Henry & Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare Note April-Cancer Control Month

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
April 5, 2024

RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion, notes “In the battle against cancer, over decades, our Nation has made extraordinary progress.  The overall rates of cancer deaths are decreasing for both women and men, and most survivors live longer and enjoy a better quality of life than ever before.  Still, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in America, and there is more work to do.  This month, we stand with all those touched by cancer and redouble our efforts to prevent, detect, and treat this disease.”

    Tucker adds, "While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of cancer, we can take action to reduce our chances of developing this disease. To beat this disease, prevention is the key. Today, scientists think most cancers may be related to lifestyle and environment - what you eat, drink, if you smoke and where you work and play.  So the good news is you can help reduce your own cancer risk by taking control of things in your daily life.” 

    The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, along with the American Cancer Society, offer the following 10 steps you can take to a healthier life and reduced cancer risk: 

1) If you smoke or chew tobacco, stop!  Smoking is a major cancer risk to smokers and everyone near them.  If you are going to have a baby and you smoke, you pass the smoke and the risk right on to your baby.  The combination of smoking and drinking alcohol is even riskier. 

2) Get Vaccinated. Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about vaccination against:
· Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of vaccine Gardasil 9 for males and females ages 9 to 45.

· Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for certain adults at high risk — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, people with sexually transmitted infections, people who use intravenous drugs, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids. 

3) Have regular check-ups. Ask your health care provider about the American Cancer Society's guidelines for early detection screenings. 

4) Maintaining a healthy weight will help you reduce your risk of cancer - as well as heart disease and diabetes.  Watching your portion sizes - especially of foods high in fat and sugar - is an important way to help watch your weight. 

5) Enjoy more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.  Eat at least five servings of colorful fruits and vegetables each day.  They are packed with disease-fighting nutrients, are generally low in fat and calories, and may help you control your weight.  Try to eat at least three servings of whole-grain products each day. 

6) Limit how much saturated fat you eat by cutting back on red meats (beef, pork, and lamb), processed meats (bologna, salami, and hot dogs), and high-fat dairy products. 

7) If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are female and two a day if you are male. 

8) Get some physical activity like walking, gardening, or dancing for at least 30 minutes or more on five or more days of the week.  Check with your health care provider before you begin an exercise routine. 

9) Protect your skin from UV rays.  Stay out of the sun as much as you can between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's UV rays are the strongest.  When you are outside, cover up with clothing.  Wear a hat with a brim that shades your face, ears, and neck.  Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on all skin not covered with clothing.  Wear sunglasses with UV protection.  Don't use sunlamps or tanning salons. 

10) If you work with harmful chemicals or fibers like asbestos, wear protective clothes and follow directions exactly.  Be sure to learn emergency procedures. 

     For information about cancer, contact the American Cancer Society anytime at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org or visit the Health Department's website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.

Richmond Hill Players Open 2024 Season with Comedy - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Richmond Hill Players will open their 2024 season with the comedy “Exit Laughing,” by Paul Elliot. The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, April 11-21, at the Barn Theatre, atop Richmond Hill in Geneseo.

Mike Skiles, Geneseo, directs the show.

Jennifer Kingry, publicist for the Richmond Hill players, shared information about the production: “When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the “girls,” what happens when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? If you’re Connie, Leona and Millie, three Southern ladies from Birmingham, you do the most daring thing you’ve ever done. You “borrow” the ashes form the funeral home for one last card game, and the wildest, most exciting night of your lives involves a police raid, a stripper and a whole new way of looking at all the fun you can have when you’re truly living.”

The show is recommended for mature audiences due to alcohol use, some profanity and sexual innuendo.

The cast of features Suzanne Rakestraw and Heidi Hamer, both of Geneseo; Elizabeth Melville and Jane Simonsen, both of Davenport, and David Shaffer, Moline.

The staff includes Elizabeth Shaffer, Moline, stage manager; Dana Skiles, Geneseo, light and sound designer/operator; Larry Lord, Geneseo, sound co-designer, and Jim Skiles, Colona, set builder.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. On Sundays, matinees begin at 3 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 rhplyers.com. Late seating is not permitted as no one will be admitted after the show starts. Admission to all performances is $12.

