In my early 20’s, I was seriously injured in an accident at work. The injury involved damage to my spinal cord and several vertebras in my lower back. I was hospitalized for a number of months, followed by a recovery process that took nearly a year. Through this period, even the simplest tasks became very difficult, if not impossible, for me to complete without assistance. In the aftermath of that recovery, I developed an attitude that I would never be in a position to have to ask for help from anyone ever again.
Maybe some of you out there can relate to that attitude. The desire to remain independent, to manage our own lives, is very powerful. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Hanging on to that independence as long as possible is a worthy goal and is imbedded in the mission of the Adult Resource Alliance which in part reads "providing effective services and
leading collaborative efforts to ensure seniors remain independent with the highest possible quality of life."
As I got older and gained more experience in life, that attitude of stubborn independence become difficult to maintain. The idea that no man is an island took on real meaning as I navigated the challenges of life. I no longer refuse that helping hand when offered. Over the next several months, we will be rolling out a new program that will be offering that same helping hand to seniors in Yellowstone County who are struggling to maintain their independence. The intent of the program is to use volunteers to provide identified services to seniors. This will positively impact their ability to age in place. We are asking volunteers to “Embrace The Power Of Two”. For as little as two hours of volunteer time, you can positively impact a senior’s life. To make this happen, we will need to recruit a number of new volunteers.
The program is titled the Senior Circle of Care. This issue includes a more in-depth article on that program, and contact information if you wish to join with us as we “Embrace The Power Of Two”.
Breathing is a vital part of your well-being. Even more important than food and water, it is air that is the primary source of energy for the human body.
How you breathe affects your body's ability to use the air it takes in from your environment, and it affects the functioning of your entire body. In part one of this series on learning to control your breath, we teach the cornerstone method of properly breathing: learning to breathe through your nose.
There is a significant increase of nitric oxide when we breathe through the nose; mouthbreathing has no such benefits.
• Nitric oxide is a vasodilator: it widens the arteries, decreases blood pressure, and increases blood flow to the organs.
• Your nose is the first line of defense against allergens and pathogens, and according to Nobel Prize winning science, boosts of nitric oxide from nasal breathing can help ward off viruses, including the SARS virus associated with Covid-19.
• Breathing through your nose filters, warms, and humidifies the air you breathe, making it easier for your lungs and muscles to use oxygen.
• Nasal breathing eliminates brain fog, boosts energy, and has been proven to improve learning and memory.
We tend to breathe more through our mouths when we're stressed, which in turn makes us even more stressed as our bodies work harder to access oxygen. Start to reduce your stress and take advantage of the other beneftis of nasal breathing by trying the simple techniques below:
Blood pressure is at a peak in the morning after your body releases cortisol to wake you up. Lower your blood pressure and start the day with a boost of energy by focusing on only breathing through your nose for the first hour of every morning.
After you take a drink of water, reset your breath by taking a "physiological sigh" by taking two inhale breaths through the nose followed by an extended exhale. Really focus on the exhales, and try to extend them out for at least 5 or 6 seconds.
Humming forces us to breathe through our nose, and by simply humming for a couple of minutes the nitric oxide that gets released from our sinus cavities has been shown to increase by 15-fold!
When you have a trail close to you, it’s easy to decide to take a walk after dinner, or any time during the day. Do you have a trail close to you? How do you get your exercise?
Walking, running or riding on one of Billings’ 50 miles of trails is free, and for most, just about the easiest way to get healthy physical activity. Walking on trails is a good way to feel connection with others. Getting together with a friend or family member and making time to walk regularly is good for your mental and physical health. And it’s a good way to make friends: asking someone if they would like to walk with you is a safe, casual way to learn about another person and form a friendship. And it’s a great way to make your pet happy and healthy, too! (Having a dog is one of the best ways to encourage people to get exercise every day.)
For most people, having a trail close by is important. For instance, you may be much less likely to be active every day if you have to drive to a place to get out and walk. When a trail is right around the corner, it beckons you to get outside! Billings TrailNet has been a partner with the City of Billings for more than 20 years to bring trails to your back (or front) door. A map of all trails is on our website, or you can pick one up at the Adult Resource Alliance or Billings Chamber of Commerce.
There are a few exciting new trails which have not yet been built, but are just on the horizon. One is the Skyline Trail, which will take people across our beautiful rims and overlook the city below. You will be able to get to the Skyline Trail by driving up to Highway 3, where the
trail will connect with Swords Park, Zimmerman Park, or three parking lots which will also be developed along with the Skyline Trail. The trail is expected to be complete by summer 2024, if not sooner.
The Inner Belt Loop will also be built soon. This road and the trail alongside it will connect Alkali Creek Road to Highway 3. The road may be complete by summer 2024. Other trails and bikeways planned for summer 2023 are a trail down Mullowney Lane, between Midland Road and Elysian Road, and new trails through Riverfront Park. New bike lanes will be striped on Hilltop Road in the Heights and on Rheberg Lane between Rimrock Road and Grand Avenue.
If you are curious about new connections planned by the City of Billings, you can sign up for Billings TrailNet’s e-newsletter by going to Billingstrailnet.org, where we share information about trails, new connections and events related to trails in our city.
Get outside and take a walk on one of these beautiful trails You will be glad you did!
TRAILNET AND
CITY OF BILLINGS are working together to make our outdoors easy and safe for you to enjoy!
AND
CITY OF BILLINGS are working together to make our outdoors easy and safe for you to enjoy!
BY MARY ABRAHAMS
Montana’s population is aging faster than the national average. In 2019, nearly 17.9 percent of Montanans were age 65 and older, ranking in the top five states with population of 65 or older. Nationally, the average is 14.5 percent. In Yellowstone County 17 percent of the population is age 65 and over.
Planning for end-of-life decisions is more important than ever as we age. We don’t like to think or talk about death and dying. However, early and ongoing family conversations can inform important future decisions. We might believe our family is aware of our choices for end-of-life healthcare. In reality, they may not know.
Making decisions about care and needs can be very stressful for surviving family members. It’s much easier to have such a conversation now – when death does not
feel imminent – than when you are entering the hospital because of a stroke, heart attack or motor vehicle crash.
Creating an advance directive gives you control over your healthcare decisions. It provides information to your healthcare team if you are unable to communicate and guides decisions about your healthcare. An advance healthcare directive provides comfort to your family, preventing them from guessing what it is you would want. Studies show that families who engage in the advance care planning process have less stress, confusion and guilt about their decisions.
An important step in advance planning is to choose a healthcare proxy, also known as a medical power of attorney, healthcare agent or surrogate decision-maker. Everyone over age 18 needs a proxy. Up until then,
a parent or legal guardian is automatically considered a child’s proxy. But after age 18, that is no longer the case. In fact, in many places, if you are over 18 and have not filled out a proxy, the legal system will choose one for you.
You can start the planning by bringing up the topic with one or more of your loved ones. Then set a time to discuss it, giving your loved ones time to think about the issue. Family members may be less resistant to discussion if the issue is brought up in one conversation and a later date is set to talk.
We are living longer than past generations. Medical technology can extend our lives when we become seriously ill and it can prolong suffering. Patients and their families are often faced with a myriad of choices for treatment. Advance planning always seems too soon, until it’s too late.
RiverStone Health invites community members to learn more about advance healthcare directives at noon on March 8 at the Adult Resource Alliance, 1505 Avenue D. This free, informational session will include time for discussion and questions. Forms for Montana advance healthcare directives will be available to take home.
For more information about the March 8 presentation, contact Mary Abrahams, community outreach coordinator for RiverStone Health Home Care and Hospice, at 406-6516500.
MARCH 26
10-Day Steam Boating on the American Queen from New Orleans to Memphis. Call for availability!
JULY 13
3-Day Tour of Glacier National Park. Spend 2 nights in Kalispell. Experience ‘Going-tothe-Sun’ road via the world-renown 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 Dep to reserve seat; balance due June 1, 2023.
