Senior Center News, Dec. 1, 2023

North Central Senior Center

Dec 1, 2023

Menu

Due to changes in staff we will not have a regular menu listed for December. We are serving meals and hope to see you all here for lunch.

Entertainment: BJ’s Geetar Oakie — Brad Taylor will play Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free and open to the community. Tuesday, Dec. 12 and Tuesday, Dec. 26, Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties from 11 a.m. to noon. Also free and open to community.

News from our gift shop: Christmas has arrived. The gift store is now filled with Christmas items — priced just right. Table centerpieces. knick knacks, lighted wreath and tree garlands — 25 cents each — outdoor lights, tree ornaments — 10 cents each — Christmas cards — 10 cents each. Christmas Special - All puzzles 50 cents each. Lots to choose from.

Bingo: Bingo is played every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Price is $1/card for the entire afternoon play, 100% payout. Mark your calendars “Free Bingo” Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. All players may play six cards. $5 payout on regular games, $50 payout on blackout. Must be 18 years old to play.

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.

Medicare open enrollment began Oct. 16. Please pick up a pre-enrollment form from the North Central Senior Center and schedule your appointment with Lorrie or Marcie. Open enrollment ends Dec. 7. It is advisable to ensure your medications will be covered in 2024 to at least have the ladies make sure everything will be covered. Please feel free to make an appointment; the number is 406-265-5464.

Commodities: slots are available, if interested stop by the Senior Center and request an application. For commodities there is an income restriction. Bring income verification and picture ID.

Pinochle: Come join your friends in playing pinochle Thursday at 1 p.m.

Silver Sneakers Membership: The Hill County Council on Aging wants to let everyone know we are unable to continue with Silver Sneakers Memberships at this time. If we are ever able to start up again we will let you know

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.

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.