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enrollment for Medicare Part D runs from Oct. 15-Dec. 7 If you want to review your current plan, to see if it’s still the best one for you, call the Outreach Department at 815-288-9236. We will start accepting appointments Thursday, Aug. 15.
Summer is in full swing as we enter August!! The heat has been abundant. Please
we are a cooling center!! Stop by, cool off, and take part in one of our activities.
Our continues to grow with more than 70 veterans attending monthly. Come join us on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 9 a.m. for the next breakfast!!
On July 16, we enjoyed a Mailboat Tour on Lake Geneva. What an amazing trip! Watching the mail jumper jump off a moving boat to deliver mail along the piers of the entire lake was pretty amazing. Our August trip is completely full; thanks to all who are attending the trip.
We are going to Memphis, Tennessee, Sept. 9-14. There are still a few open seats. Please join us for this exciting trip to the Home of Blues, Soul, & Rock ‘n’ Roll!! On Oct. 17, we will board the Celebration Belle for a Captain’s Dinner & Dance Cruise. in December. Come shop with us, just in time for Christmas, at the on Dec. 2, and celebrate the holidays as we attend the production of “Scrooge” on Dec. 20!
Executive Director
By Susie Welch
It’s hard to believe we are heading into the last month of summer already — the dog days of summer no less. Because of this, we will be offering FREE sun tea all month long. Beat the heat and stop by the Center to cool off with a glass of ice tea and enjoy the air conditioning. We will be offering classic movies Tuesdays through Thursdays in August, starting at 2 p.m. Get your chores done early then stop by the Center for lunch and stay for a movie during August. Remember, all rides to the Center are free. Lunches cost a suggested donation of $3, but no one will be denied a meal on ability to pay. And that’s not all ... On Tuesday, Aug. 5, we will have the first of a 3-part caregivers educational program, presented by the University of Illinois Extension office. The first session will be on Caregiver
Executive Director
By Emily Hammer
On Aug. 24, our Board Meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m., in the Senior Center Dining Room. We hope to see you there!
Self-care. We all know someone who is providing care for someone else. It is a rewarding experience for most, but caregivers experience many difficult emotions and losses along their journey. This workshop will focus on coping with the challenges of caregiving and how to lessen caregiver stress and burnout with self-care techniques. This workshop is open to all ages, whether you’re a child caring for your parents or a spouse caring for your significant other.
In preparation of fall, starting Aug. 1 the hours will be adjusted at Lee County Council on Aging to be reflective of participation. Office hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and transportation will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will continue to offer special events after normal business hours for your enjoyment. Look for us as we come to your community or near your community. We were recently in Amboy for a multi-generational flower arranging class and our Outreach Department offer the following office hours monthly ...
Franklin Grove Library, 112 S. Elm St., every third Friday from
Golden Meals is a local nonprofit organization that provides $3.25 meals to our 60-plus senior community and $5.25 for our 59 and younger community, Monday through Thursday at our site. Please watch the menu calendar as they will also provide meals on select Fridays. The Golden Meals calendar will be posted on our Facebook page and sent out in our monthly member’s newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who has been coming for lunch! The turnouts have been great, and the food
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
noon-1:30 p.m.
Polo Library, 302 W. Mason St., every third Friday from noon-1:30 p.m.
Ashton Library, 704 N, First St., every third Wednesday of the month from 1-2:30 p.m.
Amboy Library, 3 S. Jefferson Ave., every third Wednesday of the month from 3-4:30 p.m.
Volunteerism is one of the most important elements of a Senior Center. Our behind-the-scene volunteers help us make the magic happen at LCCOA. This month, Lois and Dave Young took a day to beautify our entrance area. Lois also uses her talents to provide monthly blood pressure checks. Dave Nelson saw a need in our lending library and has been able to sort, arrange and bring in new books — a big thanks to Dave and Dixon Library. He also volunteers to be a group leader of a new dice game at the Center every other Tuesday, and laughter fills the halls at LCCOA on those days! Judi and Phil Callison donate their talents: Judi has helped get our paperwork in order while Phil uses his talents on special woodworking
projects at the Center. The Rock River Garden Club keeps our grounds looking so nice. Nancy Gates is the gal who calls you to doublecheck to see how you’re doing and give you a heads up on new things at LCCOA. Terry Christian keeps the Center supplied with flower arrangements. Maureen Broers is our agency proof reader and keeps our bulletin boards looking nice. Tina Maldpnado helps during lunch time and keeps the tables cleaned and assists anyone who needs help in the dining room. And who can forget Bev VanDenberghe — our own Vanna White for Wheel of Fortune? Thanks to the National Able program, some of our volunteers are able to make a little money by their volunteer work. (Let us know if you could benefit from this opportunity). Our most recent volunteers are no strangers to LCCOA: After a few years of retirement, Cathy Reglin is coming back in a new volunteer position as trip coordinator and Julie McGrail as her assistant. We are so thankful to all of our volunteers. They make everything possible that happens at the Center.
