Geneseo’s Bookstore Now Has a Book Trailer

Anthology for Books is taking its love of stories on the road.

The independent, woman-owned Geneseo bookstore is launching “Once Upon a Trailer,” a new mobile book trailer designed to bring the Anthology experience beyond the walls of its downtown brick-and-mortar store and into festivals, markets, schools, community events, and even private gatherings. The project combines creativity, community collaboration, and a little bit of leap-of-faith energy — something Anthology owner Beth Terpening says likely would not have happened without bookseller Savannah Beazer.

“I’m not sure I would have done something this audacious if not for Savannah,” Terpening said. “She was the one with the vision and confidence to make this happen. She saw a possibility I couldn’t even imagine!”

For Beazer, the idea had been quietly developing for years.

“I have always dreamed of running a small bakery/bookshop, and I’ve always loved festivals, vendor events, and anything ‘pop-up,’” she said. “When I shifted to staying home with my youngest daughter, my husband and I started talking about ways I could bring those dreams to life, and that’s when I began imagining the bookmobile.”

The pair already had a trailer, shelving, and plenty of ambition — but not yet the pathway to make the vision happen.

“What we didn’t have,” said Beazer, “was a way to procure books or the knowledge of where to even begin.”

As life became busy raising their three daughters, Beazer shelved the idea temporarily. But after she joined the Anthology team last fall, conversations about the trailer resurfaced. This year, the timing finally felt right.

“We wanted bigger dreams, bigger opportunities, and new ways to help Anthology grow,” Beazer said. “It felt like a risk worth taking, and now here we are, watching Once Upon a Trailer come to life.”

Terpening credits Beazer and her husband Brendan for helping turn the concept into reality.

“Savannah and Brendan have been so generous,” Terpening said. “Not just with their trailer, but by pouring so much time, effort, and love into this thing. I am in awe of their energy!”

Like many ambitious projects, the road to completion came with a few unexpected challenges — including a flat tire, difficult design decisions, and figuring out how to create the atmosphere of a full bookstore inside a much smaller mobile space.

“The challenge became figuring out how to create a warm, inviting, energetic bookstore atmosphere … inside a trailer,” Beazer said.

Curating the inventory has also proven difficult.

“There are SO many incredible books, and every event will have a different audience and vibe,” Beazer said. “Curating the trailer for each specific event can be overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most fun parts because it lets us create a unique experience everywhere we go.”

The goal, both Terpening and Beazer say, is for visitors to immediately feel the same welcoming energy Anthology has become known for in Geneseo.

“First, I hope there’s a wow factor — a little shock and awe that Geneseo not only has a bookstore, but a bookmobile as well,” Terpening said. “Then I hope that quickly fades to a feeling of welcome. I want people to experience the same cozy, easy, friendly vibe of our bookstore.”

Beazer says the experience is meant to feel immersive and joyful.

“We want people to walk in and immediately feel the magic of Anthology, even in a much smaller space,” she said. “We want them to come in, dance along to Fabre and Beth’s playlists, browse the thoughtfully curated book selections, check out the merch, take photos, and soak in the warm, exciting energy of being surrounded by fellow book lovers.”

The trailer’s future possibilities remain wide open.

Terpening says Anthology is currently exploring festivals, fairs, schools, churches, workplaces, and even private parties as potential destinations.

“Two people have already asked if we’re willing to bring Once Upon a Trailer to their house for a birthday party,” Terpening said. “Why not?!”

For now, Anthology is balancing excitement with practicality as it builds out its summer schedule.

“I’m serious about my team’s mental and physical health, so we’ve got to moderate our go-go-go enthusiasm with a realistic view of what our calendars and brains and bodies can take,” Terpening said.

Once a schedule is finalized, Anthology plans to share appearances through its website, social media channels, and community partners.

Organizations or businesses interested in collaborating with Once Upon a Trailer can contact Savannah Beazer at savannah@anthology4books.com. Anthology says it remains open to creative partnerships and new ideas as the project evolves.

“Anthology is all about collaboration,” Terpening said. “I bet someone will step forward with a possibility we’ve never even imagined. After all, that’s how this whole thing got started.”

