



Executive Director
By Susie Welch
July is jumping at the Senior Center — history, games, wellness and more await at Lee County Council on Aging!
The summer is heating up, and so is the fun at the Lee County Council on Aging! Whether you’re into local history, crafts, card games, or just love a good round of Bingo, there’s something for everyone this July at the Senior Center in the Post House, down -
town Dixon.
Step back in time with Dr. Tom Wadsworth, July 8 at 1 p.m. — Mark your calendars! Local favorite Tom Wadsworth returns with a fascinating look at the 1905 Billy Sunday Revival in Dixon, an event that brought over 150,000 people to our community!
Billy Sunday, a former pro baseball player turned preacher, drew crowds with his electric energy — and for this revival, a massive 3,300-seat tabernacle was built right here in town. Wadsworth will even reveal a surprising connection between the revival and our very own Senior Center. This event is free and open to the public. Come early and bring a friend.
Executive Director
By Emily Hammer
Our Employee Spotlight this month is on Liz Qureshi. Liz is a hard worker, passionate, and always has a smile on her face! Liz enjoys spending time with her son and husband, loving on her cats, and video gaming! Thank you,
Liz, for all that you do for the Center and our community!
We want to thank everyone on our Board of Directors! All of the members on our board are volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to help better our Senior Center and Public Transportation. The next board meeting is Wednesday, July 23, at 12:30 p.m. in the dining room. See you then!
Golden Meals is a local nonprofit organization that provides $3.25 meals to our 60-plus senior
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 -
Caregivers Support Group, July 1 at 2 p.m. — Caring for others can be a tough job — don’t do it alone. Join us for our monthly Caregivers Support Group. It’s a welcoming, judgment-free space to connect, vent, and feel understood.
Chair Yoga with Brandan, Mondays at 11 a.m. Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m . — Stretch, breathe, and feel great! Our Chair Yoga class is a gentle way to stay active and boost your balance and flexibility. No floor work, just a chair, some comfy clothes, and you!
Please Note: There will be no Exercise or Chair Yoga classes on Monday, July 14, as we welcome a special presentation at 11 a.m. by Master Gardener and LCCOA vol-
unteer Nancy Wadsworth. Nancy will be speaking about Victory Gardens and sharing insights on the beauty and care of our own LCCOA garden. We encourage everyone to join us for this informative and inspiring session!
Birthday cake, July 26 at 1 p.m. — Don’t miss the party as we celebrate July birthdays with cake, courtesy of Help at Home. Whether it’s your birthday or not, everyone’s invited to join the fun Need a Lift? We offer free transportation to the Center through our senior bus or Reagan Mass Transit. Call us to reserve a ride and join the fun—no excuse to stay home! Stay cool, stay connected, and we’ll see you at the Senior Center this July!
community and $6.25 for our 59-and-younger community, Monday through Thursday at our site. Please watch the menu calendar as they will also provide meals on select Fridays. The Golden Meals calendar will be posted on our Facebook page and sent out in our monthly member’s newsletter. Thank you to everyone who has been coming for lunch! The turnouts have been great, and the food is always super yummy!
If you have any questions through the year, walk-in appointments are available from 8 a.m.-2
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.
p.m. on Mondays. Appointments are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. For any questions, please call our Outreach Department at 815-622-9230 ext. 131.
Caring for a loved one? It is okay to ask for help when you need it. Call the Senior Center at 81-622-9230 ext. 131 for more information.
Use Medicare.gov to sign up, get access to all health care providers, get quality-of-care information, and more.
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.
Arlene Benters
Bernice Bryce
Angela Cadie
Jill Froeter
Doris Harper
Donald Heeren
Scott Heern
Donald Kelly
Jolene Kelly
Carolyn Marshall
James Marshall
Mary Melmes Lou
Connie Roberts
Kenneth Stegmiller
Mary Stegmiller
John Tomasino
Patricia Tomasino
Shirley Walker
Kurt Wessels
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.
