SVM_Golden Echo_December 2023

A publication of Sauk Valley Media in cooperation with Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center – United Way agencies

VOLUME 16 • DECEMBER 2023 • EDITION 12

Whiteside County Senior Center | 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling | 815-622-9230 Online: www.wc-seniorcenter.org & Facebook.

From the Directors........................................ 16 Photos................................................... 18 & 20

INSIDE

Donations & Memberships............................17 WeeklyActivities........................................... 19

Special Events............................................... 21 Upcoming Trips............................................. 21

15 SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Golden Echo

The Lee County Council on Aging, the Senior Center and LCCOA Senior Transportation will be closed Friday, Dec. 22-Monday, Dec. 25. There will be no buses running on these days. The office also will be closed, and no buses running Friday, Dec. 29-Monday, Jan. 1. The offices will be open and buses will be operating Dec. 26-28.

Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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GOLDEN ECHO From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susie Welch If you haven’t heard, there are some new faces at Lee County Council on Aging. Coming to our team will be two new volunteers, plus a new bookkeeper along with myself, the new Executive Director. I might be a familiar face to several of you – I may have helped you buy a home, get caught up with your mortgage, maybe I helped you repair your home or even rent your home, but most of you will recognize me as the ring leader of the Foster Grandparents or the gal who opened up the Whiteside County Center after the COVID-19 shutdown. I am blessed to have my four children and 10 grandchildren close by (Dixon, Sterling and Rock falls) which means you might have seen me at a sporting or music event.

My favorite pastime is coupon shopping, and until recently being the undefeated champ at our family Clue board game nights. I’m a Board member of a local group that brings holiday gifts to veterans in nursing

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Emily Hammer Board meeting

There will be no board meeting in December.

Golden Meals

Golden meals will soon be using our kitchen full-time! Golden Meals is a local non-profit organization that provides $3 meals to our 60-plus senior community from Monday through Thursday at our site. The

homes. I love challenges and hugs from grandchildren. My friends call me Susie — if you call me Susan, I think I’m in trouble!

Also changing is our goal to work together with other partnering organizations in a spirit of cooperation to help the Seniors in Lee County. I’m so pleased to announce that the Garden Club has volunteered to help out with our outside decorations again.

I’ve seen their work and can’t wait to see what they create. They hope to have it all in place in time for the annual Christmas town walk. We can’t wait to work with more community groups and agencies within our county.

THIS MONTH WE ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF VOLUNTEERS to help us decorate the Center for Christmas. We will be serving hot chocolate and coffee on December 5 at 10 a.m. for any volunteers who want to come help us deck the halls.

We will be playing Christmas music and having a jolly time. Please join us!

WE WILL BE HAVING OUR MONTHLY BINGO ON DECEMBER 15. A free breakfast will be served at 9 a.m., with Bingo to begin at 9:30 a.m. We are always looking for partners for Bingo. Please let me know if you are interested to host the event.

Golden Meals calendar will be posted on our Facebook page and sent out in our newsletter.

Free Christmas meal

At noon on Friday, December 15, we will have our free community Christmas lunch. Citadel of Sterling will provide dessert and karaoke with Melissa after!

Ugly Sweater Bingo

Throw on your favorite ugly sweater and come on over for ugly sweater Bingo on Wednesday, December 13. There will be some great prizes!

Cookie Decorating

Frosting, sprinkles, and cookies — Oh my! Join us Tuesday, December 19 at 1 p.m. for cookie decorating to get

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-

WE WILL HAVE FREE CHRISTMAS LUNCH ON DECEMBER 21 — please call 815-288- 9236 to RSVP by December 18 (a big thanks to KSB for partnering with us on these meals). I’ll be wearing my favorite Christmas sweater on that day; please wear yours too! We will be drawing for the 50/50 and Afghan drawing on that day — you will not want to miss out.

OPEN ENROLLMENT IS COMING TO AN END QUICKLY. If we have cancellations, we will be glad to work you in. Otherwise, our partnering agency, NICIL, has certified counselors who might be able to help you.

BRANDAN IS HERE Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for chair yoga. He is such a hoot and makes exercise fun. Remember, a body in motion stays in motion.

WE OFFER CARD GROUPS DURING THE WEEK: Rummikub on Mondays and Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Euchre on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. and Mexican Train Dominoes on Fridays at 1 p.m. We are always looking to add new card groups — let me know if you have a card game that you’d love to be the group leader of, and let’s see if we can get it going at LCCOA! (My favorite card game is Kings in the Corner, just in case you are interested.)

into the Christmas spirit!

