Celebrate Recovery Program at Geneseo First Methodist - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Celebrate Recovery is described as a Christ-centered recovery program with 12 steps and eight principles and is for anyone with hurts, hang-ups, or habits. The new ministry begins on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the South Campus (224 North State St.) of Geneseo First Methodist Church in Geneseo. John and Jamie Pivovarnik are leading Celebrate Recovery.

The free program is held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays for 52 weeks. The first hour of each meeting is large group time with worship and a teaching or testimony and the second hour is gender-specific small group time.

Celebrate Recovery is open to men and women age 18 and older. For more information contact Yvette Biddle, director of Discipleship at Geneseo First Methodist, 309-944-2793.

There is no cost to attend the program and there is no advance registration, interested people are asked to “just show up and feel free to bring a friend.”

John and Jamie Pivovarnik are leading the new ministry, “Celebrate Recovery,” that begins Thursday, Jan. 23, at the South Campus of Geneseo First Methodist Church in Geneseo. Contributed Photo

The Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter, directing pastor at Geneseo First Methodist, said, “We are thrilled to offer the Geneseo community this Christ-centered ministry that has helped countless thousands find new freedom. Celebrate Recovery is for anyone seeking to overcome hurts, habits, or hang-ups that have kept them form living their best lives.”

The Pivovarnik couple, leaders of the program, said, “We believe Celebrate Recovery is for everyone! It’s a Biblical-based program that can lead to victory in overcoming hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Personally, we have come from a place of trauma, pain, addiction, and self destruction and now with Christ at the center, and the tools Celebrate Recovery has to offer, we are experiencing a life of renewed hope, restoration, and redemption. In addition, our family is also reaping the benefits. Our wish is for all in the community to experience the freedom and joy in living a life of true peace.”

FROM THE CELEBRATERECOVERY.COM WEBSITE:

“Celebrate Recovery was founded in 1991 as a ministry of Saddleback Church by Pastor John and Cheryl Baker. John shared with Senior Pastor Rick Warren a vision God had given him for anew Christ-centered ministry where people could find freedom from their hurts, hang-ups and habits. Over the years, thousands of people have gone through the program at Saddleback Church. Many of them have gone on to serve in Celebrate Recovery and other areas of the church. Thousands of churches have started a Celebrate Recovery ministry around the world, and that number continues to grow. Celebrate Recovery is not just growing in churches, but in recovery houses, rescue missions, universities and prisons around the world. It continues to be a growing global movement.”

FREEDOM FROM THE FOLLOWING IS POSSIBLE THROUGH CELEBRATE RECOVERY:

“Abandonment, abuse, alcohol, anger, anxiety, betrayal, codependency, crucial spirit, depression, divorce, drugs, eating disorders, family problems, fear, gambling, grief/loss, guilt, insecurity, internet, job loss, low self-esteem, need to control, nicotine, overspending, people pleasing, perfectionism, pornography, pride, PTSD, relationship, sexual addition, stealing and stress.”

THINGS CELEBRATE RECOVERY IS:

-A safe place to share.
-A refuge.
-A place of belonging.
-A place to care for others and be cared for.
-A place where respect is given to each member.
-A place where confidentially is highly regarded.
-A place to learn.
-A place to demonstrate genuine love.
-A place to grow and become strong again.
-A place for progress.
-A place where you can take off your mask and allow others to know who you are.
-A place for healthy challenges and healthy risks.
-A possible turning point in your life.

THINGS CELEBRATE RECOVERY IS NOT:

-A place for selfish control.
-Therapy.
-A place for secrets.
-A place to look for dating relationships.
-A place to be rescued by others.
-A place for perfection.
-A place to judge others.
-A quick fix.

GMS First Semester Honor Rolls

Information Provided by Geneseo Middle School

First Honor Roll
Based on GPA of 3.50 to 4.40

8th Grade

Cole P. Anderson, Paisley J. Arnold, Avery K. Bagby, Jocelyn M. Bagby, Alex F. Balensiefen, Ella M. Bernhard, Daphne M. Bertelsen, Hannah E. Billingsly, Boston J. Brewer, Leila M. Bries, Peyton L. Brodie, Charlee A. Bruce, Annika R. Brumbaugh, Landen M. Burk, Charleigh J. Campbell, Savannah K. Carlson, Helo J. Castro, Ashlynn G. Chamberlain, Leah M. Cooper, Autumn M. Cunningham, Alexander R. Darnall, Gavin P. Davis, William A. Davis, Zachary M. Davis, Davin R. DeBoef, Ellaina F. DeLoose, Henry M. Dwyer, Kyle M. Everett, Sawyer J. Forsythe, Landon A. French, Emily A. Garcia, Eleanor M. George, Maci L. Gorman, Ava L. Graham, Hailey R. Griswold, Owen M. Harris, Karoline M. Hasson, Kenzi J. Hasson, Lyla H. Henry, Emmett W. Hill, Emma J. Hofer, Hunter G. Hoover, Ellie J. Jackson, Owen M. Jacobi, Brynn R. Kinney, Collin P. Kreiss, Madison G. Kuethe, Faith H. Kuster, Michael G. Lawson, Zebin Lin, Rylie J. Lopez, Chloe J. Mance, Wyatt J. Mickley, Kellan J. Miller, Gibson M. Minard, Emma E. Minnaert, Tad R. Moore, Paul M. Nelms, Katrina G. Nerud, Suzanne L. Neumann, Mia G. O’Dell, Isabella A. Ong, Ryder J. Painter, Owen A. Pollock, Henry A. Pratt ,Annie C. Reed, Payton L. Riffe, Eve M. Robb, Isaac J. Ropp, Cormac J. Round, Olivia L. Ruby, Jocelyn M. Russelburg, Novak B. Ryerson, Reese G. Schaaf, Emma R. Schroeder, James W. Seals, Chelsea R. Shamblin, Mark H. Shoemaker, Paige A. Sides, Benjamin C. Simosky, Kinley M. Smith, Jack A. Snook, Milla W. Stewart, Genevieve V. Talley, Ethan B. Temperley, Allison G. Tice, Garrett R. Tranel, Sophia I. Urquiza, Jaxson R. VanAntwerp, Payton N. Vanzuiden, Ella M. Versluis, Khloe R. VonHolten, Charlize A. Wachtel, Lucy C. Walck, Ashlyn M. Werthmann, Lilly M. Wilshusen, Giana M. Wurslin, Levi J. Wyffels, Jett F. Znamenacek

7th Grade

Kynlee G. Adam, Lincoln Babcock, Delia J. Bellagamba, Mason D. Bess, David M. Betcher, Zachary L. Blank, Kobe T. Britton, Drake M. Burton, Liam M. Campos, Eliana H. Charlet, Ryan M. Coleman, Hattie R. Deaner, Sofie F. Diebold, Joshua A. Diehl, Cameron P. Doyle, Ella L. Driskell, Will E. Ehlert, Tatum W. Eiselstein, Jason S. Flondor, Everlee M. Fobert, Alivia N. Gaines, Thomas W. Gaskey IV, Declan J. Gillespie, Sophia G. Gluck, Lily G. Green, Audreyana Grove, Jesus R. Guerrero, Trace C. Hager, Drew M. Hagerman, Huxley O. Haley, Maddison G. Harris, Ethan A. Hepner, Brooke N. Herington, Ella R. Johnson, Aislyn S. Kane, Jayden L. Kelley-Leach, Addison I. Kelly, Korah E. Klotz ,Olivia M. Krause, Norah D. Kuddes, Carter J. Lampe, Bradlee Larson, Hillary M. Lewis, Vanessa M. Logsdon, Wyatt T. Lynch, Zane S. Matheny, Jocelynn E. Matthews, Adrian M. McSparin, Elijah J. Melton, Jaela J. Minnaert, Wyatt L. Murray, Willa K. Newburg, Easton P. Nichols, Kamryn E. Nordstrom, Zak N. O’Dell, Xayden A. Oaks, Hailey R. Olson, Andrew N. Parrish, Aarav P. Patel, Elle M. Patterson, Carter G. Peacock, Baylen M. Poffenberger, Lillian C. Putnam, Justin A. Roemer, Cooper T. Sanders, Jack W. Schaaf, Reese M. Shannon, Kyndall M. Shappard, Seren I. Sharpe, Alexander A. Soukup, Jack D. Sullivan, Scarlett A. Sunstrom, James D. Sutherland, Skilynn N. Tarrant, Myleigh G. Thinglum, Savanna F. Thompson, Charlotte J. Vandersnick, Jolyn R. VanDeVoord, Adler M. VanOpdorp, Lillian G. VanOpdorp, Hudson T. Vorac, Rosella J. Wentz, Peyton E. Wexell, Brooklyn S. Williams, Caden J. Williams, James R. Winkleman, Kyle T. Wirth, Henry V. Woodward, Sesamir H. Yearby JR.

