By Susan Lawler
Happy Fourth of July! We hope all of our seniors will have a fun and safe holiday! It is a great day to celebrate our country. We are all fortunate to be a part of a free nation, which we do tend to take for granted — that we are free to speak, to do, and go anywhere we choose without being harassed, detained or forbidden to leave. In saying this, freedom did come at a great price: Our ancestors fought, suffered and died to provide freedom to all of us. Hopefully we can take a moment to give thanks to all those strong, determined men and women, and thank them for their courage and bravery.
LCCOA will be out delivering lunches July 3, just in time for the Fourth of July. Our happy little helpers from the Meadows of Franklin Grove will be back to bring cheer and laughter to all our
Happy 4th of July to all! May this day be a symbol of peace, prosperity, and happiness in your lives. May you spend a joyous day and remember the national heroes through celebrations.
And if you didn’t get enough barbeques and picnics, we hope you
seniors. I personally can’t wait to see what costumes they will be wearing; they are a HOOT! If you would like to become one of our lunch bunch seniors, please give us a call at 815-288-9236; we would be happy to add you to our list.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays KSB is providing dinners for anyone in Lee County. LCCOA is hosting this event. Every week, KSB will drop off dinners at 4 p.m. You may pick up your dinners between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. It is on a first-come firstserve basis, until we run out. Also, on Wednesdays after 4 p.m., our food pantry is open until we run out — we are small be mighty. The dinners and the food pantry are free and there is no income requirement.
The Niagara Falls seniors are home! They brought back so many stories, and of course the pictures speak a thousand words. Our seniors danced and sang, and did a little bit of drinking, but all in good fun. We are now getting ready for Biltmore and Atlantic City, we still have a couple of spots left, so come on down and reserve a spot. Marisa will show you a great time.
LCCOA hosted an informative and educational presentation on diabetes and nutrition by Eve Guenther, a dietitian from KSB Hospital (see the photo above) Her audience was engaged and asked for more presentations. Our next event will be in August; the topic is blood pressure and your cholesterol. Check our Facebook pages for date and time.
Check out the new faces on our exercise equipment. Not everyone wants their photo taken, but these fun-loving ladies are good sports,
and are having an amazing time with Brandan. The training is free and Brandan is here to help you get healthier, so why not take advantage of this great opportunity?
Once again, LCCOA will host a celebration of life in our Butterfly Garden for all our loves ones who are no longer with us. We have added more names to our Garden. Please join us on July 14t at 11:30 a.m. to remember our seniors who are so dear to our hearts.
Until next time: LCCOA, a place where you belong, a place to call home.
— Susan
will join Golden Meals with a ribeye sandwich on July 7 at noon in our dining room. Pre-registration and pre-pay is required. Call 815-6264442 for details.
105! That is our new record for free meals served for the month of May. A huge thank you to Grandma Santos and her daughter Julie Jacobs for their Mexican culinary kitchen help! The next free meal will be July 21 at noon — with karaoke with Melissa and birthday cake. Come join us.
Our fundraiser Friday meal is July 14. Cake with Castor will be the highlight of the meal. Come see
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 treat-
what Castor has to offer and enjoy some cake after your meal.
The first Matter of Balance class was a success and we have a waitlist started for the next class. Once we have 12 signed up we will start the next eight class session, which will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. in the dining room at the Center. It is a great learning experience and provides everyday movements to help you maintain a safer and more confident lifestyle.
We have added Bunco to our card games, at noon on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month in
ment 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 dining room. First-time player? No problem. We have the time to show you the ropes. But if cards are not your thing, Marilyn is providing classes for inkle weaving. She can be contacted at 847-997-6008 to set up personal classes. If you are looking for a fun way to get off that couch, get those boogie shoes on and line dance to some fun music. All our activities are on our calendar and we welcome you to get out of the house and join in on our fun. There is something for everyone. We hope to see at the Center soon.
— PattyThe 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.
Bingo with Jennifer.
Christmas in July Bingo
Wednesday, July 26.
