May/June Prime Connections

Older Americans Month

May is officially “Older Americans Month”. I have to admit that it is getting harder to define what someone means by older. The American Association of Retired Persons, commonly known as AARP, states their focus is on those 50 years old and above. Montana State code uses the age of 60-65 for most sections related to “elders.” In 1964 when the Older Americans Act was passed, average life expectancy in the US was 70. Social Security retirement age was 65. Life expectancy in 2023 is nearly 80, with a retirement age moving towards 67. Here at the Alliance we generally look at 60 as our age for defining who is a senior.

Mike Larson Executive Director

All these numbers are important and have their uses. But that isn’t what I want to focus on. Instead, think about this. Mick Jagger is 79, Paul McCartney is 80, and Paul Simon is 81. All of these music icons are still active today, producing their new music, and performing

live on tour. Those are some pretty prominent names most of you will recognize, but every day, right here in Yellowstone County there are similar stories. They may not be internationally famous, but there are numerous folks in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond contributing their time and talent to make Yellowstone County a great place to live.

The theme for this years Older Americans month is “Aging Unbounded”. The Alliance Volunteer program is one place where we see that put into practice every day. Whether it’s delivering a meal to a homebound senior, preparing a tax return, or providing a ride to the store. Our volunteers are showing unbounded care for those they serve. The majority of the 400 plus volunteers currently active are older adults, but that doesn’t mean that some “younger” folks wouldn’t be welcome to join in. I am pretty sure it is guaranteed to help keep you young!

Choosing What Matters Most in Life

BY RIVERSTONE HEALTH

Guitar music and favorite songs filled the air on a July afternoon when all seven of Peter Lombardozzi’s children and Suzanne, his wife of 70 years, gathered to be with him. Peter was in bed right next to a big, open window at RiverStone Health Hospice Home. A few family members were in his room, a dozen more were camped just outside. After a beautiful sunset that night, Peter Lombardozzi passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family .

“His big wish always was he didn’t want a funeral; he wanted a big party to celebrate his life. It was emotional, but wonderful,” Peter’s daughter, Lisa Miller, recalled recently.

Peter led a full life centered on his family, but his health had deteriorated. He was in a Billings hospital when doctors determined that his condition was terminal. Lisa recalled doctors explaining that the hospital probably wasn’t the best place for him.

Peter had planned ahead, designating Lisa to be his healthcare representative if he could no longer speak for himself. She knew about RiverStone Health Hospice Home from a trusted friend who worked in senior services and from sister-in-law Kathy Lombardozzi, who is a longtime hospice volunteer.

“We made the decision as a family at a big family meeting,” Lisa said. Two of his children accompanied

him when he was transferred across town to the Hospice Home on Mission Way. “We brought photos, favorite blankets, things to make it seem more like home,” Lisa said.

Peter lived for 10 days in the summer of 2021 at the Hospice Home where the length of stay varies from a few days to several weeks. Family members were with him constantly, sometimes sleeping on recliners in his room. Lisa is especially grateful to the hospice team for doing everything possible to accommodate her family’s wishes despite the COVID pandemic restrictions that were in place during the summer of 2021.

Family didn’t have to tend to his medical care, hygiene, hydration or changing linens. All those needs were met 24/7 by the professional hospice nursing staff in Billings’ only licensed and accredited Hospice Home facility. That meant the family could focus on spending time with their husband and father, telling stories, talking to him and holding his hand.

“It allowed us to do the more meaningful things,” Lisa said. “It really was nice, 10,000 times better than being in the hospital.”

The Hospice Home has 12 private patient rooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, sun room and patio garden. In addition to staffing with nurses, chaplains, social workers and other professionals, the Hospice Home is served by trained volunteers who tend the garden, run errands, assist family members or sit with a patient when family is unable to be present.

“Everyone there was amazing. Such great caretakers, gracious about listening to you and accommodating your requests whenever they can,” Lisa said.

For families facing end-of-life care decisions, she offered this advice: “Go visit the house. It’s very much like a house, not a hospital. I think just seeing it would put people at ease.”

If you have questions about hospice care in your home or in the RiverStone Health Hospice Home, please call us at 406-651-6500.

FREE COUNSELING FOR SENIORS

Are you struggling with feelings of sadness or anxiety? If persistent stress or depression is interfering with your best life, reach out for help. Big Sky Senior Services can arrange up to three emergency counseling sessions at no charge with a licensed professional counselor in Billings. To receive this service, individuals must be residents of Yellowstone county age 60 or older and be referred by either Big Sky Senior Services or the Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County.

These agencies will arrange counseling for individuals who display signs of depression or anxiety that cause concern they may lead to self-harm or neglect. The goal of these free sessions is emergency relief. If further care is needed, individuals will need to work with the counselor or other resources.

This new service is made available from state funding provided through RiverStone Health.

To learn more, please call Big Sky Senior Services at 406-259-3111 or Adult Resource Alliance at 406259-5212 and ask about the "Three Emergency Counseling Sessions”.

TECH TIPS & TRICKS

WITH JUNIOR GIRL SCOUT TROOP 2068

Learn tips, tricks, and ask questions about using your mobile device or tablet.

SIGN UP:

Call Stephanie 406-697-2362

LOCATION: 1505 Ave D

THURS, JULY 13 10AM TO 11:30AM

Learn how to take a screen shot, the basics of email, or how to use your storage efficiently on your mobile device.

TUES, JULY 25 1PM-2:30PM

Learn how to attach a photo to an email, basic customization settings, or how to download an app on your tablet/ laptop.

We will be celebrating our Mother’s and Father’s Day Dinners in May and June. It is always a fun time to come to a meal site and celebrate the day. You might just meet some new friends. Check out our meal site locations below for days and times as our rural communities meet on different days.

For the Billings and Laurel Meal Sites we offer either the hot meal of the day or a featured salad. In May our featured salad will be a Taco Salad with Southwest Dressing. Then in June our featured salad will be a Summer Chicken Salad w/ Poppy Seed Dressing.

JULY 18

3-Day Tour of Glacier National Park

Spend 2 nights in Kalispell. Experience ‘Going-to-the-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. Limited rooms available. Call as soon as you can!

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. (Currently taking names for “wait list” only!)

AUGUST 9

7-Day Iceland

Land of Fire and Ice! Fantastic discount. Call for details and availability.

AUGUST 26

Mystery Tour

Fun & unique experiences, including lunch & dinner.

☛ $206/pp. $100 Deposit. Balance July 28th.

SEPTEMBER 9

3-Day Chokecherry Festival and prime-rib dinner aboard the Charlie Russell ChewChoo Train and more

☛ $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.

2024

February 14 Annual 3-Day Snow Coach Tour of Yellowstone National Park.

March Aloha! Another escape trip to Hawaii!

July Alaska Adventure Cruising Early Fall New England Rails and Sails

Late Fall Best of Israel and Jordan, Faith Based Tour!

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.

