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Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Lifescape meals will not be served at LCCOA. Lee-Ogle Transportation System and Whiteside County Public Transportation will be closed.

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

May 2014

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WCSC Open House 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 The Whiteside County Senior Center will be hosting an open house to celebrate 30 years of serving the people in Whiteside County.

Stop by and visit with board members and staff and take a tour of the facility.

We are working on a display highlighting the services and activities provided by the Senior Center.

Let us know if you have pictures or momentos you would like to share with everyone. Contact Betty at the center before May 22. We will be happy to scan any photos you have to add to the display.

Let’s celebrate 30 years of giving to the community! Refreshments will be served also.

INSIDE Post House Ballroom .......................................... 4

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

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

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

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

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

Medicare Q&A ................................................. 10

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

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

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Geoff Vanderlin

W

elcome to May! Well, not exactly.

First off, this copy of the Golden Echo is coming out on April 28, so there are a couple of days left in April before we actually get to May. But, today, I’m going to let you in on a secret. You see, my deadline every month for writing this column is the 15th of the month.

It makes things interesting, particularly when I am wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving or Merry Christmas when I am

actually writing up to 2 weeks before these holidays but you are reading them after they have passed. This month it is Easter. While I sincerely hope you had a very happy one, I won’t really know how my Easter goes for another 5 days.

But the real reason I am telling you this is because I am sitting here writing today and there is still snow on the ground from last night’s (April 14) storm. I’m not sure I can remember snow on the ground this late in

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Doug Vandersee

I

f April showers bring May flowers, what does April snow bring? I don’t know the answer, but I hope Mother Nature has some great weather in store for us in May. We have lots of activities going on at the Whiteside County Senior Center, and great weather helps to get everyone out to the events.

Just as we are thankful for great weather, we also are very thankful for all of the volunteers who

assist with WCSC’s programs, activities, and special events. In April, we honored more than 125 volunteers who have donated 17,132 hours supporting and carrying out the great programs and activities we offer to our surrounding communities.

Volunteers work anywhere from 8 hours a day to a few hours each year to assist us with reaching out to seniors and others through our Daily Lunch Program,

the year, so I’m making it newsworthy.

But enough of that.

Hopefully it is now much warmer and we are enjoying spring weather at last.

And it’s a good thing, as we have some very special reasons for you to get out and come to the Senior Center in May. But first there is a special event coming up tomorrow – April 29.

That’s the day of our Senior Spelling Bee.

Come to the Center tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. to witness some of the area’s best senior (50 and over) spellers compete to represent Lee County Council on Aging in the area’s regional Spelling Bee in Oregon in June, and then, perhaps, to the Illinois State Fair to compete as Illinois’ best in August.

I’m really looking forward to this one!

And before moving on to May, I would like to make special mention of the fun we had at the Spring Prom early this month and to congratulate our 2014 Prom King and Queen, James Powers and Emma Carnaghi. They represent us well and will reign for a year until our next prom.

Now I have news of a very special event to be

as Breakfast with Santa and Santa’s Workshop, Great Treasure Hunt, Wal-Mart Distribution Center’s community meals, and other special events. Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do everything we do for the residents of Whiteside County! A big thank you to all of the WCSC Computer Resource Center, Emporium Thrift volunteers for all you do to make the WCSC’s Center, AARP Tax Adviprograms, services, and sors, and commodities activities successful! program. They also May is a very busy answer phones, prepare month. We will be celmailings, make calls for ebrating WCSC’s 30th sponsorships and ticket Anniversary with an sales for our annual fundraising concert and open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May other special events, 29. Stop by and visit and assist with our funwith our board memdraisers. They work at bers and staff, and take special community and a tour of our facility. fundraising events such

held here in May. The Lee County Council on Aging was incorporated on May 29, 1974, which makes us 40 years old this month!

To celebrate, we will be holding a special open house for the entire community on May 29 – our 40th anniversary. The open house will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to give everyone a chance to come down. A light supper will be served (with birthday cake, of course), tours given, and you will have the opportunity to become familiar with all the various services we offer.

At least once a day I hear someone say, “I didn’t know you did that.” Or, “I wish I had known that earlier about you.” Come by and see for yourself on May 29. We want to see

you.

Here’s another secret about writing this column. I am limited in space as to how much I can write. I’ve already run out of that space, so I can’t go into all the other great events, activities and more going on this month at the senior center, but if you page through and read this copy of the Golden Echo you will see that we have another full month of programs and helpful information.

And, remember, with few exceptions, you do not have to be “senior” to participate or to learn from our experts. If you see something that interests you, then, yes, come and enjoy.

Geoff

We will be reminiscing about the past with several displays of pictures and mementos. If you have any items you would like to share with us prior to the event, please contact Betty and she will arrange to have your pictures scanned and prepare your other items for our display.

Please bring items to us at least a week before the open house.

Tickets and sponsorships still are available for the WCSC’s Annual Fundraising Concert with “Allen Edwards – The Voice” at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in Centennial Auditorium at Sterling High School. These tickets make a great Mother’s Day present which you can share with her

the Sunday after Mother’s Day. Allen is very excited to return to Sterling, as he had a great time last year and plans to provide a very special show this year. You can learn more about Allen Edwards and the music he plays on his website – www. allenedwardsthesinger.com – or you may catch him performing on Nashville RFD! Check it out!

