Geneseo School District Has a New Superintendent - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Dr. Laura Delgado

   Dr. Laura Delgado has been named Superintendent of the Geneseo Community Unit School District, with the Geneseo School Board expected to formally approve her hiring at the next school board meeting which is at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, in the School District Office meeting room.

   She will assume her role in Geneseo on July 1.

   The April 10 meeting will include recognition of outgoing school board members - Barry Snodgrass, Jackie Mickley and Karen Urick.

   Delgado will succeed Dr. Adam Brumbaugh, who has accepted a position in Germantown Hills School District, after serving as Superintendent of Geneseo Schools since 2018.

   Delgado and her husband, Rafael Delgado, have one son, Xavi Delgado, a freshman student at Loras College, Dubuque.

   Delgado has worked as Director of Elementary Education for the Bloomington School District since 2021.  From 2017-2021, she was principial of Carlock Elementary School, McLean County School District in Normal where she also served as District Library Specialist; from 2019-2021 she was an Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University; from 2015-2017 she was a classroom teacher in the McLean County Unit 5 School District in Normal; from 2013-2015 was an Instructional Literacy Coach, McLean County Unit 5 Schools in Normal; from 1999-2013 she was an elementary school teacher in Ann Arbor, MI; and her career in teaching began in 1996 when she taught elementary grades in the Howell Public Schools in Howell, MI.

   Delgado’s education includes earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI.

   She received a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration in the spring of 2017 from Illinois State University in Normal; and a Doctor of Education Degree, PK-12 Educational Administration in 2024 from Illinois State.   

   Her Professional Certifications and Credentials include:
  -Superintendent Endorsement, PK-12, State of Illinois.
  -CSBO Endorsement, State of Illinois.
  -Administrative Endorsement PK-12.
  -Professional Educator License, Elementary Education, Grades K-9 (self-contained, All Subjects).
  -Teacher Evaluator Training.
  -Principal Evaluator Training.

Geneseo School Board Candidates in 2025 Election - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Voters in the Geneseo School District will have the opportunity to vote for school board candidates at the upcoming April 1 election.  The seats are four-year terms.
   Kane Causemaker is seeking re-election to the board and three newcomers will be elected to the school board.   Current board members Jackie Mickley, Barry Snodgrass and Karen Urick are not seeking re-election to the board. 
   The newcomers are Casey Disterhoft, Tyler Robertson and Kelly Storm. 
   In our quest for information regarding the qualifications of each candidate, we put together a list of questions for them to answer, and asked the candidates to answer each question in 200 words or less.|
  All photos are submitted and the candidates are listed in alphabetical order with their responses:

KANE CAUSEMAKER (SEEKING RE-ELECTION) – Kane Causemaker and his wife Christina have a daughter Kolby (16); and a son Knox (14).
   He graduated from high school in Geneseo in 1995 and earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University.
   Causemaker is employed as Protein Procurement lead for JBS.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOLBOARD? – “There isn’t a profession more vital to a child’s potential than a legitimately great teacher.  Just as important is the creation and maintenance of a suitable learning environment.  After college, I regrettably did not pursue a career in education, and this is just my way of attempting to be an asset to Geneseo’s school district.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM?  - “My greatest concern is for the students in our district to have everything they need that helps them maximize their potential in the future.  We have to manage their needs and also create a work environment conducive to quality teacher retention, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.  We can accomplish this with sound and open communication between the BOE (Board of Education) and administration.”

CASEY DISTERHOFT - and his wife Angelica have one son Noah, and two daughters, Keira and Isla.
   Disterhoft graduated from JD Darnall High School (now Geneseo High School) in 1995; and earned a Bachelor’s Degree after attending Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University.  
   He is the City of Geneseo, Chief of Police. 
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “I’m running for school board to be part of an elected unified team representing the Geneseo School District area voters, ensuring our most valuable resource, the children, have a safe learning environment and a top tier education that gets them prepared for success in the rest of their lives.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? –   - “Sustainability of a growing district population and taking steps by looking at what could be done to make the Geneseo School District even more desirable to other families when they make the decision to relocate.”
“Recruitment and retention of high-quality staff.  We have great staff here in this school district at every building, in every unique section of the educational experience, and working with them to make sure this district exceeds in the future is something I look forward to.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
   “I’ve dedicated my life to serving others, it is part of my soul and faith.  I see serving on the school board as another opportunity where I can give back and make a positive difference in this community that I love.
  I look forward to this opportunity of working with parents, staff and the children, making sure the children that come through this school district get a great education and are set up for success in their future so they can reach their goals and dreams.”

