Senior Center News, Aug. 27, 2021

North Central Senior Citizens Center

Aug. 30 to Sept. 3

Senior Center is now open

Menu

Monday — Pulled-pork sandwich, coleslaw, corn on the cob, cookies

Tuesday — Oven-baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, rolls, cake

Wednesday — Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, coffee cake

Thursday — Ham and scalloped potato casserole, salad, carrots, brownies

Friday — Soup, salad bar, chef’s choice, dessert,

How are vaccines tested? COVID-19 vaccines are a key part of overcoming the pandemic. Fully vaccinated people can start doing most things they had to stop. This includes visiting friends and loved ones who are also fully vaccinated.

You might still have questions about vaccines. How do they work? How do scientists know they’re safe? It’s important to know these answers so you can share them with others. Vaccines are the best protection against many serious diseases. They teach your body to recognize and fight off things like viruses and bacteria.

The COVID-19 vaccines were developed with amazing speed. But they’re still safe and effective. These vaccines were held to the same standards used to ensure the safety of any approved vaccine.

Before a new vaccine is given to people, a lot of testing is done in a lab. Then, it’s tested on people in clinical trials to make sure it’s safe and effective. There are three phases of clinical trials. Phase 1 is done in a small group of people. Scientists first determine if the vaccine is safe and test different doses. If it passes this phase, it moves on to phase 2. Phase 2 tests the vaccine in more people to see if it works. Researchers look at how the body responds to it and track any side effects. Finally, in phase 3, the vaccine is tested on thousands of people.

This rigorous process ensures that any approved vaccine is safe and effective.

Transportation: Our transportation program will be up and running again beginning Monday, Aug. 30t. We will be working with the North Central Transit System. There will be no charge for rides through this program. You must give 24-hour notice to request a ride. Rides will be available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the Senior Center to schedule your ride for the first two weeks at 265-546). After that, you will be calling the North Central Transit direct.

Would you like to be a volunteer at the Senior Center? We are very thankful for the many volunteers who help us daily and also during our special events. If you have a little extra time, we could sure use your help. We are finding ourselves a little short on volunteers now that we have opened our doors after closing due to the pandemic. If you would like to share your time and talents, please give us a call at 265-5464 to let us know. There are many different volunteer opportunities, maybe one just right for you, give us a call.

Silver Sneakers Membership: The Hill County Counsel on Aging, also known as the Senior Center, is excited to say we are working with Down Under Fitness Center for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under for August. You may already be attending their Silver Sneaker program and still take advantage of this offer. The classes are at 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and also 2 p.m. Wednesday. At this point in time, the Wednesday classes will be limited to 10 participants with all COVID-19 safety precautions in place. As a senior wishing to participate, contact Down Under at 406-265-4805 and request the Silver Sneaker membership being sponsored by the Hill county Senior Center. Please call Down Under at 406-265-4805 and schedule your time while requesting one of the memberships.

Senior Center Gift Shop: If there is someone special you are shopping for remember the Senior Center’s gift shop. Find some up-to-the-minute gifts along with some fun antiques. Also some beautiful glassware, handmade gifts, pictures, yarn and much more. We have cards for all occasions at great prices. We also have Depends in assorted sizes. We know you will be pleased with both our selection and our prices. Hope to see you there.

Commodities: If you are interested in receiving commodities, we have some open slots now. If your income falls within our guidelines and you would like to sign up, come to Senior Center and fill out application. If you qualify, you can receive commodities once a month. You do have to come to Senior Center to pick them up.

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: 1-800-971-0016

• 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.