SVM-SS2_03282016

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

April 2016

SPRING PROM 2016 at the Post House Ballroom

100 W. Second St., Dixon | Saturday, April 16 | 6:00 p.m. - Midnight HELP DECIDE THE 2016 KING AND QUEEN!

Vote 1 of 2 ways. Anyone may cast their vote at the Post House Community Center prior to the event. Those attending can vote again., You may cast a vote by placing a monetary contribution in the candidate’s ballot box. All funds collected will go to support Lee County Council on Aging.

!

SMILE inting pr d n a s Picture ight for a that n e $5.00 fe

Candidates for Queen:

Candidates for King:

Joan Spotts • Melissa Joyce Betty Cover • Bobbie Jo Jones Rosie Donoho • Dorothy Bellows

Bill Mills Howard Morey Jim Pitchford

Ages 21 to 212 $10 in advance at the Post House Community Center • $12 at the door

* Cost includes entertainment and snacks

Come dance the night away with Super Red Hot DJ playing hits from all eras

Questions? Call 815-288-9236 for more information.

•

Edition 6

SAVE THE DATE!

Volume 8

INSIDE Thank Yous.......................................................... ?

In The Spotlight................................................... ?

Meal Sites ............................................................. ?

Assistance Sites .................................................... ?

Membership Dues Paid....................................... ?

Transportation Schedules .................................. ?

Post House Ballroom........................................... ?

Weekly, Monthly Activities ................................ ?

Upcoming Special Events ................................... ?

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OFFICE ROY SARGENT

SALES OFFICE INTERNET MGR. DAN FRED JOHN DANREITER HOFMANN WATTS

SALES DAN VEREIDE

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815-625-9600

1701 E. 4th St., Sterling

www.majeskimotors.com

From the LCCOA Executive Director

ther into this copy of the Golden Echo. Pick your favorite and then come in to the Post House Community Center to vote for your favorites.

Better yet, you can vote when you come to the Prom. Simply deposit the amount of money you wish to donate to your candidates and, when Prom night arrives, the woman and man with the highest

totals will be crowned Queen and King of the 2016 Prom. All monies raised help us with our programming and services here at the Center, so be generous.

April is also the month that we officially honor our volunteers. Each month we print a list of people or organizations that help us make LCCOA what it is. We wouldn’t be able to do all that we do without the help of the many many volunteers who help us out with programming, with planning, and more. I salute you all! If you would like to join us, please let us know. If you have a particular talent or beloved activity that you would like to share with

us and others, please contact us. Or maybe you’d like to volunteer to help with one of our fundraising functions, like our just held Chili Supper? Again, just let us know. There’s always room for YOU! And what a Chili supper it was! I believe it was among the best attended I’ve been to, and, maybe because it was such a beautiful night, people seemed in an especially good mood. Thanks to all of you who came out in support. Special Thanks, again, to all the volunteers who helped out. We had Board members, community volunteers, and even several members of the Dixon High School Key

Club here to help. Special recognition goes to Chili Chef extraordinaire, John Walker who puts in hours for us every year cooking not only the chili, but the fine foods you will enjoy later this year at our summer Luau. Thanks, John!

Before I close I want to remind everyone to remember to purchase your LCCOA 50/50 tickets. The big drawing will be held at Prom, and, no, you don’t have to be there to win (though we hope you will be!). Get them here at the Center or from any Board or staff member. Thanks.

Think Spring!

listed in this Golden Echo and pick out a couple and give them a try.

For example, have you always considered yourself a good speller, then mark your calendar for the Annual Senior Spelling Bee on April 7 at 1:00 pm at the WCSC! We greatly appreciate everyone who has ordered tickets or signed up to help sponsor “The Patty Waszak

Show” at the 2016 WCSC Annual Fundraising Concert on May 8 at 2:00 pm in SHS Centennial Auditorium. We greatly appreciate CGH Medical Center’s “Title Sponsorship” support for this event and we invite other businesses to show their support by signing up as a sponsor for this event! For more information, please call us at 815622-9230. We need everyone’s support to make this the largest fundraising concert ever!

We are making a big push for this concert and donations for annual support as we need the community’s financial assistance to keep our current

activities and programs running and to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Operating a non-profit charitable organization is always a challenge but we enjoy the challenge or we wouldn’t be here every day working for the people who need our assistance! We know we are making a difference in people’s lives as we hear lots of compliments and thank yous from those we have helped and they keep referring their family and friends to us for help with their life issues!

We are 9 months into our fiscal year and have received very little from the State of Illinois for our state grants. Some

Federal grant money has trickled in but the funds which are supposed to be passed on by the state to the various local agencies have also been delayed in Springfield. Keep sending letters, emails, or better yet, give your local representative and senator a call to see what they are doing to resolve this battle. It is very hard to plan for the future when you haven’t received what you were promised over nine months ago!

We do appreciate your generous gifts and will use them to continue providing programs and activities for the seniors in our area.

Until next month!

– Doug

By Geoff Vanderlin It’s April (or will be in a few short days)! What does that mean, other than watching out for a few pranksters on the first? First off it means we can look forward to more and more warm weather as the spring and then summer gather steam. Who’s ready?

But here at Lee County Council on Aging it means that Spring Prom season is here. Our fifth annual Spring Prom will be held this year on Saturday night, April 16. If

you’ve never been, you might be surprised to hear that this event is attended by people of all ages, from their 20s to whatever (a couple of years ago, a couple in their 90s were really cutting it up on the dance floor!). And we do it right, with a Grand March, a photo corner, food, a DJ playing hits from all eras and our own King and Queen.

You can find pictures for our three King and six Queen candidates fur-

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Doug Vandersee As April is National Volunteer month the Board of Directors, staff, and I want to say a special “Thank You” to all of our great volunteers who help us to reach out into Whiteside County with our programming. I counted over 150 people who have volunteered for us over the past year and we wouldn’t have made an impact in our communities without all of your great effort!

