SVM-SS2_01252016

Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center will be closed on Feb. 15 in observance of Presidents Day. Lifescape meals will be served at LCCOA. Lee-Ogle Transportation System and Whiteside County Public Transportation will be closed.

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 8

• February 2016 •

Edition 4

TRASH TO TREASURE SALE at the Post House Ballroom

FEBRUARY IS HEART MONTH

100 W. Second St., Dixon | Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 | 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Presentation by Tracy Aude, Cardio Nurse Practioner on Wed., Feb. 10 at 11:00 a.m.

* No clothes, shoes, car seats or cribs will be accepted.

GET

RID OF

YOUR

STUFF

FEBRUARY 9: MARDI GRAS PARTY

NO EARLY SALES!

FEBRUARY 12: VALENTINES DAY PARTY

Do you have unwanted items that you would like to donate to our Trash to Treasure sale?

We are accepting donations:

Come join us the week of Feb. 8 – 13 as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Emporium!

Sunday, February 21: 8:00 a.m. - noon Monday, February 22: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 23: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 24: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Check out our special promotions

INSIDE Directors’ Columns ............................................. 2 Post House Ballroom........................................... 3 Thank Yous.......................................................... 6

Membership Dues Paid................................... 6, 7 Weekly, Monthly Activities .............................. 11 Upcoming Trips................................................. 12

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2014 Ford Fiesta

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Meal Sites ........................................................... 13 Transportation .................................................. 14 Upcoming Special Events ................................. 15

FACTORY WARRANTY & LOW MILES! 2014 Chevy Cruze LT

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2014 Volkswagen Jetta S

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815-625-9600

1701 East 4th St., Sterling

www.MajeskiMotors.com

From the LCCOA Executive Director

members of LCCOA without the hassle of annual renewal. This gives you the opportunity to receive discounts on trips and other programs and to have a say in what we do through voting for our serving on our Board of Directors.

February, as always, has some great educational and social programs for you to enjoy. For those of you struggling with your

new (or older) iPad, come and learn some new tricks on February 16. And, on the last weekend of the month, the Post House Community Center and Post House Ballroom will be bustling with opportunity. Downstairs on Saturday we will be holding a book and bake sale while, upstairs, we are holding our first “Trash to Treasures” sale. Come and examine and purchase merchandise donated for the sale by your friends and neighbors. Details on the sale, and how to donate can be found inside. Then, on Sunday, the Post House Ballroom will be holding another of the popular Accessories Exchanges. Come sell your wedding or other party accessories, or pick

something up for an upcoming event. Come early for best selection.

Moving forward, it’s time to start preparing for a couple of our spring events. LCCOA will, once again, participate in the Illinois Senior Spelling Bee program. Our spelling bee, open to anyone aged 50 and over, will be held the evening of March 16 at the Post House Community Center. If you enjoy spelling or other brain games that help keep us sharp, why not give it a try. Our winners will advance to regional competition and, who knows, maybe even on to the Illinois State Fair this summer for the finals.

Call us for more details.

Of course our annual Chili and Soup Supper

also comes around in March. Preparations are well underway already.

Watch for our annual ticket mailing and more information shortly.

Then the spring season winds up with our annual Spring Prom in April. This will also be the night we draw the winners in our annual 50/50 drawing. While we can’t offer a $1.5 billion prize to our winners we can promise better odds and the knowledge that your purchase of tickets – win or lose – goes to a worthy cause. Tickets are currently on sale at the Post House community Center or from any LCCOA staffer or Board member.

Get yours today!

Think Spring!

– Geoff

the painting of the WCSC dining room and kitchen as part of his community service work for his Eagle Scout award. Leon, his family, friends and several of his fellow scouts spent the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend prepping and painting the dining room and kitchen. We have lightened the atmosphere and we look forward to enjoying the great paint job. It is wonderful to see young

adults provide volunteer service to their community!

A special thank you to everyone who renewed their membership or joined the WCSC. And a very big special thank you to those of you who helped support the WCSC with a special end of the year donation! You can still renew your membership or give a special donation to the WCSC as we need support throughout the year!

Check out whitesidecsc. org for a quick and easy way to become a member or make a donation.

Please stop by and pick up your membership card and your WCSC keytag which you can use to scan in at the MySeniorCenter terminal in the

big room and track your activities at the WCSC. You do not have to be a member to get a key tag or to participate in any of our activities but it does allow us to keep from charging for all of the fun things we do at the WCSC! We are updating our records so please help us out by filling out the MSC information form.

We want to make sure we have your correct address and yes we really need your birthdate to help us compile the statistics we need to keep our grant funding going. We don’t share it with anyone, even your best friend, but most grant funders want to know the number of people in each age group we serve. Just ask the recep-

tionist for an information form so we can make sure everything is correct in our database. Please put your email address on the form as we will be doing several email newsletters this year.

We are excited to have several new methods to reach out and keep in touch with the seniors or others who use our programs and services to make their life better and help to them or their family members in their homes as long as possible. Have a great February and please extend your comfort zone and come join us at the WCSC! Take a chance where people will know your name! Until next month!

– Doug

By Geoff Vanderlin Wow. It’s hard to believe it’s almost Groundhog Day. Soon we will be talking about spring and warmer weather. I have to admit, though, that this winter hasn’t been too bad. Sure, we’ve had a few colder days, but it is the middle of winter, after all. I’ve decided I like this mythical creature called El Nino.

I would like to start this month by introducing an exciting new program we are introducing. Elsewhere in this

Golden Echo you can read about our LCCOA Ladder Club, our new monthly giving plan. We so appreciate the strong support the community give to LCCOA, and this opportunity allows us to better predict income to match expenses, and allows you to give without the hassle of continually writing checks and getting annoying fundraising letters as often. Won’t you consider joining up?

Ladder Club members automatically become

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Doug Vandersee It’s February and it’s time to celebrate several special occasions and holidays during this month! National Groundhog Day is February 2nd, National Wear Red Day is February 5, Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday is February 9, Lent begins on February 10th, Valentine’s Day is February 14th but we are crowning our King and Queen on the 12th, we are closed for President’s Day on February 15, and we will be celebrating George Washington’s Birthday on Feb-

ruary 22nd with some delicious cherry pie! It sounds like we will be partying all month long and we would love to have you join us for as many of these celebrations as you can! Look for more information on each celebration in the February Events page.

Tracy Aude, cardio nurse practitioner will be talking about the Risks of Heart Disease and Hypertension on Wednesday, February 10th at 11:00 a.m.

A very big thank you to Leon Ramos for taking on

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.

February 2016 • Page 2

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

AT THE POST HOUSE

Events for February

Post House gears up for events

BY CATHY REGLIN Lee County Council on Aging

Although you would think that February would be a slow month, we are gearing up for our BAB in the Post House Community Center, a wedding reception, Crafts 4 Kids with Special Needs, a garden club meeting, an Accessories Exchange, and finally a Trash to Treasures rummage sale. So, the Accessories Exchange is the same as in years past – bring in items to sell, barter, give away to other people, or come in to buy, barter, or get other

items for your party, wedding, collection, etc. The doors open at 11 a.m. for people to set up their tables and at 1 p.m. to the public to enter. It’s $5 for a table if you are selling, to help pay for the utilities that day. See “Accessories Echange” section below for more info.

