2024Jan-Feb- Prime Connections by AdultResource

A D U LT R E S O U R C E A L L I A N C E

PRIMECONNECTIONS

YOUR SENIOR NEWS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

H O S T E D B Y A D U LT R E S O U RC E A L L I A N C E

February 5 - April 4, 2024

Shine On 20

1505 AVE D • BILLINGS

Appointments Required • No Walk Ins

THE APPOINTMENT CALL CENTER WILL BE ACTIVATED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 22 AT 9AM-3PM ONLY. APPOINTMENTS CANNOT BE MADE BEFORE THAT TIME.

(406) 794-0083

EXECUTIVE UPDATE For better or for worse, 2024 is going to shine a spotlight on the topic of aging in America. Unless something dramatic occurs, the presidential candidates for the two major parties will set the record for oldest in our history. President Biden turned 81 in November Mike Larson Executive Director and would be 82 when he takes office in 2025. Former President Donald Trump would be 78 upon taking office in 2025. We are going to hear a lot about fitness for office on both candidates’ parts, much of it revolving around age. Although this will be the highest profile discussion about aging, it won’t be the only one. For those of you who receive the AARP magazine you will have noticed several articles focusing on age discrimination. The backdrop for this is primarily the issue of employment. Statistics tell us that an increasing number of older adults are staying in the workforce beyond the social security retirement age. In addition, many of those who have already retired are seeking employment either full-time or parttime. This can be either due to the necessity to supplement income, or a preference to stay engaged. In either case, concerns

about the impact of age on job performance can be in question. Unfortunately, that won’t always be an open discussion, but will be an underlying basis that will be difficult to identify. Without question, we still struggle with how we view aging. The reality is that there are some people who appear elderly at 60, and some who are active and vibrant at 90. There are several factors that impact how we age including genetics, lifestyle, health habits, access to medical care, and environment. They all play a part. Ideally, people should be judged individually for who they are, but that doesn’t always happen. How we view aging will be a challenge going forward, particularly as the baby boom generation drives up the percentage of adults over 60. So, what do we do with all this. Anti-aging products and procedures are a multi-billion-dollar industry in America. The air waves are filled with commercials that promote products to keep us looking and feeling younger. The medical industry has responded to the trend by offering medical treatments to reduce the impact of age. Individually, we each are going to have to answer the question of how we age. Do we jump on the bandwagon and invest in products to hold it off, or do we “Let it Be” and age gracefully?

DIGITAL NEWSLETTER! If you would like to receive the Prime Connections ONLY by Email, please let us know at:

primeconnections@allianceyc.org

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

IN THIS Issue

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

WELLNESS FOR YOUR HEALTH.................................... 4

WHAT'S COOKING SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM.....................8

BILLINGS MEALS ON WHEELS................10 MENU - BILLINGS/LAUREL.....................12

CONNECTIONS ACTIVITIES..........................................14 ALLIANCE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM...........16 SENIOR CIRCLE OF CARE........................17 LIFE'S OBSERVATIONS...........................18

CONNECTIONS IN OUR MIDST.................20 HAPPENINGS UNDER THE BIG SKY..........22

RESOURCES RESOURCE CENTER...............................26 CAREGIVER SUPPORT...........................28 ALLIANCE SUPPORTERS........................30

34 HOURS

OUR COMMUNITY MEALSITE UPDATES..............................32

1505 AVENUE D 9AM-4PM • MON–FRI

935 LAKE ELMO DR 9AM – 3PM • MON-FRI www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Start 2024 with your Medicare Wellness Visit BY DR. CHRIS BAUMERT

The start of a new year is an excellent time to plan for a healthier you. Thinking about how to manage your weight, quit tobacco, exercise regularly or make some other personal health improvement? A visit to your healthcare provider is a good first step. Dr. Chris Baumert

For people enrolled in Medicare, a free annual wellness visit is part of your benefits. When you first enroll in Medicare, you can have a Welcome to Medicare Visit 4

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

within the first 12 months that you are covered by Medicare Part B. If you’ve had Medicare Part B for 12 months or longer, you can get a yearly wellness visit with zero out-of-pocket costs. The Medicare Wellness Visit is designed to get people thinking about what they can do to stay healthy. It focuses on the whole person. For example, smoking, alcohol, lack of vitamin D and lack of calcium all can decrease bone density, which increases risk of fractures.

Likewise, kidney disease increases the risk of breaking bones in a fall. Fall prevention is a major aim of health maintenance for older adults. Your provider will get your blood pressure reading and weight, but there won’t be further physical examination at the Medicare Wellness Visit. Expect to be asked lots of questions. After that, your healthcare provider will spend about 20 minutes with you to discuss your answers.

when they aren’t sick or injured. When they reluctantly come in for a wellness visit, they often change their outlook. They find the visit valuable. Often, I hear something like “I never thought of that.” I encourage everybody to take advantage of the annual wellness visit – even if they think they don’t need it. Dr. Chris Baumert, family physician and medical director for RiverStone Health Clinics, can be reached at 406.347.3350.

Your wellness visit will focus on the four M’s: • Medication. Bring a list of all the medications, vitamins and supplements you are taking. • Mobility. You will be asked to get up out of a chair and answer questions to gauge your fall risk. • Mentation. Simple tests, such as being asked to repeat back three words several minutes after you first heard them, will be used to detect signs of dementia. • What matters most to you. Your provider will talk to you about advance healthcare directives and provide forms that you may take home. The Medicare Wellness Visit is intended to get you thinking about prevention and your health years into the future. You and your provider will talk about ideas for achieving your health goals. When the visit is complete, your provider will give you a paper copy of your wellness assessment and health goals to take home. You will receive recommendations on when to get preventive cancer screenings and immunizations. Please speak up if you have an urgent health concern when you arrive for your scheduled Medicare Wellness Visit. If you need tests or a physical exam to address your concern, Medicare will cover those services, but the visit might not be a free wellness visit. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider if you will be billed for an office visit.

ADVANCE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE WORKSHOP JAN. 23 RiverStone Health will offer a free workshop on advance healthcare directives from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at Billings Public Library Community Room. Having an advance directive document helps assure that your healthcare wishes will be respected if you are unable to speak for yourself because of illness or injury. We will have a brief presentation on living wills and healthcare power of attorney. A panel of experts will answer your questions. Forms for advance healthcare directives will be available for you to take home. For those who choose to complete forms during the workshop, a notary will be available. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call Mary Abrahams with RiverStone Health Home Care and Hospice at 406.651.6500.

Some fit and healthy patients hesitate to see the doctor www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

THE ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE

empowers, protects and connects OUR COMMUNITY’S SENIORS WITH THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THEY NEED TO LIVE SAFELY AND INDEPENDENTLY.

We can not do it without your help! 1505 Ave D Billings 259-9666

935 Lake Elmo Dr Billings Heights 606-1170

allianceyc.org

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Thankful lings ClClinic. inic. Thankfulllyy, ,wewechose choseBil Billings

MONTHLY BUS PASS ONLY $12

“Mymom, mom,Mary, Mary,isismy mybiggest biggestsupporter supporter and and my my “My biggestfan. fan.The Themorning morningofofher herstroke, stroke,something something biggest felt different. God was telling me something was feltwrong. different. God was telling me something was wrong.

METTRANSIT.COM

I checked on my mom and that’s when she told me she couldn’t and I checked on my move mom her andlegs. that’sI rushed when over she told took her to the Emergency Room at Billings Clinic.

The Medicare plan that goes beyond what’s required $0 premium plan options

Select drugs covered at $0

Human service, not phone trees

Vision, dental, and hearing

Extra support beyond healthcare

REFERRAL REQUIRED

No referrals required

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

was having a stroke. They immediately in A nurse came out and called my name, got and her it was of the scariesttoand best the parts of my life. I forone a thrombectomy remove clot. immediately asked, ‘Is my mom okay?’ And she

‘yes’ without a big smile. A said nurse came and called my name, and it was one the always scariesttaught and best my life. My of mom us toparts give of thanks in allI things. Nowasked, I appreciate of aAnd miracle immediately ‘Is myhow mommuch okay?’ she she is and how grateful we are for Billings Clinic. ” said ‘yes’ with a big smile. - Megan, Mary’s daughter My mom always taught us to give thanks in all things. Now I appreciate how much of a miracle To learn more about Mary’s story, please visit she is and howbillingsclinic.com/mary. grateful we are for Billings Clinic.”

- Megan, Mary’s daughter PacificSource Community Health Plans is an HMO, HMO D-SNP, and PPO plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). Enrollment in PacificSource Medicare depends on contract renewal. All programs and services may not be available in all areas. Y0021_MED875_1023_M_Accepted_09252023

To learn more about Mary’s story, please visit billingsclinic.com/mary. www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

WHAT'S COOKING 8

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM We would like to invite you to lunch at any of our 11 Meal Sites We have many locations across Yellowstone County to join in for lunch. Come enjoy a meal with other seniors and make some new friends. All you have to do is reserve your meal in advance. See the locations below to make your reservation a day before by noon.

Many meal sites offer activities as well, like various card games, bingo, rummikub, pinocle, quilting, book clubs and more. Please call the location near you to see what activities they offer. Come and enjoy the fun.

New Year, New Menu Items Now that we are into the New Year 2024, our nutrition 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: Lemon Chicken Orzo, Reuben Casserole, Spanish Meatballs, Taco Lasagna, Creamy Spinach Chicken, Italian Sausage and Peppers with Penne, Mexican Street Corn, Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad, Dijon Glazed Chicken with Peppers. For those of you with a sweet tooth we will be introducing Orange Pumpkin Mousse, Pecan Pie Bars, Raspberry Zinger Cake,

Nutty Cheesecake Bar, Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar and a S’mores Bar. There should be something for everyone with this variety. For the Billings and Laurel Meal Sites, we offer either a hot meal of the day or a featured monthly salad. In January, we are featuring a Thai Chicken Salad with a Peanut Dressing. February, we will feature a Black Lentil Salad with Walnuts with a Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing. See you soon at a meal site near you!