Cruise of a lifetime

Are you ready for the cruise of a lifetime starting in April 2025? We will be flying to Sydney, Australia with a couple stops in New Zealand. We will cross the international date line, stop in American Samoa, make two stops in Tahii, French Polynesia, and two stops in Hawaii. We will be staying two nights in Honolulu before flying home!

This is a 20-night cruise, with many sea days to relax, swim, take in shows, and more. Prices are $4,500 for an inside cabin and $4,975 for an outside obstructed view. Please contact Glenda at 815-622-9230 for more information.

Medicare

Medicare marketing fraud — don’t

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-

THE KNITTING AND CROCHETING GROUP MEETS ON THURSDAYS AT 1 P.M. Next month I will be telling you when you can start calling for AARP tax preparation appointments; please be sure you read your Golden Echo portion of the Telegraph or our newsletter next month. Those appointments fill up fast!

JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER: We will be closed December 22 and 23 for Christmas break, but back to serve you on December 26. I don’t know how you feel, but I feel like I’ve already received my Christmas gift – a big thanks to the LCCOA Board and staff for making me feel like family. They truly are the “A-Team.” Staff members are so kind and caring — you will find none better. I’ve been so lucky to have the opportunity to see many of my old friends and the opportunity to make new friends. If you are a senior, current volunteer or partnering agency, please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself. I can’t wait to meet you! We are always looking for volunteers and groups interested in becoming a part of the family at LCCOA. You can never have too many friends as far as I’m concerned, and the Center is the perfect place to make new friends.

See you soon, Susie

be misled by private companies promoting their plans. For instance, companies can market through radio, TV and print. However, agents cannot ...

• Call you without permission • Visit you in your home • Offer you prizes worth more than $15.

Never feel pressured to join any plan and always make sure you understand what the plan is offering and how your benefits will be affected.

Remember to never give out your Medicare number. Please call Outreach at 815-622-9230 to schedule an appointment for the Open Enrollment Period (now through December 7), or if you have any questions.

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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

DUES, DONATIONS & THANK YOUS WCSC welcomes members Thank you to those individuals who have paid their memberships for 2023 Bley, Debra Karper, Debra David & Nancy Doctor Hartmann, Darlene Regan, Laurie Willhite, Connie

Thank you to WCSC volunteers and supporters 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.

Jon Wetzell Aneela Qureshi Resthave New Hope Baptist Church of God Nazir Qureshi Castor Resp Therapy In Home Care Connection Jennifer Boehm Gaffey Kay Krutsinger Tri County Opportunity Council SMART Laura Kivisto CGH Linda and Dick McCormick Carolyn Allen Leroy Hart Sherry L Letcher Ryann Hart Jeanette Rhoades Dale Smith Citadel Melissa McCoughlin Judy Irvin Beacon of Hope Sauk Valley Food Bank Diane Tackett Deputy David Northcutt Neal Shipley Dorothy Szeczyk Shelle Sikkema Gary Tompkins Sami Wiggins Allure Janet Meter

Join WCSC If you would like to join the Whiteside County Senior Center for 2024, the cost is $25 per person per calendar year or $35 for two people residing in same household. You can mail your check to WCSC, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081.

WCSC has developed a new Corporate Membership. As a Corporate member you will be recognized in our building and in the newspaper for your support, along with valuable benefits for your employees. Employees will be eligible to attend our exercise classes and the member discounts on our trips by showing their employee ID or business card when signing up.

Please contact our Center at 815-622-9230 for more details. We always appreciate your continued support of our Aging and Disabled Resource Center — and we appreciate YOU!

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 Roberta Lemoine — Secretary Darla Foulker — Attorney Ben Gallentine — CPA (Johnson CPA, LLC) Committee members: Amanda Carroll, Greg Currens, Cindy Gabany, June Fordham, Dianne Fry, Jeff Haub, Sami Rodriguez and Alisa Wolf 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 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

LCCOA welcomes members Anita Contreras

Bonnie O’Connell Jackie Foust

Larry Foust

Thank you to LCCOA volunteers and supporters 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.

