Golden Echo 2017 12 26

Golden Echo A publication of Sauk Valley Media in cooperation with Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center – United Way agencies Volume 10

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January 2018

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Edition 3

Holiday closings • Lee County Council on Aging: Jan. 1 and 15 • Lifescape Community Services: Jan. 1 • Lee-Ogle Transportation System: Jan. 1 • Whiteside County Senior Center and Whiteside Public Transportation: Jan. 1 and 15 • Meals at Whiteside Senior Center: Jan. 1 and 15

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From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Geoff Vanderlin Another year already?

Where does the time go? As we reluctantly leave behind another Christmas and look forward to the New Year, the season, each year, brings a time for reflection and looking ahead.

I sincerely hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas with the people you most wanted to celebrate it with.

For me, 2018 brings a new meaning to the reflecting and anticipat-

ing the future. Yes, it’s true. Many of you may have heard, but I will be retiring this coming year in the month of February. This is my eighth and last New Years column for the Golden Echo and my next to last column. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have been your Executive Director these past 7-plus years but it’s time to move on.

Here at the Lee County

Council on Aging, we regularly see people at this same stage of life, and I have to tell you there is nowhere you can go where you can get the best information about Medicare, and other programs that you may be eligible for.

Let me tell you, it can be complicated. You say Medicare has many parts? You mean I have

to sign up for some of them, but others may be optional? My prescriptions may be covered by this company, but not another? I have had the advantage of working alongside two ladies in our Outreach Department who are experts in these things, and I still get confused as I transition to not only Medicare, but Social Security as well. I hope that, when you find yourself at this juncture, or if you’ve been receiving them for years but have questions, that you come in and talk to Ruth or Samantha. I know they will be happy to help you out.

Did I mention that these services are free?

That’s right. The services and programs we offer here at LCCOA are always free but, to keep them that way we do ask your help. If you care to leave a donation when you are served that’s great. And another way you can help is by becoming, or renewing your membership.

Its membership season here and we count on supporters to be our members. For those of you who think you are too young, or don’t qualify, remember, we are all aging. Please help. Thank you.

And let’s all look forward to another year full of great activities here at the Center. We’ll be back with another

Chili/Soup Supper in March. The popular Prom returns in April.

May is our Battle of the Brains Trivia contest and, of course, our longest running social event, the Luau, will return in August. And the year will end next December with Santa’s Workshop. This year’s event was just a few weeks ago and it was a big success. Thanks to every one of you who donated goods and/ or volunteered to help.

You make LCCOA succeed, and I thank you.

I’ll be back next month to wrap things up. In the meantime I wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year!

– Geoff

us on Wednesday, Jan. 10 for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

You can sign up for either membership option by stopping by the reception desk anytime from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or you can mail your membership renewal to our office.

Existing members will also be receiving an annual report which we

will provide our members with annually. We value your support and look forward to creating lasting partnerships with each of our members.

To get to know you, we would like to invite you to our monthly Meet the Admin events. Members are welcomed to join us on: • Jan. 11: Meet with Tori and make a Valentine’s mug.

• Jan. 16: Meet with Beth and play a fun game of trivia.

• Jan. 23: Meet with Amy for a no-bake cooking lesson.

I would like to thank everyone in advance for helping us make our membership drive a success.

– Tori

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Tori McDaniel As I write my article, we are 2 weeks away from Christmas.

In the McDaniel household, we have had our Christmas tree up since the day after Halloween. Laughable I know, but we love this time of year. With two little ones, the excitement and wonder are my favorite.

By the time you read this, Christmas will have come and gone so I hope you had a very merry Christmas! It will also be a new year.

Wow. Where did 2017

go? Here at the WCSC, we are excited to welcome 2018 and all that we have planned for the coming year.

We hope that you’ll become a member of the WCSC and join us in 2018. This year, we are offering two membership options. We will have our standard membership and a new membership plus option. Our standard membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Our new membership plus is $30 per person or $50 per couple.

We hope that many of you will choose to become a member plus and join us in various activities throughout the year. This month, membership plus members will get to join us for the following at a discounted rate: • Jan. 9: Painting Class with Decor and More Handmade Crafts and Workshops • Jan. 18: Pinterest Craft with the Rock Falls Library

• Jan. 25: Kleenex Boxes with Country at Heart Quilt & Gift Shop • All month: Sign up for specific classes with SVCC at a discounted rate.

Throughout the year, we will also have a themed event each month for our members. January’s themed event will be Warm Up Wednesday. Our members are invited to join

Golden Echo published monthly by Sauk Valley Media, 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081, 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 treatment 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 815-622-9230.

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.

January 2018 • Page 2

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

POST HOUSE BALLROOM

New year begins with busy January

BY CATHY REGLIN Lee County Council on Aging

2018 is starting off right for the Ballroom – two weddings, eight dance classes, a couple of luncheon meetings, an anniversary celebration, tax preparation, and a couple of holidays off in addition.

Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street has announced that they will have monthly Lunch & Learn meetings at the Ballroom this year instead of the bi-monthly that were held previously. They have great food by local caterers and restaurants, and a presentation giving information on local happenings.

And they get you in and out in an hour.

Just a head’s up on our Accessories Exchange and Book Sale on Feb. 10. Bring in your party-related decorations to sell or come on in to buy some of the items.

More information next month, and in our Upcoming Special Events section of

Events for January

this Golden Echo. I wish for you all a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.

If you need a beautiful place to have an event, look us up on Facebook.

Go to posthouseballroom.

com for information about the building, prices and to see our event calendar.

Visit posthouseballroom. shutterfly.com for pictures of events held here. Then, you can email me at post-

houseballroom@gmail.com or call me at 815-288-0892, and we’ll talk. All proceeds from the Ballroom go to Lee County Council on Aging for senior services in Lee County.

LCCOA phone numbers

WCSC phone numbers

Office Hours – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday Transportation 815-288-2117 888-239-9228 Post House Ballroom 815-288-0892

Office Hours – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling

General Offices Outreach and free phones for hearing/sight impaired 815-288-9236 Toll-free 855-407-9236

LCCOA can also be reached via e-mail at lccoa@comcast.net Or via the Internet at lccoa.com or posthouseballroom.com Check us out on Facebook – Post House Community Center/Lee County Council on Aging

Sauk Valley Media

1 – New Year’s Day holiday – offices closed 2 – Line Dancing, 10 a.m.

3 – Lee County Networking Council meeting, noon 5 – Alexa Shaw and Luis Becerra Decorate 6 – Alexa Shaw and Luis Becerra wedding reception 7 – Alexa Shaw and Luis Becerra 9 – Line dancing, 10 a.m.

11 – The Stage Door dance classes 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday – offices closed 16 – Line Dancing, 10 a.m.

