SVM_Golden Echo_022526 by Shaw Media

Proud to REPRESENT

Staff and Volunteers proudly sporting their new LCCOA Logo Sweatshirts: Mary, Jen, Brandan, Cathy, Aaliyah, Brian, Bonnie, Susie, and Nancy Gates. (Or is this the volleyball team?)

The LCCOA Senior Bus Driver’s Staff: Mike, Jim Our Dispatcher Veronica, Terry and Joe.

At the Whiteside County Senior Center

Take me out to the ball game!!

We will be slinging free hot dogs on March 26th from 11am-1pm in our North Parking lot to celebrate MLB Opening Day! We will also be selling tickets for TWO tickets to the Cubs vs. Sox game on May 15th. The price per chance is $20...the two tickets include transportation on our charter bus that day!

We are starting a new TAI CHI class in March

Pat Stramka is leading the class every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The cost for members is $10 per month and non-members is $20 per month. Spots are limited, so please call to get your name on the list!

Have you signed up for your 2026 memberships, yet?

If not, we can help with that!

Membership for one person is $25 per year. Membership for two people in the same household is $35 per year. We accept cash, check, or card.

The Senior Center is a Polling Place on Tuesday, March 17th from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. All activities will be held in the dining room on this day!

We started a new fundraising effort this year and sent out a year-end appeal to over 300 local businesses as well as our members! This was successful this year with several donations that will help with activities and events throughout 2026! A HUGE Thank You to everyone who donated!!

Find us online at www.wc-seniorcenter.org

GOLDEN ECHO

From the LCCOA Executive

Director

By Susie Welch

The Lee County Council on Aging extends a heartfelt thank you to all the individuals and businesses who have supported us through membership. Your generosity makes a real difference in helping us provide programs, services, and a sense of community for seniors throughout Lee County.

For those interested in showing their support, becoming a sponsor member is a simple and meaningful way to help. For as little as $250 a year, your business—or even you as an individual—can have your name featured on our website and included twice a year in our newsletter. Sponsorship helps ensure we can continue our work, especially as one-third of

From

the

Executive Director

By Emily Hammer

Board Meeting

We want to thank everyone on our Board of Directors! All of the members on our board are volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to help better our Senior Center and Public Transportation.

our funding comes from Reagan Mass Transit, another third from a combination of the County and the Older Americans Act, and the remaining third must be raised through community activities like memberships and fundraisers. Your support truly helps fill that gap.

This March, we are excited to offer two special presentations that promise to inform and inspire. On Wednesday, March 24th at 1:00 p.m., Gary Gelbach will presenting on Estate Planning, offering practical guidance for seniors and their families. Then, on Tuesday, March 31st at 1:00 p.m., Tom Wadsworth will share a compelling local story . His presentation draws from fresh research on the heart-breaking tragedy of the three Guernsey sisters who lost their lives in a quarry at Dixon’s cement plant. Using nationwide newspaper coverage, historical photos, and insights from recent interviews with six of the girls’ siblings, Wadsworth’s talk offers a deeply personal and unforgettable glimpse into this community story.

The next Board meeting will be on March 25, 2026 at 12:30 in the Dining Room.

Golden Meals

Golden Meals is a local non-profit organization that provides $3.25 meals to our 60 plus senior community and $6.25 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’s newsletter. Thank you to everyone who has been coming for lunch! The turnouts have been great,

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 treat-

Serenity Hospice Caregivers Support Group

Join us March 3rd at 2:00 PM for a special Caregivers Support Group featuring two experienced CNAs sharing practical tips for caring for your loved one at home. Enjoy support, encouragement, and connection in a welcoming space.

Starting in April, we’re excited to launch “Refill My Cup,” a four-part caregiver workshop series held on the third Tuesday of each month . Designed to help caregivers manage stress, prevent burnout, and focus on self-care—this series is sponsored by Addus.

Looking ahead, the Lee County Council on Aging will hold its Annual Planning Meeting on Tuesday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. Last year’s meeting helped inspire popular programs such as Tom Wadsworth Presents, Book Club , and Estate Planning . We invite all members and community friends to join us, share your ideas, and help shape the programs and activities you’d like to see in the coming year. Your voice truly makes a difference in creating

and the food is always super yummy!!

