Winners in RutabagA’s Third Fine Art Exhibit

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Karen Vroman, Erie, received Honorable Mention for her “Chickens in the Cornfield” entry in RutabagA’s Second Fine Art Exhibit held May 4 at The Cellar, Geneseo.   Entries in the exhibit are on display through May 28 at RutabagA Art Gallery & Studio at 108 North State St., downtown Geneseo.  The Gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Additional entries also are on display at The Cellar Restaurant in downtown Geneseo during their regular hours which are Wednesday through Sunday.  There were 97 entries in this year’s competition.  Tom Hempel, art instructor at Black Hawk College in Moline, judged the entries.

   Sunny Roberts, Seaton, captured Honorable Mention II for her entry, “Milky Way at Midnight.”

   Jackson Parchert, Rock Island, left; was awarded Youth Honorable Mention I for his entry, “The Blessing of Davion,” in the Fine Art Exhibit; and Joyce Mattan, Geneseo, also received Honorable Mention 1 for her entry, “Moon Over the Barn.”

Marinn Cisna, at right; Galva, received Best of Show with her entry titled “Bringing Her Home;” Lexi Gordon, Geneseo, won third place which is the Dick Carlson Memorial Award, for her entry, “Still Life;” and Aryanna Stahr, Andalusia, was awarded Youth Excellence II, for “Made in U.S.A.” 

Other winners in RutabagA’s Fine Arts Exhibit are, Tessa Wilebski, left, Geneseo, second place – Shirley Burnett Memorial Award for “A Neighboring Castle;” and Serina Nimrick, Geneseo, Youth Excellence I for her entry of “Spring Blooms.”

   Other winners in the competition, but who were not available for photos, include Kathy Williams, Waterloo, Iowa; for her photograph entry, “Daddy /Daughter Dance-Age 4;” Mike Lawrence, Rock Island, 3-Dimensional, “Box of Antiquities,” (wood); and Rick Lodmell, Wilton, Iowa, Honorable Mention III, for his entry titled, “Stark.”

 

Fisherman Never Tell a Lie - By Dan Dauw

PaPa laid to Rest

   Pope Frances was certainly loved by many for his kindness and his protection of creation. He was a man of peace and a man of the poor.
I think it was said that about 600,000 individuals attended his funeral. The Mass held outside of St. Peters square was amazing to watch. I viewed the ceremonies from 2:30 to 4:10 a.m., but I fell asleep.  I thought the ABC network did an excellent job of covering the entire event.
In early May of 1963 a Navy buddy and I took leave to see Rome and the Vatican City. The pope then was John, XXIII, and we were able to see him give his blessing to a huge crowd. He passed away about a month later on June 3, 1963.
 It will be interesting to see who the Cardinals pick as a successor. Pope Frances was a good and honorable man. May he rest in peace!

 Nature’s Creations

  This plant nursery located at 21229 N. 500th Ave., Kewanee, IL, is one AWESOME place if you want a giant selection of flowering plants and vegetables for all your gardening needs.  We have been going there for a fair amount of years now.
Ryan Werkheiser, owner and grower of Nature’s Creations, along with family members, have an amazing business.  They are open for business Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info go to: naturescreations92@yahoo.com Lastly, they are hosting a Garden Party, May 3 & 4, 2025. 

  Fareway Cookout Fundraiser

  Last Friday Lorna and I volunteered to help out at the Geneseo Izaak Walton Club two-hour cookout outside the store.  There were about 10 volunteers. It is really nice that Fareway sponsors the two-hour cookout on Fridays for various non-profit organizations.
I was pleasantly surprised that so many individuals also donated money besides purchasing “hot-off-the-grill” brats, porkchops, etc. A big “Thank you” goes to Fareway and all you folks who helped make our fundraiser so successful.

 Donate Blood

 That is, unless you’re shy on the amount of iron in your blood. That happened to  me last Friday morning at ImpactLife Blood Center, Moline. It was only the second time I had to reschedule my appointment. The next time, before I leave home, I’ll eat a hammer, railroad spike and a tire angle. That should work!

 Fishing’s been Good

  Make sure ‘yer getting out to drown some worms. I’ve been using minnows and trout (red) worms. Bluegills, crappies and bass have been hungry. Last week I caught the biggest largemouth bass, ever!  After netting it, I let it go. I should have taken a photo of the big fish, but I didn’t so you’ll have to trust me. Fisherman never tell a lie.

