidi Hamer, left, Geneseo; Jane Simonsen, Davenport, and Suzanne Rakestraw, Geneseo, are among the cast of the comedy “Exit Laughing,” which will open the Richmond Hill Players 2024 season. Contributed Photo

Food Pantry Offers Five Loaves Program - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry offers a Five Loaves Program that is designed to “turn scarcity into abundance.”

The program is under the direction of Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Pantry.

Freadhoff explained the Five Loaves program aims to serve the whole person…”Five Loaves strives to positively impact your sense of wellness – economic, education, health, environment, and community, and empower you to live a more functional effective and healthy life.”

She said, “If you want to:

-Achieve significant life-changes.

-Feel empowered to live a more functional, effective and healthy life.

-Receive help developing and reaching goals.

-Pursue your goals and ambitions with the support and guidance of your coach.

Then the Five Loaves program is perfect for you.”

Five Loaves provides in-depth, one-one-one coaching to help the participant design a plan to create to meet their needs and aspirations, Freadhoff explained, and added, “Your coach will help you set long-term goals, and then break those goals down into smaller, more manageable steps. Your coach will also support and encourage you throughout the process.”

The program is free and confidential, and for more information or to register, call the Food Pantry at 309-944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com

News from the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is much more than a place to distribute food and clothing. The Pantry also offers ongoing classes and events for area residents.

The Matthew 25 Center, named after Biblical scripture, Matthew 25 is the area at the Pantry where instructional classes are held.

The Food Pantry can also receive funds through Birdies for Charity and those funds are used to continue providing resources for those in need.

-Dietitians Class – Hammond Henry Hospital dietitians to provide a free monthly class at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. The class is open to the public with the next class at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9. For more information, call 309-944-3165.

-Lunch and Learn – Freedom House will provide a free “Lunch and Learn” about domestic violence survivor resources at the Food Pantry. Information will be available about state and federal programs available to domestic violence survivors. The event is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at the Food Pantry. It is open to the public and to register email mdevoss@freedomhouseillinois.com.

-Birdies for Charity – Donations to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry are maximized through Birdies for Charity. The Food Pantry will receive 100 percent of the donation and will be guaranteed an additional bonus promise of at least 5 %. A donation to the Bonus Fund will help Birdies for Charity provide the bonus promise to all participating charities. By including the Bonus Fund in your donation means your contribution has twice the impact. Guess the correct number of birdies that will be made at the John Deere Classic (in July) and win a two-year lease on a Lexus. Checks must be made out to Quad Cities Golf Classic Charitable Foundation /Birdies for Charity. Pledge forms can be requested at the Food Pantry, 309-944-3165, and donations also may be made at https://birdiesforcharity.com/donate?charity=2406.

Remembering the Pigs on Parade in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Remember when the life-size pig statues made their debut in a parade held in Geneseo in July of 2006, and remained on the scene in front of or inside of local businesses?

The Pigs on Parade was held in July of 2006 in Geneseo and each pig entered the parade on a hayrack….But where are those pig statues now?

The pig project was sponsored by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce in an effort to draw customers to Geneseo businesses. Several area businesses each sponsored a pig statue, which was decorated to reflect the business by local artists. The pig statues were coated with a clear sealant to protect them from the elements and were on display near their sponsoring businesses until, not sure when, but what we do know is they disappeared, and some have reappeared.

The statue that once greeted people entering the Geneseo Republic office on West First St., is now located inside the offices of Geneseo Current and Dalcon Todd Productions.

DeMaranville said his nine-year-old daughter Anna, has named the pig “Liberty.”

Some residents and some visitors to Geneseo have inquired as to where the pigs have gone?

Even though it isn’t certain as to where the pigs have gone, several people have mentioned that they are in hopes many of the pig statues will reappear this spring and summer.

Katie Kutsunis of Four Seasons and Pegasus was instrumental in bringing the pig project to Geneseo and she served as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce committee organizing the pig sculptures.

The pigs were made of fiberglass so they were often out in the summer and stored in the winter.

