Mayor’s 2024 Prayer Breakfast Is May 2 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The National Day of Prayer on May 2 will be observed in Geneseo at the Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.

The event, with the serving line opening at 6:30 a.m., and the program from 7 to 8 a.m., is on Thursday, May 2 at First Methodist Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo, and is sponsored by the Geneseo Ministerial Association and open to all area residents. The Ministerial Association serves the entire Geneseo School District, including Atkinson. Breakfast will be served beginning at 6:30 a.m.

The Rev. Laura Kamprath, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, is president of the Geneseo Ministerial Association.

Laity from area churches will lead prayers for the nation, state, community and world. Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft is the honorary host, as Mayor Sean Johnson is not able to attend.

Detective Jamie Shoemaker, with the Geneseo Police Department, is the keynote speaker at the event. She will share information about the “IMPACT Task Force,” and about Geneseo as a “Dementia Friendly Community,” a title which is given through the Dementia Friendly America group and works in coordination with the Geneseo Police Department’s efforts to raise awareness of mental health conditions in the area.

Detective Shoemaker recently was named Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Executive Institute’s 2024 Women in Criminal Justice Female Officer of the Year.

She received the honor for her dedicated work in serving the Geneseo community, including her work with mental health and crisis calls.

Tickets for the May 2 breakfast, at $16 each, can be purchased in advance online. Tickets are electronic and no printed copy is necessary. Their names will be added to the list of paid attendees along with the number of tickets purchased. To purchase advance tickets, visit https://www.peopleneedjesus.org/prayerbreakfast, or purchase a ticket in person at the office of First Methodist Church.

The idea for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast originated with the Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter, directing pastor at First Methodist Church, Geneseo.

Eleven years ago on the National Day of Prayer, he and two others gathered outside Geneseo City Hall to pray for their community, state and nation.

“I decided then that Geneseo could do a better job of commemorating this important event,” Rev. Ritter said. “Since our U.S. presidents convene a Presidential Prayer Breakfast with the help of religious leaders throughout the country, I saw no reason why the Geneseo Ministerial Association could not help our Mayor to hold an event on the community level.”

Geneseo Police Chief Casey Disterhoft, left; Linda Flatt, treasurer of the Geneseo Ministerial Association; and Detective Jamie Shoemaker are inviting area residents to join them at the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 2, at First Methodist Church in Geneseo. Detective Shoemaker is the keynote speaker. Photo by Claudia Loucks

You're Invited to Attend the 2024 Geneseo Artwalk

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
309-944-2686

The 2024 Geneseo Artwalk will take place Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Downtown Geneseo, IL. Geneseo will be full of art during the last weekend of April. Geneseo has been gaining a reputation as a regional art destination, with three art galleries, a music store, a music academy, and a mural project that has brought three murals to life in Geneseo over the past two years, with plans for two more murals in 2024.

Downtown businesses in Geneseo will host art performances in stores while artists will be set up inside of the former Four Seasons Outlet building (located at 120 S. State St. in Downtown Geneseo) featuring original works and live art demonstrations such as painting, sculpting, wood-working and more. Live music and interactive exhibits will also be featured. Many local students and artists will be on hand to share their art with guests of the Geneseo Artwalk. Shake off your cabin fever and join us in downtown Geneseo on Saturday, April 27th to help us celebrate our local art community!

For more information, please contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686, or visit our website: https://geneseo.org/2024-geneseo-artwalk/.

Local college student’s voice to be featured in Museum of the Bible Exhibit

Lana Shoaf
Copywriter & Communications Manager
Indiana Wesleyan University
April 12, 2024

Abby Brooks, a Geneseo, IL native, performs with our Indiana Wesleyan Chorale and they just recorded soundtracks for an epic, national exhibit at The Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C

April 17, 2024 (Marion, IN)— When local college student, Abby Brooks, took the stage to sing with the Indiana Wesleyan Chorale at the university’s March 22nd convocation, she did not know the opportunity it would provide. The chorale performed during the induction of Ranjy Thomas into the IWU Society of World Changers.

When the IWU choir rose to sing, they captured the attention of one of Ranjy’s guests, Dylan Thomas, CEO & Founder of CREATR and Songwriter & Music Director for Hillsong United. He literally turned in his seat to take in the full effect of the IWU Chorale under the direction of Master Davy Chinn.

At the conclusion of the convocation, and during a subsequent lunch conversation, Dylan Thomas praised Master Chinn for the chorale’s sound—the exact tone in his quest to create a worship-centered experience for the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. He wondered if the group would be willing to record soundtracks for the museum’s exhibit. Master Chinn says, “I jumped at the chance as the timing is indeed providential.” 

The choir room was abuzz as Abby joined her peers in the meticulous recording of the tracks. They corresponded via Microsoft Teams with the composer of the project, Harrison Wood, which they all felt was a huge honor. Master Chinn enjoyed the process and said, “Working directly with the composer has been a special treat as he has been able to walk us through his vision for the sound and has been able to add and alter parts on the fly as we record. He remotes into our Pro Tools sessions so he can hear what we are tracking in real time— cool technology!”

The recorded tracks will contribute to an expression of a new and exciting partnership between Museum of the Bible and CREATR. “All Creation Sings” is a fully immersive, 25-minute experience celebrating the story of Worship while engaging the senses to illuminate the timeless truths of the Bible. The exhibit utilizes immersive technology to engage the senses through video, narration, and music. The longstanding intention of this experience, and its future, means the IWU Chorale Voices will ring on for years to come. 

Abby feels the opportunity was a huge blessing and commented, “It was a truly humbling experience to be a part of this ministry! Everyone the chorale met that is a part of this project is filled with so much talent and creativity!” 

The exhibit has already received support from several key musicians in the Christian-music world. Artists like Brandon Lake, Brooke Ligertwood, Martin Smith, and KB all appear in a promotional video. Learn more about the exhibit, watch the promotional video, and purchase tickets at www.museumofthebible.org/all-creation-sings. To learn more about how CREATR could help you and your church, visit www.creatronline.com. Learn more about the IWU Chorale at www.indwes.edu/ministry-teams/university-chorale.

 

About IWU

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) provides various educational pathways and nurtures students of all ages as they discover the way forward. For over 100 years, IWU has offered a Christian, liberal arts education, anchored by personal student attention and innovation, which has allowed it to grow into one of the largest faith-based universities in America. Over 14,000 students worldwide are enrolled in rich certificate, undergraduate, graduate, master's, and doctoral programs in highly acclaimed academic disciplines. Traditional students live and learn on the beautiful 350-acre IWU campus in Marion, IN, and non-traditional students acquire degrees through IWU-National & Global programs offered online and at ten education centers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Wesley Seminary, founded by the Wesleyan Church denomination and IWU, prepares Christian leaders to engage in missional ministry locally and globally. Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. To discover the way forward or learn more about IWU, visit indwes.edu.

Abby Brooks. Photo Submitted

Why Do Birds Fly South for the Winter? - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Reminder CC Renewal Class

If you need to renewal your Conceal Carry permit, Mike Weis, JW’s Shooting Parlor, is offering a 3-hour CC renewal class on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The cost of the class is $50.00 and it will be held at the JW’s Shooting Parlor, 207 N. State St., Geneseo, IL.
Bring your handgun and 30 rounds of ammunition. It might be a good idea to also bring your current CC permit and FOID card. A FOID card is good for 10 years and the CC for 5 years. Any questions call the business at (309) 944-4174.

TV Ads

I just wonder why so many ads lately show a vehicle zoom right up to the edge of a cliff. So is that suppose to be some kind of cool thing. I like the Liberty ad showing two ladies with a baby inside a baby cart saying its first words, “Liberty.”

Trout Fishing

In all my years of trout fishing during the spring and fall trout season this past spring trout season I totally bombed out! My wife and I always get our limit or close to it, but two rainbows in three days was horrible.
The first two days we fished at Centennial Park, Rock Falls, IL, and the third day at Moline’s Prospect Park Lagoon. I use minnows for bait and they have never let me down. The fellow next to us caught 3 “big” trout. The third one got off his hook and he jumped partly in the water and shore.
By gosh, he got it! However, he ended up getting his hook on the back of his coat. He asked us if we could get it out as he had no pliers. I got the hook out, no problem. Later, as he left, he gave us his 3 trout. One good deed deserves another so I gave him my long nose pliers. Each trout was enough for a meal for both of us.
After the sun was up for about a half hour we saw something really neat. Not far from us we saw a beautiful bald eagle swoop down, grab a trout from the water and took off. Awesome!

Jokes

They say the safest place to be when “The Big One” hits California is in a doorway……in Utah.

