From the Directors

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susan Lawler

February is over and it is March. The groundhog did not see his shadow, or did he? If you read one report he saw his shadow, and if you read another, he did not. I am going with “we have 6 more weeks of winter” — what do you think? Send me an e-mail at lccoa@comcast. net, and pick a day you think winter will be officially over. The person or persons’ that arrive at the correct day winter ends just might have a special prize in store.

Valentine’s Day stories & lunches

We received some very sweet Valentine’s Day stories that our seniors shared with us. So please check out our web page to read about these stories. Speaking of Valentine’s Day, we here at LCCOA delivered over 40 lunches to our seniors. Our wonderful driver Betsy Foy, and her two great helpers, Aaliyah Baker, LCCOA’s assistant to the Post House Ballroom and Kerri Villa-Nantz from Liberty Village in Rochelle — these caring and compassionate ladies were greeted by so many seniors who love our cards and the felt our lunches were amazing. Ed Novak, one of our senior riders, called to be sure that each and every one of us here at LCCOA were thanked for our cards and lunches. All of us just love our seniors, and we are so grateful that they are a part of our lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

New employee

We are so pleased to welcome Kathy Schmidt to LCCOA’s family. Kathy comes to us with a wealth of SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) knowledge. She is a great addition to our Outreach Department. Samantha is excited to partner with a seasoned SHIP counselor. What a great team we have here at LCCOA, with April and Marisa running comparisons, and helping with all the other wonderful programs our Center has to offer. Kathy fits right in with our family, ready to help and switch gears. We here at LCCOA wear many hats. From answering phones to driving a bus, you will never hear “It is not my job.” They are all compassionate and dedicated employees. Thank God we have them. Welcome Kathy and thank you for joining our team.

Our hearts are broken here at LCCOA. We have lost so many of our wonderful seniors this past month. The tears were shed, but laughter sprung from those tears as we remembered special moments with all our passing friends. Tom Dockery passed away, leaving an empty space on our vehicles. A day wouldn’t go by without us speaking with Tom. He always had a joke to share; and let me tell you we didn’t always get them, but we love Tom, and we will miss him. Tom, don’t be telling God your jokes; he just might not get them either! We know Tom will be missed by all his children, especially his Gina.

Ann Geesey — Not only did Ann ride our senior buses, she lived next door to LCCOA. Ann had many friends at the Nachusa House, and her loving daughter, Lisa, called and visited weekly, if not daily. We not only got to know Ann, we were pleased to know that Lisa became part of LCCOA’s family of friends.

Kay Coffey — Just a lovely lady that was a caregiver to her longtime companion and friend. Kay rode our LCCOA senior vehicles weekly. It is hard not to get to know our riders when you speak with them weekly or sometimes daily. We will miss Kay. She can never be replaced in the hearts of so many.

Mark Smith, long-time Dixon resident and senior, passed away. He will be missed by all his friends and his LCCOA family. His neighbors had such kind words to say about Mark. Mark rode our vehicles all around Dixon. We here always joked how early Mark would get LCCOA’s Senior Transportation up and running.We will miss those early mornings with Mark; he was so cheery as if it was noon.

George Brooks, another of our senior riders, passed away. We were so happy to know George and to hear his stories. Many said he was a quiet man, but he shared his life with us. Thank you for supporting LCCOA. We will miss our visits and talks.

Last, but not lease, Helen “Minnie” Sheridan and her husband Bill were/ are great supporters of LCCOA.

We were saddened to hear of her passing from Bill. She left behind 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. What a legacy to give to this world, and what a loss to Dixon, and especially to Lee County Council on Aging.

We will miss all our senior friends, but even though they are no longer with us, they will remain in our hearts forever. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t somehow tie an event, a joke or story that would remind us of our friends. They are always in our prayers. Farewell, dear friends ... until we meet again.

LCCOA: a place where you belong, a place to call home.

— Susan

From the WCSC Director

By Susie Welch

With St Patrick’s day right around the corner, I feel like I should say “Pinch me!” — not because I forgot to wear green but because I’m dreaming! Life at the Center keeps getting better and better as the community comes together to rebuild the Senior Center. I can’t thank all of you enough for coming forward and sharing your wisdom and talents. What a great community we live in!

Our 1960 phone system is in the process of being upgraded to current standards. In its day, the current is phone system was the top of the line in technology, but was on the brink of being discontinued and was no longer serviceable. This new system will ensure we receive all your messages, and it has many other wonderful features too. The big plus is these new phones were donated to us, and the cost of the monthly service bill is less than what we have been paying.

Whiteside Area Career Center is providing us with interns to not only help our seniors with technology but provide monthly blood pressure opportunities. What an opportunity for seniors to not only take advantage of these services but help shape our future leaders of the community. What a blessing you can be by helping a young nursing student practice their bedside manner or give an IT student the chance to share their talents.

