Blood Drive Nov. 9 at Geneseo First Methodist Church

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

First Methodist Church of Geneseo is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the South Annex (back entrance of the church’s south campus) of the church. The drive will begin at 12 noon and continue until 6 p.m.

Donors are asked to make reservations by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED Cross). Walk-ins will be accepted in as timely a manner as possible with appointments taking priority. Those planning to give blood will be asked to present their Red Cross ID card (or a valid driver’s license) and will be asked to read the list of medications that might exclude their donation from being used or do a “Rapid Pass” before their donation.

Before donating:

-1. Drink an extra 16 ounces of water, juice or non-alcoholic drink before donating, especially in warm weather.

-2. Eat a healthy meal; avoid fatty foods like fries, hamburgers, ice cream.

-3. Try to get a good night’s sleep.

-4. Check to see if any of the medications you are taking would prevent you from donating.

It’s also recommended that those planning to donate increase their vitamin C to their diet by eating fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, spinach and brussels sprouts.

Anyone with questions about donating, getting a Red Cross ID card or who would like more information, is asked to call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS)

Open Studio on Tuesdays at RutabagA

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Debra Beyerlein, left; Les Hoste and Elaine Hofman are preparing the window at RutabagA Art Gallery to promote “Open Studio” at the Gallery from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. RutabagA member Beyerlein said she and other members meet on a casual basis on Tuesdays to work on art projects and discuss art…”We welcome people to join us and explore art, as well as ask questions and maybe even do some art work. More information about “Open Studio” is displayed in the window of RutabagA at 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo.

Hospital Auxiliary Jewelry Sale is Nov. 14

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kathleen VanDeRostyne, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Volunteer/Auxiliary Supervisor; and Mary Jane Causemaker, representing the Auxiliary Development Committee, show some of the items to be included in the “Masquerade” $5 Jewelry and Accessories Sale planned by the Auxiliary. The sale is from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the hallway at the east entrance to the hospital. All jewelry items and accessories are sold for $5 each and all profits benefit the Auxiliary. Cash, debit/credit cards and payroll deduction are accepted as payment at the sale. Photo by Claudia Loucks


October 24th, Committee of the Whole -City Council Meeting

Geneseo City Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 – 6:00 pm

By Dalcon DeMaranville
Geneseo Current

Removing the Bloat

• The City Council approved Zoning and Land Vacation Ordinances, taking the final steps to approve a 29 unit condominium district on the north side of Olivia Drive, being developed by WCKJJ, LLC.
• The City Council heard a proposed tax levy increase of 4.99% for fiscal year 2024. Finance Director Jamie Matthews pointed out the City of Geneseo is only 12.1% of resident property tax bills.
• Kelly Wolf a consultant from the Henry County Tourism Bureau (HCTB) gave a presentation. Geneseo’s portion of funding the proposed HCTB structure would be $5,000 per year with a three-year commitment. The City Council would reevaluate funding after the initial three-year term.
• The Windy Point Observation Area sign will be replaced. The original sign was blown over during the wind storm in April. The city has received an insurance payment for funding the new sign.

Henry & Stark County Health Department & First Choice Healthcare Note October-National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
October 26, 2023

The Henry and Stark County Health Department and its First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona announce that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

     Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers.  About 1 in 8 women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. 

     The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2023 are:

  • About 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 55,720 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

  • About 43,700 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.

     RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion, notes, “When considering facts such as these it's obvious that we, in the public health field, must emphasize the importance of early detection and screening.  Indeed, breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. Therefore, we would like to encourage women to partner with a friend or family member to remind each other to practice monthly breast self-exam and make annual clinical exam and mammogram appointments."

    The First Choice Healthcare Clinics of Kewanee and Colona remind area residents that they provide annual physical exams to area women, including a clinical breast exam and pap smear.

    The clinic accepts most insurances and private pay.  For more information on the First Choice Healthcare Clinics Women's Health services call (309) 852-5272 Kewanee or (309) 792-4011 Colona or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.

New Dog Runs To Be A Reality At Geneseo Shelter – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

“Dreams do come true,” according to Linda VanDerLeest, president of the Henry County Humane Society Geneseo Shelter.

Those dreams became a reality in part from grant money received from the Miller Foundation, $39,000, and from the Geneseo Foundation, just over $14,000, in addition to charitable donations from the community.

VanDerLeest said the money will provide for six new dog runs, one more than the original five runs which are about five years old…”We want to stay within our means financially and we will do some of the work ourselves on the runs.”

