Senior Center News, Jan. 7, 2022

North Central Senior

Citizens Center

Jan. 10-14

Menu

Monday, Jan. 10 — Chili mac casserole, corn bread, fruit salad

Tuesday, Jan. 11 — Spiced apples and pecans, baked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls, wacky cake

Wednesday, Jan. 12 — Unstuffed chicken cordon bleu, potato wedges, vegetables, dessert

Thursday, Jan. 13 — Hamburger steak, hashbrowns and gravy, beets, pudding

Friday, Jan. 14 — Soup, salad bar, chef’s choice, dessert

Keeping Up with the Pandemic: As of Jan. 3, there were 26 new COVID-19 cases and on Jan. 5 there were 16 new cases. They reported 39 active cases and 3,487 recovered cases. Total number of cases for all of Hill County is 3,597, deaths at 71. Right now, community transmission is going down but everyone should still be wearing a mask. As of now we are 58 percent vaccinated in Hill County. And of course, now we are waiting for information on the latest variant, omicron, to be understood. Sounds so far very easy to transmit but not quite as lethal as other variants. So far, we have one new case of omicron confirmed in Hill County.

Winter Weather: Make sure you are keeping an eye on the furnace in your home and are changing filters as needed. Also prepare your vehicle as winter continues. Get everything checked so you are safe and warm for the continuing cold weather. If traveling keep a box of things that might be needed if you get stranded, blankets, hats, extra gloves, boots and things to snack on and water. Stay Warm!

Keep Well: Don’t forget your flu shot. And be kind, don’t forget your mask.

Transportation: Remember, the Senior Center has reached an agreement with North Central Montana Transit to take over the transportation of our seniors. If you need a ride call 406-265-4762. They would appreciate a 24-hour notice for local rides and a 48-hour notice for Great Falls trips.

Gift Sop: While you are out shopping, don’t forget to stop in to see the wonderful things we have at our Gift Shop. Everything in the Gift Shop is 50 percent off. What a deal. We have handmade slippers, jewelry, fishing flies, Christmas decoration, glassware and many cards. See you there.

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

Open enrollment for Medicare is over, it ended Dec. 7. Marci can still help you if you need help with dual coverage — Medicare and Medicaid — and Big Sky coverage.

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.

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. **

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 November. 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.