An audio description performance will be held Friday, April 12. Assisted Listening Devices (ALD’s) also are available when requested at the time reservations are made.

ABOUT RICHMOND HILL PLAYERS

Richmond Hill Players is 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 audiences drawn from a 75-100- mile radius that includes cities in both Illinois and Iowa.

Heidi Hamer, left, Geneseo; Jane Simonsen, Davenport, and Suzanne Rakestraw, Geneseo, are among the cast of the comedy “Exit Laughing,” which will open the Richmond Hill Players 2024 season. Contributed Photo

Food Pantry Offers Five Loaves Program - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry offers a Five Loaves Program that is designed to “turn scarcity into abundance.”

The program is under the direction of Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Pantry.

Freadhoff explained the Five Loaves program aims to serve the whole person…”Five Loaves strives to positively impact your sense of wellness – economic, education, health, environment, and community, and empower you to live a more functional effective and healthy life.”

She said, “If you want to:

-Achieve significant life-changes.

-Feel empowered to live a more functional, effective and healthy life.

-Receive help developing and reaching goals.

-Pursue your goals and ambitions with the support and guidance of your coach.

Then the Five Loaves program is perfect for you.”

Five Loaves provides in-depth, one-one-one coaching to help the participant design a plan to create to meet their needs and aspirations, Freadhoff explained, and added, “Your coach will help you set long-term goals, and then break those goals down into smaller, more manageable steps. Your coach will also support and encourage you throughout the process.”

The program is free and confidential, and for more information or to register, call the Food Pantry at 309-944-3165 or email geneseopantry1@gmail.com

Geneseo Community Choir Schedules Annual Concert and Invites Singers

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Community Choir of Geneseo will celebrate their 16th annual concert this summer with a theme of “Does It Matter?” The performance is at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall.

The Community Choir is open to those entering eighth grade and older adults. Rehearsals are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning May 29 and continuing through June 19 in the Geneseo High School Concert Hall.

Repertoire includes: “Do You Hear the People Sing?” “Memory,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”

Anyone interested in singing with the group is asked to contact Pam Edwards, director, at 309-944-6641 or email singplay53@gmail.com by May 3.

Youth entering grades 4-7 are invited to sing in the Children’s Choir which rehearses on June 20, 21, 24, 25 and 26, and will perform with the Community Choir on June 26.

Registration forms are available from Geneseo elementary and middle school choir instructors or by contacting Pam Edwards. The deadline to register is May 3. Repertoire includes: “Play For Me a Simple Melody,” and a “Mary Poppins Medley.”

Combined choirs will sing “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Earth Song,” and “God Bless the USA.”

News from the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is much more than a place to distribute food and clothing. The Pantry also offers ongoing classes and events for area residents.

The Matthew 25 Center, named after Biblical scripture, Matthew 25 is the area at the Pantry where instructional classes are held.

The Food Pantry can also receive funds through Birdies for Charity and those funds are used to continue providing resources for those in need.

-Dietitians Class – Hammond Henry Hospital dietitians to provide a free monthly class at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. The class is open to the public with the next class at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9. For more information, call 309-944-3165.

-Lunch and Learn – Freedom House will provide a free “Lunch and Learn” about domestic violence survivor resources at the Food Pantry. Information will be available about state and federal programs available to domestic violence survivors. The event is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at the Food Pantry. It is open to the public and to register email mdevoss@freedomhouseillinois.com.

-Birdies for Charity – Donations to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry are maximized through Birdies for Charity. The Food Pantry will receive 100 percent of the donation and will be guaranteed an additional bonus promise of at least 5 %. A donation to the Bonus Fund will help Birdies for Charity provide the bonus promise to all participating charities. By including the Bonus Fund in your donation means your contribution has twice the impact. Guess the correct number of birdies that will be made at the John Deere Classic (in July) and win a two-year lease on a Lexus. Checks must be made out to Quad Cities Golf Classic Charitable Foundation /Birdies for Charity. Pledge forms can be requested at the Food Pantry, 309-944-3165, and donations also may be made at https://birdiesforcharity.com/donate?charity=2406.