Then, we are looking for donations of nice items for our first Trash to Treasure sale. We are not taking anything that is cloth, shoes, car seats or cribs, but just about anything else is probably acceptable. There will be a bake sale, too. Please call if you’re not sure, so we can verify for you if what you

have is something we can sell. The donations are being accepted Sunday, the 21st through Wednesday, the 24th.

See the times in our Events for February with this article.

If you need a beautiful place to have a get-together, look us up on Facebook, at www.posthouseballroom.com, for information about the building and prices as well as our event calendar, and www.posthouseballroom.shutterfly.com, for pictures of events held here, then email me at posthouseballroom@gmail.com, or call me at 815288-0892, and we’ll talk.

ACCESSORIES EXCHANGE Free to the public | $5.00 for an 8-foot table Sunday, February 28, 2016 | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Post House Ballroom | 100 W. Second St., Dixon

Bring to the ballroom your party or wedding-related items for sale, exchange, barter, or give-away, or come to see what’s here to buy, exchange or barter. Call the Post House Ballroom manager at 815-288-0892 to reserve your table to display your items, or for more information.

Suggested Items: Jewelry, candles, votive/candle holders, card boxes, chair covers, pew bows, wreaths, lights, garland, vases, plate chargers, table markers, picture frames, cake and cupcake holders, fountains, chair bows, shoes, table runners/tablecloths, curtains,

1 - 12 noon AARP Taxes 2 - 10 a.m. Line Dancing 4 - 12 noon AARP Taxes 4 - 4:30 p.m. The Stage Door Dance Classes 7 - Crafts 4 Kids with Special Needs 8 - 12 noon AARP Taxes 9 - 10 a.m. Line Dancing 11 - 12 noon AARP Taxes 11 - 4:30 p.m. The Stage Door Dance Classes 15 - Holiday offices closed 15 - Rock River Garden Club Meeting 5 p.m.

16 - 10 a.m. Line Dancing 18 - 12 noon AARP Taxes 18 - 4:30 p.m. The Stage Door Dance Classes 20 - Emilie Sharboneau & Nick Simon wedding reception 21 - Trash to Treasure drop off 8 a.m.-noon 22 - Trash to Treasure drop off 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

22 - 12 noon AARP Taxes 23 - Trash to Treasure drop off 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

23 - 10 a.m. Line Dancing 24 - Trash to Treasure drop off 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

25 - 12 noon AARP Taxes 25 - 4:30 p.m. The Stage Door Dance Classes 27 - 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Trash to Treasure Sale!!

28 - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Accessories Exchange 29 - 12 noon AARP Taxes

LCCOA phone numbers

WCSC phone numbers

Office Hours – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Office Hours – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Transportation 815-288-2117 Post House Ballroom 855-407-9236

Outreach and free phones for hearing/sight impaired 815-288-9236 Toll-free 888-239-9228

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

Outreach and free phones for hearing/sight impaired 815-626-7707 Toll-free 815-622-9230

LCCOA can also be reached via e-mail at lccoa@comcast.net

Or via the Internet at whitesideseniors@comcast.net

Or via the Internet at lccoa.com or posthouseballroom.com

The Emporium Thrift Store, 15 W. Third St., Sterling – 815-535-0368

Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

February 2016 • Page 3

Getting help at WCSC The Whiteside County Senior Center (WCSC) Aging and Disabled resource staff will continue to take walk-ins on Monday’s from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. if you want to see someone at the senior center. Monday’s are the best time to walk in to get help for the license plate discount, free amplified telephone program, energy assistance, or your homestead exemption for seniors and people with disabilities. If you want to see someone for Medicare counseling is by appointment only. If you want to see someone at one of our sites in Morrison, Erie, Prophetstown, or Fulton it is also by appointment only please call 815-622-9230 extension 194. If you can’t make your appointment it is important that you please call to cancel as soon as possible.

If you’re not able to

come in on Monday you can call and make an appointment. Also it is a good idea to call and ask what you need to bring if you are not sure what you will need on walk in day.

License Plate Discount The Benefits Access Program has reported that they are taking 2014 income to file for the license plate discount until April 18, 2016 and 2015 income will be accepted after April 18, 2016 if you are a filing for the first time or renewing your application. The proof of income that the Illinois Department on Aging will accept for the application is the US 1040 or tax forms such as W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and SSA-1099 forms are sent

Recycle used cellphones, iPods and iPads The Whiteside County Senior Center and the Lee County Council on Aging collect used cell phones, iPods, and iPads to be recycled.

If you have any these

items lying around and want to dispose of them, please drop them off at the WCSC, 1207 West 9th street, Sterling or the LCCOA 100 West 2nd St., Dixon.

out to you in the mail.

We may also need your Social Security card, driver’s license or State ID, car registration, and possibly other information. If you want to see if you qualify or make sure you have everything we may need to help you file please call 815-622-9230 extension 194.

Medicare Choices class at WCSC Our next class on Medicare will be February 19 at 1:30 p.m. This class is designed for those that are becoming new to Medicare and those who want to learn the options available.

Please call 815-6229230 ahead of time and sign up.

LCCOA Outreach February is the time of year when we start to fill up our appointments, taxes have officially began and we are available to help you get your programs in order. This month we typically focus on the Benefit Access Application (BAA), for the license plate discount as well as the Tax Assessment Freeze (TAF), to freeze the assessed value of your home. Both of these applications require last year’s proof of income, so keep that in mind when scheduling your tax appointments here at the Post House Community Center. After you schedule your tax appointment, talk with the Outreach Department to schedule an appointment for the BAA and/or TAF. Just as a reminder, if you are wanting to renew your BAA you are only able to do so 90 days prior to your expiration date,

Jones F ner l Homes

Anne Barlow Cindy Gabany Jeff Kuhn Dr. Thomas Lawless

February 2016 • Page 4

55 AND OVER COMMUNITY RETIRE WITH NO WORRIES!

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Funeral and Burial Prearrangement and Prefinancing Available

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Call me for more information.

AMBOY

204 S. Ottowa Ave 288-2241

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303 E. Main St. 857-2611

Sterling Cottages, LLC • Call Tom Thompson 815-716-8189

Whiteside County Senior Center Board Members and Officers

Helen Kay Miller, Vice Chair Fred Nesbit, Secretary

Carol Rick Diane Blaine Roberta Lemoine

You technically have a period of seven months to get into a plan. Typically this is the three months prior to your birthday the month of, and three months after, so if you miss us the month before your birthday please still give us a call and we would be happy to help.

Just as a side note: Our Outreach Department will be short staffed through the month of February and a little into March as one of our caseworkers will be out on maternity leave.

Since this leaves Ruth with both caseloads, we appreciate your patience with scheduling and phone calls and are sorry if this causes any inconvenience.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 1-815-2889236.

CARE OF STERLING Snow Previously known as Coventry

Lee County Council on Aging Board Executive Committee and Officers Doug Farster, Chair Joe Rudolphi, Treasurer

and may not be able to reapply at this time. Our caseworkers can check on this for you.

We also will still be completing applications for LIHEAP, which helps with your gas and light bill. This application requires social security cards and the last 30 days proof of income for every member in the household, as well as your most recent gas and light bill, rent receipt and if you are currently on Medicaid, it is always best to bring your card with you as well. Please remember we file these applications for those individuals who are aged 60 and older, and an appointment is always best.

