New School Staff at 2025 Luncheon at Grace Church in Geneseo

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


  Jeff Orton, retired Geneseo School District teacher, and Grace Church member, served as emcee at the new staff luncheon.    A quote printed in the programs at the luncheon stated, “Students may not remember everything you said, but they will remember how special you made them feel.”

New staff members, their mentors and new administrators in the Geneseo School District were honored on Aug. 7 at a luncheon at Grace United Methodist Church. The 2025 luncheon was the 45th year for the church to host new teachers, counselors and administrators to the district.

-ELEMENTARY: - Taylor DeSplinter, fifth grade, Northside School; Anna Poel, vocal music, Northside; Madisyn Ryan, kindergarten, Millikin; Katlyn Schmitt, third grade, Southwest; Cassie Wales, fifth grade, Southwest; and Danielle Wieland, fourth grade, Millikin.

-MIDDLE SCHOOL: - Cody Robertson, history, Middle School; Jennifer Woolsey, instructional coach; and Sarah Williams.

-HIGH SCHOOL: – Tara Hinton, English, Geneseo High School; Keyaira Lavine, guidance counselor, Mitchell Munda, physical education; and Michael Bell, special education.

-HENRY/STARK: - Meloney Brasmer, Carrie Brown, Jordan Seei and Stephanie Wexell.

Photos by Claudia Loucks

New staff members at the elementary schools in the Geneseo School District are, in front from left, Carrie Brown, Katlyn Schmitt, Jordan Seei; and Madisyn Ryan; and in back, Taylor DeSplinter, Cassie Wales, Danielle Wieland, Anna Poel and Stephanie Wexell. Photo by Claudia Loucks

New staff at the Geneseo Middle School and at Geneseo High School are, in front from left, Jennifer Woolsey, Mitch Munda, Michael Bell, and Meloney Brasmer; and in back, Tara Hinton, Keyaira Lavine, Cody Robertson, and Sarah Williams. Photo by Claudia Loucks

   Geneseo School District Superintendent Laura Delgado, left; and school board member Diane Olson visit at the new staff luncheon.

 

   Larry Johnsen, left, GHS teacher; Margaret Hitzhusen, retired from Geneseo School District and a member of Grace Church; and Mary Orton, seated, retired from Geneseo School District and Grace Church member, were visiting at the luncheon.

   Brooke Emmerson, left, assistant principal at GHS, and Philip Moe, principal at Millikin School, also were at the luncheon.

   Jordan Seei, left, new staff member in the Geneseo School District, and Tasha Moe, teacher, who is Seei’s mentor, were at the new staff luncheon Thursday at Grace Church.

   Jeremy Mosier, left, assistant principal at GHS, and Tom Ryerson, GHS principal, were photographed at the new staff event held Aug. 7 at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

 

Diane Boelens is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Diane Boelens

Diane Boelens has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. She has been volunteering for one year at the food pantry, where she assists guests who are shopping for food, and where she helps sort donations in the clothing room.

She has been married to husband Ken for 43 years and the couple has two sons, Cody and Dalton.

Boelens said she enjoys reading, gardening, volunteering locally and internationally, traveling and Jazzercise. She said the best thing about volunteering at the food pantry is spending time with like-minded people, those willing to help our local community. She said the volunteers and staff are willing to support the guests with respect, caring and understanding.

Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for serving those in need, Diane!”

 

My Printer Was Playing Music - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

I-80 Café

  That is the new name of the former Brunch House 2 restaurant in Colona. As of now, they are still remolding, but hopefully they will be open soon.  

Geneseo Ikes Fish Fry

  The Geneseo Izaak Walton League held their summer fish fry on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The fish served were bluegills, crappies, walleyes and channel catfish.  Besides fish, chicken was also served. Side dishes and desserts were included with the meal.  The food was really good and it was nice catching up with all the local news.  

