SVM-SS2_02242014

Golden Echo A publication of Sauk Valley Media in cooperation with Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center – United Way agencies 6OLUME s

March 2014

s %DITION

INSIDE ITAC presentation and testing .......................... 3

Thank Yous........................................................ 10

Transportation Schedules ................................ 13

Assistance Sites .................................................... 6

Weekly, Monthly Activities .............................. 11

Upcoming Trips................................................. 14

Post House Ballroom .......................................... 7

Meal Sites ........................................................... 12

Upcoming Special Events ................................. 15

From the LCCOA Executive Director

the Senior Center are offered free, but year after year our funding levels are being cut. For this reason, we have to rely more and more on events such as this to help us continue to offer such a wide variety of programming. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and, in return, we promise some great chili or soup along with beverage and dessert. If it is not pos-

sible to attend, perhaps you would see your way to pay for tickets for someone who may not be able to afford it. We’ll be serving in the beautiful Post House Ballroom from 4:30 to 6 p.m. I hope to see you. (Personal note: March 12 is also my mother’s 90th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mom!) We’ve lined up another great lineup of programs for you in March. Bingo is on the schedule four times this month, and how about this great lineup of informational programs? A heart disease program on the 5th, sponsored by Unity Hospice; a Red Cross program on the Vial of Life (You don’t know what that is?

Come to the program.)

and Disaster Preparedness on the 6th; Diabetes Management presented

by VCP Home Healthcare on the 11th, and another great program on Cooking for 1 or 2 presented

by Natalie from the U of I Extension Service on the 25th. (If you missed Natalie’s program on soups in early February, you missed out on some great samples. I’m sure she’ll have more for us in March.)

How are your technology skills holding up?

Did you receive a tablet, smartphone or other mobile device for Christmas and still are not sure what to do with it? Or do you just want to brush up a little or reach out to friends via Facebook? If

so, two March programs will be of interest to you.

First, on March 10 we present an open session where you can come with your device(s) and your questions and have them answered by Justin Wiggins of Wiggins Computing. Then, on March 25, Justin returns to present a program on Facebook – helping you get started on this great platform for reaching out to friends and relatives. Both programs will run from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Enrollment for the Facebook class will be limited, so be sure to call us and make a reservation to attend.

Again, I hope to see you at the chili supper.

Until then, think spring!

Geoff

at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in Sterling High School’s Centennial Auditorium.

We are excited to have Allen Edwards back in Sterling again this year, per the request of last year’s audience. Allen is very excited to make a return trip to Sterling, as he really enjoyed the crowd’s involvement and reaction to his performance last year.

We are doing some things different this

year, as the senior center staff and volunteers are handling the promotions and ticketing for this year’s show. The Branson, Mo., promoter has moved on to other endeavors. If you were a ticketholder or sponsor for last year’s concert, you should receive a letter and invoice asking if you want to renew your commitment for tickets or a sponsorship. If so, just send us the invoice and your check and we will get your tickets to you. We will be contacting the sponsors who are electing to continue their sponsorship to work out the details and make arrangements to get your ad copy. We are sending a letter to all current members and donors

asking them to consider purchasing tickets or a sponsorship for the concert. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, and we will be glad to answer your questions.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend last year’s concert and would like to purchase tickets or be a sponsor, give us a call at 815-622-9230 or 888-622-9230 and we will be glad to get you set up with tickets or a sponsorship. We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience as we are learning new things about concert promoting and ticketing on a daily basis. We will have newspaper ads and radio spots coming out in March, so look for them, as they also will have

these phone numbers.

We have a variety of activities and programs coming in March, so please make sure to look through the Echo and find something that peaks your interest and come by and visit us!

Tax time is upon us, and the AARP volunteers are at WCSC from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday to do your taxes. Please call 815622-9230 to book your appointment, which is required. The AARP volunteers put in a lot of hours, not only at the Senior Center but also at other sites in and around Whiteside County.

Check the paper for a list of additional sites.

By Geoff Vanderlin

H

appy spring, everyone?

I sure hope so.

After a couple months of talking about how cold it’s been, the past several days have been like a breath of fresh air. And from here on out, while we still may experience a few more days of ugly winter weather, the trend will be generally warmer.

I think we made it.

While I’m talking about the weather, have you ever noticed the difference between a 40-degree

day in March and one in September? Same temperature, but while the September day seems bone-chilling, the March day feels positively balmy. Must be one of Mother Nature’s jokes.

Warm or cold, please mark your calendar and join us for our annual Chili and Soup supper March 12. This yearly gathering is always fun and one of our major fundraisers of the year.

You know that most of our programs here at

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Doug Vandersee

W

here did January and February go? The cold weather has kept us inside, so it will be great to have some warmer weather along with some days of sunshine in March.

The longer days have been wonderful, as it is nice to go out to my car in daylight and be able to go home and have some time to get a few things done outside before it gets dark.

The board and staff of Whiteside County Senior

Center are busy looking ahead to May as we make plans to celebrate the senior center’s 30th anniversary! We have been exploring some options for celebrating 30 years of providing senior services, programs, trips, educational activities, transportation, and great social activities. We will keep everyone informed, but I wanted you to “mark your calendar,” as we will be hosting the WCSC’s Annual Fundraising Concert featuring Allen Edwards – “The Singer”

DOUG CONTINUED ON 6

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 on 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.

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Golden Echo

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ITAC testing and presentation slated for March 24 The public is invited to join Lee County Council on Aging for a presentation on the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation Program.

The presentation will be at 10 a.m. on March 24 at Countryside Manor, 625 Countryside Lane, Dixon. LCCOA Outreach staff, Ruth and Samantha, will be explaining ITAC’s free amplified phone program and holding a testing event immediately following.

What is ITAC? ITAC is a not for profit agency that helps people who are having trouble hearing on their phone so they can get communicating again. If you have trouble hearing on your current land-line phone then come and learn how we can help. Light snacks will be provided by the Dixon Senior Center.

These phones are free of

charge due to a tax that you are already paying, so come in and learn more!

