Julius C. Cocquit: December 14, 1956 ~ October 13, 2025

Julius Charles Cocquit, 68, of Geneseo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Hope Creek Nursing Home, East Moline, IL.  Cremation rites will be accorded, and a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Kingswood Church, Geneseo.  Reverend Dr. Chris Ritter will officiate.  A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel on Thursday, October 16, 2025.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Julius Cocquit Memorial Fund.  Julius requested, in his memory, that everyone that attends wear their best scrapping (work) clothes. 

Julius was born on December 14, 1956, the son of Henry and Shirley (Bailey) Cocquit, in Moline, IL.  He graduated from JD Darnall High School, class of 1975.  Julius was a farmer, auctioneer, and a scrapper.  He enjoyed spending time scrapping, looking for antiques, collecting John Deere toy tractors, and going to the sale barn.  His favorite eating establishments and food consisted of barbeque, KFC, LaRoma’s, and the Aircraft Grill.  Pepsi was not just a beverage, but a way of life! Julius’s most cherished memories were spent with family, especially with his five children. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Hannah Cocquit of Galesburg, Seth (Lindsey) Cocquit of Peoria, Regina Kappelman-May of Lebanon, TN, Juliun Cocquit of Geneseo, and Victoria (Nick Gillette) Cocquit of Nashville, TN; three grandchildren, Cora and Emmie Cocquit, and Charlie May; and siblings, Greg (Marilyn) Cocquit of New Windsor, Theresa Cocquit of Rushford, MN, Pam Jones of Coal Valley, Pat (Tina) Cocquit of Wataga, Scott (Julie) Cocquit of Geneseo, and Mike Cocquit of Geneseo, IL. 

Julius was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Shirley Cocquit; and two nephews, Nick Cocquit and Greg Cocquit, Jr. 

Dr. David Cook to offer family practice at Hammond-Henry’s Colona Clinic

Dr. David Cook

COLONA, IL – The Hammond-Henry Hospital Board of Directors and Administration are pleased to announce that Dr. David Cook is joining the staff at its Colona Clinic on Monday, November 3. He is currently accepting new patients via waitlist by calling 309.949.2999. Dr. Cook joins Katie Sowder, APRN, as part of the Colona Clinic’s Family Practice team. An open house in Dr. Cook’s honor is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29 from 2 to 4 pm at the Colona Clinic, located at 1604 Cleveland Road, Colona. All interested are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served, and there will also be small gifts for everyone in attendance.

“Thanks to Dr. Cook and Katie Sowder, we are now able to offer family practice services at our Colona Clinic,” said Wyatt Brieser, Hammond-Henry Hospital CEO. “Both are dedicated to bettering the health of the community and are excited to build or continue to build relationships with their patients. Prior to June of this year, we only served walk-in patients at the Colona Clinic. This expansion of services was needed, and we’re happy to welcome Dr. Cook to our already great team.”

Dr. Cook’s medical specialties include family practice and specifically, chronic disease management, preventative medicine, comprehensive urgent care, and a wide range of procedures including skin biopsies/excisions and joint injections. Dr. Cook received his BA in Pre-Med from Augustana College, Rock Island. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, where he also participated in the Rural Student Physicians Program with Hammond Henry as his sponsor site. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at the University of Illinois/Dixon Rural Training Track at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon.

A Silvis native and graduate of United Township High School, Dr. Cook added that working at Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Colona Clinic would be a “seamless transition” as he spent a six-month rotation his third year of medical school working with Dr. Remi Satkauskas.

“Most of my colleagues had only four to six weeks for each separate rotation, while I had the opportunity to have six months of integrated clinical experience working in Hammond-Henry’s Emergency Department, doing rounds in the hospital, and of course, working side-by-side with Dr. Satkauskas who’s a longtime, and well-respected family practice provider. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the patients, and I was equally attracted to the positive culture and focus on community that makes Hammond-Henry and all its clinics and staff so unique.

“The main goal of administration here is to care for the community and to keep quality healthcare close to home,” Dr. Cook continued. “Colona is like my back yard having grown up in Silvis. My training is well suited to this position, and I know there is no problem that we can’t initiate care for at our clinic. I’m excited to get started, and I look forward to meeting everyone.”
 

The Colona Clinic is currently open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Family practice hours are available by appointment.

Fall Health Check Clinic Oct. 23 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  The Henry County Health Department, First Choice HealthCare and the Geneseo Public Library are holding a Geneseo Fall Health Clinic from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Geneseo Library.

