By Susan Lawler
Summer is coming to an end, and my journey here at LCCOA is also coming to a closure. It has been an amazing adventure. I am in my sixth year, and I have cherished every moment here at Lee County Council on Aging. We have accomplished so much together, including being the only Senior Center that remained opened and fully staffed during Covid-19; this tells the story in itself of how much our staff and drivers care about the seniors of Lee County, and seniors in general. LCCOA not only serviced Lee County we took on the responsibility of assisting Ogle and Whiteside counties during the pandemic.
As I reflect back to my very first day, when I was trapped in our elevator, the women’s commode cracked, and the ceiling in the dining room was leaking, with buckets everywhere — and to top it off we were having an event that night — it was a quite different welcoming to a new position. It clearly was a comedy of errors, but in the weeks that followed I met truly genuinely concerning individuals and companies that stepped up to the plate and
We had perfect weather at the Cubs vs. Brewers game, and even though the Cubs lost by one, we still had a great time. Miller Park is a beautiful baseball stadium and the staff is very accommodating. Check out our pictures elsewhere in this issue of Golden Echo.
Golden Meals is having a fundraiser event and raffle drawing 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 at Route 30 Cocktails & Slots in Rock Falls. There will be a blind draw bag tournament with a cash payout, 50/50 raffle, pulled pork, slaw and chips. You can purchase raffle tickets at the event or come by the Center and get tickets while you have lunch. You need not be present to win. Prizes include: 28-inch Blackstone griddle with a $25 Kroger card, $100 Shell Card,
assisted LCCOA.
Cathy Jecklin from Midland Bank heard our cry regarding foundation deterioration, and she said: “Write an application to Midland Bank.” I heeded her words, and within a few months of sending documents back and forth to Midland Bank, an extremely generous donation arrived on our doorstep. Thank you, Midland for answering our prayers. As the days followed, the Dixon Community Foundation gave me a call. They came out and took a tour of the building — and handed me another generous donation. Over the years, the Dixon Community Foundation has been a generous supporter of LCCOA, and we applaud you for caring for the seniors of Lee County. I cannot forget to mention the Leydig Center. There is a humorous story to go along with their donation. I had reached out to the City for help with a new driveway and parking lot for LCCOA. After multiple negotiations, I received call from Matt. He said, “Meet me in the alley.” I thought this should be interesting, and it was. The city decided to split the cost of the driveway and parking lot with Lee County Council on Aging. Matt proceeded to draw an imaginary line, and stated the cost to LCCOA would be $4,009. So here is where Leydig Center came into play. I met with their Board, made my presentation and plea, and a couple days later I received a call from Susan at the Leydig Center, who said they would be presenting a check to LCCOA, but not for the full amount. When I arrived at Leydig and Susan handed me a check, I opened the
one night rental camper stay at Ruffit Park, and a $50 Walmart card. We are very fortunate to have Golden Meals, which is a local non-profit organization that provide $3 meals to our 60-plus senior community Monday through Thursday at our site.
We are hiring drivers. Are you looking for a part-time job or a full-time job and want your weekends to yourself? Come in to the Center and apply. A CDL license is not required. Call 815-625-7433 and ask for Tina for more details.
Sept. 1 & 2 — If you are interested in receiving a computer, internet or both, please register at WACCfreepcs.com and you will be contacted by one of our customer service representatives with more details about available financial aid and curbside pick-up information. Por favor llama al numero 216-930-5741, oprima el 7, y deje un mensaje con su nombre, número de teléfono y la escuela o el condado de residencia al que asiste su estudiante, le devolveremos la llamada dentro del día laboral para comenzar la admisión. Recibirá instrucciones sobre cómo recoger su
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-
envelope, and chuckled — great humor on Gene’s part: the check was made out for $4,000. To say the least, I was thrilled, and will never forget their support.