If you are interested in applying for a phone, please bring a copy of your full phone bill and ID/license with you. Testing takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per person and will be taken on a first come first serve basis. Please feel free to call us at 815-288-9236 if you have any questions.

Clicks from the CRC

T

he Basic Computing class will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11 and 12.

Class size will be held at six people to enable improved individual assistance. The class will cover the very basics such as keyboarding, mouse use, powering on and off and more as time permits.

On Thursday, March 13, we will be showing a presentation on the new Windows 8 operating system. If you are considering purchase of a new computer, this

overview will give you the essentials of what to expect. If you already have a laptop with Win 8 installed, you are encouraged to bring it along.

Something very new with the CRC is a Personal Assistance Program.

Most computer classes tend to be general in nature and feed you information that does not always meet your individual needs. Now, the CRC is offering you the opportunity to meet with a technician who will help you learn the things that YOU want to

learn. Appointments are required with a suggested donation per hour.

We continue to offer a set-up service by appointment only for newer computers in which we will help you set up a Microsoft e-mail account, install programs and streamline your computer. You get all this and more for just a small donation to the Senior Center.

I hope that all of you take advantage of the exciting trips offered or of the many fun activities here at the center.

Terry

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Just enjoy your own privacy.

Call me for more information.

DIXON

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Lee County Council on Aging Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Funeral and Burial Prearrangement and Prefinancing Available 204 S. Ottowa Ave 288-2241

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday

815-288-9236 or 855-407-9236 815-288-2117 or 888-239-9228 815-288-0892

General information Transportation Outreach

email: lccoa@comcast.net

www.posthouseballroom.com

email: whitesideseniors@comcast.net

Anne Barlow Evelyn Eisenberg Laurie Krager Helen Kay Miller Donna Newman

3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA

Doug Farster, Vice Chair Lisa Kennay, Secretary Diane Blaine Cindy Gabany Roberta Lemoine Jo Anne Mills Carol Rick

815-622-9230 or 888-622-9230 815-625-7433 or 855-625-7433 815-626-7707 www.whitesidecsc.org

WCSC Board Members and Officers

LCCOA Board Executive Committee and Officers Dr. Thomas Lawless, Chair Joe Rudolphi, Treasurer

www.thejonesfh.com

Whiteside County Senior Center

General information\outreach Lee-Ogle County Transportation System Post House Ballroom www.lccoa.com

AMBOY

303 E. Main St. 857-2611

Sheila Martinez, President Wilbur Mennecke, Treasurer

Mary Lou Burkardt Amy Gillespie Isaac Mercer Fred Nesbit

Janice Bell John Espinoza Michelle Miller

Robbin Blackert, Vice President Cynthia Weisel, Secretary Myra Chattic Syrus Kooshesh Kay Wallin

Bob Czuprynski Janet Mennecke Kelly Wilhelmi

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Golden Echo

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TRIAD DONATION

ITEMS TO NOTE 50/50 raffle and Georgia Nut sale The Lee County Council on Aging is holding a 50/50 raffle drawing to benefit Lee County Senior Services.

Tickets are $1 a ticket or $5 for six tickets.

You may buy tickets from any staff or board member of LCCOA or stop in at the center at 100 W.Second St in Dixon.

The winner will be drawn Wednesday, March 12, at our Annual Chili Supper.

You do not need to be present to win.

Support Lee County Council on Aging and, who knows, you may walk away with a chunk of change!

We also have one-pound containers of deluxe Georgia Nuts for sale for $12.

These make great gifts for family, friends or yourself.

Stop in today to get yours!

Computer personal assistance program Whiteside County Triad received a $2,000 check from Illinois American Water. Whiteside County Triad is a partnership of three organizations: law enforcement, older adults, and community groups. Whiteside County Triad is working on programs to make older adults feel safer in our county. Illinois American Water has donated $2000 to help in that effort. In the picture are members of the S.A.L.T. committee. Pictured are Larry Rice (left), Morrison Police Department, Whiteside County Triad President; Tina Shoffner, Whiteside County Senior Center; Gretchen Farwell, Prairie State Legal Services; Kelly Wilhelmi, Whiteside County Sheriff; Steven Barnet, Illinois American Water; Doug Fargher, Sterling Police Department; Doug Vandersee, Whiteside County Senior Center; Jennifer Snow, Northwestern Illinois Agency on Aging; Mary Cox, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois; and Emily Taylor, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.

Stop and shop The Emporium Thrift Center

H

ello, as of Feb. 1, The Emporium Thrift Center marked their eighth year of being in business, We are excited to be able to offer merchandise to the community at a very reasonable cost.

We are able to continue the service because of the many terrific donations thru the years. Also the loyal support of the faithful and new customers each day.

When someone comes in for the first time, they

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are amazed by the layout of the store. They tell us all the good comments they have heard about the store. After shopping and checking out they will be back. That boosts us up so we keep on keeping on.

There is a phrase that’s catching on “Pay it Forward.” We feel like we are doing that, receiving good and doing well for the community.

It’s cool to be kind!

Random Acts of Kindness can be celebrated every

week of the year. We had a special act of kindness at the Emporium this past week. A customer gave our cashier $5 to pay for another customer in the store. She pointed out the lady and was on her way. It was a happy moment, as we told the lady of the $5, she shared with us that she was from Princeton, and came to Sterling each Friday to see her son, who lives at Exceptional Care. At the price of gas, I am sure that this was a small

blessing for her – and for us.

Reading thru one of the monthly “Home” magazines, I was intrigued that at this time of year, it gives us a lift to “Refresh” our homes. By adding a different Picture, a new vase, some colorful plates or new pillows your home will have some new sparkle.

It’s the way most of us evolve our homes, combing old, new and reclaimed to express a

Golden Echo

style uniquely our own.

We have a lot of the things you can use for a small makeover at your home for a small price.

You save those dollars and support The Emporium Thrift Center.

Stop and shop at The Emporium Thrift Center, 115 W. Third St. in Sterling. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, and closed Wednesday.

Janice Bell and Maxine Stern

If you would like personal one-on-one help, this program is for you.

Ask the questions you want and get them answered, and learn at your own pace. You may bring your personal laptop if you wish.

