SVM-SS2_11302015

Lee County Council on Aging: Dec. 24, 25, and Jan. 1. Lifescape Community Services: Dec. 24, 25, and Jan. 1; Lee-Ogle Transportation System: Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1; Whiteside County Senior Center and Whiteside Public Transportation: Dec. 24, 25, and Jan. 1; Meals at Whiteside Senior Center: Dec. 24, 25, and Jan. 1

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

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

• December 2015 •

Edition 2

Sixth Annual

Santa’s Workshop Sponsored by: Whiteside County Senior Center

8 a.m. to noon, Saturday Dec. 12

For children in grades kindergarten through fourth Gifts range from 50¢ to $3, with a 10-item limit What better way to teach children the gift of giving, than to be given the opportunity! Our special team of elves will be guiding the children through Santa’s Workshop. Make your lists, check them twice, and mark your calendars for a fun-filled morning with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and all the elves!

Breakfast with Santa

8 to 10:30 a.m. — Adults: $3, Children: $1.50 Includes pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee. We will also offer balloon art, face painting, Christmas caroling/sing along, and a surprise visit by a very special guest! You won’t want to miss it! Also, don’t forget your pictures with Santa for only $2!

Questions? Call Penny Rick at 815-625-7433

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

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

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From the LCCOA Executive Director

ship at Lee County Council on Aging. Let me try and answer some of those.

I’d like you to think about our membership campaign as our annual appeal for funding. Anyone can belong to LCCOA. There is no age limit, and your membership fee is used to help us sustain our operations. Many, in fact most, of the state and federal grants we receive require that we match

those dollars at anywhere from 10 to 25 percent.

Your dollars, along with contributions from entities like the United Way of Lee County, help us achieve those matches.

Your membership is your statement saying you support us and believe in the work we do for Lee County’s senior citizens.

As for what you get in return, the answer is, truthfully, you get the satisfaction of aiding us in our efforts. Other benefits members receive are the opportunity to run for our Board of Directors, a vote in the annual election, and a discount on any of the many social trips we sponsor. Also, our programming is open to everyone, regardless of whether you are a mem-

ber or not – but we hope you will become one.

When you are planning your evening, and Saturday for this weekend’s Dixon Christmas Walk, be sure to stop by at the Post House. Friday night and Saturday morning, we will be showcasing the entries in our first Gingerbread House contest.

Come by and vote for your favorite. The winners will be announced Saturday morning. Saturday morning is also when our annual Christmas walk breakfast and Santa’s Workshop will be held. You can enjoy breakfast until 10:30 a.m. in the Post House Ballroom, along with pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Downstairs, in the Post House Community Center, your children, grand-

children, nieces, nephews or whomever (remember, this is for the children!) can do their Christmas shopping, participate in crafts and get those gifts wrapped during Santa’s Workshop. Nothing will cost more than $5 and this is the perfect place for them to do some Christmas shopping. When they leave, be sure to have them get some reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve. December is full of many other great events at the Community Center, so please read this issue of the Golden Echo for all the details – and let me be among the first to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! See you next year.

– Geoff

setup a monthly donation to the WCSC. It is a great way to help the WCSC throughout the year!

Do you have younger children (K-4th grade) who you would like to experience the importance of giving to others?

Bring them to our sixth annual Santa’s Workshop and Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the WCSC. Check the front page for more details!

If you would like to help

Santa fill up his workshop, please drop gently used toys, ornaments, beanie babies, or small toys by the WCSC. We can always use gifts for dads such as small tools, ties, flashlights, fishing equipment, golf balls, T-shirts, etc. We want to thank all of the volunteers who make this special event a great success.

Please check the Echo for a list of activities and special events for December. I am sure you can find something that will catch your interest.

Our staff tries to offer new events when people suggest them and others show an interest in them.

Let us know if you would like to see us add a new activity.

December is member-

ship month at WCSC. Current members have been sent a letter with a 2016 membership renewal form. Please complete the form and return your membership fee, $30 per couple and $20 for an individual, to the WCSC. If you are not currently a member you can join by going to our website and completing the membership page.

Membership fees help to support our daily activities, programs, and special events at the WCSC. Membership also entitles you to a discount on our bus trips.

You do not have to be a senior to join the WCSC. Everyone is welcome to participate in our daily activities, including our daily home-cooked meal!

Please call us to send you a membership application.

Businesses wishing to help support the WCSC can contact us for more information. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support!

Please remember to check on your neighbors or friends who don’t have family in the area to make sure they are being taken care of during the holiday season! It is the season of giving, so give a little of your time and help someone! Your time and effort will make this an even more enjoyable holiday season.

Have a Merry Christmas, and blessed holiday season! Until next month.

– Doug

By Geoff Vanderlin Did you have a Happy Thanksgiving? This issue of the Golden Echo is distributed Nov. 30, so many of us are still finishing off our turkey leftovers. What time should I come over?

