Senior Center News, May 19, 2023

North Central Senior Center

May 22-26

Menu

Monday, May 22 — Breakfast burritos, pears

Tuesday, May 23 — Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, coleslaw, cake

Wednesday, May 23 — Tatortot casserole, corn bread, peaches

Thursday, May 24 — Chicken sandwich, fries, green beans, Jell-O/fruit

Friday, May 26 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

News from our gift shop: New items have been added. Visit the gift shop to find wall hangings, knick knacks, art glass, beautiful clear glass serving dishes, new baby afghan and much more, all priced just right. Cards for all occasions are 25 cents each. A new supply of yarn has found its way to the gift shop this week. The gift shop hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Here comes summer: We have a few tips for dealing with the heat and humidity this summer. Approximately 400 deaths are attributed to excessive natural heat each year in the US. Many of these deaths are preventable by being more aware.

1. Stay out of the heat when possible. Young and old are particularly vulnerable.

2. If you don’t have air condition in your home, visit a friend or relative.

3. Check on elderly and sick friends and relatives several times a day.

4. Drink plenty of water, especially when working outdoors.

5. Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks as they are diuretics.

6. Take care of your skin, use sunscreen, and wear a hat. Seek shade or air conditioning if you begin to feel dizzy or disoriented.

7. Seek medical treatment if you have temperature or are vomiting.

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 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.

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: 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 North Central Senior Center

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

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.