Henry & Stark County Health Departments Kick Off National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2024 Celebration!

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
March 29, 2024

Each year officials at the Henry and Stark County Health Departments have showcased the many services they provide to protect the health of our communities as a part of National Public Health Week.  This year National Public Health Week will take place from April 1-7, 2024.  During National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2024, the public health community is rallying around a theme of “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” 

     Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments notes, “This year’s theme, “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health,” recognizes the contributions of public health initiatives, workers and milestones, and highlights issues that are important to improving both our nation and our local communities. This week also notes that the places where we are, physically, mentally and societally affect our health and our lives.  As we celebrate the 29th NPHW, we want everyone to know they can make their communities healthier and safer for all.  And we’re focusing not just on what we can do as individuals, but what we can do as communities to protect and improve public health.”

     Stevens adds, “Join us in observing NPHW 2024 and become part of a growing movement to create the healthiest nation in one generation.  During the week, we will celebrate the power of prevention, advocate for healthy and fair policies, share strategies for improving both the physical and mental health of our residents, and champion the role of a strong public health system.”

     Stevens concludes, “People often do not realize the full impact of the Health Department’s programs and services.  This Public Health Week please take a moment to remember how the Health Department is continuously striving to create healthier communities. Our staff of 50 full-time employees are dedicated to making a difference in the health of 60,000 area residents each and every day. And though the last three years may have tested and challenged our staff; rest assured our vigilance and resolve never ends.”

     For more information on the programs and services available through the Henry & Stark County Health Departments in Kewanee 309-852-0197 (Main Office); Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram.

The Staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare gather in front of their Kewanee location and invite all Henry and Stark County residents to join them in celebrating National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2024. The Health Department is showcasing their many accomplishments in improving our area citizens' health as a part of this year's observance and its theme, “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.”

Wear Running Shoes to Walmart! - By Dan Dauw

Guest Night

Every few months the Geneseo Kiwanis members have a meeting/dinner for spouses or friends. Lorna and I always try to attend. We never have a problem getting seats as no one seems to sit at our table. Anyway, the “Guest Night” was last Tuesday. The food was excellent and the GHS Jazz Band was the entertainment. They were good, really good! At the end of the band’s performance, Linda Vanderleest did a nice gesture and challenged everyone to chip in a sawbuck for scholarships to the students attending band camp this summer. Oh, my gosh! Did I just compliment Linda? I so need help!!

Steve and Jan Weber

There were no other seats available for Kiwanis “Guest Night” so Mr. & Mrs. Steve Weber and Mr. & Mrs. Roger Bengtson sat at our table. In our conversations, Steve wondered if many read my column? I said I honestly don’t know and that does bother me. Jan Weber pulled out her iphone and showed me seven “likes” on my previous column. I’m just not real savvy with somethings on the iphone, computer, etc. Both Jan and Steve gave me some good advice on how to increase readers. It can be a bit of a challenge each week to come up with interesting things. I try to add topics of humor, fishing, sports, history, coming events, gardening, birds and some odds ‘n ends. If possible, I attempt to stay away from religion and politics. So, am I on the right track or wrong train??? Hit “Likes”or your thoughts at: deboonelr@aol.com

Postage Stamps

Buy them from the USPS and NOT from some phony businesses that advertise low discounts on stamps. They look real, but they are not!

Trout Saturday

Reminder, this coming Saturday, April 6, 2024, is the opening day of the Illinois Trout Season. Here are some of the nearest trout fishing locations: Prospect Park Lagoon, Moline; Hennepin Canal Parkway, Sheffield; and Centennial Park, Rock Falls. The limit is 5 trout per person. The Sheffield location begins at 6 a.m. and the other places start at 5 a.m. Make sure you have both the 2024/25 fishing and trout licenses. By the way, the 2023/24 fishing license expired March 31, 2024. My favorite baits for trout are minnows or lures. If minnows, make sure they are alive and hook the minnow just behind its dorsal fin. Small bobber, split shot and a short-shank #6 hook and ‘yer in business.

