SVM-SS2_10262015

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

Nov. 11 – Whiteside County Senior Center, Whiteside County Public Transportation and Lee County Council on Aging will be closed in observance of Veterans Day, and Lee-Ogle Transportation System will not be operating. Lifescape Community Services will be serving meals.

Nov. 26 & 27 – Whiteside County Senior Center, Whiteside County Public Transportation, Lee County Council on Aging, Lee-Ogle Transportation System and Lifescape Community Services will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

G olden Echo A publication of Sauk Valley Media in cooperation with Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center – United Way agencies Volume 8 • November 2015 •

Edition 1

2016 Membership Campaign starts soon Become a member of Whiteside County Senior Center.

Membership is the single best thing you can do every year to help us continue our programs.

Benefits of being a member of the Whiteside County Senior Center are: Discounts on trips and helping the Whiteside County Senior Center with programs and events helpful to the seniors and community of Whiteside County. Members will receive an application in the near future.

Membership is open to all ages and the rates are just: $20 – Individual $30 – Same household with two individuals Please join us!

Remember ...

Giving Tuesday is Dec. 1.

See article on page 5

INSIDE Directors’ Columns ............................................. 2 Post House Ballroom........................................... 3 Thank Yous.......................................................... 7

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

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From the LCCOA Executive Director

and $2 for those under 12.

Anyone coming in costume – and that includes Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa – will get $1 off the breakfast.

Come and have fun!

It’s been only a couple of weeks since the all-important Medicare Part D enrollment period began, but our appointments are already filling up, and before you know it, the Dec. 7 closing time will be

on us. Every year at this time, I urge ALL Medicare beneficiaries to come in and get a plan check-up.

Plans change from year to year, as do the costs pharmacies charge.

You might be in the right plan, but we also might be able to save you money, and we all like that, don’t we? Our outreach counsellors, Ruth and Samantha, are here to help you evaluate your plan options and help you decide whether you should stay with your current plan or switch.

Many people assume they can just stay with their plan and it will always be the best, but this is not always the case.

Coverages change and so do peoples’ needs. Your current plan might not

still be the best.

And, while we’re at it, I can tell you that buying a plan because your neighbor or friend has it is generally not the best way to pick. Even husbands and wives may need different programs to maximize benefits, which is where we come in. Call or stop in to make an appointment with Ruth or Samantha to help choose your plan for 2016. But do it soon.

Appointments fill fast, and when Dec. 7 ends, so does your window to enroll.

As the temperatures drop in November (Did you know that November sees the biggest change in temperatures from month’s beginning to month’s end in the year?) our thoughts begin to turn to the holidays.

We are already making plans for this year’s Santa’s Workshop on Dec. 5. We are accepting donations of new or (very) gently used items we can sell at the workshop. The idea is that this is a place where young people can come, with very little cash, to pick out gifts for their loved ones. Generally, nothing sells for more than $5. We can offer this only through your generosity, so please bring your items to the Post House Community Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

As always, read through this month’s issue of the Golden Echo to find out all the great programs happening this month – and I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

– Geoff

Public Transportation!

United Way funds provide local matching funds that allow us to stretch the dollars we receive from state and federal programs. Please support the United Way campaign!

We are very thankful for all of the local organizations, businesses, groups, and individuals who provide financial and contributions-in-kind to the

Senior Center to assist us with our daily operations and special projects!

We also want to say a special thank you to all of the veterans who have served in our armed forces over the years! Don’t forget to honor all of the veterans on Nov. 11. The WCSC will be closed on Veterans Day to pay tribute to those who sacrificed for our freedom.

On Tuesday, Dec. 1, WCSC will participate in Giving Tuesday, an international day to celebrate generosity! It is an opportunity for the community to give back to the nonprofit organizations that have had an impact their lives! For more information read the Giving Tuesday article

in this Golden Echo. Giving Tuesday will kick off WCSC’s annual membership drive and end-ofthe-year giving campaign!

If you miss Giving Tuesday, please feel free to send donations directly to the WCSC, or call us for more information. All donations are tax deductible! Thank you again to everyone who helps to support the WCSC! Your support is very important to us this year, as government funding has decreased and we won’t know our exact funding until the new state budget is in place.

Please note, Wal-Mart Distribution Center and WCSC have combined the annual thanksgiving and Christmas meals into

a free community holiday meal Thursday, Dec. 3. This meal is free and open to everyone in the community.

Come out and enjoy ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, dessert and pop or water!

November looks like another busy month at the Senior Center! Please come join us if you see any activity or program that catches your curiosity! We guarantee you will have a great time!

The Senior Center will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27, to allow the staff to enjoy Thanksgiving with their families! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next month!

– Doug

By Geoff Vanderlin Happy Halloween!

That’s a strange way to begin a November column, but since this issue of the Golden Echo is coming out on Oct. 26, Halloween is still almost a week away – and that gives me the opportunity to highlight a couple of special events coming up later this week.

First, is our annual Halloween party for everyone. Come to the Post House Ballroom Friday, Oct. 30 from noon to 2 p.m. for treats, a cos-

tume contest and more.

Relive your trick-ortreat days by dressing up, enjoying good company and maybe enjoy a surprise or two.

Saturday is our annual Monster Pancakes Breakfast. Bring the kids or grandkids to the Post House Community Center for pancakes, sausage and drink before moving down to Haymarket Square for the Noon Lions costume judging and parade. The cost is only $4 for adults

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Doug Vandersee November means Thanksgiving! It is when we pause and take time from our busy schedules to sit down with family and friends to reminisce about the past year and everything we are thankful for!

The staff members at the Senior Center are very thankful for all of the volunteers who help us reach out into Whiteside County to provide programs, services, activities, and support to those who

need our assistance.