AUGUST 4
Bighorn Canyon Boat
Tour … highlighting a Narrated and breathtaking scenic Boat Tour, photo opportunities from atop Devil’s Canyon
Overlook, a brief stop at the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center in Lovell, WY. Day includes 2 Meals and more.
☛ $192/pp. $100
Deposit to reserve a seat, balance due July 3rd.
AUGUST 9
7-Day Iceland Land of Fire and Ice! Fantastic discount. Call for details.
AUGUST 26
Mystery Tour
Fun & unique experiences, including lunch & dinner.
☛ $206/pp. $100 Deposit. Balance July 28th.
SEPTEMBER 9
3-Day Chokecherry Festival and primerib dinner aboard the Charlie Russell ChewChoo Train
☛ $779/ppd; add $276 for single supplement; $200 Deposit to reserve seat; Balance due July 31st.
OCTOBER 4
13-Day Best of Ireland
Call for brochure and information.
OCTOBER 28
9-Day “Branson Show Extravaganza” bus tour. This fantastic trip includes RT Motorcoach 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 as soon as you can if you’re interested. Seats are limited!
☛ $1223/ppd; Add $285 for Single Occupancy.
☛ $75 Deposit; Balance Due August 21, 2023.
FEB. 14, 2024
Annual 3-Day Snow Coach Tour of Yellowstone National Park!
9085
Any senior person adopting a senior animal will receive a discount based on their age.
For example someone 60 years old will receive 60% off! Senior discount begins at 60
✔ If you are a low-income Medicare participant, the Medicare Saving Program can help cover the cost of your Medicare Part B insurance premium, the money deducted from your Social Security check each month, and at some income levels even help pay the Medicare copays and the $226 deductible.
✔ REMEMBER: Your primary residence (your home) and one automobile are not considered part of your assets. If you have wages, the first $65 monthly is excluded, and then only 50% of the remaining wages are counted as income. Qualifying for Medicare Savings program will automatically qualify you for Social Security Low-income Subsidy for Prescription Drug plans. Check the table below to see if you might qualify:
Savings, stocks, bonds, CD’s, cash value of life insurance policies, rental property value, IRA’s, annuities, etc.
Social Security-add back the premium paid for Medicare Part B -and include pensions, interest income, annuities, rental income, wages etc.
On my income I have a really hard time paying all my bills. Is there any HELP to pay my Medicare Part B premium?
We would like to invite you to come have lunch at one of our 11 meal site locations in Yellowstone County. It’s a great time to get out of the house, meet new people, and make new friends. We love seeing new faces and watching friendships evolve. So, come join us for lunch and enjoy a meal and conversation. Call the day before by noon to make your reservation for the Billings/Laurel Meal Sites. Contact the Huntley, Shepherd, Worden, Broadview,
and Custer locations directly as they meet on different days throughout the month. See below for more details.
For the Billings and Laurel Meal Sites, we offer either the hot meal of the day or a featured salad. March featured salad will be a Chef Salad with your choice of dressing. April featured salad will be a Mediterranean Chicken Salad with a Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing.
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.
John Donne's "No Man is an Island" is about the connection between all of humankind. Donne essentially argues that people need each other and are better together than they are in isolation because every individual is one piece of the greater whole that is humanity itself. Our work here at the Alliance provides a way for people to be connected and feel less alone.
Our Meals on Wheels volunteers touch lives daily when they deliver a warm meal and a smile. Occasionally, they discover that they have met a participant before. This happened recently when volunteer drivers, Jim and Peggy Reno, delivered a meal to Yvonne Coleman, a very kind 87-year-old. She recognized Jim from his time as the Director of the Adult Education Program where she was a volunteer tutoring those working to get their GEDs. They were able to reminisce about several of the people they had worked with so many years ago. The visit continued as they discovered that Peggy worked with Yvonne’s son, Brian, while he was a teacher at Skyview and she was a school nurse. It is fun when lives touch and reconnect years later.
One of our MOW’s participants, Betty Brown used to volunteer at The Billings Community Center calling for the Birthday Dinners and helping at Granny’s Attic before becoming homebound. She noticed an ad in our magazine when we were looking for Phone Buddies during the pandemic. She answered the call to became a volunteer Phone Buddy! She now has 2 phone friends who she calls regularly to check on. Several wonderful friendships have grown out of this program. What a great way to continue to keep engaged with others even while homebound.
Our Meals on Wheels volunteers’ range in age from 35 to 91 years of age!
Sometimes, the only difference between our drivers
and our participants is a health issue. When we are healthy, it is easy to volunteer, but as we age we might have a surgery or health issue that necessitates that we become the receiver of a little help. The Alliance is in the business of helping seniors to remain at home, as long as they are able to do so, safely. Meals on Wheels is just one way of doing this.
Life is better together, whether by the work we do, volunteering or just keeping in touch with friends and family!
Nutrition Program Director: Lorri
Cooks: Jami, Jake, Mary, Winter, Amy and Philip
MEAL SITE RESERVATIONS must be made by Noon, at least 1 business day in advance.
*Menu Subject to Change
Nutrition Program Director: Lorri
Cooks: Jami, Jake, Mary, Winter, Amy and Philip
☛ 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.
406-657-3050
FITNESS BY DESIGN
Dates: March 28-May 18
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: March 27 – May 17
Day of week: Monday & Wednesday Time: 9:30-10:15am OR 10:3011:15am
Cost: $35 Resident/$45 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)
CHAIR STRENGTH
Dates: March 7 – April 27 Day of week: Tuesday & Thursday Time: 10:30am11:15am
Cost: $35 Resident/$45 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)
CHAIR STRENGTH
Dates: March 7 – April 27 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: March 14- May 4
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: March 27 – May 1 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: March 4 –April 22 Day of week: Saturday Time: 10:00-10:45am
Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)
GENTLE YOGA
Dates: February 28 – April 25 Day of week: Tuesday Time: 1:00-1:45pm
COME TRY YOUR FIRST CLASS FOR FREE!
GENTLE YOGA
Dates: March 2 – April 27 Day of week: Thursday
Time: 12:00-12:45pm OR 1:00-1:45pm
Cost: $25 Resident/$35 Non-resident
Location: Adult Resource Alliance Heights (935 Lake Elmo Drive)
CHAIR YOGA
Dates: March 13 – May 8 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: March 2 – April 20 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: March 28 - May 16
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: March 13 – April 24 (no class 4/10)
Day of week: Monday Time: 2:30-3:30pm
Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident
Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)
Schedule subject to change based on facility needs. MONDAY
• Engage in friendly arm chair chats. Listen, introducing positivity and encouragement into interactions.
• Participate in shared activities such as cards, puzzles, board games, gardening, reading, writing…
• Chip in to help organize household space, empty wastebaskets, replace lightbulbs, change batteries in TV remote, run short errands, roll trash bins to curb, bring mail in, prep snacks etc.
• Our catch phrase for a Friend Companion is, See something; Do Something. Need Something; Say Something for tasks that are beyond your personal comfort level and safety.
• Stomp out senior loneliness by providing a valuable social connection.
• Share a friendly phone call with a well-suited senior once a week or more. Conversation starters are provided to help you get rolling.
Bess says, “Being 89 and on hospice, I am up for about 20-30 minutes each day. About 2 years ago, I was hooked up with a phone friend volunteer. Betty and I have never met each other, but we phone each other almost daily and have become very close friends. Thank you for this blessing!”
• Pawsitively improve the health and well-being of both seniors and their pets.
• Join our community partner, Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in their delivery of pet care.
• Assist YVAS staff with routine pet medical services.
• Transport pets to and from YVAS for grooming and veterinary services.
• Help with general clean-up and animal socialization.
• Deliver needed pet supplies to identified home-bound seniors.
Use your handy person skills to help reduce at home hazards.