Barb Shaw
Margie Pasley
Tom Harrison
Karol Harrison
Oliver Mumford
Neola Mumford
Ken Weinstock
Don and Sue Schrock
William Burke
Edward and Janet Stewart
Lynda and Thomas Staples
Lois and David Young
Paul Coffey
Raymond and Mark Mayfield Hays
Watch the Echo for 2023 membership campaign. As a member you will receive discounts on all our activities and trips. All membership fees contribute to the support of Lee County Council on Aging. As a member you can feel confident that all funds helps LCCOA to continue the vital services we provide to all our seniors and continue to bring new and interesting activities to the Center for you to enjoy. Please continue to be a member of LCCOA and spread the word to all your friends and families. Thank you on behalf of LCCOA’s Board of Directors, Executive Director, staff and drivers.
Thank you to all our volunteers who donated their time, energy and services and those who gave monetary and non-monetary donations. A special thank you to all the wonderful supporters of LCCOA’s clothing drive who have donated anonymously.
Viola Township
Linda Cheeseman
Jan Schmidt
Betty Stumpenhorst
Lee County United Way
Pine CreekChristian Church of Polo
Franklin Grove Living & Rehab
Meadows of Franklin Grove
Oregon Living & Rehab
Tiffany and Vicki from the Meadows
Kathy Clark
The Burton Foundation
Terry Christian
Liberty Court
Sharon Phelps
Sandy Ready
Amanda Wike
Linda Setchell
Krisi Chrisham
Kathy Ferguson
Lee County Health Department
Nancy Gates
Josie Whaley
Dixon Food Pantry
Larry Piper
Eileen Piper
Teen Turf
Ben Galantine
Johnson CPA
Leydig Center
Alisauski, Susan Ambriz, Jose
Asher, Jeff
Behning, Mike
Brill, Alice
Brill, Donald Brown, Darla Cadogo, Mindy Cadogo, Rick Cavas, Elvin Cornstublle, Deborah
Coyle, Rachael Dystra, Lynn Fiorini, Megan Fuller, Pat Garenwald, Jeannie Gatz, Laura Grypp, Caroline Grypp, Raymond Huffman, Beverly Jenerro, Dino Keag, Bonnie
Keefer, Kelli Kendell, Aimee Martin, Heather Mayes, Jan Millard, Michaela Neal, Devon Nelson, Michaela Panice, Gloria Pearyne, Shayne Priw, Eileen Priw, Laura
Susan Johnson
Real Time
Brandan Lumzy
Lumzy Yoga
Darla Foulker
Good Fellows
Clara Harris NIAAA
Lee County
Rusty Schrader
100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL, 61021
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Main number: 815-288-9236
Transportation : 815-288-9236
E-mail: lccoa@comcast.net
Online: www.leecountycouncilonaging.net and on Facebook
POST HOUSE BALLROOM
815-288-9236
Online: www.posthouseballroom.net
OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired
Outreach hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
LCCOA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & OFFICERS
Bonnie O’Connell — Chair
Ed Pillar — Vice Chair
Roberta Lemoine — Secretary
Darla Foulker — Attorney
Ben Gallentine — CPA (Johnson CPA, LLC)
Committee members: Cindy Gabany, Jeff Haub, Dianne Fry and Sami Rodriguez
LCCOA SENIOR TRANSPORTATION
815-288-9236
LEE-OGLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117
Fares: (within zip code)
Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult): $1 one way
Qureshi, Aneela Sigel, Johnnie Slayton, Gerri Stark, Patti Thielan, Sarah Tiesman, Shelby Troxell, Carol Villegas, Jamie Wittenberger, Pat Zuidema, Pat
Thank you to all our volunteers who donate their time, energy, and services and those who gave monetary donations, including anonymously. A special thanks to all who partner with our center to provide programs and activities for our seniors.