We could not help the number of people we do without their time and talents!

We are also thankful to those who support our local United Way Agency, which provides funding for numerous nonprofit agencies in the area.

Without United Way’s support we could not provide the services we offer through our Aging & Disabled Resource Center and Whiteside County

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.

November 2015 • Page 2

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

November is full of fun at the Post House

BY CATHY REGLIN Lee County Council on Aging

Two of my most favorite events are being held in the Post House Ballroom in November: trivia and Quarter Madness.

On Friday, Nov. 6, the United Way of Lee County is having a Smarty Pants Trivia event. These are so much fun – get a team together, answer trivia questions, buy some pop or other drinks, eat some munchies, joke with your friends about inappropriate answers, give the other teams a hard time – how much more fun could you have?

Then, just when I thought I couldn’t have more fun, on Sunday, Nov. 8, LCCOA and Buddy Bags are partnering for a Quarter Madness. In this game, you place one to four quarters in the basket and raise your paddle. If your number is called, you get it! Munchies, shopping with the vendors, the possibility of winning something cool – it’s all great fun again.

Become a part of the fun! Call us or United Way of Lee County.

Meanwhile, 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 go to www.post-

Events for November 3 – Line dancing 5 – The Stage Door dance classes 6 – United Way of Lee County Smarty Pants Trivia 8 – Quarter Madness 10 – Line dancing 11 – Closed for Veterans Day 12 – The Stage Door dance classes 15 – Margaret Brooks’ 90th birthday party 16 – Rock River Garden Club meeting 17 – Line dancing 18 – Dixon Main Street’s Lunch and Learn 19 – The Stage Door dance classes 22 – Newman Parent Association ladies luncheon 24 – Line dancing 26 – Closed for Thanksgiving Day 27 – Closed for Thanksgiving Day holiday 27– Jill Bushman and Luis Zapata 28 – Jill Bushman and Luis Zapata wedding reception

This was a baseballthemed wedding reception held at the Ballroom. The “stadium” on the table held tickets with guest names on each one. Each ticket had the name of a team, along with the name of that team’s home stadium. Each guest table had a centerpiece showing the stadium, along with statistics. The table for Wrigley Field is also shown.

houseballroom.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.

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, free phones for hearing/sight impaired: 815-288-9236 Toll-free 855-407-9236

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

Outreach and free phones for hearing/sight impaired: 815-626-7707 Toll-free 888-622-9230

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

Or via the Internet at info@whitesidecsc.org

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

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

Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

November 2015 • Page 3

Need help? Outreach Dept. is here for you But please remember to follow the guidelines when seeking assistance from caseworkers The Whiteside County Senior Center (WCSC) has trained staff to help seniors and people with disabilities to file applications for the license plate discount, energy assistance, or homestead exemptions. They take walk-ins from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays.

Mondays are also the best day to walk in for the free amplified telephone program.

If you want to see someone for Medicare counseling, you can do so by appointment only. If you want to see someone at one of their sites in Morrison, Erie, Prophetstown, or Fulton, it is also by appointment only – please call 815-622-9230 extension 194.

It is important to call to cancel or reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.

License plate discounts If you are applying for the license plate discount the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) requires you to bring

your US 1040 tax form, with supporting schedules. If you do not file, IDOA will accept tax documents such as W-2 and 1099 forms reporting income. If you are receiving SSI, you need to bring a letter with the total of last year’s income.

IDOA will not accept bank statements, check stubs, or letters with your current monthly Social Security amount as proof of income. The WCSC caseworkers have tried to use them as proof and IDOA rejects them every time.

Also, please bring your car registration, Social Security cards, proof of address, proof of birth dates, and proof of disability if you are under 65 years old (Class 2 disability ID card or letter from Social Security stating you are receiving disability benefits). IDOA does not accept disability parking placards as proof of disability. If you do not have proof of disability, you can ask for a form to be filled out by your doctor.

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Energy assistance If you want to apply for energy assistance, please bring Social Security cards for everyone in the household, proof of income for the last 30 days for anyone over the age 18, DHS Medicaid/Medical card, Link card, gas bill, and electric bill. WCSC caseworkers might request you to bring back additional information when you are seen for assistance.

Telephones To apply for the free amplified telephones you will need your phone bill and proof of residency.

Medicare If you want help comparing Medicare part D prescription drug plans, please bring a list or your medications, which would include the name of the medicine, the dosage (i.e. milligrams), and how much of it you get in a 1-month

Anne Barlow Cindy Gabany Jeff Kuhn

That Keeps Growing

Plant a living memorial in honor of your departed loved one.

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November 2015 • Page 4

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Whiteside County Senior Center Board Members and Officers

Helen Kay Miller, Vice Chair Fred Nesbit, Secretary

Carol Rick Diane Blaine Roberta Lemoine Dr. Thomas Lawless

Following the rules Caseworkers try the best they can help you, but the WCSC wants the community to know that their caseworkers have to be strict about the information you need to have because they know these programs require specific things in order for you to get your applications approved. If you cannot provide it for them, your applications probably will be not be approved, or will get denied.

If you need more information or have questions about this, please call us at 815-622-9230, extension 194. This is a very busy time of year for the Outreach Department, so please leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

Jones F ner l Homes

A Gift of Sympathy

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

supply (i.e. number of pills, vials, tubes). The list needs to be accurate in order for the results of the comparisons they give you to be accurate.

Teresa Brunick Nancy Varga Donna Newman

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

Golden Echo

Kelly Wilhelmi, Vice President Michele Miller, Secretary

Robbin Blackert John Espinoza Al Campbell

Emily Dykstra Janet Mennecke Lori Cortez

Sauk Valley Media

NOTES FROM THE KITCHEN

There’s much to be thankful for Thanksgiving is here.

