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The Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St., Geneseo.
Josh Spensley, of CE Ford & Sons, Inc., will present the program on lawn care and grasses. He will also answer questions from the group about lawns.
Refreshments will be served by Barb Schlotfeldt and Linda Washburn. Guests are welcome to attend the meeting.
Zachary Montez will graduate this spring from Geneseo High School and he will leave behind a legacy in wrestling that will long be remembered.
Montez, the son of Jesse Montez and Sarah Montez, climbed to the top by breaking the all-time career-wins record when he collected his 167th win in the last home dual meet of his career when the Leafs defeated Rock Island 57-14. The previous record of 166 wins has been held by Adam Sheley since 2009.
For now, he is looking to the future of his wrestling career at GHS and to his fourth appearance at the State Wrestling Tournament. When asked about his favorite wrestling memory, he said, “If everything goes as planned, it will be winning an individual state title as well as a team title in the next few weeks.”
Not long after breaking the all-time varsity career wins record at GHS in January, Montez continued his pursuit of breaking records with his fourth straight Western Big 6 Conference Title the next day as he led the Leafs to their 4th WB6 title in six years. (There was no tournament in 2021 due to Covid)
The Leafs won the WB6 Conference title at Sterling with a record 240 points with Quincy coming in a distant 2nd place with 190 points.
The 165-pound Montez was voted the WB6 Wrestler of the Year as he became the first ever 4 x WB6 Tournament Champion. His teammate and workout partner Kye Weinzierl notched career #100 as he won the 175-pound Conference Title with a pin fall in the finals. The Leafs “Terrible Twosome” have a combined season record of 73-2 with 11 tournament titles between them this season.
Montez continued to dominate his opponents as he won his fourth IHSA Regional title and led the Leafs to their third straight Regional team title in Dixon, where he set yet another record as the only Geneseo wrestler to capture 4 IHSA Regional titles and he moved on to a 37-0 record for the season.
Reaching his 100th win in wrestling when in his junior year at GHS in the finals of the first tournament of the wrestling season, Rockford East, on Dec. 2, 2023. He said he was not aware he was at 100 wins and his accomplishment was not recognized until the home meet one week later when Geneseo went against Sterling.
He said, “I was excited to reach 100 wins and join my brother Anthony as a 100-match winner.”
When asked about wrestling being an individual sport, Montez replied, “For me, it’s never been too much of an individual sport. I’ve always had my brother to follow and cheer for me and then all my Blue Line teammates like Kye, Isaac, Tim, Devan, Grady, and Maliki. So, the team aspect has always been just as big as the individual part for a lot of us growing up.”
With just a short time left until the Individual State Wrestling Tournament beginning Feb. 20 in Champaign, Montez will attempt to join his older brother Anthony as only the fourth wrestler in GHS history to qualify to become a four-time State Qualifier – Anthony Montez, Hunter Grau and Adam Sheley are the only GHS wrestlers to qualify for the IHSA State Tournament in all four years of high school.
If Zachary Montez qualified for the state Tournament and places in the Top 6, he will be the first-ever wrestler in GHS history to have placed all four years in high school as he has previously placed 4th, 3rd, and 3rd.
ZACHARY MONTEZ’S LEGENDAY WRESTLING JOURNEY
Zachary Montez began wrestling at the age of four and he explained, “I didn’t have much of a choice as I just followed my brother Anthony. I also played football and baseball growing up and I continued to play football in high school, but chose not to play my senior year so I could focus on winning a state wrestling title.”
The Geneseo standout wrestler shared that he has “grown up watching wrestling my whole life. My brother and I have been in wrestling rooms since before we could even walk. My goal has always been to be the best. So, from the time I started wrestling, I’ve always had to chase the success of my Dad (Jesse Montez also had a storied wrestling career in his days at GHS) and brother which hasn’t been easy. I feel like it’s been an unfair advantage for me to have not just my Dad training me, but also my brother (Anthony)…Anthony has been my biggest fan and pushed me to be better, even better than him. I think that’s probably been one of the biggest keys to my success, my brother Anthony. So, the influence has really helped my success for sure.”
In addition, to their Dad, the Montez brothers had some coaching from their Grandpa, Louis Montez, who shared his coaching knowledge with them as well as he did with his son and their Dad, Jessie Montez. Louie Montez was the Geneseo Middle School wrestling coach for almost 20 years.
When asked to comment about what wrestling means to him and how his coaches have influenced him, Montez answered, “Anthony and I have always had wrestling as our main sport and influence in our lives. Our Dad (Jesse) has trained us for not just wrestling success, but life success. Then our Mom (Sarah Montez) has been the best wrestling Mom we could ask for and has definitely helped with all our success as well. Be a good student, and everything else falls into place.”