The WCSC staff is always looking for new

opportunities to get more of our older active adults out of their winter routines and out of their homes so they can enjoy themselves by spending time doing fun activities with those they enjoy. Learning new or relearning old activities is a great way to energize yourself as being around other energetic people can be contagious. Take your time and review all of the daily, weekly and monthly activities

– Geoff

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.

April 2016 • Page 2

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

AT THE POST HOUSE

Events for April

Ballroom Available for Prom Pictures April 23

BY CATHY REGLIN Lee County Council on Aging

April is prom season! And we’ll be having our Spring Prom on April 16th. Notice it is not called a “senior” prom because it’s not just for seniors, it is for anyone 21 and older – as I say, it’s not your high school prom. Although we will have the grand march, voting for King and Queen, and lots of dancing, we also have the bar open and our drawing for the 50/50 prize! You can buy tickets here at the Post House Community Center for both the prom and for the

50/50, or you can wait and buy at the door. Once you’re here, you’ll have the opportunity to buy 50/50 tickets.

Our wedding season also begins in April. Take a look at the Event Calendar at the below website and you will see all Saturdays beginning April 30 through October 29 are booked with the exception of July 23. Also, several Fridays and Sundays are booked for receptions, rehearsals, set-ups, takedowns, showers, etc.

Since we don’t have a booking on April 23, those students going to prom on that day may come in to

the Ballroom for pictures. We had a lot of you for pictures last year!

We are not taking times as we did last year, just come in when you want and join the fun!

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 815-2880892, and we’ll talk.

1 - United Way of Lee County Celebration Dinner 3 - Twin Boys Birthday Party 4 - 12 noon AARP Taxes 5 - 10 a.m. Line Dancing 7 - Noon AARP Taxes 7 - The Stage Door Dance Classes 9 - Cady Ray & Brandon Baerstchi Wedding Reception 11 - Noon AARP Taxes 12 - 10 a.m. Line Dancing 14 - Noon AARP Taxes 14 - The Stage Door Dance Classes 16 - Spring Prom 17 - Crafts 4 Kids with Special Needs 18 - LCCOA Board Meeting 19 - 10 a.m. Line Dancing 21 - The Stage Door Dance Classes 26 - 10 a.m. Line Dancing 28 - The Stage Door Dance Classes 30 - Michelle Almasy & Brian Barrett Wedding Reception

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).

WCSC EUCHRE A dozen or more people play Euchre every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon after lunch. It’s a fun quick game to play. Come and try it.

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 815-288-0892

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

LCCOA can also be reached via e-mail at lccoa@comcast.net Check us out on Facebook: Post House Community Center/ Lee County Council on Aging Sauk Valley Media

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

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

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

Golden Echo

April 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 am – 2 pm 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 exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities. If you want to see someone for Medicare counseling it is by appointment only.

If you to see someone at one of our sites in Morrison, Erie, Prophetstown, or Fulton it is also by appointment only. 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 please call 815-622-

9230 extension 194.

Updates

The Benefits Access Program has reported that they are taking 2014 income to file for the license plate discount until April 18th, 2016 and 2015 income will be accepted after April 18th, 2016 if you are a filing for the first time or renewing your application. The proof of income that the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) will accept for the application is the US 1040 (all pages) and/ or tax forms such as W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and SSA-1099 forms are sent out to you in the mail at the beginning of the year. We may also need your Social Security card, driver’s license or State ID, car registration, and possibly other information. IDOA has also reported that there is up to an 8 week processing time and that time frame does not starts from the date the application was submitted. It starts from the last time information

Recycling electronics 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.

requests are uploaded to the application. This is why it is important that you bring in all the information that the Whiteside County Senior Center caseworkers ask you to bring. Failure to do so will prolong your processing time. 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.

WCSC Medicare Choices Class The Whiteside County Senior Center’s next class on Medicare will be April 15th at 1:30 pm. This class is designed for those that are becoming new to Medicare and those who want to learn about the options available. Please call ahead of time and sign up 815-622-9230.

Lee County Council on Aging Outreach This month our LCCOA Outreach Department is back up and running with both Outreach workers. We thank you for your patience during the last 8 weeks while we were shorthanded.

We will continue to be focusing on the Benefit Access Application and Tax Assessment Freeze paperwork at this time, and of course we are still always available for any questions or assistance with any of the following programs: Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, ITAC (free phone program), LIHEAP, referrals, etc.

Reminder: Please remember to keep all your proof of income from 2015, including all 1099’s for social security, pensions and more. If you are filing taxes be

Jones F ner l Homes

Anne Barlow Cindy Gabany Jeff Kuhn Dr. Thomas Lawless

April 2016 • Page 4

55 AND OVER COMMUNITY RETIRE WITH NO WORRIES!

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Call me for more information.

AMBOY

204 S. Ottowa Ave 288-2241

www.thejonesfh.com

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

information to bring as well as answering questions you may have in advance that may help make the appointment run more smoothly.

Appointments help us to remain organized and keep us from becoming back logged which allows us to be more efficient when it comes to all of our clients. They also help you avoid, sometimes, lengthy wait times, or making unnecessary trips when we are both out of the office and not here to assist you.

To schedule an appointment with your caseworker, or receive answers to your questions, please call us at 1-815-288-9236. If you are new, or do not know who your caseworker is, please just ask for Outreach.

CARE OF STERLING Snow Previously known as Coventry

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

sure to keep this information with them, and if you are not filing, be sure to keep ALL paperwork that comes to you as if you were filing taxes, as most of the programs we assist with, we will need this information in “hard copy.”

Help Us Help You: Please remember that it is always best to call and schedule an appointment for any service we offer, including a sit down for questions and answers. Appointments are very beneficial and help both you and us.

