Veterans Day Assembly Nov. 10 at GHS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School Student Council members, from left, Caroline Girten, Lindsay Herington, Mady Mooney, and Payton Snider are preparing for the upcoming Veterans Day Assembly at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, at the high school. 700 North State St. All local veterans are invited to attend as special guests.

Isabel Anderson, Geneseo, will be the keynote speaker. Anderson currently serves as a substitute teacher in the Geneseo School District. She is the “Mom” of a military family, and she will share her own military experience, in addition to the benefits and hardships of being a career military family.

Veterans planning to attend the assembly are asked to arrive at the high school at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 10, using the main entrance to the school or the entrance to the Library Commons which is at the south end of the building.

The assembly will begin at 8 a.m. and will include the keynote speaker, guest introductions, and special musical selections by the GHS band and choir.

For additional information, contact Tara Laingen at tlaingen@geneseoschools.org. Laingen said the Veterans Day Assembly is being held to honor the local veterans and to bring awareness to the GHS student body. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Blood Drive Nov. 9 at Geneseo First Methodist Church

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

First Methodist Church of Geneseo is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the South Annex (back entrance of the church’s south campus) of the church. The drive will begin at 12 noon and continue until 6 p.m.

Donors are asked to make reservations by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED Cross). Walk-ins will be accepted in as timely a manner as possible with appointments taking priority. Those planning to give blood will be asked to present their Red Cross ID card (or a valid driver’s license) and will be asked to read the list of medications that might exclude their donation from being used or do a “Rapid Pass” before their donation.

Before donating:

-1. Drink an extra 16 ounces of water, juice or non-alcoholic drink before donating, especially in warm weather.

-2. Eat a healthy meal; avoid fatty foods like fries, hamburgers, ice cream.

-3. Try to get a good night’s sleep.

-4. Check to see if any of the medications you are taking would prevent you from donating.

It’s also recommended that those planning to donate increase their vitamin C to their diet by eating fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, spinach and brussels sprouts.

Anyone with questions about donating, getting a Red Cross ID card or who would like more information, is asked to call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS)

Open Studio on Tuesdays at RutabagA

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Debra Beyerlein, left; Les Hoste and Elaine Hofman are preparing the window at RutabagA Art Gallery to promote “Open Studio” at the Gallery from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. RutabagA member Beyerlein said she and other members meet on a casual basis on Tuesdays to work on art projects and discuss art…”We welcome people to join us and explore art, as well as ask questions and maybe even do some art work. More information about “Open Studio” is displayed in the window of RutabagA at 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo.

Hospital Auxiliary Jewelry Sale is Nov. 14

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathleen VanDeRostyne, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Volunteer/Auxiliary Supervisor; and Mary Jane Causemaker, representing the Auxiliary Development Committee, show some of the items to be included in the “Masquerade” $5 Jewelry and Accessories Sale planned by the Auxiliary. The sale is from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the hallway at the east entrance to the hospital. All jewelry items and accessories are sold for $5 each and all profits benefit the Auxiliary. Cash, debit/credit cards and payroll deduction are accepted as payment at the sale. Photo by Claudia Loucks


Wild Game Feast Is Nov. 4

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Grant Bjorkman, left, and Elijah Coppejans, of Boy Scout Troop 131, invite area residents to the troop’s Wild Game Feast form 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Geneseo Masonic Lodge. Donations are $12 for anyone age 13 and older; $6 for ages 4-12, and children younger than three are free.  The menu includes buffalo, pheasant, duck, venison, salmon, turkey, chicken and “all the fixins.”  The event includes a silent auction.

CNA Students at Hammond-Henry Receive Scholarships

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Each of the twelve students in the Certified Nursing Program (CNA) at Hammond-Henry Hospital has received scholarships to help pay tuition and other fees. The students are, in front from left, Jill Corso, Autumn Stephens, Anna Calabria, April Kelley, Skylar Wainscott; in back from left, Patrick Miller, Abigail Frank, Olivia Dickey, Jillian Beneke, Brooke Boone, Macy Litherland and Madeline Roberts. Instructors, not pictured, are Jessica Jansen and Heidi Brumbaugh, both school nurses with the Geneseo School District. The 12 students are in the CNA dual enrollment class held during the 2023-2024 school year at Hammond-Henry Hospital, in conjunction with Black Hawk College and Geneseo High School. The Hospital Foundation provided scholarships to the students in the amount of $500 per student and Black Hawk College contributed an additional $100 per student, totaling $7,200 in scholarships.

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Program Is Oct. 26

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Darcy Hepner, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager; and Katie Orwig, assistant; representing the Women’s Health Committee at Hammond-Henry Hospital, invite area women to the Thursday, Oct. 26, program of the Women’s Health Series, sponsored by the Hospital Foundation Community Benefits Committee. The program is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Geneseo Community Center Activity Room, 541 East North St., Geneseo. Lorelei Ohlson, Alternatives for the Older Adult, with Hammond Henry Hospital Social Services, will present the program, “Advanced Health Care Planning. Cost of the lunch is $10, payable at the door. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com.