   The clinic is open to all people ages 18 and older.

   In keeping with the Health Department’s mission of promoting healthier living, the clinic will feature free flu shots for those with Medicare or insurance coverage.  Proof of coverage in the form of a Medicare or insurance card ensure the “no cost” shots.  For those without coverage, the cost is $60.

   Information received about the clinic states:  “The Health Department urges everyone six months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu this year.  People at high risk of serious flu complications are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated.  Those people include small children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease, health care workers, and those 65 years of age and older.

   In addition, the Fall Health Check Clinic will offer these health screenings:

  -blood pressure checks
  -vital signs checks
  -blood glucose  screenings

   In addition to the health screenings, the clinic will feature a variety of health information and free giveaways.

   Those planning to attend are asked to bring their insurance card or Medicare card to the clinic on Oct. 23.

 

Tim Atwell, Geneseo Graduate, Who Became Kewanee A.D., is Retiring

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Tim Atwell has been named an “Honorary Boilermaker,” at Kewanee High School.  Contributed Photo

  Tim Atwell recently was named an “Honorary Boilermaker” in appreciation of his 28 years of service in education at Kewanee High School.  The honor was presented in conjunction with his retirement announcement as Athletic Director at Kewanee High School, a position he has held for the last 15 years. 

   Atwell, the son of Kenney Atwell, Geneseo, and the late Genendal Atwell, graduated from Geneseo High School (formerly J.D. Darnall High School) in 1984.

   He spent six years farming with his father, raising corn, cattle, and hogs.  During that time, he volunteered with the Geneseo Junior High Wrestling Program, laying the foundation for a lifetime of service to young people.

   His last day of teaching in Kewanee will be June 30, 2026, after 28 years at Kewanee High School, where he started in 1998, teaching Driver’s education and coaching – head freshman football coach, head wrestling coach and head girls’ track and field coach.

   “When I step away, I can honestly say this has been a very ‘fast’ 28 years and it has been a very rewarding career with many fond memories.”

   He will retire with 34 ½ years in education and he explained the ½ year was spent substituting in the Geneseo School District when he graduated from college and he was freshman wrestling coach at Geneseo High School, working with Coach Larry Kanke.

   “I am very grateful to the Geneseo School District and to Mr. Ted McAvoy, who at that time was GHS principal, for allowing me to get my feet wet teaching and coaching that year.”

   His 28 years at Kewanee High School include serving as Kewanee High School Athletic Director for 15 years (2011-2026).  He served as Athletic Director in his first year of teaching at Paw Paw High School (1994-1995) and he also taught for three years at Cahokia High School. 

   Information received from Kewanee High School’s Jacob Dean, about Atwell receiving the “Honorary Boilermaker” recognition states: “It was Geneseo High School Wrestling Coach Larry Kanke (now retired) who encouraged (Tim Atwell) him to take classes at Black Hawk College to become a teacher and coach.  He transferred to Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, in the fall of 1990, where he joined the SIU-E Wrestling Team.  He worked closely with legendary coach Larry Kristoff, assisting with practices, wrestling meets, and team organization.  His leadership and dedication earned him a scholarship during his senior year, and he graduated in 1993.”

   After graduation, Atwell returned to farming while substitute teaching in Geneseo before taking positions at Paw Paw High School and Cahokia High School.

   In 1998 he joined the staff at Kewanee High School.

   Information from Jacob Dean includes, “In his time at KHS, he has taught driver education, coached football, wrestling, and track, served as athletic director, and captured countless memories through his photography at nearly every event.  His impact, however, cannot be measured by job titles or bullet points.”

   “If you earned your driver’s license, it’s probably because of him.  If you ever played a sport or attended an extracurricular event, it’s because of his commitment.  If you’ve seen an unforgettable picture on our walls, it was likely through his lens.”

  Jacob Dean’s tribute to Atwell continued, “Beyond his professional contributions, he has embodied the true spirit of a ‘Boilermaker,’ ---dressing in head-to-toe orange at assemblies, stocking candy for stressed-out teachers and students, sharing a good conversation with anyone who needs it, and always putting others before himself.  He has spent his career encouraging students, athletes, and colleagues to be their very best, never asking for anything in return…. Simply put, he has lived and breathed the Boilermaker tradition.  His retirement this year will leave a void we cannot fill, but his legacy will remain an enduring part of Kewanee High School.”