As a reminder, if you will be turning 65 this year and will be in need of a Part D plan, we will need to see you the month prior to your turning 65 to review and place you into a plan.

Teresa Brunick Nancy Varga Donna Newman Mike Wilcox

Sheila Martinez, President Wilbur Mennecke, Treasurer Janice Bell Bob Czuprynski Kay Wallin Robbin Blackert

Golden Echo

Kelly Wilhelmi, Vice President Michele Miller, Secretary

John Espinoza Al Campbell Emily Dykstra

Janet Mennecke Lori Cortez Karla Burn

Sauk Valley Media

NOTES FROM THE KITCHEN

Welcoming a fresh, new atmosphere It’s been a year this month since I was given the opportunity to be the WCSC’s Head Cook, and the privilege of getting to know each and every one of you. I thank you once again for the kind and encouraging feedback on the meals we serve. I could not have done it without the help of all my volunteers in the kitchen and dining room as well as the devoted people who participate in our meal program.

This month is a reminder of all the love that is in the air. Happy Valentine’s Day to you. We will be having our Valentine’s Day meal on Friday, February 12th.

Don’t forget to cast your vote on this year’s king and queen throughout the month. We will announce the winner’s before we serve our Valentine’s meal. I am grateful to Leon Ramos, his family, friends and fellow scouts for bringing a fresh and new atmosphere to our dining experience with the new beautiful paint job.

Leon is leading this project to meet his Eagle Scout requirements. A special thanks to Grummerts Hardware in Sterling for donating the paint. The kitchen family thanks you again, and continue spreading the love.

– The Head Cook, San Juana Escobar

Jerry Allen on the organ and Gene Burton on the trombone play music for us on Fridays over lunch. Great music! Thanks guys.

Emporium Thrift Center celebrates 10th anniversary The Emporium Thrift Center invites you to join us on February 13 to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

Join us for refreshments, special sales and door prizes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We look forward to seeing all our faithful friends and new friends. There will

also be special sales events and give-a-ways February 8 through February 13. The Emporium Thrift Center is located at 115 West 3rd Street, in Sterling.

If you have any questions about our 10th anniversary events, please give us a call at 815-535-0368.

Have trouble hearing on the phone?

If you have trouble hearing on the phone Illinois has a program to help you. The program provides free amplified telephones or a captioning telephone to Illinois residents that are hard of hearing. It is sponsored by the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC). You will

have to be certified as hard of hearing, live in Illinois, and have a landline telephone service that qualifies you for this program. Lee County Council on Aging (LCCOA) and Whiteside County Senior Center (WCSC) are selection centers for ITAC. You may call the WCSC 815-

622-9230 or LCCOA at 815-288-9236 in advanced to set up an appointment to see if you qualify for this wonderful program.

To apply we will need

your phone bill with all the pages and proof of address (driver’s license, state ID, or a bill with your name and address on it).

Try your luck att Mama Cimino’s Gaming Room!!

5

$

00

Match Play

*Gaming mach hines brough ht to you

by Accell Enterainment

You put five in a machine $2.00 Busch Light and we match it!

Limit one match per customer per day.

& Bud Light Bottles for all customers!

OPEN 9am-11pm Monday-Saturday and 11am -11pm Sunday

Mama Cimino’s

104 S. Peoria, Dixon • 815-288-4448 www.MamaCiminosDixon.com Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

February 2016 • Page 5

Whiteside County Thank you Senior Center welcomes to volunteers new members at LCCOA We would like to thank the people who recently paid their Whiteside County Senior Center membership dues: Janice Bilbrey Louis Guerrero Helen Last

Mary Nelmes Connie Waller Brigett Wasson Marke Reglin Tena McClanahan Gayle Schiltz Jean Tschosik Evelyn Reynolds William Simane

Thank you to WCSC 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.

Sauk Valley Food Bank Krogers County Market Salvation Army Sterling Pavilion Rock Falls Rehab 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 Oregon Living and Rehab Center Regency Care Montmorency School, students, staff and families Jenny Whitley Karen Cowley Nyla Winchell Doris Detweiler Dayne and Hope Moore Sterling Wire Products David Jamison Ethel Mennenga

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

Julia Garland Donald & Phyllis Sutton Mary Murphy Amy Gillespie Sandy Fry Ruth Pitts Jessie Ware Christy Zepezauer Tyler Zepezauer Jake Zepezauer Geoff & Roberta Vanderlin Lorraine Hussung Plews Edelmann Diana Owens Kevin Cohernour Clark & Pamela Lumsden Sandy Wooden Dean & Sandra Considine Edward Layton Robert Wright Jr. Nancy Potter That Place on Palmyra Heritage Woods of Sterling Carol Simon Dixon Knights of Columbus Joyce Lee Dennis Ayres Neville & Susan Cox Berta Peters Eunice J. Miller

LCCOA welcomes members Membership dues paid: Eileen Albee Bob Anderson Richard Appelquist Barry Bacon Pamela Bacon Barbara M. Baker Beverly Bartmess John Bartmess Jack Baylor Carol Beaston Helen Ann Becker Urban Becker Dennis Bennett Penny Bennett Roberta Berwanger Marilyn Bodmer Ruby D. Bondi Phillip Bondi Evelyn Bonnell Wayne Bowers Rhonda Brechon Brian Brown Sharon Brown Carolyn Brown Joseph G. Burge Janet Bushman Ron Bushman Evelyn Rapp Carey William Carey Marilyn Cibu Edward Clayton Nancy Cleary Karen Coleman Kathryn Coley Dean Considine Sandra Considine Betty Cover Richard Cover Sandra Crain Garth Dallam Linda Dallam

Gary Daws Juanita Day Earl Delhotal Margaret Dempsey Karen Didier Charlotte Dierdorf Carl Dixon Jacqueline Dixon Dixon Firefighters Charlie Dunphy Linda Dunphy Beverley J. Duryea Charles Dyche Nancy Dyche Diana Eisenberg Lyle Eisenberg Beverley Eykamp Barbara Fane Mary Fassler Walter Fassler Charlotte Fitzpatrick Mary Flatness Francis Fogle Jean Fogle Barbara Friel Tom Friel Deborah Frueh Richard Frueh Lois Funk Carl Gann Ruth M. Gerdes Joyce U. Gibson Mary Gilbert Helen Griffith Marjorie Guenzler Lila Hadaway Judith Hambley

Robert Hambley Cecil Harrison Shirley Harrison Elaine Hazelwood Robert Hazelwood Mary Heck Robert Hill Sybil Hill Mildred Hodapp John Holthaus Mary Holthaus Betty Hopper Doug Hoyle Marvin Hubbell Emma Hubbs Charlene Huf Keith Huf Elizabeth Hufstutler Martha Johannsen Carolyn Johns Ida Johnson Nate Johnson Sandra Johnson Jones Funeral Home Sandra Jones Betty Kanzler Richard Kanzler Rosemary Keough Dorothy Kessel Gerald Kime Toni Kime Dolly Kinn Leon Kinn Verna E. Knigge Gary Koser Linda Koser Continued on Page 7

34 Years of Service Built on Honesty, Integrity & Service • Home Heating • LP Gas Heaters • Gas Grills • Hot Water Heaters • Grain Drying

• LP Tank Sales & Service • Forward Contract for LP Gas for Farmers • Guaranteed Winter Rates