17 – Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Lunch & Learn 18 – The Stage Door dance classes 19 – Jennifer Cachel and William Voigt decorate 20 – Jennifer Cachel and William Voigt wedding reception 21 – Jennifer Cachel and William Voigt 23 – Line dancing, 10 a.m.

25 – The Stage Door dance classes 29 – Taxes begin 30 – Line dancing, 10 a.m.

31 – Kiwanis Club 50th anniversary celebration

Transportation 815-625-7433 Information 815-622-9230

Outreach and free phones for hearing/sight impaired 815-622-9230 Toll-free 888-622-9230

Or via email at info@wc-seniorcenter.org Or via the Internet at wc-seniorcenter.org The Emporium Thrift Store, 15 W. Third St., Sterling – 815-535-0368

Golden Echo

January 2018 • Page 3

MEDICARE Q&A

Will Medicare cover a power wheelchair?

Dear Marci, I think I need a power wheelchair to get around my home. How do I get one, and how do I get Medicare to cover it?

– Jacob (Concord, New Hampshire) Dear Jacob, The first step to getting a power wheelchair is to speak with your doctor. You may feel you need one, or your doctor might suggest it, but either way, you must have an office visit with your doctor before you get your wheelchair.

This visit should take

Open mic night fun for all at PHCC If you are interested in hearing some country and blue-grass music by local musicians, our open mic night is the place to be. The fourth Friday of each month is the night you can walk in the Post House Community Center and hear it hopping!

Performers are singing and playing in the dining area while others are practicing in the living room and lobby. You hear it all from the moment you

place no more than 45 days before the order is placed, and should address with the medical reasons you need the wheelchair. Your provider must sign an order or fill out a prescription that states: • Your health makes it very hard to move around in your home, even with the help of a walker or cane.

• You have significant problems in your home performing activities of daily living such as getting to the toilet, getting in and out of a bed or chair, bathing, and/or dressing.

• You cannot use a manual wheelchair or scooter, but you can safely use a power wheelchair.

• The required visit with your doctor took place.

Once you have the doctor’s order or prescription, you must take it to the right kind of supplier in order to get your power wheelchair covered.

The supplier you use depends on what kind of Medicare coverage you have and where you live.

If you have Original Medicare, the kind of

supplier you can use will depend on where you live. In many areas, called competitive bidding areas, Medicare will only pay for most durable medical equipment (DME) from a select group of suppliers known as contract suppliers. In other areas, you can use any supplier that has signed up with Medicare.

To find out whether you live in a competitive bidding area and which Medicare suppliers you can use, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit medicare.gov/supplier.

first walk in the door. The singing and strumming starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until they have to close the doors, sometimes around 10 p.m.

County. We are selling raffle tickets up until the drawing April 28, at our Annual Spring Prom. You may purchase tickets

from LCCOA staff, board members, or stop in the center at 100 W Second St., Dixon. Tickets are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5.

Raffle ticket sales benefit LCCOA Want to help support Lee County Council on Aging and have the chance to win a chunk of change? Then buy some 50-50 raffle tickets. Money raised will help support a variety of senior services in Lee

Jones F ner l Homes

DIXON

204 S. Ottawa Ave 288-2241

SM-ST11993-0731

AMBOY www.thejonesfh.com

Nina Mardauss Cindy Gabany LaDonna Groshans

January 2018 • Page 4

Marci’s Medicare Answers is a service of the Medicare Rights Center, the nation’s largest independent source of information and assistance for people with Medicare.

303 E. Main St. 857-2611

603 Freeport Rd., Sterling, IL

815-626-3220 sterlinghearingaidcenter.com

Whiteside County Senior Center Board Members and Officers

Nancy Varga, Vice Chair Teresa Brunick. Secretary

Bonnie O’Connell Cheryl Smith Dave Johnson Diane Blaine

a list of preferred brands of power wheelchairs and scooters. These brands will cost you the least while you are a plan member, so you should use preferred brands when possible.

Call your plan to find out what you must do to get your power wheelchair covered.

– Marci

Sterling Hearing Aid Center Inc.

Funeral and Burial Prearrangement and Prefinancing Available

Lee County Council on Aging Board Executive Committee and Officers Jeff Kuhn, Chair Joe Rudolphi, Treasurer

Additionally, in 19 states, if you have Original Medicare, your provider or supplier will need to ask Medicare for permission before you can get a power wheelchair or scooter. This is called prior authorization.

If you have Medicare Advantage, you must follow your plan’s rules for getting a wheelchair or scooter. Your plan might require you to get its approval before you get your wheelchair.

It may also ask you to use suppliers that are in your plan’s network.

Your plan may also have

Lori Cortez, President Joe Bright, Treasurer

Roberta Lemoine Kristin Carlson Terry Stephenitch

Janice Bell Sheila Martinez Robbin Blackert

Golden Echo

Kelly Wilhelmi, Vice President Karla Burn, Secretary John Espinoza Al Campbell

Emily Dykstra Michele Miller

Sauk Valley Media

Thank you to LCCOA volunteers Thank you to all our volunteers who donated their time, energy and services and those who gave monetary and nonmonetary donations.We also thank everyone who gave anonymous donations.

• Dixon Food Pantry • United Way of Lee County • First Presbyterian Church in Franklin Grove • Dixon GoodFellows • Lee County Health Department • KSB Hospital • Leydig Center • Janice Russell

• Kathy Schier • Lorraine Hussung • Shelly Pond • Debra McPhail • Nicole Hoyle • Leon and Dolly Kinn • Catherine Schulze • Mike and Teresa Brunick • Charles and Billie Osborne • Patricia Spratt • Ida Johnson • Jack Baylor • Rick and Betty Cover • Ed & Valerie Sue Detweiler • Donna J. Wellman • Phyllis J. Gansemer • Garth and Linda Dallam • Ken and Nancy Strock

• Bill and Jo Mills • Richard and Illa Nicklaus • Shirley Rees • Mary Ellen Hamburg • Joyce Warrenfeltz • Edward Murphy • Samantha Harazin • Robbie Harazin • Ben Miller • Cade Schier • Emma Russell • Cassidy Hussung • Lorraine Hussung • LaDonna Groshans • Jacob Heller • Shakia McGlown • Brianna Letson • Logan Griswold • Cheryl Smith • Shirley Long

• Janice Russell • Roberta LeMoine • Deb Stephenitch • Ervion Williams • Dani Topping • Gayle Topping • Sandy Burris • Jim and Ruth Mammen • Joanne Lybarger • Patty Ballard • Tim Engelkes • Dick and Judith Spangler • Mark and Kristi Reiss • Steve and Kristin Carlson • Barbara J. Fane • Marilyn Bodmer • Barry and Pamela Bacon • Tom and Barbara Friel • Carol Ortgiesen

