Stations of the Cross Sunday at St. Malachy Church - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the high school youth group at St. Malachy Church, in addition to other youth in Geneseo, will portray the Living Stations of the Cross, tracing the path that Jesus walked to Calvary on the day of his crucifixion.

The young people will stage this year’s dramatic story from 8 to 9 p.m. on Palm Sunday, March 24, at the church. The performance is open to the public and there is no admission.

Bob Thoene, high school youth ministry coordinator, is the coordinator and spiritual director of the presentation with co-directors Elizabeth Hulsbrink, Lance Carroll and Victor Angelo.

The youth do the music, narration and the reenactment.

The Stations of the Cross are the 14 stations Jesus endured, beginning with Jesus being condemned and ending with his death. These events encompass Jesus’ journey carrying his cross from the Hall of Pilate where he was condemned to death to the site of his execution on Calvary.

The Living Stations performance has been presented by the high school youth at St. Malachy’s for so many years that no one is quite sure when it began, but a best estimate puts it at about 40 years, and the original script is still used although much of the program has gone through some changes since its beginning.

Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross is sometimes referred to as Way of Sorrows or Via Crucis. The 14 stations:

-1. Christ condemned to death.

-2. Jesus carries the cross.

-3. His first fall.

-4. He meets His Blessed Mother.

-5. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross.

-6. Christ’s face is wiped by Veronica.

-7. His second fall.

-8. He meets the women of Jerusalem.

-9. His third fall.

-10. He is stripped of his garments.

-11. His crucifixion.

-12. His death on the cross.

-13. His body is taken.

-14. He is laid in the tomb.

Youth in the Geneseo community make up the cast for the Living Stations of the Cross to be presented at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, at St. Malachy’s Church, 595 East Ogden Ave., Geneseo.

Grace Church Youth Renovate Sunday School Rooms - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

A group of youth at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo is “learning by doing” through their project of renovating the Sunday school area used by pre-school and elementary-age children.

Molly Neumann, who with her sister Jane, last fall organized nondenominational, student-led Bible studies for area youth in grades 6-12.

The gatherings led to the current renovation project which addresses the common area where the younger children sing and do crafts.

“As of right now, our classroom is a combination of pre-school and elementary students, so it is important to make a large space that fits the learning abilities of diverse age groups,” Molly Neumann said.

The young people have been working on giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, which was donated by church members.

Neumann said plans are being made to host a church breakfast to raise money for the renovation project.

“Following that, we intend on making some additions to create a child-friendly environment,” she added. “Our youth group has taken the time to begin the painting portion of the renovation project and is available to help with any small additions going forward.”

The adult leaders and helpers, Jackie and Joe Mickley and Mark Koster, are available to offer guidance and assistance with the youth projects, Neumann said.

When asked about how the renovation project was chosen, Neumann shared that the youth classrooms had become storage space after the pandemic…”With the start of the New Year, we wanted to strengthen the FROGS (Fully Rely on God) program and create a better place for the growing youth at our church. When Jane, Jackie Mickley and I took on the cleaning out of the rooms, we got the idea to start fresh and update the outdated classrooms.”

It was that idea that initiated the plan to renovate the space and make it more appealing to new families in the area, she said…”Our main goal is to make a comfortable and attractive leaning space for the students.”

Plans are to have most of the renovations complete by the close of this school year, and Neumann added, “However, improving the program is an ongoing and evolving effort.”

She said the group is “looking for more youth to become involved. Everyone in the community is welcome to join the group with our community projects and Bible sessions. We also offer Silver Cord opportunities for interested high school-age students.”

The young people meet every few weeks, depending on Geneseo High School and Geneseo Middle School activity calendars.

The meetings begin with students who want to help prepare dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a student-led Bible study to be held after the meal. All family members are welcome to join the group for the meal.

For more information, contact Molly Neumann at 309-714-9531.

The young people who are renovating Sunday school rooms at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo include, from left, Wyatt Mickley, Mark Shoemaker, Jack Mickley, Molly Neumann, Jane Neumann, Ella Brooks (hidden) and Cora Gorman. Owen Skovronski also helped, but was absent when the photo was taken.

Hey Time, Slow Up - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Congratulations ND Women’s BB

What a heck of a game it was at the ACC Champion game last Sunday, March 10th. Notre Dame beat NC State 55-51. It was so much fun watching this team this season. I think they will do good in the NCAA tournament, but that road is going to be tough.

Coach Niele Ivey is one awesome coach and relates to her players in a really positive way. Can you imagine Hannah Hidaigo and Olivia Miles in the front court next year? Yikes!! I’m not sure if they get Sonia Cintron, Kylee Watson and Maddy Westbeld back for next season? If they do, another ND Championship win could be in the workings. In the meantime, good luck ND ladies in the NCAA tourney!

Give Blood

I don’t know how good of a volunteer I am, but one thing I feel strong about is donating blood. I saw recently on TV that only 2 to 3% of Americans donate blood.

Grant you, some folks cannot give blood for various reasons.

However, most can! Anyway, I always go to ImpactLife Blood Ctr., Moline. It only takes about 45 minutes. I’ve donated 18.5 gallons so far. Okay, enough of that! The point is there’s always a great need for blood donors so whether it’s the Red Cross, where Lorna goes in Geneseo, or ImpactLife in Moline, please consider donating. You very well may have saved a life.

Hey Time, Slow Up.

In my younger days I used to stop at my favorite pub and/or a local coffee shop. Now it’s the pharmacy and the bathroom.

Long Time Ago

Around the time Dale Collis was born or about 300 million years ago, reptiles evolved from amphibian ancestors. Reptiles are a very interesting species of animals. Did you know there are close to 300 species of turtles? They have few predators because of their protective shell with bony plates. Carrying their “home” may slow them down, but most of the time they’re in no hurry.

Green on Sunday

That being St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th. My mother was German- Irish and the rest of me being Belgian, Native American and I guess anything leftover would be Martian. Anyway, I guess I’ll have to break out my old green socks and wear them to church. After all, they are holy!!!

We Seniors

Once you hit 80, if you don’t wake up aching in every joint, you probably are dead.

Snakes

So many times these reptiles get a bad rap. Maybe it is because in the bible or elsewhere the snake or “serpent” is the devil in disguise. They are very beneficial in controlling the rodent and other species in the animal world. It’s the “check ‘n balance” theory.

Through the years, we have had 2 boa constrictors and our current pet, a corn snake. She is about 4 feet long and is beautiful with her reddish and orange colors. She is not venomous. There are over 2,500 different species of snakes on our planet. Our son, Lance, and his kids, also have a pet corn snake. Now, if you are “really” afraid of snakes, go to Hawaii, Iceland, Ireland or New Zealand. There are no native snakes in those places. I’m also sure there are none at the N & S Poles either! A bit too cold, yeah think?

Ticks ‘n Opossums

Through the years there has been some who say that opossums enjoy a meal of ticks. There are now studies that show it is a myth. Can you imagine how much opossum would have to chow down by eating a pin-head size tick? Speaking of those little bugs, if you should venture out in tall grass or in a woods, make sure you check yourself for ticks when you get home.

You Might Be A Geek if….

  1. Your I.Q. is a higher number than your weight.

  2. You own one or more white short-sleeve dress shirts.

Dumb Jokes

What kind of TV does one find in a haunted house? Ans: A big-scream TV.

Why do elephants drive Fords? There’s room for 4 and the rest Is trunk space!

Why do spiders do so well in computer class? Ans: They love the Web.
(I told you these were dumb, but you had to read ‘em anyway, didn’t you?)

Quote of the Week

“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” - Winston Churchill

Let the Games Begin!

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

KeeKee

It was sad to read in Sunday’s newspaper about the passing of Kathleen “KeeKee” Pregracke. She certainly accomplished a lot in her years on this earth. She was very instrumental in helping her son, Chad, with “Living Lands & Waters.” We only knew her through our volunteering at the LL&W “Barge Party” held every year. Our condolences to her husband, Gary, and family.

