GOLDEN ECHO
From the LCCOA
Executive Director
By Susie Welch
Fall is fast approaching — before you know it, flu and cold season will be upon us. To help you get a jump start on the season, Lee County Council on Aging is partnering with Lee County Health Department to provide a Flu Shot Clinic on October 1, from 9-11 a.m. — no appointment necessary. Please bring your insurance cards with you or be prepared to pay a small fee. For more information call 815-284-3371. While you’re here, visit our fresh produce pantry and stay for lunch. Remember, all trips to the Center are free using LCCOA senior bus or Reagan Mass Transit!
To celebrate the beginning of fall, LCCOA will sponsor a free lunch for those 60 and over every
Friday for the month of September. Come for your favorite games: Bingo on September 13 at 10:30 a.m., Wheel of Fortune on September 20 at 11 a.m., and The Price is Right on September 27 at 11 a.m.. Call the day before by 10:45 a.m. to reserve your spot at lunch!
Due to popular demand, Farkle will be available every Tuesday. Farkle is a fun dice game where players roll dice to earn points. If you enjoy having a good time, you need to stop by the Center and learn this fun game.
On September 30 at 12:30 p.m. in the Center dining room, we will have our second session of our three-part series for caregivers . This session is on making a meaningful nursing home visit. This workshop is excellent for anyone with a loved one or friend in a nursing home. Some of my best visits with my mom were in the nursing home. Visiting a loved one in a nursing home can be very difficult, even though many longterm care facilities today are more home-like. There are many rea -
sons for the reluctance to visit someone in a nursing facility, and many emotions involved, yet doing so is so helpful in making a resident’s stay easier. This program is designed to help participants identify with nursing home residents, and to recognize the emotions that may be preventing quality visits. Practical ideas for making visits more valuable and enjoyable will also be shared. A free lunch will be served to those 60 and over for this workshop. Deadline to sign up for free lunch is Friday, September 27, before 10:45 a.m., but you can sign up earlier (prior attendance not required).
Thanks to our wonderful sponsor, The Candlelight Group, and our knowledgeable SHIP-certified volunteer, Kathy Schmidt, Lee County Council on Aging will be having a seminar, “Medicare: Your Questions Answered,” on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Palmyra Pub & Eatery, 628 Palymra Road. This is a good opportunity for anyone 60 or older who wants to plan for their future, or anyone currently
on Medicare. Kathy is a wealth of information about the new Medicare D changes in store for us in 2025. If you are thinking of retiring or already have, you won’t want to miss this opportunity.
Open Enrollment will start on October 15 for Part D Medicare. Part D Medicare is for prescription coverage. It is a good idea to check this every year, as plans change. If you haven’t already, please call 815-288-9236 to schedule your appointment; our receptionist will be glad to schedule your appointment for you.
Everyone interested in having FUN will be glad to hear we have planned yet another fundraiser for November 30, from 6-10 p.m. All ages are invited to attend a Music Trivia contest. Cost of admission is only $5 per person; teams can be as few as two people or as many as eight. Adult beverages and snacks will be served. Tickets will be available at the door or you can reserve a table by calling 815-288-9236.
See you soon Susie
Executive Director
By Emily Hammer
A lot going on at WCSC!
We are heading into a new season, which means many new events! Our goal here at Whiteside County Senior Center is to keep things fun and exciting with new things to try and new faces to
see. Please join us to check out our new Mocktail Monday, Make and Take Tuesday, Movement Monday, Movie Monday. Please keep an eye out for our sign-up for our new Matter of Balance Class Day and Time as this class fills up quickly! We will be hosting another MEMBERS ONLY event on September 11, so if you do not have a membership, please sign up soon! We will take member sign ups at the door for our “Fiesta Before the Fiesta.”
Board Meeting
On September 25, our Board meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m.
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
in the Senior Center dining room. We hope to see you there!
Golden Meals
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 be providing meals on select Fridays. The Golden Meals calendar will be posted on our Facebook page and sent out in our monthly member newsletter. Thank you to everyone who has been coming for lunch! The turn-
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
outs have been great, and the food is always super yummy!!
Outreach
Walk-in appointments are available from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays. Appointments are needed for Tuesdays through Fridays.
Monthly Medicare tip
Medicare covers a variety of vaccinations. Immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. All adults should keep their vaccinations up to date. Talk to your doctor to help you decide which vaccines are right for you.
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.
From the WCSC
GOLDEN ECHO
DUES, DONATIONS & THANK YOUS
WCSC welcomes members
Norma Medrano
Karen S. O’Malley
Rebecca Heeren
Janet L Meter
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mary Ramos
Suzanne Bishop
Judith E. Ervin
Florence Cunningham
Join WCSC
Juan Chavez
Terrance F O’Malley
Irma Chavez
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 WCSC volunteers and supporters
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 Prophetstown
Alyssa Wales of Heritage Woods
Karla Burn of Resthave
Christina Wetzell of Castor
Katie Haak with Lifescape
Sauk Valley Food Bank
United Way of Whiteside County
Carole Whitney
Leo Bushman
Barb Hayden
Reed Nelson
Delight Pitman
American Legion of Sterling
Nazir Qureshi
Sherry Letcher
Linda Barber
Gloria Grams
Gary Tompkins
Norma & Victor Medrano
LCCOA welcomes members
Dick Pitman
James Sarver
Inger Saver
Raymond Schmidt
Be an LCCOA hero today for a brighter tomorrow!
