From the Directors

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susan Lawler

Fall has arrived, and our trees look beautiful with all the changing of their colors. Our historical Post House building is looking as stately as ever. We are truly bless to have such a wonderful home to host our Lee County Seniors.

Open Enrollment

It is that time of year: Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D is on its way. Please call 815-288-9236 for an appointment. Our Outreach appointments are booking up fast; we will do our very best to service all our seniors. If you are able to do a phone appointment, instead of a face-to-face appointment, please inform our Outreach staff. We look forward to another great year with all our seniors.

Pictures, Pictures Everywhere

As you read through our Golden Echo, please enjoy our photos of the Creation Museum, the Ark, Prom, Alaska, and our Butterfly Garden. We are so grateful to Rusty Schrader for allowing us to put so many photos in this issue. We had so many wonderful events this past month that it was too hard to pick; we hope all of you will enjoy seeing your fellow seniors. As the days go by, we are seeing more and more of our seniors coming out to enjoy LCCOA’s trips and special events. Please keep reading the Golden Echo, Facebook, and our web page; we do not want you to miss out on all the adventures we have in store for our seniors.

Thank you, Thank you

We are so very grateful to Franklin Grove Living & Rehabilitation Center, The Meadows of Franklin Grove, and Oregon Living & Rehabilitation Center for sponsoring our Prom. These wonderful facilities are always there to support our Seniors of Lee and Ogle counties. They realize that partnering with LCCOA can only improve the quality of lives for all seniors. LCCOA’s Senior Transportation has the privilege of transporting residents of these facilities. We hear firsthand from their residents how wonderful it is that LCCOA invites them to all their events, and vice versa. So, thank you, Franklin, Meadows and Oregon, for all your support.

Pizza Hut of Dixon donated the bread sticks for our Prom. Everyone enjoyed them. We are thankful for our area businesses, such as Pizza Hut, for their continuing support of Lee County Seniors. Without the donations of our surrounding companies and our community, LCCOA could not provide all the vital services that are so needed to provide a quality of life for our senior population. Thank you, Pizza Hut, for your donation.

A Special Thank you

Our reputation precedes us: Not only are we well known in Lee County, but Lawrence Hunt, of Hunt Insurance Group of Palos Heights, has heard our story from one of our new drivers, Betsy Foy. They have donated a very generous check to help with our new furnaces and air conditioner. We cannot thank them enough — for Betsy in spreading our mission, and for Hunt Insurance Group for hearing her call.

Thank you, both, for caring and your support.

Passing of Our Dear Friends

This past summer we lost two more of our dedicated seniors: Nell Nooney and Norm Krug.

Nell Nooney was a sweet, kind and lovely lady. Her energy put all of us to shame. Nell and her longtime friend, Jesse Ware, would exercise here at the Senior Center weekly; rain or shine both ladies worked out together. Nell always had time to stop and speak with myself, and with our staff. We will miss seeing Nell with her bountiful energy. When we at LCCOA were informed of the passing of Nell, we felt this could not be — this lady had more energy than all of us put together. We here were saddened at the loss of Nell. She will be missed, not only by all of us, but by her long-time workout friend Jesse. Our hearts go out to her son and family. We know there is an exercise group waiting for Nell at heaven’s gates. So long, dear friend, until we meet again.

Norm Krug, a longtime member of the Golden Kiwanis and First United Methodist Church, passed away this past summer. Norm and I had many conversations about his construction company, especially about his time in Naperville, where we both lived for many years. He was a very interesting and giving man. He was devoted to his wife and children. His best friend and fellow Kiwanis, Farell Wright, can provide many stories of their time together. The Golden Kiwanis will miss his humor and his willingness to volunteer at all times. He was an avid recruiter for the Golden Kiwanis. He truly enjoyed meeting once a week to visit with his fellow members. We will miss his cheerful face and his wonderful sense of humor. We know heaven will have a special place for another carpenter. Farewell, dear friend.

Until next time ... LCCOA — a place where you belong, a place to call home. – Susan

From the WCSC Assistant Director

By Beth Sterk

As the leaves are beginning to change outside, I have exciting changes to share with you!

Our center will re-open October 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.! Welcome Back!

Thank you for your patience as we all navigate these changes.

Door #4 (in the back of the building) will be the only door that is open. Please enter at that door only. All other doors will remain locked from the outside. Everyone will be required by the IDOA to complete a Covid questionnaire upon entry. If you are not feeling well, we ask that you visit the center another day. Masks are mandatory (except when eating) and unfortunately, there are no exceptions. We want to keep our staff and each of you safe.

At this time, only the events listed will be allowed to gather. If you would like to restart your activity (cards, pool, dominoes, etc.) please reach out to me at extension 110 to discuss times available, as that might be different than what you were accustomed to in the past and will be limited capacity.