Conceal Carry Renewal

I recently received a notice that my permit for Conceal Carry expires in August, 2024. I tried doing the renewal on-line and that was a waste of time. Fortunately, Mike Weis of JW’s Shooting Parlor, 207 N. State St., Geneseo, IL, will be conducting a 3-hour CC “Renewal” class on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The times will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. You will need to bring your handgun to the class along with 30 rounds.

They carry most all popular ammunition for sale should you not have that many cartridges. It would be a good idea to bring ear protectors and safety glasses. The cost is $50.00 for the class.

Remember that if you own a firearm in this state you must have a FOID card which is good for 10 years. The Conceal Carry permit is good for 5 years. Mike Weis was the instructor when I first took the CC class 5 years ago and he is excellent.

Geneseo Izaak Walton League

Members and guests are encouraged to attend their monthly meetings which are held on the second Monday of the month.

The March 11th meeting will have Terry Brock as the speaker on the Fen. The April 8th meeting, Jody Rathman will give a presentation on Boy Scouts of America. For the May 13th meeting, Jamie Poster, Game Warden, will speak concerning any new conservation rules or regulations concerning fishing, boating, etc. All meetings are held in the lodge and begin at 7 p.m. Refreshments served.

Jokes

Two Cadillac drivers, Tony and Bob, were talking. They then started yelling at each other. It quickly “Escalade-d.”

When is a car no longer a car? Ans: When it turns into a driveway.

March Madness

I was glad to see Iowa Women’s BB star, Caitlin Clark, will be entering the WNBA Draft. She is one awesome player, but I am glad she will be moving on. I’m waiting for the press to start calling it “Clark Madness.” Ugh! Enough already!!!

Basketball Humor

  1. Why can’t you play basketball in the jungle? Ans: Because there are too many cheetahs.

  2. Why can’t basketball players go on vacation? Ans: They are not allowed to travel.

  3. Did you hear about the referee that got fired from the NBA? Supposedly he’s a whistleblower.

  4. I couldn’t figure out why the basketball kept getting larger and larger. Then it hit me!

  5. What do you call a pig who plays basketball? Ans: A ball hog.

Men & Women BB Favorites

Our favorites for tournament play are: Notre Dame, Iowa State, Illinois, UConn and Nebraska. I suspect of those teams, UConn, both men and women teams, will probably go the farthest. Ah, but alas! Let the games begin!!!

“Dan D Outdoors”

Attached is my column for March 6 – 12, 2024. If you care to see it on the web, go to:

  1. Type in https://www.geneseocurrent.com/

  2. In left column you will see where it shows, “Local Geneseo- Events.” Click on that!

  3. After that, you will see in small print, “Hometown.” Click on that.

  4. Scroll down to where you will see 3 colored local “Dan D Outdoors.” The colored logo on the far left is what you want to click on for my latest column.

Quote of the Week

“Politeness is the ritual of society, as prayers are of the church.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dance Marathon Saturday at GHS - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Dance Marathon was introduced to the Geneseo community by the Ryan and Mandy Kelly family of Geneseo. The couple was instrumental in bringing the idea for the first Mini Dance Marathon to Geneseo High School in 2022.

Since its beginning just two years ago, the local young people involved in the event have raised over $50,000.

This year’s Dance Marathon will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Geneseo High School.

The event is open to high school students who have each raised $25 which will be donated to the St. Ambrose Dance Marathon which is then funneled into the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

At the University of Iowa and St. Ambrose University, Dance Marathon is a year-long organization providing support to families receiving treatment at Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Mandy Kelly explained, “In order to help the colleges raise money, high schools can have Mini Dance Marathons.”

GHS students are in charge of marketing the Dance Marathon and businesses and community members can help support by donating to an individual, the dance captains, or by supporting the group as a whole.

“Our small community is amazing and so incredibly generous,” Mandy Kelly said. “They have embraced this mission. Last year our kids raised almost $28,000, and that is amazing!”

She continued, “It is not just about the money. These kids are showing compassion and empathy on a big stage. They are bringing awareness about pediatric illnesses and the amazing hospital we have so close to us. These kids are learning about something so much larger than themselves.”

