Church-Wide Garage Sale to Benefit Operation Christmas Child

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shelly Emerick, church relations team member for the Greater Quad Cities Iowa-Illinois Area Team of Operation Christmas Child, begins to sort items that have been donated for the Church-Wide Garage Sale and Silent Auction planned to raise funds to cover shipping costs for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

The garage sale will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4; and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the South Campus building of First Methodist Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo.

All household items in good condition will be accepted for the sale, excluding cribs and car seats, Encyclopedias, Halloween decorations, house paint, large appliances, large exercise equipment, mattresses, old computer monitors and tube-style TV’s.

Donations of items for the sale should be dropped off at the rear door of the South Campus building during: Saturday, Sept. 28, 5 to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 29, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Monday, Sept. 30 -10 a.m. to 12 noon; and Tuesday - Oct. 1, 4 to 6 p.m.

Volunteers are needed and can sign up at the Information Center at the church to help with: setting up and taking down tables, receiving donations and assisting in hosting the sale.

According to Emerick, the sale is being held to help with shipping costs of the OCC shoeboxes, and she said, “The cost to mail each shoebox is $10. Our goal for the number of shoeboxes to pack this year is $1,200, so we are hoping to raise $12,000 at the upcoming garage sale.”

First Congregational Church Donates to Police Department Programs

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Geneseo have made contributions to programs of the Geneseo Police Department.

In May, a “Ladies Spring Fling Luncheon,” with a 1950’s picnic theme was held and included a silent auction fundraiser. The money raised from the event, $1,180, was donated to the IMPACT program of the Geneseo Police Department. Wayne Stone, who serves as chairman of the mission board at the church, presented the check to Detective Jamie Shoemaker of the Geneseo Police Department, when she attended a recent worship service at the church. (“The IMPACR Task Force is to provide a coordinated professional police response to individuals affected by mental illness, substance abuse or who are in need of crisis intervention”). Contributed Photo

Wayne Stone, at right, chairman of the mission board at First Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Geneseo, recently presented a check in the amount of $440 to Geneseo Police Officer Alex Ingle. The contribution is designated for the National Child Safety Council. Contributed Photo

Gold Out is GHS Student Theme at Football Game

Four Geneseo High School students are dressed in the student section theme, “Gold Out,” for the recent GHS football game vs. Moline. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Shane Bagby is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shane Bagby has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. He has been volunteering at the Food Pantry for four months, and assists guests in the food room, restocks shelves, and sorts donations.

Bagby has a dog named “Cora.” He loves reading and spending time with friends.

He commented, “The people that I work and volunteer with are the salt of the earth. Seriously, they’re incredible.”

He said one night while he was sorting donations, a fellow volunteer brought in a cake to share, and Bagby recalled how fun it was to eat, work, and chat with everyone.

Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all your hard work and dedication Shane!”

Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers Membership Event Sept. 17

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Julie Zwica, left, and Deb Deener, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary, are ready for the “Field of Blooms” volunteers membership event planned for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., Geneseo. The membership event is for auxiliary members and prospective members and will include brunch. Taylor Meints of Taylor & Co., Geneseo, will be the guest speaker. Kathleen VanDeRostyne, volunteer/auxiliary manager at the hospital, will share a variety of opportunities for auxiliary volunteers. Reservations are required by Thursday, Sept. 12, by calling Zwica, 309-269-3563; Deb. Deener, 309-945-2136; or Kathleen VanDeRostyne, at 309-944-9130. Zwica added that anyone who might be interested in becoming a volunteer is encouraged to make a reservation and attend. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo Library Has a New Free Streaming Service Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Public Library has a new free streaming service available to its patrons.

Kanopy is an ad-free streaming service that distributes content through membership at public libraries and universities, according to Claire Crawford, director of the Geneseo library. “Kanopy focuses on providing movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos without commercial interruption, and it’s free to our patrons.”

Kanopy charges libraries and universities a fee for providing content to their members. Each member is allotted a certain amount of free digital rentals per month.

Anyone who has a library card is eligible to receive the free service and those patrons with library cards will be asked to use their library card number and a PIN password.

The new service offers PBS, Paramount, HBO Documentaries, A24, The Criterion Collection.

There is an entire section of Kanopy that is dedicated to children – Kanopy Kids. Some of the content includes: Peanuts, Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Arthur, Calliou, and Franklin the Turtle in addition to parental controls and classes for kids.

