Senior News June/July 2021 Edition

SENIORNEWS

JUNE / JULY 2021

20 ICE CREAM SOCIAL & REOPENING CELEBRATION 23 JUNE 24, 2:00PM CELEBRATE 22 SUMMER CONNECTIONS IN OUR MIDST

Closed!

Monday, July 5th for

Independence Day

EXECUTIVE UPDATE In the last issue of the Senior News, we introduced the Occupational Therapy students from Rocky Mountain College who are now finishing up their field work experience at the Adult Resource Alliance.

This experience introduces our programs at the Alliance, Mike Larson Big Sky Senior Services, and Executive Director Adult Protective Services.

Besides providing oversight of this learning experience, my direct involvement is to take each student on one or more Meals on Wheels routes. I have to say that I truly enjoyed that opportunity. Part of that is watching the enthusiasm and joy the students bring to their work. However, watching the reaction of our seniors is by far the most gratifying.

between the MOW volunteers and the participants.

Watching that play out between these students and our seniors was absolutely something to celebrate. Not that they don’t get excited when I show up at their door, but clearly their reaction to these awesome young people is a little more enthusiastic!

This really brings home that we need to celebrate the “little” things. The five to ten-minute visit at the door during a MOW delivery. Joining friends for the noon meal at one of our meal site locations, getting together with other caregivers in our Caregiver Support group, joining in for bingo, cards, or a fitness class at one of the Yellowstone County Senior Centers.

In the upcoming year, I am looking forward with great anticipation as we add more and more opportunities to celebrate!

For months now, most of our MOW participants have been isolated with very limited contact with the volunteers.

As COVID numbers drop and vaccines become more available, we are seeing things slowly return to “normal”.

That means more contact, with appropriate caution,

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

srnews@allianceyc.org

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JUNE/JULY 2021

IN THIS Issue 9

JUNE / JULY 2021

WELLNESS

HEALTHY IS WELLNESS.........................4 FOR YOUR HEALTH................................6 SENIOR FARMER'S MARKET...................9

WHAT'S COOKING SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM.....................10 MENU - BILLINGS/LAUREL.....................12-13 BILLINGS MEALS ON WHEELS................14

CONNECTIONS “KEEPING UP WITH YOU”......................17

20

ALLIANCE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM...........18 CONNECTIONS IN OUR MIDST.................20 CELEBRATE SUMMER CALENDAR............22 LIFE'S OBSERVATIONS...........................24

RESOURCES RESOURCE CENTER...............................26 CAREGIVER SUPPORT...........................28 ALLIANCE SUPPORTERS........................32

OUR COMMUNITY MEALSITE UPDATES..............................34-37

FACILITY HOURS:

1505 AVENUE D • 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM • MONDAY – FRIDAY 935 LAKE ELMO DRIVE • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM • MONDAY - FRIDAY www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

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HEALTHY IS WELLNESS

WELLNESS

Healthy is Wellness Health Coach: Becky Ketterling, Certified Personal Trainer

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JUNE/JULY 2021

Celebrate...

LIKE A KID AGAIN!

Kids, even babies, celebrate everything! Not just the big stuff, with balloons and cake, but t h e s m a l l s t u ff too. Little ones captivate us Becky Ketterling Certified Personal Trainer, w i t h t h e i r p u r e Health Coach joy at the tiniest Healthy Is Wellness, Inc. pleasures, from a game of tag with a sibling to the tickle of the family dog’s tail.

Children have an amazing capacity to be 100% present in what is happening RIGHT NOW and to celebrate their delight with a smile, a giggle or a full-blown belly laugh.

Imagine what a gift it would be to see the world through fresh, youthful eyes again!

It’s no surprise that celebrating life’s small and silly moments becomes harder as times goes by. Especially over the last year, stress and uncertainty have clouded how we view the world and placed a hold on our celebrations. But finally(!) we seem to be headed toward better days, providing an opportunity to choose our future path with purpose! With a fresh start, we can elect to focus on the good things in our lives and commit to celebrating them, the way a small child might!

Do it for the Health of it!

Moments that cause us to pause and appreciate a feeling of happiness or wellbeing make us better, both physically and emotionally. In fact, when it comes to celebrating, optimism and positivity, there are literally too many health benefits to list! Here’s a few highlights: •

A Healthier Lifestyle – Positive people choose healthier foods and exercise more regularly.

•

A Stronger Immune System – Those with a positive outlook are much less likely to get sick.

•

Reduced Stress – Positivity leads to lower levels of stress, helping us to sleep better while also decreasing our risk for weight gain, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

•

Lower Levels of Pain – A positive sense of well-being reduces the perception of pain and stiffness associated with many health conditions, such as arthritis.

