SVM_Golden Echo_April 2024

GOLDEN ECHO

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susie Welch

Spring is almost here along with all the wonderful changes that spring brings, like flowers blooming and grass growing. You will notice some wonderful changes at your Center also. Thanks to a partnership with LOTS, NIAAA and Burton Foundation starting April 1, all trips to the Lee County Council on Aging via public transportation will be FREE! There is no excuse to miss out on all the fun activities we have in store for you. That’s right: All trips to LCCOA from anywhere in the Lee County area will be free if you are coming to the Center. I look forward to seeing my friends from Amboy, Lee Center, Franklin Grove and Ashton! I’m also looking forward to making new friends from other towns in Lee County. While

From the WCSC

Executive Director

By Emily Hammer

Board Meeting

The Board Meeting will be April 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the dining room at the Center. We hope to see you there!

Golden Meals

Golden Meals is fully moved in and serves meals out of our dining room and kitchen! Golden

you’re here check out the bulbs Rock River Garden club planted last fall. We are so blessed to have them looking after our grounds this year.

Happy birthday!

This month’s birthday celebration for all seniors and staff members will be on Friday, April 19, at 1:30 p.m. This will be a special day for me as I will be celebrating my 29th birthday! I hope all my friends can come out and help us celebrate in style! We will be having Bingo at noon on that day, sponsored by Jennifer Lang at Discover Dixon. I know several of our seniors will be happy to see Jennifer back in the Center! My good friend, Melissa McCullough, will be singing “Happy Birthday” and leading us in karaoke immediately after Bingo! We have many great singers — you won’t want to miss this show. My favorite parts are the group singalongs! Even if you’re not a singer, you will enjoy this fun time.

Game time

We are pleased to announce

Meals is a local non-profit organization that provides $3 meals to our 60-plus senior community Monday through Thursday at our site. The Golden Meals calendar will be posted on our Facebook page and sent out in our newsletter.

Medicare

Outreach is available for walkins on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday by appointment. It can be tough for seniors to navigate through the world of Medicare and Medicaid, and our specialists are certified and here to assist you to make things a little easier.

Here are a few things we can help with:

Golden Echo published monthly by Sauk Valley Media, 113-115 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021, in cooperation with the Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center.

Golden Echo disclaims any liability for any advertisements published herein and in no way endorses or guarantees these ads.

Press releases of interest to seniors will be accepted at 100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021; or 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081. Deadline for submission is the 15th of each month.

Golden Echo does not discriminate in admission to programs or treat-

that Rock River Hospice has stepped up to sponsor our Wheel of Fortune game, and their own Nicci Wright will host this event on Friday, April 5, at 11 a.m. I can’t wait to see what wonderful prizes she will bring! (Bring quarters if you want to buy a vowel, and you might win the jackpot!) If you enjoy winning free prizes, you won’t want to miss the Price is Right, sponsored by Allure on Friday, April 26, at 10:30 a.m. immediately after Breakfast Club with Brandan! Don’t miss your chance to bend the mayor’s ear on Wednesday, April 17, at 9 a.m. We are also introducing a new game to LCCOA, thanks to our volunteer leader, Tim Bronkema. Come on Wednesday, April 10, at 1 p.m. to learn and play Bunco; cost is a dollar to play, with proceeds going toward the accessibility rehab of the Center. I’m looking forward to hearing the laughter and loud shouts coming from our game room while Bunco is being played.

Sip and Paint

Thanks to the wonderful donation from Sonia Robinson

• Homestead exemptions and tax freeze

• License sticker discount (income-eligible)

• Medicare/Medicaid questions

• Low income subsidies (Medicare Saving Program, Extra Help and SNAP)

• ACP free government phone and internet (income-eligible)

• ITAC hearing impaired phones and amplifiers.

Medicare Tip

Turning 65? For most eligible Americans turning 65, you need to sign up for Medicare during your enrollment window, if you wish to avoid penalties and higher lifetime costs. There is one main exception: If you or

ment or employment in programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act; the U.S. Civil Rights Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; the Age Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have a right to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Aging. For information, call 800-252-8966 (Voice & TDD), or contact the director of Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021 or telephone 815-288-9236; or Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081 or 815-

of Primitive Frills, LCCOA is pleased to bring a Sip and Paint to the Center for any Lee County Senior on Monday, April 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free but seating is limited to 16, so get your RSVP in by stopping by the Center or calling 815-288-9236.