Become a grocery-go-getter.
Balance the books; perform basic bookkeeping functions.
Feel
Make
Spread the love on the lawn of a senior.
Sleigh the day in a senior’s driveway.
I have occasionally mentioned in previous installments of this column that my wife and I drive school buses for our local school system. She is in her 30th year, and has driven every route the school has. That's a lot of opening and closing the door, crossing railroad tracks, and reminding kids to stay in their seats and out of the center aisle.
A while back, in the local news, a story appeared about people driving around stopped school buses when they shouldn't. Common sense says when red lights are flashing at both ends of the bus and a red stop sign is extended, replete with its own flashing red lights, it strongly suggests that other drivers are supposed to... well, stop. The law is less ambivalent. It says STOP! Period. However, on rare occasions, people make stupid choices.
I think all bus drivers see a few flagrant fly-byes in their career, but darn few. Most folks obey the laws, but when someone runs the safety flag up the pole it can garner an undue amount of attention and another rule to follow. The proposed solution in this case is an additional, longer arm with another stop sign that is attached to the left side of the bus. It will swing out into the next lane and force a determined scofflaw into the ditch in hopes of saving 20 or 30 seconds on their morning commute. Bad choice for the driver but not a great choice for buses either. Our four route buses combined cover well over 150 miles per day on bumpy, washboardy gravel and dirt roads
and stuff tries to rattle off them all the time. I fear the stop sign on a stick won't fare well. I imagine it shaking violently on the bumps, tearing off and taking the side of the bus with it. I hope I'm wrong.
As an alternative, I would suggest a camera, triggered by a proximity switch, that would photograph the vehicle, the license plate, the driver and that half-eaten breakfast burrito or mascara brush in their hand. That picture should be instantaneously sent to law enforcement and a warrant issued for their arrest. In addition, I would like this heinous act to trigger a very loud recording of machine gun fire, sirens and a red laser dot projected on the chest of the offender. I also believe that a first-time offender should be issued a warning and a new pair of underwear. Remember when parents were justified in issuing a good swat on the seat of the pants? It should be like that.
I guess what I really hope for is that people would recognize that yellow bus for what it is. It is the vessel carrying our future. Those little runny noses and untied tennis shoes of today will grow into the carpenters and refinery workers, the farmers and accountants, the doctors and lawyers and school bus drivers of tomorrow. School buses run day in and day out on a pretty tight schedule, regardless of weather or other circumstances. If there is a bus or two that annoy you on your way in the morning or afternoon, consider leaving five minutes earlier and you won't be bothered. But if you have to stop behind a school bus for a minute or two, take that time to appreciate what it represents; the almost invisible school system that churns out our bright future.
David Mosdal Guest Columnist“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.
Thankfully, we chose Billings Clinic.
Driving out to Huntley in the wintry below-zero weather the other morning, I wondered why I had to get up so darn early just to meet up with a bunch of old guys having coffee together.
When I pulled into the Express Way parking lot, expecting to see them sitting at a table inside the store, I was startled to see a bench and random chairs filled with older men outside the store, bundled up to battle the minus ten degrees. Holding coffee mugs with gloved hands, they were quite a peculiar coffee klatch!
I recognized a few of my friends from way back when I had lived the rural life, so after a few introductions with a few of them I didn’t know, my curiosity got the best of me. I asked them, “What compels you to meet at this ungodly hour seven days a week, 365 days a year, even in the depth of winter? “Well, for years, it was just what we did every morning before going off to work for the day,” said Steve, who retired recently from the electrical co-op. “We’d all stop at the Express Way, fill up our coffee mugs, talk a bit about what was brewing for the day, then hop in our trucks and go to work.”
Retired fire chief Lonnie said, “Well, I guess I could sit at home at my kitchen table, sipping coffee and looking at the wall. But, heck, this is a way better way to have my morning coffee!”
Even after stepping away from working life, they continue to meet every morning for that shot of java, the wakerupper, and to enjoy the banter they toss about. Despite the negative digits on the thermometer, this crew was as jolly as ever.
They told me about a trophy that was passed along for
years from one to another depending on who was the biggest teller of yarns (the trophy was a board with a big pile of cow pies on it).
Frank, who retired from Western Sugar after working at the beet factory for 40+ years, chuckled about the time when one of the Bench Bunch was trying to get the store owner, Bernie, to build a roof over their gathering spot outside. Instead, he gave each of them an umbrella and said, “Here’s your roof to keep you dry!”
Lonnie is the longest member of the Huntley coffee clan and estimates that the “club” started nearly 20 years ago. He’s seen some come and go, some have moved away, and some passed away over the years. But the core group is still going strong. Andy, a retired dentist and long-time resident of Huntley, chimed in. “I’m the newest member of the Bench Bunch, but I can’t tell you how important this group is to me. They may give me a bad time, but that’s what guys do!”
The benefits of connecting with groups like this are priceless. Their support and camaraderie are, in Andy’s words, “Vital to my mental and physical health.”
While many people do find that solitude is peaceful, it is also a human condition to want to belong – whether it’s with our “clan” having coffee or having other chances to find our people.
As we chatted, it became evident that this bunch doesn’t buy into the Western myth of rugged individualism and self-sufficiency. They are humble enough to recognize that they don’t have to go it alone. They truly embrace their need for connection through the simple yet profound act of conversation and coffee.
Like an island in the middle of the sea, we don’t do well if we are isolated. Pretty soon, we’ve walked the parameter of the small landmass thousands of times, we’ve gazed at the stars in the skies on countless nights, and we’ve eaten all the coconuts from the tree. Now what? Do we just create conversations in our heads or, like Tom Hanks, set our soccer ball on a log and talk to it?
Our human craving to interact with another human is a basic need. If we hole up in our house (our “island”) and ignore the fact that every person is one piece of the greater whole that is humanity, we will not thrive. This is even more true for our rural friends and families,
those who, by sheer geographics, have a higher hurdle to overcome than our urban counterparts. People need each other and we are better together than we are in isolation – a condition that separates us, one that makes us think that remoteness and loneliness are normal.
I was inspired by the motivation these men have to meet up every morning, every day of the year, to have that cup of coffee and conversation before they start whatever day that lies ahead for them. I say, “Bravo! Keep doing what you’re doing, and you will live a happy life!
Alberta Bair Theater
Billings Symphony
Shen Yun Performing Arts
Saturday, March 4th
2:00pm and 7:30pm Tickets: $80 + non-refundable fees
See the magnificence of five thousand years of civilization back to life on stage. Shen Yun is a brilliant artistic revival and celebration of China’s rich cultural heritage.
Letters From Home
The 50 States Tour
Monday, April 10th – 7:30pm Tickets: $20.00 = nonrefundable fees
As the official Montana stop of their 50-States Tour, Letters from Home will back the style of the USO with a high-energy performance featuring Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann!
Billings Symphony
Billings Symphony Bash
Northern Hotel Grand Ballroom
19 N. Broadway
SATURDAY, Apr 1, 2023, 6 TO 11PM, $25 to $175
Live music, fantastic food, silent auction, and more. Join us for the annual Billings Symphony Bash and help support our community outreach and educational programs.
South Pacific in ConcertFaith Chapel- 517 Shiloh Road
Friday, March 10, 7:30PM9:30PM $60.00
Featuring Broadway and local actors.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific is an American classic, set on an island paradise with two parallel love stories navigating the dangers of prejudice and war. In this minimally staged concert adaptation, the orchestra joins the cast of local and Broadway actors on stage, putting the focus on the music, the script, and a still-timely condemnation of bigotry and hatred.
Billings Studio Theater
A Year With Frog & Toad
March 3-19, 2023
This whimsical musical follows the woodland adventures of two great friends, a grumpy toad and perky frog, with their assorted, interesting companions, over the course of the four seasons.
March 31- April 16, 2023
Now and Then is a heartfelt romantic comedy about the costs of the choices we make and the people who make them with us.
