Senior Center News, Feb. 24, 2023

North Central Senior

Citizens Center

Feb. 27 to March 3

Menu

Monday, Feb. 27 — Breakfast burritos, hashbrowns, fruit cocktail

Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Indian tacos, fruit

Wednesday, March 1 — Pork chops, mashed potatoes, veggies, apple sauce

Thursday, March 2 — Sloppy Joe’s, fries, dessert

Friday, March 3 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Tax time: We started taking reservations for tax preparation Jan. 23. Give us a call at 406-265-5464.

Bits and Pieces: We are happy to announce the hiring of our new cook, Connie Duran. We have every confidence in her abilities for making and cooking a wonderful menu each month. She is a wonderful addition to our staff.

Drug Allergies, What to Look For: Medications are one of our most powerful weapons against germs and diseases. But sometimes when people take medications, they can have an allergic reaction. That’s when a drug causes the body’s immune system to overreact. When that happens, they may not be able to use the drug again without risking more serious consequences. Any drug can cause an allergy. But some are more likely to than others. Antibiotic and certain painkillers are among the more common ones. The antibiotic penicillin is the drug most often reported to cause allergic reactions. The most typical allergic reactions are skin rashes or hives. Everyone has different abilities to tolerate a drug’s side effects. It depends on how the drug works in your body. Sometimes drug allergies may fade over time. After time, maybe 10 years you can lose the allergy. About 80% of people will lose an allergy. An allergist can test whether you have a true drug allergy. Talk with your health care provider. They may recommend testing by a board-certified allergist.

Magazines: Thank you for bringing in magazines you have read and no longer need. Many other people enjoy reading the magazines. Sometimes, when your magazine renewal comes in the mail, they offer a bonus subscription to anyone of your choice at no extra cost to you. Consider giving that “free” subscription to the senior center. The address is: Heather @ North Central Senior Citizens Center, 2 2nd St W, Havre MT 59501 Thank You for thinking of us. People also bring us books they are through with, and many enjoy those too. Makes for good times for all.

News from our gift shop: Spring has arrived in the gift store. Bunnies and other Easter items add a special touch to spring decorations. Handmade bracelets are available to add to Easter dress or an Easter basket. Special price, $1 each. Glassware, wall hanging and knick-knacks can be found. Art glass vases are ready to be filled with spring flowers. Visit the gift shop to find unusual items, priced just right. Donations are being taken. L-o-n-g winter, our yarn supply is low and donations of yarn are always greatly appreciated.

Would you like to be a volunteer at the senior center? 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 some open slots. 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.

Available COVID-19 testing in Hill County: Northern Montana Health Care — Testing of contacts call 406-262-1570 for an appointment. Sick people 16 and under: Call 406-265-5408 for an appointment. Sick people 17 and over: call 406-262-1570 for an appointment.

Bullhook Community Health Center: Testing of contacts: register at this link: https://forms.gle/ark5xEKJDFaXZHZ97 .

Montana State University-Northern: Staff and students of MSU-Northern only: Call Student Health Services at 406-265-3599.

Havre Public Schools — Staff and students of Havre Public Schools only: Call Jeri Zorn at 406-390-2210.

Rocky Boy Health Center: Anyone who is eligible to receive services at Rocky Boy Health Center, or community members that live or work on the reservation: call 406-395-1712 for an appointment or with questions.

**Testing subject to change based on availability and demand.**

Silver Sneakers membership: The Hill County Counsel on Aging, also known as the senior center, is excited to say we are working with Down Under Physical Fitness for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under. You may already be attending their Silver Sneaker program and still take advantage of this offer. The classes are at 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and also 2 p.m. Wednesday. At this point in time, the Wednesday classes will be limited to 10 participants with all COVID-19 safety precautions in place. As a senior wishing to participate, contact Down Under at 406-265-4805 and request the Silver Sneaker membership being sponsored by the Hill County senior center. Please call Down Under at 406-265-4805 and schedule your time while requesting one of the memberships.

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.

February Activity Calendar

North Central Senior Citizens Center

Daily — Pool in back room, Monday through Friday 1-3 p.m. The group is expanding and looking for players

Monday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Foot Care Clinic. A Plus Healthcare’s licensed nurse, Jan, will be at the Senior Center to provide medical pedicure and general nail care. Diabetic foot care assessment is provided. Appointments are made by calling A Plus Healthcare 406-265-4776. The price is $37.

Monday, Feb. 27, 10:45 a.m. a.m. to noon. — BJ’s Geetar Oakie. Brad Taylor will play pop and country mix on guitar with back up accompaniment

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. to noon — Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Performance is free and open to the community.

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1-3: p.m. — Bingo every Tuesday 1-3 p.m. $1 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100% of amount of money paid in. Open to community members age 18 and older.

We are looking for people you would like to share their skill or talent with a demonstration or activity at the North Central Senior Citizens Center. Please call Heather 406-265-5464.