LCCOA welcomes members Doris Adams Bruce Anderson Patricia Anderson Rosemary Appenheimer Barry Bacon Pamela Bacon Beverly Bartmess John Bartmess Jack Baylor Kathleen Bodmer Marilyn Bodmer Lyle Bogott Evelyn Bonnell Jeanette Brandau Ronald Brandau Bill Brierton Reva Brierton Mike Brunick Teresa Brunick Tilly Buch Ken Burnell Jerry Carlson Peggy Carlson Kristin Carlson Steve Carlson David Celletti Shirley Celletti Allan Christison Joan Christoffersen Dean Coss Betty Cover Rick Cover John Cramer Ruth E. Cramer Garth Dallam Linda Dallam Earl Delhotal

Sauk Valley Media

Ed Detweiler Valerie Sue Detweiler Jacqueline Dixon Sharon Dunphy Diana Eisenberg Lyle Eisenberg Lois Erickson Jane Faber Barbara Fane Patricia Forgue Darla Foulker Carl Friday Judith Friday Barbara Friel Tom Friel Cindy Gabany Keith Gabany Phyllis Gansemer June Gascoigne David Gugerty Mary Ellen Hamburg Marlene Heckman Melvin Heckman Bill Herwig Carolyn Herwig Irene James Martha Johannsen Ida Johnson Joan B. Kessel Dolly Kinn Leo Kinn Carol Kirby James Kirby Bruce Kleinmaier Pat Kleinmaier Meredith Knudson Donald Lebre

• Bill Wadsworth • Sharon Tribley • Keith and Cindy Gabany • Joan LeSage • Theresa Wolf • Beverly Power • Evelyn Bonnell • Austin Hey • Hailey Hey • Dick and Julie McGrail • Max and Patty Ballard • Becky Brenner • Gene Donoho • Dentrell McGlown • Josefina Rodriquez • Bobbie Jo Jones • Aurora Jones • Ariealle Jones • Rylan Ramsdell • Alicia Brown

• Cathy Reglin • Abby Yingling • Faith Jendrzejczyk • Grace Jendrzejczyk • David Binkley • Emma Carlson • Lauren Dallas • Mia Delashmit • Emily Drew • Cadyn Grafton • Nolan Halla • Alan Hopp • Ramona Reglin • Diane Schnace • Charles and Linda Dunphy • Janet Reiley • Richard Appelquist • Mrs. M.L. Smallwood • Nell Nooney

Thank you to WCSC volunteers

Verdeen Lebre Joan LeSage Shirley A. Lewallen David Lutyens Margaret Matthew Robert Matthew Beverly McMillion Dean McMillion Faye Merriman Bill Mills Jo Mills Edward Murphy Illa Nicklaus Richard Nicklaus Nell Nooney Marybelle Novak Carol Ortgiesen Billie Osborne Charles Osborne Charles Oster Donna Oster Eric Peterson Kathy Pfoutz-Peterson Rosalie Pettenger Beverly Pickering Jackey Phillips Ruth Pitts Beverly Power Susan Reed Shirley Rees Kristi Reiss Mark Reiss Shirley Rogene Reuter Warren Reuter Dorene Rooney Kathi Rowton Joe Rudolphi

Teresa Rudolphi Janice Russell Lafay Santos Dick Sarver Cathy Seagren Mary Sekse Helen L. Sheridan William J. Sheridan Marilyn Shippert Evelyn M. Smith Hilda Smith Jack Smith Wendell T. Snell Judith Spangler Patricia Spratt Ken Strock Nancy Strock Eleanor Thompson Sharon U. Thompson Bob Tolley Gayle Topping Eldon Travis Sharon Tribley John Varga Nancy Varga Bill Wadsworth Doris Walters Lyle Warner Rosella Warner Joyce Warrenfeltz Donna Wellman Donald Wendt Marvin Williams Sylvia Williams Theresa Wolf Tom Wright Robert Wright, Jr.

Golden Echo

Thank you to all our volunteers who donated their time, energy and services and those who gave monetary and nonmonetary donations.

We also thank everyone who gave anonymous donations.

• Sauk Valley Food Bank • Kroger • County Market • Sterling Pavilion • CGH Home Nursing • Gaffey Home Nursing • Sauk Valley Senior Living and Rehab • United Way

• Prophet Manor, Prophetstown • Erie Pubic Library • Odell Public Library, Morrison • Robert Fulton Community Center, Fulton • Walmart Distribution • Regency Care of Sterling • Beacon of Hope Hospice • Resthave of Morrison • Jeff Gray/SBM • Pat Whittenberger • Lyle Dirks • Elaine Landis • Joan Hook • Dolly Kinn • Mary Lou Wells

WCSC welcomes members We would like to thank the people who recently paid their WCSC membership dues.

Delores Robinson

John and Gale Carrillo Sharon Cox Dale Warren Marjorie Sibley Judy Zager

IN BRIEF Recycle cellphones, iPods and iPads The Whiteside County Senior Center and the Lee County Council on Aging are collecting used cellphones, iPods, and iPads to be recycled. If anyone has any of these items lying around and wants to dispose of them, drop them off at the WCSC, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, or the LCCOA, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

Thank you for your donation!

January 2018 • Page 5

AT WCSC

WCSC BOARD SPOTLIGHT

Lori Cortez, Ed.D. It is a true honor to serve the senior citizens of Whiteside County. I was asked to serve you in 2014, when I first moved to the area from Michigan. Growing up in Michigan, I earned my associate degree in liberal arts, my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, and my doctorate in educational leadership. You may know me from my role as Dean of Foundation, Grants, and Government Relations at Sauk Valley Community College. A major aspect of my job is to listen and engage the community, so that we may continuously support our citizens. That is why I feel that my service on the Whiteside County Senior Center Board fits

in seamlessly with my professional role.

On a personal note, my best friend growing up, and still to this day, is my grandmother, Nancy Wise. She taught me how to love, respect, and show kindness to everyone I meet.

Although my grandmother is still in Michigan, we talk nearly every day. She tells me about her daily adventures in her senior living apartment campus, including the fun activities they offer. She is, in part, why I am so excited that the Whiteside County Senior Center is expanding programming efforts

in 2018. We will have many adventures here with our craft, fitness and lifestyle classes.

Thank you for choosing to spend your precious time with us at the Whiteside County Senior Center. We hope that your love for the center will continue to grow. I deeply value the opportunity to serve you as President of the Whiteside County Senior Center Board.

Sincerely, Lori Cortez

WCSC a local warming center Please remember the Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, is a warming center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Come in and relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a doughnut while reading one of our magazines or papers.

Come in out of the cold and play in one of our many activities and visit with other people.

All ages are welcome to come in and tour our building. Play in one of our many games.

Any questions, call 815-622-9230.

ENJOY THE WORRY-FREE LIFESTYLE This is a picture of our Angel Tree at WCSC with Angel Tags on it. Some were already taken when this picture was taken. People would take a tag and buy a present for the child on the tag and return to us. We thank everyone for their generosity.

