Bishop Hill Heritage Acting Troupe at Geneseo Library on May 28

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The Bishop Hill Heritage Acting Troupe is on the move again!  Those 1850 Swedish Colonists, after being on the ocean in a tall ship, then Erie Canal Boats, are now walking from Chicago to their new home in Communal Bishop Hill, Illinois.

Submitted Photo

   Many experiences take place along the way with these Swedes.  They haven’t mastered the English Language, so who knows what they’ll say!  What will their jobs be in the newly-settled village?  Will cholera find their trail?  Has Brita weakened and fallen for Swen’s romantic ways?  Will Anna, at last, find that sought-after husband?

   Those answers and more when those lively Swedish maids land at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at the Geneseo Public Library.

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Pioneer Day 2025 for Geneseo Southwest Third Graders

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

    Three classes of Southwest Grade School third graders had a lesson in history, but not from textbooks.  

   A Pioneer Day was planned by Southwest third grade teachers Michelle Craig, Jacque Kelly, and Tyann Hintgen to offer their students a peek at what life was like at the turn of the century.  The “lesson” included a trip to the home of Linda Flatt and her husband, the late Steve Flatt, then to City Park for lunch before a going to Central Theater for a showing of the movie “Little House on the Prairie.”

Southwest School third graders Kendall Galloway and Claire Ptak get a lesson in playing jacks from Lindsey Henry.

   Students and teachers were dressed in “pioneer” clothing for their outing.

   At the Flatt home, boys and girls were able to take part in living like pioneers and spent time visiting different stations where they participated in activities that included spinning and carding wool, making music on homemade instruments, churning butter and cooking on a wood stove, school room using slates, kneading bread and grinding wheat, churning ice cream and then tasting, laundry using wash boards, hair braiding, shaving, gardening, quilting, games and more.

   According to the three teachers, the students learned what it was like to work in a pioneer kitchen and thoroughly enjoyed pretending to make baked goods and pumping water from a hand pump.

  After completing a mini-unit on Pioneers and the Westward Expansion, students were able to experience life as a pioneer.

Janelle Minneart is photographed showing third graders Grace Pettie, left, Admire Smith and Novaya Burk how the pioneers did their laundry

Caroline Gramling and Ellie Lenth, both in third grade at Southwest School, are learning how to quilt at the recent Pioneer Day held at the home of Linda Flatt in Geneseo.

Retired Southwest third grade teacher Shawn King, volunteered at the Pioneer Day and is photographed showing Kamdon Bullock, Akif Onder, Dominic Kleckner and Griffin Newton how to church butter. 

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Bees at Work on Hydrant in North City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Walkers in North City Park may want to be a bit cautious as the hydrant at the northwest corner of the park has some new residents.  A group of bees has constructed their hive on the hydrant.  The area has been marked off with yellow caution tape and includes a sign that reads “Bees at Work.”  Photos by Claudia Loucks

Richmond Hill Players Auditions May 17-18

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Richmond Hill Players will hold auditions for the last three shows of their 2025 season from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17; and from 4 to 6 p.m.  on Sunday, May 18, at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo.  Those interested in auditioning need to attend only one day.

   Auditions are being conducted for “Marjorie Prime,” a drama by Jordan Harrison, directed by Jennifer Kingry, with the show running weekends (Thursday through Sunday) Aug. 14-24; “The Woman in Black,” a mystery by Stephen Mallatratt, based on the novel by Susan Hill, directed by Dana Skiles, show running in Oct. 2-12; and “A Sherlock Carol,” a comedy by Mark Shanahan, directed by Joe DePauw, show running Nov. 13-23.

   Roles are available for eight adult males and five adult females.  For more detailed information about the shows and auditions visit the Richmond Hill Players’ website at www.rhplayers.com.  Questions may be directed by email to info@rhplayers.com or left at 309-944-2244. 

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Bible School is Back at Grace Church

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Claire Rushing, at right, daughter of Robbie and Jenna Rushing, are among the children who will attend this year’s Vacation Bible School at Grace United Methodist Church, 318 North Center St., Geneseo.  Molly Hamer, at left, is the director of this year’s Bible School program, which will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 9, through Friday, June 13.  Theme for the week is an Alaskan Adventure - “True North, Trusting Jesus in a wild world.”  In addition to the Bible stories, there will be science experiments, music, games and snacks.  There is no cost to attend Bible School which is open to all area children, with one section open to preschool children ages 3-5 and a second section for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade.   Registration is available online at https://geneseograce.com/vbs/ or by obtaining a registration form at the church office, or by using the attached QR code; and volunteers also may sign up to help at Bible School through one of the previous listed options.   Photo by Claudia Loucks

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Lisa Schaefer is Food Pantry Volunteer of the Month

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Lisa Schaefer has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry for the month of May.  She has been a volunteer for eight months at the food pantry, where she restocks shelves and helps guests shop in the food room.