And, speaking of giving, did you know that Dec. 1 is Giving Tuesday? Each year, after we’ve survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the non-profit community asks you to think about Giving Tuesday – a time to think about others and contribute to not-for-profit organiza-

tions. This year, I am again asking that you consider Lee County Council on Aging when making your Giving Tuesday contributions.

One easy way to do this would be to add something extra when paying your membership dues to LCCOA this year. Our annual membership appeal is in the mail and there is a line on it to add an extra contribution.

Thank you in advance I often get asked questions about member-

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Doug Vandersee The holidays are upon us. It is important to take time to count your blessings and give thanks for all you have received this past year. The WCSC Board, staff, and volunteers wish you and your family a very blessed holiday season.

Dec. 1 is Giving Tuesday, a special day when the community is encouraged to make donations to their local nonprofit organizations. If you would like to help out the WCSC, you can mail your donation directly to the

WCSC, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081, or donate with a credit card at www.whitesidecsc.org, or make a donation through Network For Good (NFG), a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits collect and process donations for Giving Tuesday, or, you can donate throughout the year. Start or renew your WCSC membership! NFG gives you an opportunity to make your gift whole by including the cost of the processing fee in your donation. Also, you can

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.

December 2015 • Page 2

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

AT THE POSTHOUSE

We can help you have a merry holiday gathering Events for December

House wine will perform at the Post House on Dec. 2.

BY CATHY REGLIN Lee County Council on Aging

It’s going to be a busy first week of December, getting the Ballroom and Community Center ready for Santa’s Workshop and Breakfast with Santa, which will feature breakfast in the Ballroom, shopping in the Community Center downstairs, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Ballroom. This year, we also will display the ginger-

bread houses for our first competition.

Also, House Wine will perform from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. They are billed as “unpretentious, but still pretty good, and slightly aged.” No charge, bring munchies with you, or order food to be delivered. The bar will be open for alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks.

We still have availability for your holiday parties as well. We have a coupon

for $100 off room rental in December and January. If you need a beautiful place to have a get-together, look us up on Facebook, at www.posthouseballroom.com for information about the building and prices, as well as our event calendar, and www.posthouseballroom.shutterfly.com for pictures of events held here, then email me at posthouseballroom@gmail.com, or call me at 815-288-0892, and we’ll talk.

1 through 5 – Gingerbread houses on display 1 – Line dancing 2 – House Wine performing 5:30-7 p.m.; public invited 3 – The Stage Door dance classes 4 – Christmas Walk – view the Gingerbread houses, vote for your favorite, and buy cookies 5 – Santa’s Workshop – kids shop for gifts, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, breakfast 6 – Crafts 4 Kids with Special Needs 8 – Line Dancing 10 – The Stage Door dance classes 13 – Dixon City firefighters holiday party 14– Life Line Screening of America annual wellness visit 15 – Line dancing 17 – The Stage Door dance classes 22 through 25 – Cathy out of the office 22 – Line dancing 24 – Closed for Christmas Eve 25 – Closed for Christmas 27 – Micah Goodrich and Wesley Wildman wedding reception 29 – Line dancing

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 e-mail 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

December 2015 • Page 3

Getting help at WCSC 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 your homestead exemption.

They take walk-ins from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays for those who want to see someone at the senior center. Mondays are also the best day to walk-in for the free amplified telephone program.

If you want to see someone for Medicare counseling, that’s done by appointment only.

People who need to see someone at one of the sites in Morrison, Erie, Prophetstown, or Fulton can do so by making an appointment at 815622-9230, extension 194.

If you can’t make your appointment, it is important that you call to cancel or reschedule as soon as possible.

Documents Information you need bring to file the license plate discount that the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) – and the only info the department will accept – is the US 1040 with supporting schedules. If you do not file taxes, they will accept tax documents, such as W-2 and 1099 forms reporting income. If you are receiv-

ing SSI, you need to bring a letter with the total of last year’s income.

They 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.

Please also 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 them for a form to be fill out by your doctor.

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.

Telephone help To apply for the free

amplified telephones, you will need your phone bill and proof of residency.

Following rules The WCSC wants the community to know that their caseworkers have to be strict about the information you need to have because they know what 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. Their caseworkers try the best they can help you.

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

Keep warm at WCSC Please remember that Whiteside County Senior Center is a warming center from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

Come in out of the cold and enjoy one of our many activities, make new friends, and maybe eat lunch with us for $5. You can play pool, play cards, use the Wii machine (call ahead), or use the computer lab. Or just come in, relax, and have a cup of coffee and a doughnut.

All of our activities are open to all ages. Any questions, please call us at 815-622-9230

Jones F ner l Homes

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December 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

The Whiteside County Senior Center and the Lee County Council on Aging collects used cell phones, iPods, and iPads to be recycled. If you have any these items lying around and want to dispose of them, drop them off at the WCSC, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, or at LCCOA, 100 W. Second St., Dixon.

CARE OF STERLING Snow Previously known as Coventry

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

Got old gadgets?

