Senior Center News, Jan. 27, 2023

North Central Senior

Citizens Center

Jan. 30 to Feb. 3

Menu

Monday, Jan. 23 — French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage links, fruit

Tuesday, Jan. 24 — Meatballs, rice, beets, cake

Wednesday, Feb. 1 — Onion rings, buns, dessert

Thursday, Feb. 2 — Ham, scalloped potatoes, corn, cake

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

Tax time: We started taking reservations for tax preparation Jan. 23. Give us a call at 406-265-5464.

Communications Breakdown: How Aphasia affects language. Language sets humans apart from other species. We use it constantly to tell each other what we feel, think and need. Losing the ability to communicate can be devastating. Aphasia occurs when a part of the brain is damaged. The most common cause is a stroke but a head injury, infection, brain tumor and other brain disorders can also cause the condition. Almost 180,000 people U.S. develop aphasia every year. To help someone with aphasia feel more comfortable communicating, you can minimize distractions. Turn the radio or TV down. Use short uncomplicated sentences when speaking. Avoid correcting their speech. Allow them plenty of time to talk. And, encourage any kind of communication, including speaking, gesturing, pointing, or drawing.

News from our gift shop: New this week, flower/candy bouquets just in time for Valentine’s Day. Christmas is packed away and the gift store is all set up once again. Unique items can be found. Jewelry special just in time for Valentine’s Day. Handmade necklaces and bracelets $1 each. Spring birds are flocking to the gift store, perhaps spring weather will follow. All items priced very reasonable. Donations welcome. The gift store is once again accepting donations. Knick-Knacks and yarn are appreciated. No clothes please. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Would you like to be a volunteer at the senior center? Right now we are looking for a volunteer to answer phones at the front desk. 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.

North Central Senior Citizens Center in Havre

January Activity Calendar

Daily — Pool in the back room, Monday through Friday — 1-3 p.m. The group is expanding and looking for players

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 10:45-11:45 a.m. — B.J. Geetar Oakie — Brad Taylor will play a country mix on guitar backed by professionally recorded accompaniment

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 1-3 p.m. Bingo — Every Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., $1 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100% of amount of money paid in. Open to community members age 18 and older.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 10:45-11:35 a.m. Stepping On Workshop — Every Wednesday for seven weeks learn to navigate the many fall hazards, learn what affects your fall risk, adaptable strength and balance exercises and how to get on your feet again if you do fall. Call Havre Senior Center and sign up, 406-265-5464.  Free for seniors. First class is Feb. 1. Sponsored by Havre Senior Center and Blaine County Health Department.