 Humor

 My wife, Lorna, told me to put ketchup on the shopping list. Great, now I can’t read anything!

A guy tried selling me a coffin. It’s the last thing I need.

Lorna told me I needed to stop impersonating flamingos, I just had to put my foot down.

 Quotes

  “Politeness costs nothing and gains everything!”              

                                                               - Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Red Cross Blood Drive May 6 at Geneseo First Methodist - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


   The American Red Cross is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Tuesday, May 6, at Geneseo First Methodist Church Annex, (back entrance of the church’s south campus).  The drive will begin at 12 noon and continue until 6 p.m.

   Appointments are preferred and can be made by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED Cross).  Walk-ins will be accepted in as timely a manner as possible with appointments taking priority.  Those planning to give blood will be asked to present their Red Cross ID card (or a valid driver’s license) and will be asked to read the list of medications that might exclude their donation from being used or do a “Rapid Pass” before their donation.

   For ease in donating, the Red Cross Donor app can be downloaded by searching “Blood Donor American Red Cross.”  This allows the person planning to donate to do Rapid Pass the day of the blood donation and keep track of their health.

   Before donating:

  -1.  Drink an extra 16 ounces of water, juice or non-alcoholic drink before donating, especially in warm weather.
  -2.  Eat a healthy meal; avoid fatty foods like fries, hamburgers, ice cream.
  -3.  Try to get a good night’s sleep.
  -4.  Check to see if any of the medications you are taking would prevent you from donating.

   It’s also recommended that those planning to donate increase their vitamin C to their diet by eating fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, spinach and Brussels sprouts.

   Anyone with questions about donating, getting a Red Cross ID card or who would like more information, is asked to call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS). 

   Information received regarding the Blood Drive stated: “You don’t need a special reason to give blood.  You just need your own reason.  Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend.  Some of us give blood because we know a family member or a friend might need blood someday.  Some of us give blood because we believe it is the right things to do.

   The need for blood is constant.  Your contribution is very important to maintain a healthy and plentiful blood supply.  When you donate through the Red Cross, you help save lives by giving of yourself in just about an hour.  You may never meet the person who receives your blood, but you’ll feel good knowing you helped change a life.”

 

The History of May Day in America and Its Decline Among Children

May Day has become a lesser known holiday.  But May Day has a long and complex history in the United States, even though it's no longer widely observed, especially by children. Originally, May Day was a spring festival in Europe, filled with flower gathering, dancing around the maypole, and general merrymaking. When European settlers came to America, they brought some of these traditions with them, and for a time, May Day was a lighthearted celebration of nature and the changing seasons, often involving children in simple rituals like making flower crowns or delivering “May baskets” filled with blossoms and treats to neighbors.

However, the meaning of May Day in America shifted dramatically in the late 19th century.  May 1st became associated with labor activism and workers' rights. While many countries adopted May Day as International Workers’ Day, the U.S. government distanced itself from the date due to its radical associations. Instead, Labor Day was established in September to recognize American workers without aligning with socialist or anarchist movements.

This split in meaning affected how May Day was celebrated in the United States. The holiday remained significant for labor unions and political groups but lost popularity in mainstream culture. The more whimsical, spring-centered version of May Day, once celebrated in schools and neighborhoods, slowly faded. During the early to mid-20th century, some American schools still observed May Day with dances, plays, and floral decorations, but over time, these activities were replaced by more secular or standardized events, especially as the U.S. focused more on Memorial Day and the end of the school year.

Another factor is the changing nature of childhood itself. In earlier decades, children often played outdoors in their neighborhoods and participated in community-based activities like delivering May baskets. Today, children's lives are more structured and digital. With less free play and community involvement, simple traditions like May Day have lost their place. Parents and teachers may also be unfamiliar with the holiday, making it less likely to be passed down to new generations.

Though May Day is no longer a major part of American childhood, its legacy still lingers. It serves as a reminder of both the labor movement’s impact on American society and the simple joys of seasonal celebration. While few children today may dance around a maypole or leave flowers on a doorstep, the history of May Day in America reflects the nation's changing values and cultural shifts over time.

 

The Wizard of Oz - By Elizabeth Hulsbrink

By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current
April 23, 2025
Geneseo High School Performing Arts


The energy in the DePauw Theater was electric as students from Geneseo High School took to the stage for their much-anticipated production of The Wizard of Oz (RSC Version). With months of hard work culminating in a weekend of performances, the cast, orchestra, crew, and directors brought to life a beloved story through impressive vocals, vibrant choreography, and heartfelt acting. From the moment the curtain parted, it was clear that this was more than just a school musical—it was a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and youthful passion for the performing arts.  

