8 minute read

From the Directors

from SVM_Golden Echo_082521

by Shaw Media

from SVM_Golden Echo_082521, page 8

Weekly, Monthly Activities

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susan Lawler

September has arrived! We had a long hot summer. We here at LCCOA are feeling sad summer is coming to an end. Lee County Council on Aging didn’t let the weather hinder a wonderful, funfilled summer. We had so many events at The Post House Ballroom. We were hopping with weddings, and the celebration of the new owners of the Reagan family home. LCCOA was honored with the Young America’s, Gov. Walker and members of the Reagan family — and on top of these events, the Prom and Open Mic were great successes.

Trips and more trips

LCCOA had two amazing trips. The Creation Museum, and the Ark Encounter was a group of 25, small, but just right for everyone to spread out on motor coach to maintain social distancing. The Alaskan Cruise, what can I say; it was Alaska; who doesn’t like a cruise, and seeing all the adventures of Alaska. Memories were made this past summer; so let’s make some more! We have a wonderful trip coming up for the Fall. The Festival of Trees, Celebration Belle trip; the cost is $239 for members and $259 for non-members. If you are feeling real lucky you just might win your trip back at the Isle Casino Resort. Give us a call at 815288-9236.

Bingo is back

LCCOA loves the sound of laughter! Our Bingo players are truly enjoying themselves and the prizes have been amazing this year; with donations from Good Fellows, Sami Rodriguez and Terry Christians, our Bingo players have gone home with great prizes. So if you have nothing better to do, come on out and enjoy a game or two of Bingo.

Open Mic

We had 22 potential Nashville singers at our last Open Mic. So, if you are ready for Nashville, or just love to sing and listen to music, come on down to LCCOA on Sept. 24; our doors will open at 6:30 p.m. For those who are new to Open Mic, just follow, the sounds of your fellow crooners. We are waiting for you, so don’t be shy!

LCCOA has been promising you a sign for the Butterfly Garden; on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m., there will be a dedication of our new sign for Joe Rudolphi, Tom Lawless, Donna Missman, Warren Reuter and Patty Frey. Please join us for a celebration of our friends’ well-lived lives.

Thank you is not enough

There are not enough words to express our gratitude for the generous donation of the Dixon Community Trust. This compassionate organization has donated $5,000 toward the cost of our new air conditioner and furnaces. Thank you — thank you for supporting LCCOA, and all the seniors of Lee County; without your continuing assistance, LCCOA would not be able to exist.

Until next time: LCCOA a place where you belong, a place to call home.

– Susan

From the WCSC Assistant Director

By Beth Sterk

As I write this during the second week of August, many families are thinking of Back-To-School, whether it be elementary, high school or maybe you are sending your child or grandchild off to college? I remember those days….it was so exciting setting up a college dorm room, but so hard saying good bye when it was time to leave! Once of the hardest times in my life for sure!

We have all had to face some hard times during the pandemic. The Senior Center has had to face several staffing challenges, as many employers have had during the pandemic and are still facing today. Our building remains temporarily closed to the public- but our staff continues to assist your remotely. THANK YOU for your patience as we transition through our staffing changes! We want to have a solid foundation of staff ready to serve you when we re-open, so we can be intentional about our hospitality, and our center can be the best it can be!

Our center tentatively plans to re-open to the public on October 4th! We know that our county is 43% fully vaccinated (as of August 9th metrics) and we will continue to follow the CDC, IDOA and our local Health Dept. recommendations regarding the Delta variant. When we do re-open — Masks will be required at all times while in the building – No exceptions. Covid questionnaires will need completed upon entry as well.

Beginning October 4th, Outreach will be by appointment only (face to face). Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept walk ins. You must call Outreach at 622-9230, Ext. 194 to schedule an appointment.

Also- beginning October 4th Lunches will be served Monday through Friday 11 a.m-noon by Golden Meals. Please refer to the additional information I have shared in this ECHO regarding how lunches will work- as the process will be different than what you are accustomed to. It may take us a while to get acquainted with the new processes but I assure you, it will be worth it! I am so very excited that you will be receiving a nutritional meal at a very, very affordable price or you can use your LINK card to pay for your congregate meals here beginning October 4th.

We are planning to re-open our Food Pantry very soon as well – as a drive thru/contactless experience. Dates and times of distribution may change- I will keep you updated. Please stay tuned for dates and information in the next edition of the ECHO. All our Volunteers and Staff will be receiving training in September to work through the changes with our pantry.

In the meantime, we will be working on training and staff development until October 4th when we can all be together again! Please continue to follow us on Facebook and in the ECHO for updated events as time and days of events may have shifted from what you are familiar with. Regular activities will resume gradually. As I have assured you all along- I will keep you updated the best I can.

We will be getting our center ready for October, with a few changes to our space and with some different schedules, but instead of saying “good bye” like we did to our college kiddos- you will be saying HELLO to a few new faces you when you walk through our doors in October.

Our Outreach Department- (ADRC) Aging and Disable Resource Center is currently available to serve you remotely. Please call 815- 622-9230, Ext. 194 for Outreach.

We look forward to seeing you in October!

Be Well!

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.

POST HOUSE

An exceptional day at the Post House

The beautiful historic Post House Ballroom hosted a luncheon July 23 for 142 students, and families from the Young America’s Foundation during a 2-day conference, “American Exceptionalism: The Education of Ronald Reagan and the Enduring Promise of the American Dream.” Michael Reagan (speaking, above), son of President Ronald Reagan, was one of the guest speakers and shared wonderful stories of his father and his memories of his childhood. Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a second guest speaker at the Post House Ballroom’s luncheon for the Young America’s Foundation, shared his experiences and wealth of knowledge — an inspiration to all who attended.