24-HOUR SERVICE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Located on Rt. 26 2 miles south of Polo Business: 815-946-3081 Home : 815-946-3080

February 2016 • Page 6

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

LCCOA welcomes members Continued from Page 6

Mary Ann Kreps Lois Krieger KSB Hospital Anne Lahey Jennifer Lang Barbara Lawless Dr. Thomas Lawless Donald Lebre Verdeen Lebre John H. Lefelman Larry Lefelman Mary K. Lefelman Rose Lefelman Gene Lemme Joan Lemme Roberta Lemoine Tom Lemoine Joan LeSage Julie Logan Hiram D. Ludwig Mary MacMillan Maria Marrufo LaVina Marschang Carolyn Marshall William Marshall Virginia Martin Margaret Matthew Robert Matthew Mary McCartney Sally McCoy Carol Anne McCrystal Julie McGrail Richard McGrail Jean McGrain Richard McGrain Aleta McMillin Charlene McNinch Faye Merriman Kay Miller Paul Miller Bill Mills

Jo Anne Mills Joyce M. Montavon Richard C. Montavon Harriet Moore William Moore Michael Mora Joseph Morrissey Nancy L. Morrissey Aaron Mossholder Anne Mossholder Edward Murphy David Nelson Dorothy Newcomer Illa Nicklaus Richard Nicklaus Nell Nooney Edmund O’Rourke Eileen O’Rourke Carol Ortgiesen Garry Ortgiesen Katie Ortgiesen Laura Palmer John Partington June Partington Linda Patterson Leo Patterson Duane Paulsen Eric Peterson Kathy Pfoutz-Peterson Fred Petit Mary Ann Pfeifer Robert Pfeifer Ann Prindaville Larry Prindaville Sandra Ready Al Reece Linda Reece Larry Reed Louise Reed Norma Jean Reed M. Catherine Reglin Ronald Reglin

Ramona Reglin Janet Reiley Kristi Reiss Mark Reiss Dolores Renne George Renne Shirley Rogene Reuter Warren Reuter Carol Rick Ronald Rick Mary Jo Ridenhour Deleven Rinehart Janice Russell Richard Sarver Don Schrock Susan Schrock August Schulte Dolores Scott Jacob Scott Mary K. Sharp Helen L. Sheridan William Sheridan Patricia Shoemaker Ann Skeffington Eileen Skibinskie John Sloter Marilyn Smallwood Carl Smith Louise Smith Ronald E. Smith Wayne E. Smith Wendell T. Snell Dick Snyder Helen Snyder Judith E. Spangler Jennell Spoor Jef Spratt Marla Spratt Mary Kathryn Stenzel Sterling Federal Bank Mary Ann Stoufer Paul D. Stoufer

Affordable Housing Rehab/Ski killed Care Senior Housing with Services

Betty Stumpenhorst Jeanie Sullivan Tim Sullivan Dawn Taylor Rita Thompson Sharon U. Thompson Jeanine Pitman Thrivent Financial Arthur Tofte Sharon Tribley Alda Turner Charles Turner Melinda Ucci John Varga Nancy Varga Delores Volk Bill Wadsworth Bill Walls Delite Walls Joyce Warrenfeltz Hal Weaver Beverly Weber Stanley Weber William Weed Donna Wellman Whatever It Takes Repair, Inc. Willett, Hofman & Assoc. Inc. Marvin Williams Mary E. Williams Doris Wohrley Robert Wright, Jr. William Yarbrough

Bowling combines exercise and fun If your New Year’s resolution was to make exercise fun, then we have a resolution solution for you! Join your senior friends once or twice a week for a morning of bowling. We meet every Monday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at Plum Hollow in Dixon.

Come once a month, twice a week or anything in between for some fun, exercise, and a little competition all rolled into one great morning.

Below are the individual high scores for the month of December: Dave Blaine ....... 168 .. 424 Dennis Breene .. 138 .. 398 Norma Burmeister ............................ 185 .. 500 Chico Contreras ............................ 203 .. 573 Bob Dalziel ........ 199 .. 519 Charlotte Deirdorff ............................ 174 .. 415 Dan Dunphy ..... 245 .. 643 Chuck Elliot ....... 205 .. 535

Ron Erickson ..... 225 .. 627 Chet French ...... 166 .. 440 Cliff Golden ....... 253 .. 651 Dick Janssen...... 206 .. 577 Bob Joyce........... 195 .. 524 Darrell Kitsmiller ............................ 215 .. 572 Bruce Kleinmaier ............................ 242 .. 573 Pat Kleinmaier ............................ 202 .. 510 Jan Kuepker ....... 176 .. 490 Ken Masters ...... 235 .. 605 Ron Odenthal .... 174 .. 457 June Partington ............................ 168 .. 411 Larry Reed ......... 206 .. 555 Louise Reed ....... 144 .. 393 Verna Reiff ......... 204 .. 437 Linda Richards ............................ 198 .. 512 Rich Senn .......... 205 .. 543 Jim Shuman ...... 209 .. 545 Therma Smith ... 159 .. 422 Dave Stewart ..... 177 .. 466 Glenn Stroh ....... 206 .. 566 Jay Wolf.............. 204 .. 528

This summer Walnut Manor Nursing Home will have a new name:

™

Our name is changing, not our mission.

To learn more about our community ty in Prophetstown, call (815) 537-5175.

The health care needs of to oday’s seniors are changing.

And, we are changing too!

For more details call Dennis Grobe, Administrator, at: (815) 379-2131 HeritageOfCare.com/walnut • Facebook.com/HeritageOfCare 308 S. Second St.Walnut, IL 61376

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

February 2016 • Page 7

LCCOA SPRING PROM

Nominations for 5th Annual Spring Prom Royal Court Lee County Council on Aging’s 5th annual Spring Prom is Saturday, April 16, 2016 in the Post House Ballroom and we are looking for nominations for the Royal Court.

One woman will be named queen and one man will be named king.

This special event is a fundraiser for LCCOA. Nominated persons will be featured in upcoming Golden Echoes and

will have monetary voting boxes at the center.

If you or someone you know would be a great candidate for Spring Queen/ King, fill out the nomination form on this page and return it to the Post House Community Center by February 10, 2016. If you have any questions regarding this event please contact the Post House Community Center 815-288-9236.

2016 LCCOA Spring Prom Nomination Form Name of nominee: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Please describe why she/he should be Prom Queen/King: __________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ What 3 words would you use to describe the nominated person? _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of person completing nomination form:_____________________________________________________ Best way to contact you (phone, email, etc.):_______________________________________________________ Nominations are accepted until noon on Wednesday, February 10th. The nominated court will be notified Thursday, February 11th at 12:00 p.m. Upon acceptance of nomination, the person will then be asked to come into the Post House Community Center and photographed for the Golden Echo newsletter and other advertising purposes.

Forms may be dropped off at the Post House Community Center or mailed to Post House Community Center, 100 W. 2nd St, Dixon IL 61021 Each nominated Queen/King will have a voting box at the Post House Community Center. Any person may come in and vote. Votes are based on $ received. The $ votes will be counted by the Prom committee. Person with most votes wins. No person’s amount of money will be revealed. All money received will help support programs at Lee County Council on Aging.

Nominated court will attend the Spring Prom on Saturday, April 16, 2016 free of charge.

PLEASE JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND

Valentine’s Dance

TRUST...

Your Locally-owned Trust Department.