The proverbial yellow brick road came to vibrant life on the stage this past weekend, as students delivered this ambitious and heartwarming performance. Based on the beloved 1939 film and adapted by the Royal Shakespeare Company, this version preserves the charm, music, and magic of the original while offering expanded scenes and dialogue tailored for the stage. From the iconic opening notes of "Over the Rainbow" to the triumphant return to Kansas, the production showcased not only the talent of its young cast and crew, but also their dedication to bringing a classic story to life with theatrical flair and emotional depth.

Leading the cast with poise and sincerity was senior Shay Schehl as Dorothy Gale. With a clear, expressive voice and a natural stage presence, she captured Dorothy’s wide-eyed wonder and quiet strength, especially in a heartfelt rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” Junior Perry Farley brought warmth and humor to the role of the Scarecrow, delighting the audience with nimble physical comedy and a genuine charm during “If I Only Had a Brain.” As the Tin Man, senior Logan VanDeWoestyne offered a touching performance, infusing “If I Only Had a Heart” with just the right blend of melancholy and hope. Meanwhile, in his acting debut, junior Landry Possin’s Cowardly Lion was a crowd favorite, earning plenty of laughs and applause with his animated expressions and comedic timing, and, of course, the perfect lion’s growls!

The supporting cast also shone, with senior Clara Huddleston bringing both sparkle and sass to Glinda the Good Witch, while senior Beth Mroz’s Wicked Witch of the West was deliciously menacing, delivering her lines with flair and just the right dose of theatrical villainy. Ensemble members from local elementary schools and seniors Jonathan Freadhoff, as the Emerald City Guard, and Jackson Brumbaugh, as The Wizard of Oz, added richness to every scene, particularly in Munchkinland and the Emerald City, where vibrant costumes and tight choreography added delight and awe.

Visually, the production was a feast for the eyes. The set design cleverly balanced practicality with imagination, transporting the audience from the gray tones of Kansas to the dazzling technicolor world of Oz. The transition—from Dorothy’s farmhouse spinning into the tornado to her arrival in Munchkinland—was especially well-executed, using lighting, the cyclorama, and sound effects to great dramatic effect. A special shoutout to the “flying” people in the tornado! Fabulous touch!!

Costumes played a key role in bringing the fantasy to life. From the glittering pinks of Glinda’s gown to the iconic blue gingham dress worn by Dorothy, each outfit was thoughtfully crafted and true to the film’s spirit. The Wicked Witch’s green makeup and flowing black cloak added just the right level of theatrical menace, while the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion all had wonderfully detailed costumes that allowed for both mobility and personality.

Director Joe DePauw deserves special credit for guiding such a large cast with clarity and vision. The pacing never lagged, and every scene felt purposeful and engaging. The choreography, particularly in ensemble numbers like “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” and “Merry Old Land of Oz,” was tight, joyful, and well-rehearsed, showcasing both the students’ energy and the director’s attention to detail.

Geneseo High School’s production of The Wizard of Oz (RSC version) was a charming and skillful tribute to a timeless classic. From strong vocal and orchestral performances to creative staging, the entire cast and crew delivered a show full of heart and imagination. A special shoutout goes to Toto, played by the scene-stealing Bo (owner Amy Roberts, Geneseo), whose calm and adorable presence added extra magic to the performance. It was a production that truly reminded the audience that there’s no place like home.

The Living Stations of the Cross - By Elizabeth Hulsbrink

By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current
St. Malachy Church
April 13, 2025

In the stillness of a darkened church, not a sound stirred. Then out of that darkness, a single beam of light broke through the silence—signaling the beginning of a journey that would draw every soul present into the final hours of Christ’s life. The Living Stations of the Cross, presented by the members of the St. Malachy Youth Ministry, was not just a performance—it was a profound spiritual experience.  

The [Living] Stations of the Cross are a traditional Catholic devotion that honors the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, focusing on His path to his crucifixion. Comprised of 14 stations, each one marks a distinct moment of His suffering and death. These stations are often depicted by crosses, artwork, or carvings within churches. However, this particular performance utilized the art of human stop-motion, where actors got into position for each station and maintained complete stillness while readers told the story through scripture, poetry and narration. The movement from one station to the next unfolded in total darkness, heightening the sense of solemnity and deepening the reverent silence.  