Columbia Club
2216 Grand Avenue
COME DANCE WITH US –
Sponsored by BSCI
2nd Wednesday of every month, except July & August7:00-10:00 pm
Cover Charge $5.00
MetraPark Expo Center
Montana Pavilion
HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW
Date: Mar 03 - Mar 05, 2023 The show is free to the public.
Friday- Noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rimrock Promotions, the region’s number one Home Show Producers, presents the Spring Home Improvement Show.
MONTANA RV-BOAT & POWERSPORTS SHOW EXPO CENTER
Date: Mar 17 - Mar 19, 2023, Friday 10-8, Saturday 10-6 Sunday 10-5
One of the largest RV and Boat Shows in Montana! All the Major Dealers in the region
RESCUED AND RECLAIMEDEXPO CENTER
Date: Mar 31 - Apr 01, 2023
Get ready for Rescued and Reclaimed! There will be dealers from all over the state of Montana and Wyoming presenting for sale their finest Repurposed, Rusty,
Shabby Chic, Primitive, Vintage & Antique Items .
Friday, 5pm to 8pm
Sneak-a-Peek Admission is $15, Saturday, 10am to 4pm
General All Day Admission is $5, Children 14 and under are free.
Gun Show
Expo Center
Date: Apr 14 - Apr 16, 2023
Friday - 2pm to 7pm, Saturday - 9am to 5pm, Sunday - 9am to 2pm
Billings Rv & Boat Show & Sale – Expo Center
Date: Apr 12 - Apr 16, 2023 -
FREE ADMISSION
The Billings RV & Boat Show & Sale, hosted by Billings
Recreational
Showcase LLC, is Montana’s
LARGEST recreation expo!
Wednesday | 4pm - 8pm
Thursday | 10am - 8pm
Friday | 10am - 8pm
Saturday | 10 am - 8pm
Sunday | 10am - 6pm
PBR
FIRST INTERSTATE ARENA
Date: Apr 14 - Apr 16, 2023
Cost: Price Varies, Tickets increase $5 day of show
Friday - 7:45pm Saturday - 6:45pm
Sunday - 1:45pm
The PBR has rapidly transformed one of the fastest-growing sports in America into a worldwide phenomenon.
Metal detectors will be in use for the performances. Doors for entry to the arena will open 90 minutes ahead of each
scheduled performance to allow fans more time to pass through the security checks.
Montana Audubon Center
Morning Bird Stroll
Sat, March 11, and Sat, April 8, 8:30am – 10:00am
Bird Stroll: 2nd Saturday of the month from 8:30 - 10am Enjoy a morning stroll by the river and learn a few birds along the way.
Great for beginning birders! On this monthly birding adventure, we will cover some birding basics, learn some bird calls/ songs for ID by ear and work on our description skills to visually ID the species that we see. Come with your own gear or borrow some from us; we have binoculars and guidebooks available to check out. Rain, snow or shine, we’ll be out there birding. We hope to see you there!
Suggested donation $10/adults, $5/students, or free for members.
Owl Prowl
Fri, March 17
6:30pm – 8:00pm
We’ll talk about the different species of owls that live in Billings and throughout the state, then we’ll go for a hike to look and listen for them. Please wear warm layers and boots (our trails may be snowy, icy and muddy!) for our search for these winged marvels.
Suggested donation $5/Member, $10/Non-Member, Free for children <12 Advance registration is required.
Yellowstone Art Museum
Art Auction 55
Live Closing Celebration, Saturday, March 4 | 5 PM
Don’t miss your final chance to bid on artwork from Art Auction 55! This festive night for artists, friends, and patrons will include specialty cocktails, delicious food, live music, and — most importantly! — exceptional art. The night will have final bidding on auction items, quick finish artists creating artworks on-sited, AND an opportunity to bid on exclusive packages including memorable travel, unique dining, and live local performances. Tickets for this event are $25 per person and free to YAM Members at the Contributor level and above. Information on table sponsorships can be found on the YAM website.
You’re probably a local. A native Montanan. If so, I envy you. You grew up in this land of rugged beauty, starstudded dark skies, and close-knit communities. I see you—you still put in long days of work although you’re officially retired. There’s stuff to be done so you do it, but every day brings you close to your kin and friends, too. Like the fourth line of John Donne’s poem, “No Man Is an Island,” you are “a part of the main.”
I, too, am a Montanan—now. Can’t call myself a local, though, because I grew up in Alabama—a beautiful state, but different from Montana’s mountains and plains. I came here in 2017 as a nontraditional college student at the age of 58. After four decades as a Registered Nurse, I needed a jump-start. An adventure. A new journey. So, I decided to do college again—intent on becoming a better writer and a published author. I’d always wanted to see what Montana was really like—and, I wanted to photograph its scenery and wildlife—so, I looked up “colleges in Montana with creative writing majors” on my computer. Rocky Mountain College popped up on a short list. I studied their website and read online reviews
students had written about Rocky’s campus life: they spoke of small class sizes, a sense of community, and how engaged the faculty are in the career goals of their students. Then, I learned all I could about Billings, and Montana, as a whole. It seemed this state was beckoning me and I became excited with life, again!
I needed a change—a strong one. Seven years prior, 11 people I knew died within an 18-month period. That number included my special needs brother; a close friend; a step-granddaughter; and “my Bill,” (my husband of 11 years). All that loss was depressing. Going back to college would not only be a new venture, I thought, it’d be full of hope for the future. And, it was!
I came to Billings sight unseen and lived and learned with fellow students 40 years my junior. But I was there for the same reasons they were—not to change them or “mom” them. I intentionally started conversations with whomever was in front of me in the dining hall line or sitting beside me in class. I took an interest in their lives and cheered for them at their athletic games, theatrical plays, choir concerts, art gallery openings, and research symposiums.
When I graduated from RMC in 2019 at the age of 60, I was the oldest graduate to walk across the commencement stage that year. This time, my college friends and professors were in the audience cheering me on.
My graduation goal was to publish two books in the next five years. My picture book, Montana’s Memory Day: A nature-themed foster/adoption story, illustrated with hand-carved linocut prints by Erika Wilson—a 3rd generation Montanan— was published in 2021. Now, I’m writing a nonfiction children’s book about the not-forgotten Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service) who helped America and her allies win WWII. I’ve done my research—I know Montana has more military veterans per capita than all the other states in America, except Alaska. I wonder how many of you served during WWII, and/or the wars since then? It fits well with the persona of Montana’s own—dedicated, dependable, proud.
My decision to come to Billings was a wise one. I didn’t come here to change the way things are—I fell in love with this state as it is. Its hard-working people. The outdoor
goodness that satisfies my soul. Montana’s everyday way of life.
I began eating lunches at the Alliance Meal Site at the end of 2022, accompanied by my sweet friend, Sue Lane. She brought me with her the first time and introduced me to folks. Now I visit 2-3 times a week on my own for the tasty, hot meals and camaraderie. It’s the people that really make a place, ya know.
I’ll never be considered a local because I wasn’t born here, but thanks for accepting me all the same. I came as quick as I could. I’m a grateful Montanan and thrilled to now be “a part of the main.”
Resource Center Director: Sue • Assistant Director: Rita • Caregiver Support Coordinator: Emily Mikele: Intake Specialist • Krystal: Community Specialist • Holly: Medicaid Specialist For more information, please call 406-259-5212
There are several Minor Home Repair Programs for low-income households. These programs have income limits, asset limits, and occasionally limits on the value of the home.
Programs help with: replacing basic systems that may include weatherization, safety hazards and upgrading electrical or plumbing systems. Ongoing program as funding allows.
A community volunteer program that works with low income homeowners, especially disabled, elderly and families with children. This
program provides a variety of services including weatherization, house painting and home safety modification.