Sixth Grade

Hadley A. Abbott, Amelia J. Anderson, Lincoln X. Anderson, Oliver E. Anderson, Alaina A. Bagby, Ameliyah R. Basley, William F. Battin, Nyali S. Bernier, Bristol M. Boster, Olivia N. Boyd, Braxton R. Brants, Aubree N. Brown, Grant J. Brown, Braeden A. Bunce, Mara S. Castro, McKenzie R. Caulkins, Isabella M. Chavez, Henley A. Cirricione, Oliver M. Conley, Brynn O. Corber, Emmett J. Cunningham, Eli P. Curcuru, Lydia J. Dahl, Aubrey F. DeGrave, Hannah M. DeJohn, Savanna A. DeSplinter, Aliyah C. Dewey, Robin E. Dwyer, Makayla Edlefson, Sara J. Everett, Grace M. Feely, Rosalie A. Fournier, Maxhm Freeman, Gavin K. Galloway, Maxwell D. Gehling, Kieran B. George, Brady R. Griffith, Elizabeth S. Haley, Andrew C. Henderson, Owen A. Henson, Brody J. Hoener, Aaron R. Holman, Charlie Hone, Catalia L. Hor,n Hayes Hubne,r Asher S. Huffman, Wyatt D. Hulslander, Noah J. Hutchinson, Elliot R. Iest, Drayton Ince, Sullivan H. Jackson, William A. Jackson, Reid A. Jacobi, Ember L. Janusz Marlee J. Juchcinski Anna R. Kamprath Georgina L. Kelley, Colton T. Kies, Christopher J. Kleckner, Hailynn R. Krider, Kennedy K. LaFriniere, Kinley M. Lenth, Audrey G. Mance, Thea J. Marolf, Remi R. McKeag, Tanner J. McShane, Hadleigh J. Mendoza, Bennett H. Mickley, Samantha L. Minnaert-Yocum, Kendall C. Murphy, Elicio J. Natario, Gianna W. Parrish, Harper R. Peters, Claire D. Peterson, Sophia K. Pollock, Ava R. Poston, Remington Rahmus, Shae A. Robertson, Simon T. Runty, Connor Schaaf, Keira R. Schultz, Aubry O. Seal,s Colton Seals, Tucker Seals, Braxton D. Sells, Amelia E. Shannon, Selah M. Simenec, Natalia S. Smith, Lila J. Snook, Brandton C. Spensley, Charley R. Spindel, Barrett W. Strode, Lance R. Summers, Connor Switzer, Sienna R. Temperley, Emma C. Tice, Lucas G. VanDeWoestyne, Andrew W. Versluis, Eben L. Von Motz, Kate Vorac, Sophia L. Vroman, Frederick T. Wachtel, Averi E. Weishaar, Matthew C. Werling, Zachary R. Werthmann, Brynn K. Wildemuth, Emmery K. Williamson, Avery L. Wilshusen, Hadley A. Wyffels, Jase Wyffels

Second Honor Roll
GPA of 3.00 to 3.49

8th Grade

Kylie A. Achenbach, Jocelyn A. Aguirre, Evan M. Beil, Anna G. Berry, Callen A. Black, Cullen V. Boone, Dia R. Bros, Harrison R. Clark, Eli J. Cotty, Charley A. Courson, Miles G. Curcuru, Christian R. Dawson, Lilyonna L. Decker, Aliyah Jo L. DeKezel, Jacksen K. Doubet, Brenna Dykstra, Elijah S. Erickson, Mason R. Escamilla, Brooklyn M. Francis, Kane M. Fuelling, Alexander M. Gentry, Joie J. Gilbert, Bryce R. Gillespie, Wesley D. Graham, Daegan J. Hansen, Easton R. Hornback, Cooper G. Hudson, Anthony J. Jackson, Perry J. Jacobs, Eli D. Johnston, Delaney T. Killian, Matthew E. Krause, Andrew J. Kreps, Isabella L. Lewis, Liliana R. Marshall, Luke E. McCann, Tylaiha M. Medina, Kellen Q. Minder, Kasen J. Mosier, Julianna M. Nolen, Jackson P. Parker, Cameron J. Proehl, Brooke N. Robinson, Faith H. Schaver, Klaire E. Sikardi, Kais A. Sproston, Kain M. Stroud, Ean R. Tank, Grace L. Toney, Wyatt F. Vroman, Samuel G. Wagler, Molly D. Wannemacher, Aiden M. Weishaar, Jayden A. Westley, Autumn R. Wisely, Alec L. Woods, Maysen J. York

7th Grade

Ruby I. Air, Penelope M. Aukee, Lilith R. Ballard, Natalie A. Beavers, Kenneth M. Bernhard JR., Allison A. Bos, Ellyzabeth J. Bristol, Reegan R. Brown, Harmonie R. Burk, Brett S. Correa, Kellan S. Courtright, Colton M. Crutcher, Finley A. DeSplinter, Grant R. Dietsch, Kieran A. Efflandt, Avery E. Emmerson, Kameron R. Floming, Lillian C. Fritz, Lucas M. Fuelling, Brady H. Garard, Kayden D. Gottwalt, Sean P. Haley, Addyson R. Havill, Evelyn R. Hemphill, Kura L. Henson, Ella A. Hepner, Bennett A. Holke, Maverick X. Hull, Charlize J. Janczak, Lucas A. Jobe, Mason E. Kauzlarich, Kinleigh J. Kiefer, Kellan D. Knackstedt, Conrad J. Knudtson, Lucia E. Lococo, Alexander M. Lopez, Clara P. Mallum, Drayton M. Mapel, Vander E. McAvoy, Lila C. McCallister, Ian J. McCord, Sam Monahan, Adelynn R. Murphy, Hayley L. Newburg, Sara J. O’Dell, Kenryk L. Osborn, Bayleigh N. Painter, Teagan A. Price, Tessa O. Reveal, Carter C. Robb, Macie R. Rotz, Emma E. Schneider, Rykken L. Schweitzer, Braeden S. Scott, Easton A. Sigwalt, Henry J. Staffeldt, Gabriel H. Taylor, Noah W. Tully, Genessa K. Underwood, Easton R. Veloz, Ryker J. Vincent, Trigg J. Vincent, Kaden W. Wagle, Kenna L. Weber, Cole B. Weinzierl, Addison L. Williams, Ryland A. Williamson, Leotho K. Woodruff, Aspen F. Znamenacek

6th Grade

Sophia R. Abrahamsen, Beau E. Bomleny, Kayden D. Burkhead, Avery M. Burton, Grace E. Curcuru, Nolan M. Currie, Asa W. Dawson, Dace B. DeGerengel, Levi O. Delp, Nathan Dwyer, Brandon Figueroa, Kailyn M. Gillespie, Emma J. Gorman, Swayze L. Graham, Kinsley R. Gripp, Everett Haars, Scarlett O. Heller, Drew C. Hopkey, Carl J. Jozwiak, Addison J. Kinnard, Elijah D. Kushmer, Ethan S. Logsdon, Mia E. Marshall, Kellan G. McBee, Aaliyah M. Medina, Tucker S. Mesick, Grant Z. Nelson, Augustin Osborn, Elia S. Patikowski, Connor D. Rosenow, Lilah M. Ruby, Mason J. Saylor, Avery K. Shamblin, Greyson P. Sheffler, Joseph M. Simosky, Payton A. Smith, Noralyn M. Steffes, Myles M. Struve, Dean N. Wannemacher, Adelyn J. Ward, Dru E. Weinzierl, Kinslee D. Westfall, Parker A. Wilcox-Smith, David A. Woods

