Jan/Feb Prime Connections 2023

Mike Larson Executive Director

Throughout my adult life there have been two events that lead me to reflect on where I am at and what the future may hold. The first one may not be obvious, the beginning of the school year. When I met my wife Tamara, she was teaching high school in St. Ignatius, MT. and I was a graduate student at the University of Montana. Our wedding date was set based on the school Christmas break. Being married to a teacher you learn quickly that life is often dictated by the school calendar. Having three kids only served to reinforce that. I generally entered each new school year with optimism and hope, excited about what the year would have to offer.

The other major event is, of course, New Years. Entering into a new year has also had a double effect on me. One, I can’t help but reflect back on the year that’s ending. More prominently, I look ahead to what may come. What goals do I wish to achieve? What adventures would I have, and what challenges would I face? Often times, my imaginings for the future would encompass years or even decades. Though I still look to the future, I find as I get older that I spend more time focused on the present. That doesn’t mean I no longer have dreams and goals. I just spend more and more time in the now. My wife would call that “being in the moment”.

I have enjoyed shaping my articles to the songs selected for each issue. Something about that challenges my limited creative side. The phrase that kept sticking in my mind for this issue’s theme was a line from the song Blackbird; “waiting for this moment to arrive”. My goal for 2023 is to stop waiting. So many moments are arriving every day. Moments to enjoy a sunset, walk the dog, cuddle a grandchild, visit a friend; the list is endless. My wish for all of you is that you also find that your moments have arrived!

WELLNESS

How LAUGHTER Benefits Us as We Age

BY JACKIE SWIESZ

Not only does laughing boost our spirits and make the day seem sunnier, but it also boosts our health! There are some distinct benefits from laughter that leave us feeling better, aging better, and generally living better far into our golden years. Read on to see what research has shown:

✱ Laughter is good for the heart –literally! Our hearts pump a bit more when we laugh, which increases circulation and oxygen as we draw in air for those deep belly laughs and gleeful giggles.

✱

Laughter releases endorphins, the hormones that help regulate pain in the body with its calming effect. Another benefit of laughing is that it drops cortisol levels, which reduces inflammation throughout the body.

✱ We all know that stress wreaks havoc on our bodies, but laughter is a great way to combat the effects. Stress reduction increases the efficiency of our immune system, lowers our levels of anxiety and depression, and improves our sleep and eating habits. That’s REALLY something to laugh about!

✱

Can we laugh our way to better core strength? Laughter engages our muscles and helps with reducing back pain as well as improving our breathing – a boon for those with asthma.

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By laughing together, we bond with others and become more emotionally attuned to each other. Because laughter is a common thread, it improves the quality of interpersonal relationships - so much so, in fact, that some experts believe all the other health benefits flow from the improved social support laughter brings.

✱

Laughter promotes emotional wellbeing and a better sense of selfworth, which also creates a more stable mood and a more positive outlook. By laughing, we become more optimistic overall. Studies have shown that people who have a sense of optimism also have a strong sense of resilience in the face of adversity, like job loss, financial issues, and other major stressors.

The middle of winter is the perfect time to inject some more humor and laughter into your life. There are always ways to find lightheartedness and happiness in any situation if you open yourself up to the possibility. Here are some suggestions for how to get a good belly laugh each day.

✱ Watch something funny. Whether it’s your cat being silly or your favorite sitcom, something that tickles your funny bone will do just the trick.

✱

Talk to someone every day. Even if you’re socially distanced, you can still

BY LAUGHING TOGETHER, WE BOND WITH OTHERS AND BECOME MORE EMOTIONALLY ATTUNED TO EACH OTHER.

pick up the phone and text or call a dear friend or family member. Try to think of something funny to tell them, and laughter will lighten their day, too.

✱ Listen to the radio. The weekly program, “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” runs every Saturday morning and is on National Public Radio. It’s a weekly news quiz. Have a laugh and test your knowledge with today’s funniest comedians. Plus, you can dial in on old-time radio mysteries that have lots of humorous lines.

Maintaining a good level of health is essential in life, yet a real challenge. This is where laughter can rescue us from daily stress and difficulties with a big smile.

“I have been to many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.”

—A Joke A Day

Thankfully, we chose Billings Clinic.

“My mom, Mary, is my biggest supporter and my biggest fan. The morning of her stroke, something felt di erent. God was telling me something was wrong.

I checked on my mom and that’s when she told me she couldn’t move her legs. I rushed over and took her to the Emergency Room at Billings Clinic. When we arrived, the team told me that my mom was having a stroke. They immediately got her in for a thrombectomy to remove the clot.

A nurse came out and called my name, and it was one of the scariest and best parts of my life. I immediately asked, ‘Is my mom okay?’ And she said ‘yes’ with a big smile.

My mom always taught us to give thanks in all things. Now I appreciate how much of a miracle she is and how grateful we are for Billings Clinic.”

- Megan, Mary’s daughter

To learn more about Mary’s story, please visit billingsclinic.com/mary.

FOR YOUR HEALTH

NURSES CARE for Yellowstone County patients at home

Sasha Greenough, RN, is part of the RiverStone Health Home Care team. Along with six other nurses, she meets patients where they live every day throughout Yellowstone County. She puts up to 1,000 work miles on her vehicle every month.

A Billings native, Sasha graduated from Skyview High School and moved to Texas where she worked as a hospital tech. She returned to Montana, completed a college degree to become an LPN and later earned a degree to become an RN. She has worked in Billings hospitals, clinics, management and nurse informatics. That diverse experience prepared her for the home care job she loves.

“In home care, you don’t have someone else there with

you. You have to think critically, you have to think out of the box,” Sasha says. “There is great autonomy, but the home care nurse is part of a supportive team. We are communicating constantly with texts and calls, consulting each other and trouble shooting.”

Sasha works Monday through Friday, and rotates call on weekends with her colleagues. Her other full-time job is being a mom to her two young children.

Sasha frequently is the only person her patients see in a day or even in a week. Some are homebound because of illness, injury or disability or they just don’t feel comfortable going outside their home. Some patients have dementia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I integrate humor in my work, I try to find that positive, that happiness with each person to give them a smile to brighten their day,” Sasha says. “I try to lift their spirits by talking through things with them.”

A day in the life of a home care nurse can be long. On a recent Friday, Sasha started a nine-hour day at 7:20 a.m. She visited six patients in their homes, including four who are U.S. military veterans. Her first patient required intravenous therapy, wound care and needed blood drawn for lab work. The visit took more than an hour. She dropped off the blood sample at the hospital lab and drove to her second patient’s home, another person requiring wound care and lab work.

The next patient needed a medication box fill. Home care nurses don’t carry any medications, but they can put weekly meds into pill boxes for VA patients, helping them keep track of what they need to take each day.

At midnight, Sasha received a call about an ostomy patient needing urgent care. She got up and drove to the patient’s home. She was back at that patient’s home at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. On Sunday, she worked about six hours.

“In the patients’ homes, seeing their social situations is humbling,” Sasha says. “You think, ‘what can I do to help?’ Sometimes you can’t do anything, other times you can make a huge difference. It’s rewarding

to see patients’ wounds heal and their independence restored.”

Home care is provided with a physician’s order and may include skilled nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. To learn more, please call RiverStone Health Home Care at 406.651.6500.

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING WORKSHOP

January 24, 2023

RiverStone Health invites you to a free workshop on advance medical directives from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, in the first-floor Community Room at Billings Public Library, 510 N. Broadway.

Get answers to your questions about ensuring that your healthcare wishes are followed if you are unable to communicate due to illness or injury. Adults of all ages are encouraged to attend, especially people who work with older adults.

Information will be presented in a brief skit. Montana healthcare power of attorney forms will be available. Individuals can take the form home or, if they wish to complete it during the workshop, a notary will be on hand to witness their signature.

Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Mary Abrahams at RiverStone Health Home Care and Hospice at 406.651.6500.

SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM

Does anyone have a New Year’s Resolution? If you are thinking about one, I found these top 10 common New Year’s Resolutions:

As I look over the list I see several that speak to me. I gravitate to number 5, live life to the fullest.

That could be several goals wrapped up together like calling a friend or family member to let them know you're thinking about them. Spending more time doing something you really enjoy, like a hobby or trying something you have always wanted to do. Travel somewhere you have never been. Live life to the fullest can be tailored to you and what is important to you and what fills up your heart and soul.