Geneseo Ikes “Ham ‘n Bean” Public Supper

  This is always a nice event. It is open to the public and will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Ikes Park, near the lodge. The hours are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Take Rt. 82, 1 mile north of Geneseo. There will be live entertainment, too.  

Gulp Works

Gary Dahlquist, Geneseo, recently caught this big bass. Submitted Photo

   I’m a live bait guy when fishing. Minnows, waxies and worms are my favorite baits with the exception of stink bait for Mr. Whiskers.
However, last week I have re-thought my opinion on artificial minnows, namely “Gulp” by Berkley. Gary Dahlquist and I went fishing at a private lake.  I fished for bluegills using red worms. Gary used 2 inch or 1 inch Gulp artificial minnows.
For some reason, I always thought they were just another “hook” to catch the fisherman rather than the fish. Gary caught 7 nice crappies, one big largemouth bass (he let it go) and some nice bluegills. All on Gulp artificial minnows.  He gave me a few to try and by-golly, they did work. Now it helped that he was in a good fishing spot, but still, I’m a believer on Gulp artificial bait. 
After fishing I stopped at Farm & Fleet and bought the last package of 2” minnows and 1 jar of the 1” size. I guess at my age I can still train this old dog new tricks! 

Navy & Space Force Uniforms

  The first time the U.S. Navy issued a Navy uniform was on August 24, 1797. It was first used to provide a distinctive dress for officers.It was during the Civil War (1860-1865) when the first major influence was on Navy uniforms.
 The current uniforms for the Space Force are modeled after the Army and Air Force. However, the Guardians (members of the Space Force) are set to get their own service dress uniforms this year, 2025.

 Humor

I was so confused last night. My printer was playing music. Turns out my paper was jammin’.
What did one hat say to the other? Answer: You stay back, I’m going on a-head.

Quote

  “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.” - Unknown

New Exhibition - Smith Studio and Gallery

Dave Smith
Smith Studio & Gallery

Now on exhibit at the Smith Studio and Gallery, in downtown Geneseo, is the Illinois Art Education Association’s (IAEA) traveling exhibition of K-12th grade student artwork. This unique statewide art exhibition is re-created each year in order to showcase student artwork. The current 2024-2025 exhibition consists of 45 works of art that were picked from over 600 entries. This creative exhibition has been traveling Illinois for the past year and it is now in its’ eleventh and final showing. 

This unique exhibition helps to display much of the Visual Art curricular goals and educational objectives that are included throughout Illinois schools. More importantly this artwork gives a glimpse into the thinking and wonderful creativity of children at different age levels. This exhibition is a delightful treat for families and children. While this unique exhibition is in western Illinois it is hoped that community leaders, school board members and educators at all levels will take the time to consider the importance of the Arts in education. 

During August this exhibit is open and free to the public.

Hours at the Smith Studio and Gallery are Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00.

 

Model Railroaders Club Display at Library in August and Will Have Display at Trains, Planes, & Automobiles Car Show

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Pat Persampieri, left; and Carl Johnson, representing the Geneseo Model Railroaders Club, are shown by the display of model trains, which will be featured through August, at the Geneseo Public Library.  The display includes examples of scale and gauges of model trains.

   Club members also will have operating layouts on display during the Trains, Planes & Automobiles car show on Saturday, Sept. 6, in downtown Geneseo.  From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, the display will be available for special viewing at Geneseo Communications Garage, 154 East Exchange St., in downtown Geneseo. 

   Anyone interested in seeing the display on Sept. 5 is asked to make a reservation by contacting Dan Klavine during business hours at Klavine Motors, 309-944-3319.

   The Geneseo Model Railroaders Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Geneseo Public Library. 

   The club, established by model railroad enthusiasts in 2011 in Geneseo, is open to all scale gauges and age groups.   