OUR MISSION

is to provide effective services and lead collaborative efforts to ensure seniors remain independent with the highest possible quality of life.

MEAL SITE LOCATIONS Billings Meal Sites 1505 Avenue D | 406-259-9666 360 N. 23rd St. | 406-259-9666

Adult Resource Alliance Billings Community Center Billings Heights

Mon.-Fri. Mon.-Fri.

South Park Senior Center

935 Lake Elmo Dr. | 406-606-1170 901 S. 30th St. | 406-256-6413

Mon.-Fri. Mon. & Fri.

Billings Westend

4125 Grand Ave. | 406-259-9666

Tues. & Thurs.

Broadview Senior Center

13725 5th St. | 406-667-2212

Thurs.

Custer Senior Center

322 6th St. | 406-370-9061

Mon. & Thurs.

Huntley Sportsman Club

37 Minecha | 406-698-6525

1st & 3rd Thurs.

Laurel Senior Center

720 S. 4th St. | 406-628-7571

Mon.-Fri.

Shepherd Community Center

5541 Haynes Rd | 406-696-1343

Wed.

Worden Senior Center

2445 Main St. | 406-880-6061

Fri.

PLEASE JOIN US Adult Resource Alliance welcomes speaker

Stacy Zinn

Stacy just retired as the Resident Agent in Charge of Montana for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Stacy will inform and address some of the crime issues plaguing Billings recently and will share her wisdom with us, as well as advise us on the best ways to stay safe and avoid being a target. She will also answer questions that we, as a community, may have.

Wednesday, January 31st • 12:30pm at Adult Resource Alliance • 1505 Avenue D

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

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.

A Bright Spot... BILL BROWN is a volunteer who has been delivering meals for over 30 years. He started in Alaska before coming to Billings. He is one of the humblest guys ever. His heart is so committed to Meals on Wheels that he has at times driven 5 days a week. Often on his way out the door he says, “Call me if you need to”! He has a wonderful sense of humor and is always a bright spot in our day, and in the lives of the people he delivers meals to.

I recently went out to visit a family where a son and daughter were trying to find assistance for their mom. She struggles with Macular Degeneration which has left her unable to use her stove and microwave. I was heartbroken as I sat with them, trying to think of things that would help improve her quality of life. I was able to promise her, that if she gave Meals on Wheels a try, that our volunteer drivers would be a bright spot in her day.

Thank you, Bill, for your service!

There are so many other ways that community members reach out to brighten the lives of our

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

homebound friends. We have people who love to quilt, who make and donate placemats. These are given to each of our Meals on Wheels clients. There are sororities and other groups of ladies who make cute little gifts that are distributed on special holidays. Recently someone who has a passion for knitting brought in neck scarves which we shared with some of our seniors. Another group of ladies meet once a week to visit and finish projects which they sell in our Craft Cupboard, here at the Alliance. The lives of our seniors are brightened every time folks share their special gifts, and we are so grateful.

Thank you to all our volunteers who show up when you are needed. Winter is the most challenging time to deliver meals because of the cold weather, but you truly understand the importance of a hot meal and time that you share with our people! You also make my life so much more fun. I don’t know what I would do without you!

— Jaime www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

JANUARY MENU

BILLINGS & LAUREL

MEAL SITES

BILLINGS & LAUREL

MEALS ON WHEELS

Nutrition Program Director: Lorri Cooks: Jami, Jake, Mary, Winter, Amy and Philip

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Sorry we're

2 Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice Asian Blend Vegetables Diced Pears Chocolate Pudding with Topping

3 Mac & Cheese with Ham Harvard Beets Pink Lady Apple Raspberry Bar

4 Three Cheese Quiche Potatoes O’ Brien Mixed Fruit Caramel Roll with Nuts

5 Spanish Meatballs Cilantro Lime Rice Mexi-Corn Catalina Frito Salad Margarita Cake

8 Polish Dog with Sauerkraut Loaded Mashed Potatoes Vegetable Cookie

9 GF Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Garlic Bread Tossed Salad Green Beans Fruit

11 Cheeseburger with Pickles & Onions Baked Beans Pasta Salad Ice Cream Sundae

Sorry we're

16 Chinese Vegetable Steak over Rice Egg Roll with Sauce Fruit Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookie

17 Chicken & Dumplings Buttered Peas Pineapple with Coconut Orange Pumpkin Mousse

18 Cinnamon Apple Pork Chop Stuffing with Cranberries Green Beans Blueberry Whip

22 Pizza Casserole Garlic Bread Steamed Broccoli Pears Tapioca Pudding with Topping

23 Lemon Pepper Cod Tartar Sauce & Lemon Wedge Potato Supreme Garden Salad Lemon Bar

24 Biscuit & Gravy Casserole Tomato Wedges Cinnamon Apples Yogurt with Granola

25 GF Black Bean Chili with Cheese & Sour Cream Frito’s Banana Chocolate Brownie

12 Oven Roasted Bone in Chicken Mashed Potatoes with Gravy Vegetables Sliced Peaches Magic Bar 19 Salisbury Steak in Gravy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Vegetables Fruit Salad Chocolate Cake SP Birthday 26 Creamy Spinach ~ Artichoke Chicken Rice Pilaf Sunshine Carrots Caeser Salad Cake Alliance, BCC, Hts, & Laurel B-Day

29 Chicken Strips with Sauce Jo Jo’s Pea & Cheese Salad Rainbow Sherbet

30 Taco Lasagna Corn on the Cob Mexi-Slaw Fruit Crisp with Topping

31 Beef Stew with a Biscuit Pickled Beets Mandarin Oranges Avalanche Bar

1 Turkey Divan with Cranberries Sweet Potatoes Green Beans Fruit

CLOSED

FRIDAY

2 Country Fried Steak with Gravy Mashed Potatoes Crinkle Cut Carrots Sliced Pears Jell-O with Topping

*Menu Subject to Change

Ave D, BCC, & Westend................. 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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

☛ A requested donation of $5.00 per meal for adults 60 and above. ☛ Under 60 charge is $7.00. ☛ Menu is subject to change ☛ GF = Gluten Free on Request

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

BILLINGS & LAUREL

MEAL SITES

BILLINGS & LAUREL

MEALS ON WHEELS MONDAY

FEBRUARY MENU TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Nutrition Program Director: Lorri Cooks: Jami, Jake, Mary, Winter, Amy and Philip

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

29 Chicken Strips with Sauce Jo Jo’s Pea & Cheese Salad Rainbow Sherbet

30 Taco Lasagna Corn on the Cob Mexi~Slaw Fruit Crisp with Topping

31 Beef Stew with a Biscuit Pickled Beets Mandarin Oranges Avalanche Bar

1 Turkey Divan Sweet Potatoes Cranberries Green Beans Fruit

2 Country Fried Steak with Gravy Mashed Potatoes Crinkle Cut Carrots Sliced Pears Jell-O with Topping

5 Orange Chicken White Rice Asian Blend Veg. Fruit Cocktail Tapioca Pudding

6 GF BBQ Pork Sandwich Baked Beans Creamy Coleslaw Tropical Fruit

8 Chicken Burrito Bowl Tortilla Chips with Queso Dip Sopapilla Bar

9 Meatloaf with Gravy Mac & Cheese Peas Peaches Scotch-a-Roo Bar

12 Cheeseburger with Pickles & Onions Chips Fruit Strawberry Ice Cream

13 Tater Tot Casserole Corn on the Cob Tossed Salad with Beans Sliced Pears

14 Valentine’s Day Chicken Cordon Bleu with Hollandaise Sauce Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Fruit / Roll Raspberry Zinger Cake

15 Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce Lemon Wedge Stewed Tomatoes Brownie

16 Swiss Steak Scalloped Potatoes Sunshine Carrots Bacon Cauliflower Salad Carrot Cake SP Birthday

Sorry we're

20 Meat Pizza Chicken Wings with BBQ Sauce Celery Sticks Ice Cream Bar

21 Cowboy Beans with Cornbread Pickled Beets Garden Salad Pink Lady Apple

22 GF Chicken Cacciatore Wild Rice Creamed Peas Nutty Cheesecake Bar

23 Hot Hamburger Sandwich Mashed Potatoes Cascade Vegetables Waldorf Salad Cake Alliance, BCC, Hts, & Laurel Birthday

27 Beef Stroganoff Noodles Green Beans Lemon Artichoke ~ Romaine Salad Fruit

28 Cheesy Ham & Hash Brown Casserole Cinnamon Apples Yogurt Peanut Butter & Jelly Bar

29 Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles Vegetable Pears Pistachio Salad

1 Sweet & Sour Meatballs Rice Steamed Broccoli Peaches S’mores Bar

CLOSED 26 Pork Chow Mein over Rice Egg Roll with Sauce Oriental Coleslaw Ice Cream

*Menu Subject to Change

☛ A requested donation of $5.00 per meal for adults 60 and above. ☛ Under 60 charge is $7.00. ☛ For Meal Sites serving time and locations please visit Our Community section

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

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

CONNECTIONS

ACTIVITIES BILLINGS COMMUNITY & SENIOR CENTER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE 406-657-3050 | 360 N 23RD ST, BILLINGS, MT | WWW.BILLINGSPARKS.ORG

FITNESS CLASSES FITNESS BY DESIGN

Dates: January 16- March 7 Day of week: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 10:00-11:00am Cost: $40 Resident/$50 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

FITNESS BY DESIGN

Dates: January 10-March 11 (no class 1/15 & 2/19) Day of week: Monday & Wednesday Time: 9:30-10:15am OR 10:30-11:15am Cost: $40 Resident/$50 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)

CHAIR STRENGTH

Dates: January 4 – February 27 Day of week: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 10:30am-11:15am Cost: $40 Resident/$50 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)

CHAIR STRENGTH

Dates January 16 – March 5 Day of week: Tuesday Time: 1:30pm-2:15pm Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Main (1505 Ave D) 14

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

CLASSES FILL FAST!