This is the most pleasant and colorful time of year for most of us. The trees express their beauty with all the autumn colors as a sign of winter coming.

This time of year brings a reminder to all that we should be thankful for each and every one of our adventures through life, and the special loved ones who shared in them – a time for Thanksgiving.

The WCSC will be providing its Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday Nov. 18. Come celebrate and please join us in the dining room, or take a meal to go.

We are continuing to have new customers, so please greet them with open arms, and invite them to join our family in all the benefits and activities we provide here.

Take a moment to honor all the selfless men and woman who have served

in the armed forces of the United States, and offer a prayer to all the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives in order to make ours possible this Veterans Day. Santa’s Workshop is quickly approaching, Dec. 12, so please sign up

by volunteering to help make it a success.

Thank you all for supporting our WCSC. Food for thought: As soup comforts the body, kindness comforts the soul. Be kind to one

another, give a lending hand, and a loving heart.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

– The cook, San Juana Escobar (or Juanita, as we know her)

When It Comes To Your Health Trust The Professionals

Take a Tuesday to thank our non-profits Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the Whiteside County Senior Center will be participating in Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1, 2015.

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for the community to give back to the non-profit organizations that have had an impact on their lives. Please join us on that day in supporting the Senior Center so that we can continue to provide our services and activities to the community.

No matter what walk of life we come from, we can all agree that being grateful and giving back are both very important. Please consider supporting the Whiteside County Senior Center so that we can continue to give back to the community we love and love to serve!

Contributions can be sent by …

Mail: Whiteside County Senior Center 1207 W. Ninth St. Sterling, IL 61081 On Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhitesideCountySeniorCenter Or online at: www.givingtuesday.org or www.networkforgood.org Thank you so much for your continued support. We couldn’t exist without you!

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Clicks from the computer lab

Computer center remodeled, streamlined The Computer Resource Center at the Sterling facility has been remodeled and streamlined to better utilize the space available, which is now being shared with the new receptionist desk.

The CRC is no longer holding formal classes, but instead has gone to an open format so that

we can teach you exactly what you are interested in learning.

Terry will be in the lab Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons to instruct and assist you, and you are welcome to bring your personal computer.

Please call ahead to reserve a place. Donations will be accepted.

Keep warm at the Post House Community Center Please remember the Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, is a warming center from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Come in out of the cold and join in our many activities and make new friends. Browse our book sale, join in and play Wii bowling, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper.

The Post House Community Center is a community building, all ages are invited to come in and check us out. We have events and programs for everyone.

If you have questions please give us a call at 815-288-9236.

The Post House Community Center serves as a public warming center during the winter.

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There are two new Events at the Whiteside County Senior Center Every Monday morning at 10 a.m., Suzann Hughes will be teaching anyone how to play Euchre. Once you learn, you can continue to play just for fun!

Please call the center at 622-9230 or Suzann at 828-461-7979 if you are coming, so we can plan ahead. Then stay for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The lunch will

be a homemade meal complete with drink and dessert for only $5.

Also new is karaoke on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m.

Come join in and sing, or just come to listen.

We have some very good singers and music. It will be a great fun time! Come and eat lunch first from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., which is a homemade meal complete with drink and dessert for only $5.

Any questions, please call the center at 622-9230.

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Golden Echo

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Sauk Valley Media

LCCOA needs your help

LCCOA welcomes members Membership dues paid: Tilly Buch Phyllis Doan William Doan

Mary Fisher Beverly Helfrich Carol Holland Jay Kitzmiller Shirley Kitzmiller

Jackey Phillips Barbara Schwarz Evon Weidman Ronald Weidman

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

Peter and Betty Bell

Richard Billiet Della Boehmke Della Brenner Martha and Con Countryman

Dennis and Diana Knap Elaine Landis Pam and Lary Pfeiffer Sue Topping

Thank you to volunteers at Lee County Council on Aging 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 Judy Skates Patty Ballard

Sterling Pavilion Rock Falls Rehab Gaffey Home Nursing Sauk Valley Senior Living and Rehab United Way Prophet Manor, Prophetstown Erie Pubic Library Odell Public Library, Morrison Gene Klock

our seniors and other clients to assist with manning our front desk a few hours each week, including answering and routing incoming calls, and helping with simple office tasks. Computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office, are helpful but not necessary.

Please call Geoff at 815-288-9236 if you are interested.

Want to help LCCOA continue its programs? Become a member

Donna Newman Sandy Woodin Sandy Crane Sharon Moeller Josie Almassy Bertha Sepulveda

Thank you to volunteers at Whiteside County Senior Center 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

Lee County Council on Aging is looking for Volunteers.

Do you have a few hours a day, or week, that you can volunteer at the Post House Community Center?

Do you have strong organizational and phone skills? Do you like to multitask? We need individuals with a passion for customer service and serving

Robert Fulton Community Center, Fulton Walmart Distribution Oregon Living and Rehab Center Judy O’Malley Harry and Margaret Kapp Virginia Winters Peter and Betty Bell New Bedford Royal Neighbors

Affordable Housing Rehab/Ski killed Care Senior Housing with Services

Become a member of Lee County Council on Aging. Membership is the single best thing you can do every year to help us continue our programs.

Membership is open to all ages and the rates are just $20 for individuals, or $30 same household/two Individuals.

Benefits of being a member of Lee County Council on Aging are: discounts on trips, ballot for the yearly

Board of Directors Election, and helping the Lee County Council on Aging with programs and events helpful to the seniors and community of Lee County.