Recycle them

Teresa Brunick Nancy Varga Donna Newman Mike Wilcox

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

Golden Echo

Kelly Wilhelmi, Vice President Michele Miller, Secretary

John Espinoza Al Campbell Emily Dykstra Janet Mennecke

Lori Cortez Karla Burn

Sauk Valley Media

AND THE BASKET WINNER IS ...

NOTES FROM THE KITCHEN

Have a holly jolly Christmas Here we are, that time of year when the snow dances its way through the sky, the trees, and our home. And like a snowflake, we glide our way from here to there and rest exactly where we are meant to be. No other can mirror or duplicate that. So, be jolly, laugh, and know you are loved!

Do you need a friend, a warm and comforting atmosphere? Here at the Whiteside County Senior Center, we provide just the place to make you feel at home.

December is a busy month with many activities. Wal-Mart will provide our community with a free ham lunch on Thursday, Dec. 3, and Santa’s Workshop will be on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Thanks to all of you who have volunteered your heart and your time into making this a special event for our community’s children. Merry Christmas, and rejoice in the Lord!

Food for Thought: My favorite Christmas song is “Little Drummer Boy” What is yours?

– San Juana Escobar

This is a basket that the people in the kitchen made for Hospice to raffle off. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who helped with this great basket!

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

Mary Nashluchacz, left, won the basket from the kitchen that was raffled off to raise money to buy turkeys for our Thanksgiving lunch on Nov. 18. With Mary is Shirley Schwarz from the kitchen.

Affordable Housing Rehab/Ski killed Care Senior Housing with Services

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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

December 2015 • Page 5

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 nonmonetary donations. We also thank everyone who gave anonymous donations.

Sterling Pavilion Rock Falls Rehab Gaffey Home Nursing Sauk Valley Senior Living and Rehab CGH Home Nursing Mexican Train Domino Players Card Players County Market Krogers Salvation Army Sauk Valley Food Bank United Way Donations for Food Pantry Individual Donations to out-

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 nonmonetary donations.

We also thank everyone who gave anonymous donations.

Julie McGrail Bertha Sepulveda Jo Mills Patty Ballard Samantha Harazin Dolly Kinn Colleen Reglin Do It Best Corporation Jean Kasprzak Nell Nooney Trudy Bowers Dolly & Leon Kinn Shirley Selgestad Mary L. Hackbarth December 2015 • Page 6

reach and transportation Erie Public Library Prophet Manor Odell Public Library Robert Fulton Community Center Wal-Mart Distribution Center Oregon Living and Rehab Center Rock Falls Rehab Vitas Hospice Donations to The Emporium Jerry Allen Gene Burton Pat VanCollie Becky Garriott Kathy Insley Pat Estes Shirley Schwarz Mary Nashluchacz Dorothy Forbes Glenda MacLennan Terry MacLennan

Ken Hughes Dee Robinson Kathy Spotts Linda Roots Cindy Schueler Sylvia Snow Jim Capp Aricello Bahena Jill Horn Nancy Potter Donna Kithcart Carol Voss New Bedford Royal Neighbors Hope Howell Julia Huttula Pat Whittenberger Donna Linton Juanita Craig Emma Howard Tina Cantu Janice Bell Diana DeGroot Jane Anderson

Helen Moore Mary Hermes Marilyn Verbout Thurlo Verbout Karen VanHorn Maynard Hermes Bev Cassens Maxine Stern Royloa Smith Sue Haan Helen Moore Kathy Siperly Marty Waldschmidt Gene Robbins Charlotte Detorrice Phyllis Lutyens Sheila Martinez Karla Burn Emily Dykstra Wilbur Mennecke Kelly Wilhelmi Michele Miller Bob Czuprynski

Kay Wallin Robin Blackert John Espinoza Al Campbell Janet Mennecke Lori Cortez Don Gaffey Nadine Oldham RoseAnn Johnson Judy and Richard O’Malley Bill and Harriet Moore Kathy Forder Nancy Lauritzen Judy Irvin Wendy Eckel Jackie Healy Gloria Williams Phil and Dorothy Szewczyk Ethel Mennenga

WCSC welcomes members We would like to thank the people who recently paid their WCSC membership dues: Richard Billet Della Behmke Richard and Barbara Bruder Linda Curran Ruth Dietz Mary Duffy

LCCOA welcomes members Membership paid: Sandres Autin Mary Hackbarth Jean Kasprzak Linda Munroe Beverly Power Janet Shaw Frank Sinkus Linda Sinkus Robert Tolley Michael Wilcox

dues

Rebecca Duis JoAnn Dunham Lynn Hammelman Judy Irvin Richard Koening Mary McWilliams Alfred and Carla Olson Paula Preslar Renea Schrader Thomas Schular

Watson Smoot Sally Stachowicz Douglas and Jo Ellen Vandersee Sally Welvaert Jim Williams Randell & Karen Wolber Robert (Lyle) Zimmerman

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WCSC welcomes you to try some activities Why not try one of these activities for the New Year?

