Dave Markward to Speak April 14 at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Dave Markward, formerly of Geneseo and former Geneseo Superintendent of Schools, has written a new book,” From Dubuque to Selma & Beyond:  My Journey to Understand Racism in America,” and he will be speaking at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   In his book, Markward delves into the complex word of racism and this memoir is a testament to his unwavering belief in humanity and the power of education to effect change.

   His current book is his second, with the first book, “Free the Teachers:  A Guide to Joyful Teaching and Learning,” which was dedicated to productive educational reform.

   Markward, who in addition to being an author, is a parent and former teacher, coach and school principal.

   He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and Augustana College.  He earned two advanced degrees from Western Illinois University and a Doctorate form Illinois State University. 

   Markward began his career as a junior high school science teacher, and last served the Geneseo area as assistant Superintendent of Schools.

National Library Week to be Celebrated at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   National Library Week, April 6-12, will be celebrated at the Geneseo Library, beginning on Monday, April 7.

   Food for Fines is being offered to anyone who visits the library between April 7-12, and brings in one canned food item for every dollar of their library fine to erase the fine.  Registration also is being held for a drawing for an Apple iPad Mini, with the drawing to be held April 12.

   A statement from the Geneseo Public Library reads, “Chart your next library adventure by browsing the stacks or joining a book club.  Let an author color your imagination at an author talk, outline your big business idea at an entrepreneur workshop, or trace your history with your library’s genealogy resources.  Make your mark and get involved with your library by volunteering or spreading the word.”

  -MONDAY, APRIL 7: “Right to Read Day,” a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read.

  -TUESDAY, APRIL 8:  National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and friends’ groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

  -WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9:  National Library Outreach Day, a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meting their patrons where they are.

  -THURSDAY, APRIL 10:  Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

  -FRIDAY, APRIL 11:  Make A Difference Day, a day in which the public can thank the library by making monetary donations to their current projects.  The current project of the Geneseo Library is the Reading Garden, which is more than half-way to its fundraising goal.

   -SATURDAY, APRIL 12:  Win A Prize Day, the day the drawing will be held for the grand prize – an Apple iPad Mini.

Holocaust Memorial Exhibit 2025 at RutabagA Art Gallery with Reception Sunday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Members of the RutabagA Art Gallery in downtown Geneseo at 108 North State St. are hosting the Holocaust Memorial Visual Arts Exhibit from Thursday, March 20, through Saturday, March 29.

   Entries in the annual Meyer and Frances Shnurman Holocaust Visual Arts Contest were created by students in grades 6-12 at area schools.

   The opening reception for the exhibit will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at RutabagA, 108 North State St., Geneseo, at which time the winners of the contest who attend the reception will be introduced.

   The exhibit will remain at RutabagA through March 29, and the public is invited to view the art work during regular gallery hours which are from 10:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday.

   The contest is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Quad City Arts, and the Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Committee).  The art work reflects the events and impact of the Holocaust.

   Michaelsen said there are   over 100 entries in this year’s contest which is held in conjunction with an essay contest.  The winners will be recognized at the Yom Hashoah service to be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Augustana College in Rock Island.

   Allan Ross, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, said, “I want to thank the students who put so much effort into their visual art entries, and the teachers that encourage them to do so.  The history of the Holocaust and the lessons learned are extremely important subjects that need to be taught in every school, especially in today’s challenging and often divisive world.”

You Can Sing in the 17th Annual Community Choir of Geneseo

The Community Choir of Geneseo will be celebrating their 17th annual concert entitled "Hope" on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. in the Geneseo HS Concert Hall. The Community Choir includes those entering 8th grade and older adults. They rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 6:30- 8 p.m. beginning Wednesday May 28 thru June 18 in the Geneseo HS Concert Hall. Repertoire includes  "Over the Rainbow", "Blue Suede Shoes", Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor" and "Hope for Resolution". If you are interested in singing, please call Pam Edwards,the director at 309-944-6641 or email (singplay53@gmail.com) by May 2.

   Students entering grades 4-7 are invited to sing in the Children's Choir. They will rehearse June 19,20,23,24,25. Registration forms are available through the Geneseo elementary and middle school choir instructors or contact Pam Edwards. The deadline to register is May 9. Repertoire includes "Amani Utupe" and "Do,Re,Mi". 

   Combined choirs will sing ""Wells Fargo Wagon", "Blue Skies" and "Defying Gravity".

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Is March 27

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Linda DeSmith, left, and Beth Unrath, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Women’s Health Committee, invite area women to the Thursday, March 27, 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.  Dr. Emily Wolbers, owner of QC Natural Health, will present a program on “Healthy Eating & Cooking.”  Reservations are required by Thursday, March 20, and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. 
Photo by Claudia Loucks 

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Geneseo Garden Club to Meet March 19

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The Geneseo Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St.  Guests are welcome. 

   Kristin Bogdonas, Health and Welfare Education Coordinator at the University of Illinois Extension, will present a program entitled “Nutrition in Ageing,” the MIND Diet, which is an eating plan that is to help reduce the risk of Dementia. 

   Refreshments will be served by Mary Loeffler and Sharon Tolle.

   Guests are welcome at the meeting.

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Lexi Gordon Has Art Display in RutabagA Window

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Lexi Gordon, a graduate of Geneseo High School, holds a piece of her artwork that is included in the window display at RutabagA Studio/Gallery at 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo. 

   The display, which will remain in the window through March, includes paintings Gordon completed while a student at Black Hawk College where she studied art for two years.   In addition to acrylics, Gordon uses charcoal and pastels in her art work. 

   The artist said she likes to work in “all mediums,’ and she added that she also enjoys doing sculptures. 