Outreach

Walk-in appointments are available Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Scheduled appointments are available on Tuesdays ,Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

For any questions, please call our Outreach Department at 815-622-9230 ext. 131.

Monthly Medicare Tip

Medicare eligibility begins at age 65, but you can sign up earlier to make sure your coverage starts as soon as possible. You will have a 7-month Initial Enrollment that

ment 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.

engaging and meaningful opportunities for our seniors.

The Lee County Council on Aging has an exciting lineup of upcoming events and opportunities for area seniors. On April 30, SHIP counselor Dianne Frye will present “Just Turning 65 – Now What?”, a helpful session designed to answer questions and guide individuals through important Medicare and aging-related decisions. Popular favorites are also returning, including the Adult Prom on May 9 from 6 to 10p.m., promising an evening of music, dancing, and fun. Rounding out the season, the Annual Senior Fair will take place on June 16, connecting older adults with valuable resources, information, and community partners.

We hope you’ll join us for these informative sessions and consider showing your support through membership or sponsorship. Together, we can continue to provide meaningful programs and services to seniors in our community.

See you soon! Susie

starts 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday. If you sign up during the first three months of your enrollment, your coverage will kick in on the first day of your birthday month.

Caregiver Tip

One in four households (25%) takes on the role of providing care to older family members and friends. Family caregivers serve as a critical component in providing the longterm care needs of older adults. Being a caregiver can be a labor of love but it can also be stressful. Contact 815-622-9230 for more information on our caregiver support groups.

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.

WCSC

GOLDEN ECHO

DUES, DONATIONS & THANK YOU’S

WCSC volunteers and supporters

Thank you’s

Kim McMahon of Citadel

Sami Wiggins of Castor

Laney Edgeton of Heritage Woods

Chris Meier

Lifescape Sauk Valley Food Bank

Riverbend Sauk Valley Bank

Volunteers

Elizabeth Sexton

Bimbo/Curt Wade

Neal Shipley

Butch Hannan

Kay Krutsinger Family

Volunteers Atchley, Charles Barber, Linda Becker, Barbara Brown, Chris Cantu, Adela Leisner, Chris Medrano, Norma

Meller, Marilyn Meyer, Louann Meyers, Becky Pratt, Jewelene Qureshi, Nazir Rhoades, Jeanette Riva, Don Shipley, Neal

WCSC welcomes members

Allen, Carolyn Adolph, Vernon Armstrong, Lorraine Baldwin, Lidia Baldwin, Murphy Bankes, Marcia

Barajas, Peter Burrows, Betty Cassens, Janet

Celletti, Phyllis

Celletti, Tony

Drane, David

Drane, Pamela Driessens, Patricia Fulkerson, Carol Gallentine, James Gallentine, Melissa

Habben, Norma

Haenni, Jennifer Hutsell, Jerry Hutsell, Sandra Karwath, John Manfield, William

McThenia, Gayle Mickelson, Rita

Mickelson, Ronald Mossey, Esther

Nicpon, Steve Polzin, Mary Potter, Kathleen Potter, Keith Schearer, June Sebok, Frank

LCCOA welcomes members

Benefactor

Diana Owens

Thank you to LCCOA volunteers and supporters

Nancy Fifelski

Dan Leaka

Sarah Mayer

David Nelson

Mary Thomas Dixon Library

Discover Dixon

Amanda Carroll

Marcus Cox

Kathy Marine

Greg Currens

June Fordham

Kelli Chambers

Tackett, Diane Tompkins, Gary Wetzell, Jon Wells, Mary Lou Whitebread, Ginny Chandler, Nedra Fisher, Larry

CONTACT INFORMATION

100 W. SECOND ST., DIXON, IL, 61021

Hours: 9 a.m.-4 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 BOARD MEMBERS & OFFICERS

Todd, Valentina Tysdal, Katherine

Walker, Shirley Williams, Gloria Williams, Janet Williams, Vinus Miller, Gary Kendell, Aimee