GHS First Semester Honor Rolls

Information Provided by Geneseo High School

First Honor Roll - GPA 3.50 to 5.40

Class of 2025

Luke W. Abrahamsen-Collins, Mason W. Anderson, Kamden J. Ariano, Shane M. Bagby, Liliana J. Balluff, Brooklyn K. Banta-Hall, William W. Baum, Sophia J. Bellagamba, Aaron A. Betcher, Brianna N. Bowles, Jackson C. Brumbaugh, Elizabeth C. Carlin, Amelia G. Carlson, Anthony B. Carter, Avery R. Catour, Tyler A. Chamberlain, Marley J. Cherry, Sophia M. Clifton, Emma Tea Cocci, Dylan P. Cotty, Dru A. Curcuru, Isabella M. Curcuru, Elanor W. DeBlieck, Grant D. DeShane, Ava K. DeWolfe, Alayna R. Duckett, Grace R. Durian, Katelyn R. Durnell, Kendall J. Ellerbrock, Gwenivere S .Erickson, Allison N. File, Kayden L. Fouts, Kayci L. Freeman, Chloe K. Fulcher, Dylan J. Gehl, Caroline P. Girten, Christian R. Haney, Cody V. Hensley, Lindsay J. Herington, Tyler D. Holtzen,Sydney A. Hoover, Keaton M. Hudson, Hayliegh-Jane L. Huglin, Malloree K. Humphrey Lily E. Johnson, Matthew E. Johnson, Max C. Johnson, Logan P. Jones, Preston R. Jones, Hope A. Kuster, Aislan C. Leetch, Julia R. Lewis, Kruiz J. Ludwig, Kayton G. Malzewski, Annalise L. Maxwell, Katelynn M. McMahill, Zachary M. Montez, Lilyann M. Mooney, Madelyn M.Mooney, Jackson M. Moore, Elizabeth C. Mroz, Jacob A. Nelson, Sydney A. Nelson, Kyah H. Newell, Bryce F. Nixon, Kale M. O’Bryan, Colin P. Orwig, Owen S. Parker, Jennifer J. Parsons, Austin M. Pearce, Lauren A. Powell, Dylan J. Randolph, Allison L. Reade, Cooper R. Ries, Jeslen L. Rink, Keely M. Roberts, Benjamin M. Robinson, Cavence L. Rokis, Rachael J. Roodhouse, Marian Sanchez Sigala, Kara Y. Sancken, Shay A. Schehl, Emilia R.Schmitt, Timothy J. Sebastian, Paxton A. Sherbeyn, Emma G. Skovronski, Dylan C. Snell, Payton N. Snider, Addison L. Snodgrass, Avery A. Snook, Dyllan L. Staffeldt, Eric D. States, Nathanial G. Stees, Lillian G. Taylor, Jordan L. Thomas, Leo Underwood, Kathryn C. VanDeWoestyne, Logan G. VanDeWoestyne, Bryson K. VanHoutte, Joseph E. Venneberg, Joseph K. Versluis, Hayden J. Veryzer, Stormie R. Wancket, Gavin J. Wates, Blake T. Welge, Dylan W. Whipple, Sabine J. Whitmer, Allison S. Wille, Kailee S. Williams, Abby E. Wilshusen, Braelyn A. Wyffels

Class of 2026

Hailey L. Achenbach, Zara A. Andersen, Isabella R. Angelo, Natalie R. Aukee, Eliana L. Barickman, Calvin R. Bell, Christopher J. Berry Jr., Greta A. Bolme, Grant M. Bomleny,Brooklyn R. Bos, Erin S. Bowers, Bryson A. Boxell, Ava R. Brewer, Aidan M. Bries, Reid R. Brodersen, Isabella G. Brooks, Aiden D. Brudos, Liberty A. Brumbaugh, Jessica A. Cartwright, Jocelyn R. Cechowicz, Jordan R. Cechowicz, Brody R.Clementz, Jack A. Cooper, Jameson C. Coppejans, Erika G.Cotty, Samuel S. Curcuru, Matthew D. Darnall, Anna G. Davis, Ava C. DeSplinter, Keira R. Disterhoft, Margaret S. Elder, Landon A. Favri, Jonathan T. Freadhoff, Taber L. Fulks, Anabella R .Goethals, Cora I. Gorman, Bradley E. Hartman, Jarett J. Hasson, Hayley R. Henry, Lucas J. Herstedt, Christopher J .Hill, Payton J. Hofer, Carter J. Holke Abigail L. Holman, Alexandria K. Hull, Luise Jacobi, Adam C. Johnson, Kameryn R. Keegan, Andrew T. Kelly, Erik J. Kelly, Owen M. Kelly, Catherine J. Lehman, Karen A. Lester, Emma G. Loehr, Hannah M. Loehr Tavion, B .Mangin Brock, B. Marshall, James D. Matthews II, Jackson T. McAvoy, Aden L. McCann, Dawsyn T. McDonald, Hannah G. McGee, Cameron A. Melchert, Janey C. Neumann, Wyatt J. Neumann. Gavin C. Nicholson. Serina R. Nimrick, Eliana C. Oaks, Reyhan S. Onder, Lucille J. Peters, Taylor R. Peterson, Landry M.Possin, Jordan M. Ramirez, Elizabeth J.Rapps, Madison M. Reade, Cy V. Sammons, Chase R. Sanders, Bee K. Scheider, Remy A. Sharpe, Mya N. Splear, Leland J. Stickle, Hannah M. Stone, Tucker W. Tarkington, Paislee C. Tuggle, Jay P. VanHerzeele, Quinntyn W. VanHyfte, Callie E. VanKerrebroeck, Ashton J. Veloz, Cameron L. Walker, Madeline G. Wells, Kjerstin S. Wildemuth, Kathryn M. Wilson, Claire S. Yenor

Class of 2027

Alejandro J. Aleman, Elena R. Anderson, Lilliana E. Anderson, Keaton J. Ariano, Mia A. Balensiefen, Jacob R. Berry, Eleanor E. Bertelsen, Annabelle E. Betcher, Nathan E. Billingsly, Erik W. Bjorkman, Grant K. Bjorkman, Taylor E. Boone, Ethan J. Brown, Isabella M. Brown, Lillian M. Brown, Jaydon H. Burrage, Grace E. Carlson, Kolby R. Causemaker, Callie M. Copeland, Evelyn F. Dahl, Manuel De San Juan Ayala, Sally-Ann W. DeBlieck, Claire A .DeGrave, Katelyn H. DeRycke, Carter L. Dickey, Remlee C. Dwyer, Leah M. Falk, Taefyl A. Freeman, Tyler J. Gerstel ,Hazel E. Harris, Emily L. Haverback, Jakob B. Hodges, William P. Holley, Adam Jackson, Lambeau J. Janczak, Maddox A. Jansen, Mckenna G. Johnson, Micah D. Johnson, Scarlyt T. Johnson, Grace J. Kaiser, Lydia K. King, Mckenzie L. Krug, Aria L. Mayo-Bechtel, Jack V. Mickley, Madilyn E. Minnaert, Reese A. Minnaert, Mark H. Nelms, Tyler J. Nelson, Lainey M. Norville, Esref E. Onder, Samuel J. Ortiz, Eli D. Palmer, Viola A. Pettit, Lauren M. Piquard, Abby R. Poston, Carson R. Pratt, Natalie M. Reisner, Dominic T. Ritter, Landon B. Rogers, Sydney G. Rosas, Hayley A. Rubitsky, Brooklyn A. Ruby, Connor A. Runty, Ayla M. Schultz, Nyna E. Schweitzer, Brylee A. Sheffler, Brooke E. Shollenberger Reid A. Simpson Brooklyn R. Smith Molly R. Snyder, Paizley S. Stewart, Ayame F. Stroh, Claire J. Swanson, Joseph M. Thoene, Jeel Vakharia, Jiya Vakharia, Emma G. Vandeveer, Delaney D. Vroman, Lucille R. Wachtel, Kendyl C. Wassenhove, Justin R. Williams, Kylee N. Wisely, Robert C. Wolfe, Rebekah J. Zimmerman

Class of 2028

Raidyn P. Allison, Stella R. Allison, Claudia J. Angelo, Cyrus Babcock, Katherine H. Barickman, Landon L. Barnett, Luke Z. Bedford, Lillian J. Bellagamba, Evan C.Bender, Tivya R. Bernier, Fritz E. Bolme, Braxton W. Boone, Kanon J. Boster, Alivia J. Brown, Jaylee A. Brudos, Nolan J. Burton, Rylan R. Carlson, Lydia G. Carton, Quinn F. Cherry, Taeton P. Chirchir, Cole T. Clifton, Ellah R. Clifton, Harrison M. Conley, Elijah A. Coppejans, Brayden D.Cox, Mallory A. Daniels, Evelyn M. DeBaene, Emilie A. DeCastecker, Madelyn S. DeJohn, Olivia E. DeSplinter, Bryce M. Diehl, Isla D. Disterhoft, Megan A. Ehlert, Kamee A. Eighmy, Mason W. Emerick, Brycen E. Fahnestock, Andrew M. Feely, Phoenix B. Ferro-Heller, Jasmine M. Foss, Jackson T. Frank, Carter A. French, Hannah M. Fuelling, Jacey L. Gehl, Gavin M. Gillespie, Karlee C. Hankins, Kade M. Heilman, Kaylin A. Heller, Cole T. Henson, Skylar M. Hileman, Cameron J. Jansen, Annibelle M. Juarez, Austen C. Kane, Anabella V. Kelley, Lilah J. Klotz, Josephine B. Kubicek, Rayne P. Mangin, Isabella L. McConville, Raygen M. McKeag, Ian J.McShane, Addison, C. McSparin, Catalina J.Meis, Faith N. Mierop, Natalie R .Minnaert-Yocum, Ainsleigh K. Misfeldt, Keelie M . Mueller, Micah J. Nicke, Anastasia M. Pitsoulakis, Aleksie F. Possin, William Rankins, Arianna L. Robbins, Macey M. Rosholm, Ida G. Rowold, Ella J. Schaaf, Meghan M. Scheider, Brooklyn J. Schnowske, Jaxson J. Seals, Ella R. Shannon, Alyssa C. Simpson, Stella M. Smith, Addison K. Snell, Sophia G. Snell, Sydney M. State, Addilyn G. Swan, Ella C. Taylor, Keiran L. Thornburg, Luca J. Turigliatti, Kellen E. VanKerrebroeck, Eden P. VanOpdorp, Patrick J. Versluis, Kailee L. Von Motz, Nicole E. Werling, Hannah M. Wildemuth, Sage R. Windisch, Peyton A. Woodruff