Original plans were to build the new runs using pea gravel but VanDerLeest said, “Ideally, dog runs have turf surfaces,” and with the grant money received, the Geneseo Shelter will have the turf surfaces.

Kim Park, who with Kristen VerStraete, make up the facilities committee at the shelter, said the current dog runs are not “dog-friendly,” as the dogs can dig under the fencing and at times their nuzzles get stuck in the chain link fence due to the large openings.

Park said each of the new runs will be enclosed with vinyl privacy fencing… With the vinyl fencing, the dogs will not be able to see each other in the other runs, and that will create less anxiety which will be safer for the dogs and the staff and volunteers.”

She said with the turf surface, the dogs will be less able to dig under the turf and also will improve disease control because the turf can be sanitized.

Park estimated the Geneseo Shelter, a no-kill shelter, cares for about 10 dogs at a time, not including the two or three that are in foster care and in addition, there is a waiting list.

“We have seen an increase in animals coming to the shelter, which could possibly be because of the financial hardships people are experiencing,” she said, and added, “We have six dogs on our waiting list and we get calls daily.”

It is expensive for the shelter to care for the animals, and Park explained that each animal typically requires spay or neuter, updated vaccinations, and about half of them require some additional care. “In addition, we also have the expense of keeping up the kennels, maintenance and cleaning supplies.”

She said the turf will reduce cleaning expenses because with the turf surfaces the dogs will not be dragging dirt and mud into the kennels.

Demolition to the current runs will be completed by JB Excavating, Geneseo; and the new runs will be built by American Greens, Bettendorf.

Donations, monetary or supplies can be sent to Henry County Humane Society Geneseo at 14606 Roos Hill Rd., Geneseo, IL 61254.

Groundbreaking was held this week for the new dog runs at the Henry County Humane Society Geneseo Shelter. Those at the event included, from left, Jim Kelly, Henry County Economic Development; Erin Knackstedt, HCHS board member; Linda VanDerLeest, president; Kim Park, co-chair of shelter facilities committee and board member; Tyler Mackey, trust officer at Central Bank Geneseo; Kristen VerStraete, co-chair of shelter facilities committee and board member; Allison Roberts, Shelter Manager; Cindy Hoste, board member; Ashley Moore, board member, with “Petey,” who soon will be ready for adoption.

Kim Park, left, and Kristen Vertsraete, who make up the facilities committee at the Henry County Humane Society Geneseo, are shown at the current dog runs at the shelter, which are in need of replacement. In addition to the need for new dog runs, there also is a need for volunteers at the shelter. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Wild Game Feast Is Nov. 4

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Grant Bjorkman, left, and Elijah Coppejans, of Boy Scout Troop 131, invite area residents to the troop’s Wild Game Feast form 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Geneseo Masonic Lodge. Donations are $12 for anyone age 13 and older; $6 for ages 4-12, and children younger than three are free.  The menu includes buffalo, pheasant, duck, venison, salmon, turkey, chicken and “all the fixins.”  The event includes a silent auction.

Market Outlook Seminar featuring Ted Seifried

Ted Seifried, Vice President and Chief Market Strategist with Zaner Ag Hedge, will be the featured speaker on Wednesday, November 8 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona. Dinner will be served followed by an update from Tom Parchert, Big River Resources. Reservations are required and must be made by November 1 to guarantee your attendance.

Ted is a Vice President at Zaner in charge of Zaner Ag Hedge. He specializes in agricultural hedging employing various strategies using futures, futures spreads, outright options, and options combinations. He believes it is paramount to be able to use different strategies to adapt to market conditions. Ted works one on one with large to mid-size grain and livestock producers and end users throughout the world.

In the media, Ted is often quoted by Dow Jones, Reuters, WSJ, and Bloomberg. Ted is a reoccurring guest analyst on Bloomberg TV, Ag Day, RFDtv, Market to Market and Agritalk with Chip Flory.

Zaner is a family owned and operated full-service brokerage firm founded in 1980. They work with clients closely to create client specific customized hedging strategies. They employ different strategies based on client needs and market conditions. Zaner is CFTC registered, NFA member, NIBA member, Illinois Farm Bureau Member, Illinois Chamber of Commerce member, Better Business Bureau A+ accredited business.

Cost for the single session is $35.00 (if not pre-registered cost will be $40.00). To make reservations, please call the Henry County Farm Bureau (309) 937-2411, Rock Island County Farm Bureau (309) 736-7432 or Mercer County Farm Bureau (309) 582-5116.