The months went by, and so many churches made collections to help with new doors, air conditioners, furnaces — and the list goes on: Harris Insurance, McCormick Nursery, Whatever it Takes Repair, Franklin Grove, Meadows of Franklin Grove, Heritage Square, Country Financial, Willett and Hoffman; and the thank you’s continue: Our seniors deserve a special thanks. Our membership has grown and the donations grew with them. What businesses and churches did not provide, our seniors made up the difference to make certain we were able to purchase handicap-accessible doors, air conditioners and furnaces. What wonderful, devoted, caring individuals who supported us during Covid, who cared about their fellow man. These same seniors went out and got those vaccination shots, wore those masks, filled out temperature sheets, and never once complained, because they knew LCCOA was doing everything we could to keep them safe, because we truly love them; they are our family and our friends. There will always be a part of me that will walk these halls forever, watching over you and praying for you. I will never forget your kindness and support. There were rough days, but you made them bearable and rewarding, because of your love and sacrifice.
God has another plan for me, one that I was not expecting, I will be entering the
dispositivo cuando le devolvamos la llamada.
Sept. 1 from 3-7 p.m. and Sept. 2 from 8 a.m-noon — Recycling is for any flat screens or any PCs. The recycling is open to everyone, including businesses. If a business has a large amount, we can arrange a pick up.
Did you miss us on Facebook? We have a new Facebook page. Please find us at Whiteside County IL Senior Center and “Like: us, and share us to your friends and family, too!
If you should ever be surfing the net and get a sudden popup saying “Your Computer Is Infected,” my tip is to open the Task Manager, (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), highlight the browser name, and click End Task. Do not click “Restore Previous Page” if asked the next time you open the browser.
Medicare covers voluntary advance care planning as part of your yearly “wellness” visit. An advance directive is an
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-
world of silence, and as each day goes by the world is becoming a quieter place, and one day soon the sound will end. But if this is my burden, I embrace it, because so many of you are carrying a much larger one, and if I can do this one last thing for you, which can ease your pain, I am happy to help. I do want you to know I will be still with you, and assist the Board in finding another lucky person to serve the seniors of our community.
On my last note: I would like to thank several of LCCOA’s past Board Members and members of LCCOA. They reached out to me years ago to apply for the Executive Director’s position. They felt I could bring a different approach to the Center, and God knows I have no problem asking for money — money for the right cause, and LCCOA was the right cause. I will not lie to you, I thought at first those concerned people must dislike me to put me in this position, but on the contrary they loved you and I. They brought us together, and I cannot thank them enough. Many of them have passed on, and I know they can hear my words: Thank you, my friends, for having faith and trust in me to do this job. As silence comes upon me I will always hear your words. God be with you, my friends, as I enter a new journey of my life. Farewell until we meet again. God will provide, just have faith.
Until next time ...
LCCOA a place where you belong a place to call home.
Susanimportant legal document that records your wishes about medical treatment at a future time in the event that you’re unable to make decisions about your care. You can talk about an advance directive with your health care or legal professional.
CGH Health Foundation and WCSC will host a new class in August: a Stress Busting program for family caregivers of people with dementia. This program is designed to provide caregivers the tools and strategies they need to take care of themselves while caring for their loved one. Please call the senior center if interested in the next class.
Don’t forget that Outreach is available for satellite locations in Morrison, Fulton, Prophetstown and Erie, by appointment only. Call the Outreach Department to schedule an appointment. Also, our next Medicare class is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 11:30 a.m. The class lasts approximately 45 minutes and is designed to provide you with basic information for people new to Medicare. Outreach staff is available for walk-ins from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, and for appointments Tuesday through Friday. See you at the Center, Patty
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.
Susan Salazar
Maureen Pawchuk
Mykola Pawchuk
Carolyn Allen
Raymond and Mark Mayfield Hays
Theresa Johnson
W. Jean Meyer
Cecilia Ackland
Maureen and Tim Oester
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.