STRONG AND FIT – NEW DAY ADD ON

Dates: January 11 – March 5 Day of week: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 9:00-9:45am Cost: $40 Resident/$50 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

CARDIO WALKING/ BEGINNER BARRE

Dates: January 12 – February 21 (no class 1/15 & 2/19) Day of week: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday Time: 8:30-9:00am Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

GENTLE YOGA

Dates: January 9 February 27 Day of week: Tuesday Time: 1:00-1:45pm Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

COME TRY YOUR FIRST CLASS FOR

GENTLE YOGA

Dates: January 4 – February 22 Day of week: Thursday Time: 12:00-12:45pm OR 1:00-1:45pm Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)

CHAIR YOGA

Dates: January 29 – March 25 (no class 2/19) Day of week: Monday Time: 1:00-2:00pm Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

CHAIR YOGA

Dates: January 4 – February 22 Day of week: Thursday Time: 1:00-1:45pm Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Main (1505 Ave D)

30 MINUTE ABS FOR SENIORS

Dates: January 16 – March 12 Day of week: Tuesday Time: 11:15-11:45am Cost: $20 Resident/$30 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

FREE!

• DAILY GAME SCHEDULE AT •

BILLINGS COMMUNITY CENTER

Schedule subject to change based on facility needs.

MONDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD DRUMMING

Dates: January 22 – February 26 (no class 2/19) Day of week: Monday Time: 2:30-3:30pm Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

FRIDAY

1:00pm

Hand & Foot

10:00am 1:00pm

Rummikub Scrabble & Shanghai Rummy $0.50/game Wood Carving Farkle Bingo $0.50/card Pinochle $1/game Hand & Foot Dominoes Dominoes Pinochle $1/game Shanghai Rummy $0.50/card

1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 10:00am 1:00pm 1:00pm

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

ALLIANCE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Vicki, Volunteer Coordinator • 406-245-6177

MAKE A RESOLUTION YOU WON'T REGRET:

GIVE

Volunteer at the Alliance and embrace the power of 2, together we can empower seniors to live their best lives at home, and you're guaranteed to feel good about it, too.

e c n a i l l A n a e B l a e M e t a g e r g Con Site Volunteer! 16

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Opportunities currently available at two locations: Billings Community Center and Alliance Billings Heights

Meal Set Up/Kitchen Assistant

✔A vailable Shift ✔S pecial Occasion Fridays, 11:00am-1:30pm

SENIOR CIRCLE OF CARE

Kylie, CHW • Erin, Service Coordinator For more information call 406-294-1590

Stay independent and safe at home! The Senior Circle of Care is a volunteer-driven program aimed at helping home-bound seniors stay safely in their homes longer. We work with seniors as our willing partners to determine a tailor-made plan just for them! • The Community Health Worker (CHW) meets with each participant for an individual screening to determine each participant’s needs.

POTENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICES INCLUDE:

• The CHW refers the participant to appropriate volunteer services and assists the participant with any professional services needed.

• • • • • • • •

Bookkeeping Assistance Chore Corps Handy Person Services Friend Companion Meals on Wheels Pantry Pals Grocery Shopping and Delivery Pet Care Services RIDES Transportation Social Buddies Friendly Phone Calls

If you or a family member could benefit from this program please contact 406-294-1590 for more information!

2023 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Season Wrap-up Thank you so much to all the vendors and participants of the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program! We had a successful year getting fresh produce out to seniors across Yellowstone County. This year in numbers: •

181 low-income seniors received $48 each in vouchers to spend at the local markets.

•

86% of seniors redeemed all or part of their coupons to purchase fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, and honey!

Thank you CFAC for allowing us to provide $6,352 of healthy produce to low-income seniors in Yellowstone County!

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

LIFE’S Observations…

David Mosdal

We're in a new year now, and our editor has suggested for this issue that we consider the Beatles song, “Let it Be”. That's a good choice. Hum along with that tune in your head for a verse or two. You will probably remember more of the words than you first imagined. Hmm, Hmmm. Let it be. There will be an answer. Let it be.

Guest Columnist

With a new year, we are given the chance to hit the reset button and let the drone of our existence slowly wind down and coast to a stop so we can hear and appreciate a few moments of some high quality silence. Then, we can re-fire the furnaces of climate fears, political strife and interesting YouTube channels to get back into the swing of things. I heard a couple of news stories recently lamenting the dearth of places left on the planet where you can see total, natural darkness or hear total, natural silence. It didn't seem that the proof-of-concept bar was set very high either. Do you know a place where you could go at night, spin around 360 degrees, and not see the vestiges of any man-made light? You will have to get far enough away from Montana's big cities to escape even the dimmest glow on the horizon on a moonless night, but I have to believe that a lot of our readers know of more than one place that might qualify. To test the theory, just go look. Light travels quite quickly so either you see it or

you don't, and it's going to originate on the ground. The test for no man-made sound only has to be for fifteen contiguous minutes and it doesn't have to be dark. To improve your chances of finding a sustained quiet place I would suggest staying clear of Interstate highways and regularly used Victor flyways. Remember, if you can see an aircraft, you can probably hear it. I have to admit that I'm a little skeptical of these claims. After all, our planet is pretty big, relative to our size. Are there really only a few places left on this blue marble (Earth), where we ALL live, that can be completely dark or quiet? I think the professors with these theories could greatly improve their chances if they started looking where people don't live or where they ride camels or herd reindeer. Deserts and tundra regions are sparsely populated for a reason. These are large expanses of our planet and people have to be damn tough, resourceful and resilient to live there, and if you want to travel the home turf (or sand) of these folks, good luck calling for a taxi. Are you interested in searching for some very dark or very quiet locales that are much closer to home? As it turns out, our forebears and their forward thinking friends and neighbors already laid the groundwork for preserving unique and interesting places such as these by establishing our State Parks system. We have 55 public access State Parks due to the efforts of Montanans here before us who held to a simple code: Do the right thing and Let it Be.

LET IT BE, LET IT BE, LET IT BE, LET IT BE There will be an answer, let it be LET IT BE, LET IT BE, LET IT BE, LET IT BE Whisper words of wisdom, let it be — Songwriters: Paul Mccartney / John Lennon

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

2024

FEBRUARY 14TH Annual 3-Day Snow Coach Tour of Yellowstone National Park. Celebrate Valentine’s Day and the wonders of winter in the park! $737/ppd; add $258 for single. Call for availability,

MAY 27TH

3-Day Historic Deadwood Tour. Includes admission to Devil’s Tower National Monument, guided tour of Deadwood, Transportation, 2-Night Lodging, 3 Meals, Fun Slot Ttournament, and more. $398/ppd; add $97 for single.

JULY 23RD

13-Day Alaska Cruising Aboard the Noordam.

FOR INFORMATION

CONTACT LILY MOORE

Tour highlights a narrated cruise aboard the Riverboat Discovery to Old Chena Village and visit Gold Dredge #8, an Alaskan Salmonbake dinner, Train ride from Fairbanks to Denali National Park and much more. Includes RT airfare from Billings. Starting at $6099/ ppd; add $510 for port charges, govt. taxes & fees.

AUGUST 4TH

9-Day National Parks of the Southwest. Highlighting a panoramic tour of Salt Lake City, two nights in Moab, guided tour of Arches National Park, a scenic float trip along the Colorado River, visit Monument Valley with an included traditional Navajo lunch, guided four-wheel

OFFICE (406) 256-1492 CELL (406) 860-9085

drive jeep tour, and a whole lot more. Starting at $4099/ ppd., including RT airfare from Billings. Add $1449 for single.

Travelers must have a valid passport. $1763/ppd; add $373 for single.

SEPTEMBER 21ST

8-Day America’s Music Cities. Call for details.

9-Day New England Rails and Sails. $3799/ppd; add $1499 for single. Free airfare when booked by December 31, 2023! Call for availability.

SEPT. 27TH

11-Day Motor Coach Trip to Niagara Falls (Canadian side) & Toronto. Tour highlights guided tours of Niagara Falls and Toronto, enjoy the Hornblower Niagara Cruise, a gaming stop at Fallsview Casino, visit Casa Loma Castle and more.

2501 MONTANA AVE. STE 17, BILLINGS, MT

SEPT. 27TH

OCTOBER 30TH 12-Day Best of lsrael and Jordan ... Faith Based Tour! Limited seats available.

NOVEMBER 7TH 7-Day Tour of Unforgettable Hawaii. ALOHA! $125 DISCOUNT WHEN RESERVED BY MARCH 31, 2023! $4075/ppd; add $1140 for single. $875 Deposit. Balance due August 5, 2024

W: WWW.GDPTOURS.COM E: LILY@GDPTOURS.COM

Turning 65 or new to Medicare?

