GHS Students’ 2025 New Year’s Resolutions, Part 1 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It’s “out with the old,” and “in with the new” for several seniors at Geneseo High School as they share resolutions for the New Year.

Each New Year brings with it the very best intentions by young and old alike for the forthcoming 365 days. In earlier times, when most people lived in rural areas, preparations for the New Year included slaughtering any livestock that could not survive the dark months of winter. Thus, the origin of “New Year’s resolutions,” when people should “slaughter” their weaknesses.

A modern day ritual involves writing down faults that one hopes to be rid of and then burning the paper.

Resolutions are from senior students at Geneseo High School, in Ali (Stern) Litton’s Family and Consumer Science and Managing Lifestyle classes. (Not in alphabetical order).

Ava DeWolfe – “My New Year’s resolution is to overall better myself and my life. I want to become a better and healthier person. I will do this by gaining more strength to improve my health, through working out and eating better, nutritious food. I will bring more happiness to myself and those around me by performing two acts of kindness throughout each of my days. I want to become a better person not only to improve my health, both mental and physical, but also to be a better person for those around me.”

Kailee Williams – “My New Year’s resolution is to be focused on my education, health, and volleyball career. I want to be able to graduate with a good GPA, while also having good grades in all of my classes. Regarding health and volleyball, I want to be able to stay physically healthy and train/play my best for a future college team.”

Abby Wilshusen – “My New Year’s resolutions are to get more involved in my faith and to start a healthier lifestyle. To achieve these things, I am going to listen to a Bible in a year, which only takes up 30 minutes tops. I’m going to get more involved in TEC and within my church. To have a healthier lifestyle, I’m not going to go on some crazy diet but I’m going to be mindful of what I’m eating, and eating things in moderation. I’m also going to try to go for runs and walks to stay fit, and healthy. Another thing is I’m going to lay off drinking to many energy drinks and soda because they’re awful for your heart health and overall just not good for your body. These are my New Year’s resolutions that I am going to strive for,”

Josh Anderson – “My New Year’s resolution this year is to be at home more. I need to be making more memories with my family and taking care of my dog while at home. Resulting in me taking those memories with my family with me to college.”

Allison Wille – “My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to successfully complete my first semester of nursing school while working as a CNA. Going along with that, I also hope to stop procrastinating and make school easier for myself.”

Preston Jones – “My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to work harder on my grades. I want to work on getting my work completed on time and being able to do it well. I also wish to study more so I can do better on tests and quizzes. For this New Year I hope to have better grades and a better understanding of my classes.”

Carter Eastburn – “My New Year’s resolution is pretty basic and cheesy, but it’s important to me that I can learn and get better. My resolution is to improve myself both physically and mentally. That includes finding the motivation to work out, eat healthier, eat regularly, and stop trying to find that motivation in someone else.”

Brooklyn Banta-Hall – “My New Year’s resolution is to not procrastinate and just get things done before the last minute. Soon I will be out of high school so I will need to keep up on things so I can be reliable; In 2025 will not procrastinate and get more things done.”

Jaidah Cribbs - “For 2025 my first New Year’s resolution is to save money to be able to afford big purchases like a new car, an apartment, or buy a new phone. My second resolution is to not eat out at fast food restaurants a lot and work on eating healthier along with working out more. The third New Year’s resolution is to be more organized with my room and when I schedule things to do. My final New Year’s resolution is to go on an airplane for the first time and go to at least three states, along with stopping my procrastination on getting my CNA certificate to go to schools for Nursing. With this being said I am hoping to be successful in the goals that I have set for myself.”

Chloe Medler – “My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to do better with not procrastinating. I want to do better with not putting things off like laundry and doing homework. I want to become more organized as I get older so then that way I can get things done quicker and not wait until the last minute to do it.”

Jack Polowy – “My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is that I want to better myself by getting back into working out and to become more organized. I hope to become more healthy from working out which can help better my physical and mental health. I also hope to become more organized before I go off to college; I think it will help me get better at doing things and finding the things I need.”

Alex Moe – “My New Year’s resolutions are to find a better relationship with God. I want to be a conference pitcher for our high school baseball team. I want to be stronger and more athletic. I want to go to college and play baseball and become a main pitcher. I want to be more productive for work.”

The rest will publish tomorrow!

Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter Needs Help! - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Shelter is full and the board of directors and volunteers at the shelter are asking for help in caring for the animals without permanent homes.

In a recent conversation with Linda VanDerLeest, tears filled her eyes when asked about the local shelter.

VanDerLeest is president of the board of the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, and she deeply cares for the furry friends who make their home there.

“We are full and we are struggling to keep up financially, and we simply cannot keep up with expenses,” she said. “Our costs have escalated due to the increased overall expenses.”

Linda VanDerLeest, president of the board of the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, with two of the nearly 100 cats and kittens making their home at the Geneseo Shelter. Photo by Claudia Loucks

VanDerLeest estimated that it takes $22,000 to $25,000 each month to keep the doors open at the shelter….”Those are costs for salaries, cleaning, food, utilities and more,” she said.

“Even though the monthly operating expenses of the shelter have increased, the available operating funds are down 63 percent compared to this time in 2021, she added.

The shelter now has 96 cats and kittens and 13 dogs making their home at the shelter, and that does not include the 16 cats and kittens in foster care and the five dogs in foster homes. Even though that many furry friends are in foster care, it is the responsibility of the Geneseo Shelter to cover the cost of their care.

‘We are using 11 rooms to care for the animals,” VanDerLeest said, and explained that some gathering areas and greeting spaces have now been converted into rooms for the animals.

“The Geneseo Shelter is not a taxing body so we do not receive any government funding,” she said. “We rely entirely on financial donations and we just aren’t receiving what we need.”

“During Covid, we nearly emptied the shelter because people were adopting the animals then and now we are seeing an increase in surrenders, when the animals are being returned to the shelter or left at the shelter for the first time because the pet owner can no longer afford to keep them. Our monetary donations have not increased, but the number of animals we are caring for has increased substantially, and we just can’t continue like this.”