   For more information about the Geneseo Model Railroad Club, email questions to gmrrclub@gmail.com or visit Geneseo Model Railroaders Club on face book
 

 

Hammond-Henry Hospital moves offices to better accommodate patients, physicians

Geneseo IL - In an effort to better accommodate patients and its expanding list of physicians and services, Hammond-Henry Hospital, located at 600 N. College Avenue, Geneseo, is in the process of moving its Specialty Clinic, its Surgical Clinic, and Home Health Services.

Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Home Health Services recently moved its Cambridge office back to Geneseo and is now conveniently located across from the hospital at 534 N. Center Street. Home Health Services’ hours remain Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, and their phone number is 309.944.4853.

The former Specialty Physicians Center or the Northwest Clinic at Hammond-Henry Hospital will now be called the Hammond-Henry Hospital Specialty Clinic. The Hammond-Henry Hospital Specialty Clinic, which will officially move on August 4, will serve as the office site for HHH’s General Surgeon (James Schrier, MD), Orthopedic Surgeon (Ryan Pizinger, MD), Pain Management Specialist (John Dooley, MD*), and Rheumatologist (Manoj Kohli, MD*).

“The new Specialty Clinic location offers improved accessibility, making your visits more convenient, and you’ll also have a larger, more comfortable environment for all your appointments,” said Derek Fortin, Specialty Clinic Manager. Those interested in reaching the Specialty Clinic can call 309.944.1595.

Cardiovascular medicine, endocrinology, nephrology, and urology patients that formerly visited physicians within the Specialty Physicians Center on the first floor of the hospital will now visit their physicians (except Dr. Cory Straub, endocrinologist, and Keelin Willits, APRN, urologist) in the Hammond-Henry Hospital Outreach Clinic, located in Suite 220 on the second floor of the hospital.

The new Hammond-Henry Outreach Clinic (formerly the Surgical Clinic) can be accessed by taking Elevator 2 and following the signs for the outreach clinic. Those seeing Rajiv Mallik, MD*, Rafat Padaria, MD*; Aswartha Pothula, MD*, Sanjeev Puri, MD*; Rajesh Alla, MD*; and Travis Figanbaum, MD*, will see these physicians in the Outreach Clinic on the second floor, beginning August 4.

Cory Straub, MD*, will see patients in the UnityPoint Clinic, located on the first floor of the hospital in Suite 130. Keelin Willits, APRN*, will no longer have hours or office space in Hammond-Henry Hospital. She will see patients at Urological Associates, PC, at 600 Valley View Drive, Upper Level, Moline, or 3319 Spring Street, Davenport, IA.

* Physician is an independent, non HHH employed contractor with privileges to provide healthcare services at Hammond-Henry Hospital.

I’ll Have a Tenderloin, Please - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

H.C. Genealogical Society

I spoke to this nice group of folks last week. My program was on the U.S. Navy and aircraft carriers. I thank Pat Hurd, Vice President, and Steve Morrison, President, of the Henry County Genealogical Society, for the invite.
The meeting was held at the Kewanee Library. I will present a similar program on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Vintage Farm Equipment Show, Atkinson, IL. The programs will be at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

I’ll Have a Tenderloin, Please

Last Monday Lorna and I hosted at the Henry County Historical Museum in Bishop Hill. At lunch time we both ordered the tenderloin specials at The Filling Station.
Of course, the tenderloin stuck out on all sides of the bun. It got me wondering! I cannot ever remember ordering and eating a tenderloin sandwich where the tenderloin didn’t completely engulf the poor little bun?! No complaint mine you, but when and where did it become the norm that the patty must overtake the bun? A hamburger stays within the bun’s boundary and so the same with a hotdog.

Butterflies

We have a lot of flowers both outside and inside. We both enjoy gardening. During the past few years we just don’t see butterflies like we used to. I saw one today, but don’t ask me what kind? Unrelated, but we are happy with our tomatoes and onions this year. Creatures did a number on our lettuce and some of our beans, but that’s not new.

