Senior Center News, Dec. 22, 2023

North Central Senior Center

Dec. 25-29

Menu

Monday, Dec. 25 — Closed for Christmas Day

Tuesday, Dec. 26 — Closed for day after Christmas

Wednesday, Dec. 27— Beef stroganoff, veggies, dessert, fruit

Thursday, Dec. 28 — Tuna noodle casserole, veggies, dessert

Friday, Dec. 29 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Frozen meals available for sale for your dining pleasure: We will be closed for a couple days, Christmas Day the 25th and Tuesday the 26th. If you need a couple extra meals to tide you over, we now have some frozen dinners for sale. We have one lasagna, $6; nine stroganoff, $4 each; seven Tater Tot casserole, $5 each; seven roast beef dinner, $5 each; one turkey S.O.S, $6; two ham and scalloped potatoes, $6 each. First-come, first-serve. Call the kitchen to reserve your extra meal at 406-265-5464.

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) and Christmas cards (10 cents each). Christmas Special — all puzzles 50 cents each with lots to choose from.

Bingo: Come join us for Bingo every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome, with fun for all. All of the money is paid out. 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 ended Dec. 7.

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

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.