TYLER ROBERTSON – and his wife Renee have four children, Shaw (12 years); Harper, (10 years); Ryder (eight years); and Reed (six years). 
Robertson is self-employed as business owner at Geneseo Child Care LLC, a DCFS licensed child care and preschool with two locations in Geneseo; also, owner at Charming Geneseo Farmhouse Airbnb Rental of Geneseo.  He is president of Life’s Little Miracles, Inc., a DCFS licensed child care and preschool in Port Byron.
   He graduated from JD Darnall High School in 2007 (the last year the school was known as JD Darnall High School before being renamed Geneseo High School) and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. 
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “My interest in running for the school board is vested in seeing our school district provide the children of our amazing community just as many great educators, role models, and opportunities as it has provided to myself growing up in Geneseo.  I’m proud to be from Geneseo and am proud that we already have a great district by many standards. 
After attending board meetings for the past year, my interest to be involved was sparked at the many critical choices our district faces, which affect and shape our community.  I consider myself very connected to our area through my own children’s activities, through church, and through my business, all of which gives me a strong understanding of the wants and needs of our community.  All facets of our community thrive when we have a great school district to build around.
   Geneseo is home to a wonderful array of early learning programs that feed into the district, and I know many of these young learners personally. I’d love to see these children continue to succeed in our primary and secondary educational programs and beyond.  The current school board has expressed the goal to not only be good at what we do, but to be great at it, and I am aligned with that vision.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? – Efficient and effective use of district funding always remains a critical balancing act.  Striving for improvement while maintaining balanced funding is difficult, especially with the rate of inflation we’ve seen in recent years.  To go along with challenges in funding, our district is also experiencing an ongoing, steady decline in enrollment with the overall number of students served.  Yet, our population with IEPs has been increasing and is forecasted to continually increase, which presents challenges regarding resource allocation and how to best serve this population in the future.  I believe my diverse business management experience will enable me to bring data-driven, as well as ‘outside-the-box’ solutions to the board.
   Another issue that will require further attention and evaluation is our grading scales.  Our current pilot of the standards-based program has raised concerns about clarity for parents and students and the need for a singular direction across the district is important for the progress of making successive decisions, like curriculum, to support the chosen scale. 
My goal will be to facilitate open dialogue on all issues like this one, exploring options, and to develop solutions that maximize the potential of every student.  I think it is also important to note that all issues that face the district come with many complexities, and so it will be crucial to collaborate with the board team members on solutions that benefit all students.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “Geneseo CUSD #228 will be transitioning to a new Superintendent to lead the next chapter in the history of Geneseo academic performance.  The success of anyone in this position hinges on the support they receive from the community and that success ultimately is tied to the success of our district.  Therefore, I would encourage the community to welcome whomever the Superintendent may be, and foster positive support when the time comes to ensure a smooth transition and a successful future for all.”

KELLY STORM – and her husband, Tyler, have two sons, Chambers, (seven years old); and Chesney (four years old).   Storm is employed as a commercial insurance producer.
   She graduated from Annawan High School and pursued General Studies at Quincy University.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “I’m running for the school board because I’m committed to strengthening our schools and supporting Geneseo’s tradition of excellence. 
With a background in community involvement and a clear understanding of the challenges we face, I want to work closely with teachers and administrators to create a supportive, high-achieving environment for students and staff.  Serving on the board will allow me to help preserve and build on Geneseo’s strong community values, district support, and outstanding leadership.
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTGRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? – “Joining any board, I believe it is essential to fully understand all topics and issues before proposing any recommendations or changes, particularly at a time when we’re welcoming a new superintendent.  This transition presents a unique opportunity to reassess and refine our strategies to better serve the entire district. 
As a new member at this critical juncture, I am committed to collaborating closely with the new superintendent and other board members to implement the necessary adjustments and enhancements.  My goal is to ensure that our policies and practices are effectively aligned with the needs of all stakeholders in the district, thereby optimizing our educational environment and outcomes.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “I am eager to serve our community and help maintain Geneseo Community School District #228 longstanding reputation for educational and athletic excellence. I am committed to supporting our educators, administrators and coaches in fostering an environment where learning and achievement are prioritized.  I look forward to contributing to a district that not only values excellence, but also nurtures the potential of every student and staff member.”

Brad Solberg to Return to Hammond-Henry Hospital as Interim CEO

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

Geneseo, IL - The Board of Directors of Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo announces the appointment of a new Interim CEO Bradley Solberg, MHA, formerly of Geneseo, effective February 12.