Geneseo Girl Scouts Celebrate it's Seniors

Back L to R, Brooklyn Bos, Ireland Lenz, Hannah McGee, Annabelle Ropp, & Cora Gorman. Front L to R, Meya Pollock, Bee Scheider, & Anna Davis

Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Girl Scout Troop 5828 celebrated its graduating seniors on Thursday, April 30th.  These girls have accomplished great things in their years of Girl Scouting including countless volunteer hours, service projects to benefit the Geneseo community, and leadership for younger scouts.

Geneseo America 250 Passport Photo Contest

A Collaboration between the City of Geneseo and the DAR for Geneseo Students

How to Participate

• The Hunt: From May 1st through August 15,2026, the City will announce various historic locations around Geneseo on the City’s Facebook Page.

• The Photos: Visit these spots and snap a photo!

• Students do not need to be in the photo themselves.

• Students under 18 should get permission from their parents/guardian before participating.

• Focus on creative composition to catch the judges' eyes.

• Save your photos from May – August 15th and then get ready to submit the compilation for judging in late August!

• Non-Facebook users are welcome to stop by City Hall and pickup the released passport locations.

Submission Details

• Organization: Participants can organize their collection of photos however they like for final submission between August 15, 2026 – August 28,2026.

• Deadline: All entries must be submitted by August 28, 2026.

• Submit your entry into the competition between 08/15/26 – 08/28/26:

1. In-Person: Drop off physical entries at the Central Schoolhouse Inn.

2. Digital: Text a link to your digital file/album to the Daughters of the American Revolution at:  (309) 830-9378.

Prizes & Judging

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will judge entries based on creativity. Winners will be announced at the Labor Day Celebration at Richmond Hill on September 5, 2026.

Available Prizes include:

• Limited Edition Illinois American Innovation $1 Coins.

• "Presidents from Illinois" Memorabilia.

• And More!

Geneseo Approves Ford Road TIF, Advances Milling Bid and Additional Items

Geneseo officials approved a major development project Tuesday night and advanced several additional items for future consideration during the Committee of the Whole and Special City Council meetings.

Ford Road TIF Project Approved

During the special City Council meeting, officials approved a series of ordinances establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district along Ford Road.

The project covers approximately 19 acres and is intended to support future development by funding infrastructure improvements, including utility extensions. The action follows several months of discussion and a recent public hearing.

Milling Bid Recommended for Approval

Following approval of the TIF ordinances, council members recommended approval of a bid from Valley Construction Company in the amount of $45,508.80 for milling work tied to roadway repairs.

The work is intended to address sections of roadway that experienced premature failure after recent overlay projects. City officials said Henry County is expected to cover the majority of reconstruction costs, with Geneseo participating in the milling portion.

The bid will move forward for consideration at a future City Council meeting.

Additional Items Advanced by Committee of the Whole

Earlier in the evening, during the Committee of the Whole meeting, several items were recommended for placement on a future consent agenda, where final approval is expected to be considered.

Downtown Facade Grant

A facade improvement grant for Vorac Pharmacy, valued at approximately $3,415, to support replacement of an aging awning as part of the downtown TIF program.

Net Metering Ordinance Update

Proposed updates to the city’s net metering ordinance to align with state requirements, including:

• Increasing the allowable system size to 25 kilowatts for residential and commercial users

• Removing a requirement for additional homeowner liability insurance

City staff reported 16 current participants in the program, with additional applications under review.

Routine Bills

City and utility bills were reviewed and recommended for approval.

Farmers Market Agreement Still Pending

Officials confirmed that a previously discussed agreement for the Geneseo Farmers Market has not yet been finalized.

Execution remains contingent on organizers forming a legal entity and completing required filings, as directed by the City Council.

Community Sign Discussion Continues

During public comment, residents raised interest in a community marquee or digital sign to promote local events.

City staff said the concept remains under discussion, with consideration being given to placement, visibility, and potential partnerships.

Utility Department Recognized

The city’s electric department was recently recognized by the American Public Power Association with an Excellence in Reliability Award.

Officials reported Geneseo’s average outage time at 49 minutes, compared to a national average of 169 minutes.

Additional Updates

• Spring curbside cleanup is scheduled for May 4–7

• Final spring yard waste drop-off at the Prairie Park Disposal Site is set for May 9

Medical Student Will Begin Clinical Training at HHH Through Rural Student Physician Program

Contact: Stephanie DeMay, Marketing Manager
Email: stephaniedemay@hammondhenry.com
Phone: 309.944.9169

Samantha Niecestro

GENESEO, IL – Samantha Niecestro, a third-year medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) will be participating in a 24-week clinical training with mentorships from multiple Hammond-Henry Hospital providers. She will begin this rotation next week.

