You are Charging Me $500? - By Dan Dauw

First Lutheran Church Choir

Zowie!! This Geneseo church certainly has an awesome choir. On Tuesday, December 19th, the Geneseo Kiwanis had their “Guest Night” held at the church. For their entertainment the church choir sang various Christmas songs. Their last song, “Silent Night,” was joined in by the 67 Kiwanis members and guests. It really was a magical evening.

No Gators

Todd Sieben was fishing off the coast of Florida when his boat overturned. He could swim, but he was afraid of alligators so he just held on to the boat. Spotting an old beachcomber on shore, Todd yelled out, “Are there any alligators around here?” The old guy answered, “Naw, they haven’t been around for years!” Now feeling safe, Todd started swimming to shore. About halfway there he asked the guy, “How did you get rid of the ‘gators?” “We didn’t do anything,” said the beachcomber. “The sharks got ‘em all!”

Poor Hamster

Angie Snook quickly took her pet hamster to the vet, but sadly the vet looked it over and pronounced it dead. She wanted a second opinion so the vet brought in his pet Labrador retriever. It sniffed the little hamster and it shook his head. The vet said, “Yeah, it’s dead!” All of sudden a cat jumps up on the table, nudges it with its paw, and looked up and shook its head. Finally, Angie is convinced her hamster is dead. She asked the vet how much she owed for his services? He said, “That will be $500.00.” Angie said, “You are charging me $500.00 just to tell me my hamster is dead?” “Well, said the vet, there’s my prognosis, lab report and “cat scan.”

Ice Fishing This Winter

Well, maybe, maybe not! With the warmer than usual December days let’s hope we can have safe ice. To be smart, any 4” or more of thick ice is playing it safe. The past few years the ice conditions were up ‘n down. If ‘yer not sure, before going out on the ice, drill a few holes to gauge the ice thickness. Last winter I found ice fishing to be “iffy!” Last year our Geneseo Izaak Walton Ice Fishing Contest had to be cancelled because of unsafe ice conditions.

Up Your Sleeve

We are not card players. Even when I was in the Navy, I didn’t participate. One time Lorna and I played a few hands with another couple while on a fishing trip in Canada. They finally gave up on us. Setting all that aside, here are some card facts. 1) Some card games enforce a so-called, “British Rule.” It stipulates that the queen outranks the king whenever the British monarch is female. I guess it doesn’t apply now. 2) The fastest time a full deck of cards has ever been dealt is 16.92 seconds. 3) The chance of being dealt a royal flush in a game of poker is roughly 650,000 to one.

Donated Jokes

I think I’ll donate these hilarious (?) elevator jokes to Mr. Don Morrison of North Carolina. For some fun, the next time you’re in a crowded elevator yell “Ding” at each floor. What did one elevator say to the other? Ans: I think I’m coming down with something! Did you hear about the man who fell down an elevator shaft? He’s taking steps to avoid them now.

My old Lionel electric trains still work after all these years.  I still enjoy playing with them. This photo was taken before Christmas to show our grandkids what I enjoyed with growing up. Ha! All five of them are in high school, but hopefully one of them will carry on the tradition of model railroading, especially at Christmas time.

Geneseo Local Punches her Ticket to Miss Illinois

On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Olivia Egert of Geneseo, Illinois was crowned Miss Peoria Metro 2024 at Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center, IL. Egert will represent the Peoria Metropolis area at the coveted Miss Illinois (a state preliminary to Miss America) competition in June. Egert is currently a sophomore at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the Division of General Studies.

Egert is a 2022 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Geneseo High School, holding presidency/leadership in her class, Key Club, Student Council and other service organizations. Becoming hands on with so many service organizations in high school, Olivia fell in love with the idea of leadership. In her high school career, Olivia founded her community service initiative “Project Next in Line: Building the Leader Within You.” In her platform, Olivia focuses on the pillars of student activism, student volunteerism and student leadership among her generation to develop strong and effective role models for the youth in our communities to look up to.

At 12 months old, Olivia was adopted from China by her parents, Ryan and Penny Egert. When Egert started her journey in the Miss Illinois’ Teen organization in 2019, she came to the decision to share her story for the competition’s Talent/HER Story judged portion. Her monologue shares intimate details about her adoption including awareness of China’s one child law that was present when she was born. The original piece morphs into an appreciation for freedom and her pride for being an American Citizen. Olivia’s HER Story, Proud to Be An American, has helped her earn over $2,500 in scholarships through the Miss America Opportunity. During her reign as Miss Peoria Metro, Egert hopes to impact her community through Project Next in Line and its complimentary pillars.

