Senior Center News, Sept. 17, 2021

North Central Senior Center

Sept. 20-24

Senior Center is open

Menu

Monday — Sloppy joes, tator tots, salad, cookies

Tuesday — Roast feef, mashed potatoes with gravy, cauliflower, rolls, ginger bread

Wednesday — Barbecue chicken, baked beans, salad, Tollhouse Crumb Cake

Thursday — Creamy Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, Riviera veggies, truit

Friday — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert,

Keeping up with the pandemic: As of Sept 15, there were 11 new COVID-19 cases reported for Hill County, six cases met the criteria for being considered recovered, one case was discharged from the hospital. Total Cases for all of Hill County 2,562, active cases 167, six currently hospitalized, recovered 2,346, Deaths 49.

Quarantine procedures in Hill County: Procedures may have changed, but the purpose behind quarantine has not. It is one of the best ways we have to protect our community and stop the spread of diseases before it gets out of hand. Together we can do what’s best for the community, by staying home when we are identified as a contact to protect others around us and interrupt disease transmission. Being here to support others once diagnosed with devastating illness is one of this communities biggest strengths … let’s use that and be here to support others by doing our part to protect them from this illness.

Available COVID-19 testing in Hill County: Northern Montana Health Care: Testing of contacts call 262-1570 for an appointment. Sick people 16 and under: Call 265-5408 for an appointment. Sick people 17 and over: call 262-1570 for an appointment.

Bullhook Community Health Center: Testing of contacts: register at this link: https://forms.gle/ark5xEKJDFaXZHZ97.

Montana State University-Northern: Staff and students of MSU-Northern only: Call Student Health Services at 265-3599.

Havre Public Schools: Staff and students of HPS only: Call Jeri Zorn at 390-2210.

Rocky Boy Health Center: Anyone who is eligible to receive services at Rocky Boy Health Center, or community members that live or work on the reservation: call 395-1712 for an appointment or with questions.

**Testing subject to change based on availability and demand. **

Transportation: Our transportation program has been up and running now since Monday, Aug. 30. As you know we are working with the North Central Montana Transit System. There will be no charge for rides through this program but you can offer a donation. You must give 24-hour notice to request a ride. Rides will be available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The transit system also goes to Great Falls Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It leaves Havre 9 a.m. and returns to Havre at 3:45 p.m. The transit makes four stops in Great Falls, first stop is Benefis East, then Benefis West, then the airport and then the bus depot.

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

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 Physical Fitness 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.

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.