Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
SHAW MEDIA
14
Golden Echo
A publication of Sauk Valley Media in cooperation with Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center – United Way agencies
VOLUME 19 • JANUARY 2026 • EDITION 1
At the Whiteside County Senior Center ...
Have you signed up for your 2026 memberships, yet? If not, we can help with that! Membership = for one person is $25 per year. Membership for two people in the same household is $35 per year. We accept cash, check, or card.
100 W. Second St., Dixon 815-288-9236 www.leecountycouncilonaging.net and on Facebook
Please keep an eye on our acebook page for the date AARP will be taking appointments for taxes! WE WILL HAVE A BLOOD DRIVE MONDAY, JAN. 12, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Our 2025 blood drives had GREAT turnouts and we were able to save MANY lives — let’s continue in 2026! Call Molly at 815-622-9230 to schedule your appointment!
1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling 815-622-9230 Find us online at www.wc-seniorcenter.org & Facebook
=
GOLDEN ECHO
The Lee County Council on Aging would like to extend a sincere and public thank-you to the nearly 50 volunteers whose dedication, compassion, and hard work make everything we do possible. Their contributions — quiet, consistent, and often behind the scenes — are the foundation of the warm and welcoming community seniors experience when they walk through our doors. Volunteers support the Center in
a wide range of essential roles. They proofread bulletin boards and Facebook posts, greet people at the front desk, help organize trips around the country, and wrap presents for Santa’s Workshop. Many serve on the Board of Directors, assist with games and lunches, manage the food pantry, handle cash, and lead exercise and support groups that enrich the lives of local seniors. Behind the scenes, volunteers also take on countless practical tasks that keep the Center running smoothly. They mow, shovel, take out garbage, refurbish items that need attention, maintain the library, make assurance calls to homebound seniors, and review legal documents — quiet contributions that make a significant difference. “Every one of you brings something unique — and together, you make this Center feel like home,” the
staff shared in their message of appreciation. “When someone walks through our doors, they’re not just coming into a building, they’re entering a community that you helped build.” Our volunteers give seniors a reason to smile, a place to belong, and a reminder that they are valued and cared for. Their generosity strengthens our mission, our programs, and our entire community. “We truly could not do all that we do without you. Thank you for your time, your talent, and your heart. You make a difference every single day,” the message continued. To all volunteers, past and present: Thank you for making the magic happen.
From the WCSC Executive Director
schedules to help better our Senior Center and Public Transportation. The next Board meeting will be Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. in the dining room.
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!!
By Emily Hammer
Golden Meals is a local non-profit organization that provides $3.25 meals to our 60-plus senior community and $6.25 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
By Susie Welch
Volunteers, thank you for all you do!
Board Meeting 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
Golden Meals
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-
Looking ahead to 2026 As we express our gratitude, we are also excited to share just a few of the wonderful things coming in the
Outreach Walk-in appointments are available on Monday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and scheduled appointments are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. For any questions, please call our Outreach Department at 815.622.9230 ext. 131.
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.
new year: • Tai Chi begins in February 2026, bringing a gentle, healthy, and calming new exercise option to our growing lineup of wellness programs. • January will welcome our new Book Club — a perfect gathering for readers who enjoy lively conversation, new friendships, and discovering great stories. • Canasta returns in January, offering another fun and social card-playing opportunity. • Tom Wadsworth will be back in February, continuing his popular and engaging presentations that our seniors look forward to each year. There is so much to look forward to in 2026, and none of it would be possible without the foundation our volunteers create through their service and dedication. See you soon ... Susie
Monthly Medicare tip We did it — another successful Open Enrollment! Thank you all for allowing our SHIP Counselors to assist you with all your Medicare needs. Our Medicare services are also available throughout the year. Please call 815-622-9230.
Caregiver tip After the holidays, caregivers should prioritize self-care (sleep, healthy eating, and exercise), reset routines, seek support (groups and family), focus on simple joys and get back to sustainable caregiving.
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.
SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
From the LCCOA Executive Director
15
Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
SHAW MEDIA
16
GOLDEN ECHO
CONTACT INFORMATION
DUES, DONATIONS & THANK YOU’S LCCOA welcomes members Sponsors Hubert Dunphy The Wellspring Medical Spa Willett Joffman & Associates Partners Duanne Paulsen Michael Ward Marijo Ward Edward Murphy Leo Patterson Linda Patterson Deb Sutton Donald Paulsen Dan Hallquist Patty Hallquist Rosemary Keough Members Christine Noble Ronald Noble Connie Collier Bernadette Taets Sharon Brown Annie Grove Anne Mossholder Sharon Meagher
Bonnie Stradley Woody Wasson Barb Wasson Jane Thomas Mary McCoy Jeff Kuhn Jeanne Kuhn Richard Batt Martha Johannsen Phyllis Gansemer Maureen Broers Tom Friel Barbara Friel Marily Cibu David Wyman Deb Sutton Charles Oster Donna Oster Reed Debra Julifs Jackie Foust Joan Lemme Dianne Frye Rich Frye
Donald Lebre Verde Lebre Lyle Eisenberg Diane Eisenberg Carl Smith Louise Smith Joh Bartiness Beverly Bartiness Teresa Brunick Michael Brunick Laura Brooks Charles Beard Debra Beard Joyce Warrenfeltz Danny Spurgeon Patrick Kavanaugh Kirsten Kavanaugh Larry Prindaville Ann Prindaville Judie Leonard Carolyn Binkley Nancy Minnier Janet Bushman Shiley Woldord Maureen Oester
Tim Oester Berta Peters Nancy Surdez Charles Risdon Harold Risdon Phil Vella Toni Vella Wayne Smith Etta Ullrich Theresa Heffelfinger Mary Barnett Donna Wellman Tim Oboyle Gayle Topping Verna Sagmoe Donald Moore Joan Moore Joan LeSage First Presbyterian Church Judi Callison Phil Callison Margaret Stehl Jim Brock Marilyn Brock
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 BOARD MEMBERS & OFFICERS Dianne Frye — Chair | Marcus Cox — Vice chair Terry Christian — Board Secretary | Kathy Marine —Treasurer Board members: Amanda Carroll, Kelli Chambers, Greg Currens, June Fordham, 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.
Thank you to LCCOA volunteers and supporters Thank you’s Kreider Center Stage Rock River Garden Club Laura Hoyle Dianne Frye Gyrlee Kobler Tina Maldonado Roberta LeMoine Nancy Lohse Nancy Fifelski Dan Leaka Sarah Mayer David Nelson Mary Barnett
Celebrate the milestones and moments you want to remember, with an announcement in ...
Mary Thomas Dixon Library Discover Dixon Amanda Carroll Marcus Cox Kathy Marine Greg Currens June Fordham Kelli Chambers Alisa Wolf Nancy Gates Nancy Wadsworth Tom Wadsworth Terry Christian
Josie Whaley Dixon Food Pantry Glen Hughes Joe Fornero First Assembly of God Church Mauren Broers Cathy Reglin Mary Holder Sauk Valley Food Bank Regan Mass Transit United Way NIAAA Judi and Phil Callison Help At Home
Heritage Square Bonnie Stradley Penny Flora Braggo Allure Ann Miller Betty Scarbrough Laura Brooks Laurie Quigley Michael Morton Phil Newsbaum Shirley Kitzmiller Sharon Wilson Sue Barnhart Vicki Rostow
Celebrations In Tuesday’s Telegraph & Gazette | Call 815-632-2566 or e-mail celebration@saukvalley.com for more information
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 | Chris Nolin — Vice President Lyndi Lemay— Secretary | Ronda Borgmann — Treasurer Board members: Joe Strabela-Bright, Pam Fluck, Le Hartman, John Booker, Julie Morse, Marge Sadowski, Gene Jacoby, and Butch Hannan 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.
GOLDEN ECHO: LCCOA
17
Blood pressure/chair yoga — Smiles and stretches during chair yoga, where simple movements help promote relaxation and healthier blood pressure for everyone.
Crafts at LCCOA — There’s never a dull moment — our seniors are always making something special.
SM-ST2086743
SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
News Year’s resolution — From fitness to friendship, honor your New Year’s resolutions at the Center all year long.
Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
SHAW MEDIA
18
GOLDEN ECHO: WCSC WCSC welcomes members
Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who helped with Sandwiches with Santa —the event was SO much fun! We made sure all of the kids went home with magic reindeer food (below left) to sprinkle in the yard for the reindeer to see! Merry Christmas! See you all next year!
Roger Albright Donna Anderson Barbara Becker Elizabeth Bellini Richard Billiet Jane Brackemeyer Thomas Brackemeyer David Celletti Shirley Celletti Clarke,Caterine Douglas Dawson Joann Dawson Debra Donnelly Charlene Earlywine James Eshleman Karen Frederick William Garrett Linda Geil David Geil
Patricia Gerbitz Phillip Gerbitz Kimberly Geske Saul Gonzalez Jean Gornik Beverly Graunke Merle Heckman Sandra Heckman Dianne Helf Marc Helf Deana Hermes Tina Hernandez Carol Jacobs Cathy Jacoby Gene Jacoby Almetia Johnson Donald Kelly Jolene Kelly
Dorothy Koster Deborah Liebzeit Barry Linder Sharie McCue David Miller Kay Monroe Harold Monroe Sally O’Banion-Hunter Elizabeth Onken Sherry Prescott Tammie Prescott Margaret Regnier Gina Robinson Marie Rombouts Cindy Schultz Patricia Scudero Betty Sensenig Roy Sharp Shirley Sharp
Laurie Sherman Lloyd Sherman Neal Shipley Pennie Shipley Patrick Stramka Bernadette Taets Regina Thompson Therlo Verbout Evelyn Wessels Wessels,John Julie Wessels Kurt Wessels Linda Wolber Barb Wolcott Howard Wolcott Craig Wolfe Susan Wolfe Linda Wright
WCSC volunteers and supporters Thank you’s Kim McMahon of Citadel Sami Wiggins of Castor Karla Burn of Resthave Chris Meier of Rock River Hospice Lifescape Sauk Valley Food Bank Riverbend Sauk Valley Bank volunteers Linda and Jerry Heckler Bob Schwindenhammer Elizabeth Sexton Mary Steinhaus
Bimbo/Curt Wade Volunteers Charles Atchley Linda Barber Barbara Becker Chris Brown Adela Cantu Nedra Chandler Larry Fisher Chris Leisner Norma Medrano Victor Medrano Marilyn Meller
Louann Meyer Becky Meyers Jewelene Pratt Nazir Qureshi Jeanette Rhoades Don Riva Neal Shipley Mary Steinhaus Diane Tackett Gary Tompkins Jon Wetzell Mary Lou Wells Ginny Whitebread
Jones Funeral Homes Ask Us About Our Guaranteed Prearrangement Contracts Need help with an amplified phone? Please call Outreach at 815-622-9230 to schedule a time to come in and try them out!
A HUGE thank you to all of our Food Pantry helpers for braving the cold this season to help feed our community!
DIXON
AMBOY
204 S. Ottawa Ave • 288-2241 303 E Main St. • 857-2611 www.thejonesfh.com
19
Special Events at LCCOA
Center closed
work to share. Everyone is welcome!
Book Club
Jan. 1 We will be closed for New Year’s Day.
Caregivers Support Group
Wheel of Fortune
Friday Jan. 16 — 11 a.m. Do you enjoy solving the puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune? Come to the Center and win prizes. (If you wish to buy vowels bring quarters!).
Workout Wednesday
Friday, Jan. 16 — 9 a.m. Help Brandan as he leads a group of interested 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.
Bingo
Friday, Jan. 9 — 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by Allure. Win valuable prizes and stay for lunch for those 60 and over (reservations needed for lunch).
Writers Group
Monday, Jan. 12 — 1 p.m. Writers and Want-to-Be Writers meet every third Monday from 1-3 p.m., this month in the dining room at LCCOA. Bring a short life story, essay, poem, or other
Wednesday, Jan. 21 — 11 a.m.
Price is Right
Tuesday, Jan. 13 — 1 p.m.