Technician time is very limited and is by appointment only!

A donation of $10 per hour is requested.

A non-refundable noshow deposit of $10 must be paid in advance.

Contact Whiteside County Senior Center at 815622-9230.

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LCCOA welcomes members We would like to thank the poeple who recently paid their Lee County Council on Aging membership dues: Billy Allen Bob Anderson Dennis Ayers Judith Barnard Michael Barney Patricia Barney Carol Beaston Bill Brierton Reva Brierton Lois Brown Janet Bushman Ron Bushman Viola Bushman Barbara J. Cargill Emma Carnaghi Allan J. Christison Barbara Coglianese W. Jane Cornelius Andrew W. Cox Ruth E. Cox JoAnne Dalke Dixon Township Jackie Drought Linda Dunphy Delores Dysart Douglas Dysart Karen Ely Richard J. Ely Mary Jane Fenwick

Darla Foulker Jan Freil Marla Freil Deborah Frueh Richard Frueh Phyllis Gates Walter Gehrt Celesta M. Gibbs Nancy Grygiel Chris Hammitt Nancy Hammitt Patricia Harney Elaine Hazelwood Robert Hazelwood Mary Heck Blanche Heilgeist Charlotte Henert Muriel J. Horton Shirley Huffman Richard Johannsen Penny Johns Carol Kirby James Kirby June Kremnitzer James Ligtenberg Lois Logan Shirley M. Long Elaine Lyons Matt McCulloch

Bette Metzen Henry Meusel Wanda Meusel Ruth Miles Carol Miller Eunice J. Miller Sue Mulkins Marybelle Novak Edmund O’Rourke Eileen O’Rourke Carol Ortgiesen Linda Patterson Rev. Dr. Leo Patterson Maureen Pawchuk Mykola Pawchuk Joseph Pettinger Mary Ann Pratt Betty Predmore Norma Jean Reed Kristi Reiss Mark Reiss Bob Roberson Kristy Roberson Orville Schaefer Don Schrock Susan Schrock Betty Schultz Robert Schultz Joann B. Sheridan

WCSC welcomes members

OUR THERAPY IS MILES AHEAD, NOT MILES AWAY

We would like to thank the poeple who recently paid their Whiteside County Senior Center membership dues: Wendy Allen Ann Baither Madonna Floyd Patricia Hemminger

(815) 379-2131 WALNUT

Mildred Lamkin Thelma Rivers Ann Ryan

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Golden Echo

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Lunch and Learn on streetscaping March 19

BY CATHY REGLIN Lee County Council on Aging

5PCOMING EVENTS

H

University of Illinois Extension will be talking about tasty weeds.

Should be interesting!

Here is a quick runComputer Resource down of some of the Center staff are offering upcoming events we will several computer classbe hosting in March. es this month, so sign Check on the Master up early; classes fill up Gardener Presentaquickly. Linda Whitmer tion at 11 a.m. March 3. of U of Illinois ExtenCarol Conner from the sion office will be doing

a cooking demonstration at 10:45 a.m. March 12. Looks like she is giving free samples, so make sure to attend! We are having a Chili and Sandwich Supper from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 25 to raise funds for the WCSC programs and activities area. Come by and enjoy some great

March 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes; Lee County Council on Aging Board meeting March 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Line dancing; The Stage Door March 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dixon Main Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lunch & Learn March 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes; The Stage Door March 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes March 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Line dancing; The Stage Door March 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes; The Stage Door March 31 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes forget to like us on Facebook so you can see our â&#x20AC;&#x153;happeningsâ&#x20AC;? and pictures of events.

chili and sandwiches, some great conversations, and support the WCSC! I am running out of space, so please check out the rest of the activities in the Echo and stop by to visit us at the senior center.

Until next month!

Doug

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CONTINUED FROM 2

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an information packet.

The receptionist then will schedule your appointment. No appointments will be taken over the phone until you have picked up your information packet. Appointments will be scheduled at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

What to Bring with you for tax preparation: Picture ID for you (and spouse if married, filing jointly) Social security cards for all members of the family Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax return (Federal and State) Checkbook if you want direct deposits of any refunds

ballroom@gmail.com, or call me at 815-288-0892, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll talk.

And, of course, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

posthouseballroom.shutterfly.com, for pictures of events held here, then email me at posthouse-

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In Sterling and Dixon, Tax-Aide volunteers will be providing free income tax return preparation services at these sites and days: Mondays through April 14; and Saturdays, Feb. 22 and March 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Whiteside County Senior Center, by appointment only, call 815-626-7707 Thursdays through April 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; YWCA in Sterling, by appointment only, call 815-625-0333 Mondays and Thursdays through April 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lee County Council on Aging/Dixon Senior Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; schedule an appointment by stopping in at 100 W. Second St. in Dixon, and picking up

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Golden Echo

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AARP tax aides will prepare returns for free

March 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Megan Matera baby shower March 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes March 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Line dancing;The Stage Door March 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes; The Stage Door March 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes March 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Line dancing; The Stage Door March 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chili and soup supper March 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Taxes; The Stage Door

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ereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoping March will be a mellow month (weather wise at least).

AARP reps are still preparing taxes in the Ballroom. On Wednesday, the 12th, the chili and soup supper will begin at 4:30 p.m. Get some good food!

Then on Wednesday, the 19th, Dixon Main Street will have their Lunch and Learn. The program will be on Dixon streetscaping, it is sponsored by NRG Media (WIXN and WCRV). The caterer is Salamandraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. You know the drill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; good food, good information, all for only If you need a beauti$3. And youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get out in an hour. These programs ful place to have a gettogether, look us up are always open to the on Facebook, at www. public.

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Aging and disabled resource, and ITAC selection centers L

ee County Council on Aging, Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility, and Whiteside County Senior Center are selection centers for the free amplified telephone program sponsored by the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation. You need to be certified as hard of hearing, be an Illinois resident, and have a landline telephone to qualify for this program. Please bring your phone bill with all the pages, proof of address (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, state ID, or a bill with your name and address on it) and we will help you with this program.