The Market Outlook Series is sponsored by the Henry, Rock Island and Mercer County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees in conjunction with: Gold Star FS; BankORION; COUNTRY Financial - Alan Davis, Crop Insurance; Central Bank; COUNTRY Financial - Brent Bigham, Tracy Bigham, Chad Nelson, John Waugh; Big River Resources; River Valley Cooperative; Diamond Ag; Wyffels Hybrids; Compeer Financial (Aledo & Geneseo offices); COUNTRY Financial - Dan Kniss, Mike Geuns, Eric Henderson, Julie Hessler, Tom McKie, Jerry Samuelson, Erin Spivey, Katie Spivey, Cassie Stahler; Blackhawk Bank & Trust; Hertz Farm Management.

Linoleum Blownapart - By Dan Dauw

Gun Ownership in Israel

From what I can get from the internet, Israelis are allowed to carry a weapon and can have a firearm in their home. The police in Israel believe it is a good idea. Residents may have to have a permit, but it appears it is not strictly enforced. Of course, our country will never have our enemies set foot on our turf. No, we are isolated. Borders are secured. Can’t happen here!! Yeah, right! I know if I lived in Israel I would have a pistol and it wouldn’t be for shooting rabbits!!!

I was in Israel, Lebanon and Jordan in 1963. It was a dangerous time, but nothing like what’s going on today. Some years ago we hosted two foreign students from Lebanon and Jordan into our home during the Thanksgiving holidays. The two ladies were very bright, but they sure did not like Israel. Sad to say that months later we received a letter from the Londonize student. One of the bombs that fell close to her home in Beirut had failed to detonate. She said it was an American bomb, but from Israel. We never heard from her since. Very sad. So much hate for the Jewish people. Sick, sick, sick!!!

Barb Wire

As we travel through the country side we don’t even give a blink at the fences we see to keep livestock from wondering and to mark whose land is whose! I recently read a 1975 published book entitled, “The “Bobbed Wire” by Jack Glover. Growing up in the ‘40s and beyond, I always heard it pronounced “Bobbed” wire. Barb wire is more appropriate. The first patent of “thorny fence” was applied for in 1867. Some early wires had signal plates and wooden blocks so livestock could see the wire. From 1867 to 1890, hundreds of wires were patented. The first generation settlers were not happy about ranchers putting up fences. They felt their livestock should be able to graze when and where they wish. Many fences were torn down and more than a few ranchers were killed because of fences.

One type of barbed wire, Obstacle wire, was used in WW1. Today, Razor wire is used to try and keep illegal people from entering our country.

Humor

I’ll try to enlighten your brain with some humor, such as it is!

  1. A rubber-band toy pistol was confiscated from an algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

  2. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

  3. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

  4. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, “You stay here; I’ll go on a head.”

  5. If you jumped off the bridge in Paris, you’d be in Seine.

Vaccines

In the latest Consumer Reports “On Health,” November issue, it had a full page of information on this year’s flu epidemic. The article advised people 65 and older to get one of three vaccines, Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Fluad Quadrivalent, or Flublok Quadrivalent. We got vaccinated last week, but there is another vaccine that we still need to get in a few weeks. Lorna had Covid two weeks ago so she needs to wait for the next shot. I know there are those who don’t believe in vaccinations, but we think they are a good thing. One thing is for sure, the drug companies must be pulling in some mega bucks!

Fishing Report

Three of us dropped anchor on some Mississippi River locations last week. We caught 18 channel cat “keepers.” The water temperature was 53. As it gets below 50 degrees using “stink bait” does not work as well. Lorna and I fished for trout on the second day of the fall trout season. We caught 5 which included one golden rainbow.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN”

CNA Students at Hammond-Henry Receive Scholarships

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Each of the twelve students in the Certified Nursing Program (CNA) at Hammond-Henry Hospital has received scholarships to help pay tuition and other fees. The students are, in front from left, Jill Corso, Autumn Stephens, Anna Calabria, April Kelley, Skylar Wainscott; in back from left, Patrick Miller, Abigail Frank, Olivia Dickey, Jillian Beneke, Brooke Boone, Macy Litherland and Madeline Roberts. Instructors, not pictured, are Jessica Jansen and Heidi Brumbaugh, both school nurses with the Geneseo School District. The 12 students are in the CNA dual enrollment class held during the 2023-2024 school year at Hammond-Henry Hospital, in conjunction with Black Hawk College and Geneseo High School. The Hospital Foundation provided scholarships to the students in the amount of $500 per student and Black Hawk College contributed an additional $100 per student, totaling $7,200 in scholarships.

