Richmond Hill Players Auditions Feb. 8-9

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Richmond Hill Players will hold auditions for the first three shows of their 2025 season from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, and from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo. Those interested in auditioning need to attend only one session.

Roles are available for eight males and 13 females, approximate ages ranging from late teens to 70’s, with most shows having flexible age requirements.

Auditions are being conducted for “The Tall Tale Farce,” a comedy by Don Zolidis, directed by Elizabeth Shaffer, with the show running weekends (Thursday-Sunday) April 3-13; “Steel Magnolias,” a comedy/drama by Robert Harling, directed by Megan McConville, show running in May 29-June 8; and Ken Ludwig’s, “A Fox on the Fairway,” comedy, directed by Tom Morrow, show running July 10-20.

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

Teresa Krause Is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Teresa Krause has been named Volunteer of the Month at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. She has been a volunteer at the food pantry since August of last year and she helps in the clothing room greeting customers, sorting donations, and helping guests find clothing.

“The best thing about volunteering at the Food Pantry is being able to help people,” she commented.

When she retired she wanted to give back to her community by helping people in need and she said one morning when she was volunteering at the pantry she was able to help a man who was starting from nothing find some house wares for his apartment. He was so grateful and it warmed her heart.

She and her husband Steve have six children and 17 grandchildren.

Krause said she enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and traveling. She also is active in various ministries at Geneseo First Methodist church.

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Program Is Jan. 23

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Crystal Yost, seated, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation assistant manager; and Shelly Hickerson, standing, representing the Foundation’s Women’s Health Steering Committee; invite area women to the Thursday, Jan. 23, 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. Shannon Port, CPT, 500 Hour Yoga Instructor, Hammond-Henry Hospital, will present the program on “Chair Yoga.” Cost of the lunch is $12, payable at the door. Reservations are required by Thursday, Jan. 16, and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Richmond Hill Players Offering Two Scholarships

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Richmond Hill Players have announced two scholarships, which have been named the “John VanDeWoestyne Players Scholarships,” available to qualifying high school seniors. Each is a $500 scholarship, payable at the beginning of the recipient’s first year of post-secondary education.

   To be eligible, applicants must meet the criteria of:

  -Must be a graduating senior in the spring of 2025.

  -Must be planning post high school education.

  -Must have had experience with Richmond Hill Players prior to applying for either of the scholarships.

  -There is no requirement of area of study.

  -Applications must be received by Richmond Hill Players by Feb. 28, 2025.

-All applications will be reviewed and finalists may be scheduled for an interview.

  -Applications are available by searching “Richmond Hill Players in Geneseo, Illinois.” Additional information and the applications are at that site.

Hines Named Park District Recreation Program Specialist

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nathaniel Hines has been named full-time Recreation Program Specialist for the Geneseo Park District.

Hines has been employed by the Park District since May of 2015, starting work in the concession stand and then expanding his role to include lifeguarding, swim instruction, desk attendant, building supervisor and working in special events, general programs, and countless other areas over the years.

He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, Macomb, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration, with a minor in Human Resource Management.

In his new role as Recreation Program Specialist, Hines will oversee the planning, implementation, and supervision of a broad range of recreational activities and events. His primary working hours will be in the afternoons and evenings, with variations based on program needs.

A statement from the Park District said, “With his diverse experiences and educational background, Nathaniel is uniquely qualified to enhance and expand the recreation programming for our community.”

Dress for Success Donations Can Be Left at Winkleman State Farm Agency

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Bethany Winkleman, left, of Bethany Winkleman State Farm Agency at 113 South State St., in downtown Geneseo; and Valerie Shoemaker, Agency Sales and Service Manager; show some of the clothing items that have been left at the State Farm office for Dress for Success, a not-for-profit that provides career coaching, professional clothing and a support network to help Quad-City and surrounding area women thrive in work and in life. New or gently-used business-attire clothing items, purses and shoes for women only can be left at the Winkleman State Farm office, during office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the months of January and February, and the items will be delivered to Dress for Success in the Quad Cities. For more information, contact the Agency at 309-944-5123. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Ugly Sweater Day at GHS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School principal Tom Ryerson, left, and instructor Josh Plant in their Christmas sweaters, and note Mr. Ryerson’s shoes.