Got any stories from the good old days?

We are now accepting stories for our 2024 edition of “Back in the Day.” Please email them to lccoareceptionist@comcast.net or drop them off to Terry! We still have 2023 editions available at the Center.

Free lunch

Your opinions matter! All Seniors are cordially invited to come help us plan for the future of public transportation in Dixon! LOTS will be serving a FREE lunch to all those willing to fill out a brief survey, at noon on Friday, April 12, in the Center dining room. RSVP to 815288-9236!

your spouse are still working and you have health insurance through a company with 20 or more employees, you may keep that insurance until you retire. If you are still working but your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you are expected to move your health care coverage to Medicare. If you don’t, you’ll be penalized when you ultimately sign up. Your enrollment window is 3 months before your birthday, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after. We have certified SHIP counselors available if you have any questions. Please call Outreach Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

622-9230.

The senior centers do not require duration of residency or citizenship as a condition of participation in any services or programs funded by the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. Residency or citizenship may be a requirement for other programs that the senior centers may provide assistance with in application or accessing of same. Services are made available, in part, with funds provided under Title III-B of the Older American Act, and the Illinois General Revenue Funds, through the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. We are a United Way-funded agency.

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GOLDEN ECHO

DUES, DONATIONS & THANK YOUS

Ahrens, Paul

Albright, Roger Amesquita, Anthony Armstrong, Lorraine Asbury, Marsha Beck, Pam Berard, Sherrill Benson, Sr., Albert Benson, Tina Broderick, Ethel Brown, Bonny (Madeline) Buzzard, Stephen Canady, JoAnn Chriest, Mary

Clayton, Kathy Clifton, Rita Cruz, Estela Cruz, Nicholas Declerk, Larry Denny, Dorothy DeLa Fuente, Juan DeLA Fuente, Yolanda

WCSC welcomes members

Dombrowski, Sandy Gonzalez, Jorge Gonzalez, Maria Harrell,Owen Harrell, Rena Horner, Margo Huffman, Louise Jacobs, Carol Janssen, Donna Kendell, Aimee Kohl, Judith (Judy) Kollie, Marilyn Koster, Dorothy Kuepker, Janice LaBlanc, Joan Lancaster, Deanna Lancaster, Jerry

Last, Abrey

Last, Norma

Lenox, Gary Love, Mary McCord, Larry

Join WCSC

Meagher, Ronnie Mendoza, Artie Mendoza, Patty Mennenga, Ethel Mennenga, Richard Miller, Gary Mock, Beverly Mock, Gene Monroe, Harold Monroe, Key Morath, Dennis Morath, Vernice Olalde, Dionicio Oller, Beverly

O’Neil, Cheryl O’Neil, Dennis Orr, Kathy Ortiz,Ernestine

Real, Karen Schares, Paula Schuldt, Don Schuldt, Lou Ann

Schuler, Thomas Shawver, Barbara Shawver, Kenneth Smith, Curtis Smith, Dale Stachowiak, Patricia Strike, Eugene Strock, Nancy Strong, Carolyn Surdez, Nancy Tackett, Diane Vail, Pat Vos, Linda Vos, Timothy Wickham, Sandra Wilburn, Linda Wilken, Brigitte Wilson, Ann Williams, Leslie Williams,Shirley Jean Wright,Josefa Wright, Kim

If you would like to join the Whiteside County Senior Center for 2024, the cost is $25 per person per calendar year or $35 for two people residing in same household. You can mail your check to WCSC, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081. WCSC has developed a new Corporate Membership. As a Corporate member you will be recognized in our building and in the newspaper for your support, along with valuable benefits for your employees. Employees will be eligible to attend our exercise classes and the member discounts on our trips by showing their employee ID or business card when signing up. Please contact our Center at 815-622-9230 for more details. We always appreciate your continued support of our Aging and Disabled Resource Center — and we appreciate YOU!

Thank you to WCSC volunteers and supporters

Thank you to all our volunteers who donate their time, energy, and services  and those who gave monetary donations, including anonymously. A special thanks to all who partner with our Center to provide programs and activities for our seniors.

Shirley Schwarz

CONTACT INFORMATION

100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL, 61021

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Main number: 815-288-9236

Transportation : 815-288-9236 (6 a.m.-5 p.m.)