And it isn’t just the need of financial help, VanDerLeest said there continues to be a need for dependable volunteers, and she added, “When you volunteer at an animal shelter, you’re helping to make your community a place for animals, and you are also helping to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare, which also benefits the entire community.”

“We are asking the community to consider making monetary donations to the shelter this Christmas,” she said. ‘Your end of the year tax deductible donation to the shelter will ensure we can continue to care for our animals. Thank you!”

Hammond-Henry Long Term Residents Make Christmas Quilt for Raffle - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Residents at the Hammond-Henry Hospital Long Term Care Living Center (LTC) have been working on a special Christmas project and they are ready to share it with the public.

Hammond-Henry Hospital Long Term Care Living Center (LTC) residents Gladys Martin, left; and Jenny Anderson, at right, and Laura Jahns, activities aide in LTC, are holding the Christmas quilt made by the residents. The quilt will be awarded in a raffle drawing on Friday, Dec. 20, and raffle tickets are available to purchase at LTC. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The project got underway at the close of summer when the LTC Activities Staff began working with some of the residents in creating a Christmas quilt.

The residents have chosen to award the quilt in a raffle drawing with proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets being used to help fund special project in LTC, similar to creating the quilt.

The quilt can be seen in the LTC entryway during regular business hours.

Raffle tickets are available to purchase from the Activities Staff in the LTC at Hammond-Henry Hospital, and the cost is $1 per ticket or six tickets for $5. Cash or checks made out to Hammond-Henry Foundation will be accepted for the purchase of raffle tickets.

The Christmas quilt will be awarded in a drawing to be held at 12 noon on Friday, Dec. 20. For more information, contact Laura Jahns in the LTC, at 309-944-6431, ext. 1506.

According to Laura Jahns, activities aide in LTC, for some of the residents, making the quilt “was an opportunity to try something new, and others proudly mastered a rusty skill. Together, they worked to line up the fabric squares a few different ways. They meticulously chose which fabrics went into each block and carefully lined up the rows to be sewn.”

“Our residents are very proud of the hard work they put into the quilt,” Jahns added. “Other than pushing the foot pedal on the sewing machine, the quilt was completed by the residents. From the design decisions to the final touches, the residents collaborated with Activities Staff to create this sparkling winter wonderland quilt.”

Jahns credited Janette Dwyer and LaNae Rayburn for adding the finishing touches to the quilt project.

Nativity Sets To Be Displayed at St. Malachy Church in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

A Christian Nativity Set often creates a sense of wonder at the humble birth of Jesus. Whatever the emotions the spectator experiences, the "Joy to the World" Nativity Display at St. Malachy Church in Geneseo is certain to bring feelings of comfort and peace.

More than 350 Nativity sets from the collection belonging to Mary Anne Peterson, Geneseo, will be on display from 2 to 8 p.m., beginning on Thursday, Dec. 26, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. The church, at 595 East Ogden Ave., in Geneseo, is handicap accessible.

Mary Anne Peterson is shown with some of the Nativity Sets from her collection that will be on display at St. Malachy Church, Geneseo. Photos by Claudia Loucks

The exhibit is sponsored by St. Malachy Altar & Rosary Society. There is no charge to see the display, although free will donations are accepted.

Mary Anne Peterson has been a travel agent with Best Travel in Geneseo for nearly 37 years, and her career has taken her to many parts of the world. Many of her Nativity sets were purchased while on some of her trips…”I used to buy small ones I could carry home in my suitcase or carry-on, but now it is much easier to have them packed and shipped home, and that way I have Christmas all year long,” she said.

Peterson said the idea for the display is a result of her and her sister, Karen Humbert, who leads the Altar & Rosary Society at St. Malachy Church, trying to think of a small fundraiser after Covid.

“I suggested putting out my Nativities and I’m sure the group didn’t realize how many I have,” she shared. “It took two trips in a medium-size moving van packed tightly to get it all moved and then 12 people three days to set it all up.”

The exhibit was so well-received last year that Peterson agreed to do it all again this year, with even more Nativity sets.

Her first Nativity set was a gift from her late husband, Keith Peterson, on their first Christmas together after their marriage in December, 1961.

His gift was a large Fontanini set made in Italy which he purchased at the former Marshall Field store in Chicago.

“That set is very special since it was the one that started my collection of almost 400 sets that I now have – from large to very little,” Peterson said. “They all have to speak to me in a very special way when I purchase one.”

Peterson recalled it was 1987 or 1988 when she decided to leave the Fontanini set out in her home until Valentine’s Day…”We had a very long, cold, below zero few days and the water pipe froze and broke and spewed water on the Nativity while I was at work. I lost several pieces, but I still call it my favorite and I put it out on display. Two trips to Italy and a visit to the Fontanini Store, and I still haven’t found replacement pieces as they are no longer made like the original ones I have.”

This year while Peterson was in Oberammergau, Germany, she purchased several hand carved Nativity sets and was able to watch the carvers at work making them. Two years ago she purchased two additional Fontanini sets…”Many sets have been given to me by family and friends as gifts, she said. ‘Last year several people visited the display at St. Malachy and went home and came back with Nativity sets they no longer put out, and decided I should have them to enjoy. Those also will be put out this year among the rest and loved by me as well.”

Her goal of taking the time and effort to set up the display again this year “is to have people of all ages come and enjoy the display, and I hope they can feel the love and joy of Christ in Christmas,” Peterson added. ‘One lady came four times last year and brought different family members and friends with her and she said she still was not able to see the entire display.”