Thank you’s
Kim McMahon of Citadel
Sami Wiggins of Castor
Karla Burn of Resthave
Chris Meier of Rock River Hospice
OnCall Imaging
Sauk Valley Food Bank Riverbend
Royal Neighbors of America
Stephanie Novak
Scott Heern
Charlene McNinch
Marlene Heckman
Tri County Opportunities Council
John Wohrley
Mary Lou Nelmes
Nazir Qureshi
Norma Medrano
Butch Hannan
Carolyn Allen
Gary Tompkins
Volunteers
Linda Barber
Adela Cantu
Gloria Grams
Sandra Crain
Darrell Stratton
Danny Spurgepn
Reagan Mass Transit
Lee County Housing Authority
Marilyn Kollie
Norma Medrano
Victor Medrano
Jewelene Pratt
Nazir Qureshi
Jeanette Rhoades
Neal Shipley
Diane Tackett
Gary Tompkins
Mary Lou Wells
100 W. SECOND ST., DIXON, IL, 61021
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Main number: 815-288-9236
Transportation: 815-288-9236 (7 a.m.-5 p.m.)
E-mail: info@leecoaging.org
Online: www.leecountycouncilonaging.net and on Facebook
POST HOUSE BALLROOM 815-288-0892 Online: www.posthouseballroom.net
OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired
Outreach hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
LCCOA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & OFFICERS
Dianne Frye — Chair | Marcus Cox — Vice chair
Dorie Hoft — Treasurer | Kelli Chambers — Board Secretary
Committee members: Amanda Carroll, Greg Currens, June Fordham, Sami Wiggins, Alisa Wolf
LCCOA SENIOR TRANSPORTATION 815-288-9236 (press 1)
REAGAN MASS TRANSIT
Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117
Fares: (within zip code)
Ages 5 & 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, maximum $5.
Liberty Court
Castor
Allure
OSF
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.
Kreider
Center Stage
Rock River Garden Club
Self Help
Dianne Frye
Gyrlee Kobler
Tina Maldonado
David Nelson
Dixon Library
Dixon Rehab
Discover Dixon
Amanda Carroll
Marcus Cox
Dorie Hoft
Greg Currens
June Fordham
Sami Wiggins
Kelli Chambers
Alisa Wolf
Nancy Gates
Nancy Wadsworth
Bonnie Stradley
Linda Kish
Terry Christian
Josie Whaley
Dixon Food Pantry
Glen Hughes
Joe Fornero
First Assembly of God Church
Mauren Broers
Cathy Reglin
Sauk Valley Food Bank
Regan Mass Transit
United Way
NIAAA
Judi and Phil Callison
Help AT Home
Heritage Square
Allure
Lumzy Yoga
Liberty Court
State Representative Brad Fritts
Tri-County Opportunities Council
The Wellspring Medical Spa
Liberty Village of Rochelle
Nicil
Rock River Hospice
Help at Home
OSF
Regan Mass Transit District
Countryside Manor
Heritage Square
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 815-622-9230 to schedule your appointment.
WCSC BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
Karla Burn — President | Julie Morse — Vice President Paul Ahrens — Secretary | Mark Godsil — Treasurer Board members: Butch Hannan, Gene Jacoby, Lyndi LeMay, Chris Nolin, Marge Sadowski, John Booker WHITESIDE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 815-625-7433
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Fares: No charge for stops within Whiteside County, but a suggested donation of $2 is appreciated. Out-of county trips can be arranged, subject to availability, for $4. We don’t accept Medicaid at this time.
Daily
Transportation — 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call 815-288-9236 for a ride to doctor and dentist appointments, drug stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, beauty salons, barber shops and trips to the Center.
Congregate Lunches — Noon-12:30 p.m.