Mr. Solberg previously served as Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer during the years of 2001-2014. During his tenure, Mr. Solberg led the hospital through three major construction projects, the most recent one valued at $23 million, constructed over a 30-month period, and completed in December 2012.

Mr. Solberg left the area to serve as President of OSF HealthCare Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac, IL. He has since served as Interim President of OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center, Danville, and in the past has served in various hospital leadership roles in Ohio, Michigan, and North Dakota.

“As many remember, Brad is a dynamic leader, dedicated to the health and welfare of this and any community he serves,” said Doug Ford, HHH Board Chairman. “I am happy he has decided to assist us in this transition as our Interim CEO.”

Mr. Solberg will be responsible for directing all internal operations at Hammond-Henry Hospital, while ensuring that high quality and cost-effective health care continues to be delivered to patients.

Solberg is an active member in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Healthcare Administration at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and received his Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota.

Village Home Stores Purchased By Geneseo Locals With Eyes on the Future

New owners have familiar faces as a thriving small business rooted in Geneseo steps into a new chapter.

Collin Akers(left) and Adam Hoste. New owners of VIllage Home Stores.

Geneseo, IL - On January 21, 2025 Village Home Stores was purchased by Adam Hoste and Collin Akers. Previous co-owners Rob and Jim Ries will remain for a few coming months as the team transitions into new ownership. Adam Hoste has already been on staff for 6 years and has been operating as the Store Manager at Village for 3 years ahead of this purchase. Village Home Stores will continue to serve their clients during the handoff and there will be no delays or pauses for current projects or products on order. Customers of Village should expect to see no immediate changes to their shopping experience as the baton is passed along to the new owners. Adam and Collin are excited to introduce new ideas and systems into the already thriving business over time.

“I’m very excited to join the Village team where integrity, professionalism, and honesty radiate through everyone. Growing up in Geneseo, I’ve always cared deeply about this community and am grateful for the opportunity to join an organization that makes such a positive impact.” -Collin Akers

“Over the past six years at Village Home Stores, I’ve learned that success in the remodeling business comes from two core principles: doing what you say you’re going to do and delivering at the highest level. That’s exactly what you can continue to expect from the team at Village Home Stores. Collin and I are excited to build on this foundation and look forward to many more years as a trusted staple in this community.” -Adam Hoste

The Village Home Stores story began in 1984 when Art Ries opened Village Hardware in Cambridge, Illinois. Offering multiple categories of products in one location. In the Summer of 1998, Art’s sons Rob and Jim Ries opened the doors of Village Maytag at the current location on State Street in Geneseo offering appliance sales and repair service to the region. In 2000 the store expanded to include Village Cabinetry. Over the years, Village has added many departments, each staffed with experts including a complete kitchen and bath remodeling team with remodel project management services. Village also has a dedicated team that works alongside home builders and customers who are building a new home in the area. Growth and customer interest in all of these services over the years has formed the one-stop-shop showroom experience now offered to Village Home Stores customers. Village serves new home and remodel customers in a large region of surrounding cities to Geneseo including the extended Quad Cities area.

The award-winning showroom in downtown Geneseo offers appliances, appliance service, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, window treatments, flooring, and wall tile as well as complete kitchen and bath remodels all from one location with warehouses also located in Geneseo. You can see their portfolio of work online at houzz.com/pro/villagehomestores and watch their weekly TV show locally every Sunday morning at 10:30am on WQAD News Channel 8 or stream anytime at youtube.com/villagehomestores Village is open Mon-Fri 9a-5p and Saturdays from 9a-noon. Open online anytime at villagehomestores.com

[Image attached: Collin Akers (left) and Adam Hoste (right) the new owners of Village Home Stores.

Press Contact: Elizabeth Round | Marketing + Content Manager  | 309.944.1344 | elizabeth@viillagehomestores.com

Hines Named Park District Recreation Program Specialist

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Nathaniel Hines has been named full-time Recreation Program Specialist for the Geneseo Park District.

Hines has been employed by the Park District since May of 2015, starting work in the concession stand and then expanding his role to include lifeguarding, swim instruction, desk attendant, building supervisor and working in special events, general programs, and countless other areas over the years.

He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, Macomb, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration, with a minor in Human Resource Management.

In his new role as Recreation Program Specialist, Hines will oversee the planning, implementation, and supervision of a broad range of recreational activities and events. His primary working hours will be in the afternoons and evenings, with variations based on program needs.