Telling the story were Geneseo Middle School students Jocelyn Aguirre, Leila Bries, Ellie Jackson and James Winkleman.  Aguirre, Bries and Jackson also sang El Shaddai and Via Dolorosa during the final stations.  

The program began with Simon of Cyrene- portrayed by Colin Roemer, a freshman at Geneseo High School and devoted member of the St. Malachy Youth Ministry- as he walked solemnly down the aisle, singing “Watch the Lamb”. While he moved down the “road” he was holding the hands of his two young sons, played by Charlie (age 9) and Henry (age 11) Walck, both of Geneseo. Short scenes with Jesus Christ (portrayed by Jonathan Freadhoff, a senior at Geneseo High School), Guard (portrayed by Joey Thoene, a junior at Geneseo High School) Pontius Pilot (portrayed by Liam Osborn, a freshman of Geneseo), and John (portrayed by Vinnie Angelo, young friend of St. Malachy) as well as a crowd of bystanders, helped set the tone that this performance would be both moving and haunting, due to its nature.  

Senior Sophie Oltman's depiction of Mary, mother of Jesus, redirected our attention from the physical torment of Jesus’s struggle to the emotional depth of a mother’s pain. Her a cappella solo, “Still My Little Boy”, held the audience spellbound, with many moved to tears! Veronica (portrayed by sophomore Maddie Oltman), Mary Magdalene (portrayed by Geneseo Middle School 8th grader Reese Schaaf), and weeping woman (Leah Roemer, GHS graduate) all kept close to Mary and Jesus through each station.  

This powerful reenactment of Jesus’s final hours of His earthly life was directed by Victor Angelo, Lance Carroll and Elizabeth Hulsbrink. Stage crew included Claudia Angelo, Isabella Angelo, and Dianna Kunkle. Sound assistance was provided by Butch Bos.

 

Detective Jamie Shoemaker to Speak May 8 at Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


   Detective Jamie Shoemake of the Geneseo Police Department will present a program on “Successes in Law Enforcement” at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at the Geneseo Public Library.  Her presentation is made possible by the Illinois Humanities and the Geneseo Public Library District.

   She has worked in Law Enforcement for 10 years and has been with the Geneseo Police Department for the four years, where she founded IMPACT (Integrated Model Police and Crisis Team.

Detective Jamie Shoemaker

   Shoemaker was named Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute’s 2024 “Women in Criminal Justice Female Officer of the Year.” 

   Information received from the library shared that “Shoemaker was handpicked by an eight-member state-wide committee, standing out for her substantial impact on both the department and the community, especially in advocating for mental health and crisis awareness.

   Detective Shoemaker also was recognized nationally as a winner of the 2023 Flock Safety #Solved Awards, where nominees were solicited from across the country, and Shoemaker was noted as having accomplished the mission of providing a coordinated, professional and compassionate police response to individuals affected by mental illness, substance abuse or in need of crisis intervention.  The award recognized her efforts in seeking alternative ways to address the mental health and substance use crisis in the community.

   Geneseo Deputy Police Chief Gene Karzin said, “We couldn’t be prouder of Detective Shoemaker’s unwavering commitment to raising mental health awareness on the front lines.  Police Chief Casey Disterhoft said, “Her compassion and dedication to the Geneseo community are truly inspiring.”

   Detective Shoemaker initially began work to set up a mental health task force within the Geneseo Police Department, and it was while she was working in the community, and as a result of her training with crisis intervention that she realized more than just help for mental illness was needed.  While she acknowledges that she isn’t a trained counselor or therapist, she is very capable of guiding people to the resources they might need.

   “During trainings, it was brought to my attention that a person who suffers form mental illness can turn to substance use to self-medicate, therefore making our task force not just about mental illness, but also substance use as well as crisis intervention,” she said.  “Every person we work with has different needs and different resources they need to help them.”

   “We’re trying to be more proactive instead of reactive, especially when it comes to mental health, substance use and crisis intervention, Detective Shoemake explained.  “We’re another piece of the puzzle in our community and we want to help.”

   She also took her commitment to raising awareness to mental health to the local schools and she said, “Everyone’s day looks differently and it’s OK to want help and get help.  A lot of high school students deal with anxiety and depression.”