Tuesday Jan. 6 — 2 p.m. Are you caring for a loved one and feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or simply in need of support and information? Join us for a free Caregivers Support group, designed to provide encouragement, practical guidance, and valuable resources for family caregivers. Wednesday Jan. 7 — 11 a.m. Cheryl Moeller, owner of Centerstage Dance Company for 37 years, teaches a fun workout class at her studio: full body movement and gentle workout, including some senior-friendly cardio. Alternative movements offered if needed. such as knee-friendly versions of a move.
Beginners line dance with Cheryl
Breakfast Club with Brandan
Center closed
Monday, Jan. 19 The Center will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Coffee with the Mayor
Sponsored by Heritage Square Friday, Jan. 23 — 11 a.m. 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 needed for lunch).
Birthday Cake
Friday, Jan. 23 — 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by Help At Home
Tom Wadsworth presents: Stagecoach History Tuesday, Jan. 27 — 1 p.m. Popcorn will be served.
Foot clinic
Tuesday, Jan. 27 Fancy Feet will be at the Center every month to trim nails and give foot massages. Cost: $25. Call Deb at 815-213-0324 for appointment
Fifth Friday celebration
Wednesday, Jan. 21 — 9 a.m. Enjoy conversation, a cup of coffee and donut with the mayor.
Friday, Jan. 30 — 12:30 p.m. Cupcakes will be served.
Special Events at WCSC Breakfast Club
Friday, Jan. 2 — 9 a.m. We will be meeting at McDonald’s in Sterling.
Mocktail Monday and Memory card game
Monday, Jan. 5 — 12:30 p.m. Join us for a yummy Mocktail and a game with Devon — you won’t regret it!
Free meal
Jan. 9 — noon Join us for our free meal. Birthday cake will also be provided by Citadel of Sterling, and karaoke will follow the meal!
Bible study
Monday, Jan. 12 & 26 — 1 p.m. This will be led by Pastor Chris.
Make-and-Take Tuesday
Coffee, cookies and convo
Tuesday, Jan. 13 — 12:30 p.m. Join Devon for a craft to take home or for a gift for someone!
Tuesday, Jan. 27 — 12:30 p.m. Please join Devon for this great social event on. See you then!
Trip meeting
Board Game Bonanza
Tuesday, Jan. 13 — 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 2026!
Painting with, Marge
Wednesday, Jan. 14 & 28 — 10 a.m. Marge will teach a canvas painting class in our big room!
Sober seniors
Monday, Jan. 26 — noon Seniors often need support to maintain sobriety. The Senior Center is a great place to find it, with compassionate employees who are able to interact with clients and help them get the resources they need to stay healthy and sober.
Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. Join us 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!
Phone-friendly Friday
Fridays — 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Need some help with that pesky cell phone? Each Friday, Devon will be available to answer any questions or help with things on your iPhone or Android cell phone! No appointment needed!
WCSC closed
We will be closed Jan. 1 and 19 for the holidays.
SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
GOLDEN ECHO
Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
SHAW MEDIA
20
GOLDEN ECHO
Weekly activities at LCCOA
Daily
Transportation — 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 815-288-9236 for a ride to doctor and dentist appointments, trips to the drug store, grocery store, hardware store, beauty salons, barber shops, and trips to the Center. Congregate lunches — Noon-12:30 p.m. Congregate meals from Lifescapes. Call the day before by 9:45 a.m. to reserve your spot. For those ages 60 & over. 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 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
Exercise with Brandan — Come join our free workout program! Brandan is available to assist you with your recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirtyminute appointments available from 10-11 a.m. Chair yoga for seniors — 11 a.m. Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m. Reservations needed by 9:45 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 9:45 a.m. for the next day. OSF meals — 3:30 p.m. Provided for the Lee County Community.
Wednesdays
Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m. Reservations needed before 9:45 a.m. for the next day. Pinochle — Noon Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.
Thursdays
Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m. Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day.
Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m. Crafters — 1 p.m. OSF meals — 3:30 p.m. Provided for the Lee County Community.
Fridays Exercise with Brandan — 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 10-11:30 a.m. Lunch — 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day. Euchre — 12:15 p.m. Mexican Train Dominoes — 1 p.m.