Join us and make a difference at WCSC “Volunteers from around the country are joining the American Heart Association, in connection with The Children’s Heart Foundation, to celebrate American Heart Month by knitting and crocheting red hats for babies born in February at participating hospitals. Little Hats, Big Hearts honors babies, moms, and heart healthy lives in a very special way. Supporters are

January 2018 • Page 6

knitting and crocheting red hats to be given out to thousands of babies during American Heart Month in order to empower moms to live heart healthy lives and to help their children do the same.”

Join our knitting and crocheting club this month and make a difference in our community. All the “little hats” will be donated to CGH. Our club meets every Monday in the dining room from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

We hope to see you!

! ve er es rs io D n Se We provide exceptional care, support, and we are affordable for all incomes.

Call today to visit and see what a Heritage Woods lifestyle can do for you!

Good News

Sauk Valley Media would like to offer you a special deal on your next classified ad!

• 5 lines of ad copy •Ad runs for 5 days

All for only $14.00

CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222

2205 Oak Grove Ave, Sterling (3 blocks N. of W. LeFevre) 815-625-7045

SM-ST1490138

Golden Echo

Special offer good for seniors age 65 and older, proof of age required. Must be pre-paid.

Following restrictions apply: No Rummage Sales, Real Estate, Rental Ads or Business Ads. Items must be owned by senior citizen placing ad.

Sauk Valley Media

AT LCCOA

ABOVE: More than 40 volunteers helped make Post House Community Center’s Santa’s Workshop a success. Many were students from the Dixon Key Club, line dancers, LCCOA board members and staff.

Thank you to everyone who helped.

LEFT: Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by the Post House Community Center/Lee County Council on Aging on Dec. 2 so kids could tell them their wish list.

ns I have Ever had! o i t a c It’s One of the Best Va Immediately following my discharge from CGH for a total hip replacement, I came to Regency Garden Unit for extended skilled care. A patient in my condition is nearly 100% dependent on others for assistance in all areas of life. When I handed over my care to your staff I did so with the belief that they would take care of me and that they cared about me as a person.

The entire staff followed through in every way possible with respect to my beliefs, that they would take care of me and would do so in a manner that demonstrated they cared about me as a person. You have much to be grateful for in the staff you have. I extend my deepest gratitude to all staff at Regency Care for the part they had in my healing.

Paulette Selmi

“We Care For Loved Private Suites Available Ones Like Family” Formerly Coventry Living Center SM-ST141799-1226

Sauk Valley Media

612 W. 23rd Street, Sterling, IL 61081 • 815-626-9020 • www.regencycaresterling.com Visit medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare to see how we rate.

Golden Echo

January 2018 • Page 7

THIRD ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION

Crest Foods won the Group category for the competition.

LEFT: “Corn picking combine” won the People’s Choice award.

Great job, Hey family.

BOTTOM: Leah Carlson was the winner of the child division. Awesome job, Leah.

Winners of the Family Gingerbread House category was the Hey Family with “Corn picking combine.”

Cole Hey along with his Grandma/LCCOA bookkeeper Julie McGrail accept the award!

Come Snowbird at Assisted Living & Independent Care 408 Maple Avenue, Morrison IL

Winter is right around the corner…

Why not snowbird with us?

Relax and take a vacation without the hassle of travel!

        Equal Opportunity provider and employer

January 2018 • Page 8

Golden Echo

No Shoveling No Cooking No Cleaning Relax Laugh Socialize Enjoy Life... and RETURN HOME SM-ST1490134

Sauk Valley Media

You’re getting a new Medicare card

AT WCSC

“Still Cruisin’ Line Dancers” from WCSC are dancing to Christmas tunes.

They sure have a lot of fun doing this. Come join us!

At Liberty Court, we offer Companion Living, an option that provides amazing benefits for residents and their families.

• Cultivates new friendships • Provides emotional support • Opportunities for meaningful interactions • Social enhancement • Decreased isolation • Sense of belonging and well-being • Encourages independence

Between April 2018 and April 2019, we’ll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.

You’ll get a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, and it will only be used for your Medicare coverage. The new card won’t change your coverage or benefits.

You’ll get more information from Medicare when your new card is mailed.

Here’s how you can get ready:

• Make sure your mailing address is up to date. lf your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-BO0-772J213. TTY users can call 1-800325-0778.

• Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. We’ll never ask you to give us personal or private information to get your new Medicare Number and card.

• Understand that mailing everyone a new card will take some time. Your card might arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

Companion Living benefits for the resident’s family include: • Peace of mind • Opportunity to stretch resources • Interactions with other family members Companion Living is one of Meridian’s Successful Senior Living Solutions available at Liberty Court.

124 Liberty Court | Dixon, IL 61021 815.285.2000 | www.meridiansenior.com

Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

January 2018 • Page 9

Outreach at WCSC Getting help in Whiteside County The Whiteside County Senior Center (WCSC) Aging and Disabled Resource Center help with a variety of programs for older adults and persons with disabilities. Our walk-in day is on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m..

For Medicare counseling or more detailed assistance, please call us in advance to set up an appointment.

Our phone number 815-622-9230, ext.

194. For our clients in Erie, Fulton, Morrison, and Prophetstown, we will meet with you by appointment on our site days – just call us in advance. We do appreciate a 24-hour notice if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment.

Hours for the ADRC Department Our hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

On Mondays, we take walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the License

Plate Discount Application, LIHEAP, ITAC, and the Senior Tax Assessment Freeze and/or Senior Homestead Exemption. Tuesday through Friday are by appointment only for Medicare counseling or for other more detailed appointments.

If you would like an appointment, please call our department at 815-622-9230, ext.

194. Business hours for the rest of the center remain from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

‘Medicare Choices’ Class will return in January Medicare can be a maze, but we’re here to help you!

Our next class on ‘Medicare Choices’ will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan 25 in the big room. We welcome those that are becoming new to Medicare and those who want to learn their options available with Medicare.

Please call the ADRC department at 888-6229230, ext. 194, in advance to sign up if you are interested in attending.

Outreach at LCCOA Happy New Year! Can you believe it’s 2018 already? With a new year here, we begin to prepare for all the coming appointments, reups, new clientele and more. We want to start off by thanking all of our patient clients who allowed us the opportunity to serve you

throughout 2017 and especially throughout the Part D Open Enrollment period!

We completed well over 400 Part D comparisons between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, but we made it to each and every last person who contacted us from Lee County. If you have applications

that need to be completed for LIHEAP or Benefit Access, please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Another thing to point out is that with the start of January, Samantha will be going back down to part time, now that Open Enrollment is over. As with last year,

she will only be working Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Ruth will continue working full time. As always, we ask that you please call for an appointment if you need to see one of us and we thank you for your patience as we get to you with any of your Outreach needs.

Notes from the Kitchen

Have trouble hearing on the cell phone?