Other special events in May include a Cinco de Mayo Party at 11 a.m Monday, May 5. The WCSC Line Dancers will perform two dances, then everyone will enjoy a lunch of tacos, refried beans, rice, dessert and drink for a suggested donation of only $5.

DOUG CONTINUED ON 3

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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GET CRAFTY AT LCCOA

There’s still time to sign up for the Senior Spelling Bee DOUG

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We have several educational programs at WCSC in May, including an AARP Driver Safety class from 8 a.m. to noon May 7-8; a Rules of the Road class offered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, Department of Senior and Community Services, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14; a Medicare information class at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 9; and an “Insurance Q&A� session with Melissa Magon-Wicks, marketing director for Transitions Nursing and Rehab Center in Rock Falls, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 21.

You still have time to start studying for the Senior Spelling Bee at the WCSC at 1 p.m. Thursday, May

29. This is a very fun event, and anyone over 50 can participate in this statewide contest. This is a chance to showcase a lifetime of knowledge! This program is coordinated by the Association of Illinois Senior Centers with the help of the Illinois Department on Aging. The two winners of this bee will advance to the regional bee with a chance to move on to the state bee at the Illinois State Fair. Call WCSC to register. There is no entry fee, and each participant will receive a gift bag!

For more information on these events, or to see more events, please check out the Upcoming Special Events page along with the Weekly and Monthly Activities page in the Golden Echo.

We hope to see you at the Senior Center in May! Until next month!

Doug

These ladies come to Lee County Council on Aging at 1 p.m. every Thursday, to knit, crochet and craft.

We welcome all to come join in.

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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\outreach Transportation

email: lccoa@comcast.net

www.posthouseballroom.com

email: whitesideseniors@comcast.net

Anne Barlow Evelyn Eisenberg Laurie Krager Helen Kay Miller Donna Newman

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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 www.whitesidecsc.org

WCSC Board Members and Officers

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

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Whiteside County Senior Center

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

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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 Michele Miller

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

Bob Czuprynski Janet Mennecke Kelly Wilhelmi

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Golden Echo

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LCCOA to celebrate 40 years Clicks from the 5PCOMING EVENTS May 1 – The Stage Door May 3 – Kady Knox and Stefan Andrejewski May 6 – Line dancing; The Stage Door May 8 – The Stage Door May 13 – Line dancing; The Stage Door May 15 – The Stage Door May 19 – Lee County Council on Aging Board meeting May 20 – Line dancing; The Stage Door May 21 – Dixon Main Street’s Lunch and Learn May 22 – The Stage Door May 24 – Noelle Turner and Michael Kirk wedding reception May 26 – Closed for Memorial Day May 27 – Line dancing; The Stage Door May 29 – The Stage Door May 31 – Lindsey Meyer and Casey Reuter wedding reception

resource center

Open house is set for May 29

BY CATHY REGLIN Lee County Council on Aging

J

ust a thought – funny how some people refer to the Sept. 11 bombing as 9-1-1 (an emergency number), rather than 9/11 (a date).

Interesting how these two phrases interconnect considering what happened that day.

As I am writing this article on April 14, it is snowing outside! My article in last month’s edition of Golden Echo said the snow on that day would be the last of the year I’m so sorry I irritated Mother Nature.

Eighty-degree days followed by snow.

Somebody needs to calm her down!

Please come to our 40th anniversary open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at the Dixon Senior Center. We will have tours of the building along with historical information, a trivia contest with a prize, some sandwiches, water or punch, and anniversary cake! The Lee County Council on Aging was incorporated on May 29, 1974. You will find out something interesting for

Not every party in the Ballroom is a wedding reception. This is Cady’s first birthday party, complete with a jump house, animal masks, and stuffed animals.

Welcome to the jungle, Cady! sure while you are here.

If you need a beautiful place to have a gettogether, look us up on Facebook at www. posthouseballroom. com, which has information about the building

and prices, and www. posthouseballroom.shutterfly.com, for pictures of events held here, then email me at posthouseballroom@gmail.com, or call me at 815-288-0892, and we’ll talk.

Something new with the Computer Resource Center is a Personal Assistance Program. Computer classes are general in nature and provide information that does not always meet your individual needs. The CRC is offering you the opportunity to meet with a technician who will help you with the things that you want to learn. Appointments are required with a low 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 email account, install programs and streamline your computer. You get all this and more for just

a small donation to the senior center.

Windows XP is no longer being supported by Microsoft but this does not mean that your XP computers are useless.

As long as you keep your antivirus up to date and allow updates for installed programs such as Java and Adobe, you should be just fine and able to continue using your computer. If you have questions about this, I would be happy to talk it over with you and give you some personal tips and advice.

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

Terry

WHITESIDE COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

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VFW QUARTERMANIA RAISES MONEY FOR LCCOA

Notes from the kitchen

H

appy May Day! We have some sunshine and some warm weather.

We in the kitchen are really enjoying the springtime. This month is May Day and Mother’s day.

As I work in the kitchen I think of my mother and all the time she spent in the kitchen and the great food she made. I do not hold a candle to my mother, but I think

she would laugh and be proud to see me in the kitchen here at the senior center.

We try to copy our mothers’ kitchens, with homemade desserts and a well-balanced meal made with love.