Current members will receive membership renewal forms in the mail in December and a membership form will be in the December issue of the Golden Echo. Please join us. Thank you!

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

™

Our name is changing, not our mission.

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

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

And, we are changing too!

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

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

Sauk Valley Media

Golden Echo

November 2015 • Page 7

FRIENDLY FACES AT THE FAIR LCCOA Outreach staff members Samantha Harazin and Ruth Mammen had a table set up at the Senior Fair on Oct. 2 in the Post House Ballroom.

LOOKING FOR SOME PIN PALS? The LCCOA Senior Bowling group enjoyed a day on the lanes, and you can too. Senior bowling, open to all, takes place every Monday and Thursday at 9 a.m. at Plum Hollow Lanes in Dixon. They are always looking for more friends, so why not check it out? The senior bowling group is a non-sanctioned, no commitment time for bowling that is open to any and all seniors.

We have bowlers from each of the surrounding six counties. Come join the fun, get some exercise, and meet new friends!

Individual high scores for the month of September Game Series Korona Burkitt ........... 160 ....... 426 Dick Janssen .............. 201 ....... 541 Linda Richards ........... 224 ....... 521 Norma Burmeister ...... 176 ....... 452 Darrell Kitsmiller .......... 224 ....... 562 Rich Senn ................... 202 ....... 508 Chico Contrerious....... 188 ....... 536 November 2015 • Page 8

Bruce Kleinmaier ........ 203 ....... 543 Jim Shuman ............... 196 ....... 491 Bob Dalziel ................. 183 ....... 509 Jan Kuepker ............... 171 ....... 459 Therma Smith ............. 166 ....... 440 Charlotte Deirdorff ...... 148 ....... 362 Ray Maakestad .......... 211 ....... 482 Dave Stewart .............. 193 ....... 505

Dan Dunphy ............... 258 ....... 620 June Partington .......... 168 ....... 450 Glenn Stroh ................ 202 ....... 506 Chuck Elliot ................ 197 ....... 514 Larry Reed.................. 202 ....... 511 Jay Wolf ..................... 179 ....... 505 Cliff Golden................. 209 ....... 535 Verna Reiff .................. 177 ....... 436

Golden Echo

Good News Sauk Valley Media would like to offer you a

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

All for only $14.00

CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222 Special offer good for seniors age 65 and older, proof of age required. Must be pre-paid.

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

Sauk Valley Media

SANTA’S WORKSHOPS Mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 5; that’s the day of LCCOA’s annual Santa’s Workshop. Kids purchase gifts for loved ones and leave with wrapped presents – and pictures with Santa!

Home, sweet home Gingerbread House contest planned The Post House Community Center/Lee County Council on Aging will hold a gingerbread house competition during our Santa’s Workshop event.

We are looking for kids, youth and families who want to have fun and build a gingerbread house.

Houses will be on public display in the Post House Ballroom Tuesday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 5.

There will be cash prizes and bragging rights in the following categories: people’s choice, child 8-12 years old, youth 13-17 years old, family and group. Judging will be based on originality, over-

Post House ornaments available Are you looking for a unique Christmas ornament? The Lee County Council on Aging is selling ornaments with a rendition of the building, circa 1934.

This is a limited edi-

Sauk Valley Media

The ornament is ceramic and is hand-numbered, and sells for $12. It can be used as a Christmas ornament, or just hanging throughout the year in your home. Stop in to pick one up.

GOING ON VACATION? all appearance, choice and use of materials, and difficulty of design.

For more information

give us a call at 815-2889236 or stop in for an entry form and complete set of rules.

On track for Santa’s workshop WCSC has started having auctions for Santa’s Workshop.

We have a total of nine train sets for sale.

They are set up for you to see, so come on in and look.

One is a Geotrax Working Clock Tower Railway

tion – only 250 have been manufactured – so remember your collector friends. It would also be a great gift for those people who have had receptions or other parties at the Post House Ballroom.

with one manual engine train with one car and a person in engine, one manual car for rail, six curved guard rails, and 11 tracks.

The other one is a Geotrax Railway consisting of one manual engine train (one car with a

block in car), one manual truck engine (two cars, two blocks for cars), one gas pump building, two guard rails, one boat, one tree, one tunnel with bridge over tunnel and 14 track pieces. It comes in green, gray and beige.

Golden Echo

Keep in touch with the news of the Sauk Valley November 2015 • Page 9

What should I do to prepare for Fall Open Enrollment?

Dear Marci, When does Fall Open Enrollment start, and how can I make sure I’m prepared? This is the first year I’ve had Medicare, so I don’t know what to expect.

– Zoe, Boise, Idaho Dear Zoe, Fall Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and is the time during the year when you can change the way your Medicare health coverage is delivered. Specifically, you can decide whether you receive your coverage through Original Medicare and a stand-alone Part D plan or through a Medicare Advantage Plan. You can make as many changes as you like during this period, but only the last one will take effect. Any changes you make will become effective starting Jan. 1, 2016.

Even if you decide you don’t want to change your coverage, it is still a good idea to take a look at your current health care coverage and see if it will

continue to meet your needs in the coming year. Sometimes plans change their provider networks, policies, drug formularies, and/or preferred pharmacies, and sometimes your health care needs change as well. There are two important things you should do during Fall Open Enrollment: First, review your current health and drug coverage.

If you have Original Medicare, take a look at next year’s “Medicare & You” handbook to know your Medicare costs and benefits for the upcoming year.