Kutsunis said the idea had been seen by her father, George Kutsunis, and his friend, Jerry Deutsch, in another community and they shared with her that it would be fun to create that sense of community in Geneseo.

Business owners were able to purchase a “naked” pig statue and have it decorated to promote their business. Many of the themes of the pig statues were designed by members of the Geneseo Art League.

“We wanted to pick an animal that represented our agricultural environment and we thought a pig statue was a fun way to have a blank canvas for the project,” she said. “At one point, we had a pig passport and people would take a pix of themselves with the pig and if they completed the passport, and had pictures of themselves with all 11 pigs, they were entered to win into a contest to win a Chamber Gift Certificate.”

She said the pigs, which were attached to concrete bases, were on display inside area businesses and outside of the businesses for eight to 10 years.

“They are very lightweight and can easily be moved,” Kutsunis added.

There were 11 pigs introduced at the Pigs on Parade in 2006:

-DHCU Community Credit Union, 1090 South Congress; Artist Mike Schmalz and the sculpture name “ImaMemBoar.”

-Geneseo Republic, 108 West First St., Artist Pauline Swanson and the sculpture name “I.M. Read.”

-Geneseo Chamber of Commerce with sculpture placed in front of Geneseo Art League at 113 North State St., Artist Kathy Williams and the sculpture name “Leaf It Up!”

-Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US HWY 6; Artist Barb Walters and the sculpture name “D’Vine Swine.”

-All In Stitches, now Mango Merch + All In Stitches, 100 E. Main St.; Artist Jason Dahl and the sculpture name “Pig In Stitches.”

-FORMER Roy’s Taco House, 732 N. College, Hwy. 82 North; Artist Ct White and the sculpture’s name “Roy’s Taco The Town Pig.”

-Crippen Reid & Bowen LLC, 810 South Chicago St.; Artist Kris Love and the sculpture name “Mr. Pig, CPA.”

-Lifetime Eyecare, 112 South Center St.; Artist LeAnn Wildermuth and the sculpture name “Iris “Check yearly, pig sees clearly.”

-Wells Fargo Bank, IL NA, 121 West First St.; Artist Paul Terpening and the sculpture name “Penny Pig.”

-Four Seasons, At the Crosswalk in downtown Geneseo; Artist Lisa Mahar and the sculpture name “Fashion Faux Pig.”

-The Cellar, 137 S. State St.; Artist Sheilah Wigant McGee and the sculpture name “Pork Chop.”

Katie Kutsunis, president of Four Seasons and Pegasus, stands by “Fashion Faux Pig,” which at one time stood at the crosswalk in downtown Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Dalcon DeMaranville, video producer and news editor of Geneseo Current and Dalcon Todd Productions, is shown by the pig statue that once stood in front of the former Geneseo Republic office on West First St., and is now at home in the Geneseo Current offices. Photo by Claudia Loucks

GHS Student Teaches Watercolor Greeting Card Class - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Aspiring artists of all ages attended the recent Watercolor Greeting Card Masterclass, a Geneseo High School Art Club Fundraiser taught by GHS senior Kaye Hogue.

Kaye Hogue. Photo Submitted

“Students” in the class ranged in age from eight to adult.

The event was held in the GHS Library Commons and the invitation read: “In the spirit of spring, you will learn how to paint cherry blossom greeting cards. You will leave with five of your own handmade cards and knowledge of watercolor basics.”

GHS art instructors Sarah Degarmo and Kim Windisch assisted Hogue at the class.

Although the Watercolor Class is not the first class the Art Club has offered for the community, Hogue explained that it was different and said, “Other art classes tend to prioritize learning the medium first before dedicating a lot of time to working on a complete piece. In this class, we wanted everyone to have the chance to leave with five greeting cards they liked so we prioritized learning the steps to make one specific subject. We condensed a lot of information into a one-and-a-half hour class so our guests could leave with enough skill and knowledge to pursue the medium further.”

Cost of the class was $25 per person which included all materials – watercolor practice paper, watercolor cards and envelopes and engraved pencils.