Congregate meals from Lifescapes for those age 60 and over. Call the day before by 10:45 a.m. to reserve your spot Library — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stop by and see the new donation of books at LCCOA, courtesy of Dixon Public Library. Self-checkout and return to receptionist policy.
DVD library — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stop by and see the new DVDs at LCCOA, courtesy of Kreider. Self-checkout and return policy.
Beverage Center — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The coffee pot is always on at the Center, along with refreshing ice water. Check out our pop fridge fundraiser for accessibility repairs needed at the Center.
Mondays
Bingocize – Lifescapes will lead an exercise, with Bingo, from 9-9:30 a.m. Exercise with Brandan — Come join our free workout program. Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available 10-11 a.m.
Chair Yoga for seniors — 11 a.m.
Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m. Reservations needed by 10:45 a.m. for the next day. Rummikub — 1 p.m.
Tuesdays
Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon
Fresh produce — 9:30-10:30 a.m. Please bring your own bags.
Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Reservations needed by 10:45 a.m. for the next day.
OSF Meals — Provided for Lee County Community, from 3:45 to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays
Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Reservations needed before 10:45 a.m. for the next day.
Pool table open hours — 1-3 p.m.
Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.
Thursdays
Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon
Walkie-Talkers Walking Club — 10 a.m.
Meet at the Center
Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m. Reservations needed by 10:45 a.m. for the next day.
Chair yoga for seniors — 1 p.m. Crafters — 1 p.m.
OSF meals — Provided for Lee County community from 3:45 to 4 p.m.
Fridays
Bingocize – Lifescapes will lead an exercise class, with Bingo from 9-9:30 a.m. Exercise with Brandan — Come join our free workout program. Check out our new additional equipment, thanks to Lumzy Yoga! Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available from 10-11:30 a.m.
Lunch — 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Reservations needed by 10:45 a.m. for the next day.
Euchre — 12:15 p.m. Mexican Train Dominoes — 1 p.m.
For the latest updates and daily activities, please go to our “Whiteside County IL Senior Center” Facebook page
Monday, July 7 and 28 — 1 p.m.
Come one, come all — this group is nondenominational and open to anyone! The more the merrier! Pastor Chris has been having a great turnout for this new group!
Friday, July 11, 18 and 25 — 12:30 p.m.
We have a great lineup of films, and you can’t beat delicious, fresh-popped popcorn!
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.
Monday, July 14 and 28 — 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9 — 12:15 p.m.
With Sami from Castor Home Nursing. Bingo has been a hit lately, with great prizes, great people, and lots of fun! Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry. See you there!
Tuesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 12:15-3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2, 9, and 23
8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-718-5294 to set up an appointment.
Every Thursday from 1-3 p.m.
Sign-ups start at noon and you must be here in person to sign up. Everyone is able to go through the closet weekly to get meat and other great things! We are needing grocery bags — if you have any, we’ll take them!
Thursday, July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 12:30-3:45 p.m.
This will take place in the dining room.
Tuesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Monday, July 7, 14, 21, and 28 — 1-3 p.m.
Wanting to try a new skill? Our quilting group is happy to lend a hand with getting started!
Friday, July 11, 18, and 25
Advance classes 10-11 a.m. | Beginners classes 11 a.m.-noon
Our line dancing group has been moving and grooving lately with a great group of people! Not too sure about dancing? Pull a chair up and watch all of the fun and listen to great music!
Friday, July 11, 18, and 25 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Tuesdays 1-3:45 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon, Thursdays 1-3:45 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays — 10-11 a.m.
This group is growing and has really become
a large event! This yoga class accommodates all levels of balance, intensity, and range of motion. The Center can provide a yoga mat and chair if you do not have your own — see you there!
Wednesday, July 2 — 12:15 p.m.
Eat your Smarties for breakfast and head over to the Center to put your skills to the test!
Wednesday, July 16 — 12:15 p.m.
Hosted by Kim from Citadel and Chris Meier from Rock River Hospice.