The Cellar

We hit our 54th year Wedding Anniversary last week. No, not 53 years as I mentioned in this column last week. Of course, there is only one place to celebrate and that is at The Cellar.
My steak was so big we got two meals in the “doggie bag!” We were the first ones there at 5 p.m. and by 5:30 p.m. It was packed and that was on a Thursday. Through the years we’ve always had good food and service at The Cellar.

Argo

This little hamlet, a few miles west of Princeton, Iowa, is where Lorna, myself and some of her relatives meet once a year for breakfast in the little restaurant.
The kicker is the food is so good and their meals are very dollar cheap. We were there last Sunday and within a few hours we solved all the world’s problems.

Humor

Did you hear? They’re not making 12” rulers any longer.
Did you hear about Vic Bianchetta’s coffee was stolen. He got mugged.
It doesn’t matter if you are tall, short, thin, fat, rich, or poor. At the end of the day, it’s night!

Quote

“The wildest colts make the best horses.” - Plutarch

Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter - How It Began and What it Has Become

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  The Henry County Humane Society- Geneseo Shelter became a reality 50 years ago, in January of 1975.

   Prior to that time, the lost and abandoned animals in Geneseo were housed in what has been described as “sadly inadequate facilities.”

   A group of concerned Geneseo citizens were instrumental in forming an organization in 1974 with a goal of “aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals, and to generally improve the lot of defenseless animals.”

   In 2005, the group began holding office hours at the animal shelter which allowed anyone interested in adoption to come and meet the animals.  They also placed profiles and photographs online to help introduce the animals to families or individuals who may be interested in adopting. 

HOW IT BEGAN ---Some information in the history section of this story was provided by the Geneseo Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter and by Geneseo writer Steve Kastorff.

   Those volunteers also took the animals on outings away from the shelter for “meet and greets” to help with the adoption process, and their efforts seemed to work as by 2015 the group averaged 300 adoptions per year. 

   In the first year of incorporation, at no cost to them, the group shared the Geneseo City Dog Pound, located north of Geneseo.  The group of volunteers arranged to have a heater placed in the dog pound and they also were responsible for the installation of a new roof.

   With the increase of interest in the animals, there was a need for more volunteers.  That “need” resulted in the group continuing as an organization and becoming the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Branch.   It was the hope of those volunteers that the name would clarify that the group was there to help animals in the Geneseo area, and not the entire county.

   By the fall of 1986, the group was still using the city dog pound and the volunteers had just completed work on a new exercise yard at the facility.

   Fast forward to 2000, and the group was continuing to operate from donations and there were no paid workers to help care for the animals.  The group still was operating from the city-owned shelter at no cost to the group, with the exception of the cost of caring for the animals housed at the shelter.

   In December of 2007, it was announced that the organization would begin raising funds to construct a new Henry County Geneseo Branch of the Humane Society, located south of the city-owned shelter.   

   The volunteers envisioned a new building, more than 7,000 square feet in size, as the city shelter that housed the animals in 2007 was 1,200 square feet.

   Geneseo Communications spearheaded the fund-raising effort in 2007 with a goal of raising $50,000 for a new shelter building.

 The Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter is governed by a nine-member board, which includes, from left, Kristen VerStraete, board member; Linda VanDerLeest, president; Jamie DeSplinter, vice president; Cindy Hoste, treasurer; Kim Park, board member; Ashley Moore, board member; Traci Ellsworth, secretary, and Katie Irwin, board member.  Carlie Sanchez also is a board member, but was absent for the photo.  Contributed Photo

   In 2007, the Humane Society had 51 members and about 30 volunteers who helped with more than 160 animal adoptions that year.  The need to have their own building came from insurance concerns raised by the city’s insurance provider.

   The goal was to build the new facility south and west of the original dog pound.  Until the new building could be constructed, a wall was put up between the city side and the Humane Society’s in February of 2008.

   With the new wall in place, the city had four dog runs and a bank of cat cages and the Humane Society had four dog runs and a cat room.  The building was arranged so each side would have its own entrance.