See you soon Susie
is super yummy!!
Outreach is available for walkins on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday by appointment. It can be tough for Seniors to navigate through the world of Medicare and Medicaid and our SHIP Counselors are certified and here to assist. Outreach is also here to help with a variety of other services, including:
• Homestead exemptions and tax freeze
• License sticker discount (income eligible)
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 800252-8966 (Voice & TDD), or contact the director of Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021 or telephone 815-2889236; or Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL
• Medicare/Medicaid-related questions
• Low-income subsidies (Medicare Saving Program, Extra Help, SNAP)
• ACP free government phone and internet (income eligible)
• ITAC phones and amplifiers for the hearing impaired
You have already funded a portion of your Medicare coverage, paying this through your payroll taxes over the years you have worked.
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.
Alcantar, George Alcantar, Patricia Anderson, Alice Barnum, Karen Brewer, Mary
Buikema, Sandra Celletti, Phyllis Celletti, Tony Daniels, Ernestine Garien, Suzanne
Hackbarth, Dawn Hackbarth, Ronnie Houzenga, Charlotte Martens,Wanda Noto, Margaret
Skinner, Cathy Stover, Terri Vasquez, Ana Wright, Josefa Zinke, Sheila
Now that we are halfway through the year, if you would like to join the Whiteside County Senior Center for 2024, the cost is $12.50 per person per calendar year or $17.50 for two people residing in the same household (cash or check only).
Please contact the Center for more details at 815-622-9230.
We always appreciate your continued support of our Senior Center, and we appreciate YOU!
Thank you to all our volunteers who donate their time, energy, and services and those who gave monetary donations, including anonymously. A special thanks to all who partner with our Center to provide programs and activities for our seniors.
Kim McMahon of Citadel
Sami Wiggins of Allure of Sterling
Tiffany Tillman of Heritage Woods
Peg Johnson of Beacon of Hope
Gladiator Boxing Club of Sterling Karla Burn of Resthave
Christina Wetzell of Castor Lifescape
Sauk Valley Food Bank
CGH Hospital
Leo Bushman
Carole Whitney
Ellen Baker
Wendy Willett
Dan Maloney
Nazir Qureshi
Sherry Letcher
Linda Barber
Gloria Grams
Gary Tompkins
Norma & Victor Medrano
Marilyn Meller
Jewlene Pratt
Jeanette Rhoades
Julie Sutton
Joan Schmidt
Linda Kish
Marilyn Kennedy
David Doctor
Clara Thomas
Ray Schmidt
Diane Tackett
Butch Hannan
Neal Shipley
Jon Wetzell
Sherry Letcher
Northern Illinois Medical Supply
Connect Hearing
Veterans Compensation Group in Moline Rock River Hospice & Home
WCSC Quilting Group
Meg Schmidt
James Sarver
Inger Sarver
Dick Pitman
Delight Pitman
Watch the Echo for 2024 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 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.
Anne’s Garden Center
Distinctive Gardens
Rock River Garden Club
PCtech2U
Lois and Dave Young
Dianne Frye
David Nelson
Dixon Library
Discover Dixon
Amanda Carrol
Jeff Haub
Dorie Hoft
Greg Currens
June Fordham
Sami Wiggins
Kelli Chamber
Alisa Wolf
Nancy Gates
Lori Ludens
Bonnie Stradley
Terry Christian
Josie Whaley
Dixon Food Pantry
Glen Hughes
Joe Fornero
Allure
Mauren Broers
Cathy Reglin
Liberty Courts
Sauk Valley Food Bank
Regan Mass Transit
United Way
NIAAA
Melissa McCullough
The Etnyre Foundation
Judi and Phil Callison
Joan Schmidt
Trudy Seward
100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL, 61021
Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Main number: 815-288-9236
Transportation : 815-288-9236 (7 a.m.-5 p.m.)
E-mail: lccoa@comcast.net
Online: www.leecountycouncilonaging.net and on Facebook
POST HOUSE BALLROOM 815-288-0892
Online: www.posthouseballroom.net
OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired
Outreach hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
LCCOA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & OFFICERS
Dianne Frye — Chair | Jeff Haub — Vice chair
Dorie Hoft — Treasurer | Roberta LeMoine — Secretary
Committee members: Amanda Carroll, Kelli Chambers, Greg Currens, June Fordham, Sami Wiggins, Alisa Wolf
LCCOA SENIOR TRANSPORTATION 815-288-9236
REAGAN MASS TRANSIT
Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday 888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117
Fares: (within zip code)
Ages 5 and under (must be accompanied by an adult): $1 one way
Ages 6 to 59 years: $2 one way
Seniors or individuals with a disability: $1 one way (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program) Out-of-town trips can be arranged, subject to availability: 35 cents per mile, maximum $5.
1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Information: 815-622-9230 Toll-free: 888-622-9230 Transportation: 815-625-7433 Email: info@wc-seniorcenter.org Online: www.wc-seniorcenter.org and on Facebook. AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC) 815-622-9230
OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired. Satellite locations are by appointment only. Please call to schedule your appointment. 815-622-9230
WCSC BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
Karla Burn – Vice President
Paul Ahrens – Secretary | Mark Godsil – Treasurer
Board members: Butch Hannan, Gene Jacoby, Lindi LeMay, and Julie Morse
WHITESIDE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
815-625-7433
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Fares: No charge for stops within Whiteside County, but a suggested donation of $2 is appreciated. Out-of county trips can be arranged, subject to availability, for $4.
We don’t accept Medicaid at this time.
Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care is more than a senior community; we’re a close-knit family. With our intimate setting and warm décor, seniors can truly feel at home, fostering connections with neighbors and caregivers. Our dedicated team goes beyond caregiving, treating residents like family members. If you’re seeking care in a homelike environment, visit Homestead today.
Tuesday, Aug. 6 and 20, at 1 p.m.
Come learn how to play Farkle – fun dice game.
NEW TIME — Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by Liberty Court. Join us for our veterans coffee the first Wednesday of the month.
Friday, Aug. 9, at 10:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 16, at 9 a.m.
Help Brandan as he leads a group of interested seniors in a tour of Lee County breakfast shops once a month. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what a great way to get out into our community and make new friends — then come back to the Center to play Wheel of Fortune! Only requirement is you must be a Senior and be responsible for your own bill and transportation. RSVP to 815-288-9236
Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m.
Do you enjoy solving the puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune? Come to the Center and win prizes. (If you wish to buy vowels bring quarters!)
Monday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m.
Writers and want-to-be writers meet every third Monday from 1-3 p.m. in the dining room at LCCOA. Bring a short life story, essay, poem, or other to share. Everyone is welcome!
Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 9 a.m.
Enjoy conversation, a cup of coffee and doughnut with the mayor
Friday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Allure. A great opportunity to win prizes by guessing the price of the items without going over! Immediately afterward, we will be serving at free lunch (reservations needed for lunch)
Friday, Aug. 23, at noon, followed by birthday cake & karaoke at 12:30 Reservations needed for lunch
Friday, Aug. 23, 6-9 p.m. Open mic is back. No reservations needed
Sept.
Fancy Feet will be at the Center this month to trim nails and give foot massages. Cost is $25. Call Deb at 815-213-0324 for an appointment
LCCOA is hosting free dinners donated by KSB Hospital for all the Lee County Community. Dinners will be available – for take-out only — from 3:45-4 p.m. Dinners are available on a first-come basis.
For the latest updated and daily activities, please go to the Whiteside County Senior Center Facebook page.
Breakfast Club
Friday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m. At Parkway restaurant in Sterling
Free lunch
Friday, Aug. 9, at noon
Friday, Aug. 9, at 1 p.m.
S.M.A.A.R.T (Seniors Made Aware and Rightly Treated)
Tuesday, Aug. 13, at noon
Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 15, from 1-2 p.m. Northern Illinois Home Medical Supply will be here to properly fit you with your cane/walker.
All seniors welcome — membership not required! For more information on any of these trips, please call our very own LCCOA tour guides, Marisa Perales or Anna Mainhart, at 815-288-9236 or email lccoaoffice@comcast.net.
Aug. 19-23, 2024
Call for prices
Visit The Grand Hotel, Mackinaw City, Sault Sainte Marie. Call Marisa at 815-2889236 for more information.
Aug. 24-31, 2024
Call for prices
Fly to Honolulu, then cruise to Hawaii, Kauai and Oahu. For more information, call Marisa at 815-288-9236 for more information.
Sept. 23-30, 2024
Call for prices
Visit Monterey Bay, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley Vineyards. Call Anna at 815-288-9236 for more information.
Nov. 1-10, 2024
Call for prices
See WWII memorials, visit the beaches, and British and French museums. Arrive in London and return from Paris.
Matinee show, Tuesday, Sept. 10, at White Pines Dinner Theater
Four times a year, a group of four “forever” friends go on bus trips arranged through their local library to see Broadway musicals performed at their favorite dinner theater, Seasons in upstate Wisconsin. As they get ready for Ginny, the youngest in the group, to turn 60, the three older gals plan a surprise party for her — with disastrous and hilarious results. Enjoy a year in the lives of the “Ladies of Seasons” as they weather the ups and downs of getting older and show how true friends support and love one another, no matter what. Cost is $59, and we can arrange for you to ride the LCCOA bus, if needed, for an additional $10. Seating Begins 11:20 a.m. Price includes: buffet, coffee, tea, show, dessert, tax and gratuity. Stop by LCCOA to RSVP by Aug. 1, 2024.
