SVM_Golden Echo_October 2023

GOLDEN ECHO

From the LCCOA

Executive Director

By Susan Lawler

Happy Halloween to all of our seniors! LCCOA does love Halloween — the Center is decorated with all of our favorite ghosts and goblins, and you can always take a picture with our resident seniors, Fester and Peter Pumpkin Head. To top this off, we are having a Halloween lunch on Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. Please call to reserve a lunch.

Raffle Jar

Well the winner is: Sue Johnson, our very own Leydig lady. The jar had a total of $538, and Sue’s prize was $269. A special thank you goes out to all our seniors and participants. Not only was Sue a winner, LCCOA also received $269. It was so much fun watching the jar grow. Who knew that it would hold that much money? We have been asked to have another raffle for the holidays.

From the WCSC Executive Director

By Emily Hammer

Golden Meals

Golden Meals is having a cookout October 6 at the Senior Center. They will be serving burgers and brats, potato salad, and corn! We are very fortunate to have Golden Meals, which is a local non-profit organization that provides $3 meals to our 60-plus senior community Monday through Thursday at our site.

On Oct. 15, the games begin; this time there will be a first prize winner of the money, a second prize winner for a liquor basket, and third prize winner of a surprise basket. So come on down, and join in the fun — you just might win some money or a basket of goodies.

Medicare Open Enrollment ... Have you made your appointment??

It is not too late to make your appointment; Amy would be happy to help you set a time and a day to review your Medicare Part D Plan. Every senior should review their plan each year to ensure their plan fits their needs. Your drug may no longer be covered under your insurance plan. We are here to help and guide you through the process. Just pick up the phone and call us at 815288-9236.

Cell phones

Did you know that the ITAC phones service for the hearing impaired now has a cell phone? Contact Anna at 815-288-9236 on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to see if the new cell phone is right for you.

Free brunch

On Friday, October 27, at 11 a.m., we will have our free community brunch. We will be serving! Come check it out. Citadel of Sterling will provided dessert and karaoke with Melissa afterward! We will also have free blood pressure checks from 11 a.m.-noon!

SCUG

The Sauk Computer User Group will meet on October 14 at 1 p.m. for a Q&A time. The presentation will be on a relevant computer topic to be announced later. Everyone with an interest in computers/technology is invited. Refreshments will be available.

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-

F ree dinners hosted by LCCOA and donated by KSB Hospital

If you know anyone in need of a free dinner, tell them to please stop by LCCOA on Tuesdays and Thursdays Between 4 and 4:30 p.m., where dinners are available on a firstcome first-serve basis.

Trips and more trips

Our seniors have just come back from an amazing adventure to Alaska — and then they turned right around and headed back out to New York. You cannot say we are not keeping you busy. Between all the activities at the Center and the wonderful trips we are taking you on, we are not giving you time to catch your breath — but isn’t that grand! So pass the word: We are here to give you a healthy, happy and fulfilled life.

Passing of our friends

Our dear friend, Ed Novak, passed away on August 28. Ed was such a lovable guy. He always made us laugh, and our drivers just adored him. He had a kind word to say about each and every one of us here at LCCOA. He loved us, and we

Flu Clinic

Gaffey will host a flu shot clinic at the Center on Friday, October 27, from 10 a.m.-noon, free to Medicare recipients with their Medicare card on hand, or $30 for non-Medicare recipients. Gaffey will have forms to sign up upon arrival.

Ghoulies Bingo

Happy Halloween! Wear your favorite costume and join us for ghoulies Bingo on Wednesday, October 25! There will be prizes of all kinds and lots of fun to have! Allure of Prophetstown will sponsor the event.

Medicare

Open enrollment starts in October! Review your current health and

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-

loved him. Ed will be the forever Drummer Boy in heaven. We will miss you, Ed; play a tune for us we will listen for it.

Mary Rippy put tears in the eyes of all our drivers with her passing. Mary never complained, even though we knew she was in constant pain. Her pleasant voice on the phone always brought joy to our day. Her kindness will be missed by all her past clients that she lovingly took care of, and brought love to them each day. Mary, thank you for the love you gave us. We will miss you, girl! Heaven’s gain is our loss.