A statement from the Park District said, “With his diverse experiences and educational background, Nathaniel is uniquely qualified to enhance and expand the recreation programming for our community.”

Geneseo Community Chest Distributes Funds - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Just over $90,000 was collected by the Geneseo Community Chest in its 2023-2024 fiscal year, and $92,700 recently was distributed to various organizations which are:

-Lunchbox, Aisle of Flags, Geneseo Growth & Development; Ag in the Classroom (Farmer Bureau), Alternatives for the Older Adult, Inspire Continuing care, Freedom House, Geneseo Marriage & Family Counseling, Abilities Plus, Boy Scouts, Center for Youth & Family Services, Braveheart Henry County Advocacy, Geneseo Historical Museum, Sol’s Legacy, Henry County Youth Services, Rebuilding Together, Royal Family Kids’ Camp, Girl Scouts, Good Shepherd Foundation, Hillcrest Home and the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter.

Bethany Winkleman, vice president of the Geneseo Community Chest Board, expressed appreciation from the Community Chest board to the community for their support and said, “One of the many reasons that our family decided to move back to Geneseo was due to the amazing support, generosity, and true love for this town.  We thank the community for a wonderful 2024 and look forward to funding more needs in 2025!"

The Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, is among the organizations receiving contributions from the Geneseo Community Chest. In the photo are, from left, Taunya McGee, president of the Geneseo Community Chest board; Jamie DeSplinter, board member of the Henry County Humane Society; and Bethany Winkleman, vice president of the Community Chest board. In addition to McGee and Winkleman, other officers of the Community Chest board are Jackie DeSpain, treasurer; and Jenna Rushing, secretary. Photo by Claudia Loucks

SOME HISTORY OF THE GENESEO COMMUNITY CHEST AND HOW TO HELP:

The Geneseo Community Chest was incorporated in 1943 and each year it reaches out to financially aid non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life in the Geneseo area.

The 15-member board of directors of the Geneseo Community Chest each year obtains funds to help support non-profits in the Geneseo area.

When the local Community Chest was organized in 1943, there were nine board members whose task it was to solicit funds to aid charitable, philanthropic and character-building non-profit organizations in the community to benefit its citizens. In 1983, the organization secured 501 (c3) status ensuring that donations made to the organization would be tax deductible.

Since 1983, the board has increased to the current 15 members it has today, all volunteers giving of their time and talents.

Board members meet with organizations to review their needs and then solicit funds through a community-wide campaign.

Community Chest receives its donations from foundations, such as the Geneseo Foundation, the Miller Foundation, local businesses, and from many area citizens. The organization utilizes Birdies for Charity to maximize donations to help fund requests.

The Geneseo Community Chest annually solicits funds.

Donations are accepted throughout the year and information on how to contribute is available at the website: www.//geneseocommunitychest.org.

Dave Smith no Longer Hammond-Henry Hospital CEO

The Hammond-Henry Hospital Board of Directors have announced that Dave Smith is no longer the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.  

Jodie Criswell, Chief Financial Officer, has been named interim CEO.  Criswell has been with the organization for 14 years.  

The Board of Directors is seeking other candidates to fill the permanent role.

We will have more information when it’s available.

Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo Shelter Needs Help! - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Shelter is full and the board of directors and volunteers at the shelter are asking for help in caring for the animals without permanent homes.

In a recent conversation with Linda VanDerLeest, tears filled her eyes when asked about the local shelter.

VanDerLeest is president of the board of the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, and she deeply cares for the furry friends who make their home there.

“We are full and we are struggling to keep up financially, and we simply cannot keep up with expenses,” she said. “Our costs have escalated due to the increased overall expenses.”

Linda VanDerLeest, president of the board of the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, with two of the nearly 100 cats and kittens making their home at the Geneseo Shelter. Photo by Claudia Loucks

VanDerLeest estimated that it takes $22,000 to $25,000 each month to keep the doors open at the shelter….”Those are costs for salaries, cleaning, food, utilities and more,” she said.

“Even though the monthly operating expenses of the shelter have increased, the available operating funds are down 63 percent compared to this time in 2021, she added.

The shelter now has 96 cats and kittens and 13 dogs making their home at the shelter, and that does not include the 16 cats and kittens in foster care and the five dogs in foster homes. Even though that many furry friends are in foster care, it is the responsibility of the Geneseo Shelter to cover the cost of their care.

‘We are using 11 rooms to care for the animals,” VanDerLeest said, and explained that some gathering areas and greeting spaces have now been converted into rooms for the animals.