With an appointment we are better able to assist you, we are able to be properly prepared for your visit, acquiring any information or handouts that we may need to give to you, and we are able to let you know what

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

LCCOA SPRING PROM

Volunteer appreciation

2016 Spring Prom Royal Court Vote to decide who will be crowned on April 16 Queen Nominations:

Dorothy Bellows

Betty Cover

Stop in at Lee County Council on Aging/Post House Community Center and vote for your King and Queen. Each nominated King and Queen has a voting box at the Post House Community Center. Votes are based on $ received. The nominee with the most votes wins and will be crowned at the Spring Prom on April 16, 2016. All money

Rosie Donoho

Bobbie Jo Jones

King Nominations:

Melissa Joyce

received will help support programs at LCCOA. Tickets to the Spring Prom at $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Super Red Hot DJ will be playing all the hits for your dancing pleasure.

Please call LCCOA at 815-288-9236 for more information.

We are also offering a Primping for Prom “Spa” Day for seniors who have

Joan Spotts

Howard Morey

purchased a Spring Prom ticket in advance. Come relax on April 16 in the Post House Ballroom from noon to 3 p.m. and be pampered. Hair stylist Kim Rogers is taking appointments to cut and

Bill Mills

Jim Pitchford

style hair, and paint your fingernails and apply make-up. You will need to make an appointment to take advantage of this wonderful experience.

Call 815-288-9236 to reserve your spot.

Happy April everyone, spring is here! This is the month we start our gardens, see the flowers start to bloom and make plans for the warmer weather. This month is also a Volunteer Appreciation Month. We depend on our volunteers to help assist in the kitchen, for commodities, and many other responsibilities at the Center. I know that our kitchen wouldn’t be functioning without their assistance. I personally want to thank Shirley, the wonderful woman who volunteers her time in making sure she bakes

those delicious deserts every day for everyone to enjoy. Shirley has volunteered her time in the kitchen for nearly 20 years.

She is one of a kind! Thank you Shirley! Thanks to all the volunteers everywhere who sacrifice their time to help others. Thank you for all your donations of coffee, kitchen products, etc.

Don’t forget that I will be taking pictures to put on our walls so smile big. If anyone has any black 8x10 picture frames they would like to donate, it will be much appreciated!

– The Head Cook, San Juana Escobar

Whiteside County Senior Center

SUNDAY MAY 8TH •

2:00PM

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

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$17/ea, 2$/$30, 3 or more/$12, 16 or more/$10, or Family Pass/$40

Located on Rt. 26 2 miles south of Polo Business: 815-946-3081 Home : 815-946-3080

Sauk Valley Media

Title Sponsor

For sponsorship opportunities contact Doug Vandersee, Executive Director, Whiteside County Senior Center 815-622-9230

1207 West 9th Street, Sterling Phone: 815-622-9230 Fax: 815-625-0155

Golden Echo

April 2016 • Page 5

Thank you to WCSC volunteers 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.

Sauk Valley Food Bank Krogers County Market Salvation Army

Sterling Pavilion Rock Falls Rehab CGH Home Nursing Gaffey Home Nursing Sauk Valley Senior Living and Rehab United Way Prophet Manor, Prophetstown Erie Pubic Library Odell Public Library, Morrison Robert Fulton Com-

WCSC welcomes new members

munity Center, Fulton Walmart Distribution Oregon Living and Rehab Center Regency Care of Sterling AARP Tax Preparers Bridget Wilkin Donna Ahlstrand Bill Schell Phyllis Lutyens Loren McCormick

Thank you to LCCOA volunteers 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.

Lee County Council on Aging Diana Owens Johnson Oil Company Janice Russell Linda Morrissey Joe & Ida Franklin Kim Rogers Sandy Wooden Oregon Living & Reha-

bilitation Lee County Health Department Jill Horn AARP Tax Preparers Judith Spangler Jenny Koch Linda Duffy Dennis Whitebread Jeff & Jeanne Kuhn Laurie Schryver Gladys Tastad Roberta LeMoine Jo Mills Nancy Grygiel Nell Nooney Sharon Appenheimer Charles & Virginia Elder Martha Johannsen

Marie Kurz Dick Holtam Dave & Shirley Celletti Sue Stach David & Sue Wilson T.J. McPherson Diane Blaine Marilyn Steder Becky Pepper Trevor Mixen Cece Stover Doug Farster Julie McGrail Linda Battisti Charles Turner Al & Linda Reece Dennis & Penny Bennett Dixon McDonalds Fred Nesbit

Affordable Housing Rehab/Ski killed Care Senior Housing with Services

We would like to thank the people who recently paid their WCSC membership dues: Karla Anderson Anne Atilano Delores Balder Marilyn Beck Peter and Betty Bell Thomas and Jane Brackemeyer Margo Brooks Bernadine Paul Patricia Ditch Vicki Beien and Warren Jones Della Brenner Thomas and Catherine Buckingham Allen & JJ Campbell Tammy Campos Peter Castro Ralph and Linda Charleston Seweryn Ciskowski Joyce Clevenger Rita Clifton Debra Davidson Phil Devers Karen and Ray Duncan Rachel Espinosa Linda Frank Elizabeth and Arlyn Gerdes Gloria Grant

Craig and Sally Gray Betty Greer Lorraine Hand Cheryl Hannan Ted and Jodi Hardt Robert Hewes Darrell and Nancy Holbrook Linda and Lee Hollingsworth Sue K Hondley Marie and Robert Jacobs Ronald Jacobs Gene and Cathy Jacoby Ronald Johnson Ken Johnson Johnson Oil Edward Kelley Marlene and Herman Lenaburg Marjorie Little Richard and Melissa Lombardo Maria Magana Marilyn Mathers George and Irene Mcduffy Clarise A McGinn Richard and Ethel Mennenga Beverly Mezo K Moore Susan Moore Glenda & Terry MacLennan

Mary Ann Nasluchacz and Bobby Patterson Mary Nelmes Robert and Vicki Neubauer David and Gladys Olinger Terry and Karen O’Malley Peter and Carmen Papoccia Marie Popkin Agnes Povilaitis Andrea and Ilia Quintana Ruth Ramirez John and Beverly Reed Richard and Susan Reed James Rumley Dnita Russell Marilyn Smallwood Sally and Terry Schueler Thomas Schuler Mike and Cecilia Spain Sharon Steinhagen Judith Stern Daniel and Geraldine Trieloff Teresa Zero John and Christy Vanderleest Janice and Jamie Valdez Susan Jones

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.