Bill Miller
Ed Pilar
Dorothy Szewclyke
Viola Township
Linda Cheeseman
Jan Schmidt
Betty Stumpenhorst
Lee County United Way
Pine CreekChristian Church
of Polo Franklin Grove Living & Rehab
Meadows of Franklin Grove
Oregon Living & Rehab
Tiffany and Vicki from the Meadows
Kathy Clark
Terry Christian
Sharon Phelps
Sandy Ready
Linda Setchell
Krisi Chrisham
Kathy Ferguson
Lee County Health Department
Nancy Gates
Josie Whaley
Dixon Food Pantry
Larry Piper
Eileen Piper
Teen Turf
Ben Galantine
Johnson CPA
Leydig Center
Susan Johnson
Real Time
Aschbrenner, Pam
Brockwell, Shirley
Burgess, Maryalis Dresden, Mary
Fane, Barbara Gannison, Lynn Hartman, Dawn
Lancaster, Deanna & Jerry
Lane, Kathy Meyer, Wilma Paladino, Kristine & Peter Paone, Catherine
Brandan Lumzy
Lumzy Yoga
Darla Foulker
LOTS
Good Fellows
Clara Harris
NIAAA
Lee County
Rusty Schrader
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
Ed Pillar — Vice Chair
Roberta Lemoine — Secretary
Darla Foulker — Attorney
Ben Gallentine — CPA (Johnson CPA, LLC)
Reynolds, Christine & Neil Saunders, Mary Spangler, Debra Wolfe, Susan
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.
Allure, Sami Rodriguez
Boehm, Jennifer Bushman, Dru
Citadel of Sterling Community State Bank
Doane, Duane Doane, Helen
Farmer’s National Bank
Fiorini, Megan Hart, Leroy Heritage Woods of Sterling Irvin, Judy Johnson, Bobbie
Lichner, John Maclennan, Glenda Mays, Dinah
DIXON — LCCOA is on a search for an Executive Director. If you read the Director’s report in this issue of Golden Echo, you are aware that the Executive Director is retiring. The Board of Directors, and the present Executive Director, are interviewing candidates to fill this position. The candidate must have at least 4 years of managing experience — preferably in Senior Center environment — and a bachelor’s degree in business or related fields.
The ideal candidate will be motivated and professional, with a deep conviction for the value of seniors and those with disabilities. We are looking for someone who believes in our mission. The Executive Director will have expert
Mays, Jeffrey McCormick, Dick McCormick, Linda McCouglin, Melissa Meller, Marilyn Pratt, Jewely Qureski, Nazir Qureski, Aneela
communication skills and computer skills. Having an open door policy, and being friendly and compassionate are a must. The candidate must promote awareness of the organization and its mission, work to cultivate a network of donors and volunteers, have a vision for new fundraising opportunities, and develop a plan to meet our financial goals.
For further information contact Susan Lawler at 815-288-9236. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Caregiver Assistance: Respite and GAP (when available) — Respite helps provide a break for the caregiver by getting a homemaker into the home when needed, or even placing the recipient in a facility for a short term (usually no longer than 5 days)
Resthave Care & Rehabilitation
River Bend Food Bank
Sauk Valley Food Bank Shipley, Neal Smith, Robin Sutton, Julie Szewczyk, Dorothy Weets & Son Septic Service, LLC
stay. Services are limited and are based on a case-by-case situation. GAP Service is available to assist with a specific need that a caregiver or the recipient cannot afford in partial or full. Services vary and are based on a case-by-case situation.
Medicare Counseling — Explaining the various parts of Medicare, assisting in the understanding of your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and True Out of Pocket Expense Reports (TrOOP), aiding in Medicare appeals and even sorting out your mail, what’s important vs. what’s not, when it comes to Medicare. We are Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified.
Medicare Part D — Plan comparisons are prepared using individual information. Explanation of plan details and ultimately completing the application process for enrollment into a chosen plan.
Committee members: Cindy Gabany, Jeff Haub, Dianne Fry and Sami Rodriguez
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
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
Joe Bright – President | Karla Burns – Vice President
Sasha Logan – Secretary | Mark Godsil – Treasurer
Board members: Paul Ahrens, Owen Harrell, Gene Jacoby, Emily Taylor
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.
We had perfect weather at the Cubs vs. Brewers game! Miller Park is a beautiful baseball stadium and the staff is very accommodating.
August raffle will be for a Vera Bradley purse filled with goodies. Tickets are available at the Senior Center — $1 for one ticket or $5 for six tickets.
Whiteside County Senior
LCCOA’s Bingo Breakfast was a rousing success. Nearly 40 people attended and the place was hopping. We had gift cards and fantastic prizes. Check out the Weekly Events listing in this issue of Echo for our next Bingo event.
Another year has passed, and sadly we have added new names to our Butterfly Garden. Featured in the above photo are friends and family of Jesse Ware, Sandra Fry, and David Edmunds. If you would like a love one to be added to our Garden please contact Susan Lawler at 815-288-9236.