It’s time to get Medicare-ready Call a licensed independent sales agent

Amy Hurless 406-696-8925

amyhurless@simplifymedicareplans.com humana.com/ahurless A more human way to healthcare™

THANK YOU

to the following businesses for sponsoring monthly birthday cakes to Alliance Meal Sites. Canyon Creek Memory Care Facility West Park Village Pacific Source Health Plans St. John’s United Wyndstone Morning Star Senior Living Yellowstone Valley Electric www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

Connections IN OUR MIDST

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

Shine On! By Jackie Swiesz

Whenever it’s a school day, you will find this fellow on the busy corner of Parkhill and 17th Street West, waving at passing cars full of parents and kids who exuberantly wave back at him. “I do that to make people aware that there’s a school crossing here – the motion gets their attention.” People can’t help but wave back, especially because of his contagious grin and his thumbs up when they see him. “Some of the kids are so little they can’t see over the window – I just see the hand!” Bill Bishop is somewhat of a celebrity and people go out of their way to drive past his crossing station just to get a glimpse of his shiny smile. “Seeing him just makes my day better,” said one young woman, who pulled up beside us as Bill and I were chatting. “Have a Happy Holiday!” Bill shouts out to her. She replies, “and you as well!” Rain or shine, he’s always on this corner, making sure the children get to school safely. He takes it very seriously, waving to get eye contact with drivers and holding up the big red “lollipop” stop sign as the kids cross the street. Bill worries about the boys and girls. Not only does he teach them how to properly cross the road, but he’s also genuinely concerned about their well-being. One rainy day a small girl had no coat on and was soaking wet. He made sure she got to the school where they called the parents who brought dry clothes and a jacket for her. That inner glow is evident when you see Bill, even on a cloudy day! 20

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

About four years ago, Bill was taking his morning walk near Rose Park Elementary School when he met Chuck, another crossing guard who’s 85 years young and still going strong. Between Chuck’s encouragement and another young woman at the crossing, Bill told me he was “finagled into becoming a crossing guard, too!” First and foremost, he loves the kids. “There’s no better feeling than when they run up to me all at once, tackling me and giving me bear hugs,” said Bill. He adds with a twinkle in his eye, “but, I sure hope that, at age 78, I don’t lose my balance when they come at me!” He's also seen several accidents at the intersection over the years, a lot of times due to drivers texting, and once a near miss happened when he started to step off the curb to escort a little girl across the intersection. “So, I always make sure all the cars are stopped and that they are aware that I’m crossing the street with the kids.” People really appreciate his dedication to the children’s safety, and he’s been given gift cards for coffee and oth-

“We forgot to give you this,” they chimed in together, handing him a yummy piece of pumpkin bread with creamy filling. Being a crossing guard isn’t Bill’s only activity in his retirement world. “I have to stay busy,” he told me. As an old Marine, he participates in the Marine Corp League, volunteering for the annual Toys for Tots drive, and he is one of the members of the military gun salute at the local cemeteries. Not only this, but he also has a pastime of playing video games. He likes games that have a story line and complex worlds. “My son introduced me to them,” he said. “My favorite is Assassin’s Creed/Valhalla, and I’ve been working on that one for a year!” Seems he has a knack for connecting with people of all ages, from parents to their video game-obsessed children. er kind gestures. “One man even gave me elk steaks,” exclaimed Bill. That was a surprise and a welcome gift for Bill, a lifelong hunter. “And, the other day,” Bill told me, “When I escorted two boys through the intersection, they were jibber jabbering about some video game. When they got across, they stopped and yelled for me to come back over.”

Whenever we cross paths with those that radiate that innocent spark of life, we become a bit more buoyant, too, and our day simply shines on!

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

Happenings UNDER THE BIG SKY ALBERTA BAIR THEATER 2801 3rd Ave N, Billings, MT

THE BOOK OF MORMON - Musical 01.16.24 - 7:30pm, 01.17.24 - 7:30pm TICKETS: $110.00, $72.00; $72.00 Student + non-refundable fees The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical. Contains explicit language. For more information, visit TheBookOfMormonTour.com. JOHNNY CASH THE OFFICIAL CONCERT EXPERIENCE 02.01.24 - 7:30pm TICKETS: $75.00, $60.00 + non-refundable fees Bringing songs and stories from the “Man in Black” to the stage in a way that audiences haven’t seen or heard before. With video of Johnny from episodes of The Johnny Cash TV Show projected on a screen above the stage, a live band and singers will accompany him in perfect sync. This concert experience will showcase iconic performances from the TV show and highlight the spirit of the legend by revisiting some of his memorable words and anecdotes. Cash will perform some of his biggest hits, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire, “And “I Walk the Line,” and share stories of people he met along the way whose causes he championed– the working man from all walks of life. Plus, onstage male and female singers will split vocal duties performing their own takes on Cash hits. The music never stops in this concert event! HAIRSPRAY - Musical 02.17.24 - 2:00pm and 7:30pm TICKETS: $95.00, $72.00; $72.00 Student + nonrefundable fees You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the ‘60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” 22

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences. Don’t miss this “exhilaratingly funny and warm-hearted musical comedy” (The New Yorker). www.hairspraytour. com DRUMLINE LIVE - Concert 02.22.24 - 7:30pm TICKETS: $75.00, $65.00; $55.00 Student + nonrefundable fees DRUMLine Live, the show-stopping attraction created by the musical team behind 20th Century Fox’s hit movies, “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat,” has paraded onto some of the biggest theatre stages in America, Japan, and Korea, and performed more than 300 shows since 2009. Now it’s time for a BRANDNEW show, with new music and choreography. The legendary Historically Black College and University (HBCU) band experience comes alive with this worldclass cast of percussionists, musicians and dancers. Be prepared to laugh, sing, dance, and cry, because DRUM Line Live is a high-octane musical roller coaster ride that is guaranteed to touch every emotion in your body. MEAN GIRLS - Musical 02.27.24 - 7:30pm TICKETS: $100.00, $72.00; $72.00 Student + nonrefundable fees Direct from Broadway, MEAN GIRLS is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer TINA FEY (“30 Rock”), composer JEFF RICHMOND (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist NELL BENJAMIN (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer CASEY NICHOLAW (The Book of Mormon). Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. New York Magazine cheers, “MEAN GIRLS delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and

joyful inside-jokery.” USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!” MALEVO – ARGENTINIAN DANCE COMPANY 02.29.24 - 7:30pm TICKETS: $45.00, $35.00; $25.00 Student + nonrefundable fees SPONSORED BY: Passionate Drumming. Explosive Dance. Fiery Theatrics. Argentina’s answer to Stomp and Riverdance. Direct from Argentina, MALEVO is an all-male group elevating Malambo traditions with urban percussion and dance. Testing strength, dexterity and agility, elements of flamenco, tango and Irish stepdance meet and the result is a performance that not only pushes the Malambo style beyond its limits but gives audiences an extraordinary visual and sensory theatrical experience unlike any other. After being named an official Cultural Ambassador to the National Identity of Argentina and achieving numerous successes including performances in Las Vegas, New York, Paris, and London, MALEVO has appeared with Latin pop star Ricky Martin, Cirque du Soleil, and on the hit television show America’s Got Talent. Backed by a live band, MALEVO is a fiery, pulsating South American sensation slaying audiences across the globe. “Loud, dramatic, and packed with explosive energy and saucy exuberance.” - T The Boston Globe

ARTHOUSE

Fly Fishing Film Tour 2024 January 25th • 7PM (Doors at 6PM) at the Babcock Theatre Tickets: $22 ($25 at the door) | $16 Kids ($19 at the door) The 18th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T) is back on the road January 2024 with a top notch selection of short films that are sure to get you fired up for the season ahead. The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.

BILLINGS STUDIO THEATER

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe This dramatization from the story of C.S. Lewis’ classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into exciting, never-to-beforgotten Naria. $15.00 for all tickets. PERFORMANCE TIMES ARE THUR, FRI., SAT, 7:00PM - SUNDAYS 2:00PM January 11-21 Beer For Breakfast – Comedy A group of middle-aged buddies reunite for a “guys weekend” in a snowed-in cabin to eat chili, drink beer and relive the good old days. Despite divorce, unemployment and a stroke, spirits are high until Jessie, the wife of absent friend Adrian, shows up in his place. PERFORMANCE TIMES ARE THUR, FRI., SAT, 7:00PM - SUNDAYS 2:00PM February 2-17

BILLINGS SYMPHONY ALBERTA BAIR THEATER 2801 3rd Ave N, Billings

‘STRINGS ATTACHED’ 01.19.24 - 7:00pm - Dress Rehearsal 01.20.24 - 7:30pm - Performance (Concert Cues start at 6:40pm) TICKETS: $20.00-$69.00 + non-refundable fees Angella Ahn, violin-Maria Ahn, cello-Azusa Hokugo, piano Ludwig van Beethoven | Triple Concerto | Igor Stravinsky | Pulcinella Suite The Juilliard-trained Ahn Trio collaborates with the Billings Symphony on one of Beethoven’s most unusual works: his radiantly joyful Triple Concerto. The program concludes with Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, an elegant neoclassical confection filled with quirky humor and catchy tunes. ‘FAMILY CONCERT: A PUPPET’S PLIGHT’ 01.20.24 - 12:00pm TICKETS: Free

CONT. ON NEXT PG.➡ www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

Happenings UNDER THE BIG SKY CONT. Amy Schendel, actor Benny is going into the 6th grade, but he has one problem: he can’t decide which instrument he wants to play. Violin? Clarinet? Tuba? There are too many to choose from! Join Benny on his journey as he meets different musicians, learns about instruments in the orchestra, and discovers all the opportunities music can provide. This show is geared towards K-6 students. BILLINGS SYMPHONY ‘SONG FOR HUMANITY’ 02.09.24 - 7:00pm - Dress Rehearsal 02.10.24 - 7:30pm - Performance (Concert Cues start at 6:40pm) TICKETS: $20.00-$69.00 + non-refundable fees Robert Moody, guest conductor- Julien Rollins, bassoon- Billings Symphony Chorale Carl Maria von Weber | Hungarian Andante and Rondo |Johannes Brahms A German Requiem Grand in scale yet intimate in its message, Brahms’ “Human Requiem” (his preferred title) offers consolation for the living, rather than judgment for the dead. In keeping with the composer’s intention that this work would be “for all people,” this performance will be presented in English. Former bassoon intern and MASO competition winner Julien Rollins makes his solo debut. JOHNNY GANDELSMAN: THIS IS AMERICA The Billings Depot - 2310 Montana Ave. Thursday, Feb 15, 2024 - 7:00PM - $25 - $42 After opening with a reimagined Bach Cello Suite, the Grammy award-winning violinist presents selections from This Is America, an anthology born out of the social justice reckoning of 2020 and 2021. Each work is an intimate reflection on the current state of American society, looking through an unflinching lens at universal topics like separation, loneliness, hope, and love.