Freedom Quilt Now on Display at Geneseo Historical Museum - Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

A quilt that tells the story of how people helped fugitive slaves on their journey to freedom recently was presented to the Geneseo Historical Museum. In the photo with the quilt are, Angie Snook, left; retired curator/director of the Museum; Amie Callahan, senior national vice president of the Great Lakes Region of the NSCAR; Bailey Callahan, (Amie Callahan’s daughter) former state president of the Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution (NSCAR); Mary Gustafson, Geneseo, Honorary State Regent, Illinois DAR; in back, Luanne Bruckner, past national vice president of the Great Lakes Region (NSCAR); Colleen Woehl; and Amy Balensiefen, Geneseo DAR Chapter Regent. The quilt blocks tell the story of “Aiding Freedom's Journey,” and those explanations are included in the quilt exhibit at the Geneseo Museum. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Angie Snook, left, and Bailey Callahan, are shown with the quilt now on display at the Geneseo Historical Museum. Photo by Claudia Loucks

“The Broken Chains: Aiding Freedom’s Journey” Project was conceived and developed by Bailey Callahan, Moline, at age 13, when she was State President of the Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution (ISCAR), in 2023-2024.

She visited the Geneseo Historical Museum when she was younger and was inspired by the stories she learned about how the people in Geneseo helped fugitive slaves escape along the Underground Railroad.

As State President of ISCAR, she wanted to not only fundraise for signs at the museum, but also inspire members of the Illinois CAR and others to learn about the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

She asked for CAR Societies and DAR Chapters to design and create quilt blocks that reflected how people in their own communities helped those journeying to freedom along the Underground Railroad. The blocks were assembled in March of this year and hand-quilted by Colleen Woehl of Chadwick, IL, before being presented to the Geneseo Historical Museum on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The quilt presentation also was a memorable moment for Angie Snook, who retired in June of this year as curator/director of the Museum, as she had shared so many stories about the slaves and the Underground Railroad and led so many tours to show the hiding hole in the basement of the Museum.

And Bailey Callahan did more than spearhead efforts for the quilt.

Callahan, daughter of Michael and Amie Callahan, and a Moline High School sophomore, was instrumental in fundraising for a sign, now in place on the front of the museum that recognizes the museum as at one time being used to help hide slaves on their journey to freedom north to Canada along the Underground Railroad.

Callahan’s interest in the Underground Railroad began when she first visited the museum with her local CAR Society (Charles Carroll Society), which is under the umbrella of the Illinois Society Children of the American Revolution.

Angie Snook, who then was curator/director of the museum, took the group on a tour of the historic house and shared many stories from the past, including that of the hiding hole located in the basement of the museum.

“We got to see the hiding hole in the basement of the museum and hear the stories,” she said. “I especially remember hearing about the two men who dressed in funeral clothes (women’s 1800’s mourning clothes) and walked past the slave hunters without the slave hunters realizing the ‘women’ were actually the escaped slaves. That visit sparked my interest in learning about the Underground Railroad.”

She read books about Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth; and others, “and I took my home school group to the museum in 2019 to show them the hiding hole,” Callahan said.

Callahan shared that her family is very active in the Children of the American Revolution.

“One part is about education and the other is a related fundraiser,” Callahan explained. “For my project, I chose the theme ‘Broken Chains: Aiding Freedom’s Journey’ One of the things my visits to the museum taught me was that the Underground Railroad happened here in Illinois. It wasn’t just a story from a history book. It was real. Slavery was a horrible thing, but people in Illinois took the risk to help people in need. I wanted the members of the Illinois CAR to learn about how people in their own communities helped others along the Underground Railroad.”

THE BLOCKS FROM THE QUILT INCLUDE:

-The block in the upper left corner is a representation of the Geneseo Historical and was sponsored by the Geneseo Chapter NSDAR. The Geneseo Historical Museum was the home of the Richards-Thede family who hid fugitive slaves in a “hidey hole” in their basement. One of the favorite stories about how this family helped fugitive slaves escape is about two freedom seekers who were being searched for by slave hunters who were at a hotel across the street. The family dressed the men as women in mourning clothes, complete with black veils. The fugitives were able to walk safely past their owner and the slave hunters without being recognized.

-The top right block is a representation of another of the favorite stories told about the people of Geneseo and how they helped protect freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. The block was designed by Scarlett Williamson of Robinson, IL, and the Fort LaMotte Society, CAR. This is how Bailey Callahan retold the story of Helen Cone Richards as she spoke around the State to raise awareness of the project and the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

“It’s an ordinary day in Geneseo, Illinois, in the mid 1800’s. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you are on the way to the market in Lyndon with a load of potatoes. Seems ordinary, but it’s not. It’s not ordinary because you believe that one person should not own another person. You are so passionate in this belief that you are risking your life and the life of your family to help the people hidden under your potatoes. A couple of men approach you on horseback. You are careful not to show that it is anything but an ordinary day. These men are slave hunters and they are searching wagons for escaped slaves. As they search your wagon they stab the pitchfork down into your potatoes, but they find nothing. After they are satisfied, you continue on your mission, your cargo safe in the hidden compartment.”

Community Christmas Day Dinner 2024 at First Lutheran in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The congregation at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo believes in its mission of sharing Christ’s love every day, including Christmas Day, and they invite the public to join them for a free community dinner on Christmas Day.

The dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the Fellowship Room at First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., Geneseo.

In addition to serving a hot meal at the church, the dinner is available for delivery in the Geneseo, Atkinson and Cambridge areas. Arrangements for delivery to those who are homebound can be made by calling the church office, 309-944-3196, or by calling Betsy Brudos, 309-945-5496, by noon on Monday, Dec. 23.

The menu includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, salads, rolls and Christmas cookies. There is no charge for the meal and no offering will be taken.

The Rev. Laura Kamprath, lead pastor at First Lutheran, said, “This meal is my favorite meal of the whole year – not just because the food is delicious, but also because it is made with great love and because we share the feast with the whole community. What a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior, by gathering with brothers and sisters in Jesus’ name. Our church likes to feed people, just like Jesus does.”