I often wish I knew more about the people who receive Meals on Wheels. Once in a while, a driver will come in with a fun story. Recently, Diane Wise, one of our wonderful drivers, shared a story that Pat, a Meals on Wheels recipient, shared…

Henry Patton “Pat” Stewart is a quiet soft-spoken southern gentleman, but behind that facade he is one tough dude! Pat was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. In his collegiate years, he was also an award-winning weight lifter and body builder which he continued throughout his life. He trained and worked with the best, Boyer Coe, a three-time winner of the Mr. Universe contest. He even overcame a hair-line fracture on his spine and forged on winning many contests; Mr.

Louisiana, Mr. Oklahoma, Mr. Texas, Mr. Tucson, Mr. North America.

In December, 1969, Pat was selected to be a Special Agent with the U. S. Justice Department in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (now known as the Drug Enforcement Administration). He also continued to compete in body building and won Mr. New Orleans in 1970, while earning a brown belt in karate and judo.

Pat’s career with the DEA spanned 17 years. During that time, he served in the Washington DC area as a Special Agent/Physical Fitness and Firearms Instructor. He was then sent to the Mexican border where some of the heaviest narcotics traffic in the U.S. occurs. While in Tucson working in an undercover capacity, he was wounded but managed to not only save his own life but that of his partner’s and was awarded the DEA Purple Heart Award for bravery and valor in the line of duty, only one of many awards and citations that he earned for high-level border busts. Despite his gunshot wound, he

won Mr. Western America and later won Mr. Arizona. Shortly after being wounded, he was promoted and traveled to over 40 countries assisting foreign governments in training narcotic agents. In 1977, he moved to Los Angeles where he continued his career with the DEA.

It was in Los Angeles that he met and trained with Mr. Olympia, Frank Zane and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He won Mr. Western USA, and in 1978, went professional and won the Mr. America contest.

Retiring from the DEA, in the fall of 1986, Pat continued to work in law enforcement ranging from security for celebrities and special events, to a Special Investigator for the State Bar of California, a professor teaching Criminal Justice, a Contract Investigator for the Department of Defense and as a Licensed Private Investigator, receiving many awards and letters of commendations from State, Federal and Foreign Law enforcements offices.

Pat also had a very successful Polo career,as well as becoming a priest! But let’s save that story for another day!

Pat has now lived in the Billings area for nearly 20 years.

Henry Patton “Pat” Stewart is one tough dude!

Thank you Diane Wise for capturing Pat’s story, and thank you Pat for sharing your amazing life.

“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.

*Menu Subject to Change

MAY MENU

Nutrition Program Director: Lorri

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

5

Spinach

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

*Menu Subject to Change

JUNE MENU

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.

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

406-657-3050 | 360 N 23RD ST, BILLINGS, MT | WWW.BILLINGSPARKS.ORG CLASSES FILL

FITNESS CLASSES

FITNESS BY DESIGN

Dates: May 23- July 20 (no class 7/4)

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: May 22 – July 17

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: May 2 – June 29 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: May 2 – June 27

Day of week: Tuesday

Time: 1:30pm-2:15pm

Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident

Location: Adult Resource Alliance Main (1505 Ave D)

ZUMBA GOLD

Dates: May 9 – June 29

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: First Session May 3 – June 9 (no class 5/29)

Second session June 12 – July 31

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.)

CARDIO STRENGTH

Dates: May 6- July 1 (No class 5/27)

Day of week: Saturday

Time: 10:00-10:45am

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

GENTLE YOGA

Dates: May 2 – June 27

Day of week: Tuesday

Time: 1:00-1:45pm

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

GENTLE YOGA

Dates: May 4 – June 27

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: May 15 – July 10 (no class 5/29)

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: May 4 – June 29

Day of week: Thursday

Time: 1:00-1:45pm

Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident Location: Adult Resource Alliance

(Main Location) 1505 Avenue D

30 MINUTE ABS FOR SENIORS

Dates: May 23- July 18 (no class 7/4)

Day of week: Tuesday

Time: 11:15-11:45am

Cost: $20 Resident/$30 Non-resident

Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

DRUM CIRCLE

Dates: May 1 – May 22

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

Cost: $30 Resident/$40 Non-resident

Location: Billings Community Center (360 N 23rd St.)

April, Program Lead • Vicki, Volunteer Coordinator • 406-245-6177

It is in the Shelter of Each Other that People Live

As I reflect upon the 14 1/2 years that I have worked as the director of the volunteer program, I am moved to share two simple, powerful words…Thank you.

For me, retiring from the workplace isn’t so much a celebration of my years and contributions, but a celebration of the goodness and grace that I have been blessed to experience through the actions and contributions of those who have surrounded me. For nearly 15 years I have enjoyed the best company!

And so it is that I wish farewell to you, my good people. Inspired by you, I will continue to seek ways to shelter others on their journey.

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends in aging, and strengthen our commitment to honoring the Yellowstone County senior community.

The OAM 2023 theme, Aging Unbound, offers opportunities to explore a wide range of aging experiences, to promote the importance of enjoying independence, and to pave our own paths as we age.

Please join the Alliance Volunteer Program, as we recognize the 60th anniversary of OAM and as we continue to challenge the narrative on aging. Here are a few simple ways we can engage and participate in Aging Unbound:

• Stay engaged in your community. The Adult Resource Alliance is a great way to stay connected by engaging in activities at your local Senior Center or through participation in a rewarding volunteer opportunity.

• Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, continue to foster and grow your knowledge by taking part in group classes or creative activities offered here at the Adult Resource Alliance.

• Form Relationships. Socialization is an essential ingredient of well-being; positive relationships offer enhancement to one’s quality of life. Invest in spending time with family, friends, and companions. Whether you interact in-person, virtually, or over the phone, great conversations are an important aspect of fully engaging in this year’s Aging Unbound theme.

— IRISH PROVERB

Continue to nurture what is good, Pam M.

MEET THE SCC TEAM

EVELYN DEMPSEY, Community Services Director

Evelyn came to the Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County to fulfill a needed role in its newly implemented community health worker program in January, 2022. In April, 2023, she was promoted to Community Services Director. She has an extensive background in serving the community as a uniformed police officer in Virginia before moving into a rewarding career in the human services field. Evelyn worked for various federal, state, and tribal agencies where she was committed to serving others from a person-centered approach. She earned a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology as well as a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. She is a mother to three amazing adult sons and a rambunctious 3-year old daughter.

APRIL STARK, Volunteer Program Lead

April is the Volunteer Program Lead. April has many fond memories with the Adult Resource Alliance from working in the Resource Center and when her mother, Jane Stark was the Meals on Wheels Coordinator. April graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services in 2004. She started her career working at the Human Resource Development Council. From there, April went to work for the Resource Center, and then began employment with the State of Montana Office of Public Assistance for the next 11 years. April is passionate about helping her community and assisting those in need. In April’s free time she enjoys being with her busy 8-year-old son and her 3 obnoxious dogs. If she could, she would have a farm full of animals.