For more information on any of the trips, or to have a flyer mailed to you, please reach out to Marisa Perales at Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236 or email lccoaoffice@comcast.net. You can also find a list of our trips by visiting our website at www.leecountycouncilonaging.net.
All seniors welcome — membership not required! For more information on any of these trips, please call our very own LCCOA tour guides, Marisa Perales or Anna Mainhart, at 815-288-9236.
The bus will depart from Sauk Valley Community College at 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, and return on Saturday, Sept. 14 — six days and five nights full of fun and adventure.
See Graceland, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum, Beale Street, Sun Studio, and so much more. We have extended our sign-up date. Please call the Center today for more information, and reserve your seat on this memorable trip to Memphis.
Please call 815-622-9230 for more information on these trips.
Transportation — 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call 815-288-9236 for Doctor’s & Dentist’s appointments. Drug Stores, Grocery Stores, Hardware Stores, Beauty Salons, Barber shops and trips to the Center.
Congregate Lunches — Noon-1 p.m.
Congregate meals from Lifescapes are back. Call the day before by 10:45 a.m. to reserve your spot Library — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stop by and see the new donation of books at LCCOA, courtesy of Dixon Public Library; self-checkout and return to receptionist policy
DVD Library — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stop by and see the new DVDs at LCCOA, courtesy of Kreider; self-checkout and return policy.
Beverage Center — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The coffee pot is always on at the Center, along with refreshing ice water. For the month of August, we will be serving free sun tea to help you fight the heat! Check out our pop fridge fundraiser for accessibility repairs needed at the Center.
Exercise with Brandan — Come join our free workout program! Check out our new additional equipment — thanks to Lumzy Yoga! Brandan is
available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available 10-11 a.m.
Blood Pressure Clinics — First Monday of the month 10:30 a.m. to noon. No appointment necessary.
Chair Yoga for seniors — 11 a.m.
Lunch — Noon to 1 p.m. Reservations needed by 11 a.m. for the next day.
Rummikub — 1 p.m.
Tuesdays
Pool Table — Open hours 9 a.m. to noon
Fresh Produce — 9-11 a.m. Please bring your own bags.
Lunch — Noon-1 p.m. Reservations needed by 11 a.m. for the next day.
Dice games – Every other week at 1 p.m.
Tech Corner — Basics of smartphones/laptops. Call Aaliyah for an appointment.
Classic movie time — Beat the heat every Tuesday at 2 p.m.
KSB Meals — Provided for Lee County Community, at 4 p.m.
Lunch — Noon to 1 p.m. Reservations needed by 11 a.m. for the next day.
Pool table — Open hours 1-3 p.m.
Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.
Classic Movie time — Beat the heat every Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Pool table — Open hours 9 a.m. to Noon
Lunch — Noon to 1 p.m. Reservations needed by 11 a.m. for the next day.
Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m. Crafters — 1 p.m.
Classic Movie time — Beat the heat every Thursday at 2 p.m.
KSB Meals — Provided for Lee County community, at 4 p.m.
Exercise with Brandan — Come join our free workout program! Check out our new additional equipment — thanks to Lumzy Yoga! Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available 10-11:30 a.m.
Lunch — Noon to 1 p.m. Reservations needed by 11 a.m. for the next day.
Euchre — 12:15 p.m.
Mexican Train Dominoes — 1 p.m.
For the latest updates and daily activities, please go to our “Whiteside County IL Senior Center” Facebook page
Computer/Technology assistance
Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:30 a.m.
If you would like a specific appointment for one-on-one time, please call the Center and speak with Neal.
Euchre
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 12:15-3:45 p.m.
Foot clinic
Wednesday Aug. 7 and 14 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-7185294 to set up an appointment.
Food pantry
Every Thursday from 1-3 p.m.
Sign-ups start at 10 a.m.
Must be here in person to sign up. Everyone is able to go through the closet weekly to get meat and other great things!
Hand and Foot card game
Thursday, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Knitting Club
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 1-3 p.m.
Line dancing
Friday, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Advance classes 10-11 a.m./Beginners 11 a.m.-noon.)
Mexican Train dominoes
Friday, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Tuesdays from 1-3:45 p.m.
Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays from 1-3:45 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 5 and 26 from noon-3:45 p.m.
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 5, at 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 12:15 p.m. Veterans breakfast and coffee
Thursday, Aug. 8, at 9 a.m.
Aug. 13 at noon
‘Seniors Made Aware and Rightly Treated’. Marge Sedowski will host an informational meeting. Make-and-Take Tuesday
Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Bingo
Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 12:15 p.m. With Karla from Resthave. Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry Triad
Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m.