


If you haven’t heard already: Lee County Council on Aging is where all the cool seniors are hanging — and you don’t have to be a Senior to hang out here; anyone 60 or older is welcome to take advantage of our activities! And it’s just about to get better, with Lifescapes providing lunches at LCCOA. That’s right, lunches are coming back to the Center, and to welcome back congregate meals LCCOA will provide a FREE breakfast Friday June 7, at 9:30 a.m., in combination with our Breakfast Club with Brandan. Come learn about the lunches that will be served 5 days a week, from noon to 1 p.m., at the Center, and meet some of our Breakfast Club friends and their fearless leader Brandan. After the free breakfast enjoy a game of The Price is Right, sponsored by Allure,
or exercise with Brandan. We will end June with a FREE lunch prepared by Lifescapes, birthday celebration cake, and karaoke on the last Friday of the month — and the fun will continue into the night, with Open Mic. An RSVP is required for the lunch, so make sure to stop by or give us a call to reserve your meal! And remember: All rides to Lee County Council on Aging are free if you use our senior buses or LOTS buses.
Lee County Council on Aging will also host a Senior Fair in the Post House on June 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by and meet senior providers! This is a great opportunity to find out what’s out there for seniors in our community, plus win valuable door prizes and freebies! You’ll also have a chance to check out the congregate meals at the Senior Center downstairs, see our updates around the building, and run into old friends. Call 815-288-9236 to reserve your lunch.
Come on down and wheel have a good time!
That’s not all we have going on!
A board meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. June 26, in the Senior Center Dining Room. We hope to see you there!
Golden Meals is a local nonprofit organization that provides $3.25 meals to our 60-plus senior community and $5.25 meals for our 59 and younger community, Monday through Thursday, at our site. Please watch the menu calendar as they will be providing meals on select Fridays. The Golden Meals calendar will be posted on our Facebook page and sent out in our monthly members newsletter. Thank you to everyone who has been coming for lunch! The turnouts have been SO great, and the food is super yummy!!
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
My friend Bev, aka Vanna White, is coming out of retirement to be our spokes-model for Wheel of Fortune. You won’t want to miss her wit and charm. Bev is a Dixon High graduate, and you’ll want to mark your calendar to make sure you don’t miss a chance to catch up with her on Friday June 21, at 11a.m. Stay for lunch then stay and join the Euchre bunch or play Mexican Train Dominoes. If you haven’t stopped by the Center for a while, try the fun out. If you can’t make it to the Center, no worries: We will be coming to you starting this month. Check out our satellite office hours in a town near you.
Our Golden Girl Trivia Contest still has room for team or individual reservations. You can reserve and pay online. The night will be jammed packed with FUN, starting with heavy appetizers and cocktails and followed by a Champagne Dash, which will be a sight to see! Silent Auction items, a 50/50 drawing and our Wine Pull will be stocked with wines ranging from $10 to $25. It’ll be well worth your $10 investment. Questions will be all things from the “Golden Girls”
Outreach is available for walkins on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday by appointment. It can be tough for seniors to navigate through the world of Medicare and Medicaid, and our SHIP Counselors are certified and here to assist. Outreach is also here to help with a variety of other services, including ...
• Homestead exemptions and tax freeze
• License sticker discount (income eligible)
• Medicare/Medicaid related questions
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 800252-8966 (Voice & TDD), or contact the director of Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021 or telephone 815-2889236; or Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL
TV show. The winning team will have bragging rights for a year! Looking forward to seeing you May 30, at 6 p.m.
But this isn’t all the FUN we will be having! Thanks to a partnership with Plum Hollow, we will bring back LCCOA bowling, on June 25 at 10:30 a.m. The cost to play is $15 per person, which includes two games, shoe rental and lunch! Stop by the Center to pay and reserve your spot!
We are looking for senior volunteers for maintenance, meal greeters, and card game leaders such as canasta.
Vets coffee the first Wednesday of the month, or Coffee with the Mayor on June 17! Try out our new Bunco and Farkle dice games on Tuesdays right after lunch. We’re not the same senior center that your parents came to; it’s time to come and enjoy all the FUN we have to offer!
See you soon ... Susie
• Low income subsidies (Medicare Saving Program, extra help, and SNAP)
• ACP free government phone and internet (income eligible)
• ITAC phones and amplifiers for the hearing impaired
We are going to take a section of Medicare and break it down for explanation. Last month we discussed Part A, Part B and Part D. Medicare is not a health care provider. You make your own choices regarding how and with whom you get your care with.