VICKI GIOVETTI, Volunteer Coordinator

Vicki has been the Alliance Volunteer Coordinator since January 2016. She is a Montana native and finds her “Happy Place” when she is serving others. Vicki believes everyone has an important life story and loves to listen to people share their history. She cared for her aging parents for four years. During that time, she was able to write a biography for her mother and father. Vicki has had a career in banking and holds a Montana Real Estate Property Management License. She is also a Certified Massage Therapist. Vicki loves spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoys working, reading, the outdoors, and all water activities!

DR. KALYN BRIGGS, Ph.D., OTR/L

Dr. Briggs has been an occupational therapist for over 15 years, receiving her Master of Science degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND in 2002, and her PhD in occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 2012. Dr. Briggs’s practice area of experience is with the adult population, specifically adults with neurological conditions. Her research interests and experience include stroke, stroke rehabilitation, and more recently, addressing rural health care needs of adults with neurological conditions. Dr. Briggs has been an active volunteer with AOTA, NBCOT, MOTA and is a Board Member with Adult Resource Alliance. She is currently serving as the Capacity Coordinator for the Academic Education Special Interest Section of AOTA. She has a passion for teaching and learning in the field of occupational therapy, and is excited for the many opportunities that are available for growing occupational therapy in the state of Montana and the region.

KYLIE MCCLAIN, Community Health Worker

Kylie McClain is a Community Health Worker (CHW) for the Senior Circle of Care. Kylie graduated from Montana State University Billings with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and an Associate of Arts in Rehabilitation and Related Services. Her traits include being a problem-solver and an active helper. These traits directed her career path as she enjoys serving her community and is passionate about the client-centered approach. Kylie has been a participant in assisting people within the Billings community by identifying their needs. During her free time, Kylie adores family fun days, painting, reading, and walking her dog during the afternoon.

ERIN WUNKER, Service Coordinator

Erin, Service Coordinator for the Senior Circle of Care, graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and an enthusiasm for serving her community! As a student, Erin volunteered as an advocate for the Voice Center, a sexual violence support center; this fostered her passion for communitycentered work and for working with volunteers who also love serving the community. Erin loves doing an abundance of hobbies in her free time including knitting, sewing, rock climbing, skiing, baking, and reading. Erin’s dog, Nova, is the light of her life; Erin and Nova enjoy spending time together hiking, playing fetch, and being couch potatoes.

LIFE’S Observations…

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been”. This very thoughtful and astute musing was said by performance artist, David Bowie. He said that in an interview in 2002. He died of liver cancer in 2016, at 69 years old.

I have to admit, I wrote him off as the poster child for sex, drugs, and rock and roll before I had even graduated from high school, but I knew he deserved a closer look when our editor selected the above quote for further thought and discussion. So. I spent a lot of the month of March learning more about the man, his music and his life. About forty years ago, he figured out that maintaining the Rock Star life style was neither easy nor smart. In my world, I imagine that his frenetic life was akin to rounding up a bunch of heifers while riding a unicycle through the sage brush, wearing shorts and flip flops. Every day! It just didn't make sense. So Bowie changed his course and got away from the distractions that were clouding the pursuit of his true passion. With the effects of drugs and alcohol in his rear view mirror, he got busy transforming the world of live performances. What used to be “a bunch of guys on a stage with big amplifiers” has morphed into the total immersion spectaculars of today. What's more, we have come to expect this level of extravagance in exchange for a very expensive concert ticket, and it seems to be working.

As an example, his Glass Spider World Tour was comprised of 43 truckloads of stuff and bus loads of musicians and dancers and backup singers (who occasionally needed someone to hand them a tissue when they got the sniffles). Add to that group, the people

who disassembled and reassembled a traveling circus every day or so, and moved it to another city far away.

Certainly, Bowie couldn't keep track of every detail, but he provided fascinating jobs to the people who could. Think on that for a minute. Would you have been excited and challenged to have been a part of a concert tour in your younger days? In your life so far, are you still fueled and rewarded by the daily challenges of your own particular pursuit of happiness?

I think it is safe to assume that the readers of this little magazine are primarily of retirement age. I think that we can see the validity in Bowie's quote, “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been”. So, with aging in mind, I don't think there is any difference between the energetic octogenarian organizing volunteers for an annual gala or the retired cook who delights in alphabetically organizing the tins in her spice cabinet. Be comfortable with who you are.

When a life is in balance, or even leaning positively toward that goal, one's thoughts and deeds can extend outwards to others and not just be consumed in the furnace of the self. With no scientific basis, I have a strong hunch that a hardening of the attitudes can lead to hardening of the arteries, so stay flexible. Be around a variety of people of all ages. Using the privilege of age, be the first to say, “Hello” when you enter a roomful of strangers. They won't be strangers for long.

Be an active part of your community, as much as you can, for as long as you can. Be reasonable in your expectations of yourself and those around you, and you might find that you have “become the person you always should have been”.

David Mosdal Guest Columnist

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been”.

WHAT GIVES YOU Joy?

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” — David

Bowie

Life has a way of stripping away all the dross and refining us. It can be a painful process but if we let it, we can become something truly beautiful. Can you remember what it felt like to just be you before the world placed all its expectations on you? What truly brought you joy? Where did you shine? You can have that again. Sometimes we just need to step back or maybe step outside and think who am I when it is just

me here? No one else’s thoughts filling your head. No one telling you what you should be doing or how.

Take a deep breath of fresh air and feel the air filling your lungs and making you rise. Then release it and notice how you feel. What is most important to you right now? How do you want to feel? Just be present in this moment. What can you do right now to feel most like yourself?

Pick one thing and just do it. It doesn’t have to be something big. In fact, it is probably best if it is something small. Listen to your favorite song. Look at the stars. Talk to a friend. Read a book. Eat your favorite food. Go for a walk. Savor the moment.

Remind yourself of the wonderful person that you have become.

Krystal Bickel

Connections IN OUR MIDST

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

Sentimental Journey

If I could make days last forever

If words could make wishes come true

I'd save every day like a treasure and then Again, I would spend them with you

— Jim Croce, Time in a Bottle

Many times, the aging process brings with it a sense of longing for the “good ol’ days” where we might tend to view the past more favorably than our present or future life.

But extraordinary things can happen as we advance in years. The hard edges soften, we take more things in stride than we used to, and we don’t take ourselves so seriously anymore. Just as we evolve into our older, and maybe wiser, selves, so do those places and events from our past become cozy memories to cuddle up to

of Grand Avenue and 11th Street West that had phones at the table. To order, you simply picked up the phone, which rang directly into the kitchen. The switchboard operator took your order then handed the ticket to the cook. The marquee out front touted “America’s Favorite Menu” and a young girl’s smiling face beckoned us in to try the home cooked meals and the famous homemade

pies. Even though the diner closed in 2005 and was replaced by the Dairy Queen, many remember the smiling welcome they got from employees there.