The local Dance Marathon group currently is sponsoring four families in the community that have had children treated or who are being treated at Stead Family Children’ Hospital in Iowa City.

The mission of the 2024 DM captains is:

-Spread awareness for the families.

-Change families lives one dollar at a time.

-Each student has their own personal reason for helping, but we are all united under the mission to fight for the kids!

-“We are raising our funds by reaching out to local businesses, promoting our own donor drive accounts, and putting on fun events like the bags tournament.”

Ryan Kelly is a teacher at Geneseo High School and he, his wife Mandy, and GHS teacher Sara Bertelsen make up the advisors of the Mini Dance Marathon at GHS.

Donations to the Geneseo Mini Dance Marathon can be left or mailed to Geneseo High School, 700 North State St., Geneso, IL 61254, and marked specifically for the Dance Marathon.

The students in this photograph took part in the 2023 Dance Marathon at Geneseo High School and their efforts raised $27,679.47 which was channeled into the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Contributed Photo

First Raising of the Flags Ceremony Held March 1 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It is evident that Geneseo residents are proud of their community, as many turned out for the “First Raising of the Flags Ceremony” held Friday at the Oakwood Landing Site, which has been designated as a “welcome mat for people accessing Geneseo from Interstate 80.”

The United States flag, State of Illinois flag and City flags were raised for the first time on the new flag pole system installed at the location, at the end of South State St. and Oakwood Ave., at the south edge of Geneseo.

City Administrator Brandon Maeglin said, “The flags are part of the beautification /Interstate welcome area initiative that has been made possible through the generosity and hard work of many in our community. While some components of the site are still under construction, the new city sign and flag pole system is ready.”

The flag poles at the site were donated by Springfield Armory of Geneseo.

Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, served as emcee at the recent ceremony.

The United States Flag was raised by Dennis Reese, representing Springfield Armory; Joe Bedford and Gary Gray, representing the Geneseo VFW Post #5083.

The State of Illinois Flag was raised by Tyler Mackey, representing the Miller Foundation (Central Bank), and Mary Gustafson, representing the Daughters of the American Revolution Geneseo Chapter.

The City of Geneseo Flag was raised by Geneseo Mayor Sean Johnson and Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Elli Shoemaker sang the national anthem.

Sullivan noted that City Administrator Brandon Maeglin and Tom Anderson “played major roles in making today’s flag raising ceremony a reality, and a success.”

Additional plans are for a pedestrian bridge to be installed at the site, pending grant approval and funding.

Elli Shoemaker sings the National Anthem at the new landing area first flag raising. Photo by Claudia Loucks

City Administrator Brandon Maeglin(left) and Mayor Sean Johnson(right) speak at the first flag raising. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Joe Bedford and Gary Gray, representing the Geneseo VFW Post #5083 and Dennry Reese raise the United States flag. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Denny Reese of Springfield Armory(middle) and Gary Gray(right) representing the Geneseo VFW Post #5083. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Denny Reese of Springfield Armory of Geneseo(left) and Tim Yagar(right). Photo by Claudia Loucks

Tyler Mackey(back) representing the Miller Foundation (Central Bank), and Mary Gustafson(front) representing the Daughters of the American Revolution Geneseo Chapter. Photo by Claudia Loucks

GHS Academic Scholars Recognized -By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo High School students achieving academic awards were honored at the recent GHS Academic Scholar Night.
National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Illinois State Scholars and AP Scholars.
The event was held in the GHS Concert Hall.
Photos by Claudia Loucks

AP SCHOLARS(above)* designates AP Scholars with Honor; ** designates AP Scholars with Distinction: Emma DeBaene*, Noah Disterhoft, Tyson Duda*, Brielle Ettore, Jenna Freadhoff, Bryce Henderson*, Sam Mosbarger, Carmella Pettit*, Madeline Roberts*, and Adam Weller.

ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS – Brooke Boone, Thomas Carlin, Morgan Claerhout, Emma DeBaene, Noah Disterhoft, Addison Dykstra, Allyson Ford, Abigail Frank, Jenna Freadhoff, Imogne Greene; in back, Caiya Holke, Mia Kelly, Olivia Marshall, Sam Mosbarger, Molly Neumann, Madison Ochs, Elizabeth Ramp, Madeline Roberts, and Adam Weller. Ethan Herstedt also is an Illinois State Scholar, but was absent for the photo.