I got in trouble the other day at work. I had used the company phone to call France because I thought their accent is cool.

Lots of tornadoes this year although we usually don’t feel that much wind in an election year. So, what if l don’t know what “Armageddon” means?! It’s not like it’s the end of the world!!!!

Knife

Do you ever stop and think when you use a knife the importance of such a tool or weapon? The knife first appeared at least 2.5 million years ago or around the time Todd Sieben was born. They were originally made of wood, bone, stone and flint. Of course, today knife blades can be made of copper, bronze, iron, steel, ceramic, and titanium. Modern knives have either a fixed or folding blades.
Think about all the various purposes of a knife. Hunters use a knife to dress a deer, or clean a fish. Soldiers use a knife in combat. Kitchen knives for preparing food, daggers and switchblades for weapons.
There are knives for throwing or juggling and for religious ceremonies. Sadly, a knife can also be a murder weapon, right “OJ?”
Ooops, I guess I’m a little late on that score! Anyway, I’ll write more about knives in a later article, but until then, stay sharp!!

Glen Anderson Adds Another Year

Alias, “Birdman of Henry County,” will hit the “Big 90” on May 7th. He and his wife, Janet, have done a lot of volunteer work for the Geneseo community. He has also given many presentations to area groups on the conservation of birds, prairies and woodlands. The other day I asked him why do birds fly south for the winter? He said, “Because it’s too far to walk.” He has a bird for sale, but it won’t go “cheep!”

Quote of the Week

“Chance makes our parents, but choice makes our friends.” - Jacques DeLille

Rebuilding Together Henry County to Celebrate 30th Anniversary at Open House April 21 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Rebuilding Together Henry County will celebrate its 30th anniversary at an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at the organization’s home at the corner of Church St. and U.S. Route 6 in Atkinson. Area residents are invited to the event and to tour the facility which was completed in June of 2021.

The conference room will be dedicated to the Rev. David Esche at a ceremony planned for 2:30 p.m. on April 21. Esche was the co-founder of the organization and it was his vision and passion that led to its success. He served as president of the board of directors at various times during a 25-year period prior to his health issues.

Esche and his wife Sharon now reside near DesMoines, and he will not be at the April 21 open house, but s recording will be shared with him.

The Atkinson site was chosen for the location of the RTHC building as it is in the Geneseo School District and its proximity to the rest of Henry County.

The 6,000 square-foot building includes offices and conference room space, a workshop and a storage room. The shop space is used for building wheel chair ramps and other projects by volunteers.

The storage space provides room for the groups program to loan adaptive medical equipment to people in need. Donations of good condition adaptive medical equipment are accepted by RTHC.

Sarah Snyder, executive director of Rebuilding Together Henry County, said there is a need for wheelchairs, shower chairs and tub transfer seats.

For more information about the REUSE Medical Equipment Loan Program, call Snyder at 309-944-6442 or email her at ssnyder@rebuildingtogether-hc.org.

Rebuilding Together Henry County has a long and rich history in the area and Snyder shared some of the statistics, “Beginning in 1994 as a non-profit, at that time called ‘Christmas in April- Geneseo,’ our organization has made home repairs with a market value of over $2 million. We have installed over 368 wheel chair ramps for our Henry County neighbors who have limited ability to access their homes - once again at no charge to the recipients.”

She said other projects scheduled by the group are a “demo day” in Geneseo on Friday, April 26; a Work Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, and “We are also hoping to have a deep cleaning day at our facility in Atkinson on the morning of April 27.

RTHC is supported through donations and grants.

For more information about the organization or to make a donation, visit www.rebuildingtogether-hc.org or email ssnyder@rebuildingtogether-hc.org.

Sarah Snyder, executive director of Rebuilding Together Henry County, is shown in her office in the home of RTHC, located in Atkinson. An open house is planned for Sunday at the facility to celebrate the group’s 30th anniversary. Photo by Claudia Loucks

ABOUT THE REV. DAVID ESCHE

Rev. Esche and his family moved to Geneseo in 1993 when he was called to serve as pastor at First Presbyterian Church, a position he held for 20 years.

“I spent the first six weeks interviewing community leaders in an effort to learn about the community for my benefit as well as for the benefit of the church,” he said. “What we discussed in those interviews were the strengths in the community as well as the needs.”

“I learned that although there were not pockets of poverty in the community, there were families who were not able to keep up their housing,” he said. “They told me about folks in the community who traveled around the country and built homes for Habitat for Humanity.”