Now that we are into the New Year 2023 our staff at the Alliance is busy planning new menu items to introduce to both of our nutrition programs. Here are some menu items that you will see in the coming months. Cabbage Roll Casserole, Chicken Tamale Pie, Honey Apricot Pork Chops, Chicken Pasta Salad, Asian Broccoli Salad, Honey Fruit Salad, Calico Bean Salad, Cherry Chewbilees, Pecan Pie Bars, Cappuccino Swirl Bars, and Mississippi Mud Cake. As we introduce new items, maybe one will become your favorite.

Many meal sites offer activities as well if you are looking to join an activity. See next page for locations and days that they serve lunch. Call and reserve your lunch a day ahead by noon.

Come for a hot lunch and visit with some wonderful folks. You just might make some new friends.

For the Billings and Laurel Meal Sites, we offer either the hot meal of the day or our featured monthly salad. In January we are featuring a Mega Crunchy Romaine Salad with Quinoa with a Zesty Cilantro Dressing. February we will feature a Crispy Chicken Salad w Signature Dressing.

See you soon at a meal site near you!

Adult

JANUARY MENU

Nutrition Program Director: Lorri

Cooks: Jami, Jake, Mary, Winter, and Amy

we're CLOSED

Cheeseburger with Pickle & Onions Corn on the Cob Pink Lady Apple Ice Cream

Rosemary Chicken Breast with Gravy Garden Rice Green Beans Pudding

5 Black Bean Chili with Cheese, Sour Cream/Frito’s Mixed Fruit Cinnamon Roll

6 BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese Steamed Broccoli Peaches Cherry Cha Cha

Pork Chow Mein White Rice Asian Blend Vegetables Oriental Slaw Fruit Cocktail

10 Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Capri Blend Veg. Tossed Salad with Beans Brownie

11 12 Beef Stew with Biscuit Pickled Beets Pea & Cheese Salad Banana Bar

13 Oven Baked Chicken Loaded Mashed Potatoes Brussel Sprouts Fruit Strawberry Cake 16 17

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Wild Rice Vegetable Rosy Pears

Chicken Carbonara Noodles Breadstick Vegetable Apricots Pudding

18 Tennessee Pride Casserole Green Beans Orange Wedges Carmel Roll

20 Sweet & Sour Meatballs over Rice Mixed Vegetables Ambrosia Salad Coffee Cake SP Birthday 23

we're CLOSED

19 Turkey Divan Sweet Potatoes Green Beans Pudding with Topping

24

1 Chicken & Dumpling Buttered Corn Mandarin-Pineapple Cup Pudding Sorry

31 Salisbury Steak with Gravy Mashed Potatoes Peas Magic Bar

26 GF Shepherd’s Pie Harvard Beets Banana Rice Krispy Bar

2 Mac & Cheese with Polish BBQ Green Beans Pears Cookie Sorry

27 BBQ Pork Rib Rice Pilaf Corn on the Cob Broccoli Salad Cake Alliance, Billings Community Ctr, Heights & Laurel Birthday 30 Country Fried Steak with Gravy Mashed Potatoes Sunshine Carrots Fruit

3 Turkey Roast with Gravy/Cranberries Stuffing Vegetable Apple Spin. Salad Pumpkin Crisp

BILLINGS

LAUREL

Nutrition Program

Director: Lorri

FEBRUARY MENU

Monday Tuesday

30 Country Fried Steak with Gravy Mashed Potatoes

Cooks: Jami, Jake, Mary, Winter, and Amy

1

Sunshine Carrots Fruit

31 Salisbury Steak with Gravy Mashed Potatoes Peas Magic Bar

Chicken & Dumpling Buttered Corn Mandarin-Pineapple Cup Cookie

2 Mac & Cheese with Polish BBQ Green Beans Pears Pudding with Topping

3

Turkey Roast with Gravy/Cranberries Stuffing Vegetable Apple Spinach Salad Pumpkin Crisp 6 Hot Hamburger Sandwich with Gravy Mashed Potatoes

Sunshine Carrots Tropical Fruit

7 GF Sweet & Sour Chicken over Rice Asian Blend Veg. Sliced Pears Tapioca Pudding

8 9

Turkey Supreme Vegetable Fruit Peanut Butter Cookie

10 Apricot Pork Chops Wild Rice Capri Vegetable Confetti Salad Blueberry Cake with Lemon Frosting 13

Bacon Cheeseburger with Pickle & Onions Baked Beans Pink Lady Apple Ice Cream Bar

14 Valentine’s Day Chicken Cordon Bleu with Hollandaise Sauce Potato Supreme Green Beans Dinner Roll Cherry Cheesecake

15 Polish Dog with Sauerkraut Mashed Potatoes Buttered Corn Cookie Fruit Salad

16 Eggs Florentine Casserole Cinnamon Apples Yogurt Danish

Beef Stroganoff with Noodles Peas & Carrots Sliced Pears Pudding with Topping

BILLINGS & LAUREL MEALS ON WHEELS Ave D, BCC, & Westend

28 Ham & Scalloped Potatoes Vegetable Calico Bean Salad Fruit

406-259-9666 Billings Heights Meal Site

406- 606-1170 South Side Senior Center

406-256-6413 Laurel Senior Center

406- 628-7571 Meals on Wheels: 406-259-9666

22

17 Meatloaf with Gravy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Crinkle Cut Carrots Bacon Cauliflower Salad Chocolate Cake SP Birthday 20 21 Beef Stew with Biscuit Pickled Beets Tossed Salad with Beans Whole Orange

Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce Peas Coleslaw with Pineapple Cherry Chewbilees

1 Black Bean Chili with Cheese & Sour Cream Frito’s Banana Cinnamon Roll

23 GF Tater Tot Casserole Buttered Corn Sliced Peaches Cookie

24 Chicken Cacciatore Rice Pilaf Green Beans Spinach Salad Cake Alliance, Laurel, & BCC, Hts, B-day 27

2 Chicken Tamale Pie with Salsa & Sour Cream Spanish Rice Mexi- Slaw Carmelita Bar

3

Rosemary Pork Roast with Gravy Stuffing Brussel Sprouts Applesauce Mandarin Orange Cake

MEAL SITE RESERVATIONS must be made by Noon, at least 1 business day in advance.

GF = Gluten Free on Request

BILLINGS MEALS ON WHEELS

MOW Coordinator: Jaime • MOW Assistant: Stacy • 1505 Avenue D • 406-259-9666

Adult Resource Alliance’s Meals on Wheels Program (MOW) offers a hot nutritious meal to those over 60 years of age who are homebound. They are delivered by volunteers, Monday through Friday between 10:00 and 12:30. Meals are available on a short-term basis for persons recovering from a hospital stay or surgery until the person is no longer homebound. If a person is able to prepare their own meals or lives with someone who can prepare their meals you may be denied.

Oh, January and February, the months that usually keep us snuggled in trying to keep warm. What can we do during these months to keep our minds and hearts energized and renewed. A few ideas…

• Start each day by reading something positive.

• Call or write a note to someone who might be lonely.

• Engage your inner artist with a fun craft, or possibly a self portrait

In Montana, we GET to enjoy the four seasons including beautiful snow! I hope you look for ways to enjoy the winter!

We really are one big family, and as such, lots of stories are shared:

One of our participants, Elizabeth, sent us a special note

describing how she had a nice surprise from her MOW’s driver, Curtis Dye on her 88th birthday. He came back in after delivering her meal and said “I forgot your birthday card”. She quickly responded “I was hoping you’d sing Happy Birthday” which he did and she said, “He sang it perfectly with a very nice voice and it made my day!”. Another MOW’s driver, Bernadine Harris, talks about her memories owning her 1964 Gran Tourismo Hawk. “I’ve always been car crazy, and I absolutely loved this car. I had no idea how hard it would be to let it go after 45 years. Thankfully, it went to my granddaughter Renee who is thrilled to have it. I obtained the car in 1987 from my Mom when my father passed away. I am thrilled it is staying in the family!

Mike and Diane Boyett are another couple who deliver meals every Monday. I asked them to share their thoughts on why they deliver meals:

Bernadine Harris, Mow Driver Saying Goodbye

• “I can sum up why I do Meals on Wheels in one word: grateful.

• I’m grateful for the Adult Resource Alliance staff who prepare tasty, nutritious meals day after day. They are always cheerful and greet everyone with a smile.

• I’m grateful for the seniors who receive the meals. They are unfailingly appreciative for the food and the short time I spend with them.

• I’m grateful for the other MOW volunteers. It’s been fun to visit with new people and share our stories.

• I’m grateful that I have the health, mobility, and time to give a little back to the Billings community. I have received many blessings in my life, one of which is living here. As other volunteers typically say, I get so much more than I give by delivering Meals on Wheels.”