E-mail: lccoa@comcast.net

Online: www.leecountycouncilonaging.net and on Facebook POST HOUSE BALLROOM

815-288-0892

Online: www.posthouseballroom.net

OUTREACH DEPARTMENT

Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired

Outreach hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

LCCOA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & OFFICERS

Dianne Frye — Chair | Jeff Haub — Vice chair Dorie Hoft — Treasurer | Roberta LeMoine — Secretary

Committee members: Amanda Carroll, Cindy Gabany, Greg Currens, June Fordham, Bonnie O’Connell, Sami Rodriguez, Alisa Wolf

LCCOA SENIOR TRANSPORTATION 815-288-9236

LEE-OGLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117

Fares: (within zip code)

Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult): $1 one way

Ages 6 to 59 years: $2 one way

Seniors or individuals with a disability: $1 one way (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program)

Out-of-town trips can be arranged, subject to availability: 35 cents per mile, maximum $5.

CGH Medical Center Caring Fund

Edward Boyer

JJ Campbell

Manfred Heumann

Kathy Heumann

Vicki Naffa

Maybelle Novak

LCCOA welcomes members

Ed Reglin

Patricia Reglin

Clara Sanders

Merrilee Theisinger

Roger Theisinger

Jackyn Allen

Ronald Reglin

Catherine Reglin

Doris Walters

Lynn Berg

Dawn Hodge

Cecilia Ackland

Brenda Jensen

Christine Noble

Ronald Noble

Olga Torres

Joyce Beaird

Wayne Beaird

Norma Jean Reed

Mary Smoot

Watson Smoot

Watch the Echo for 2024 membership campaign. As a member you will receive discounts on all our activities and trips. All membership fees contribute to the support of Lee County Council on Aging. As a member you can feel confident that all funds helps LCCOA to continue the vital services we provide to all our seniors and continue to bring new and interesting activities to the Center for you to enjoy. Please continue to be a member of LCCOA and spread the word to all your friends and families. Thank you on behalf of LCCOA’s Board of Directors, Executive Director, staff and drivers.

Thank you to LCCOA volunteers and supporters

Thank you to all our volunteers who donated their time, energy and services and those who gave monetary and non-monetary donations. A special thank you to all the wonderful supporters of LCCOA’s clothing drive who have donated anonymously.

The Rock River Garden Club

Candlelight Group

LCCOA Crafters

United Methodist Church

Maureen Broers Allure

Melissa McCullough

Dianne Frye

James Gorman LOTS

Discover Dixon

Lee County

Lee County United Way

Rock River Hospice

Franklin Grove Living & Rehab Good Fellows

Lee County Health Department

Nancy Gates

Kathleen Moreno

Lori Ludens

Bonnie Stradley

Terry Christian

Josie Whaley

Dixon Food Pantry

1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Information: 815-622-9230 Toll-free: 888-622-9230

Transportation: 815-625-7433

Email: info@wc-seniorcenter.org

Online: www.wc-seniorcenter.org and on Facebook. AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC) 815-622-9230

OUTREACH DEPARTMENT

Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired. Satellite locations are by appointment only. Please call to schedule your appointment. 815-622-9230

WCSC BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

Owen Harrell – President | Karla Burn – Vice President Paul Ahrens – Secretary | Mark Godsil – Treasurer Board members: Butch Hannan, Gene Jacoby, Dale Smith, and Joe Strabala-Bright

WHITESIDE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

815-625-7433

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

Fares: No charge for stops within Whiteside County, but a suggested donation of $2 is appreciated. Out-of county trips can be arranged, subject to availability, for $4. We don’t accept Medicaid at this time.

Allure of Sterling Paul Caine

Citadel of Sterling Joe Fornero

Michelle French Sherry and Dale Letcher

Nazir Qureshi

GOLDEN ECHO

Special Events at LCCOA

Wheel of Fortune

Friday, April 5, at 11 a.m.

Do you enjoy solving the puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune? Come to the Center and win prizes. (If you want to buy vowels, bring quarters!)

Sponsored by Rock River Hospice

Bunco

Wednesday, April 10, at 1p.m.

Come learn how to play bunco – a fun dice game. Cost is $1, with proceeds going toward accessibility modifications at the Center.

Free lunch

Friday, April 12, at noon

All Seniors are cordially invited to come help us plan for the future of Public Transportation in Dixon! FREE lunch to all those willing to fill out a brief survey.

RSVP to 815-288-9236. Sponsored by LOTS

Coffee with the mayor

Wednesday, April 17, at 9 a.m.