Likewise, the Kit Kat Café was a Billings landmark since the 1950’s with its giant black cat marquee adorning Main Street in the Heights. A popular gathering spot for friends to share a laugh and a cup of coffee, the Kit Kat was also a magical place for romance to sprout. Several years ago, when Carl Miller ordered his meal from owner Betty, he asked her out for dinner and dancing the next time he was in town. Six months later they were married and ran out the nine lives of the Kit Kat until 2001 when they sold the business. Shortly after, the Kit Kat transformed into a Taco Bell.

FOX THEATER

FOX THEATER

KIT KAT CAFE

SKYLINE CLUB

The era of the family diner gave way to the modern world of fast food, but the memories built within its walls will remain with us - like the black cat clock with the swinging tail and the eyes looking from side to side keeping time over the pass-through window to the kitchen.

When it came to fox trotting the night away, many dance enthusiasts tripped the light fantastic at the Skyline Club, which first opened in 1944, and where the land on which it stood is now the Sky Ranch subdivision. This nightclub “on top of the Rims” was unsurpassed in its classy location. A table by the window was glamorous, where couples could watch the lights in the valley below glowing like a jeweled carpet. The mirrored band stand hosted live bands that were definitely easy to dance to. It was a place of many gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries and homecomings that are still a treasured memory for those who are lucky enough to have experienced it.

Rounding out our nostalgic journey, we travel to downtown Billings where the Fox Theater opened in

1931, the last art deco theater to be built in America. In those early years, the theater hosted live performances, new film releases, and local theatrical productions. Movie dates were the rage, where moviegoers could enjoy watching stars like Boris Karloff, Paul Robinson, and Janet Gaynor. The Fox is still in operation only now it’s known as Alberta Bair Theater, carrying on the tradition of bringing entertainment to our community.

With all this talk of sentimental places, one would think we would be sad and yearn for days of long ago. On the contrary, reminiscing can increase our sense of social support and connections.

When we recollect the places, people and events that stand out in our minds, we can experience benefits like improved mood, enhanced learning and increased social interaction, as well as memory consolidation.

Like the lyrics to the song, nostalgia for the days of dining out, dancing, and movie dates can create a fondness for rosy reflection on a time or place that we associate with happy memories. Bottom line, it’s healthy for us to re-live those moments so etched in our minds and our hearts.

Billings CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

As the largest city in Montana, Billings is a hub for healthcare, retail, travel, hospitality, entertainment and more. Additionally, Billings boasts an attractive lifestyle with accessible and affordable living making it an attractive place to live, work and play.

The small town feel with big city amenities creates an opportunity for a vibrant workforce and diverse career opportunities. Additionally, Billings offers a vast number of tools and resources to our most vulnerable populations.

As part of our Resilient Yellowstone partnership, the Billings Chamber of Commerce is committed to making Billings a welcoming place for all. A welcoming community increases the connection that an individual creates with the community they call home. At the Billings Chamber we are proud to play a role that sparks significant growth in being a welcoming and inclusive community where citizens feel safe, respected, and comfortable being themselves. With a focus on business growth through diversity, equity, and inclusion the Chamber’s online business resource center, www.BillingsDEI.com has resources and information to begin one’s DEI journey.

Every step of the way, we work to make our community stronger and boost our quality of life. As your Chamber, we intensely focus on our core role as Conveners, Champions, and Catalysts. That is who we are at our core. We advocate for policies that will benefit the community. We work with our partners to identify some of the most challenging issues our community is facing and then take action. With a focus on advocating for a healthy economy and aligning businesses and government, we provide a voice for initiatives relevant to our members.

As a partner with Resilient Yellowstone, the Billings Chamber looks at obstacles, helps overcome roadblocks and brings about real change. We thrive on collaboration and alliances to build improvement plans, creating a space where together we can make a larger impact. Through our committees and programs, we are able bring the community together to build relationships,

offer education and make a positive influence.

Resilient Yellowstone has allowed us to peel back the layers and see how much of our work centers around being intentional about community of belonging. It is important for businesses to know how to work with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

By collaborating with partners such as Adult Resource Alliance, Big Sky Senior Services, Special Olympics, LIFTT and many others, we are able to bring awareness for community members on welcoming initiatives like becoming a Certified Autism Destination, the Aging Friendly Coalition, Young Profession-als Network, and women in business and leadership.

We’re engaging in the community through programs and events that influence the culture of our community and enhance the quality of life. We’ve integrated community health work into our programing because we know that healthy people make healthy employees. We have worked to identify the health needs of our workforce and focus on ways to develop education and outreach in the work-place.

The adaptiveness and growth of local businesses is a vital component of a strong community. The Billings Chamber will continue to participate and lead in areas that have an intentional effort for business growth and quality of life for Billings residents.

—Kathy Grider

Cathy Grider Workforce Development Manager

Happenings UNDER THE BIG SKY

Alberta Bair Theater

Billings Symphony

CHICAGO – THE MUSICAL ~ 05.10.23 - 7:30pm

TICKETS: $82.00, $67.00; $57.00 Student + non-refundable fees

There’s never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, thousands of standing ovations and now the #1 longest-running American Musical in Broadway history.

Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective: Sinatra at the Sands ~ May 20, 2023 ~ 7PM

Babcock Theater ~ 2810 Second Ave. N. ~ $20-$40

While it’s been 55 years since Frank Sinatra recorded Sinatra at the Sands, the music remains as fresh as the day it was released. This was Sinatra at his best, performing with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra in the Copa Room of the former Sand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Vocalist Daren Small joins RMJC to perform many of the great Quincy Jones arrangements featured on the album.

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? ~ 06.10.23 - 7:30pm

TICKETS: $56.50, $46.50 + nonrefundable fees

Prepare to laugh until you cry when four of the world’s most masterful improv artists take you on the high wire act of comedic acrobatics.

2023 Symphony in the Park ~ Sunday, June 25, 2023 ~ Pioneer Park ~ 301 Parkhill Dr 4-9PM (CONCERT AT 7PM) ~ FREE

Bring your blanket or lawn chair

and relax to an evening of music under our big Montana sky featuring the Billings Symphony with special guest Chris Smith for the 51st annual Symphony in the Park. Round out your experience with picnic fare from participating food trucks.

Billings Mustangs

Dehler Park

The Mustangs schedule is loaded with home games during the summer months. There are 6 home games in May, 15 in June, 9 in July, 15 in August and 3 in September. Nearly half (23) of the team's 48 games at Dehler Park are scheduled to be played on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The team has an off-day every Monday throughout the summer except July 3rd and Labor Day, September 4th; the team plays at home both dates. The Mustangs will play its Montana rivals Missoula and Great Falls 9 times each at Dehler Park and plays the Glacier Range Riders (Flathead Valley) 15 times at Dehler Park. The standard start time for all home games Monday - Saturday is 6:35 p.m. with exceptions for holidays. Sunday games will begin at 1:05 p.m.

