From the Directors

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susan Lawler

There is always love in the air in February. Wouldn’t it be grand if every day was Valentine’s Day? Think of all the chocolates, cards and just the love that flows throughout the day! We should take this day and freeze it.

Valentine’s Day stories

So all you wonderful writers, I am waiting for your stories. I know there has to be at least one Valentine Day story that our authors out there, can share with us. My favorite story is: our wonderful staff here at LCCOA decided to write Valentine Cards, and put them into lunches for our seniors. I was overwhelmed with pride. The staff wrote such funny, and touching letters to our stay-at-home seniors. We had so many calls to tell us how much they appreciated all the kind words.

It would be marvelous if each and every one of us mailed a card or a letter to a neighborhood. Can you imagine what the Post Office would say? Think about it!

Good news!

We all love good news! Our FunSavers was a success. Thank you all for your bags of clothes, blankets, etc. We couldn’t have done it without your continuing support. Speaking of continuing support: Eileen and Larry Piper again came to our rescue. They are truly friends of LCCOA. This time they brought along wonderful workers who gave of their time and donations. Jeff Parker, Barry Welbers, and the Midwest Advantage Transportation company. Thank you, thank you from all LCCOA’s seniors, staff, drivers, Board of Directors and myself.

Line dancers

LCCOA probably has the best Line Dancers in town. These amazing people bring music and laughter to the halls of our old building. We look forward to every Tuesday when this light-hearted, happy-go-lucky group ingratiates our Center. Not only do they bring joy to our lives, they donated funds to help pay for our new furnace. Thank you, Line Dancers, for all you do for LCCOA. Just keep on dancing! We love ya!

The Coffee Club

LCCOA received a wonderful card from a group who called themselves the “WUTTS” (We Used To Teach). The card was simple and yet spoke volumes. “ Our Coffee Group decided a few years ago to quit giving gifts to one another and donate to a group in need.” LCCOA was touched by the generous donation, but most of all because this group understood the true meaning of Christmas. We applaud them and their families. Thank you, Linda, Steve, Georgana, Francis, Dolores, Sara, Bruce, Patricia, Nancy, Randall and Joyce. God be with you always, and may you always have the spirit of Christmas in your Hearts.

The Passing of the Candy Man

Willy Leon Gibson passed on December 6th, 2021. Willy was 92 years old. He was a sweet, kind and a gentleman. My very first day here at LCCOA, Willy brought me flowers from his wife’s flower bed. He spoke so kindly of her. Edith was truly the love of his life. It is appropriate that Willy be in our Valentine Day issue of the Golden Echo. His life with Edith was truly a love story. When he spoke of her, his eyes sparkled, I can imagine a vision of her appeared as he told stories of his life with her. In the years that Willy visited our Center, he began a lasting friendship with Eddie Granberry. The two of them ate lunch every day, and rode our Senior Transportation buses. You didn’t need to look at the clock; when they walked in together you knew it was lunch time. Willy will not only be missed by all of us, his best friend Eddie will never forget him. All of us here will miss the man, and his wonderful candies. He truly had an art in making just every piece taste like it was made just for you. I guess it is true what they say: When something is made with love it is always extra special, and that is what Willy made us feel, that we were all extra special. Goodbye, Candy Man, the Lord and his staff are waiting for you to sweet-up the heavens.

May God be with you until we meet again . LCCOA: A place where you belong, a place to call home.

— Susan

From the WCSC Director

By Susie Welch

It has been so great to hear laughter at the Center — I believe everyone has been as happy as I have been hearing activity at the Center again. My favorite times have been visits with patrons and the helpful hints and input. If my door is open, please feel free to stop by and chat with me. I’m always excited to make new friends.

January hit us with snow and cold weather but it is January in the Midwest so this is to be expected. We haven’t seen much traffic for morning coffee as of yet but have added a new All-Day beverage station with coffee, hot tea and water in the lobby area. With so many of the normal coffee spots not having inside services, we want to give our seniors a safe place to swap stories! We welcome donations towards our efforts to always keep a pot of coffee on at the center — whether it’s a can of your favorite coffee or a quarter towards the cost of sugar and cream packets.