Friday, July 11 — 9 a.m.
Please join us for breakfast sponsored by OnCall Imaging in Rock Falls. Thank you for your service!
Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.
Join us to play a new board game and meet some new friends! Have a game you love to play and want to share it with others? Bring it on in and teach us how to play!
ALL SENIORS WELCOME — MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED! For more information on any of these trips, please call Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236.
OCT. 5-11, 2025
Trip includes: Six nights’ lodging, four dinners a visit to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, a tour of Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park, a guided tour of Deadwood, gaming at a Deadwood Casino, and a visit Crazy Horse Memorial and Badlands National Park.
Double occupancy: $989 for members/ $1,039 for non-members
Single occupancy: $1,218 for members/ $1,268 for non-members
Triple occupancy: $969 for members/ $1,019 for non-members
DEC. 6-14, 2025
Trip includes evening shows: “Legends in Concert” at the Alabama Theatre, “Music Memories” at the Greg Rolwes Legacy Theatre, “Le Grande Cirque” at Broadway Theater, and “The Man of a Thousand Voices” at Asher Theatre. Also enjoy Barefoot Landing, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visit Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade.
Double occupancy: $1,239 for members/ $1,289 for non-members
Single occupancy: $1,564 for members/ $1,614 for non-members
Triple occupancy: $1,219 for members/ $1,269 for non-members
SEPT. 4-8, 2025
Trip include: four nights’ lodging, two dinners and two Broadway shows. Stay at Sheraton New York Times Square, take a guided tour of the Big Apple, Greenwich village and the Wall Street district. Enjoy a ferry cruise of New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; visit the 9/11 Museum, and do some shopping.
Cost for reservations: $4,349 for single occupancy — $3,549 for double occupancy — $3,519 for triple occupancy.
MAY 4-28, 2026
Trip includes: 13 days and 12 nights in Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Belfast, Derry, and Dublin, and 19 meals. Highlights include: Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrews, Loch Ness Cruise, Urquhart Castle, Distillery Visit, Glasgow, Belfast, Titanic Museum, Giant’s Causeway, Derry, sheepdog demonstration, Cider Farm tour, and Dublin. On the seventh day, we will ferry across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Ireland! An email is going out to our travelers about this trip. If you want to get on our email list, let us know at trips@ leecoaging.org.
Rates until Nov. 15 for members and non-members:
Single occupancy: $7,349 / Double occupancy: $6,149 / Triple occupancy: $6,049
ALL SENIORS WELCOME
— MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED!
For more information on any of these trips, call the Whiteside County Senior Center at 815-622-9230.
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Cost: $125 for members | $150 for non-members The bus will depart Sauk Valley Community College at 9 a.m. and arrive back to the College at 7 p.m. Please call the Center at 815-6229230 for more information or with any questions on our trips.
Our vision ...
Enriching the lives of Seniors and the greater Lee County community
Our mission ...
To provide services and programs for senior citizens throughout Lee County that promote their well-being, encourage their involvement in community life, and support their independence.
Pillar 1: Maximize financial resources
• Pursue grants
• Create and maintain fundraising opportunities
• Promote and expand memberships
• Engage donors and sponsorships
• Continue to improve fiscal responsibilities and business practices
Pillar 2: Strengthen partnerships
• Provide quality transportation
• Provide a variety of food opportunities
• Engage and inform government and civic organizations
• Collaborate with external organizations
Pillar 3: Develop and maintain services
• Foster well-being and recreation
• Encourage socialization
• Promote volunteerism
• Growth, development, and retention of staff
Pillar 4: Provide advocacy and stewardship
• Engage media and provide outreach
• Educate community and connect with stakeholders
• Rebuild and nurture relationships
• Recognize and respond to community needs
Tuesday, July 1 — 2 p.m.
Workout Wednesday
Wednesday July 2 — 11 a.m.