Number please? - By Dan Dauw

Illinois Fall Trout Season

It starts this coming Saturday, October 21, at 5 a.m. The closest 3 locations are Moline’s Prospect Park Lagoon, Hennepin Canal Parkway, Sheffield (Opens at 6 a.m.), and Centennial Park Pond, Rock Falls. All three are excellent locations, but the key to getting a good spot is to get there early. Make sure you have, on your person, both your Illinois fishing license and trout stamp. Trout can just about eat any bait thrown at them. My favorite are minnows, but red worms, small lures, corn, and waxies are good choices, too. Trout are real battlers, easy to clean and taste, oh so good!

Compliments to Eye Surgeons & H-H Hospital

I don’t know all the names I came into contact with concerning my recent cataract surgery. However, I’ll throw out some names I can remember from Hammond-Henry Hospital. They were Dr. “Adam,” Theresa Peterson, Ms. Carton, Ashley, Kelly, Sonya, Sheryle, and Nicole. I think the ladies were all RNs, but maybe not. The three doctors at Eye Surgeons were Dr. Fenzl (surgeon), Dr. Heden and Dr. Benevento, Bettendorf.

I’m sorry I missed other names, but suffice to say, all the individuals I came in contact with were very nice and professional. If need be, I sure would recommend having the cataract procedure done. It is really amazing on the clarity and sharpness I can now see. So, a sincere “Thank You” goes to the caring and kindness of those at the H-H Hospital and Eye Surgeons.

A Dan D Spooky Poem

It was on Halloween night, under a full moon light;

I had been to a party not far from home, I took an odd way back so no place to roam;

I walked a short cut through the din, I became lost as a thick fog rolled in;

I heard strange noises, thinking, is this the right path to take?

I walked through an old cemetery near Dead Man’s Lake;

I heard owls hooting in a large oak tree, I should not worry, they won’t scare me;

I made it home and a little frightened to be, I opened the front door and was shocked to see,

Dracula sitting in a casket and watching TV.

Rain

It has been said that the best time to plant grass seed is in the fall. I hope that’s true as a few weeks ago we had Curb Appeal, Carbon Cliff, do some landscaping which required lots of grass seed planted. Yes, we used both our sprinklers, but Mother Nature does it best. I suspect most farmers, if not in a drought area, do not need the moisture during harvest time. So, I guess some days are gold and some days are stone.

Identity Theft

At last week’s Geneseo Kiwanis meeting, the guest speaker was Shanda Wood, Card Services, Administration Officer, Central Bank, Geneseo. She gave an excellent presentation on identity theft. It was surprising to me that a lot of problems come from check fraud. Most of us use plastic, but there is enough check writing to make crooks pay attention. They can clean checks with a solvent that washes the information and signature off. She talked about phone fraud and how to beware of scam artists. Speaking for ourselves, we get a lot of fake phone calls. With Caller ID if we don’t recognize the name or phone number we let the answering machine do its thing. Most always they never leave a message. Real important, huh?!

Senior Humor

“ I used to dread getting older because I thought I would not be able to do the things I wanted to do, but now that I am older, I find I don’t want to do them anyway!” “I’m getting on in years and I probably should have moved south by now.” “Ha! High time, parts of my body already have!” Sounds I don’t hear much anymore: Coffee percolating. A telephone operator saying, “Number please?” Ice being chipped with an icepick. What did the ghost teacher say to her class? “Watch the blackboard and I’ll go through it again.”

Henry & Stark County Health Departments Note National Health Education Week, October 16, 2023

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
October 13, 2023

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare announces that October 16-20, 2023 has been proclaimed National Health Education Week.  The Health Department joins with public health and health education advocates across the country to raise awareness of the importance of health education measures.  This year's theme of National Health Education Week is “Advancing Health Equity & Civil Rights.” This year’s focus will celebrate how health educators form important partnerships with schools, medical providers, social service agencies, governmental entities, businesses, social and faith-based organizations in order to promote equitable and integrated community health.  Health education and prevention measures are now a nationwide priority, and as the public health system evolves, there are more options than ever when it comes to preventative health and community partnerships. 

    RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion notes, "Today, seven in 10 deaths in the US are related to preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Another striking fact is that 75 percent of our health care dollars are spent treating such diseases.  However, only 3 percent of our health care dollars go toward prevention."