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

DOWNTOWN BILLINGS 24

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

4th Annual Mug Crawl Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Join the Downtown Billings Alliance for the 4th Annual Downtown Mug Crawl! Sign-up with your favorite caffeine loving friends, bundle up and come on a downtown caffeine & tea scene adventure with us. This interactive, pub crawl style event in Downtown Billings gives individuals an opportunity to explore and experience the flavors and ambiance of our local downtown coffee and tea establishments on Saturday, February 10th. Enjoy the mug crawl at your own pace from 10am to 1pm. At check-in, each registered participant receives a mug, map, and a pack of crawl tickets. You’ll use your crawl tickets and mug at each of the participating locations to taste their pre-selected mug crawl beverages. It’s a crawl and not a sprint so take your time to savor the warmth, atmosphere of the locations and enjoy every ounce of the over 40 ounces of locally made yumminess made available for you. Tickets go on sale in January. This event sells out quick with only a limited number of event tickets available each year. $25 – $30

METRAPARK

DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT W/ KATELYN OHASHI Montana Pavilion Date: Jan 19 - Jan 21, 2024 Welcome to the Drop It Like It’s Hot Invitational tour with Katelyn Ohashi, hosted by LR Productions. This women’s artistic gymnastic competition tour will be open to USA Gymnastics, NGA, levels 1-10 and Xcel divisions. Join Katelyn Ohashi as we celebrate the beauty to be yourself, the confidence to embrace it, and always light the fire within! A portion of the proceeds benefits Project Heal. BRYAN ADAMS - First Interstate Arena Jan 20, 2024 - 7:30 PM - Concert Cost: Prices Vary Bryan Adams is one of the most exciting live musicians in the world and his energetic performance, effortless stage presence and incredible vocals are guaranteed to thrill and entertain. Adams’ influence extends 4 decades, over which time

he has released 14 studio albums. His most recent recording, Shine a Light, whose title track was cowritten by Ed Sheeran, debuted at number one on the album charts in March of 2019. The album also features a duet with Jennifer Lopez. His song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award. Bryan Adams is a Canadian singer / songwriter who continues to tour the world playing his music which has become a mainstay on rock radio. CHAMBER AG APPRECIATION CELEBRATION Montana Pavilion Date: Jan 26, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM Fundraiser Awareness and appreciation: That’s why the Chamber Ag Appreciation Celebration is hosted every winter. Agriculture is the region’s number one industry. This banquet offers an evening of fabulous food, entertainment and camaraderie for people in and out of the Ag industry. It’s about education, admiration, and gratitude for the area’s farmers, ranchers, consumers as well as agri-business and agri-business research representatives. For any questions please call 406-245-4111 or email info@BillingsChamber.com. PARKER MCCOLLUM: BURN IT DOWN TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS LARRY FLEET AND KING CALAWAY - Concert First Interstate Arena Date: Jan 27, 2024 - Time: 7:30 PM - Cost: Price Varies BUILDING & REMODELING EXPO - Expo Center Date: Feb 08 - Feb 10, 2024 Friday, 2pm – 5pm Saturday, 10am to 5pm Admission is $3 Adults Kids & Students are FREE If you’re planning to build, remodel, or just looking for design ideas & trends, THE BUILDING AND REMODELING EXPO will have all the latest ideas and resources. Visit with professionals that are all members of The Home Builders Association! ENTER THE MANY PRIZE DRAWINGS, including tickets to the 2024 Parade of Homes! Looking for a career in trades? Do you have a high school student in your home considering career options? Visit the TOOLS FOR TRADES DAYS taking

place during the Expo. Visit with trades education providers from School District II, COT, and others. Hands-on fun for kids of all ages with trades STEM projects, try the VR Headsets, and visit with trades career employers! JON PARDI - First Interstate Arena Date: Feb 13, 2024, Time: 7:00 PM Cost: Prices Vary RESCHEDULED DATE ANNOUNCED! FEBRUARY 13, 2024 Get ready, country music fans! The much-awaited Jon Pardi concert at MetraPark, initially scheduled for November 4, 2023, has been rescheduled to February 13, 2024. We are thrilled to bring you this exciting update and look forward to hosting an unforgettable evening filled with Jon Pardi’s chart-topping hits and captivating performance. YOUR TICKETS ARE STILL VALID! NO LIMITS MONSTER TRUCKS - First Interstate Arena Date: Feb 17, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM Cost: Prices Vary – Fun For The Family - Ages two and under are free. GET READY FOR SOME ULTIMATE HORSEPOWER ACTION!!! The NO LIMITS Monster Trucks is invading MetraPark! FEATURING AN ALL-STAR LINE UP! Plus a MONSTER RIDE TRUCK & Kids Power Wheel Races! MEET AND GREET STARTS AT 5:45 PM. VIP PARTY FOR VIP TICKET HOLDERS @ 5:45 PM. MEET THE DRIVERS & SEE THE TRUCKS CLOSEUP

NOVA

Funky Bunch Improv at Nova Friday, January 5 and Friday, February 1 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

YELLOWSTONE ART MUSEUM

First Friday at the YAM - 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Meet a local artist, listen to the sounds of a talented musician, participate in a stimulating lecture — every First Friday is different.

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

THE RESOURCE CENTER

RESOURCES

Caregiver Support Coordinator-Kylie • Office Coordinator- Madi Resource Center Specialist- Holly, Breana, and Heidi For more information, please call 406-259-5212

FBI WARNS PUBLIC TO BEWARE OF GOVERNMENT IMPERSONATION SCAMS Information through FBI Press Release on October 23, 2023

There has been an increase in reports of scammers targeting Montanans by claiming to be a representative of the FBI. In more than one instance in Montana, victims were contacted by phone by someone claiming to be an FBI agent. What should you know to avoid being a victim of a Government Impersonation Scam. THE FBI WILL NEVER: •

Call or email private citizens to demand payment or threaten arrest. You will also not be asked to wire a “settlement” to avoid arrest.

•

Ask you to deposit your money into a bitcoin ATM.

•

Ask you for a wire transfer or gift cards.

•

Call you about “frozen” Social Security numbers or to coordinate inheritance.

To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, be wary of answering phone calls from numbers you do not recognize and DO NOT send money to anybody you do not personally know and trust. If you think you have been a victim of this scam and suffered a financial loss, you should file a report with your local law enforcement agency. Additionally, all types of fraud schemes and scams, even if no financial loss, should be reported to IC3 (ic3.gov) to assist FBI analysts with identifying leads and patterns from the complaints they receive. The IC3 will then refer complaints and analyses to relevant law enforcement agencies to aid in increasing public awareness and crime-prevention education efforts.

WANT TO FILE YOUR TAX RETURN ON YOUR OWN AND DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? There are great online resources for both federal and state tax returns! MONTANA: Go to https://tap.dor.mt.gov/ to find out more about how to file your Montana state tax return, check on your refund status, and to make payments! It is quick, easy, and a great resource for answering your questions. FEDERAL: Go to https://www.irs.gov/help/ita to use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool for help with your federal tax return! Based on your input, it can determine if you have to file a tax return, your filing status, if you can claim a dependent, if the type of income you have is taxable, if you're eligible to claim a credit, or if you can deduct expenses.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE 2024 Do you need assistance paying for your property taxes in 2024? The Resource Center can help you apply for the Low-Income Tax Assistance Program or the Elderly Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit. ELDERLY HOMEOWNER/RENTER TAX CREDIT Individuals at least age 62 at the end of the calendar year for which they are claiming the credit may qualify if they: • had household income of less than $45,000 • lived in Montana for at least 9 months of the calendar year • rented, owned or leased a home in the state for at least 6 months The amount of the tax credit is based on household income, rent, and property tax. It can range from $0-$1,150.

PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2024 To qualify in Tax Year 2024, you must: • Own or currently be under a contract to purchase a home or mobile/manufactured home • Live in the home as your primary residence for at least seven months of the year • Have a 2022 Federal Adjusted Gross Income (FAGI), excluding capital and income losses, less than: o

Single: $27,621

Married or Head of Household: $37,019

Include your spouse's income in your 2022 FAGI regardless of whether they are a co-owner of the home. Depending on your marital status and income, the reduction is 80%, 50%, or 30% of the normal tax rate. The income ranges are updated each year for inflation. You may use this table to find which level or reduction you will receive if you qualify for this program in Tax Year 2024.

