GHS FFA Annual Banquet held on April 17

Jacqueline Walters - Wetzell
GHS Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor

With a turnout of over 120 members, parents, and guests, the 2024 FFA banquet took place at Geneseo High School on Wednesday, April 17th, commemorating the achievements of FFA members throughout the past year. FFA participants engaged in more than 16 career and leadership development events, securing the first runner-up position in two state contests: Horse Judging and Ag Sales. In the Horse Judging team were Dawsyn McDonald, Jaiden Minnaert, Bailey Koning, and Braden Fender, while the Ag Sales team comprised Abby Frank, Austin Pearce, Ayden Kane, and Joseph Venneberg. Additionally, 13 FFA members attained their Greenhand Degrees, with 7 earning their Chapter Degrees. Kylie Maertens and Joseph Venneberg are set to receive their State Degrees in June at the FFA State Convention in Springfield, IL. The event also marked the farewell of five graduating senior FFA members, who ceremoniously retired their FFA jackets: Russell Brown, Drake Chambless, Trent Chamberlain, Abby Frank, and Kylie Maertens.

Photo Submitted

Photo Submitted

Photo Submitted

Geneseo Education Foundation Celebrates Milestone of Contributions to Geneseo School District - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Students in the Geneseo School District receive many “extras” with funds provided by the Geneseo Education Foundation.

The Foundation, established in 1990 as the Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education, has provided more than $4 million in financial assistance to a variety of projects and programs.

The group recently celebrated the achievement at a gathering held at the Central School House Inn. The event was sponsored by Central Bank of Illinois.

Appreciation also was extended to Kim Schwarzkopf of “A Spotted Apron,” Kelsey Cherry of Cherry Creek Harvest; and Nicole Rubitsky of “I Bake it That Way,” for their contributions to the event.

Since the group’s establishment in 1990, the GEF has been instrumental in funding a wide array of opportunities and experiences aimed at enriching the educational experience within the school district. These initiatives span diverse areas such as technology, music, education, resources, cultural events, landscaping, teacher development, extracurricular activities and more.

Leslie Raya, president of the GEF board, was one of the speakers at the event and her comments included: “What has been particularly amazing to see over my time with GEF has not only been the generosity in our community, but the creativity and dedication of our educators. The grants continue to show the energy, excitement and innovation of our educators and their willingness to learn new approaches, bring new technology and to continue to challenge and enhance the classroom experience. From musical instruments to equipment for the physical education program to equipment for the trades and art as well as classroom books, there is always a wonderful variety of requests each year.”

Geneseo School District Superintendent Dr. Adam Brumbaugh shared, “A big reason we’re so fortunate to offer our students one of the best educations in Illinois is our staff. We’ve got outstanding teachers and leaders in every one of our buildings. But it’s an organization like the Geneseo Education Foundation that really puts our district over the top.”

He pointed out the amount of funding the GEF has provided the district and added, “These are not just funds for teachers, coaches and instructors to create a better learning experience – they are an investment in the future of our community. We appreciate our teachers, and the resources provided by the GEF are one more way we can show them that they have our full support in being the best educators they can be.”

He explained that the GEF has worked with other groups to further its impact, such as the Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation which enabled the district to get its instructional coaching program off the ground, build Geneseo High School’s Career and Technical Education Center, and rebuild the previous vocational spaces.”

The mission statement of the GEF is “Creating New Horizons of Educational Opportunity.”

Barb Fehlman was the executive director of the organization until 2017 when Fehlman retired from the position and Sharon Neumann was named executive director.

For more information about GEF, contact Neumann by email at geneseoeducation1@gmail.com or by calling 309-945-5326.

Sharon Neumann, left; executive director of the Geneseo Education Foundation (GEF); Roger Eickman, treasurer; and Leslie Raya, president, stand for a photo at the recent event held to celebrate the GEF’s achievement of having contributed more than $4 million to benefit projects and programs in the Geneseo School District. Contributed Photo

LOOKING BACK:

The 25th anniversary celebration for the school endowment, Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education or GEEE, was held in January of 2016 when the group had provided over $2 million in financial assistance for a variety of projects and programs in the Geneseo School District.

The late Mabel Brown was selected as spokesperson at the event.

Comments made by Brown in 1990 included: “I am extremely proud and honored to serve as chairperson of the GEEE fund raising campaign. GEEE’s efforts to assure the excellence of the school system are a worthwhile endeavor that I strongly believe in and fully support.”

Barb Fehlman was then the executive director of GEEE and at the 25th anniversary celebration of the group, Fehlman said, “The Foundation’s funds are used to complement, enrich and enhance the educational opportunities and experiences for students in the Geneseo District beyond tax support.”

These opportunities come from teachers writing grants for their projects.

Fehlman said the GEF board of directors reviews the grant requests and determines which grants to fund, based on a number of criteria.

Carlie Newton Sanchez, Former Geneseo Resident Pens Children’s Book to Help Cope with Grief - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Carlie Newton Sanchez Will Be at Book Signing on April 26 in Geneseo

It was through her own grief of losing both parents that Carlie Newton Sanchez penned a children’s book to help her cope, but also to help others through their sadness.

“’Mama, Where Are You?’ helps children deal with losing a loved one. It reminds children and adults to see all of the places those loved ones can still be. This is the story of Emma looking high and low only to find mama has been around her the whole time.”

The author will be in Geneseo for a book signing from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at Pegasus Fine Gifts, 117 South State St. in downtown Geneseo.

Copies of the books will be available to purchase at Pegasus, and also can be preordered from Pegasus by calling the store, 309-944-2359, or by emailing Katie@fourseasonsdirect.com.

The book was published by Amazon and is available to purchase at that site.

Even though Carlie Newton’s Mother, Cindy Newton, is no longer alive, she lives on in her daughter through the liver transplant she received from her mother when she was three months old. Carlie was born with a rare infant liver disease that affects the bile ducts.

As a result of the transplant, she was able to live a normal childhood and even traveled to Disney World for her “Make A Wish” trip in 2009.

She graduated from Geneseo High School in 2015 and from the University of Iowa with a Communications and Sociology degree in 2020.

Newton Sanchez remains active with the Iowa Donor Network and takes part in the Donate Life Transplant Games which is organized by Transplant Games of America, and is a multi-sport festival for individuals who have undergone transplant surgeries. This year the event will be in July in Birmingham, AL.

Newton’s journey with grief began in 2018 while Newton was competing at the transplant games when her mom was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer, and after a period of radiation, was declared cancer-free.

“The tides turned in 2020,” she shared. “It was close to Mother’s Day when I got a call that my Mom was not feeling well and was going to the ER. We first thought my Mom had Pancreatitis but after two excruciating weeks of waiting for all the results, we found out she had Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.”

“I had just graduated from the University of Iowa, was working my first full-time job in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and my parents were living in Geneseo,” she said.

Cindy Newton was given six months and her daughter quit her job in Cedar Rapids and moved back to Geneseo to be with her parents.

“My Mom was diagnosed in May of 2020 and died in July that same year…”It is a brutal cancer,” Newton Sanchez shared. All of the five weeks after the diagnosis, she was sick and was in like a comatose state for the last two weeks of her life. We brought Hospice in so we could keep her at home as it was during the Pandemic.”

Carlie Newton Sanchez, at right, is photographed with her late parents, Cindy and Vince Newton, when the threesome attended the 2017 Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA, when Carlie rode on the Donate Life float in the parade. Contributed Photo

“My Mom and I were very close,” she said. “We were best friends and we never went more than like four hours without taking to each other by phone.”

Two years after her mother died, her father, Vince Newton, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. He died in October of 2022.

Writing the children’s book, “Mama, Where Are You?” was therapy for Newton Sanchez.

She began working on the book a short time after her Mother died and while her Dad was sick.

“Writing the book has helped me, it has been therapeutic for me to put my thoughts down in writing,” she said. “I hope the book makes it into the hands of children who have been in similar situations as me and I hope it brings them a sense of comfort that they are not alone, as it did for me by writing the book.”