Have some fun! Some of them are pictured on this page, and we also offer karaoke at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Canasta at 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Kings on the Corner at 10 a.m. every day, and Scrabble at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays

Bingo – 1 p.m. Wednesdays

Play Mexican Train Dominoes – 12:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays

Playing pool – We have two tables

Line dancing – 10 a.m. Fridays for intermediate level, and 11 a.m. for beginning level.

Euchre – 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 p.m. Thursdays.

Learn how to play Euchre at 10 a.m. Mondays

Hand and Foot Cards – 12:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Pinochle – 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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December 2015 • Page 7

Fun and fitness come together in the bowling alley Our 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.

We bowl each Monday and Thursday, starting at 9 a.m. Come join the fun, get some exercise, and meet new friends at Plum Hollow in Dixon.

Individual high scores for October (name, game, series): Korona Burkitt .. 147 .. 389 Dick Janssen...... 214 .. 566 Verna Reiff ......... 161 .. 419 Norma Burmeister ............................ 188 .. 491 Bob Joyce........... 187 .. 522

Linda Richards .. 184 .. 499 Chico Contrerious ............................ 213 .. 573 Darrell Kitsmiller ....... 232 603 Rich Senn .......... 182 .. 480 Bob Dalziel ........ 244 .. 621 Bruce Kleinmaier ............. ............................ 205 .. 491 Jim Shuman ...... 203 .. 505 Charlotte Deirdorff ............................ 137 .. 351 Pat Kleinmaier .. 156 .. 434 Therma Smith ... 148 .. 408 Dan Dunphy ..... 221 .. 554 Jan Kuepker ....... 175 .. 471 Dave Stewart ..... 181 .. 435 Chuck Elliot ....... 186 .. 501 Ray Maakestad .. 161 .. 458 Glenn Stroh ....... 181 .. 442 Cliff Golden ....... 225 .. 603 June Partington. 166 .. 477 Jay Wolf.............. 193 .. 490

Photos above: Staff members from Lee County Council on Aging visited bowlers at Plum Hollow on Oct. 29.

They celebrate a party every 2 months for birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones. This past month, a few of them came dressed for Halloween and brought spooky treats. You’re invited to join the bowlers every Monday and Thursday at 9 a.m.

ALL DRESSED UP FOR HALLOWEEN

Good News

Plenty of fun was had at LCCOA’s annual halloween party.

There was a costume contest, treats and The Sassy Steppers dancing to Halloween music.

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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.

December 2015 • Page 8

Golden Echo

Sauk Valley Media

HOLIDAY TREATS

WHERE THERE’S HELP, THERE’S HOPE

You’re invited to come vote for the yummiest house The Post House Community Center/Lee County Council on Aging will hold a gingerbread house competition during our Santa’s Workshop. Kids, youth, families, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to have fun and build an edible house for the competition. The houses will be on public display in the Post House Ballroom from 8 a.m.5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 through Thursday, Dec. 3; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday,

Dec. 4; and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 5.

Cash prizes and bragging rights will be awarded in the people’s choice, child, youth, family, and group categories at noon on Saturday, Dec. 5. A panel of three will judge entries based on originality, overall appearance, choice and use of materials, and difficulty of design. People’s choice is based on community votes, so stop in and make your monetary vote for your favorite house!

Doug Vandersee, executive director of Whiteside County Senior Center, presents a check to Home of Hope director Joan Padilla for items that were sold in October for Breast Cancer Month. Items were donated by people to sell for the cause.

QUARTER MADNESS HELPS BAGS FOR BUDDIES LCCOA operations manager Jennifer Lang smiles with volunteers Vanessa Reglin and Robbie Harazin at the Quarter Madness fundraiser. Quarter Madness packed the Post House Ballroom. The event benefitted Lee County Council on Aging and Dixon Buddy Bags. Mark your calendar for the next one March 13.

Come & Celebrate The Season With Us!

Be Our Guest and Experience Our 5 Star Community

22705 Avenue E • Sterling, IL 61081

LCCOA staff decorated the tree at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon for the month of November. Treat bags, word crossword puzzles and happy thoughts were left.

Sauk Valley Media

815-622-2800

www.MorningsideofSterling.com © 2015 Five Star Quality Care, Inc. Pet Friendly

FUN FOR ALL AGES

Golden Echo

We invite you to join us for

Christmas Open House December 13 2-4 pm

Visit With Santa * Refreshments * Appetizers * Door prizes

December 2015 • Page 9

MEDICARE Q&A

What are the rules for insurance ads?

Dear Marci, Last year around this time I started receiving a lot of notices in the mail advertising different health insurance plans for my Medicare coverage. I was overwhelmed by the amount of information I received, and I don’t want to experience that again. How can I sort through these notices and make sure that I am not being taken advantage of? How are insurance companies allowed to market their plans?

– Naomi, Pittsfield, Massachusetts Dear Naomi, You are not alone – this is a common concern among beneficiaries.