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.
Marian Boesen
Mary Brewer
Jane Burrs
Bob Chambers
Cat Clarke
Betty Jo Clayton
Barbara & Larry Criss
Neil Decker
Donald & Leona Dirks
Suzette Gonzalez
Marianne Hardt
Carol Humphreys
Jan Kuepker
Jane Landreth
Carolyn & James Marshall
Luzetta Maxwell
Joseph Mazziotta
Robert & Vicki Neubauer
Priscilla & Ralph Olinger
Catherine Paone
Peggy Reginier
Margaret Sadowski
Roy & Shirley Sharp
Verna Sigmoe
Cheryl Slick
Donna Tobey
Amy Varga
Cindy Vos
Don & Sena Warkins
Luthern Warren
Doris & Richard Williamson
Deborah & James Zeffield
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!
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.
\Sami Wiggins
Allure of Sterling
Heritage Woods of Sterling
Loran Tompson
Jose Ambriz
Nazir Qureshi
Don and Sena Warkins
Kroger, Sterling
Ana’s, Rock Falls
Linda Brechler
Vicki VanNatta
Tanya Brooks
Butch Hannan
Neil and Pennie Shipley
Sauk Valley Bank
Resthave Care & Rehabilitation
LifeScape
Castor Home Nursing
Beacon of Hope Hospice
Linda Barber
Kathi McIntyre
Kay Farley
Be an LCCOA hero today for a brighter tomorrow!
Gloria Grams
Norma Medrano
Victor Medrano
Jewlene Pratt
Jeanette Rhoads
Julie Sutton
Gary Tomkins
Mary Lou Wells
Jerry Farley
David Nelson
Claudia Nelson
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.
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.
The Rock River Garden Club
Kreider
Sonia Robinson
Primitive Frills
Midland State Bank
Angelo’s
Porkies
Basil Tree
Shamrock Pub
Olivers Corner Market
Cathy Reglin
Judi Callison
David Nelson
Baker Street
Fresco on First Tipsy’s
LCCOA Crafters
United Methodist Church
Maureen Bruers
Judy Callous
Joe Fornero Allure
Melissa McCullough
Dianne Frye
LOTS
Discover Dixon
Lee County
Lee County United Way
Clara Harris
Liberty Courts
Teen Turf
Margarette Shaw
Good Fellows
100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL, 61021
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday Main number: 815-288-9236
Transportation : 815-288-9236 (6 a.m.-5 p.m.)
E-mail: lccoa@comcast.net
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 | Jeff Haub — Vice chair
Dorie Hoft — Treasurer | Roberta LeMoine — Secretary
Committee members: Amanda Carroll, Kelli Chambers, Greg Currens, June Fordham, Sami Rodriguez, 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, maximum $5.
Lee County Health Department
Nancy Gates
Kathleen Moreno
Lori Ludens
Bonnie Stradley
Terry Christian
Josie Whaley
Dixon Food Pantry
Glen Hughes
Premier Rentals
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, Lindi LeMay, Julie Morse, and Steven Brenner
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.
DIXON — LCCOA’s Outreach Department is now offering satellite office hours. Don’t miss out on vital services! Spread the word to seniors in Lee County, and let’s ensure everyone in our community receives the assistance they deserve.
Services offered:
Tuesday June 4 & 18 at 1 p.m.
• Medicare counseling
• Free phones for the hearing impaired
• SNAP application assistance
• License plate discounts
.. and much more!
The following satellite office hours will be offered:
• Franklin Grove Library — 112 S. El St, Franklin Grove; every third Friday, noon-1:30 p.m.
• Polo Library — 302 W. Mason St., Polo; every third Friday, noon1:30 p.m.
• Ashton Library — 704 N. First St., Ashton; Tuesday, June 18, 1-2:30 p.m.
guessing the price of the items without going over! Immediately after free breakfast
Stay after lunch for the fun ! Come learn how to play Bunco, a fun dice game (we need 12 players). Cost is $1
Wednesday, June 5, at 9 a.m.
Sponsored by Liberty Court. Join us for our veterans’ coffee the first Wednesday of the month.
Friday, June 7, at 9:30 a.m.
Help Brandan as he leads a group of interested seniors in a tour of Lee County breakfast shops once a month. This month we will be touring LCCOA and treated to a FREE breakfast, and learn about the upcoming lunches that will be provided by Lifescapes at LCCOA . Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what a great way to get out into our community and make new friends. RSVP to 815-288-9236 to reserve your seat for a free breakfast.