He also was told about churches in Geneseo who had volunteers who did home repairs for their members who were not able to do those tasks.

“At that time, Steve Durian, a member of First Presbyterian in Geneseo, had just spent a week with a mission team that built a home in Mexico,” Esche said. “I also learned from the community leaders that money was available to do the home repairs for those people who could not afford to hire the work done.”

Christmas in April became a reality in the Henry County area in 1994 and Esche served in various capacities with the group from its founding, including as president.

Rev. Esche and Steve Durian were instrumental in starting Christmas in April in March of 1994.

The Rev. David Esche in 2017. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Health Career Scholarship Applications Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Applications for Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary Health Career Scholarships are available online or at the volunteer office at the hospital.  The scholarships are for students who reside in the Hammond-Henry Hospital District or have graduated from Geneseo, Cambridge or Annawan School Districts, and are enrolled in an accredited health career program.

   The deadline to submit an application for the 2024-2025 school year is May 1, 2024.  Application forms and information are available online at https://www.hammondhenry.com/resources/scholarships.

   The Auxiliary scholarship winners will be introduced at the Auxiliary’s Ice Cream Social planned for Thursday, June 6, in the Geneseo City Park.

   For more information, contact Kathleen VanDeRostyne, Volunteer Manager, at Hammond-Henry Hospital, 309-944-9130.

Do I Really Have To? - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

Barge Party 2024

Chad Pregracke and his Living Lands & Waters crew will be hosting their annual “Barge Party 2024” on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 5 – 9 p.m. It will be held at Beacon Harbor, East Moline, IL. Parking and continuous shuttles will be available at John Deere Harvester Works. Look for signs. Tickets are $50.00 per person. We volunteered at last year’s event and it was so much fun. Unfortunately, I’ll be in Canada that week, but Lorna and her sister, Elly, will be helping out.

There will be a fish & shrimp boil, wine pull, silent auction, barge tours, cash bar and live music. It really is a lot of fun. If you are a local artist, all donations are appreciated. All proceeds go to raising operating funds for LL&W. For more information you can call 309-496-9848 or go on-line at www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

Conceal Carry Renewal

This is a reminder that Mike Weis of JW’s Shooting Parlor, 207 N. State St., Geneseo, IL, will be conducting a 3-hour Conceal Carry “Renewal” class on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The times will be from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. You will need to bring your handgun and your current CC card, too!

You will also need to bring 30 rounds of ammo for your handgun. The JW’s Shooting Parlor sells most all popular ammunition should you not have that many cartridges. The cost of the class is $50.00. Keep in mind you must have a FOID card to apply for a CC permit. A FOID card is good for 10 years and a CC card is good for 5 years. If any questions call the business at (309) 944-4174.

Driver’s License

Last Thursday we had a retired teachers luncheon in Kewanee. As long as we were in Kewanee I thought I’d renewal my driver’s license. I was told I was going to have a vision test, a test on a computer, and lastly, a behind-the-wheel driver’s test.
Ugh! I passed the vision and computer test. Last was the behind-the-wheel driver’s test of which I passed, but on one maneuver I simply could not understand what the instructor wanted. I sure wasn’t going to argue with the nice lady, but it was frustrating. All the people at the facility were very nice.

Car Jokes

Why did the scarecrow become a successful Uper driver?
Ans: Because he was outstanding in his field.

What happens when a frog parks illegally? Ans: It gets toad.

What kind of car does a Jedi drive? Ans: A toy-yoda.

What kind of cars do cooks drive? Ans: Chef-rolets.

Iowa’s Emmet County

Our border state, Iowa, has 99 counties. So what makes Emmet County in Iowa so special? The answer is it’s the only county in Iowa that the emerald ash borer (beetle) has not taken residence.
This is according to the Iowa Dept of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Maybe there are not many ash trees in that county or the nasty critters just haven’t been discovered yet. Let’s hope the ash trees can somehow resist these bad news beetles as they can destroy an ash tree within two to four years. They are a serious problem here in Illinois and other states, as well.

Fareway Cook-out

It is very nice that the Geneseo store offers various organizations a way to make money. Lorna and I recently volunteered to help at the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program.
There were 9 volunteers and we served 125 customers. It was fun.

Vote: Do I really have to?