Shirley Kitzmiller Berta Bentz Linda Setchell Brenda Boseneiles Lois Young Krisi Chrisham Rosie Pate David Young Lee County Health Department Ada Friesen Good Fellows Nancy Gates Flora Braggo Clara Harris Josie Whaley Dawn Hodge Ron Miller Dixon Food Pantry Gladys Leal Lee County United Way Larry Piper Marie Arbuckle Franklin Grove Living & Rehab Eileen Piper Debra Alimi Meadows of Franklin Grove Teen Turf Phil Devers Oregon Living & Rehab Leydig Center Susie Jones Tiffany & Vicki from the Meadows Sauk Valley Media Dan Bentz KSB Rusty Schrader

Be an LCCOA hero today for a brighter tomorrow!

Watch the Echo for 2024 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.

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 Owen Harrell – President | Karla Burn – Vice President Paul Ahrens – Secretary | Mark Godsil – Treasurer Board members: Butch Hannan, Gene Jacoby, Dale Smith, and Joe Strabala-Bright 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.

17 SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

GOLDEN ECHO

GOLDEN ECHO: WCSC

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WCSC salutes service and sacrifice Veterans who visited the Whiteside County Senior Center on Nov. 3 were treated to a free pork chop lunch. We salute you, veterans, and thank you for your service!

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GOLDEN ECHO Weekly activities at LCCOA

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Exercise with Brandan

Hosted by LCCOA. Meals donated by KSB Hospital

Knitting and crocheting

Mondays and Fridays 10-11 a.m.

30-minute appointments. Recumbent bicycles

Blood pressure clinics

Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Various crafts

Chair Yoga with Brandan Mondays at 11 a.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Yoga for seniors

Writers Workshop

Mondays 10:30 a.m.-Noon No appointment necessary.

Medicare and Medicaid Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

With trained counselor Amy Meyers.

Call for appointment.

Third Monday of the month at 1 p.m.

Laptop and PC classes

Rummikub

Second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m.

Call for appointment

Monday at 1 p.m.

License plate discounts Tuesdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

ITAC phones here Call Anna for appointment

Free dinners

Basics of Smartphones First and second Tuesdays of the month Call for appointment

License plate discounts & ITAC phones here Wednesdays 9 a.m.-3p.m.

Call Anna for appointment

Tuesdays at 4-4:30 p.m.

Euchre Tournaments Every Friday at 12:30 p.m.

At LCCOA.

Mexican Train Dominoes Fridays at 1p.m.

At LCCOA

Serving KSB MEALS Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-4:30 p.m.

Provided for the Lee County community

Transportation Monday through Friday 6 a.m.-5 p.m.

Call 815-288-9236 to schedule a ride for doctor and dentist appointments, trips to the drug store, grocery store or hardware store, beauty salon or barber shop.

Weekly activities at WCSC FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND DAILY ACTIVITIES, PLEASE GO TO OUR “WHITESIDE COUNTY IL SENIOR CENTER” FACEBOOK PAGE.

Line dancing

Foot clinic

Cookie decorating

Friday, December 1, 8, 15, and 22 Advance class from 10-11 a.m.

Beginners class 11 a.m.-noon.

Wednesday December 6 and 13 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-7185294 to set up an appointment.

Tuesday, December 19 at 1 p.m.

Mexican Train Dominoes

Hand and Foot

Friday, December 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 7, 14, and 21 at 12:30 p.m.

Wheel of Fortune Wednesday, December 20 at 12:15 p.m.

Potluck Friday, December 22, at noon

Learn to quilt

Christmas wrapping event

Monday, December 4, 11, and 18 from 1-3 p.m.

Friday, December 8, at 1 p.m.

Pinochle

Bunco

Monday, December 4, 11, and 18, 12:30-4 p.m.

Wednesday, December 6, 13, 20, 12:30-4 p.m.

Friday, December 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2:30 - 4 p.m.

Monday, December 11, at 12:30

Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

If you would like a specific appointment for one-on-one time, please call the center and speak with Neal.

Walk-Ins

Food pantry

Knitting Club

We will resume walk-ins on Monday, December 11, for any insurance questions.

Tuesday, December 5, 12, and 19 from noon-4 p.m.

Bingo

Euchre

Wednesday, December 13, at 12:15 p.m.

Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry. Thank you to our sponsors: Community State Bank and Homestead of Morrison

Tuesday December 5, 12, and 19 at 12:15 p.m.

Roundtuits euchre on December 14 from 1-4 p.m.

Price is Right Wednesday, December 6, at 12:15 p.m.

Veterans coffee

Thursday, December 14 at 9 a.m.

Computer/Technology assistance

Thursdays, from 1-3 p.m.

Please note: We will be closed December 28, so we will have a double food pantry day on December 21.

Pool table Tuesdays 1-4 p.m.

Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays 1-4 p.m..

Yoga Tuesdays and Thursday at 10 a.m.

SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

PLEASE NOTE: PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE SENIOR CENTER

Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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GOLDEN ECHO: LCCOA

It was a happy Halloween at LCCOA LCCOA’s Halloween Party was held on Tuesday, October 31. As you can see in the group photo, there were a few pointy hats in attendance — and there were a variety of brooms in the hallway. The smiling faces show that everyone had a good time!

Discover senior living at Morningside of Sterling

Need a Christmas gift? Stop by the Shop Visitors to the LCCOA Holiday Gift Shop will find a large selection of gently used, repurposed or regifted items. The Shop even has wrapping paper for sale as well! Prices range from 25¢ to $3. The Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Move in, get your life back, and leave your struggles behind.

Residents Enjoy

• Lifestyle360 activities program • Caring, professional staff • Award-winning Memory Care

Come tour our Senior Living Community Call 815-622-2800 to set up a time to visit.

2705 Avenue E • Sterling, IL 61081 • www.MorningsideOfSterling.com

ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE ©2022 Five Star Senior Living SM-ST2117265

GOLDEN ECHO Special Events at LCCOA

Upcoming Trips: LCCOA

Please note: Proof of vaccination is required to enter the senior center

All seniors welcome on these trips — membership not required!

Friday, December 15, 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. Call 815-2889236 to reserve your breakfast. Bingo prizes will include Walmart gift cards!

Free delivered lunches

Thursday, December 21 LCCOA will deliver FREE lunches to our isolated seniors on Thursday, December 21, just before Christmas. Lunches will arrive between 11 a.m. and noon. If you would like to receive one of these hot meals, please call us at 815-288-9236 by Monday, Dec. 18.

Exercise one-on-one with Brandan

Come join our free workout program!

Brandon is available to assist you with our new recumbent exercise bicycles.

Thirty-minute appointments are available Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call 815-288-9236 to set up an appointment.

Writers Workshop

Authors and authors-to-be gather monthly here at LCCOA. The next gathering will be Monday, December 18, at 1 p.m. upstairs in the beautiful Post House

Ballroom. All are welcomed.

Free dinners Tuesday and Thursday nights LCCOA is hosting free dinners donated

by KSB Hospital, for all the Lee County community. Dinners will be available for take-out only from 4-4:30 p.m. Dinners are available on a first-come basis.

LCCOA’s Holiday Shop is open – and BUSY!!

Ugly Christmas sweater Bingo

Christmas raffle

Mackinac Island

Our 50/50 raffle is back by popular demand. There will be three prizes.

Grand Prize winner takes home half the cash in the giant glass jar! First prize is a gift basket valued at $50. Second prize is a gift basket valued at $25. Come in and join the fun! Drawings will be on Thursday, Dec. 21.

Free raffle

Once again LCCOA is raffling off a lovely afghan for the holidays. This raffle is free — just stop by or phone in and we can put your name in the box. One lucky person will receive a handmade afghan for Christmas. The drawing will be Dec. 21.

Karaoke/Birthday cake Friday, December 15, at 1 p.m.

Cookie decorating Tuesday, December 19, at 1 p.m.

Basket drawing

Wednesday, December 13, at 12:15 p.m.

Friday, December 22, at noon Tickets are $1 a piece or $5 for 6

Free Christmas lunch

CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS

Friday, December 15, at noon Come hungry, as we will be having quite the spread!

1701196573-uau0n.indd 21

Charleston, South Carolina

June 9-15, 2024 Immerse yourself in the history and culture of this part of the United States. Call Anna at 815-288-9236 for pricing, or go to www.

GroupTrips.com/LeeCountyCouncilOnAging/2023005

For the latest updated and daily activities, please go to the Whiteside County Senior Center Facebook page.

Friday, December 8 at 1 p.m.

May 4-12, 2024 Visit the Cape, Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown, Hyannis, and more. Call Marisa for pricing, or go to www.GroupTrips.com/ LeeCountyCouncilOnAging/2055715.

Our Holiday Shop offers all types of gifts and home décor items. Prices range from 25 cents to $3. Please stop by and make your selections. Thank you for supporting LCCOA.

