Senior Center News, March 31, 2023

Editor's note: This version corrects that the center will be open April 10.

North Central Senior Center

April 3-7

Menu

Monday, April 3 — French toast, ham, milk, fruit

Tuesday, April 4 — BBQ ribs, mash potatoes, corn, rolls, salad, dessert

Wednesday, April 5 — Roast beef, mashed potatoes, veggies, dessert

Thursday, April 6 — Meat loaf, mash potato/gravy, veggies, pudding

Friday, April 7 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Tax time: We started taking reservations for tax preparation Jan. 23. Give us a call at 406-265-5464. March 27, we are continuing to take names.

Focus on your feet: Don’t put your winter boots away just yet. Hopefully soon. We have to take steps to protect our foot health. Pay attention to any foot problems that may come up. We should never ignore our feet or any problem that may need a doctor’s care. Foot problems can range from annoying to devastating. Our feet can provide early clues to problems in other parts of our body. For example, stiff joints in your feet or ankles could be a sign of arthritis elsewhere. Swollen feet could warn of high blood pressure or kidney or heart disease. Tingling, burning or numbness might signal some type of nerve damage. Nerve damage in the foot is often a warning sign of diabetes. Check your feet regularly. Apply treatment as needed. Wear well-fitting protective footwear that provides proper support. See your health care provider if you have ongoing pain or any problems. Remember it’s always better to catch foot problems sooner rather than later.

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, $1.00 each. Glassware, wall hangings 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. Glassware serving dishes, perfect items to add a special touch to the table for Easter brunch or dinner. All items priced to well.

Bingo: Come join us for Bingo every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome, fun for all. All of the money is paid out.

Pinochle: Come join your friends in playing pinochle Thursday at 1 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: 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 a few select openings. 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 individuals 16 and under: Call 406-265-5408 for an appointment. Sick individuals 17 and over: call 406-262-1570 for an appointment. Bullhook Community Health Center — Testing of contacts: register at https://forms.gle/ark5xEKJDFaXZHZ97 . MSU-Northern — Staff and students of MSU-Northern only can call Student Health Services at 406-265-3599. Havre Public Schools — Staff and students of PS only can 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 can 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 Council on Aging also known as the senior center is excited to say we are working with Down Under 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 in addition also 2 p.m. 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: 406-259-2558 (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.

April Activities

North Central Senior Center

Tuesday, April 4 — 11 a.m.-noon — Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Free and open to the community

Tuesday, April 4 — 1-3 p.m. — Bingo. $1.00 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100% of amount$ paid in. Open to community members age 18+

Wednesday, April 5 — 10:45-11:35 a.m. — Stepping On Workshop. Falls Prevention Program that addresses risk factors in home and community and covers balance and strength exercises and much more. Drop-ins welcome

Thursday, April 6 — 12:45-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities

Tuesday, April 11 — 10:30 a.m.-noon — BJ’s Geetar Oakie. Brad Taylor will play pop and country mix on guitar with back up accompaniment. This performance is free and open to the community

Tuesday, April 11 — 1-3 p.m. — Bingo. $1.00 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100% of amount paid in. Open to community members age 18+

Wednesday, April 12 — 10:45-11:35 a.m. — Falls Prevention Program that addresses risk factors in home and community and covers balance and strength exercises and much more. Mark Weber, Blaine County Health Department, Instructor. Drop-ins welcome

Wednesday, April 12 — 12:30-2:30 p.m. — Music Concert. Gene Allen & Friends. Ole Time Country Hits on guitar, accordion, mandolin and penny whistle. Have your music requests ready. Free and open to the community

Thursday, April 13 — 12:45-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities

Tuesday, April 18 — 11 a.m.-noon — Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Free and open to the community

Tuesday, April 18 — 1-3 p.m. — Bingo. $1.00 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100% of amount$ paid in. Open to community members age 18+

Thursday, April 20 — 12:45-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities

Monday, April 24 — 9 a.m.-3 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, April 25 — 10:30 a.m.-noon — BJ’s Geetar Oakie. Brad Taylor will play pop and country mix on guitar with back up accompaniment. This performance is free and open to the community

Tuesday, April 25 — 1-3 p.m. — Bingo. $1.00 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100% of amount paid in. Open to community members age 18+

Thursday, April 27 — 12:45-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities

DAILY — Pool in back room. Monday–Friday 1-3 p.m. — Group is expanding and looking for players.