If you are dissatisfied with your Original Medicare coverage, you can make changes during Fall Open Enrollment.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or a stand-alone Part D drug plan, you should receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and/or Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from your plan. Review these notices for any changes in the plan’s costs, benefits, and rules for

The “Medicare & You” handbook can help you make decisions about your coverage. the upcoming year. If you are dissatisfied with any changes, you can change your Medicare Advantage Plan or stand-alone Part D plan during fall open enrollment. If you want to switch from a Medicare Advan-

tage Plan to Original Medicare you can do that as well at this time.

Remember, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage, it’s smart to look at other Medicare options in your area that may better suit your individual needs in the upcoming year. Particularly if you think that you may need specific health services or drugs in the coming year, you should make sure your health insurance will cover them.

Next, think about costs. It is important to look at the different premiums and deductibles associated with the plans you are considering. Some Medicare Advantage Plans have an additional premium on top of the Part B premium of $104.90 that most beneficiaries pay each month. Similarly, some drug plans have annual deductibles, while others do not. This is all to say that it is a good idea to compare all aspects of the plans you are considering. For

example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you should check to see if there is another plan in your area that will offer you the same or better health and/or drug coverage at a more affordable price or have fewer coverage restrictions. Research shows that people with Medicare prescription drug coverage could lower their costs by shopping among plans each year.

Take action! Create a list of all the health care providers you see, prescription drugs you take, and pharmacies you use. Contact your local SHIP for one-on-one assistance with reviewing your health and drug plan options for 2016.

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

Bundle up and save a bundle Emporium rolling out winter coats, other fall items It is an exciting time at The Emporium Thrift Center as we get out all our items for fall. We now have fall and winter clothes on the racks for the whole family, and we carry sizes from small to 3X. If you need a new winter coat, this is the time to stop in and see our selection. The shoe and purse selection is full of fall choices.

We have fall decorations, including centerpieces, wreaths, lots of those pumpkin cuties, and more.

We had a wonderful donation of placemats with coordinating napkins in new

November 2015 • Page 10

condition. We have a selection for fall, Thanksgiving, and right through to Christmas. You will be able to set a beautiful table at a reasonable cost.

Once again we are going to bring the snowmen out in November. We have a large selection, so watch that west window, for they will make their appearance the first week of November. It’ll be a good time for collectors to make an addition.

We appreciate all the clean and working donations.

Anytime the store is open we will accept donations. If you come into the store, we

will be glad to help you get them inside.

I want to remind you we are on Facebook now, and we try to list larger items or new items, such as the beautiful crystal candlesticks (6 sets) that we now have. Also any sale we are having will be listed.

We are open every day of the week – except Wednesday and Sunday – from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 115 W. Third St. in Sterling. All of our profits go to the Whiteside County Senior Center, and that adds up to local people helping local people.

Hope to see you there.

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

Activities and Meetings Weekly Lee County Council on Aging 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 10-11 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 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 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Computer lab 10 a.m. – Dance exercise class 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape lunch served (Reservations) 1 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 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Computer lab 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape lunch served (Reservations) 12:30 p.m. – Duplicate bridge

Whiteside County Senior Center Mondays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii machine, socializing, computer lab 10 a.m. – Beginning Euchre 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; with prizes; bring a snack

Tuesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii machine, socializing, computer lab 10 a.m. – Beading class 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.

12:30 p.m. – Scrabble 1 p.m. – Karaoke. Fun!

Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii machine, socializing, computer lab 10 a.m. – Canasta 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, computer lab 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Cards: Hand and Foot game; $2 1 p.m. – Euchre; $2 to play; bring a snack.

1 p.m. – Chair exercises. FUN with music

Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, Wii machine, socializing, computer lab 10 a.m. – Intermediate line dancing.

Check schedule for location 11 a.m. – Line dancing 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. - Mexican Train Dominoes; $5 to play; with prizes; bring a snack.

12:30 p.m. – Pinochle

Monthly Lee County Council on Aging Nov. 5 10-11 a.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Paw Paw Community Center Nov. 8 12:30 p.m. – Quarter Madness in the Post House Ballroom Nov. 9 1-2 p.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Ashton Library 2:30-3:30 p.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Franklin Grove Library

Nov. 10 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks,

by Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Nov. 12 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Free iPad class Nov. 13 9:30 a.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Lee County Council on Aging 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Flu clinic, by Lee County Health Department 11 a.m. – Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs presentation

Nov. 17 9 a.m. – Chair exercise class, by Peterson Healthcare 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks, by Polo Rehabilitation and Healthcare Nov. 18 8:30 a.m. – Quarterly breakfast, sponsored by Post House Community Center 9 a.m. – Laughter Yoga, sponsored by Homebound Healthcare 10 a.m. – Holiday grief workshop, pre-

sented by the Hospice of the Rock River Valley 10-11 a.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Amboy Community Center 10:30 a.m. – Presentation by James Peck from Connect Hearing 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – LCCOA caseworker at OLPH Hall, Sublette 1 p.m. – Holiday grief workshop, presented by the Hospice of the Rock River Valley

Nov. 22 12:30 p.m. Euchre tournament ($) Nov. 23 10-11 a.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Countryside Manor Nov. 24 2 p.m. – Mini spelling bee

Whiteside County Senior Center Nov. 4 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check 11:25 a.m. – November birthdays celebration in the dining room 1 p.m. – Bingo, prizes by Oregon Living and Rehab, snacks by WCSC. Donate a can of food or $1 to play.

Nov. 11 – Veterans Day Whiteside County Senior Center CLOSED Nov. 12 5-6 p.m. – Alzheimers Support Group

Nov. 14 Sauk Computer User Group will meet at 1 p.m. with a question-and-answer time.

There will be a short business meeting followed by a presentation at 2:30 p.m. from Terry MacLennan on Windows 10, and the new feature Cortana. Everyone with an interest in computers or technology is invited. Refreshments will be available.