In addition to being involved in Art Club at GHS, Hogue also is in band and Scholastic Bowl and she volunteers at the Geneseo Historical Museum. She added,”I love art of all kinds, but am most familiar with watercolor painting. Next fall I will be attending the University of Illinois at Chicago to study Art History and M Museum studies with the hope of one day becoming an art museum curator.”

The fundraiser was held in an effort to raise funds for the GHS Art Club trip to the Figge Museum in Davenport.

Geneseo High School Art Club Hosted a Watercolor Greeting Card Fundraiser at Geneseo High School. Photo Submitted

The recent class was held in an effort to raise funds for the GHS Art Club trip to the Figge Museum in Davenport. GHS Art Club members also will be at the upcoming Geneseo Art Walk on Saturday, April 27, in downtown Geneseo where they will be selling a variety of items they have created to continue to raise funds for upcoming trips to the Figge Art Museum and The Art Institute of Chicago.

Ameilia Seys & Anne Seys. Photo Submitted

Rachel Pratt & Nicole Freadhoff. Photo Submitted

Andrea Hogue, Kaye Hogue, & Sue Fonteyn, Photo Submitted

Holocaust Memorial Exhibit 2024 at RutabagA Art Gallery with Saturday Reception - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the RutabagA Art Gallery in downtown Geneseo at 108 North State St. are hosting the Holocaust Memorial Visual Arts Exhibit from Thursday, March 21, through Monday, through April 1.

Entries in the annual Meyer and Frances Shuneman Holocaust Visual Arts Contest were created by students in grades 6-12 at area schools.

The opening reception for the exhibit will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at RutabagA at which time the winners of the contest who attend the reception will be introduced.

The exhibit will remain at RutabagA through April 1, and the public is invited to view the art work during regular gallery hours which are from 10:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday.

The contest is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Quad City Arts, and the Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Committee). The art work reflects the events and impact of the Holocaust.

Michaelsen said there were over 75 entries in this year’s contest which is held in conjunction with an essay contest. The winners will be recognized at the Yom Hashoah service to be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at the Galvin Fine Arts Center at St. Ambrose University, Davenport.

Allan Ross, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, said, “I want to thank the students who put so much effort into their visual art entries, and the teachers that encourage them to do so. The history of the Holocaust and the lessons learned are extremely important subjects that need to be taught in every school, especially in today’s challenging and often divisive world.”

Sharon Michaelsen, president of the RutabagA Art Gallery, shows the art work by Kate Walsh, of Bettendorf and a student at Jordan Catholic School in Rock Island that won first place in the annual Meyer and Frances Shuneman Holocaust Visual Arts Contest sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Quad City Arts, and the Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Committee). Photo by Claudia Loucks

“Lise’s Yellow Dress” is the art work designed and created by Lilly Jones, an eighth grade student in Orion. The dress is from her interpretation of Lise’s dress in the book “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry, which introduced her to the Holocaust and Danish Resistance. Her entry won Honorable Mention in the Holocaust Visual Arts Contest. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Stations of the Cross Sunday at St. Malachy Church - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the high school youth group at St. Malachy Church, in addition to other youth in Geneseo, will portray the Living Stations of the Cross, tracing the path that Jesus walked to Calvary on the day of his crucifixion.

The young people will stage this year’s dramatic story from 8 to 9 p.m. on Palm Sunday, March 24, at the church. The performance is open to the public and there is no admission.

Bob Thoene, high school youth ministry coordinator, is the coordinator and spiritual director of the presentation with co-directors Elizabeth Hulsbrink, Lance Carroll and Victor Angelo.

The youth do the music, narration and the reenactment.

The Stations of the Cross are the 14 stations Jesus endured, beginning with Jesus being condemned and ending with his death. These events encompass Jesus’ journey carrying his cross from the Hall of Pilate where he was condemned to death to the site of his execution on Calvary.

The Living Stations performance has been presented by the high school youth at St. Malachy’s for so many years that no one is quite sure when it began, but a best estimate puts it at about 40 years, and the original script is still used although much of the program has gone through some changes since its beginning.

Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross is sometimes referred to as Way of Sorrows or Via Crucis. The 14 stations:

-1. Christ condemned to death.

-2. Jesus carries the cross.

-3. His first fall.

-4. He meets His Blessed Mother.

-5. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross.

-6. Christ’s face is wiped by Veronica.

-7. His second fall.

-8. He meets the women of Jerusalem.

-9. His third fall.

-10. He is stripped of his garments.

-11. His crucifixion.

-12. His death on the cross.

-13. His body is taken.

-14. He is laid in the tomb.

Youth in the Geneseo community make up the cast for the Living Stations of the Cross to be presented at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, at St. Malachy’s Church, 595 East Ogden Ave., Geneseo.

Grace Church Youth Renovate Sunday School Rooms - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

A group of youth at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo is “learning by doing” through their project of renovating the Sunday school area used by pre-school and elementary-age children.

Molly Neumann, who with her sister Jane, last fall organized nondenominational, student-led Bible studies for area youth in grades 6-12.

The gatherings led to the current renovation project which addresses the common area where the younger children sing and do crafts.

“As of right now, our classroom is a combination of pre-school and elementary students, so it is important to make a large space that fits the learning abilities of diverse age groups,” Molly Neumann said.

The young people have been working on giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, which was donated by church members.

Neumann said plans are being made to host a church breakfast to raise money for the renovation project.

“Following that, we intend on making some additions to create a child-friendly environment,” she added. “Our youth group has taken the time to begin the painting portion of the renovation project and is available to help with any small additions going forward.”

The adult leaders and helpers, Jackie and Joe Mickley and Mark Koster, are available to offer guidance and assistance with the youth projects, Neumann said.

When asked about how the renovation project was chosen, Neumann shared that the youth classrooms had become storage space after the pandemic…”With the start of the New Year, we wanted to strengthen the FROGS (Fully Rely on God) program and create a better place for the growing youth at our church. When Jane, Jackie Mickley and I took on the cleaning out of the rooms, we got the idea to start fresh and update the outdated classrooms.”

It was that idea that initiated the plan to renovate the space and make it more appealing to new families in the area, she said…”Our main goal is to make a comfortable and attractive leaning space for the students.”

Plans are to have most of the renovations complete by the close of this school year, and Neumann added, “However, improving the program is an ongoing and evolving effort.”

She said the group is “looking for more youth to become involved. Everyone in the community is welcome to join the group with our community projects and Bible sessions. We also offer Silver Cord opportunities for interested high school-age students.”

The young people meet every few weeks, depending on Geneseo High School and Geneseo Middle School activity calendars.

The meetings begin with students who want to help prepare dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a student-led Bible study to be held after the meal. All family members are welcome to join the group for the meal.

For more information, contact Molly Neumann at 309-714-9531.

The young people who are renovating Sunday school rooms at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo include, from left, Wyatt Mickley, Mark Shoemaker, Jack Mickley, Molly Neumann, Jane Neumann, Ella Brooks (hidden) and Cora Gorman. Owen Skovronski also helped, but was absent when the photo was taken.

Dance Marathon Saturday at GHS - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Dance Marathon was introduced to the Geneseo community by the Ryan and Mandy Kelly family of Geneseo. The couple was instrumental in bringing the idea for the first Mini Dance Marathon to Geneseo High School in 2022.

Since its beginning just two years ago, the local young people involved in the event have raised over $50,000.

This year’s Dance Marathon will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Geneseo High School.

The event is open to high school students who have each raised $25 which will be donated to the St. Ambrose Dance Marathon which is then funneled into the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

At the University of Iowa and St. Ambrose University, Dance Marathon is a year-long organization providing support to families receiving treatment at Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Mandy Kelly explained, “In order to help the colleges raise money, high schools can have Mini Dance Marathons.”

GHS students are in charge of marketing the Dance Marathon and businesses and community members can help support by donating to an individual, the dance captains, or by supporting the group as a whole.