It was “Ugly Sweater Day” recently at Geneseo High School, but the laughter and smiles were far from “ugly,: and the “ugly sweaters” were not so “ugly.”

Students and staff wore Christmas sweaters to school as part of Christmas Spirit Dress Week, which included:

-Monday - Pajama Day.
-Tuesday – Christmas Hat Day.
-Wednesday – Blizzard (White Out) Day.
-Thursday – Ugly Sweater Day.
-Friday – Santa vs. Grinch (Red or Green) Day.

Photos by Claudia Loucks

Staff members at GHS who wore Christmas sweaters to school on Thursday, Dec. 19, pose for a photo.

Students in their Christmas sweaters are, from left, Erica DeDecker, Jackson Brumbaugh, Emma Skovronski, Rylan Lambert and Payton Snider.

In their Christmas sweaters are GHS students, from left, Lindsay Herington, Beth Mroz, Jack Cooper, Anna Davis and Sophia Clifton.

It was a fashion show of Christmas sweaters recently at GHS when students and staff wore Christmas attire to school, including students, from left, Quinn Cherry, Cyrus Babcock and Chase VanDeWoestyne

Dave Smith no Longer Hammond-Henry Hospital CEO

The Hammond-Henry Hospital Board of Directors have announced that Dave Smith is no longer the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.  

Jodie Criswell, Chief Financial Officer, has been named interim CEO.  Criswell has been with the organization for 14 years.  

The Board of Directors is seeking other candidates to fill the permanent role.

We will have more information when it’s available.

Chili and Hot Dogs at First Methodist on Dec. 14

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nancy DeFauw, representing the Lightkeepers Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo, invites area residents to join her at the Christmas Walk Meal to be served from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the church, 302 North State St. The menu includes chili, hot dogs, chips and cookies. Monetary donations are accepted for the Lightkeepers Hospitality Ministry. Photo by Claudia Loucks

New Exhibit at Smith Studio & Gallery

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Art work by Bill Marsoun, including “Jazz Eyes,” in the photo, will be featured during the months of December and January at the Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 South State St., in downtown Geneso. The studio is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Information from David Smith, owner of Smith Studio, stated that Marsoun is retired from teaching at Washington Junior High School in Rock Island, “and is now a prolific painter. He is one of those artists who need to paint every day otherwise he feels that there was something in his life that he did not fulfill that day.”

Smith added that all of the images included in the solo exhibit at the studio were painted by Marsoun in the last few months…”The variety of subject matter that is represented in Bill’s artwork is founded in his enthusiasm for life. He searches for his next painting’s inspiration, and he is not shy about trying a new subject or approach to his creativity.”

Celebrate the Season 2024 at First Methodist

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Joel Simpson, worship director at Geneseo First Methodist Church, invites area residents to the “Celebrate the Season” worship services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Geneseo First Methodist. The special Christmas-season services will feature the church orchestra, choir, dance ministry, children’s choir, worship band, Grace Notes women’s ensemble and more. The Rev. Chris Ritter, church pastor, will deliver a short message. The church is located at 302 North State St. in Geneseo.    For more information, call the church at 309-944-2793 or visit www.peopleneedjesus.org. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Kiwanis Club Marching Shovel Brigade a Highlight in Christmas Walk Parade

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club, from left, Tony Simon, Claire Crawford and Dick Ford will be decked out in Santa and Elf hats and carrying snow shovels as part of the “Marching Shovel Brigade in the Lighted Parade through downtown Geneseo on Saturday, Dec. 14, which is Christmas Walk Night. The group repeats chants to entertain the crowds that line the streets and their rhythmic phrases include, “If you want to do what’s right, come join us on Tuesday nights, (Geneseo Kiwanis Club meets on Tuesday nights); and “Kiwanis shovels set to go, now we need a little snow.” Club members agree that they “are pound to take part in community activities such as the Christmas Walk.”