“The Geneseo Shelter is not a taxing body so we do not receive any government funding,” she said. “We rely entirely on financial donations and we just aren’t receiving what we need.”

“During Covid, we nearly emptied the shelter because people were adopting the animals then and now we are seeing an increase in surrenders, when the animals are being returned to the shelter or left at the shelter for the first time because the pet owner can no longer afford to keep them. Our monetary donations have not increased, but the number of animals we are caring for has increased substantially, and we just can’t continue like this.”

And it isn’t just the need of financial help, VanDerLeest said there continues to be a need for dependable volunteers, and she added, “When you volunteer at an animal shelter, you’re helping to make your community a place for animals, and you are also helping to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare, which also benefits the entire community.”

“We are asking the community to consider making monetary donations to the shelter this Christmas,” she said. ‘Your end of the year tax deductible donation to the shelter will ensure we can continue to care for our animals. Thank you!”

2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk Schedule

Saturday December 14, 2024

**HOLIDAY SHOPPING & DINING ALL DAY THROUGHOUT GENESEO!

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON**

7:00a: Barricades up for Jingle Run

7:30a – 8:30a: Jingle Run 5K Registration & Packet Pick Up - Call to Victory Christian Youth Center - 218 S. State St.

8:00a: 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk opens

8:30a-10:30a: Jingle Run 5K - Call to Victory Christian Youth Center - 218 S. State St.

10:00a - 11:00a: Pick up & deliver luminaries from Richmond Hill to City Park

10:00a – 2:00p: Geneseo Police Department Toy Drive – Geneseo City Hall Lobby – 119 S. Oakwood Ave.

10:00a – 2:00p: Children’s Activity- Shop With Santa! – Dollar Fresh Market – 2181 S. Oakwood Ave.

10:00a – 8:00p: Geneseo Christmas Walk Gingerbread House Competition – Geneseo Art League & Gallery – 125 N. State St. – DISPLAY & VOTING OPEN FROM 10AM-8PM 10:30a: Barricades down for Jingle Run

10:30a – 12:00p: Luminary Set Up at City Park

11:00a – 1:00p: Live Music – Musical Memories Holiday Showcase – Central Theater – 111 N. State St.

12:00p – 3:00p: Children’s Activity – Pony Rides by Tri-Co Equestrian Center, LLC - $10 per ride – Geneseo City Park, near intersection of State & North Streets

1:00p: Downtown barricades go up. State St. closed to vehicular traffic.

1:00p – 3:00p: Children’s Activity – "Draw A Snow Globe", presented by the GHS Art Club – Smith Studio & Gallery – 124 S. State St.

1:00p – 3:00p: Children’s Activity - Jingle Bell Obstacle Course - Geneseo Community Center - 541 E. North St.

2:00p – 3:30p: Live Music – The Nice List – Anthology for Books (performing above the Cellar) – 137 S. State St.

2:00p – 4:00p: Warming Station - Geneseo Girl Scouts Bake Sale - S. State St. by Smith Studio & Gallery

2:00p – 8:00p: Christmas Walk Market presented by the Geneseo Farmer’s Market – First Methodist Church South Campus Building – 224 N. State St.

2:00p – 8:00p: Warming Station – GHS Softball Boosters Bake Sale Fundraiser featuring a Hot Cocoa Bar, and a Holiday Activities for Kids – The VIC/Fellowship of Christian Athletes – 218 S. State St.

2:30p – 4:00p: Children’s Activity - Meet Santa Claus - Front Porch of Geneseo Historical Museum - 205 S. State St.

3:00p – 5:00p: Children’s Activity – Create A Christmas Star - Free for Kids - Geneseo Art League & Gallery - 125 N. State St.

3:00p – 6:00p: Children’s Activity – Create a Clear Ornament with Various "Stuffing" - RutabagA Art - 108 N. State St.

3:00p – 7:00p: Meal Site - Cookie Walk, Baked Potato Bar and Chili Supper – Concordia Lutheran Church - 316 S. Oakwood Ave.

3:30p: Live Music – Geneseo Middle School Swing Choir Performance – Concordia Lutheran Church - 316 S. Oakwood Ave.

3:30p – 4:00p: Live Music - Geneseo Elementary Schools Caroling - Intersection of State & First St. – Downtown Geneseo

3:30p – 5:00p: Lighted Parade Staging - Grace United Methodist Church - 318 N. Center St.

3:30p – 8:30p: Free Trolley Rides between Geneseo Moose Lodge & Downtown Geneseo

4:00p – 4:30p: Live Music – Ukelele Group and Hand Bell Choir Performances – Musical Memories – 112 N. State St.

