From the Directors

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susan Lawler

What happened to October? It flew by, like a bat out of hell. OOPS! like a bat out of a tree.

Our Halloween Party was so much fun. Our costumes were creative, and Shepherd Premier entertained us with wonderful prizes and games.

Halloween — Trick or Treat

Our lunch group of volunteers were a hoot; they provided lunches, treats and some fun-filled tricks that all were surprising and allowed for a few laughs. We served over 50 lunches, and the ladies from Franklin Grove, and the Meadows of Franklin Grove had a ball with all our seniors.

Smart Phones and Computers

Little did we know that our classes would fill up, therefore we are expanding to add more days. Shepherd Premier’s staff are a major help to Aaliyah. Aaliyah is able to service more seniors, and spend more time with them. We are so excited that we are able to assist so many senior men and women. The need is there and the help is here; come on down to LCCOA and get as smart as your phone, and help with your computer — you will not be disappointed.

Presentations & more presentations

LCCOA is honored that Lee County churches, businesses and clubs have asked LCCOA to present at their weekly or monthly meetings. It is a wonderful opportunity for our staff to brag about our agency to the community, and for the community to learn about our senior center. In the past few months we were able to visit several facilities, and we are always open to visit more. Please give us a call at 815288-9236- to reserve a date.

We are still Trippin’!

We would like to take this time to thank all of our seniors in Lee, Ogle, Whiteside and DeKalb counties for supporting all of our trips. We have had seniors from Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio who have heard about our trips and asked if they could travel with us. We are thrilled that the word is out there, and the Golden Echo is spreading to surrounding states. Our web page has attracted seniors from other centers, and we have been told that there are very few Senior Centers that are traveling. It doesn’t matter if you are near or far, LCCOA welcomes all seniors to join in our fun and adventures. We are heading to New Orleans, cruising to the Caribbean, and heading to the Falls — yes, Niagara Falls is on our agenda for June. More information will follow. Please watch the Echo for updates. Our goal is to keep our seniors minds and bodies active, and what

The weather was brisk, but this did not stop our seniors from having an enjoyable and fun-filled day on the Mississippi River. The colors were amazing and the river was calm for the most part. It truly was an adventure. The food was tasty and the companionship was just the best. Marisa did her magic, and all had a wonderful time. If you missed this trip, there is a another cruise coming in the spring. Don’t forget to sign up with Marisa; she truly is a character. Her goal is ensure your time with LCCOA is a memorable occasion.

New Orleans

If you haven’t reserved your seat for New Orleans, there is still time. We are hoping for a second bus. We are still taking reservations; this a perfect time to visit Louisiana, the weather is great, the food is to die for, and the drinks are tantalizing – what a great way to feel young again. We all wish we were 30, so come along with us; we will make you feel 20. Marisa has a way of bringing out the very best in you, and you will be feeling young at heart.

We are Exercising

Guess what is on our agenda here at the Senior Center? United Way of Lee County has provided funds for LCCOA to purchase exercise equipment. We will have two bikes, and a certified trainer to work with you on an individual bases. There is no cost for the class; just come and enjoy the equipment, and hopefully your body will feel wonderful after the workout. Classes will begin Monday Oct. 31, at 8:30 a.m. and run through 12:30 p.m. There will be 4 spots available per hour. Please call us at 815-288-9236.

Brownies for Heaven

With joy comes sadness. LCCOA lost another friend this past month. Tanna Simpson passed away suddenly. All of us here at LCCOA were stunned at her passing. Tanna has been riding with LCCOA’s senior transportation for the last few months. We have all come to like and love Tanna. She was such a pleasant and fun-loving person. Tanna was so thankful to Senior Transportation, and to all the staff for helping her through her recovery. Tanna made a batch of her heavenly brownies for us to enjoy. It was her way of giving back to her friends at LCCOA, for providing her with a friendly, and happy atmosphere.

I myself spoke with Tanna on the Thursday before she passed away. She was so excited to drive herself to her brother’s home, and spend the weekend with him; but unfortunately God had other plans. Tanna was taken away in her sleep on Friday night. God clearly needed her in heaven to help watch over all of us. We will miss this lovely lady, but our loss is heaven’s gain. As the gates open for Tanna, she can now walk through them, and we can see her turning one last time to say goodbye to all her friends at LCCOA. Farewell, dear friend, until we meet again.

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

From the WCSC Director

By Susie Welch

It’s hard to believe, but the one-year anniversary of my coming to the Senior Center is fast approaching. My goals may have been too ambitious, as there is so much more I had hoped to accomplish by now, but that just means more exciting things are yet to come!

I’m pleased to announce new staff members have joined us. Selina is now helping Miss Yvonne out at the receptionist station and she is a joy to work with. She is bilingual besides being a whiz kid on the computer. Also joining our team is Patty Martinez. She will be the Center’s new Activities Coordinator and will be helping create new activities for us to enjoy plus taking over my duties at the Food Pantry to allow me to create new programming, which I hope to share with you in the coming months.

Just a reminder of a few new programs we introduced in the last few months: • Parlor trips, a $45 valued excursion for $10 for members and $20 for non-members the second Tuesday of each month. • Book Club was added for the third Monday of each month at 1 p.m., where we will be reading a book by hometown boy Terry Brooks.(Books are available at Receptionist station for $5) It’s not too late to join! • Along with that, we have Trip Club, which came about from a roundtable discussion about the Center trips — this is being led by Angela Gibbs and she has a lot of great ideas for this group.

A huge thank you to Newman High School for the large donation of food for our food pantry! We have a nice stockpile to see us through the next few months. A HUGE thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the chicken dinner such a huge success. I never dreamt that we would sell out almost immediately. Volunteer Pat Gibbs’ chicken gravy was the best I have ever tasted. Linda McCormick and Dinah Mays teamed up to bring you the homemade mashed potatoes, while Nazir was a jack of all trades and stayed to make sure everything was cleaned up! The turnout for this event was unbelievable and caught us all a little off guard. We sold out before we even started to serve. We are so thankful to Helen and DuWayne for bringing their show to us. As a newly retired couple, they are wanting to see the world, and as a result of that their schedule is pretty booked up for next year. They have promised to come by when they can. Everyone has been enjoying Karaoke so much, we will be attempting to do our own Karaoke and singalong starting November 18 form 1-3 p.m., along with a “home-cooked” meal. (This time we will plan to feed 100 instead of 60 like we did at the chicken dinner.) This month we will be treating everyone at our karaoke singalong with a piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and will have the words of the songs projected on the big screen to ensure you can sign along. You won’t want to miss out! We will be serving roast pork with dressing, potatoes and vegetables for $7 from noon to 1 p.m., with karaoke and the singalong starting immediately after lunch.

If you love to watch Pat Sajak and Vanna White on TV, you won’t want to miss the Center’s stars, Patty & Selina. Starting this month, we will be introducing a new game to our Wednesday line-up, Wheel of Fortune. This game will begin right after lunch at 12:15 p.m. in the Big Room on November 30. After that, the games will be on the third Wednesday of the month every month after.

November 7 at noon in the dining room, we will be hosting an informative meeting about the public safety referendum. Claudia Garcia, the 911 Dispatch Director for the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, will be the speaker.

On November 8 the Center, will be acting as a voting polling location. All activities in the Big Room will be relocated to the dining area with the exception of the pool tables. (Sorry guys but you can stop by Monday afternoon to play if you wish)

We have started our 2023 membership drive. If you haven’t become a member yet, now is the time to join as you will receive the rest of 2022 for free! Our schedule of events is growing fast — we have a little bit of something for everyone. You won’t want to miss out on all this fun! See you soon Susie

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.

Congratulations, Bethany & Nick Gile!

The Post House Ballroom was pleased to host Bethany and Nick Gile’s wedding. The bride’s gown was stunning, it complimented their décor, which was perfect for the historical Ballroom. Our elegant chandeliers accented their sophisticated venue. Bethany and Nick added a special fun touch to their beautiful setting with a balloon photo op for all their guests. Our congratulations go out to Bethany and Nick Gile — may they have a wonderful life together.

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

LCCOA’s booth was a big hit at the Senior Showcase

The Senior Showcase, held on Oct. 4 at Northland Mall, was a great success.

LCCOA’s booth at the Showcase was overwhelmed with people wanting to ask questions regarding our ITAC phones for the hearing impaired. LCCOA was so grateful to ITAC for sponsoring our booth. Over 150 people stopped by the LCCOA booth and talked to Marisa and Anna, two of our LCCOA staff. They offered flyers and brochures and answered questions regarding special events, weekly activities, transportatio and trips, and invited people to the LCCOA Halloween Party on Oct. 31.

Several door prizes were awarded, and the winners were: Nancy Fotzle, Shirley Celletti, Amy Glawe, Hope Howell, Darlene Mellinga, Jan Metz and Hilary Herbon. Congratulations to all the winners!

Thank you to everyone who attended and visited the LCCOA booth.

LCCOA Senior Transportation is on the road again,

delivering lunches to our seniors. Marisa was handing out the lunches this past month. Our last lunch was on Halloween. If you would like a meal, please contact Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236.

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 815-6229230

Outreach and free phones for hard of hearing/low vision

815-622-9230

Toll-free 888-622-9230

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