Kiwanis Club member Dick Ford recalled how the “Brigade” began and said, “Following in the footsteps of the Kiwanis ‘Marching Spatulas’ which have led the Geneseo Music Festival Doo-Dah Parade in June since 1996, the Chamber of Commerce asked Kiwanis to participate in the Christmas Walk Lighted Parade, beginning in 2011.”

The “Marching Shovel Brigade” of Kiwanis Club members has been part of the Christmas Walk Lighted Parade for the last 13 years, with the exception of 2020 - Covid pandemic year. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Cookie Walk, Meal and Entertainment at Concordia Lutheran and Other Christmas Walk Meal and Warming Sites

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Linda Hull, left, and Kathy Kramer show some of Christmas cookies that will be available to purchase at this year’s Cookie Walk from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, (during Geneseo Christmas Walk festivities) in the Fellowship Hall of Concordia Lutheran Church, 316 South Oakwood Ave., Geneseo. The Cookie Walk is sponsored by the Concordia Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), with all proceeds to benefit the group’s mission projects. The Cookie Walk is being held in conjunction with a Baked Potato Bar and Chili Supper, sponsored by the Concordia Lutheran Academy. Cost of the meal is a free will donation. Both events are from 3 to 7. Proceeds from the Potato Bar and Chili Supper will benefit the Concordia Lutheran Academy. In addition, students in the Geneseo Middle School Choir will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the church sanctuary. Photo by Claudia Loucks

ADDITIONAL MEAL SITES AND WARMING SITES ON DEC. 14:

3:30 – 5 p.m. – Lighted Parade Staging, Grace United Methodist Church at 318 North Center.

-4 – 8 p.m. – Warming Station: Geneseo Chamber Info Center and Christmas Card Stamping, Hanford Insurance Agency at 119 South State.

-4 p.m. – Warming Station: Free Hot Chocolate – Geneseo Evangelical Free Church, at intersection of State and First Sts.

-4 p.m. – Warming Station: Grow Ministries, South State by Smith Studio and Gallery.

-4 p.m. – Warming Station: Free Hot Apple Cider and Hot Cocoa, First Baptist Church at intersection of State and Second Sts.

-4 – 7 p.m. – Meal Site: Chili, hot dogs, chips, cookies and a beverage, First Methodist Church, 302 North State, and monetary donations accepted.

-4 – 7 p.m. – Meal Site: Chicken Dinner, open to the public, $12 to $16 per person, Geneseo Moose Lodge, 1025 South State St., A TROLLEY STOP.

-5 p.m. – Warming Station: American Family Insurance, Michele Weber-Enck Agency, 229 South State St.

Christmas Walk Children’s Activity at Geneseo Art League

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Sullivan Nichols, left, daughter of Joe and Amanda Nichols, gets some help from Jodi Haars, president of the Geneseo Art League, in making a Christmas star ornament. Children are invited to the “Create a Christmas Star” Christmas Walk activity planned from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Art League Gallery, 125 North State St. There is no cost for the children to make an ornament, and the Art League is located at 125 North State St. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Men’s Health Morning Series Is Dec. 4

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Katie Orwig, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager; and Crystal Yost, Foundation Assistant Manager, encourage area men to attend the Men’s Health Morning Series program from 7 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the hospital conference room. Marc Peirce, Hammond-Henry Hospital Physical Therapist, will present the program on “Balance.” 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. Blood pressure screenings will be available. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Richmond Hill Players Comedy Continues This Week

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Tickets are still available for the Richmond Hill Players end-of-season comedy, “My Son is Crazy, But Promising,” by Tim Kelly, and which will be presented Thursday, Nov. 21- through Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Barn Theatre in Richmond Hill Park.