4:00p – 8:00p: Warming Station: Geneseo Chamber Info Center & Christmas Card Stamping – Hanford Insurance Agency – 119 S. State St.

4:00p: Warming Station: Free Hot Chocolate - Geneseo Evangelical Free Church - Intersection of State & First St.

4:00p: Warming Station: Cookies – Grow Ministries - S. State St. by Smith Studio & Gallery

4:00p: Warming Station: Free Hot Apple Cider and Hot Cocoa - First Baptist Church - Intersection of State & Second St.

4:00p – 7:00p: Meal Site: Chili, Hot Dogs, Chips, Cookies, and a Beverage - First Methodist Church - 302 N. State St. – Monetary Donations Accepted.

4:00p - 7:30p: Meal Site: Chicken Dinner - Open to Public- $12 to $16 per person- Geneseo Moose Lodge #990 - 1025 S. State St.—TROLLEY STOP!

4:00p - 7:30p: Civil War Re-enactors—Corner of State & Second St. near Abraham Lincoln Bust – Downtown Geneseo

4:15p: Lighting of the Luminaries at City Park & State St.

4:30p – 5:00p: Live Music – Vocal Student Performances – Musical Memories – 112 N. State St.

4:30p – 8:00p: Holly Jolly Christmas Party at Central Bank Pavilion with a Live DJ from Twisted Mic’s Music Entertainment and Ice Sculptures courtesy of the Geneseo Foundation – 200 Block of N. State St.

5:00p: Warming Station: American Family Insurance - Michele Weber-Enck Agency - 229 S. State St.

5:00p – 8:00p: 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk Living Windows – Downtown Geneseo

5:00p – 8:00p: 2024 Geneseo Victorian Luminary Display – Geneseo City Park

5:00p: 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk Lighted Parade steps off towards Downtown Geneseo

5:45p: City of Geneseo Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Intersection of State & Second Streets

5:45p – 8:00p: Children’s Activity - Meet Santa Claus – Sam’s LaRoma Pizza – 103 E. Exchange St.

6:00p: Live Music - GHS Madrigal Singers, Brass Players, and Recorder Players – Central Theater – 111 N. State St.

6:00p: Live Music - Geneseo Community Choir performs on Front Porch of Geneseo Historical Museum (following lighting of City Christmas Tree) - 205 S. State St.

6:00p – 7:45p: Live Music – Geneseo Panic! (youth rock band playing Xmas music) and Individual Solos – Musical Memories – 112 N. State St.

6:00p – 8:00p: Live Music – Cody Haars and Todd Nyquist – Geneseo Art League & Gallery – 125 N. State St.

6:00p – 8:00p: Live Music – Double Treble Handbell Duo – Reap & Sow Nutrition – 128 S. State St.

6:00p – 8:00 p: Live Music – Travis Hosette, Professional Frank Sinatra Singer – Village Florist & Antiques – 108 S. State St.

6:00p – 8:00p: Live Music - Geneseo Kitchen Band – Smith Studio & Gallery – 124 S. State St.

8:00p: 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk closes

8:00p: Featured Movie – Central Theater – 111 N. State St.

8:00p – 11:00p: Children’s Activity - Moonlight Bowling – Arcadia Family Fun Center - 925 S. Oakwood Ave.

9:00p: Barricades come down, State St. reopens

Sunday December 15, 2024

11:00a: Luminary tear down at City Park

Hammond-Henry’s Wyatt Brieser Named Among State Hospital Network’s Top ‘4 Under 40’ Leaders

The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) announced its “4 Under 40” Hospital Leadership winners, including Wyatt Brieser, VP of Operations, Hammond-Henry Hospital, Geneseo, during the organization’s Annual Conference held November 14 at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign.

He is joined in this honor by Jessica Delost, Chief Compliance and Legal Officer, Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City; Erin Frank, Director of Marketing & Communications, Horizon Health, Paris; and Kristy Wisslead, APRN-FN, Memorial Hospital, Carthage.

Wyatt started his career at Hammond-Henry Hospital in 2009 as a Rehab Tech. Since that time, he has received several promotions, including the titles of Physical Therapist, LTC Manager, Director of Ancillary Services, and currently, Vice President of Operations.