As a student in the Rural Student Physician Program (RSPP), Niecestro trains in a rural community learning one-on-one with physician mentors while gaining a deep understanding and appreciation for rural, primary care medicine. Through close, apprentice-like supervision, UICOMP medical students accepted into the program gain more opportunities for knowledge growth and skill acquisition.

“As a Critical Access Hospital committed to the long-term viability of healthcare in rural communities, we believe it is both our duty and our privilege to support the next generation of talented providers,” said Wyatt Brieser, DPT, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Hammond-Henry Hospital.

“Hosting RSPP students allows us to invest directly in the future of rural medicine while offering meaningful, hands-on experiences within our community. We are excited to welcome Samantha to Hammond-Henry and to our Geneseo community,” Brieser continued. “We look forward to the mutual growth this partnership will bring. The future of rural healthcare is bright because of programs like the Rural Student Physician Program, students like Samantha, and rural hospitals like ours, where dedicated providers proudly contribute their time, expertise, and energy to ensure a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce for years to come.”

Students in RSPP experience an immersive and integrated approach to primary care medicine which encompasses internal medicine, general surgery, and family medicine during the rural learning experience.

In the US, 20 percent of the population lives in rural areas whereas only 10 percent of physicians practice in rural areas. While the need for rural physicians is great, the reward to practice in rural communities is even greater, says James Barnett, MD, director of RSPP.

“Our students experience first-hand the gratification of providing a continuum of care to patients in rural communities,” Barnett says. “In addition, rural physicians are very much a part of the community where they not only provide care, but they contribute as leaders and neighbors.”

RSPP is open only to medical students at UICOMP, and a limited number of admissions is granted annually through a competitive application and interview process.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) educates 265 medical students and more than 300 physician residents and fellows annually. Additionally, it provides clinical care to more than 45,000 patients annually and conducts basic science, clinical, and outcomes research. The College of Medicine is home to the Cancer Research Center, Center for Wellbeing, and is a collaborator in Jump Simulation. Learn more about UICOMP at http://peoria.medicine.uic.edu.

Geneseo Earns Tree City USA Recognition as Arbor Day Tradition Continues

Front row: Ginger Nimrick, Amy Balensiefen, Mike Belovics, Eric Rowold, Shaun Easton, Tom Wurslin. Back row: Casey Disterhoft, Sean Johnson, Rick Mills, Chad VanDeWoestyne, Jason Brandau, Bob James, Jamison Weisser

Contributed photo

Geneseo’s long-standing commitment to trees and environmental stewardship has earned national recognition.

The City of Geneseo is now officially designated as a Tree City USA community, a distinction awarded to municipalities that meet specific standards for urban forestry management, including maintaining a tree board, investing in tree care, and observing Arbor Day.

According to Mayor Sean Johnson, the designation is both an honor—and a responsibility.

“Trees play an important role in our community. They provide habitats for wildlife and increase property values. Removing dead trees and planting new ones is also very important. Being recognized as a Tree City USA comes with responsibilities that we intend to honor and respect.”

Trees planted at the landing area were donated by Mike Belovics, contributing to ongoing beautification and environmental efforts across the community.

City leaders say initiatives like these are essential—not just for aesthetics, but for long-term impact.

Maintaining Tree City USA status requires ongoing investment in tree care, thoughtful planning, and continued community involvement.

In Geneseo, that means continuing traditions like Arbor Day, supporting student involvement, and ensuring that trees remain a priority in the city’s growth and development.

Small Change, Big Impact: How Geneseo Middle School Turned Spare Coins Into Diabetes Awareness—and $3,000+ for a Cure

by Sarah DeMaranville

At first glance, it looked simple.

Pennies on Monday. Nickels on Tuesday. Dimes, quarters, and finally dollar bills.

But inside Geneseo Middle School, this wasn’t just a coin drive—it was something much bigger.

It was a week built by students, for students, with a goal that went far beyond fundraising.

From Idea to Impact

The “Defeat Diabetes” fundraiser didn’t come from a template or a pre-packaged program.

It started with a conversation.