Oct. 15 marks the beginning of Fall Open Enrollment, which is the time during the year when Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health care coverage. Starting October 1, Medicare Advantage Plans will start advertising their offerings for next year. While most plans abide by the marketing rules set forth by Medicare, not all plans do. It is important to be aware of these rules and to be on the lookout for other potential red flags so that you can make informed decisions about your Medicare options. Some of Medicare’s marketing rules for plans are: • Unless you are already a member of a plan or have given permission, plans are not allowed to contact you in any way other than through the mail.

• Plan names cannot suggest that the plan is preferred or endorsed by Medicare.

• Plan representatives cannot approach you in public places, such as parking lots of malls. In health care settings, plans can only advertise in common areas such as cafeterias. They may not advertise in waiting rooms.

• If you schedule a time to speak with an insurance broker about Medicare Advantage options, they cannot try to sell you products other than a Medicare Advantage Plan, such as a life insurance policy.

December 2015 • Page 10

• Plans cannot offer gifts worth more than $15. Further, they must provide the gift even if you do not sign up for the plan.

In addition to being aware of these rules, you should consider these tips to help avoid becoming the victim of marketing fraud: • Always verify all information you receive from an insurance plan representative. If a representative says that a particular doctor is in network, you should call the practice to confirm with the doctor.

• Be aware of your right to choose how you receive Medicare coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plan representatives should not tell you that Medicare Advantage is your only option.

• If you are feeling pressured, you can tell the plan representative that you will follow up at a later date.

This will give you time to make your decisions.

• Use government websites and official sources of information.

• Request translation services when necessary.

The important thing to remember around this time of the year is that it is your right to decide how you would like to receive your benefits.

There are many options, and it is important to consider your health care needs in the coming year when making decisions.

Finally, to report Medicare fraud and abuse, you can contact 800-Medicare or the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at 800-4478477. Before calling the OIG, write down as many details as possible, including names, dates, locations, and the care or services received.

You can also contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program. To locate your SMP, call 877898-2468 or visit www.smpresource. org.

– 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.

LCCOA membership has its rewards 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 for two individuals in the same household.

Benefits of being a member of Lee County Council on Aging include: dis-

counts on trips, a ballot for the yearly Board of Directors election and helping the Lee County Council on Aging with programs and events that aid seniors and the Lee County community.

NOTES FROM THE EMPORIUM

There’s elves on the shelves – and whole lot more We hope you have all enjoyed the beautiful fall weather. The Emporium Thrift Center is now ready to swing into the holiday season.

By Dec. 1, the store will be full of Christmas items. We are blessed to have a large basement in our store, so we keep all seasonal items until the right season.

Believe me, we have Christmas galore. I want to remind you of our selection. We have trim, ornaments, lights, tree toppers and tree skirts for your tree. There are lots of serving dishes and plates, mugs, glasses and table linens. Of course, the usual Santas, angels, snowmen and small decorator trees.

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If you need a different Christmas shirt or sweatshirt, we have all sizes.

Need a grab-bag gift? This is the place to come.

Just a reminder that we have a wonderful selection of winter clothing for the whole family – from coats and vest to scarfs and gloves, or mittens, shoes and boots. And there are lots of ladies winter robes and pajamas.

Once again, as winter comes, we all will be spending more time indoors, and we have books, puzzles, games and cards to entertain you.

Fabric and craft items fill the shelves. Come in the store and browse around, maybe you will be inspired

to start a sewing or craft project.

Vases, vases, vases – we have a large selection and priced cheap!

We want to thank everyone for their donations – you have been great. We take donations any time we are open at 115 W. Third St. Sterling. We are open every day, except Wednesday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come in and tell us you’re out there and we will help get donations inside.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at The Emporium Thrift Center as we continue to support the Whiteside County Senior – local people helping local people.

– Maxine Stern 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) Noon – Organized Wii bowling games 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) Noon – Organized Wii Bowling games 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) Noon – Organized Wii bowling games 1 p.m. – Pinochle 5:30 p.m.– Duplicate bridge

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) 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, open Wii games 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.– Computer lab 11:30 a.m. – LifeScape lunch served (Reservations) Noon – Organized Wii bowling games 12:30 p.m. – Duplicate bridge 1 p.m. – Pinochle

Whiteside County Senior Center Mondays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, 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; prizes; bring a snack

Tuesdays 8 a.m-4 p.m. – Playing pool, cards, 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, 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, socializing, computer lab 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Hand and Foot card 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, 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; prizes; bring a snack.