Nov. 18 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check by Sauk Valley Living and Rehab 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Sauk Valley Living and Rehab

Nov. 25 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check by Sterling Pavilion 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Regency Care of Sterling Nov. 26-27 – Thanksgiving Day and Friday Whiteside County Senior Center CLOSED

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.

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!

Nov. 6-7 – Holiday Shop Hop Nov. 10 – American Red Cross Blood Drive 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sauk Valley Media

Nov. 13-14 – Holiday Shop Hop

Golden Echo

Nov. 18 – Foot clinic, 8 a.m.

Nov. 24 – American Red Cross Blood Drive 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

November 2015 • Page 11

Upcoming Trips Diamond Jo Casino, Dubuque, Iowa Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 Cost: $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers

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

Shopping at Cherryvale Mall Tuesday, Dec. 1 Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members

Depart Rock Falls Community Center at 8:30 a.m. and return approximately 4:30 p.m. Depart Dixon Wal-Mart at 9 am and return approximately 4 p.m.

Cherryvale Mall in Rockford, Ill., has the finest collection of department stores and specialty shops in Northern Illinois, including Macy’s, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Bergners, Spencers, Sears, Kay’s Jewelers, Victoria Secret and more! It is considered to be a “shopper’s paradise,” where you will be able to find that unique gift for family or friend. This date was specifically chosen to beat the Christmas rush and weekend traffic. Your meal is on your own, with a variety to choose from at the food court. Start preparing your Christmas list and tucking away some money for a day of fun. Take advantage of the very reasonable price of the trip and invite some friends!

East Peoria Christmas Lights Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 Cost: $55 members, $60 non-members

Cost includes transportation, an hour at the mall, dinner, and a trip to see the lights. They’re beautiful to see! Come join us. Dinner is at Fairfield Farms Restaurant, with all-you-can-eat family-style chicken and roast beef. Leave at 2:30 p.m. from ShopKo in Dixon, and at 3 p.m. from K-Mart in Sterling; dropoff at Sterling K-Mart first, then Dixon ShopKo.

Big Band “Swing Music” radio remote show at the Jacob Henry Mansion Tuesday, April 19, 2016 Cost: $75 for members, $80 for non-members

Depart Rock Falls Community Center at 8 a.m. and return approximately 5 p.m. Depart Dixon Wal-Mart at 8:30 a.m. and return approximately 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 so you can enjoy a self-guided tour of the Jacob Henry Mansion.

Washington D.C. trip April 14-19, 2016 (6 days and 5 nights) Cost: $547 for members and $597 for nonmembers. Insurance: $45. Can all be put on one check. Price is for double occupancy and includes gratuity for bus drivers and step-on guides.

Features a guided tour of Washington D.C.; plus see the U.S. Capitol, White House, National Archives, Embassy Row, Georgetown, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and much more. Sign-up begins July 1. Hopefully, there will be cherry blossoms to see.

Contact Betty at WCSC about this trip. Come get a flyer about the trip.

Nashville Show Tour June 19-25, 2016 (7 days and 6 nights) Cost: $749 for members and $799 for nonmembers. Insurance $69. Can all be put on one check.

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

Canada/New England Cruise Sept. 30, 2016 to Oct. 7, 2016

On Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, we will board the bus to the airport for 7 nights on the NCL Dawn, 1 night in Quebec, Sydney, Halifax, N.S., Saint John, N.B., and Bar Harbor, Maine. Cruise will end in Boston.

Prices start at $2,000 for an inside cabin. A deposit of $600 will be due at signing, with the balance due June 23, 2016. All deposits due by Dec. 1, 2015. Call 815-622-9230 and ask for Glenda. Hurry, there’s only three cabins left!

New York City Sept. 21-28, 2016 (7 days and 6 nights) Cost: $739 for members and $789 for nonmembers. Insurance: $69. Can all be put on one check.

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

Signup began for this trip on Oct. 1, 2015.

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

November 2015 • Page 12

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

Meals for November Serving at Lee County Council on Aging Nov. 2-6 Monday: Chicken strips, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, dinner roll, Mandarin oranges, BBQ PC; Tuesday: Baked ziti with meat sauce; broccoli, bread stick, hot applesauce; Wednesday: A) Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, glazed carrots, dinner roll, peach cobble B) Liver and onions; Thursday: Pizza burger with bun, seasoned potato wedges, peas, chilled pineapple; Friday: Cheese omelet, turkey sausage, hash brown potatoes, blueberry muffin, fruit juice

Nov. 9-13 Monday: BBQ chicken breast, cheesy potatoes, Capri-blended vegetables, dinner roll, fresh orange; Tuesday: A) Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots, wheat bread, fruit cocktail; B) Ham with chicken noodle soup; Wednesday: Sweet and sour, meatballs, fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, diced pears; Thursday: Mushroom Swiss burger on a bun, buttered red potatoes, baked beans, sliced peaches; Friday: Fish patty on wheat bun, potato pancakes, green beans, applesauce, tartar sauce

Nov. 16-20 Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, steamed peas, white kernel corn, garlic bread, fresh orange; Tuesday: Citrus baked ham, sweet potatoes, Capri-blended vegetables, wheat bread, Jello with fruit; Wednesday: Baked chicken quarter, mashed potatoes with gravy, tossed salad with dressing, roll, pumpkin bar Thursday: A) Tuna noodle casserole, broccoli, dinner roll, baked peaches, B) Roast beef with cream of mushroom soup; Friday: Cheesy beef taco, flour tortilla, lettuce/tomato, Spanish rice, refried beans, fresh fruit