LCCOA, RFCC and WCSC have outreach caseworkers who provide Options counseling, Medicare counseling, information and assistance to anyone who is 60 or older and persons with disabilities. The caseworkers are Certified Information and Referral Specialists for Aging (CIRSA) and Senior Health Insurance Program volunteer counselors. They receive training on a variety of programs and network with several agencies in order to be informed of the options available to their clients.

WCSC also offers a monthly

Medicare Information class.

In order for our caseworkers to best assess your needs, ask what to bring when making your appointment or bring all of the following information: proof of all income for this year (Social Security benefits, pensions, interest, wages, any other income), Medicare card, Medicare Part D card, Medicaid card, value of all assets (bank accounts, CDs, any investments, investment property, business assets, cash value of life insurance, car, house, prepaid burial, burial plots, etc.), proof of income for 2013 (even if you do not file income taxes, we will need tax documents for Social Security benefits (SSA-1099), pension (1099-R), interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV), and wages (W-2, etc.), Social Security cards, and a list of current medications (including 30-day quantity and dosage).

You should call ahead for an appointment. Home visits can be provided to clients who are homebound. Caseworkers also travel to several locations each month in both Lee and Whiteside counties

(see below).

Some assistance programs may be seasonal, may have deadlines, time frames, or may require renewal.

This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reminder: File for the Benefits Access Program to get a $75 license plate discount if you missed it last year. Bring in your Senior Tax Assessment Freeze and your Senior Homestead Exemption to be completed. Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to call and ask questions.

Lee County #OUNCIL ON !GING Monday through Friday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

For an appointment, call 815-288-9236, or toll-free at 855-407-9236.

March 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10-11 a.m., Paw Paw Community Building March 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1-2 p.m., Ashton Library; 2:30-3:30 p.m., Franklin Grove Library

VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY KING AND QUEEN

March 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10-11 a.m., Amboy Community Center March 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10-11 a.m., Countryside Manor, Dixon

Whiteside County Senior Center Monday through Friday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling. For an appointment, call 815-626-7707, or tollfree at 888-622-9230.

March 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:15-11:15 a.m., Odell Public Library, Morrison March 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30-11:30 a.m., Prophet Manor, Prophetstown March 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:30 p.m., Medicare Information class at WCSC March 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9-10 a.m., Erie Public Library March 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:15-11:15 a.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, Fulton

Winners of the King and Queen for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day contest were Betty Veracini and Harold Packer.

People voted all week at Whiteside County Senior Center. Everyone who attended had a lot of fun.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SPRING PROM

Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Prom was a huge success, this years will be even better. Mark your calendar for April 5, and get your tickets now.

Notes from the kitchen

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arch is upon us. Spring is right around the corner. We all are looking forward to warm if not wet weather.

We here in the kitchen are planning our gardens and looking forward to planting flowers.

We are so blessed here in our kitchen and dining room.

We have a great extended family and some wonderful friends,

without whom our kitchen would not operate.

We continue to look forward to good weather and a great spring.

We as always thank God for those who so wonderfully support us, Sauk Valley Food Bank, Salvation Army, Kroger, and County Market. God Bless you all.

Come have lunch with us and say hi.

Thank you for your continued support.

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TELEGRAPH

815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222 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.

OPPORTUNITY

Golden Echo

3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA

FRIENDS, FUN AND FOOD AT LCCOA

ABOVE: Bingo is played four times a month at Lee County Council on Aging. Join us for some bingo fun!

LEFT: Emma Carnaghi and friends enjoy some delicious chili at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chili supper. Please join us March 12 to support Lee County Council on Aging.

Not changing your address can cause problems for you On many occasions we have clients come in with problems getting mail from Social Security, Medicare, and many other places that a simple change of address would prevent.

Anytime you move it is very important to submit a change of address to everyone it may concern. You must submit a change of address for your driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license/State ID card file and the vehicle registration file as they are separate databases, according to the Secretary of State.

3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA

State of Illinois law requires that you change your address with the Secretary of State within 10 days of moving.

Are you receiving the senior/disabled person licenses plate discount?

You will need to change your address with the Illinois Department on Aging as well as the Secretary of State.

Failure to report the change with these departments may prevent you from getting the discount on your license plate sticker.

Changing addresses with Social Security can prevent various problems with Social Security/ Medicare as well.

Do you have other insurance in addition to Medicare?

You need to report a change of address to your insurance(s).

We have had clients Medicare part D prescription plan cancel them for failing to change their address. Those clients then went without coverage the rest of the year until they could enroll

again during the Annual Enrollment period, Oct.15 through Dec. 7, which would not start coverage until Jan. 1 the following year.

It is important to always update your information with everyone right away to save yourself a lot of headaches and possibly your wallet. If you are not sure where to start contact the Whiteside County Senior Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aging and Disabled Resource Center 815-622-9230 or Lee County County Council on Aging 815-288-9236.

Golden Echo

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR HELP CARING FOR A PARENT OR LOVED ONE?

Sterling Pavilion IS HERE TO HELP

Our newly remodeled facility boasts state of the art rehabilitative services and private, one-bed suites.

Located at 105 E. 23rd Street, Sterling

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-ARCH s 0AGE

Thank you 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.

,EE #OUNTY #OUNCIL ON !GING Blamche Heilgeist Nancy Grygiel Eunice J. Miller Dixon Township Cindy Williams Shirley Huffman Ellen Mumford

SBM in Sterling Cecelia Fitzhugh Billie Osborne Linda Dunphy Sam and Betty Wells Jo Mills Diane Blaine

Shirley Williams Darla Foulker Barbara Higgs Charles Becker Sally Hudson Anchor Road Storage Ellen Clark

7HITESIDE #OUNTY 3ENIOR #ENTER David and Linda Bruce Kay Bryant Vince Guilisano Maureen Dorman

Louis and June Johnson Gerald Timmens Myra Sargent Sterling Gardens

Ada Friesen Velva Kurfiss

MEDICARE Q&A

Changes to Medicare as result of Affordable Care Act Dear Marci, What Medicare changes will occur in 2014 as a result of the Affordable Care Act? – Carlyle, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Dear Carlyle, This is a great question.