(Outside city limits)
Loans are available to improve or modernize your existing home. Grants may be available to pay for the cost of repairs and improvements to remove identified health and safety hazards. Ongoing program as funding allows.
FOR INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS CALL THE RESOURCE CENTER AT 406-259-5212
Anyone who qualified for Medicaid after April 2020, during the COVID Public Health Emergency (PHE) has remained eligible for full Medicaid for the duration of the PHE.
On December 29, 2022, Congress enacted the Consolidate Appropriations Act, 2023 to eliminate the increase in Federal Medicaid funding that keep all folks who had qualified for Medicaid on continuous enrollment condition.
Many folks currently on Medicaid will no longer qualify under the standard Medicaid criteria. All Medicaid enrollees will face a redetermination process to determine if they are able to remain on Medicaid after special funding ends March 31, 2023.
The redetermination process can begin as early as February 1, 2023. The state has a minimum of 12 months to redetermine who will be eligible for Medicaid going forward.
The Office of Public Assistance (OPA) will contact all Medicaid clients by mail to do the redetermination process. For this reason, OPA is asking everyone currently on Medicaid to be sure that OPA has your correct address. You can correct your address at: https://mt.accessgov.com/ dphhs/Forms/Page/medicaid/changeofaddress. If you don’t have a way to access the previous link and you need to check your address to see if it is correct or change your address at OPA you can call the Resource Center at 406-259-5212.
A Resource Center staff member can check this on-line for you. You will have to provide some personal information including your current address and phone number for our staff to be able to assist you. You need to receive, complete and return the redetermination form to OPA to be sure you keep the benefits you are entitled to.
Help OPA help you – be sure they have your correct address.
1 Do not pay a large advance payment in cash.
2 Do not use a contractor who drives a vehicle with little or no identification, or has business cards without a street address.
3 Be cautious when someone arrives at your door uninvited with a special repair deal, or has materials left over from “another job”.
4 Beware of contractors who ask you to get building permits.
5 Only use contractors licensed and registered with the state.
6 Your contractor should have personal liability, worker compensation and property damage coverage. Ask to see copies of all licenses and proof of insurance.
7 Ask for a list of references, and then check them out. Visit the references’ home to see work done. Ask them if the work was done on time, on budget, and did the contractor clean up after construction.
8 Check out the company’s on-line reviews at YELP, Angie’s List and Craigslist. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a rating. Important to not just go by on-line reviews as sometimes they have fake customers leave good reviews.
9 Call Office of Consumer Protection at 1-800-481-6896 if you have questions or want more information on current home repair scams.
10 If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Many seniors have a lot of value tied up in the equity in their home. Facing increasing cost, it can be very enticing to look for a fast way to sell their home or get some access to the funds tied up in home equity.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE PROBLEMATIC OPTIONS:
• “WE BUY HOMES FOR CASH”
– you will see advertisement for a quick cash sale of your home unfortunately they can downplay the value of the home or overstate the repair cost, and you may find you got less than fair value for your home.
• HOME OWNER BENEFIT PROGRAMS – in this program you agree to list your home with a specific reality company (most seem to be in Florida currently) when you decide to sell your home. If you sign a contract with them for the future listing you get a small up-
in the future and you don’t follow through listing with them, they can sue you for damages for the loss of the commission. They may even force foreclosure to get that award for the suit.
• PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (PACE) – this is sold door to door currently in California, Florida and Missouri. You sign up for financing home energy improvements which are repaid over 10-25 years through an increase in your property taxes. This can increase the risk of tax foreclosure due unpaid property taxes and put the program 1st in line for repayment which can make
it harder to do any refinancing of your mortgage.
• HOME EQUITY CONVERSION REVERSE MORTGAGES - these are not a scam and can be a reasonable way to access the home equity without having to sell your home. It is important to fully understand how a HECM works and if it is for you. Beware of aggressive lenders and never enter a HECM if you still have questions. The Resource Center staff can provide information on how a HECM might work for you.
We have over 200 books, movies, training DVDs and music CDs you can check out including many new ones generously provided for us by an AARP grant. Topics include Retirement, Aging, Caregiving, Alzheimer’s, Legal Assistance, Exercise, Picture Books to read with your grandkids and More. Come check something out!
“Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord seek harmony. Through difficulty lies opportunity.”
Caregivers know what it is like to face adversity. The ability to bend without breaking, to hold steady when a gale-force of stressors threaten stability, to remain curious through confusion and energized by uncertainty–skills needed by every caregiver and found in those with the highest resiliency.
Resiliency is a skill that caregivers can cultivate by finding effective ways of dealing with stressors–the unexpected, unpredictable and uncomfortable challenges life brings to everybody at one time or another.
Some people seem to cope better than others when difficulty strikes. The resilient are the ones who bounce back early and move on quickly. Optimistic, zestful and energetic, research has shown how resilient people gain strength and energy from challenging experiences. These are the people who find positive meaning from adversity.
In its narrowest definition, resiliency can be viewed as: the successful adaptation to change with the ability to competently function through stressful experiences. For those who are the most resilient, research recognizes successful adaptation to change is the broad outcome of one very specific quality.
Is this quality the luck of a particular personality? Or is there a technique for protecting ourselves from the psychological and health risks of stress?
Research shows that resilient people are not immune to the effects of stress. They do experience reactions such as anxiety and fear. But compared to those with
low resiliency, the degree of reactivity is less and the presence of positive emotion is greater in people with the highest resiliency.
Rather than resisting or bolting, resilient people face fear, lean into the unknown and traverse discord, transforming the energy of arousal–fight or flight–into strong psychological resources that promote adaptation.
The one particular trait common among the most resilient has been identified.
Resilient people harness the capacity to utilize the powerful force of positive thinking.
Positive emotion has the effect of broadening thinking and increases coping skills. A positive outlook heightens the ability to find value, purpose and meaning in challenging events, thus enhancing states of wellbeing.
Caregivers who maintain positive thoughts in the face of struggle help the mind seek positive solutions to difficult problems.
Psychological research has shown that people are not “gifted” with resiliency. Resiliency is a learned skill that is developed and strengthened with practice. A sense of humor helps, but relaxation and meditation techniques have been shown to improve positive thinking and can proactively build resiliency reserves.
Meditation and relaxation offer effective techniques to train the mind to settle into the positive. By flipping our thoughts, speech and actions positively, we not only heighten resiliency but deepen understanding and insight.
To proactively prepare for the next challenging
RESILIENT PEOPLE HARNESS THE CAPACITY TO UTILIZE THE POWERFUL FORCE OF POSITIVE THINKING.
circumstance that is certain to come, begin a practice that encompasses regular deeprelaxation or meditation techniques. And the next time adversity strikes, take the following steps toward resiliency:
• Maintain a connection with others–find trusted listeners who will provide honest feedback.
• Observe and name what you are experiencing in this moment.
• Identify your own strengths–use your energy to promote positive influence.
• Accept change as an opportunity to create something new.
• Recognize the positive in every situation–think, speak and act from the positive position.
Thinking, speaking and acting from the positive perspective will take commitment and practice. Eventually the payoff arrives in broader awareness, strengthened self-confidence and a greater capacity to successfully traverse difficulty. For caregivers, the greatest benefit becomes the ability to find the positive and to step into the realm of the highly resilient.
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.
MARCH 2023
WED., MARCH 8
TOPIC: ADVANCE DIRECTIVES DISCUSSION
PRESENTED BY Mary Abrahams, Riverstone Health Home Care & Hospice
1:00 – 2:00pm | 1505 Avenue D OR 935 Lake Elmo Dr.
APRIL 2023
WED., APRIL 12
TOPIC:
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA & DEVELOPING BETTER COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES TO CONNECT WITH YOUR LOVED ONE
PRESENTED BY Linda Roers
1:00 – 2:00pm | 1505 Avenue D OR 935 Lake Elmo Dr.