April 2016 • Page 6

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

LCCOA

LCCOA SPRING PROM

Bowling combines exercise and fun A good time can always be found at the Plum Hollow Bowling Lanes.

We always have room for more, so join us every Monday and Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

Below are the individual high scores for the month of February: Dennis Breene .. 212 .. 569 Norma Burmeister ............................ 177 .. 463 Chico Contreras ............................ 211 .. 535 Bob Dalziel ........ 220 .. 574 Charlotte Deirdorff ............................ 164 .. 438 Dan Dunphy ..... 278 .. 680 Chuck Elliot ....... 177 .. 482 Ron Erickson ..... 205 .. 601 Cliff Golden ....... 229 .. 596

Laurie Hoffman .. 176 .. 437 Rick Hoffman .... 214 .. 531 Dick Janssen...... 213 .. 564 Bob Joyce........... 246 .. 636 Darrell Kitsmiller ............................ 206 .. 548 Bruce Kleinmaier ............................ 203 .. 579 Pat Kleinmaier .. 176 .. 472 Jan Kuepker ....... 188 .. 499 Ken Masters ...... 223 .. 613 Ron Odenthal .... 222 .. 624 June Partington ............................ 190 .. 499 Larry Reed ......... 202 .. 558 Rich Senn .......... 222 .. 485 Therma Smith ... 156 .. 414 Dave Stewart ..... 180 .. 509 Jay Wolf.............. 193 .. 562

Primping for Prom Saturday, April 16 hairstylist Kim Rogers is cutting and styling hair for FREE to any senior who will be attending the 5th Annual Spring Prom

in the beautiful Post House Ballroom that night. Any senior may call 815-288-9236 to schedule your appointment. Appointments are available between

Barb Balk John Balk Norma J. Burmeister Ken Burnell Clifton Larson Allen LLP

Georgia Cover Paulette Davis Terry Davis Donna Dennison Ida Franklin Joe Franklin Diane Fuentes Leon Gibson

up at no charge, but donations are always welcomed. Call the Post House Community Center to schedule your Primping for Prom appointment.

raffle and other games.

Team up with friends, family and co-workers to make up a winning team. If you don’t have a full table, let us know. We will attempt to match you with others. Cost is $12 per person, up to 6 people per team. Cost includes light snacks, chance at door prizes and chance of being the 2016 Trivia Winners. Specta-

tors are welcome to come and watch for $3.00 which includes light snacks. Prizes for winning team, lowest score and best team name. Contact Jennifer Lang at 815-2889236 or lccoalang@ gmail.com to sign up.

Space is limited, so please reserve your table and team name

by Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

FUNDRAISER

Trivia Night The Post House Ballroom is hosting their 4th annual Battle of the Brains Trivia Night with proceeds from this event to benefit Lee County Council on Aging. Join us for

a fun filled evening of pop-culture, music and random yet factual trivia on Tuesday, May 24th. Registration at 5:30 p.m., trivia begins at 6:00 p.m. There will be door prizes, 50/50

LCCOA welcomes members Membership dues paid:

noon and 3:00 p.m.

Hair must be washed and dried prior to your appointment. Volunteers are also painting fingernails and applying Mary Kay make

Harry Grobe Ann Hall Phyllis Heckman Carolyn Herwig Bill Herwig Shirley M. Long T. J. McPherson Dianne Pauser

Donald Pauser Ruth Pitts Joann Powers Florence Rosander Marilyn Smallwood Denton Swarts Terry Swarts Kathryn Yount

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

5

$ me and Then Some! o H f o s All The Comfort

Private Suites Available

We Offer

Skilled Care • Short Term Rehab • Traditional Care • Speech • Occupational and Physical Therapies

Formerly Coventry Living Center “We Care For Loved Ones Like Family” 612 W. 23rd Street, Sterling, IL 61081 • 815-626-9020 • www.coventrylivingcenter.com

612 W. 23rd Street, Sterling, IL 61081 Check • 815-626-9020 • www.coventrylivingcenter.com out our rating on medicare.gov Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

00

Match Play

*Gaming mach hines brough ht to you

by Accell Entertainment

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 April 2016 • Page 7

NOTES FROM THE EMPORIUM

Spring Items Available Spring has arrived!

At The Emporium Thrift Center we are putting out new spring items daily.

Family spring fashions for all sizes and ages all at affordable prices. Also have items for spring decorating, yard and lawn care, wind chimes, tools, etc.

And bedding, curtains, fabric, crafts, cookware, wall décor, just to name a few of what is available.

Do you have a sunroom and no furniture? Well we just received a 4 piece matching set of sun room furniture.

Couch, loveseat, chair and coffee table. Rattan wood and cream color

upholstery. Excellent condition.

Also just received a huge donation from a gift shop. Many gift items unopened, vases, planters, figurines, statues, and the list goes on.

We are recently blessed by all who have remembered us with all the donations these last ten years. By the way, thanks for helping us celebrate last month.

Hope you had a nice Easter.

Come see us at 115 W. 3rd Street, Sterling 5 days a week (closed Wednesday & Sunday) from 9-4.

Hope to see you soon!

– Janice Bell & Maxine Stern

TRUST...

FOOT CLINIC Foot care every month at WCSC. Get your toenails cut, cuticles, and feet massaged. Call Fancy Feet for appt 815-213-0324. Cost is $25. Feels good! First Wednesday of every month for seniors over 60.