He added, “We have been very fortunate to have Coach Murray leading us through our high school careers, but then you add Coaches Rusk, Babcock, Kreiner, Smith, Verbeck and Cropp and I don’t think anyone could ask for more!”
SOME FUN COMMENTS FROM MONTEZ:
-Advice for young wrestlers: “Listen to your coaches, believe in your training, and have fun!
-Favorite food – “Spaghetti.”
-What are you looking forward to most after wrestling season: “Making my decision on where I will continue my academic and athletic career.”
Artist Craig Miller shows his photo titled “Clowning In Dublin.” Some of Miller’s art work is currently on display at Smith Studio and Gallery in downtown Geneseo. Contributed Photo
By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Photography by Artist Craig Miller of Coal Valley will be featured through March at the Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 South State St., downtown Geneseo. The Studio and Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.
David Smith, owner-operator of Smith Studio, said, “This Coal Valley artist is exhibiting photographs that capture street images from the world he artistically observes. Craig has always had an eye for the offbeat that can be found in any community. This exhibition is a review of some of the best of his ‘Street Photography’. The images capture the whimsy and beauty that can be found by just taking a walk in a neighborhood.”
Smith shared that the artist will sometimes print a photograph just as it was taken, without any changes…“On other occasions he will change the photo, playing with its qualities in Photoshop to bring out the special assets he sees in the image he has captured. These alternations can be slight in appearance or they can be radical to the point of recreating the picture.”
The exhibit is free and Smith added, “Bring the children! It allows you to get a glimpse into the wonderful artwork being created in Geneseo and the Quad City area.”
Staff and board members of the Geneseo Park District are, in front from left, Andrew Sigwalt, Geneseo Park District Superintendent of Recreation; Nate Vorac, Park District Board Vice President; Christina Zobrist, Park District Secretary; Andy Thurman, Park District Executive Director; Nathaniel Hines, Park District Recreation Program Specialist; Jodie Olson, Geneseo Park District Administrative Assistant; and Suzi Wirtz, IPRA Executive Director; and in back, Gary Gillis, IAPD 2024 Chairman; Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO; Julie McAvoy, Park District Board Commissioner; Paula Verbeck, Park District Superintendent of Finance and Administration; Bethany Winkleman, Park District Board Commissioner; Jackie Beach, Park District Recreation and Aquatics Supervisor; and Scott Himmelman, Park District Superintendent of Facilities. Contributed Photo
Congratulations are in order to the Staff and Board of the Geneseo Park District!
The Geneseo Park District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (APD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (PRA).
This is the third time the Geneseo Park District has received the award.
The purpose of the award is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents and to recognize those agencies that provide exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community through a voluntary, comprehensive, professional accreditation process.
Information received from the Park District states, “Successful completion of the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation process is a testament not only to the agency, but the staff, board and community with the ultimate result of improved quality of life, making Illinois the best place to live, work, and recreate,” said Suzi Wirtz, IPRA Executive Director.
Successful completion of the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation process has these benefits:
-Recognition that the recreation agency provides exceptional Park and Recreation services to their community.
-Increased operational efficiency and effectiveness.
-Opportunity for updating and clarifying policies and procedures.
-Meet professional standards for facilities and services.
-Acknowledges elected officials as effective and efficient guardians of the public interest in parks and recreation, and of the public resources provided for recreation opportunities.
-Acknowledged as employing qualified professionals.
-Recognized as a leader in the State of Illinois in the field of parks and recreation.
Andy Thurman, Geneseo Park District Executive Director, said, “The Staff and Board of the Geneseo Park District is extremely proud to receive this award for the third time. Going through this rigorous process every five years is a testament to our commitment to excellence. The hard work and dedication over the past five years to uphold these standards and continue operating at such a high level have been tremendous. Our staff has effectively managed the records for the standards, ensuring that the Park District maintains the exceptional level of service our community expects and deserves.”
Information from the Geneseo Park District states that the GPD started the accreditation process in 2011 and received the first Illinois Distinguished Accreditation Award in November of 2012. Since that time, the Park District has continued its commitment to exceeding the highest standards in the park and Recreation profession. Because of the Board and Staff’s commitment, the Geneseo Park District was able to earn 492.58 points out of a base of 500 points. The score exceeded the minimum 440 points required to pass.
The deadline is March 29th. Get your creative cap on now!