We hope you enjoyed your holiday season and look forward to seeing you for lunch in the New Year.

In January, we are looking for new suggestions for meal choices or recipes.

If you have a favorite meal you don’t already see on the menu, please put your suggestion in the comment box located in the dining room. And as always, thank you to all of our volunteers and donations, we couldn’t do it without your help.

Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) has added a program to help those with cellular service that are having trouble hearing on the phone.

The program still provides free amplified telephones and captioning telephones to Illinois residents that are hard of hearing.

Applicants must be certified as hard of hearing by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or audiologist; live in Illinois;

Sincerely, Rose Tarbill, Head Cook

January 2018 • Page 10

and have a service that remits to the program.

Lee County Council on Aging (LCCOA) and Whiteside County Senior Center (WCSC) are selection centers for ITAC. Walk-ins are welcomed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the WCSC. Potential applicants can call the WCSC 815622-9230, ext. 194, or LCCOA 815-288-9236 in advanced to set up an appointment to see about qualifying for this

wonderful program.

Cellphones must be Bluetooth capable.

Applicants who wish to apply for this program should bring in the cellphone.

Please bring a phone bill with all the pages for landline service or cellular service (prepaid cell users that don’t receive a phone bill must bring the cellphone) and proof of address (driver’s license, state ID, or a bill with the applicant’s name and address on it).

Golden Echo

AT LCCOA/PHCC

Did you know?

The Post House Community Center/Lee County Council on Aging host a number of activities at all times of the day and night aside from being a place to gather information and assistance. Everyone is welcome at the following: Exercising happens Monday mornings at 9 to get your week off to a great start.

Zumba is held every Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m.

Bridge players meet every Friday, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The Dixon Golden Kiwanis meets here

every Tuesday morning at 9. New members always welcome.

Our line dancers practice Tuesday mornings at 10.

Pinochle is played every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Crafting happens at 1 p.m. each Thursday.

Many other activities take place regularly.

To keep up with them all, be sure to read the Golden Echo monthly and “Like” our Facebook page. You do not need to be a senior or a member to enjoy these activities.

Every age is invited to participate. We’d love to see you soon.

Senior bowling at Plum Hollow Individual high scores for the month of December:

Game Series Bill Burkardt............................... 178 ........................ 438 Korona Burkitt............................ 126 ........................ 358 Norma Burmeister..................... 202......................... 476 Chico Contreras......................... 187......................... 489 Ray Craney.................................. 183......................... 526 Charlotte Dierdorff.................... 148......................... 378 Dan Dunphy............................... 259......................... 609 Dick Janssen............................... 233......................... 566 Bob Joyce.................................... 192......................... 539 Bruce Kleinmaier....................... 164......................... 444 Jan Kuepker................................ 173......................... 424 Ray Maakestad........................... 162......................... 461 Ken Masters................................ 211......................... 550 Doug Near.................................. 160......................... 440 Ron Odenthal............................. 197......................... 546 Larry Reed................................... 187......................... 546 Linda Richards........................... 191......................... 495 Rich Senn.................................... 230......................... 593 Jim Shuman................................ 217......................... 536 Therma Smith............................ 137......................... 386 Alan Stephens............................. 158......................... 399 Terri Stephens............................ 135......................... 318 Glen Stroh................................... 120......................... 276 Ed Webb...................................... 184......................... 451 Shirley Webb.............................. 140......................... 352 Jay Wolfe..................................... 198......................... 523 As we close out 2017 the Senior Bowlers hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and wish you all a safe and Happy New Year. Don’t let the winter blues get you down. Come join us for some fun and exercise at Plum Hollow Lanes. We bowl Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Sauk Valley Media

Activities and Meetings Weekly Lee County Council on Aging Mondays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open pool table, open cards 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Computer lab 9 a.m.: Exercise 10 a.m.: Dance exercise class 11:30 a.m.: LifeScape lunch served (reservations)

Tuesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open pool table, open cards 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Computer lab 9 a.m.: Golden Kiwanis 10-11 a.m.: Line dancing 11:30 a.m.: LifeScape lunch served (reservations) 1 p.m.: Pinochle

Mondays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Playing pool, cards, Wii (call ahead), socializing, computer lab 10 a.m.: Kings on Corner cards 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch 12:30 p.m.: Pinochle 12:30 p.m.: Crochet/Knitting Club 12:30 p.m.: Friendly Mexican Train Dominoes, $5 to play, prizes, and bring a snack

Tuesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Playing pool, cards, Wii (call ahead), socializing, computer lab 10 a.m.: Kings on Corner cards 10 a.m.-noon: Commodities, must meet income guidelines 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch 12:30 p.m.: Euchre, $3 to play, bring a snack 12:30 p.m.: Scrabble

Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open pool table, open cards 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Computer lab 11:30 a.m.: LifeScape lunch served (reservations) 1 p.m.: Pinochle

Thursdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open pool table, open cards 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Computer lab 9 a.m.: Exercise 10 a.m.: Dance exercise class 11:30 a.m.: LifeScape lunch served (reservations) 1 p.m.: Crocheting and crafting 1 p.m.: Euchre tournament

Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open pool table, open cards 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Computer lab 11:30 a.m.: LifeScape lunch served (reservations) 12:30 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge

Whiteside County Senior Center Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Playing pool, cards, Wii (call ahead), socializing, computer lab 10 a.m.: Kings on Corner cards 10 a.m.: Canasta 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch 12:30 p.m.: Pinochle 1 p.m.: Bingo

Thursdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Playing pool, cards, Wii (call ahead), socializing, computer lab 10 a.m.: Kings on Corner cards 10:30 a.m.: Stretch and Move Exercise Class with Angel from CGH 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch 12:30 p.m.: Cards “Hand and Foot” game

Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Playing pool, cards, Wii (call ahead), socializing, computer lab 10 a.m.: Kings on Corner cards 10 a.m.: Intermediate Line Dancing – check to see where dancing 11 a.m.: Beginning Line Dancing at WCSC 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch 12:30 p.m.: Mexican Train Dominoes $5 to play, prizes, and bring a snack 12:30 p.m.: Pinochle

Monthly Lee County Council on Aging Jan. 2 1:30 p.m.: Grief Support Group Jan. 3 2-4 p.m.: Veterans Employment

Representative Jan. 9 1 p.m.: Trivia Tuesday

Jan. 12 9:30 am: Bingo sponsored by Post House Community Center

Jan. 14 1 p.m.: Euchre tournament Jan. 23 1 p.m.: Trivia Tuesday

Jan. 26 9:30 a.m.: Bingo sponsored by Post House Community Center 6:30 p.m.: Open mic night

Whiteside County Senior Center Jan. 3 Jan. 10 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Blood pressure 11 a.m.-noon: Blood pressure check by CGH Home Nursing check by Gaffey Home Nursing 11:20 a.m.: Celebrating January 1 p.m.: Bingo; prizes by Sterling birthdays Pavilion; snacks by WCSC; donate 1 p.m.: Bingo; prizes by Resta can of food or $1 to play have; snacks by WCSC; donate a can of food or $1 to play