Sharon Woodring

Dan Moloney

George Kersten

Lori Kersten

Charlene McNinch

Wanda Martens

Pat Vail

Sandra Wooden

Jerome Wells

Teresa Wells

Evelyn Simmons

Velma Buchanan

Linda Dunphy

Dan Maloney

Dianne Frye — Chair | Marcus Cox — Vice chair

Terry Christian — Board Secretary | Kathy Marine —Treasurer Board members: Amanda Carroll, Kelli Chambers, Greg Currens, June Fordham, Alisa Wolf

LCCOA SENIOR TRANSPORTATION

815-288-9236 (press 1)

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 & 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

Alisa Wolf

Nancy Gates

Nancy Wadsworth

Tom Wadsworth

Terry Christian

Josie Whaley

Dixon Food Pantry

Glen Hughes

Joe Fornero

First Assembly of God Church

Mauren Broers

Cathy Reglin

Mary Holder

Sauk Valley Food Bank

Regan Mass Transit

United Way

NIAAA

Judi and Phil Callison

Help AT Home

Heritage Woods

Bonnie Stradley

Penny Peer

Allure

Heath Care Plus

Dan Leake

Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired. Satellite locations are by appointment only. Please call 815-622-9230 to schedule your appointment.

WCSC BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

Karla Burn — President | Chris Nolin — Vice President

Lyndi Lemay— Secretary | Ronda Borgmann — Treasurer

Board members: Joe Strabela-Bright, Pam Fluck, Le Hartman, John Booker, Julie Morse, Marge Sadowski, Gene Jacoby, and Butch Hannan

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.

Friendship and fun times at WCSC

GOLDEN ECHO: LCCOA

TOP LEFT:

Rummikub

TOP RIGHT: Volunteer Nancy Gates

GOLDEN ECHO

Caregivers Support Group

Tuesday, March 3 — 2 p.m.

CNA will be available for practical advice. Join us for a free Caregivers Support group designed to provide encouragement, practical guidance, and valuable resources for family caregivers. Sponsored by Serenity Hospice.

Workout Wednesday

Wednesday, March 4 — 11 a.m.

Cheryl Moeller owner of Centerstage Dance Company for 37 years teaches a fun workout class at her studio. Full body movement & gentle workout including some senior friendly cardio. Alternative movements offered if needed such as “knee friendly versions of a move.”

Family Feud

Friday, March 6 — 11 a.m.

Sponsored by Heritage Woods. Refreshments will be served.

Book Club

Tuesday, March 10 —1 p.m.

Special Events at LCCOA

Bingo

Friday, March 13 — 10:30 a.m.

Win valuable prizes and stay for lunch, for those 60 and over (reservations needed for lunch).

Writers Group

Monday, March 16 — 1 p.m.

Writers and Want-to-Be Writers meet every 3rd Monday, 1:00-3:00 pm, this month in the Dining room at LCCOA. Bring a short life story, essay, poem, or other to share. Everyone is welcome!

Coffee with the Mayor

Wednesday, March 18 — 9 a.m.

Enjoy conversation, a cup of coffee and a donut with the mayor.

Beginners Line Dance with Cheryl

Wednesday, March 18 — 11 a.m.

Wheel of Fortune

Friday, March 20 — 11 a.m.

Do you enjoy solving puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune? Come to the

Board Game Bonanza

Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.

Join us every Tuesday to play some board games, have a snack, and meet new friends! If you have a favorite game you like to play, you are more than welcome to bring that in for us to play. See you then!

Tai Chi

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Pat Stramka will be teaching TAI CHI every Tuesday and Wednesday starting in March! This is a class to work on balance, relaxation, and exercise. There are limited spots and they are filling quickly! Please call the Center to get on the list

Phone-friendly Friday

Fridays 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Need help with that pesky cell phone? Each

Center and win prizes! (If you wish to buy vowels, bring quarters).

Breakfast Club with Brandan

Friday, March 20 — 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.

Blood pressure checks

Monday, March 24

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Sponsored by Lee County Health Dept. Foot Clinic

Tuesday, March 24

Fancy Feet will be at the Center every month to trim nails and give foot massages. Cost is $25. Call Deb at 815-213-0324 for an appointment.