Just the other day I heard another member say that they did not know that the kitchen was serving meals - so to help spread the word, we have begun to send area churches our monthly menus, posting on our Facebook page daily the next day’s menu and will begin mailing the members a monthly newsletter with a menu and activities calendar this month! The meals are actually large portions, tasty and only $3. Linda, who serves the meals, has never met a stranger and is a joy to visit with. Meals begin at 11am and you must have your request in by noon. The hearty meals will fill you up so much you’ll only want a light supper in the evenings or this is what I have experienced.

For February you will see that we have added Bingo, the Price is Right and classic movie day with Casablanca being shown in honor of Valentine’s Day. Beacon of Hope Hospice has volunteered to sponsor our Veteran’s coffee the second Thursday of each month. This means we will have a trained social worker available each meeting with contacts in the VA. Our pinochle group has even offered to teach beginning pinochle on Mondays from 12:30 to 4 p.m.. We have added a library just before you go into the dining hall. These books may be taken home, we just ask that you leave one book for each book you take. You will also find the music corner in the dining room. We will be having a Jam session for all those who are interested in getting together with other musically inclined individuals on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. If none of this appeal to you, remember that the pool tables are open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays. The checker table along with a chest table are set up in the dining room. We also need volunteers to come help start our community puzzle. We hoped to have our craft room and card room built by the first of February but due to unforeseen mishaps and delays in shipping it might be a while for the walls to come up, but the area will be there for use. IT students from Whiteside Area Career Center will be available Friday mornings and afternoon to assist you with any issues you may have with your iPhone, iPad or other electronics. You in return can school them at the pool tables!

AARP will be in the building every Monday starting in February. This year will be a little different as they will only see one person per tax return for a brief conference then you will be able to come back in the afternoon and sign your return. Give Leah at the front desk a call for more information and to schedule your appointment. (815-622-9230) After you have your return, Outreach workers will be available to assist you with your senior tax freeze/homestead exemption. (Make sure you bring the application the assessor’s office has mailed you)

We have more surprises that will be coming in March so stay tuned. More information will come later.

Golden Echo published monthly by Sauk Valley Media, 113-115 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021, 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.

The Post House Ballroom ... The perfect place for your party

Our Historic Post House Ballroom was the perfect place for five company, and family parties this past December. If you are looking for a venue to host your Holiday event, the Post House Ballroom should be your first choice. From the magnificent chandeliers to the stately evergreen tree. We have done it all for you. All you need is to bring your guest for a simplistic event, to an elegant Holiday Ball, the Post House Ballroom is the place . It is not too early to book your 2022 Holiday party. So give us a call we are waiting to hear from you.

Rules of the Road class planned

A Rules of the Road Class will be held at LCCOA from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16.

This in-person class will be held here at the Lee County Council on Aging, and is sponsored by and presented by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. The class is a refresher course to help a person prepare to take their driving test.

The classes are free, but reservations are required. Call 815-288-9236 to reserve a seat. Vaccinations and masks are required, and social distancing will be maintained.

The class will be offered again on Wednesday, June 15, and again on Wednesday Oct. 19.

License discounts available

The Benefit Access Application, offered through the Illinois Department on Aging, is an online-only application. Upon approval, this application provides a discounted license plate sticker, and if chosen, a Ride Free transit card for fixed-route transportation systems (such as those found in Chicago).

Qualifications: Must be age 65+, or able to prove disability status, and fall within the income guidelines, using the prior tax season’s Federal taxes (form 1040) and accompanying documents. If you did not file we will need all 1099s and other income from that year. All income is counted, including your full Social Security.

Income guidelines

Single: $33,562

Couple: $44,533 3-person household: $55,500

Contact LCCOA at 815-288-9236 (ask for Outreach) or WCSC at 815-625-9230 ext. 194 to complete your application.

LCCOA phone numbers

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 100 West Second Street – Dixon, IL, 61021

Main number 815-288-9236

Transportation 815-288-9236

Post House Ballroom 815-288-9236

Outreach services & free phones for hearing impaired

Outreach hours 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

E-mail us at lccoa@comcast.net Visit us at www.leecountycouncilonaging.net or www.posthouseballroom.net or find us on Facebook

WCSC phone numbers

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling

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

ADRC:

Call 815-622-9230, ext. 194 Outreach and free phones for hard of hearing/low vision 815-622-9230, ext. 194

Toll-free 888-622-9230, ext. 194

Email at info@wc-seniorcenter.org Go to wc-seniorcenter.org or follow us on Facebook.