SINGLE $0-13,590 $13,591-18,580 $18,581-27,621

MARRIED OR HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $0-18,310 $18,311-27677 $27,688-37,019

REDUCTION 80% 50% 30%

If you are interested in either of these programs and need help applying, please contact 406-259-5212.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT:

Check out this or one of many other great books in the Resource Center Library! Are you struggling with talking about caregiving, finances, or end of life planning with parents or family members?

Can’t we talk about something more Pleasant? By Roz Chast This graphic novel is illustrated to represent author Roz Chast’s struggle communicating with her parents about death. If you want to read more about the struggles of caregiving for two senior parents through this graphic story, please come check it out from the Resource Center Library. Chast uses her illustration skills to represent the conversations she never wanted to talk about but was forced to have as she navigates end of life planning with her parents. www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 27

CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM Kylie, Caregiver Coordinator 406-259-5212

Depression and Caregiving BY FAMILY CAREGIVER ALLIANCE AND REVIEWED BY BETH MACLEOD, LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW)

Many people with symptoms of depression don’t describe themselves as feeling depressed. Some people don’t recognize the symptoms in themselves, while others may have a hard time admitting they feel depressed. An individual may feel like a failure or that people will judge them. For caregivers, depression is more common than you might think, and it’s a normal response to a difficult situation. It is not unusual for caregivers to develop mild or more serious depression because of the constant demands they face while providing care. Not everyone will experience the negative feelings that go with depression. But we know that to provide the best possible care for a family member or friend, caregivers often sacrifice their own physical and emotional needs. The complex and varied aspects involved with providing care can strain even the most capable person.

As stressful as the deterioration of a loved one’s mental and physical abilities may be for the caregiver, dealing with dementia-related behavior is an even bigger contributor to developing depression. Dementia-related symptoms such as wandering, agitation, hoarding, and embarrassing conduct, and resistance or noncooperation from the loved one makes every day challenging and makes it harder for a caregiver to get rest or assistance in providing care. The more severe the case of dementia, the more likely the caregiver is to experience depression. It is critical for caregivers, especially in these situations, to receive consistent and dependable support and respite.

Special Caregiver Concerns

Men who are caregivers deal with depression differently. Men are less likely to admit to depression and doctors are less likely to diagnose depression in men. Men will more often “self-treat” their depressive symptoms. Although male caregivers tend to be more willing than female caregivers to hire outside help for assistance with home care duties, they tend to have fewer friends to confide in or positive activities to engage in outside the home. The mistaken assumption that depressive symptoms are a sign of weakness can make it especially difficult for men to seek help.

Caring for a person with dementia can be all-consuming. Researchers have found that a person who provides care for someone with dementia is twice as likely to suffer from depression as a person providing care for someone without dementia. Not only do caregivers spend significantly more hours per week providing care, but they also report more employment problems, personal stress, mental and physical health problems, lack of sleep, less time to do the things they enjoy, less time to spend with other family members, and more family conflict than non-dementia caregivers.

Military and veteran caregivers are at risk of depression. Military and veteran caregivers experience depression nearly twice the rate of non-military caregivers. The more severe the mental and/or physical health conditions of the veteran, the more demands you face as a caregiver. Conditions like dementia, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder (TBI and PTSD) can be particularly challenging for caregivers. Trying to cope with daily life in addition to watching out for the veteran’s triggers, or helping them cope with their own stress, can lead you to feel overwhelmed and increase feelings of

Early attention to symptoms of depression through exercise, a healthy diet, positive support from family and friends, or consultation with a trained health or mental health professional may help to prevent the development of a more serious depression over time.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

CARETIME Caregiver Support Group depression, particularly feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. As a military caregiver, you may not have other people in your life who understand the experience of caring for a service member, particularly younger caregivers whose peers are unlikely to be facing the same kinds of challenges. You may have even moved to have better access to VA benefits, or to a region that is more supportive of your veteran’s needs, which can make you feel even more isolated and less likely to have help from people you know and trust. That doesn’t mean help isn’t available. The first step is to talk to your doctor who can refer you to a mental health professional and can prescribe medications as appropriate.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies Many complementary medicines and alternative therapies are promoted for coping with depression. Here are some of the most common therapies: Physical Exercise: Exercise has been found to reduce the effects of depression. Walking three times a week for 30 to 45 minutes has been linked to reducing or alleviating symptoms of depression. If that seems like a lot of time you don’t have, then start with 15 minutes once a week. The important message is to get started with a regular exercise activity. Light Therapy: Caregivers who feel “the blues” when confined indoors or in response to winter’s gray days may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also referred to as “winter depression.” As seasons change, there is a shift in our biological internal clocks or circadian rhythms, partly in response to the changes in sunlight patterns. Using specially designed bright fluorescent lights has been shown to reverse SAD’s depressive symptoms. Experts believe that light therapy works by altering the levels of certain brain chemicals, specifically melatonin.

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 Kylie at 406-259-5212. Virtual and call-in options available if you are unable to attend in-person.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 • 1-2PM TOPIC:

UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA SPEAKER:

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION, MONTANA

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 • 1-2PM TOPIC:

GENERAL SHARING SESSION

health can impact our mental state. Implementing mindbody techniques into your routine may help alleviate depression. Here are some to try: meditation, prayer, deep breaking, listening to music, and journaling.

Mind-Body Techniques: There is a growing body of research showing that our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings can have a direct impact on our health, and our physical www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

SUPPORTERS

Thank you to each one of you who made a contribution during the months of October and November!

You truly are making a positive difference in the lives of seniors in our community. Larry & Barbara Adams Neil Adams Jane Ahlquist Gene & Bobi Allard Bernard Allen Laureen Ammon Catherine Andersen Cynthia Anderson Dave & Bernie Anderson Fred & Delores Anderson Joanne Anderson Marcia Anderson Anonymous Donor Darrell & Susan Asbell Bonnie Ayre-Svingen Linda Babnik Beth Bailey Scott & Linda Baker David & Marie Bakke Timothy & Betty Ballou Sample Foundation, Inc Karen Barbee Robert & Rosalie Barthel Cheryl & Vern Bass Carol Beam Ray & Jean Becker Annette Behm Frankie Bennett Mike & Lauretta Bentz Mary Ann Beran Barbara Berg Donald Bernhardt Roger & Beverly Biggerstaff Charles & Laura Bikle Dale & Pamela Bilyeu Joseph & Carol Blades Craig Blom Jim & Connie Boorman Bill Bray Steven & Vernita Breshears Joseph Brookshier Hazel Edna Brown Marsha Brown Roland Brown Imelda Brychta John & Karren Cannon Bryan & Stephanie Canty 30

Juan Castro William Caton Ila Mae Cerkoney Chau Kitchen Mary & Frank Cipech Charitable Trust Joe Cook Ralph & Barbara Cook Cheryl Cormier Willard Cormier Phil & Carol Cowan Scott Cranston Judy Cucciardi Greg & Alice Culp Robert Cushing John & Judy Dailey Gilbert & Sharon Dallas Evelyn Dempsey Dale & Nancy Detrick Dick & Sue DeVries Luis & Debra Diaz Edie & Greg Dibble Alan & Jamie Dorhauer Keith & Jerilyn Dukart Doug & Shirley Dundas Marlin & Sharon Dunlap Darlene Durney Alice Eliason Beverly Elkin Gail & Eunice Ellison Rita Emond Nancy Englert Laurie Erickson Jeannette Erwin James Etzel Raymond Feller Gary & Susan Finn First Interstate BancSystem Foundation John Fischer Teresa Fischer Bob Fitzsimmons Florence S. Mahoney Foundation Judy Flugstad Gordon Forster Virginia Frank JoAnne Fraser Doug Frette

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Helen Fryer Judy Fura Charles Gainan Rosemary Ganzeveld Steven & Alice Garr Zack & Virginia Garretson Mike & Sherrill Geddes Adrienne Gibson Ed & Lynne Gillig Nicholas & Judy Gomez Joan Goodale Lila Gordon Caron Griffith Joan Griffith Georgette Guay Guru Nanak Inc Lucille Habel Gregg & Marcia Hafner Dennis Hagenston Peggy Hall Sandra Haney Alice Hannahs Lori Hansen Jenny Hanson Laurel Hanson Ronald & Marilee Harakal Peg Hart Carol & Chuck Hartman JoAnne Haverland Penny Haynes Roger Heimbigner Kathie Helmbrecht Donna Hightower Teresa Hill Elmer Hirsch James Hodous Dan & Arlene Holen Cliff & Faye Holm Steve Howe Roy & Dolores Howerter Jim & Judy Hughes Doyce & Carol Hutson Theresa Jenkins Keith Johnson Larry Johnson Johnstone Supply Kellie Jones Dave & Deborah Jordan JoAnn Jurica

Aiko Kawano Robert & Ardyce Kelly Patrick & Marjorie Kennedy Becky Kensinger-Polinski Jeff & Cynthia Kessler Wade King Douglas & Theresa Kirby Bonnie Jean Kirwin Gary & Janice Koch Michele Koch Verlin & Diana Koenig James Koessler Nicholas Konecny Kent Koolen Richard & Linda Kouba Aileen Kramer Clarence & Violet Krum Raymond & Donna Kuntz Veronica Kuzma Patricia Lahaie Mary LaMonaca Wayne & Millie Leischner Mark & Cindy Lemm Cheryl Leonard Lecia & Philip Letz Gerald & Bobbie Licht Bill & Debbie Lind Marchia Link Edeen Linsky Susan Lubbers Bill & Cathleen Lynch Jerry & Beth Madsen Lydia Maier Terry & Sandra Mammenga Denny & Mary Marek Veronica Marsich Alpha Martin Vernon & Sharon Martinz Charlene Mayes Cheryl Malia-McCall Elaine McClelland Nancy McGrade Terry McGuinness Insurance Bonnie McIntyre Bea Ann Melichar Lorli Mercer Christopher Merrill