Lunches are back, beginning Oct. 4, Monday through Thursday! Meals will be provided by Golden Meals, and you must be pre-registered. Please call them at 815-626-4442 to get signed up. No carry-outs will be allowed, based on funding guidelines. Congregate meals are the purpose of bringing meals back to the center. Link cards may be used for payments. Golden Meals will handle all transactions associated with meals. They provide a nutritionally balanced meal. We will have a limited capacity of seating available, socially distanced for your safety, so yes, our dining room will look a little different than what you are accustomed to. Please enter at door No. 4 and complete your Covid questionnaire. Masks will be mandatory at all times, except while eating.

We ask any patrons who come to the center to also scan in at our kiosk. So, if you do not have a bar code key tag, please stop and the front desk and get registered. Memberships are $25 per person, or $35 for two people residing in the same household. By scanning in, this is our way of contact tracing in the unfortunate event of a positive Covid encounter.

We have begun scheduling face-toface, Medicare D comparison appointments. These appointments will be reserved for those individuals who are fully vaccinated. Please call 622-9230 Ext. 194 to schedule your appointment today. In order to protect our staff, we ask that if you are not fully vaccinated, that you schedule an over-the-phone visit or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Lindsay is no longer with us in our Outreach Dept. We were sad to see her leave, however, we were grateful to have her for 12 years! Thank you, Lindsay, for your years of excellent customer service! We wish her all the best! We are pleased to welcome Teri Shaw as our new ADRC Supervisor! Please get to know our Outreach Staff on page 6. They are an amazing team and here to serve you!

PLEASE, we ask that anything that can still be handled with a phone call, be addressed over the phone. We are not accepting walk-ins at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience

Oprah Winfrey once said, “The greatest discovery of all times is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude."

Thank you for your positivity and patience as we navigate the changes within our center!

Welcome Back, Friends!!

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.

HELPING OTHERS You can help people affected by Alzheimer’s

Volunteers sought to help patients and their caregivers

Are you looking to make an impact and help your community? Would you like a volunteer position that has the potential to impact families and residents of Whiteside County and the surrounding area?

If you said “yes” to these questions and are looking for a way to help educate people in Whiteside County and surrounding counties, then a Volunteer Educator or Support Group Facilitator may be a great volunteer role for you!

Did you know that there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million!

With more than 11 million Americans providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, volunteers are needed more than ever.

Our Volunteer Educators and Support Group Facilitators help provide education and resources to those living with the disease and their caregivers. The resources our volunteers provide include everything from general information about the disease or helpful tips on how caregivers can communicate with their loved one in all three stages of the disease, to letting community members know about our free 24/7 helpline, and the list goes on.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering, we encourage you to join us on October 14 at 12:30 p.m. for our Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer Information session at the Whiteside County Senior Center. We have both In-Person and Virtual positions, ranging from as little as volunteering a few times a year to helping once a month.

Registration info

Registration is not required but encouraged. To register, call 815-4841302 or join us at the Whiteside Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, on October 14 at 12:30 p.m.

Classroom Grandparents needed to work with kids

Do you love kids? Do you have at least 5 hours a week to spare? You should become a Foster Grandparent.

Classroom grandparents are needed more than ever to help children catch up on learning due to COVID 19. You would assist by listening to children read, listening to them count, helping them problem solve, and just being a friend.

An informational meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Whiteside County Senior Center.

Current volunteers say that the hugs they receive are the best reward, but not the only reward. Foster Grandparents receive a stipend pay of $3 per hour that does not count as income, 20 paid days off, 15 days’ holiday pay, plus your birthday off with pay and other compensation when schools are closed. Each site provides a lunch-time meal (which is Grandma Virginia’s favorite part of the program.)

Grandparents also receive ongoing recognition and training. During COVID, volunteers were given a free tablet and learned how to attend Zoom meetings. Grandma Myrna said because of this she was able to conduct her annual checkup with Mayo Clinic via Zoom instead of having to travel and spend the night in a motel.

Grandma Judy says the best part is the presents she receives when she attends a training event. Volunteers receive formal recognition also. Grandma Midge was honored by the Rock Falls Chamber with the Shoulder to the Wheel award and the Governor’s award for her 25 years of volunteering in the program. Serve Illinois has recognized Grandpa Ron and Grandma Santos with Volunteer of the Week recognition. Most recently Grandma Ruth was recognized by the National Association for being one of the longest serving Foster Grandparents in the nation.

We currently need 11 more volunteers for the upcoming school year. You are never too old to give back to the community, but you must be at least 55 to join!

Call Susie Welch at 815-625-7830 ext. 610 for more information or join us Oct. 21 at the WCSC for a free, no obligation informational meeting.

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: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling

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

ADRC: Call 815-622-9230, ext. 194 Outreach and free phones for hard of hearing/low vision 815-622-9230, ext. 194

Toll-free 888-622-9230, ext. 194

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