Contact the Geneseo Art League for more details.
geneseoartleague125@gmail.com
Posing for a photo prior to the performance of the GHS Maplettes with the Lil Poms are, from left, Ava DeWolfe, Lydia DeWolfe, Sadie Fryear and Meya Pollock
The Geneseo High School Maplettes were joined by more than 100 “future Maplettes” for the Lil Pom performance at the GHS Boys’ Basketball game vs. Orion held Feb. 8 at GHS. The dancers performed to music from “Dance the Night.” The routine was choreographed by GHS juniors Ava Brewer, Jack Cooper, Anna Davis, Paige Eastburn, Meya Pollock, Nina Schmedding, Kinsey Sharp and Maddie Wells. The Maplettes are coached by Lydia Reyburn, Michelle Fryear and Yvonne Wayne. Photos by Claudia Loucks
Grechyn Hintgen and her sister, Graysen, Hintgen, were among the dancers in the performance at the boys’ basketball game on Feb. 8
Ava DeWolfe, left, gets a hug from “future Maplette” Grechyn Hintgen.
Geneseo artist Les Hoste shows one of his watercolor paintings that currently is featured in the window of RutabagA Studio and Gallery at 108 North State St. in downtown Geneseo.
His display includes various scenery settings in addition to a painting of three ducks. RutabagA Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Hoste is a versatile wood worker and water color artist. Retiring as a tooling engineer more than 10 years ago, he has continued his passion of creating items from wood, from end tables and doll furniture to cabinets, ornaments and more. Photo by Claudia Loucks
It’s easy to see agriculture as a national powerhouse, but the story gets even more interesting when you zoom in on the states. Every state has its own agricultural identity, shaped by its land, weather, and history.
In California, for example, the Central Valley alone grows a quarter of the country’s food. And then there’s the Midwest, where states like Illinois and Iowa dominate when it comes to crops like corn and soybeans.
The amazing thing about agriculture is that it impacts so much more than just local farms. When a farmer plants corn, it doesn’t just grow and get harvested. That crop fuels a whole chain of industries. Someone has to sell the seed, manufacture the tractor, deliver the grain, and process it into food or fuel. By the time the corn ends up as ethanol, livestock feed, or cereal on your breakfast table, it’s created jobs spanning dozens of different enterprises.
In many states, agriculture is more than just an economic driver, it’s a part of life. It brings people together and connects them to the land.
Whether it’s through big numbers on a spreadsheet or the stories of families running farms for generations, agriculture is what keeps many states, towns, and farms thriving. It’s a reminder that what happens in the fields matters everywhere.
Prophetstown, IL- Scott VanOpdorp has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Prophetstown Banking Co. and Farmers National Bank. Prophetstown Banking Co. is the holding company for Farmers National Bank, a community bank with over $850 million in assets and four locations in Prophetstown, Geneseo, Morrison, and Mount Carroll. VanOpdorp joins current board members Carey Bauer, William Dale, Kim Gehling, Tricia Mickley, Garett Plumley, Brad Toone, Donald Vogel, and Jeffrey Woodworth.
Scott VanOpdorp, CFO(left) is shown with President Garett Plumley
A native of Geneseo, VanOpdorp earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Accounting at Northern Illinois University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Scott began his career in public accounting, entered the banking industry in 2006 and joined Farmers National Bank in 2010 as Assistant Vice President Accounting and Compliance. Since 2017, he has served as Chief Financial Officer and was named Vice President in 2018. Scott and his family live in Geneseo, where he is active in coaching youth sports including travel softball, baseball and bowling.
Love Pancakes & Trimmings
The Geneseo Boy Scout Troop 100 will host their 52nd Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This breakfast fundraiser will be held at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. Besides delicious pancakes you get sausages, fruit, eggs, orange juice, milk and coffee.
It is a big event so get there early in case they might run out of an item or two. Well, not hardly, but just saying! It’s only $7.00 per person with kids age 5 & under, free!
Keep in mind that all proceeds stay here locally enabling scouts with their various projects.
Kiwanis Pancake Day
Time for some more pancakes and trimmings? Well, stop by the Geneseo Moose Lodge, Sunday, March 2, 2025, for the Geneseo Kiwanis “Pancake Day.”
This event is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Kiwanians will be serving up pancakes, sausages and all the trimmings. Carry-out meals will also be available.
The cost is $7.00 per adult and children, age 10 and younger, just $3.00. Proceeds go to help serve the Kiwanis projects of the greater Geneseo area.
Record 2024 Soybean Crop
According to a report from Tony McCombie, State Rep., Dist. 89, our Prairie State had a harvest soybean record crop of 688 million bushels. The Illinois Soybean Association reported Illinois farmers had harvested beans from 10.75 million acres of Illinois land.
It works out to a yield of about 64 bushels per acre. Illinois is one of the largest concentrations of food-related businesses in the world. Soybean products can also be used to make products such as soy-based biodiesel fuel.
Deer me, time for a Drink
One of my former and good USPS bosses, John B., sent me a couple of photos of some whitetails he recently had in his backyard. He said he doesn’t feed deer, but does have a heated fountain which offers water for deer and I suspect birds, too!
