Senior Center News, Feb. 17, 2023

North Central Senior Citizens Center

Feb. 20-24

Menu

Monday, Feb. 20 — Closed for President’s Day

Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, apple pie

Wednesday, Feb. 22 — Tator tot casserole, corn, dessert

Thursday, Feb. 23 — Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, veggies, Jell-O/fruit

Friday, Feb. 24 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert.

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

Bits and pieces: We are happy to announce the hiring of our new cook, Connie Duran. We have every confidence in her abilities for making and cooking a wonderful menu each month. She is a wonderful addition to our staff.

How cataracts cloud your vision: As we age, our vision changes. Cataracts are one such common change. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. By age 80, most people either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them. Your vision becomes blurry and colors seem faded. You may also have trouble seeing at night. Cataracts can be corrected with surgery. It is one of the most common operations in the U.S. During cataract surgery, the doctor removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens. This surgery is very safe. Nine out of 10 people who get it can see better afterwards.

News from our gift shop: Spring has arrived in the gift store. Bunnies and other Easter items add a special touch to spring decorations. Handmade bracelets are available to add to Easter dress or an Easter basket. Special price, $1 each. Glassware, wall hanging and knick-knacks can be found. Art glass vases are ready to be filled with spring flowers. Visit the gift shop to find unusual items, priced just right. Donations are being taken. L-o-n-g winter, our yarn supply is low and donations of yarn are always greatly appreciated.

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 is now being handled by the North Central Montana Transit. 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 10:00 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and in addition also 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. 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.

February Activity Calendar

North Central Senior Citizens Center

“Hi Cutie, Be My Valentine!”

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

Monday, Feb. 20, Presidents’ Day Holiday. Center is closed

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to noon — Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Open concert from 11 a.m. to noon.

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 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. 22 – Stepping On Workshop, 10:45-11:35 a.m., fourth class of falls prevention program, Mark Weber, Blaine County Health Department, instructor.

Thursday, Feb. 23, 12:45-3 p.m — Pinochle Thursdays. This group welcomes new players of all levels and abilities. If you have any questions please call Heather at the center at 406-265-5464.

Monday, Feb. 27, 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 406-265-4776. The price is $37.

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10:45 a.m. to noon — BJ’s Geetar Oakie. Brad Taylor will play pop and country mix on guitar with back up accompaniment

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 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.

We are looking for people you would like to share their skill or talent with a demonstration or activity at the North Central Senior Citizens Center. Please call Heather 406-265-5464.