Spring Swap Meet

The QC In-Fisherman Club will host their” Spring Swap Meet” on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave., Rock Island. The hours are from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. Free admission. So, if you have some fishing, camping and/or hunting items you may be able to buy, sell or trade those type items. No firearms or live ammo allowed. Biscuits & gravy will be available. Let’s just hope my neighbor, Jim Putnam, isn’t doing the cooking! Donations welcome!

Fishy Poem

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Fishing is fun,

For me and you;

Trout taste good,

Whether day or night;

Minnows or lures,

I know they’ll bite;

Kathy Mattea

In my opinion, no one sings the old Civil War ballad, The Vacant Chair, better than singer & song writer, Kathy Mattea. So, last week I sent her a letter telling how much I enjoyed her singing and especially her performance of The Vacant Chair. No, I do not expect to hear back from her and that’s understandable. The ballad tells of a CW soldier who never comes back from the war. He will never again sit in his chair for the family dinner. Sadly, as wars continue to this day, I’m sure there are many “vacant chairs” around the dining tables.

NCAA Tournament

Two of my favorite teams, Iowa State (M), and Notre Dame (W) went down in flames last Thursday & Friday. My other favorite is Illinois (M) who beat Iowa State. I had Illinois winning in my bracket until they meet with UConn. I think South Carolina women’s team will win the women’s tournament although I’d rather see UConn take the top spot.

Senior Humor

Ladies, want to seem younger? Try these 3 tips. 1) Wear running shoes to Walmart. 2) Wear a warm-up suit when grocery shopping. 3) Keep a tennis racquet somewhere in your car so it can be seen.

Lorna and I used to see fiber in our carpets. Now we find it in our cereal bowl. Golfers: They say swimming is good for us. But once I find my golf ball, I’m ready to call it a day.

Quote of the Week

Whenever the press quits abusing me, I know I’m in the wrong pew. - Harry S. Truman

Remembering the Pigs on Parade in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Remember when the life-size pig statues made their debut in a parade held in Geneseo in July of 2006, and remained on the scene in front of or inside of local businesses?

The Pigs on Parade was held in July of 2006 in Geneseo and each pig entered the parade on a hayrack….But where are those pig statues now?

The pig project was sponsored by the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce in an effort to draw customers to Geneseo businesses. Several area businesses each sponsored a pig statue, which was decorated to reflect the business by local artists. The pig statues were coated with a clear sealant to protect them from the elements and were on display near their sponsoring businesses until, not sure when, but what we do know is they disappeared, and some have reappeared.

The statue that once greeted people entering the Geneseo Republic office on West First St., is now located inside the offices of Geneseo Current and Dalcon Todd Productions.

DeMaranville said his nine-year-old daughter Anna, has named the pig “Liberty.”

Some residents and some visitors to Geneseo have inquired as to where the pigs have gone?

Even though it isn’t certain as to where the pigs have gone, several people have mentioned that they are in hopes many of the pig statues will reappear this spring and summer.

Katie Kutsunis of Four Seasons and Pegasus was instrumental in bringing the pig project to Geneseo and she served as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce committee organizing the pig sculptures.

The pigs were made of fiberglass so they were often out in the summer and stored in the winter.

Kutsunis said the idea had been seen by her father, George Kutsunis, and his friend, Jerry Deutsch, in another community and they shared with her that it would be fun to create that sense of community in Geneseo.

Business owners were able to purchase a “naked” pig statue and have it decorated to promote their business. Many of the themes of the pig statues were designed by members of the Geneseo Art League.

“We wanted to pick an animal that represented our agricultural environment and we thought a pig statue was a fun way to have a blank canvas for the project,” she said. “At one point, we had a pig passport and people would take a pix of themselves with the pig and if they completed the passport, and had pictures of themselves with all 11 pigs, they were entered to win into a contest to win a Chamber Gift Certificate.”

She said the pigs, which were attached to concrete bases, were on display inside area businesses and outside of the businesses for eight to 10 years.

“They are very lightweight and can easily be moved,” Kutsunis added.

There were 11 pigs introduced at the Pigs on Parade in 2006:

-DHCU Community Credit Union, 1090 South Congress; Artist Mike Schmalz and the sculpture name “ImaMemBoar.”