Second Honor Roll - GPA 3.00 to 3.49

Class of 2025

Joshua W. Anderson Jr., Rachael L. Bauer, Camden F. Baumgardner, Mason J. Bealer, Gage K. Buckallew, Madisyn P. Buysse, Dylon R. DeBoef, Erica A. DeDecker, Jenna D. DeKezel, Connor J. Douglas, Emma G. Drockelman, Alan C. Eastburn, Kierra A. Eighmy, Addison R. Espe, Isabella G. Fletcher, Kaylee R. Floming, Cole R. Freeman, Brady J. Hamer, Taylor L. Hawkins, Savannah E. Holley, Leandro O. Ingoglia, Avery M. Kennedy, Owen M. King, Bailey L. Koning, Rylan P. Lambert, Chloe E. Medler, Nickalus D. Morris, Amber M. Newell, Dylan M. Pankey, Jack W. Polowy, Kaleb D. Rahn, Antonio R. Ramirez, Xzavier D. Reuter, Tristan S. Robinson, Ava D. Rusk, Rylie M. Rusk, Nile W. Ryerson, Ava R. Sedam, Ryan T. Shanley, Callaghan Sheehan, Bryson D. Splear, Charlie E. Stetter, Jacob C. Taylor, Carter J. VanOpdorp, Jaylyn E. Wakenight, Angelicze P. Wendland, Kaylee F. Wood

Class of 2026

Harrison J .Air, Bella M. Bailey, Fiona K. Bailey, Lincoln M. Barnett, Grady A. Bernahl, Brennan A. Brown, Kamron L. Burris, Rylen M. Chambless, Joei J. Christopherson, Mylee R. Clark, Liam J. Coleman, Noah M. Darif, Tyler R. Dowdal, Kaydee A. Eighmy, Quinnland J. Einfeldt, Perry N. Farley, Breckan A .Gomez, Jessa N. Gramling, Dalten B. Grimes, Jacob D. Holley, Alfredo E. Jimenez, Cedric J. Kehoe, Peyton R. Kies, Charlotte M. Kroll, Devan M. Lagaisse, Alegna S. Lopez, Emma A. Massingill, Owen M. Maxwell, Jaiden M. Minnaert, Isaac J. Nixon, Landon B. Nordstrom, Mahi P. Patel, Shrey Patel, Michael D. Peterson, Meya R. Pollock, Haile J. Porter, Hayden S. Schaaf, Nina E. Schmedding, Mckinsey J. Sharp, Alexander E. Snyder, Maddie L. Steinert, Izabella R. Stewart, Kwin VanKerrebroeck, Kye L. Weinzierl, Evelyn G. Wendland, Kayleigh M. Wooden

Class of 2027

Mackenzie L. Air, Flynn M. Arnett, Alexandra J. Bagby, Payton R. Boone, Evan J. Brooks, Wyatt W. Bruce, Brendan M. Cooksey, Phoenix R. Corlew, Aiden J. DeCap, Griffin C. DeWolfe, Andre P. Diediker, Madelyn J. Farnum, Adam A. Flondo,r Ethan R. Galloway, Lilyann M. Garza, Tyler R. Gross, Kylei R. Hammond, Kiersten M. Hancock, Jayden A. Harrington, Keely E. Henry, Cheyenne E. Hopkey, Megan P. Hursman, Trenton J. Kennedy, Matthew A. Kerschieter, Aksel B. Kincaid, Jack A. Kreiss, Gannon J. Marckese, Zackery A. Nanninga, Carson R. Peters, Maddison J. Rakestraw, Sydney M. Rasmussen, Lillian M. Roodhouse, Finnegan A. Schaad, Kie J. Smith, Lilly G. Stubbs, Easton A. Swan, Emerson J. Swan, Kaden J. VanAntwerp, Jensen D. Vroman, Connor M. Webster, Landon D. Weimer, AvaLynn G. Westfall, Jayden A. Wexell, Ryder J. Whitney, Alexis J. Williams

Class of 2028

Piper M. Andersen, Layna Z. Bassett, Logan L. Betcher, Allison M. Boone, Makayla R. Bros, Sophie L. Carter, Dawsyn E. Ceurvorst, Greyson F. Claerhout, Ella K. Clementz, Brinnley P. Coppejans, Lydia M. DeKezel, Gracyn P. DeShane, Sophia P. Doyle, Jack B. Drouin, Camryn N. Ebert, Gretchen A. Fuelling, Jack C. Gehling, Andrew J. Hamerlinck, Eva J. Hansen, Kalienna N. Herberg, James H. Hill III, Caimbrie O. Jozwiak, Anadiyah M. Karn, Noah J. Klick, Penelope A. Kline, Mayson J. Lambin, Taylor R. Lohberg, Isaiah J. Melton, Jason J. Milem, Alice M. Miller, Madison J. Morrison, Quin R. Nichols, Evan M. Orwig, Jadynn B. Pollard, Colin M. Roemer, Dylan J. Schneider, Emma T. Sebastian, Madelyn E. Sherman, Maycie L. Sims, Kyla K. Strode, Chase M. VanDeWoestyne. Jayden C. Wheaton

Food Pantry Sees Large Increase in Number of Families Served - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Residents may notice a large bright and shiny red van in the area and wonder who owns the vehicle. The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry (GAFP) is the new owner of the 1999 Ford van, a gift from the congregation at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo…And a welcome gift, according to Mike Sigwalt, director of the food pantry.

Sigwalt shared that the pantry has been realizing a steady increase in the number of families served, since he became director in 2021.

“Looking at our last fiscal year, October 2023 through September 2024, and comparing that to the prior fiscal year, we had experienced an average increase of 57 percent in the number of families served,” he said. “By the end of Sept. 2024, we had set a new record of 278 families served.”

Mike Sigwalt, director of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, explained the above chart: “When we implemented our ‘open geography’ we monitored where our pantry were coming form so we could gauge the impact of this decision,” he added. “The chart shows where the pantry guests are coming from.”

When Sigwalt began his position at the food pantry in August of 2021, there were 47 families served, in comparison to the 387 families served in November of 2024, which is a record month so far.

And the number of families served by the local food pantry has continued to increase, Sigwalt said….”So far this fiscal year, October through December 2024, we have served an average of 350 families per month, which is a 64 percent increase in the number of families served over the same period in the prior fiscal year.”

GAFP has actively worked with area retailers to “rescue food” for use in the food pantry and Sigwalt explained, “With the increase in the number of families we serve, we have increased the number of retailers we work with to ‘rescue food. We have been modestly successful in expanding the amount of food we’ve rescued from retailers. We had been averaging rescuing about 3,300 pounds of food each month. The increase in the retailers we work with has resulted in an average increase in the amount of food rescued.”

In December of 2024, the local pantry rescued 8,200 pounds (four tons) of food and Sigwalt said that large of volume is not anticipated each month, “but we are expecting to recover about 5,000 pounds of food each month.”

“As the family volumes have increased, the amount of food we need to secure has also increased,” he added, explaining that in the past the food pantry staff has used their personal vehicles for the food rescue, but those vehicles are increasingly becoming too small for the amount of food needed to secure.

“In addition to food rescue, we also go to the area food banks to pick up food and the amount we order is frequently limited by the amount we are able to carry,” he said. “Having the new van will help us in our continual quest to obtain sufficient food for our pantry guests.”

In expressing his thanks for the church donating the van to the food pantry, Sigwalt said, “Grace United Methodist Church’s generosity is really greatly appreciated! For in-town food acquisitions, it has not been uncommon for us to have to make more than one trip to secure all the food. Additionally, as we’ve expanded our search for additional food retailers to work with, we have several which are located out side of Geneseo, and it wouldn’t be practical to make more than one trip to these locations. And we’ll be able to order more through our food banks.”