—

Mike Boyett, Billings City Council Member

However, you choose to spend your time, I hope you will use the unique gifts you are given to enhance the lives of those around you. I am so grateful to be working with both our Meals on Wheels volunteers and participants. Life is much better because you are in my world!

Curtis Dye, Meals on Wheels Driver

Mike & Diane Boyett, Meals on Wheels Drivers

ACTIVITIES

BILLINGS COMMUNITY & SENIOR CENTER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE

FITNESS CLASSES

FITNESS BY DESIGN

Dates: January 31-March 23

Day of week: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 10:00-11:00am

Cost: $35 Resident/$45 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

FITNESS BY DESIGN

Dates: January 25-March 22 (No classes 1/16 & 2/20)

Day of week: Monday & Wednesday Time: 9:30-10:15am OR 10:30-11:15am

Cost: $35 Resident/$45 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)

CHAIR STRENGTH

Dates: January 10-February 28

Day of week: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 10:30am-11:15am

Cost: $35 Resident/$45 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)

CHAIR STRENGTH

Dates: January 10-February 28

Day of week: Tuesday Time: 1:30pm-2:15pm

Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Main (1505 Ave D)

ZUMBA GOLD

Dates: January 17-March 9

CLASSES FILL FAST!

Day of week: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 9:00-9:45am

Cost: $35 Resident/$45 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

CARDIO WALKING/ BEGINNER BARRE

Dates: January 6-February 13 (no class 1/16) Day of week: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday Time: 8:30-9:00am Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

CARDIO STRENGTH

Dates: January 7-March 22

Day of week: Saturday Time: 9:00-9:45am OR 10:00-10:45am

Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

CARDIO STRENGTH

Dates: January 30-March 23 (no class 2/16) Day of week: Monday & Thursday Time: 5:30-6:15pm

Cost: $35 Resident/$45 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

GENTLE YOGA

Dates: January 3-February 21

Day of week: Tuesday Time: 12:45-1:45pm

Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

GENTLE YOGA

Dates: January 5-February 23

Day of week: Thursday Time: 12:45-1:45pm OR 1:00-1:45pm

Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)

CHAIR YOGA

Dates: January 2-March 6 Day of week: Monday Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

CHAIR YOGA

Dates: January 5-February 23 Day of week: Thursday Time: 1:00-1:45pm

Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)

30 MINUTE ABS FOR SENIORS

Dates: January 30- March 21

Day of week: Tuesday Time: 11:15-11:45am

Cost: $16 Resident/$26 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

DRUM CIRCLE

Dates: January 23-March 6 (no class 2/20)

Day of week: Monday Time: 2:30-3:30pm

Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

BUDGET ASSISTANCE

Volunteer performs basic bookkeeping that is essential to healthy monthly household budgeting. Tasks include bill paying, balancing check register, sorting/organizing mail and setting up on-line payments when requested by the senior. Assistance occurs one time each month.

LAWN CARE

As tulips and crocus begin to pop-up from the soil, the need for seasonal yard and garden clean up begins troubling the minds of many seniors. No longer able to manage outside projects because of limited mobility or strength, volunteers work in small groups to tackle a 3-4 hour project. Spring into action as a family or a work group and shed some sunshine on the scenery of a senior.

Seniors may not have access or be comfortable with the technology that allows for on-line grocery shopping. As a Pantry Pal volunteer, you may assist with creating the senior’s grocery list prior to shopping and putting the groceries away when you deliver them. Shopping takes place two times a month. While the senior pays for their groceries, the greatest payment is the time spent mingling with a special senior!

SNOW REMOVAL

Help our Meals on Wheels delivery drivers, postal carriers and others arrive safely at the door of a homebound senior by clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways. Celebrate a snow day by gathering with a few friends or student group and volunteer to shovel for a good and safe cause. Assignments dependent upon Old Man Winter!

GUARDIANSHIP ADVOCATE

The Guardianship Council is seeking members. Joining the Council means providing kindness, comfort and care during a monthly visit with a person who is living in a group home or care facility. In many cases, the person no longer has family in the area or living survivors. The Council meets at Big Sky Senior Services the first Thursday of each month for guardian status updates. Advocating for someone who is in need of a voice is incredibly valuable work.

Connections IN OUR MIDST

A SERIES OF ARTICLES ON PEOPLE, PLACES AND PERSEVERANCE IN YELLOWSTONE COUNTY

CREATING Connections THROUGH FOOD

By Jackie Swiesz

her church on Sundays, going to visit grandchildren, or meeting up with her bingo buddies at the community center.

Mary’s world has shrunk and now revolves around only those things that she can do within her home – watch T.V., read, write cards and letters, or call friends on the phone. So, when the Meals on Wheels driver arrives, he or she may be the only human contact that Mary gets on any given day.

Humans are unique in our emotional connection with food. Of course, food is a necessity but it’s also a way to connect with others. It’s universal, it creates common ground, and it just naturally bonds us together.

Most people know about the Meals on Wheels program, but for those who don’t need it, they may be unaware of how important this service is. Delivering a delicious meal to those who are homebound and unable to prepare food for themselves is much more than sustenance for the body, it’s also sustenance for the soul.

Put yourself in Mary’s place for a minute – picture it: Mary no longer drives so she can’t go to the grocery store; she has some health issues that prevent her from attending

For Route 13 on the West End of Billings, there is a husband-and-wife team who has volunteered the past eight years delivering meals to recipients. But, as Tom said, “It’s not all about the food, it’s about the contact with the person and the comfort we bring – a warm hug, a smile, and some conversation.”

When meeting a recipient for the first time, after identifying themselves as drivers for Meals on Wheels and introducing themselves, Tom will say, “Yes, we’re the Tom-Mollies and we’re pretty hot stuff!” This usually brings at least a smile to the person’s face or even an outright laugh, and it breaks the ice for them.

For any driver going to an initial meeting with a recipient, MOW Coordinator Jaime will provide background information. This way, the driver knows how to interact with that person so that a trusting relationship can be built. For example, one of the seniors on Tom and Molly’s route has dementia and doesn’t always remember them.

Many times, he will try to pay them for the meal, and they just tell him, “No need to pay, sir, your son bought it for you!”

For these two, it’s all about compassion and being willing to hear each person’s story. Some just need an ear to listen to them as they describe their challenges with aches and pains; some will delight in sharing stories about their past, such as the lady who had a career in the Marine Corp. Molly told me, “We are there for a reason at that particular time and place for that person who we come to care so much about.”

A critical component to the MOW service involves the driver being on alert and observant to make sure the recipient is all right and everything is in place for them. By taking on the role of “Ellery Queen” and looking for clues of safety and/or health hazards, the MOW driver can literally be a lifesaver in some situations. If, for instance, they have a frail person in distress because they took a tumble from tripping on the rug, the MOW driver immediately notifies Jaime at ARA, who then starts the wheels rolling to send help.

Drivers and recipients alike felt the effects when the pandemic pushed the isolation even further for everyone. Drivers had to keep strict adherence to safety precautions (such as contactless deliveries) to help keep everyone safe. So, it has been especially important to support the elderly homebound folks and help them bounce back into some sort of social interaction. Molly told me about how they saw this unfold for one senior living facility that they deliver to on their route. Before the pandemic hit, they delivered the meals directly to the apartments. Then, in the midst of Covid restrictions, the facility’s management had them drop the meals in a central place and leave. Residents had to come down to the common area to pick up their meal. Since restrictions were lifted, though, the meal delivery is still taken to the central area. However, it has evolved into a social time as the residents gather to wait for the meals, and have now formed a coffee klatch filled with fun and laughter. “And when we show up,” Molly said,

“the reactions we get from them are amazing because they are so grateful for the MOW service!”

It’s no surprise to me because, as I got to know this spirited pair, (the “Hot Tom-Mollies”), I was drawn to their buoyancy and the sparkle in their eyes. We had planned to meet at their favorite coffee shop (again, here’s that connection to food that helps bring people together), I was instantly at ease as we sat down to sip and talk. There was an immediate connection, and, by the end of our conversation, I felt the genuine concern they have for the people served by this super-important program.

These are two very special people, and I am grateful to have crossed paths with them.

Happenings UNDER THE BIG SKY

ALBERTA BAIR THEATER

2801 3RD AVE N, BILLINGS, MT

SOUL STREET DANCE: TAKIN’ IT TO THE STREETS

01.20.23 - 9:30am (Student Matinee), 12:30pm (Student Matinee)

TICKETS: $6.00 + non-refundable fees

Catch the excitement of Street Dance, as these energetic dancers demonstrate its varied styles, discussing the distinctive features and origins of each. This inspirational group of young men, formerly considered at risk, found focus through dance and are now working as professionals. They take students on a high-flying participatory trip from Brazil’s Capoeira to New York’s break dance. The multi-component forms of Street Dance meet the music of the 17th century composer Vivaldi.