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health reform law, has made several changes that have benefited people with Medicare. These changes include the gradual closure of the Medicare Part D doughnut hole and the expansion of preventive services at little to no cost for people with Medicare.

-ARCH s 0AGE

If you have a Medicare Part D plan, also known as a Medicare prescription drug plan, the doughnut hole is the period of time during which the amount you pay for your prescription drugs suddenly increases.

The doughnut hole is also known as the coverage gap. You enter the doughnut hole in 2014 when your total drug costs (i.e. what you and your plan have paid for your prescription drugs) reaches $2,850. After both you and your plan have paid this amount towards your prescription drugs in 2014, you may

fall into the doughnut hole and may therefore, have to pay more for your drugs while you are in the doughnut hole.

Before the Affordable Care Act, people had to pay the entire cost of their prescription drugs while they were in the doughnut hole. However, the Affordable Care Act gradually phases out the doughnut hole. In 2014, you will only be responsible for paying 47.5% of the cost of brand-name drugs and 72% of the cost of generics drugs if you are in the doughnut hole.

By 2020, the doughnut hole will be completely

closed, meaning that people in the doughnut hole will not have to pay more than 25% of the cost of their covered brand-name and generic prescription drugs at any point during the year.

The Affordable Care Act has also allowed many people with Medicare to receive certain preventive services at little to no cost. Keep in mind, however, that you may need to follow certain guidelines to receive costfree preventive services.

For example, Medicare may cover a preventive screening in full only once every few years. In

Golden Echo

addition, note that additional fees may apply for services related to preventive care.

For example, Medicare covers a preventive Annual Wellness Visit for people with Medicare once a year. In general, you do not have to pay a deductible or coinsurance/copayment for the Annual Wellness Visit.

However, costs may apply if your doctor treats a new or existing problem during your Annual Wellness Visit.

Finally, please note that the introduction of the Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known

as Health Insurance Exchanges, do not affect people with Medicare.

If you have Medicare, you should not sign up for health insurance plans sold within the Marketplace. If you have questions about your Medicare benefits, contact 800-MEDICARE or go online and visit www. medicare.gov.

– Marci 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.

3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA

Weekly Activities and Meetings Lee County Council on Aging Mondays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, and open Wii games 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Computer lab 10:30 a.m. – Zumba class 11:30 a.m. – Lifescape lunch (reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 12:30 p.m. – Duplicate bridge

Tuesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, and open Wii games 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Computer lab 9 a.m. – Golden Kiwanis 10-11 a.m. – Line dancing 11:30 a.m. – Lifescape lunch (reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 1 p.m. – Pinochle

Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, and open Wii games 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Computer lab 11:30 a.m. – Lifescape lunch (reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 1 p.m. – Pinochle

Thursdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, and open Wii games 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Computer lab 10:30 a.m. – Zumba class 11:30 a.m. – Lifescape lunch (reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 1 p.m. – Crocheting and crafting 5:30 p.m. – Overeaters Anonymous

Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, and open Wii games 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Computer lab 11:30 a.m. – Lifescape lunch (reservations) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 12:30 p.m. – Duplicate bridge 1 p.m. – Pinochle

Whiteside County Senior Center Mondays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii machine, socializing, and computer lab 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Pinochle in the Big Room 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 machine, socializing, and computer lab 10 a.m.-noon – 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.

1:30 p.m. – Wii/Yoga and Zumba

Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii machine, socializing, and computer lab 10 a.m. – Farkle 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Pinochle in the Big Room 12:30 p.m. – Bridge

Thursdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii machine, socializing, and computer lab 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – “Hand and Foot” card game, similar to Canasta, but a lot shorter, $2

Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii machine, socializing, and computer lab 11 a.m. – Line dancing ( Except on March 28 which is at 10 a.m. at Rock Falls Rehab) 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 in the Big Room

Monthly Activities and Meetings Lee County Council on Aging March 4 10 a.m. – Line dancing class 1 p.m. – Heart Disease talk by Unity Hospice March 5 10 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Lee County Health Department 1 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by VCP Home Healthcare March 4 1:30 p.m. – Disaster Preparedness and Vial of Life by The American Red Cross

March 10 3 p.m. – Technology support with Justin Wiggins March 11 10 a.m. – Line dancing class Noon – How to Deal with Grief with Unity Hospice of Northern Illinois 12:30 p.m. – Diabetes Management presented by VCP Home Healthcare

March 13 10-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Oregon Living & Rehabilitation Noon – Quarterly birthday party

March 12 4:30-6 p.m. – Annual Chili Supper in the Post House Ballroom

March 18 10-11 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Polo Rehabilitation & Healthcare 10 a.m. – Line dancing class

March 14 9:30 a.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Green Acres Healthcare & Rehabilitation

1 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Dixon Healthcare March 19 10 a.m. – Laughter yoga, sponsored by Home Bound Healthcare March 21 1 p.m. – Basic sign language class, $2 for materials March 23 12:30 p.m. – Euchre tournament

March 25 10 a.m. – Line dancing class Noon – Cooking for 1 or 2 presented by University of Illinois Home Extension March 26 1 p.m. – Wii Bowling party March 27 3 p.m. – Learn to navigate Facebook with Justin Wiggins March 28 9:30 a.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Lee County Council on Aging

Whiteside County Senior Center March 5 11:25 a.m. – Celebrating March birthdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check, sponsored by Mercy Nursing 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, prizes sponsored

by Parkway Center, snacks sponsored

by WCSC

March 8 1 p.m. – Sauk Computer User Group will meet with a question and answer time. At 2 p.m. there will be a presentation by Lindsay Anderson of the WCSC Outreach Department and she will speak on how her department helps the senior community. Everyone is invited.