P

ut on your dressy attire and your dancing shoes and come dance the night away! Bring your Valentine, or your best friend and join us as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Come enjoy delicious refreshments and wonderful big band style music and entertainment.

Kindly RSVP to 815-622-2800 by February 8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH 5:30-7:30PM

The First National Bank in Amboy

We Look Forward To Seeing You

4 Convenient Locations in Amboy & Dixon

2705 Avenue E • Sterling, IL 61081

815-622-2800

www.MorningsideOfSterling.com

800-216-0008

©2016 Five Star Quality Care, Inc.

www.fnbamboy.com Pet Friendly

P February 2016 • Page 8

Golden Echo

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

Sauk Valley Media

MEDICARE Q&A

Community Services

Can I disenroll from my Medicare Advantage Plan?

Dear Marci, I switched from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan during Fall Open Enrollment last year, but now I realize that I preferred my Original Medicare coverage. Are there any options available to switch back, or do I have to wait until Fall Open Enrollment in 2016?

- Lindsey (Lincoln, NE) Dear Lindsey, You do not have to wait until Fall Open Enrollment to switch back to Original Medicare from your Medicare Advantage Plan. You can use the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) to disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and enroll in Original Medicare. The MADP runs from January 1 to February 14 of each year.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will be able to switch to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone Part D plan. Any changes you make during this period will take effect the first of the following month. For example, if you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and switch to Original Medicare in February, your coverage takes effect March

1. You will maintain your Medicare Advantage Plan coverage until the new effective date for your Original Medicare coverage. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE to make changes during this enrollment period.

It is important to think about how these changes could affect your Medigap enrollment rights.

Medigaps are supplemental insurance policies that work with Original Medicare to cover certain cost-sharing obligations. According to federal laws, there are certain protected times when you can buy a Medigap, including the first six months that you have Part B, or within 63 days of losing certain types of coverage. Protected means that insurance companies must give you the best available rate and cannot deny you coverage. These federal regulations do not extend to changes made during the MADP, but some states may offer additional enrollment protections. Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to buy a Medigap if you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan to switch back to Original Medicare. To learn more about the Medigap enrollment rules in your

The Post House Community Center is looking for individuals to participate on our Community Services Committee. This committee meets once a month and is open to anyone who is interested in helping raise funds for the Lee County Council on Aging and providing fun events for the community.

Some upcoming fun events we have are our 26th Annual Chili Supper, 5th annual Spring Prom, 4th annual Battle of the Brains Trivia, 2nd annual Golf Outing and so much more! The February 8th meeting starts at 5:00 pm and will last approximately hour and half. Pizza will be provided. If interested in attending or have questions contact the Post House Community Center at 815-288-9236.

state, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Before making any changes, make sure you know how changing your health and drug coverage may affect you. There are certain differences between Medicare Advantage Plans and Original Medicare. For instance, Medicare Advantage Plans may restrict coverage to provider networks, while Original Medicare covers services as long as you go to a provider who accepts Medicare and takes assignment. On the other hand, some Medicare Advantage Plans include coverage of services that are otherwise excluded from Medicare coverage, such as basic vision and dental benefits.

It is important to weigh your health care options before making changes during this period. You may not have a chance to change your coverage again until Fall Open Enrollment in October 2016, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period during the year.

- Marci

LCCOA received an early Christmas present this year when Kim Salentine, representing the employees of Plews-Edelmann in Dixon presented the Agency with Wal-Mart gift cards valued at $575.02. The cards were purchased with proceeds from a Holiday giving drive at P-E and are being used to purchase items needed at LCCOA from our “Wish Tree.” Accepting the cards for LCCOA is Agency Director Geoff Vanderlin.

Thank you Plews-Edelmann!

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.

Registration appreciated but not required.

To register, visit www.cghmc.com/growinghealthier or call (815) 625-0400 ext. 4913 for more information.

FEBRUARY

Or visit us at: www.cghmc.com/foundation

Be Heart Healthy: Managing Risk Factors Tuesday, February 9 • 6:00pm CGH Main Clinic Atrium, 101 E Miller Rd, Sterling Presented by Dr. Peter Toth, Family Medicine

Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

February 2016 • Page 9

TAX RETURN SERVICES

DONATIONS

Taxpayer information

LCCOA’s Ladder Club will “Take us to the Top”

In Dixon and Sterling, Tax-Aide volunteers will be providing free income tax return preparation services during 2016 at these sites: Whiteside County Senior Center: By appointment only, call 815-622-9230.

Monday, February 1 through April 18 and 4 Saturdays, February 20 & 27 and March 19 & 26.

YWCA in Sterling: By appointment only, call 815625-0333. Thursday, February 4 through April 14.

Lee County Council on Aging, Mondays and Thursdays from 12 to 4 starting Jan. 28. Call 815-288-9236 to set up appointment.

Taxpayer Information and Responsibilities: These sites are staffed with AARP Tax-Aide volunteers who have been trained and are certified by the IRS to prepare a range of individual income tax returns.

Please take a moment to read the following information which will ensure a smooth process for both you and the volunteers at these sites: You are responsible for the accuracy of your return. Our volunteers do not provide legal or financial advice. Our job is to assist you to complete and file your federal and/ or state tax return. We are not permitted to provide advice, such as how you can reduce your tax responsibility or handle other financial responsibilities. You may need to consult with a paid tax professional or financial advisor if you have questions that we cannot answer.

In order to assist the volunteer in accurately and completely preparFebruary 2016 • Page 10

ing your return, please be sure you have the following required documents with you: Some identification that contains your picture.

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office will provide a photo I.D. free of charge for persons 65 years of age and more.

Social Security Cards or comparable documentation for you, your spouse (if applicable) and all dependents.

Your Affordable Care Act documentation received to verify Market Place Information, Employer Insurance or Personal Insurance Information.

Income related documents: Forms W2, Unemployment compensation statements, SSA 1099, 1099R, and other 1099 forms showing home mortgage interest or other income.

Expense related documents: Checks and forms showing federal and state taxes paid, 1098 forms, documentation of medical, dental, charity, or business expenses, any vehicle and property taxes, and mortgage interest paid. Receipts for expenses need to be in reasonable order and legible.

Brokerage statements or other documentation showing the cost basis (purchase price) and date purchased for all securities or property sold or transferred during the tax year.

A check with your name printed on it for direct deposit/debit of any refund/balance due. A check in your checkbook is acceptable. A cancelled check is not required.

Other helpful documents to bring: Please bring a copy of your last year’s tax return.

If you receive a pension or annuity from a former employer, please bring the date that you began to receive payments. (May be required.)

There are some types of returns that we cannot assist you with. Some taxpayers have situations that require a tax form that is outside the scope of our program, our training and the IRS certification. Please review the poster which is available at our sites for a list of circumstances which are deemed “out of scope” for this program. Additionally, even if the return does fit within the allowable scope of our assistance, a volunteer may need to decline to assist you if your return is beyond the comfort level of their experience. If you have any of these situations, then our sites will not be able to prepare your tax return, even if this site has done so in the past. If you have a question about whether your return is out of scope, ask a volunteer so that you do not have an unnecessary wait. Please do not ask that a volunteer make an exception in your case.

The Client Intake form must be fully and accurately completed before your return can be started. Please let us know if you have questions or need assistance completing the form. If you do not have required documentation for an exemption, deduction or tax credit then you will need to return when you have it available for the volunteer to review. All relevant tax records are required to prepare an accurate tax return.