Billings Studio Theater

Leading Ladies ~ Comedy May 5-21, 2023

A hilarious comedy of two English Shakespearean actors.

The Marvelous Wonderettes ~ Jukebox Comedy ~ June 2-17, 2023

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a jukebox comedy with music from the 1950s and 1960s. The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take

musical trip down memory lane!

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

Montana Women's Run ~ May 13, 2023 AT 8:00 am

The Montana Women's Run is a 2 mile and 5 mile run or walk held in downtown Billings on Saturday, May 13th, 2023 of Mother's Day Weekend. Since 1994, race proceeds of $1,637,500 have been donated back to the community to promote heatlh and fitness for women of all ages through exercise and education while encouraging an active lifestyle.

MetraPark ~ Expo Center

WRANGLER TEAM ROPING ~

Date: May 12 - May 14, 2023

“The Wrangler TEAM ROPING CHAMPIONSHIPS was formed to bring a professional atmosphere with a national sponsorship program to the amateur team roping industry. For the first time ever, the amateur roper will be able to win sponsorships from national companies that until now, was only available to top ranked pros.

Opportunities: for the general public to learn more about cannabis, products, uses & benefits ~ for cannabis entrepreneurs to network with current cannabis businesses in the region. ~ for those interested in careers in the cannabis industry to learn more about open positions.

CARSON AND BARNES CIRCUS Expo Center

May 27 - May 28, 2023

Fun For The Family

DR. JORDAN B PETERSON ~

First Interstate Arena~ Date: May 16, 2023 ~ Time: 7:00 PM ~Cost: Price Varies

Dr. Peterson is a professor at the University of Toronto, a clinical psychologist and the author of 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (Jan 2018, Penguin Books). His now-classic book, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, offers a revolutionary take on the psychology of religion, and the hundred or more scientific papers he published with his colleagues and students have substantively advanced the modern understanding of creativity and personality.

2023 WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Montana Pavilion ~ Date: May 18 - May 20, 2023

MSU Billings Foundation's Wine & Food Festival has become the signature event in Montana and the region for wine and culinary enthusiasts. Enjoy a week of wine seminars, gourmet dining and cooking schools with local, state, and nationally-renowned chefs and wine masters.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

May 18 (NORTHERN HOTEL) ~ Wine Masters Symposium - 7pm ~ May 19 (MONTANA PAVILION) ~ Wine & Food Tasting - 6pm to 10pm ~ May 20 (MONTANA PAVILION) ~ Dinner & Auction - 7pm

Montana Audubon Center

7026 S Billings Blvd, Billings, MT 59101

Morning Bird Stroll ~ 2nd

Saturday of the month from 8:3010am

Sat, May 13, 8:30am – 10:00am ~ Sat, June 10, 8:30am – 10:00am

Suggested donation $10/adults, $5/ students, or free for members ~ Register in advance

Morning Bird Stroll ~ 2nd Saturday of the month from 8:30 - 10am Sat, May 13, 8:30am – 10:00am, Sat, June 10, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Suggested donation $10/adults, $5/ students, or free for members ~ Register in advance

Moss Mansion

Derby Day at the Moss ~ Saturday, May 6th ~ Grounds open at 1:00 pm

The Race for the Roses will be under way this May 6th at the Moss Mansion. Come enjoy the excitement of the Kentucky Derby on our beautiful grounds while you watch the races on the big screen. The day will be filled with mint juleps, lovely appetizers, and a little bit of luck for those who want to place a bet or two. But don’t forget – the day would not be complete without a little hat contest, so come dressed in your best with a “fascinator” to beat the rest! On this Derby Day, enjoy the closest thing to the Churchill Downs experience Billings has to offer!

The grounds will open at 1:00 pm and remain open until the end of the final race, come at your leisure. Your $50.00 reservation includes one drink and appetizers. You will be able to place your bets at the betting station and enjoy the races on the big screen under our event tent. The day will be filled with plenty of racing excitement, but don’t forget about the hat contest at 3:30, submit your “fascinator” for consideration at our check-in table.

Yellowstone Art Museum

Thursday Evening Cooking Classes ~ 5:30 – 7:30 PM

May 11 | Curries Around the World

Cost: YAM member $55 | Not-yet Member $65 | Supply Fee Included Go on a global culinary adventure with curry dishes from India, Thailand, Japan, Jamaica and more.

Get more hands-on experience in just two hours with Chef Angela Lyle.

First Friday at the YAM ~ 5pm –8pm

Meet a local artist, listen to the sounds of a talented musician, participate in a stimulating lecture — every First Friday is different. Every First Friday museum admission is free from 4 – 8 PM.

Connections at the art museum with the Montana chapter of the Azheimer’s Association ~ Every 3rd Friday

10:30 AM – 12 PM ~ Free

This monthly program is an important way for people living with early-stage memory loss, including those living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia and their care partners to connect with others at the YAM. Promoting connection, interaction, and companionship through viewing and discussing artwork and creating art in the studio. The bonds formed at these programs often last throughout the duration of the disease, creating additional support for all involved. Registration in advance is required. Call 800.272.3900 or email montana@alz.org to register. For more information please contact: Alzheimer’s Association ~ 800.272.3900 ~ montana@alz.org

Laurel, Montana

Crazy Days ~ Saturday, June 3rd ~ Downtown Laurel

Sidewalk Sales, Food, Live Music

Laurel Montana Car & Craft Show Saturday, June 17, 2023 ~ 10 am-3 pm ~ Walmart Parking Lot

Food Trucks, Craft Vendors, Kids Carnival Games. Registration and setup start at 8 am that Saturday. For more information, contact Jodi Chapman @ bronc_chic03@yahoo. com

RESOURCES

THE RESOURCE CENTER

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

MAY 15TH IS NATIONAL SENIOR FRAUD AWARENESS DAY

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHY DO SCAMMERS TARGET SENIORS???

• Senior citizens are most likely to have a “nest egg,” to own their home, and/or to have excellent credit—all of which make them attractive to con-artists.

• People who grew up in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s were generally raised to be polite and trusting. Con-artists exploit these traits, knowing that it is difficult or impossible for these individuals to say “no” or just hang up the telephone.

• Older Americans are less likely to report a fraud because they don’t know who to report it to, are too ashamed at having been scammed, or don’t know they have been scammed. Elderly victims may not report crimes, for example, because they are concerned that relatives may think the victim no longer has the mental capacity to take care of their own financial affairs.

• When an elderly victim does report the crime, they often make poor witnesses. Con-artists know the effects of age on memory and they are counting on elderly victims not being able to supply enough

detailed information to investigators. In addition, the victims’ realization that they have been swindled may take weeks— or more likely, months—after contact with the fraudster. This extended time frame makes it even more difficult to remember details from the events.