Deer & Walleye
Two bucks battle it out in John B's backyard.
For Christmas our daughter gave me a 1941 published booklet on the Illinois Game and Fish Regulations. It showed that deer hunting was illegal.
So, I looked it up on the computer when deer were allowed to be hunted in Illinois. It was not allowed until October 1-15, 1957, and bow & arrow only. Only 220 deer were harvested.
In 2023, Illinois deer hunters were allowed to use a single-shot rifle and only certain calibers allowed. Ha! So, leave your .22 at home!
An Illinois hunting license in 1941 was $1.50. An Illinois fishing license that same year was .75 cents. A few places in the booklet it mentioned certain fish species. It showed walleye spelled, “Wall-eyed Pike.” Walleye and northern pike are two different species.
I remember The Cellar used to list “walleye pike” on their menu. I pointed out the mistake to server “Cindy”, and she promptly hit me over the head with a bread roll. No matter how they spelled it, it sure tasted good!
Another buck seemed to say, "Guys, you can fight
Michael Madigan
Remember this former Illinois House Speaker? I always thought he had more power than the governor. He’s going through some battles with prosecutors on bribery schemes and other deals.
So, do you think he’ll serve time? Don’t hold your breath! The crooked pathway to and from the Windy City and Springfield is a worn one!
For Seniors
I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up ‘n down and perspired for a good hour. However, by the time I got my sweats on, the class was over.
Humor
Why was the snowman looking through the carrots? Ans: He was picking his nose.
What do you call rubber bumpers on yachts? Ans: Shark absorbers.
Why won’t sharks eat clowns? Ans: Because they taste funny.
Quote of the Week
“I fear explanations explanatory of things explained.”
Abraham Lincoln
The 2024-2025 Geneseo High School wrestling season is a season to remember for team members and coaches.
In less than two months of the current season, three wrestlers have reached the 100-win-mark, and most recently, Kye Weinzierl, a junior at GHS, joined the two seniors who hit that goal, Tim Sebastian in December, and Devan Hornback in January.
Weinzierl, son of Brad and Jami Weinzierl, reached the elite group at the Western Big 6 Conference Finals held Jan. 31 in Sterling, when he wrestled Deanthony Simpson of Moline.
The 175-pound Weinzierl said a memory he has of that night “was when I walked off the mat and my teammates, coaches, and family all congratulated me. All of the Geneseo fans had 100-2in signs and it meant a lot to see al of that support.”
Kyle Weinzierl not only claimed a championship at the Western Big 6 Conference wrestling meet, he also reached his 100th-win. Submitted Photo
When asked his thoughts about wrestling being an individual sport, Weinzierl agreed, but added, “Wrestling is an individual sport, but having a great supporting staff of teammates is what makes you better everyday. I have been blessed with amazing teammates who are always there for me and each other.”
He began wrestling when he was in preschool and continues to be involved in the sport as well as in football and baseball.
“I chose to wrestle because I have a lot of energy and love to push myself day-in and day-out,” he said.
It’s evident with his success that wrestling is a very important part of the young athlete’s life and he said, “Wrestling means a lot to me. I have made so many great friends from it over the years and love the challenge of pushing myself every day to become a better person on and off the mat. Our coaching staff has impacted my career a tremendous amount. They are there for me during my highs and lows and they push me to be better every day.”
Weinzierl shared a favorite memory from his many years of wrestling was “going to tournaments every weekend with my Dad when I was little.”
He has qualified for the State wrestling competition in both his freshman and sophomore years at GHS…In my sophomore year, my goal was to place and I came up short,” he said. “Coming up short has fueled me to push myself and get better every day.”
His advice to younger wrestlers is “Stay with it, it’s not always easy but the work will pay off eventually.”
When asked about his favorite food, he answered, “Steak.”
He also shared when the wrestling season is over, he looks forward to “playing baseball, lifting weights and eating a lot of food.”
The Christmas Walk tradition continues not only in Geneseo, but also with a Geneseo family who was instrumental in the Walk’s beginning.
The late Linda Kutsunis, who with her husband, George Kutsunis, founded Four Seasons and Pegasus Fine Gifts stores in Geneseo, is one of the people who was involved with the Walk in its infancy, 39 years ago, and who helped make it the success it is today.
The couple’s daughter, Katie Kutsunis, has taken over the reins of the businesses as her mother has passed and her father is semi-retired.
Katie Kutsunis also has continued in her mother’s footsteps in working to make the annual Christmas Walk a success, and she said, “Geneseo’s Christmas Walk has evolved over the years and has expanded; it just keeps getting better and better.”