Marilyn Meller
Jewlene Pratt
Jeanette Rhoades
Julie Sutton
Diane Tackett
Butch Hannan
Neal Shipley
Jon Wetzell
Meg Schmidt
Deryle Nickel
Joyce Snyder
Lyle Eisenberg
Diana Eisenberg
Watch the Golden Echo for 2025 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 LCCOA volunteers and supporters
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.
Rock River Garden Club
Lumzy Yoga
PCtech2U
Lois Young
Dianne Frye
David Nelson
Dixon Library
Discover Dixon
Amanda Carroll
Jeff Haub
Dorie Hoft
Greg Currens
June Fordham
Sami Wiggins
Kelli Chambers
Alisa Wolf
Nancy Gates
Lori Ludens
Darla Miller
Bonnie Stradley
Terry Christian
Josie Whaley
Dixon Food Pantry
Glen Hughes
Joe Fornero
Allure
Mauren Broers
Cathy Reglin
Liberty Court
Sauk Valley Food Bank
Regan Mass Transit
United Way
NIAAA
Melissa McCullough
Judi and Phil Callison
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: info@leecoaging.org
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.-6 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 — President
Julie Morse — Vice President
Paul Ahrens — Secretary | Mark Godsil — Treasurer Board members: Butch Hannan
Gene Jacoby, Lyndi LeMay, Chris Nolin, Marge Sadowski, John Booker, Riley Gober, Deana Hermes 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.
GOLDEN ECHO LCCOA
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.
ECHO
Veterans coffee
Special Events at LCCOA
NEW TIME: Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 3 p.m.
Join us for our veterans coffee on the first Wednesday of the month, sponsored by Liberty Court.
Bingo
Friday, Sept. 12, at 10:30 a.m.
Win valuable prizes and stay for FREE Lunch for those 60 and over.
Coffee with the mayor
Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 9 a.m.
Enjoy conversation, a cup of coffee and donut with the mayor.
Breakfast Club with Brandan
Friday, Sept. 20, 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! The only requirement is you must be a Senior and be responsible for your own bill and transportation. RSVP to 815-288-9236
Wheel of Fortune
Friday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m.
Do you enjoy solving the puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune – Come to the Center and win
prizes. (If you want to buy vowels bring quarters). Immediately after, we will be serving at FREE Lunch to those 60 and over.
Writers Group
Monday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m.
Writers and Want-to-Be Writers meet the third Monday of the month from 1-3 p.m. in the dining room at LCCOA. Bring a short life story, essay, poem, or other work to share. Everyone is welcome!
Foot clinic
Tuesday, Sept. 24
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.
Price is Right
Friday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Allure, this is a great opportunity to win prizes by guessing the price of the items without going over! Immediately after we will be serving FREE Lunch to those 60 and over (reservations needed for lunch).
Free lunch, birthday cake, and karaoke!
Friday, Sept. 27
Lunch at noon, followed by birthday cake and karaoke at 12:30 p.m. Reservations needed for lunch.
Open mic
Friday, Sept. 27, 6-9 p.m.
Open Mic is back! No reservations needed
Caregivers workshop
Monday, Sept. 30, at 12:30 p.m.
This session is on making a meaningful nursing home visit. This workshop is excellent for anyone with a loved one in a nursing home. Visiting a loved one in a nursing home can be very difficult, even though many long-term care facilities today are more home-like. There are many reasons for the reluctance to visit someone in a nursing facility, and many emotions involved, yet doing so is so helpful in making a resident’s stay easier. This program is designed to help participants identify with nursing home residents, and to recognize the emotions that may be preventing quality visits. Practical ideas for making visits more valuable and enjoyable will also be shared. A FREE lunch will be served to those 60 and over for this workshop at noon. Deadline to sign up for free lunch is Friday Sept. 27, before 10:45 a.m., but you can sign up earlier!
Tuesday and Thursday night free dinners
LCCOA will host free dinners, donated by KSB Hospital, for all the Lee County Community. Dinners will be available from 3:45-4 p.m. for take-out only, and are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Special Events at WCSC
For the latest updated and daily activities, please go to the Whiteside County Senior Center Facebook page.
WCSC CLOSED
WE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, SEPT. 2, FOR LABOR DAY
Make-and-Take Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 12:30 p.m.
Make-and-Take Tuesday
Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 12:30 p.m.
Breakfast Club
Friday, Sept. 6, at 9 a.m. At Hardees in Rock Falls
Mocktail Monday and Memory Card game
Monday, Sept. 9, at 12:30 p.m.
Trip Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m.
S.M.A.A.R.T (Seniors Made Aware and Rightly Treated)
Tuesday, Sept. 10, at noon
Members-only event
Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 4:30-6 p.m. “Fiesta Before the Fiesta”
Veterans breakfast and coffee
Thursday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m.
