Senior Center News, Oct. 1, 2021

North Central Senior

Citizens Center

Oct. 4-8

Senior Center is now open

Menu

Monday — Chicken broccoli casserole, garlic cheddar biscuit, salad, cookies

Tuesday — Salad, meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, green beans, rolls, cake

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

Thursday —  Polish sausage, sauer kraut, crunch onion potato bake, poor man bars

Friday — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Keeping up with the pandemic: As of Sept 28, there were 19 new COVID-19 cases reported for Hill County, 26 cases met the criteria for being considered recovered, 1 case was discharged from the hospital. Total Cases for all of Hill County 2,841, active cases 137, recovered 2,651, deaths 53. Right now, community transmission is high and everyone should be wearing a mask. As of now we are 50% vaccinated here in Hill County.

Avoiding COVID-19: Here’s why the virus spreads more indoors: “Coronavirus hitches a ride on other air particles and floats around.” COVID particles hang in the air and can become more concentrated; outside, they’re more likely to blow away and/or dissipate. So if you’re inside with an infected person, you’re more likely to breathe in the virus and get COVID. Ventilation and HEPA filters can help move the virus-laden particles out, but nothing catches everything, which is why it’s best to avoid indoor gatherings in the first place.

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.

Open enrollment for Medicare: This year, open enrollment starts Oct. 17 and ends Dec. 7. Marci would like you to check your formularies to see if your drugs are still covered under your insurance. You must call for an appointment to see Marci this year. This is something new. You must stop down to pick up a Pre-Enrollment Form and get it completed before your appointment. Remember, to see Marci you must wear a mask. To make sure you are safe, Medicare will never call or visit and will only send information through the U.S. Postal Service. Also, guard your Medicare number like it is a credit card. Don’t give it out to anyone except your doctor or other providers. If you receive an unsolicited call from anyone requesting personal information, hang up immediately. Contact Montana Senior Medicare Patrol if you need assistance with Medicare billing issues or to report Medicare fraud. You can also get help from your family, the Medicare website or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

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 Havre Public Schools 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. **

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 the 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 October. 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.

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.