Senior Center News, July 21, 2023

North Central Senior Center

July 24-28

Menu

Monday, July 24 — Bacon and egg, toast, milk, fruit

Tuesday, July 25 —  Meatballs with sour cream sauce, beets, dessert

Wednesday, July 26 — Softshell tacos, rice, veggies, cookies

Thursday, July 27 — Pulled-pork sandwiches, coleslaw, fruit

Friday, July 28 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

News from our gift shop: Need a gift for a summer birthday or just because? Visit our gift shop to find wall hangings, knick knack art glass and much more, all priced just right. Special — All candles/candle holders are 50% off the price marked. New this week — Collectables — Avon bottles.

Still available — Chain necklaces and beautiful small trinket boxes. Need a card? All occasions are available, just 25 cents each. The gift shop is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations of yarn are always appreciated.

Checking on your car: Are you locking your car when it’s sitting at home? You need to be locking your car even in “open door policy” Montana. People are stealing identities and information from your jockey box, glove compartment, or whatever you want to call it. Remember, your insurance and vehicle registration are in there. With a quick picture they have all of your information.

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 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 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: 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.

July activities at 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.

Tuesday, July 25, 11 a.m to noon — Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Free and open to the community

Tuesday, July 25, 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, July 26, 10 a.m to noon — The ROC Band from Chinook, Roger, Dave and Brad, will start your day with real old Country hits and favorites. Music concert is free and open to the community.

Wednesday, July 26, 10-11:30 a.m. — Coffee Club meets every Wednesday at the senior center. Drop-ins and newcomers welcome, meet new people and socialize.

Thursday, July 27, 12:30-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays — This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities.