Senior Center News, March 26, 2021

North Central Senior Citizens Center

March Menu by Earlene DeWinter, subject to change

Monday — Tatertot casserole, salad, biscuits, applesauce bars

Tuesday — Salad, pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls, cake

Wednesday — Philly Steak Sandwich, potato wedges, cookies

Thursday — Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and beef gravy, peas and carrots, pudding

Friday — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

The Senior Center’s doors are still closed to the public. We are providing limited services by phone with individuals bringing their paperwork down to the center. Help is being given over the phone when possible.

Tax preparation information

The AARP Tax Preparation people are having major challenges reaching people to help them with their taxes. People still are not answering their phones. They will try to contact you two or three times. After that your name will go to the bottom of the call list. If you don’t want this to happen, please answer your phone.

If you want your taxes done, put your name on the call list at the Senior Center and the preparers will contact you to set up an appointment. If you have a PRIVATE or RESTRICTED be sure to answer your phone — it may be one of the tax preparers. They are having problems with people not answering their phone or phones not working so they are unable to schedule appointments. As much as we don’t like the scam calls, you can hang up on them. Answer your phone in case it is from the AARP tax people so they don’t have to keep trying to call. They are taking additional seniors on their call list this week. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

On the day of your appointment, please wait it the alley by the doors on the west side of the building. Someone will come out and get you as they limited to the number of people they can have in the building at any given time.

They thank you for your patience.

Transportation: The Senior Center is providing medical transportation only. Remember to call ahead for Friday’s appointments. Monday and Thursday rides have to be worked around grocery delivery.

Congregate meals: We are still continuing to provide meals at the North Central Senior Citizens Center as grab-and-go meals while we are still closed. If you would like to pick up a meal, please be sure to call the center before 10 a.m. to order your meal through the kitchen. Your meals may be picked up at the center from 11:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you would like to, you may order a meal for one day or put in your order for the entire week. If you would please let us know which meals you would be like ahead of time, it would be beneficial in preparation so we are aware of how much food to fix each day.

With the isolation, challenges are being felt by some people be a friendly neighbor. Contact a senior or a Veteran that may be facing challenges just to see how they are doing. The personal contact will help them feel a great deal better.

Important phone numbers:

• Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

• Tumbleweed Runaway and Family Crisis Program: 259-2558 (local) 1-888-816-4702 (toll free)

• Friendship Line by Institute on Aging - The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warm-line for non-emergency emotional support calls. It is a 24-hour toll-free line and the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Toll-Free Line: (800) 971-0016

• For those seniors getting frustrated with staying home and needing someone to talk to you can call 1-877-688-3377 for Montana’s Warm Line.