The annual Christmas Day Dinner tradition started in 2006 at First Lutheran Church and served approximately 50 people that first year. That number has more than tripled and the committee expects to serve more than 150 people this year.

Janet Larson, who founded the Christmas Day tradition at First Lutheran, said she enjoys serving the community on Christmas Day…”Christmas Day can be the loneliest day of the year, and we invite anyone whom might be alone to join us for a hot meal and fellowship. We hope this meal will be enjoyed by our friends and neighbors who need to feel the love and hope that God provides.”

The church will hold multiple worship services this year and the community is invited to attend. Candlelight, Carols & Communion services are at 4 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Both services will be live streamed form the church website, www.firstgeneseo.org. Carols and Communion is the 10 a.m. service on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Experience a Victorian Christmas at the Geneseo Museum on Dec. 7 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Visitors are invited to step back in time and enjoy the magic of the holiday season at the Geneseo Historical Museum Annual Victorian Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The museum is located at 205 South State St .in Geneseo.

Guests will experience the elegance and warmth of a Victorian Christmas as they stroll through the displays featuring vintage ornaments, garlands, candlelit rooms and antique toys.

Some of the highlights include a Victorian parlor adorned with a Christmas tree inspired by Queen Victoria’s own.

There are Christmas decorations throughout the entire 27-room Italianate home.

Melanie Rice, Curator of the Geneseo Historical Museum, is shown by the displays at the museum that are ready for the Victorian Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Melanie Rice, Curator of the Geneseo Historical Museum, said, “We’re thrilled to offer our visitors a journey through time with our Victorian Christmas displays.”

“Additionally, in the Stees-Keppy Education Room, there is a small, warm Victorian family room exhibit with a tree, decorated fireplace, and antique toys under the tree and so much more,” she said..

There will be a special guest in the decorated Carriage House, located behind the museum, where Mrs. Claus will accept letters to Santa in the Harold Neumann exhibit…”Mrs. Claus will be giving away old fashioned candy lollipops and sticks with information about Harold Neumann,” Rice said, and added, “There also will be a drawing for a book, “Corn Plow to Cockpit,” - Harold Neumann’s Manuscript, as well as for a Mr. Mulligan ornament.”

“Join us this season to celebrate a Victorian Christmas, where history and holiday spirit come together in a unique and memorable experience for all ages.”

For more information, visit https://geneseohistory/com/ or contact Melanie Rice at 309-944-3043 or email ghmuseum8@gmail.com for private tours, in addition to regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Food Pantry to Benefit from Offering at Nov. 24 Thanksgiving Worship - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The annual Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Geneseo High School Performing Arts Commons, 700 North State St., Geneseo.

The Rev. Hunsaker, pastor at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneseo, will give the message. An offering will be collected for the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.

Pam Edwards, director of the Geneseo Community Choir, will lead a Community Choir at the Thanksgiving service. All are welcome to participate in the Choir, with rehearsal beginning at 3 p.m. Anyone interested in joining the group for the worship service is asked to contact Pam Edwards at singplay53@gmail.com.

Coffee and pie will be served at a time of fellowship after the worship.

The Community Thanksgiving Service is planned by the Geneseo Ministerial Association, of which the Rev. Laura Kamprath, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, serves as president.

ABOUT THE NEEDS OF THE GENESEO-ATKINSON FOOD PANTRY

The mission of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is to provide assistance to people in need, a need that continues to increase.

Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director of the Food Pantry said the number of households being served has steadily increased over the last few years. …”There are so many factors that contribute to our increased numbers,” she said.

In October of this year, the food pantry served 318 households, compared to 210 households in October of 2023.

Freadhoff said the staff is seeing a lot of new guests, “over 100 new guests since last October. We serve our guests 27 hours a week in comparison to some other agencies that are only able to be open once or twice a month.”

In addition to basic needs, the food pantry staff and volunteers are distributing the toys collected in local toy drives, and Freadhoff added, “Many parents do not have extra money right now to purchase Christmas presents for their children.”

New, unwrapped toys can be donated during regular houses of the food pantry which are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. The food pantry is located at 620 West Main St., Geneseo.

As a result of the generosity of the community, every family the food pantry serves in November can receive a Thanksgiving basket, and the guests can choose the items they want in their basket.

Basic information about the food pantry, the needs, and how to donate can be found by visiting www.geneseofoodpantry.org.

GHS 2024 Madrigal Dinner Tickets Available Nov. 15 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Beginning in 1979, students from the music department at Geneseo High School have been taking guests a step back in time to “Merrie Ole England” at the annual Madrigal Dinners.

This year’s dinners, which mark the 43rd year of performances, are at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5; Friday, Dec. 6; and Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall Commons, 700 North State St. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. with early seating beginning at 6 p.m. Ticket reservations are required and may be purchased by visiting GHS Madrigal Dinner Concert by going to vancoevents.com and searching “GHS Madrigal” or using the following link. www.vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/48331 Tickets are $28 per person, and will go on sale Friday, Nov. 15.

Guests will dine on a medieval feast, including bread, salad, pork loin, twice baked potato, green beans and Figge pudding with a cup of wassail, and be entertained by the Madrigal Singers, as well as the Madrigal Brass, Recorder Choirs, mimes, and entertainers.

The singers and brass also will be featured at the Geneseo Christmas Walk on Saturday, Dec. 14, and will perform and 6 p.m. that night in Central Theater.

Geneseo High School seniors Dylan Gehl and Elizabeth Mroz are cast as king and queen in the 43rd annual Madrigal Dinners to be presented by students from the music department at GHS on Dec. 5-7.

When the Madrigal celebrations began in 1979, they were held in the former St. Malachy’s Church before the performances were moved to Grace Church in 1986. Since 2019, the events are held in the GHS Concert Hall Commons.

The Madrigal cast is under the direction of GHS choral director Stephen LaCroix, who said the Madrigal Dinners were started by former music and drama department directors, James Rimington, Victor Bianchetta, and the late Harvey Green.

