From the Directors

From the LCCOA Executive Director

By Susan Lawler

As I sit here late at night in my office, I am feeling so blessed to have so many wonderful seniors in my life. I am reflecting on each and every one of you that pass my office and visit with me. I have cherished these precious times together. I truly miss seeing your faces and hearing your voices. Your stories that you have shared with me have given me hope for a brighter future, in the mist of this pandemic. I know we here at LCCOA are not alone, and we want you to know you are not alone. We are just a phone call away. It might be a little difficult to reach us during Open Enrollment; but we will do our best to still reach out to you.

The Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden was such a pleasant and calming event. The From the WCSC

By Beth Sterk

As the leaf colors are changing on the trees and the temperatures are falling, I recognize it is certainly another change of season. I do love the beautiful colors of fall and the peace it brings! One of my favorite things to do is sit by the water and admire the color changes of the leaves. At night, I love the sight, sounds, and smell of the fall harvest happening in the fields – it brings back a flood of special childhood memories! I also recognize that as the pandemic continues, our lives have changed “love’ that poured out for Patty and Donna truly touched my heart. I was so thrilled to see the support from our seniors and their families. You cannot ask for more in life or in death, than to be or been truly loved. Donna’s daughter and sonlaw stated that the LCCOA family made an impact on Donna. They wanted to share their gratitude to LCCOA for providing friendship, companionship and a true family environment. It is always fulfilling to hear we have accomplished our goal, to provide friendship and a quality of life. WIPFLI

Talking about love, the Wipfli family worked so very hard on LCCOA’s painting projects. The following ladies Tracy Webb, Renee Ryan, Tonya Lofgren and Faye Gisi immensely during this time too. The places we were used to going and the people we looked forward to seeing have become much more treasured. For many, the pandemic has given us a quieter time and an opportunity to reflect on what truly is important in our once preoccupied lives. We certainly do miss greeting our treasured friends here at the center!

For our members, we would like to give you the opportunity to win a “Change of Seasons” basket. There is no fee to enter! If you paid your were amazing. They painted our deck, benches, and eaves; they did a wonderful job, they were truly pro’s. These ladies gave a new meaning to the “Day of Caring’. Thank you Wipfli ladies for giving back to our community. The Wipfli Corporation should be proud to have you ladies as part of their organization. Sidewalk Sale

LCCOA’s sidewalk sale is still going on. Each week we have new items to share with our community. Please come out and support our Senior Center.

Clothing Drive — Save the Date: Nov. 18

LCCOA is still collecting clothing for our fundraiser to help pay for our new furnace. Please drop off all your gently used clothing by Nov. 18. No books, no kitchen items, no hard goods – only clothing. Thank you LCCOA.

Check out our sign

At the corner of Galena and Second Street; we have a new look. It is a work in progress. Our wonderful, 25-year, dedicated maintenance 2020 memberships dues, you just need to call the senior center at 815622-9230 and ask to have your name entered. You may do that by speaking with Reception. You only need to enter 1 time to have a chance to win! The drawing will be held November 17. Good Luck!

In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to thank our Veterans for their dedication to our country! Please see our list of Veterans and photos from our Honor Wall Dedication that we did in 2019.

In appreciation of our farmers, I would like to thank them for the countless hours of hard work and determination to feed the world. Please remember “kindness” during these trying times. If your friends or family endorse a different political party or have different views on wearing masks, it’s OK to engineer, Marty Hammonds, has been working on our sign. It’s not finished yet, but it is a major improvement to our building. I don’t know what we will do without Marty; he will be retiring by the first of the year. Please thank him for all the years of hard work, caring and the love he has given to LCCOA. There will never be another one like him. Thank you, Marty!

Optimism

Periodically I receive poems, verses, letters and stories form our seniors. I enjoy reading and sharing them with my staff. This past month one of our seniors shared the life of Helen Keller. I thought it was apropos ’to share a quote from Miss Keller. She was an inspiring individual who overcame great obstacles in her life. Helen’s famous quote; “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart”.

I leave you with that thought; until next time, LCCOA a place where you belong a place to call home.

Assistant Director

– Susan have differences and still respect each other and to be kind. Kindness is a gift that everyone can afford to give!

And last but not least, although our Thanksgiving gatherings may look a little different this year, please take the time to reflect on all “the treasures” that have been bestowed upon you this year. Maybe it’s your health, a new grand-baby, a move closer to your family, a phone call from an old friend, a drive past the house you grew up in, a newly adopted pet, or just more peaceful and reflective time at home?

Whatever it may be, please have a beautiful, treasured Thanksgiving! Sincerely, Beth Sterk, Assistant Director, 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.