Senior Center News, Dec. 8, 2023

North Central Senior Center

Dec 11-15, 2023

Menu

Monday, Dec. 11 — Biscuits and sausage gravy, veggies, fruit, dessert

Tuesday, Dec. 12 — Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted brussel sprouts, dessert

Wednesday, Dec. 13 — Enchiladas, Spanish rice, refried beans

Thursday, Dec. 14 — Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, veggies, Pumpkin Pie

Friday, Dec. 15 — TaterTot casserole, veggies, dessert

Scent-sational news about smell: When Americans were asked in 2018 which sense they would miss most if they lost it, smell came in dead last. Then came COVID-19. In early 2020 ear, nose and throat doctors around the world found when those senses were gone, many of these specialists then developed the same condition and became very ill. Suddenly the stepchild sense took center stage. Researchers soon realized that smell loss is a leading indicator of COVID-19. It is still not understood the connection. The smell receptors at the top of our noses are connected to the base of our brains. Now they are finding smell loss could also be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune diseases such as Lupus. These disorders can shrink or otherwise disrupt parts or our brains that process smell. If seeing is believing, smelling is tasting. Our palates are almost entirely dependent on our ability to smell. Women have keener noses than men. Pregnant women smell best. Humans might not have the greatest sniffers in the animal kingdom, but we are sharper than we think. People willing to crawl through grass like dogs are perfectly capable of following a scent trail. African elephants have the strongest sense of smell. Elephants can smell water from 12 miles away. Maybe perhaps because they have as many as 50 percent more cells in that part of the brain that process smell. People with anosmia have no sense of smell. Unable to detect odors such as smoke or spoiled milk, they are twice as likely to succumb to fire and food poisoning than those with their sense intact. So now we are finding out that our nose should not be coming in dead last at all. It is very important.

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

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.

Medicare open enrollment ended Dec. 7.

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.