In checking with Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, as to whether or not the Christmas Walk happened during the Covid pandemic, it did indeed happen, and he said, “Yes, the event happened during Covid, in 2020, as a hybrid live and virtual event. We did the Lighted Parade city-wide, but the tree lighting was done virtually.”
Linda Kutsunis
In an interview six years ago with the late Linda Kutsunis, she shared how her volunteer work began with the Christmas Walk. She said the event had been in existence for a couple of years when a good friend of hers, Judy Deutsch, who was on the Chamber of Commerce board at that time, told her the Chamber was looking for someone to take over chairmanship of the Walk and encouraged Kutsunis to fill that spot, and Kutsunis said, “yes.”
In our earlier conversation, Kutsunis said she never regretted saying “yes” to the Walk and she began the challenge by soliciting help from the late Clyde Walter, who at that time was Director of the Chamber.
They developed a committee and met nearly every week.
Linda Kutsunis spearheaded the Walk efforts until 1991 when she opened Pegasus, and relied more on her Walk Committee. The group planned many fundraisers, including bringing a circus to town on summer to raise money for the then “Victorian Walk.”
In my interview with Linda Kutsunis before her death, she described the Victorian Walk as a time of hoop skirts and high-laced shoes…a team of horses and buggies and bicycles built for two….and her quote at that tine, “Even though it has become the Christmas Walk, it remains a magical time of year.”
The things that made America special and great have been forged, nurtured and cherished in small towns just like Geneseo, including events like the Christmas Walk.
The Christmas Walk was known as the Victorian Walk until 2008 when it became the Christmas Walk, and Linda Kutsunis referred to both events as a “unique experience.”
The first Victorian Walk in Geneseo was held during the pre-Christmas season of 1985, the brainchild of Ann Ruble, who, with her husband, ran the Décor Shop in downtown Geneseo. Ruble had seen what was being done in the Village of East Davenport and after talking to some of the participants there, she decided a similar event on a slightly larger scale would be a natural fit for Geneseo.
For many years Geneseo’s Victorian Walk was held on a Friday night in December, and the date was later changed to Saturday to accommodate people.
In the beginning years, Geneseo received funding from the Illinois Tourism for the Victorian Walk, but that money slowly dwindled down to nothing.
The cost of the Walk is now covered by sponsorships and donations and the dedicated volunteers and loyal sponsors continue to make the Walk a magical time in Geneseo.
Kutsunis said the Victorian Walk was never meant to be a “money maker,” but rather a gift from the community to the people in the community and to the visitors who come each year from miles around. The Christmas Walk is an opportunity to showcase our wonderful Geneseo. It’s another day and another age in Geneseo.”
A CONVERSATION WITH KATIE KUTSUNIS
Katie Kutsunis said, “My Mom, Linda Kutsunis, loved the time she spent volunteering and leading the Christmas Walk Committee. I am honored to be a part of this event every year. My Mom loved Christmas and this event is the perfect way to celebrate this time of year.”
She credits the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce for the success of the Walk, and said, “The Geneseo Chamber of Commerce works so hard to plan an event that showcases our shops and restaurants and gives visitors a beautiful and fun way to enjoy a small town holiday experience.”
She added, “The business community really comes together to roll out the red carpet for the Geneseo Christmas Walk and we invite everyone to plan on attending and joining in the festivities.”
Katie Kutsunis shows some of the Christmas decorations at Pegasus Fine Gifts. The theme of the 2024 Christmas Walk was “Too Many Santas.” Photo by Claudia Loucks
The new holiday Christmas Tree, located on the corner of the boulevard at State and Second Sts., recently was introduced to the community, and Kutsunis said, “The City of Geneseo will showcase the new holiday Christmas Tree which is a gorgeous new addition for our beautiful town. Everyone should plan on taking a picture in front of the new iconic addition to Geneseo.”
The lighted parade is a huge attraction of the Walk, and immediately after the parade, people can browse the shops and see the living windows.
Kutsunis said, “Geneseo is truly magical at the holidays and the Geneseo Christmas Walk is the pinnacle of the holiday season,” Kutsunis said.
Ava Anderson, left, a classroom aide at Concordia Lutheran Academy in Geneseo; Kathy Kramer and Kris Anderson, both members of the Concordia Lutheran Academy “Squad,” are hoping area residents will join them at the 2nd Annual Family Fun Night: Euchre Style, including a Lasagna Dinner, planned for Friday, Feb. 14, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks
The Concordia Lutheran Academy “Squad” has planned a Valentine’s Day event for the entire family. The second annual Family Fun Night: Euchre Style will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 316 South Oakwood Ave., Geneseo.