March 10 10-11 a.m. – Outreach caseworker at Odell Public Library, Morrison

March 11 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Outreach caseworker at Prophet Manor, Prophetstown

March 14 1 p.m. – Medicare Information Class, call 622-9230 to register

March 20 10-11 a.m. – Outreach caseworker at Robert Fulton Community Center, Fulton

March 12 11 a.m.-noon – Blood pressure check, sponsored by Gaffey Home Nursing 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, prizes sponsored

by Good Neighbor Care, Sterling, snacks sponsored by WCSC

March 19 9-10 a.m. – Outreach caseworker at Erie Public Library 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check, sponsored by Transitions Nursing & Rehab Center 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, prizes sponsored

by Transitions Nursing & Rehab Center, snacks sponsored by WCSC

March 26 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Sterling Pavilion 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, prizes sponsored by Vista Hospice, snacks sponsored by WCSC

March 13 5 p.m. – Alzheimer’s Support Group

March 28 12:30 p.m. – It’s Showtime! “The Butler.” Rated PG-13. Sponsored by Whiteside HomeCare.

Robert Fulton Community Center Come in anytime to play pool, cards, board games, 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 available.

March 3 8:30-10 a.m. – Community coffee with Whiteside HomeCare March 4 1 p.m. – Euchre

March 5 12:15 p.m. – Bingo 11 a.m.-noon – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Whiteside HomeCare March 7 11-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks

March 11 1 p.m. – Euchre 1-6 p.m. – Red Cross blood drive March 14 11-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks

March 18 1 p.m. – Euchre March 20 10:15-11:15 a.m. – Outreach caseworker here, call 888-622-9230 for an appointment

March 21 11-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks March 25 1 p.m. – Euchre 1-6 p.m. – Red Cross blood drive March 28 11-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks

Meals for March Serving at Lee County Council on Aging March 3-7 Monday: Shredded barbecue chicken on wheat bun, augratin potatoes, Capri blend vegetables and fresh orange.

Tuesday: A) Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, glazed baby carrots, bread and fruit cocktail; B) Ham sandwich and chicken noodle soup.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour meatballs, fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, Lima beans and diced pears. Thursday: Italian beef on hoagie bun, potato pancakes, winter blend vegetables and cinnamon applesauce. Friday: Fish sandwich on bun with tartar sauce, tator tots, green beans and sliced peaches.

March 10-14 Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, steamed peas, corn, garlic bread and fresh pear. Tuesday: Citrus baked ham, sweet potatoes, Capri blend vegetables, wheat bread and Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Beef and noodles, glazed baby carrots, steamed peas, roll and peach cobbler. Thursday: A) Tropical chicken salad on greens with croissant, apricots and pineapple juice; B) Chicken salad sandwich and tomato soup. Friday: Tuna noodle casserole, broccoli, wheat roll and baked peaches.

March 17-21 Monday: Breaded chicken Parmesan, pasta with marinara, steamed broccoli, roll and diced pears. Tuesday: Sausage gravy with biscuit, hash brown potatoes, fruit juice and baked peaches. Wednesday: Bratwurst with onions on bun, tator tots, Italian blend vegetables and chilled applesauce. Thursday: A) Beef stew, buttermilk biscuit, cauliflower and Mandarin oranges; B) Turkey sandwich and vegetable soup. Friday: Cheese omelette, turkey sausage, hash brown potatoes, blueberry muffin and Mandarin oranges.

March 24-28 Monday: Hamburger on bun, macaroni and cheese, seasoned green beans and diced pears. Tuesday: A) Bake chicken breast, mashed potatoes with gravy, four-way vegetables, wheat roll and fruit cocktail; B) Chicken salad sandwich and tomato soup. Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and carrots, wheat roll and sliced peaches. Thursday: Hot ham and cheese on wheat bun, tator tots, Scandinavian blend vegetables and chilled apricots. Friday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, steamed peas, waxed beans, garlic bread and chilled pineapple.

March 31 Monday: Creamy chicken with pasta, Italian vegetables, baked apples and wheat bread.

Serving at Whiteside County Senior Center March 3-7 Monday: Chicken and noodles, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Barbecue pulled pork, potato, vegetable and dessert. Wednesday: Fish, potato, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Friday: Tuna noodle casserole, salad and dessert.

March 10-14 Monday: Chicken breast, potato, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Hot dog or brat, salad and dessert. Wednesday: Beef and noodles, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert.

Friday: Potato soup, egg salad or ham salad sandwich, and dessert.

March 17-21 Monday: Cabage boil, potato, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Cook’s choice. Wednesday: Lasagna, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Thursday: Tacos, refried beans, rice and dessert.

Friday: Fish fillet, potato, vegetable and dessert.

March 24-28 Monday: Pork chop, potato, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Wednesday: Breaded chicken breast, potato, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, vegetable and dessert. Friday: Cook’s choice.

March 31 Monday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert.

Serving at Golden Meals in Rock Falls March 3-7 Monday: Herb baked chicken, parslied potatoes, mixed vegetables, vanilla pudding and bread. Tuesday: Polka dot macaroni and cheese, peas, spiced peaches and bread. Wednesday: Turkey Tetrazzini, carrots, mixed fruit and bread. Thursday: Roast pork with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce and roll. Friday: Bratwurst on bun, ranch potatoes, mixed vegetables and pears.

March 6-10 Monday: Barbecue chicken, ranch mashed potatoes, broccoli, Mandarin oranges and bread. Tuesday: Beef stew, cole slaw, rosy applesauce and biscuit.

Wednesday: Ham loaf, sweet potatoes, peas, pineapple and bread. Thursday: Easy chicken casserole, white and wild rice, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit and bread. Friday: Baked fish, tater tots, spinach, peaches and bread.

March 17-21 Monday: Corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots and applesauce.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, peas, pears and bread. Wednesday: Cheeseburger on bun, German potato salad, baked beans and tapioca pudding. Thursday: Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, mixed fruit and bread. Friday: Chili with meat and beans, carrots, apricots and corn bread.

March 24-28 Monday: Sloppy Joe on bun, parslied potatoes, vegetable blend, peaches and bread. Tuesday: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, beets, mixed fruit and bread. Wednesday: Goulash, green beans, pears and bread. Thursday: Barbecue ribettes, cheesy potatoes, mixed vegetables, applesauce and bread. Friday: Tater tot casserole, peas, mixed fruit and bread.