   When asked about his retirement plans, Atwell said, “As far as plans go, nothing has been set.  But I do need to catch up on laundry.”

Students Gather in City Park Prior to GHS 2025 Homecoming Dance

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Geneseo City Park and North City Park were a sea of young people and a sea of color when students gathered to socialize prior to the 2025 Geneseo High School Homecoming Dance. held Saturday night in the high school gym.  Parents and friends also were in the parks visiting and taking photos.   The 2025 GHS Homecoming festivities were held throughout the week of Oct. 6-11, with a theme of “Enchanted Forest.” Claudia Loucks Photos

Quinn Cherry, Jaxon Seals, Ian McShane and Addie McSparin.

Leila Bries, Hayden Schaaf and Reese Schaaf.

Reese Elmer, Mark Shoemaker, Maci Gorman, Suzie Neumann and Hannah Wildemuth.

Gavin Davis, Wyatt Mickley, Helo Castro and Gibson Minard.

Ayla Schulz

Daphne Bertelsen, Joei, Christopherson and Hannah Stone.

King and Queen of GHS 2025 Homecoming - Lizzie Rapps and Kye Weinzierl.

Memphis Ramsey, Lydia Carton and Alexandria Hull.

Mayson Lambin, Dawson Hull, Cole Clifton and Jaydn Shipman.

Josh Stahl, Carson Peters and Jayden Wexell.

Landry Possin, Katy Wilson, Elli Barickman and Jack Kreiss.

Jack Mickley, Katherine Barickman, Emma Sebastian and Evelyn DeBaene.

Claire Swanson, Claire DeGrave and Lily Roodhouse.

 

Katsch Boutique Celebrates 10-Years with Anniversary Event in Davenport

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Amy DeFauw is shown in front of Katsch Boutique in downtown Geneseo, which is one of her three boutiques.  A 10-year anniversary celebration is planned for Oct. 17 in Davenport.  Contributed Photo

   Amy DeFauw founded Katsch Boutique, a women’s apparel and lifestyle store, in Geneseo in 2015, and since then has expanded to two additional locations ---Geneseo, Davenport and Coralville’s Iowa River Landing. 

   To mark the milestone, Katsch will host a 10-year anniversary event from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at its Davenport location, 5619 Utica Ridge Road in Davenport.

   The celebration will feature exclusive giveaways, promotions, games and prizes, new arrivals and special treats for customers.

   DeFauw said, “Shoppers can expect an afternoon filled with style, fun, and community – a reflection of what we have stood for over the past decade.”

ABOUT KATSCH:

   Founded in 2015 by owner Amy DeFauw, Katsch Boutique began with a single small storefront in Geneseo, and has since expanded to the two additional locations – Davenport and Coralville Iowa River Landing.

   DeFauw, a wife, mother, and former corporate retail buyer, brings both heart and expertise to Katsch.  She has created more than just a store – it’s a welcoming space where women feel seen, confident, and celebrated.  Over the last decade, Katsch has become known for not only carrying top national brands like Liverpool, Z Supply, Varley, and Birkenstock, but also for its commitment to small-town values, community connection, and personalized service.

   “This milestone means so much to me, my family, and our team,” DeFauw said.  “We started Katsch with a dream and a lot of hard work, and it’s been incredible to watch our community grow with us.  Our customers are truly the heart of this business, and we can’t wait to celebrate together.”

   Public is invited to the Oct. 17 celebration event.  For more information, visit www.shopkatsch.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @shopkatsch.

EVENT DETAILS:

  -WHEN – Friday, Oct. 17, 3 to 7 p.m.
  -Where – Katsch Boutique, Davenport, 5619 Utica Ridge Rd.
  -What – Giveaways, promotions, games, prizes, new arrivals and treats for guests.

 

Angie Snook to Present Program on The Orphan Train Oct. 15 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Angie Snook

  Angie Snook, Geneseo Historian, who served as curator/director of the Geneseo Historical Museum for many years until her retirement last year, will present a program, The Orphan Train, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   In 1953, the Children’s Aid Society initiated a program to transport abandoned and orphaned children from crowed cities on the East Coast to foster homes in the Midwest.  By 1929, an estimated 200,000 children, ranging from infants to teens, were transported to new homes.

   At the library program on Oct. 15, Angie Snook will share her research, stories and photographs about The Orphan Train, a topic she refers to as “one of America’s best kept secrets.”…Of special interest, some local area and Geneseo families were involved in The Orphan Train program.