Sylvia Burmeister devoted her life to her family, and to Lee County. She was a member of the Professional Business Woman and the Lee County Extension. She worked many years for the Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office. She was involved in so many organizations, and still had time to garden and paint. She was a winner on many avenues, not just for her roses and pastries, but to all our drivers. Sylvia is heaven’s new gardener; she will look after all of God’s flowers.

Until next time, a place where you belong a place to call home ...

Susan

622-9230.

drug coverage and compare with other options during Open Enrollment each year from October 15-December 7.

You may be able to save money or find other coverage that will better meet your needs. Open Enrollment for people with an Advantage Plan is January 1 to March 31. During this time, you can change your Advantage Plan or go back to the original Medicare. WCSC is here to help you. The process is very similar to last year. Call 815-622-9230 and we will mail you a packet. Return the completed packet to us and we will schedule you an appointment with one of our SHIP counselors.

Do not delay, appointments book up quickly.

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.

GOLDEN ECHO

DUES, DONATIONS & THANK YOUS

LCCOA welcomes members

Zachary Ross

Julie Ross

Be an LCCOA hero today for a brighter tomorrow!

Watch the Echo for 2024 membership campaign. As a member you will receive discounts on all our activities and trips. All membership fees contribute to the support of Lee County Council on Aging. As a member you can feel confident that all funds helps LCCOA to continue the vital services we provide to all our seniors and continue to bring new and interesting activities to the Center for you to enjoy. Please continue to be a member of LCCOA and spread the word to all your friends and families. Thank you on behalf of LCCOA’s Board of Directors, Executive Director, staff and drivers.

WCSC welcomes members

Beien, Sheryl Berge, Clifford Crawford, Nora Evans, Gayle Habben, Norma

Habben, Jodie Reglin, Mark Wagner, Sheryl

Thank you to LCCOA volunteers and supporters

Thank you to all our volunteers who donated their time, energy and services and those who gave monetary and non-monetary donations. A special thank you to all the wonderful supporters of LCCOA’s clothing drive who have donated anonymously.

David Young

Lois Young

Tom Staples

Good Fellows

Clara Harris

Linda Brown

Larry Angleton

Tony Russell

Tiffany Pasch

Ron Miller

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

Terry Christian

KSB

Linda Setchell

Krisi Chrisham

Kathy Ferguson

Lee County Health Department

Nancy Gates

Josie Whaley

Dixon Food Pantry

CONTACT INFORMATION

Larry Piper

Eileen Piper

Teen Turf

Ben Galantine

Johnson CPA

Leydig Center

Susan Johnson

Real Time

Brandan Lumzy

Lumzy Yoga

Darla Foulker

LOTS

NIAAA

Lee County

Rusty Schrader

Thank you to WCSC volunteers and supporters

Thank you to all our volunteers who donate their time, energy, and services  and those who gave monetary donations, including anonymously. A special thanks to all who partner with our center to provide programs and activities for our seniors.

Ambriz, Jose Coronado, Josie Graunke, Beverly Hafner, Nancy

Lehman, Jo Dawn Jacobs, Carol Sadowski, Margaret

Martinez, Berta Crawford, Nora Rock-Star Donuts Halo

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 the 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 the Whiteside County Senior 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!

WCSC

October Medicare tip

Want to get your Medicare publications electronically? Even when they are not available for print, some publications are available in a variety of eBook formats, which means you can download them to your favorite eReader and take them with you wherever you go. Visit Medicare.gov/publications and

YOUR

choose eBooks.

Open Enrollment is here again!! Call for more information on how to make an appointment. You should always check and make sure your plan is right for you.

We look forward to seeing you and helping with all your Medicare Part D needs. Appointments book up quickly. Call us at 815-622-9230.