If you have $5 and are hungry, come visit our dining room and have lunch with us. There is no age limit. If you are hungry come on in.

We want to thank WalMart Distribution Center for their wonderful Easter meal. I also want to thank the volunteers in the kitchen along with Sauk Valley Food Bank, Salvation Army, County Market, and Kroger.

Without their support we could not do what we do. So thank you for your support and friendship.

Have a great May!

Carrisa Yardley (center) presents LCCOA staff members Julie McGrail (left) and Cathy Reglin with a check from money raised from the Quartermania that was held March 21 at the Dixon VFW.

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Aging and disabled resource, and ITAC selection centers L

ee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center are selection centers for the free amplified telephoneprogram 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 and WCSC have outreach caseworkers who provide Options counseling, Medicare counseling, information and/or assistance to anyone who is 60 or older and persons with disabilities. The caseworkers are Certified Information and Referral Specialists for Aging (CIRS-A) 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, please ask what to bring when making your appointment or bring all of the following information â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license or state ID, 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, CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 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 (SSA1099), pension (1099-R), interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV), wages (W-2), etc.), Social Security cards, a list of current medications (including 30

day quantity and dosage).

You should call ahead of time 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, timeframes, 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. It is time for your Senior Tax Assessment Freeze and your Senior Homestead Exemption to be filled out and notarized. Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to call and ask questions.

,EE #OUNTY #OUNCIL ON !GING Monday through Friday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8a.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.

May 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10-11 a.m., Paw

Paw Community Building May 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1-2 p.m., Ashton Library; 2:30-3:30 p.m., Franklin Grove Library May 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10-11 a.m., Amboy Community Center May 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Site closed for Memorial Day

7HITESIDE #OUNTY 3ENIOR #ENTER 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 toll free at 888-622-9230.

May 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:15-11:15 a.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, Fulton May 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1:30 p.m., Medicare information class at the WCSC May 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10:15-11:15 a.m., Odell Public Library, Morrison May 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:30-10:30 a.m., Prophet Manor, Prophetstown May 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9-10 a.m., Erie Public Library May 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Site closed for Memorial Day

Help needed for 2015 tax season With this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax season behind us, it is a good time to thank the many volunteers from AARP who helped out with tax preparation this year at both the Lee County Council on Aging and the Whiteside County Senior Center.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service.

It started in 1968 with just four volunteers at one site preparing 100 tax returns and

now involves more than 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.6 million taxpayers annually at nearly 6,000 sites nationwide.

For next tax season they are in need of more volunteers for this area.

If you would like to learn more about what it takes and what is involved, please go to www.aarp.org/money/ taxes/info-2006/volunteer for more information, or call one of the senior centers and we will put you in touch with AARP.

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ROTARY CLUB DONATION

M

any of us think about it ... â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do I make a long lasting gift to a worthy organization?â&#x20AC;?

Here are some ways in which you can help support our mission and possibly gain a tax benefit for yourself and your heirs.

Make a charitable bequest to the Lee County Council on Aging Inc. in your will.

Leave your legacy

by naming Lee County Council on Aging, Inc., as beneficiary of an insurance policy, IRA, retirement plan, or charitable remainder trust.

When giving stocks, bonds, or real estate, you give long term assets in which you may receive a double income tax benefit by deducting the present full fair market value of your gift and avoid capital gains tax on the assetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appreciation.

Many thanks to the Rotary Club of Dixon for their generous donation of $1,380 to Lee County Council on Aging for the computer lab and training. Rotarian Joni Ehnen (left) presented the check.

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Golden Echo

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LCCOA 2014 Spring Prom a great success P

eople danced the night away with Super Red Hot DJ playing the hits from every era.

James Powers from Amboy was crowned 2014 Spring Prom King and Emma Carnaghi was crowned 2014 Spring Prom Queen.

Many thanks to Dixon Floral for the beautiful cen-

ter pieces and flowers for the Royal Court, Grot Photography for pictures, and Jo Mills and Kevin Cohernour for taking tickets.

If you didn’t make it to Spring Prom this year, make sure to keep in touch for next year’s event. Maybe you will be the next Spring Prom King or Queen.

A fun night was had by all!

!"/6% Spring Prom King and Queen are crowned.

Congratulations James Powers of Amboy, and Emma Carnaghi of Dixon.

2)'(4 Spring Prom attendees smile and pose outside of the Post House Ballroom.

Stop and shop The Emporium Thrift Center Finally, Mother Nature got her act together!! Snow and ice are gone. Sunny days and cool nights help the trees to bud, grass to grow, and flowers to come up. Life is good.

The Emporium Thrift Center is also ready for spring. All the winter merchandise have been sold or packed away for another time. All the racks/ shelves are bulging with new or gently used items.

The book room is full as well. It has been alpha

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betized by authors last name. Makes it easier to find just that right book.

The shoe/ purse room has been spruced up for spring with many styles to choose from.

In short, the whole place has been washed, dusted, polished and shined for your shopping pleasure.

A week ago this past Friday, we joined in the Fourth Friday events with downtown Sterling. In the past we weren’t open for the evening hours. Now that they have changed

the hours to all day, it works better for more merchants to join in.

We hope you enjoyed part of the events to show support for the merchants. Stop by to shop and see us at the Fourth Fridays to come. We plan to have special sales, drawings or demonstrations in the future.