The “Squad” is bringing back this Midwest classic to Geneseo, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Area residents are encouraged to take their love, a friend, and the kids. There will be a Lasagna Dinner, with serving beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, with a euchre tournament for the adults. Child care will be provided from 6:30 to 9 p.m. where the younger set will have snacks, play games and watch a movie.
Anyone needing child care is asked to register at https://forms.gle/PedUAP9g2b7E8xUz6.
Cost for the evening is a free will donation and all proceeds will directly support the Concordia Lutheran Academy, a private school for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade.
For more information, call Concordia Church office at 309-944-3993.
Geneseo First Methodist Church will host a one-day Loss of a Spouse Seminar from 10 a.m. to 12 noon p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the South Campus building, 224 North State St. In the photo, Barbara Leonard, left, and Kippy Breeden, Grief Ministry leader, encourage anyone who is grieving the loss of a spouse, and who would like to learn practical tips of dealing with loss and hear about hope for the future, to join them at the Seminar, which is free and open to anyone in the community. Responses can be made by calling 309-944-2793 or at the GriefShare website at https://www.griefshare.org/events/260427.
Sandy French, Geneseo, a volunteer with Pregnancy Resources, shows the baby bottles available to area residents, who are asked to fill the bottles with contributions which will benefit Pregnancy Resource Centers. Photo by Claudia Loucks
Sandy French of Geneseo is a services coordinator at Pregnancy Resources and each year she helps the non-profit organizations to raise funds through the Baby Bottle Blitz, where empty baby bottles are distributed and returned with contributions used to provide services and supplies at the Pregnancy Resource Centers.
There are Pregnancy Resource Centers in Moline and Davenport, the mobile van, and an office has been opened on Thursday afternoons at the QC Mission, 2015 2 W Ave., East Moline.
French’s work with Pregnancy Resources has helped her heal from a part of her past that she considers a “mistake. It is her hope to help others from not making the same decision she made many years ago.
She said she never expected to be telling her story, but God had a different plan.
Nearly 50 years ago French had an abortion and she shared, “It was the worst decision I ever made. I was 18 and abortion had just become legal in this country.”
Promoting the baby bottle campaign is just one of the ways French is involved with Pregnancy Resources, and she said, “The baby bottle campaign currently is underway and anyone interested in helping by donating can obtain an empty bottle at Grace United Methodist Church, 318 North Center St. in Geneseo, or at either of the two Pregnancy Resource Centers, 3825 16th St., Moline, or 2706 West Central Park in Davenport.”
The baby bottles can be filled with change, bills or checks.
For more information, contact Liz Ryan, partner development coordinator for Pregnancy Resources, at 309-797-3636, or French at 309-441-5839.
Families are encouraged to keep the baby bottles for three to four weeks and then return them.
From the radio is how French learned about Pregnancy Resources needing volunteers.
“It seemed I heard it every time I turned on the radio,” she said. “Finally I said, ‘Okay God. I’ll take the training.’ At the first session I admitted I had had an abortion. After the training, I thought I had many reasons not to volunteer, but He kept up the pressure.”
Before she could meet with clients, she had to take the Post-Abortion Counseling and Education Bible study class, “Forgiven and Set Free.”
“I thought I didn’t need it, I had made my peace with God, but to help others, I needed to complete the Bible study myself…I found that God wanted me to help others and to do that I was going to have to tell them about my experience, not just about my abortion, but also my healing experience. But I still said I would never tell my loved ones.”
In 2010 she did tell her family, and said her honesty has opened new doors of communication with them.
Pregnancy Resources provides a variety of free services enabling clients to choose life, French said, from pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, parenting programs, adoption education, abortion education, maternity clothes, car seats, diapers, abstinence education for individuals, to beginner Bible studies and post-abortion grief assistance.
“Our ultrasound program is important for women tying to make a decision about their pregnancy, and it helps them to connect with their child,” French said.
Post-abortion Bible studies benefit women and men, French said….”We have people come to the Bible studies who had an abortion as long as 50 years ago, before they were legal. I believe the studies let them know they are not alone. God can use them and abortion is not an unforgivable sin.”
She said Pregnancy Resources helps people see beyond the crisis of the moment…”If 50 years ago I had gone somewhere like Pregnancy Resources, I would not have had an abortion.”
“Almost weekly, on my volunteer shifts, a young woman comes in for a pregnancy test. She might be crying, not knowing what to do. I am able to listen to her, care about her, offer physical resources to help her in her pregnancy, and also spiritual resources by sharing God’s truth about life and His plan for salvation,” French shared.
Often times, young man call about parenting classes, specifically for fathers.
“I was able to get them signed up,” she said. “The classes are not only available, but free. We are able to provide these free resources because of individuals, churches, groups and businesses that donate. And I am able to meet and speak to so many women and men that I would never see otherwise and offer them God’s love, and I love that!”