March 31 Monday: Herb baked chicken, parslied potatoes, mixed vegetables, vanilla pudding and bread.

Serving at Robert Fulton Community Center in Fulton Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m.

March 5 TBA lunch, sponsored by Alverno March 19 Lunch, sponsored by Eagle Point Nursing & Rehab lunch

-ARCH s 0AGE

March 7 Lunch by Elsie – Beef tips over noodles, vegetable, roll and dessert

March 12 Goulash, bread sticks, tossed salad and dessert

March 21 Baked ham and scalloped potatoes, vegetable and dessert

March 22 Lunch, sponsored by Harbor Crest – Chili, crackers, salad and dessert by Elsie

Golden Echo

March 14 Lunch by Elsie – Meat loaf, vegetable and dessert March 28 Lunch by Elsie – Baked chicken breast, augratin potatoes, vegetable and dessert

3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA

Transportation Lee-Ogle Transportation System

WCPT Spotlight

Fares: (within zip code) Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult)

$1 one way

People age 6 to 59 years

$2 one way

Seniors or individuals with a disability (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program)

$1 one way

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

John Bellini

888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117

Whiteside County Public Transportation

John Bellini was the February Employee of the Month.

John’s favorite part of his job is being part of an organization that makes a difference for so many people.

He enjoys knowing he is getting people where they need to go.

Fares: (within county) Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult)

50 cents one way

People age 6 to 59 years

$2 one way

Seniors or individuals with a disability (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program)

Donation suggested

Out-of-county trips can be arranged, subject to availability

25 cents per mile

Contact WCPT or LOTS today to help you get where you need to go.

Find WCPT and LOTS on Facebook.

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

855-625-7433 or 815-625-7433

O

Lee-Ogle Transportation System updates

nce again, the groundhog saw his shadow, leaving us with 6 more weeks of winter weather!

This has been a very long winter, I am sure you can agree, and we want to thank all of the staff in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties for continuing to provide exceptional transportation services to our residents, even at negative weather temperatures at 6 in the morning to 6 at night. We also want to thank all of our passengers for understanding the few days we were forced to limit transportation services. For Public Transportation Administration, it becomes a very difficult decision to

close, knowing that businesses may remain open, medical appointments have to be rescheduled, and many of you still need access to work. Of course, the decision to limit service is always based on the safety of our passengers and drivers, which has been and always will be our priority. Thank you for your understanding!

As mentioned, safety is a top concern for public transportation systems. This time of year, many of our political representatives in the State of Illinois propose bills to be discussed by our elected leaders and potentially enacted into law. Recently, the Legislative Update

Report that is prepared for the Illinois Public Transportation Association, which both LOTS and WCPT are active members, have created some very interesting discussions.

Bill HB 4233 (Costello-D) Firearm Concealed Carry which has been referred to the House Rules Committee on Jan. 17, 2013, states, “Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Deletes provision that prohibits a licensee from carrying a firearm on a bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, and any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public transportation facility paid for in

whole or in part with public funds. Effective immediately.”

The Illinois Public Transportation Association, including Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside county (rural) did support the original bill stating Concealed Carry should be exempt from Public Transportation Services and still support the exemption. However, some of our larger systems in Metropolitan areas across the State are taking a stance that they encourage drivers to have this ability to conceal and carry.

To our passengers, what are your thoughts? Your opinion matter’s to us!

Stay warm!

Upcoming trips Dubuque Jo Casino in Dubuque, Iowa

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Friday, March 14 Leave Dixon Shopko at 8 a.m.

Leave at Sterling Kmart at 8:30 a.m.

Drop off at Sterling Kmart first Cost – $20 members; $25 nonmembers

Thursday, Aug. 7 Leave Rock Falls Community Center at 9 a.m.

Leave Dixon Walmart at 9:30 a.m.

Cost – $67 members; $72 nonmembers Cost includes roundtrip transportation on a chartered bus, meal and show.

Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious tale of overachiever’s angst chronicling the experiences of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Lunch selection must be made at time of payment. Meal choices are Roast Pork or Chicken Breast Marsala.

Cost includes transportation and free buffet lunch. Also get 7X extra points today.

“The Wizard of Oz” at the Cadillac Palace in Chicago Wednesday, May 7 Leave Rock Falls Community Center at 9 a.m.

Leave Dixon Walmart at 9:30 a.m.

Cost – $95 members; $100 nonmembers (lodge seats) $65 members; $70 nonmembers (balcony seats)

Alaska Anyone?

Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, “The Wizard of Oz” contains all the beloved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.

Cost includes transportation on a chartered bus and ticket into show. Lunch will be on your own at Cracker Barrel prior to show.

Thursday through Friday, Aug. 29-Sept. 5 Cost – $2,800 per person with a $600 deposit due March 15 (based on double occupancy) Final payment is due by June 1 Friday, Aug. 29 we will board the Celebrity Solstice for a 7-night cruise.

We depart from Seattle and visit Ketchican, Juneau, Skadway and Victoria, B.C. We will travel through the inside passage and visit the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Please call 815-622-9230 and ask for Glenda.

Cubs Baseball Trip Friday, Sept. 5 Cost – $50 members; $55 nonmembers Paid seats go first.

Leave Sterling Kmart at 8:15 a.m.

Leave Dixon Shopko at 8:45 a.m.

Senior Follies in Rockford Wednesday, June 11 Leave Rock Falls Community Center at 10:15 a.m.

Return approximately 5:45 p.m.

Leave Dixon Walmart at 10:45 a.m.

Return approximately 5:15 p.m.

Cost – $55 members; $65 nonmembers

Come join us for a fun day at the ballpark! Cost includes motorcoach ride and ticket. Seats are terrace reserved infield third base side.

Cost includes roundtrip transportation on a chartered bus, meal and show.

Travel with the Dixon Senior Center as we head to Rockford to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Hoffman House before the Senior Follies show. The Senior Follies show features outstanding talents and skills of this performance troupe.

This wonderful show is one that you can enjoy with family and friends.