Contact Julie Blakeslee, ABT Education Manager, at 406-294-5204 for student group tickets.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Jan 24, 2023, 7:30 PM – Jan 25, 2023, 12:30 AM

Alberta Bair Theater

Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific and The King and I bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony-winner Joseph Stein...Read more on Facebook.

LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL

Wed, Feb 15, 7:30 – 10:30 PM

Legally Blonde – The Musical is coming to Alberta Bair Theater! Fabulously fun and international award-winning Legally Blonde – The Musical is the ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power...Read more on Facebook

BILLINGS STUDIO THEATER

THE LION IN WINTER

February 3,4,5,9,10,11,12,16,17,18,19, 2023

Sibling rivalry, dungeons and more – The Lion in Winter is a modern-day classic. The queen and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. The royal family is in conflict as they fight over both a kingdom and King Henry’s paramour during the Christmas of 1183. As Eleanor says, “Every family has it’s ups and downs” and this royal family is no exception.

BILLINGS SYMPHONY –ALBERTA BAIR THEATER

2801 3RD AVE N, BILLINGS

THE SPIRIT AWAKENS

Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 7:30PM ~ $15 - $66

Wei Luo, piano ~ George Walker | Lyric for Strings

Serge Prokofiev | Piano Concerto No. 3 ~ Camille Saint-Saëns | Symphony No. 3, “Organ”

Filled with warm fluid harmonies and gorgeous solo passages, Walker’s Lyric for Strings offers a sense of serenity before pianist Wei Luo and orchestra dive into Prokofiev’s exuberant, poetic, witty and “devilishly difficult” Piano Concerto No. 3. The orchestra then pulls out all the stops in Saint-Saëns’ majestic and thundering “Organ” Symphony.

ALBION QUARTET – THE BILLINGS DEPOT –2310 MONTANA AVENUE

Thursday, Feb 23, 2023 – 7 PM - $20-$40

This Fab Four of exceptional young British string players are establishing themselves rapidly on the international stage! Beethoven and Dvořák bookend Freya Waley-Cohen’s Dust, inspired by the 1,300 paintings Charlotte Salomon feverishly created in the two years before her capture and transportation to Auschwitz.

CENTENNIAL ICE ARENA 427 BENCH BLVD, BILLINGS, MT FIGURE SKATING COMPETITION

Jan 13, 2023, 4 PM – Jan 15, 2023, 12 PM

Friday, January 13, 2023 Saturday, January 14, 2023 Sunday, January 15, 2023 Entry Fees First Event: $75 per participant each additional event: $20 First Basic Skill: $60 per participant each... Read more on AllEvents.in

COLUMBIA CLUB 2216 GRAND AVENUE

COME DANCE WITH US – Sponsored by BSCI

2nd Wednesday of every month, except July & August 7:00-10:00 pm

Cover Charge $5.00

METRAPARK

THE GREAT ROCKIES SPORT SHOW- Expo Center

Date: Jan 20 - Jan 22, 2023

The Great Rockies Sportshow is an annual fishing, hunting, outdoor adventure show for the entire family. Your outdoor adventures start here!

Friday 12pm to 7pm ~ Saturday 10am to 6pm ~ Sunday 10am to 4pm

Adults $7.00 ~ Ages 6 – 12 $3.00 ~ 5 & under free.

MATE SHOW HOME AND HEALTH EXPO –Montana Pavilion and Expo Center

Date: Feb 16 - Feb 18, 2023

Two Great Shows in One! MATE, The LARGEST Agricultural Trade Show in Montana & The Home & Heath Expo.

Thursday 10am to 6pm ~ Friday 10am to 6pm ~ Saturday 10am to 5pm

NO LIMITS MONSTER TRUCKS - First Interstate Arena

Date: Feb 18, 2023

Cost: Prices Vary ~ Ages two and under are free. Fun for The Family

GET READY FOR SOME ULTIMATE HORSE POWER ACTION!!! The NO LIMITS Monster Trucks is invading MetraPark! FEATURING AN ALL-STAR LINE UP!

YELLOWSTONE ART MUSEUM

SATURDAY COOKING CLASSES – Explore the art of cooking in the Murdock Gallery with Chef Angela Lyle of the YAM’s Raven’s Café d’Art

January 14 | HERE CHICKY CHICKY

Immerse yourself in the possibilities poultry has to offer.

Cost: YAM member $70 | Not-yet Member $80 | Supply Fee Included

When: 10 AM – 1:30 PM

THURSDAY EVENING COOKING CLASSESGet more hands-on experience in just two hours with Chef Angela Lyle.

February 9 | EXOTIC DESSERTS

Discover how other countries satisfy their sweet tooth with unique ethnic recipes.

Cost: YAM member $55 | Not-yet Member $65 | Supply Fee Included

When: 5:30 – 7:30 PM

YELLOWSTONE CELLARS & WINERY

1335 HOLIDAY CIR, BILLINGS, MT

LET THE GOOD TIMES BOIL

Four days to choose from: January 17th, 19th, 30th & 31st (6pm-9pm)

Warm up this January with our friends from Alaskan Seafood Guys at Yellowstone Cellars and Winery. Alaskan Seafood Guys will be preparing an authentic seafood boil and mac & cheese tasting made with quality and fresh ingredients. This delicious meal will be served with Montana made wines from Yellowstone Cellars.

Ticket Info: -two drink tickets, tasting of various macs, and a seafood boil meal. -Non-alcohol tickets available for $50/person

LIFE’S Observations…

about something, go watch a basketball extravaganza of first through third or fourth graders rip and tear up and down the court in a rolling athletic catastrophe at the speed of life! Let me tell you, that's entertainment.

In our school, this is called “The Little Pirates”. The gym is packed beyond capacity with parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, in-laws, outlaws and maybe even law enforcement if they have kids in that age group.

David Mosdal Guest Columnist

Happy New Year. 2023 promises to be another year similar to last year but perhaps a little better. The United States still has 50 States. We still have two major political parties, each of which is strongly divided over the minutia of who holds the “mostest, bestest” correct definition of said party. November's elections were the most hotly contested in years but, as a nation, we still fell way short of enticing even two thirds of the eligible voters to the polls (or the mailbox). So just how bad is it? Really.

Our National Guard hasn't fired a single shot at the American public in over 50 years. Our Police departments can still put a cop in every cruiser. We can hop in our vehicles and drive anywhere we want at five miles per hour over the speed limit and nobody cares. Nobody. Is there another nation on the planet where ordinary citizens enjoy the level of autonomy that we have? Maybe, or maybe not. Are we destroying the planet that our grandchildren will inherit? Maybe, or maybe not. Will more rules and more restrictions on our daily lives make the world a better place? Maybe not. Do we need to just pause and think about who we are and why we're really here? Maybe so.

Now, politics and current events can consume our time and use up our 20,000 words per day, but if you want to see your friends and neighbors get really revved up

At either end of the floor is a lowered basketball hoop at maybe seven or eight feet high. The referees might be High School students and maybe a teacher or two. The rules of the game are adhered to in the loosest of fashion. There are no calls of traveling or double dribbling or fouls. There are usually two or three kids who understand the rudiments of the game enough to take a shot and, occasionally someone will score.

While this is going on, there will be a couple of “opponents” off to the side whispering and giggling. Someone is always tying their shoe and the crowd is going wild! Otherwise reasonable people are up and down, shouting advice and encouragement to their favorite player and they are laughing hysterically. What is logical to a child is not always obvious to an adult and vice versa.

It's too loud, too much fun and nothing less than the whole community cheering all the children on to give it their best. For these few minutes, everyone tries their hardest and everyone is a winner.

Go Pirates!

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly.

— The Beatles

Anchors Away!

THERE’S LIFE OFF THE DESK FOR TWO LOCAL TV VETERANS

by Jon Stepanek

It’s been over two years since Jay Kohn and Bob McGuire shared the anchor desk on KTVQ-TV. They were part of the top-rated newscast for more than twenty years. Even after being off the desk for a few years, they still get recognized everywhere they go.

“People still come up and want to talk about the news or sports. And almost everyone I run into in Billings is nice,” said Kohn.

Jay signed off as the Q2 News Co-Anchor in late 2018. He has continued to do spot reporting and this year added football play-by-play of the Montana Grizzlies. Jay covered presidential visits, cattle drives, the state

McGuire

legislature and community events for two decades in Billings and nearly four decades in Montana.