   She will present stories about the children, the families who took them in, and the descendants of the children alive today.

   Information received about the program states, “Some of the stories will warm your heart.  Others will break it.”

   The program is sponsored in part by the Illinois Humanities.

 

These Cousins Are Busy!

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


   Friday night football games find two sets of cousins who are very much involved in Geneseo High School activities.  Even though their extracurricular involvement keeps them quite busy, they also find time for youth activities at their home church – Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.

Friday Night Lights at the Bob Reade Football Field at Geneseo High School involves many students, athletes, and fans, including two sets of cousins, from left, Suzie Nuemann, Janey Nuemann, Wyatt Nuemann, Jack Mickley Wyatt Mickley and Emmett Hill. Contributed Photo

  The cousins are Janey Neumann, daughter of Landon and Sharon Neumann; and cousins Wyatt Neumann and his sister Suzie Neumann, children of Corey and Ann Neumann; and brothers Jack and Wyatt Mickley, sons of James and Avery and James Mickley; and their cousins - brothers Harrison and Emmett Hill, sons of Jimmy and Evan Hill.

  Harrison Hill was absent for the group photo, but is just as much involved as the others.

   Wyatt Neumann, Jack Mickley and Harrison Hill are on the GHS varsity football team and Emmett Hill and Wyatt Mickley are members of the freshman football team.

   Janey Neumann is a senior cheer captain on the varsity cheer squad and Suzie Neumann is a member of the freshman cheer squad.

   In addition, Wyatt Neumann participates in the half-time Marching Band performance and Janey Neumann is the Color Guard Captain.   

   There are two remaining GHS regular season home football games – Friday, Oct. 10 – vs. Sterling includes Homecoming festivities and Athletic Hall of Fame.  The last regular season home football game is Friday, Oct. 17 – Geneseo vs. Alleman.

 

Cathy Smit is Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

Cathy Smit

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  Cathy Smit has been named “Volunteer of the Month” for October at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry.   She has been volunteering at the food pantry for one year, and assists guests while they shop for food and clothing.  She also sorts and displays clothing donations and stocks shelves.

   Smit and her husband Alan have three grown children, Maya, Emily and Lucas. 

   She enjoys crocheting, crafts and thrifting, and she said the best thing about volunteering at the food pantry are the guests.  Her most memorable experience is “Scouting for Food” and she added, “It was a wonderful experience that I had with my children for many years and now I get to meet all the clients in the community that this annual event supports.”

   Nicole Freadhoff, assistant director at the Food Pantry, said, “Thank you for all you do for our guests Cathy!”

 

Car Show a Huge Success at Trains, Planes and Automobiles Celebration

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

2025 Trains, Planes, & Automobiles

Members of the Maple City Cruiser Car Club of Geneseo are pleased with the results of the 19th Annual Car Show at the Trains, Planes, and Automobiles celebration in Geneseo, and want to thank their 10 Major Sponsors and 26 Trophy Sponsors.

   In speaking for the Club, Jerry Snodgrass said, “Without these fine sponsors our show would not be the show that it has become.  This year we had our largest turnout of cars with 375 cars on display.  We would also like to thank the huge crowds that were estimated to be near 10,000 people in downtown Geneseo for this event.  You all bring a lot to the Geneseo businesses on the day of the show.  We hope to see all of you next year at our 20th annual show in September.”

2025 MAJOR SPONSORS:

Craig Betcher Trucking
Blackhawk Bank & Trust
Central Bank Illinois
Chicago Street Decorating
Double S Masonry and Carpentry
Geneseo Communications Charitable Foundation
Hanford Insurance Agency
Hartco Cable
Werner Restoration Services, Inc.
Wolf Road Waystation 

2025 TROPHY SPONSORS:

Atkinson Vintage Farm Equipment Show
B&B Lawn Equipment & Cyclery
Birley’s Farm Store
Compeer Financial
Country Financial, Eric Henderson
Danny Boy’s Pizza
Designs on the Boulevard
Ed Morse Ford North
Farmers National Bank
Gary’s Hometown Deli
Geneseo Brewing Company
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
Hancock Repair
Heritage Tractor
Jacob Steele Memorial
Leaman’s Bar & Grill
Lohman Companies Insurance
Mike Chavez, Sr. Memorial Trophy
Midwest Incentive Solutions
Pink’s Bus Services
Pink’s Paint & Body
Raelyn’s Pub & Eatery
State Farm Insurance, Bethany Winkleman
Turpin’s of Geneseo
Vandemore Funeral Home
VFW Post #5083
Maple City Cruisers Motorcycle
City of Geneseo, Mayor’s Choice
Maple City Cruisers Best of Show

