Geneseo Woman Makes Quilts of Valor for Two Local Veterans– By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It was an emotional experience for both Dick Ghys and Brad Windisch when they received the Quilts of Valor made by Diane Mallum. All are of Geneseo.

The two Vietnam veterans were honored at the recent ceremony hosted by the Quad City Quilts of Valor Foundation and held at the Quad City Botanical Center.

Both Ghys and Windisch served in the military during the Vietnam War. Ghys served in the U.S. Army from December of 1966 through November of 1967. He was in the infantry stationed in the Mekong Delta.

Windisch served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Phu Cat Air Force Base in Vietnam from September of 1970 until September of 1971.

The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Although the patterns of the quilts may vary, the fabrics used are almost always shades of red, white and blue.

Mallum said she has made Quilts of Valor before and donated them to the Quad City Quilts of Valor Foundation, but had never before nominated any specific person to receive the throws….”I have made the quilts through the Geneseo Quilt Guild and donated them to the Quad City Quilts of Valor Foundation, but this is the first time I have specified the veterans I wanted to receive my quilts.”

Mallum contacted both Ghys and Windisch in May and asked them if they would accept her nomination as recipients of the quilts. Both men agreed and did attend the ceremony held by the Foundation.

The event was held in conjunction with the observance of Veterans Day.

Mallum said she will continue to make the Quilts of Valor, “maybe not every year, but I do still like to quilt.”

Diane Mallum made and presented Quilts of Valor to veterans Brad Windisch, at left; and Dick Ghys. The presentation was made at a ceremony held by the Quad City Quilts of Valor Foundation at the Quad City Botanical Center. Contributed Photo

Each of the two Quilts of Valor Mallum made for Geneseo veterans are personalized with her name and the recipient’s name.

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Tickets Available Soon for 2023 GHS Madrigal Dinners – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Beginning in 1980, students from the music department at Geneseo High School have been taking guests a step back in time to “Merrie Ole England” at the annual Madrigal Dinners.

This year’s dinners, which mark the 42nd year of performances, are at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30; Friday, Dec. 1; and Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall Commons, 700 North State St. Seating begins at 6 p.m. and tickets are available, and reservations, which are required, may be made by visiting
https://www.vancoevents.com/CCCG and searching “GHS Madrigal.” Tickets are $28 per person, and will go on sale Nov. 13.

Guests will dine on a medieval feast, including bread, salad, pork loin, twice baked potato, green beans and Figge pudding with a cup of wassail, and be entertained by the Madrigal Singers, as well as the Madrigal Brass, recorder Choirs, mimes, and entertainers.

The singers and brass also will be featured at the Geneseo Christmas Walk on Saturday, Dec. 9, and will perform and 6 p.m. that night in Central Theater.

When the Madrigal celebrations began in 1980, they were held in the former St. Malachy’s Church before the performances were moved to Grace Church in 1986. They are now held in the GHS Concert Hall Commons.

The Madrigal cast is under the direction of GHS choral director Stephen LaCroix, along with band directors Jaime Kotovsky and Sara Hawkins. LaCroix said the Madrigal Dinners were started by former music and drama department directors, James Rimington, Victor Bianchetta, and the late Harvey Green.

LaCroix said the dinners involve approximately 100 high students each year including singers, brass players, recorder ensemble, harpsichordist, beggars, fair maidens, a poet, a cook, serving wenches, mimes, wait staff and those who help with hair and makeup in addition to character roles that vary each year with changes in script.

“Parent involvement is key to the success of the dinners as the parents oversee the many tasks to make it a detailed and personalized performance for the audience,” he said.

Madrigal singers audition in May each year for the upcoming season and singers begin rehearsing weekly beginning in August.

“Time after time students remark that their Madrigal Dinner involvement was the best and most memorable experience of their four years of high school,” LaCroix said.

Geneseo High School seniors Jeron Neal and Isabella Haney are cast as the king and queen in the 42nd annual Madrigal Dinners to be presented by students from the music department at GHS. Contributed Photo

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Grief Seminar Is Nov. 12 at First Methodist