The Sauk Computer Users Group has volunteered to give one-on-one classes to those interested in learning about computers. Surf Broadband has volunteered to conduct Streaming Classes. This is a must-see presentation and can help you save money on your TV watching options. It’s such a useful class, we will have the presentation three times in March, with afternoon and evening classes available, so the whole community has the opportunity to learn how to stream.

SBM was able to hook us up with a grant that allowed us to purchase wall dividers to create a card room and craft room. We hope to have the food pantry fully operational by April. The Church Women’s United group has donated funds to start this project.

Our activities are starting to shape back up again, with seniors starting to volunteer to lead groups. AARP is back in the building on Mondays to help with taxes. (Outreach staff will be available that day to help with P-Tax forms for senior freeze and senior discounts for homeowners). The pinochle group has volunteered to lead beginning card classes. Beacon of Hope Hospice has agreed to sponsor Veterans Coffee time. CGH and Shepard Premier Senior Living have agreed to sponsor upcoming bingo. (We have more sponsorship spots open if your organization is interested in sponsoring this event). Pastor Al Campbell has volunteered to lead a bible study on Tuesday mornings. And our new part-time receptionist, Yvonne, has volunteered to lead a Breakfast Club once a month (call the Center to reserve your spot to visit local restaurants for breakfast; meal cost will be your responsibility).

United Way has volunteered to feature our transformation (once complete) on their sites. We will be a work in progress for a few months, so thank you for your understanding. It’s a great feeling to have so many in our community reaching out to me and come to our aid. I appreciate each and every one of you.

— Susie

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 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 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.

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.

Congratulations, Paul and Brock, on your wonderful wedding at the Post House Ballroom!

Trouble hearing on the phone? Help is available

Amplified phones and Bluetooth devices are offered free of charge for those who have an already established (standard) land-line or cellular phone.

This free program is governed by Illinois law and offered through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC). Learn more at www.itactty. org.

Interested? You must complete an application, provide proof of Illinois residency, supply current bill or proof of pre-paid service, and be certified as hard of hearing.

LCCOA is a test center to apply and obtain an amplified device. Secure your appointment to test the phones and apply with LCCOA at 815-288-9236, ask for Outreach. No walk-ins will be taken at this time; appointments required. Call for more details.

New at LCCOA: Chair Yoga for seniors

If you’re looking to improve flexibility, mobility, improve core strength and balance, please join us!

Classes will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 815-288-9236 to reserve your chair.

Donations will be accepted.

Please note: Proof of vaccination will be required in order to enter, and masks must be worn at all time when in the Senior Center

LCCOA phone numbers

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 100 West Second Street – Dixon, IL, 61021

Main number 815-288-9236

Transportation 815-288-9236

Post House Ballroom 815-288-9236

Outreach services & free phones for hearing impaired

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

E-mail us at lccoa@comcast.net Visit us at www.leecountycouncilonaging.net or www.posthouseballroom.net or find us on Facebook

WCSC phone numbers

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling

Transportation – 815-625-7433 • Information – 815-622-9230

ADRC:

Call 815-622-9230

Outreach and free phones for hard of hearing/ low vision 815-622-9230

Toll-free 888-622-9230

Email at info@wc-seniorcenter.org Go to wc-seniorcenter.org or follow us on Facebook.

LCCOA welcomes members

Dotty Zimmerman Colleen Clausen Kathi Rowton Don & Sue Schrock Mary McCoy Karen Willett Dawn Hodge Diana Owens Charlene McNinch Sharon Brown Ramona Reglin Annie Grove Donald & Marie Hickman Phyllis Doan Curtis Holland John & Mary Holthaus John Jacobs Irene James Donald Pauser Judith Spangler & Richard Sarver Mary Lou Feczko Richard & Helen Snyder Rosemary Appenheimer Kathleen McLaughlin Laurie Sheridan Farrel & Jo Wright Jim Rodriguez Denny & Joan Floto Margaret Matthew Dennis Ayres Patricia Lips & Mike Devine