The 2024 Miss Illinois Competition Finals will take place June 12-14, 2024 at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center in Marion, IL. She plans on continuing her preparation by volunteering in her community and marketing herself amongst the state of Illinois.During the state competition, the delegates were scored in five categories - an individual interview with judges (30%), Lifestyle and Fitness (20%), Talent/HER Story (20%), Evening Gown (20%) and Onstage Question (10%).

For more information on the competition you can visit www.missamerica.org or www.missillinois.org. You may also request Olivia Egert, Miss Peoria Metro 2024 to appear at your event by contacting loveinvolumes@gmail.com or private messaging the Miss Peoria Metro Organization Facebook Page. Make sure to keep up with her journey to the Miss Illinois title on Instagram www.instagram.com/MissPeoriaMetro/.

Olivia Egert

If Dracula Plays Baseball - By Dan Dauw

Just for fun I think I will devote this column for trivia. I know most of you are not the smartest people or you wouldn’t be reading this column! However, I think you will find many of these facts interesting. If not, I’ll send you a refund check. Then again!!!

1. Earth: Receives approximately 100 tons of falling space dust every day.
2. Meow: According to the Wildlife Society, cats kill about 2.4 million birds a year.
3. Better vision? Some say it’s true if you eat carrots. I read that rumor started with the RAF in England during WW2. The Brits had better eyesight from eating Bugs Bunny favorite food.
4. Watch out Porky Pig: The average American will eat the equivalent of 28 pigs in their lifetime.
5. Flashlight’s (or “torch” if ‘yer across the pond) safer. A candle burns around 2,192 degrees.
6. Good eat’n, too: Between carp, sunfish, catfish and lake trout, the sunfish has the least amount of contaminates.
7. Same for Dracula? A vampire bat will die if it does not have a meal of blood within 2 or 3 days. I just wonder if Dracula plays baseball does he use a bat?
8. Vibrations: They travel faster and greater distances in water.
9. Skys the Limit: The computers aboard the Apollo spacecraft had less processing power than today’s Smart phone.
10. Civil War weapons: They were not quite as advanced as today, but during the CW the submarine, machine gun and hand grenade saw limited use. Floating mines back then were called, “Torpedoes.”
11. Served our Country: About 179,000 black soldiers served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
12. Civil War Items: Soldiers wore “brogans” (shoes). Some were made poorly and some not. There were no right or left shoes. They could be switched. The “kepi” (hat) was worn by CW soldiers and was patterned after the French. Soldiers carried a sewing kit which was called a “housewife.” When I was in the Navy in the ‘60s (1960s, not 1860s) we were issued a housewife. It was in a small blue packet containing needles and thread.
13. Navy Lingo: The vertical structure on a submarine is called a “Sail.” The vertical structure on an aircraft carrier is called an “Island.” A submarine is called a “boat.” A destroyer ship is called a “tin-can.”
14. Brave President: President Harry Truman fought in WW1. He was a Captain of an Artillery unit.
15. WW1: During that war, the French and English made most of all tanks. They were very slow and tended to break down. The German army did not use many tanks in WW1, but made up for it in WW2.
16. Turkeys: They can see color and like to roost in trees at night to be safe from predators like coyotes. I’m not so sure I buy into this, but it is said a turkey can fly as fast as 60 mph.
17. Animal Facts: Rhinos belong to the same family as horses. Cats have 4 rows of whiskers. An iguana can hold its breath for 28 minutes. Baby squirrels are called, “kittens.” Sheep snore! (wonder who stayed up at night to find that out?) A cow can be lead upstairs, but not downstairs. Probably best not to live in a two story dwelling with a cow. Just say’n!
18. Yum-yum: Flathead catfish prefer live bait, or at least “thinks” your lure is alive!
19. Next voyage: Here are a few nautical facts you can impress the Captain of the cruise ship. An “eel” is a German torpedo. A “long lance” is a Japanese torpedo, and an American torpedo is called a “fish.”
20. Remember the Maine: That was the war cry of sailors when the U.S. Navy ship, Maine, was sunk during the Spanish-American War. Sort of Like, “Remember the Alamo,” and “Remember Pearl Harbor.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Luke Jensen, son of David & Hannah Jansen, recently caught this beautiful rainbow trout by Bellevue, IA. His dad, a Moline fireman, is a big time fisherman and is one of us "Fisherman Four" who fish together in Canada. CONGRATULATIONS to Luke Jensen for a nice catch.