Taxpayers will be called for assistance by appoint-

ment and in the order listed on the sign-in sheet. Exceptions will be made if the circumstances of the return provide that a specific volunteer is more appropriate to prepare the return accurately or expeditiously. AARP members are not given preference over nonmember.

If you have a joint return, it will require the signature of both spouses.

If your spouse is not present at the site, then you will have to obtain your spouse’s signature and return the forms to the site before the return can be e-filed.

Once your return is prepared it will be given a quality review by a second trained and certified volunteer in order to ensure that it is thorough and accurate. Although this may require you to have an additional wait, this quality review service is done for your benefit to ensure that you receive the best service that we can provide.

You can expect our volunteers to treat you in a courteous and professional manner. In return, our volunteers expect you to treat them with courtesy as well. Anyone who becomes disruptive will be asked to leave without having his or her return prepared.

Feel free to let us know if you have comments, questions or concerns about your return or your experience at this site. If you need to contact us after this site has closed at the end of the tax season, you should contact AARP at: 1-888-687-2277 or 1-800-424-2277 (tollfree) or send an email to: Taxaide@aarp.org.

Golden Echo

LCCOA is pleased to announce the formation of the Ladder Club, our new monthly giving program that allows you to easily donate to LCCOA on a monthly basis. Like many non-profit agencies in these uncertain times, LCCOA is struggling to keep our doors open for business every day. Our services are offered free to anyone who needs them and, for some years now, we have seen our grant sources either going away or shrinking, while our expenses continue to rise. With the current budget crisis here in Illinois we are also being asked to wait for payments we count on.

In some cases we have been told not to expect anything, no matter what happens with the budget. Your contribution of as little as $5/ month, or whatever you can afford will help us match some of those grants (a requirement for most of them) as well

as meet expenses.

A monthly giving program helps us by providing a steady and predictable source of income every month.

As a donor you have complete control over your gift. You can increase, decrease or stop your pledge whenever you choose. By spreading your gift over 12 months/year you lessen any one-time financial hit. All Ladder club members ($5/ month or more) will automatically be members of LCCOA and will not be asked to pay dues each year.

To become a charter member of the Ladder Club, just give us a call or stop by. You will be asked to fill out a short form and provide us with either a voided blank check or a savings account deposit slip, allowing us to make a monthly withdrawal.

We’ll take it from there.

Thank you from all of us at LCCOA.

ACA Documents Needed for Tax Returns Many people will receive the Affordable Care Act Documents 1095-A. 1095-B or 1095C. If you went to the marketplace for insurance you must file your Federal income tax return. The 1095-A will be required to complete your tax return.

The 1095-B and 1095-

C do not have to be sent to you by employers and third-party insurance providers until March 31, 2016. You can have your taxes done without the 1095-B or 1095-C. If you receive the 1095-B or 1095-C after you have filed your taxes, they will not change your tax return.

Sauk Valley Media

Activities and Meetings Weekly Post House Community Center Mondays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, open Wii games 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Computer lab 10:00 a.m. – Dance exercise class 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape Lunch served (Reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 6:00 p.m. – Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, open Wii games 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Computer lab 9 a.m. – Golden Kiwanis 10 a.m.-11 a.m. – Line Dancing 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape Lunch served (Reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 1:00 p.m. – Pinochle

Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, open Wii games 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Computer lab 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape Lunch served (Reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 1:00 p.m. – Pinochle

Thursdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, open Wii games 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Computer lab 10:00 a.m. – Dance exercise class 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape Lunch served (Reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 1:00 p.m. – Crocheting and crafting 5:30 p.m. – Overeaters Anonymous

Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, open Wii games 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Computer lab 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape Lunch served (Reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 12:30 p.m. – Duplicate Bridge 1:00 p.m. – Pinochle

Whiteside County Senior Center Mondays 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, socializing, computer lab 10:00 a.m. – Beginning Euchre, call ahead 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 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, socializing, computer lab 10:00 a.m. – Beading Class 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Commodities, must meet income guidelines 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Euchre, $2 to play, bring a snack.

12:30 p.m. – Scrabble 1:00 p.m. – Karoke – fun!

Wednesdays 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, socializing, computer lab 10:00 a.m. – Canasta 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Pinochle 12:30 p.m. – Bridge, call ahead.

1:00 p.m. – Bingo, check Monthly with who

Thursdays 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, socializing, computer lab 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Cards “Hand and Foot” game, $2 1:00 p.m. – Euchre, $2 to play, bring a snack.

1:00 p.m. – Chair Exercises – FUN with music

Fridays 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, socializing, computer lab 10:00 a.m. – Intermediate Line Dancing: Feb. 5, class at Regency Care of Sterling Feb 12, class at Parkway Center, Sterling 11:00 a.m. – 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 Post House Community Center Feb. 3 10 -11:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure Checks

by Lee County Health Department Feb. 4 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – LCCOA Caseworker at Paw Paw Community Center Feb. 8 5:00 p.m. – Community Services Committee Meeting

Feb. 9 10:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure Checks by Oregon Healthcare & Rehabilitation Feb. 8 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. – LCCOA Caseworker at Ashton Library 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. – LCCOA Caseworker at Franklin Grove Library Feb. 12 9:30 a.m. – Bingo sponsored by Post House Community Center

Feb. 16 2:00 p.m. – Mini Spelling Bee 3:00 p.m. – Free I-PAD class Feb. 17 9:30 a.m. – Rules of the Road 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – LCCOA Caseworker at Amboy Community Center 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – LCCOA Caseworker at OLPH Hall Sublette

Feb. 21 12:30 p.m. – Euchre Tournament ($) Feb. 22 5:00 p.m. – Understanding Social Security Changes in 2016 by Thrivent Financial 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – LCCOA Caseworker at Countryside Manor

Feb. 26 9:30 a.m. – Bingo sponsored by Oregon Healthcare & Rehabilitation 6:30 p.m. – Open Mic Night Feb. 27 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Trash to Treasure Sale in PHB. Bake & Book Sale in PHCC Feb. 28 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Accessory’s Exchange in PHB

Whiteside County Senior Center Feb. 3 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check by CGH Home Nursing 11:25 a.m. – Celebrating February birthdays 1:00 p.m. – Bingo. Prizes by Homebound Health, snacks by WCSC (Donate a can of food or $1 to play)

Feb. 10 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. – Blood Pressure Check by Gaffey Home Nursing 1:00 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Sterling Pavilion, snacks by WCSC (Donate a can of food or $1 to play) Feb. 12 11:00 a.m. – Whiteside County Senior Center Valentine’s Party and crowning of the King and Queen

Feb. 13 1:00 p.m. – Sauk Computer User Group will meet with a question and answer time. There will be a short business meeting followed with a presentation at 2:30 p.m. by John Miller on “What to look for when purchasing a Kindle/E-reader and tips on using one.” Everyone with an interest in computers/technology are invited, refreshments will be available.

Feb. 15 Whiteside County Senior Center will be CLOSED for Presidents’ Day Feb. 17 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure check by Sauk Valley Living and Rehab 1:00 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Sauk Valley Living and Rehab, snacks by WCSC (Donate a can of food or $1 to play)

Feb. 24 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure Check by Sterling Pavilion 1:00 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Regency Care of Sterling, snacks by WCSC (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 largescreen 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, www.cityoffulton.us, and look under the “community and government” heading!