DOES THE FOOD PANTRY SERVE MORE THAN ATKINSON AND GENESEO?

The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry has long been required to serve families outside of the immediate area, Sigwalt said, and explained, “A particular grantor we work with requires us to serve every person who comes to the food pantry, regardless of where they reside. We have always strived to create a welcoming environment at GAFP…Hunger does not recognize geography, neither should we.”

“We have helped people obtain food who happened to hit hard times at ‘Exit 19 on I-80’ as they traveled from Utah to New York. We have served countless homeless people. We have helped a number of people who are in need of assistance simply because it’s the compassionate thing to do.”

The pantry director added that a number of the grantors and government agencies the GAFP works with increasingly requires them to serve everyone who comes to the local pantry doors seeking assistance…;”More specifically, there are some rules from River Bend Food Bank which would seem to imply we should accept all who come to our doors.”

As of Jan. 1, the Illinois Department of Human Services has mandated that the food pantry: “no longer collect a photo identification card, a piece of mail, residency documentation, or any other such similar documents for The Emergency Food Assistance Program eligibility.”

Sigwalt said he is aware of rumors on social media and other channels that suggest the GAFP is serving more people outside of the immediate are that they are serving families living within the Geneseo School District…”The rumor is based on concerns regarding our lifting geographic restrictions for people receiving food and clothing from GAFP,” he explained. “It is true, we have lifted geographic restrictions. This was done primarily for a grantor requiring we do not turn anyone away who requires food from our pantry. Since we had been serving the homeless and transient people requiring assistance, requiring a specified geographic service area for food distribution seemed superfluous and the process ran contrary to many of our agreements with our upstream partner agencies.” (See chart).

“The blue and orange show the GAFP families served, respectively,” he said. “As the chart shows, about 79 percent of the families served are from Geneseo and Atkinson. Significantly, the data demonstrates we have not been ‘neglecting’ Geneseo or Atkinson families as seems to have been recently rumored. In fact, the number of Geneseo and Atkinson families we serve has continued to increase.”

“One side benefit has emerged by tracking the demographics of our pantry visitors,” he added. “We have been able to identify the ‘food deserts’ existing in the area and we have been working with River Bend Food Bank, the University of Illinois Extension, and other area agencies to develop potential solutions for these’ food deserts’.”

(“Food deserts” are communities lacking grocery stores and also lack a food pantry serving their community).

Sigwalt provided examples: “We do not want families to travel excessive miles for pantry food, and through our collaborative efforts with our agency partners, we may be able to finally address some of the underlying catalysts for area food-insecurity.”

 

Grace Church Gives Church Van to Food Pantry - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry now has a van, a gift from the congregation at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

According to food pantry and church staff, the vehicle will be put to good use.

Karen Doy, who is president of the Missions Committee at Grace Church, and who also serves on the food pantry board, shared how the idea happened to give the van to the food pantry…”At the November board meeting of the food pantry, Mike Sigwalt, director of the food pantry, shared that there are a record number of guests using the pantry. He also mentioned that due to the increased workload, River Bend Food Pantry is no longer picking up from Silvis Wal-Mart, Jewel-Osco and Aldi grocery stores. River Bend offered local food pantries could pick up what they wanted and what they would e able to pick up.

Doy added that the additional amount of food would really help meet the local food pantry’s large demand

She said she and Sigwalt talked after that November meeting….”I felt that it was not feasible for the Pantry employees’ vehicles to be utilized due to traveling distance and quantity of food. Geneseo donations also often require multiple trips due to the size of personal vehicles.”

Mike Sigwalt, left, director of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry, accepts the keys to the van in the photograph from Brian Humphries, president of the Grace United Methodist Church Board of Trustees; and Karen Doy, president of the Missions Committee at Grace Church and also a board member of the food pantry. The van was donated to the food panty from Grace Church. Photo by Claudia Loucks

HOW GRACE CHURCH CHOSE TO DONATE THE VAN:

As president of the Missions Board at Grace Church, Doy attended a Grace Church Council meeting where she learned that the church was no longer using the church van and a question was asked as to whether the van should be sold.

“No decision was made at that time,’ Doy said, but it was at that time when she emailed Brian Humphries, who serves as chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Grace Church, to ask if the church would be interested in selling the van…”I explained why it would help the Pantry. It was through discussions of the boards involved that a decision was made to donate the van to the food pantry.”

Brian Humphries shared that the decision to donate the van was made by the Church Trustees with final approval made by the Grace Church Council...”Use of the van has decreased greatly since Covid. So, while the van was still in good running condition, it made sense to allocate this resource where the need was greater.”

The 1999 Dodge van purchased new by the church in 1999 and its current mileage is 70,000.

“While the van has been used sporadically in the past few years, we felt that it would be used more frequently by the food pantry,” Humphries said. “After all, vehicles need to be driven to stay in good working condition…”I’m so glad we were able to contribute to the food pantry by donating the van which will, in turn, benefit the community.”

Other church members who were involved in making the donation happen include Steve Wildemuth, who made sure the van was in good running condition.

Doy added, ”Steve and I met Mike Sigwalt on a Saturday to test drive the van and Mike thought it sounded, looked and drove like a wonderful Christmas present.”

Kirk Hodgson of Pinks’ Paint and Body Shop in Geneseo, was responsible for removing all exterior decals as well as seats and seat belts, at no cost.

And Mike Sigwalt’s appreciation was evident with the big smile he had when given the keys to the van…”Having the van will help us in our continual quest to obtain sufficient food for our pantry guests. Grace United Methodist Church’s generosity is really greatly appreciated! For in-town food acquisitions, it has not been uncommon for us to have to make more than one trip to secure all the food. Additionally, as we’ve expanded our search for additional food retailers to work with, we have several which are located outside of Geneseo (specifically Silvis and Kewanee) and it wouldn’t be practical to make more than one trip to these locations. And we’ll be able to order more through our food banks.”

 

Miss Henry County Fair Attends State Pageant

Cambridge, IL - Johnna Fulcher, 20, of Geneseo, is no stranger to competition. As a young girl, she fell in love with the game of soccer, playing all through high school and eventually becoming the team captain for Black Hawk College’s Women’s Soccer team. But Fulcher will be trading in her cleats next weekend for an evening gown and a pair of heels as she competes in the 2025 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen pageant.

The upcoming competition will be Fulcher’s second ever pageant experience. Her first being the Miss Henry County Fair queen pageant, which she won on her first attempt in June.

Johnna Fulcher

“Sitting in grandstands watching the Henry County Pageant was a bit of a summer staple for me,” said Fulcher. “Year after year, I’d go to watch my friends compete and eventually I thought I should give it a try too. I never would have predicted that I’d be the one winning the crown, but I’ve had such a wonderful time being Miss Henry County Fair.”

Fulcher spent her summer reigning over the Henry County Fair, which took place June 18 through the 23. She also traveled to many surrounding county pageants to meet and congratulate their new queens. However, Fulcher says the most rewarding part about being queen has been spending time in her community.

“I’ve loved being able to volunteer throughout the community,” said Fulcher. “There have been so many events I’ve been able to help with and I’ve loved witnessing how Henry County comes together to support one another.”

Fulcher will compete for the state title Jan. 16-19 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. The state pageant is held in conjunction with the annual convention of county fairs, the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF).

“I’m really looking forward to the state pageant and experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said. “It’ll be really fun to bond with other queens from different counties and I know whatever the outcome is, I’ll learn so much from this weekend.”

Fulcher is contestant number 60 of the 74 young women competing in this year’s pageant. Each contestant will have a four-minute interview with the panel of judges, and will also compete in evening gown, swimsuit, and speech categories.

The top 16 finalists will be announced on Sunday, Jan. 19. Each finalist will re-compete in the evening gown, swimsuit, and speech categories. They will also be judged on three pop questions. The 2025 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen will be chosen and crowned that evening.

Fulcher is the daughter of David and Margo Hone, of Geneseo. She is currently a sophomore at Black Hawk College, planning to continue her education at Carl Sandburg College to become a dental hygienist. She is currently a member of the Black Hawk College Student Athlete Leadership Council and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She is in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is an honors student at Black Hawk College, and was selected for the All-Regional Soccer Team Award.

Katie Kutsunis Joins Central Banc, Inc. Board of Directors

John T. DuBois, President & CEO
(309) 944-5601

Geneseo, IL — As of January 1, 2025, Katie Kutsunis has joined the corporate Board of Directors of Central Banc, Inc. Central Banc, Inc. is the holding company of Central Bank Illinois, headquartered in Geneseo, Illinois. It sets the strategic direction and risk management policies for the company within its corporate governance structure.