Setting the Stage for a Great Start QUIET THE NOISE… How does a child greet the day? Maybe with a hug and a

kiss, an ‘I Love You!’ and an excited “What are we going to do today?” They anticipate little things like playing on a swing-set or having a playdate with a friend – simple pleasures that will make them happy!

As adults, we often start our day much differently.

We turn on the tv, power up the computer, or open the newspaper - checking for the latest stories of our world’s problems. Immediately, our sense of control and wellbeing begins to diminish as overly negative messages and ‘noise’ flood our minds. How can we celebrate life if we begin our day in such a sad state? Instead, try a gentler morning routine that starts with something positive or peaceful (stretching, holding a pet, or expressing gratitude) that creates a calmer state, so we can approach the day with a positive outlook.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER… No one can say that kids don’t have clutter! But their clutter usually has meaning to them or are things that they love. (Think teddy bears and Transformers!) This is usually not the case for grown-ups since most of our excess ‘stuff’ doesn’t really matter to us. In reality, it only serves to create more noise in our minds, making us feel tired and stressed.

Getting rid of things we don’t use or need is energizing, which increases our sense of self-control and enables us to take on challenges with optimism. When the lens through which we view the world is less murky, it becomes easier to appreciate the small bits of good that surround us. Starting is simple: commit just 15 minutes a day to reducing your clutter and enjoy the sense of calm it brings.

Start the Celebration!

With a more peaceful environment, or a ‘clean slate’, it becomes easier to rediscover what brings us joy. See if you can commit 30 days to mini-celebrations like these: •

blanket. Be mindful of what makes them special.

•

Work to strengthen human connections. Be there for others and let them be there for you.

•

Express gratitude for what is right in your life.

Once or twice a day, jot down a few things you’re thankful for.

•

When you feel bogged down, look up – literally!

Looking to the sky helps us remember we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

•

And most importantly, have some FUN. Do one thing every day simply because you want to, not because you have to!

Developing rituals that include celebration is a prescription for good health and good relationships, and the benefits are contagious! So help others while helping yourself; take your new-found positivity and spread it around!

THE MORE YOU PRAISE AND CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE, THE MORE THERE IS IN LIFE TO CELEBRATE! — OPRAH WINFREY

Set aside time to tune in to small pleasures, like a cool breeze, a budding tree, or the feel of a www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

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FOR YOUR HEALTH ENJOY BENEFITS OF GARDENING THIS SUMMER As the days get warmer, you may be looking forward to doing more activities outside or picking up a new hobby.

Consider taking up gardening as a new hobby. Gardening offers physical health benefits. It’s also a great way to improve your emotional wellbeing.

The Montana State University Extension offers a simple guide for planning a successful vegetable garden.

There is satisfaction in growing and harvesting your own nutritious fruits and vegetables. Gardening provides opportunity for you to exercise while doing something you enjoy. As you plant, weed, and water, you are working many different Eden Sowards RiverStone Health Clinic muscles without putting too much strain on your body.

You might be so focused on your lovely plants that you don’t even notice you’re breaking into a sweat.

Consider using raised garden beds. The raised beds help reduce back strain, prevent soil compaction, extend the season, and serve as a barrier to pests like slugs and snails.

Keely Ehmann

RiverStone Health Clinic

Gardening enhances mental health. Getting to work among the plants can help lower stress levels, keep us connected to nature, and provide us with a sense of responsibility and reward.

Being out in the sunshine boosts your mood and increases your vitamin D exposure, which improves bone health and your immune system. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking water and to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

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JUNE/JULY 2021

First, the essentials: Invest in good soil and choose the right location that yields six to eight hours of sunlight daily.

Organize your vegetable rows in a north-south direction to ensure the sunlight is distributed evenly. For example, tall vegetables like corn should be planted on the north side to reduce shading.

Be aware of the timing in which seeds and transplants need to be planted to give them the best chance for success. Some warm-season vegetables that are typically planted by direct seed in Montana include beans, cucumbers, squash, and sweet corn. If you’re looking for warm-season transplants, you might try eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes.

If you grow more in your garden than you can use, don’t worry. Consider selling your excess produce this summer. The Healthy By Design Gardeners’ Market welcomes farmers and backyard gardeners to sell their produce in beautiful South Park. There is no fee to participate, but vendors are required to go through a short orientation. To learn about becoming a vendor, call 406.651.6444 or email market@hbdyc.org.

Whenever you can, choose to buy food from other local producers. Purchasing food from Montana producers through local markets also provides a unique opportunity

to meet the growers, share recipes, and engage in some all-ages fun. Look for locally grown produce in the grocery store, too.