Featured here is Social Service Coordinator Melissa Foulkers and some residents from Green Castle in Sterling, welcoming Amy Meyers from LCCOA’s Outreach Department. Amy provided SNAP applications and information on the program. Since Covid there have been several changes to the program, Amy was able to answer their questions and walk them through the process. Thank you, Green Castle, for the opportunity to assist you with SNAP.
Want a chance to win some money and help Lee County’s senior population?
Tickets are available for Lee County Council on Aging’s 50-50 raffle. Tickets are available at the Senior Center and are $1 each, or six for $5, with the winner getting half the ticket money collected in the jar. Proceeds from the raffle will support the work of the Senior Center, The Lee County Council on Aging, and Senior Transportation.
Exercise with Brandan
Mondays 10 to 11 a.m.
30-minute appointments; recumbent bicycles
Chair Yoga with Brandan
Mondays at 11 a.m., Wednesdays at 1 p.m., and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
Yoga for seniors
Writer’s Workshop
Third Monday of the month at 1 p.m.
Rummikub
Monday at 1 p.m.
License Plate Discounts
Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ITAC phones for the hearing impaired
PLEASE NOTE: PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE SENIOR CENTER
Call Anna for appointment
Rummikub
Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Puzzle Tuesday
Third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m Jigsaw puzzles on the table.
Medicare and Medicaid
Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trained counselor Amy Meyers will be on hand. Call for an appointment.
Laptop and PC Classes
Second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Call for an appointment
Basics of Smartphones
First and second Tuesdays of the month Call for an appointment
License Plate
Discounts & ITAC phones for the hearing impaired
Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call Anna for appointment
Knitting & Crocheting
Thursdays at 1 p.m. Various Crafts
Exercise with Brandan
Fridays 10 to 11 a.m.
30-minute appointments; recumbent bicycles
Euchre Tournaments
Fridays at 12:30 p.m.
Fridays at 1p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
6 a.m. to 5p.m. Call 815-288-9236
Need a ride to doctor or dentist appointments, drug stores, grocery store, hardware store, beauty salons, barber shops
FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND DAILY ACTIVITIES PLEASE GO TO OUR WHITESIDE COUNTY SENIOR CENTER FACEBOOK PAGE.
Sharon at 815-718-5294
Wednesday, Aug. 9 & 23 at 12:30 p.m
Please bring a $1 donation for the food pantry. Thank you to our sponsors: Community State Bank and Homestead of Morrison
Breakfast Club
Friday, Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. Call 815-622-9230 to reserve your name on the list for A’s
Thursday Aug. 10 & 24 at noon
Wednesday, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 from 9 a.m.-noon
Monday-Thursday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. If you would like a specific appointment for one-on-one time, please call the Center 815-622-9230 and speak with Neal.
Euchre
Tuesday, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 12:30 p.m.
Foot Clinic
Wednesday, Aug. 2 & 9 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or
Food Pantry
Thursday, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 1-3 p.m.
Free Community Meal
Friday, Aug. 25 at Noon
“Golden Girls” Trivia
Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 12:15 p.m., with Heritage Woods
Golden Meal Cookout
No cookout due to the Aug. 19 event
Hand & Foot
Thursday, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from noon-4 p.m.
Will be back Monday, Sept. 11, from 1-3 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 4, 11, 18, and 25 (advance 10-11 a.m./Beginners 11 a.m.-noon)
Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Monday and Wednesday 9:30-11 a.m.
Will be calling the waiting list to set up the next class
No meeting this month
Monday, Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 from 12:30-4 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 1-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 from 9 a.m.-noon
Thursday, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 1-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 12:15 p.m. With Resthave
Saturday, Aug. 12
Member-only summer outing at Pizza
Ranch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — one guest allowed per member. Sauk Computer User Group will not be having its normal meeting for the month of August, but will resume in September and feature Google Maps and Google Calendar tips. WCSC in Sterling has four Windows 10 computers with high-speed internet access available for free public use from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Sauk Computer User Group is staffing the computer lab and can assist with your tech questions. The lab is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 10 at 9 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28
For those needing assistance without making an appointment. This is on a first-come first-serve basis. Please check in at the receptionist desk.
Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 9, at noon
Lunch will be followed by a presentation by Ed Pilar, on his Dixon drone. The Dixon native will show us how he takes such magnificent aerial photos of Dixon and surrounding areas with his drone. Be sure to call ahead 815-288-9236 to reserve your Free Lunch.
Aug. 15 at 1 p.m.
Come on down and bring your team of 4, or join in on another team. Prizes and refreshments will be provided. Put your skills to work, and meet other puzzle lovers.
Come, have a FREE lunch, and see Ed Pilar and his Dixon drone! This one-time only event — sponsored by LCCOA — will be Wednesday, Aug. 9, with a lunch and presentation at noon.
Pilar has appeared on YouTube since 2017, doing hundreds of morning local weather reports and other interesting projects, using his favorite drone. Join us Aug. 9 at noon to watch and learn how Pilar used his drone to take pictures. You must call ahead at 815-288-9236 to reserve your free lunch — and don’t forget to stay for Chair Yoga for Seniors, at 1 p.m.
Come join the fun!
PLEASE NOTE: PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE SENIOR CENTER
Friday, Aug. 18, at 9 a.m. Free breakfast and bingo! The breakfast, games, prizes, and fun are all free! Breakfast from the kitchen at KSB Hospital. You must RSVP ahead of time to reserve your breakfast — call 815-2889236. Among the bingo prizes: Walmart gift cards!
Monday, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m. The August Writers Workshop will be upstairs in the beautiful Post House Ballroom. All are welcome. Beginning this fall, we will host a series of lectures —
For the latest updated and daily activities, please go to the Whiteside County Senior Center Facebook page.
Friday, Aug. 25 at noon
We will serve up some fair foods! Come check it out. Citadel of Sterling will provide dessert, and karaoke with Melissa begins at 1 p.m.!
Friday, Aug. 25, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Before the free meal and during, Res-
thave Retirement & Nursing Home of Morrison will provide blood pressure checks.
Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 12:15 p.m. We had such a great turnout for our firstever “Golden Girls” trivia event that we’re doing it again — and even better? Aneela, who is a “Golden Girls” junkie, will keep you on your toes for the trivia questions. Janell with Heritage Woods of Sterling will provide prizes for our winners!
from authors to historians. Workshops and free lunch will be included — watch for dates and time on Facebook and in the Golden Echo.
Friday, Aug. 25
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., first singer up at 7 p.m., and the program runs until 9:30 p.m. Come in to share the MIC, or just to listen!
Come join our free workout program! Brandan is available to assist you with
our new recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available two days per week: Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Call 815-288-9236 to set up an appointment.
If you would like LCCOA to do a presentation at your club, corporation or church, we would be honored to share what LCCOA provides for the seniors of Lee County
Membership not required for trips — all seniors are welcome!
The Alaska Cruise on the Royal Princess
Sept. 16-23, 2023 — 8 days and 7 nights
For cabin rates, please call our LCCOA tour guide, Marisa, at 815-288-9236
Princess Plus: Free plus Beverage Package, Free Unlimited wi-fi, Free prepaid gratuities.
The Atlantic City, New York, Philadelphia Trip
Sept. 30-Oct. 5 — 7 days, 6 nights and 9 meals
Price: $859 for members; $884 for non-members
Take a guided tour of Manhattan, then take the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island, where immigrants were welcomed to America. Enjoy a free day in Atlantic City to spend in the casinos, take a walk on the Boardwalk, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean — all of these activities! See several places of historical significance in beautiful Philadelphia, including Independence Hall, the home of Betsy Ross, and the Liberty Bell.
The trip of a lifetime ... Discover the path of Jesus, from Bethlehem to Jerusalem
Feb. 26-March 5, 2024 — 9 days, 8 nights, and 14 meals
Price: $3,899 per person for members, based on double occupancy
This trip begins in Tel Aviv, Israel, on the Mediterranean coastline. Journey to Caesarea, Nazareth, and Cana. Sail the Sea of Galilee just as Jesus did. Travel through Tiberius, Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi, Armageddon. In Bethlehem, enter the Church of the Nativity. Then on to Jerusalem to visit the Mount of Olives and travel the Way of the Cross. You will also see the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion and the Upper Room, and the Garden Tomb.