This is the second time this year I had to put Gary Dahlquist's photo in this column holding a big fish.  He, his brother, Tom, and myself gave it one more shot fishing on a nice day, December 15th.  The fish weighed                       4 lbs (3.8 to be exact).  We caught some nice crappies, too!

Regular Council Meeting: December 12th, 2023

Removing the Bloat

• Zack Sullivan, Executive Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce gave a summary of the Christmas Walk held on December 9th. Estimated attendance was 10,000 people.

• City applied and received a grant for pickleball and disc golf upgrades in Richmond Hill Park. New fencing will be added into the pickleball courts to segregate each individual court and the disc golf course will receive new baskets for all 18 holes.

• Geneseo FFA chapter gave an annual presentation regarding plot lease renewal. Lease was renewed through 2025.

• The City Engineer (IMEG) held a public meeting on the North State Street Project. This project’s primary objective is to replace the 100+ year old water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure that lies under the North State Roadway (Exchange to Ogden). Phase #1 of the project is scheduled to begin late Spring 2024 and will run from Park to Wells Street down State. The project will also include new street, sidewalk, and decorative lighting along the right of way.

Community Christmas Day Dinner 2023 at First Lutheran in Geneseo – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The congregation at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo practices hospitality by opening their doors and their hearts to anyone who wants to join them for dinner on Christmas Day.

The church, at 114 East Main St., Geneseo, will host a Community Christmas Day Dinner, with serving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25, in the Fellowship Room of the church. There is no charge for the meal and an offering will not be taken.

The Christmas dinner menu includes turkey, ham, potatoes, vegetables, salads, rolls, beverage and dessert.

Janet Larson, who with her husband Jim, are in charge of the annual dinner, said, “We serve nearly 150 people each year and we look for at least that many guests this year.”

In the first year for the Christmas dinner, 17 years ago, there were about 50 people served and Larson said, “We now are doing many more home deliveries. With the growth in attendance, we know we are meeting a need in the community.”

Committee members are able to deliver meals only in the Geneseo, Atkinson and Cambridge area, but people from anywhere are welcome to have dinner at the church, Larson said.

Arrangements for home delivery for those who are homebound can be made by calling the church office, 309-944-3196 or by calling Larson at 309-507-2997 by Dec. 23.

“Our church is centrally located and also is an ideal stop for people traveling on Christmas Day,” she added. “The Community Christmas Dinner is a time to celebrate Christmas with family and friends in our community and the gift of friendship is what holds a community together.”

The dinner is a tradition for the Larson couple who have been involved with it since its beginning. The couple, with the help of other church members, were instrumental in planning the first Community Christmas Day Dinner.

“My husband Jim and I have been involved in the dinner every year and our two sons Luke and Ian, and our children were always involved when they lived at home.”

“We want it to be a time of serving rather than concentrating on receiving and those are lessons we wanted for our children,” she said, adding that the theme of this year’s dinner is “Cheerfully Share,” taken from scripture 1 Peter 4: 9-10.

In addition to the Larson couple, others on this year’s committee include Betsy Brudos, Julie and Jeff Kunkel.

Larson said some of the same people have returned each year for the Christmas dinner at First Lutheran.

She said she believes the Community Christmas Day Dinner is something that is needed in the community and the surrounding area “because we are not aware of any other meals offered on Christmas Day. That day can be the loneliest day of the year. We want those people who would otherwise be alone to be a part of our church family on Christmas Day.”

“We pray that this meal will be enjoyed by our friends and neighbors who need to feel the love and hope that God provides.”

“Christ has called us to be in community with others, to tend to the needs of our neighbors,” she said. “Our mission at First Lutheran challenges us all to share Christ’s love to all. One of the most exciting opportunities is to serve our community on Christmas Day by providing a hot meal and fellowship for those who are alone or are in need.”

“By sharing our blessings, we too are blessed,” she said.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT FIRST LUTHERAN

Christmas Eve Candlelight, Carols & Communion services are at 4 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24.

Christmas Day services – Monday, Dec. 25 – 10 a.m., Carols and Communion.