Norman Adams
Gene & Bobi Allard
Carol & Dan Allen
Laura Alvin
Bonnie Ambuehl
Pat Amundsen
Anonymous
Sondra Arnold
Elva Arthur
Jack & Vicki Auzqui
Sue & Tim Bailey
Ken & Mary Jane Baird
Helen Bakker
Timothy & Betty Ballou
Karen Barbee
Nancy Barbula
Elizabeth Barrett
Annette Behm
Lavona Bell
Bentley Foundation
Bill Bentley
Mike & Lauretta Bentz
Mary Ann Beran
Dixie Bertagna
Patricia Besel
Wayne Biberdorf
Roger & Beverly Biggerstaff
Bernice Bjertness
Helen Blee
Juanita Blee
Ruth Blott
David & Linda Bofto
Connie Bogar
Barbara Bortis
Teresa Bottrell
Patricia Boyce
Diane & Mike Boyett
Penny Brabec
Matt Britton
David & Kay Brooks
Holly Brown
Rockwood Brown
Roland Brown
Ross & Joyce Brown
Scott & Debbie Brown
Diane Burke
Gayle Cade-Tadday
Charles Calloway
Ronald & Terri Camp
John & Karren Cannon
Dana & Darla Card
David & Cindy Carlson
Steve & Paula Carmony
Gayna Carney
Jaime Carpenter
Carolin Cassel
Juan Castro
William Caton
Ila Mae Cerkoney
Mary Chapman
Mark & Karen Chaput
Stephen Charter
TC & Belinda Chatman
Denise Childs
Sandy Choate
Bryan & Candy Christoferson
Ernest Clark
Ross Clark
Steven Clark
Linda Clawson
Susie Clendenin
Susan & Gary Colley
Albina Collins
Con'eer Engineering, Inc.
Rita Cook
Jim & Virginia Court
Corrine Courtney
Diana Cox
Bradley & Pamela Coy
Leslie Crawford
Brent & Dorothea Cromley
Judy Cucciardi
Greg & Alice Culp
Michael & Inger Curtis
Rhoda Curtiss
Robert Cushing
Carol Dale
Fay Danielsen
Darnielle Insurance Agency
Jeannette Davis
Barbara Dean
Tom & Molly Dennis
Dick & Sue DeVries
Luis & Debra Diaz
Darlene Dibble
Edie & Greg Dibble
Gary & Judy Doll
Douglas & Patricia Dreeszen
Stan & Becky Duffner
Caryl Dugan
Shelley Dugan
Marlin & Sharon Dunlap
Steve & Jan Edwards
Victoria Eliason
Gail & Eunice Ellison
Linda Elumbaugh
Cecilia Emerick
Rita Emond
Rosemarie Enger
Larry & Linda Ennis
William Enright
Sharon Erb
Laurie Erickson
Gloria Erpenbach
Greg & Willeen Erpenbach
Jeannette Erwin
Angeline Ettleman
Jerry & Kathleen Evenson
Debbie Farmer
Jim Fenimore
Teresa Fischer
Robert Fitch
Jim Fletcher
Virginia Frank
Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie # 2564
Kenny Fredenburg
Doug Frette
Beverly Fryer
Mary Lee Fuqua
Judy Fura
Charles Gainan
Mick & Lynette Gainan
Cheryl Gallagher
Cheri Galt
Larry Garriott
Jeanne Gates
John & Diane Hanson Gerharz
Ken & Jennifer Gerke
Dennis Giesick
Ed & Lynne Gillig
Larry & Pamela Goldammer
Debra Goodheart
Paula Griffin
Georgette Guay
Joel & Ann Guthals
Bob & Maribeth Habeck
Laura Haefer
Gregg & Marcia Hafner
Janie Hakert
Conrad & Cheryl Hale
Beverly Hall
Richard & Sally Hall
Lawrence & Mary Anne
Halvorson
Keith & Frances Hammer
Beverly Hancock
Sandra Haney
Jenny Hanson
Leann Hatton
Vicki Hayes
Penny Haynes
Marlene Hedin
Daryl Heimbichner
Kathie Helmbrecht
Calvin & Linda Hertoghe
Donna Hightower
James Hodous
Debbra Holmes
Karen Honnold
Gloria Horab
Delano & Patricia Hotchkiss
Donald & Patricia Hunter
Donna Ingwaldson
Henry Ivey & Terrell Coffey
Jean Jackson
Michael & Agnes Jelacie
Theresa Jenkins
Michael & Lory Jennings
Diane Jerhoff
Barbara Jette
Cecelia Jirges
David P. & Dolores M. Johnson
John & Clara Johnson
Larry Johnson
Royal & Norma Johnson
Charitable Foundation
Kellie Jones
Ron & Cindy Jones
George & Kathy Jurovich
Valerie Kaae
Rodney & Ardella Kanning
Joe Karls
Pat Kelly
Jeff & Cynthia Kessler
Jan Kirk
Carl & Eldora Klein
Richard & Gayle Klose
Edna Kobelt
Gary & Janice Koch
Verlin & Diana Koenig
James Koessler
James & Marilyn Kohles
Denise Koziol
Bev Krause
Garry & Linda Krieger
Martin & Margorie Krueger
Veronica Kuzma
Alice Lahren
Elaine Larimer
Joseph & Dawn Larimer
Brian D. & Jackie M. Larsen
Joanne Larson
Andrew & Paulette Laszlo
Winnie Lehner
Wayne & Millie Leischner
Cheryl Leonard
Edeen Linsky
Keith & Lucinda Loran
Bill & Cathleen Lynch
John & Susan Lyons
Char Mackley
Lydia Maier
Joy Mallard
Ann Maltby
Terry & Sandra Mammenga
Marilyn Marchinek
Kay & Ron Marker
Steven & Julia Markovich
Theresa Martin
Michael & Jan Maxwell
Cheryl Malia- McCall
Laura McCann
Clayton and Joan McCracken
Scott & Ann McCulloch
Tim McCullough
Barbara McGregor
Brian & Beverly McHugh
Ben McKee
Jean McNally
Bea Ann Melichar
Louis J & Bodil Merchen
Geneva Micheletti
Robert Milne
Pat Mitchell
Jeanette Moran
Gregg Morgan
Susan Morgan
Walt & Debra Morris
Delbert & Dina Moser
Leonard & Melody Munter
Jeff Murray
Sherrie Murray
Douglas & Linda Myers
Stella Nava
Betty D. Nelson
Bruce & Susan Nelson
Isabel Nelson
Kevin & Lorena Nelson
Bonnie Nicholson
Beverly Nicol
Kathy Niles
Kathy Nordahl
Beverly Norstrum
Debora O'Brien
Charlotte O'Dowd
Susan Ogden
Phillip & Pamela Okrucky
Roger & Gerry Olmstead
Trish Olsen
Judy Olson
Michelle Olson
William & Alice O'Reilly
Ortho Montana
JoAnn Ostermiller
Gary Ostlund
Ronald & June Panian
Judy Pease
Richard & Gail Pechtol
Geraldine Peeler
Dorothy Peete
Elizabeth Perius
Ken & Margaret Peterson
Bob & Gladys Pierce
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 30
Michael & Lorri Pool
Susan Potter
Richard & Janice Powers
Mark & Peggy Prine
Marcella Prinkki
Ted Proctor
Lynne Puckett
Marsha Putnam
Richard & Virginia Pylman
Melvin & Sue Raatz
Gene Ramirez
Dorothy Randall
Rhonda Randall
Janyth Rasmussen
Sandy Raymond
David & Kim Raynor
John Reamy
Kim Redding
Charles & Audrey Reed
Stephen & Janice Regimbal
Nina Reidle
Ella Rider
Jerome Ries
David & Nancy Rigg
Rae Ann Mall- RM Insurance
Jim & Kathryn Robins
Richard & Corlis Roedocker
Layne & Myrna Rolandson
Heather & George Rosenfeld
Kathleen & Larry Rotert
Christine Rubich
Marietta Rudio
Aurlie Samsel
Janice Sand
Cheryl Sandbak
Steven Sasaki
Curt Sauber
Bob & Betty Saxbury
Roger & Sharon Schatzke
Scheels All Sports, Inc
Kenneth & Marsha Schell
Lenard & Ellen Schoemer
Robert & Glennine Schoen
Robert & Rayanne Schuler
Richard & Sharon Schwab
Beverly Schwabe
Elaine & Laury Sealey
Amy Selensky
Ann Seymour
Larry & Nina Sheneman
Alberta Shollenberger
Everett & Cindy Shrader
Richard & Elizabeth Sieckman
Kent & Mary Sielbach
Mary Rose Simon
Gary & Lynda Stoner Simonich
Karen Sinclair
Nancy Sinclair
Norma & Donna Sitton
BJ Sletta
Ursula Slovak
Michael Smith
Shirley Smith
Curt & Shirley Solem
Chris & Janet Southworth
Randy & Janice Munsell Spear
Gary & Mary Garrow Splittberger
Sandra Spomer
Nancy Steel
Karen Stevens