   Schaefer has two granddaughters and three grandsons.  She enjoys gardening, Genealogy, reading and crossword puzzles.

   When asked what she considers to be the best thing about volunteering, she said, ”getting to meet guests, and it’s even better when you can improve their day!”

   Her most memorable experience of volunteering is “unloading 1,000 pounds of chicken legs into the freezers.”

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all you do, Lisa!”

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From Bright Beginnings Preschool to the GHS Class of 2025

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo High School Class of 2025 includes alumni of the Geneseo Park District’s Bright Beginnings Preschool.  They are, in front from left, Mia Schmidt, Avery Snook, Dylan Snell, Hope Kuster, Allison Wille; and in back, Kendall Ellerbrock, Carter Eastburn, Avery Catour and Nathan Stees.  The message from Park District staff – “We’re bursting with pride as we cheer on all the graduates – especially our amazing Geneseo Park District Bright Beginnings Preschool alumni!  From tiny footsteps to big dreams, you’ve come so far.  Here’s to your next adventure!”  Contributed Photo

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Webers Percherons Win National Titles

Isabella Weber and her Percheron horses  earned two National All American National titles. 1st place standings for the yearling and 2 year old division. These are awarded on the accumulation of 2024 yearly earned points. This also included Rayna, her yearling winning the National title.

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Hospital Auxiliary Flower Sale Is May 5-6

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathleen VanDeRostyne, left, and Julie Zwica, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary, will be helping with the Auxiliary’s “Spring in Bloom” flower sale fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 6, at Pink Prairie Gardens, 16301 Weber Rd., Geneseo.  The event will be held rain or shine as the blooms and plants are in greenhouses.   All proceeds benefit auxiliary pledges.  Photo by Claudia Loucks       

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Men’s Health Series Is May 7 at Hammond-Henry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Greg Janicki, physical therapist, MS, FAFS, at Hammond-Henry Hospital, where he also serves as Rehab Services Manager; and Jerry Deutsch, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Men’s Health Committee, encourage area men to attend the Men’s Health Series program from 7 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, in the hospital conference room.  Janicki will present the program on “Golf.”  Parking is available in the east parking lot on Center St.  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

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Geneseo Music Festival 2025 Queen Pageant Forms Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School Athletic Office Administrative Assistant Anne Marie Stone, at right, goes over a Geneseo Music Festival queen candidate information sheet with graduating seniors Lindsay Herington, left, and Isabella (Bella) Curcuru.   The Geneseo Rotary Club-sponsored pageant is Friday, June 13, in City Park.  The pageant is open to GHS graduating seniors and scholarships from the Rotary Club will be awarded to the queen and four runners-up.  Information sheets are available in the main office at GHS and will be accepted through Friday, May 23.  For more information, call Claudia Loucks, 309-944-3157; or Rotary Pageant Chairman Catherine Rothschild at 309-945-7966.
Photo by Claudia Loucks

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Big Blue Kaleidoscope Currently at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

A big blue kaleidoscope, “Blue Note,” currently is visiting the Geneseo Public Library and the public, especially children, are welcome to visit the library to see the kaleidoscope.  The library staff asks that all visitors “be careful, we don’t want to see it get broken.”

   Library hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

   Artist Tom Chouteau, owner of Kaleidoscope Art Gallery and Gifts in Davenport, created the big blue kaleidoscope.  He has been making kaleidoscopes for over 30 years.

   According to information from library staff, the holes in the plow-wheel of the kaleidoscope enable one to view both passersby and the surrounding environment as well as the colorful stained glass.  It uses a 4-inch crystal ball, which provides a magnificent kaleidoscopic image viewed through the three-mirror system.

   “As a child, I played with mirrors and experimented with how they work,” Chouteau said.

   Additional information from the library stated that Chouteau comes by his artistic endeavors naturally as his father was an artist and taught at St. Ambrose in Davenport.  He has seven sisters and four members of his family have degrees in art.

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Hammond-Henry Hospital Hosting Sleep Clinic, Lab Open House and Pajama Party April 24

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Area residents are invited to the Sleep Clinic/Lab Open House and Pajama Party at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo.  The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, and there is no cost and no need to register in advance.  Those planning to attend should enter the hospital at the north and east entrances.

   Information received stated, “This light-hearted take on sleep will provide education about a variety of sleep topics and will include a tour of the clinic and lab as well as milk and cookies. “

   There also will be information given on healthy sleep habits and what a sleep test is in addition to presentations from sleep care providers and a sleep equipment specialist.  

