Senior Center News, MArch 17, 2023

North Central Senior Center

March 20-24

Menu

Monday, March 20 — Fully loaded breakfast burrito, peaches

Tuesday, March 21 — Sweet-and-sour chicken, rice, egg rolls, Jell-O

Wednesday, March 22 — Mac and cheese, cookies

Thursday, March 23 — Chicken strips, fries, green beans, cake

Friday, March 24 — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Tax time: We started taking reservations for tax preparation Jan. 23. Give us a call at 406-265-5464. March 14, we are continuing to take names.

Bits & Pieces: Spring begins March 20, 2023. Something we all need this year.

Bivalent boosters block severe COVID-19: COVID-19 vaccines have saved many lives. The original vaccines were released in late 2020. They targeted the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused COVID-19. Since then different versions have evolved. The new vaccine was better than the original booster at reducing the risk of severe disease. Scientists created an updated booster shot. It’s called a bivalent booster because it targets two versions of the virus: the original strain and a newer one called Omicron. The researchers compared these two groups. They found that the updated booster was 62% more effective at blocking severe COVID-19. That is why it is very important for people to protect themselves with the updated booster.

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 hangings 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. Glassware serving dishes, perfect items to add a special touch to the table for Easter brunch or dinner. All items priced to well.

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.

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.

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 Council 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: 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.

March Activities

North Central Senior Center

Daily — Pool in the back room. Monday through Friday1-3 p.m. The group is expanding and looking for players.

Tuesday, March 21, 11 a.m. to noon —- Mary Stevens will play harp or keyboard music varieties. Free and open to the community

Tuesday, March 21, 1-3 p.m. Bingo, $1 a card for the afternoon. Pays 100% of amount of money paid in. Open to community members age 18 and older.

Wednesday, March 22, 10:45-11:35 a.m. — Stepping On Workshop. Fifth class of seven-week Falls Prevention Program that addresses risk factors in home and community and covers balance and strength exercises and much more. Mark Weber, Blaine County Health Department, Instructor. Drop-ins welcome.

Wednesday, March 22, 1-2 p.m. — Hill County Conservation District, Emma Korntheuer, will present “Invasive Species vs Hi-Line.” The presentation will cover why some non-native plants and animals become invasive species, what threats Hill County faces and what county residents can do to protect Hi — Line habitats and industries from invaders. Free and open to the community.

Thursday, March 23 — 12:45-3 p.m. — Pinochle Thursdays. This group welcomes

new players all levels and abilities

Monday, March 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.

Tuesday, March 28, 10:45 a.m. to noon — BJ’s Geetar Oakie. Brad Taylor will play pop and country mix on guitar with back up accompaniment. This performance is free and open to the community.

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

Wednesday, March 29, 10:45-11:35 a.m. — Stepping-On Workshop. Sixth class of seven-week Falls Prevention Program that addresses risk factors in home and community and covers balance and strength exercises and much more. Mark Weber, Blaine County Health Department, Instructor. Drop-ins welcome.

Thursday, March 30, 12:45-3 p.m. - Pinochle Thursdays — This group welcomes new players all levels and abilities.