Dennis & Laurie Sticka
Jerry & Sandy Stoltenberg
Dorothy Stratford
James & Shirley Stratton
Randy & Jennifer Strending
Mona Sumner
David & LaVonne Swanson
Carol Thatcher
Dorothy & Marvin Thompson
Jon & Gail Thompson
Roy Thompson
Dennis & Ann Tipton
Carol Van Buren
Ruth Vanderhorst
Lorraine Wagenman
Joan Wakley
Laurel Walker
Ken & Barbara Walter
Larry & Lorraine Walter
Sidne Walton
Jere Wamsley
Bill & Betty Warner
Dan & Clara Weaver
Phyllis Weaver
Dale & Sharon Weber
Exel Wedul
Teresa & David Wehr
John & Connie Weiler
Lorraine Wells
Bob & Peggy Wendorff
Jeanie Werholz
Richard & Elaine Wesnick
Betty Wheeler
Marlene Wheeler
Myrtle White
Charles Wittnam & Patricia Payne
Shayne & Terri Wiggins
Kenneth Wilbert
Frank & Jeanette Wilkinson
Emilie & Billy Williams
Linda Wilson
Peggy Jo Wilson
Phyllis Winter
Russell & Kathleen Wiseman
Robert & Donna Witham
Lisa Wolfendale
Maryjane Woodbury
Phil & Diana Worden
Yellowstone Rim Runners
Yellowstone Valley Mustang & Ford Club
Sharon & Doyle Young
Gloria Zeiler
Elsa Zorn
Helen Zottnick
Honorariums in Honor of
Jason & Ann Arrowsmith
Marge Krone
Diane Boyett
Stan & Becky Duffner
Jan Kirk
Emily Jarvis
Wiley & Marilyn Bland
Kay & Phil Ryan
Dotti Green
Jere Wamsley
Laura Steinmetz
Memorials in Memory of Beverly Bennetts
Arne R & Vikki L Mysse
Nancy Bierwagen
Jeanne Endersby
Donald Brewer
Jeanne Barsanti
Kent Brewer
Angeline Ettleman
Shirley Brownell
Stephanie Nance
Ron Burnam
Clarence & Violet Krum
Wayne Ettleman
Angeline Ettleman
Evelyn & Larry Chatwood
Werner Fried
James & Melinda Fredericks
Hank & Danny Gabel
Betty Ann Gabel
Katy Dukart Hirsch
Brenda & Eugene Olheiser
Betty Hofstad
Beverly Schwabe
Bob Jackson
Ruth Jackson
Shirley Ketterling
Jake Ketterling
Will Layman
Gregg Layman
Roger Nelson
Linda Nelson
Tom O'Dea
Sherlene Robison-O'Dea
Marc Priest
Arlene Priest
Robert Propp
Vernon & Sandra Haugse
Roger C. Stuart
Marlene Parkins
Don Sunnarborg
Ida Rose Sunnarborg
Patricia Waddell
Glen & Shirley Schmidt
Bonnie Wamsley
Laura Steinmetz
1505 Avenue D • Reservations: 406-259-9666 • Monday thru Friday
Do you have an interesting hobby or skill you would like to share? Please let me know. The talents you all possess is staggering to me. I can’t take everyone, but I’ll do my best to select a variety of interests.
We will be starting out with our newest member, Sue Lawrence who is featured in this publication. Sue wrote Montana’s Memory Day, a nature-themed foster/adoption story, illustrated with hand-carved linocut prints by Erika Wilson a third generation Montanan.
SAVE THE DATE
Easter Dinner .......... March 28 .................... Noon ............... RSVP by 3/24
Earth Day Theme ..... April 20 ....................... 11-12:30 ......... Day Before by Noon Bookmobile .............. 2nd & 4th Fridays ...... 11:15-1:15
RSVP dinner reservations the day before by Noon, and please specify if you would like a salad or hot meal.
Pearls and Bow Ties: Ladies, please wear your finest pearls and gentlemen, favorite bow ties for our formal Easter Dinner on Friday, March 28.
935 Lake Elmo Dr • Reservations: 406-606-1170 • Monday thru Friday
Where have we all been? Staying home? Let’s get out for some fresh air, see some old friends, or maybe meet some new ones. That’s where the Heights Meal Site comes in. You can do puzzles, play games, exercise, win (or lose) at bingo and visit our library. We are looking into adding more activities. Please share ideas with Janlyn and Marlene.
We have great lunches that are made by the fabulous cooks at Ave. D. Call by noon the day before to make reservations at (406) 6061170. Lunch is served at 11:45, Monday through Friday. Check out the menu in Prime Connections.
Just to let you all know, we have the greatest volunteers in town. They will welcome you with a smile.
360 N. 23rd • Reservations: 406-259-9666 • Monday thru Friday
We all need to be a part of something bigger. Being connected gives meaning to our lives. Just something as simple as having lunch with friends is all it takes. I am grateful for Adult Resource Alliance and the Billings Community Center for their part in gathering participants 60 years old and over together for lunch. I hope you will check out the menu in the Prime Connections and join us. Please call (406)259-9666 by noon the day before for a lunch reservation.
322 6th St. • Mondays and Thursdays at 12:00
Where in Custer Montana can a person 60 years or older get a hot, healthy, home cooked meal for $5? At the Custer Senior Center! On Mondays and Thursdays you can find Linda and one of her assistants, Kathy, Tonda, or Nu, cooking up lunch for the locals who come for the noon meal. Not only do you get a fabulous lunch, but you can join the usual crew for a few laughs and to catch up on the latest happenings in Custer and the surrounding area. Every other month Krystal comes to visit from the Adult Resource Alliance Resource Center. She shares information about topics such as Medicare, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), the latest scams, minor home repairs, property tax assistance, open enrollment, and more that the Resource Center is knowledgeable about. She always has a corny joke to wrap up her visit. Her next visit is March 13.
37 Minecha Avenue • 406-698-6525
From the first day that I attended the Huntley Senior Center, I was impressed by the traditions that are such a big part of this center. The president calls every member on Monday to visit with them and to ask if they will be joining us for lunch on Thursday. The secretary sends cards to members for all their special events. These are some of the things that made me realize no one stands alone at the Huntley Senior Center. Sharing both the happy and sad times of our lives lets us know we are not alone. We share a little music and songs for anniversaries and birthdays, as well as bring a little laughter with a few good jokes.
Please join us on the first and third Thursday of the month for friendship and lunch at noon. Call 406-698-6525 to make a reservation.
720 South 4th Street • Meal Site Coordinator: Mary
Reservations: 406-628-7571
• Monday thru Friday
Funny how time flies. 2023 is going by fast. I (Mary) recently got back from my first cruise and a stay in Florida.