April was designated as National Volunteer Month. The Emporium is proud to have the best volunteers ever. They never fail to show up on

time and are always willing to do anything. Big thank yous go out to all of you.

At The Emporium we have a large selection of glasses. If you need extra drink glasses, juice glasses, or wine glasses, come on in and help clear our shelves. Remember to, check out the “snack sets” from the ‘50s, we have a large selection.

It’s fun to serve from them at a special get together. The price is so reasonable it can be

Golden Echo

a onetime thing. Some of you clever ladies who make the outside yard decorations from glass items will have to check us out too.

We are going to be presenting a Spring Style Show at the Whiteside County Senior Center on Wednesday, May 14, during the lunch hour.

Come on down and have a delicious lunch and enjoy seeing all the spring clothes The Emporium has to offer. Wednesday is our regular day to be

closed, but we hope you will stop at The Emporium the rest of the week and shop for your spring clothes. Our volunteers are always happy to help you to find what you need.

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 and Sunday.

Janice Bell and Maxine Stern 3AUK 6ALLEY -EDIA

Learn more about ITAC Join Ruth Mammen and Samantha Harazin of Lee County Council on Aging at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the Amboy Community Building to hear a program on the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation.

ITAC is a not-for-profit agency offering free amplified phones to those individuals who have a hard time hearing on their current landline phone.

ITAC also offers free CapTel and TTY phones to qualifying individuals.

Starting at 10 a.m. there will be a short program to discuss who benefits from these phones and how the program works.

These phones are offered

free due to a tax that you are already currently paying on your standard landline phone bill. This 9 cent tax is what funds this program, allowing those individuals in need of a phone to receive one at no additional cost.

There is no age or income limit on this program.

We simply want to fill a need and help you get communicating effectively again!

Immediately following the presentation there will be an allotted time slot for

people interested in the phones to “test” each of the available phones and decide which would work best for them.

We then fill out a brief application and order your phone.

In order to qualify for a phone you must have a standard landline in your residence, have trouble hearing on the phone, and be a legal resident of Illinois.

You will need to bring a copy of your full phone bill and ID or Driver’s License.

If you have any questions, or would like to sign up in advance for a time slot to test the phones, call LCCOA at 815-288-9236 and ask for Ruth.

LCCOA 50/50 DRAWING WINNER Tim Broos won the annual 50/50 drawing from Lee County Council on Aging.

Staff member Julie McGrail presents Tim with his winnings.

I would recommend Gaffey to anyone...

The nursing staff was great and really helped us through a difficult time when they cared for my husband Gene. The nurses talked and comforted Gene.

They wanted our feedback and acted on the suggestions we gave them.

They were awesome!

LCCOA welcomes members We would like to thank the people who recently paid their membership dues: Dwight F. Arnold Ann Barlow Carolyn Brown Gladys Burnell Eva Cowley James Dickinson David Diveley Ed Erbes Barbara Higgs

Betty Hopper Charlene Huff Keith Huff Gene Kelly Josephine Levan James Mann Linda J. Robertson Florence Rosander Laura O. Schaneberg

William Schaneberg Sharon Schwarz Darlene Taft Frederick “Dave” Taft Dawn Taylor Eleanor Thompson Shirley Williams Orville Yocum

WCSC welcomes members

-Cindy Hartman

We would like to thank the people who recently paid their membership dues: Gloria Anderson Marilyn Beck Shirley Benton Ernestine Bradford Everett and Diane Brown Bob and Vicki Bryant Clarence and Valerie Butcher Juanita Craig Jeanne Crane Bette Cummings Betty Jo Downie Lee and Nancy Eilers Don and Mary Lou Gaffey June McCartney and David Haas

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James and Marianne Hardt Mary Lynn Hayenga Don and Judy Kohl Carol Krueger Helen Last Joan LeBlanc and Curtis Smith Reba Lindstrom Charles and Wilma Meyer Linda Morine Harold and Carrie Muntean Carl and Dolores Nelson Elizabeth Petersen Shirley Ritchie

Kenny and Aletha Roeder Deb and Chuck Slifer Anna Smith Jean Smith Kathy Spotts Anita Stickel Philip and Dorothy Szewczyk Mark and Gail Terveer Judy and Larry Thompson Daniel and Geraldine Trieloff James and Marilyn White Nancy Witte Carol and Gene Wright Cindy Young

“Where Better To Be Than At Home?”

3408 E. 23rd St., Sterling

815-626-3467 815-284-3467

Mon.- Fri. 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.

www.gaffeyhomenursingandhospice.com

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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 Cheryl Scaletta Josephine Levan LaVonne Wolf Jerry Cook

Barbara Higgs Mary Frey Lonnie Yount Rose Saaijenga

Green Acres Healthcare Lena Merlo Dennis and Penny Bennett William and Laura Schaneberg

Lois Smith Dixon Floral Kevin Cohernour Ed Erbs

7HITESIDE #OUNTY 3ENIOR #ENTER John McConnell Mike and Chris Nicklous George McDuffy

Mike Amesquita Ken Pomorin Carol Newell

Lillian O’Conner Mildred Lemkin Thelma Rivers

Wendy Allen Maria Spangler

MEDICARE Q&A

What is a therapy cap?

Dear Marci, I have Original Medicare and I get physical therapy on a routine basis. My therapist said that I may reach the therapy cap in a few months and that Medicare may not pay for my therapy after I reach the cap. What is a therapy cap?

