Senior Center News, May 23, 2024

North Central Senior Center

May 27-31, 2024

Menu

Monday, May 27 — Center closed for Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 28 — Chicken Alfredo, garlic bread, veggies, fruit, dessert

Wednesday, May 29 — Shepherd’s pie, mashed potatoes, Fruit, Dessert

Thursday, May 30 — Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, fruit, dessert

Friday, May 31 — Chili, cornbread, veggies, fruit, dessert

Important: We will continue to prepare meals for the Rudyard Center until someone is hired. We will also continue with Meals on Wheels. Please be kind, we are going to try to find all the MOW families and make sure everyone gets their meal. Addresses are a little more rural than we are used to, but we will be doing our best.

News from our gift shop: Spring has arrived. New items are added to the shelves often. New this week, packs of pillow forms, 12”x12”, perfect for that craft project. Vases ready for spring flowers. You can find the following items in the gift shop: handmade fishing flies, picture frames, knick knacks, yarn, trinket boxes, glassware, handmade lap blankets and more. Puzzles 50 cents each, all occasion cards 25 cents each. Donations welcome. Gently used knick knacks and yarn are always appreciated. No clothes please. Shop hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m to 3 p.m.

Drinking water boil advisory in effect for our city: As of April 19, 2024, a water boil advisory went into effect due to the possible presence in the water system that can cause illness.To protect yourself from possible pathogens in the drinking water, we recommend that you boil the water or drink bottled water at this time. You may also check with your primary care provider to ask their recommendations. What is being done? Increased disinfection of drinking water and flushing to reduce the likeliness of pathogens throughout the distribution system are measures being taken by the city of Havre public water supply.

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.

Staying connected to fightloneliness: Positive relationships with friends and family help us thrive. Without social connections, it’s easy to feel lonely or isolated. While anyone can feel lonely, certain factors increase your risk. Major life changes or losses can increase feelings of loneliness. Older adults are at greater risk because they live alone. No matter what your age, it’s important for your health to stay socially connected. Loneliness can take a toll. It’s linked to higher rates of depression and heart disease, and can weaken your immune system. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and boost your mood. Whether it’s sweating to a workout video or taking a walk around your neighborhood, exercise can help. A pet can be a source of comfort and companionship. Many people are using technology to connect with friends and family. Take time to reach out to others by phone or online. A call or video chat can remind you that you’re not alone.

We will be adding a new activity: Beginning April 11, we will be presenting Stepping On Classes, Spring Edition. These classes will be presented Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Hope to see you all there.

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.

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.

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.