Jan. 17 10:30 a.m.: Price is Right game 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Blood pressure check by Sauk Valley Living and Rehab 1 p.m.: Bingo; sponsored by Sauk Valley Living and Rehab; snacks by WCSC; donate a can of food or $1 to play

Jan. 31 Jan. 24 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Blood pressure 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Blood pressure check by Sterling Pavilion check by Sterling Pavilion 1 p.m.: Bingo, prizes by Windsor 1 p.m.: Bingo; prizes by Regency Care of Sterling; snacks by WCSC; Manor, snacks by WCSC; donate a can of food or $1 to play donate a can of food or $1 to play

Robert Fulton Community Center Come in anytime to play pool, cards, board games or corn bag toss. We have a large-screen TV, pianos, books, and puzzles to loan out, four sewing machines, two personal computers and four Macs are also available. Visit us on our website, cityoffulton.us, and look under the “community and government” heading!

Every Thursday: Sewing Group, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 815-589-3925 for information.

Monday through Friday: KT3 Fitness and

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Fit Assist Personal Training, Boot Camp, and Light Resistance Training Call for date: American Red Cross blood drive, 1-6 p.m.

January: Fancy Feet Foot Clinic – Call 815-718-5294 for an appointment Jan. 18: Whiteside County Senior Center

Golden Echo

Outreach meeting; call 815-622-9230 in advance for appointment Call for date: American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

January 2018 • Page 11

Upcoming Trips ‘Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook

City, visit to Mackinac Island, including a guided carriage tour, boat ride through the Soo Locks and free time and sight-seeing in Sault Sainte Marie, visit to Mackinaw Crossings, admission to Colonial Michilimackinac, and much more. Pay for this trip at WCSC.

Branson Show Extravaganza

Thursday, March 22, 2018 Cost: $65 members, $75 nonmembers

Join Israel’s favorite son, Joseph, through his tumultuous ascent to the top in this timeless reminder of the unquenchable thirst of a man with a dream who had the courage to forge the destiny of a people and itspowerful message of hope. The classic story of Joseph is paired withexuberant music, featuring favorites such as “Close Every Door,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph,” and “Any Dream Will Do.” The meteoric first collaboration of Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat. Before we see this wonderful show we will stop for lunch & shopping on your own at Oakbrook Shopping Center. Lots of great restaurants and shops for your choosing.

Stop in the Post House Community Center to sign up. W ​ ill depart from Rock Falls Community Center at 8:30 a.m. and Dixon Walmart at 9 a.m.

Washington D.C.

April 5-11, 2018 Cost: $759 members, $809 nonmembers

Six nights lodging with 10 meals. Museum of the Bible, 430,000 square feet of Biblical history, two guided tours of Washington, D.C., including the WW II Memorial, Capitol Hill, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Smithsonian, Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening guided Memorial and Monuments Tour, tram ride through Arlington National Cemetery and much more. Pay for this trip at WCSC.

Jay Leno at Paramount Theatre in Aurora Friday, April 13, 2018 Cost: $115 members, $125 nonmembers

America’s favorite late-night TV funny man is coming to the Paramount for an evening of non-stop laughter! For more than two decades Jay Leno dominated the airwaves, winning an Emmy and a slew of other awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His name is synonymous with quality entertainment that’s fun for the whole family. From late night TV, to writing, to his voiceover work in TV and movies, Leno has done it all, and we can’t wait to see what he does next. Cost includes roundtrip transportation & ticket into the show. Stop in the Post House Community Center to sign up. Will depart from Rock Falls Community Center at 4:45 p.m. and Dixon Walmart at 5:15 p.m.

The Church Basement Ladies in ‘Rise Up O Men’ at Circa 21 April 18 Cost: $70 members, $75 nonmembers

This is a brand new musical featuring the men of the church and your favorite church basement ladies who serve them. As these hard-working farmers discuss their scrap lumber piles and the benefits of solder vs weld, they unintentionally disrupt the order of the kitchen. But that’s what happens when you let roosters in the hen house. Pay for this trip at WCSC.

Mackinaw Island

June 17-23, 2018 Cost: $689 members, $739 nonmembers

Seven days and 6 nights lodging with 10 meals, guided tour of Mackinaw

January 2018 • Page 12

Aug. 13-17, 2018 Cost: $599 members, $649 nonmembers

Five days and 4 nights, including 8 meals. Admission to seven fabulous Branson shows! And much more. Pay for this trip at WCSC.

U.S. Mailboat Tour on Lake Geneva Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018 Cost: $65 members, $75 nonmembers

The Post House Community Center is heading to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for a U.S. Mailboat tour. Carrying on a tradition since 1870, it is the only marine mail delivery of its type in the country. Loaded with passengers, mail and a very brave mailperson, the Walworth II departs for a full lake tour.

The mailperson leaps off the bow of the boat onto the pier, places the mail into the box, grabs outgoing mail, and jumps back aboard the stern. The only hitch is the boat never stops! Join us for a lovely day in Lake Geneva, enjoy the Mailboat cruise then you’re on your own for lunch and shopping in Lake Geneva. Cost is includes Mailboat Tour and roundtrip transportation. Stop in the Post House Community Center to sign up. Depart from Rock Falls Community Center at 6:30 a.m. and return at 8 pm. Depart from Dixon Walmart at 7 a.m. and return at 7:30 p.m.

Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa, Canada Sept. 22-29, 2018 Cost: $899 members, $949 nonmembers

Eight days and 7 nights lodging including 12 meals, more info to follow.

Enjoy a guided tour of Quebec City, see Montreal’s beautiful Notre Dame Basitica, visit Parliament Hill, cruise on the St. Lawrence River and much more. Pay for this trip at WCSC.

4-hour Fall Foliage Cruise with live entertainment on the Mississippi River Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2018 Cost: $85 members, $95 nonmembers

We will cruise the Mississippi on the Celebration Belle enjoying the Fall Foliage. The trees should be peaking with beautiful fall colors. Also, on board we will enjoy live entertainment with singing and dancing. Your cruise will start off with hot homemade sticky rolls with assorted fresh fruits followed by a delicious hot lunch buffet. Cost includes cruise on boat, lunch and roundtrip transportation. Stop in the Post House Community Center to sign up. Depart from Dixon Walmart at 8:30am and Rock Falls Community Center at 9 a.m.

Panama Canal Cruise Oct. 20, 2018

Board the bus to Chicago and fly to Fort Lauderdale for an overnight stay.

Transfer to the Port and board the Island Princess, which will be your home for the next 10 nights. Ports of call include Jamaica, Columbia, Gatun Lake (partial transit), Panama, Costa Rica, and Grand Cayman. Prices start at $2,700 per person based on double occupancy. Please call 815-622-9230 and ask for Glenda. Please book early to avoid any price increases.