Even though it won’t have the most recent blockbuster movies, the library staff believes those people looking for independent films, documentaries and lots of content for kids “will really like it.”

Residents of Geneseo who do not have a library card can apply for a card at the library. They will need to present two proofs of residency (a current driver’s license with their address) and a paid utility bill that has their address.

Moms and Sons Continue Tradition of Helmet Striping at GHS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Julia McAvoy and her son, Jackson McAvoy, enjoy the time spent striping Jackson’s football helmet. The “Football Striping” night has become a tradition for the Geneseo High School Football Team.

Lil Leaf Cheerleaders at GHS Football Season Opener

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

More than 100 “Lil Leaf” cheerleaders entertained football fans with the chants they learned at a recent Lil Leaf Cheer Clinic. Their performance was held Friday night in conjunction with the Green Machine’s season opener against Chicago Comer in which Geneseo dominated the night with a victory of 48-0. Photos by Claudia Loucks

Ignite Begins Oct. 2 At First Methodist In Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shawn King, left, director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo, chats with second grader Matingly Lewis-Raley 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. 2, when school is in session.

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

Shawn King said, “Our program is designed to provide kids with age-appropriate, fun, hands-on learning experiences that allow them to know who Jesus is and what it means to have a relationship with Him.”

Students will be provided with a light snack and learning experiences at Bible, Discipleship, Games, and Craft 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 for more information.

PTA Life Memberships 2024 Presented at Football Scrimmage

By Claudia Loucks
Correspondent

PTA Life Memberships were presented at the recent football scrimmage held on the Bob Reade Football Field at Geneseo High School. Recipients of the awards are, from left, Misty Olson, Northside School; Angela Krause, Millikin School; Sarah Wirth, Southwest School; Susan Ash, Northside; Anne Marie Stone, Geneseo High School; Crystal Durnell, Geneseo High School; Nate O’Dell, Geneseo Middle School; and Bill Eaker, Geneseo Middle School. Paige Panicucci also received a Lifetime Membership, but was absent for the photo. The Lifetime awards are presented annually to PTA members who have gone above and beyond for PTA and in serving their schools.

Volunteer Named for the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Correspondent

Lillian Bellagamba, has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. She has been volunteering at the Food Pantry this summer and she stocks shelves, assists guests in the food room, and sorts clothing donations. In addition, she helped pack and distribute school supplies.

Bellagamba has two cats, Lucky and Layla and she enjoys singing, writing, reading and golfing.

She said the best thing about volunteering at Food Pantry is the people working to help others. Her most memorable experience at the Food Pantry was when she and another worker discovered a crossbow that someone had donated and found that they had a lot in common.

Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Lillian has been a wonderful addition to the Food Pantry. Thank you Lillian!”

Grants Provide Additions to Playground at Park District Athletic Field

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

John DuBois, left, president and CEO of Central Bank, Geneseo; Julia McAvoy, Geneseo Park District board member; Andy Thurman, executive director of the Geneseo Park District; Mark Breeden, board member of the Frances G. & Betty J. Miller Foundation; and Tyler Mackey, vice president-trust officer at Central Bank, are photographed at the climbing boulder added recently to the playground area at the Geneseo Park District Athletic Field.

The playground is a somewhat hidden treasure at the Geneseo Park District Athletic Field, located to the rear of the building on the grounds. The playground equipment and installation was done in 2022 with $80,000 in funds received from the Geneseo Foundation. The area also features an Outdoor Classroom made possible with $10,000 in funds from the Charles Davis Trust.

Recently, with contributions of $28,000 from the Frances G. & Betty J. Miller, $10,000, the Charles Davis Trust and the Geneseo Park District Foundation, the Park district was able to install two additional benches, picnic table additional lighting and a climbing boulder with safety surface padding and turf at the Athletic Field.

Andy Thurman, executive director of the Geneseo Park District, commented that the “playground, outdoor classroom and now climbing boulder have been huge assets to our Day Camp program. This gives the children a playground onsite and something for kids to do during Youth Football games as well.”

“We waited a couple of years to see the need for tables and benches and these newly –installed features are great for families eating a snack or taking a break while the children play,” he added. “The complete safety surface surrounding the playground makes it ADA compliant.