Enjoy conversation and a cup of coffee with the mayor on the third Wednesday

LCCOA Bingo, birthday cake and karaoke

Friday, April 19, noon-4 p.m.

The games, the prizes and all the fun is free! Sponsored by Discover Dixon. No reservations needed

Sip and Paint

Monday, April 22, 2-4p.m.

Join Sonia Robinson of Primitive Frills as she leads Lee County seniors in creating something beautiful and meaningful with their own hands, not only creating art but also lasting memories with friends old and new. FREE of charge! Seating is limited and reservations are required.

Writers Workshop

Monday, April 22 at 1 p.m.

Authors and authors-to-be gather monthly here at LCCOA. The next gathering will be upstairs in the beautiful Post House Ballroom. All are welcome.

Open mic

Friday, April 26, 6-9p.m.

Open Mic is back. No reservations needed.

Price is Right

Friday, April 26, 10:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Allure. A great opportunity to win prizes by guessing the price of the items without going over! Immediately after Breakfast Club. No reservations needed.

Breakfast Club with Brandan

Friday, April 26 at 9 a.m.

Brandan will lead a group of interested seniors in a tour of Lee County breakfast shops once a month. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what a great way to get out into our community and make new friends. The only requirement is you must be a senior and be responsible for your own bill and transportation. (if you need a ride, give Marisa a call). Reservations required.

Tuesday and Thursday night free dinners

LCCOA is hosting free dinners, donated by KSB Hospital, for all the Lee County community. Dinners will be available — for take-out only — from 3:45-4:15 p.m., on a first-come basis.

Foot clinic

Tuesday, May 28, 9 a .m. to 1 p.m. Fancy Feet will be at the Center this month to trim nails for a small fee. Call Deb at 815-213-0324 for appointment.

Special Events at WCSC

For the latest updated and daily activities, please go to the Whiteside County Senior Center Facebook page.

WCSC closed

We will be closed on April 1, for Easter Monday Breakfast Club

Friday, April 5, at 9 a.m. at Rock Falls Hardees

Tuesday, April 9 at noon

Free lunch

Friday, April 12, at noon

Karaoke/Birthday cake

Friday, April 12 at 1 p.m.

Trip meeting

Tuesday, April 16, at 10 a.m.

Voter registration

Friday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

GOLDEN ECHO LCCOA

Our fleet on the street welcomes a new

Have you seen the new bus and minivan that we’ve added to our fleet? We are looking for interested advertisers to help us make them pretty.

ECHO

Upcoming Trips: LCCOA

All seniors welcome — membership not required! For more information on any of these trips, please call our very own LCCOA tour guides, Marisa Perales or Anna Mainhart, at 815-288-9236 or email lccoaoffice@comcast.net.

Mackinac Island

August 19-23, 2024

Price: $905 for members / $930 for non-members

Visit The Grand Hotel, Mackinaw City, Saul Ste. Marie. Call Marisa at 815-288-9236 for more information.

Cruise the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian Cruise Lines

August 24-31, 2024

Price: $4,056 for inside cabins, $4,721 for balcony cabins

Dillon Home

April 25 —12:30-3:30 p.m.

California: Monterey, Yosemite and Napa

September 23-30, 2024

Call for pricing

Visit Monterey Bay, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley Vineyards. Call Anna at 815-2889236 for more information.

A trip to remember:

Memorials of World War II

Nov. 1-10, 2024

Fly to Honolulu, then cruise to Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu. For more information, call Marisa at 815-288-9236 for more information.

Prices: $5,099 for single — $4,099 for double

Arrive in London, return from Paris. Visit the historic beaches and tour the multi-national museums. Call Marisa at 815-288-9236 for more information.

More trips!

There are more trips to come in 2024! Watch this space for more information.

More information

For more information on any of the trips, or to have a flyer mailed to you, please reach out to Marisa Perales at Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236 or email lccoaoffice@comcast.net. You can also find a list of our trips by visiting our website at www. leecountycouncilonaging.net.

Upcoming Trips: WCSC

also be able to visit the barn on the property, which houses the Sterling/Rock Falls Historical Society. Souvenirs may be purchased with cash only.