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Gathering for a holiday meal after the death of a loved one can be difficult.  The empty seat at the table is a constant reminder of that loss.   Kippy Breeden, left, Grief Seminar Ministry leader,  and Yvette Biddle, Director of Discipleship at First Methodist Church, Geneseo, want to help those experiencing a loss prepare for the upcoming holiday season without a loved one.  Breeden will lead the seminar, Grief Seminar “Surviving the Holidays,” from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, at His Place (the south campus of First Methodist), 224 North State St., Geneseo.  There is no cost for the seminar and it is open to the community.  The seminar offers encouragement, support, and practical tips for facing holiday challenges after loss. Anyone planning to attend the seminar is asked to respond by calling Biddle at 309-944-2793 or by email at y.biddle@peopleneedjesus.org. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Michaelsen’s Art Work Featured at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Sharon Michaelsen, a member of the RutabagA Art Gallery in downtown Geneseo, is the featured artist in November at the Geneseo Public Library. The display features pieces of her art work from a variety of nebulae paintings, representing actual images from the Hubble Space Telescope. She explained, “They, of course, are not exact reproductions, just my interpretations of the Labyrinth Nebula, which resembles a blossom, and the Butterfly Nebula, which actually looks like a butterfly.” The angel painting in the exhibit is her interpretation of what the words from the music “Choose Something Like a Star” convey to her, and she added, “I was actually inspired by a figurine I have in my home.” The large burst of color in one of the paintings in the display was "just fun,” she said, “and which to me, represents an exploding star somewhere in the universe.” Photo by Claudia Loucks

Sometime After the Earth Cooled - By Dan Dauw

Not An Easy Goal

I think this is very cool. Setting goals can be a neat, important and interesting endeavor. One goal I have never heard about until now was, or still is, catching a fish each day. So, over 100 days ago, Mark Shoemaker, age 13 from Geneseo, set a goal of catching at least one fish everyday. So far he has caught 14 different species of fish. He and his family live near the canal, but it still is a big challenge because he is depended on the “fish!” His first day he caught a big bass (C-photo). Mark is also involved with school, football, cross country and basketball so sometimes he has to get up early to fish or at night to catch that one daily fish. One early morning he went out in his pajamas, in the dark and in the rain just to keep his streak going. Now that, folks, is one very determined fisherman. Obviously, Mark is one heck of a fisherman!

Mark Shoemaker, 7th grader, Geneseo, set a goal of catching one fish every day. He has now passed 100 days of catching at least one fish daily. The first fish he caught on Day 1 was a big bass as shown in the photo.  

U.S. Postal Service

In this crazy world, I guess it doesn’t surprise me about robbery and attacks on Letter Carriers plus the increase of stealing mail. When I carried mail, sometime after the earth cooled, the only thing we had to worry about were dogs and some punk(s) knocking down rural mailboxes. Although, anymore no place is safe from “stick up’s.” I ‘m sure it is more dangerous in heavy populated cities. Keep in mind that such increases of crime are reflected in the increase in postage. Unrelated to crime, but what also is reflected is the increase of that stamp is at the pump. Also, those Long Life Vehicles (LLV) are way past their reliability and usefulness. The large fleet of LLVs are being replaced and we’re talking big bucks. So, while a stamp is getting close to that 70 cents mark, there are a lot of good and bad factors to be considered on a postage increase. It’s a balancing act, for sure!

Airplane Humor

Jerry Myhre, Geneseo, used to fly a passenger plane for Geneseo Airlines. He was a pilot for the economy flights. There wasn’t any movies shown, but he flew low over a few drive-ins.

Orville Wright said to his brother, Wilbur, “You were only in the air for twelve seconds. How could my luggage be in Cleveland?”

To bad about the kamikaze pilots. They had to do all their bragging ahead of time.

Wind Turbines

Except for dotting the country side with what I think are ugly structures, wind turbines are a good thing for the environment. I’m sure way down the road they will be taken down and replaced by something different. For farmers, allowing them to be installed on their farmland means extra income.
I read recently in the Successful Farming publication that renting out their property can add some extra income. A farmer in Emden, Illinois, is not allowed to say exactly how much he receives per each turbine, but it is somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000 per turbine, per year. Not a bad piece of change for not taking up a lot of ground. As to solar panels, a farmer in Woodson, IL, has 15 acres of solar panels. He said the income is more than farming those acres. Interesting!

Kaiten

Most of us know what a “kamikaze” (Divine Wind) was during WW2 when fighting the Japanese. Some Japanese pilots would jump in their airplanes, loaded with a bomb, and attempt to crash their plane into the enemy’s ships. Happily, they would die for the emperor. The Japanese had one of the better torpedoes (Type 93 Long Lance) of WW2. They modified a torpedo in which the pilot sat inside and could steer the torpedo directly into the hull of the ship. It was called, “Kaiten” meaning “Turn to the Heavens.” Once inside the torpedo the pilot had no way to exit. His fate was sealed. A Japanese “mother ship” would carry 4 such modified torpedoes. One Kaiten did manage to sink the U.S. Navy ship, the Mississinewa. Overall, Kaitens were not very successful and had little military value.

Wild Game Feast

Again, Boy Scout Troop 131 did an outstanding job providing a great wild game dinner last Saturday evening at the Moose Lodge. It is one of their annual fund raiser events and the food was outstanding. The silent auction was nice, too! We got the winning bid for a half hour flight in Kent Johnson’s Piper J-3 Cub airplane. So, our grandson, Caden, who loves airplanes, will enjoy the flight. He’ll be on cloud nine, so to speak! We also had the high bid on a food basket from Lisa’s Place, Atkinson.