Katie Kutsunis, a resident of Geneseo, Illinois, is the owner of GWK Enterprises, Inc., a successful chain of six women’s apparel stores called Four Seasons and one gift store called Pegasus Fine Gifts, with the home office located in downtown Geneseo. Her academic credentials include a degree from Augustana College, complemented by her prestigious Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, underscoring her expertise in financial and business management.

Katie has been an integral part of the Geneseo community through her active involvement in various civic and professional organizations. She has served as the President of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce in 1998, 2010, and 2024, demonstrating her longstanding dedication to local business development. Additionally, her leadership extended to the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, where she held the position of President in 2024.

Her remarkable journey in retail and community engagement makes her a perfect fit for the Board, where she will continue to champion retail excellence and foster community relations. John DuBois, President & CEO of Central Bank Illinois., announced the Board appointment, stating, "I am pleased to announce the addition of Katie Kutsunis as a director of Central Banc, Inc., the holding company of Central Bank Illinois.” DuBois continued, “With Katie’s retail and customer/community business focus, we are excited to add her skill set to the Board."

DuBois also announced the retirement of John Greenwood from the Board of Directors of Central Banc, Inc., effective March 31, 2025. “John has served on the Board for over three decades, and his experience and leadership, as the current Board Chairman, will be missed. We thank him for his years of service to the Bank, its shareholders, customers, and staff,” DuBois stated.

Central Bank Illinois is a full-service community bank and financial services provider headquartered in Geneseo, Illinois. Since first opening in 1907, the company has grown to approximately $1.4 billion in assets and expanded to the Illinois communities of Andover, Ashton, Fulton, Oregon, Peru, Princeton, Rochelle, and Sterling, with a limited-purpose branch in Prophetstown.

Member FDIC/Equal Housing Lender/Equal Opportunity Employer

Geneseo Middle School Readers Choose 2025 On the Same Page Community Book Read

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Student readers at Geneseo Middle School have selected the Kate O’Shaughnessy novel “Lasagna Means I Love You” for the 15th On the Same Page Community-Wide Read.

“Lasagna Means I Love You” focuses on a little girl named Mo who ends up in foster care following the death of her grandmother. Mo teaches herself to cook and begins collecting family recipes as she adjusts to her new situation.

Volunteer sixth, seventh, and eighth grade readers select the OSP book each year.

Geneseo Middle School sixth grader Hadley Wyffels shows a copy of “Lasagna Means I Love You, the 15th On the Same Page Community-Wide Read selection.

According to Jeanne Brucher, Geneseo Middle School Librarian, said, “This is a student-led project. Each spring we start with about 20 books, and it takes the student readers until October to narrow to their final selection.”

As a result of the support from the Geneseo Education Foundation, Geneseo Kiwanis, and the GMS Library; there is no cost to participate in the program. Copies of the novel will be available in various locations in the community for community members to take, read, and pass along. Copies may also be picked up at the school office.

Each year, students plan a culminating event to tie to the book. Inspired by the recipes in “Lasagna Means I Love you,” readers are encouraged to participate in two ways. First, GMS students are collecting favorite family recipes for an online cookbook. To see recipes or add you own, click on: https://sites.google.com/geneseoschools.org/gms-osp-fav-fam-recipes/home. OSP will also host a Family Favorites Potluck at GMS from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, at the Geneseo Middle School. Families are invited to bring a favorite food item to share. The Book Fair also will be open that evening.

For more information about the On the Same Page Program and to watch the student-produced book talk video, visit https://gcsdblogs.org/onthesamepage, or contact program coordinator Brucher at GMS, 309-945-0599.

Links:

On the Same Page Website https://gcsdblogs.org/onthesamepage GMS 2025 OSP Book Talk Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGbOxkMv1nE

The Best Dam Show - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

2025

It sure didn’t start very good with the New Year’s massacre at New Orleans. Just plain senseless. I hope I’m wrong, but let’s pray there are no copy cats out there willing to kill innocent people for some stupid cause.

Go, Bears & Others

Last weekend I was happy to see my favorite sport teams come away with wins. My “Super Bowl” was ‘da Bears beating the Packers. Great game!
So was the Notre Dame women’s basketball team beating North Carolina. They are so awesome. Other fun-to-watch teams were Illinois, Nebraska and Iowa State. All winners in either football or basketball.

Hornpipe Dance

I like to watch military parade marching bands from all over the globe. One that I recently found on the internet was from India. You will see an India Navy band marching and when it stops, about 75 young lady India Sea Cadets do a really neat and nautical performance. I forwarded the video to friend, Tony Petreikis, and he hit the nail-on-the-head.
The music was like that of the old Popeye cartoons. The ladies mimicked many Navy nautical moves like swabbing the decks, etc. Check it out by typing the following: The Hornpipe Dance by Sea Cadets of the Indian Navy 2024 (or 2023, it’s the same routine).

Garrett Petreikis, son of Tony Petreikis, retired local Game Warden, recently caught this northern pike in a Wisconsin lake.  

Speaking of India

One of the foreign students we hosted during the recent Thanksgiving holidays was from India and attending the University of Chicago. She is Mrs. Vartika Singh, 38. She was one very bright young lady. I enjoyed teasing her and she would match my joking. I told her I should say prayers for her poor husband! Anyway, it was nice having her stay with us and also learning more about India.

When I wasn’t Old

When I was a teen, I worked summers pumping gas for pleasure boats at the Rock Island Boat Club. One time I had forgotten my gasoline pump keys. I drove my motor bike (Mo-ped) in a big hurry to get the keys. I switched lanes and a big old Buick hit me from behind. Back then, helmets were rare to be seen. Fortunately, I wasn’t hurt badly and the guy took off.
My poor Mo-ped actually made it home so I got the pump keys and made it back to work. I was very lucky!
You would not believe the drunks that came to the dock. Sometimes they would come in way to fast and scratch the side of their boat. One time a guy fell when he hit the dock. He was so plastered.

Switching gears, remember guys our haircuts back then? The crewcut, mohawk, and flattop were popular. I always got a crewcut at Arnie’s (Anderson) Barber Shop, 2300 block of 5th Avenue in Moline. One time I had a crush on a gal that worked at the LeClaire Hotel in Moline.
I was a substitute letter carrier and the hotel had a mail chute. I had to go inside and empty the mail from the chute. One time I was in a hurry and somehow broke the glass on the inside door. I didn’t get in any trouble. However, one winter I hit a car with my postal vehicle. It was a very minor accident, but I did get my wrists slapped! That was 1961. Oh, one more thing. When I had a mail route in Moline I had to deliver mail in the 5th Avenue Building. I can’t remember exactly how many floors, but I would drop off #3 postal sacks full of mail on various floors as I went to the top floor. Now just think, that would never fly today. It would be so easy to steal mail from the sacks.
The building also had mail chutes and they would often jam from someone pushing bundles of letters in the narrow chutes. Long ago, Moline Postmaster, Wally Babl, and I would have lunch together. Often a waitress, when we were leaving would say, “Thank you, and have a nice day!” Wally would say, “No thank you, I have other plans!” He was funny.

Humor

Don Morrison, North Carolina, is quite the bird guy. A few days ago his obese parrot died. It was a huge weight off his shoulders.

Dale Dobbler, Cambridge, got another deer. Yeah, like he needs another deer head on the wall. Pretty soon he’ll have them mounted on the “outside” of his home. He told me the other day he should invent a beer called, “Occasionally.” So, when asked, Dale can say “I drink occasionally.”

Dale Collis, Galva, went to his doctor. The doctor said, “You have the “Peak A Boo” virus. So, he sent Dale straight to the ICU.

Dale Kiser, Geneseo, recently saw a documentary on beavers. He said it was the best dam show he’d ever seen.

Quote of the Week

“To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”

  • George Washington

Therapy Dog on Staff at Millikin Elementary - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Even though “Bodey” has been at Millikin Elementary School in Geneseo for a short time, his owner, Jennifer Snodgrass, a special education teacher at Millikin, has already seen the benefits of having him in the building.

“Bodey,” a therapy dog who now spends his days at Millikin Elementary in Geneseo when classes are in session, is photographed with students Mia Dyer, Oliver Holeman; and Jennifer Snodgrass, teacher at Millikin and Bodey’s owner; and students Titus Fahner and Trey Dewey.

“Bodey,” a 14-month-old Mini Newfypoo, who makes his home with Jennifer and her husband, Justin, began attending training sessions in February of 2023 at Legacy Therapy Dogs, where he successfully completed both basic and advanced training. He passed the Canine Good Citizen test and continued his education to become a certified therapy dog. After completing his supervised hours in November, “Bodey” began attending Millikin School with Snodgrass shortly after Thanksgiving break.