ADDITIONAL INORMATION:

  -Sleep specialists will be there to educate.
  -Learn about sleep hygiene.
  -View the sleep lab and clinic
  -Free sleep masks
  -Chamomile tea, milk and cookies will be served.

GHS Spring Musical Tickets Still Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Students in the theater and music departments at Geneseo High School will present “The Wizard of Oz” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 24; 7 p.m. on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, in the DePauw Theatre at the high school, 700 North State St.  Cast members include, from left, Jonathan Freadhoff, Shay Schehl with “Bo,” and Clara Huddleston.  Tickets, at $15 each, are currently available and reservations can be made at the district website which is Geneseoschools.org and click on the link or use the QR code included in this story.  Advance reservations are encouraged as there are 299 seats available for each performance.  Any tickets which have not been sold in advance will be available to purchase at the door on the nights of the performances.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

   Logan VanDeWoestyne, left; Harlan Nolan and Ethan Sundeen are among the cast members of “The Wizard of Oz,” which opens April 24 in the DePauw Theatre at GHS.   The show is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.  www.concordtheatricals.com.   Joe DePauw directed the show in 2008 at GHS, and is director of this year’s production. Photo by Claudia Loucks

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Garden Club to Meet April 21

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 21, with a trip to Sunnyfield Greenhouse and Gardens at 2440 East 2550th St., Galva.   The trip takes approximately 45 minutes so those planning to attend should leave Geneseo by 12:15 p.m.  Anyone interested in carpooling is asked to “reply all” to let others know about carpooling, and if they are willing to drive or would like to ride with someone.  In previous years, the group has met in the driveway of Lona Pribble’s home at 516 East North St., Geneseo. 

   Jeff Johnson, owner of Sunnyfield, will share information about new plants for this year and what is available at Sunnyfield.  There will be time to shop the greenhouses. 

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Program Is April 24

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kati Grimes, APRN with Hammond-Henry Hospital Medical Group-Geneseo; and Theresa Klotz, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Women’s Health Committee, invite area women to the Thursday, April 24, 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.  Kati Grimes will present the program on “Thyroid Issues.”  Reservations are required by Thursday, April 17, and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com.  Photos by Claudia Loucks

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Special Exhibits at Geneseo Museum During April 26 Art Walk

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   It isn’t just the Victorian charm that attracts residents and visitors to downtown Geneseo.

  The community also has claimed the identity as an “art destination,” and the annual Geneseo Art Walk will be held Saturday, April 26, when the creative work of many artists and artisans will be showcased, including Alex Fox, who will be demonstrating the use of a treadle sewing machine (1907 New Ideal) at the Geneseo Historical Museum.   The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26, and will feature additional displays, including Grant Wood, Norman Rockwell, Edwin Deming, local amateur photography and various art work.   Photo by Claudia Loucks

Holocaust Memorial Exhibit 2025 at RutabagA Art Gallery Through April 8

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Sadie Hamerlinck, Davenport, was the first-place winner in the annual Meyer and Frances Shnurman Holocaust Visual Arts Contest sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Quad City Arts, and the Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Committee).

  Brendan Graff of Orion shows his entry that won second place in the contest.  

  Contest winners were introduced at the opening reception of the exhibit held Sunday at RutabagA Art Gallery in downtown Geneseo at 108 North State St.  The exhibit will remain on display at RutabagA through Tuesday, April 8, 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. 

  Also, at the reception for the Holocaust Exhibit, photographed with the student winners, are, Allan Ross, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, and Sharon Michaelsen, president of the RutabagA Art Gallery. 

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

Submitted Photos

Ethan Kimbel Is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Ethan Kimbel has been named Volunteer of the Month for April at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, where he stocks shelves, sorts and packages items, and breaks down boxes for the recycle bin.

   Kimbel is a student in the Life Skills program at Geneseo High School, and he has been a volunteer at the food pantry for one-and -one-half years.

   In his free time, he enjoys “Wheel of Fortune,” watching videos and playing games on his tablet.  Kimbel said the best thing about volunteering at the food pantry is getting to see the new DVD’s that have been donated.  He also enjoys learning and using new skills, including following directions, counting by twos and sorting items while helping the community.

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Hospital Auxiliary Lagomarcino’s Candy Sale Is April 8

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Kathleen (Babe) VanDeRostyne, Volunteer/Auxiliary Supervisor at Hammond-Henry Hospital; with Martha Herron and Mary Jane Causemaker, chairpersons for the Auxiliary’s Development Committee, show some of the treats from Lagomarcino’s Chocolates and Candies of the Quad Cities to be offered for sale at the Auxiliary’s Candy Sale.  The candy sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the east entrance of the hospital.  Proceeds will be added to the Auxiliary’s pledge projects for hospital equipment.  Photo by Claudia Loucks