Senior Center News, Dec. 3, 2021

North Central Senior Citizens Center, Dec. 6-10

Menu

Monday — Sloppy joe with a bun, tater tots, corn, dessert

Tuesday — Salad, baked ham, au gratin potatoes, winter-mix veggies, rolls, peach crisp

Wednesday — Blueberry french toast bake, hashbrown bake, omelets, yogurt

Thursday — Chicken pot pie, biscuits, salad, fruit

Friday — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Keeping Up with the Pandemic: As of Nov. 30 there were 2 new COVID-19 cases, 3 cases recovered reported for Hill County. There are nocases currently in the hospital. Total Cases for all of Hill County 3,493. Deaths at 71. Right now, community transmission is going down but everyone should still be wearing a mask. As of now we are 56% vaccinated in Hill county. And of course, now we are waiting for information on the latest variant, Omicrom, from southern Africa to be understood. Hopefully it won’t set us back any further.

Surprise Just For You: We have a welcoming gift especially for new seniors who come to have lunch with us at the Senior Center. Come enjoy our wonderful lunches and pick up a gift we have just for you. We will be giving these gifts for the next five weeks.

Bingo: For a good time, come to Havre senior center at 1 p.m. Tuesdays.

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.

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.

Staying Connected to Fight Loneliness: Positive relationships with friends and family help us thrive. Without social connections, it’s easy to feel lonely or isolated. Many of us have been spending more time alone in our homes lately. Major life changes or losses can increase feelings of loneliness. Older adults are at greater risk because they’re more likely to live alone. Mobility issues can make it harder to leave the house. And sensory issues like vision and hearing loss can contribute to feeling isolated. No matter what your age, it’s important for your health to stay socially connected. Loneliness can take a toll. It’s linked to higher rates of depression and heart disease, and can weaken your immune system. Get your heart going. Exercise has been shown to reduce your stress and boost mood levels. You might also consider getting a pet. Animals can be a source of comfort and companionship. Many people are using technology to connect with friends and family virtually. Take time to reach out to others by phone or online. A call or video chat can remind you that you’re not alone. Providing social support or helping others in need can give meaning to our lives and help combat feelings of isolation or disconnection. During these times we should all try to keep happy.

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 406-265-5464 to let us know. There are many different volunteer opportunities, maybe one just right for you, give us a call.

Available COVID-19 testing in Hill County: Northern Montana Health Care — Testing of contacts call 406-262-1570 for an appointment. Sick people 16 and under: Call 406-265-5408 for an appointment. Sick people 17 and over: call 406-262-1570 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 406-265-3599.

Havre Public Schools: Staff and students of Havre Public Schools only: Call Jeri Zorn at 406-390-2210.

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 can call 406-395-1712 for an appointment or with questions.

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

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 December. 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.