The cost is $10, which includes bus service. Come with us and tour the Historic Dillon Home Museum. We will depart from the Senior Center at 12:30 p.m. and return at 3:30 p.m. The tour will include tales of the Dillon family business and the significance of wire mill in our community. Plus, we’ll take an up-close look at the steam engine and stroll through the caboose. We will

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”

Thursday, May 9

Cost: $160 for members and $175 for non-members. We will depart from Sauk Valley Community College at

8:30 a.m. to venture to the Fireside Theatre to see “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” It will be an unforgettable, life-changing, award-winning musical that you don’t want to miss. The return time is 6:30 p.m. at the college.

Want to sign up for a trip? Need more info?

Please call 815-622-9230 for more information or to sign up for these trips.

GOLDEN ECHO Weekly activities at LCCOA

Daily Transportation — 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 815-288-9236 for doctor and dentist appointments, trips to the drug store, grocery store, hardware store, beauty salon, barber shop, and trips to the Center.

Library — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by and see the new donation of books at LCCOA, courtesy of the Leydig Center; self-checkout and return policy.

DVD library — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by and see the new DVDs at LCCOA, courtesy of Kreider; self-checkout and return policy.

Beverage center — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The coffee pot is always on at the Center, along with refreshing ice water. Check out our pop fridge fundraiser, with proceeds going for accessibility repairs needed at the Center.

Mondays

Exercise with Brandan

Come join our free workout program! Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles.

Thirty-minute appointments available from 10-11 a.m.

Blood Pressure Clinics — 10:30 a.m. to Noon

No appointment necessary.

Chair Yoga for seniors — 11 a.m.

Rummikub — 1 p.m.

Tuesdays

Bible study — 10 a.m.

KSB meals — 4 p.m.

Provided for the Lee County community

Wednesdays

Movie and popcorn — 10 a.m.

Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.

Rummikub — 1 p.m.

Tech Corner — First Wednesday of the month Basics of smartphones/laptops. Call Aaliyah for appointment

Thursdays

Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.

Crafters — 1 p.m.

KSB meals — 4 p.m.

Provided for the Lee County community

Fridays

Exercise with Brandan

Come join our free work out program! Brandon is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available 10-11:30 a.m.

Euchre — 12:15 p.m.

Mexican Train Dominoes — 1 p.m.

Weekly activities at WCSC

For the latest updates and daily activities, please go to our “Whiteside County IL Senior Center” Facebook page

Jeopardy

Wednesday, April 3, at 12:15 p.m.

Roundtuits euchre

April 4 from 1-3:45 p.m.

New to Medicare

Tuesday, April 6, at 9 a.m.

Teri, our Outreach Director, will go over any and all questions about Medicare.

Bingo

Wednesday, April 10, at 12:15 p.m.

With Sami from Allure

Veterans Coffee

Thursday, April 11, at 9 a.m.

The Center will provide biscuits and gravy, and Starbucks will provide the coffee. See you then!

Wheel of Fortune

Wednesday, April 17, at 12:15 p.m.

Triad

Wednesday, April 17, at 11 a.m.

Bingo

Wednesday, April 24, at 12:15 p.m.

With Cassandra from OnCall Imaging. Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry.

Computer/Technology Assistance

Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

If you would like a specific appointment for one-on-one time, please call the center and speak with Neal.

Walk-ins

Walk-ins are every Monday. Our Outreach Department is here to answer any questions you may have.

You may also make an appointment Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Euchre

Tuesday, April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 12:15 p.m.

Foot Clinic

Wednesday April 3, 10, and 17, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-7185294 to set up an appointment.

Food Pantry

Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

Sign-ups start at 10 a.m. Everyone is able to go through the closet weekly to get meat and other great things!

Hand and Foot Card Game

Thursday, April 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 12:30 p.m.

Knitting Club

Tuesday, April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, from noon-3:45 p.m.

Learn to Quilt

Monday, April 8, 15, 12 and 29 from 1-3 p.m.

Line Dancing

Friday, April 1, 8, 15, and 22

Advance sessions 10-11 a.m. | Beginners 11 a.m.-noon

Mexican Train Dominoes

Friday, April 19 and 26, at 12:30 p.m..

Pinochle

Mondays from 12:30-3:45 p.m.

Wednesdays from 12:30-3:45 p.m.

Fridays from 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Pool table

Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m.

Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon

Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.

Walk-in Day

Mondays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Yoga

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Free Blood Pressure Checks

Wednesday, April 3 and 17, from 10-11:45 a.m. and 12:30-2:15 p.m.

Food Pantry

Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.