Nov. 23-27 Monday: Chicken Parmesan, pasta with marinara, steamed broccoli, dinner roll, diced pears; Tuesday: Sausage gravy with biscuit, hash brown potatoes, fruit juice, baked peaches; Wednesday: Bratwurst with sauerkraut on a bun, potato wedges, baked beans, chilled applesauce; Thursday: Closed for Thanksgiving; Friday: Closed for Thanksgiving

Nov. 30 Monday: Hamburger patty on a wheat bun, hash browns, seasoned green beans, diced pears

Serving at Whiteside County Senior Center Nov. 2-6 Monday: Chicken and noodles, vegetable, salad and dessert. Tuesday: Sloppy Joe’s, potato soup and dessert. Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Ravioli, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Friday: Baked chicken, potato, vegetable and dessert

Nov. 9-13 Monday: Beef and noodles, vegetable, salad and dessert. Tuesday: BBQ pork ribs, potato, vegetable and dessert. Wednesday: Site closed for Veterans Day. Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic bread and dessert. Friday: Chicken tacos, rice, refried beans and dessert.

Nov. 16-20 Monday: Pork chops, potato, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Ovenfried chicken, potato, vegetable and dessert. Wednesday: WCSC Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, salad and dessert. Thursday: Cook’s Choice. Friday; Cod or chicken breast, potato, vegetable and dessert.

Nov. 23- 27 Monday: Chili, hot dog, chips, macaroni salad and dessert Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Site closed for Thanksgiving Day. Friday: Site closed for Thanksgiving.

Nov. 30 Monday: Fresh bakes salmon, potato, vegetable, and dessert.

Serving at Golden Meals in Whiteside County Nov. 2-6 Monday: Chili, corn bred, applesauce, milk; Tuesday: Sausage gravy over biscuit, hash browns, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, carrots, bread, margarine and milk; Thursday: Easy chicken casserole, potatoes, corn, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Friday: Hot dog, potato salad, baked beans, fruit, bread, margarine and milk

Nov. 9-13 Monday: Open face turkey sandwich over mashed potatoes, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Tuesday: BBQ chicken, seasoned potato wedges, green beans, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Site closed for Veterans Day; Thursday: Roast beef, potatoes, carrots, bread, margarine and milk; Friday: Beef stew, biscuit, applesauce, milk

Nov. 16-20 Monday: Sloppy Joes, potatoes wedges, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Tuesday: BBQ chicken legs, garlic mashed potatoes, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Thursday: Bratwurst with sauerkraut on a bun, mashed potatoes, baked beans, bread, margarine and milk; Friday: Tuna salad sandwich, potato salad, applesauce, bread, margarine and milk

Nov. 23-27 Monday: Chicken pot pie, broccoli, peaches, bread, margarine and milk; Tuesday: Baked turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, bread, margarine and milk; Wednesday: Meatloaf, ranch potatoes, corn, fruit, bread, margarine and milk; Thursday: Site closed for Thanksgiving; Friday: Site closed for Thanksgiving

Nov. 30 Monday: Chili, corn bread, applesauce, milk

Robert Fulton Community Center Meals for Robert Fulton Community Center and Transit Facility in Fulton. Lunch Starts at 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 4 – Sponsored by Prairie Hills Sauk Valley Media

Nov. 6 – Meatloaf, mashed potato with brown gravy, veggie, dessert and roll Nov. 11 – Sponsored by Bickford

Assisted Living Nov. 13 - Scalloped potato and ham, roll with butter, veggie, pumpkin pie with whipped cream

Golden Echo

Nov. 18 – Sponsored By Eagle Point Nov. 20 – Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, veggie

and dessert Nov. 25 – Sponsored by Harbor Crestand and Windsor Manor Nov. 27 – No meal November 2015 • Page 13

Transportation Winter’s on its way again What does that mean for WCPT riders?

Winter will be upon us before we know it!

During the winter months, WCPT sees a significant increase in ridership due to the cold, ice and snow. What does this mean for our riders? This means our routes will likely fill quickly, so we suggest riders call and set up their rides as soon as they know they have a need for transportation.

If you have a doctor’s appointment, need to get to work, SVCC, or any other location with a set appointment, please call us as soon as you can. Remember, rides are based on availability. For riders who do not have a set appointment and have flexibility with their schedule – such as going to the grocery store or to visit a friend – we still recommend calling ahead, though we might have availability with short notice.

The past few winters have been extremely cold and snowy. In the event WCPT should need to be closed for inclement weather, you can go to the following sources to learn about our closure: call into WCPT and listen to the recorded message, check our Facebook page, sign-up for Sauk Valley Media’s text alerts and select “transportation,” watch local news stations, and listen to local radio stations. WCPT’s main concern is safety, and we will close in

You can help someone in need WCPT has many riders who, at times, struggle with their fares to get to needed resources. Due to this, we have an Adopt-A-Rider program that is now in its third year. During the holiday season, we ask our community to help a member of our community by donating to our Adopt-A-Rider program. By donating, you will help riders in need get to vital resources, such as the doctor, to work, school and many other resources. A donation of only $10 would help 5 members in our community get to a needed resource.

We sincerely thank those of you that have helped make this program a success in the past. Do you want to help us have a successful program this year and the ability to help numerous residents? Great! Fill out the information below, and thank you from all of us at WCPT. We wish you a happy holiday season!

Meet Sheila Miller ...

Sheila Miller is a dispatcher for LOTS. She’s from Dixon and is married to Larry Miller.