– Bernard, Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Bernard, A therapy cap is a limit placed on the amount

of outpatient physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy that Medicare will cover in a given year. This means that Medicare will cover medically necessary therapy up to the therapy cap amount in a particular year.

After you have reached the cap, Medicare may not pay for additional therapy, unless your therapist or doctor feels that additional therapy

is medically necessary.

Note that you may be affected by the therapy cap if you get therapy in an outpatient setting, such as a clinic or medical office. In addition, therapy caps apply to you if you get your Medicare benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional Medicare program administered by the federal government. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare private

health plans, may apply caps or limits on your therapy benefits, but are not required to do so.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan directly to learn how your plan covers therapy.

Therapy caps change each year. In 2014, the therapy cap is $1,920, meaning that you can get $1,920 worth of combined physical therapy and speech-language pathology services or $1,920

worth of occupational therapy from outpatient health care providers.

Note that physical therapy and speech-language pathology services are combined to meet the therapy cap, while occupational therapy services are counted separately to meet the cap.

If you are approaching the therapy cap and you need more therapy, talk to your therapist or doctor. Medicare can make an exception to the thera-

py cap and cover therapy you receive beyond the cap if your therapist or doctor tells Medicare that additional therapy is medically necessary.

Remember, if Medicare does not pay for therapy that you need, you have the right to file an appeal.

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.

Robert Fulton Community Center Activities 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.

May 1 10:15-11:15 a.m. – Outreach caseworker here, call 888-622-9230 for an appointment May 2 Dutch Days May 3

May 5 8:30-10 a.m. – Community Coffee with Whiteside HomeCare May 7 11 a.m.-noon – Blood pressure screenings 11:30 a.m. – Lunch 12:15 p.m. – Bingo

May 9 11 a.m.-noon – Blood pressure screenings 11:30 a.m. – Lunch May 14 11:30 a.m. – Lunch

Dutch Days

May 16 11 a.m.-noon – Blood pressure screenings 11:30 a.m. – Lunch May 21 11:30 a.m. – Lunch 12:15 p.m. – Bingo

May 23 11 a.m.-noon – Blood pressure screenings 11:30 a.m. – Lunch May 28 11:30 a.m. – Lunch May 30 11 a.m.-noon – Blood pressure screenings 11:30 a.m. – Lunch

Visit us on our website at www.cityoffulton.us, look under the community and government heading.

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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 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 11:0 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Pinochle 12:30 p.m. – Crochet/Knitting Club 12:30 p.m. – Friendly Mexican Train Dominoes, $5 to play, prizes, and bring a snack

Tuesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii 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.

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 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 (none on May 2 and May 16) 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 Activities and Meetings Lee County Council on Aging May 4 12:30 p.m. – Euchre Tournament May 6 10 a.m. – Line dancing class 12:30 p.m. – Crochet bag class May 7 10 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Lee County Health Department 12:30 p.m. – Crochet bag class

May 8 10 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Oregon Living & Rehabilitation May 9 9:30 a.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Green Acres Healthcare & Rehabilitation May 12 1 p.m. – Container Gardening with University of Illinois Extension

May 13 10 a.m. – Line dancing class 1:30 p.m. – Heat Exhaustion presented by the American Red Cross May 19 9 a.m. – Basic computer class May 20 9 a.m. – Basic computer class 10 a.m. – Line dancing class 10-11 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Polo Rehabilitation & Healthcare

May 21 10 a.m. – Amboy ITAC Program and Testing (Standard program assistance as normal also available.)

May 22 Noon – Picnic in the Park with Greg Hunter May 23 9:30 a.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Lee County Council on Aging

May 26 Site closed for Memorial Day May 28 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. – AARP Driver Safety program May 29 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. – AARP Driver Safety program 1 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by VCP Home Healthcare 5-6:30 p.m. – 40th anniversary celebration

Whiteside County Senior Center May 1 10-11 a.m. – Outreach caseworker at Robert Fulton Community Center, Fulton May 7 11:25 a.m. – Celebrating birthdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Mercy Nursing Services 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, prizes sponsored

by Parkway Center, snacks sponsored

by WCSC

May 8 5 p.m. – Alzheimer’s Support Group May 9 1:30 p.m. – Medicare information class, call 622-9230 to register May 10 1 p.m. – Sauk Computer User Group will meet with a question-and-answer time. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a presentation by Will Studer on computer internet security and how it applies to Windows XP. Everyone is invited.

May 12 10-11 a.m. – Outreach caseworker at Odell Public Library, Morrison May 13 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Outreach caseworker at Prophet Manor, Prophetstown May 14 11 a.m.-noon – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Gaffey Home Nursing 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, prizes sponsored

by Good Neighbor Care, Sterling, snacks sponsored by WCSC

May 16 12:30 p.m. – It’s Showtime! The movie and popcorn are free. The movie is “Saving Mr. Banks.” Rated PG-13. The movie is sponsored by Whiteside HomeCare.