Pictured left to right: Jessica Jansen, Dru Weinzierl, Allison Bos, Simon Jones, & Brad Monier. Contributed photo

Last school year, school nurse Jessica Jansen worked alongside students living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families to create something meaningful—something that would not only raise money, but also build understanding.

And that’s exactly what happened.

Each morning during announcements, students and a teacher living with diabetes took the mic—not to promote the fundraiser, but to educate their peers.

They explained what Type 1 Diabetes actually is.

They broke down what daily life looks like.

And they made something invisible… visible.

What Students Learned (That Most Adults Don’t Know)

Throughout the week, students shared real, practical insights—things many people never fully understand about Type 1 Diabetes.

• It’s not preventable—and not caused by lifestyle choices

• The body can no longer produce insulin, which is essential for survival

• Every meal requires calculation, monitoring, and often insulin doses

• Blood sugar is affected by everything—food, activity, stress, illness, even temperature

• Devices like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors help—but require constant attention

As one announcement explained, managing Type 1 Diabetes isn’t occasional—it’s constant.

Every snack. Every drink. Every day.

More Than Awareness—It Changed Behavior

The impact didn’t stop at education.

It showed up in the hallways.

Students began checking in on their classmates with diabetes. Friends started asking, “Do you need anything?” Peers learned how to respond in real-life situations—like recognizing low blood sugar and knowing to grab juice or a snack.

That shift—from awareness to action—is exactly what Jansen hoped for.

Her goal wasn’t just to teach facts.

It was to help students look beyond themselves—and understand what others are navigating every single day.

The Results: More Than Anyone Expected

By the end of the week, students and staff had raised:

$1,424.30

But the story didn’t end there.

• A local family stepped in and matched the total

• A substitute teacher, inspired by a former student with diabetes, donated an additional $200

Bringing the final total to:

$3,048.66

The top fundraising class: Mr. Monier’s 6th grade homeroom.

Second place went to Mrs. Schmidt’s 7th grade class.

But the real win went far beyond any classroom.

Where the Money Goes

All proceeds support Breakthrough T1D, a national organization focused on funding research and advancing technology to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Many Geneseo families, students, and staff are already connected to that mission—participating each year in the Breakthrough T1D Walk in the Quad Cities.

This fundraiser simply strengthened that connection.

Why This Matters

Schools teach math, reading, and science.

But weeks like this teach something different.

Empathy. Awareness. Community.

And maybe most importantly—perspective.

Because for students living with Type 1 Diabetes, there is no “off” switch.

And now, an entire school understands that just a little bit more.

City Council April 28 Preview

Residents will see a mix of big-picture development and smaller downtown improvements discussed at this week’s Committee of the Whole and Special City Council meetings.

A Major Development Project Moves Forward

The biggest item on the agenda is a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district on Ford Road, tied to a planned expansion by J.F. Edwards Construction.

In simple terms, a TIF allows the City to use future tax growth from a specific area to pay for infrastructure improvements now—in this case, things like sewer extensions needed to support new development.

The project includes:

• A new roughly 20,000-square-foot facility on Ford Road

• Future upgrades to the company’s existing location

• City infrastructure improvements to support growth in that area

City leaders say the goal is to keep the company growing in Geneseo while opening the door for additional development nearby.

The Committee of the Whole will review the plan, with final approval expected at the Special City Council meeting immediately following.

Downtown Improvement for Vorac Pharmacy

Closer to downtown, the City is considering a façade improvement grant for Vorac Pharmacy.

The project would replace the building’s current awning, which is in poor condition, with a new one. If approved, the City would cover about half the cost through an existing downtown improvement program.

These grants are designed to help maintain and improve the look of downtown storefronts.

Changes to Renewable Energy Rules

Council members will also review an update to the City’s rules around renewable energy connections, like solar.

This doesn’t directly impact most residents right away, but it helps set the framework for how future solar or energy systems connect to the local grid.

Street Work and Seasonal Updates

At the Special City Council meeting, officials are expected to:

• Approve a contract for street milling work this year

• Share reminders about spring cleanup and disposal dates

What This Means for Geneseo

This week’s meetings highlight a balance between:

• Long-term growth (Ford Road development)

• Downtown upkeep (façade improvements)

• Everyday operations (street work and seasonal services)

The Ford Road project, in particular, represents a significant step toward future economic development, with infrastructure being put in place to support both current and future businesses.

See complete documents here:

https://cityofgeneseo.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=7429

https://cityofgeneseo.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=7432