Senior Center News, May 12, 2023

North Central Senior Center

May 15-19

Menu

Monday, May 15 — Biscuits with gravy, bacon, peaches

Tuesday, May 16 — Turkey dinner, rolls, salad, cake

Wednesday, May 17 — Braised beef, mashed potatoes, salad, chocolate cake

Thursday, May 18 — Chicken broccoli casserole, rolls, pears

Friday, May 19 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

News from our gift shop: Cards — cards — and more cards. Cards for any occasion are just 25 cents each. Need a birthday gift or a just because gift, check out the gift shop for one priced just right. Knick knack, frames, statues and much more can be found. Beautiful clear glass serving dishes are priced to sell. Thanks to those who donate items to the gift shop, new items are added often. The gift store hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hydrating for health: Summer is right around the corner with all its hot weather. About two-thirds of our body weight is water. All your cells need water to work. No living thing can survive without water. How do you know if your drinking enough? Remember you need to drink enough to replace what you lose. If you don’t get enough you become dehydrated. Some signs that you’re getting dehydrated include feeling very thirsty and having headaches. Drinking fluids should be enough to relieve mild dehydration. If dehydration becomes severe, it can cause confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing. At this point you should seek medical attention. Don’t forget your water bottle this summer. Carry it with you and refill it as needed during the day.

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

May Activities Havre Senior Center

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

Tuesday, May 16, 11 a.m to noon — Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Free and open to the community

Tuesday, May 16, 1 – 3 p.m. — Bingo, $1 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100 percent of amount of money paid in. Open to community members age 18 and older.

Wednesday, May 17, 10 a.m. to noon — Coffee Club meets every Wednesday, Havre Senior Center. Drop-ins and newcomers welcome, meet new people and socialize.

Thursday May 18, 12:45-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities.

Friday, May 19, 11 a.m. to noon — Blood pressure clinic, every other Friday. Janice Holt, RN, will take blood pressures and provide hypertension health information. Please call 406-265-5464 and sign up.

Monday, May 22, 9 a.m. to 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, May 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon — BJ’s Geetar Oakie. Brad Taylor will play pop and country mix on guitar with back up accompaniment. Free and open to the community.

Tuesday, May 23, 1-3 p.m. — Bingo, $1 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100 percent of amount of money paid in. Open to community members age 18 and older.

Wednesday, May 24, 10 a.m. to noon — Coffee Club meets every Wednesday, Havre Senior Center. Drop-ins and newcomers welcome, meet new people and socialize

Wednesday, May 24, 11 a.m to noon — Emma Korntheuer, Hill County Conservation District, is back to discuss Hi-Line Pollinators at the Senior Center. Learn about local pollinators, their habitat and behaviors and what you can do to your backyard gardens to support these important propagators. Free and open to the community

Thursday May 25, 12:45-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. — This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities.

Tuesday, May 30, 11 a.m. to noon — Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Free and open to the community

Tuesday, May 30, 1-3 p.m. — Bingo, $1 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100 percent of amount of money paid in. Open to community members age 18 and older.

Wednesday, May 31, 11 a.m to noon — Piano concert by retired music teacher Michael Stevenson. Free and open to the community.