Special Events at WCSC Christmas wrapping event

A Trip to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard

December 25-January 1

August 19-23, 2024 Visit The Grand Hotel, Mackinaw City, Sault Sainte Marie. Call Marisa at 815-288-9236 for pricing or go to www.GroupTrips.com/ LeeCountyCouncilOn Aging/2120699.

Cruise the Hawaiian Islands with Norwegian Cruise Lines

August 24-31, 2024 Price: $4,056 for inside cabins, $4,721 for balcony cabins Fly to Honolulu, then cruise to Hawaii,

Kauai and Oahu. For more information, call Marisa at 815-288-9236 or go to https:// grandamericantours.com/ncl-hi

California: Monterey, Yosemite and Napa

September 23-30, 2024 Visit Monterey Bay, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley Vineyards.

Call Anna at 815-288-9236 for pricing, or go to https://Gateway.gocolette.com/ link1218860.

A trip to remember: Memorials of WWII

Nov. 1-10, 2024 Arrive in London, return from Paris. Visit the historic beaches and tour the multi-national museums. For more information, call Marisa at 815-288-9236 or go to https:// Gateway.gocolette.com/link11688892

Watch this space

There are more trips to come in 2024!!

SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, November 29, 2023

LCCOA Bingo

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More information

For more information on any of these trips, please call our very own LCCOA tour guides, Marisa Perales or Anna Mainhart, at 815-288-9236. or email lccoaoffice@ comcast.net. You can also find a list of our trips by visiting www.leecountycouncilonaging.net.

Upcoming Trips: WCSC Nashville’s Opryland Country Christmas

Sunday, Dec. 10 through Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 — 4 days/3 nights Price: For members: $1,126 based on double occupancy, $1,604 based on single occupancy. For non-members: $1,150 based on double occupancy or $1,625 based on single occupancy.

Price includes three breakfasts and two dinners, three nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Hotel, souvenir gift, luggage handling, taxes and meal gratuities, and motor coach transportation.

Trip includes Country Christmas dinner show, Country Music Hall of Fame, Brightest Star Fountain Show, Delta River Flatboat Ride, free time in downtown Nashville.

Ballys Casino trip January 25, 2024 Price: $45 for transportation and lunch buffet Call 815-622-9230 for more information

Drury Lane: “Fiddler on the Roof” February 21, 2024 Price: $150 for transportation, show ticket, and lunch buffet Call 815-622-9230 for more information

Ballys Casino trip March 21, 2024 Price: $45 for transportation and lunch buffet Call 815-622-9230 for more information

11/28/2023 12:36:14 PM

GOLDEN ECHO RAFFLES

LCCOA The Christmas season is back, and so is LCCOA’s holiday raffle

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Our 50/50 Christmas raffle is back by popular demand.

Tickets are $1 a piece, or six for $5. Winners need not be present to win.

There will be three prizes. Grand Prize winner takes home half the cash in the giant glass jar! First prize is a gift basket valued at $50. Second prize is a gift basket valued at $25. Come in and join the fun! Drawings will be on Thursday, Dec. 21.

Proceeds from the raffle help fund the work of LCCOA.

Want a free meal? Give LCCOA a call Enter our free afghan raffle Join in the fun at LCCOA, where we are raffling off a wonderful afghan. It is free to enter — just stop by and drop your name in the box. You can also phone in and we can fill out the ticket for you. One lucky person will have a wonderful Christmas surprise. The winner need not be present to win.

If you’re an isolated senior who would like a free hot meal delivered to your home on Thursday, Dec. 21, call the LCCOA Senior Center at 815-2889236 and tell us your name and address. Meals will be delivered from about 11 a.m.-noon, Be sure to call by Monday, Dec. 18, so we can reserve a free meal for you!

WCSC December Medicare tip Did you know you have choices in your Medicare prescription drug and health coverage?

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (October 15- December 7) is your chance to think about what matters most to you. Plans can change from year to year, and your health needs may change, too.

Everyone should be receiving an ANOC (Annual Notice of Change) to determine if and how their plan’s cost or benefits are changing and whether it makes sense to explore other options. It’s important for you to check to see whether your drugs will be affected.

Contact Outreach to speak to a SHIP counselor to know your options. We still have appointments available. Call 815-622-9230.

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IN TUESDAY’S TELEGRAPH AND DAILY GAZETTE

CALL 815-632-2566 or E-MAIL celebration@saukvalley.com for more information

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