Janet Larson extends an invitation to the Community Christmas Day Dinner on Monday, Dec. 25, at First Lutheran Church, Geneseo. The event is offered at no charge and deliveries are made to homebound residents in the local area. Photo by Claudia Loucks

It’s Always Something Isn’t It? - By Dan Dauw

Cops

I like to watch the various police shows on TV. One thing the police seem to ask after they list the offense(s) to the crook is the officer will say, “Okay?” I’m still waiting for some bad guy to answer, “Heck no, it’s NOT okay!”

Springfield Armory, Inc.

As most know, this company is no longer at their old location (W. Main St.). Every once in awhile I hear that their old location may become a military museum. I, for one, think that would be awesome.

Above Ceiling, Now Floor Ceiling

I have a small room which I call the “Military Room.” Some years ago a neighbor and I put a suspended ceiling in the room. The other day I opened the door and found the ceiling had caved in landing on the floor. Through the years I stored items in the suspended ceiling. Stupid, yes! At my age I can’t do the repair work. I heard there is a fellow named, “Gavrin J.” but his phone is disconnected. I might have his first name spelled wrong. It’s always something isn’t it?

Two Nice Days

I had all my fishing gear, except for ice fishing, stowed away for the winter. Who would have thought we’d have two warm December days in a row. So, Gary Dahlquist, Geneseo, called me to see if I wanted to go fishing on a private lake. We fished on those two warm days, the 7th and 8th. I didn’t think we’d do very good, but gosh, we caught a lot of bass and crappies. Glad I was wrong! They were not slab crappies (12” or more), but very decent size. Those were my two best days of fishing in 2023. The question now is, do we try to sneak one more day of fishing in much colder temps? Yes, is the answer. Sometime this week. I fished mostly using minnows and Gary used some lures, waxies, nibblets and minnows. I think we could have thrown in the kitchen sink and they still would be caught!

Bargain Ice Fishing Hut

If you are looking for an almost (used once) new 4 man Frabil ice fishing hut, Chris Weisser, Geneseo, has one for sale. Frabil makes excellent ice fishing products. Chris sent me some photos of the hut and it looks in great condition. His phone number is: 309-944-1230.

Go, Cyclones!

A great men’s basketball game a few weeks ago between the Hawkeyes and and the Iowa State “Cyclones!” The final score was 90 to 65. They are still undefeated as of this writing. The Hawkeyes still hold more wins in the state rivalry. And how ‘bout those Bears beating the Lions? Their next opponents are the Browns, Cardinals, Falcons and ending the season with the Packers.

Where Ought Thou Farm Bill?

The 2023 farm bill will be enacted later than intended. Progress within the Senate and House agriculture committees was stalled by disagreements over raising reference prices, an expensive step, and arguments whether to divert some of the bonus $20 billion that was earmarked for USDA conservation programs in the 2022 climate law. The consequences of action are high.

Geneseo Christmas Walk

Once again, this popular event was great last Saturday. Our Civil War campfire had lots of folks warming themselves and learning about the Civil War. I always like to talk to the visitors and was surprised so many were from Rock Island and Davenport. The parade and lighting of the Christmas tree was neat. Hopefully the downtown merchants did well, too.

Humor

What do you get when you cross a pig with a parrot? Ans: A bird that hogs the conversation.

What animal has more lives than a cat? Ans: A frog.

What do you get when you cross Lassie with a rose? Ans: A collie flower.

Colton Anderson named ICAHN 2023 '4 Under 40' Winner for Exemplary Leadership at Hammond-Henry Hospital

Mikayla Wilhelm
ICAHN Marketing and Communications Specialist
(815)875-2999
mwilhelm@icahn.org

GENESEO, IL—The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) announced its “4 Under 40” Hospital Leadership winners, including Colton Anderson, Director of Clinic Services, Hammond-Henry Hospital, Geneseo, during the organization’s 20th Anniversary Annual Conference held November 28 and 29 at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign.

He is joined in this honor with Ashlyn Housewright, Executive Director of Community Health & Wellness, Memorial Hospital, Carthage; Lindsey Culver, Director of Radiology, Lawrence County Memorial Hospital, Lawrenceville; and Jessica Diane Carter, Director of Nursing Services, Ferrell Hospital, Eldorado.