Cheryl Moeller, owner of Centerstage Dance Company for 37 years, teaches a fun workout class at her studio. Classes teach full body movement and gentle workout, including some senior-friendly cardio. Alternative movements offered if needed, such as knee-friendly versions of a move
Billy Sunday’s 1905 revival in Dixon
Tuesday, July 8 — 1 p.m.
Presentation conducted by Tom Wadsworth
Free community breakfast
Friday July 11, 10 a.m. Reservations required
Friday, July 11 — 10:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Allure. Win valuable prizes. Afterwards, lunch will be served for ages 60 and over (reservations required for lunch).
Monday, July 14 — 11 a.m.
Conducted by Nancy Wadsworth
Coffee with the Mayor
Wednesday, July 16 — 9 a.m.
Enjoy conversation, a cup of coffee and a donut with the mayor.
Beginners line dance with Cheryl
Wednesday, July 16 — 11 a.m.
Wheel of Fortune
Friday, July 18 — 11 a.m.
Do you enjoy solving the puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune? Come to the Center and win prizes. If you want to buy vowels, bring quarters).
Friday, July 18 — 9 a.m.
Help Brandan as he leads a group of seniors in a tour of Lee County breakfast shops once a month. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what a great way to get out into our community and make new friends — then come back to the Center to play Wheel of Fortune! The only requirement is you must be a senior and be responsible for your own bill and transportation. RSVP to 815-288-9236.
Monday, July 21 — 1 p.m.
Writers and Want-to-Be Writers meet every third Monday from 1-3 p.m. in the
dining room at LCCOA. Bring a short life story, essay, poem, or other work to share. Everyone is welcome!
Tuesday, July 22
Fancy Feet will be at the Center to trim nails and give foot massages. Cost is $25. Call Deb at 815-213-0324 for appointment.
Friday, July 25 — 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Heritage Square. A great opportunity to win prizes by guessing the price of the items without going over! Immediately after we will serve lunch to those 60 and over (reservations required for lunch).
Friday, July 25 — 12:30 p.m.
Sponsored by At Home
For the latest updated and daily activities, please go to the Whiteside County Senior Center Facebook page.
Monday, July 28 — Noon Seniors often need support to maintain their sobriety. The Senior Center is a great place with compassionate employees who are able to interact with clients and help them get the resources they need to stay healthy and sober.
Wednesday, July 30 — 12:15 p.m.
Join us for Weather Trivia with Aneela for tips, tricks, and safety plans for severe weather.
July 14 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
We will host another Blood Drive with Impact Life at the Center. Please call 815-
622-9230 to sign up. Thank you to all of our donors who are saving a life and giving us the ability to continue to host these successful blood drives!
Monday, July 7, 21, and 28 and Tuesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Join us for Tai Chi for arthritis and fall prevention, with Kara Schweitzer from Illinois Extension.
Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.
Join use to play some board games, have a snack, and meet new friends. If you have a favorite game you like to play, you are more than welcome to bring that in for us to play — see you then!
Fridays — 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Need some help with that pesky cell
phone? Devon will be available to answer any questions or help with things on your iPhone or Android cell phone. No appointment needed.
Tuesday, July 15 — 12:30 p.m.
Please note: The Breakfast Club will not meet this month as we are closed on July 4
Tuesday, July 8 — 10 a.m.
Please join us to share all of your new trip ideas and hear of the places we will be heading to in 2025!
Monday, July 7 — 12:30 p.m.
Join us for a yummy Mocktail and a game
with Devon — you won’t regret it!
Monday, July 7 and 28 —1 p.m. This will be led by Pastor Chris.
Friday, July 11 — noon
We will serve a free meal — and bring your best singing voice as we will also serve birthday cake from Citadel while we sing karaoke after the meal!
Tuesday, July 29 — 12:30 p.m.
Please join Devon and our other members for this great social event. See you then!
We will be Closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.