NTHS 2023 Inductees/Current Members – Anna Calabria, Brielle Ettore, Kathryn Hogue, Luke Johnsen, Macy Litherland, Kylie Maertens; in back, Kay McAvoy, Madison Ochs, Logan Palmer and Autumn Stephens. Landon Marshall, and Kade VanOpdorp also are current members, but were absent for the photo.

NTHS 2024 Inductees/New Members – William Baum, Braden Boone, Emily Bopes, Reagan Bopes, Russell Brown, Carter Bull, Gwen Burbridge, Lonnie Catour, Saryna Ceurvorst, Randy Chasek; in back, Erica DeDecker, Kendall Ellerbrock, Gwenivere Erickson, Alyssa Gentry, William Hamerlinck, Caleb Hartman, Carter Huizenga, Matthew Johnson, Mia Kelly, and Katelynn McMahill.

NTHS 2024 Inductees/New Members - Connor Mitchell, Jacob Nelson, Kyah Newell, Kale O’Bryan, Colin Orwig, Austin Pearce, Lauren Powell, Antonio Ramirez, Allison Reade; in back, Grace Schilling, Emilia Schmitt, Timothy Sebastian, Madison Simms, Tristen Smith, Joshua Steines, Paige Swain, Taylor VanHoutte, Emma Veloz, Joseph Venneberg, and Adam Weller. Landon Miller also is a new member, but was absent for the photo.

NHS Current Members – 2023 Inductees – Jillian Beneke, Brooke Boone, Emily Bopes, Reagan Bopes, Russell Brown, Anna Calabria, Thomas Carlin, Lonnie Catour, Morgan Claerhout, Taylor Clark; in the middle, Daniel Coleman, Lynn Cotty, Emma DeBaene, Kelsey Dillie, Noah Disterhoft, Tyson Duda, Nathan Dunker, Addison Dykstra, Brielle Ettore, Allyson Ford,; in back, Jason Foss, Abigail Frank, Jenna Freadhoff, Alyssa Gentry, Imogene Greene, Nolan Griffith, Bryce Henderson, Kathryn Hogue, Caiya Holke, Easton Hultman, and Luke Johnsen.

NHS Current Members – 2023 Inductees – April Kelley, Mia Kelly, Kylie Maertens, Olivia Marshall, Kay McAvoy, Isabella McDaniel, Amelia Vandemore, Hayden Moore, Sam Mosbarger, Carleigh Norton; in the middle, Madison Ochs, Logan Palmer, Carmella Pettit, Reed Preston, Elizabeth Ramp, Jacob Rapps, Jackson Reade, Giavanna Ritter, Madeline Roberts, Katlyn Seaman; in back, Madison Simms, Tristen Smith, Sidney Spindel, Hayden Spranger, Paige Swain, Joshua Steines, Cooper McKeag, Adam Weller, Ashlyn Williamsen, and Kirsten Zimmerman.

NHS New Members – 2024 Inductees – Kamden Ariano, Brooklyn Banta, William Baum, Sophia Bellagamba, Aaron Betcher, Gwen Burbridge, Marley Cherry, Sophia Clifton, Isaiah Conrad, Dru Curcuru; in the middle, Isabella Curcuru, Elanor DeBlieck, Erica DeDecker, Olivia Dickey, Connor Dillie, Emma Drockelman, Grace Durian, Kendall Ellerbrock, Addison Espe, Dylan Gehl, Caroline Girten; in back, Caleb Hartman, Lindsay Herington, Carter Huizenga, Austin Hull, Lily Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Hope Kuster, Kruiz Ludwig, Annalise Maxwell, Megan McClanahan, and Brianna McGill.