Dan & Donna Miller Donald & Karen Mitchell Pat Mitchell Jeanette Moran Tim & Cindy Morgan Delbert & Dina Moser Bob & Becky Muller Leonard & Melody Munter Jeff Murray David & Nancy Myers Laurali Mylan Arne & Vikki Mysse Richard Sr. & Joanne Nauman Kathleen Nelsen Betty D. Nelson Kevin & Lorena Nelson Lorie Nelson Kathy Niles Diana Notis Don & Irene Oaks Debora O’Brien Nancy O’Brien Wayne & Eileen Opperud JoAnn Ostermiller Nina Otter Marlin & Muriel Overstreet Parker & Co. Mike Paterson Jacqueline Payne Geraldine Peeler Lori Petersen Bruce & Bernice Phillips Richard & Dorathy Pippin Cheryle & Van Pittack Michael & Lorri Pool Greg Pope Barbara Prestrud Arlene Priest DeWayne & Renee Prinkki Ted Proctor Lynne Puckett Richard & Virginia Pylman Dorothy Randall Rhonda Randall Kim Redding Mark & Sharon Redfern Stephen & Janice Regimbal

Kenneth & Debra Reinhardt Dennis & Kathleen Renier Patricia Reynolds Ella Rider Germaine Riesinger Delores Roebling Layne & Myrna Rolandson Tonya Rose Scott & Vickie Ross Royal & Norma Johnson Charitable Fdn. Marilee Ryniker Kathy Sabe Curt Sauber Mary & Patrick Schelle David & Jean Schmittou Derrick & Gayle Schneider Gary & Jean Anne Schneider Robert & Glennine Schoen Peggy Schottlaender Wilma Schroeder Richard & Sharon Schwab Beverly Schwabe Ann Seymour William & Charlotte Shackelford Elizabeth Sheley Bob & Sandy Short Kent & Mary Sielbach Del Simon Charlie & Connie Simonsen Nancy Sinclair Jo Anne & Kenneth Sipes Ursula Slovak Michael Smith Curt & Shirley Solem Phil & Linda Stalling Chuck & Joyce Stanley Ron & Kaye Stevenson Robert & Mary Streck Randy & Jennifer Strending Ron & Vicky Stricker Sherrill Sullins Mona Sumner Carol & Thomas Swoboda

Carole Tasker Jean Thompson Joan Torno Town Pump Charitable Foundation Cody & Darci Turnquist Vera & Bob Ulschak Carl & Roberta Vender Alex Vogel Michael & Denise Vogel Lorraine Wagenman Eugene & Cathy Wasia Ruth Waterfall Bill & Cheryl Watson Dan & Clara Weaver Amy Lea Weber Amy Wells Bob & Peggy Wendorff Renaldus & Carol Wentz Marlene Wheeler Charlie & Jeanne Widdicombe Emilie Williams Robert & Donna Witham Connie Wittman Charles Wittnam & Patricia Payne Lisa Wolfendale Robin Wolff Jason & Kimberly Wright Wayne Wyman Lorraine Yates Gloria Zeiler Louise Zokan-Delos Reyes Elsa Zorn Helen Zottnick

Honorariums in Honor of Steve Arntzen Anonymous Donor Heidi Schmalz Anonymous Donor

Memorials in Memory of Diana Achten Jerry Achten Graham Beckett Ken Peterson Beverly Bennetts Arne & Vikki Mysse Gloria Erpenbach Kathryn Seal Wayne Ettleman Angeline Ettleman Dan Gabel Betty Ann Gabel Hank Gabel Betty Ann Gabel Delores Ketterling Clarence & Violet Krum Laverna & Al Hager Bob & Gladys Pierce Carol Kramer Melvin & Arleen Nafts Deb & Stephen Regele Bette M Wolff Jan Kirk Dixie Bertagna Tom Odea Sherlene Robison-O’Dea Margaret Peterson Phil & Diana Worden Melvin & Arleen Nafts Roger & Gerry Olmstead Jim & Wrenetta Stark Almarie Phelan Jerry & Peggy Payton Darrell Robson Dale & Donna Jennison Gimmer & Linnea Robison Sherlene Robison-O’Dea Henry Stewart Rhonda Randall Betty Teigen Gary & Jean Anne Schneider

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

OUR COMMUNITY 32

MEAL SITE UPDATES ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE

1505 Avenue D • Reservations: 406-259-9666 • Mon thru Fri • 11-12:30

“14 and Fruitful”

14th Anniversary Dinner: Wed, Jan 17, 11-12:30 We will have open seating and entertainment. Reservations due by Noon on 1/12. It has been a wonderful journey building this site from scratch. Daily diners continue to come in all shapes and sizes of personalities and humor. Memory Lane reminds me that I started out with dark hair, teen children, and now I’m gray and a grandmother. What a gift!

Happy Anniversa ry

Valentine’s Dinner: Wed, Feb 14, 11-12:30 Open Seating – RSVP by Noon, February 2. Please bring in pictures of your beloved animals, past or present. Leap Year 2024: Thurs, Feb 29 Do you have a Leap Year birthday? Make lunch reservations and let us know ahead of time. We’ll have a prize for you at check in with proper ID. Extra credit for anyone who brings in a frog figurine for display. Get it? Leap!

—Mary Beth

HEIGHTS MEAL SITE

935 Lake Elmo Dr • Reservations: 406-606-1170 Monday thru Friday at 11:45 We are very excited to start the New Year. Throughout the year, we will be adding more fun activities, special guest speakers and shared community programs. Don’t forget to check out our current low impact exercise and light yoga classes, Mondays-Thursdays. Come in for lunch on Thursdays and stay afterwards to play bingo. We will be closed Monday, January 1st (New Year’s Day) and Monday, January 15th (Martin Luther King Jr. Day). Our monthly Birthday parties will be Friday, January 26th and Friday, February 24th. Please sign up the day before, by 12:00 noon. We want to give a huge shout out to our wonderful volunteers; they are the BEST! Also, thank you to Wynstone for our beautiful birthday cakes! Happy New Year!

—Marlene & Janlyn

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

MEAL SITE UPDATES BILLINGS COMMUNITY CENTER

360 N. 23rd • Reservations: 406-259-9666 • Monday thru Friday at 12:00 The new year has started. Come visit the Alliance Billings Community Center meal site. Meet new friends, have a cup of coffee, and stay for a nice meal. We serve lunch at 11:45, five days a week. Call (406)657-3050 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. It’s worth checking out!

—Tina

HUNTLEY SENIOR CENTER

37 Minecha Avenue • Reservations: (406)698-6525 1st and 3rd Thursday at 12:00

2023 is behind us, but those memories we made will always be with us. I look forward to all the memories yet to be made. Time passes incredibly fast. I never thought I would say the words, "Well, in my day" …but I catch myself saying it often. Even though the future is not known, we can always look forward to the sun coming up and new memories being made. Remember to enjoy the journey and the scenery along the way. It is awesome to have so many veterans in our group. They were all honored with a free lunch back in November. A very special member of our group has volunteered to be our Activities Director. In the spirit of Christmas, we had a food drive and a toy collection for a local church to give out at Christmas. We also gave several donations to local groups who make Christmas brighter for our community. We meet the first and third Thursday for lunch at the Sportsman Club in Huntley, please feel free to join us. Please call Dona for a lunch reservation by the Monday before the Thursday you would like to attend. (406)698-6525

—Dona

HAPPY NEW YEAR www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

MEAL SITE UPDATES LAUREL SENIOR CENTER

720 South 4th Street • Reservations: 406-628-7571 Monday thru Friday at 12:00 Let it Be!

Sometimes sage advice pertaining to things we can do little about… I wonder though about the wonderful outcomes that would not have happened if people would have just “Let it Be”. Something to think about. The construction at our center has presented some glitches where we’ve just had to “Let it Be”. We look forward to our new facelift being finished. By Prime Connection printing time, the Laurel Senior Center renovations should be just about completed. Come check it out. Even during the renovations, we still have pinochle on Mondays and Thursdays at 1:00. Bingo is played on Fridays at 1:00. Exercise is still happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-10:00 and there is a chair yoga class on Tuesdays at 1:00. And, of course, we are still serving lunch at noon. Look for some of our new menu items for 2024. We hope to see you at all or some of our activities. Best wishes for 2024!

— Mary & Amy

SHEPHERD MEAL SITE

5541 Haynes Road • Reservations: 406-696-1343 Wednesday at 12:00

Happy New Year! Hope everyone survived the holiday hustle & bustle and is ready to start a new year. Our menus will appear a bit different this year as we received a new list of delicious meals to choose from. Let the culinary adventure begin and hopefully you will find some new favorites. Please join our twice weekly exercise program on Tuesday and Friday mornings at the Community Center. They might even play some Beatle Music to motivate everyone. Let it Be…Let it Be… speaking words of wisdom (we all need a bit of exercise after all those decadent holiday treats !!!) The Billings Public Library Bookmobile is here twice monthly, the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Men’s Coffee Hour meets weekly on Thursday morning at 9am. The Pineview Quilters have been very busy this winter. In November thirty-three quilts were delivered to 3 Assisted Living Facilities in the Billings area. They have begun work on the next load of quilts to be delivered later this year. BINGO continues to be a big draw and is played every Wednesday following lunch. Great prizes and lots of laughter. Remember to RSVP with Dawn Beddes for lunch – (406)696-1343 by noon on Monday.