May 21 9-10 a.m. – Outreach caseworker at Erie Public Library 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, sponsored by Transitions Nursing & Rehab Center 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, prizes sponsored

by Transitions Nursing & Rehab Center, snacks sponsored by WCSC

May 26 Site closed for Memorial Day May 28 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 May 29 1 p.m. – Spelling Bee 3-6 p.m. – 30th Anniversary Open House

ROBERT FULTON COMMUNITY CENTER ACTIVITIES ON PAGE 10

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Meals for May Serving at Lee County Council on Aging May 1-2 Thursday: Italian beef on hoagie bun, potato pancakes, winter blend vegetables and cinnamon applesauce.

Friday: Mushroom and Swiss burger on bun, tator tots, green beans and sliced peaches.

May 5-9 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, green beans, roll and peach cobbler. Thursday: Tropical chicken salad on greens, with cucumber slices, croissant, apricots and pineapple juice. Friday: A) Dirty rice with beef, corn with peppers, wheat bread, broccoli and pineapple; B) Liver and onions.

May 12-16 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: Herb baked chicken quarter, mashed potatoes with gravy, baby carrots, tossed salad with dressing, wheat roll and pumpkin bar. Thursday: A) Beef stew, buttermilk biscuit, cauliflower and Mandarin oranges; B) Turkey sandwich and vegetable soup. Friday: Chicken fiesta taco with cheese, lettuce and tomato, Spanish rice, Mexican corn and citrus fruit cup.

May 19-23 Monday: Hamburger on bun, macaroni and cheese, seasoned green beans and diced pears. Tuesday: A) Baked chicken breast, cheesy potatoes, four-way vegetables, wheat roll and fruit cocktail; B) Chicken salad sandwich and tomato soup. Wednesday: Cheesy beef taco with flour tortilla, lettuce and tomato, red beans and rice, Capri blend vegetables and fresh fruit. Thursday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, steamed peas, waxed beans, garlic bread and chilled pineapple.

Friday: Hot ham and cheese on wheat bun, tator tots, Scandinavian blend vegetables and chilled apricots.

May 26-30 Monday: Site closed for Memorial Day. Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and carrots, wheat roll and sliced peaches. Wednesday: Beef Manhattan, green beans, wheat bread and baked peaches. Thursday: Baked ziti with meat sauce, steamed broccoli, soft breadstick and hot applesauce. Friday: A) Crispy fish sandwich on wheat bun, potato pancakes, Brussel sprouts and pineapple tidbits; B) Turkey sandwich and minestrone soup.

Serving at Whiteside County Senior Center May 1-2 Thursday: Beef and noodles, vegetable and dessert. Friday: Hamburger or cheeseburger, potato, vegetable and dessert.

May 5-9 Monday: Tacos, refried beans, rice and dessert. Tuesday: Goulash, salad and dessert. Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Baked chicken, potato, vegetable and dessert. Friday: Cook’s choice.

May 12-16 Monday: Oven fried chicken, potato, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Baked mostaccioli, salad and dessert. Wednesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Friday: Cook’s choice.

May 19-23 Monday: Creamed chicken and biscuits, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Sloppy Joe, baked beans, cole slaw and dessert. Wednesday: Pork chops, potato, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Ham Loaf, potato, vegetable and dessert.

Friday: Cook’s choice.

May 27-30 Monday: Site closed for Memorial Day. Tuesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, vegetable and dessert. Wednesday: Barbecue chicken, potato, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Friday: Cook’s choice.

Serving at Golden Meals in Rock Falls May 1-2 Thursday: Roast pork with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce and roll. Friday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, Lima beans, diced pears and bread.

May 5-9 Monday: Taco bake, corn, mixed fruit and bread. Tuesday: Cheeseburger on bun, German potato salad, baked beans and tapioca pudding. Wednesday: Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, mixed fruit and bread. Thursday: Easy chicken casserole, white and wild rice, mxied vegetables, pears and bread.

Friday: Baked fish, tator tots, spinach, peaches and bread.

May 12-16 Monday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, peas, pears and bread. Tuesday: Beef stew, cole slaw, rosy applesauce and biscuit. Wednesday: Ham loaf, sweet potatoes, peas, pineapple and bread.

Thursday: Beef and noodles, peaches and bread. Friday: Smoked beef sausage on bun, oven potatoes, baked beans and apricots.

May 19-23 Monday: Sloppy Joe on bun, parlsied potatoes, vegetable blend and peaches.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, beets, mixed fruit and bread. Wednesday: Turkey meatloaf, green beans, pears and bread. Thursday: Barbecue ribettes, cheesy potatoes, mixed vegetables, applesauce and bread. Friday: Creamed chicken on biscuit, succatash and Mandarin oranges.

May 26-30 Monday: Site closed for Memorial Day. Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on bun, augratin potatoes, broccoli and Mandarin oranges. Wednesday: Meatball stroganoff, noodles, broccoli, peaches and bread. Thursday: Roast pork with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce and roll. Friday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, Lima beans, diced pears and bread.

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

May 2 No lunch – Dutch Days

May 21 Lunch sponsored by Eagle Point Nursing & Rehab

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May 7 TBA

May 23 Baked chicken breast, mashed potatoes with chicken gravy, vegetable and dessert

May 9 Scalloped potato and ham casserole, green beans, roll and dessert May 28 Lunch sponsored by Harbor Crest

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May 14 Lunch sponsored by Bickford

May 16 Hamburger, brat or hot dog, baked beans, macaroni salad and ice cream

May 30 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and birthday cake

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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

Phil Baeza Driver

888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117

Whiteside County Public Transportation 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

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

Find WCPT and LOTS on Facebook.