Thurman said the sidewalk surrounding the playground and classroom, as well as the adjacent track, gives parents or caregivers the ability to walk while the children play…”This play area at the Athletic Field provides the Park District’s first playground and is a great place for children to use in this area of town.”

Geneseo Model Railroaders to Display at Trains, Planes & Automobiles

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the Geneseo Model Railroaders Club will have operating train displays in conjunction with the annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles celebration in Geneseo.

A variety of events are scheduled in the Geneseo area from Thursday, Sept. 5, through Saturday, Sept. 7. The main day of the event is Saturday, Sept. 7, and the Model Railroad Club showrooms, at 154 East Exchange St. in Geneseo, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for visitors to see the operating model train display.

The group also will open their doors to the public at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, during the Cruise the Canal tours. A spokesman for the Club said, We also will be open on that Friday to local day care centers and nursing homes. We believe it would be easier for these groups to enjoy the displays with less foot traffic.”

The Geneseo Model Railroaders Club was established by model railroad enthusiasts in 2011 in Geneseo and is open to collectors and hobbyists of all scales and gauges of model trains. Club meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Geneseo Public Library.

For more information about the Geneseo Model Railroad Club, email questions to gmrrclub@gmail.com or visit Geneseo Model Railroaders Club on face book.

Kathy Williams Is Featured Artist at RutabagA

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathy Williams is the featured artist for August at RutabagA Art Gallery, 108 North State St., Geneseo. The artist enjoys working with watercolors, screen printing, (and said she “learned most of what she knows with Don Beck’s assistance”) and acrylics. Williams joined the Geneseo Art League in 2004, where she was a member for nine years before moving back to Iowa. When RutabagA formed in 2016, Williams was invited to join the group and said, “I have enjoyed it very much and working with the art friends I’ve made here.” The RutabagA Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Photo by Claudia Loucks

School Supplies at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, is shown with school supplies and book bags, available at the food pantry. The items for school are distributed to families of students in the Geneseo School District who meet the food pantry income guidelines. For more information, call the food pantry at 309-944-3165. Hours of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Photo by Claudia Loucks

GHS Cheerleaders to Wash Cars Saturday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School cheerleaders, Lilly Johnson, senior; Jocelyn Cechowicz, junior; Emma Drockelman, senior, and Janey Neumann, junior, will be helping at the Cheerleaders’ Car Wash Fundraiser planned from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Ed Morse Ford, formerly Crowe Ford, 1041 South State St., Geneseo. Free will donations are asked.

Geneseo FCA to Serve Ice Cream Treats Saturday in City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will be serving ice cream and toppings, in addition to root beer floats beginning at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Geneseo City Park. A free will donation is asked, and water will be available to purchase. All proceeds support FCA. The event is being held in conjunction with “Spook the Loop,” when Butch Patrick, also known as Eddie Munster from the classic Munsters TV show, returns to Geneseo for this year’s “Spook the Loop.”

Grief Share Seminar Saturday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kippy Breeden, left, and Barbara Leonard, discuss the upcoming Grief Share Seminar to be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 10, at His Place, the south campus (224 South State St.) of First Methodist Church in Geneseo. 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 at y.biddle@peopleneedjesus.org.

National Night out Aug. 6 in Geneseo City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft, left, and Timothy Steines, Detective with the Geneseo Police Department, are encouraging area residents to join them at the National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in Geneseo City Park. Photo by Claudia Loucks

National Night Out in Geneseo is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work.

The 2024 National Night Out will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in Geneseo City Park.

According to Jessica Damewood, Administrative Assistant at the Geneseo Police Department, Geneseo’s first National Night Out was organized by retired Police Officer Mike Gawrysiak in 1999.

“The Geneseo Police Department and the City of Geneseo are teaming up again this year for the fun family event,” Damewood said.

Some of the features visitors can expect at the Park on Aug. 6 are bounce houses, vendor books with activities for kids, dunk tank, face painting, balloon animals, law enforcement gear, area law enforcement and much more.

There will be free raffle tickets for prize drawings.

“We will also have food and desserts in the shelter and Sgt. Jamison Weisser and K-9 Kauzi will be doing a demonstration on the north side of the Park,” Damewood said.

There will be a display of vehicles from the Geneseo Fire Protection District and the Geneseo Police Department.

Prizes in raffle drawings will be drawn on Wednesday, Aug. 7, and winners will be notified by telephone.