Geneseo Park District Is An Exceptional Workplace

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Park District received the Exceptional Workplace Award at the Soaring to New Heights Conference.

Information received states the award is administered by the IPRA (Illinois Park and Recreation Association) to recognize agencies that show a commitment to the well-being of their employees. The premise behind the IPRA “Exceptional Workplace” award goes beyond encouraging employees to count calories and add physical activity to their day. It encompasses implementing multiple dimensions of wellness to develop a balanced life.

Andy Thurman, Geneseo Park District Executive Director, said, “The Geneseo Park District has undergone a voluntary evaluation process to showcase our commitment to fostering a well-balanced life for employees from the inside out. This recognition reflects our dedication to supporting six key dimensions of wellness: physical activity, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and environmental. Through initiatives like monthly staff challenges, a rotating fun staff video board, and provided healthy snacks and prizes, we continue to enhance workplace wellness. This award reaffirms that our policies and programs create a positive and engaging work-life experience for our team.”

Garden Club to Meet Feb. 20

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St., Geneseo.

Josh Spensley, of CE Ford & Sons, Inc., will present the program on lawn care and grasses. He will also answer questions from the group about lawns.

Refreshments will be served by Barb Schlotfeldt and Linda Washburn. Guests are welcome to attend the meeting.

Special Exhibit at Smith Studio & Gallery

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Photography by Artist Craig Miller of Coal Valley will be featured through March at the Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 South State St., downtown Geneseo. The Studio and Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

David Smith, owner-operator of Smith Studio, said, “This Coal Valley artist is exhibiting photographs that capture street images from the world he artistically observes. Craig has always had an eye for the offbeat that can be found in any community. This exhibition is a review of some of the best of his ‘Street Photography’. The images capture the whimsy and beauty that can be found by just taking a walk in a neighborhood.”

Smith shared that the artist will sometimes print a photograph just as it was taken, without any changes…“On other occasions he will change the photo, playing with its qualities in Photoshop to bring out the special assets he sees in the image he has captured. These alternations can be slight in appearance or they can be radical to the point of recreating the picture.”

The exhibit is free and Smith added, “Bring the children! It allows you to get a glimpse into the wonderful artwork being created in Geneseo and the Quad City area.”

Lil Poms Perform at GHS Boys’ Basketball

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo High School Maplettes were joined by more than 100 “future Maplettes” for the Lil Pom performance at the GHS Boys’ Basketball game vs. Orion held Feb. 8 at GHS. The dancers performed to music from “Dance the Night.” The routine was choreographed by GHS juniors Ava Brewer, Jack Cooper, Anna Davis, Paige Eastburn, Meya Pollock, Nina Schmedding, Kinsey Sharp and Maddie Wells. The Maplettes are coached by Lydia Reyburn, Michelle Fryear and Yvonne Wayne. Photos by Claudia Loucks

Grechyn Hintgen and her sister, Graysen, Hintgen, were among the dancers in the performance at the boys’ basketball game on Feb. 8

Ava DeWolfe, left, gets a hug from “future Maplette” Grechyn Hintgen.

Les Hoste’s Art Work in RutabagA Window

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo artist Les Hoste shows one of his watercolor paintings that currently is featured in the window of RutabagA Studio and Gallery at 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo.

His display includes various scenery settings in addition to a painting of three ducks. RutabagA Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Hoste is a versatile wood worker and water color artist. Retiring as a tooling engineer more than 10 years ago, he has continued his passion of creating items from wood, from end tables and doll furniture to cabinets, ornaments and more. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Family Fun Night on Feb. 14 to Benefit Concordia Lutheran Academy

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Concordia Lutheran Academy “Squad” has planned a Valentine’s Day event for the entire family. The second annual Family Fun Night: Euchre Style will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 316 South Oakwood Ave., Geneseo.

The “Squad” is bringing back this Midwest classic to Geneseo, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Area residents are encouraged to take their love, a friend, and the kids. There will be a Lasagna Dinner, with serving beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, with a euchre tournament for the adults. Child care will be provided from 6:30 to 9 p.m. where the younger set will have snacks, play games and watch a movie.

Anyone needing child care is asked to register at https://forms.gle/PedUAP9g2b7E8xUz6.

Cost for the evening is a free will donation and all proceeds will directly support the Concordia Lutheran Academy, a private school for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade.

For more information, call Concordia Church office at 309-944-3993.

Grief Share Seminar February 15

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo First Methodist Church will host a one-day Loss of a Spouse Seminar from 10 a.m. to 12 noon p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the South Campus building, 224 North State St. In the photo, Barbara Leonard, left, and Kippy Breeden, Grief Ministry leader, encourage anyone who is grieving the loss of a spouse, and who would like to learn practical tips of dealing with loss and hear about hope for the future, to join them at the Seminar, which is free and open to anyone in the community. Responses can be made by calling 309-944-2793 or at the GriefShare website at https://www.griefshare.org/events/260427.

GHS Cheerleaders Get Some Help from Lil Cheerleaders

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Grechyn Hintgen, left; and Jocelyn Wexell, first graders at Southwest School in Geneseo, did their part in cheering the GHS boys’ basketball team to a victory against Alleman High School on Jan. 31 in the GHS gym. The two seven-year-olds, in their cheerleading garb, often join the high school cheerleaders in leading chants at the games. Photo by Claudia Loucks

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