National Library Week 2024 to be Celebrated at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Library staff member Mary Jayne Nash shows one of the books to be given to children visiting the library during National Library Week, April 7-13. The books will be available at no cost to children from preschool age through middle school. There also will be prizes awarded and visitors to the library may sign up for the drawings. Library patrons can purchase a new library card for $1 that includes a second card that can be attached to a key ring.

In addition, library patrons can have their fines erased by taking a canned good to the library for each dollar of fines that has been accumulated and those canned goods will be taken to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Charles (Chuck) Gernant Memorial Sporting Clays Event

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Christine (Gernant) Clementz is keeping her father’s memory alive by planning an event that she believes he would approve.

Charles (Chuck) Gernant passed away in 2023, and his daughter shared that her Dad “had many hobbies, and trap shooting was one of his favorites.”

The Charles Gernant Memorial Sporting Clays Event will be Sunday, April 21, at the Bi-State Sportman’s Association, 571 Cleveland Rd., Colona, with lunch starting at 11:30 a.m.

In addition to lunch, there will be a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing with all proceeds to benefit the Geneseo High School Trap Shooting Team.

Cost is $150 per person which includes a round of sporting clays, ammunition and lunch. Anyone who is not shooting that day can purchase lunch for $10. Chuck Gernant Memorial T-Shirts will be available to purchase at the event.

For more information and to register, contact Bi-State Sportman’s Association at 309-792-8455 or Christine Clementz at 309-944-7070.

Program on Bluebirds on Saturday at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Glen Anderson will present a program, “Bluebirds are Coming - Let’s Get Ready!” at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Geneseo Public Library. A limited number of bluebird boxes will be given away at the program.

Detective Shoemaker to Speak at Women’s Health Series Luncheon

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Jan Sellman, left, and Linda Storm, representing the Hospital Foundation Community Benefits Committee, invite area women to the Thursday, March 28, program of the Women’s Health Series, sponsored by the Foundation Community Benefits Committee. The program is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Geneseo Community Center Activity Room, 541 East North St., Geneseo. Detective Jamie Shoemaker of the Geneseo Police Department will present the program on the “IMPACT Task Force.” Cost of the lunch is $10, payable at the door. Reservations are required by Thursday, March 21, and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. Photo by Claudia Loucks

ABOUT DETECTIVE JAMIE SHOEMAKER

Detective Shoemaker recently was named Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Executive Institute’s 2024 Women in Criminal Justice Female Officer of the Year.

She received the honor for her dedicated work in serving the Geneseo community, including her work with mental health and crisis calls.

The Geneseo Police Department has a mental health task force – Integrated Model Police and Crisis Team (IMPACT) that is designed to put focus on community issues relating to mental health, substance use and intervention.

Detective Shoemaker initially began work to set up a mental health task force within the police department. 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 which resulted in the creation of IMPACT.

She has been with the Geneseo Police Department for three years and had previous experience in law enforcement before joining the Geneseo department.

Geneseo Garden Club to Meet March 18th

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, March 18, at the Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St. Guests are welcome.

Kristin Bogdonas, Health and Welfare Education Coordinator at the University of Illinois Extension, will present a program entitled “In the Kitchen with Osteoarthritis.” Her presentation will include how dietary patterns can affect OA, and using different strategies to protect the joins when cooking. She also will do a recipe demo/taste test and will have adaptive cooking utensils that guests will be invited to try.

Geneseo Art League to Offer Class on Making Gourd Birdhouses

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Art League member Emily Nyquist will instruct a class in “Making Gourd Birdhouses” at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, in the Art League and Gallery at 125 North State St. Cost is $40 per person which includes all materials. For more information and to register for the class, visit geneseoartleague@icloud.com, or text 309-489-8278. There also will be another Mosaic Class offered in April at the Art League and Gallery. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Rebecca Caudill Readers Book Awards 2024 at GMS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Thirty-nine student readers at Geneseo Middle School recently celebrated qualifying for the annual Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award Program, by reading and responding to at least five of this year’s reading list. The program is sponsored by the Association of Illinois School Library Educators. A celebration party was held recently before school for the student award winners, and the group also voted on their favorite books to forward to the State results. Jeanne Brucher is Geneseo Middle School and Geneseo High School Librarian.