• Senior citizens are more interested in and susceptible to products promising increased cognitive function, virility, physical conditioning, anti-cancer properties, and so on. In a country where new cures and vaccinations for old diseases have given every American hope for a long and fruitful life, it is not so unbelievable that the con-artists’ products can do what they claim. Resource: FBI Senior Scam website.

Remember anyone can be scammed by these professionals. Don’t be embarrassed to report your situation. You may not be able to recover what you lost, but you will help others be prepared to handle the scammer when they call.

WHAT IS A SECURITY

FREEZE??

A security freeze is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft. A security freeze allows consumers to proactively "lock up" their credit information so no one can access it without their permission. This prevents a thief from falsely using someone else's identity to take out a new mortgage, apply for a credit card or get financing. The freeze is easily lifted if a consumer plans to make a major purchase, open a new credit card or take out a loan. There is a small charge for this service. For more information contact Department of Justice— Consumer Protection at (800) 481-6896 or at https://dojmt.gov/ consumer/identity-theft/.

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT A LOVED ONE’S ABILITY TO MAKE FINANCIAL DECISIONS?

Is your loved one a frequent victim of scams? Peter Lichenberg, Ph.D. a geriatric neuropsychologist and his team at Wayne State University in Detroit have created a Financial Vulnerability Assessment that uses a rating scale to determine if an individual understands the financial decisions they have made. It measures Intellectual factors and Contextual factors and can help uncover if the person is currently being financially exploited. You can get additional information about this Assessment at https://www. olderadultnestegg.com/for-familyand-friends/. Even though this is a dot.com website it is affiliated with Wayne State University, a public university.

MONTANA LEGAL SERVICE DEVELOPER PROGRAMS

The State of Montana Legal Services Developer in the Office on Aging in Helena, provides elder law training and resources for seniors, family members and social outreach workers. The program also develops pro bono and local legal services referrals, training materials and telephone assistance to seniors on related matters. They can also provide assistance and guidance regarding important end of life documents like Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, and Beneficiary Deeds. The Legal Services Developer can be contacted by calling (800) 332-2272 (during normal business hours) and asking for the Legal Service Developer Program.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT:

Check out this or one of many other great books in the Resource Center Library!

Are you starting to do some Spring Cleaning now that Winter is behind us? Are you preparing to downsize your own home or help your parents with theirs?

Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save What to Let Go by Marni Jameson

Is filled with practical tips such as how to decide what to keep, what to get rid of, and the best way to liquidate what you can. Marni makes the whole process easier as well as expressing heart felt understanding from someone who has gone through this work herself.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Emily, Caregiver Coordinator 406-259-5212

One Good Thing, and the Pattern of Life

By: Emily Jarvis, Adult Resource Alliance

Listening to a speech recently, I was introduced to the theory of fractals and fractal geometry. I like the definition found on fractalfoundation.org: “A fractal is a never-ending pattern. Fractals are infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales. They are created by repeating a simple process over and over in an ongoing feedback loop.” In other words, if you look at something as a whole, it is made up of many smaller parts which are identical to the whole. A tree is a common example of a fractal, because a tree is made up of smaller parts (twigs and branches) which resemble the shape of a tree in its entirety.

Upon learning this, I immediately began to see how applicable this theory is to life. The sum of our life is made up of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. But more than the passing of time, life is an accumulation of experiences. The small parts make up the bigger whole. They are not separate, but rather interconnected, over time intricately weaving together the shape of our entire existence.

I also began to see how small habits, practiced over time, collect into the depth of life, no doubt affecting how we perceive the quality of our lives. A life defined by joy, peace, fulfillment and contentment likely consists of daily habits that allow it to be so. The same is probably true for a life characterized by stress and chaos. This is not to say that we are in complete control of the circumstances of our lives, but I do believe we have the ability to choose how we ultimately define those circumstances. Thus, it is not what is out of our control that will produce the overall definition of our life, but rather the things that are within our control.

Of course, my mind has turned to the significant life experience of caregiving. In fact, over the past six weeks I’ve had the opportunity to attend a virtual caregiving class series. In choosing words to describe their caregiving experience, “stressful” and “overwhelming” were some of the most common answers given by caregivers, and understandably so. What these caregivers taught me,

along with the class facilitators, was the importance of adding one good thing. One good thing, one good habit, can become a fractal, a pattern that contributes to the overall quality of the journey of life.

WHAT ARE THE GOOD THINGS?

In this caregiving series, we were challenged every week to implement an action plan. It was actually quite simple: every week choose one thing you’d like to do for yourself. Plan when you’re going to do it, make sure it is realistic (attainable), and give yourself a confidence score (i.e. how confident you are in your ability to complete it). Many of us in the class found ourselves creating action plans for very simple things: read a book for 20 minutes three nights this week, or go for a 10 minute walk at least twice. Sometimes it was choosing to call a friend to reconnect, or spending time singing in the car on the way to and from work. There were no restrictions. I began to call these things “the good things.” We were essentially striving to add one good thing in the midst of all the hard, stressful things. In turn, the way we saw the hard things began to shift. It didn’t take them away or make them any easier, but it somehow made them more bearable. I realized that as things became more bearable, the way in which we defined them also changed, always for the better.

I also realized that it was the consistency of adding one good thing, and being faithful (as much as possible) to completing the goal that really made the difference. Like fractal geometry, repeating patterns are what make up the whole. The more we take time for the good things, the more our lives begin to take on the same appearance, even despite the inevitable challenges.

As a caregiver, what is one good thing you can do that will add some encouragement to your journey? I encourage you to take the time to set an action plan, be faithful, and be mindful of how you feel as you consistently follow through.

SOCIAL SUPPORT IS ALSO KEY

Don’t forget to reach out. Life’s rewarding moments are usually not experienced alone. I can look back at the difficult times in my life thus far and find meaning because others walked the road with me. Caregiving is no different – it is a life-changing journey, and is not meant to be navigated alone. Find a friend who will complete an action plan with you, or who will help keep you accountable.

Find a support group (we’d love for you to join ours at the Alliance). Allow yourself one hour per month to simply see for your yourself that you are not alone. If that’s the only thing you get from attending, then that will be enough. Consistent isolation will consistently breed feelings of loneliness and depression – two very common emotions experienced by caregivers. Being open to new experiences such as this will create space for illumination and growth.

DEDICATION, DESPITE DISTRACTION

While learning to add the good things, remember that there will continue to be endless distractions. There will always be a reason to set aside the good things until another time, but pay close attention. Be dedicated, and when you get off track, find your way back. It seems to me that we don’t accidentally create a meaningful life. A meaningful life is intentionally pursued, every single day.

Author Michael Crichton said it best: “And that’s how things are. A day is like a whole life. You start out doing one thing, but end up doing something else, plan to run an errand, but never get there… And at the end of your life, your whole existence has the same haphazard quality, too. Your whole life has the same shape as a single day.”