In the photograph, from a rehearsal for the show are, from left, Derek Bolme, and
Tifany Simosky, both of Geneseo; Samuel Carrington, Galesburg; and Carol Neuleib, Geneseo. Dana Skiles directs the play.

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.

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.

VFW Auxiliary Taking Orders for Hometown Hero Banners Displayed in Downtown Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo VFW Auxiliary will continue selling Hometown Hero Banners that will be displayed on the light poles that line the streets in downtown Geneseo.

The banners, at $150 each, will have the wording: Hometown Hero,” and will include the name and a photo of a Geneseo veteran with information about the veteran.

According to VFW Auxiliary officer Rhonda Borkgren, the banners will be attached to the poles the week of Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day, 2025. The banners will be replaced with new Hometown Hero banners every two years.

“We have a limited number of downtown poles to use, which is why we have to replace the banners and give everyone a chance to fly a banner in honor of their special veteran,” Borkgren said.

She said the Auxiliary will take orders for up to 39 banners.

For more information, contact Borkgren at 309-714-8077 or at vfwauxrhonda@gmail.com

Rhonda Borkgren, representing the Geneseo VFW Auxiliary, shows one of the Hometown Hero Banners that has been on display on a downtown street light pole, and recently was taken down to make room for the next group of banners to be displayed, beginning with Memorial Day 2025. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Hospital Auxiliary 2024 Lovelight Tree

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Sue Elliott, left, president of the Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary; and Kathleen VanDeRostyne, Auxiliary/Volunteer Supervisor, stand by the banner for the Auxiliary’s Lovelight Tree, displayed at the corner of Wells St. and College Ave. They are holding the dated porcelain ornaments designed by Geneseo Artist Sharon Michaelsen for this year’s Lovelight Tree, and which will be given to anyone making contributions of $20 and more to the Lovelight Tree in memory of a loved one. Contributions to the Lovelight Tree also may be made in honor of a special person in someone’s life.

The tree is an Auxiliary fundraiser and funds received this year will be used for Health Career Scholarships. Donations forms and additional information are available at the hospital volunteer office, 309-944-9130; at the hospital website www.hammondhenry.com/participate/volunteer or by email at volunteer@hammondhenry.com. Checks may be made payable to Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary and mailed to the Auxiliary at 600 North College Ave., Geneseo, IL 61254. Names of all donors and names of those remembered and honored will be displayed at the main and east entrances to the hospital. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Winners in Geneseo Park District’s Turkey Trot

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Park District’s Annual Turkey Trot was held Nov. 10 at the Athletic Field.

Children had an opportunity to race against their friends for a chance to win a turkey from Fareway Grocery. Participants were divided into three groups by grade: Boys/Girls Pre-K (100 yard dash); K-2 (200 yard dash) and 3rd-5th (1 lap around the track.

Participation was free, thanks to the Geneseo Park District Foundation.

Pre-K Boys:

1st – Patrick Hoegner
2nd – Finley Graham
3rd – Teddy Anderson

Pre-K Girls:
1st – Brynn Rexroth
2nd – Madi Olson
3rd – Penelope Werner

K-2 Boys:

1st – Blake Wahlheim
2nd – Mason Spivey
3rd – James Kroener

K-2 Girls:

1st – Taylor Murphy
2nd – Addie Calhoun
3rd – Estes Pauley

3-5 Boys:

1st – Ivan Hone
2nd – Gunner Painter
3rd – Oliver Osborn

3-5 Girls:

1st – Greyson Hintgen
2nd – Ava Jolly
3rd – Leona Werner

Tribute to Veterans in RutabagA Window

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Artist Sharon Michaelsen shows one of the portraits included in “A Tribute to Veterans” display in the north window of RutabagA Gallery and Studio at 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo. The display includes portraits of veterans who have served in different branches of military in different combats. In addition to Michaelsen, the exhibit features art work by Les Hoste and Joyce Mattan. Photo by Claudia Loucks