Avonlea Cottage of Dixon Come For A Visit To A Beautiful Home Like Environment.

One Price One Level Of Care For Excellence In Assisted Memory Community Life.

When Your Loved One Needs Memory Care...

We’re Simply The Best On Site Services • Small Home Like Setting • Excellence In Protective Care • Excellence In Memory Care • Licensed Nurses 24/7 • One On One Personal Care • Activities That Include Music Therapy, Art & Crafts, Games, Puzzles, Pet Therapy & Exercises

• Portable X-Ray, EKG, Lab & Podiatry Service • Medical Director Service • Home Cooked Meals • Housekeeping • Laundry • Beautician & Barber Service • Qualified Veterans Assistance

Your Locally-owned Trust Department.

The First National Bank in Amboy 4 Convenient Locations in Amboy & Dixon 800-216-0008 www.fnbamboy.com

April 2016 • Page 8

For A Tour Contact Alma Wood, RN Executive Director/Director Of Nursing 503 Countryside Lane, Dixon, IL Phone 815-288-6044 • Cell 815-499-1682 www.avonleacottage.com

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

OPEN MIC 403 Scenic Street Morrison, IL

Music to my ears AssistedAssisted Living Living&& Memory Memory Care Care

BY STANLEY WOLZEN Lee County Council on Aging

Back to Dixon – Fourth Friday Jams, a place for the microphone hams.

I suppose that includes this ole’ poet.

I won’t knock these microphone hams, who come around to music jams, without them, we’d have nothing; we know it.

We also need a place to meet, they need a stage, we need a seat.

So let’s thank the Dixon Senior Center.

I’d like to thank Larry and Fred.

Let’s not forget our Mr. Ed, Make a contribution when you enter.

We should also thank Jennifer, If it were not for Ed and her, Fourth Friday evening I’d be sitting home. and Kent Anders provides our sound, he’s kind of nice to have around.

Not one of us could do this all alone.

Five years ago we left this scene, Stan Wolzen writes poetry and attends the 4th Friday Open Mic regularly at the Four years at Polo in between.

Post House Community Center.

Nearly a year without Fourth Friday Jam. Let’s all support this jam, my friends, and hope this venue never ends.

I hope you’re glad we’re back here – I am!

Deadline for submission is April 30, 2016

Come Retire In The Quiet Country “Where You Are Cared For Like Family”

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Restaurant Style Dining, Housekeeping, Laundry, Utilities, Managing of Meds, & More Are All Included In Your Rent!

Call Mike Saad @ 815-772-4031 To See About Our New Lower Prices And To Schedule A Tour Today!

Check Us Out On Facebook: Windsor Manor in Morrison Visit our Website: www.windsor-manor.com/morrison

Our Mission...

“To Become The Best Place A Senior Adult Has Ever Lived”

815-625-3600 to announce Birthdays and graduations in Celebrations!

ATTENTION READERS: Sauk Valley Media and Bureau County Republican are publishing a

QUILTED BARN BOOK in 2016

If you would like your barn to be included in this publication,

Owner(s) of barn: __________________________________ Phone number: ____________________________________ Address of barn: ___________________________________ Information about barn: _____________________________

please submit a photo, along with

__________________________________________________

some basic information to:

__________________________________________________

Sauk Valley Media, Quilted Barn Book 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081

Sauk Valley Media

(1 Block North of Drs. Johnson/Wood’s Office,

by Dairy Queen, on Rt. 30)

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Golden Echo

April 2016 • Page 9

TAX RETURN SERVICES

Taxpayer information 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 preparApril 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 appointment 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.

ACA Documents Needed for Tax Returns Many people will receive the Affordable Care Act Documents 1095-A. 1095B or 1095-C. 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 1095C after you have filed your taxes, they will not change your tax return.

Golden Echo

CHILI SUPPER

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make LCCOA’s 26th annual Chili Supper a success. Over 200 people enjoyed chili and chicken noodle soup.

LCCOA SASSY STEPPERS

The Sassy Senior Steppers entered a dance competition at the Granny Rose Top Dog Fundraiser and won! Congratulations ladies!

SCRABBLE

Scrabble is played every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Sometimes we have a few and sometimes we have more. Come and play after lunch. It’s a fun game with fun people!

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 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. – Computer lab 10 a.m. – Dance exercise class 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape Lunch served (Reservations) 6 p.m. – Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. – Open pool table, open cards, open Wii games 8 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) 1 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) 1 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) 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) 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, Wii (call ahead), 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, Wii (call ahead), 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

Wednesdays

8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii (call ahead), 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, Wii (call ahead), 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, Wii (call ahead), socializing, computer lab 10:00 a.m. – Intermediate Line Dancing – check schedule for where it is, and April 29 – Intermediate will be at 9:45 a.m. at Heritage Woods 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 April 5

2:00 p.m. – Mini Spelling Bee

April 6

10 – 11:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure checks by Lee County Health Department

April 7

10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – LCCOA Caseworker at Paw Paw Community Center 10:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure Checks by Liberty Court

April 8

9:30 a.m. – Bingo sponsored by Unity Hospice

April 11

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 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Pre Planning presentation from Preston Shilling Funeral Home

April 12

10:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure Checks by Oregon Living and Rehabilitation 12:30 p.m. – Ukuleles presentation & performance

April 16

Noon – 3:00 p.m. – Primping for Prom 6:00 p.m. – 5th Annual Spring Prom ($)

April 17

12:30 p.m. – Euchre Tournament ($)

April 13

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Hearing Aid Check & Cleaning by Connect Hearing

April 20

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

April 22

9:30 a.m. – Bingo sponsored by Oregon Living & Rehabilitation 6:30 p.m. – Open Mic Night in Post House Community Center

April 25

3:30 p.m. – Memory Clinic with Jill Horn

April 28

1:00 p.m. – Veterans History Project with Unity Hospice of Western Illinois

Whiteside County Senior Center 1:00 p.m. – WCSC Euchre Tournament

April 7 1 p.m. – Spelling Bee

April 6

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check

by CGH Home Nursing 11:25 a.m. – Celebrating April Birthdays 1:00 p.m. – Bingo IN THE BIG ROOM Prizes

by Homebound Health, snacks by WCSC (Donate a can of food or $1 to play) 1:00 p.m. – Senior Spelling Bee

April 9

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 Joe Schmitt on Avery Label Maker. Everyone with an interest

in computers/technology are invited, refreshments will be available.