Friday June 7, at 9:30 a.m.
Reservations required for breakfast
Friday June 7, at 10:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Allure. A great opportunity to win prizes by
Tuesday, June 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Stop by the Post House to meet senior providers and win valuable door prizes. While you’re here, plan to eat at the Center from noon to 1 p.m.; cost is a donation based on your income. Reservations required for lunch; call 815-288-9236.
Tuesday, June 11 & 25 at 1 p.m.
Come learn how to play Farkle, another fun dice game.
Monday June 17, at 9 a.m.
Enjoy conversation and a cup of coffee with the mayor.
Monday, June 17, at 1 p.m.
Writers and want-to-be writers meet the third money of the month, from 1-3 p.m., in the dining room at LCCOA. Upcoming dates are: June 17, July 15, and Aug. 19, Bring a short life story, essay, poem, or other writing to share. Everyone is welcome!
• Amboy Library — 3 S. Jefferson Ave., Amboy; Wednesday, June 26, 3-4:30 p.m.
For inquiries or appointments, please contact lccoaoutreach1@comcast.net.
Friday, June 21, at 11 a.m.
Do you enjoy solving puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune? Come to the Center and win prizes. (If you want to buy vowels, bring quarters)
Friday, June 28, at noon
Birthday cake and karaoke, immediately after lunch. Reservations required for lunch.
Friday, June 28, 6-9 p.m.
Open Mic is back — no reservations needed.
Fancy Feet will be at the Center this month to trim nails. Cost is $25. Call Deb at 815-213-0324 for appointment
LCCOA is hosting free dinners, donated by KSB Hospital, for all the Lee County community. Dinners will be available – for take-out only — from 3:45-4 p.m. on a firstcome basis.
For the latest updated and daily activities, please go to the Whiteside County Senior Center Facebook page.
Painting Party
Tuesday, June 4 at 2 p.m.
Rock River Hospice & Home will sponsor a Painting Party at the Center. See or call reception at 814-6229230 for more information.
Breakfast Club
Friday, June 7, at 9 a.m. at Hardees in Rock Falls
S.M.A.A.R.T (Seniors Made Aware
Tuesday, June 11, at noon
Thursday, June 13 from 1-2 p.m.
Northern Illinois Home Medical Supply will be here to properly fit you with your cane/ walker Free lunch
Friday, June 14, at noon
Karaoke & birthday cake
Friday, June 14 at 1 p.m.
Trip Meeting
Tuesday, June 18, at 10 a.m.
WCSC closed
We will be closed Wednesday, June 19, for the JuneTeenth Freedom Day
Join the Breakfast Club at our FREE breakfast June 7 at the Center. See old friends, learn about the upcoming lunches at LCCOA (provided by Lifescapes), and stay for The Price is Right (sponsored by Allure) and win valuable prizes!
It’s great to create!
It was crafters paradise this month at Lee County Council on Aging, with flower arranging, painting and ceramics. A big thanks to Terry Christian, Kreider, and Sonia Robinson of Primitive Frills. If you loved this, you won’t want to miss our crafters group that meets every Thursday at 1 p.m.
Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care is more than a senior community; we’re a close-knit family. With our intimate setting and warm décor, seniors can truly feel at home, fostering connections with neighbors and caregivers. Our dedicated team goes beyond caregiving, treating residents like family members. If you’re seeking care in a homelike environment, visit Homestead today.
All seniors welcome — membership not required! 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.
All seniors welcome — membership not required! 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.
Aug. 19-23, 2024
Price: $905 for members / $930 for non-members
Visit The Grand Hotel, Mackinaw City, Sault Sainte Marie. Call Marisa at 815-288-9236 for more information.
Aug. 24-31, 2024
Call for prices
Fly to Honolulu, then cruise to Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu. For more information, call Marisa at 815-288-9236 for more information.
Sept. 23-30, 2024
Call for prices
Visit Monterey Bay, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley Vineyards. Call Anna at 815-2889236 for more information.
Nov. 1-10, 2024
Call for prices
Arrive in London, return from Paris. Visit the historic beaches and tour the multi-national museums. Call Marisa at 815-288-9236 for more information.
June 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Plum Hollow Family Center in Dixon.
Cost: $15 per person
Price includes two games, shoe rental and lunch (pizza and pop or coffee). Stop by the Center to reserve your spot.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at White Pines Dinner Theater
Cost: $59
It’s easy to understand why Good Clean Fun has quickly become one of the most requested entertainment acts! We can arrange for you to ride the LCCOA bus, if needed, for an additional $10. Seating begins at 11:20 a.m. Price Includes a buffet, coffee, tea, show, dessert,
tax and gratuity. RSVP by June 28 at LCCOA.