 

Marian E. Rodgers: August 11, 1930 ~ October 5, 2025

 Marian E. Rodgers, 95, of Geneseo, IL, passed away on October 5, 2025, at Liberty Village in Geneseo, IL. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6 P.M. at Kingswood Church in Geneseo, IL. Pastor Chris Ritter will officiate. A private interment will take place at a later date at Greenview Memorial Cemetery in East Moline, IL. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service from 5 P.M. – 6 P.M. at Kingwood Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kingswood Chruch.  

Marian was born on August 11, 1930, the daughter of Joseph and Florence (Nelson) Clayes in Moline, IL. She graduated form Moline High School. She married Daniel Leonard on October 9, 1948. He precedes her in death. She later met and married Robert Rodgers On September 30, 1995. He precedes her in death. Marian was very involved in her community. She was a member of the Hammond Henry Auxilary, UMW Sewing Group, the Quilter Guild, and the Geneseo Moose Lodge. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Gary (Nancy) Lenonard of Madison, CT; daughter, Gay (Tom) Ware of Livonia, MI; 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Florence; husbands Daniel Leonard and Robert Rodgers; sister, Darlene Kolb.

Sugar Maple Ladies Golf 2025 League Winners

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League held their end-of-season event at The Cellar and winners were announced for the season. Prizes were awarded for pars, birdies and no putts.   Lady golfers taking Low Net honors are, from left, Joan Windisch, Nancy Stover, Libby Trego, Deb Pulford, Connie Zerull and Sheila Cromien.  Julie Atwell also is a Low Net winner, but was absent when photo was taken. 

  Winners in the Low Gross Flight category are Barb Printy, left, and Donna Gradert.  Winners absent from the photo are Jan ZumMallen, Carol Johnson, Joan Luikart and Annie Jones.  Presidents of the Sugar Maple Ladies Golf League are Vicky McVietty, Teresa Carlson and Connie Zerull. 

 

Float Face-Off for GHS Homecoming

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Geneseo High School students gathered Monday afternoon and evening to work on their 2025 Homecoming floats at the annual Float Face-Off in preparation for this year’s Homecoming Parade which will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, starting at Geneseo City Park and traveling north through downtown to the high school.  This year’s homecoming theme is “Enchanted Forest,” and all class floats were designed and decorated around the theme. 

Photo by Claudia Loucks

Bella Goethals, left, Emma Loehr, Hannah Loehr and Anna Davis are shown with the garden gate they have decorated for their senior class float.

GHS seniors, from left, Jacob Ramsay, Karen Lester, Izabella Stewart and Oliver Merrill make paper flowers for their class float.

Eleanor Bertelsen, left; Viola Pettit (holding lanterns) and Bella Brown (painting), students in the Junior Class at GHS, are shown by their class float.

Sophomore students at GHS -William Rankins, left, and Zoe Friedline get some help in building their class float from class sponsors Ava Brewer, second from left, and Tara Laingen.

  Alexander Gentry, left; Faith Kuster and Chelsea Shamblin work on their class float at the Float Face-Off held Monday. 

 

Cambridge Methodist Fall Review Oct. 11

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Judy Anderson, left, holds a homemade fruit pie, and Norma Werkheiser, is holding two of the decorated items that will be available to purchase at the Gourmet Shop which will be included at the 35th Annual Fall Review on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Cambridge United Methodist Church.  Contributed Photo

The Fall Review at the Cambridge United Methodist Church originated 35 years ago and continues to be the major fundraiser for the church.

   This year’s Review is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Cambridge Church, 120 West Exchange St., and in the Community Hall, adjacent to the church.

   For more information, call the church at 309-937-2018.

   The event will feature a country breakfast, served from 7 to 9 a.m. in the church.  Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and carryout orders are available at 11:30 a.m.   The lunch menu includes “Red Delicious Ham Loaf,” cheesy potatoes, almond green beans and dinner rolls.  The ala carte luncheon menu will feature all plate lunch items in addition to chicken salad served on rye bread or croissant, potato soup, pumpkin pie, double lemon cheesecake or Turtle Cake.