-Geneseo Republic, 108 West First St., Artist Pauline Swanson and the sculpture name “I.M. Read.”

-Geneseo Chamber of Commerce with sculpture placed in front of Geneseo Art League at 113 North State St., Artist Kathy Williams and the sculpture name “Leaf It Up!”

-Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US HWY 6; Artist Barb Walters and the sculpture name “D’Vine Swine.”

-All In Stitches, now Mango Merch + All In Stitches, 100 E. Main St.; Artist Jason Dahl and the sculpture name “Pig In Stitches.”

-FORMER Roy’s Taco House, 732 N. College, Hwy. 82 North; Artist Ct White and the sculpture’s name “Roy’s Taco The Town Pig.”

-Crippen Reid & Bowen LLC, 810 South Chicago St.; Artist Kris Love and the sculpture name “Mr. Pig, CPA.”

-Lifetime Eyecare, 112 South Center St.; Artist LeAnn Wildermuth and the sculpture name “Iris “Check yearly, pig sees clearly.”

-Wells Fargo Bank, IL NA, 121 West First St.; Artist Paul Terpening and the sculpture name “Penny Pig.”

-Four Seasons, At the Crosswalk in downtown Geneseo; Artist Lisa Mahar and the sculpture name “Fashion Faux Pig.”

-The Cellar, 137 S. State St.; Artist Sheilah Wigant McGee and the sculpture name “Pork Chop.”

Katie Kutsunis, president of Four Seasons and Pegasus, stands by “Fashion Faux Pig,” which at one time stood at the crosswalk in downtown Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Dalcon DeMaranville, video producer and news editor of Geneseo Current and Dalcon Todd Productions, is shown by the pig statue that once stood in front of the former Geneseo Republic office on West First St., and is now at home in the Geneseo Current offices. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Henry & Stark County Health Departments Offer Easter Egg Food Safety Suggestions

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
March 27, 2024

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments recognize that many groups, organizations, and families may be planning festivities to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday.  Those planning Easter egg hunt should be aware that hard-boiled eggs require some special attention.

     In years past, various instances of food borne illnesses have been associated with the consumption of improperly prepared Easter eggs; therefore, we recommend the following guidelines to help insure a safe and enjoyable holiday.

      * Use only fresh, clean, unbroken eggs that have been obtained from a reliable source and kept refrigerated. 

      * Eggs should be prepared by healthy persons who observe good hygienic practices such as frequent hand washing and proper cleaning of cooking utensils.

      * Eggs should not be allowed to cool in standing water.  They should be placed into the refrigerator immediately after cooking.

      * Hard-boiled eggs must remain refrigerated after preparation and coloring, and used within seven days.

      * It's safe to keep the eggs outside for an hour or two during an Easter egg hunt, but any eggs that are not consumed right away must be returned to the refrigerator.  Also, hide eggs so they stay clear of pets, dirt and other sources of bacteria.  To be extra cautious, cook two sets of eggs: one for hiding and decorating with, and another for eating.

     * Remember, hard-boiled eggs-in the shell or peeled-do not keep as well as raw eggs, so discard any leftover eggs after one week.

     Whether preparing, serving, hunting or decorating with eggs, it's easy for everyone to have a splendid Easter celebration while still staying safe from any "food borne unpleasantness."

Geneseo City Council - Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Geneseo City Council
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 – 6:00 pm

Removing the Bloat

• Mayor Johnson proclaims the City will observe Junior Achievement Day on April 4, 2024
• Hydrant Flushing is April 1st – April 5th. 2024
• City burn pile opens Friday, April 5th. 2024
• Curbside Cleanup is May 6th – May 9th, 2024
• The City passed a motion to review a proposed purchase power agreement and revenue sharing agreement with RSS for a proposed solar project.

Hey, Wait a Minute! - By Dan Dauw

Todd Sieben

Most of us know Todd as a former Illinois politician and a nice guy. He still likes to help out when he sees a wrong that should be a right. Once in a while his mind does slip a tad. Case in point. When he was in politics, some years ago, he visited a remote village in Henry County. Todd asked the mayor what his two biggest needs were for his little town? The mayor said, “First, we have no doctor.” Todd took out his cell phone, made a call, and told the mayor, it’s all taken care of, a doctor will be here tomorrow. What is your other need? The mayor said, “We have no cellphone reception in our village.”