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.
Thursday, Sept. 22-Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023
— 5 days/4 nights
Price: For members: $946 based on double occupancy, or $1,376 based on single occupancy. For non-members: $975 based on double occupancy, or $1,400 based on single occupancy — souvenir gift, taxes and meal gratuities, and motor coach transportation included.
Four nights in West Virginia; four breakfasts and four dinners. Huntington Museum of Art, Heritage Farm Museum & Village Tour, Amtrak ride through New River Gorge, Lewisburg walking tour, North House Museum and Greensburg Bunker tour. Please get your reservations and payments in by Aug. 1.
Sunday, Dec. 10-Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 — 4 days/3 nights
Editor’s note: The following story was submitted by the CGH Health Foundation:
Whether we like it or not, dementia and its effects are a sad reality for all too many individuals and their families in the Sauk Valley. The CGH Health Foundation Memories Matter.2 annual fundraising campaign is providing a community hug by assisting with the rising number of dementia cases being treated at CGH Medical Center.
The Dementia Project is focused on raising awareness of the disease and offering resources and assistance to those impacted. The $550,000 campaign goal includes funding a second year of the initiative as well as 14 other programs.
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.
Country Christmas Dinner Show, Country Music Hall of Fame, Brightest Star Fountain Show, Delta River Flatboat Ride, Free time in downtown Nashville. Please have reservations and full payments by Oct. 2.
Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. We are planning our 2024 trips. Come to our meeting to give or hear ideas for the 2024 trips.
Ideas on the table for trips in 2024 include: Washington, DC, in April, during the cherry blossom time; Memphis; Bermuda; and Branson for the Christmas holiday season. Other trips being discussed will be theatre/dinner trip and a Mississippi cruise.
Leading the campaign is General Chair Suzy Perino, Market President-Rock Falls, Sauk Valley Bank. Her leadership team includes Dr. Eric Kuhns, Medical Division, CGH family practice physician; Larry and Vicki Cooper, Business Division Co-Chairs, Thrivent Financial Representative and office assistant; Sarah Willey, Clubs Division Chair, Educational Consultant; and Janice Repass, CGH Gastroenterology Dept. technician, and Dugan Repass, CGH physical therapist, CGH Employee Division Co-Chairs,
More than 6.5 million Americans are living with dementia and the number is projected to reach nearly 14 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. Make a gift at cghmc.com/forms/giving-back/, via Venmo @CGH-HealthFoundation, or by sending a check to CGH Health Foundation, c/o Foundation Executive Director Joan Hermes, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling IL 61081. For more information go to www.cghmc. com/foundation or contact Hermes at 815/625-0400, ext. 5672, or joan. hermes@cghmc.com.
“I see so much caregiver burnout in my practice and can already see the relief in some of my families because of what the Foundation did this past year,” said Kuhns, who’s serving for a second year as Medical Division Chair for the fund drive. “The pandemic only exacerbated our caregiver stress, both directly and indirectly. Because the Foundation is local and nimble, we can respond in a real-time way to answer the need by doing something unique and concretely helpful.”
One of the most significant results of last year’s fund drive was the ability to hire new CGH Dementia Navigator Beth Sterk, who began her duties in late March. She is the liaison between medical providers and their patients/families to help them access education and resources so essential for their care.
“We’ve literally offered a hug to our community through this free service,” said Kuhns. “Beth is now providing that missing link for our patients and families by first listening to their stories and adversities, then connecting them with essential resources. Continued funding of this role is integral to filling gaps that have been identified in local dementia support.”
The Foundation has been instrumental in the creation of six support groups in Sterling, Polo, Chadwick, Mt. Morris, Morrison, and Prophetstown, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. This effort will continue as will the $300 grant program for area nursing homes to provide sensory therapy items. So far, five facilities have received assistance: Morningside, Citadel, and Allure of Sterling, Morrison Resthave and Allure of Prophetstown.
A 9-week Lifescape Stress-Busting class for dementia caregivers is being hosted Aug. 1 through Sept. 26. More educational programs will be provided for the public. A comprehensive listing of resources is being developed. A committee is being formed to look into creation of a drop-in daycare center.