Senior Center News, Dec. 9, 2022

North Central Senior Citizens Center

Dec. 12-16

Menu

Monday, Dec. 12 — Spiral pepperoni, pizza bake, bread sticks, dessert

Tuesday, Dec. 13 — Roast beef, baked potatoes, green beans, rolls, dessert

Wednesday, Dec. 14 — BLTs, macaroni salad, baked beans, cookies

Thursday, Dec. 15 — Pulled-pork sandwich, coleslaw, corn, cookies

Friday, Dec. 16 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Keeping up with the pandemic: Dec 5, 19 new cases of COVID-19, total number is 5,978, seven active and no active hopsitalizations, total deaths 74. Right now community transmission is slowing down again, but 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.

Don’t crowd the snow plow: Every winter many vehicles collide with snowplows. Drivers often overestimate the speed plows are traveling and do not allow time to slow down. Other drivers take the chance and drive through the snow cloud created by the plow, then strike the wing plow that extends to the right or left side of the truck. Sometimes drivers crash into a second plow truck working ahead of the plow truck being passed. Some drivers even attempt to drive through the berm being created by the plow truck. Whatever the reason, these collisions are dangerous and costly. The plow truck and plow operator are taken out of service, passenger vehicles are often totaled, and vehicle occupants may be seriously injured or killed. Remember to slow down when approaching a snowplow. The plow operators know the road well and will pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Be patient!

News from our gift shop: Christmas has arrived at the senior center gift shop. A wide variety of Christmas items are available at reasonable prices. Tree ornaments — two for 25 cents. Christmas cards — two for 25 cents. Angels, Santa’s Snowmen and much more are ready to add to your collection. New garlands 75 cents each. Handmade gift items include kitchen towels, knitted slippers and hats. Fishing Flies, doilies, center pieces and bracelets are also available. Gift shop open Montan through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bingo: Play is every Tuesday, 1-3 p.m. at North Central Senior Citizens Center. $1 per card for the afternoon, 100% payout. Mark your calendar, Bingo on Tuesday, Dec. 13, is free for seniors. Cash payouts.

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.

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

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 — Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves are at the center to greet and be jolly. Take your picture with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies together.

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, 11-11:45 a.m. — Ilo McKay will play Golden Age popular songs on the piano

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 a.m. 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