In other words, the pattern of our days creates the pattern of our lives. When you look back on your life and your experiences, what will be the pattern you see? None of us will execute life with absolute perfection (nor are we meant to), but we are more likely to find the good when we choose to add it.

CARETIME Caregiver Support Group

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

Contact Emily at 406-259-5212.

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

MAY 2023

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10TH

TOPIC: GENERAL SHARING SESSION

1:00 – 2:00pm | 1505 Avenue D OR 935 Lake Elmo Dr. JUNE 2023

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH

TOPIC: WHAT’S A MEMORY CAFÉ?

BY

PRESENTED

SUZANNE MCKIERNAN, BIG SKY SENIOR SERVICES

SUPPORTERS

Gene & Bobi Allard

Bernard Allen

Bonnie Ambuehl

Donald Anderson

Sue & Tim Bailey

Timothy & Betty Ballou

Uri & Liz Barnea

Marcia Beaumont

Mike & Lauretta Bentz

Gary Bone

Michael Brake

John & Karren Cannon

Gayna Carney

Jaime Carpenter

Mary & Frank Cipech

Charitable Trust

Donald & Maria Davidson

Dick & Sue DeVries

Otto & Jody Dringman

Marlin & Sharon Dunlap

Gail & Eunice Ellison

Rita Emond

Judy Fenton

First Interstate BancSystem Foundation

Teresa Fischer

Bob Fitzsimmons

Judy Flugstad

Everett & Pam Gabel

Cheri Galt

Steven & Alice Garr

Gregg & Marcia Hafner

Karen Halling

Tom & Robin Hanel

Curtis & Sandy Haney

Sandra Haney

Jenny Hanson

Donna Hightower

Gloria Horab

Steve Howe

Kevin & Mary Huppert

James & Kathy Kamminga

Aiko Kawano

Jan Kirk

Richard & Linda Kouba

Edward & Colleen Kriskovich

Myrtle Lane

Edeen Linsky

Veronica Marsich

Ben McKee

Phyllis Miller

Delbert & Dina Moser

Stella Nava

Betty Nesmith

Hieu & Linda Nguyen

Roger & Gerry Olmstead

Trish Olsen

JoAnn Ostermiller

Sharon Pattee

Peace Lutheran Church

Phillips 66 Billings Refinery

Richard & Dorathy Pippin

Darrah Plank

Michael & Lorri Pool

Ella Rider

Linda Rutherford

Kathy Schoenbeck

Beverly Schwabe

William & Charlotte Shackelford

Jo Anne & Kenneth Sipes

Peggy Steckel

Thomas & Julie Steen

Tamara Storck

Corinne Streeter

Lorraine Wagenman

Amy Weber

Amy Wells

Trina White

Russell & Kathleen Wiseman

Elsa Zorn

Helen Zottnick

Honorariums in Honor of Bill & Janie Brown

Ken & Margaret Peterson

Memorials in Memory of Jim Blinn

Randy & Jennifer Strending

Wayne Ettleman

Angeline Ettleman

Sue Felton

Alan & Kathy Redman

Bob Heiser

Randy & Jennifer Strending

Alvina Johanson

Connie & Richard Henry

Robert Kappel

Randy & Jennifer Strending

Eloras Ketterling

Bette M Wolff

Bobbie Nall

Ken & Margaret Peterson

Evelyn Oblander

Larry & Connie Hilzendeger

Robert Repac

Angeline Ettleman

Dennis Storck

Hazel Storck

Laurel Senior Citizens Center

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

MEAT RAFFLE

PROCEEDS SUPPORT PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE

WIN A

$500

CARD TO THE MEAT PALACE

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET AT ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE AT 1505 AVE D, BILLINGS

DRAWING: SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

COST: $5 PER TICKET

OUR COMMUNITY

MEAL SITE UPDATES

ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE

1505 Avenue D • Reservations: 406-259-9666

• Monday thru Friday

We will have a Lunch & Learn with two local women authors at the Avenue D Meal Site, as well as an Art Exhibit during the month of May. Our authors, Sue Lawrence and Betty Whiting will share the creative process it took to bring their stories to life, Tuesday, May 16th. Reservations for lunch are due the day before by Noon.

Sue Lawrence’s wrote “Montana’s Memory Day: it is a nature-themed foster/adoption story, illustrated with hand-carved linocuts prints by Erika Wilson.

Betty Whiting’s books, "Becoming” and “On the Border of Belonging” are Montana fictional biographies of her Swiss immigrant grandmother in the early 1900’s and her Czech mother. Her books cover the area of Moore, Molt, Laurel and Helena. The book includes the struggles of women and the changing roles of marriage, careers and politics that shaped their lives.

Our May Art Exhibit will consist of watercolors, acrylics, oil and mixed mediums from May 23-26. We welcome your creations. For details, please contact Mary Beth by May 15 at 406-259-9666.

Let’s celebrate Mothers’ Day on Fri, May 12 with a theme of Soap Operas. Lunch will be served 11-12:30. Reservations due by May 5th at Noon.

We will celebrate Fathers’ Day on Fri, June 16 from 11-12:30 with a theme of motorcycles. We encourage those of you who are bikers to bring your ride to show off. Reservations are due by June 9th at noon.

“Four Wheels move the body; two wheels move the Soul.”

—Mary Beth

HEIGHTS MEAL SITE

935 Lake Elmo Dr • Reservations: 406-606-1170

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.”

—David Bowie

Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids even during the cold weather. Flowers are starting to bloom. See your flowers smile at you. Take a look around. This will be a good time to come to visit the heights meal site, enjoy meeting new friends, laugh, and of course, have a great meal.

• Monday thru Friday

Thank you Wynstone for the beautiful birthday cakes every month. Volunteers are the best and we could not do this without them.

Don’t forget to sign up early for Mother’s and Father’s Day parties! —Marlene

& Janlyn

BILLINGS COMMUNITY CENTER

360 N. 23rd • Reservations: 406-259-9666 • Monday thru Friday

The warmer weather is here. Summer is on its way. Sounds like a good time to get out and have lunch with friends.

We serve lunch five days a week. If you would like to join us for lunch, please call (406)259-9666 for a reservation by noon of the day before you plan to attend. The menu is available on our website, allianceyc. org, and in the Prime Connection.

Also, we will be having birthday parties on the fourth Friday of each month. Hope to see you soon.

—Tina

CUSTER

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

A little food for thought…

Are you the person you always wanted to be? If not, why? I’m not talking about a vocation or a status. I’m talking about a quality. David Bowie said, “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” Are you there? What’s stopping you? You’re not getting any younger. Are you getting closer to the person you always should have been?

HUNTLEY SENIOR CENTER

37 Minecha Avenue • 406-698-6525

As the sun and warmth of summer comes, it reminds us of all the events in our life, our children, marriage, anniversaries, deaths, jobs, grandchildren etc. It reminds us of striving to became a better person by the lessons learned from our past experiences and people we have met along the way. Memories are the life we’ve lived, loved, and hated. All, making us better people. At Huntley Senior Center, we love to celebrate life events. Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the Wonderful Mothers and Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing Dads. May your special day bring a special memory for you.