LaCroix said the dinners involve approximately 100 high school students each year, including singers, brass players, recorder ensemble, harpsichordist, beggars, fair maidens, a poet, a cook, serving wenches, mimes, wait staff and those who help with hair and makeup in addition to character roles that vary each year with changes in script.

“Parent involvement is key to the success of the dinners as the parents oversee the many tasks to make it a detailed and personalized performance for the audience,” he said.

Madrigal singers audition in May each year for the upcoming season and singers begin rehearsing weekly beginning in August.

“Time after time students remark that their Madrigal Dinner involvement was the best and most memorable experience of their four years of high school,” LaCroix said.

Geneseo Veteran Honors Four Family Members with Flags in Aisle of Flags - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Fifteen new flags were added to Geneseo’s Aisle of Flags at Veterans Day ceremonies held Nov. 11 in City Park.

Among the 924 flags that waved in the wind in the impressive display were four new flags in honor and in memory of Obrecht family members, two uncles and two cousins of Ron Obrecht of Geneseo.

Obrecht, an Army veteran himself who served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957, said he was close to his relatives and decided he would purchase the flags so they could be included in Geneseo’s Aisle of Flags…I” was close to both of my uncles and visited Uncle Harley often while he was still alive,” Obrecht said.

Ron Obrecht of Geneseo stands by the flags in memory of his two late uncles and two late cousins who served in the military. Obrecht is responsible for purchasing the flags in their honor to be included in Geneseo’s Aisle of Flags. Photo by Loucks

He commented, “The Aisle of Flags is a great honor for all those veterans and it is amazing how many flags have been added since it started,” Obrecht said. “It seems like even when you talk to people from other areas, they know about Geneseo’s Aisle of Flags. It is impressive.”

The late Obrecht veterans:

-Harley V. Obrecht – Ron’s uncle and father to Wayne Obrecht – served in the U.S. Army during World War I. “He was on a ship in the New York harbor when he came down with pneumonia. He was hospitalized until the war ended so he did not go to Europe,” Obrecht said. (Born Sept. 29, 1894 and died Jan. 5, 1990).

-Hubert Obrecht – Ron’s uncle and father to Dean Obrecht – served in the U.S. Army during World War I, and was stationed at a base on the East coast. (Born May 28, 1897, and died Jan. 16, 1988).

-Dean Obrecht – Ron’s cousin and son of Hubert Obrecht – served in the U S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from high school in Geneseo in 1944 and enlisted in the Navy shortly after graduating. He served as a Navy pilot and was in the service from 1944-1945. His widow, Carol Obrecht, and one son, Craig, live in Sarasota, FL.

-Wayne Obrecht – son of Harley Obrecht and Ron Obrecht’s cousin – served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps (now the U.S. Air Force) during World War II, 1941-1946, and flew supplies from China to islands in the Pacific Ocean. He graduated from high school in Geneseo, and is survived by a daughter, Carol, who lives in California. (Born Oct. 29, 1922, and died Feb. 27, 1972).

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Coming to Geneseo Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Public Library has teamed up with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to offer free children’s books.

Claire Crawford, Geneseo Library Director, said, “We are excited to be able to be apart of this fantastic program to promote literacy. It’s been on our radar for some time, and thanks to a grant from the State of Illinois, we are able to make this happen at our library. All you have to do is come into the library and complete a registration form. We feel like it’s a Christmas gift to the children of Henry County.”

The Geneseo Library currently is registering children, 0 to 5 years old, for the January book. Residents of Henry County may register at the library. Online or phone registrations will not be accepted. There is no cost to the families of the children who sign up as the Geneseo Library and the State of Illinois cover the cost along with the Imagination Library.

As a result of a grant written by Claire Crawford, the library is able to shoulder the cost of the program. Monetary donations to the library are always welcome to help defray the costs.

Each month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a high quality, age-appropriate book to all registered children, addressed to them, at no cost to the child’s family.

Information received from the Geneseo Library stated, “Countless parents have shared how excited their child is when their new book arrives each month. Many groups and individuals work hard behind the scenes to make that special moment possible for each child.”

The aim of the Imagination Library is to pick age-appropriate books that foster a “love of reading and learning; regard for diversity of people, their roles, culture and environment; promotion of self-esteem and confidence, appreciation of art and aesthetics.”

The first book distributed is one of Parton’s favorites, “The Little Engine That Could.”

A children’s book by Parton herself, “I Am a Rainbow,” also has been included in the program.

THE STORY BEHIND DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Dolly Parton’s father would be so happy if he could see her now. She has often spoken about her father’s life….”Well, my dad, like so many country people, the hard-working people, especially back in the rural areas, my dad never had a chance to go to school because he had to help make a living for the family. And so Daddy couldn’t read and write.”

Illiteracy was a source of embarrassment and frustration for Parton’s father. He couldn’t do things like complete forms, scan a newspaper or read to his children.

Thoughts of her father and his struggles were the spark that led to the Imagination Library, as Parton wanted to “Do something that would inspire kids to love reading and to love learning. He never had anyone that inspired him in such a way.”

Today, her program spans five countries and gifts over two million free books each month to children around the world.
And now it is enrolling children ages 0 to 5 years of age in the Henry County, Illinois, area.

After launching the program in 1995, the program grew quickly. First books were only distributed to children living in Sevier County, TN, where Dolly Parton grew up.

Parton said in 2028, “It made me feel good in my heart that I could do something to make Daddy proud.”

The program became such a success that in 2010 a national replication effort was underway. By 2003, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library had mailed one million books. It would prove to be the fist of many millions of books sent to children around the world.

Dolly Parton’s home state of Tennessee pledged to pursue statewide coverage in 2004 and global expansion was on the horizon. After the U.S., the program was launched in Canada in 2006, followed by the United Kingdom in 2007; Australia in 2013 and the Republic of Ireland in 2019.