She is the mother of two boys, Brandon Eisele, 22, and William Miller, 13. She said she enjoys volunteering in the community and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Adopt-A-Rider

Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ City _______________________ State ________________Zip ___________________ I would like to help my community by donating: $10____

$20_____

$40_____

$100______

$200______

Other________

Please mail form and donation (checks made payable to WCPT) to: WCPT, Attn: Tori McDaniel, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081 the event of a heavy snowfall that has left many roads significantly covered or impassable, blowing snow that creates hazardous conditions, or significantly cold temperatures (it is difficult to maintain a warm temperature in the

buses with the frequency of the doors opening).

While we understand that closures can create an inconvenience for some of our riders, we want to make sure everyone is safe!

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

November 2015 • Page 14

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

Upcoming Special Events Karaoke (every Tuesday) at WCSC 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3

Come join in the fun, or just come and listen. This is a great musical time and anyone can sing with us and there’s plenty of room. Come for lunch first, if you want, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Presentation by Morrison Community Hospital staff at WCSC 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4

Dan Howard, occupational therapist, and social worker Judy Wallace will talk about home safety tips, provide balance assessments, and discuss skilled nursing and rehab services at the hospital. We want you to be as safe as possible in your homes for as long as possible! Then stay for a lunch of roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, drink and dessert, for $5.

Chair exercises at WCSC 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5

Exercise from a chair, with or without weights. Build your strength and exercise to music. It’s fun and informative. Julie from Polo Rehab will be the instructor.

Stages of Grief and Coping, with grief workshop by Hospice of the Rock River Valley Flu clinic by Lee County Health at PHCC/LCCOA Department at PHCC/LCCOA 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13

Bring your Medicare card and any other insurance cards you might have. Depending on your insurance, there may be a charge. No appointment is needed.

Illinois Department of Veterans Affair at PHCC/LCCOA 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13

Christine Rhoades, Veteran Service Officer from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, will be at the Post House Community Center to discuss programs and benefits for veterans, and to answer any questions you might have. There are educational opportunities, burial benefits, health care assistance, veterans pension and widows pension plus aid, and attendance for nursing home/assisted living costs and more available to Veterans!

1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Sign-in at 12:30

Chair exercise class, with Peterson Healthcare at PHCC/ LCCOA

Presentation from Nutrition Store at WCSC

This is a zero-impact, chair exercise class designed to help build strength in a fun and informative way. Providing light weights (1 pound) and a few non-weighted balls, this class is sure to be healthy and fun.

Euchre tournament at WCSC Cost is $5 per entry and 25 cents a set, with a 100 percent payback. There will also be a 50/50 drawing.

10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12

9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17

Paul Machinic will talk about thyroid and adrenal health, and how they are connected to genetics and the immune system. This is very informative. Come and listen, then stay for a lunch of lasagna, green beans, garlic bread, drink and dessert for $5.

Quarterly breakfast, Yoga Laughter, and Connect Hearing at PHCC/LCCOA

iPad class at PHCC/LCCOA

8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18

10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12

Do you own an iPad and are struggling with it?

Come to the class and learn the basics on how to use your iPad with ease. Volunteer teacher Jill Horn will be at the Post House Community Center to help those wanting to learn more. This basic class is free and open to anyone who is in need of some help working with their iPad. Please bring your iPad to class. Class size is limited to 15 people, so call 815-288-9236 today to reserve your spot!

Sauk Valley Media

Free quarterly breakfast, sponsored by your friends at Lee County Council on Aging, followed by Yoga Laughter with Homebound Healthcare. Reservations are requested for the breakfast, so please call 815-288-9236 to reserve your seat. At 10:30 a.m., we have James Peck from Connect Hearing talking about different types of hearing loss and how it is treatable, as well as different types of hearing aid technologies.

Golden Echo

10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18

This holiday grief workshop will provide information on addressing your current and past grief, as well as helping you find your own way through the holidays. Topics include: becoming aware of your own grief, the feelings that may accompany your grief, how to cope and manage your current grief, and learning how to prepare for future situations.

This workshop will also discuss ways to assist you in locating support that will work for you.

Presentation on genealogy at WCSC 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18

Della Boehmke will talk about how to start your genealogy. Anyone interested in beginning a family tree, can come and learn how to start work on one.

Then stay for a lunch of meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, drink and dessert for $5.

Fashion Show at WCSC Noon Wednesday, Nov. 18

Show by Christopher and Banks. We offer updated classic styling in quality products at a great value.

We provide a fresh and colorful mix of clothing and accessories for every season, creating looks that work for your lifestyle. Watch the show while you eat your lunch of meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, drink and dessert for $5.

Euchre tournament at PHCC/LCCOA Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015: 12:30 p.m. sign-in, 1 p.m. start $5 entry, 25 cents a set, with 100 percent payback

Mini Spelling Bee at PHCC/LCCOA 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24 – Free

Show off your spelling talents at LCCOA’s Mini Spelling Bee. It’s a fun and brain-healthy activity, and it’s free! Come on in to LCCOA and show off your knowledge, meet some new friends and have some fun! All ages welcome. Don’t miss out on this buzz!

November 2015 • Page 15

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

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

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

Only Sterling Federal’s Four Seasons Club offers…

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

• Free Trips to selected members on each trip.

• Special Opportunities and benefits you deserve from your bank.

Tuesday, November 3 Sterling Federal Bank - Sterling, IL Call to RSVP

UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, November 13

Wednesday, November 25

Terry Fator: Singer,Ventriloquist, Comedian Paramount Theatre, Aurora

Cards & Games Party Sterling Federal Bank, Sterling

Friday, November 18 A Wonderful Life Fireside Dinner Theatre Ft. Atkinson, WI

Nov. 28 - Dec. 1 Christmas at Opryland, Nashville & Galt House Louisville

“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 815-622-3362 or Lynn Todtz in Clinton 563-242-9111 November 2015 • Page 16

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media