50 North: still bringing fun and opportunities for seniors

Since 2019, 50 North has continued to bring a variety of fun opportunities for seniors to the forefront.

Their next event is a soup luncheon on March 18, 2025.

The non profit 501(c)(3) Stateline organization for seniors is always welcoming new members to their meetings.

Everyone aged 50 plus is invited to join in the fun. Twice a month, between 45-60 regular attendees enjoy the perks that come with being a part of the organization. There are no membership fees to pay.

50 North meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the newly renovated Rockton Township Center at 302 W. Main St. in Rockton. Meeting times are from 1-3 p.m.

All their activities are listed on the Rockton-Roscoe News community calendar.

To get added to their mailing list, you can send an email to 50NorthActivityCenter@gmail.com. Another option is to contact Diane LaForge at 815-624-4488.

All are welcome to visit any meeting to see what 50 North is all about. As interest grows, the group hopes to accommodate the introduction of more meetings.

One of the ways 50 North stays in operation is by applying for new grants each year. "We were fortunate enough to receive a Community Impact grant in the amount of $3,000 from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, this year," 50 North president Diane LaForge said.
“Last year we received a grant from the Stateline Foundation. Both foundations have been very good to us.

"This year's grant will enable us to expand on some of our programs, to host more historical presentations, or be used toward serving refreshments at our meetings."

Vice president Roxanne Smith agrees, “We are incredibly grateful for these grants along with the financial support of specific municipalities.
This allows us to have educational and just plain fun events for our seniors. The time we spend together is so enjoyable and they are all truly appreciative too.”

The heart of 50 North's mission is empowering senior citizens to embrace life to the fullest and to foster connections within communities, to reconnect with old friends, and to develop new friendships.

Rhonda Tierney has been a member of 50 North since the beginning. “It is a place for socializing, great entertainment and great people. I strongly recommend visiting and joining in the fun,” Tierney said.

Jan Weldon, who talked about bees and honey. proved to be a favorite among guest speakers.

Rick Marchione's musical styling of smooth classics has provided great entertainment.

Another social activity the group offers is shared meals together. Picnics are held in the summer. A pizza party has been held in the fall. Game days assure lots of laughs and enjoyment.

“We noticed that there was no senior center anywhere in Winnebago County,” says Diane LaForge, who played a key role in starting 50 North.

Before forming the organization, LaForge researched demographics in each local town. “At that time Roscoe had about 27% of residents over the age of 50. Rockton had about 29%, and South Beloit had 19%.”

After pitching the idea to village and township boards in Roscoe, Rockton and South Beloit, the group received great support from each entity. “We have nothing but good things to say about village leaders, townships and businesses,” LaForge said.

Municipalities have assisted with funding or have supported the group by allowing the use of community centers, and beyond.

At a recent Rockton Village board meeting, 50 North thanked the Village for a $1,500 donation.

Gwen Stook serves as the Activities Coordinator. A board of directors consists of President Diane LaForge, Secretary Jane Schamell, and Treasurer John Schamell. Also serving on the board are Roxanne Smith, Mark Grace, and Jeanne Nichols.

“We are always hoping to increase our numbers,” both LaForge and Smith said.

Smith adds, “I would love to see our attendance grow and to be able to expand our events.”

“This generous grant from CFNIL will directly benefit our members. In addition we thank them for their commitment to supporting and uplifting the older adult community. This significant investment demonstrates the foundation's dedication to improving the quality of life for seniors in the stateline area,” LaForge said.

“Through the utilization of the grant funds 50 North seeks to reinforce the belief that age should never be a barrier to leading a fulfilling life. By creating an environment that fosters support and companionship we can enable senior citizens to enjoy their golden years with a sense of purpose, enthusiasm and vitality.”

Leaders of 50 North, a Stateline organization for seniors, say they have experienced positive growth since starting in 2019, and are always welcoming new members.

Everyone who is the age of 50 plus is welcome to join in the fun. As of now, 50 North has between 25-35 regular members who enjoy perks that come with being a part of the organization.

Quality of life is enhanced through presentations, socialization, or programs offered at 50 North. There are no membership fees to pay.

50 North is a non-profit organization that usually meets twice a month at the Rockton Township Center, 302 W Main St. in Rockton. To get added to their mailing list, you can send an email to 50NorthActivityCenter@gmail.com. All their activities are listed on the Rockton-Roscoe News community calendar.

Sometime in either September of October, 50 North may be moving meetings to the Roscoe Township offices on Elevator Road, due to continued renovations and improvements at the Rockton Township Center.

Current president Diane LaForge reflects on early beginnings. “We noticed that there was no senior center anywhere in Winnebago County.”

LaForge researched demographics in each local town before proceeding with the idea of forming the organization. “ At that time Roscoe had about 27% of residents over the age of 50. Rockton had about 29%, and South Beloit had 19%.”

After first pitching the idea to village and township boards in Roscoe, Rockton and South Beloit, the group was met with great support from each entity. “We have nothing but good things to say about village leaders, townships and businesses,” LaForge said.

All of the entities have assisted with the funding of 50 North. “We are currently pursuing grants and are trying to get a more stable financial future,” LaForge said.

Gwen Stook serves as the Activities Coordinator. A Board of Directors consists of President Diane LaForge, Secretary Jane Schamell, and Treasurer John Schamell. Serving on the board are Roxanne Smith, Mark Grace, and Jeanne Nichols.

“Gwen is awesome at heading up activities, and organizing events plus providing refreshments,” LaForge said.

Barbara Cordones is a steady member. “As a regular member I enjoy the socialization it offers, going with friends, catching up with other members and meeting new people,” Cordones said.

She adds, “Many of our meetings feature different speakers on varied topics. They are interesting and we learn quite a bit from them. “

“The board does such a fantastic job of planning activities to keep us all socially engaged. The meeting days are days that we certainly look forward to.”

The next meeting is on Aug. 15 where a cookout at Settlers Park will create the perfect opportunity to see what 50 North is about. The group will be welcoming the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department who will have a speaker feature details on their services.

On Sept. 5 a speaker will give an overview on action in local schools. The Sept. 19 meeting program is yet to be determined. In October, they hope to hear from a local fire department to get tips and pointers during Fire Prevention month. If enough interest is shown, a trip to the apple orchard will be arranged, bringing fall fun into the limelight.

Anyone who might need transportation can call SMTD for a ride at a reasonable fare. Adults up to 64 years old ride for $3. Seniors 65 or older, or someone who is disabled (with prior certification), can ride for $1.50. SMTD stands by the motto, “We're here to get you there.” Call 877-561-3330 to schedule a ride. More details on registering to ride can be found on the SMTD website.

Board member Roxanne Smith adds, “We are looking to do major events in the future. We want to get larger groups together. We would love to tap into having someone be a guest speaker from a local police department, school officials, Village or Township officials,” Smith said.

“Come once, meet us, and find out what we are all about with no obligation, " LaForge said. As interest grows the group hopes to accommodate the introduction of more meetings.