Though Parton didn’t love school, she did enjoy reading as a child. Fairy tales broadened her perspective: “The only thing I ever saw growing up was poor people in overalls and broken shoes and ragged clothes. By in my books, I would read about kings and queens with their velvet clothes and big diamond rings. That’s how I knew there was a world outside the Smoky Mountains.”

Research has shown that exposure to reading at an early age leads to better results in school. And Parton knows that literacy has lifelong benefits…”If you can read, even if you can’t afford education, you can go on and learn about anything you want to know.
There’s a book on everything.”

Parton understands how to spark a child’s excitement around books and reading. “From the time they’re born, they get books in the mail with their little names on them. They love running to the mailbox!”

And she opted to make the Imagination Library available to all children, no matter their family’s financial status. “I have always felt we shouldn’t leave anybody out or single anybody out,” she said in 2010.

Together, Dolly Parton and her book gifting organization have received honors and awards for their dedication to enriching the lives of children everywhere. The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, Best Practices Award from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and recognition in Reading Psychology are just a few among a long list of the prestigious acknowledgements the program has received.

Christmas Walk Ornament 2024 Available Nov. 15 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Megan Harrington, eight-year-old daughter of Mike and Jill Harrington, Geneseo, shows the 2024 Christmas ornament, which reflects this year’s Christmas Walk theme of “Too Many Santas.”

Photo by Claudia Loucks

Les Hoste, a member of RutabagA Studio and Gallery, Geneseo, designed and made the ornaments commemorating the 39th anniversary of the Geneseo Christmas Walk event. The 2024 ornament is circular in shape, made of oak, and features a cut-out Santa figure in the center. The words, “2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk” are imprinted on the front of the ornament.

There are a limited number of the ornaments created each year. They are offered for sale, beginning Friday, Nov. 15, the day of the Geneseo Christmas Open House, at $20 each at RutabagA Studio & Gallery, 108 North State St; Geneseo Art League, 125 North State St.; and Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 South State.

Stepping back in time to 1993, the year when the late Don Beck created the very first ornament to commemorate the Victorian Walk in Geneseo. The Victorian Walk became the Geneseo Christmas Walk in 2008. Beck retired from making the ornaments in 2006, but the ornament tradition continues each year.

The Christmas Walk ornament is a special Christmas tradition for many families who look forward to adding this year’s ornament, knowing that these will be cherished heirlooms for generations to come.

Gail Farley Carries on a Family Tradition by Serving in the Military - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Gail Farley carried on a family tradition when she enlisted in the United States Army.

Her father served in the Army and was involved in the American Legion in the family’s hometown of Neponset.

“In addition to my father, the military was a family tradition,” Farley said. “I had several uncles and cousins that serve in the Military and I enlisted in the Army to be able to qualify for the GI Bill to help pay for schooling and to gain maturity for myself. At that point in my life, I did not know what I wanted out of life nor did I know what I wanted to study in school.”

Farley grew up in Neponset where she graduated from high school in 1994. After serving in the Army, Farley studied nursing at Black Hawk College, and said she chose that career path, “because I knew I wanted a job where I could care for people and have skills that would allow work flexibility while I was raising children.”

“My Mom was a nurse and when I was growing up, she would write notes to me in nursing short hand,” she added.

Farley completed basic training in Ft. Jackson, SC, and Advanced Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, VA. Her military occupational specialty was a cook and she added, “Although being a cook does not sound like one of the awesome jobs the Army offers, there is a saying most in the military know to be true, and that is ‘there are two things that you never mess with a soldier if you want to keep them happy; their pay and their food’.”

In Observance of Veterans Day, Geneseo Current is Featuring Army Veteran - E-4 Specialist Gail Farley of Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

In January of 1995, Farley was sent to Alaska for her first duty station and she shared that five graduates from her AIT were sent to Fairbanks, AK, where they received their permanent orders for their duty stations.

“Between the five of us, two went to Ft. Richardson in Anchorage, two stayed at Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, and I went to Ft. Greely in Tok Junction, AK,” she said. “It was the smallest base the military had, which was fine with me, since my hometown of Neponset had a population of only 500.”

She cooked in the dining hall for the soldiers stationed there and those that came for training…”On average, about 50 soldiers per meal, but sometimes it would be up to 100 soldiers with the trainees. Outside of my regular duties, I also worked at the Officers Club where I performed typical restaurant-style cooking.”

She was stationed at Ft. Greeley for one year as that installation because that installation was considered a “hardship tour,” she said. “It was a cold place to be, interior Alaska, up in the mountains, but the Northern Lights were beautiful.”

From Ft. Greely, Farley was sent to Fort Hood in Killeen, TX, which is one of the largest bases in the Army….”So, going from Alaska to Texas, not only did I go from the smallest post to one of the largest, I went from the coldest base to one of the hottest. It was a big change!”

At Fort Hood, Farley cooked in a dining hall that served about 500 soldiers per meal and she said she enjoyed the larger dining hall…”One of my assignments was spending time as a night baker. That skill has lived with me as I still enjoy baking to this day.”

Although she enjoyed the baking, she admits that she did not really enjoy being in Texas, “and I still dislike ants, due to some run-ins with fire ants. For those who do not know what fire ants are, they are red, they swarm, and they have ferocious bites which will leave scars.”

Even though she enjoyed the cooking, Farley said she did not enjoy the hours…”Being a cook meant that I had to keep odd work hours. When other soldiers were out doing physical training, I was in the kitchen making breakfast. Cooks were expected to do PT on their own time and on days off. Even though my experience was that cooks were not expected to get top marks in PT – passing was good enough. I did the best I could to stay in shape, but I did not enjoy running.”

Farley’s initial active duty enlistment was for two years, plus training, and she completed that that assignment, and received an Honorable Discharge, and returned to Neponset.

After returning to Illinois, she enrolled in college classes and joined the National Guard in Kewanee, where she continued her service and sills as a cook. She remained in the Guard for an additional eight years.