Special Events at WCSC

Friday, Devon will be available to answer questions or help with things on your iPhone or Android phone. No appointment needed!

Mocktail Monday & Memory Card Game

Monday, March 2 — 12:30 p.m.

Join us for a yummy Mocktail and a game with Devon, you won’t regret it!

Breakfast Club

Friday, March 6 — 9 a.m.

We will meet at A’s Kitchen in Rock Falls.

Make-and-Take Tuesday

Tuesday, March 10 —12:30 p.m.

Join Devon for a craft to take home or for a gift for someone!

Trip meeting

Tuesday, March 10 —10 a.m.

Please join us to share all of your new trip ideas and hear of the places we will be heading to in 2026!

Free Hearing Screening And Hearing Aid Cleaning

Wednesday, March 11 — 9 a.m. -1 p.m.

OSF Audiology will be here to provide FREE Hearing Screenings and Hearing Aid Cleanings.

Painting with Marge

Wednesday, March 11 & 25 — 9:30 a.m.

Marge will be teaching a canvas painting class in our big room!

Birthday Cake

Friday, March 27 — 12:30 p.m.

Planning Meeting

Thursday, April 23 — 2 p.m.

Come join us to plan next year’s programming.

65 Now What? Presentation

By Ship counselor Dianne Frye

Thursday, April 30 — 5:30 p.m.

Post House Ballroom

Get your questions answered Here Free Iced Tea, appetizers and cash bar available

Adult Prom

Saturday, May 6 — 6 - 10 p.m.

Back by Popular Demand

Post House Ballroom

Senior Fair

Tuesday, June 16 — 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sober Seniors

Monday, March. 23 — Noon

Seniors often need support to maintain sobriety. The Senior Center is a great place to find it, with compassionate employees who are able to interact with clients and help them get the resources they need to stay healthy and sober.

Coffee, Cookies and Convo

Tuesday, March 31 — 12:30 p.m.

Please join Devon for this great social event. See you then!

MLB Opening Day

Thursday, March 26 — 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

We will be serving FREE hot dogs and raffle tickets for TWO tickets to the May 15th game.

GOLDEN ECHO

Weekly activities at LCCOA

Daily

Transportation — 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 815-288-9236 for rides to doctor and dentist appointments, drug store, grocery store, hardware store, beauty salons, barber shops, and trips to the Center.

Congregate Lunches — Noon-12:30 p.m.

Congregate meals from Lifescapes, for those age 60 and over. Call the day before by 9:45 a.m. to reserve your spot.

DVD & Book Library — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by and see the new donation of books & DVDs at LCCOA, courtesy of Dixon Public Library. Self-checkout and return to receptionist policy.

Puzzle & CD Exchange — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by and see the selection at LCCOA.. 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 fridge fundraiser for accessibility repairs needed at the Center.

Mondays

Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon

Exercise with Brandan — Come join our free workout program! Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available 10-11 a.m.

Chair yoga for seniors — 11 a.m.

Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m. Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day. Rummikub — 1 p.m.

Bible study — 1 p.m.

Tuesdays

Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon

Fresh produce — 9:30-10:30 a.m. Please bring your own bags.

Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m.

Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day.

OSF meals — 3:30 p.m. Provided for Lee County community.

Wednesdays

Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon

Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m.

Reservations needed before 9:45 a.m. for the next day.

Pinochle — Noon

Chair yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.

Thursdays

Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. to noon

Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m.

Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day.

Weekly activities at WCSC

Chair yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.

Crafters — 1 p.m.

OSF Meals — 3:30 p.m. Provided for the Lee County community.

Fridays

Pool table open hours — 9 a.m. -noon

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 — 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Reservations needed by 9:45 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.

Food pantry

Thursdays 1-3 p.m.

Sign-ups start at noon, and you must be here in person to sign up. Everyone is able to go through the closet weekly to get meat and other great items! We are needing grocery bags, so if you have any that you are not using, we will GLADLY take them!

Pinochle

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12:30- 3:45 p.m.

Pool table

Mondays 9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays 1-3:45 p.m. | Wednesdays 9-10 a.m. | Thursdays 1-3:45 p.m.

Yoga

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-11 a.m.