IN THE PHOTO

The students receiving the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Awards are, in front, Elly George, in the second row from left, Tivya Bernier, Jasmine Foss, Emma Minnaert, Jocelyn Russelburg, Peyton Wexell; third row, Kyle Everett, Alec Woods, Henry Woodward, Rykken Schweitzer, Lilith Ballard, Rosella Wentz, Kamryn Nordstrom; fourth row, Landon French, Tad Moore, Mia O’Dell, Paisley Arnold, Ashlyn Werthmann, Faroh Finch, Carter Peacock, Madison Kuethe, Payton Riffe, Ellie Jackson, Brycen Fahnestock; in back, Madelyn Holmes, Milla Stewart, Lydia Carton, Skylar Hileman, Elija Coppejans, Emilie DeCastecker, Natlie Minnaert-Yocum, William Rankins, Julia Schnaufer. Students receiving wards who were not present for the photo are Penelope Aukee, Fritz Bolme, Peyton Brodie, Madison Fontenoy, Wyatt Lynch and Meghan Scheider. Contributed Photo

Geneseo Rotary Queen Pageant Friday June 14

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Rotary-sponsored queen pageant is Friday, June 14, in City Park, and the pageant is open to Geneso High School graduating seniors. Scholarships from the Rotary Club will be awarded to the queen and four runners-up. For more information contact Rotary representative Cathy Rothschild, 309-945-7966, or pageant committee member Claudia Loucks, 309-714-1366.

IN THE PHOTO: Last year’s court included, from left, Hanna Stroud, center, queen at the 2023 Geneseo Music Festival Queen Pageant. Members of the court are, from left, Aubrey Brumbaugh, second runner-up; Rylie Preston, first runner-up; the queen; Addison Smith, third runner-up; and Danielle Beach, fourth runner-up. The queen receives $500 scholarship money, and each runner-up also receives scholarship money from the Rotary Club. Contestants not in the court are each given a $25 Chamber gift certificate from Geneseo Rotary. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary Candy Sale Is March 12

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary members, from left, Mary Bostwick, Deb Deener and Julie Zwica show the flyer advertising the Chocolates & Candies Sale, featuring treats to be offered for sale by Lagomarcino’s of the Quad Cities, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, near the east entrance of the hospital. Proceeds will be added to the Auxiliary’s pledge for hospital equipment. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast Sunday

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo Kiwanis Club members Ray Bergles, left, and Wayne Stone will help serve at the annual Pancake Day on Sunday, March 3, at Geneseo Moose Lodge, 1025 South State St. The breakfast menu will be served from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tickets, at $7 for adults and $3 for children 10 years and younger, are available in advance from Kiwanis Club members, Geneseo High School Key Club members, members of Boy Scout Troop 131, or at the door on the day of the event. Carry-out meals are available and the menu includes pancakes, sausage and “all the trimmings.” All proceeds are used to support club projects including Boy Scouts, Fun Day at the Geneseo Swimming Pool, Doo Dah Parade, scholarships, Neuroscience Research Foundation, Key Club and Builders Club. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Men’s Health Morning Series Is March 6

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Wilbur Wigant, representing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Men’s Health Committee, encourages area men to attend the Men’s Health Morning Series program from 7 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, in the hospital conference room. Diane Dynes, Memory Care Director at Liberty Village of Geneseo, will present the program on “Memory Care.” Parking is available in the east parking lot on Center St. Those attending may purchase breakfast in the hospital dining room. For information and to make a reservation, call 309-944-9112 or email hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. Blood pressure screenings will be available. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Valentine Vocalists 2024 at GHS

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Several Geneseo High School students received singing telegrams on Wednesday, Feb. 14, in observance of Valentine’s Day. Student Council sponsors the event each year when students pay a minimal amount of money to hire groups of student vocalists from the high school choir to deliver Valentine’s Day greetings in song. Recipients of the Valentine greetings included, Dru Curcuru, seated, surrounded by, from left, Raelyn Bjorkman, Elizabeth Ramp, and Isablla Hainey; in back, Claire Kehoe, Alyssa Gentry, Kirsten Zimmerman, Imogene Greene, Carleigh Norton, Madison Ochs, Jill Corso and Addison Dykstra. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo High School students Lilly Johnson and Aaron Betcher received a singing telegram on Valentine’s Day from GHS vocalists, from left, Dylan Gehl, Tyler Holtzen, Cody Hensley, Bryce Anderson, Russell Brown, Paxton Sherbeyn, Preston Cartwright and Carter Eastburn. Photo by Claudia Loucks

GHS senior Jillian Beneke also received a singing telegram on Valentine’s Day from the vocalists. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Lil Poms Perform at GHS Boys’ Basketball Game

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

On Tuesday, the Geneseo High School Maplettes were joined by 80 “future Maplettes” for the Lil Pom performance at the GHS Boys’ Varsity Basketball game. The girls danced to music from the movie “Tangled.”: The routine was choreographed by GHS juniors Sophia Clifton and Ava DeWolfe. The Maplettes are coached by Lydia Reyburn and Yvonne Wayne. In the photo are, in front from left, Meya Pollock, Sophia Pollock, Lydia DeWolfe, Ava DeWolfe, Lauren Dietch and Sophia Clifton. Contributed Photo

Six-year-old Mattingly Lewis-Rayley poses for a photo prior to lining up for the Lil Pom performance at the GHS Boys’ Varsity Basketball game on Feb. 13. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Women’s Health Series Luncheon Is Feb. 22