   RutabagA is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.    Photo by Claudia Loucks

Rebecca Caudill Readers Book Award Program at Geneseo Middle School

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Forty-eight students at Geneseo Middle School qualified for the 2025 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award Program, by reading and responding to at least vice of this year’s reading list. 

   The program is sponsored by the Association of Illinois School Library Educators.

   The group chose their favorite book for the year, “Charlie Thorne:  The Last Equation.  All students’ votes will be forwarded to the state level. 

   Jeanne Brucher is Geneseo Middle School and Geneseo High School Librarian.

   Geneseo Middle School sixth grade readers who qualified for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award program are, in font, from left, Nyali Bernier, Amelia Anderson, Makayla Edlefson, Emmett Cunningham; in BACK, Aaliyah Alvarado, Scarlett Heller, Ava Armstrong, Hadley Wyffels, Charley Spindel, Ethan Logsdon, Sully Jackson, and Kieran George.  Robin Dwyer, Zackary Hancock and Matthew Werling also qualified for the program, but were absent when the photo was taken.

   GMS Middle School seventh graders who qualified for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award program are, in font, from left, Lilly VanOpdorp, Hailey Olson, Cameron Doyle, Kieran Efflandt, Delia Bellagamba, Olivia Krause; and in back, Lilith Ballard, Rykken Schweitzer, Henry Woodward, Tatus Eiselstein, Eliana Charlet, Brooklyn Williams and Rosella Wentz.  Penelope Aukee also qualified for the program, but was absent for the photo.

   The eighth graders at GMS who qualified for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award program, are, in front from left, Alec Woods, Kyle Everett, Landon French, Henry Pratt; in the second row, Madison Kuethe, Mia O’Dell, Paisley Arnold, Emma Minnaert, Tad Moore, Ethan Temperley, Lucy Walck, Jocelyn Russelburg, Charley Campbell, Eleanor George and Maci Gorman.  Cooper Hudson, Ellie Jackson and Ashlyn Werthmann also qualified for the program, but were absent for the photo. 

Contributed Photos

Men’s Lenten Breakfasts Begin March 8th

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Men’s Lenten Breakfasts are held at 7 a.m. on Saturday mornings at different area churches during Lent and the menus are planned and prepared by the men of each of the host churches.

The breakfasts are sponsored each year by the Geneseo Ministerial Association and each participating congregation can also invite a guest speaker to talk on a topic of their choice.

The first breakfast will be held at 7 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., with the speaker to be Sarah Snyder, executive director of Rebuilding Together Henry County, and Jim Windsor, Rebuilding Together Board President.

THE BREAKAST SCHEDULE:

-March 8 – First Lutheran Church, 114 East Main St., Geneseo.
-March 15 – St. Malachy Church, 595 East Ogden Ave., Geneseo.
-March 22 – Grace United Methodist Church, 318 North Center St., Geneseo.
-March 29 – Geneseo First Methodist Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo.
-April 5 – Loraine Church, 28782 East 2000th St., Prophetstown.

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Feb. 27

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Julie West, left, a member of the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Women’s Health Steering Committee; and Katie Orwig, Foundation Manager, invite area women to the Thursday, Feb. 27, 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.

Alyssa K. Lakin, PA-C, Core Dermatology, will present the program “Skin Care.” Cost of the lunch is $12, payable at the door. Reservations are required by Thursday, Feb. 20, and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Art Work in Observance of Black History Month at RutabagA

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Artist Isaiah (Zay) Williams, Rock Island, is shown by his painting titled “Fury and Peace,” which is included in a display of art work at RutabagA Studio and Gallery in downtown Geneseo. He explained the painting in the photograph was inspired by a scene from the movie “Creed II.”

Williams’ paintings are at RutabagA in observance of February being Black History Month.

In addition to being an artist, Williams is an actor, poet, activist, entrepreneur and designer.

He uses mostly acrylics in his paintings, but also uses a variety of mediums and styles including mixed media.

He added that he “believes God gave him a gift and he wants to use his gifts to not only create, but also inspire others around him.”

Also, in observance of Black History Month, Rutabaga has a collection of art work by Sharon Michaelsen and Joyce Mattan, Geneseo; and by Jeanne O’Melia, Princeton.

RutabagA Studio is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Photo by Claudia Loucks

Valentine’s Day Celebration at GHS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Special deliveries off Crush soda were made to students at Geneseo High School Friday in observance of Valentine’s Day. The cans of soda were delivered “anonymously,” and the recipient was able to return the empty can and pay 50 cents to Student Council to find out who has a “crush” on them. Ready to make some deliveries are, from left, Mickayla Bowles, Jacey Gehl, and Quinn Cherry. The Valentine’s Day events are sponsored by GHS Student Council. Claudia Loucks Photos

Ready to make their deliveries of Crush soda are, from left, Lillian Bellagamba, Caroline Girten, Eleanor Bertelsen, and William Rankins.

Geneseo High School student Annabelle Ropp received a singing telegram on Valentine’s Day from GHS vocalists, from left, Tyler Holtzen, JJ Mooney, Paxton Sherbeyn, Logan VanDeWoestyne, Carter Eastburn, and Dylan Gehl.

Several Geneseo High School students received singing telegrams on Friday, Feb. 14, in observance of Valentine’s Day. Student Council sponsors the event each year when students pay a minimal amount of money to hire groups of student vocalists from the high school choir to deliver Valentine’s Day greetings in song.
Recipients of the Valentine greetings included, Dominic Ritter, surrounded by, from left, Shay Schehl, Taylor Hawkins, Elanor DeBlieck, Beth Mroz, Sophia Clifton, Elizabeth Lane, Kara Sancken, Emilia Schmitt, Clara Huddleston, Jordan Thomas, and Hope Kuster.

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