Her military career also introduced Farley to her husband, George. They met in 2001 when her unit attended a training exercise at Fort Bliss, TX….”They were using contractors for meals and since us cooks were not needed, we were sent to Camp Atterbury, IN, to support a training school. George was one of the instructors for the school and we met in the chow line –I was serving and George was eating.”

The couple married and lived in Columbus, IN, not far from where they met,” Farley added. “When we became pregnant with our daughter, Eliza, I requested discharge from the National Guard. This was shortly after 9/11 and we did not want the chance of us both being deployed leaving our daughter to family.”

Eliza is now a junior at the University of Illinois – Chicago (UIC). When the couple was stationed in Alaska as part of George Farley’s career, their son, Perry, was born at the Army Hospital in Fairbanks. He is now a junior at Geneseo High School.

Gail Farley continues to be involved in the Military as a member of the Neponset American Legion. She also continues with her work as a nurse, at Unity Point.

When asked if she would encourage other young women to consider joining the Military, she said, “Although I know the Military lifestyle is not for everyone, I would encourage anyone interested to consider the Military. It is one of the only opportunities in a short life where one can see new and exotic places, meet a diverse group of people, do new and exciting things that many never know exist. Some of the greatest people I have ever met, I met while in the Army. The Military is a great way to grow up and learn more about yourself, before you spend money on a degree you may not use, or start a career you do not like.”

“The Military taught me to be part of a group and to do what is best for the group. Whether it is volunteering for my kids’ activities or work, if someone needs help or a task needs to be done, then do it.”

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR GAIL FARLEY

My interview with Gail Farley included asking her to comment on Geneseo’s Aisle of Flags display in City Park, and she said:

“It is very impressive and lots of work for the volunteers that take care of it. It makes me feel proud to have served knowing that this community cares enough to support its veterans in such a manner.”

During the time of your service, did the meaning of the American Flag and Freedom become more important to you?

“I don’t think serving made my feelings about the American Flag and Freedom change, as I grew up with a strong sense of patriotism. I think my patriotism is one of the reasons I joined the Army. I grew up in a family where my Dad, one of my brothers, uncles, great uncles and several male cousins served in various branches of the Military. Additionally, I had an aunt that was a nurse in France during WW II. I always thought that was very cool. Finally, I had an uncle that was shot down over France during WW II. A local family hid him and helped get him back to safety. My family never missed a Memorial Day celebration or service and my Mother has always had a flag displayed. My husband and I are keeping that tradition alive at our home.”

Richmond Hill Players End 2024 Season With Comedy - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Richmond Hill Players will conclude their 2024 season with “My Son is Crazy, But Promising,” a comedy by Tim Kelly.

The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 14-24, at the Barn Theatre in Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo.

Dana Skiles directs the play.

ABOUT THE SHOW

“Eccentric Bud Granger, Hollywood screenwriter, decides to give up life in the fast lane and buys a lodge in Tumbleweed, The inn is past its time, but, since it’s situated near the fabled “Lost Dutchman Mine,” Bud thinks he might soon be a reclusive millionaire.

What he didn’t count on is that the lodge is full of crazy guests – a ‘spacey’ little old lady, a terrible spy with his FBI handler, an emotional mobster and his aspiring starlet fiancée, and a honeymoon couple off to a rocky start.

While the tactless former owner and slow local sheriff try to keep things together, the chaos takes off when Bud’s zany mother unexpectedly arrives! A missing flight bag, buried treasure, alien landings and a dead body create a tornado of chaos and laughter.”

The cast features Derek Bolme, Jonathan Grafft, Carol Neuleib, Beth Nyland, Katie Orwig, John Simosky, Tiffany Simosky, all of Geneseo; Stacy Herrick, Cambridge; Jim Skiles, Colona; Terri Nelson, Lynn Center; Elliana Moore, Coal Valley; David Shaffer, Elizabeth Shaffer, Moline; Jane Simonsen, Davenport, and Samuel Carrington, Galesburg.

Tiffany Simosky, left, and John Simosky, both of Geneseo; David Shaffer, Moline; Derek Bolme and Carol Neuleib, both of Geneseo, rehearse a scene from “My Son is Crazy, But Promising,” which opens Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Barn Theatre in Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo. Contributed Photo

The staff includes stage manager Jackie Skiles, set builder Mike Skiles, light and sound designer/operator Dana Skiles, crew member Bella McConville, Geneseo; and set builder Jim Skiles, Colona.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are 3 p.m. matinees with the doors opening at 2 p.m.

Stacy Herrick, left, Cambridge; Jonathan Grafft, Geneseo; Jane Simonsen, Davenport, and Beth Nyland, Geneseo, are among the cast members of “My Son is Crazy, But Promising,” to be staged by the Richmond Hill Players in Geneseo. Contributed Photo

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244 or by visiting the website at rhplayers.com.

Late seating is not permitted; no one will be admitted to the theater after the show has started.

Admission to all performances is $12.

An audio description performance will be held Friday, Nov. 15. Richmond Hill also offers Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), which can be requested at the time reservations are made.

Golden Garden Chinese Restaurant in Downtown Geneseo Is Closing - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It’s been 25 years since Pat Chan and her husband Kent Ko began working at the Golden Garden Restaurant and 10 years since they purchased it from Chan’s brother, who opened the doors to the restaurant in 1995.

Her parents and brother (who refers to himself as Bill) moved to Geneseo from New York in 1995 to open the Golden Garden, which is located at103 South State St. in downtown Geneseo. Four years later, in 1999, Chan, her husband, and their son Kevin Ko, moved to Geneseo from Hong Kong, and Pat and Kent began working at the restaurant. They purchased the restaurant from Chan’s brother in 2014.

Pat Chan and her husband, Kent Ko, are retiring after 25 years of owning and operating The Golden Garden Restaurant in downtown Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, the couple will serve their customers for the last time.