Free lunch
Friday, Sept. 13, at noon
Karaoke/birthday cake
Friday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m.
Free blood pressure checks
Friday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Withe Rock River Hospice
Movement Monday
Monday, Sept. 16, at 12:30 p.m.
TRIAD
Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m.
Movie Monday
Monday, Sept. 23, at 12:30 p.m.
Coffee, Cookies, & Convo
Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Trips: LCCOA
ALL SENIORS WELCOME — MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED!
For more information on any of these trips, please call Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236.
California: Monterey, Yosemite and Napa
Sept. 23-30, 2024
Call for prices.
Memorials of World War II
Nov. 1-10, 2024
Arrive in London and return from Paris. Visit beaches, British and French museums.
Call for prices.
More information
For more information on any of the trips, or to have a flyer mailed to you, please reach out to Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236. You can also find a list of our trips by visiting our website at www.leecountycouncilonaging.net.
Stay tuned for upcoming 2025 trips
Upcoming Trips: WCSC
ALL SENIORS WELCOME — MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED!
For more information on any of these trips, call the Whiteside County Senior Center at 815-622-9230.
Amana Colonies
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024
Cost: $140 for members and $150 for non-members.
Tour the Historic Amana Colonies in your motor coach with their tour guide and dine at the Ox Yoke Inn. The bus will depart from Sauk Valley Community College at 6:30 a.m. the day of the trip and return to the college at 4:30 p.m.
Celebration Belle: Captain’s Dinner & Dance Cruise
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024
Cost: $130 for members and $150 for non-members. Join us for an amazing prime rib dinner and river cruise on the Mississippi River! The bus will depart from Sauk Valley Community College at 5 p.m. and return to the college at 10:15 p.m.
Chicago Premium Outlet Shopping Trip
Monday, Dec. 2, 2024
Cost: $60
Have holiday shopping to get done? We have you covered! Our bus will depart from Sauk Valley Community College at 9 a.m. and arrive back to the college at 7p.m. Lunch will be on your own (they have a food court).
White Pines Dinner Theater — “Scrooge the Comedy”
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024
Cost: $130 for members, and $150 for non-members. You do not want to miss this wacky, zany, audience-participation comedy, which includes happy hour and dinner. Lots of fun entertainment will be had. The bus will depart at 4 p.m. from Sauk Valley Community College and arrive back to the college at approximately 10:30 p.m.
More information
Please call WCSC at 815-622-9230 for more information on these trips or with any questions.
Sauk Valley Media brings you exclusive local content featuring the people you know and the places you go in our magazines and specialty publications
Find them at our enewspaper website ... SHAWLOCAL.COM/SAUK-VALLEY/ENEWSPAPER/ (scroll down to our specialty publications)
GOLDEN ECHO
Weekly activities at LCCOA
Daily
Transportation — 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call 815-288-9236 for a ride to doctor and dentist 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. 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. Check out our pop frig fundraiser, with money going toward accessibility repairs at the Center.
Mondays
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 from 10:30 to Noon No Appointment necessary. Chair yoga for seniors — 11 a.m.
Lunch — Noon to 1 p.m. (reservations needed by 10:45 a.m. for the next day).
Rummikub — 1 p.m.
Tuesdays
Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon
Fresh produce — 10 a.m.-noon Please bring your own bags.
Lunch — Noon to 1 p.m. Reservations needed by 10:45 a.m. for the next day.
Farkle (dice game) – every week at 1 p.m.
Tech Corner — Basics of smartphones and laptops. Call Aaliyah for an appointment.
KSB meals — 4 p.m. Provided for the Lee County community.
Wednesdays
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.
Thursdays
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.
KSB meals — 4 p.m. Provided for the Lee County community.
Fridays
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 am
FREE lunch — Noon-1 p.m. Every Friday in September. Reservations needed by 10:45 a.m. for the next day. Euchre — 12:15 p.m.
Mexican Train Dominoes — 1 p.m.
Weekly activities at WCSC
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.
Bingo
Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 12:15 p.m.
With Sami from Allure.
Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 12:15 p.m. With Lyssa from Heritage Woods and Christina from Castor Home Nursing.
Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry
Euchre
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24, from 12:15-3:45 p.m.
Foot clinic
Wednesday Sept. 4 & 11, 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, Sept. 5, 12, 19, and 26, from 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Knitting Club
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, and 24, from 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Learn to Quilt
Monday, Sept. 9, 16, 23 & 30, from 1-3 p.m.
Line Dancing
Friday, Sept. 6, 13, 20 & 27
Advance classes 10-11 a.m., beginners classes 11 a.m.-noon
Mexican Train Dominoes
Friday, Sept. 6, 13, 20 & 27, from 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Pinochle
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Pool table
Tuesdays from 1-3:45 p.m.
Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays from 1-3:45 p.m.
Bunco
Monday, Sept. 9 & 23, from noon-3:45 p.m.
Yoga
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.
Jeopardy
Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 12:15 p.m.
Wheel of Fortune
Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 12:15 p.m. With Kim from Citadel