   This year more than 30 crafters have registered to take part in the Review, including people from the Quad Cities and surrounding areas and from as far away as Ft. Myers, FL.

   Committee members require original work only, no commercially produced items.

   The Review also features frozen foods, bakery and gourmet shops. 

   Visitors to the Gourmet Shop will find an assortment of jams and jellies, fudge, relishes, pickles, mustards and mixes.

   New items in the Gourmet Shop include Butterfly Jam, Carmel Apple Jam, Carrot Cake Jam, Cranberry Raspberry Jam, Gingerbread Jam, Elderberry Jelly, and Jalapeno Mustard.

   Homemade cinnamon rolls, fruit-filled pies, cookies, and specialty breads including the popular Swedish Rye will be available in the bakery shop.

   In the “Frozen Food Shop,” visitors will find the popular “Red Delicious Ham Loaf,” cheese tortellini soup, apple dumplings, lasagna for two, Swedish meatballs, and 10 varieties of fruit pies.  The two new fruit pies this year are Peach Blush and Butterfly.

   Anyone interested in purchasing items form the Frozen Food Shop should arrive early on Oct. 11 to buy coupons for frozen items, and they can pick up the items when they are ready to leave the Review.

 

  Linda Denison, a member of the Review committee, said, “Members grow, pick and prepare items.  They hand craft jar toppers, test recipes, decorate the buildings and meet in masse to make frozen food products.”

   The history of the Fall Review can be traced back to 1989 when the church held its first Review in the form of an all-church sponsored consignment craft show.  The event was such a success that it became a tradition and grew into the church’s top money-making event.  Last year’s Review raised about $20,000.

   Denison said the purpose of the Fall Review “is to raise much needed money for mission and ministry priorities of our church.  Profits from this year will be used for ministries within our church and community.”

   “Our church mission statement is ‘Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Both.’  Whatever we profit from the Review, we use to support our church programs, as well as the grade school program ‘Caring Hearts’ that helps families in need, our local food pantry and to Back Pack Blessings program for Cambridge students who receive weekend food packages.”

   “The Review not only is our major fundraiser, it has become a rewarding labor of love in serving others,” Denison said.  “Many church members work all year to prepare for it.  It’s a labor of love for the entire congregation.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Event Planned at Hammond-Henry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


 Katie Orwig, left; Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager; and Marcia Wirth, Food Service Manager at HHH, show an invitation to an event planned for Breast Cancer Awareness, “Turn Up the Pink,” on Thursday, Oct. 16.  

  “Turn Up the Pink,” an event to promote Breast Cancer Awareness, will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo.  Those attending are asked to enter the hospital at the North Entrance. 

   The evening will include information on breast health services at Hammond-Henry, in addition to some fun.  Those people in attendance will learn about the new automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) at the hospital.  The ABUS was purchased with help from funds raised at the annual HHH Celebrity Dinner held earlier this year.

   Katie Orwig, HHH Foundation Manager, explained the new piece of equipment is an additional screening tool commonly used for women with dense breast tissue.

   Additional testing equipment also will be displayed.

   “If you have never had a mammogram, now is the time to come in and learn about what to expect during the exam,” Orwig said.

   She added that the upcoming event will include some fun activities.  A flower bar will be available for guests to build their own bouquet for a free-will donation to the HHH Foundation to benefit women’s health services within the hospital Imaging Department.  The flower bar is courtesy of Ali (Craig) Spooner, owner of The Backyard Farm.

   Complimentary pink “mocktails,” along with “pink” snacks, will be served and free BINGO games will be played in the hospital dining room.

Historian to Speak on Lincoln Oct. 11 at Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Tom Emery of Carlinville, IL, noted history enthusiast, author, freelance writer and historical researcher, will be speaking at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   Emery has written books about the Civil War, the history of the State of Illinois, Abraham Lincoln and notable women in Illinois.  He has degrees from Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, and from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

   He said, “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed working on Abraham Lincoln and the Heritage of Illinois State University.  It may be the most fun I’ve ever had in writing and research.  I think we broke a lot of new ground there, and I loved every minute of it.”

   One of Emery’s recent books, “Stories of Historic Illinois Women,” celebrates the history of dozens of leading Illinois women.   Emery said relatively little has been written on women in Illinois history.   Among the women featured in the book is Jane Addams, the renowned Chicago social reformer who was called “the most famous American woman in the 20th century.”