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Crystal Yost, left, Hammond-Henry Foundation Assistant, and Shelly Hickerson, representing the Hospital Foundation Community Benefits Committee, invite area women to the Thursday, Feb. 22, program of the Women’s Health Series, sponsored by the Foundation Community Benefits Committee. The program is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Geneseo Community Center Activity Room, 541 East North St., Geneseo. Dr. Rafat F. Padaria, cardiologist, cardiovascular Medicine, PC, will present the program on “Leg Vein Issues,” with presentations on vascular equipment from Medtronic and Tactile Medical. Cost of the lunch is $10, payable at the door. Reservations are required by Thursday, Feb. 15, and can be made by calling the Foundation office 309-944-9112, or by email at hhhfound@hammondhenry.com. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Geneseo Police Department Raises Funds to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Representatives of the Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation recently received a check in the amount of $2,220 from the Geneseo Police Department. The funds were raised from the Department’s annual fundraiser to support breast cancer awareness.

The Department sold long-sleeve T-shirts, designed by Jessica Damewood, Geneseo Police Department Administrative Assistant. The shirts featured the message, “No One Fights Alone,” on the sleeve area, with the pink ribbon breast caner awareness logo imprinted on the front of the shirt. There are a limited number of shirts available to purchase at The Geneseo Police Department. Cost is $20 for each shirt.

Raising funds to support breast cancer awareness began in 2018 by the Geneseo Police Department when Chief Casey Disterhoft learned that other police departments were wearing pink patches during Breast Cancer Awareness in the month of October.

Funds raised in the last six years by the Geneseo Department total more than $11,500.

The Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation will use the gift of money to benefit women’s health services in the Imaging Department at Hammond-Henry Hospital.

There are a limited number of shirts available to purchase at The Geneseo Police Department. Cost is $20 for each shirt.

Family Fun Night to Benefit Concordia Lutheran Academy

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

In an effort to raise funds to support the Concordia Lutheran Academy, there will be a “Family Fun Night, Euchre Style” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 316 South Oakwood Ave., Geneseo. The night will include a lasagna meal, Euchre Tournament, movies and crafts for the children. Childcare will be provided for children 12 years old and younger.

Free will donations will benefit Concordia Lutheran Academy.

Registration is necessary and may by made at the link: https://forms.gle/ENJoor7rzYjYfC649 so the committee in charge will know how much lasagna to prepare.

Unique Paintings on Display at Smith Studio and Gallery

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Unique paintings by artist Joe Ruck will be on display during February and March at Smith Studio & Gallery, 124 South State St., Geneseo. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Hours at Smith Studio & Gallery are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Joe Ruck is a painter and sculptor who lives and works in Campton Hills, IL. His expressive paintings capture glimpses of life from Chicago and the surrounding area. By using oil paints applied with a brayer (roller) in place of a traditional brush, he creates a tapestry of overlapping strokes.

David Smith, owner of Smith Studio & Gallery, said, “This unique impressionistic approach is both eye-catching when viewed from a distance and intriguing up close.”

Subjects are wide-ranging - from people, animals and landscapes to structures, still-life and machinery.

Volunteer of the Month at Food Pantry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Carla Lee has been named “Volunteer of the Month” at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. She has been a volunteer at the food pantry for two years and helps in the clothing room and the toy room at Christmastime.

She and her husband, Andy, were married in March of 2022 and they have a “spoiled” cat named “Buddy.”

The volunteer enjoys doing crafts, working at craft sales, and volunteering at St. Malachy Gift Shop.

She said the best thing about volunteering at the food Pantry is that it makes her feel good to be volunteering and paying back some of the help she has received through the years. She enjoys seeing familiar faces and happy faces when people come to choose clothes and gifts at Christmas.

Grief Share Seminar Feb. 11

Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Kippy Breeden, left, Grief Ministry leader; and Yvette Biddle, Director of Discipleship at Geneseo First Methodist Church, invite area residents to a one-day Grief Seminar, “Loss of a Spouse,” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, at His Place, the church’s south campus building, 224 North State St., Geneseo. The seminar will include a video presentation, time of discussion and each participant will receive a booklet to take home. The seminar is offered free and is open to the community. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by contacting First Methodist Church at 309-944-2793 or by visiting the GriefShare website at https://www.griefshare.org/loss/events/8124 Photo by Claudia Loucks

Richmond Hill Players Scholarships Available

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Richmond Hill Players have announced two scholarships, which have been named the “John VanDeWoestyne Players Scholarships,” available to qualifying seniors. Each is a $500 scholarship, payable at the beginning of the recipient’s first year of post-secondary education.

   To be eligible, applicants must meet the criteria of:

  -Must be a graduating senior in the spring of 2024.

  -Must be planning post high school education.

  -Must have had experience with Richmond Hill Players prior to applying for either of the scholarships.

  -There is no requirement of area of study.

  -Applications must be received by Richmond Hill Players by Feb. 29, 2024.

-All applications will be reviewed and finalists may be scheduled for an interview.

  -Applications are available by searching “Richmond Hill Players in Geneseo, Illinois.” Additional information and the applications are at that site.