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

Meals for January Serving at Lee County Council on Aging Jan. 1-5 Monday: Closed for New Year’s Day; Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger on bun, tator tots, green beans, apricots; Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed veggies, dinner roll, diced pears; Thursday: A) Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, country blend veggies, wheat bread (2), fruit cocktail; B) Roast beef, cream of mushroom; Friday: Fish patty, wheat bun, potato pancakes, California blend veggies, applesauce, tartar sauce

Jan. 8-12 Monday: Country meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, dinner roll, peaches; Tuesday: Breaded chicken patty with bun, tator tots, baked beans, pineapple tidbits; Wednesday: Baked pork chop, baby red potatoes, broccoli, dinner roll, apple crisp; Thursday: A) Cheese omelet, turkey sausage, hash brown potatoes, blueberry muffin, fruit juice; B) Ham, chicken noodle; Friday: Cheesy beef taco, flour tortilla, lettuce, tomato, Spanish rice, beans, fresh fruit

Jan. 15-19 Monday: Chicken Parmesan pasta with marinara, Sicilian blend veggies, dinner roll, diced pears; Tuesday: Sausage gravy with biscuit, hash brown potatoes, fruit juice, baked peaches; Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, peas, corn, garlic bread, apricots; Thursday: A) Baked Ham, au gratin potatoes, seasoned green beans, pineapple tidbits, wheat bread (2); B) Turkey, vegetable; Friday: Pepper steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, lima beans, wheat bread (2); fresh orange

Jan. 22-26 Monday: Hamburger patty, wheat bun, macaroni and cheese, California blend veggies, diced pears; Tuesday: Barbecue chicken breast, cheesy potatoes, seasoned green beans, dinner roll, gelatin with fruit; Wednesday: Polish sausage, sour kraut, potato wedges, baked beans, applesauce, hot dog bun; Thursday: Cheese ravioli with meatsauce, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, garlic bread, apricots; Friday: A) Chicken fiesta taco, Spanish rice, cheese, lettuce, tomato, refried beans, pineapple; B) Chicken salad, tomato

Jan. 29-31 Monday: Creamy chicken with pasta, broccoli, baked apples, wheat bread (1); Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, glazed carrots; dinner roll with butter, apricots; Wednesday: Baked ham, sweet potato, green beans, dinner roll, fruit cocktail

Serving at Whiteside County Senior Center Jan. 1-5 Monday: Closed for New Year’s Day; Tuesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, vegetable, dessert; Wednesday: Roast beef, potato, vegetable and dessert; Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread and dessert; Friday: Sausage gravy over biscuit, hash browns and dessert

Jan. 8-12 Monday: Beef and noodles, vegetable, salad and dessert; Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, potato chips, salad and dessert; Wednesday: Pork roast, potato, vegetable and dessert; Thursday: Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo, breadstick and dessert; Friday: Salisbury steak, potato, vegetable and dessert

Jan. 15-19 Monday: Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Tuesday: Shredded pork tacos, rice, salad and dessert; Wednesday: Country fried steak, potato, vegetable and dessert; Thursday: Goulash, garlic bread, salad and dessert; Friday: Cook’s choice, potato, vegetable and dessert

Jan. 22-26 Monday: Barbecue spare ribs, vegetable, salad and dessert; Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, salad and dessert; Wednesday: Turkey, potato, vegetable and dessert; Thursday: Mostaccoli, breadstick, salad and dessert; Friday: Pork chop, potato, vegetable and dessert

Jan. 29-31 Monday: Oven fried chicken, potato, vegetable and dessert; Tuesday: Turkey salad sandwich, potato soup and dessert; Wednesday: Meatloaf, potato, vegetable and dessert

Serving at Golden Meals in Whiteside County Jan. 1-5 Monday: Closed for New Year’s Day; Tuesday: Baked cod in lemon butter, parslied potatoes, spinach, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Pepper steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, lima beans, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Thursday: Ham loaf, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Friday: Hot dogs, baked beans, fruit, bun and milk

Jan. 8-12 Monday: Country meatballs, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Tuesday: Pork chops, cheesy potatoes, broccoli, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Brats, sauerkraut, parslied potatoes, baked beans, fruit, bun and milk; Thursday: Glazed baked ham, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Friday: Beef stew, applesauce, biscuit, margarine and milk

Jan. 15-19 Monday: Closed for Mather Luther King Jr. Day; Tuesday: Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, mixed fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Thursday: Lemon pepper chicken, wild rice, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Friday: Ham salad, potato salad, applesauce, bun and milk

Jan. 22-26 Monday: Beef and noodles, peas, peaches, bread, margarine and milk; Tuesday: Tator tot casserole, applesauce, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Spaghetti, mixed vegetables, pineapple, bread, margarine and milk; Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Friday: Chili, cornbread, fruit

Jan. 29-31 Monday: Goulash, green beans, pineapple, bread, margarine and milk; Tuesday: Baked cod in lemon butter, parslied potatoes, spinach, mixed fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Pepper steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, lima beans, peaches, bread, margarine and milk

Meals for Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility in Fulton Jan. 3: Goulash, tossed salad with dressing, garlic sticks and dessert Jan. 5: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, roll and dessert

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Jan. 10: Sloppy Joe on bun, macaroni salad, baked beans and cookies Jan. 12: Creamed chicken on biscuit, mixed vegetables and dessert

Jan. 17: Catered by Eagle Point Jan. 19: Sweet and sour meatballs, au gratin potatoes, vegetable and dessert Jan. 24: Catered by Windsor Manor

Golden Echo

Jan. 26: Scalloped potatoes and ham, gelatin salad, vegetable and dessert Jan. 31: Catered by Resthave

January 2018 • Page 13

Transportation New year, new resolutions F irst of all, from everyone who is part of Lee-Ogle Transportation System, Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy new year!

Before this message goes much further, LOTS appreciates its partnership with Lee County Council on Aging, Kreider Services and Hub City Senior Center, all of whom make more than 81,000 public transit rides a reality each year. During Fiscal Year 2017, ending June 30, 2017, LOTS drivers logged 563,000 miles in completing those rides to the public.

At LOTS, changes have been made to the operation with the new administration of Greg Gates as the Director and Kari Wolfe, the Assistant Director.

Our Transit Manager, Michelle Hamilton, along with the four dispatchers – Jeanette, Kaitlyn, Ashley and the new addition Erika – have been doing a great job of managing riders and getting the schedules for our two dozen drivers in order.

Other changes that have been made at LOTS: a new logo with an orange color scheme was

introduced in late September.

Most recently, a new marketing plan was unveiled with the addition of messages to local radio, a television message for airing on Comcast was filmed and is now running on a regular schedule. If you missed that message, please visit our Facebook page and share with others.