In visiting with the couple, they shared they are “tired,” and ready to retire. They plan to travel, including a trip to Thailand for an extended length of time.

The restaurant has been sold and is expected to reopen in the early months of 2025 as the Thai Café.

Pat Chan smiled as she shared that she and her husband will miss the friends they have made at the restaurant, and added, “We are thankful to this community for all their support through the years…People are very nice in Geneseo and it is a safe place to raise a family.”

Her husband has been the chef at Golden Garden while she does most the serving and other responsibilities in the dining room. Her sister-in-law, Mary Li, helps the couple.

When asked about “customer favorites” of menu items at the restaurant, she listed, “General Tso’s Chicken, Crab Rangoon, and Mongolian Beef.

The Golden Garden Restaurant offers carry-out or eat-in service and is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday; and is closed on Monday.

The restaurant offers a variety of Chinese cuisine from Appetizers, Chow Mein, Chef’s Specials, Combination Plates and Lunch Specials.

As a special offer to their guests, the owners are offering a free buffet lunch to anyone on their birthday.

The couple has two pet Brazilian Turtles, including tank with set-up, they would like to give away at no cost to anyone who will give them a good home. Anyone interested is asked to visit the owners at the restaurant.

Operation Christmas Child Packing Parties and Drop-Dates Set, But Still a Need - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Packing Party dates are set and the Shoebox Drop-Off dates are in place, but there are still many empty shoeboxes to be filled for the Operation Christmas Child outreach.

Team members are aware that the Christmas season is drawing near and there is a concern of making sure the OCC shoeboxes get to disadvantaged children worldwide.

Empty shoeboxes are available from Shelly Emerick, OCC church-relations team member, by contacting her at 309-945-3700. Anyone interested in filling a shoebox may also use an empty shoebox of their own.

SHOEBOX DROP-OFF DATES AT GENESEO EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, 914 NORTH CHICAGO ST., GENESEO

-Monday, Nov. 18, Tuesday, Nov. 19; Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 24 – 2 to 4 p.m.

-Wednesday, Nov. 20 – 4 to 6 p.m.

-Saturday, Nov. 23 – 10 a.m. to noon.

-Monday, Nov. 25 – 9 to 11 a.m.

SHOEBOX PACKING PARTY TIMES:

Shoebox packing parties will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at First Methodist Church, south campus, 224 North State St., Geneseo. Volunteers who help with packing can come and go as their schedules allow.

Packing a shoebox can be done by anyone and the first step is to decide to pack for a boy or a girl in age groups 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. It’s best to begin with a “wow” item such as a doll, stuffed animal, deflated soccer ball with a pump, toy cars or trucks. It is important to include school supplies and hygiene items such as a washcloth, comb, brush, toothbrush - but toothpaste is not allowed.

Clothing or shoes also can be included in the shoebox as well as fun toys, but no food, candy, liquids or jells.

Each shoebox contains a copy of “The Greatest Gift” booklet, a storybook that shares the message of salvation, written in the language of the child receiving the shoebox.

Items that cannot be included in the shoeboxes are anything glass, liquid, camouflage or war-related, or any type of food.

Emerick said there also is still a need for monetary donations to help pay the $10 cost of shipping each shoebox. Donations can be mailed to Emerick at 605 East Pearl St., Geneseo, IL 61254, or dropped off at the office of Emerick Pest Control, 361 JF Edwards Dr., Geneseo, IL 61254. Donations also can be left or mailed to First Methodist Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo, IL 61254.

Operation Christmas Child is an outreach of Samaritan Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization. The non-profit organization specializes in meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, disease and natural disaster, in order to demonstrate God’s love and share the Gospel.

The ministry, which is in its 31st year, uses the shoebox as a tool to open the door for the Gospel and make disciples of all tribes, tongues and nations. OCC started in the United Kingdom in 1990 as an outreach to Romanian Orphans and OCC began in North America in 1993.

Fields of Faith 2024 at Geneseo High School - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

More than 100 students and 30 adults attended the 2024 Fields of Faith gathering held recently at the Bob Reade Football Field at Geneseo High School and in the athletic facility.

Fields of Faith is a student-led and student-driven event where young people gather to stand together against the pressures and temptations in the world and be a generation committed to reading the Bible and applying it to life. Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read God’s Word and follow Jesus Christ.

Cole Hartman is assistant pastor at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church and also serves on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes board.

Cole Hartman, assistant pastor at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church, said the Fields of Faith gatherings are held each year on athletic fields across the United States and the world.

He said at least 100 students attended this year’s Fields of Faith at GHS, and added, “Fields of Faith is an incredible event, where students from Geneseo and surrounding schools gather to stand up and stand out for Jesus. It’s an event for all people, with a simple mission of making Jesus known, because we believe that true hope and life is only found in Him. It brings us joy to see the next generation stand out for Jesus in a bold way.”

Fields of Faith is organized each year by the Geneseo Chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Will Baum

Mason Bealer

Hanna Kreiner

Group of students at recent Fields of Faith held on football field and in athletic facility.

Hartman said, “This year, teenagers have been faced with many challenges. These challenges make the idea of hope a foreign concept and nearly intangible. The issue is not having or longing for hope, but the problem is where we go for genuine hope. There is greater hope in Jesus. It is an authentic, living hope because Christ lives and through Him, we can too!”

“In high school, we place our hope in so many things that ultimately leave us empty and disappointed. I placed my hope in relationships and sports, only to feel frustrated and lost. The hope that we have in Jesus is eternal and permanent.”

He continued, “The Bible describes God as a God of Hope, and it describes the offering of abounding Hope through Jesus. The hope we want is not found in this world. It can only be discovered through placing our faith in Jesus. He died for my sins, and I am forgiven and made new because of Him. The amazing grace of God is where our hope comes from. Though teenagers face many challenges, we believe that the only true, genuine, and helpful escape is a personal relationship with Jesus. He changed my life and He is actively changing the lives of teenagers today.”