Tuesday, Sept. 10 at White Pines Dinner Theater
Cost: $59
Four times a year, a group of four “forever” friends go on bus trips, arranged through their local library, to see Broadway musicals performed at their favorite dinner theater, Seasons in upstate Wisconsin. As they get ready for Ginny – the youngest in the group – to turn 60, the three older gals plan a surprise party for her, with disastrous and hilarious results. Enjoy a year in the lives of the “Ladies of Seasons” as they weather the ups and downs of getting older and show how true friends support and love one another, no matter what. We can arrange for you to ride the LCCOA bus, if needed, for an additional $10. Seating Begins 11:20 a.m. Price includes a buffet, coffee, tea, show, dessert, tax and gratuity. RSVP by Aug. 1, at LCCOA
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 email lccoaoffice@comcast.net. You can also find a list of our trips by visiting our website at www. leecountycouncilonaging.net.
Wednesday, June 26
We will take a tour of the Mississippi River on The Celebration Belle, where a “Tribute to Piano Men” performances will salute Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The bus will depart from Sauk Valley Community College at 9 a.m. and return at 4:30 p.m. Lunch is included!
Tuesday, July 16
We will be taking a tour of Lake Geneva to catch a mailboat tour, browsing the estates, and taking a tour of the full lake, with narration. Lunch will be on your own in the downtown area. The bus will depart from Sauk Valley Community College at 7:30 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. The cost is $110 for members and $135 for non-members.
Thursday, Aug. 29
Join us for a baseball game at the Sox Stadium! We will depart from Sauk Valley College at 9 a.m. and return at 8 p.m. We will be stopping at Portillos in Sycamore on the way home! The cost is $100 for members and $125 for non-members.
Please call 815-622-9230 for more information on these trips.
Daily
Transportation — 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call 815-288-9236 for doctor and dentist appointments, or trips to the drug store, grocery store, hardware store, beauty salon, barber shops, and trips to the Senior Center.
Congregate Lunches — Noon-1 p.m.
Congregate meals from Lifescapes are back, beginning June 10.
Library — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stop by and see the new donation of books at LCCOA, courtesy of the Leydig Center; self-checkout and return 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; refreshing ice
water also available. Check out our pop fridge fundraiser, for accessibility repairs needed at the Center.
Exercise with Brandan — Come join our free workout program! Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments available 10-11 a.m.
Blood Pressure Clinics — First Monday of the month, 10:30 a.m.-noon. No appointment necessary. Chair Yoga for seniors — 11 a.m. Rummikub — 1 p.m.
Tuesdays
Pool Table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon
Dice games — Starting after lunch
Tech Corner — Basics of smartphones/laptops. Call Aaliyah for appointment.
KSB meals — Provided for the Lee County community at 4 p.m.
Wednesdays
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
Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m. Crafters — 1 p.m.
KSB meals — Provided for the Lee County community at 4 p.m.
Fridays
Exercise with Brandan — Come join our free workout program! Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments available 10-11:30 a.m. 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-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.
Wednesday, June 12, at 12:15 p.m. With Sami from Allure. Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry.
Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 12:15 p.m.
June 6 from 1-3:45 p.m.
Wednesday June 5 & 12 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-7185294 to set up an appointment.
Every Thursday from 1-3 p.m.
Sign-ups begin at 10 a.m., 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!
Hand and Foot card game
Thursday, June 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18 & 25 from noon-3:45 p.m.
Monday, June 3, 10, 17 & 24 from 1-3 p.m.
Friday, June 7, 14, 21, and 28 (Advance classes 10-11 a.m./beginners 11 a.m.-noon)
Mexican Train Dominoes
Friday, June 3, 14, 21 & 28 at 12:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3
Mondays from 12:30-3:45 p.m. Wednesdays from 12:30-3:45 p.m. Fridays from 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Pool table
Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon
Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.
S.M.A.A.R.T — “Seniors Made Aware and Rightly Treated” June 11 at noon. Marge Sedowski will host an informational meeting.
Bunco
Monday, May 13, at noon
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Veterans Coffee
Thursday, June 13, at 9 a.m.
Breakfast will be provided by Allure of Sterling and CGH Medical Center! See you then!
No meeting this month, as the Center will be closed for JuneTeenth
June 14 from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Resthave will sponsor free blood pressure checks.
Wednesday, June 5, at 12:15 p.m.