Weekly activities at WCSC For the latest updates and daily activities, please go to our “Whiteside County IL Senior Center” Facebook page
Bible Study
Monday, Jan. 12 & 26 — 1 p.m. Come one, come all! This group is nondenominational and open to anyone! The more the merrier!
Film Friday
Friday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 12:30 p.m. We have a great lineup of films, and you can’t beat delicious, freshly popped popcorn!
Computer/Technology Assistance
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.
Bunco
Monday, Jan. 12 & 26 — 12:30 p.m.
Bingo
Wednesday, Jan. 14 & 28 — 12:15 p.m. Bingo is a blast!! Great prizes, great people, and lots of FUN! See you there. Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry.
Euchre
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 & 30 12:15-3:45 p.m.
Foot clinic
Wednesday, Jan. 7 & 14 – 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-718-5294 to set up an appointment.
Food pantry
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 items! We are needing grocery bags — if you have any that you are not using, we will gladly take them!
Hand and Foot card game
Thursday, Jan. 8, 15, 22 & 29 12:30-3:45 p.m. This will take place in the dining room!
Knitting Club
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 & 30 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Learn to quilt
Monday, Jan. 5, 12 & 26 — 1-3:45 p.m. Want to try a new skill? Our quilting group is happy to lend a hand with getting started!
Line dancing
Friday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Advance classes 10-11 a.m. / Beginners 11 a.m.-noon Our line dancing group is moving and grooving with a great group of people lately! Not too sure about dancing? Pull a chair up and watch all of the fun and listen to great music!
Mexican Train Dominoes Friday, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Pinochle
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Pool table
Mondays 9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays 1-3:45 p.m. Wednesdays 9-10 a.m. Thursdays 1-3:45 p.m.
Yoga
Tuesdays & 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!
Jeopardy
Wednesday, Jan. 7 — 12:15 p.m. Eat your Smarties for breakfast and head over to the Center to put your skills to the test!
Wheel of Fortune
Wednesday, Jan. 21 — 12:15 p.m. Buy a vowel and solve our puzzle! See you then!
Vets coffee
Friday, Jan. 9 — 9 a.m. Through the winter months, we will be serving coffee and donuts or coffee cake!
Board Game Bonanza
Every Tuesday 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!
GOLDEN ECHO
21
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.
Myrtle Beach Show trip
Discover Reflections of Italy
APRIL 11-19, 2026 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 the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. This is a Diamond Tours trip.
OCT. 28-NOV. 6, 2026 Trip includes 10 days and 9 nights, with 12 meals (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners). Highlights of the trip will include a visit to Rome, the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi, Perugia, Cortona, Florence, Venice, Murano Island, Lake Como, Chianti Winery and a cooking class. We will stay overnight in Rome, Perugia, Florence, Venice, and Como.
This is a Collette tour. Cost: The rates are per person and are guaranteed until April 29, 2026, for members and non-members: Single occupancy: $5,949 / Double occupancy $4,949/ Triple occupancy $4,899. PLEASE NOTE: These rates do not include optional trip insurance. A deposit of $698 holds your seat.
Upcoming Trips: WCSC ALL SENIORS WELCOME — MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED! For more information on any of these trips, call the Whiteside County Senior Center at 815-622-9230.
Fireside Theatre, “Beehive”
Celebration Belle Riverboat Tour
Chicago
FEB. 19 Join us to see the musical “Beehive” at Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The bus will depart Sauk Valley Community College at 8:30 a.m. and return at around 6 p.m. Cost: $185 for members | $210 for non-members
JUNE 11 Join us for lunch and a tour on the Mississippi River. The trolley will depart the Senior Center at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. Cost: $120 for members | $145 for non-members
APRIL 28-30, 2026 Join us for a three-day, two-night stay in Chicago, featuring tours of the Museum of Science and Industry, 360 Chicago, a Skyline Cruise on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Field Museum, and a night of dinner and entertainment. Please call Devon for more information.
YOUR community
Sauk Valley Media brings you exclusive local content featuring the people you know and the places you go in our magazines and specialty publications Find them at our enewspaper website ... SHAWLOCAL.COM/SAUK-VALLEY/ENEWSPAPER/ (scroll down to our specialty publications)
SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Upcoming Trips: LCCOA