“Our small community is amazing and so incredibly generous,” Mandy Kelly said. “They have embraced this mission. Last year our kids raised almost $28,000, and that is amazing!”

She continued, “It is not just about the money. These kids are showing compassion and empathy on a big stage. They are bringing awareness about pediatric illnesses and the amazing hospital we have so close to us. These kids are learning about something so much larger than themselves.”

The local Dance Marathon group currently is sponsoring four families in the community that have had children treated or who are being treated at Stead Family Children’ Hospital in Iowa City.

The mission of the 2024 DM captains is:

-Spread awareness for the families.

-Change families lives one dollar at a time.

-Each student has their own personal reason for helping, but we are all united under the mission to fight for the kids!

-“We are raising our funds by reaching out to local businesses, promoting our own donor drive accounts, and putting on fun events like the bags tournament.”

Ryan Kelly is a teacher at Geneseo High School and he, his wife Mandy, and GHS teacher Sara Bertelsen make up the advisors of the Mini Dance Marathon at GHS.

Donations to the Geneseo Mini Dance Marathon can be left or mailed to Geneseo High School, 700 North State St., Geneso, IL 61254, and marked specifically for the Dance Marathon.

The students in this photograph took part in the 2023 Dance Marathon at Geneseo High School and their efforts raised $27,679.47 which was channeled into the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Contributed Photo

First Raising of the Flags Ceremony Held March 1 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It is evident that Geneseo residents are proud of their community, as many turned out for the “First Raising of the Flags Ceremony” held Friday at the Oakwood Landing Site, which has been designated as a “welcome mat for people accessing Geneseo from Interstate 80.”

The United States flag, State of Illinois flag and City flags were raised for the first time on the new flag pole system installed at the location, at the end of South State St. and Oakwood Ave., at the south edge of Geneseo.

City Administrator Brandon Maeglin said, “The flags are part of the beautification /Interstate welcome area initiative that has been made possible through the generosity and hard work of many in our community. While some components of the site are still under construction, the new city sign and flag pole system is ready.”

The flag poles at the site were donated by Springfield Armory of Geneseo.

Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, served as emcee at the recent ceremony.

The United States Flag was raised by Dennis Reese, representing Springfield Armory; Joe Bedford and Gary Gray, representing the Geneseo VFW Post #5083.

The State of Illinois Flag was raised by Tyler Mackey, representing the Miller Foundation (Central Bank), and Mary Gustafson, representing the Daughters of the American Revolution Geneseo Chapter.

The City of Geneseo Flag was raised by Geneseo Mayor Sean Johnson and Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Elli Shoemaker sang the national anthem.

Sullivan noted that City Administrator Brandon Maeglin and Tom Anderson “played major roles in making today’s flag raising ceremony a reality, and a success.”

Additional plans are for a pedestrian bridge to be installed at the site, pending grant approval and funding.

Elli Shoemaker sings the National Anthem at the new landing area first flag raising. Photo by Claudia Loucks

City Administrator Brandon Maeglin(left) and Mayor Sean Johnson(right) speak at the first flag raising. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Joe Bedford and Gary Gray, representing the Geneseo VFW Post #5083 and Dennry Reese raise the United States flag. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Denny Reese of Springfield Armory(middle) and Gary Gray(right) representing the Geneseo VFW Post #5083. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Denny Reese of Springfield Armory of Geneseo(left) and Tim Yagar(right). Photo by Claudia Loucks

Tyler Mackey(back) representing the Miller Foundation (Central Bank), and Mary Gustafson(front) representing the Daughters of the American Revolution Geneseo Chapter. Photo by Claudia Loucks

GHS Academic Scholars Recognized -By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School students achieving academic awards were honored at the recent GHS Academic Scholar Night.
National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Illinois State Scholars and AP Scholars.
The event was held in the GHS Concert Hall.
Photos by Claudia Loucks

AP SCHOLARS(above)* designates AP Scholars with Honor; ** designates AP Scholars with Distinction: Emma DeBaene*, Noah Disterhoft, Tyson Duda*, Brielle Ettore, Jenna Freadhoff, Bryce Henderson*, Sam Mosbarger, Carmella Pettit*, Madeline Roberts*, and Adam Weller.

ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS – Brooke Boone, Thomas Carlin, Morgan Claerhout, Emma DeBaene, Noah Disterhoft, Addison Dykstra, Allyson Ford, Abigail Frank, Jenna Freadhoff, Imogne Greene; in back, Caiya Holke, Mia Kelly, Olivia Marshall, Sam Mosbarger, Molly Neumann, Madison Ochs, Elizabeth Ramp, Madeline Roberts, and Adam Weller. Ethan Herstedt also is an Illinois State Scholar, but was absent for the photo.

NTHS 2023 Inductees/Current Members – Anna Calabria, Brielle Ettore, Kathryn Hogue, Luke Johnsen, Macy Litherland, Kylie Maertens; in back, Kay McAvoy, Madison Ochs, Logan Palmer and Autumn Stephens. Landon Marshall, and Kade VanOpdorp also are current members, but were absent for the photo.

NTHS 2024 Inductees/New Members – William Baum, Braden Boone, Emily Bopes, Reagan Bopes, Russell Brown, Carter Bull, Gwen Burbridge, Lonnie Catour, Saryna Ceurvorst, Randy Chasek; in back, Erica DeDecker, Kendall Ellerbrock, Gwenivere Erickson, Alyssa Gentry, William Hamerlinck, Caleb Hartman, Carter Huizenga, Matthew Johnson, Mia Kelly, and Katelynn McMahill.

NTHS 2024 Inductees/New Members - Connor Mitchell, Jacob Nelson, Kyah Newell, Kale O’Bryan, Colin Orwig, Austin Pearce, Lauren Powell, Antonio Ramirez, Allison Reade; in back, Grace Schilling, Emilia Schmitt, Timothy Sebastian, Madison Simms, Tristen Smith, Joshua Steines, Paige Swain, Taylor VanHoutte, Emma Veloz, Joseph Venneberg, and Adam Weller. Landon Miller also is a new member, but was absent for the photo.

NHS Current Members – 2023 Inductees – Jillian Beneke, Brooke Boone, Emily Bopes, Reagan Bopes, Russell Brown, Anna Calabria, Thomas Carlin, Lonnie Catour, Morgan Claerhout, Taylor Clark; in the middle, Daniel Coleman, Lynn Cotty, Emma DeBaene, Kelsey Dillie, Noah Disterhoft, Tyson Duda, Nathan Dunker, Addison Dykstra, Brielle Ettore, Allyson Ford,; in back, Jason Foss, Abigail Frank, Jenna Freadhoff, Alyssa Gentry, Imogene Greene, Nolan Griffith, Bryce Henderson, Kathryn Hogue, Caiya Holke, Easton Hultman, and Luke Johnsen.

NHS Current Members – 2023 Inductees – April Kelley, Mia Kelly, Kylie Maertens, Olivia Marshall, Kay McAvoy, Isabella McDaniel, Amelia Vandemore, Hayden Moore, Sam Mosbarger, Carleigh Norton; in the middle, Madison Ochs, Logan Palmer, Carmella Pettit, Reed Preston, Elizabeth Ramp, Jacob Rapps, Jackson Reade, Giavanna Ritter, Madeline Roberts, Katlyn Seaman; in back, Madison Simms, Tristen Smith, Sidney Spindel, Hayden Spranger, Paige Swain, Joshua Steines, Cooper McKeag, Adam Weller, Ashlyn Williamsen, and Kirsten Zimmerman.