Boehm, Jennifer
Castro, Cecilia
Community State Bank
Farmer’s National Bank
Hart, Leroy
Heritage Woods of Sterling
Homestead of Morrison
Johnson, Bobbie Mays, Dinah
Mays, Jeffrey
McCormick, Dick McCormick, Linda
Meller, Marilyn Pratt, Jewely
Qureski, Nazir Resthave Care & Rehabilitation
River Bend Food Bank
Sanders, Clara
Sanders, Gavon
Sauk Valley Food Bank
Shipley, Neal Sikkemma, Shelle
Sutton, Julie Szewczyk, Dorothy
Caregiver Assistance — Respite and GAP (when available) Respite helps provide a break for the caregiver by getting a homemaker into the home when needed, or even placing the recipient in a facility for a short-term (usually no longer than 5 days) stay. Services are limited and are based on a case-by-case situation. GAP Service is available to assist for a specific need that a caregiver or the recipient cannot afford in partial or full. Services vary and are based on a case-by-case situation.
Medicare Counseling — Explaining the various
parts of Medicare, assisting in the understanding of your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and True Out-of-Pocket Expense Reports (TrOOP), aiding in Medicare appeals and even sorting out your mail — what’s important vs. what’s not when it comes to Medicare. We are Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified.
Medicare Part D: Plan comparisons are prepared using individual information. Explanation of plan details and ultimately completing the application process for enrollment into a chosen plan.
Ages 6 to 59 years: $2 one way
Seniors or individuals with a disability: $1 one way (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program)
Out-of-town trips can be arranged, subject to availability: 35 cents per mile
1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Information: 815-622-9230 Toll-free: 888-622-9230
Transportation: 815-625-7433
Email: info@wc-seniorcenter.org
Online: www.wc-seniorcenter.org and on Facebook.
AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC) 815-622-9230
OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired. Satellite locations are by appointment only. Please call to schedule your appointment. 815-622-9230
WCSC BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
Joe Bright – President | Karla Burns – Vice President
Sasha Logan – Secretary | Mark Godsil – Treasurer
Board members: John Booker, Al Campbell, Owen Harrell, Gene Jacoby, Emily Taylor
WHITESIDE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
855-625-7433 or 815-625-7433
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Fares: (within county)
Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult): 50 cents one way
Ages 6 to 59 years: $2 one way
Seniors or individuals with a disability: Donation suggested. Out-of county trips can be arranged, subject to availability. Out of county rides: $4. We don’t accept Medicaid at this time.
Join us to honor those who will be forever in our hearts ... Please join us on July 14 at 11:30 a.m. to remember all of our loved ones. New names will be added to our Butterfly Garden.
Fun and fitness ... Check out the new faces on our exercise equipment. Not everyone wants their photo taken, but these fun-loving ladies are good sports, and are having an amazing time with Brandan.
Afghan winner!
Judy Sharkey was the winner of our Mother’s Day Afghan. Our special thanks to Dorothy Szewczyk for donating this beautiful afghan; once again, Dorothy has brought joy and happiness to one of our seniors. Judy was so grateful, she wanted Dorothy to know how appreciative she was to win one of Dorothy’s creations. Thank you, Dorothy, for all you do for the seniors of Lee County.
Exercise with Brandan
Mondays 10-11 a.m.
30-minute appointments. Recumbent bicycles, chair yoga with Brandan.
Yoga for seniors
Mondays at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at 1 p.m., and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
Writers Workshop
Third Monday of the month at 1 p.m.
Rummikub
Monday at 1 p.m.
License plate discounts
Tuesdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Meet with Anna
PLEASE NOTE: PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE SENIOR CENTER
ITAC phones are here
Call for an appointment
Puzzle Tuesday
Third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. Jigsaw puzzles on the table
Medicare and Medicaid
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday
With trained counselor Amy Meyers. Call for Appointment
Laptop and PC Classes
Second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Call for appointment.
Basics of Smartphones
First and Second Tuesdays of the month Call for appointment.
License plate discounts
Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet with Anna
ITAC phones are here
Call for and appointment
Rummikub
Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Knitting and crocheting
Thursdays at 1 p.m. Various crafts
Exercise with Brandan
Fridays from 10-11 a.m. 30-minute appointments.