Huntley Seniors meet every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Please feel free to join us; call 406-698-6525 for more information. We keep busy with Bingo, Speakers, 50/50 and always looking for new ideas to keep us busy.

—Dona

Celebrating Bob and Barb's 63rd anniversary

MEAL SITE UPDATES

LAUREL SENIOR CENTER

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

Are you what you “wanted to be” as a kid? I think as we get older we realize that we accrue the skills and knowledge to be more than we dreamed we could. Life is such a learning process, always providing a path to who we want to be…always offering more.

Please join us at the Laurel Sr. Center for the following activities:

• Lunch at noon, Monday through Friday. Please call (406)628-7571 by noon the day before to make a reservation.

• Bingo on Fridays at 1:00.

• Pinochle on Mondays and Thursdays at 1:00

• Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 1:00.

• Footcare is the last Monday of the month. Call (406)628-7571 for more information.

Mary & Amy

SHEPHERD MEAL SITE

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

Spring has sprung and Summer is coming… That means the Snowbirds will be returning with a lot of conversations around the lunch table, catching up with everyone. We had a surprise in March when Evagene and Jerry returned after a long absence. So great to see you both healthy and happy.

The Ladies Card/Board Game Day is full of laughter as each team tries to outsmart the other in the game of SEQUENCE. Stop by Friday mornings at 10am and join in.

The Men’s Coffee Hour on Thursday at 9am continues, as does Exercise Class on Tuesday and Friday at 9am.

In May we will observe Memorial Day. Along with remembering service men, we will also recognize members no longer with us.

Just maybe the SNOW GLOBE will stop shaking and we can finally get started on our gardens. Some of us have already started seedlings indoors and they will soon be ready for the gardens.

Remember to RSVP to Dawn for lunch on Thursdays– 406 696 1343 by noon on Monday.

SOUTH PARK

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

Mother’s Day is a special day where we honor mothers each year. It’s a wonderful occasion to shower mom with flowers, goodies, brunch—all things to let her know how much she is appreciated. Did you know that there is a thing called “The Mother’s Day Rule?” The premise is simple—Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May which, for many, the threat of frost has passed and it’s considered safe to get your garden started. Whether you enjoy Mother’s Day as a mother or as a gardener, here’s hoping the weather is beautiful.

We will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a special meal on May 12th. Be sure to make your reservation by May 5th by calling (406)256-6413 or signing up at the center.

WORDEN

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

One of the joys of retirement is to have the time to do some of those things you put off while you were working and raising a family. It’s so easy to keep putting those things off until later, especially if it involves a big project.

I’m going to try to encourage myself each day to have some fun, do something constructive, and connect with someone who could use a friend. If we each do those things every day, we will discover our true selves, and find contentment as a bonus.

Share a hobby with a friend – recipes, books, crafts, walking – the list is endless. Enjoy the outdoors and bask in the sunshine. You’ll smile as you find your true self.

WEST END MEAL SITE

King of Glory Church • 4125 Grand Avenue

Did you know that you can order a fabulous salad at the Billings and Laurel meal sites? It’s true! If the hot meal of the day is not one of your favorites, you have the option of ordering our monthly featured salad. When you make your reservation, just mark the sheet for a salad or let the person who is taking your reservation know. May and June are two of everyone’s favorite salads. In May the feature salad is a taco salad with a southwestern dressing and June is a summer chicken salad with poppyseed dressing. You also have the option of choosing a different dressing.

Please join us at the West End meal site on Tuesday or Thursday for lunch at noon. Remember to make a reservation the day before by noon at (406)259-9666. Cards, games, and socializing are also happening on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00-2:00.

—Tammi

Turning 65 or new to Medicare?

Turning 65 or new to Medicare?

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

Humana can help you choose a Medicare plan

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

Amy Hurless

406-696-8925 (TTY: 711)

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

MEAL SITE MENUS

CUSTER MENU

MAY

5/1 Tater tot casserole, salad, fruit, dessert

5/4 Oven chicken, fries, salad, dessert

5/8 Goulash, fruit, salad, dessert

5/11 Salisbury steak, salad, mashed potatoes, dessert

5/15 Pork roast, baked potatoes, salad, dessert

5/18 Cook’s Choice

5/22 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salad, dessert

5/25 Soup, sandwich, chips, dessert

5/29 Closed for Memorial Day

JUNE

6/1 Sloppy Joes, fries, mixed veggies, banana cream dessert

6/5 Fried chicken, potato salad, corn, lemon cake

6/8 Pancakes, bacon, eggs, fruit, coffee cake

6/12 Walking tacos, green beans, brownie

6/15 Polish dogs, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, apple crisp

6/19 Spaghetti, garlic bread, fruit, sherbet, cookie

6/22 Chicken casserole, rolls, peas, watermelon, chocolate cake

6/26 Pork chop, vegie, rolls, dessert

6/29 Chicken strips, fries, pasta salad, root beer float

HUNTLEY MENU

MAY

5/5 Roast turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, roll, cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, fresh fruit

5/19 Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, roll, green beans, Waldorf salad, dessert

JUNE

6/2 Beef tips with noodles, broccoli salad, fresh fruit, roll, dessert

6/16 Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, roll, tossed salad, fruit, dessert

SHEPHERD MENU

MAY

5/3 Fish & Chips, buttered beets, lettuce salad, orange salad

5/10 Beef tips w/ noodles and gravy, dinner roll, broccoli salad, brownies

5/17 Lasagna, bread sticks, steamed cauliflower, fresh fruit

5/24 Hamburgers, potato chips, three bean salad, fresh fruit

5/31 Chicken fried chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes, Caesar salad, pears, cookies

JUNE

6/7 Sloppy Joes, Fries, cole slaw, fresh fruit

6/14 Cheese tortellini w/ chicken and

alfredo sauce, bread sticks, corn, lettuce salad, apple slices, cookies

6/21 Sub sandwich, chips, potato salad, baked beans, watermelon

6/28 Pulled pork sandwich, scalloped corn, Waldorf salad

WORDEN MENU

MAY

5/5 Beef enchilada, Spanish rice, refried beans, fruit, birthday cake & ice cream

5/12 Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas & carrots, fruit, pudding, roll

5/19 Chicken strips, oven roasted potatoes, mixed veggies, jello salad, roll

5/26 Meatballs, potato casserole, tossed salad, fruit, banana bread

JUNE

6/2 Chicken alfredo, broccoli salad, fruit, roll, birthday cake & ice cream

6/9 Cod, baked potato, green beans, fruit, roll, cherry salad

6/16 Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic bread, fruit, pudding

6/23 Chicken ala king, biscuits, cooked carrots, fruit, cinnamon roll

6/30 Hamburger casserole, loaded mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, fruit, Bread stick, cookie