Snodgrass said “Bodey” has made a positive impact at Millikin “by greeting students in the morning, providing comfort to those feeling anxious or hesitant about entering school. His presence has been particularly helpful in creating a calm atmosphere, reducing stress, and assisting with emotional regulation among students.”

She said “Bodey” also at times has been present in the gym during morning supervision and at recess…”He has helped de-escalate situations and supports students in transitioning back to class.”

Snodgrass is responsible for “Bodey” throughout the school day, as a result of the extensive training that the two with through together….”We do push into classrooms during the day and ‘Bodey’ attends fifth grade math class daily. If a classroom requests ‘Bodey’ for time in the classroom, we make time work in the schedule. He also does many walks through when I pick up kids from classrooms.”

“Bodey” remains at Millikin for either the entire day or for a half-day, and on Tuesdays, he is at school for a half-day, as he has training on Tuesday nights and Snodgrass added, “So he isn’t too tired for training.”

Throughout the school day, “Bodey” has assisted students needing mental breaks, and has even served as a patient listener during story time, Snodgrass added…”His calming presence has not only been a benefit to the students, but also has had a positive impact on staff. Watching a once-apprehensive child smile while walking ‘Bodey’ down the hall or seeing a distressed student quickly become calm in his presence has been incredibly rewarding.”

It was a friend who inspired Snodgrass to have “Bodey” go through training to become a therapy dog…”A good friend of mine who is a school counselor has a therapy dog in the Chicago land area,” she explained. “She inspired me to have ‘Bodey’ go through the training to become a therapy dog as well.”

She added, “I also see the emotions of many children at school on a daily basis that can be just a little sadness or unsettled to big emotions to where students need to take a break from the classroom setting…I could see how a therapy dog could be beneficial at our school setting.”

“Bodey” has made a significant difference at Millikin, Snodgrass said, and added that she looks forward to seeing how he continues to help students “regulate their emotions and succeed in school.”

Hines Named Park District Recreation Program Specialist

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nathaniel Hines has been named full-time Recreation Program Specialist for the Geneseo Park District.

Hines has been employed by the Park District since May of 2015, starting work in the concession stand and then expanding his role to include lifeguarding, swim instruction, desk attendant, building supervisor and working in special events, general programs, and countless other areas over the years.

He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, Macomb, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration, with a minor in Human Resource Management.

In his new role as Recreation Program Specialist, Hines will oversee the planning, implementation, and supervision of a broad range of recreational activities and events. His primary working hours will be in the afternoons and evenings, with variations based on program needs.

A statement from the Park District said, “With his diverse experiences and educational background, Nathaniel is uniquely qualified to enhance and expand the recreation programming for our community.”

Geneseo Community Chest Distributes Funds - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Just over $90,000 was collected by the Geneseo Community Chest in its 2023-2024 fiscal year, and $92,700 recently was distributed to various organizations which are:

-Lunchbox, Aisle of Flags, Geneseo Growth & Development; Ag in the Classroom (Farmer Bureau), Alternatives for the Older Adult, Inspire Continuing care, Freedom House, Geneseo Marriage & Family Counseling, Abilities Plus, Boy Scouts, Center for Youth & Family Services, Braveheart Henry County Advocacy, Geneseo Historical Museum, Sol’s Legacy, Henry County Youth Services, Rebuilding Together, Royal Family Kids’ Camp, Girl Scouts, Good Shepherd Foundation, Hillcrest Home and the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter.

Bethany Winkleman, vice president of the Geneseo Community Chest Board, expressed appreciation from the Community Chest board to the community for their support and said, “One of the many reasons that our family decided to move back to Geneseo was due to the amazing support, generosity, and true love for this town.  We thank the community for a wonderful 2024 and look forward to funding more needs in 2025!"

The Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, is among the organizations receiving contributions from the Geneseo Community Chest. In the photo are, from left, Taunya McGee, president of the Geneseo Community Chest board; Jamie DeSplinter, board member of the Henry County Humane Society; and Bethany Winkleman, vice president of the Community Chest board. In addition to McGee and Winkleman, other officers of the Community Chest board are Jackie DeSpain, treasurer; and Jenna Rushing, secretary. Photo by Claudia Loucks

SOME HISTORY OF THE GENESEO COMMUNITY CHEST AND HOW TO HELP:

The Geneseo Community Chest was incorporated in 1943 and each year it reaches out to financially aid non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life in the Geneseo area.

The 15-member board of directors of the Geneseo Community Chest each year obtains funds to help support non-profits in the Geneseo area.

When the local Community Chest was organized in 1943, there were nine board members whose task it was to solicit funds to aid charitable, philanthropic and character-building non-profit organizations in the community to benefit its citizens. In 1983, the organization secured 501 (c3) status ensuring that donations made to the organization would be tax deductible.

Since 1983, the board has increased to the current 15 members it has today, all volunteers giving of their time and talents.

Board members meet with organizations to review their needs and then solicit funds through a community-wide campaign.

Community Chest receives its donations from foundations, such as the Geneseo Foundation, the Miller Foundation, local businesses, and from many area citizens. The organization utilizes Birdies for Charity to maximize donations to help fund requests.

The Geneseo Community Chest annually solicits funds.

Donations are accepted throughout the year and information on how to contribute is available at the website: www.//geneseocommunitychest.org.

Deer In The Headlights - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

“Sell the Team, 6 to 3!”

Our son, Lance, Lorna and I watched the Seahawks vs. Bears game last Thursday. It got to be just hilarious the way ‘da Bears played so horrible. QB Williams was definitely like a “deer in the headlights.”
We wondered if before the game their offensive line stayed in the locker room and switched uniforms with one of the local high school teams?
I’ve seen a zillion Bears’ games both at Soldier Field and on TV and this one had to be in their top 5 worse games ever. Now that’s saying something!
At the end of the game the rain-soaked fans were chanting, “Sell the Team, Sell the Team, etc.” Six to three was the final score. The last game of the season will be at Green Bay so again it’s time to bring out the over-the-head paper sacks like at the Seattle game. “Go, Bears!” Ugh!!

Happy New Year 2025

What will it bring? Last year seemed to be a mess. No matter how we voted it should be quite a ride, good ‘n bad.
Healthwise, Lorna and I held our own although it sure could have been better for Lorna. Still, we know lots of folks where it has been really rough going. God help them!

Sports

Wow! The two bowl games with Nebraska and Iowa State in participation were really good games.
Sunday’s women basketball game between Virginia and Notre Dame was fun to watch (that is, if ‘yer a ND fan). It is really fun to watch those ND gals play up ‘n down the hardboards. When they get Maddy Westbeld back in the starting five, look out!

When I wasn’t Old

I don’t know exactly why, but I can remember as a kid growing up I wanted to join the French Foreign Legion. I think it might have been from seeing some movie. What brought it to mind recently was I saw on the web a 2024 military parade in Paris. It showed marching Legionnaire Engineers in the front of the parade. They had leather aprons on and each soldier carried an axe. Their marching was slow and interesting.
Behind the Engineers marched the French Army. If you type on the web, “French Foreign Legion Parade, 2024” you will see photos of the event. With a little more exploring you can see the actual video of the parade. Unusual and very cool.
I remember growing up in the late 40s, early ‘50s I wanted to be a cowboy, priest and a knight (I remember I made a wooden sword and some sort of cape).
Me and my friends had fun playing cowboys and Indians. We all liked Roy Rogers because he used real bullets.
One more thing: Remember the full size polar bear in the lobby of the former Holiday Inn in Moline? I wonder what ever happened to the stuffed bear?

Christmas Day

Probably like some of you folks traveling, we took I-80 East to visit our daughter’s family for Christmas. (Yay! Hardly a semi in sight). Christmas evening we went to New Lenox to visit our son-in-law’s family, Mike and Sheryl Nommensen Family. Geez, what a feast did they have! Unbelievable!!!!
Our son, Lance, who lives in St. Louis, visited us for a few days after Christmas. I mentioned to our kids that from here on I might not live to see anymore Christmases and that I love them. I’m glad I did that.
We did make it to Church services at St. John Vianney Church as honoring the Christ child is important to us. Lorna’s sister played the hand bells at church and that was nice.
Most unusual Christmas gift received? A battery powered bird feeder that takes photos when a bird lands on the perch.

Humor

  1. What do you get when you cross a Lassie with a rose?

    Ans: A collie flower.

  2. Where can you leave your dog while you shop?

    Ans: A barking lot.

  3. What did the mother buffalo say to her son before he left?
    Ans: “Bison!”

  4. Why did the farmer give the horse a hammer at bedtime?

    Ans: So the horse would hit the hay.

5) Where do baby calves go for lunch? Ans: The calf-eteria.

Quote of the Week

“Fear is a feeling that is stronger than love.”