   In June of 2008, the second phase of the fund-raising for the building was underway, as the first $50,000 became a reality.

  New construction began in 2013, but funds were short which stalled the completion of the facility. 

   In 2016, Dr. Barb Kuhns and her husband, Bob Kuhns, donated $250,000 for the completion of the new shelter and the Humane Society – Geneseo Branch now operates out of its new home and is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

AND WHAT IT HAS BECOME

   The Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter has continued to grow through the years.

   Katie Irwin, who serves on the Humane Society Board, shared that growth has happened not only in the number of animals being cared for and adopted, but also in the number of people who are dedicated to the well-being to those animals and where they are housed.

   “We have experienced exciting changes over the past couple of years,” Irwin said.  “Our board has evolved significantly, with four new members joining in that time, bringing us to a total of nine.  This expansion has infused fresh energy and diverse perspectives into our leadership, allowing us to strengthen our commitment to our mission and create a more dynamic, forward-thinking team.  These changes have propelled us into a period of growth and transformation, positioning us for continued success as we work to further our impact in the community.”

   Irwin added that the group is dedicated to forward-thinking practices that anticipate future needs, ensuring that the shelter not only meets current demands, but is prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

   “Through strategic sustainability planning, we focus on building a resilient and resource-efficient organization that thrives over time,” she said.  ‘In addition, we actively seek to cultivate strong community partnerships, knowing that collaboration and relationship-building are vital to achieving lasting change for both animals and the community we serve.”

  Accomplishments of the Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter in the last two years include:

  -Creating six new dog yards with privacy fencing and artificial turf to create a more comfortable space;

  -Enhanced disease prevention protocols, bringing ringworm transmission down to zero.

  -A community-donated deep freezer, allowing us to expand our dog enrichment program.

  -A growing team of volunteers, enabling us to provide even more individualized care.

  -The addition of two employees with veterinary technician experience, reducing vet costs and improving in-house care.

   “These milestones reflect our commitment to elevating care for the animals we serve and strengthening our community impact,” Irwin said.

TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVESARY MILESTONE

   The Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter will host their first “Paws for the Cause Gala” from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Lavender Crest Winery. 

   The evening will include:
  -Live music from two artists – Eva Kendall & Chloe Mae.
  -A live and silent auction.
  -A delicious dinner.
  -A pop-up shop featuring exclusive Humane Society merchandise and animal goodies!

   For more information, contact the Geneseo shelter at info@henrycountyhumanesociety.org and see the attached graphic bout the Gala.

Middle School Walking Path to Have Wellness Stations

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Marcia Wirth, left; Hammond-Henry Hospital dietitian; and Katie Orwig, Hospital Foundation Manager, are shown at one of the wellness stations now in place along the walking path at the Geneseo Middle School.   The hospital and the Geneseo School District teamed up to add four wellness stations along the walking path and those signs will be unveiled at a celebration planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2.   Community members are Invited to the event, and walkers along the path will see the new signs as well as receive some giveaways at each of the wellness stations.  Exercises are listed on the signs as well as instructional videos that can be assessed from each sign by a QR code.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

Hammond-Henry Hospital and the Geneseo School District have teamed up to add wellness stations along the walking path at the Geneseo Middle School.

Katie Orwig, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager, said, “In an effort to engage with the community, HHH has created an employee-led committee to offer events both inside and outside of the hospital.”

HHH will host an event to celebrate the unveiling of the four wellness stations at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, and members of the community are welcome. Walkers along the path will be able to see the new signs as well as receive some giveaways at each of the wellness stations.

The idea for the wellness stations originated with Marcia Wirth, HHH dietitian. She and her daughter regularly walk a path at Rosland Park in Edina, MN, where there are signs along the way with exercises that can be done as part of a walker’s loop around a lake.

According to Orwig, Wirth has long thought this was something that cold be done in Geneseo…As a co-lead on the community committee, Wirth brought the idea to the group.