Kohn never envisioned starting a new journey in his broadcasting career after retiring at the end of 2018. His new gig with the Griz is a perfect fit. "It's really been fun," Kohn said. A UM graduate with many family ties to the school, he said he's enjoyed the inside access to the teams this season the most.

Bob McGuire closed the book on a 35-year broadcast career on New Year’s Eve 2020. Over that time, he logged more than 26,000 regularly scheduled newscasts and hundreds of severe weather alerts. One of the most

Written

Jay Kohn

Bob

memorable was leading the weather coverage on Q2 of the Father’s Day tornado in 2010. He has called Billings home since 1984 except for a brief 2-year run at KOMO-TV in Seattle. Bob still loves to forecast weather, so he continues to partner with the Breakfast Flakes on Cat Country Radio in Billings.

“I worked from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for some 30 years, I needed a break”, said McGuire. “I was ready to retire. Every day is Saturday to me now”.

The transition to part-time and “do what I want to do” work has come easy, but both Bob and Jay miss the day-to-day interaction in the newsroom.

“The world of broadcast news is so different today”, said Kohn. “I don’t miss that. I do miss the interaction with my co-workers.”

McGuire and his wife Lynn stay busy as travel hosts for Holiday Vacations having just returned from two weeks in Ireland. He said they want to keep traveling as long as possible.

Most of their day-to-day challenges have been fought off air. But Bob and Jay have both been public with the illness and heartbreak of cancer. Jay and his wife Judy lost their daughter Melanie to cancer in October 2021. It will leave a hole in their heart forever. Bob was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and is currently cancer-free. He made his goal to walk the Relay for Life survivors walk the next year and he hosted to Survivors Dinner for years. Their advice to anyone who is ready to retire. Make plans to stay busy!

“Retirement gives you the freedom to make decisions”,

said Kohn. “It’s important you get up and get moving every day.” You’ll often see Jay on the local hiking trails or playing disc golf in Pioneer Park.

You will often see Bob in their yard working on landscaping and renovation projects. He admitted he moved up to a riding lawnmower recently but still gets plenty of exercise. Staying healthy is important to both but also comes with a challenge as you grow older.

“Most of my doctors I’ve seen over the years have now retired!”, said Kohn. “It’s a little intimidating to find new healthcare partners, but you have to be willing to change your doctors.”

They also encourage everyone to be comfortable asking for help.

“The Adult Resource Alliance became a one stop shop for us when my father retired”, said Kohn. “They were a valuable resource, and we had no idea how much they do!”

RESOURCES

THE RESOURCE CENTER

CHANGES IN MEDICARE B ENROLLMENT PERIODS

The Annual Enrollment Period to enroll in Medicare Part B, for those individuals who didn’t enroll in Part B when first eligible and didn’t have active employer insurance themselves or from a spouse, is January 1st to March 31st annually. In years past, when enrolled at this time, your Medicare B coverage didn’t begin until July 1st of the year. Starting 2023, your Medicare Part B coverage will begin the 1st of the month after you enroll during this special enrollment period. So, if you enroll in January it will begin in February. If you enroll in March it will begin in April. The period to enroll under these condition remains the same, January 1st to March 31st.

Another change will be for folks who have delayed their enrollment during their initial enrollment period. In the past while you had 7 months to enroll, either the 3 months before turning 65, the month you turn 65, or the 3 months after turning 65. If you delayed your enrollment until the 3 months after you turned 65 your Medicare Part B start date could be as far off as 3 months after you enrolled. Starting January 1st, 2023 your Medicare B eligibility begins the 1st of the month following your enrollment after age 65. The 7-month initial enrollment period remain the same.

END OF LIFE REGISTRY

Make End of Life wishes

accessible anywhere and anytime.

The State of Montana Office of Consumer Protection has an on-going service for its citizens—the End-of-Life Registry website. The goal is to provide a place for citizens to securely store their advance directives online and to give authorized health care providers immediate access to them. This service provides easy access to these important documents 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for authorized health care providers with internet access.

Best of all there is no cost for this service –IT’S FREE!!!

An advance directive is a document that expresses how you would want to be treated if you were seriously ill and unable to make decisions for yourself. It provides

instructions about what you would want done or not done about life-sustaining treatment and other health care issues.

So, give your family and yourself the peace of mind knowing that in an emergency your personal health choices are an internet click away.

If you are interested in participating in the End-of-Life registry you can get more information at:

https://dojmt.gov/consumer/end-of-liferegistry

Or by calling 1-866-675-3314

The following programs can help you get a refund from the State of Montana for property taxes or reduce your property taxes before they are collected.

ELDERLY HOMEOWNER/RENTER CREDIT

If you were 62 or older as of 12/31/22, resided in the state 9 months or more, owned a home or rented 6 months or more, and your total gross income was less than $45,000 in 2022 you may be eligible for this credit. If your only income is Social Security, you may qualify for this tax credit without filing federal or state taxes.

LOW INCOME PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

• If you own or have Contract for Deed for a home or mobile home.

• If you occupied the dwelling for at least 7 months as your primary residence.

• If your Federal Adjust Gross income does not exceed $24,607 (single) or $32,810 (married) you may qualify for reduced property taxes. These limits are for 2023 tax year. If you were in the program as of 12/31/14 you do not have to reapply. New applicants are required to apply the first year by April 15th.

Call 259-5212 after Jan. 15th to make an appointment to complete the Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit and/or Low-Income Property Tax Assistance Program

TAX QUESTIONS & HELP

Do you know that at the Montana.gov TransAction Portal you can file your Montana state taxes and it is FREE. Go to https://tap.dor.mt.gov/ to file your Montana state taxes, check on your refund and to make a payment.

Do you know there is a tool called the Interactive Tax Assistant that you can use to get answers to your tax questions? The tool is on the Internal Revenue Service web site at www.irs.gov. The tool takes you through a series of questions to find an answer. For more information, visit www.irs.gov.

GIVE SOMEONE YOU LOVE THE BEST VALENTINE EVER

Give them the power and the knowledge of how you want your affairs and health handled if you are not able to make your own choices. Complete a Power of Attorney, POLST, Advance Directive and/or a Living Will today. It is the greatest gift of love during difficult times. For information on how to get the necessary forms call The Resource Center at 259-5212

CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Emily, Caregiver Coordinator 406-259-5212

HOW TO HANDLE ‘Hard Feelings’ AFTER CAREGIVING ENDS

Guilt and emotional withdrawal can make the grieving process even more difficult

By Barry J. Jacobs, AARP

My psychotherapy client Lydia spent years helping care for her mother with advanced cardiac disease, but when her mother died suddenly of heart failure, she was shocked and devastated. Lydia’s grief felt so overwhelming to her that she tried to shut off her emotions completely to better control herself. While her sisters sobbed loudly in the front pews at their mother’s funeral, she stared blankly at the casket without tears.

Another client, Bert, dealt with a care receiver’s death very differently. When his wife of 50 years died after a long course of metastatic ovarian cancer, he felt crushing guilt that he had not saved her. Sometimes he blamed himself for her death because he had been a smoker early in their marriage and thought that might have caused her cancer. At other times, he believed he had not taken her to the right doctors. Afterward, he withdrew from all family members and friends, saying he did not deserve to be happy if she no longer had a chance of happiness.

Like most former family caregivers, Lydia and Bert had worked hard to care for their loved ones and were distraught about their deaths. But the ways they handled their distress worsened their and their families’ emotional pain. Lydia’s sisters were upset with her because she seemed so callous. Bert’s sons felt frustrated that their dad was needlessly beating himself up and distancing himself from them; they had already lost one parent and did not want to lose the other.

When Swiss American psychiatrist Elisabeth KüblerRoss wrote in her popular 1969 book On Death and Dying about five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance), she was describing a range of possible emotional reactions over time, not telling people how to mourn. Most mental health professionals today believe there is a broad range of normal and expectable reactions to bereavement. Simply put,

different individuals have different styles of mourning. Each style has its pros and cons for helping a mourner handle the “hard feelings” of sadness, anxiety and anger to eventually reach the stage of acceptance that KüblerRoss saw as grief’s resolution.

For family caregivers, though, some mourning styles seem more helpful than others. Shutting down emotionally did not allow Lydia to avoid grieving; it delayed and prolonged the length of time she felt intense grief. Berating himself harshly did not help Bert eventually adjust to his wife’s death.