The phrase “No man is an island” reminds us that we get by with a little help from our friends. In a sense, we’re all in the same boat. We hope that you will take the opportunity to lean on each other and enjoy the company of friends.
Adult Resource Alliance provides lunch at the center Monday through Friday, at noon, for just $5. Join us for lunch celebrations in March. Friday, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Friday, March 24 is birthday Friday. *Friday, March 31 is our Easter celebration. Be sure and sign up for these fun days and lunches by calling (406)628-7571 the day before by noon. *Easter reservations need to be made by Friday, March 24th at noon.
The following are other times to get together at the Laurel Senior Center.
• The Laurel Senior Center has started an exercise program on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m.
• We still have pinochle on Monday and Friday at 1:00.
• Bingo is on Friday after lunch.
• We also have chair yoga on Tuesday at 1:00.
• The foot care clinic is available the first Monday of the month.
5541 Haynes Road • 406-696-1343 • Wednesday at Noon
Spring is quickly approaching. Garden shops will soon be opening. Vegetable gardens will come alive and along with that will come the dreaded mosquitoes. Our snowbird friends will also be returning soon.
On March 15th, we will all enjoy being a little bit Irish. On April 5th, we will celebrate Easter. Birthday celebrations will be on March 23rd and April 27th.
The words 'No man is an island' were embedded in a deeply Christian sermon about how human beings are connected to each other, and how important that connection is for the well-being and survival of any individual. That being said, let's continue to welcome new members, guests and special friends. Extend a welcome to your friends and neighbors to join us on Wednesdays at noon for lunch and an afternoon of BINGO. Invite them to also join in the exercise class on Tuesday and Friday, men's coffee hour on Thursday and the ladies card game afternoon.
Call Dawn Beddes to RSVP for lunch • 406-696-1343 by NOON on Monday
901 S 30th St • 406-256-6413 • southparkseniors.org
Monday and Friday at Noon
The Adult Resource Alliance serves lunch at the South Park Senior Center on Mondays and Fridays at noon. We have had some changes lately with our meal program. Those of you who attend regularly may have noticed new faces in the kitchen. Our cooks are also trying some new menu items. If you are not a regular attendee, we invite you to join us
soon. Just call (406)256-6413 by noon the day before to make a lunch reservation. It’s just $5 for a hot, healthy, home cooked meal! Thank you to the South Park Senior Center Board and members for your understanding during this time of transition for us.
We hope you’ll come for lunch and stay for the activities that South Park Senior Center has to offer. Monday is bingo and Friday is pinochle. The third Friday of the month is birthday Friday. While you’re there, check out what else the center has to offer.
VFW Hall • Main Street • 406-880-6061 • Fridays at Noon
Happy Spring! It’s always a pleasure to see the promise of the grass turning green and the flowers starting to poke their heads through the ground. I hope that you all have made it safely through the winter and are eager to get outside more.
We are very excited to be making plans for a future senior center and eventually some senior housing in our area. Much more needs to be done, but we are making some progress. We are planning to visit some senior facilities in other rural towns to get some ideas.
The Worden VFW has served our needs for many years, but it is starting to show its age. We are grateful to the veterans for making this facility available to us.
No man is an island, and we enjoy our time together. We recently had lots of laughs with some little talking snowmen. What a hoot! Take a little drive to Worden some Friday and join us for lunch and companionship. We love visitors and visitors soon turn into regulars. Just remember to call Janet at 406-880-6061 before noon on Wednesday to reserve your meal.
King of Glory Church • 4125 Grand Avenue
“No man is an island” This poem speaks to the idea that we are all part of the continent and not on our own, as an island is. We are social beings that need contact and involvement with others.
Being an older adult can sometimes be isolating and lacking of human contact, especially in the colder months in Montana. With the weather warming, now is a good time to reconnect with other people. In other words, become part of the continent. You will feel better for it!
A good place to start is at an Adult Resource Alliance meal site. At our west end Adult Resource Alliance meal site, we meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon for a home cooked, healthy meal and companionship. Please call (406)259-9666 by noon the day before to reserve a spot. If a Tuesday or Thursday doesn’t work for you, check out one of our other locations.
Find a Humana plan that fits your goals and your life
Find a Humana plan that fits your goals and your life
It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.
It’s time to choose your 2023 Medicare plan, and Humana and I are here to help you understand your options. A Humana Medicare Advantage plan gives you everything you get with Original Medicare, and may have additional benefits and services that meet your healthcare needs. Humana offers these plans at attractive premiums.
Call a licensed Humana sales agent
Call a licensed Humana sales agent
Amy Hurless
406-696-8925 (TTY: 711)
Amy Hurless 406-696-8925 (TTY: 711)
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
amyhurless@simplifymedicareplans.com
amyhurless@simplifymedicareplans.com
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on
3/2 Hot turkey casserole, green beans, fruit, dessert
3/6 Goulash, salad, fruit, dessert
3/9 Chicken enchiladas, potatoes, salad, dessert
3/13 Chili pie, corn bread, salad, dessert
3/16
3/20
3/23
3/27
MARCH
3/2 Roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, California blend vegetables, roll, dessert
3/16 Chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, coleslaw, roll, ice cream
APRIL
Corned beef, cabbage, carrots, soda bread, salad, dessert
Assorted sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, salad, dessert
Hash brown casserole, salad, dessert
Stir-fry, rice, salad, dessert
3/30 Cook’s choice
APRIL
4/3 Roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, dessert
4/6 Ham and potatoes, green beans, salad, dessert
4/10 Chicken Alfredo, garlic bread, salad, dessert
4/13 Fish sandwich, French fries, salad, dessert
4/17 Sausage, biscuits, eggs, fruit, dessert
4/20 Spaghetti, garlic bread, fruit, dessert
4/24
Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, dessert
4/27 Cook’s choice
4/6 Hamburger tater tot casserole, tossed salad, roll, dessert
4/20 Lasagna, tossed green salad, corn, garlic bread, dessert
MARCH
3/1 Chicken and Tortellini w/ alfredo sauce, bread stick, red beets, tossed salad, apple slices.
3/8 Salisbury steak w/ brown gravy, mashed potatoes, dinner roll, green beans, peach crisp.
3/15 Corned beef & cabbage, potatoes and carrots, dinner roll, green jello w/ pineapple
3/22 Chicken enchiladas, corn chips, Spanish rice, grapes.
3/29 Sub sandwiches, chips, potato salad, fresh fruit.
APRIL
4/5 Ham, scalloped potatoes, dinner roll, asparagus, fruit salad
4/12 Sweet & sour chicken, brown
rice, egg roll and buttered carrots
4/19 Cod, roasted potatoes, sliced bread, broccoli salad and sugar cookie
4/26 Chicken fried steak, brown gravy, half baked potato, biscuits, brussel sprouts, fresh fruit
MARCH
3/3 Sub sandwich, potato salad, bean salad, fruit, roll, birthday cake and ice cream
3/10 Tuna patty, potato casserole, corn, fruit, roll, cookie
3/17 Bean burrito, Spanish rice, fruit, tapioca pudding
3/24 Broccoli cheese soup, crackers, tossed salad, fruit, brownie
3/31 Vegetarian chili, cinnamon roll, fresh veggies, fruit
APRIL
4/7 Fettuccini Alfredo, tossed salad, fruit, roll, birthday cake and ice cream
4/14 Salisbury steak, loaded mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit, roll, pudding
4/21 Chicken strips, potato wedges, peas and carrots, fruit, roll, cookie
4/28 Sloppy Joe, tossed salad, fruit, roll, glorified rice
2 nd and 4 th Tuesday of Every Month
Call 406-861-4259 for Reservation
LAUREL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
Within Laurel: Mon-Fri• 10am-4pm
Laurel to Billings: 1st & 3rd Tues Afternoons
EVERYONE WELCOME!
Call 406-628-4796 for Reservation
37 www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance
