Vroman’s Art Work Featured in RutabagA Window

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Karen Vroman is shown with some of her watercolor art work that is being featured in June in the window of RutabagA Studio and Gallery at 108 North State S t. in downtown Geneseo.

Vroman, who lives in Erie, grew up in Prophetstown and majored in Art at Illinois State University, Normal. Her minor was geography which created her passion for landforms, rocks and minerals, all of which continue to be present in her art today. Flowers are another favorite subject of hers in her art work.

She has studied under a number of college professors and members of the American Watercolor Society. Beginning in 1964, Vroman has taught art workshops every year for various organizations in Illinois and Iowa.

She shared that teaching the workshops has kept her art more versatile and has contributed to her own growth, including having met other artists who have made an impact in her life.

Her paintings have been accepted in many watercolor exhibits. In 1988, after her third acceptance into a Transparent Watercolor Society of America’s annual exhibit, she was elected as a signature member of that organization. Her art work is owned by national collectors as well as by clients in Australia, Germany and Japan.

Vroman lives in Erie with her husband Robert. More of her art work, including her quilting and copper tooling can be seen in her studio at 8549 Springhill Rd., Erie. For more information call or text 815-718-5245. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Emotive Artwork Display at Smith Studio

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The art work of Heather Shore is featured in a display at Smith Studio & Gallery at 124 South State St. in downtown Geneseo.

According to information from Studio owner David Smith, for many years Heather Shore has focused on the art of making circular Mandalas. Several years ago, she went through an artistic transformation as she dealt with the loss of a close friend.

The artwork in the current exhibit is the result of a two-year period in which her emotions were expressed through the art she produced.

Shore has expanded her artistic expression to include images of emotive portraits. Her collage artworks are created with cut paper and acrylic paint and she finds that patterned paper has many possibilities when the paper is used as an element of design, Smith said.

The exhibit will remain at Smith Studio until July 31, and Studio and Gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Grief Share Seminar June 8 at First Methodist

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kippy Breeden, left, and Barbara Leonard, discuss the upcoming Grief Share Seminar to be held Saturday, June 8, at His Place, the south campus of First Methodist Church in Geneseo.
Breeden will lead the seminar from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, June 8, at His Place, the south campus of First Methodist Church, 224 South State St. The program is open to anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one. There is no cost.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by contacting First Methodist Church at 309-944-2793 or by visiting the GriefShare website at y.biddle@peopleneedjesus.org. 

Central Bank Has a New Look - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Central Bank, at the corner of State and 1st Sts. in downtown Geneseo, has a new look. The exterior of the building has been completely renovated, a project that began in October of last year and was completed this month.

Russell Construction, Davenport, was the project manager of the renovation, which was done in an effort to take the exterior of the building back to its original look, according to April Davis, Central Bank Marketing Officer.

The entire exterior of the building was redone, including removing the old cornice work and existing metal trims, removing HVAC units and sidewalk planter box, removing existing metal paneling from front face and canopy and removing and salvaging the building-mounted clocks.

Central Bank was founded in 1907 in Geneseo.

Dan Fitzgerald Is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Dan Fitzgerald has been named “Volunteer of the Month” for June at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. He has been a volunteer for three years, picking up food distributions from Midwest Food Bank and River Bend Food Bank and delivering the food to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. He also does heavy lifting when needed.

Fitzgerald is a widow with four adult children and four grandchildren.

His hobbies are running, vintage cars and motorcycles and chasing children.

He said he feels fortunate to be retired and have time available to help support the Food Pantry, and he added that his favorite memory from volunteering is watching another food pantry representative pick up their food in a small SUV, and being amazed at how much they squeeze into the small vehicle every time.

Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, said, ”Our Food Pantry would have a lot less food without Dan’s deliveries, so we are grateful for Dan, his truck, and all of his hard work.”

Grace Church GUMDROPS Meet K-9 Kauzi

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Youngsters in the Grace United Methodist Church GUMDROPS program took a field trip to City Park where they were introduced to Sgt. Jamison Weisser and K-9 Kauzi,

Lil GUMDROPS (Grace United Methodist Church Draw, Read, Open Play and Snack) is a weekly play group and outreach program for children in the community. Children who attend must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

The group’s spring session ended May 29 with a field trip to City Park where they spent time on the playground equipment before taking seats on the park benches to hear Sgt. Weisser share how he uses K-9 Kauzi in his police work.

In addition, Detective Jamie Shoemaker of the Geneseo Police Department spoke to the group about the IMPACT Task Force - Integrated Model Police and Crisis Team (IMPACT) that is designed to put focus on community issues relating to mental health, substance use and intervention.

Jenna Rushing is director of GUMDROPS, which is geared for children ages 2-5. Sign-up for the fall session of GUMDROPS will be announced at a later date.

Photos by Claudia Loucks

First Methodist Bible School Is June 17

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shawn King, left, Director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo; and Milo Jones, a third grader, invite area children to this year’s Vacation Bible School: “Start the Party: Celebrate the Good News!” VBS at First Methodist will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, through Friday, June 21, and children ages four through those entering fifth grade are invited. Registration can be made at peopleneedjesus.org/vbs. For more information, contact Shawn King at s.king@peopleneedjesus.org.
Photo by Claudia Loucks

Memorial Day Program in Geneseo Will Include Horse Therapy

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

In addition to the previously announced VFW Program planned for Memorial Day, May 27, in Geneseo City Park, there also will be a public demonstration by Megan Sundeen, executive director of Sundance for Our Soldiers (SOS) , and her therapy horse. Sundeen’s presentation is scheduled for after the VFW ceremonies which will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Monday in Geneseo City Park. The annual event is sponsored by the Don Cherry VFW, VFW Auxiliary and the Aisle of Flags.

Music will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the speakers scheduled for 10 a.m.

There will be a “by donation” pork chop lunch served after the ceremony and veterans

will eat at no charge. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held in the

Geneseo High School Performing Arts Center.

Sundeen said she is “excited to share the story of this horse (Smokin Soprano, a retired Standard bred horse) because he has a great story of many people he has helped as well as veterans from most combat wars and other service-related PTSD.”

Her late father, Charles Sundeen, was a lifetime member of the Don Cherry VFW Post in Geneseo, and she said her program on Memorial Day will focus on his story and how it led to horse therapy.

Sundance for Our Soldiers serves military serviced members and their families…”After Covid, we expanded to include First Responders, healthcare p rofessionals, teachers, youth, and the elderly,” she said.

Sundeen is certified by EAGALA, the global leader in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL).

For more information, contact Sundeen at 309-945-7257.

Hospital Auxiliary 2024 Ice Cream Social June 6

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathleen VanDeRostyne, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary volunteer/auxiliary supervisor; Lisa Farrell and Linda VanDerLeest, Auxiliary members; will be helping at the group’s annual ice cream social on Thursday, June 6, in Geneseo City Park.  Sandwiches, chips, a variety of pies and cakes, along with ice cream and beverages will be served, beginning at 5 p.m.  This year’s scholarship recipients will be introduced at 6:25 p.m. at the ice cream social. The Miracle Blue Grass Band will provide music for dancing and listening, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the social benefit the Auxiliary’s Health Career Scholarship Fund. Claudia Loucks Photo

GEF Provides Lunch for Staff at Geneseo Schools

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The administration and staff at Geneseo High School were among the Geneseo School District employees who received sack lunches from the Geneseo Education Foundation in observance of Teacher Appreciation Week. In the photo are, from left, Jenna Rushing, representing Hanford Insurance, Geneseo; Bethany Winkleman, GEF board member; and Jo Lea Holevoet, vice president of Farmers National Bank Geneseo Location. Contributed Photo

The administration and staff at Geneseo High School were among the Geneseo School District employees who received sack lunches from the Geneseo Education Foundation in observance of Teacher Appreciation Week. In the photo are, from left, Jenna Rushing, representing Hanford Insurance, Geneseo; Bethany Winkleman, GEF board member; and Jo Lea Holevoet, vice president of Farmers National Bank Geneseo Location. Contributed Photo

The Geneseo Education Foundation recognized Geneseo School District 228 employees and Henry-Stark employees by delivering lunches to all schools in the District.

Representatives of the GEF delivered a total of 285 sack lunches, prepared by Atkinson Hometown Deli.

According to GEF director Sharon Neumann, “The GEF wanted to recognize all of these employees, including support staff and substitutes, to thank them for their efforts. The gesture is a way to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of these educators during Teacher Appreciation Week and to give back to the community. Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, it is a win-win for everyone involved, and a reminder of the importance of supporting our local schools and educators.”

The Geneseo Education Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation, was established to solicit and receive gift bequests and grants to complement, enrich, and enhance the educational opportunities and experiences for students of the Geneseo School District beyond existing tax support.

For more information about GEF, and supporting its mission, visit http://www.geneseoeducation.com or contact Neumann at geneseoeducation1@gmail.com or call 309-945-5326.

GHS Students Are Readers

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Twenty-six students form Geneseo High School qualified for the Illinois State Library’s 2024 Read for a Lifetime Program. The program is sponsored each year by the Illinois State Library.

Students receive the new reading list in May every year and have until the first week of April in the next year to read and review the books. It takes four books to qualify for the program.

Jeanne Brucher, GHS and GMS librarian, coordinates the program, and she said, “Every year several students will read all 25.”

GHS senior Elizabeth Ramp is the 19th GHS student to join the State Library’s 100 Book Club by reading all 25 books from the annual Read for a Lifetime list each year of high school. Ramp said her favorite book from the reading lists was “Instructions for Dancing,” by Nicola Yoon. Contributed Photo

Lunch Box Program For Area Youth Begins June 10 in Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Linda Flatt is director of the “Lunch Box” summer food program for children in Geneseo. A nutritious lunch will be served to young people from ages four to 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, beginning Monday, June 10, and concluding on Friday, Aug. 9, at the Geneseo Community Center, 541 East North St.
Entrance to the lunch site should be made through the door on the west side of the building. “There is no need for kids to sign up in advance, we just want them to show up,” Linda Flatt said. In an effort to eliminate “food shaming,” all young people in the community are welcome. The program is funded with local grant money. For questions call 309-945-3600. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Thank you From the Family of Mark Hutchinson

  The family of Mark Hutchinson would like to thank everyone for remembering him and us at the time of his recent death.  

   The flowers, plants, food, cards, memorials, and other expressions of sympathy were greatly appreciated and will always be remembered by us.  

   Ann Hutchinson, Julie Hutchinson Huygens, and John Hutchinson

Richmond Hill Players Auditions May 18-19

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Richmond Hill Players will hold auditions this weekend for the last three shows of the 2024 season. Auditions are scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo.

Auditions are for “The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase,” a comedy by Pat Cook, directed by Joe DePauw, with show dates of Aug. 15-25; “Of Mice & Men,” a drama by John Steinbeck, directed by Justin Raver, with show dates of Oct. 3-13; and “My Son is Crazy, But Promising,” a comedy adapted by Tim Kelly, directed by Dana Skiles, with show dates of Nov. 14-24.

Roles are available for 18 males (ages 20’s to 60’s) and 14 females (one teen, the rest ages 20’s to 60’s). “Of Mice & Men” has a role specifically written to be played by a black male.

For more detailed information about the shows and auditions, visit www.rhplayers.com/auditions.

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Is May 23

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Katie Orwig, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager; and Crystal Yost, Foundation Assistant, invite area women to the Thursday, May 23, program of the Women’s Health Series, sponsored by the 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. Anna Kreiser, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutrition Services, Hammond-Henry Hospital, will present the program “Gut Health & Digestive Issues.” Cost of the lunch is $10, payable at the door. For questions or to make a reservation, call the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com by Thursday, May 16. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo Garden Club to Meet May 21

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kenny White, former owner of the Corn Crib Nursery in Coal Valley, will present a program about spring lawn care, favorite trees and shrubs, and what’s new for 2024, at the meeting of the Geneseo Garden Club which will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday May 21st, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago Street in Geneseo.

Guests are welcome.

From the 2024 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Detective Jamie Shoemaker, with the Geneseo Police Department, was the keynote speaker at the Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held May 2 at Geneseo First Methodist Church.

She shared 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.

The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, is sponsored by the Geneseo Ministerial Association and is open to all area residents. The Ministerial Association serves the entire Geneseo School District, including Atkinson.

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

In addition to Detective Shoemaker, other speakers included the Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter, Geneseo First Methodist Church; Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft; Michael Sigwalt, Director of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry and GMA secretary.

Cathy Runty, First Lutheran Church, gave the prayer for State and National Government; Linda VanDerLeest, Geneseo First Methodist Church, gave the prayer for Local Government and First Responders; George Farley gave the prayer for the Military; Ed Kiefer, First Congregational Church, gave the prayers for agriculture and business; Ted McAvoy, St. Malachy Church, gave the prayer for schools; and Steve Durian, First Presbyterian Church, gave the prayer for families.

Photo by Claudia Loucks

Karen Doy is Food Pantry Volunteer of the Month

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Karen Doy has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. She has been a volunteer at the food pantry for two years, helping guests shop in the food room, and sometimes helping in the clothing room.

She and her husband, Steve, have two sons, Nathaniel and Andy, and a Beta fish. Doy enjoys ice dancing, water aerobics, gardening and scrapbooking.

She said the best thing about volunteering at the food pantry is meeting and interacting with guests, “who are so appreciative of what they receive.”

Her most memorable experience at the Food Pantry was when she was helping a new guest who was amazed to find she had the opportunity to select her own items. Doy talked with the guest the entire time she was shopping, and when she was ready to leave, she gave Karen a big hug and thanked her for the friendship and for making her day.

GHS Student Council Hosts Leadership Breakfast

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

National Student Leadership Week recently was observed at Geneseo High School recently when the GHS Student Council hosted a leadership breakfast for student leaders.

The student leaders recognized included sports team captains, club officers and all Student Council members.

This is the second year for the Leadership Breakfast at GHS. The breakfast concluded with a message from Rich Thurman, a retired teacher and coach in the Geneseo School District.

GHS Student Council advisor Tara Laingen said, “Over 75 students attended the event and were celebrated for their commitment to service and leadership in our school community.”

She added, “Our Leadership Breakfast is a nice way to celebrate National Student Leadership Week, and recognize the many student leaders in our school. Their contributions to our school and community do not go unnoticed and we appreciate their commitment.”

In addition to Laingen, Megan Brewer also is Student Council advisor.

Contributed Photo

Contributed Photo

Contributed Photo

Geneseo Music Festival 2024 Queen Pageant Forms Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School office staff, Nicole Cherry, center; and Jill Harrington, at right, go over a Geneseo Music Festival queen candidate information sheet with graduating senior Ella Toom, at left. The Geneseo Rotary Club-sponsored pageant is Friday, June 14, in City Park. The pageant is open to GHS graduating seniors and scholarships funds from the Rotary Club will be awarded to the queen and four runners-up. Pageant forms are available in the main office at GHS. For more information, call Catherine Rothschild at 309-945-7966 or Claudia Loucks at 309-714-1366. Photo by Claudia Loucks