April 13

11:00 a.m. – Exact Care Pharmacy Presentation 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)

April 20

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – AARP Driver Safety Class – Day 1 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Blood Pressure Check by Sauk Velley 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)

April 21

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – AARP Driver Safety Class – Day 2

April 27

11:00 a.m. – Babe Ruth Day Quiz 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.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 large-screen TV, pianos, books, and puzzles to loan out, four sewing machines, two personal computers and four Macs are also available. Visit us on our website, www.cityoffulton.us, and look under the “community and government” heading!

April 2 – Zombie Crawl Meeting for Zombies April 6 – Dispensary Fulton Community Out-

April 12 – Blood Drive 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

April 13 – Dispensary Fulton Community

reach Meetings 2:00 p.m.

April 10 – THRIVE Life Tree Café 5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.

Outreach Meetings 2:00 p.m.

April 16 – Friends for Charity Pancake Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – Noon

April 17 – THRIVE Life Tree Café 5:30 p.m.

April 21 – Whiteside County Senior Assis-

April 27 – Dispensary Fulton Community

– 6:30 p.m.

April 20 – Foot Clinic 8:00 a.m. Call for apt April 20 – Dispensary Fulton Community Outreach Meetings 2:00 p.m.

tance – call for apt.

April 24 – THRIVE Life Tree Café 5:30 p.m.

– 6:30 p.m.

April 26 – Blood Drive 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Outreach Meetings 2:00 p.m.

April 30 – Rental

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

April 2016 • Page 11

Upcoming Trips Big Band “Swing Music” Radio Remote Show at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet 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 p.m. 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.

Dubuque Jo Casino, Dubuque, Iowa

The Newly Built Land Based Rhythm City Casino and Hotel Davenport, Iowa • Wednesday June 28

Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers Come and enjoy this newly built casino and hotel. It is beautifully decorated. You will have to see it to believe it. Receive $10 on your card and $5 off the buffet. The buffet is bigger and better now. Pickup at Dixon Shopko at 8:30 a.m. and Sterling K-Mart 9:00 a.m.

Mystique Casino, Dubuque, Iowa Friday June 17

Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Pickup at Shopko in Dixon at 8:00 a.m. and pickup at K-Mart in Sterling at 2:30 a.m.. Dropoff at Sterling K-Mart first. Get ready for an experience that’s anything but ordinary. You’ll be swept a world away when you step through the doors of our French-inspired casino. Behold the splendor and enjoy all the games, restaurants and racing excitement. You get $10 on your card, a free lunch, a racing program, a deck of cards, a $5 table game match play coupon, a $1 Roulette wager, and a slot cord. Paid seats go first.

Wednesday April 27

Use your free money from last month. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Cost includes transportation and free buffet lunch. Pickup at Shopko in Dixon at 8:00 a.m. and pickup at K-Mart in Sterling at 8:30 a.m. Drop off at Sterling first and then Dixon.

Catfish Bend Casino Wednesday May 11

Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Cost includes transportation, free buffet lunch, and $10 on your card. Pickup at K-Mart in Sterling at 8:00 a.m. and Shopko in Dixon at 8:30 a.m. Our facility offers a unique gaming experience that you will not soon forget. The casino floor features almost 700 slot machines, 18 table games, luxurious LIVE poker room and VIP lounge!

Cubs Baseball Trip

May 13 • Cubs vs. Pirates – 1:20 p.m. game - Tickets going fast

Cost $60 for members and $65 for nonmembers Pickup at Sterling K-Mart at 8:00 a.m. and pickup at Dixon Shopko at 8:30 a.m. Come join us for a fun day at the ballpark! Motorcoach ride and ticket at a bargain price of $60 for members and $65 for nonmembers. Seats are Terrace Preferred Seating on behind first base. We will stop at the Dekalb Oasis for restroom and snack/lunch break on the way in and way out.. Paid seats go first.

U.S. Mailboat Tour on Lake Geneva Tuesday, June 22, 2016 • Cost: $60 members, $70 non members

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.

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 more. Contact Betty at WCSC about this trip.

Cubs Baseball Trip September 16 - Tickets going fast

Cost $60 for members and $65 for nonmembers Cubs vs. Brewers – 1:20 p.m. game Pickup at Sterling K-Mart at 8:00 a.m. and pickup at Dixon Shopko at 8:30 a.m. Come join us for a fun day at the ballpark! Motorcoach ride and ticket at a bargain price of $60 for members and $65 for nonmembers. Seats are Terrace {referred Seating on Aisle 231 and 233 behind first base. We will stop at the Dekalb Oasis for restroom and snack/ lunch break on the way in and way out.. Paid seats go first.

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.

New York City

September 21-28, 2016, 7 days and 6 nights

Cost $739 members and $789 nonmembers Insurance $69. Can put all on one check.

Guided tour of Manhattan, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial Statue of Liberty, and much more. Contact Betty at WCSC about this trip.