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)

100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL, 61021

Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Main number: 815-288-9236

Transportation : 815-288-9236

E-mail: lccoa@comcast.net

Online: www.leecountycouncilonaging.net and on Facebook

POST HOUSE BALLROOM

815-288-9236

Online: www.posthouseballroom.net

OUTREACH DEPARTMENT

Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired

Outreach hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

LCCOA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & OFFICERS

Bonnie O’Connell — Chair

Roberta Lemoine — Secretary

Darla Foulker — Attorney

Ben Gallentine — CPA (Johnson CPA, LLC)

Committee members: Amanda Carroll, Greg Currens, Cindy Gabany, June Fordham, Dianne Fry, Jeff Haub, Sami Rodriguez and Alisa Wolf

LCCOA SENIOR TRANSPORTATION

815-288-9236

LEE-OGLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117

Fares: (within zip code)

Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult): $1 one way

Ages 6 to 59 years: $2 one way

Seniors or individuals with a disability: $1 one way (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program)

Out-of-town trips can be arranged, subject to availability: 35 cents per mile

1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Information: 815-622-9230 Toll-free: 888-622-9230

Transportation: 815-625-7433

Email: info@wc-seniorcenter.org

Online: www.wc-seniorcenter.org and on Facebook.

AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC) 815-622-9230

OUTREACH DEPARTMENT

Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired. Satellite locations are by appointment only. Please call to schedule your appointment. 815-622-9230

WCSC BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

Owen Harrell – President | Karla Burn – Vice President

Paul Ahrens – Secretary | Mark Godsil – Treasurer

Board members: Butch Hannan, Gene Jacoby, Dale Smith, and Joe Strabala-Bright

WHITESIDE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

855-625-7433 or 815-625-7433

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

Fares: (within county)

Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult): 50 cents one way

Ages 6 to 59 years: $2 one way

Seniors or individuals with a disability: Donation suggested. Out-of county trips can be arranged, subject to availability. Out-of-county rides: $4. We don’t accept Medicaid at this time.

GOLDEN ECHO

Upcoming Trips: LCCOA

All seniors welcome — membership not required!

Nashville’s Opryland Country Christmas

Dec. 13-15, 2023 — 3 days and 2 nights

Price: $799 per person, based on double occupancy

Country music, southern cooking and hospitality! Nashville is booking up, so call today!

COMING IN 2024 ...

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.

Cruise the Hawaiian Islands with Norwegian Cruise Lines

Aug. 24-31, 2024

Price: $4,056 for inside cabins, $4,721 for balcony cabins

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

A trip to remember:  Memorials of World War II

Nov. 1-10, 2024

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

More information

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.

Upcoming Trips: WCSC

Nashville’s Opryland Country Christmas

Sunday, Dec. 10 through Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 — 4 days/3 nights

Price: For members: $1,126 based on double occupancy, $1,604 based on single occupancy. For non-members: $1,150 based on double occupancy or $1,625 based on single occupancy. Price includes three breakfasts and two dinners, three nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Hotel, souvenir gift, luggage handling, taxes and meal gratuities, and motor coach transportation.

General Jackson Riverboat luncheon cruise with holiday entertainment, Country Christmas Dinner Show with featured entertainer and the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, Country Music Hall of Fame, Brightest Star Fountain Show, Two Million Lights, Delta River flatboat ride, themed ice sculptures and exhibit, free time in downtown Nashville, guided tour of Nashville

Please have reservations and full payments by Oct. 2.

Celebrating our seniors!

Thank you to the amazing ladies from The Meadows of Franklin Grove, and LCCOA’s drivers, for their help in celebrating National Senior Day. Our seniors had a wonderful lunch, and fun afternoon with Vicki and Tiffany.

STERLING — Like the treats but want to stay off the streets? Come to Whiteside County Senior Center’s Trunk or Treat event.

On Friday, October 27, from 3-5 p.m., the Center will host a trunk-or-treat for all ages. Anyone is welcome to sign up to hand out candy, or bring your kids to trick or treat at this free event.

There will be food, music, fun and prizes. A costume contest starts at 4:30 p.m., and there will be a vote for the best car decor.

GOLDEN ECHO: LCCOA

A labor of love

Our wonderful friends from The Meadows of Franklin Grove joined us for our Labor Day celebration. Our drivers delivered more than 50 lunches to all our isolated seniors. Their smiling faces were thank you enough to all of us here at LCCOA and The Meadows.

Raffle winner

Sue Johnson of Dixon was the winner of LCCOA’s 2023 50/50 raffle. The drawing was held Sept. 1 at the Senior Center. There was a grand total of $538 in the jar. Sue’s prize was $269, with the remaining money going to support the work of Lee County Council on Aging. Congratulations, Sue!

ECHO

Writer’s Workshop

Monday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m.

