Senior Center News, March 22, 2024

North Central Senior Center

March 25-29

Menu

Monday, March 25 — Cheesy hash brown bake, ham, fruit, dessert

Tuesday, March 26 — Hot turkey dinner, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, veggies, dessert

Wednesday, March 27 — Chili dogs, bun, veggies, fruit, dessert

Thursday, March 28 — Red bean casserole, bread and butter, veggies, fruit, dessert

Friday, March 29 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

News from our gift shop — Spring is just around the corner. New items will be added often. Easter items are available new this week. Picture frames, yes we have some. The ice will be melting soon — fishing will be good with handmade fishing flies from the gift shop. Puzzles 50 cents, cards for all occasions 25 cents. Donations welcome, gently used knick knacks and yarn would be appreciated. No clothes, please. Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Let’s Color: The North Central Senior Center is hosting a Let’s Color Contest. If you are interested in competing for a ticket for congregate or home delivered meals? Submit your picture with your name, address and phone number on the back so no one can see who did the work. Return your work to the North Central Senior Center at 2 Second St. West in Havre. The picture to color is found on the back of the “2024 Reminders.” You will find it on the front desk at the North Central Senior Center.

The Persistence of Plastics: Can tiny plastic pieces affect our health? Since their invention over a century ago, plastics have become part of our daily lives. Our food and drinks are often packaged in plastics. Plastics are also found in fabrics, toys, tools, and more. Plastic packaging can help keep medical tools and equipment germ-free. But we make and use so much plastic that plastic pollution has now become a big concern. Some plastics can be recycled but most are thrown into landfills, where they break down over time into smaller pieces. These pieces have seeped into our oceans and waterways, and tiny plastic bits are showing up in some seafood. When we wash fabrics made of plastics like nylons or polyester, plastic bits can blow out of our dryers, adding to air pollution. These tiny pieces of plastics are called microplastics, and are raising health concerns. Microplastics have been found in humans and it is not yet clear how these pieces will affect our health. Despite this drawback, plastics remain very important to us. We could never completely eliminate plastic use, and we shouldn’t even try. But if we are concerned about possible health effects, we can try to be mindful about our own use of plastics.

Taxes: Call the North Central Senior Center 406-265-5464 to have your name put on the call list to have your taxes done.

Foot clinic: Call 406-265-4776 to set up an appointment for our Foot Clinic. Appointments are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays.

Vaccinations and older adults: When fall arrives, many of us know it’s time to get the annual flu, or influenza, shot. It’s also a good time to consider what other vaccines or boosters to get to protect your health. Staying up-to-date on vaccines is especially important for older adults. Our immune system helps the body fight infection, but it gets weaker as we age. Vaccines help to strengthen the immune system. Other vaccines that are important to older adults include COVID-19, pneumonia, shingles, and TDP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all adults ages 65 and older. It protects against serious infections like pneumonia. TDP booster should be given every 10 years. Be sure to protect yourself by keeping your vaccines up to date. Talk with a health care provider about which ones you need and if they can be taken together.

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.

Bingo: Come join us for Bingo every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Everyone 18 and older 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. This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities at the senior center.

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. For commodities there is an income restriction. You can sign up at the senior center, fill out an application and find out if your income falls within the guidelines. Bring income verification and picture ID. If you qualify, you can receive commodities once a month. You do have to come to senior center at 2 Second St. West in Havre 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 those seniors getting frustrated with staying home and needing someone to talk to you can call 1-877-688-3377 for Montana’s Warm Line.

March activities at North Central Senior Center

Tuesday, March 26 — Musical performance by Brad Taylor, 10 a.m. to noon

Bingo 1-3 p.m., $1 per card, 100% payout

Wednesday, March 27 — Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS — 9-10 a.m., weigh-in 8:30-9 a.m.

Coffee Club 10-11:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 28 — Music by Gene Allen and Friends, 10 a.m. to noon

Pinochle, 12:30-3 p.m.