12:30 p.m. – Pinochle

Monthly Lee County Council on Aging Dec. 2 10-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks

by Lee County Health Department Dec. 3 10-11 a.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Paw Paw Community Center Dec. 5 8-11 a.m. – Santa’s Workshop and breakfast ($)

Dec. 8 12:30 p.m. – Stress-less Holidays, presented by the University of Illinois Extension Dec. 9 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks

by Oregon Living and Rehabilitation 12:30 p.m. – Christmas karaoke with Homebound Healthcare

Dec. 11 9:30 a.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Lee County Council on Aging Dec. 14 1-2 p.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Ashton Library 2:30-3:30 p.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Franklin Grove Library

Dec. 15 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure checks by Polo Rehabilitation and Healthcare 1 p.m. – How to Avoid scams

Dec. 16 10-11 a.m. – LCCOA caseworker at Amboy Community Center 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – LCCOA caseworker at OLPH Hall, Sublette

Whiteside County Senior Center Dec. 2 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check by CGH Home Nursing 11:25 a.m. – Celebrating Dec. birthdays 1 p.m. – Bingo. Prizes by Oregon Living and Rehab, snacks by WCSC (Donate a can of food or $1 to play)

Dec. 5 Noon – Sauk Computer User Group will meet for its annual Christmas potluck. The club will provide Chicken George and onion rings. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to pass. There will be no presentation this month, but there will be fun and games with lots of prizes. Anyone interested in

computers and technology can attend Dec. 9 11 a.m.- noon – Blood pressure check by Gaffey Home Nursing 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Sterling Pavilion Dec. 16 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, snacks by WCSC Dec. 23 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check, by Sterling Pavilion 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Regency Care of Sterling, snacks by WCSC

Dec. 24 and 25 Site closed for Christmas Dec. 30 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Blood pressure check, by Sterling Pavilion 12:30 p.m. – Bingo, sponsored by Rock Falls Rehab, snacks by WCSC

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!

Dec. 2 – Early-out program for grades three through five, “Santa Paws,” 1-4:30 p.m.

Dec. 2 – The Dispensary Fulton Community Outreach Meeting 2-7 p.m.

Sauk Valley Media

Dec. 4 – Fulton’s Christmas Walk/craft fair and Boy Scout soup supper 4-8 p.m.

Dec. 8 – American Red Cross Blood Drive 1-6 p.m.

Dec. 10 – Fulton forward soup and

sandwich lunch. Takeout and deliveries.

Dec. 16 - Foot clinic, 8 a.m.

Dec. 21 – Christmas break program “Santa’s Helpers,” (third- through fifthgraders), 1-4:30 p.m.

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Dec. 22 – American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dec. 22 – Christmas break program, “Christmas Tree Extravaganza,” (thirdthrough fifth-graders), 1-4:30 p.m.

Dec. 23 – Christmas Break program, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” (thirdthrough fifth-graders), 1-4:30 p.m.

Dec. 2015 • Page 11

Upcoming Trips Shopping at Cherryvale Mall

Washington D.C. Trip

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 Cost: $30 members, $35 non-members

Cherryvale Mall in Rockford, Illinois, 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’s 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! Depart Rock Falls Community Center at 8:30 a.m. and return approximately 4:30 p.m.

Depart Dixon Wal-Mart at 9 a.m. and return approximately 4 p.m..

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

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

Nashville Show Tour

East Peoria Christmas Lights Tuesday, Dec. 1 Cost: $55

Cost includes transportation, meal, an hour at the mall, and a trip to see the lights. Beautiful to see! Come join us. Dinner is at Fairfield Farms Restaurant, with all-you-can-eat family-style chicken and roast beef.

Big Band “Swing Music Radio Remote Show,” at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet Tuesday, April 19, 2016 Cost: $75 members, $80 non-members

Depart Rock Falls Community Center at 8 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 of chicken cordon bleu, chef’s choice starch, and steamed vegetable.

Lunch also includes fresh garden salad with warm rolls, coffee or tea and dessert. We arrive early enough for you to enjoy a self-guided tour of the Jacob Henry Mansion.

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

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

1, 2015.

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

Sights to see: Guided tour of Manhattan, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial Statue of Liberty, and much, much more. Contact Betty at WCSC about this trip. Sign-up for this trip began Oct. 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 and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Bar Harbor, Maine. Cruise will end in Boston.

Prices start at $2,000 for an inside cabin. Deposit of $600 due at signing. Balance due June 23, 2016. All deposits due by Jan. 1, 2016. Call 815-622-9230 and ask for Glenda. Hurry – space available for five people.

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.

December 2015 • Page 12

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Meals for December Serving at Lee County Council on Aging Dec. 1-4 Tuesday: A_ BBQ chicken breast, cheesy potatoes, buttered peas, dinner roll, fruit cocktail B) Chicken salad with tomato. Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, coin carrots, dinner roll, diced peaches. Thursday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, Brussels sprouts, waxed beans, garlic bread, chilled pineapple. Friday: Chicken fiesta taco, Spanish rice, cheese, lettuce, tomato,, refried beans, pineapple

Dec. 7-11 Monday: Cream chicken, with pasta, peas and carrots, baked apples, wheat bread. Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, dinner roll with butter, fruit cocktail. Wednesday: Italian sausage with peppers on a bun, potato wedges, corn, diced peaches. Thursday: Baked ziti with meat sauce, steamed broccoli, soft breadstick, hot applesauce. Friday: A) Crisp fish sandwich on a wheat bun, potato pancakes, peas, pineapple tidbits. B) Turkey minestrone

Dec. 14-18 Monday: Meatball sub, peas and carrots, seasoned potato wedges, Mandarin oranges Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken, fluffy rice, stir fry vegetables, dinner roll, apricots.