What are better ways for family caregivers to grieve? Here are some ideas:

DON’T FIGHT THE FEELINGS

Human beings are hardwired through evolution to feel emotions under certain conditions, including falling in love, being threatened and suffering loss. These emotions have contributed to the survival of our species by spurring us to protect ourselves and seek the comfort of others. It goes against our basic grain when caregivers regard their emotions following the deaths of care receivers as signs of weakness or an impediment to getting on with life. Caregiving is about putting love into action. When caregivers finally lose their loved ones, grief comes naturally.

TRUST THE PROCESS

As Kübler-Ross’ model suggests, time does heal, and mourners’ feelings usually change. Family caregivers come to look back on caregiving and cherish their loved one’s memory without the intense pain they felt immediately upon their loss. This process often goes on longer than any caregiver would want — frequently one

The following article was taken from aarp.org, as published on 11/02/2022.

to two years. But caregivers can trust that, if they allow themselves to feel and seek others’ support for their losses, then they, too, can arrive at a place in which they can tolerate the sadness and find some solace in having had the chance to provide care.

EXPECT GUILT, BUT BEWARE OF IT

It is common for caregivers to second-guess themselves and feel guilty after losing their care receivers. As in Bert’s case, they sometimes torment themselves by asking: Would she still be alive today if I had been a more loving and capable caregiver? Unfortunately, these guilty feelings are natural, too. But it is also essential for caregivers to recognize that harsh selfcriticism and guilt do not bring a loved one back. They frequently block the mourning process from going forward. Caregivers who forever blame themselves often punish themselves endlessly.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF TRAUMA

Some caregivers are left with intrusive, upsetting thoughts about the circumstances of their loved one’s decline and death. In their mind’s eye, they can see the care receiver, for instance, covered with tubes and wires in a hospital ICU. Those powerful images and recurring thoughts derail the mourning process, too, leaving caregivers prone to persistent grief. It may be necessary to seek professional help, starting with a primary care provider.

While there is no right way to mourn, there are advantages to some approaches. If feelings can be faced and guilt and trauma controlled, then emotional healing after the difficult caregiving years can proceed.

Barry J. Jacobs, a clinical psychologist, family therapist and health care consultant, is coauthor of Love and Meaning After 50: The 10 Challenges to Great Relationships — and How to Overcome Them and AARP Meditations for Caregivers.

CARETIME Caregiver Support Group

PLEASE REMEMBER YOU MUST RSVP PRIOR TO ATTENDANCE (NO LATER THAN THE DAY BEFORE THE MEETING). WHEN YOU RSVP, PLEASE SPECIFY WHICH LOCATION YOU WILL BE ATTENDING.

Contact Emily at 406-259-5212.

Virtual and call-in options available if you are unable to attend in-person.

SUPPORTERS

Thank you to each one of you who made a contribution during the month of November!

You truly are making a positive difference in the lives of seniors in our community.