Andrew Sigwalt

If you know Andrew, you know he is quite the fisherman. Last week he was walking along the canal carrying two small bass. Just then, Jamie Posateri, Game Warden, stopped Andrew to see his fishing license. He said he didn’t have one because the fish are his pets. Andrew said, “Once in a while I take my two pets and let them swim around.” When they’re done swimming I whistle at them and they come back to me. Jamie did not buy a word of it and told Andrew to whistle the fish back. Andrew said, “What fish?”

Claire Crawford

Claire Crawford, Library Director, said when she found a book I was looking for, “I booked it for you!” She also said a lot of math books become sad at the library. Why I asked? Because they just have too many problems. One book wasn’t feeling good so it went to the Geneseo library to get checked out!

Lorna Dauw

She always encouraged me to pursue a writing career. At least I think that’s what she meant every time she’d show me the door and say, “Don’t forget to write!” She found an easier way to serve left overs. She never clears the table.

Under, “Did You Know?”

When the Civil War broke out, both sides needed muskets. The Governor of Pennsylvania decided that he would supply some of his soldiers with pikes (lances). He and others felt they would make a big difference and the war would end quickly. So, 1,000 of the long wooden poles with sharp blades at the ends would do it. It was said that the line of Confederates watching the Yankees charge was humorous. No Confederates were injured and the lances were stored away for good.

Bait

You can still get live bait at Pankey’s Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle. Probably sometime towards the end of the year the famous bait ‘n tackle shop will close its doors for good. That will be sad. Last week I talked with Debbie on where one should go to find bait, especially minnows. She suggested the Marathon Gas Station/Convenient Store, 621 State Ave., Hampton, IL. They open at 6 a.m. and their phone # is: (309)755-3862. Remember, so far Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle will be open until later this fall.

NCAA, Can you just imagine if…..?

What if Nebraska’s Japanese BB player, Tominaga, married Notre Dame’s, BB player Hannah Hildaigo? Can you imagine how much fun it would be watching those two on the same team?

Humor

Dale Tanis told me his ear hurt. I said, “Inside or outside?” So, he went outside, came back in and said, “Both.” Maybe he doesn’t need an MD, but a psychiatrist.

Keith Vandewoestyne went to his local bank for a loan, but he will be paying it all back in 30 years. However, he’s no, dumb Belgian, if he robs a bank he’ll be out in 10 years.

Our son, Lance, has a good friend who is blind. The other day he asked Lance if he could borrow some money? He promised Lance he’d pay him back the next time he saw him. Hey, wait a minute!!!

Quote of the Week

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Local Bankers Graduate from Future Leaders Alliance

Angie Erickson, AVP-Lending Services, Brandt Hutchcraft, VP-Ag & Commercial Lender and Jo Lea Holevoet, VP -Residential Lending at Farmers National Bank proudly announce their graduation from the prestigious Future Leaders Alliance program offered through the Illinois Bankers Association. The graduation ceremony took place during the IBA’s The ONE Conference on March 7-8 in East Peoria.

The Future Leaders Alliance program is a 14-month leadership initiative designed to foster the professional growth and development of emerging leaders within the banking industry.

Throughout the program, Angie, Brandt and Jo Lea engaged in training sessions covering a range of topics, including Leadership and Influence, Team Building, Coaching, Service Leadership, Collaboration Skills, Financial Marketing, Personal Branding, Legislative Process, Presentation Skills, Accounting for Bankers, Asset Liability Management, Regulatory Hot Topics, Cyber Security, and more.

As part of their commitment to community engagement, they also dedicated time to local community service projects to promote financial literacy and empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.

"We are thrilled to congratulate Angie, Brandt and Jo Lea on their successful completion of the Future Leaders Alliance program," said Callan Stapleton, President of the Illinois Bankers Education Services. "This program was created to support our industry leaders and grow the industry, and we are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to our membership.”