Many locations were discussed, but the Middle School walking path seemed to be the best place.

Geneseo Middle School Principal Nate O’Dell was contacted and he brought in the appropriate staff to help in the decision-making process.

The project involves several departments within HHH. Rehab department staff Jennifer Mills and John Davis chose the exercises to be listed and made instructional videos that can be assessed from each sign by a QR code. Using her nutrition background, Wirth teamed up with fellow HHH dietitian Anna Kreiser to add nutritional information and can be expanded upon with the help of an additional QR code.

The cost of the signs was covered by a donation to the HHH Foundation by Wirth, Inc., and Orwig said, “We are happy to partner with community leaders like Wirth, Inc., and the Geneseo School District to establish what we hope to be a long-lasting enhancement to the walking path.”

In addition to her position as HHH Foundation Manager, Orwig also is co-lead of the community committee.

 

Drive Alone or Drive a Hearse! - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

A Fox on the Fairway

Last week Janet Anderson, Lorna and myself went to the Richmond Hill Playhouse to see the comedy, “A Fox on the Fairway.” It was excellent!
I think with comedy, actors have to deliver their lines “with perfect timing” and they did just that. There were 6 actors . Jackie Patterson was one of them. She is really a natural and we always like to support her. The play’s last performance was July 20th.
The next play, Marjorie PRIME, will be August 14-17 & 21 – 24. One of the actors will be Lorrie Lord. She is another one of those natural actors. The play is not a comedy, and I heard through the grape vine it is very thought provoking. We shall see.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

We are fans of PBS, but to a point! I used to watch the PBS NewsHour with Judy Woodruff because it was not bias. However, I noticed during the past year or so PBS has become more and more democratic. I don’t watch their NewsHour anymore because of their liberal points of view. I see that President Trump wants to cut funding to PBS. I have mixed emotions on that subject. We contribute to PBS, certainly not for its news reporting, but because it has so much other “excellent viewing”. While we will continue to watch and support PBS, I have to smile at Trump’s “pay-back” time. In short, “What goes around, comes around!"

Ikes Club Fish Fry at the Lodge

A reminder, the annual summer fish fry for members and guests will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, starting at 6 p.m. Sooooo, good!!!

Ham & Bean Supper

This is a big event and is open to the public. If you like ham soup and/or vegetable soup plus the trimmings, put this date on your home calendar, iphone or your memory bank. Besides great food we will have live entertainment, too! The event is Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. It will be held at the Ikes Park by the lodge. Just take Rt. 82 about 1 mile north of Geneseo. See you there.

Henry County Genealogical Society

These members will have a meeting at the Kewanee Library at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025. Their speaker will be myself and the topic will be Aircraft Carriers.

Luke Dauw wins the Game

Luke’s high school age baseball team are called the St. Louis Tigers. As I type this our grandson, Luke, just made it to 1st base with his teammate making it from 3rd base to home and they won the game. Way to go, Luke!

Good reason to go to The Cellar

Fifty-three years on July 24th! Happy Anniversary, Lorna.

Humor

Lorna says I have two major faults. I don’t listen and something else. Last night I accidentally handed Lorna a gluestick instead of the chapstick. She still hasn’t talked to me.

Quote

“There are only two ways to avoid backseat drivers. Drive alone or drive a hearse!”

From Caterpillar to Chrysalis to Butterfly at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Public Library is buzzing with all kinds of activity. The concrete for the Reading Garden has been poured and the two resident caterpillars have changed into chrysalises.

Library staff is preparing for a class for “little ones” (ages 4-9) at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, which will be under the direction of former preschool teacher Donna Piekos.

The session will include a variety of activities and “hopefully,” a butterfly release.