NHS Current Members – 2024 Inductees – Katelyn McMahill, Connor Mitchell, Madelyn Mooney, Elizabeth Mroz, Jacob Nelson, Sydney Nelson, Molly Neumann, Kyah Newell, Bryce Nixon, Austin Pierce; in the middle, Allison Reade, Keely Roberts, Benjamin Robinson, Rachael Roodhouse, Nile Ryerson, Kara Sancken, Shay Schehl, Emilia Schmitt, Timothy Sebastian, Payton Snider, Addison Snodgrass; in back, Eric States, Autumn Stephens, Lilian Taylor, Kathryn VanDeWoestyne, Logan VanDeWoestyne, Taylor VanHoutte, Jackson VanHyfte, Carter VanOpdorp, Emma Veloz, Joseph Versluis, and Kailee Williams.

The Henry & Stark County Health Department Notes March-National Nutrition Month & Reminds Residents of the WIC Supplemental Food Program

RaeAnn Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
Date: March 1, 2024       

The Henry and Stark County Health Department WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Food Supplemental program staff note that March has been designated National Nutrition Month.  Therefore, it’s a great time to remind local residents that the WIC program promotes the health of our local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants; and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles. 

      Heather Aldred, RN, Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor with the Health Department, states, “Henry, Stark, Marshall and Putnam County residents have fully returned to only in-person “Face to Face” appointments and services delivery.  We do, however, still offer an online application feature to the program.  We are thrilled to once again have the chance to offer these important and vital family services directly to our participants.  In addition, we remind those who may be interested in taking advantage of all that WIC offers, that the New Illinois WIC EBT Card is available to all WIC participants!  This makes WIC Services even more easy for area families to use.” 

     Aldred adds, “All current WIC participants and households are now issued just one Illinois WIC EBT Card with all the food benefits on this one card; no more handling multiple checks for different members of your family. The WIC process remains the same, benefits are reloaded on your card every three months after contacting and checking in with our WIC Staff.” 

     Please note, the Health Department WIC staff have expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program. WIC benefits area available to eligible children up to the age of 5, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women. 

     Aldred adds, “We are so excited about this new WIC EBT Card, sometimes referred to as eWIC.  Participants now have the ease of taking their shopping list to the store and then buying the food they need when they need them.”  

    The Health Department WIC and Casemanagement staff promotes healthy pregnancies, babies, children and families through their services. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines.  In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas. 

    For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website to apply at https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/FormCenter/WIC-10/WIC-Application-Form-65

For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

Distinguished Alumni Honored at GHS- By Claudia Loucks

The following story concludes continuing coverage of the Geneseo Distinguished Alumni.

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nine Geneseo graduates were inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at ceremonies held Feb. 29 in the DePauw Theater at Geneseo High School.

The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Inductees are Edith Dunham Foster, Tom Holtz, William Ogden “Doc” Farber, Col. Andrew Nash, Robert Cherry, Greg Hinrichsen, Gary Stahl, Gib Pritchard and Marvin Kleinau.

Travis Mackey, former GHS principal; and Linda VanDerLeest, former GHS guidance counselor) who both serve on the Distinguished Alumni Board of Directors, said there are so many deserving alumni that it decided in 2019 to begin recognizing those people at programs each year.

Five community members serve with Mackey and VanDerLeest on the Board of Directors of Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The Award is the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus/alumna and is given to alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their careers and have brought credit to themselves and to the Geneseo School District through distinguished accomplishments in these areas:

-business or professional life.

-community affairs at local, state or national levels.

-exceptional accomplishments in a chosen field.

“We have chosen to showcase the distinguished alumni for their experiences, their wealth of knowledge and a bit of history about how they were so influential in Geneseo and beyond,” VanDerLeest said.

The program is designed to totally recognize those who are being honored as well as their family and friends.

There is a nomination form for the Distinguished Alumni Award available on the Geneseo School District website.