She currently is working on a second children’s book, “for kids who have lost their Dads,” Newton Sanchez said.

In addition to writing a book, Newtown Sanchez also organized a grief support group, S.O.U.L. (support, optimism, understanding and love) where those who have lost a loved one get together on a monthly basis, share a coffee, talk and share experiences, and she said, :This has also helped my grief.”

Carlie Newton Sanchez and her husband Colton Sanchez live in Huntsville, AL, where she works as a client experience specialist with Keel Point, a finance firm; and her husband works for Boeing.

Carlie Newton Sanchez, formerly of Geneseo, now lives in Huntsville, AL, with her husband Colton Sanchez. Contributed Photo

Anti-Gravity Fishing - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

3 Hour CC Class

Myself along with 20 other men and women took the ConcealCarry (CC) Renewal Course on Thursday, April 18th. Mike Weis,Certified Firearm/Conceal Carry Instructor, conducted the classheld at JWs Shooting Parlor, Geneseo.
Besides classroom instructions including videos, each individual had to shoot 30 rounds at a silhouette target from a distance of 5, 7 and 10 yards. As it should, my 9mm P-38 punched 30 holes in the target. Kind of funny, but at no timeduring the past 5 years did I actually carry my CC pistol. I believe, and still do, in the Second Amendment. Illinois was the last state to allow CC. Mike Weis and the ‘Parlor’s owner, Wayne Peterson, did an excellent job. I suspect there will be additional CC classes in the future.

Mosquitoes

As far as I’m concerned, Noah could have just as well left the pair of mosquitoes off his ark. The worse type is the Anopheles mosquito.
It can cause four forms of human malaria. Hopefully, they do not roam our area. While mosquitoes are not a problem for us just yet, it won’t be too long.

Ticks

This can be a dangerous bug. It is actually a large size mite that is blood-sucking and can be detrimental to both humans and animals.
They can carry Lyme disease and are located in most states. It is important, for example, to check yourself after you’ve been walking through the jungles of Henry County.
One way to remove a tick is easy. Pour some rubbing alcohol or soapy water on the tick. Take a “pointed” tweezer, not the flat end type, and gently remove it. Clean the bite again with alcohol or soapy water. Use a good bug repellant before entering a grassy or wooded area.

These jokes will bug you!

  1. What do ministers say to get rid of insects in their church?

    Ans: “Let us spray!”

  2. Why did the polar bears on Noah’s ark hang out near insects?

    Ans: The were looking for the ark “tick.”

  3. What type of drink do insects avoid?
    Ans: Fly’s water (get it, Fly-swatter?)

  4. Where do insects shop at? Ans: The Flea Market.

Colona Hummer

Last week on TV they said a hummingbird was spotted in our town. I would think it is a bit early, but they like dandelions and there are plenty to be seen. Maybe I’d better get our hummingbird feeder hung up. Same goes for orioles.

Lots of Wildlife

Two weeks ago, Gary Dahlquist and I went fishing at a private lake in Henry County. While the weather and fishing were good, the wildlife we spotted made it even nicer. We saw a bald eagle, 4 wild turkeys and an owl.

Flag

Freedom of speech and so on is fine with me, but one act I just cannot stomach is seeing someone burning our American flag. So many died or had horrible, long lasting wounds defending that flag of freedom.
When I see some punk setting fire to that grand old flag I think how stupid and ignorant you are.

Funny TV Ads

Besides the ad of two ladies and a baby in a buggy saying, “Liberty,” another funny one is the two little boys playing pickleball against two adults.

Humor

Geneseo’s “DC” gave me a book on anti-gravity fishing. It’s “impossible to put down.” I recently went to a seafood disco, but I pulled a mussel.

What is a fish’s favorite musical instrument? Ans: The bass guitar.

Where do cars shop for furniture? Ans: I-Kia.

What’s a South Korean car’s favorite day of the week? Ans: Hyundai.

Quote of the Week

“Congress is so strange. A person gets up to speak and says nothing. Nobody listens and then everybody disagrees.”

- Boris Marshalov

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