Wednesday: Baked porch chop, baby red potatoes, broccoli, tossed salad with dressing, dinner roll, apple crisp. Thursday: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, dinner roll with butter, fruit cocktail. Friday: A) Beef chili mac, corn muffin, steamed cauliflower, corn, diced pears, B) Tuna salad and chicken with rick

Dec. 21-25 Monday: BBQ riblet, what bun, au gratin potatoes, coin carrots, peaches. Tuesday: Pepper steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, wheat bread, chilled pineapple. Wednesday: Rosemary herb chicken, brown rice, broccoli, dinner roll, applesauce. Thursday, Christmas Eve: SITE CLOSED Friday, Christmas: SITE CLOSED

Dec. 28-31 Note: 8 oz. low-fat milk served with all lunches

Serving at Whiteside County Senior Center Dec. 1-4 Tuesday: Oven fried chicken, baked potato, vegetable and dessert. Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Free meal from Walmart Distribution Center consisting of Ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans, dessert and pop or water. Friday: Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and dessert

Dec. 7-11 Monday: Beef stew (beef roast/ potatoes/carrots) salad and dessert. Tuesday: Chicken Stir Fry and lomein noodles, salad and dessert.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, and dessert. Thursday: Beef tacos, refried beans, rice, salad, and dessert. Friday: Cheeseburger, Chili, potato salad and dessert.

Dec. 14-18 Monday: Pork chop, dressing, vegetable, salad and dessert. Tuesday: Chicken alfredo with noodles, garlic bread, salad and dessert.

Wednesday: Meatloaf. mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, salad and dessert. Thursday: Beer battered cod or chicken breast, potato, vegetable and dessert. Friday: Ham & scalloped potatoes, vegetable, salad and dessert.

Dec. 21-25 Monday: Salisbury Steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Tuesday: Chicken tostadas, rice, refried beans and dessert.

Wednesday: Italian Beef sandwich, macaroni and cheese, chips, salad and dessert. Thursday: SITE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS. Friday: SITE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS.

Dec. 28-31 Monday: Goulash, salad, vegetable, garlic bread and dessert. Tuesday: Salmon patty, creamed peas, potato, salad and dessert. Wednesday: Barbecue pork ribs, tator tots with cheese sauce, vegetable and dessert. Thursday: Chicken breast, dressing, vegetable, salad and dessert.

Serving at Golden Meals in Whiteside County Dec. 1-4 Tuesday: Sausage gravy over biscuit, has browns, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes, carrots, peaches, 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.

Dec. 7-11 Monday: Open-face turkey sandwich over mashed potatoes, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk.

Tuesday: BBQ chicken, seasoned potatoes wedges, green beans, fruit, bread, margarine and milk.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, mixed vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine and milk. Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit, bread, margarine and milk. Friday: Beef stew, biscuit, applesauce, milk

Dec. 14-18 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 vegetable, fruit, bread, margarine and milk. Thursday: Bratwurst with sauer kraut on a bun, mashed potatoes, baked beans, bread, margarine and milk. Friday: Tuna salad sandwich, baked beans, applesauce, bread, margarine and milk.

Dec. 21-25 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 Friday: SITE CLOSED

Dec. 28-31 Monday: Chili, cornbread, applesauce, milk. Tuesday: Sausage gravy over biscuit, hash brown, peas, fruit, bread, margarine and milk. Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, carrots, peaches, bread, margarine and milk. Thursday: SITE CLOSED

Robert Fulton Community Center Dec. 2 Meal catered by The Alverno Dec. 4 No meal at noon; Boy Scouts soup supper Sauk Valley Media

Dec. 9 Barbecue pork sandwich, baked beans, chips, cookies Dec. 11 Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes

with brown gravy, veggie and dessert Dec. 16 Meal catered by Eagle Point Dec. 18 Creamed chicken on biscuit,

Golden Echo

veggie and Christmas cookies Dec. 23 Meal cated by Harbor Crest and Windsor Manor

Dec. 25 No meal Dec. 30 Potato soup, crackers, ham salad sandwich and cookie December 2015 • Page 13

