Senior Center News, May 27, 2022

North Central Senior Citizens Center

May 30 to

June 3

Menu

Monday, May 30 — Memorial Day Holiday — center is closed

Tuesday, May 31 — Oven-baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls, cake

Wednesday, June 1 — Oven-baked fish, au gratin potatoes, peas, coffee cake

Thursday, June 2 — Pork tips, buttered noodles, broccoli, brownies

Friday, June 3 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert.

Noise complaints: Do you hear sounds that no one else hears? It might be a ringing. A clicking. Or maybe a buzzing, hissing, or humming. Hearing such noises can be disconcerting — especially if they don’t go away. Some people hear these noises for a few hours. Others may hear them for a lifetime. You might hear it in one or both ears. Most of the time, it isn’t a sign of a serious health problem. This is called tinnitus. Sometimes it can be very temporary. If it doesn’t go away or it gets worse, tinnitus can make it hard to hear, concentrate, or even sleep. Exposure to loud noise can increase your risk for tinnitus. Aging and many drugs, increase your risk of tinnitus. If you are experiencing any kind of tinnitus see your doctor.

Keeping up with the pandemic: May 23, 11 new cases of COVID-19, two recovered, total 4,871, three active, no hospitalizations, total deaths 74. Right now community transmission is trending up and everyone should be wearing masks and social distancing is a good idea. As of now we are 75 percent vaccinated in Hill county, and are doing better.

News from our gift shop: Spring has arrived in the gift shop. We have flower arrangements for get well, spring center pieces, happy birthday and etc. Also check out our other unique items. Hand-made items also available fish flies, slippers, jewelry, kitchen towels and scrubbies.

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.

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

Wanted: If you have any gently used knick-knacks (chachkis) you don’t need any more, we would be glad to take them off your hands. Call us at 265-5464 or stop down to see us. Thanks.

Keep well: Be kind, don’t forget your mask. Masks are required at the senior center.

Transportation: Remember the senior center has reached an agreement with North Central Montana Transit to take over the transportation of our seniors. This change seems to be going very well. 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.

Scams: Scam calls are still widespread. Text messages and emails are also becoming popular. Do not respond to any of them. Do not even open them, just delete them. Medicare isn’t issuing gold cards. Talk to someone in the community before you consider a reverse mortgage.

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.

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: 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 for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under. 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 in addition also 2 p.m. on 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.