   “Maybe the best way to explain it is that no one wakes up deciding they want to be in crisis that day,” She added.  “When you think about that for a moment, you start to get a better understanding of how frustrating and difficult these situations can be.  That’s why we need to be empathetic and sympathetic when someone is dealing with something.  It could be anybody, even you.  It’s important to consider how we treat people, and that is something that reflects on all of us.  It’s easy to look the other way, but we live in a community together and sometimes you need to help each other out.”

   By her presentations, Shoemaker helps to teach the community about anxiety and depression.  “it’s about educating people on what mental illness is and what it looks like, and how it’s in our communities,” she said.  “it’s one in five people; we need to start taking a proactive approach on it.”

   “The Dementia Friendly Geneseo Task Force has been incorporated into the IMPACT group.  They are partnered with the Area Agency on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association to address the needs of those living with dementia.  The Team, led by staff from the Police Department, includes people from the city, aging organizations, service/non-profit organizations, the Alzheimer’s Association, healthcare, and a local bank.  First responders in the community have been trained on dementia and will be monitoring for any needs within community members.

   In addition to the list of Detective Shoemaker’s achievements, the City of Geneseo is now one of only 31 communities in Illinois that are certified as “Dementia Friendly.”  The city’s police force has created an independent task force to handle outreach efforts such as connecting families with health care services or caregivers.  Representatives of the Geneseo Task Force are present at the City of Geneseo, Central Bank, Black Hawk Bank, Liberty Village, Atkinson-Geneseo Food Pantry, Geneseo Public Library, Rebuilding Together, Henry County Seniors, Hammond-Henry Hospital, Adult Alternatives and the Geneseo Police Department.

April Is Stress Awareness Month

Stress is a natural response the body uses to deal with challenges or threats, both real and perceived. It triggers physical and emotional reactions that help us respond to difficult situations. In short bursts, stress can be helpful—it can improve focus, energy, and motivation. However, when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, it can begin to negatively affect nearly every part of a person’s life.

When we experience stress, our bodies react by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to either fight or flee from danger. This response includes a faster heartbeat, tense muscles, quickened breathing, and heightened alertness. These physical changes can be life-saving in emergencies but can become damaging if the stress response is triggered too often or lasts too long.

Chronic stress can wear down the body over time. It has been linked to a number of health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. People under long-term stress may also experience headaches, fatigue, weight gain, and trouble sleeping. Mentally, stress can contribute to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and memory problems.

One of the most common sources of stress for adults is the workplace. Heavy workloads, tight deadlines, lack of support, or unclear expectations can all cause stress. When stress builds up, it affects concentration, decision-making, and overall job performance. Employees may feel burned out, irritable, or disengaged, leading to lower productivity and job satisfaction.

Workplace stress doesn’t stay at the office. People often carry that tension home with them, which can disrupt their ability to relax and connect with loved ones. Stress can make a person short-tempered or withdrawn, leading to conflicts with spouses, children, or roommates. Over time, this can strain family relationships and create a stressful home environment for everyone.

When a parent is under ongoing stress, the emotional atmosphere at home often suffers. Children, in particular, are sensitive to emotional changes in their caregivers at home. They may become anxious, develop behavioral issues, or struggle in school. Constant stress in the household can create a cycle where each family member's tension contributes to the others, making the home feel less safe and supportive.

Beyond physical health and relationships, stress can deeply impact a person's emotional well-being. Chronic stress can leave people feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless. It can erode self-confidence, make it hard to enjoy daily life, and lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, drinking, or avoiding responsibilities altogether.

Common signs of stress include mood swings, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep problems, trouble concentrating, and frequent illness. People under stress may also become more easily frustrated or anxious. Recognizing these signs early is key to managing stress before it becomes overwhelming.

There are many strategies for reducing stress. Physical activity, even something as simple as a daily walk, can help lower stress levels. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can calm the mind and body. Setting boundaries at work and learning to say no when necessary, can also prevent stress from piling up.

If stress becomes unmanageable, it’s important to seek help. Mental health professionals such as counselors, psychologists, and therapists can offer support and teach effective coping skills. Many workplaces provide access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), which often include free counseling services. Primary care doctors can also provide guidance and referrals to mental health specialists.

There are also many community-based and online resources for managing stress. Local health centers, support groups, and nonprofit organizations often offer stress-reduction workshops or therapy at low cost. Online platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, or national organizations such as Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer accessible support and educational tools.

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us. By understanding what stress is and how it affects the body, work, and family life, we can begin to recognize it and take steps to manage it in healthy ways. Whether through personal strategies, professional help, or support from loved ones, everyone has the ability to reduce the impact of stress and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.