Transportation Using a wheelchair? Here are some things to know Lee-Ogle Transportation of 600 pounds, there is no System and Whiteside County requirement for an agency Public Transportation feel it a to transport a heavier occuprivilege to be able to provide pied device. However, if the transportation to our wheel- vehicle lift has a design load of chair bound riders. However, 800 pounds, the agency would transporting large wheelchairs need to transport a 800-pound and customers wheelchair/pasof size is a growsenger combiRevised wheeling concern for nation, but not chair definition transit agencies, a combination Section 37.3 of the including LOTS exceeding 800 DOT regulations impleand the WCPT. pounds. menting the Americans The total weight •Transit prowith Disabilities Act of of a passenger viders are not 1990 (ADA) (49 CFR and wheeled required to Parts 27, 37, and mobility device transport devices 38) defines a “wheelcombined can that do not fit on chair” as “a mobility present safety the lift or vehicle. aid belonging to any challenges for •Transit proclass of three- or moredrivers and ridviders are not wheeled devices, usable ers. Today, we required to proindoors, designed or thought we cure vehicles or modified for and used would share with lifts that exceed by individuals with you the latest the ADA requiremobility impairments, ADA wheelchair ments. whether operated manrequirements • Transit proually or powered. which, hopefully viders must will help us and transport a you better understand our wheelchair and occupant if responsibilities. the lift and vehicle can physi• Transit providers are cally accommodate them, required to transport wheel- unless doing so is inconsistent chair and occupant if the lift with legitimate safety requireand vehicle can physically ments. “Legitimate safety accommodate them. If a lift requirements” refers to wheelhas the minimum design load chairs of such size that they

would block an aisle, would be too large to fully enter a railcar, would block the vestibule, or would interfere with the safe evacuation of passengers in an emergency.

• Transit providers cannot impose a limitation on the

transportation of wheelchairs and other mobility aids based on the inability of the securement system to secure the device to the satisfaction of the transportation provider. It would be inconsistent with the rule to deny service to people

who use wheelchairs solely because particular devices may be problematic from a securement point of view.

• Transit providers are not required to retrofit vehicles.

Until next month, Happy Riding with LOTS and WCPT!

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

December 2015 • Page 14

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Upcoming Special Events House Wine performing in the Post House Ballroom

Christmas Karaoke, with Homebound Healthcare at PHCC/LCCOA

5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 Doors open at 5 p.m.

12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015

Cash bar available. The group is billed as “unpretentious but still pretty good, and slightly aged.”

Get ready to sing your heart out! You will be treated to a fun party where you can be in the spotlight and sing your favorite Christmas tune. Be a star at the Post House Community Center.

Santa’s Breakfast and Workshop at WCSC

Free Meal by Wal-Mart Distribution Center at WCSC

8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 12

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3

Free meal consisting of ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans, dessert and pop or water. This is a community meal for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Thank you, Wal-Mart Distribution Center!

Kids in grades kindergarten through fourth can shop for gifts, eat breakfast, and take a picture with Santa. There will also be face painting, balloon art, caroling, and a surprise visit by a very special guest! See cover page for more details.

Someday is Today: Live Your Bucket List, at WCSC

New event: Chair exercises at WCSC

10:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14

1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3

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

Euchre Tournament at WCSC 1 p.m. Sunday Dec. 6

Sign-in is 12:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per entry and 25 cents a set, with a 100 percent payback. There will also be a 50/50 drawing.

How to avoid scams, at PHCC/LCCOA

Stress-less Holidays, presented by the U of I Extension at PHCC/LCCOA

1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15

This presentation highlights the latest scams and how you can protect yourself.

Sheriff Simonton will also be joining Anna on this informative presentation.

12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8

With the holiday season comes stress. Parties, events, cooking, cleaning, decorating, preparing, the list is endless. The holiday season can also bring about difficult emotions. This workshop will help you identify the main sources of stress, how to manage your holiday stress, how to put healthy choices into action during the holiday season, and develop a plan to ensure a healthier, happier holiday.

Price is Right game at WCSC 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9

Are there things in your life that you’ve wanted to accomplish but haven’t? Are there personal goals that would bring you joy and fulfillment, but are always put on the back burner because “life happens?” Do you say things like, “I’ll get to that someday,” or “When things slow down, I’d like to try that?” If you’ve answered “yes” to these questions, then you need to work on your bucket list. A bucket list is simply a list of things you’d like to do in your lifetime. The point of a bucket list is to help you live your life to the fullest. Come and learn how to create your own bucket list and set exciting goals to pursue your interests and fulfill your dreams.

Medicare Information class at the WCSC 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18

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

Let’s have some fun and play the Price is Right. Guess the price of an item and win that item! We will do several items. Then, stay for a lunch of pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, drink and dessert for $5.

New event: Karaoke at WCSC Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

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

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Golden Echo

Dec. 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.

Thursday, January 28 Fireside Dinner Theatre

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, March 23

Monday, December 7 Preview Party: Alaska, The Best of the Inside Passage

Wednesday, January 20 Bingo!

Dixon South Office Community Room 1-3 p.m.

Shear Madness Circa ‘21 Theatre, Rock Island, IL

March 5-10

Arizona Adventure (including 3 Cubs Spring Training Games)

March 13-19

California Coast: Hearst Castle, Big Sur & More!

“Put yourself in the Four Seasons Picture!”

C’mon, join the club today!

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

For details, call one of our Club Directors: Pam Stange in Sterling 815-622-3362, Julie Brady in Dixon 815-288-3327, or Lynn Todtz in Clinton 563-242-9111 December 2015 • Page 16

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