This spring, the library received a flat of milk weed plants as part of a grant to help the Monarch butterflies prosper in the area. A spokesperson for the library said, “Unfortunately Mother Nature does things on her own schedule, so there is a chance the butterflies may complete their metamorphosis by Aug. 1, and will be gone, but we have a few reserve caterpillars that may help us out.” Contributed Photos

 

Storybook Children’s Theatre Participants to Present Musical Friday and Saturday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The young actors and actresses involved in the Storybook Children’s Theatre Camp, sponsored by the Geneseo Park District, will stage the musical “Alice in Wonderland,” at performances scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, July 25, and again at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26. Both performances will be held in the DePauw Theatre at Geneseo High School, 700 North State St. Tickets for the performances, at $5 for adults and $3 for youth 18 and younger, are available at the front desk of the Geneseo Community Center, 541 East North St., Geneseo.

Young performers have been rehearsing throughout the week at the GHS theatre. They are guided by two professional actor /directors and have had the experience of going through auditions prior to being cast (everyone gets a part), and have been working together to bring the production to life this weekend. All performers will be in costume for the productions.

The Theater Camp is sponsored in part by the Geneseo Park District Foundation, the Geneseo Foundation, Richmond Hill Players and Hazelwood Homes.

Hammond-Henry Hospital to Welcome New Orthopedic Surgeon

Geneseo - The Board of Directors and Administration are pleased to announce that Dr. Ryan Pizinger will offer fulltime orthopedic surgical services at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo, beginning in the fall of this year. He will also see patients in both the Geneseo and Kewanee Clinics.

Dr. Pizinger’s office will be located within the hospital’s first floor Specialty Clinic, formerly the Northwest Clinic, Suite 110. No referrals are necessary and those wishing to find out more information or schedule an appointment can do so by calling 309.944.1595. A public open house for Dr. Pizinger will be announced at a later date.

“Dr. Pizinger has more than 20 years of experience in orthopedic surgery, and we are thrilled he has roots in Illinois (Yorkville area) and wanted to come back,” said Colton Anderson, Director of Physician Recruitment and Clinic Services. “He specializes in total joint care and is highly experienced in total joint replacement operations, including the newer anterior hip replacement techniques. Having an orthopedic surgeon of our own is very important for advancing this service for our patients. Dr. Pizinger will be a wonderful addition to our staff.”

Dr. Pizinger specializes in sports medicine, joint replacement surgery, anterior hip replacement surgery, shoulder reconstruction, and hip, shoulder, and knee arthroscopy. Prior to his appointment at Hammond-Henry Hospital, Dr. Pizinger served SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic in Wisconsin and prior to that, the Illinois Orthopedic Institute, Joliet. While in Joliet, he also served as Director of Sports Medicine for Bolingbrook and Romeoville High Schools.

“I like giving my patients full autonomy in what they choose to do as far as treatment goes. Allowing them to make an informed decision that they are comfortable with is very important,” said Dr. Pizinger. “I ensure they fully understand the diagnosis and all options for treatment. What I like best, though, is fixing a problem and having that patient be happy and pleased with the outcome. It feels good to be part of that process.”

A Board-Certified Surgeon, Dr. Pizinger completed his Fellowship in Sports Medicine from Aspen Orthopaedic Associates, CO, in 2012; his Residency in Orthopedic Surgery from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, NH; Medical School from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, VA; and his Pre-Med degree from the University of Maine, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med with minors in Microbiology and Chemistry.

“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve this rural community in western Illinois, and I hope to see many years of treating people here,” said Dr. Pizinger.

Dr. Pizinger will see patients Monday through Friday. Dr. Pizinger is married to his wife, Jackie, and has two children, Shae, 17, and Samantha, 16.

First Methodist Church in Geneseo to Become Kingswood Church in 175th Year of Ministry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

GENESEO, IL — First Methodist Church in Geneseo, Illinois, is stepping into a new chapter of ministry with a new name. On August 17, the historic congregation located at the corner of State and Park Streets will be known as Kingswood Church.

The renaming comes as the church celebrates its 175th year of continuous ministry. After a yearlong season of dialogue and discernment with congregants and leaders, the decision was made to adopt a more distinctive identity in the community. Geneseo is currently home to five churches with “First” in their names, and two Methodist congregations.

