Mobile Museum of Tolerance Coming to Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) will be in Geneseo the last week of September. The educational program is a large bus that travels throughout Illinois, usually seen at community libraries and schools.

Information in the literature of the MMOT states: “The Mobile Museum of Tolerance seeks to inspire students and adults from across the State of Illinois to stand up against hate and foster positive change in their communities. Unlike a traditional museum, the MMOT is a mobile classroom that travels directly to communities at no cost to the schools and organizations who host us. Instead of exhibits, the MMOT uses documentary films, interactive technology, and facilitated discussions to teach participants about history, online hate, and the importance of taking action. Our workshops have been specially crafted to engage all age groups, serving schools, faith groups, community organizations, businesses, and more.”

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance will arrive at the Geneseo Public Library on Monday, Sept. 25, and will be parked in the north parking lot. Public may take advantage of the MMOT programs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 on Wednesday, Sept. 27. On Wednesday, the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce will have special use of the MMOT from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The MMOT will then be moved to the Geneseo Middle School where it will be available for exclusive use by the Middle School on Thursday and Friday.

More information about the MMOT is available at mmot.com

Ignite Begins Oct. 4 at First Methodist in Geneseo – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shawn King, left, director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo, chats with seven-year-old Carline Gramling, daughter of Marley and Brennon Gramling, 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. 4, when school is in session.

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

Shawn King said, “Ignite is based on the Team Kids curriculum called ‘Faithful Promises’. Through this program, we will lead kids to discover the steadfast faithfulness of God through Old Testament promises. Kids will explore details of the major covenants promised in the Old Testament and connect the bigger reality of God’s faithfulness to their every circumstance.”

Healthy snacks will be provided at the beginning of the program, King added….”Children will rotate through an opening session, games, Bible activities, and mission 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.

In the picture: Shawn King, left, director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist Church in Geneseo, chats with seven-year-old Carline Gramling

Farm Bureau to hold Program for Driver's Ed students

What:  “Share the Road” – Program for Driver’s Education Students in Henry County, IL

Close to 200 high school students will rotate through five stations and learn about sharing the road with farm equipment and safe driving in rural areas.  Presenters will include Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Gold Star FS, Farm Bureau and area farmers.

 When:   Thursday, September 21, 2023

               Two sessions:  9:00am-11:00am and 12:00-2:00pm

 Where:  Henry County Fairgrounds, 311 E North Street, Cambridge, IL

 Any questions contact Henry County Farm Bureau Manager, Katie Laleman at (309) 337-1348

Geneseo Chamber marks Chamber of Commerce Week with Four Ribbon Cuttings

The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce celebrated Chamber of Commerce Week 2023 with four ribbon cuttings at local businesses in Geneseo. Chamber of Commerce Week in Illinois is promoted at the Illinois Chamber and the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE), highlighting the role chambers of commerce play in communities across Illinois. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also issued a Gubernatorial Proclamation, declaring the week of September 10-16, 2023 to be Chamber of Commerce week in Illinois.

 Ribbon Cuttings at Geneseo businesses were celebrated at the following locations:

  • UpLoved – 780 S. Chicago St.

  • Erdman Construction – 105 S. Chicago St. #2

  • Jenna Eden Designs – 137 S. State St. #335

  • Hertz Farm Management – 613 E. Ogden Ave.

 

“Chambers of Commerce play an important role in communities across Illinois.” said Zack Sullivan, Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. “Imagine Geneseo without a Chamber of Commerce. No events like Christmas Walk or Music Fest, no promotion of the community, and no stories to tell to get people excited about Geneseo. Our Chamber in Geneseo tells the story of Geneseo – celebrating our successes, promoting our community events, and putting a spotlight on our small business community so it can continue to shine. The Geneseo Chamber is grateful and fortunate to have so much support from the Geneseo business community. The magic does not happen without the support of our member businesses. We work hard to provide tangible benefits to our members, and I think the community sees that.”

 For more information joining about the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce or upcoming community events, please email geneseo@geneseo.org or call 309-944-2686.

 

Mo Goodarzi has been named Volunteer of the Month

Mo Goodarzi has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. He has been a volunteer at the food pantry for nearly one year and has been storing clothing, stocking the freezer, assisting guests in choosing food items and does the heavy lifting.

Goodarzi and his wife, Katie, have a son, Niko.

This month’s volunteer enjoys weightlifting, soccer, riding bikes with his son and boating on the Mississippi River.

He said the best thing about volunteering at the food pantry is meeting and helping people – “the staff and volunteers are awesome.”

His most memorable experience at the food pantry is having helped prepare school supplies for “Back to School.”

His seven-year-old son Niko is a student at Northside School and Goodarzi said he loves the excitement that comes with a new school year for the kids.”

Deadline Approaching for Submitting Entries to the 2023 Maple City Fine Arts Show – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The time is fast approaching to submit entries in the 2023 Maple City Fine Arts Show to be featured in October at the Art League Studio and Gallery and at The Cellar in downtown Geneseo.

This year artists of any level are welcome to enter up to five pieces for a $50 entry fee. Cash awards will be given to first, second, and third place winners.

Entries will be accepted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, and Thursday, Sept. 28; and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Geneseo Art League and Galley, 125 North State St.

All entries must be ready to hang with wired back, no saw tooth hangers.

Entries will be judged across the board, no categories, and all mediums will be accepted.

The awards ceremony will be at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, at The Cellar Restaurant, and entries will remain on display at the Art League Gallery and at The Cellar until Saturday, Oct. 28.

Jodi Haars, president of the Geneseo Art League, shows a piece of her art work that will be entered in this year’s Maple City Fine Arts Show. Photo by Claudia Loucks

GENESEO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2023 State Street Market

Small Town Hosts a Destination Fall Tradition for Midwesterners
EVENT DATE: 10/7/2023
State Street Market Geneseo

Geneseo, IL- The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you into town on October 7th for State Street Market Geneseo. A day of shopping, food, live music, libations, and more! A curated list of over 60 vendors and mobile boutiques will be set up down historic State Street from 10am-5pm. Shop vintage, handmade, and handpicked goods from all over the Midwest region.

Make a day of it! Enjoy excellent shopping and dining city-wide all day long. This year you can expect to see many of past market vendors returning alongside some new names setting up for their very first market. This is a great day to make Geneseo, IL a shopping and dining destination. Geneseo is conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest on Interstate 80 and is easily accessible by Interstate 80; Interstate 280; and Interstate 74.

Live music and Fun! Right at the center of State Street Market you will find LIVE MUSIC happening the entire market time. Local musicians John Puentes and Scott McAvoy will perform at State Street Market from 10am-1:30pm and Zack Fedor will take the hayrack stage from 1:30pm-5pm for his first State Street Market. Food trucks will be setup for market guests and picnic tables and blankets will be spread out for a safe and fun outdoor dining experience.

For more information about the 2023 event, follow State Street Market Geneseo on Facebook and Instagram: @statestreetmarketgeneseo #statestreetmarketgeneseo

Questions? For more information, call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686 or via email at geneseo@geneseo.org.