This group is growing and has really become a large event! This yoga class

accommodates all levels of balance, intensity, and range of motion. The Center can provide a yoga mat and chair if you do not have your own. See you there!

Tai Chi

Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30-9:30 a.m. Pat Stramka will be teaching the class! See you then!

Board Game Bonanza

Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.

Join us to play a new board game and meet some new friends! Have a game you love to play and want to share it with others? Bring it on in and teach us how to play!

Learn to Quilt

Monday, March 2, 9, 16 & 23

1-3:45 p.m.

Want to try a new skill? Our quilting group is happy to lend a hand with getting started!

Knitting Club

Tuesday, March 3, 10 & 24 12:30-3:45 p.m.

Euchre

Tuesday, March 3, 10, 17 & 24

12:15-3:45 p.m.

Foot clinic

Wednesday, March 4 & 11 — 8 a.m. -2 p.m.

Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-718-5294 to set up an appointment.

Jeopardy

Wednesday, March 4 — 12:15 p.m.

Eat your Smarties for breakfast and head to the Center to put your skills to the test!

Hand & Foot Card Game

Thursday, March 5, 12, 19 & 26

12:30-3:45 p.m.

This will take place in the dining room

Line dancing

Friday, March 6, 13, 20 & 27

Advance classes 10-11 a.m., beginners classes 11 a.m.-noon

Our line dancing group is moving and grooving with a great group of people lately! Not too sure about dancing? Pull a chair up and watch all of the fun and listen to great music!

Film Friday

Friday, March 6, 13, 20 & 27 — 12:30 p.m.

We have a great lineup of films, and you can’t beat delicious, fresh-popped popcorn!

Mexican Train Dominoes

Friday, March 6, 13, 20 & 27 12:30-3:45 p.m.

Bunco

Monday, March 9 & 23 — 12:30 p.m.

Bingo

Wednesday, March 11 & 25 12:15 p.m.

Bingo is a blast; great prizes, great people, and lots of FUN! See you there! Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry!

Vets coffee

Friday, March 13 — 9 a.m.

Through the winter months, we will serve coffee and donuts or coffee cake.

Wheel of Fortune

Wednesday, March. 18 — 12:15 p.m.

Buy a vowel and solve our puzzle! See you then!

GOLDEN ECHO

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.

Myrtle Beach Show trip

APRIL 11-19, 2026

Trip includes evening shows: “Legends in Concert” at the Alabama Theatre, “Music Memories” at the Greg Rolwes Legacy Theatre, “Le Grande Cirque” at Broadway Theater, and “The Man of a Thousand Voices” at Asher Theatre. Also enjoy Barefoot Landing, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. This is a Diamond Tours trip.

Discover Reflections of Italy

OCT. 28-NOV. 6, 2026

Trip includes 10 days and 9 nights, with 12 meals (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners). Highlights of the trip will include a visit to Rome, the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi, Perugia, Cortona, Florence, Venice, Murano Island, Lake Como, Chianti Winery and a cooking class. We will stay overnight in Rome, Perugia, Florence, Venice, and Como.

This is a Collette tour.

Cost: The rates are per person and are guaranteed until April 29, 2026, for members and non-members:

Single occupancy: $5,949 / Double occupancy $4,949/ Triple occupancy $4,899.

PLEASE NOTE: These rates do not include optional trip insurance. A deposit of $698 holds your seat.

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.

Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox at the White Sox Stadium

MAY 15, 2026

We are heading back to Chicago, this time at the White Sox Stadium, for a Cubs vs. Sox Game. The game is at 6:40pm. We will depart Sauk Valley Community College at 2 p.m. There is limited seating on the charter bus!

Cost $150 for members and $175 for non-members.

Celebration Belle Riverboat Tour

JUNE 11, 2026

Join us for lunch and a tour on the Mississippi River. The trolley will depart the Senior Center at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m.

Cost: $120 for members | $145 for non-members

Chicago

APRIL 28-30, 2026

Join us for a three-day, two-night stay in Chicago, featuring tours of the Museum of Science and Industry, 360 Chicago, a Skyline Cruise on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Field Museum, and a night of dinner and entertainment. Please call Devon for more information.