GPAC Fall Fundraiser Kicks Off Oct. 23

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Aiden Hawkins, left, and Taeton Chirchir, both eighth graders at Geneseo Middle School, are encouraging area residents to support the 2023 Geneseo Performing Arts Council (GPAC) Fall Fundraiser.

The annual fundraiser begins Monday, Oct. 23, and concludes Wednesday, Nov. 8 and the sale items include fruit, nuts, cheeses and meats. In addition to purchasing items from students involved in the Performing Arts, orders also can be placed online at https://sales.minntexcitrus.com/organization/geneseo-performing-arts-council/. Once at the site, select Geneseo Performing Arts Council and at checkout, there will be a dropdown to select the student’s name to give them credit for the sale. There is a $1.50 processing fee for orders made online.

All sales need to be paid for at the time the order is made and all checks should be made payable to GPAC. Products are scheduled to arrive Dec. 15 and students who sold the items will pick up and deliver the items.

For more information, or for anyone interested in making a purchase, but is not contacted by a student, call Carla Taets, 309-269-3551.

All proceeds are used to help support band, choir, speech and theatre programs, which include assistance for high school, middle school and elementary school students. Funding is used toward activities such as music lesson, solo and ensemble accompanists, marching band, theater supplies, scholarships and other miscellaneous needs. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo Police Selling Shirts to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Since 2018, the Geneseo Police Department has raised both awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Awareness. The tradition continues this year with the department selling long-sleeve T-shirts.

Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will benefit the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation and will be used for Women’s Health Services at the hospital.

The shirts area being sold for $30 each and will be available through October. The shirts are available to purchase at the Geneseo Police Department and at the Hospital Foundation Office.

Hospital Foundation Manager Darcy Hepner expressed her appreciation for the GPD efforts and said, “We are grateful for the support from the GPD. They are committed to helping the community in many capacities. Women’s Health is in the spotlight in October, but the proceeds will go to help women all year.”

The Geneseo Police Department is selling T-shirts to create Breast Cancer Awareness, and coordinating their efforts with the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation to raise funds for Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Women’s Health Services. In the photo are, from left, Officer George Marquez; Darcy Hepner, Hammond-Henry Foundation Manager; Jessica Damewood, Police Dept. Administrative Assistant; and Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft. Photo Submitted

Halloween Treats 2023 at Area Churches

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Halloween brings with it “trick or treating” or “trunk or treating” for area youngsters and several churches in Geneseo have plans to distribute treats from the trunks of vehicles in church parking lots or inside the church. They are:

-3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, Grace United Methodist Church at 318 North Center St., trunk or treat in church parking lot.

-10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 28, Concordia Lutheran Church at 316 South Oakwood Ave, trunk or treat in church parking lot on East North St., across from the church.

-4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, First Methodist Church at 302 North State St., trunk or treat in church parking lot.

-4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, Fellowship Room at First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., individual stations will be set up with volunteers distributing treats. Hot dogs and hot chocolate also will be served.

THE ORIGIN OF TRICK-OR-TREATING: (found online)

Trick of treating, in costume and ringing doorbells to ask for treats, has been a tradition in the United States and other countries for more than a century. Its origin remains murky, but traces can be identified in ancient Celtic festivals, early Roman Catholic holidays, medieval practices and even British politics.

Sharon Michelson’s Art in RutabagA Window

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Sharon Michaelsen is the featured artist for the month of October at RutabagA Art Gallery in downtown Geneseo. Her window display of shooting stars, done in acrylics, is the result of Michaelsen’s involvement with the Geneseo Community Choir. She said, “This past summer, I had the honor of being invited to paint on stage with our local 124-voice Community Choir as they sang ‘Choose Something Like a Star.’ Images from the Hubble Space Telescope were my inspiration for these preliminary practice paintings of nebulae (exploding stars). This was certainly an exciting adventure for me to work outside of my comfort zone of painting pastel portraits of children and veterans and creating pen and ink drawings of cathedrals and Victorian homes.” - “From stardust we came, and to stardust we shall return.” RutabagA Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Oil Pastel Class Tuesday at RutabagA

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo artist Joyce Mattan will instruct a class in oil pastel from 5: to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at RutabagA Art Gallery, 108 North State in downtown Geneseo. Cost is $10 for the class and more information is available at the Gallery, 309-944-4994. Mattan has been creating artwork for the last 50 years.

Photo by Claudia Loucks

Paper Collage Display at Smith Studio

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The art work of Janet Ahrens, Grinnell, Iowa, currently is featured at the Smith Studio and Gallery in downtown Geneseo. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Smith Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

David Smith, owner of Smith Studio, said the artist has received broad acclaim for her constantly adapting collages that are variations on a theme. Ahrens’ abstract three-dimensional paper works are often noted for their unique style, elegance, and technique….He said, “Janet’s wide use of texture, strong lines, and industrial materials make her work an excellent choice for a wide range of decorative projects.”