NHS New Members – 2024 Inductees – Kamden Ariano, Brooklyn Banta, William Baum, Sophia Bellagamba, Aaron Betcher, Gwen Burbridge, Marley Cherry, Sophia Clifton, Isaiah Conrad, Dru Curcuru; in the middle, Isabella Curcuru, Elanor DeBlieck, Erica DeDecker, Olivia Dickey, Connor Dillie, Emma Drockelman, Grace Durian, Kendall Ellerbrock, Addison Espe, Dylan Gehl, Caroline Girten; in back, Caleb Hartman, Lindsay Herington, Carter Huizenga, Austin Hull, Lily Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Hope Kuster, Kruiz Ludwig, Annalise Maxwell, Megan McClanahan, and Brianna McGill.

NHS Current Members – 2024 Inductees – Katelyn McMahill, Connor Mitchell, Madelyn Mooney, Elizabeth Mroz, Jacob Nelson, Sydney Nelson, Molly Neumann, Kyah Newell, Bryce Nixon, Austin Pierce; in the middle, Allison Reade, Keely Roberts, Benjamin Robinson, Rachael Roodhouse, Nile Ryerson, Kara Sancken, Shay Schehl, Emilia Schmitt, Timothy Sebastian, Payton Snider, Addison Snodgrass; in back, Eric States, Autumn Stephens, Lilian Taylor, Kathryn VanDeWoestyne, Logan VanDeWoestyne, Taylor VanHoutte, Jackson VanHyfte, Carter VanOpdorp, Emma Veloz, Joseph Versluis, and Kailee Williams.

Distinguished Alumni Honored at GHS- By Claudia Loucks

The following story concludes continuing coverage of the Geneseo Distinguished Alumni.

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nine Geneseo graduates were inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at ceremonies held Feb. 29 in the DePauw Theater at Geneseo High School.

The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Inductees are Edith Dunham Foster, Tom Holtz, William Ogden “Doc” Farber, Col. Andrew Nash, Robert Cherry, Greg Hinrichsen, Gary Stahl, Gib Pritchard and Marvin Kleinau.

Travis Mackey, former GHS principal; and Linda VanDerLeest, former GHS guidance counselor) who both serve on the Distinguished Alumni Board of Directors, said there are so many deserving alumni that it decided in 2019 to begin recognizing those people at programs each year.

Five community members serve with Mackey and VanDerLeest on the Board of Directors of Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The Award is the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus/alumna and is given to alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their careers and have brought credit to themselves and to the Geneseo School District through distinguished accomplishments in these areas:

-business or professional life.

-community affairs at local, state or national levels.

-exceptional accomplishments in a chosen field.

“We have chosen to showcase the distinguished alumni for their experiences, their wealth of knowledge and a bit of history about how they were so influential in Geneseo and beyond,” VanDerLeest said.

The program is designed to totally recognize those who are being honored as well as their family and friends.

There is a nomination form for the Distinguished Alumni Award available on the Geneseo School District website.

Col. Andrew Nash, left, (Class of 1993) and Travis Mackey, a member of the Distinguished Alumni Board of Directors, are photographed at the Geneseo Distinguished Hall of Fame ceremony. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Sam Rimington, left, his mom, Molly Rimington, visit with Bethany Winkleman at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame program on Feb. 29 in the GHS DePauw Theater. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Greg Hinrichsen (Class of 1970) was inducted into the GHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at ceremonies on Feb. 29. In the photo he is visiting with his sister, Sue Hinrichsen, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. Photo Claudia Loucks

Linda VanDerLeest, left, a member of the Distinguished Alumni Board of Directors, chats with Brian Stahl, his brother Gary Stahl, (Class of 1978) who was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Feb. 29; and the Stahl brothers’’ mother, Pat Stahl. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Ted McAvoy shared remarks about Marvin Kleinau (Class of 1948), who was also inducted into the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Photo by Claudia Loucks

As some of the inductees into the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame are deceased, family members of those people or community members spoke in their behalf. Shown with the awards are, from left, Brian Gernant, who spoke for his grandfather, Gib Pritchard (Class of 1922); Greg Hinrichsen, Gary Stahl, Andrew Nash, Curt Farber, who spoke for his uncle, William Ogden “Doc” Farber (Class of 1928); and Dr. Michael Gernant, who also spoke for his grandfather, Gib Pritchard. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Richmond Hill Players Set Extra Auditions Saturday and Sunday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Players has scheduled extra auditions as there is a need for five males for two shows scheduled this spring and summer.