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

April 2016 • Page 12

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

Meals for April Serving at Lee County Council on Aging April 1 Friday: A) Crispy fish sand., wheat bun, potato pancakes, peas, pineapple tidbits. B) Turkey/minestrone

April 4-8 Monday: Meatball sub, peas & carrots, seas. potato wedges, mandrin oranges Tuesday: Sweet/sour chicken, fluffy rice, stir fry veggies, dinner roll, apricots Wednesday: A) Salisbury steak, mashed pot/gravy, glazed carrots, dinner roll, peach cobbler B) Liver & onions Thursday: Baked ham, sweet potato, green beans, dinner roll/butter, fruit cocktail Friday: Beef tips w/ gravy, buttered egg noodles, winter blend veggies, dinner roll, pineapple tidbits

April 11-15 Monday: BBQ riblett, wheat bun, augratin potatoes, coin carrots, peaches Tuesday: Pepper steak, mashed pot/gravy, scan. blend veggies, wheat bread, chilled pineapple Wednesday: Rosemary herb chix, brown rice, broccoli, dinner roll, apricots Thursday: A) Cheeseburger, wheat bun, seasoned pot. wedges, baked beans, jello w/ fruit B) Ham/ vegetable Friday: Mostaccioli w/ meatsauce, brussell sprouts, scand. blend veggies, garlic bread, diced pears

April 18-22 Monday: Chicken strips, mashed pot/gravy, calif. blend veggies, dinner roll, mandarin oranges, BBQ PC Tuesday: Baked ziti w/ meatsauce, italian blend veg. carlic bread, hot applesauce Wednesday: Baked pork chop, baby red potatoes, broccoli, tossed salad/drsg., dinner roll, apple crisp Thursday: A) Pizza burger w/ bun, seasoned pot wedges, peas, apricots B) Tuna sal/chix rice Friday: Cheese omelett, turkey sausage, hash brown pot., blueberry muffin, fruit juice.

April 25-29 Monday: BBQ Chix breast, wheat bun, cheesy potatoes, capri blend veg., diced pears Tuesday: A) Hot turkey sand., mashed pot/gravy, carrots, wheat bread, fruit cocktail B) Ham/chix noodle Wednesday: Sweet & sour meatballs, fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, mandarin oranges Thursday: Mushroom swiss burger on bun, buttered red pot., baked beans, apricots Friday: Fish patty, wheat bun, potato pancakes, calif. blend veggies, applesauce, tartar sauce

Serving at Whiteside County Senior Center April 1 Friday: Pork tamales, refried beans, rice and dessert.

April 4-8 Monday: Goulash, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Tuesday: Chicken tostados, refried beans, rice and dessert. Wednesday: Italian beef sandwiches, chips, baked beans, salad and dessert. Thursday: Cream of chicken and biscuits, salad and dessert. Friday: Salmon patties, potato, vegetable and dessert.

April 11-15 Monday: Beef and noodles, vegetable, salad and dessert. Tuesday: Stuffed green peppers, rice, beans and dessert. Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Friday: Chicken tacos, rice, refried beans and dessert.

April 18-22 Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, salad, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Oven fried chicken, potato, vegetable and dessert. Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, salad and dessert. Thursday: Sloppy Joes, macaroni and cheese, salad and dessert. Friday: Baked cod, potato, vegetable, salad or fish

alternative, and dessert.

April 25-29 Monday: Chicken drummies, potato, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Lasagna, garlic bread, vegetable, salad and dessert. Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, vegetable, salad and dessert. Friday: Cook’s Choice.

Serving at Golden Meals in Whiteside County April 1 Friday: Hot dog, baked beans, potato salad, fruit, bun & milk

April 4-8 Monday: BBQ chicken, cheesy potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine & milk Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, vegetables in casserole, salad, fruit, bread & margarine Wednesday: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine & milk Thursday: Bratwurst w/kraut, bun, mashed potatoes, baked beans, milk Friday: Beef stew, biscuit, applesauce, milk, bread, margarine & milk

April 11-15 Monday: Chicken rice casserole, broccoli, fruit, bread, margarine & milk Tuesday: Baked turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, bread, margarine & milk Wednesday: Ham loaf, potatoes, corn, fruit, bread, margarine & milk Thursday: Corn beef, cabbage, red potatoes, fruit, bread, margarine & milk Friday: Tuna salad, potato salad, baked beans, fruit, bun & milk

April 18-22 Monday: Sloppy joes, potato wedges, mixed vegetables, fruit Tuesday: Sausage gravy over biscuit, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, carrots, peaches Thursday: Easy chicken casserole, potatoes, corn, fruit Friday: Brat, baked beans, potato salad, fruit

April 25-29 Monday: Chicken patty, potatoes, peas, fruit, bread, margarine & milk Tuesday: Hamburger, mac & cheese, green beans, fruit, bun & milk Wednesday: Spaghetti, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine & milk Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit, bread, margarine & milk Friday: Brat, baked beans, potato salad, fruit

Robert Fulton Community Center April 1 Beef Tips with noodles, vegetable, salad and dessert April 6 Meal sponsored by Good Samaritan April 8 Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert Sauk Valley Media

April 13 Sloppy Jo on a bun, macaroni salad, chips and a cookie April 15 Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert

April 20 Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert April 22 Porcupine meatballs, potato, vegetable, roll and dessert

Golden Echo

April 27 Meal sponsored by Harbor Crest and Windsor Manor April 29 Scalloped potatoes with ham, vegetable, salad and dessert

April 2016 • Page 13

Transportation Uber flirts with transit agencies across the U.S. for a share of paratransit services Ride WCPT & LOTS

BY LUZ LAZO

The extraordinary cost of transporting the elderly and people with disabilities has transit agencies across the country eyeing Uber and other app-based ride services as alternatives. Proponents of such partnerships say they could potentially reduce costs for multimillion-dollar, heavily subsidized paratransit services. They also would help communities respond to customer demands for same-day, on-demand service that is lacking in the antiquated paratransit world. But while some customers might crave the prompt service and convenience of app-based ordering offered

by Uber and similar businesses, the idea gives accessibility advocates pause. Citing Uber’s lack of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, for example, some advocates are puzzled by the prospect of the company getting government contracts. They say Uber and its main rival, Lyft, have not done enough to meet the needs of people with disabilities, such as those who are blind or use wheelchairs. They also question the level of training in dealing with people with special needs that drivers receive, and echo widely publicized concerns about safety, insurance coverage and the vetting process for drivers.