855-625-7433 or 815-625-7433

S

We recently had a rider call and express their gratitude for the way Phil treated them while transporting them to their destination. The rider said Phil was very kind and helpful.

This is a perfect example of the customer service we strive to provide our riders each and every day.

Great job Phil!

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

pringtime brings warm weather, colorful flowers, and the launch of new endeavors for Lee-Ogle Transportation System. LOTS is pleased to announce we have been vigorously working to implement several exciting opportunities for our community.

We are preparing to launch the Veterans Transportation Community Livability Initiative Round 1 this spring. The VTCLI consists of developing a communication network for eight Counties in North Central Illinois. In accordance to the national one-call one-click veteran’s informational center, LOTS will

Employee of the Month for April

Springtime with LOTS create a website that will be an online resource for all veteran’s services. In addition, LOTS will have a toll free telephone number to assist veteran’s with resources for their individual needs. We have also officially been awarded VTCLI Round 2 which will extend the project to 15 Counties in North Central Illinois.

LOTS will also launch the InterCity Bus Program in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation and Greyhound. The I-88 Corridor has been chosen as a two year pilot project for Greyhound to facilitate an express route from Chicago to Davenport, Iowa.

Although this has been a long process, we are confident that we will move forward with building the two 26-passenger buses this summer and have wheels on the road by fall.

LOTS staff moved into our new home, the Reagan Transit Center last summer while we continued to build the garage area. We are pleased that the project should be 100 percent complete this month. However, we have recently been awarded an additional $1,000,000 in capital projects in which the majority of the funding will be on facility enhancements. This included a canopy, vehicle

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wash bay, hydraulic lift in the maintenance bay, additional parking, and much more!

LOTS would like to give a special thank you to all the municipalities across Lee and Ogle that have recently provided a financial donation supporting the transportation program. LOTS is supported greatly by local donations and if you would like to support public transportation please send your donation to the financial department at 210 E. Progress Dr., Dixon, IL, 61021.

Thank you in advance for supporting Lee-Ogle Transportation System!

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Upcoming trips “The Wizard of Oz” at the Cadillac Palace in Chicago

Alaska Anyone?

Thursday through Friday, Aug. 28-Sept. 5 Cost – $2,800 per person with a $600 deposit due ASAP (based on double occupancy) Final payment is due by June 1

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 (loge seats) $65 members; $70 nonmembers (balcony seats) 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.

We still stay overnight in Seattle Thursday, Aug. 28; and then Friday, Aug. 29, we will board the Celebrity Solstice for a 7-night cruise. Our trip will include visits to 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.

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

Senior Follies in Rockford

Second bus going!

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

Cape Cod Trip

Cost includes round-trip 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.

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Drury Lane in Oakbrook 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 round-trip 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.

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Saturday through Sunday, Sept. 20-28 Cost – $808 (based on double occupancy) Motorcoach transportation; 8 nights lodging including nights in the quaint Cape Cod area; eight breakfasts and six dinners; a tour of the “Outer Cape” including Provincetown and Chatham; a visit to the JFK Museum; gaming at Turning Stone Casino; a Hyannis Harbor Cruise; an exploration of the historic seaside towns of Hyannis and Sandwich; a visit to the Heritage Museums and Gardens; Martha’s Vineyard and much more. Stop in and pick up a flyer.

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

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Upcoming special events Project: Tech presentation at WCSC 1 p.m. Friday, May 2 Nathan Fellows will be talking about Project: Tech, an initiative to help those who are under utilizing technology. If you wish to know more about how to use your technology (cell phones, smart phones, computers, and more) be sure to attend this brief informative meeting.

Euchre Tournament at LCCOA 12:30 p.m. sign in; 1 p.m. start Sunday, May 4 Cost – $5 entry, 25 cents a set (100 percent payback) Cinco de Mayo party at WCSC 11 a.m. Monday, May 5 The WCSC Line Dancers will be performing two dances in the dining room. Also, there will be giveaways. Stay for lunch of tacos, refried beans, rice, dessert and drink for $5.

100 percent recyclable bag class at LCCOA 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6-7 Cost – Free Want to learn how to create 100 percent recyclable bags? They are made from the bags you already receive from the grocery stores. Sandy Fry will be the teacher. Please bring a size K crochet hook, if you have one, and you will need approximately 75 bags. To reserve a spot, call 815-288-9236.

AARP Driver Safety class at WCSC 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday and Thursday, May 7-8 Cost – $15 AARP members; $20 nonmembers The AARP Driver Safety program is a refresher course that can help you learn about the effects of aging on driving and how you can adjust your driving. Discounts are available on car insurance. You must show your AARP card or have your AARP number. To get your AARP number or to join AARP, call 888-687-2277. The instructors will be Arlyn and Jonnie Thomson. To register, call 815-622-9230.

Medicare information class at WCSC 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 9 Cost – 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 volunteer counselors. SHIP is a free counseling service provided by the Illinois Department of Insurance. Call 815-622-9230 to register for this class.

Free Container Gardening program with University of Illinois Extension at LCCOA 1 p.m. Monday, May 12 If you don’t have the space or energy for a large garden then container gardening may be the way to go. This workshop will introduce a variety of plants that will grow well in a container, the best ways to care for the plants, and harvesting tips.