  • Pliny the Younger

GHS Students’ 2025 New Year’s Resolutions, Part 2 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Resolutions are from senior students at Geneseo High School, in Ali (Stern) Litton’s Family and Consumer Science and Managing Lifestyle classes. (Not in alphabetical order).

Continued from Part 1 that published yesterday.

Anthony Carter – “My New Year’s resolution this year is to save money so I can later buy an apartment, a new car, food, gas, and bills I’ll have to pay. I also want to be more supportive to others and be friendlier.”

Jordan Thomas – “For the new year, my resolution is to get better at time management, as I have a very busy week between school, sports, work, and hanging out with friends. To get all the things I need to get done and do all the things I want to do, I have to be able to keep my activities in order.”

Addi Snodgrass – “As a senior, my New Year’s resolution is to take on new challenges and push myself to try unfamiliar or intimidating things. With college just around the corner, I’ll be entering a new environment and meeting new people, which means I’ll need to adapt and push myself to try things that feel unfamiliar or daunting. By embracing these opportunities for growth, I’m setting myself up for success as I transition to college life.”

Logan VanDeWoestyne – “My New Year’s resolution is to practice my college theatre auditions. I have a few auditions for schools coming up in January and February that I want to focus on and perfect in order to make it into their programs. One of my other New Year’s resolutions is to find a better job and get better hours to get paid because I do not work enough.”

Lillliana Balluff – “As someone whose dream career is to be a language translator, my New Year’s Resolution is to continue improving my Spanish. I will make it a goal to have at least one conversation in Spanish whether it’s an in-person conversation or over the internet. It’s necessary to talk in Spanish frequently in order to become fluent, so I’ll put in the effort to achieve this goal.”

Kaylee Floming – “My New Year’s resolution is to focus more on myself and less on others. I want to focus more on myself to better my health going into my last semester of senior year. I will accomplish this by spending time doing things that I enjoy and setting aside time designated for me.”

Katie VanDeWoestyne – “My New Year’s resolution is to step out of my comfort zone. As I go to college I want to feel okay about being in different environments, and exploring new things.”

Hayden Veryzer – “My New Year’s Resolution is to improve my study habits by creating a regular study schedule and stay focused on school to better my learning. This will help me prepare and develop the necessary skills needed in college to earn my degree.”

Eric States – “For my New Year’s Resolutions I would like to work on a few things, the first being my organization skills. With finishing high school and becoming more independent I will need to organize and manage my time better and all that stems from organizing. The second resolution is to manage my finances better, along with heading off to college I will need to take charge of my money and how I am spending it. Along wit these very useful skills to work on in the New Year, my last resolution is to enjoy my last high school year. Being the top dog for the last time I will focus on attending school activities and spending time with my friends.”

Avery Kennedy – “My New Year’s Resolution is to save more money. Saving money will help me build better financial habits for my future. My first step to this will be budgeting.”

Gwenivere Erickson – “My resolution for 2025 is to continue learning about what’s interesting to me and breaking from the stringent curriculum I’ve been put through since I was 6. I don’t want to lose my interest in learning after high school. Instead, I want to reassess what’s important to me. Nothing against the average school curriculum, but I’m bored and losing my own sense of creativity. Here’s to a year of building my own curriculum.”

Emilia Schmitt - “My New Year’s Resolution for the coming year is to finalize college admission and apply to more scholarships. I’ve already been accepted into Culver-Stockton College, but I’ve yet to complete my acceptance to start finding my dormitory and roommate search. Furthermore, I’ve already applied to some scholarships but there are no limitations on how many I could try for. In my last semester of senior year these are the goals that I’m shooting to complete in the time that I have before graduation.”

Katelynn McMahill – “My New Year’s resolution is to become more involved in social media. Although every teenager is assumed to be addicted to social media, it is something that I never felt connected to. With the built-in aversion, I never took the time to think of the benefits that I am now in need of when entering college. In entering this next stage in my life I need to be more involved to not only find new friends in college, but I also need to find a suitable roommate. My older sister and many others have found amazing roommates through Instagram and other networks. I hope to have the same luck and meet someone I can befriend in preparation for college!”

Dru Curcuru – “My New Year’s resolution is to stop eating out, stay caught up on homework, and read more books.”

Elizabeth Carlin – “My New Year’s resolution is to spend less money and gas on getting fast food, snacks, coffee drinks, etc. This is my New Year’s resolution because I spend a lot of my money on useless things that aren’t good for my health or worth buying all the time in the long run. When I need money for bigger and better items I don’t have the funds to pay for it.”

GHS Students’ 2025 New Year’s Resolutions, Part 1 - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It’s “out with the old,” and “in with the new” for several seniors at Geneseo High School as they share resolutions for the New Year.

Each New Year brings with it the very best intentions by young and old alike for the forthcoming 365 days. In earlier times, when most people lived in rural areas, preparations for the New Year included slaughtering any livestock that could not survive the dark months of winter. Thus, the origin of “New Year’s resolutions,” when people should “slaughter” their weaknesses.

A modern day ritual involves writing down faults that one hopes to be rid of and then burning the paper.

Resolutions are from senior students at Geneseo High School, in Ali (Stern) Litton’s Family and Consumer Science and Managing Lifestyle classes. (Not in alphabetical order).

Ava DeWolfe – “My New Year’s resolution is to overall better myself and my life. I want to become a better and healthier person. I will do this by gaining more strength to improve my health, through working out and eating better, nutritious food. I will bring more happiness to myself and those around me by performing two acts of kindness throughout each of my days. I want to become a better person not only to improve my health, both mental and physical, but also to be a better person for those around me.”

Kailee Williams – “My New Year’s resolution is to be focused on my education, health, and volleyball career. I want to be able to graduate with a good GPA, while also having good grades in all of my classes. Regarding health and volleyball, I want to be able to stay physically healthy and train/play my best for a future college team.”

Abby Wilshusen – “My New Year’s resolutions are to get more involved in my faith and to start a healthier lifestyle. To achieve these things, I am going to listen to a Bible in a year, which only takes up 30 minutes tops. I’m going to get more involved in TEC and within my church. To have a healthier lifestyle, I’m not going to go on some crazy diet but I’m going to be mindful of what I’m eating, and eating things in moderation. I’m also going to try to go for runs and walks to stay fit, and healthy. Another thing is I’m going to lay off drinking to many energy drinks and soda because they’re awful for your heart health and overall just not good for your body. These are my New Year’s resolutions that I am going to strive for,”

Josh Anderson – “My New Year’s resolution this year is to be at home more. I need to be making more memories with my family and taking care of my dog while at home. Resulting in me taking those memories with my family with me to college.”

Allison Wille – “My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to successfully complete my first semester of nursing school while working as a CNA. Going along with that, I also hope to stop procrastinating and make school easier for myself.”

Preston Jones – “My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to work harder on my grades. I want to work on getting my work completed on time and being able to do it well. I also wish to study more so I can do better on tests and quizzes. For this New Year I hope to have better grades and a better understanding of my classes.”

Carter Eastburn – “My New Year’s resolution is pretty basic and cheesy, but it’s important to me that I can learn and get better. My resolution is to improve myself both physically and mentally. That includes finding the motivation to work out, eat healthier, eat regularly, and stop trying to find that motivation in someone else.”

Brooklyn Banta-Hall – “My New Year’s resolution is to not procrastinate and just get things done before the last minute. Soon I will be out of high school so I will need to keep up on things so I can be reliable; In 2025 will not procrastinate and get more things done.”

Jaidah Cribbs - “For 2025 my first New Year’s resolution is to save money to be able to afford big purchases like a new car, an apartment, or buy a new phone. My second resolution is to not eat out at fast food restaurants a lot and work on eating healthier along with working out more. The third New Year’s resolution is to be more organized with my room and when I schedule things to do. My final New Year’s resolution is to go on an airplane for the first time and go to at least three states, along with stopping my procrastination on getting my CNA certificate to go to schools for Nursing. With this being said I am hoping to be successful in the goals that I have set for myself.”

Chloe Medler – “My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to do better with not procrastinating. I want to do better with not putting things off like laundry and doing homework. I want to become more organized as I get older so then that way I can get things done quicker and not wait until the last minute to do it.”

Jack Polowy – “My New Year’s resolution for 2025 is that I want to better myself by getting back into working out and to become more organized. I hope to become more healthy from working out which can help better my physical and mental health. I also hope to become more organized before I go off to college; I think it will help me get better at doing things and finding the things I need.”

Alex Moe – “My New Year’s resolutions are to find a better relationship with God. I want to be a conference pitcher for our high school baseball team. I want to be stronger and more athletic. I want to go to college and play baseball and become a main pitcher. I want to be more productive for work.”

The rest will publish tomorrow!