“As a leader and as a human being, Wyatt is someone to emulate. He ensures that every employee has a voice, from every department, in all walks of life. Everyone is equally important to him,” said Stephanie DeMay, Hammond-Henry Hospital Marketing Manager. “Admiration for Wyatt, his work ethic, and his expertise extend past the walls of the hospital, too. From our Hammond-Henry Hospital and Clinics community, his church community, multiple service organizations, and countless preschool through college-aged students, everyone appreciates Wyatt not only for his kindness and his humility, but his extraordinary ability to build others up in the process.”

Most recently, Wyatt has been instrumental in helping to bring new physicians and new service lines to Hammond-Henry’s hospital and clinics including neurology, chiropractic care, and pain management while also ensuring significant upgrades to our MRI, fluoroscopy machine, and 3-D mammography. He also continues to cover athletic training at offsite sporting events and to build up the Geneseo and Annawan Middle and High School Boys and Girls Summit sports programs and the community-wide Free2Play Youth Fun Day. Wyatt is also an active member of the Geneseo Kiwanis Club, a member of St. Anthony's Church, is an Inspiring Continuing Care Community Partner, and serves as the Geneseo Community Center's Seminars Coordinator.

“It would be impossible to name all the successful projects Wyatt has accomplished since first becoming hired at Hammond-Henry. However, one project stands at the forefront for him: managing the Hammond-Henry Hospital Long-Term Care Living Center through COVID including staffing, regulation changes, testing, and fear of losing a patient to COVID,” said DeMay. “Those years forced Wyatt to get comfortable outside his comfort zone. It forced him to strengthen his skills in creative thinking, problem-solving, resiliency, accountability, hard work, and leadership and, as always, he met and exceeded the goal. Wyatt can also be proud of his success directing and managing the Long-Term Care Living Center in general as this facility has been named a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-Star facility for 12 years in a row.”

Wyatt, as Director of Ancillary Services at the time, also supervised laboratory services during COVID where Hammond-Henry Hospital was recording and processing about 45,000 tests per month. Following COVID, Wyatt spearheaded and saw to fruition the $1 million laboratory remodel in 2023 which features an open floor plan for increased efficiency, a staff reception area and waiting room, private blood draw stations, office and storage spaces, and two handicapped accessible bathrooms plus the moving of the main chemistry analyzer and its back-up, a full microbiology lab, molecular diagnostics, chemistry, and all the hematology equipment. The new laboratory was completed in 2023, and its team of 20 continues to handle at least 500,000 lab tests per year.

ABOUT ICAHN

ICAHN’s “4 Under 40” Hospital Leadership Award is open to new and emerging leaders aged 40 and under employed by an ICAHN member hospital or as a member of this hospital’s board for at least two years with a strong record of innovation and outstanding performance.

Located in Princeton, IL, ICAHN is a network of 59 small, rural hospitals dedicated to strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. The organization is composed of Illinois hospitals who have earned critical access hospital designation by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is recognized nationally for its work with rural healthcare, administering several state, federal, and private healthcare programs.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Coming to Geneseo Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo Public Library has teamed up with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to offer free children’s books.

Claire Crawford, Geneseo Library Director, said, “We are excited to be able to be apart of this fantastic program to promote literacy. It’s been on our radar for some time, and thanks to a grant from the State of Illinois, we are able to make this happen at our library. All you have to do is come into the library and complete a registration form. We feel like it’s a Christmas gift to the children of Henry County.”

The Geneseo Library currently is registering children, 0 to 5 years old, for the January book. Residents of Henry County may register at the library. Online or phone registrations will not be accepted. There is no cost to the families of the children who sign up as the Geneseo Library and the State of Illinois cover the cost along with the Imagination Library.

As a result of a grant written by Claire Crawford, the library is able to shoulder the cost of the program. Monetary donations to the library are always welcome to help defray the costs.

Each month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a high quality, age-appropriate book to all registered children, addressed to them, at no cost to the child’s family.

Information received from the Geneseo Library stated, “Countless parents have shared how excited their child is when their new book arrives each month. Many groups and individuals work hard behind the scenes to make that special moment possible for each child.”

The aim of the Imagination Library is to pick age-appropriate books that foster a “love of reading and learning; regard for diversity of people, their roles, culture and environment; promotion of self-esteem and confidence, appreciation of art and aesthetics.”

The first book distributed is one of Parton’s favorites, “The Little Engine That Could.”

A children’s book by Parton herself, “I Am a Rainbow,” also has been included in the program.

THE STORY BEHIND DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Dolly Parton’s father would be so happy if he could see her now. She has often spoken about her father’s life….”Well, my dad, like so many country people, the hard-working people, especially back in the rural areas, my dad never had a chance to go to school because he had to help make a living for the family. And so Daddy couldn’t read and write.”