Terrell & Jill Ackerman

Norman Adams

Laureen Ammon

Catherine Andersen

Marcia Anderson

Anonymous

Ruth Armstrong

Darrell & Susan Asbell

Linda L. Babnik

Sue & Tim Bailey

Scott & Linda Baker

David & Marie Bakke

Timothy & Betty Ballou

Janice Bartle

Carol Beam

Lonnie Bekel

Randy & Cheryl Bentley

Mike & Lauretta Bentz

Barbara Berg

Don Bernhardt

Dan & Kay Berry

Diane Bianchi

Brenda Binstock

Joseph & Carol Blades

Tom & Janet Blankenship

Craig Blom

Kay Bollinger

Phillips 66 Billings Refinery

Ronald & Leanore Bough

Bill Bray

Linda Brewer

Jim Brown

Marsha Brown

Rockwood Brown

Roland Brown

Ross & Joyce Brown

Wade & Diana Brown

Don & Johanna Brutlag

Imelda Brychta

Steve Burt

Mary Ann & Bob Campbell

John & Karren Cannon

Penny Carlson

Jaime Carpenter

Bob & Joan Carr

Clare Cavan

Rita Cetrone

William Chadwick

Jim & Josie Chalmers

Dick & Joyce Clayton

Matthew & Karrie Cleveland

Michael Cloninger

Ralph & Barbara Cook

Cheryl Cormier

Ross & Paula Corson

Keith & Ava Crookston

John & Judy Dailey

Vicki Dale

Donald & Maria Davidson

Peter & Alta Dean

Gaye Decker

Dale & Nancy Detrick

Dick & Sue DeVries

Edie & Greg Dibble

Michael Dolan

Alan & Jamie Dorhauer

Karla Dribnenki

Virginia Dschaak

Marlin & Sharon Dunlap

Shirley Elliott

Gail & Eunice Ellison

Rita Emond

Dale Enger

Charlotte Erpenbach

James Etzel

John & Patricia Fekety

Raymond Feller

Darlene Fernelius

Teresa Fischer

Robert Fitch

Roberta Breshears Frigon

Betty Ann Gabel

Charles Gainan

Cheri Galt

Diana Garlock

Gary Brink

Marilou Gaskill

George & Karen Gaudet

Miechel & Sherrill Geddes

Ken & Mickey Gilbertson

Doris Gilligan

Rick & Ladona Gratwohl

Jeff & Kathy Gray

Darlene Greenfield

Georgette Guay

Lavina Guertin

Barry Gum

Ann Gunderson

Gregg & Marcia Hafner

Renee Hagstrom

Allen & Peggy Hall

Sandra Haney

Alice Hannahs

Jenny Hanson

Laurel Hanson

Ronald & Marilee Harakal

Carol Harr

Carol & Chuck Hartman

Karen Hawkins

Bev Hayward

Tony & Mary Hecimovic

Eugene & Corrine Hetmer

James Hodous

Cliff & Faye Holm

Larry Holmes

Gloria Horab

Roy & Dolores Howerter

Doyce & Carol Hutson

Lee Ellen Hveem

Doug James & Kathy Webster

James

Peggy Jensen

Joe & Doris Johnson

Kathryn Johnson

Zene Johnson

Jerry & Pam Kaiser

Glenda Kaufman

Aiko Kawano

Robert & Ardyce Kelly

Dorothy Kelsey

Becky Kensinger-Polinski

Carl & Virginia Kimmel

Gayle Kingston

Douglas & Theresa Kirby

Jan Kirk

BJ Kirwin

Kent Koolen

Aileen Kramer

Suzanne Kujat

Patricia Lahaie

Ken & Jo Lahm

Cheryl Lambrecht

Chris Landrie

Don Lee

Michael & Carol Lepore Marchia Link

Linda Logan

Barbara Lowenstein

Susan Lubbers

Jerry & Beth Madsen

Florence S. Mahoney

Foundation

Holly Marlenee

George & Roberta Marsh

Veronica Marsich

Vernon & Sharon Martinz

Charlene Mayes

Byron & Carole McBride

Shirley McDermott

Charles & Patti K McGahan

Gerald & Connie McGraw

Terry McGuinness Insurance

Ben McKee

Cody McKell

Richard & Raelene McLaughlin

Dave & Lynd McManamen

Norma Mekelburg

Lorli Mercer

Annette Merrell

Christopher Merrill

Roberta Meyers

Dan & Donna Miller

Evelyn Miller

Tara Miller

Gerald & Lorna Moore

Delbert & Dina Moser

Bob & Becky Muller

Donna Mullin

Mark Munkirs

Karen Muri

Louise Murray

Jeff & Vikki Muus

Keith & Melody Myhre

Melvin & Arleen Nafts

Bert & Wanda Nelson

Koery & Paula Nelson

Erik Neva

Gail Norman

Don & Irene Oaks

Roger & Gerry Olmstead

Louise Olson

Tina Ontiveros

Marlin & Muriel Overstreet

Timothy & Bobbie Owen

Marlene Parkins

Jim & Cheri Pattee

Dorsey & Lauren Payne

Diana Perkins

Bruce & Bernice Phillips

Cheryle & Van Pittack

Barbara Pollari

Michael & Lorri Pool

Greg Pope

Barbara Prestrud

DeWayne & Renee Prinkki

Ted Proctor

Richard & Virginia Pylman

Don & Barb Ramlow

Rhonda Randall

Jim & Darla Reay

Patricia Reynolds

Joe & Susan Rhodes

Ella Rider

David Ridgeway & Nancy Strimgren Ridgeway

Germaine Riesinger

Dorothy Rimmer

Susan Robbennolt

Jerry & Valerie Rollison

Johannes & Kimberly Rookhuizen

Tonya Rose

Scott & Vickie Ross

Annie Rowe

Joan Royer

Joe & Nancy Ruby

Kermit & Valerie Rumph

Nathan & Connie Rumph

Mary & Patrick Schelle

David & Jean Schmittou

Derrick & Gayle Schneider

Sam Schneider

Teresa Schneider

Beverly Schock

Dennis Schock

Mary Schultz

Lori Schweigert

Sharon Seeley

Bob & Sandy Short

Patricia Smith

Shirley Smith

Richard & Sharon Soapes

Chuck & Joyce Stanley

Peggy Steckel

Kelly Steele

Tony Stekar

Ron & Kaye Stevenson

Martin & Loretta Storfa

Randy & Jennifer Strending

Sherrill Sullins

Carol & Thomas Swoboda

Greg & Sheila Szudera

Carole Tasker

Mary Thielen

Eugene & Debbie Tierney

Kathleen Tillinger

Joanne Timm

Joanne Timmons-DeSaveur

Erin Tognetti

Dennis & Ruth Trimbo

Barb Tuell

Hertha Voorhis

Eugene & Cathy Wasia

Bill & Cheryl Watson

John & Connie Weiler

Renaldus & Carol Wentz

Sandy Western Charlie & Jeanne Widdicombe

Shirley Wiggins

Walter H. & Beatrice H. Willett

Linda & Nancy Williams

Frank & Deborah Wilson

Terry & Linda Wilson

Kathryn Work

Louise Zokan-Delos Reyes

Elsa Zorn

Florence Zundel

Memorials in Memory of

Dean M. Brown

Marlene Parkins

Wayne Ettleman

Angeline Ettleman

Gary Foss

Phyllis Foss

Irene Hefenieder

Kay & Ron Marker

Skip & Kristina Mitzman

Jerry & Marjean Narum

Beverly Ross

The Running Family

Katrina Kudrna

Glenn Kudrna

Fred Larson

Jerry & Peggy Payton

Marge Solomon

Karen & Gerard Heffner

Shelley & Claire Schoening

Avis Spidel

James & Jo Ausk

Ryan & Danielle Burrows

Rod & Lynette Christensen

Jere Jed & Jeannine

Freiboth

Richard & Marva Herman Cindy Kiosse

Donald & Ruth Lekse

Claudia Melcher

Suzanne Spidel

Wayne & Lianne Swigart

Clyde & Linda Turner

Marvin & Carol Varner

Elmer Spidel

Leroy Spidel

Jerilyn Bieber

Mary Bogar

Jerry & Beverly Eissinger

M. Diane Gehlen

Tom & Daylene Heights

Bradley & Mary Kay Kountz

Jason & Deborah Shobe

TECH TIPS

THE Laptop

Desktop DEBATE

PRICE: You’ll always get more machine for your money with a desktop. Portability comes at a price. In general, current pricing suggests that laptops cost about 20% more than their desktop counterparts.

SIZE: It’s obvious that a laptop gives you more portability, but it also takes up a smaller footprint in overall size. For small living spaces, it can be nice to have a computer you can set up temporarily at the kitchen tables or something that can share its desk with the sewing machine. A desktop setup usually needs its own dedicated space.

REPAIRS: Desktop parts are more accessible and available for repair techs. Making the repairs faster and, therefore, more affordable. And since a desktop’s monitor, keyboard, and mouse (peripherals) are separate

from the computer, you can easily replace those parts with a quick drive to the electronics store. Laptop parts sometimes have to be ordered in and you’ll be without a computer for a longer period of time. Plus, if a keyboard or screen breaks, the entire computer will need to be at the shop while you await the repair.

SAFETY: Remember that portable computers carry a higher risk of being dropped, stolen, or lost. Be sure to back up your important files and keep your information safe!

WARRANTIES: No matter what type of computer you get, remember that all computers break! No brand or price range is guaranteed not to break and a more expensive machine won’t necessarily “last longer.” An extended warranty and purchasing from a good retailer is always a good choice.

Miranda Gilbert Girl Geek

MEAL SITE UPDATES

ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE

1505 Avenue D • Reservations: 406-259-9666 • Monday thru Friday

"January got its name from Janus, the Roman god of gates and doorways. This symbolized ending, transitions and new beginnings. Janus has been shown with two heads, one looking at the past and the other the future."

13th Anniversary

That leads us into an announcement of the Anniversary for our Avenue D Meal Site! Our chosen date and special menu are scheduled for Wed, January 18 from 11-12:30. Reservations due by 1/13 by Noon. We will have door prizes and entertainment with a touch of reminiscing.

NATIONAL WOMAN’S HEART MONTH - “GO RED FOR WOMEN DAY”

National Wear Red Day is officially on Friday, February 3 this year. We ask anyone joining us for dinner this day to wear anything red. We will have a meal ticket raffle drawn at the end of February for anyone choosing to donate $1.00 towards the American Heart Association. It is not only an old woman’s disease, women from pregnancy, new moms and women in their 20’s are affected.

—Mary Beth

HEIGHTS MEAL SITE

935 Lake Elmo Dr • Reservations: 406-606-1170 • Monday thru Friday

"You were only waiting for this moment to arise."

The New Year has started. Come visit the Heights Meal site. Meet new friends, have a cup of coffee or tea and stay for a nice meal. We serve lunch at 11:45, five days a week. Call (406)606-1170 for a lunch reservation. Please make your reservation by noon the day before you want to have lunch. We’ve also got exercise classes, games, puzzles, and a library waiting for you.

Thank you to all of you who make this possible—Wyndstone, entertainers, and of course our volunteers.

—Marlene & Janlyn

MEAL SITE UPDATES

BILLINGS COMMUNITY CENTER

360 N. 23rd • Reservations: 406-259-9666 • Monday thru Friday “Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life you were only waiting to arise.”

This Beatles song is so encouraging. We are starting a new year, so maybe this will be the time to try new things. Have lunch with us and catch up with some friends that you may not have seen for a while. After lunch, stay around and join in any of the numerous activities or games. We will be having birthday parties on the 4th Friday of each month. We have gift bags and door prizes. Make this your year to fly!

If you want to join us for lunch, please call (406)259-9666 for a reservation by noon the day before you want to come. We serve lunch five days a week.

Happy New Year Everyone! —Tina

CUSTER

322 6th St. • Mondays and Thursdays at 12:00

After the hustle and bustle of Christmas and the hoopla and celebrating of welcoming in the New Year, it’s nice to take a little break and enjoy some quiet time. January is typically the coldest month of the year so it’s a great time to find a book, a hot cup of tea, a cozy blanket and stay warm. Making soup also goes along with the cold weather. Grab an old cookbook or, if you’re computer savvy, search for one on the internet. The internet has recipes for just about any kind of soup you can imagine.

When you’ve had enough of being cooped up at home, join us for lunch at the senior center. We have a hot meal every Monday and Thursday at 12:00. We will not meet January 16th, Martin Luther King Day, or February 20th, President’s Day. There is always a fun group of people to socialize with and catch up on the latest goings on in Custer and the surrounding areas. The meal is just $5.00 for those over the age of 60. Hope to see you at lunch!

HUNTLEY SENIOR CENTER

37 Minecha Avenue • 406-698-6525

As the year 2022 has come to a close, we can all look back at what we endured and all the memories that were made. I wish you all good health, good friends, and many new memories in 2023.

“Blackbird singing in the dead of the night, take those broken wings and learn how to fly. All your life you were only waiting for this moment to arise.” Do the things you’ve always wanted to do, visit the places you have always wanted to go, or just sit back with a good book and your favorite drink. It’s your journey, enjoy it!

We have lunch on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at noon. Please call (406)698-6525 to make a reservation. We hope to see you there.

MEAL SITE UPDATES

LAUREL SENIOR CENTER

720 South 4th Street • Meal Site Coordinator: Mary Reservations: 406-628-7571 • Monday thru Friday

Good bye 2022 and hello to 2023!

Before we officially say good bye to 2022, we want to thank the Walmart employees that helped serve at our holiday parties. We enjoyed having them here and they were a big help. We also want to thank our volunteers for all of the work they do. We couldn’t do this without you. We received a nice gift in December… a new steam table to keep our lunch warm while we serve it.

We’re looking ahead into 2023. The cooks have a few new recipes coming up. Look for them in upcoming menus. Whether you’ve been coming for lunch regularly or are wanting to try us out, we look forward to seeing you. We serve lunch five days a week at noon. Please call (406)628-7571 by noon the day before you would like to eat to make a reservation. Let’s make 2023 a year to remember!