Plans are underway to complete the addition of mechanical and wash bays to the LOTS complex at the Reagan Transit Center. This construction could be initiated as early as summer 2018. We’ll keep you posted as those developments move forward.

I will end this column with a special thank you to the Rochelle Community Action Network (CAN). On Thursday, December 7, LOTS partnered with CAN for their annual Children’s Christmas Shopping Trip. This year’s event made 225 children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years very happy! LOTS was proud to help out and looks forward to doing similar type of community activities in the future.

Lee-Ogle Transportation System

Whiteside County Public Transportation Fares:

Fares:

(within county)

(within zip code)

Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult).................50 cents one way Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult).......................... $1 one way People age 6 to 59 years ........................................................................... $2 one way People age 6 to 59 years............................................................................ $2 one way Seniors or individuals with a disability..................................... Donation suggested Seniors or individuals with a disability.................................................... $1 one way (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program) (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program) Out-of-county trips can be arranged, subject to availability.......25 cents per mile Out-of-town trips can be arranged, subject to availability.......... 35 cents per mile

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

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

855-625-7433 or 815-625-7433

888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117

January 2018 • Page 14

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

Upcoming Special Events AT WCSC

Euchre Tournament Sunday, Jan. 28 – 1:05 p.m.

New Classes for January:

Jan. 9: Painting Class with Decor and More Handmade Crafts & Workshops; $10 Members Plus, $13 nonmembers plus; 1 p.m., Big Room; register by Jan. 2 Jan. 10: Warm Up Wednesday – Join us for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate; free for members; 1 p.m., dining room Jan. 11: Meet the Admin with Tori and create a Valentine’s mug; $5 Members Plus, $10 Nonmembers Plus; register by Jan. 4; Big Room Jan. 16: Meet the Admin with Beth – Trivia; free for members; 1 p.m., dining room Jan. 18: Pinterest Valentine’s Tree Craft with the Rock Falls Library; $3 Members Plus, $6 Nonmember Plus; 1 p.m., dining room; register by Jan. 11 Jan. 23: Meet the Admin with Amy – No Bake Cooking Lesson; $3 Members Plus, $5 Nonmembers Plus; 1 p.m., Big Room; register by Jan. 16 Jan. 25: Kleenex Boxes with Country at Heart Quilt & Gift Shop; $5 Members Plus, $8 Nonmembers Plus; 1 p.m., dining room; register by Jan. 18

Foot Clinic

Wednesday, Jan. 3 – 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Foot care will be available for all senior citizens. For appointments, call Fancy Feet at 815-213-0324. They will soak your feet, trim your toenails and give you a fabulous foot massage. Cost is $25.

Sauk Computer User Group Saturday, Jan. 13 – 1 p.m.

Sauk Computer User Group will meet with a Q&A time. There will be a short business meeting, followed with a presentation at 2:30 p.m. by Terry MacLennan on “How to Download Videos from YouTube.” Everyone with an interest in computers/technology is invited. Refreshments will be available.

Price Is Right

Wednesday, Jan. 17 – 10:30 a.m.

Come and guess the price of an item and take that item home. Peg Johnson from Beacon of Hope Hospice will be hosting. Stay for a home cooked meal of country fried steak, potato, vegetable, dessert and drink for only $5.

Sign-in is 12:45 p.m. Cost is $5 per entry and 25 cents a set, with a 100 percent payback. There will also be a 50-50 drawing.

‘Lean on Me’ Presentation Wednesday, Jan 31 – 10:30 a.m.

Denise, owner of Lean on Me, will present tips on downsizing rightsizing, and organizing your home. Denise is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and the National Association of Senior Move Managers. Come and listen. Snacks will be provided.

AT PHCC/LCCOA

Grief Support Group Tuesday, Jan 2 – 1:30 p.m.

Grief Support Group every first Tuesday of the month at the Post House Community Center. Certified Grief Recovery Specialist Ken Lawson from Unity Hospice can help you look at your old beliefs about dealing with loss, determine which losses have affected your life and take actions so that you may become complete with your loss. Whether your grief is from death, divorce of a relationship, loss of a career, loss of a faith or loss of a pet Ken is here to help you at a safe place. If you have any questions, please give the Post House Community Center a call at 815-288-9236.

Veterans Employment Representative Wednesday, Jan. 3 – 2-4:30 p.m.

Jack Kromer, Veterans Employment Representative will be available the first Wednesday of every month at the Post House Community Center / Lee County Council on Aging to assist veterans re-enter the workforce. He will be able to assist with resumes; interviewing and job search. Jack can’t answer questions about Unemployment Insurance or VA benefits, but he can direct you to a representative that can. If you are a veteran, stop in and see what Jack can help you with.

Trivia Tuesday

‘Looking for the Funny Side’ Presentation Monday, Jan. 22 – 10:30 a.m. – U of I Extension

Come and listen to Karla Belzar talk about humor. This program will help participants look at ways humor can help them deal with stress and change in their lives. Benefits of humor will be identified. Snacks will be provided.

‘Life Goes On’ Presentation Get educated about the benefits of organ/tissue donation. To promote awareness about the importance of organ/tissue donation, the Secretary of State’s office provides resources for educating yourself and others about donation. Come and listen and learn. Snacks will be provided.

‘Medicare Choices’

New to Medicare & Confused? This is the class for you. Medicare can be a maze, but we’re here to help you! We welcome those that are becoming new to Medicare and those who want to learn their options available with Medicare. Please call the ADRC department at 888-622-9230, ext. 194, in advance to sign up if you are interested in attending.

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Showcase your knowledge of random and useless information at Trivia Tuesday. This free, fun and informative hour will get your mind thinking while trying to come up with the correct answer. Prizes for most points will be awarded. Call the Post House Community Center at 815-288-9236 to sign up!

Accessories Exchange & Book/Bake Sale

Wednesday, Jan. 24 – 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 25 – 12:30 p.m

Tuesday, Jan. 9 and Tuesday Jan. 23 – 1-2 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 10 – 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bring to the Ballroom your wedding or party items to sell, exchange, or barter – or come to see what’s available to buy, exchange or barter. Suggestions: dresses (wedding, flower girl, bridesmaid), shoes, jewelry, candles, candle holders, centerpieces, card boxes, chair covers, pew bows, wreaths, lights, garland, vases, plate chargers, votive holders, table markers, picture frames, cake holders, cupcake holders, fountains, chair bows, table runners, curtain/backdrops, flower pots, arches, columns, dinnerware, silk flowers. Call Cathy at 288-0892 for a table to display your items for $5. Also, we have a book and bake sale going on in the Community Center! Browse the hundreds of books! Hardcovers will be $1 and softcovers will be 50 cents. Buy 2 and get 1 free.

Golden Echo

January 2018 • Page 15

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January 2018 • Page 16

320 Locust, Sterling • 815.625.0487 Golden Echo

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