Feb. 3 – Dispensary Fulton Community Outreach Mtgs 2 p.m.-7 p.m.

Feb. 10 – Dispensary Fulton Community Outreach Mtgs 2 p.m.-7 p.m.

Feb. 15 – CLOSED for Presidents Day Feb. 17 – Foot Clinic 8 a.m.- call for apt Dispensary Fulton Community Outreach Mtgs 2 p.m.-7 p.m.

Feb. 24 – Early Out Kids Club 1 p.m.4:30 p.m. & Dispensary Fulton Community Outreach Mtgs 2 p.m.-7 p.m.

Feb. 25 – Crackled Pendant Jewelry class 6 p.m.

If you are interested in joining us for the above monthly activities, contact Whiteside County Senior Center at 815-622-9230 or 888-622-9230; or Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236 or 855-407-9236.

Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

February 2016 • Page 11

Upcoming Trips Washington D.C. Trip

U.S. Mailboat Tour on Lake Geneva

WAITING LIST! April 14-19, 2016 6 days and 5 nights Cost $547 members and $597 nonmembers Insurance $45. Can put all on one check.

Tuesday, June 22, 2016 Cost: $60 members, $70 non members

Price is for double occupancy and includes gratuity for bus drivers and stepon guides. Features a guided tour of Washington D.C., plus see the U.S. Capitol, White House, National Archives, Embassy Row, Georgetown, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and much more. Sign-up begins July 1. Hopefully, there will be cherry blossoms to see. Contact Betty at WCSC about this trip. Come get a flyer about the trip.

Big Band “Swing Music” Radio Remote Show at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet

Depart Rock Falls Community Center at 6:30 am and return approx. 8:00 pm.

Depart Dixon Wal-mart at 7:00 am and return approx. 7:30 pm.

The Post House Community Center is heading to Lake Geneva, WI 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 $60 for members and $70 non-members and includes Mailboat Tour and roundtrip transportation.

New York City

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 Cost: $75 members, $80 non members

Depart Rock Falls Community Center at 8:00 am and return approx. 5:00 pm.

Depart Dixon Wal-mart at 8:30 am and return approx. 4:30 pm.

Do you love the Big Band Sound from the 1930s and 1940s? Let us take you back to 1935 for a Big Band “Swing Music” Radio Remote Show at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate. They transform the Victorian Ballroom into a 1930s Jazz Club, the Limestone Lounge. Relive this glorious era with a “live radio broadcast show” by The Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra, complete with vocalists and radio actors. Prior to this fabulous show enjoy a delicious lunch consisting of Chicken Cordon Bleu, chef’s choice starch and steamed vegetable. Lunch also includes fresh garden salad with warm rolls, coffee or tea and dessert. We arrive early enough for you to enjoy a self-guided tour of the Jacob Henry Mansion.

Nashville Show Tour

June 19-25, 2016, 7 days and 6 nights Cost $749 members and $799 nonmembers Insurance $69. Can put all on one check.

Sights to see: Guided tour of Nashville, Ride on the Delta Flatboats inside the Opryland Hotel, show at the famous Grand Ole Opry, guided tour of beautiful Belle Meade Plantation, Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour, and much much more. Contact Betty at WCSC about this trip. Will be signing up for this trip in September 1, 2015.

September 21-28, 2016, 7 days and 6 nights Cost $739 members and $789 nonmembers Insurance $69. Can put all on one check.

Sights to see: Guided tour of Manhattan, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial Statue of Liberty, and much much more. Contact Betty at WCSC about this trip. Will be signing up for this trip in October 1, 2015.

Canada New England Cruise September 30, 2016 to October 7, 2016

On Friday September 30, 2016, we will board the bus to the airport, 7 nights on the NCL Dawn, 1 night in Quebec, Sydney, Halifax, N.S., Saint John, N.B., Bar Harbor, Maine. Cruise will end in Boston. Prices start at $2000 for an inside cabin. Deposit of $600 due at signing. Balance due June 23, 2016. All deposits due by Jan. 1, 2016. Call 815-622-9230 and ask for Glenda. Hurry – space available for 5 people.

Coming Soon – Cubs Trips Anticipated dates are May 13 and Sept 16 Watch for further details

To sign up and pay or for questions, please visit or call: Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL • 855-407-9236 -OR- Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL • 888-622-9230

February 2016 • Page 12

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

Meals for February Serving at Lee County Council on Aging Feb. 1-5 Monday: Creamy chicken with pasta, peas & carrots, baked apples, wheat bread Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed pot/gravy, green beans, dinner roll/butter, fruit cocktail Wednesday: Italian sausage w/ peppers on bun, potato wedges, italian blend veggie diced peaches Thursday: Baked ziti w/ meatsauce, steamed broccoli, soft breadstick, hot applesauce Friday: A) Beef chili mac, corn muffin, steamed cauliflower, corn, jello w/ fruit B) Tuna sal/chix rice

Feb. 8-12 Monday: Meatball sub, peas & carrots, seas. potato wedges, mandrin oranges Tuesday: Sweet/sour chicken, fluffy rice, stir fry veggies, dinner roll, apricots Wednesday: Tuna noodle casserole, broccoli, dinner roll, baked peaches Thursday: Baked ham, sweet potato green beans, dinner roll/butter, fruit cocktail Friday: A) Crispy fish sand., wheat bun, potato pancakes, peas, pineapple tidbits B) Turkey/minestrone

Feb. 15-19 Monday: BBQ riblett, wheat bun, augratin potatoes, coin carrots, peaches Tuesday: Pepper steak, mashed pot/gravy, scan. blend veggies, wheat bread, chilled pineapple Wednesday: Baked pork chop, baby red potatoes, broccoli, tossed salad/ drsg., dinner roll, apple crisp Thursday: A) Cheeseburger, wheat bun, seasoned wedges, baked beans, jello w/ fruit B) Ham/vegetable Friday: Fish sticks, mac n cheese, peas & carrots, diced pears, tartar sauce

Feb. 22-26 Monday: Chicken srips, mashed potato w/ gravy, green beans, dinner roll, mandrin oranges, BBQ PC Tuesday: Baked ziti w/ meat sauce, italian blend veggie, garlic bread, hot applesauce Wednesday: A) Salisbury steak, mashed pot/gravy, glazed carrots, dinner roll, peach cobbler B) Liver & onions Thursday: Pizza burger w/ bun, seasoned pot. wedges, peas, apricots Friday: Cheese omelette, turkey sausage, hash brown pot, blueberry muffin, fruit juice

Feb. 29 Monday: BBQ chix breast, wheat bun, cheesy potatoes, acapri blend veg., mandarin oranges

Serving at Whiteside County Senior Center February 1-5 Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad and dessert. Tuesday: Barbeque pork ribs potato, vegetable, salad and dessert. Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, salad and dessert. Thursday: Talapia or Chicken breast, mashed potatoes, salad and dessert. Friday: Chicken tacos, refried beans, rice, salad and dessert.

February 8-12 Monday: Swiss steak, potato, vegetable, salad and dessert. Tuesday: Jambalaya with sausage, salad and dessert. Wednesday: Pork Roast, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad and dessert. Thursday: Cheeseburger, chili, chips, salad and dessert. Friday: Oven Fried Chicken, potatoes, vegetable, salad and dessert.