Recumbent bicycles
Euchre Tournaments
Every Friday
Mexican Train Dominoes
Here on Fridays at 1 p.m.
Serving KSB MEALS to persons in need at LCCOA
Tuesdays and Thursday 4-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:30 a.m.
If you would like a specific appointment for one-on-one time, please call the Center at 815-622-9230 and speak with Neal.
Mondays July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
For those needing assistance without making an appointment. This is on a first-come first-serve basis. Please check in with the receptionist desk.
Wednesdays July 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 12:15 p.m
Fridays July 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 12:30 p.m
Wednesdays, July 12 & 26 at 12:30 p.m. Please bring a $1 donation for the food pantry. Thank you to our sponsors: Community State Bank and Homestead of Morrison
Breakfast Club
Friday July 7, at 9 a.m. Call 815-622-9230 to reserve your name
on the list
Bunco
Thursdays July 13 & 27 at noon
Canasta
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 9 a.m.-noon
Golden Meal Cookout
Friday, July 7 at noon
Pre-order you ribeye sandwich ahead
Euchre
Tuesdays, July 11, 18 & 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Foot Clinic
Wednesdays, July 5 & 12 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-718-5294
Food Pantry
Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 1-3 p.m.
Hand and Foot
Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Tuesdays July 11, 18 & 25
from noon-4 p.m.
Learn to Quilt
Will return after Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 11 from 1-3 p.m.
Line Dancing
Fridays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28 Advance 10-11 a.m., beginners from 11a.m.-noon
Mexican Train Dominoes
Fridays, July 7, 14, 21 & 29 at 12:30 p.m.
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30-11 a.m.
Call to be placed on the waiting list
Parlor Club
No meeting this month
Mondays, July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 12:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 12:30-4 p.m.
Fridays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Pool tables
Tuesdays, July 11, 18 & 25 from 1-4 p.m.
Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 9 a.m.-noon
Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 1-4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 5, at 12:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 8, at 1 p.m. Sauk Computer User Group will meet at 1 p.m. for a Q&A time. Everyone with an interest in computers/technology is invited. Topics include: using Google Maps, using Google Calendar, and setting up facial and/or touch ID for phones. Refreshments will be available.
Monday, July 10 at 10 a.m.
Tuesdays, July 11, 18, and 25 at 10 a.m.
Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 19, at 12:15 p.m.
Thursday, July 13 at 9 a.m.
LCCOA provided and delivered lunches in May, with assistance from out special helpers, Vickie and Tiffany from the Meadows of Franklin Grove.
PLEASE NOTE: PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE SENIOR CENTER
Friday, July 14 at 9 a.m.
Free breakfast and Bingo! The games, the prizes and all the fun is free! Free breakfast, right from the kitchen at KSB Hospital! You must RSVP ahead of time to order your breakfast. Among the Bingo prizes: Walmart gift cards! Please call 815-288-9236 to reserve your breakfast.
Monday, July 17, at 1 p.m.
The July Writers Workshop will be upstairs in the beautiful Post House Ballroom. All are welcome. Beginning this spring we will host a series of lectures – from authors to historians. Workshops and free lunch will be included. Watch for dates and time on Facebook and in the Golden Echo.
July 18 at 1 p.m.
Come on down and bring your team of 4, or join in on another team. Prizes and refreshments will be provided. Put your skills to work and meet other
puzzle lovers.
Friday, July 28
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and first singe up at 7 p.m. The program runs until 9:30 p.m. Come in to share the mic or just to listen!
Come join our free work out program! Brandan is available to assist you with our new recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available two days per week, Mondays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Fridays 10-11:30 a.m. Call 815-288-9236 to set up an appointment.
If you would like LCCOA to do a presentation at your club, corporation or church, we would be honored to share what LCCOA provides for the seniors of Lee County.
For the latest updated and daily activities, please go to the Whiteside County Senior Center Facebook page.
Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day Fundraiser meal
Friday, July 14, at noon
Free Community Meal
Friday, July 14, at noon
Did you know Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic back pain and other services as alternatives to opioids? Talk to your doctor to learn more about effective alternative pain treatments that aren’t as addictive as opioids.
