8 minute read
From the Directors
by Shaw Media
From the LCCOA Executive Director
By Susan Lawler
Director’s Report
Happy Thanksgiving! It is that time of year again, to forget about your weight, and just enjoy the seasonal pumpkin pie, turkey and all its dressings. If you need a ride to the grocery store, or to the food pantry, LCCOA Senior Transportation is here for you; just pick-up the phone, and call 815-288-9236.
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment started October 15, and we are busy little bees, trying to answering all your questions. If you haven’t set your Medicare Part D appointment, please call Melissa, she will be happy to assist you. Don’t forget Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2021.
B- I –N –G- O
On October 8 , we had guests from the Meadows of Franklin Grove join us for a morning of Bingo, laughter, and wonderful prizes. Terry Christian made beautiful floral arrangements that were just perfect for fall, and of course for your Thanksgiving table.
Membership Campaign
At the end of November we will start our membership campaign, so watch for those envelopes that will be coming in the mail. Membership runs from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. Your membership allows you to have discounts on our trips, Chili Supper, Luau Dinner, and much more.
Your contribution allows LCCOA to continue providing all of our vital services to all seniors of Lee County. We could not survive without your continuing support. Thank you; we appreciate each and every one of you, you are our family.
FunSavers
FunSavers is back! We are starting another clothing drive. So start bagging up your old clothes, shoes, purses, belts, sheets, and blankets. Every bag brings us closer to paying off another furnace. This year LCCOA was hit hard in replacing 3 furnaces, and an air conditioner. You know what “Murphy’s Law” says: What can go wrong will go wrong. All I can say is we love our “Money Pit.” This building has brought so much happiness to so many people; we are here to stay, with your help, we will weather the storm.
Trips
LCCOA is off tripping again; we are heading to the Isle Casino Resort to try our luck at the big money. Next we are going to Washington D.C. We are optimistic we will have a tour of the White House. It is only for special people, and of course LCCOA’s Senior are the Cat’s Pajamas, (for our baby seniors, you will need to ask us old-timers what that means). The next adventure is Mackinac Island; third time’s a charm — come rain or high waters, we are heading to the Island. Nashville here we come. Our last Nashville trip was a hit, and by popular demand, we are going again! And finally, to close out the year, Ireland is calling us home; there just might be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Card Players Wanted
We here at LCCOA are welcoming back all our card players with open arms. Please spread the word: We are ready to play, so deal those cards. If you haven’t visited our Senior Center, we’d love to give you a tour of LCCOA. Besides cards, we have Bingo, crafters, dominoes and Rummikub.
Holiday Shop
Our Holiday Shop will open Monday, Nov. 29. Our prices range from 25 cents to $3. We have new and gently used items for sale. We look forward to seeing you at our shop. This a great opportunity to pick up some wonderful gifts for your family and friends.
Library
We have a wonderful volunteer, Janet, from the RSVP program, who is working hard to spruce up our library to make it more user friendly for seniors. Each month we will be spotlighting a book; this month it is “Feel Our Freedom,” by Alisa Hauser Kraft, and photographs by Jon Lowenstein. Our very own Senior Transportation rider, Gary Lee, is featured in this book. This is a heartwarming story featuring Gary. Please stop by the Center. We have a Senior Center copy, which will remain in the building, but we want you to come in to read and enjoy all the stories.
All of our staff, drivers, Board of Directors, and myself wish all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Until next time, LCCOA: A place where you belong, a place to call home.
— Susan
From the WCSC Assistant Director
By Beth Sterk
Gratitude! With the month of November right around the corner, I wanted to share this quote by Melody Beattie, an American author of selfhelp books:
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
I think I can speak for all of us across this nation, when I thank our Veterans for all they sacrificed for our freedom!
I also want to thank each of our patrons for their patience this last month as we carefully navigated the gentle re-opening of the senior center and managed our staffing challenges. We continue to be open for you Monday through Friday, 11a.m.-1 p.m. and by appointment. However, we continue to serve the community by phone, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We invite you to join us for lunch! Golden Meals serves in our dining room 11 a.m.-noon Monday through Thursday. The cost of meals is only $3 for people over the age of 60. Please enter at door No. 4 and complete a Covid questionnaire. Our dining room is safe — we are following the IDOA standards for congregate meal settings: Seating is limited, tables are spaced 6 feet apart, masks and gloves are worn by server, meals are individually plated and masks are required at all times while in the building, except while eating. We ask that if you have any Covid symptoms that you please do not come to the center.
Activities are gradually returning to the center. If your group/activity would like to gather, please contact me at extension 110 and I will do my best to accommodate your request based on the IDOA standards for In-Person Services at Senior Centers.
We are following the state-wide mask mandate that was put into place August 30: “Face coverings are required for all individuals when in an indoor public place regardless of vaccine status.” Again — thank you for keeping our staff safe!
We do have a few slots still open for Med D Plan Comparisons. Please call Outreach at 622-9230 Ext. 194 to schedule an appointment.
I recognize that the pandemic has been difficult for so many individuals and divided many families based on vaccination choices, so in the season of gratitude and Thanksgiving, I wanted to share one last thing with you;
“You can still love people even if they don’t believe the same things you believe or act the way you act”, —Danny Gokey, American Gospel Singer.
We are grateful for each of you and wish you a happy and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving, from the staff at the WCSC!
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.
POST HOUSE
Making your special day one to remember is a team effort
Angelia Faller Loescher and Joe Loescher said their I do's in the historic Post House Ballroom, and the happy couple had an amazing wedding.
Here is an accolade from our stunning bride: “Thank you! It was a great time, and we loved how special and easy it was to have it at the Post House! We appreciate all you did for us to make our day memorable.”
Thank you, Angelia and Joe, for allowing us to share in your wonderful day. Our very best to both of you from the Post House Team: Susan, Aaliyah, Samantha, Marisa and April.
The Post House Team is here for all our couples, give a call at 815-2889236, we are waiting to help you plan your perfect day.
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
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.