Susie Jones Devers Phil Devers Sylvia Williams Jeanette Brandau Rosemary Keough Nancy Grygiel Anne Lahey Doug Hoyle Susan Reed Wayne Smith Roberta & Tom LeMoine Vi Bushman Joan Lemme Hilda & Jack Smith Larry & Charlys Griffith Beverly Helfrich Joseph & Ruth Contreras Bob & Debra Fossett William Sheridan Celesta Gibbs Janice & Glenn Dunseth Garry & Katie Ortgiesen Charles Ballard Marilyn Cibu Joe & Ida Franklin Kristin & Steve Carlson Shirley Rees Lyle & Rosella Warner Carol Ely Kathryn & Don Bonnell Bobby & Kristy Roberson David & Shirley Celletti Keane & Sally Hudson Kathryn Kessel David & Gloria Lutyens Gayle Topping & Nikki Cunnungham Bob & Jane Chambers Mykola & Maureen Pawchuk Joe & Ida Pettinger Rodney & Georgiana Bollman Sylvia Wade Melvin & Marlene Heckman Carolyn Marshall Joyce Burkhart Virginia & Charles Elder Betty & Richard Cover Margaret Apple Judith Hambley Emily Yurgil Paul & Carolyn Lahman Dean & Sandra Considine Eva Cowley Raymond & Colleen Bonnell Andrew Cox Larry & Edie Carter Betty Stumpenhorst Mary Heck Thomas & Laura Palmer Jane Freres Keith & Charlene Huff Donald & Joan Moore Shirley Long Larry & Louise Reed Sharon Wagner Karen Didier Doris Walters Kenneth Middleman Douglas & Delores Dysart Bruce & Patricia Kleinmaier Gary & Freida Potter Judith Milano Joyce & Mike McAllister Theresa Sheridan Ruth Pitts Nell Barker Richard & Illa Nicklaus Colleen & Ronald O’Brien Janet Reiley Barbare Cargill Robert Anderson Ronald & Cathy Reglin William & Reva Bierton Dennis & Penny Bennett Lyle & Diana Eisenberg Kathy & Eric Peterson Marilyn Bodmer Barb & Bill Callison Sterling Federal Bank Jane Bruce Kathy Lane Carol & James Kirby Linda Bock Willett, Hofmann & Associates Lela Kraber Mary Jo Ridenhour Mary Ann Rhoades Patricia Black

John & Mary Leffleman Leon & Dolly Kinn Lorraine LeRette Mary Ann Kreps Betty Predmore Florence Rosander Diane Jackson Samuel Loretta Charles & Nancy Dyche Harriet Moore Linda & Garth Dallam Irene & Eileen Ramsdell Mary Hackbarth John & Mary Murphy Shirley Reuter Joan Christofferson Sherrill Berard Peggy Andreas John & Nancy Varga Mike & Julia Hubbell Vicki & Rhonda Cook Eich Janice Russell Barbara Fane Jennell Spoor Elizabeth Huffstutler Bonnie O’Connell Beverly Eykamp Betsy & David Foy Keith & Cindy Gabany Theresa Wolf Anita Contreras Leslie & Mike Wilcox

Harold & LeVaun Risdon Roger & Joan Kelly Edmund & Eileen O’Rourke Evelyn Rapp-Carey & William Carey Darla Foulker June Kremnitzer Terry Swarts Richard Koening Delores Volk Barbara Wood Penny Johns Richard Kramer Sandra Ready M.L. Smallwood Alan Phillips Ralph & Judith Miller Barabara Lawless Patricia Sword Joe Robison Jean Palmer Edward Clayton Judith Schmidt William & Shirley Sivits Duane Paulson Mary Ann Kreps Mildred Hodapp Bob & Nicki Fowkes Billy Allen & Blanche Heilgeist Marybelle Novak

Be an LCCOA hero today for a brighter tomorrow!

Watch the Echo for 2022 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 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 and Betsy Foy Dotty Zimmerman Keith and Cindy Gabany Alan Phillips Linda and Garth Dallam John Jacobs Donald Pauser Dennis Ayres Susie Jones and Phil Devers Jeanette Brandau Rosemary Keough Joan Lemme Garry and Ktie Ortgiesen Joe and Ida Franklin Steve and Kristin Crlson Rodney and Georgiana Bollman Douuglas and Delores Dysart Gary and Freida Potter Don Schrock Sue Schrock Dorothy Szewczyk Paula Eubanks First Prebyterian Church Nancy Grygiel Jeff Parker Kristine Schuler Nancy Gates, Lori Kilgore LCCOA Line Dancers Carol Kutz Janet Butler Sami Rodriguez – Petersen Health Care Scott Oesterlin

Safe Life Home Health Care Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger Lee, And Considine, LLC NIAAA Good Fellows Clara Harris Terry Christian Lee County Jesse Ware Eileen Piper and Larry piper Teen Turf Rusty Schrader Lee County United Way Amanda Wike Lifescape Ben Galantine - Johnson CPA LOTS

Lee County Council on Aging Board Executive Committee and Officers

Bonnie O’Connell, Chair LaDonna Groshans, Vice Chair Kristin Carlson, Secretary

Cindy Gabany Michael T. Glenn

Jeff Haub Roberta Lemoine Julia O’Farrell Sami Rodriguez

Whiteside County Senior Center Board Members and Officers

Joe Bright – President Michelle Miller – Vice President Karla Burn – Treasurer Cindy Wadsworth – Secretary

John Booker Al Campbell Emily Taylor Janice Bell Sasha Logan