In Washington, New York, Boston and Chicago, officials appear to be moving in that direction, nonetheless, calling the app-based car companies a resource to improve service. Uber rides could be available to paratransit customers as soon as this

summer in some cities. Transit experts and officials say expanding options and lowering cost is inevitable as the population continues to age, disability rates continue to rise and the use of paratransit services is expected to grow.

They view Uber and its rivals as a creative way to meet growing needs and balance costs.

“It’s important that we can provide service that meets customer demand, but also do it in a cost-effective manner,” said Michael Lambert, deputy administrator for transit at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. “Ultimately, this comes down to providing good customer service and ensuring that the system can remain sustainable as the population ages and demand increases.”

Besides, he said, customers want the app-based services that have transformed the way people travel in recent years. In Boston, he said, paratran

sit customers want flexibility, same-day booking and a way to track their ride. Eventually, it comes down to lowering costs. A paratransit ride averages $29.30 in the United States, about three and a half times more expensive than the average cost of $8.15 to provide a regular fixed-route bus or rail trip, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office. In some cities, the cost is staggering: $57 in New York, $50 in the District and $30 in Boston.

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

April 2016 • Page 14

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

Upcoming Special Events Memory Clinic at PHCC / LCCOA

Mini Spelling Bee at PHCC / LCCOA Tuesday, April 5 – 2:00 p.m. - 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!

Social Security Changes Presentation – End of April Wednesday April 6 -10:30 a.m. at WCSC

As part of a budget deal, two important Social Security claiming strategies (or loopholes as some would suggest) have been eliminated: File and Suspend and Filing a restricted application for spousal benefits. If you or your spouse has reached Full Retirement Age by April 30,2016 you have grandfathering provisions that permits a worker to file and suspend, and allow another person to collect on his/her earnings record. Please come our and hear about the changes and how they may pertain to married couples. By Stacie Friel of Western Southern Insurance.

Preplanning seminar by Preston- Schilling Funeral Home at PHCC /LCCOA Monday, April 11 – 5:30 p.m.

Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Ltd. invites you to learn about the many benefits of funeral and cremation preplanning. We will answer questions on the importance of preplanning services. Have questions about cremation?

What type of services are right for you? This educational program will allow you to have all your questions answered.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Ukuleles Presentation and Performance at PHCC/LCCOA Tuesday, April 12 – 12:30 p.m.

John Lindhorst, Proprietor of Ukulele Station of America in Oregon, IL will be bringing different ukulele’s and will explain each one. John will also be performing a variety of songs for the audience including old-time, folk, Hawaiian, popular standards and some originals.

Connect Hearing Clean and Check at PHCC/ LCCOA Wednesday, April 13 - 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

James Peck from Connect Hearing will be at the Post House Community Center to answer your questions about hearing health care and a clean and check for those who have hearing aids. Please call 815-288-9236 to sign up.

Euchre Tournament at PHCC / LCCOA Sunday, April 17 – 12:30 p.m. sign in, 1:00 pm start $5.00 entry, 25¢ a set – 100% payback

Sauk Valley Media

Monday, April 25 – 3:30 p.m. – free

Do you ever walk into a room and forget what you went in there for? Jill Horn who has a Master’s degree in Education will teach us how to focus on memory care & cognition. She will teach memory techniques and different strategies for increasing the memory. This free class is open to the public, space is limited. Call 815-288-9236 to sign up.

Veterans History Project by Unity Hospice of Western Illinois at PHCC / LCCOA Thursday, April 28 – 1:00 p.m. at PHCC / LCCOA

Unity Hospice is a proud participant of the nationally-recognized Veterans History Project. This program ensures our veterans that their service and sacrifice will be preserved for the nation. Gather memoirs, pictures & medals and invite family & friends to join you for the interview and taping of your amazing stories by a Unity Hospice Representative. All submissions become property of the Library of Congress. You will also receive a copy of the taping. Only 2 tapings will be held this day, call the Post House Community Center at 815-288-9236 to reserve your spot.

Foot Clinic at Whiteside County Senior Center Wednesday, April 6 - 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Foot care will be available for all senior citizens over age 60. For appointments call Fancy Feet at 815-213-0324 Cost $25.

Senior Spelling Bee at WCSC Lots of fun!

Thursday, April 7 - 1:00 p.m.

Show off your talents at a Senior Spelling Bee. It’s a fun and brain-healthy activity, and it’s free! The Illinois State Senior Spelling Bee competition is an exciting statewide program that provides Illinois adults 50 and older the opportunity to showcase a lifetime of knowledge and to celebrate years of experience through spelling abilities. The program is coordinated by the Association of Illinois Senior Centers with the help of the Illinois Department on Aging. The 2 winners of the local bee will advance to the regional bee and then on to the state bee at the Illinois State Fair. Call 815-622-9230 to register. Each participant will receive a gift bag.

Euchre Tournament at WCSC Sunday, April 3 - 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.

Exact Care Presentation April 13 - 11:00 a.m. at WCSC

Matt from Exact Care Pharmacy will present an in service presentation of Exact Care services. They provide free delivery of medications to their patients homes and also offer a unique packaging system to ensure safety and compliance.

Golden Echo

April 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.

• Special Opportunities and benefits you deserve from your bank.

Upcoming Events

May 3rd

The Discovery Of King Tut Exhibit, Putnam Museum, Davenport IA

May 12-14

May 24 & 25th

Cubs vs Cardinals at Busch Stadium, St. Louis: Two games

June 2nd

Holland Michigan Tulip Festival

May 18th

Chicago: Musical Tour Radio & TV, Concert & Violins

Rockin’ at the Fireside, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Ft. Atkinson, WI

“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 April 2016 • Page 16

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media