Membership not required for trips — all seniors are welcome!
Biltmore
Aug. 6-11, 2023 — 6 days, 5 nights and 8 meals
Price: $699 for members; $724 for non-members
Visit the Biltmore Estates and Grounds; Antler Village and Winery; Asheville, North Carolina; the Blue Ridge Mountains Parkway; Folk Art Center and Kentucky Artisan Center.
The Alaska Cruise on the Royal Princess
Sept. 16-23, 2023 — 8 days and 7 nights
Price: Inside cabin $2,842 per person for an inside cabin; $3,582 per person for a balcony cabin
Princess Plus: Free plus Beverage Package, Free Unlimited wi-fi, Free prepaid gratuities.
Sept. 30-Oct. 5 —7 days, 6 nights and 9 meals
Price: $859 for members; $884 for non-members
Take a guided tour of Manhattan, then take the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island, where immigrants were welcomed to America. Enjoy a free day in Atlantic City to spend in the casinos, take a walk on the Boardwalk, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean — all of these activities! See several places of historical significance in beautiful Philadelphia, including Independence Hall, the home of Betsy Ross, and the Liberty Bell.
Discover the path of Jesus, from
Everyone 60+ is welcome — no membership required. Seats are filling up fast! A $75 deposit reserves your seat. The price of the trip includes your transportation, hotel, most meals, and any admission fees. The only additional funds needed will be for your extras. The benefits of group travel are ...
• A stress-free trip — Everything is taken care of. We take care of the itineraries that include the best destinations, and group leaders will get you from one place to the next without you having to worry about making your own decision.
• Communication and like-minded travelers — When you travel with own likeminded peers and enjoy memorable adventures together, you can quickly bond. You really create lifelong new friends and travel together again.
Feb. 26-March 5, 2024 — 9 days, 8 nights, and 14 meals
Price: $3,899 per person for members, based on double occupancy
This trip begins in Tel Aviv, Israel, on the Mediterranean coastline. Journey to Caesarea, Nazareth, and Cana. Sail the Sea of Galilee just as Jesus did. Travel through Tiberius, Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi, Armageddon. In Bethlehem, enter the Church of the Nativity. Then on to Jerusalem to visit the Mount of Olives and travel the Way of the Cross. You will also see the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion and the Upper Room, and the Garden Tomb.
For more information on any of the trips, or to have a flyer mailed to you, please reach out to Marisa Perales at Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236 or
• Exclusive and ease of access — When you travel with us, you get to see parts of the destination you normally wouldn’t see on your own. We typically go “behind the scenes,” or are treated to special dinners and live shows. The tour bus also drops and picks up at the front doors, ease of driving, walking, and parking.
• Local Insight — When you travel with us, you are never on your own, we provide the knowledge of each location and help along the way with any need that may arise.
For more information on all these trips, please call our very own LCCOA Tour Guide, Marisa Perales, at 815-288-9236.
Thursday, Sept. 22-Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023
Price: $946 for members, $1,135 for non-members, based on double occupancy
Four nights in West Virginia; four breakfasts and four dinners. Huntington Museum of Art, Heritage Farm Museum & Village Tour, Amtrak ride through New River Gorge, Lewisburg walking tour, North House Museum and Greensburg Bunker tour. Reservation deadline is July 28.
Sunday, December 10 through -Wednesday, December 13, 2023 — 4 days/3 nights
Price: $1,126 for members, based on double occupancy, or $1,604 for non-members, based on single occupancy.
Three nights at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Includes breakfast, General Jackson Riverboat Luncheon Cruise with holiday entertainment, a country Christmas dinner
show, Country Music Hall of Fame, Delta River Flatboat Ride, free time in downtown Nashville, guided tour of Nashville. Four-Star resort. Reservation deadline is Oct. 2.
Fireside Dinner Theater: “Mary Poppins” —
Friday, August 11
Riverboat Twilight — October; Two-day tour departing from LeClaire, Iowa
Casino Trip — In December
want to remember