For more information about Farmer National Bank's commitment to leadership development and community engagement, please visit www.farmersnationalbank.bank.

Angie Erickson(left), Brandt Hutchcraft,(middle), & Jo Lea Holevoet(right). Photo Submitted

Henry & Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare Note Diabetes Alert Day, March 26

Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
March 22, 2024

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare note that March 26th has been designated as Diabetes Alert Day. Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes and an additional 79 million are at-risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.  Obviously, this disease is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country.  Yet, most Americans don't consider diabetes a serious matter.  They feel it is someone else's responsibility; someone else's problem. 

     The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, along with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), wants to raise awareness about the importance of knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes; as well as, its serious and life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputation. 

     Diabetes is dangerous because high blood sugar isn't usually something you can feel.  Many people have no outward type 2 diabetes symptoms at all and can go years without being diagnosed.  That's why it's important to be aware of the type 2 diabetes symptoms and risk factors for diabetes.  Get screened by a health care provider if you have the following type 2 diabetes symptoms: 

* Being unusually thirsty

* Having to urinate often

* Feeling hungry all the time

* Losing weight (without trying)

* Having blurry vision

* Feeling very tired

* Frequent infections

* Cuts and sores that heal slowly 

     If you are over age 45, talk with your health care provider about being tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight or have family members with the condition.  Regardless of your age, if you are overweight and have one or more of the other risk factors listed, the ADA suggests that you be tested for diabetes now. 

      First Choice Healthcare reminds area residents that our Family Nurse Practitioners in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon can help with the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes management; high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you don't know your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers; we have services that can help you see where you stand. And for diagnosed diabetics, First Choice Healthcare notes they have low-cost lab services available with a doctor’s order. Testing is available through their clinic offices in Kewanee (309) 852-5272, Colona (309) 792-4011 and Toulon (309) 852-3115. 

GHS Student Teaches Watercolor Greeting Card Class - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Aspiring artists of all ages attended the recent Watercolor Greeting Card Masterclass, a Geneseo High School Art Club Fundraiser taught by GHS senior Kaye Hogue.

Kaye Hogue. Photo Submitted

“Students” in the class ranged in age from eight to adult.

The event was held in the GHS Library Commons and the invitation read: “In the spirit of spring, you will learn how to paint cherry blossom greeting cards. You will leave with five of your own handmade cards and knowledge of watercolor basics.”

GHS art instructors Sarah Degarmo and Kim Windisch assisted Hogue at the class.

Although the Watercolor Class is not the first class the Art Club has offered for the community, Hogue explained that it was different and said, “Other art classes tend to prioritize learning the medium first before dedicating a lot of time to working on a complete piece. In this class, we wanted everyone to have the chance to leave with five greeting cards they liked so we prioritized learning the steps to make one specific subject. We condensed a lot of information into a one-and-a-half hour class so our guests could leave with enough skill and knowledge to pursue the medium further.”

Cost of the class was $25 per person which included all materials – watercolor practice paper, watercolor cards and envelopes and engraved pencils.

In addition to being involved in Art Club at GHS, Hogue also is in band and Scholastic Bowl and she volunteers at the Geneseo Historical Museum. She added,”I love art of all kinds, but am most familiar with watercolor painting. Next fall I will be attending the University of Illinois at Chicago to study Art History and M Museum studies with the hope of one day becoming an art museum curator.”

The fundraiser was held in an effort to raise funds for the GHS Art Club trip to the Figge Museum in Davenport.

Geneseo High School Art Club Hosted a Watercolor Greeting Card Fundraiser at Geneseo High School. Photo Submitted

The recent class was held in an effort to raise funds for the GHS Art Club trip to the Figge Museum in Davenport. GHS Art Club members also will be at the upcoming Geneseo Art Walk on Saturday, April 27, in downtown Geneseo where they will be selling a variety of items they have created to continue to raise funds for upcoming trips to the Figge Art Museum and The Art Institute of Chicago.

Ameilia Seys & Anne Seys. Photo Submitted

Rachel Pratt & Nicole Freadhoff. Photo Submitted

Andrea Hogue, Kaye Hogue, & Sue Fonteyn, Photo Submitted