The artist said, “The ever-changing landscape has been a constant theme in my work. I try to capture a moment in time, showing how the environment shapes the landscape over the centuries.”

Janet Ahrens, Grinnell, Iowa

Float Face-Off Underway for GHS Homecoming

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Even though it was in the beginning stages, there were many Geneseo High School students at work at the Float Face-Off on Wednesday in preparation for this year’s Homecoming Parade which will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, starting at Geneseo City Park and traveling north through downtown to the high school.

“Hollywood Homecoming” is the 2023 homecoming theme . Photo by Claudia Loucks

Lilyann Garza, left, and Abby Poston are ready to the spray the poles for the ropes that will line the red carpet on the freshman class float.

Anna Davis and Matthew Darnall, sophomores at GHS, work on their class float which includes the words “Peace Love Prevention,” in memory of their classmate, Lyla “Random” Litherland, who died unexpectedly earlier this year.

Dylan Gehl, left; Colin Orwig, Erica DeDecker and Emelia Schmitt, members of the Junior Class at GHS, are shown by their class float, “Red Carpet Hollywood.”

GHS seniors Hayden Spranger, left, Emma DeBaene and Emma Veloz begin work on their class float, “Building the Titanic,” which will be part of the Homecoming Parade on Friday.

Men’s Health Morning Series Oct. 4

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Area men are invited to the Men’s Health Morning Series presentation from 7 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, in the Hammond-Henry Hospital conference room.  Detective Jamie Shoemaker, who is with the Geneseo Police Department, will present a program on the “IMPACT Task Force.”

Those attending may purchase breakfast in the hospital dining room.  For information and to make a reservation, call 309-944-9112 or email  hhhfound@hammondhenry.com .  Parking is available in the east parking lot on Center St.  Blood pressure screenings will be available.   The Men’s Health Morning Series is sponsored by the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation.

 In 2022 Detective Shoemaker began working to set up a mental health task force within the police department, and it was while she was working in the community and as a result of her training with crisis intervention that she realized more than just help for mental health was needed.

   “During trainings it was brought to my attention that a person who suffers form mental illness can turn to substance use to self medicate, therefore making our task force not just about mental illness, but also substance use as well as crisis intervention.  Every person we work with has different needs and different resources they need to help them.”

   She said it has taken some time to collect a list of resources – whether it is for inpatient substance use detox, inpatient patient mental health, therapy, food, and possibly housing.

Detective Jamie Shoemaker

Mobile Museum of Tolerance Coming to Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) will be in Geneseo the last week of September. The educational program is a large bus that travels throughout Illinois, usually seen at community libraries and schools.

Information in the literature of the MMOT states: “The Mobile Museum of Tolerance seeks to inspire students and adults from across the State of Illinois to stand up against hate and foster positive change in their communities. Unlike a traditional museum, the MMOT is a mobile classroom that travels directly to communities at no cost to the schools and organizations who host us. Instead of exhibits, the MMOT uses documentary films, interactive technology, and facilitated discussions to teach participants about history, online hate, and the importance of taking action. Our workshops have been specially crafted to engage all age groups, serving schools, faith groups, community organizations, businesses, and more.”

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance will arrive at the Geneseo Public Library on Monday, Sept. 25, and will be parked in the north parking lot. Public may take advantage of the MMOT programs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 on Wednesday, Sept. 27. On Wednesday, the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce will have special use of the MMOT from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The MMOT will then be moved to the Geneseo Middle School where it will be available for exclusive use by the Middle School on Thursday and Friday.

More information about the MMOT is available at mmot.com

Ignite Begins Oct. 4 at First Methodist in Geneseo – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shawn King, left, director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo, chats with seven-year-old Carline Gramling, daughter of Marley and Brennon Gramling, about the Ignite Children’s Program at First Methodist Church. The program, open to all students in grades k-5, will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 4, when school is in session.

Transportation will be provided for students at Northside, Millikin and Southwest schools.

Shawn King said, “Ignite is based on the Team Kids curriculum called ‘Faithful Promises’. Through this program, we will lead kids to discover the steadfast faithfulness of God through Old Testament promises. Kids will explore details of the major covenants promised in the Old Testament and connect the bigger reality of God’s faithfulness to their every circumstance.”

Healthy snacks will be provided at the beginning of the program, King added….”Children will rotate through an opening session, games, Bible activities, and mission stations.”

Registration may be made online at www.peopleneedjesus.org/ignite or by contacting Shawn King at s.king@peopleneedjesus.org or by calling 309-944-2793.

In the picture: Shawn King, left, director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo, chats with seven-year-old Carline Gramling