The auditions are scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3. Attendance is required at only one day’s audition.

The shows in need of actors:

“Laura” – a mystery that runs May 30-June 2 and June 6-9 – directed by John Donald O’Shea – rehearsals begin April 22 and there is a need for three males for the play.

-Mark McPhearson: The male lead, an honest, hard-working detective, 30-40 years old, and not afraid of a tough case.

-Shelby Carpenter: Laura’s parasitic fiancé, age close to Laura’s age (30’s), slight Southern accent, a charming, somewhat ineffectual man.

-Danny Dorgan: A Julliard student, in love with Laura, old enough to have a love-interest in Laura, not old enough for Laura to reciprocate.

“84 Charing Cross Road” – a comedy-drama that runs July 11-14 and July 18-21, directed by Jennifer Kingry – rehearsals begin early to mid June and there is a need for two males for the play.

-William Humphries: Mild-mannered employee in the London bookshop; age variable, 20’s to 40’s; has a good deal of onstage business without much dialogue; a few words here and there, and one short speech (a thank-you letter he has written). Speaks with an English accent.

-Thomas: A late arrival in the play, only onstage in the second act, plays a new-hire at the bookshop during the 1960’s (Beatles era, could be a teenager (upper teens). No scripted dialogue, but a few words may be improvised in rehearsals. Would like to cast someone wiling to help backstage. (Good opportunity for high school junior student looking for Richmond Hill Players experience to qualify for one of their scholarships in 2025).

Black History Displays at Geneseo Historical Museum - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Even though February is designated as Black History Month, there are displays year-round at the Geneseo Historical Museum that trace the struggle of the slaves in this area.

In the display where Snook is shown wearing the shackles, there are books, photographs, maps of cities in Illinois that located abolitionists that helped on the Freedom Trail.

There also is a small bottle of arsenic that the slaves carried and would drink if they were captured, as Snook explained they would rather die from drinking the arsenic than be taken back into slavery.

A trip down the stairs at the museum leads visitors to the rooms where the slaves slept and were cared for, and another small room contains a hidden stairwell and the “hiding hole,” where those in captivity would hide in fear of being captured.

Snook explained that many people are not aware that what is referred to the “underground railroad” that runs under the museum, is not really a railroad, but a term referred to by the slaves to conceal their path to freedom – (hiding hole)….”The name ‘underground railroad’ was chosen because that time period also was the time when trains were beginning to run throughout the United States,” she said.

Angie Snook, curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum, is shown at one of the displays in the Education Wing of the museum. She is wearing the shackles that were used to contain the slaves so they could not escape when chained to either a wagon or a brick wall. That same pair of shackles was found in the hiding hole in the basement of the museum. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Sometime between 1855 – 1865

Snook has copies of memorabilia that include the following documentation from Harriett Cone Miller, whose father was the conductor in Geneseo’s “underground railroad.”

She estimated it was written in late 1850’s or early 1860’s.

“I can recall instances where poor blacks on their way to freedom stopped at my father’s house for aid, and of their being entertained at night in Deacon Ward’s attic, and being sent on to Linden, which was a station on the underground railway. Those were stirring times. I remember once when Father Stewart kept the only hotel here that a master came with his overseer and both of them sat out on the veranda all day, watching the Ward residence, expecting to be able to locate their property (slaves), while the fugitives, dressed in women’s apparel, made their way out by the back door and were ‘on their way to Canada where colored men are free.’ We can thank God those days are past, never to return. Our settlers did their part in the great awakening.”

(The house referred as Miller’s father’s house was located in what is now First Lutheran Church parking lot).

Angie Snook is shown sitting on the steps to the entrance to the “hiding hole,” located in the basement of the Geneseo Historical Museum. The museum is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday or by appointment. Mrs. Snook said there have been numerous area school groups touring the museum during February and many more tours are scheduled in March. Photo by Claudia Loucks