Senior Center News, Nov. 25, 2022

North Central Senior Citizens Center

Monday, Nov. 28 to Dec. 2

Menu

Monday, Nov. 28 — Sloppy joes, tater tots, vegetables, fruit salad

Tuesday, Nov. 29 — Salad, meat loaf, au gratin potato, broccoli, rolls, cake

Wednesday, Nov. 30 — Oven-baked fish, rice pilaf, carrots, coffee cake

Thursday, Dec. 1 — Chicken broccoli casserole, garlic biscuits, salad, cookies

Friday, Dec. 2 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Keeping ip with the pandemic: Nov. 22, 48 new Cases of COVID-19, total number is 5,940, active seven, no active hospitalizations, total deaths 74. Right now community transmission is going up again, so we should all be careful out in big crowds and wearing masks and social distancing is up to each one of us. Fall is the time for flu shots and possibly another COVID-19 vaccination booster.

Remember, we are in flu season. Don’t forget your yearly flu shot! This is also a respiratory illness — spreads from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Our hospitals are full and having a hard time keeping up. Ninety-one per cent of adults in the hospital have at least one risk factor other than the flu. The most affected groups are pregnant women, young children, elderly, those with cardio vascular disease, diabetes, and those with compromised immune systems. So many things to keep track of. Stay well and happy.

News from our gift shop: Don’t forget to check out the gift store for all sorts of items. Hand-made items include bracelets, slippers, towel sets, fishing flies and more. Many fall items are available now. New this week are pictures for your wall. We have several original framed paintings. All items are priced to sell. We are now attempting to make room for Christmas items. The gift store is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A large collection of cards for all occasions are available at only 25 cents each.

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.

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.

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 Physical Fitness 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 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 seniors getting frustrated with staying home and needing someone to talk to you can call 1-877-688-3377 for Montana’s Warm Line.

December Activity Calendar North Central Senior Citizens Center

Daily, Monday through Friday, 1-3 p.m. — Pool in back room. Group is expanding and looking for players. You are welcome to join and change the stakes.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 10:45-11:45 a.m. — Arts and Crafts Decoupage. Demonstration by Peggy Wolf. You are invited to join.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 1-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. If you are interested in joining the players please call Heather at 406-265-5464 or come down to the senior center. All levels and abilities welcome.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 10:30-11:45 a.m. — B.J.’s Geetar Oakie. Brad Taylor will play a country mix on guitar backed by professionally recorded accompaniment.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m. — Bingo. Every Tuesday 1-3 p.m. $1.00 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100% of amount of money paid in. Open to community members age 18 and older.

Thursday, Dec. 8, 1- 3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. If you are interested in joining the players please call Heather at 406-265-5464 or come down to the senior center. All levels and abilities welcome.

Monday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Foot Care Clinic — A Plus Healthcare’s licensed nurse, Jan, will be at the Senior Center to provide medical pedicure and general nail care. Diabetic foot care assessment is provided. Appointments are made by calling A Plus Healthcare at 406-265-4776. The price is $37.

Monday, Dec. 12, Deadline to make reservation for Christmas Party held Friday, Dec. 16. Call the center at 406-265-5464 to make your reservations. Open to all area seniors and volunteers.

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 11 to noon — Mary Stevens will entertain with her harp or keyboard.

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m. — Senior Bingo Special — Free to play, cash prizes. One day only. All seniors 60 and older older welcome to participate. Sponsored by North Central Senior Citizens Center.

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10:45-11:45 a.m. — Nerds of Notes, the popular barbershop quartet, will sing songs for the Christmas season. Come attend this pre-lunch concert. The event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, Dec. 15, 1-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. If you are interested in joining the players please call Heather at 406-265-5464 or come down to the senior center. All levels and abilities welcome

Friday, Dec. 16, 4-8 p.m. - North Central Senior Citizens Center Christmas and Volunteer Recognition Party.

Location: Eagles Club, 202 First St., Havre

Time: 4-8 p.m.

Schedule: Gene Allen and Friends performing, dinner, volunteer recognition, door prizes and more music

Reservations: Required for dinner totals — Call the center at 406-265-5464

Dinner: Ham and scalloped potatoes

Sponsored by North Central Senior Citizens Center

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 10:30-11:45 a.m. — B.J.’s Geetar Oakie — Brad Taylor will play a country mix on guitar backed by professionally recorded accompaniment.

Thursday, Dec. 22, 1-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. If you are interested in joining the players please call Heather at 406-265-5464 or come down to the senior center. All levels and abilities welcome.

Monday, Dec. 26, Center is Closed for Christmas holiday.

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 11 to noon — Mary Stevens will play her harp or keyboard and entertain with popular tunes.

Thursday, Dec. 29, 1-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. If you are interested in joining the players please call Heather at 406-265-5464 or come down to the senior center. All levels and abilities welcome.