Heat Exhaustion presented by the American Red Cross at LCCOA 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 Join us as the American Red Cross informs us on heat exhaustion and ways to prevent it. Heat exhaustion is one part of the spectrum of heat-related illnesses that begin with heat cramps, progress to heat exhaustion, and finally to heat stroke.

Rules of the Road class at WCSC 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 Cost – Free The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, Department of Senior and Community Services is offering a Rules of the Road class designed as a refresher course to help a person take their driving test.

Sign up is required. To register, call 815-622-9230.

Dance Like a Chicken Day at WCSC 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 The WCSC Line Dancers and anyone else who wants to join in can do the chicken dance. A lot of fun!

Fashion Show at WCSC Noon Wednesday, May 14 While you are eating lunch, watch models wearing spring clothes from The Emporium Thrift Center. See what they have to offer. All sizes of clothes, purses, and jewelry. Everything the models are wearing is for sale.

Older American party at WCSC 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 15 Janet from VCP will be sponsoring this party. We will play games with prizes for first and second place. Come play and have some fun.

Allen Edwards – “The Singer” WCSC’s Annual Fundraiser Concert at SHS Centennial Auditorium 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18 Cost – Discounted prior to the day of the show; $17 (individual, Super Family Pass and sponsorship opportunities) Buy your tickets for Mother’s Day, birthday presents, or just because, for this show. Call 888622-9230 or 815-622-9230 for tickets.

Basic computer class at LCCOA 9-11 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 19-20 Cost – $15 Cost includes a great book on computer basics to keep.

Learn the basics including using a mouse, keyboard, basic computer terminology and more.

Amplified phone program and testing at Amboy Community Building 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21 Join LCCOA at the Amboy Community Building for an ITAC presentation and testing of the amplified phones. Receive a phone for free through the ITAC program. A free program required and governed by Illinois law. See the full article for more details or call the Outreach Department at 815-288-9236.

Foot Clinic at WCSC 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 Cost – $25 Foot care will be available for all senior citizens over 60. For appointments call Whiteside County Health Department at 815-772-4213. A doctor’s order is required for all clients receiving foot care.

Insurance Q&A at WCSC 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 21 Melissa Magon-Wicks, marketing director for Transitions Nursing and Rehab Center in Rock Falls, and an independent state licensed insurance representative, will volunteer to answer insurance questions regarding auto, home, life and health. This is for general questions about your current insurance or insurance you may be considering to purchase. No company product recommendations will be offered. Walk-ins are welcome.

Picnic in the Park with Greg Hunter from Lowell Park at LCCOA Noon Thursday, May 22 Bus leaves LCCOA at 11:45 a.m.

Return at approximately 2:15 p.m.

Cost – $5 Join us as we travel to Lowell Park for a picnic in the park with Greg.

Rain or shine we will enjoy a boxed lunch picnic in a reserve shelter just for us.

Greg will join us and talk to us about what’s been happening around the park. This short outing will be filled with fun and laughter enjoying a great day. Cost includes a boxed lunch and transportation to and from the senior center. Limited seats are available and reservations are required.

Better Hearing and Speech presentation/ITAC testing at KSB Hopsital Annex Conference Room 1 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 22 Join KSB’s Audiologist, Dr. Hudson for an informative presentation on “Hearing Loss and Quality of Life” at the KSB Hospital Annex. Immediately following, Samantha from LCCOA will present the ITAC program, and host a testing event. Come see if you qualify, See the front page for more details, or call 815-288-9236.

Scrapbooking class at WCSC 1 p.m. Thursday, May 22 Cost – $5 for materials Bring scissors, double-sided tape or a glue stick, and four to six pictures that we will use.

Double-sided tape and cutters will be for sale that day, or we can order it for the next class. To register, call 815-622-9230.

Lucky Penny Day at WCSC 11 a.m. Friday, May 23 Guess how many lucky pennies are in the jar and win a prize! Whoever guesses the closes without going over wins all the pennies!

It’s Showtime! at WCSC 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 23 Cost – $5 for lunch The movie is “Saving Mr. Banks” starring Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Colin Farrell. The movie is sponsored by Whiteside HomeCare.

AARP Driver Safety at LCCOA 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 28-29 This is a refresher course designed for drivers 50 and over. Auto Insurance discounts in most states.

40th anniversary celebration at LCCOA 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29 Come celebrate Lee County Council on Aging’s 40th anniversary. Light dinner provided along with tours of the facility.

Call 815-288-9236 if you will be attending, so we may plan food accordingly.

Senior Spelling Bee at WCSC 1 p.m. Thursday, May 29 Free Show off your talents at the 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. The program is coordinated by the Association of Illinois Senior Centers with the help of the Illinois Department on Aging.

The two winners of the local bee will advance to the regional bee and then on to the state bee at the Illinois State Fair. To regsiter, call 815-622-9230. Each participant will receive a gift bag.

30th anniversary celebration open house at WCSC 3-6 p.m. Thursday, May 29 The WCSC will be celebrating 30 years of serving the people in Whiteside County with an open house. Stop by and visit with board members and staff and take a tour of the facility. We are working on a display highlighting the services and activities provided by the senior center. Let us know if you have pictures or momentos you would like to share with everyone. Contact Betty at the center before May 22. We will be happy to scan any photos. Refreshments will be served.

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