I’m quite sure I won’t be around for the next presidential election in 2028, but yes, I will vote in November. For the first time in all my voting years, I really have been so disgusted with the two major presidential candidates. If I should make it to the pearly gates, it will be nice to know there is only one God and no voting needed!

Sports Writers

Yes, we get it! Iowa’s BB star, Clark, is one awesome player. With all the hype, I’m beginning to think she can walk on water, climb Mt. Everest backwards, and beat Michael Jordan with one arm tied behind her back.

Colona Fire Department Breakfast

Chief John Swan and all his volunteers did a great job last Sunday with their fundraising breakfast. The food was excellent and it was nice to see some folks we haven’t seen a while. So, a big “Thank You” goes to our Colona Fire Department.

Quote of the Week

“Friends, though absent, are still present.” - Cicero

GHS Spring Musical Opens April 25 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nearly 100 students from the theatre and music departments at Geneseo High School are in final rehearsals for the 2024 musical Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The show is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials also are supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. The show is licensed by Music Theatre International.

Performances are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25; 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, in the DePauw Theatre at the high school, 700 North State St.

Tickets, at $15 each, are available and reservations can be made at the Geneseo High School website, www.geneseoschools.org. Advance reservations are encouraged, and any unsold tickets will be available at the door on the performance dates.

Joe DePauw is the director/producer of the show, which is the traditional story of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

Staff members are Larry Lord, technical (Fine Arts Facility Manager), Steve LaCroix, vocal director; Bryan Stone, set construction; Christine Rogers, orchestra director; Kathy Lafrenz, choreographer; Suzy Heaton, house manager; Bob Manasco, program layout; Kailan Neff, costumes and makeup; Karl Bodenbender, rehearsal accompanist; Angela Rathman, set designer and dresser; Tom Ryerson, GHS principal/activity director; Andrew Hogue, Geneseo Performing Arts Council representative.

Students in the cast are Eleanor Bertelsen, Raelyn Bjorkman, Isabella Brooks, Jackson Brumbaugh, Taeton Chirchir, Sophia Clifton, Callie Copeland, Elijah Coppejans, Perry Farley, Jonathan Freadhoff, Alyssa Gentry, Imogene Greene, Bryce Henderson, Tyler Holtzen, Clara Huddleston, Hope Kuster, Hannah McGee, Jackie Milem, Madilyn Minnaert, Elizabeth Mroz.

Also, Carleigh Norton, Madison Ochs, Evan Orwig, Colin Roemer, Shay Schehl, Bee Scheider, Reid Simpson, Ethan Sundeen, Rolan Swanson, Dashall Urquiza, Chase VanDeWoestyne and Logan VanDeWoestyne.

Students working on the crew are Marley Cherry, Callie Copeland, Jameson Coppejans, Phoenix Corlew, Evelyn Dahl, Perry Farley, Jonathan Freadhoff, Lillyann Garza, Alyssa Gentry, Hayley Henry, Sydney Hoover, Maddox Jansen, Claire Kehoe, Erik Kelly, Owen Kelly, Kay McAvoy, Hannah McGee, Lilyann Mooney.

Also, Janey Neumann, Sienna Nimrick, Carson Pratt, Sydney Rasmussen, Haley Rubitsky, Cy Sammons, Paxton Sherbeyn, Cade Wolf and Rebekah Zimmerman.

Students in the orchestra are Karl Bodenbender, Greta Bolme, Brooklyn Bos, Brennan Brown, Thomas Carlin, Daniel Coleman, Liam Coleman, Phoenix Corlew, Sam Curcuru, Anna Davis, Keira Disterhoft, Tyler Dowdal, Quinnland Einfeldt, Allyson Ford, Jenna Freadhoff.

Also, Cora Gorman, Nolan Griffith, Isabella Haney, Kay Hogue, Abby Holman, Lorrie Lord, Wyatt Neumann, Annabelle Ropp, Kara Sancken, Justin Schmidt, Dylan Shipman, Tucker Tarkington and Maddie Wells.

Students in the theater and music departments at Geneseo High School will present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” on Thursday, April 25; Friday, April 26; Saturday, April 27; and Sunday, April 28, in the DePauw Theater at GHS. Cast members include, from left, Colin Roemer, Dashall Urquiza (Chip); and Bryce Henderson. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Hope Kuster, left; Perry Farley, Tyler Holtzen and Jackie Milem are among the students in the cast of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” which opens Thursday, April 26 at GHS. Photo by Claudia Loucks

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