February 15-19 Monday: Site Closed for Presidents Day.. Tuesday: Open face turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, salad and dessert.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, salad and dessert. Thursday: Chicken and noodles, vegetable, salad and dessert. Friday: Beer Battered cod, potato, vegetable, salad and dessert.

February 22-26 Monday: Chicken parmesan with spaghetti, garlic bread, vegetable, salad and dessert. Tuesday: Baked barbeque chicken, roasted potatoes, vegetable, salad and dessert.

Wednesday: Pork chops, potato, vegetable, salad and dessert. Thursday: Ravioli, green beans, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Friday: Liver & onions, potato, vegetable, salad and dessert.

February 29 Monday: Beef tips and noodles, vegetable, salad and dessert.

Serving at Golden Meals in Whiteside County Feb. 1-5 Monday: Open face turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk Tuesday: Hamburger, mac and cheese, green beans, fruit, bun and milk Wednesday: Spaghetti, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine, and milk Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit, bread, margarine, and milk Friday: Hot dog, baked beans, potato salad, fruit, bun and milk

Feb. 8-12 Monday: BBQ chicken, cheesy potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine and milk.

Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk. Wednesday: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine and milk.

Thursday: Bratwurst w/kraut, bun, mashed potatoes, baked beans, milk. Friday: Beef stew, biscuit, applesauce, milk, bread, margarine and milk.

Feb. 15-19 Monday: SITE CLOSED Tuesday: Baked turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, bread, margarine and milk. Wednesday: Meatloaf, ranch potatoes, corn, fruit, bread, margarine and milk. Thursday: Ham & scalloped potatoes, green beans, fruit, Jell-O, bread, margarine and milk. Friday: Tuna salad, potato salad, baked beans, fruit, bun, and milk.

Feb. 22-26 Monday: Beef taco, Spanish rice, refride beans, fruit Tuesday: Sausage gravy over biscuit, hash browns, peas, fruit Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, carrots, peaches Thursday: Easy chicken casserole, potatoes, corn, fruit Friday: Brat, baked beans, potato salad, fruit.

Feb. 29 Monday: Open face turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk.

Robert Fulton Community Center February 3 Sponsored by Prairie Hills Assisted Living February 5 Creamed Turkey on a biscuit, salad and dessert

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February 10 Sponsored by Bickford February 17 BBQ Pork on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit salad and dessert

February 19 Scalloped potato and ham, veggie, roll and dessert February 24 Sponsored by Harbor Crest and Windsor Manor

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February 26 Vegetable Beef Soup, Crackers, Deli Sandwich and dessert

February 2016 • Page 13

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 (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program)

Seniors or individuals with a disability ..................................................... $1 one way (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 5:30 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

February 2016 • Page 14

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Upcoming Special Events New Event - Karoke at WCSC

Mini Spelling Bee at PHCC / LCCOA

Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 16 – 2:00 pm - free

Show off your spelling talents at our mini Spelling Bee. It’s a fun and brainhealthy activity, and it’s FREE! Come on in and show off your knowledge, meet some new friends and have some fun! All ages welcome! DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS BUZZ!!

I-pad class at PHCC / LCCOA

This is a great musical time and anyone can sing with us. Plenty of room.

Come for lunch first if you want from 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.

National Wear Red Day at WCSC Friday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m.

The person who wears the most red in their outfit will win a free lunch.

Two people will win. Lunch does not have to be eaten this day.

Euchre Tournament at WCSC

Tuesday, February 16 – 3:00 pm - free

Do you own an i-pad and are struggling with it? Come to this free class and learn the basics on how to use your I-Pad with ease. Volunteer teacher Jill Horn will be at teaching the class. Class size is limited to 15 people, call the Post House Community Center at 815-288-9236 to reserve your spot for this free 1 hour class. Please bring your I-Pad.

Sunday, February 7 at 1:00 p.m.

Sign-in is 12:30 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.

Mardis Gras Party (Fat Tuesday) at WCSC Tuesday, February 9

Come and celebrate Mardi Gras. Beads will be given away, and a new game will be played and prizes won.

Rules of the Road at PHCC / LCCOA Wednesday, February 17 – 9:30-11:30 am – Free

This class is a refresher course to help a person prepare to take their driving test. Call the Post House Community Center at 815-288-9236 to register.

Presentation about the Heart at WCSC Wednesday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m.

Tracy Aude, a cardio nurse practioner to Dr. Kurian will be presenting on risk factors for heart disease and how hypertension affects it. Giveaways.

Valentine’s Day Party at WCSC

Euchre Tournament at PHCC / LCCOA

Sunday, February 21 – 12:30 pm sign in, 1:00 pm start

$5.00 entry, 25¢ a set – 100% payback

Understanding Social Security Changes in 2016 at PHCC / LCCOA Monday, February 22 – 5:00 pm

Jeanine Pitman from Thrivent Financial will help you understand the upcoming Social Security changes in 2016. Light snacks will be served.

Please RSVP by calling the PHCC at 815-288-9236

Accessories Exchange At PHCC / LCCOA Sunday, February 28 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

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 ($5.00).

Open to the public (free).

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Friday, February 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Voting all week for the King and Queen of Valentine’s Day. King and Queen will be crowned at 11:00 a.m. Valentine candy will be given away.

Price is Right Game at WCSC Wednesday, February 17 at 10:45 a.m.

Guess the price of an item and win that item! Stay for lunch then of meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, drink and dessert for $5.

Medicare Information class at the WCSC Friday, February 19 at 1:30 p.m.

The basic information that we provide will help you make a more informed decision when it comes to their options with Medicare. Our Outreach Department staff are trained Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) volunteer counselors. SHIP is a free counseling service provided by the Illinois Department of Aging. Please call to sign up in advanced!

George Washington’s Birthday at WCSC Monday, February 22 at 11:00 a.m.

Play a game about George Washington and maybe win a prize. Stay for a great lunch of baked barbeque chicken, roasted potatoes, vegetable and dessert.

I-Pad Class at WCSC

Wednesday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m.

Rita Horn will be teaching on how to use your ipad or ipod. Please call to register. Limited amount of seating. Bring your ipad.

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February 2016 • Page 15

IF YOU’RE 50+ Sterling Federal’s Four Seasons Club is for you.

Have fun, enjoy friends on Four Seasons daytrips and tours.

Join us for monthly card parties and special Four Seasons events.

Only Sterling Federal’s Four Seasons Club offers…

• Travel Points Program. Members earn valuable points redeemable for free travel.

• Free Trips to selected members on each trip.

• Special Opportunities and benefits you deserve from your bank.

Thursday, January 28 Fireside Dinner Theatre

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 5-10 Arizona Adventure (including 3 Cubs Spring Training Games)

March 13-19 Wednesday, March 23 Shear Madness Circa ‘21 Theatre, Rock Island, IL

California Coast: Hearst Castle, Big Sur & More!

“Put yourself in the Four Seasons Picture!”

C’mon, join the club today!

There’s no membership fee.You simply need to be age 50+ & have total deposits of $20,000 or more with Sterling Federal Bank.

For details, call one of our Club Directors: Pam Stange in Sterling 815-622-3362, Julie Brady in Dixon 815-288-3327, or Lynn Todtz in Clinton 563-242-9111 February 2016 • Page 16

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