—Roberta

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

MEAL SITE UPDATES SOUTH PARK

901 S 30th St • Reservations: 406-256-6413 Monday and Friday at 11:45 Alliance is cooking up some new and inviting menu items for the new year. Susan serves up hot, delicious dishes Mondays and Fridays at 11:45 at the South Park Senior Center. She’s always smiling and ready to share a wise crack or a bit of wisdom. Check out what’s on the menu printed in the Prime Connections. Remember to call (406)259-6613 the day before by noon to secure a reservation. Birthdays are still being celebrated on the third Friday of the month with cake, donated by Dana from Pacific Source, and ice cream. While you’re having lunch, see what else South Park Senior Center has to offer. Whenever I’m there, it’s a warm, inviting atmosphere with nice people and hot coffee. You will be pleasantly surprised by this treasure Billings has tucked away in this neighborhood.

—Tammi

WORDEN

VFW Hall • Main Street • Reservations: 406-880-6061 • Fridays at 12:00 Happy New Year from your friends in Worden. We hope you have had a wonderful holiday season with your friends and family and are looking forward to the new year. Winter can be a little sad and lonely, with the short days and long dark nights. But we can take advantage of a break from our usual humdrum and focus on others bringing them a little cheer. If you can, get out visit others who are shut in. Shovel their sidewalk or take them a homemade treat. If it’s too cold to get out, give them a call or send a cheery note. You might just make their day and cheer yourself up in the process! You can spread the light and feel more cheerful yourself when you connect with others. We in Worden cherish our weekly times together, when we can have a good hot meal, enjoy lively conversation, and have fun activities. So, if you have a free Friday, we’d love to have you join us. Just call Janet by Wednesday to reserve a meal. (406)8806061

—Janet

WEST END MEAL SITE

King of Glory Church • 4125 Grand Avenue Reservations: 406-259-9666 • Tuesday and Thursday at 12:00 As the cold and snow pile up, and the days are short and dark, a Beetles song comes to mind. Let it Be “And when the light is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me. Shine until tomorrow, let it be.” We have passed the winter solstice and the days actually are getting longer. Each day has a little bit more daylight than the day before. Look for some “light” in every day. The sun shines every day, sometimes it’s just covered by clouds. Despite the cold weather, we are serving lunch at Alliance’s west end location. Hope you can join us for a hot meal. We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays; lunch is served at noon. Don’t forget to make a reservation, (406)259-9666. Come early or stay late for comradery, visiting, and games. Coffee and snacks are offered.

—Susan

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

MEAL SITE MENUS CUSTER MENU

JANUARY 2024 1/1 Closed / New Year’s Day 1/4 Tomato soup, crackers, ham and cheese sandwich, broccoli, orange wedges 1/8 Verde chicken enchiladas, green salad, apples, margarita cake 1/11 Sloppy Joes, green beans, peaches, chips, brownies 1/15 Closed / Martin Luther King Jr. Day 1/18 Cook’s Choice 1/22 Meatloaf, rosemary potatoes, cottage cheese, fruit, cookies 1/25 Chicken stir fry with rice and veggies, fruit salad, dessert 1/29 Cheeseburgers, French fries, fresh veggie tray, cinnamon Apples

FEBRUARY 2/1 Chicken Cacciatore, tossed salad, peaches, dinner roll, dessert 2/5 Beef barley stew, cornbread, fruit, Cheesecake with blueberry topping 2/8 Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic toast, peas, green salad, dessert 2/12 Pork chops, rice pilaf, green beans, pistachio salad 2/15 Taco bar, refried beans, fruit salad, brownies 2/19 Closed / President’s Day 2/22 Sweet & sour chicken, rice, coleslaw, pineapple with coconut, raspberry zinger cake

2/26 Clam chowder, crackers, veggie tray with ranch dressing, apple slices 2/29 Tater Tot casserole, green beans, cuties, German chocolate cake

HUNTLEY MENU

JANUARY

1/4 Pork chops, mashed potatoes w/gravy, carrots, dinner roll, *dessert 1/18 Lasagna, tossed salad, pears, garlic bread, cookie

FEBRUARY 2/01 French dip sandwich, au jus, tater tots, peaches, tossed salad, *dessert 2/15 Meatloaf, mashed w/ gravy, broccoli, roll, fruit salad, pudding

SHEPHERD MENU

JANUARY

1/3 White chicken chili, Frito chips, carrot raisin salad, cinnamon roll 1/10 Mushroom steak, mashed potatoes, peas & pearl onions, cranberries, roll 1/17 Fish sandwich w/ lettuce & tomato, creamy coleslaw, Jo Jo’s, pudding 1/24 Pork smothered burrito, Mexi Corn, tossed salad, fresh fruit, *Birthday Cake 1/31 Chicken cordon blue, scalloped potatoes, green beans, peaches

BUS SCHEDULE CUSTER BUS TO BILLINGS 2nd and 4th Tuesday of Every Month

Call 406-861-4259 for Reservation 36

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2/7 Beef stew, biscuit, celery & carrots, ranch dressing, banana 2/14 Fish & chips, pistachio salad, cold tomato wedges, avalanche bar 2/21 Chicken & dumplings, dinner salad, pickled beets, cookie 2/28 Porcupine meatballs w/ wild rice, squash, garlic toast, fresh fruit, *Birthday Cake

WORDEN MENU

JANUARY

1/05 Ravioli with meat sauce, tossed salad, garlic bread, apricots, *birthday cake and ice cream 1/12 Parmesan chicken, noodles glazed carrots, fresh fruit, roll, pudding with whipped topping 1/19 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, pears, *dessert 1/22 Cheesy hamburger potato soup, crackers, tossed salad, fruit, banana bread

FEBRUARY 2/02 Sweet & sour chicken, rice, coleslaw, peaches, *birthday cake and ice cream 2/09 Sloppy Joes, potato wedges, fruit salad, peanut butter cookie 2/16 Beef burrito, refried beans, Spanish rice, tomato wedges 2/23 Ham, baked beans, tossed salad, roll, applesauce, *dessert *MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE

LAUREL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

Within Laurel: Mon-Fri• 10am-4pm Laurel to Billings: 1st & 3rd Tues Afternoons EVERYONE WELCOME!

Call 406-628-4796 for Reservation

Winter Word Search

Instructions: Try to find all of the hidden Winter words in the word search puzzle below. (Words can be spelled forwards, backwards, diagonally, up, or down.)

BRISK FROZEN SKATING

COZY HEATER SNOWFLAKES

FLEECE HOOD SNOWMAN

FOG SEASON SWEATER

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

• running errands

YOU WANT TO LIVE LIFE

• home management • companionship

TO THE

• plus so much more CALL US FOR A PERSONAL CONSULTATION TODAY!

(406) 694-5394

www.billingsseniorconcierge.com

FULLEST

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT:

406‐655‐5822 physicaltherapy.stjohnsunited.org

14th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Adult Resource Alliance Anniversary Celebration Wednesday, January 17th, 11:00-12:30 1505 Avenue D SPECIAL MENU, DOOR PRIZES AND ENTERTAINMENT

Reservations must be made by January 12th by noon. Call (406) 259-9666 to reserve your spot. 38

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Patients rely on the generosity of blood donors to recover, heal and thrive VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED CALL 869-3040 FOR DETAILS Ensuring a safe blood supply for our community Schedule an appointment at vitalant.org or call 877-258-4825 Find us @vitalant:

FULL LINE OF INCONTINENCE PRODUCTS — DEPENDABLE DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR — Locally owned and operated.

406-534-1439 • 2301 1st Ave. N. • Billings, MT 59101 Doug & Sheena • FAX: 406-534-2905

www.discreetsolutionsinc.com • EMAIL: info@discreetsolutionsinc.com

ELDERLY/IN-HOME CARE Visiting Caregivers • Special Needs

• Tree/Shrub Trim or Removal • Gravel Area Sterilizer • Weed and Pest Control • Bug and Weed Spraying • Brush Chipping, Hauling, Odd Jobs • Stump and Root Removal • Licensed & Insured

MEDICARE OPEN MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT ENROLLMENT JANUARY 1ͲMARCH 31,2024 2024 JANUARY 1ͲMARCH 31,

SWITCH TO ANOTHER SWITCH TO ANOTHER ADVANTAGE PLAN ADVANTAGE PLAN WE CAN HELP! WE CAN HELP!

SCHEDULE YOUR SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW APPOINTMENT NOW

• Snow Removal

PLEASE CALL 252-4677 erniescott4406@gmail.com

406Ͳ969Ͳ3000 406Ͳ969Ͳ3000

Wendy WendyNelson Nelson

Agent/Owner/Senior Specialist Agent/Owner/Senior Specialist wendy@justaskwendy.com wendy@justaskwendy.com

1460 1460 17th17th St W St W Billings, MT 59102 Billings, MT 59102

SENIOR WELLNESS

WILLS • ESTATE PLANNING GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW

FOOT CARE CLINIC

A trusted law firm for over 100 years . . .

— Appointments now available at —

by Richard Werbelow, BSN, RN, CFCN WCC

Billings Community Center

Located at 4th Avenue North and North 23rd Street

Laurel Senior Center Call Brent Cromley: 248-7731 brent.cromley@moultonbellingham.com

By the Lake

Call Rich at (406) 860-4482 • footnursemt@yahoo.com www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID BILLINGS, MT PERMIT NO. 47

KEEPING ADULTS 60 AND ABOVE INDEPENDENT AND INVOLVED

PO BOX 20895, BILLINGS, MT 59104

We're here to provide you with dignity for life's final journey. Call RiverStone Health Hospice to learn more today. 406.651.6500 | RiverStoneHealth.org Medicare Rating

2024Jan-Feb- Prime Connections

Articles inside

Shine On!