Illiteracy was a source of embarrassment and frustration for Parton’s father. He couldn’t do things like complete forms, scan a newspaper or read to his children.

Thoughts of her father and his struggles were the spark that led to the Imagination Library, as Parton wanted to “Do something that would inspire kids to love reading and to love learning. He never had anyone that inspired him in such a way.”

Today, her program spans five countries and gifts over two million free books each month to children around the world.
And now it is enrolling children ages 0 to 5 years of age in the Henry County, Illinois, area.

After launching the program in 1995, the program grew quickly. First books were only distributed to children living in Sevier County, TN, where Dolly Parton grew up.

Parton said in 2028, “It made me feel good in my heart that I could do something to make Daddy proud.”

The program became such a success that in 2010 a national replication effort was underway. By 2003, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library had mailed one million books. It would prove to be the fist of many millions of books sent to children around the world.

Dolly Parton’s home state of Tennessee pledged to pursue statewide coverage in 2004 and global expansion was on the horizon. After the U.S., the program was launched in Canada in 2006, followed by the United Kingdom in 2007; Australia in 2013 and the Republic of Ireland in 2019.

Though Parton didn’t love school, she did enjoy reading as a child. Fairy tales broadened her perspective: “The only thing I ever saw growing up was poor people in overalls and broken shoes and ragged clothes. By in my books, I would read about kings and queens with their velvet clothes and big diamond rings. That’s how I knew there was a world outside the Smoky Mountains.”

Research has shown that exposure to reading at an early age leads to better results in school. And Parton knows that literacy has lifelong benefits…”If you can read, even if you can’t afford education, you can go on and learn about anything you want to know.
There’s a book on everything.”

Parton understands how to spark a child’s excitement around books and reading. “From the time they’re born, they get books in the mail with their little names on them. They love running to the mailbox!”

And she opted to make the Imagination Library available to all children, no matter their family’s financial status. “I have always felt we shouldn’t leave anybody out or single anybody out,” she said in 2010.

Together, Dolly Parton and her book gifting organization have received honors and awards for their dedication to enriching the lives of children everywhere. The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, Best Practices Award from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and recognition in Reading Psychology are just a few among a long list of the prestigious acknowledgements the program has received.

Geneseo Chamber Announces Christmas Open House Featuring the First Lighting

Zack Sullivan, Executive Director
Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
309-944-2686

Christmas Begins Here.

Geneseo’s annual Christmas Open House is the official kickoff to the holiday season, offering customers a fun and unique holiday shopping experience. This year’s Christmas Open House will be Friday November 15, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Downtown
Geneseo.

 
 

The City of Geneseo will unveil and turn on its Downtown holiday decorations for the first time this holiday season. Stores will be open late for Candlelight Shopping, and free horse and wagon rides through Downtown Geneseo will be offered, sponsored by Springfield Armory.
The Shop Geneseo! Promotion will also kick off, in which shoppers supporting Geneseo businesses get cards stamped for their purchases, and for every $100spent, they enter into a drawing to win prizes, gift certificates, and more. Supporting local small businesses in Geneseo this holiday season is a win-win!

But, in 2024, we are going big for our holiday kickoff. Earlier this year, an independent arborist advised that the City Christmas Tree, which had served as the centerpiece of Geneseo’s holiday celebrations for over 30 years, is at extreme risk of failure and should be taken down for safety purposes.
The City made the difficult decision to remove the tree this past summer. In June, Geneseo celebrated the tree one final time with an epic summertime Christmas celebration called “The Last Lighting”.
The Last Lighting attracted over 800 people to Downtown Geneseo to see the tree light up one more time. And what an evening it was! Since then, the tree has been removed and a new platform is being built to accommodate the new tree and a better layout for parade announcing during the Geneseo Christmas Walk event, which will be on Saturday December 14, 2024.

Now, let the anticipation begin as Geneseo counts down to “The First Lighting” of the new City Christmas Tree. The new tree is a beautiful artificial tree, and it will become the focal point of Geneseo’s holiday traditions moving forward. It is a stunning tree! The First Lighting will take place at 6:00 pm during the Christmas Open House event, with a countdown led by Santa and Mrs. Claus. We will be closing off the street at the tree and people are invited to take photos with the new tree, enjoy Christmas Music, holiday treats and luminaires!
Of course, Santa will be on hand to help us light the tree for the first time!

For more information, contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686,

email geneseo@geneseo.org, or visit www.geneseo.org.