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Program Is Nov. 15

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Theresa Klotz, left, and Linda DeSmith, representing the Women’s Health Committee at Hammond-Henry Hospital, invite area women to the Wednesday, Nov. 15, 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. Ryan Wilson, Geneseo Vision Center, will present the program, “Eyes – What Do We Need to Know?” 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. The program is being held earlier than usual due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 23. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Hammond-Henry Hospital to Close Orion Clinic – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Orion Clinic will close its doors on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Information from Hammond-Henry Hospital, stated that due to staffing difficulties and a recent clinic assessment that highlighted concerning barriers to success, Hammond-Henry Hospital Group, 1001 Division Street, Orion, will be closing on Nov. 30. In the meantime, Orion Clinic staff will assist patients who have questions about transitioning their care to another provider and/or clinic.

“Orion Clinic staff diligently working to ensure all our Orion Clinic patients know that their walk-in and family practice needs can be met at most of our other clinic locations,” said Colton Anderson, Director of Clinic Services. “I, or the Orion Clinic staff, will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the closure.”

Hammond-Henry Hospital currently has family providers accepting new patients in the Port Byron and Geneseo locations. They include:

-Dr. Julie Brown, Port Byron and Geneseo Clinics.

-Katie Sowder, APRN, Port Byron Clinic.

-Elyse Wolf, APRN, Geneseo Clinic.

-Katie Grimes, APRN, Geneseo Clinic.

-Dr. Loren Soria, Geneseo Clinic.

Hammond-Henry Hospital Medical Group has clinics in these locations:

-Port Byron Clinic, 105 N. Main St., Port Byron (309-523-2015).

-Geneseo Clinic, 600 N. College Ave., Geneseo (309-944-1275).

-Kewanee Clinic, 1258 W. South St., Kewanee (309-853-3677).

-Colona Clinic, 1604 Cleveland Road, Colona (309-949-2999) – walk-in care only.

-Annawan Clinic, 2023 W. Front St., Annawan (309-935-4100) – walk-in care only.

-Cambridge Clinic, 106 N. East St., Cambridge (309-937-3560) – family practice only and currently not accepting new patients.

Information from Hammond-Henry also stated that the hospital “will work to assure that resources and communication are available to meet questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to all the Orion Clinic staff at 309-526-3957 or Colton Anderson at 309-944-9182.

Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Note 2023-24 Updated Covid-19 Shots For Adults Now Available in Kewanee & Colona

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
October 30, 2023

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare announce that this year’s updated Covid-19 Shots for Adults (18 yrs.+) are now available at both First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona. Covid-19 shots will be available by appointment at both locations, simply call the First Choice Healthcare location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272 or Colona 309-792-4011.

     At this time, Adults with “Insurance Coverage” for the Covid-19 vaccination can obtain the Pfizer 2023-24 updated vaccine.  Simply bring your insurance card with you to your appointment.

     Adults with “NO Insurance Coverage” for the Covid-19 vaccination may choose either  the Pfizer or Moderna 2023-24 updated Covid-19 vaccine through the “Bridge Access Program.”

      The Health Department notes that both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC recommend vaccination with the updated COVID-19 vaccine for all persons aged ≥6 months. Older adults and persons with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for hospitalization and death. In addition, healthy children and adults can still experience severe disease.

     To schedule your appointment or for more information, call the First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee (309) 852-5272 and Colona (309) 792-4011 Colona 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 or Instagram.

"Cram the Cab" Food Drive to be Held

Katie Laleman, FBCM, Manager
Henry County Farm Bureau®
128 N. Prospect Street | Cambridge, IL 61238

What:  Farm Bureau Young Leaders “Cram the Cab” Food Drive

When:  Saturday, November 4; 9am-2pm

Where:  Fareway Meat & Grocery, 540 Pritchard Drive, Geneseo, IL 61254

 Farm Bureau Young Leaders will collect items for the local food pantries at Geneseo Fareway.  Stop by Saturday, November 4, 9am-2pm and help the Young Leaders to fill the bed of a Ford Truck and the cab of a John Deere tractor!  Make a donation just in time for the upcoming holidays and support your local food pantry.  Food items and cash donations will be accepted.

Veterans Day Assembly Nov. 10 at GHS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School Student Council members, from left, Caroline Girten, Lindsay Herington, Mady Mooney, and Payton Snider are preparing for the upcoming Veterans Day Assembly at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, at the high school. 700 North State St. All local veterans are invited to attend as special guests.

Isabel Anderson, Geneseo, will be the keynote speaker. Anderson currently serves as a substitute teacher in the Geneseo School District. She is the “Mom” of a military family, and she will share her own military experience, in addition to the benefits and hardships of being a career military family.