“It’s really a privilege to try and see them as God sees them. I volunteer at Pregnancy Resources to bless others, and I end up being blessed so much,” she added.
French was employed as a secretary at Rock Island Arsenal for three years, and for 30 years as a secretary and marketing-publications coordinator at Deere & Co., Moline, retiring in 2007.
She and her husband, Art French, have three daughters, one son; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Grechyn Hintgen, left; and Jocelyn Wexell, first graders at Southwest School in Geneseo, did their part in cheering the GHS boys’ basketball team to a victory against Alleman High School on Jan. 31 in the GHS gym. The two seven-year-olds, in their cheerleading garb, often join the high school cheerleaders in leading chants at the games. Photo by Claudia Loucks
Dru Curcuru is the GHS Maple Leaf who attends nearly all high school athletic activities to cheer for the team. Photo by Claudia Loucks
Anyone who has attended athletic events at Geneseo High School, indoors or outdoors, must have seen the “Maple Leaf,” AKA Dru Curcuru.
Curcuru, now a senior at GHS, became the Maple Leaf mascot in his junior year, and explained, “They were looking for someone to be the Maple Leaf and I volunteered and I have been the Leaf ever since. When I was a sophomore I would see the Maple Leaf come to one or two of our football games, so when I took it over I changed that, and I have brought the Maple Leaf to everything.”
The Maple Leaf attire was created by Patricia Wideman and was “handed down” to Curcuru from Madi Scott, who graduated from GHS two years ago.
Curcuru described the attire as being “one piece of cloth that has cardboard in the back for support.”
He has worn the duds for the last two years to numerous sp0rting events including football games, girls’ and boys’ basketball games; girls’ and boys’ wrestling, and volleyball games…”This spring I plan to have it on at some soccer games,” he added.
In addition to nearly all home games, he also has dressed as the Maple Leaf to some away games such as the UTHS and Rock Island football games and the UTHS basketball game.
While at the events, he stands in the student section and said, “I get as loud as I can to encourage players and I try to get others around me to get loud and support the team.”
“The Maple Leaf is not the most comfortable outfit because the cardboard in the back is always hitting against my head when I’m cheering for our team and I can’t stand too close to other people or else the Leaf will hit them. I also get very hot inside the Leaf, especially during the start of football season when it is incredibly warm outside.”
When he graduates from GHS in May, Curcuru plans to pass the Leaf down to someone, “just like how I got it. I have heard of some students who want to wear the Maple Leaf next year and I just want to make certain that I give it to someone who knows what to expect.”
He said he often gets asked “who is going the get the Maple Leaf and I can finally say who I’m giving the Maple Leaf to when I graduate. It’s going to be the person who goes all out for themes, cheers the loudest, and someone who will be at all the events…The next Maple Leaf is Quinnland Einfeldt.”
When asked if he is going to miss being the Maple Leaf, Curcuru replied, “Absolutely, I will miss everything about being the Maple Leaf form being in the student section and cheering with my friends to trying to find something I could put on the Maple Leaf to fit the chosen theme of the night (Students choose a variety of theme dress for various sporting events).”
The young man’s future plans are to attend Augustana College in Rock Island and major in biology/pre-dentistry and then go to dental school to become a dentist.
He is the son of Tony and Katie Curcuru.
Geneseo, IL - The Board of Directors of Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo announces the appointment of a new Interim CEO Bradley Solberg, MHA, formerly of Geneseo, effective February 12.
Mr. Solberg previously served as Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer during the years of 2001-2014. During his tenure, Mr. Solberg led the hospital through three major construction projects, the most recent one valued at $23 million, constructed over a 30-month period, and completed in December 2012.
Mr. Solberg left the area to serve as President of OSF HealthCare Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac, IL. He has since served as Interim President of OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center, Danville, and in the past has served in various hospital leadership roles in Ohio, Michigan, and North Dakota.
“As many remember, Brad is a dynamic leader, dedicated to the health and welfare of this and any community he serves,” said Doug Ford, HHH Board Chairman. “I am happy he has decided to assist us in this transition as our Interim CEO.”
Mr. Solberg will be responsible for directing all internal operations at Hammond-Henry Hospital, while ensuring that high quality and cost-effective health care continues to be delivered to patients.
Solberg is an active member in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Healthcare Administration at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and received his Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota.
January not so Bad
There are just a few days left of January weather, but overall, I think it was mild month. We missed some heavy snowfalls that went north and south of our area. Now, Mother Nature, if ‘yer reading this how about giving us February’s 28 days of above normal temps?! Just saying!
When I wasn’t Old
As a young teen I can remember when Moline’s river drive was, for the most part, kind of junky. Through the years the city fathers turned it into a really nice path and greenery setting from about 25th street to and including East Moline.