Col. Andrew Nash, left, (Class of 1993) and Travis Mackey, a member of the Distinguished Alumni Board of Directors, are photographed at the Geneseo Distinguished Hall of Fame ceremony. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Sam Rimington, left, his mom, Molly Rimington, visit with Bethany Winkleman at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame program on Feb. 29 in the GHS DePauw Theater. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Greg Hinrichsen (Class of 1970) was inducted into the GHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at ceremonies on Feb. 29. In the photo he is visiting with his sister, Sue Hinrichsen, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. Photo Claudia Loucks

Linda VanDerLeest, left, a member of the Distinguished Alumni Board of Directors, chats with Brian Stahl, his brother Gary Stahl, (Class of 1978) who was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Feb. 29; and the Stahl brothers’’ mother, Pat Stahl. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Ted McAvoy shared remarks about Marvin Kleinau (Class of 1948), who was also inducted into the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Photo by Claudia Loucks

As some of the inductees into the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame are deceased, family members of those people or community members spoke in their behalf. Shown with the awards are, from left, Brian Gernant, who spoke for his grandfather, Gib Pritchard (Class of 1922); Greg Hinrichsen, Gary Stahl, Andrew Nash, Curt Farber, who spoke for his uncle, William Ogden “Doc” Farber (Class of 1928); and Dr. Michael Gernant, who also spoke for his grandfather, Gib Pritchard. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Richmond Hill Players Set Extra Auditions Saturday and Sunday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Players has scheduled extra auditions as there is a need for five males for two shows scheduled this spring and summer.

The auditions are scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3. Attendance is required at only one day’s audition.

The shows in need of actors:

“Laura” – a mystery that runs May 30-June 2 and June 6-9 – directed by John Donald O’Shea – rehearsals begin April 22 and there is a need for three males for the play.

-Mark McPhearson: The male lead, an honest, hard-working detective, 30-40 years old, and not afraid of a tough case.

-Shelby Carpenter: Laura’s parasitic fiancé, age close to Laura’s age (30’s), slight Southern accent, a charming, somewhat ineffectual man.

-Danny Dorgan: A Julliard student, in love with Laura, old enough to have a love-interest in Laura, not old enough for Laura to reciprocate.

“84 Charing Cross Road” – a comedy-drama that runs July 11-14 and July 18-21, directed by Jennifer Kingry – rehearsals begin early to mid June and there is a need for two males for the play.

-William Humphries: Mild-mannered employee in the London bookshop; age variable, 20’s to 40’s; has a good deal of onstage business without much dialogue; a few words here and there, and one short speech (a thank-you letter he has written). Speaks with an English accent.

-Thomas: A late arrival in the play, only onstage in the second act, plays a new-hire at the bookshop during the 1960’s (Beatles era, could be a teenager (upper teens). No scripted dialogue, but a few words may be improvised in rehearsals. Would like to cast someone wiling to help backstage. (Good opportunity for high school junior student looking for Richmond Hill Players experience to qualify for one of their scholarships in 2025).

Geneseo City Council - Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Geneseo City Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – 6:00 pm

Removing the Bloat

• IT Director Griswold spoke about technology upgrades to the City Council Chambers.
• Friday, March 1st, flags will be raised for the first time at the new landing site at Oakwood and State Street. The public is welcomed to attend.
• The electric outage map is now live on the city’s website. You can find a direct link on the city’s homepage: www.cityofgeneseo.com
• For a two year period, the City will credit $9,000 in utilities to the Henry County Human Society of Geneseo, in exchange for animal intake and care services for the City. This agreement is consistent with the past one year credit agreements of $4,500.
• The City will purchase one acre of land for $100,000 at the intersection of Grange Road and E 1550th St. After nine test sites, the noted location test pumping results indicate that this is a reliable site for the City’s 5th water well, scheduled to be constructed late Spring/early Summer this year.

The 2024 Henry County Fair Pageant will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at the Henry County Fairgrounds.

Entry forms for the pageant will be available on Friday, March 1 beginning at 8:00 a.m.  

Contestants must live in or attend school in Henry County (or attended a Henry County high school if currently in college). The age divisions for each group are as follows:

• Little Miss, 5 - 7 on pageant day 

• Jr. Miss, 12 - 14 on pageant day 

• Miss, 16 - 21 on January 1, 2025  

The entry forms will be available on the Henry County Fair Queen Pageant Facebook page and Instagram account, or can be emailed or texted directly if requested. For questions or additional information, please reach out to Pageant Director Kelli Patton, at henrycopageant@gmail.com or (309) 944-7743.