-ARCH s 0AGE

Golden Echo

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

3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA

Upcoming special events Tea and Tisine presentation at WCSC 11 a.m. Monday, March 3 Join master gardener Carol Conner from the University of Illinois Extension talking about tasty weeds. She will talk about the healing benefits and helpful properties of herbel teas. Samples will be available after the presentation.

Heart Disease presentation by Unity Hospice at LCCOA 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 Learn about heart disease symptoms, risk factors and prevention, as well as information on heart attack, heart failure, and heart health.

Mardi Gras Party at WCSC 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4 Come and collect some beads. Learn some facts about New Orleans and the history of Mardi Gras. Come taste some traditional recipes at lunch.

Disaster Preparedness and Vial of Life at LCCOA 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6 The American Red Cross Vial of Life is designed to speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself.

The vial contains important medical information that can assist emergency personnel in administering the proper medical treatment. The American Red Cross will also discuss how you can prepare in case of an tornado.

Project: Tech presentation at WCSC 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 7 Nathan Fellows will be talking about Project: Tech, an initiative to help those who are under utilizing technology.

Technology support at LCCOA 3-4:30 p.m. Monday, March 10 Free Justin Wiggins from Wiggins computing will be at the center to help those who are underutilizing technology.

Diabetes Management at LCCOA 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 Come join VCP Home Health Care for a question and answer session on diabetes. You will learn how to manage and monitor your diabetes, also how to make wise food choices. Sugar free snacks will be provided.

Basic Computing for Beginners at WCSC 12:30-3:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 11-12 Cost – $15 This two-day hands-on class covers turning on the computer, the basics of keyboarding, mouse use and turning off the computer plus more as time permits. It is especially designed for the person who knows absolutely nothing about a computer but would like to learn. Class is limited to six people. No refunds or future class substitutions if you are unable to attend.

Cooking Demonstration at WCSC 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 5 Cooking with herbs by Nutrition Educator Natalie Rodakowski, and a food demonstration on nutrition by Linda Whitmer from the University of Illinois Extension office. Samples will be given.

Quarterly Birthday Party at LCCOA Noon Thursday, March 13 Join us for a birthday party celebrating those birthdays in January, February and March.

Everyone is invited to celebrate with us. Those who celebrated a birthday in January, February and March will receive a special gift. Call 815-288-9236 to reserve your piece of cake. Birthday Party is sponsored by Liberty Court and Lee County Council on Aging.

Windows 8 Overview at WCSC 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13 This brand new class is designed to give potential and recent purchase computer buyers an overview of this brand new and somewhat confusing operating system. A slide show will be followed by a live computer demonstration which allows for plenty of questions and answer discussion. A $5 donation is requested. You are encouraged to bring your Win 8 laptop. Tables are available for 5 laptops. Class size is limited to 10 people. No refunds or future class substitutions if you are unable to attend.

Alzheimer’s 101 presentation at WCSC 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 13 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This program explores common causes of memory loss, including Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, the stages and symptoms of Alzheimer’s , the importance of a good medical examination, current research and treatments. Please call 800.272.3900 to register for the class. There is a $5 per person material charge. Rock River Branch Alzheimer’s Association - serving Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties.

Bath Safety presentation at WCSC 11 a.m. Friday, March 14 Join us as we share how seniors can bathe safely in their own home with some simple safety awareness and the help of assistive equipment.

Medicare information class at WCSC 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 14 Free The basic information that we provide will help our community members who are new to Medicare and those who want more information, 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 Insurance. Please call 815-622-9230 to register for this class.

Laughter Yoga at LCCOA 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19 Laughter Yoga is a gentle, feel-good event for all ages and abilities. It combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. We begin with gentle stretching, chanting, clapping and body movement. Next comes the breathing exercise, to prepare the lungs for laughter. This is followed by a series of “laughter exercises” that include fun, playful games.

Life Line Screening at WCSC Wednesday, March 19 Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to blocked arteries and a bone density screening. Register for a Wellness Package which includes four vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

Scrapbooking class at WCSC 1 p.m. Thursday, March 20 Cost – $5 for materials Beginners and Advanced Scrapbooking class. Bring scissors, doublesided tape or glue stick, and 4 to 6 pictures that we will use. Double sided tape and cutter will have for sale that day or we can order for next class. To register, call 815-622-9230.

Basic Sign Language at LCCOA 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 21 Cost – $2 Learn a fun new way to communicate with Basic Sign Language. The basic signs will include the alphabet, numbers, family, health, requests (please, thank you), feelings and more. Sign up is required.

Wellness Event at WCSC 11 a.m. Friday, March 21 VCP will be doing blood pressures, blood sugars and oxygen levels.

Euchre Tournament at LCCOA 12:30 p.m. sign in; 1 p.m. start Sunday, March 23 Cost – $5 entry, 25 cents a set with 100 percent payback ITAC presentation at Countryside Manor in Dixon 10 a.m. Monday, March 24 Join us for a presentation on the ITAC program. Light snacks will be provided. This event is sponsored by Lee County Council on Aging. For more information, call Ruth at 815-288-9236.

Cooking for 1 or 2 at LCCOA Noon Tuesday, March 25 This class will teach you shopping techniques when shopping for one or two people, how to store food properly, how to cut down recipes, freezing techniques for leftovers and more.

Chili and Sandwich Supper at WCSC 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 Cost – $7 adults; $4 children; Under 5 free Proceeds benefit senior programs and activities! Enjoy a bowl of chili, sandwich, and dessert.

Tickets available at Whiteside County Senior Center.

Wii Bowling Party at LCCOA 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 Fun and fellowship while playing Wii Bowling. All ages are welcome. Call LCCOA to reserve a spot.

Foot Clinic at WCSC 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 Foot care will be available for all senior citizens over age 60. For appointments call Whiteside County Health Department at 815-772-4213. A doctor’s order is required for all clients receiving foot care.

Facebook class at LCCOA 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27 Free Do you want to know more about facebook? Then this is the class for you. This informative class will get you headed in the right way to stay connected. Sign up is required.

It’s Showtime! at WCSC 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 28 Cost – $5 for lunch “The Butler.” Rate PG-13. This film tells the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. Starring; Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack and Jane Fonda. Sponsored by Whiteside Homecare.

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