Anderson has been with Hammond-Henry Hospital for nearly 15 years, beginning as an x-ray technologist in imaging, and has worked his way to his current position. He considers Geneseo his hometown, being a proud resident since sixth grade, and cares deeply for his community. He is heavily involved in various community organizations, such as the Annawan Kiwanis Club, and also serves on the administrative team and Culture Committee for Hammond-Henry Hospital. Anderson’s deep connection with his community and organization has led to monumental changes in clinical operations. He started his leadership career in the Colona Clinic, where he was promoted from Clinic Lead to Clinic Supervisor. From there, he, and other individuals, expressed the need for expansion.

Anderson played a key role in opening the Annawan Walk-In Care Clinic, the Kewanee Walk-In Care and Family Practice Clinic, and the Geneseo Walk-In Care and Family Practice Clinic. Moving forward, Anderson was promoted to Clinic Director and supervised openings of the Cambridge Family Practice Clinic, the Orion Walk-In Care and Family Practice Clinic, the Port Byron Walk-In Care and Family Practice Clinic as well as Surgical Care Clinics in both Geneseo and Kewanee. Stephanie DeMay, Marketing Manager at Hammond-Henry Hospital, describes Anderson as someone who has both integrity and accountability.

“It is difficult to select only one trait when it comes to Colton, as his every decision is determined by whether it meets the high standards he sets for himself, and also whether it will be in the best interest of his staff, the hospital, or the community he serves,” said DeMay. “On more than one occasion, he has humbly put his best interests aside to put the needs or wants of his staff, or his family, to the forefront. Colton ensures others feel ‘heard’ and not left out.”

Anderson makes occupational medicine a priority and visits employers throughout his service area to assist where is needed. He has a focus on providing healthcare to all ages in his community, and plays a large role in helping to bring in specialists such as audiologists, cardiovascular medicine specialists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, orthopedists, podiatrists, pulmonary/sleep medicine specialists, urologists, and highly qualified general surgeons to offer consults and perform surgeries.

ICAHN’s “4 Under 40” Hospital Leadership Award is open to new and emerging leaders aged 40 and under employed by an ICAHN member hospital or as a member of this hospital’s board for at least two years with a strong record of innovation and outstanding performance.

Located in Princeton, IL, ICAHN is a network of 59 small, rural hospitals dedicated to strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. The organization is composed of Illinois hospitals who have earned critical access hospital designation by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is recognized nationally for its work with rural healthcare, administering several state, federal, and private healthcare programs.

Colton Anderson

Colton Anderson(middle), HHH Chief Nursing Officer Heather Charlet(left), & Ted Rogalski(right), Genesis Medical Center - Aledo Administrator and ICAHN Board President at the ICAHN at the ICAHN annual conference on November 28th.

Meal Sites During Geneseo 2023 Christmas Walk

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The meal sites during Geneseo’s 2023 Christmas Walk:

-Concordia Lutheran Church, 316 South Oakwood Ave. – 3 to 7 p.m. – Cookie Walk, Baked Potato Bar and Chili Supper.

-First Methodist Church, 302 North State St. – 4 to 7 p.m. - Chili, Hot Dogs, Chips Cookies and a Beverage. Free will donation.

-Geneseo Moose Lodge, 1025 South State St., - 4 to 7:30 p.m. – Chicken Dinner, $12 to $16 per person, open to the public. Trolley stop!

Hammond-Henry Hospital Welcomes New CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 7, 2023

Contact:
Name: Stephanie DeMay,
Marketing Manager
Email: stephaniedemay@hammondhenry.com Phone: 309.944.9169

GENESEO, IL – The Board of Directors of Hammond-Henry Hospital (HHH) in Geneseo announces the appointment of its new chief executive officer David Smith, MBA, FACHE.

Smith brings more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare field with a broad background in critical access, acute, and ambulatory care operations. An effective leader, David has proven results in market expansion, cost containment, improved efficiencies, and significant enhancements in revenue. David will spearhead Hammond-Henry Hospital’s operations starting in January, succeeding interim CEO, Dave Shannon.

Smith will be an employee of Ovation Healthcare, serving HHH and reporting to their governing board.

“On behalf of Ovation Healthcare and our CEO, Dr. Dwayne Gunter, we’re thrilled David has chosen to accept this role and serve Geneseo and its surrounding communities,” said Chip Holmes, Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations. “With his enthusiasm and strategic vision, he will provide outstanding leadership to Hammond-Henry Hospital.”

David Smith

About Hammond-Henry Hospital

Hammond-Henry Hospital has provided high quality medical care to Geneseo, Illinois and the regional service area since 1901. They offer an array of services including acute care, cardiopulmonary, emergency services, home health, imaging, laboratory, long term care, skilled care, social services, therapy, and surgical services.

My Forehead is a Mini-Series - By Dan Dauw

Christmas Walk

This big time and fun event is this coming Saturday, December 9th. The hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Actually, the Jingle 5K Run starts with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. There are a ton of events with way too many to list here. Just go to: Geneseo Current.com for a complete listing. If it’s cold, which it will be, warm your hands at our Civil War camp fire just north of the museum, on the corner. I have to give credit to Zack Sullivan, Valerie Kline, and the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, Board of Directors and many volunteers that worked hard to make it all come together. An outstanding job they do!

Wind Turbines

I read recently about the concern over birds and bats hitting the blades of wind turbines. If the blades go fast enough insects will keep away and that in turn will keep bats away. Studies have shown that increasing the speed of the blades to six meters per second reduces bat deaths significantly. In the European Union it is now a legal requirement to curb wind farms during times of peak bat activity in the migration season. In Norway, whitetail eagles were being killed until it was found by painting one of the blades black it reduced the mortality rate by 70%. I think those big fans are ugly to the countryside, but they are an excellent source of renewable energy. They also put a few thousand bucks a year in farmers pockets if built on their property. I wonder how many dead bats and birds in Henry County have died flying into the turbine blades? Hopefully, very few, if any.

Argo

This little hamlet east of Eldridge, IA, is rather unique. It has a restaurant which has great food at reasonable prices. Still, that is not what makes it unusual. When the waitress takes your food order, it is by memory, no writing down your order. Not only that, but when you go to pay at the register you tell them what you had to eat. It’s on your honor. We go there twice a year when Lorna’s relatives are in town. A lot of nearby farmers frequent the place.

Take Your Skates

If any of you decide to fly down to Caracas, Venezuela, for Christmas, bring your roller skates. It is traditional to roller-skate to church on Christmas morning.

Achilles Heel

The Achilles tendon is at the back of the foot. A fellow named Achilles was said to have been held by his heel when dipped in the Styx River. His heel was the only dry part of his body. Thus, the term, “Achilles Heel.”

Outer Space Humor

Why did the Martian leave the Mars party? Ans: He didn’t like the atmosphere!
How does the man on the moon trim his hedge? Ans: Eclipse it! How do spacemen hold up their pants? Ans: With asteroid belts! What did the alien say to the tree? Ans: Take me to your cedar!

Us Older Folks

Wrinkles? My face has more lines than the Illinois Driver’s License facility! Speaking of wrinkles, they say wrinkles tell a story. If that’s true, my forehead is a mini-series. I have bags under my eyes. It is nice that Southwest Airlines lets you bring the two on board for free.


Quotation Of The Week

An old proverb: “To speak kindly does not hurt the tongue!”

Memorial Luminaries Included at Geneseo’s 2023 Christmas Walk – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Luminaries will light up the walks for the 2023 Geneseo Christmas Walk on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Memorial luminaries will be included in Geneseo’s Luminary Display at City Park and those will raise funds to benefit Rebuilding Together Henry County.

Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of the annual Walk, explained, “For a $5 donation, a person can write the name of a loved one or loved ones who are no longer with us, or write a memorial message on a luminary bag. Our volunteers will then fill the bag with sand and light the candle during the Christmas Walk event.”

Anyone interested can sign up for a memorial luminary by visiting the Geneseo Chamber office, located in Geneseo City Hall, or by email at geneseo@geneseo.org, or by calling 309-944-2686. Memorial luminary requests will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 8.

The Geneseo Art League is sponsoring this year’s luminaries.

The rain date for the luminary display is Saturday, Dec. 16.

Memorial luminaries will be marked in the City Park with signage, and will be placed in alphabetical order and Sullivan added, ”We hope this can become a new tradition for the event, as it is a unique way to remember loved ones who are no longer with us at Christmastime.”

“Luminaries are a symbol of remembrance,” he said. “In planning this year's event, we thought it would be proper to dedicate the luminary display to those who we have lost over the years. Christmastime is a time of reflection, and I often think of Christmas memories made with loved ones and friends who have since passed. It is our hope that people will welcome this opportunity to honor loved ones during Christmastime in Geneseo.”

Max Gehling, in front, son of Nick and Kim Gehling; and James Winkleman, son of Michael and Bethany Winkleman, are ready to help place the luminaries along the sidewalks in City Park and along the State Street boulevard on Saturday, Dec. 9, for Geneseo’s annual Christmas Walk. Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, helps place the luminaries. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Henry & Stark County Health Department Notes National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 4-8, 2023

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
December 1, 2023

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona announce that December 4-8, 2023 has been proclaimed National Influenza Vaccination Week.  National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is an annual observance in December to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu to be protected during the upcoming season. Therefore, we want to remind area residents that our First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona still have flu vaccine available for anyone wanting this year's flu shot.

 Flu vaccinations are available to the general public, while supplies last. Flu vaccine is available for all ages: infants (6 mos+); children and adults.  All payer sources will be accepted to cover the cost of vaccination including: Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, CHIP State insurance; cash and credit card. 

 Flu shots may be administered at “No-Charge” to those who have Medicare Part-B and some insurance plans which are accepted.  You must, however, bring your Medicare and/or Insurance card with you in order to receive the shots.  The cost of this year’s flu shot, for those paying cash, is $33.

 RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion states, “Vaccination is particularly important for people who are most vulnerable to developing serious flu complications, including people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, last flu season 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition.”

 Tucker adds, “There’s so much that’s beyond control this winter season. But we do have the power to get a flu shot to protect ourselves and our families from flu and its complications.”

 In addition, the Health Department reminds individuals that you may practice infection preventative measures like cleaning hands frequently, covering your nose and mouth when coughing, and containing the spread of the infection by staying home when you are ill.

 To make an appointment or for more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you Kewanee (309) 852-5272 or Colona (309) 792-4011 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 and Instagram.

Butch Patrick’s Visit to Geneseo Also Benefits Local Charities – By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

There were crowds who turned out to see Butch Patrick (aka Eddie Munster) when he visited Geneseo on Aug. 12. Butch Patrick played Eddie Munster on “The Munsters” TV Show, and his visit to Geneseo was made possible by the efforts of Sheilah Wigant-McGee, who serves on the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Promote Geneseo team; Claire Crawford, executive director of the Geneseo Public Library, and by Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce.

Wigant-McGee shared how Patrick’s visit happened, including the fundraising efforts, which resulted in contributions exceeding Patrick’s fee.

“With the support of the Geneseo Public Library, I was able to apply for grants to make his visit possible,” she said. “Donations from community organization, businesses and individuals exceeded the cost of his visit and we had $1,500 left when the fees were paid.”

The decision was made to donate the remaining funds to three local charities. Checks for $500 each recently presented to Freedom House, which is headquartered in Princeton and has an outreach office in Geneseo; Foster Hope and Inspire Continuing Care.

Wigant-McGee said, “I thought it was important to choose charities in our area that are the most in need.”

She shared how Patrick’s visit to Geneseo happened. The idea surfaced at a meeting of the Chamber’s Promote Geneseo Team…”We were trying to think of something that would bring the community out during the Scarecrow Row event in Geneseo in October and we came up with ideas of bringing people from Geneseo’s past back to tell ‘scary stories’ or something,” she said. “I mentioned Butch Patrick had at one time lived in Geneseo.”

She became friends with Patrick on Face book where she saw she could post and she added, “I began by posting something about inviting him back and then I chickened out and did not send it. And the next post that popped up told how to reach him. I went to Munsters.com website and sent a message and Butch called me on the phone.”

He was not available to visit Geneseo in October for the Halloween promotion, but Wigant said Patrick said, ‘How about Halloween in August?’

Wigant-McGee said after his visit on Aug. 12, Patrick told her he is interested in making a return trip to Geneseo in August of 2024, and she added, ‘He will bring the Munster mobile with him.”

Geneseo played a part in Patrick’s youth as he lived in the community for a short time and attended St. Malachy’s Grade School.

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November 28th - Committee of the Whole City Council Meeting

Removing the Bloat

• Paisley Arnold represented the Girl Scouts. She gave a presentation about city park upgrades and earning the silver award for her project work.

• The city contributes 1% of all brick-and-mortar retail sales tax to the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. The city does collect partial expenses on Chamber events held on public grounds. It is proposed to keep this partnership intact for FY 2024.

• Council moved forward a measure to increase residential fees for refuse services from the current rate of $14.95 to $15.95 beginning January 01, 2024. The rate increase is projected to keep the refuse fund balance healthy, while maintaining current service levels related to refuse, recycling and yard waste, including curbside cleanups, e-waste, and burn pile operations through the end of 2025. The Republic Services contract expires on 12/31/2025.