From the Directors

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susan Lawler

I cannot believe it feels like winter rather than fall. I have never had to turn on the heat until October here at the Center. Thank God we have a new furnace, (which by the way we are still paying on). Covid-19 threw a wrench in our fundraising for our furnace. I am grateful to all our supporters who have helped pay for all our other improvements in the past 2 years; we are looking toward the future when we can get back to normal.

Sidewalk Sale

The Sidewalk sale was fun; it was a shame it rained all day. It was so nice to see so many of our seniors supporting our event. LCCOA sold more than 200 items. LCCOA will set up our items every Friday until the snow comes. This From the WCSC

By Tori McDaniel

I am happy to announce that Amy Dorathy has been named the Director of Transportation. She will oversee all things WCPT. Amy has been with us for almost 5 years. We are looking forward to the amazing work she will do and the continued growth of WCPT. We know she will lead.

As for me? I decided to step will give everyone a chance to stock up for the holidays. See you on Fridays from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – and shop and shop to your hearts content!

Day Of Caring

United Way Day of Caring was a success as usual. The wonderful, hard-working staff from Wipfli came out and painted our benches, deck and so much more. Thank you United Way and Wipfli for all your support and caring.

Dedication to

Patty and Donna

The Butterfly Garden was a sad, but beautiful, dedication to the lives of two wonderful women: Patty Frey and Donna Missman. I know both these woman would be down from my position as Executive Director of the senior center. I am so very proud of the changes we have implemented over the past 2 years under my leadership. However, transit has always had my heart. I was really missing the laser focus I was able to provide transit. Due to that, I will be moving back to my role as PCOM. This touched by the kind words and sincerity of all that attended. Passing of two friends

Dianne Pauser was a weekly visitor to the Senior Center. Her kind heart will truly be missed by all who knew her. Every Friday, Dianne and I would have wonderful conversations; there is a void in my life with her passing. This woman cared so much for the children she worked with, and LCCOA provided many childrens books for Dianne to purchase. Her weekly donation was her way of supporting the Center. Her goal was to help pay for our furnace. Every week she would ask, “How much more do we need?” She took pride in her contributions to a place she dearly loved. There will be no way to replace this kind and generous woman.LCCOA will not be able to fill the empty space she has left behind. LCCOA will be donating children’s books in her name. Farewell, my friend, until we meet again. Heaven is waiting for you. God speed, Dianne.

LCCOA has lost another of our means I will ensure our transit agency meets all required grant requirements as well as compliance. I’ll be able to focus on our grants. I love numbers and this is how I’ll get to spend a majority of my day! I’ll also be able to get back to working very closely with the state – all things I had been missing over the past two years.

What does this mean for the Senior Center? Due to the unfortunate events COVID has caused for the center, we are still closed to the public. So for now, I will continue to oversee the center’s grants and Beth Sterk will oversee our operations. We are happy to have friends:” Doris Miller passed away in September. She spent many hours here at LCCOA visiting with the staff and all of the crafters and card players. She so much enjoyed the friendship she developed over the years. LCCOA is truly a place to make lasting and endearing friendships; that is why Doris loved to visit LCCOA. Doris finally made the decision to join another family of friends at Heritage Square; which she spent so many wonderful days with the staff and residents. She still enjoyed reading our Golden Echo every month and visiting with old friends.

Doris will be missed by LCCOA and Heritage Square, both places she called home. Until we meet again;

We know Doris you will make a new home and friends in heaven; but know we will miss you. Thank you for sharing your life with LCCOA.

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

Executive Director

– Susan Beth as part of our team! She does an amazing job and has a true passion for helping our seniors. She continues to work hard with our ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) department to ensure they are able to assist you from the comfort of your home. When the center is once again able to reopen to the public and is ready to get back to the thriving center it once was, the board will begin the search for a new Executive Director of the Senior Center.

We hope you’re doing well. – Tori Grants Administrator

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.