I can remember working a short time at the International Harvester plant. My dad was an accounting supervisor and got me a Job as a stock chaser. I was always dirty when I came home each day. I made good money at $2.33 an hour. My boss was known as “Red.” He was sort of a tough guy, but if you did your job, no problem.
Anyway, I got laid off, took the test for the Postal Service at $2.16 per hour. After 38 years later, I retired.
I remember there was and is a small factory on about 41st & 4th avenue in Moline that instead of having to cut their grass they had sheep to do the work. The building is still there today, but “Little Bo Peep’s sheep” are no where to be seen.
Way back when, I had a good friend, I’ll call him “J.A,” and we went hunting and fishing together. We were the same age and our parents were good friends. He came home one day after school and found his mother had committed suicide by cutting her wrists. That is a bad memory.
On a more pleasant note. John F. and I dated the same girl, Mary S. We would say she liked one of us better. Ha! She married a letter carrier. I still think she liked me better!!!
Geneseo Izaak Walton League
All members and guests are invited to next month’s February 10th meeting at the Ikes Lodge. The guest speaker is Dave Wyffels, Fish Biologist, IL-DNR. The program starts at 7 p.m. with refreshments to follow.
Hey, come back!
According to the 48th Annual National Movers Study, our state is second to the most folks leaving Illinois. The first is New Jersey at 66.94% with Illinois at 59.94%. New York is 3rd place at 59.01% and California at 57.97%.
Okay, then where are all the folks moving to? The number one state people are moving to is West Virginia (hear that Bob Mays), followed by Delaware (huh?) and South Carolina. The other two states are Washington, DC and North Carolina (there you go, Don & Barb). Alaska and Hawaii were not included in the study.
Girl Scout Cookies
Just a reminder, make sure to order your cookies from the Girl Scouts. We order ours through Audrey Scheider. The proceeds help the Girl Scouts in their various projects. The cost per box is $6.00. Some year they should come up “Carp-fish” cookies.
Ice Fishing Report
Geneseo's Brian Herron recently caught this crappie and several bluegills at Giant Goose Lake, Atkinson, IL. Jeff Scheider and Lorna Dauw also caught fish.
Last Saturday, Lorna and I fished the private main lake at Giant Goose, Atkinson, IL. When we arrived so did members Brian Herron and Jeff Scheider.
The ice wasplenty thick at 9-10 inches. Everyone caught fish except one person who’s name is not important! The temperatures were not bad, but we could do without the wind. Still, we had a good time and I cleaned 5 fish when we got home. The guys felt sorry for me. Thus the 5 fish! We hope to try it again this week.
Humor
What candy do you eat on the school playground? Ans: Recess pieces.
What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Ans: Frostbite.
How do you make an apple turnover? Ans: Push it down a hill.
Quote of the Week
“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”
Geneseo High School senior Devan Hornback reached the elite at the recent Geneseo Wrestling Invitational when he scored his 100th win in the sport.
Hornback, who wrestles at 132 pounds, was aware that the match at the Geneseo Invite could be his 100th win, and that is something that will be a lasting memory for him… “I knew before the tournament that I was one more win away from 100. After my match, my family and teammates held 100-win signs up while Coach (Jon) Murray brought my poster out to me and they announced it over the speakers.”
Devan Hornback. His parents are Chris and Brandy Hornback and Valerie and Chris Sauerbrei. Geneseo Current Photo
His goal is to wrestle at State this year and he added, “My goal is to not only make it down there this year, but to bring some hardware home.”
He began wrestling when he was in third grade and has been a four-year starter for the GHS wrestling team.
“I chose the sport because I enjoy challenging myself and I get to be around people who push each other to be their best, he said.
When he was asked to comment about wrestling as an individual sport, Hornback said, “Even though it’s an individual sport, we come in day-in and day- out and work our hardest. If it wasn’t for my teammates, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Devan is not the only wrestler in the Hornback family as his brother also wrestled for GHS and went on to be named an All-American at 125 pounds at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The standout athlete also played football this past season.
“All of my coaches have had a really positive impact on me with not only how they’ve coached, but how they have made me a better person,” Hornback said. “Coach Murray has always instilled in us to be good men off the mat and on the mat.
He shared his favorite memory from wrestling at GHS is “when we took home the fourth place Team State Trophy in my sophomore year.”
When he graduates this spring, Hornback plans to join the Army National Guard and then become part of the wresting team at Central College in Pella, Iowa.
He was asked to share some advice to younger wrestlers and he said, “Go out there and just have fun and do your best because it goes by faster than you would ever think.”
Hornback said his favorite food is “steak and rolls form Texas Roadhouse and I look forward to eating a lot of food and finishing up high school after wrestling season.”