— Mary & Amy

SHEPHERD MEAL SITE

5541 Haynes Road • 406-696-1343 • Wednesday at Noon

Blackbird singing, NOT IN MONTANA, they all headed south months ago. Welcome to 2023. The local fireworks around Shepherd sure confirmed it was New Years Eve. During January, we will celebrate the New Year on January 4th and January birthday celebration on January 25th.

During February we will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 8th and February birthday celebration on February 22nd. We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new members during the last few months. It’s nice to have some new faces and that our regular members are feeling more comfortable about resuming activities following the covid shutdown.

The men continue to enjoy their coffee hour every Thursday at 9AM.

Exercise Class is every Tuesday and Friday at 9AM.

Bookmobile continues to come the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. And as always, BINGO follows our weekly lunch.

Lunch RSVP – Dawn Beddes – 406-696-1343 Contact Dawn by NOON on Monday for reservations for dine-in, take-out or cancellation.

MEAL SITE UPDATES

SOUTH PARK

901 S 30th St • 406-256-6413 • southparkseniors.org Monday and Friday at Noon

Happy 2023! We have the opportunity each day to make the choice to be positive. This is good for both our physical and mental health. The South Park Senior Center is one of those positive places we can look forward to each day. It is an active and happy place to socialize with each other and have a great meal. The South Park Senior Center has many fun and exciting plans for 2023!

The Adult Resource Alliance serves lunch on Monday and Friday at noon. Call (406) 694-8743 by noon the day before to make a lunch reservation. We bring in this new year with hope and anticipation.

—Solana

WORDEN

VFW Hall • Main Street • 406-880-6061 • Fridays at Noon

Happy New Year! We at the Worden meal site hope you have had a prosperous and healthy year, and are looking forward to an even better 2023. January is time to count our blessings. We are so thankful that we now have heat at the VFW, after three weeks of furnace problems. Our numbers are growing, and we continue to take pleasure in our time together each week.

We were glad to say goodbye to the heat and bugs and enjoy a beautiful fall. Now we can enjoy the sun on the snow and watch our grandchildren have fun outside.

We would love to have you join us every Friday at noon. Be sure to call Janet at 406-880-6061 to reserve a meal.

—Janet

WEST END MEAL SITE

King of Glory Church • 4125 Grand Avenue

Oh my goodness! Where does the time go? Especially when you’re having fun. We have come from a hectic past few years, and finally, there are some good things turning about. We have this amazing place to gather together. From the excellent meals that come from our awesome kitchen staff to the wonderful, kind guests that choose to come dine with us. We are sure off to an amazing start on 2023, and we are grateful to that.

We invite you to come join us, have a cup of coffee, enjoy delicious food, share a story, and have a laugh with us. Another great year with great people in our lives to share it with.

Dianne,Sheryl,Donna toasting 2023

MEAL SITE MENUS

CUSTER MENU

JANUARY

1/3 Pork roast, garlic potatoes, vegetable, salad, dessert

1/5 Chili dogs, salad, dessert

1/9 Cooks choice

1/12 Tater tot casserole, salad, dessert

1/16 Closed for Martin Luther King Day

1/19 Lasagna, garlic bread, fruit, dessert

1/23 Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, dessert

1/26 Soup and sandwich, fruit, dessert

1/30 Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, vegetable, dessert

FEBRUARY

2/2 Cooks choice

2/6 Ribs, baked potatoes, salad, vegetable, dessert

2/9 Hamburger gravy on potatoes, vegetable, salad, dessert

2/13 Goulash, garlic bread, salad, vegetable, dessert

2/16 Polish dogs, mashed potatoes with sauerkraut, dessert

2/20 Closed for President’s Day

2/23 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable, dessert

2/27 Beef roast, baked potatoes, fresh rolls, vegetable, salad, dessert

HUNTLEY MENU

JANUARY

1/5 Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, dinner roll, dessert

1/19 Spaghetti, tossed green salad, mixed vegetables, garlic bread, dessert

FEBRUARY

2/2 Chili, cinnamon roll, jello salad, crackers, tapioca pudding

2/16 Beef tips with noodles, dinner roll, tossed salad, dessert

SHEPHERD MENU

JANUARY

1/4 Alice Spring Chicken, bread, oven roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, tossed salad, fresh fruit

1/11 Pulled pork on bun, chips, coleslaw, banana

1/18 Chili, corn chips, cinnamon roll, Waldorf salad

1/25 Chicken enchiladas, Mexican corn, peaches, tossed salad, birthday cake

FEBRUARY

2/1 Sloppy joes, potato chips, green beans, fresh fruit

2/8 Chicken ranch tater tot casserole, dinner rolls, peas & carrots, Caesar salad, fresh fruit

2/15 Taco salad, Spanish rice, vanilla pudding, brownies

2/22 Fish and chips, three bean salad, cherry salad, birthday cake

WORDEN MENU

JANUARY

1/6 Beef roast, potatoes & gravy, corn, fruit, roll, birthday cake and ice cream

1/13 Fried chicken, baked potato, carrots, fruit, roll, pudding

1/20 Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic bread, fruit, cookie

1/27 Fish, potato wedges, broccoli salad, fruit, roll, glorified rice

FEBRUARY

2/3 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed veggies, Waldorf salad, roll, birthday cake and ice cream

2/10 Burritos, Spanish rice, refried beans, fruit, cookie

2/17 Chicken fried steak, potato casserole, peas and carrots, jello salad, roll

1/24 Fish and chips, green bean casserole, fruit, roll, cookie

FEBRUARY 1ST

3-Day Annual Snow Coach Tour of Yellowstone National Park! This is the only way to enjoy the beauty and magical moments of the park from the comfort of a warm guided snow coach. Don’t wait… avoid being on the waitlist!

☛ $662/ppd; add $233 for single supplement. $200 deposit to reserve a seat: balance due December 21st, 2022. Sold Out! Tour on “wait list” only.

FEBRUARY 11TH

7 Day Aloha from Oahu, Hawaii! Highlighting one of the islands of paradise. Tour includes City of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Shriners Children Hospital, breathtaking Diamond Head Lookout, Dole Plantation, the world famous Polynesian Cultural Center and more.

☛ $3890/ppd; add $970 for single room. $800 deposit to reserve seat, balance due November 20th, 2022. Price includes round- trip air from Billings.

MARCH 10TH

7-Day Great Western Resorts of Arizona. Call for availability!

MARCH 26TH

10-Day Steam Boating on the American Queen from New Orleans to Memphis Call for Availability!

JULY 13TH

3-Day Tour of Glacier National Park. Spend 2 nights in Kalispell. Experience “Going-to-thesun” road via the worldrenown narrated red jammer buses, enjoy a live play at Bigfork Summer Playhouse, tour the 19th Century Conrad Mansion Museum, shopping spree and much more. 5 meals included and 2-night stay.

☛ $828/ppd; add $300/ single. $200 deposit to reserve seat; balance due June 1st ,2023.

AUGUST 4TH

Bighorn Canyon Boat Tour

AUGUST 9TH

7-Day Iceland… Land of Fire and Ice!

AUGUST 26TH Mystery Tour

SEPTEMBER 9TH

3-Day Chokecherry Festival and prime-rib dinner aboard the Charlie Russell Chew-Choo Train

OCTOBER 4TH

13-Day Best of Ireland

OCTOBER 28TH

9-Day “Branson Show Extravaganza” bus tour. This fantastic trip includes RT Motor coach Transportation, 8-Nights Lodging, 14 Meals, Admission to 5 Fabulous Shows, a special tour of College of the Ozarks (Hard Work U) and much more. Call ASAP if you’re interested.

Seats are Limited!! ☛ $1223/ppd; Add $285 for single Occupancy. $75 Deposit; Balance Due August 21st, 2023.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these sunken eyes and learn to see

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly Into the light of a dark black night

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly Into the light of a dark black night

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

MT 59104

You Are There For Them

You Are There For Them

RiverStone Health Hospice patients and families have rated us in the top 12% among 1,600 hospices nationwide, according to a review of Medicare surveys. Family members surveyed recommended our compassionate, professional care:

RiverStone Health Hospice patients and families have rated us in the top 12% among 1,600 hospices nationwide, according to a review of Medicare surveys. Family members surveyed recommended our compassionate, professional care:

“RiverStone Health Hospice team provided great care to my dad for 8 ½ months and then to my mom for 6 weeks. Highly recommend the quali ed, caring sta .” 406.651.6500 | RiverStoneHealth.org

“RiverStone Health Hospice team provided great care to my dad for 8 ½ months and then to my mom for 6 weeks. Highly recommend the quali ed, caring sta .”

406.651.6500 | RiverStoneHealth.org

Medicare Rating

Medicare Rating