Authors and authors-to-be gather monthly here at LCCOA. The next gathering will be upstairs in the beautiful Post House Ballroom. All are welcome.

LCCOA Bingo

Friday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. Free breakfast and Bingo! The games, the prizes and all the fun are free! Free breakfast, right from the kitchen at KSB Hospital. You must RSVP ahead of time to order

Special Events at LCCOA

your breakfast. Some of the Bingo prizes include Walmart gift cards! Please call 815288-9236 to reserve your breakfast.

FREE delivered lunches

Tuesday, Oct. 31

LCCOA will deliver free lunches to isolated seniors and seniors in need on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Lunches will arrive between 11 a.m. and noon. If you would like to receive one of these hot meals, please call us by Friday, Oct. 27, at 815-288-9236.

Closed for Columbus Day

October 9

Ghoulies Bingo

October 25 at 12:15 p.m.

Exercise one-on-one with Brandan

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.

Special Events at WCSC

Karaoke/Birthday cake

Tuesday and Thursday night FREE dinners

LCCOA will host free dinners donated by KSB Hospital for all the Lee County community. Dinners are available 4-4:30 p.m., on a first-come first-serve basis.

Presentations

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.

Trunk or Treat

Brunch on October 27 at 11a.m.

Blood pressure checks

October 27 from 11 a.m.-noon

October 27 at 1 p.m.

Gaffey Flu Clinic

October 27 from 10 a.m.-noon

October 27 from 3-5 p.m.

GOLDEN ECHO

Weekly activities at LCCOA

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

Exercise with Brandan

Mondays 10-11 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 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

ITAC phones here

Call Anna for appointment

Rummikub

Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

Free dinners

Tuesday from 4-4:30 p.m. Hosted by LCCOA, with meals donated by KSB Hospital

Blood Pressure Clinics

Mondays 10:30 a.m. to noon

No Appointment necessary.

Medicare and Medicaid

Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. With trained counselor Amy Meyers. Call for appointment

Laptop and PC classes

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

Basics of Smartphones

First and second Tuesdays of the month Call for appointment

License plate discounts  & ITAC phones here

Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call Anna for appointment

Knitting and Crocheting

Thursdays at 1 p.m. Various crafts

Exercise with Brandan

Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. 30-minute appointments; recumbent bicycles

Euchre tournaments

Fridays at 12:30 p.m. At LCCOA

Mexican Train Dominoes

Fridays at 1 p.m. At LCCOA

Serving KSB meals to persons in need

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-4:30 p.m. At LCCOA

Senior Transportation

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Need a ride to a doctor or dentist appointment, drug store, grocery store, hardware store, beauty salon or barber shop? Call 815-288-9236

Weekly activities at WCSC

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

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.

Walk-Ins

Monday Oct. 2, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This is a first-come first-serve basis. Please check in at the reception desk for instructions.

Bingo

Wednesday Oct. 11, at 12:15 p.m.

Ghoulies Bingo

Wednesday Oct. 25, at 12:15 p.m. Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry. Thanks to our sponsors: Community State Bank, Homestead of Morrison.

Breakfast Club

Friday, Oct. 6, at 9 a.m. Please call the Center to RSVP

Euchre

Monday Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 12:15 p.m.

Foot clinic

Wednesday, Oct. 4 and 11 from 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

Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

Hand and Foot

Thursday, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 12:30 p.m.

Knitting Club

Tuesday, Oct., 3 10, 17, 24 and 31 from noon-4 p.m.

Learn to Quilt

Monday, Oct. 2, 16, 23, and 30 from 1-3 p.m.

Line dancing

Friday, Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27 — Advance 10-11 a.m., beginners 11 a.m.-noon

Mexican Train Dominoes

Friday, Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27, at 12:30 p.m.

Pinochle

Monday, Oct. 2, 16, 23, and 30 at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25, 12:30-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 2:30-4 p.m.

Pool table

Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon, Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.

Price is Right

Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 12:30 p.m.

Travel Club

Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m.

Yoga

Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Wheel of Fortune

Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 12:30 p.m.

Veterans Coffee

Thursday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m. The Director of VA (Veterans Affairs) Services, from In Home Care Connection, will be here to speak and answer any questions.

Bible Study

Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Bunko

Thursday, Oct. 12 and 26, at 12:30 p.m.