“Jesus is our King, yet he went to the cross out of his great love for us,” said Pastor Chris Ritter. “The name Kingswood reflects both the crown and the cross. It also connects us to one of the most powerful revivals in Christian history. The First Great Awakening began in Kingswood—a coal-mining village near Bristol, England—where John Wesley and George Whitefield boldly preached the Gospel. We pray to be part of the next great move of God.”

While the new name does not include a denominational reference, the church remains proudly affiliated with the Global Methodist Church, a denomination of about 5,000 congregations worldwide. Pastor Ritter currently serves as chair of the Global Episcopacy Committee for the denomination.

Kim Gehling served as chairperson of the “rebranding team” that has been meeting to discuss a new name for Geneseo First Methodist Church.

She said, “Our team was honored to be entrusted with the church’s rebrand. Since October, 2024, we’ve followed a thoughtful, thorough process to develop a name and logo that reflects the church’s history, identity, and mission.”

When asked if the new name will include Kingswood Global Methodist Church, Gehling said, “The official new name is ‘Kingswood Church,”: and being a part of the Global Methodist Church will be referenced in some places, but not in the name.”

Founded in 1850, the congregation began as a small gathering led by a horseback circuit rider in Geneseo’s Seminary Building. Its first sanctuary, built in 1854, still stands today as the Don Cherry VFW Post. The church has been located at its current site since 1867 and today welcomes an average of 450 worshippers across four weekend services.

As Kingswood Church, the congregation looks forward to serving the region by proclaiming the Gospel, relying on the living presence of the Holy Spirit, and advancing Christian mission. The public is invited to a Kingswood Church Launch Weekend on August 16 (6:00 pm) and 17 (8:00, 9:00, or 10:30 am). Additional details are available at www.peopleneedjesus.org.

 

Chris Ward of Geneseo Invited to Present at World Therapy Congress in Scotland

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current



Chris Ward and Dr. William Hiebert, general secretary of the Family Therapy Association.

Chris Ward has more than 50 years of coaching experience and a 30-year background in counseling, and the knowledge of her combined roles earned her an invitation to present at the
Family Therapy Association 2025 World Therapy Congress held in Aberdeen, Scotland.

She explained her presentation, “Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT Techniques to Train Exceptional Athletes to Elite Success and Research Their Family Support Systems,”
focused on her use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her counseling practice (Geneseo Marriage and Family Counseling) and she said, “but I also encourage the CBT techniques to coach athletes.”

Ward and her husband Larry have been coaching gymnastics in Geneseo and Sterling for more than 50 years, and currently are the coaches for the Geneseo High School gymnastics team and for the Geneseo Park District, and Ward said, “We have no plans to retire, and I would not be able to do all that I do without the help and support from my husband Larry.”

Her knowledge of CBT also comes from having served as a middle school counselor for 29 years prior to retirement in 2020.

Chris Ward is photographed at the Family Therapy Association 2025 World Therapy Congress held in Aberdeen, Scotland.

In preparing for her presentation in Scotland, Ward interviewed 10 college track athletes and gymnasts, and she said, “I also did a qualitative research project with their feedback about how their own parents or families supported them to be the most successful.”

When asked to define CBT, Ward replied, “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy uses the technique of learning to think differently about an issue, another person, or problem. Therefore, they may feel differently, and ultimately behave more positively. CBT is a very popular theory because it is so effective.”

Larry & Chris Ward.

She said CBT is effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as managing emotional challenges like grief and stress.

While positive thinking is part of the puzzle of CBT, it is not the only focus, CBT also incorporates behavior techniques and goals to help people develop a more balanced and realistic perspective, not just a positive one.

Ward and her husband Larry were in Scotland for 11 days and while much of their time was spent at the World therapy Congress, they also enjoyed touring Scotland and visiting castles.