    Tucker adds, "That's why health education is so vital to our communities' future health. Education can make a difference.  For example, more than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices such as not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active and getting recommended screening tests.”

    For more information on the Department Health Education services call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.

Geneseo Chamber Announces Halloween Fun with Witches Weekend and Scarecrow Row

October 12, 2023
For more information contact:
Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
309-944-2686

A pair of upcoming fun and free Halloween events are happening in Geneseo Illinois: Witches Weekend and Scarecrow Row. The fun kicks off with Witches Weekend on October 26-28. During Witches Weekend, shoppers and guests are invited into Geneseo businesses to celebrate the Halloween season and enter to win over $300 worth of prizes and Geneseo Chamber Gift Certificates that can be used at over 100 Geneseo-based businesses.

The popular Witches Night Out celebration will be on Thursday, October 26 from 4pm-7pm at participating Witches Weekend stores. Stop in to enter for prizes, dress up in a fun Halloween wardrobe, and enjoy Geneseo with friends. Participating locations can be found not only Downtown, but all over Geneseo.

Many stores will also have door prizes and great deals during this kickoff to Witches Weekend including UpLoved, Wildflower Vintage & Thrift, Raelyn’s Pub & Eatery, Pegasus Fine Gifts, Four Seasons, Geneseo Brewing Company, Village Florist and Gifts, Pumpkins & Baby Bugs - A Baby Boutique, MIVA, and more to be announced. The Witches Weekend event will run through Saturday, October 28th. This means you can shop throughout the weekend in order to get the best deals and keep entering to win! Witches Weekend winners will be drawn Monday, October 30th.

Then, on Saturday, join businesses and families in the Geneseo City Park to continue the Halloween spirit with Geneseo’s Scarecrow Row! If you’d like to make a scarecrow for display, stop by the Smith Studio and Gallery, located at 124 S. State St. in downtown Geneseo, and pick up your FREE wooden scarecrow starter frame and information sheets. Then, get busy! Get creative! Bring your finished scarecrow to the Geneseo City Park on Saturday, October 28th between 9:00 am -10:00 am where all the scarecrows will be exhibited on “Scarecrow Row.” EVERY scarecrow will receive a special ribbon, with Geneseo Chamber Gift certificate prizes being awarded to the top three Scarecrows on display.

The public will be invited to come to the City Park to view the scary, exciting and weird creations. From 10:00 am-12:00 pm candy and Halloween treats from Geneseo businesses will be distributed to children visiting Scarecrow Row. Families are encouraged to come to the park dressed in their Halloween costumes. A free Halloween themed photo booth will be set up at the Bandshell, providing a fabulous photo opportunity. Scarecrows will be on exhibit throughout this special Halloween Saturday until 4pm.

For more information, contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686.

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Program Is Oct. 26

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Darcy Hepner, left, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager; and Katie Orwig, assistant; representing the Women’s Health Committee at Hammond-Henry Hospital, invite area women to the Thursday, Oct. 26, 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. Lorelei Ohlson, Alternatives for the Older Adult, with Hammond Henry Hospital Social Services, will present the program, “Advanced Health Care Planning. Cost of the lunch is $10, payable at the door. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com.

GPAC Fall Fundraiser Kicks Off Oct. 23

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Aiden Hawkins, left, and Taeton Chirchir, both eighth graders at Geneseo Middle School, are encouraging area residents to support the 2023 Geneseo Performing Arts Council (GPAC) Fall Fundraiser.

The annual fundraiser begins Monday, Oct. 23, and concludes Wednesday, Nov. 8 and the sale items include fruit, nuts, cheeses and meats. In addition to purchasing items from students involved in the Performing Arts, orders also can be placed online at https://sales.minntexcitrus.com/organization/geneseo-performing-arts-council/. Once at the site, select Geneseo Performing Arts Council and at checkout, there will be a dropdown to select the student’s name to give them credit for the sale. There is a $1.50 processing fee for orders made online.

All sales need to be paid for at the time the order is made and all checks should be made payable to GPAC. Products are scheduled to arrive Dec. 15 and students who sold the items will pick up and deliver the items.

For more information, or for anyone interested in making a purchase, but is not contacted by a student, call Carla Taets, 309-269-3551.

All proceeds are used to help support band, choir, speech and theatre programs, which include assistance for high school, middle school and elementary school students. Funding is used toward activities such as music lesson, solo and ensemble accompanists, marching band, theater supplies, scholarships and other miscellaneous needs. Photo by Claudia Loucks