Veterans planning to attend the assembly are asked to arrive at the high school at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 10, using the main entrance to the school or the entrance to the Library Commons which is at the south end of the building.

The assembly will begin at 8 a.m. and will include the keynote speaker, guest introductions, and special musical selections by the GHS band and choir.

For additional information, contact Tara Laingen at tlaingen@geneseoschools.org. Laingen said the Veterans Day Assembly is being held to honor the local veterans and to bring awareness to the GHS student body. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Operation Christmas Child In Need of Filled Shoeboxes – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Shoeboxes also can filled online by visiting Samaritan’s Purse.org and finding Operation Christmas Child Build a Box. According to Shelly Emerick, by filling a shoebox online, people are able to choose items they want included in their shoebox…”You can even include a personal note and download a picture that will be printed and placed in your shoebox. Cost is $25 and you are able to follow your shoebox to its destination.”

Teresa Johnson, left, Operation Christmas Child coordinator at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church in Geneseo; and Shelly Emerick, representing Operation Christmas Child in Geneseo, show the empty shoeboxes that still need to be filled, and some that have been filled. Empty shoeboxes are available to be picked up at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church, 914 North Chicago St., Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

The Packing Party dates are set and the shoebox drop-off dates are in place, but there are still many empty shoeboxes to be filled for the Operation Christmas Child outreach.

Team members are aware that the Christmas season is drawing closer and there is a concern of making sure the OCC shoeboxes get to disadvantaged children worldwide.

A display of empty shoeboxes has been set up in the gathering area at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church where people can pick them up and return them when they are filled. The church will be open from 8 to 4 on weekdays, with the exception of being closed from 12 to 1 p.m. Shoeboxes also may be picked up during Sunday church services at GEFC.

Packing a shoebox can be done by anyone and the first step is to decide to pack for a boy or a girl in age groups 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. It’s best to begin with a “wow” item such as a doll, stuffed animal, deflated soccer ball with a pump, toy cars or trucks. It is important to include school supplies and hygiene items such as a washcloth and soap, toothbrush, but toothpaste is not allowed.

Clothing or shoes also can be included in the shoebox as well as fun toys, but no food, candy, liquids or jells.

Each shoebox contains a copy of “The Greatest Gift” booklet, a storybook that shares the message of salvation, written in the language of the child receiving the shoebox.

Items that cannot be included in the shoeboxes are anything glass, liquid, camouflage or war-related, or any type of food.

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Richmond Hill Players to Close Season with Comedy – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Players close their 2023 season with “Unnecessary Farce,” a comedy by Paul Slade Smith. The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 9-19, at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo. Jonathan Grafft, Geneseo, directs the show.

Chris White and Dana Skiles, both of Geneseo, are among the cast of “Unnecessary Farce,” to be presented Nov. 9-19 at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

“Two cops. Three crooks. Eight doors. Go! In a cheap motel room, two incompetent undercover cops wait anxiously to videotape a meeting in the adjoining room between an embezzling mayor and his female accountant, who is working with the cops. But there is so much confusion; who’s in which room now? Who’s being videotaped? Who took the money? Who hired a Scottish hit man (whose accent becomes more incomprehensible the angrier he gets), and why does the accountant keep taking off her clothes?”

The cast features Nathan Johnson, Dana Skiles, Jessica White, Chris White, all of Geneseo; Katie Orwig, Atkinson; Mike Kelly, Rock Island; and Scott Harl, Peru.

The staff includes co-state manager Patrick Kelley, Kewanee; co-stage manager/costumer Jackie Skiles; Lights and sound designer/set painter Dana Skiles’; set builder Mike Skiles, all of Geneseo; booth operator David Shaffer, Moline; and set builder Jim Skiles, Colona.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are 3 p.m. matinees with the doors opening at 2 p.m.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244 or by visiting the website at rhplayers.com.

Late seating is not permitted; no one will be admitted to the theater after the show has started.

Admission to all performances is $12.

An audio description performance will be held Friday, Nov. 10. Richmond Hill also offers Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), which can be requested at the time reservations are made.

Jessica White and Nathan Johnson, both of Geneseo, rehearse a scene from the upcoming Richmond Hill Players production of “Unnecessary Farce.”

ABOUT RICHMOND HILL PLAYERS:

A non-profit community theater group presenting plays in the converted top floor of an old dairy barn in Geneseo since 1968. Approximately 100 active members are involved on and off-stage each year, with actors, directors, backstage personnel, support staffs, and audience drawn form a 75-100-mile radius that includes cities in both Illinois and Iowa.

Katie Orwig, Atkinson, and Scott Harl, Peru, are shown in a scene from the Richmond Hill Players comedy which will close the 2023 season.

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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