Farmers markets play an important role in the health of our communities by increasing fresh food access.

These neighborly markets create more opportunities for people to have healthy options. When you support local farmers and gardeners, you help boost the economy of your community.

Seniors age 60 and older may qualify for Senior Farmers’ Market Nutritional Program vouchers to use at participating farmers’ markets.

To learn more about this program in Yellowstone County, call the Adult Resource Alliance at 406.294.1580.

(See page 9 for more information.)

Whether you grow some of your own produce or shop for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, you will be fortifying your diet with healthy, delicious foods. Celebrate summer’s garden bounty in salads, main dishes and snacks now. Consider freezing or canning to enjoy local produce even longer.

Keeping residents safe is our way of life.

Heidi is our Quality Coordinator. For over 17 years she has provided expert care and services to Westpark Village residents.

Keely Ehmann and Eden Sowards are prevention health specialists in Public Health Services at RiverStone Health.

2351 Solomon Avenue, Billings, MT 59102 | 406-652-4886 | westparksenior.com

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

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Gardeners’ Market

IN SOUTH PARK

Starting June 10, fresh, affordable, locally grown produce will be available from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays in South Park. The Healthy By Design Gardeners’ Market will continue Thursdays through October 7.

Handicap parking is available along with seating and sidewalk access. Vendors accept debit and credit cards, SNAP, Double SNAP Dollars, WIC Farm Direct Checks and Senior Farmers Market Nutritional Program vouchers.

Live music and senior-focused activities are planned. Visit www.hbdyc.org/market and sign up for the weekly market e-newsletter.

PARTIAL LIST OF 2021 TOURS Limited Seats Available Don’t Wait ~ Call NOW!

MAY 29

Join us on this terrific combo day tour!

Hear the compelling and moving story about Heart Mountain, followed by Cody Attractions! ☛ $198/pp. $100 Deposit to reserve seat; Balance due: May 5, 2021

JULY 23

Day to Encounter the Bighorn Canyon Boat Tour! ☛ $195/pp. $100 Deposit; Balance Due June 23, 2021.

AUGUST 27

JUNE 19

11-Day Motor Coach ‘The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky & Creation Museum.’

☛ $165/pp. $100 Deposit; Balance May 25, 2021

This incredible life-sized Noah’s Ark built to dimensions given in the Bible can be mindblowing and a fascinating experience of modern engineering ☛ $1,175/ppd. $75 Deposit. Balance Due June 20, 2021.

JUNE 25

SEPTEMBER 19

A Day to explore the Castle Museum, White Sulphur Springs and The Bair Museum, Martinsdale

8-Day America’s Music Cities featuring Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans ☛ $3,499/ppd. $200 Deposit. Bal Due April 23, 2021. Incl RT Air from Billings

6-Day Sedona’s Red Rocks and The Grand Canyon, featuring Two Historic Rail Journeys ☛ $2699/ppd; $200 Deposit; Bal Due July 16, 2021. Incl RT Air

Be sure to keep this page of information for future reference of GDP Tours for 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LILY MOORE AT GDP TOURS

office:

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JUNE/JULY 2021

256-1492 • talk & text: 860-9085 • lily@gdptours.com • www.gdptours.com

ATTENTION YELLOWSTONE COUNTY RESIDENTS

Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program Program Summary

The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program provides eligible, older adults, who are living on a limited income, $50 in coupons to buy locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables and honey at participating farmer’s markets in the Billings area. The 2021 season kicks off in June and coupons may be redeemed through October.

Approved applicants receive information that encourages healthy eating. Adding fresh produce to our diet helps makes us healthier and helps support Montana farmers and gardeners.

How Do I Apply?

To download an application, visit the Adult Resource Alliance website at www.allianceyc.org or call the Senior Farmer’s Market Help Line at (406) 294-1580. Appointments are required.

Regrettably, we are not able to accommodate walk-in inquiries.

Is There a Cost?

There is no cost to participate in the program.

Who is Eligible?

The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program eligibility is determined by age and income. Eligible recipients must be age 60 or older. A person who is age-eligible must then meet the income eligibility requirement.

✔ Up to $1986/month for a one person household; ✔ Up to $2686/month for a two-person household; ✔ Up to $3386/month for a three-person household; For each additional person in the household, add $700 to monthly income.

Senior Farmer’s Market Help Line (406) 294-1580

THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance

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WHAT'S COOKING 10

JUNE/JULY 2021

SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM WE ARE OPEN!

Celebrate with us at an Ice Cream Social Thursday, June 24th at 2:00 pm 1505 Avenue D (Weather Permitting) We are happy to announce that our Meal Sites in Yellowstone County are NOW OPEN. It has been a tough year on everyone and we have been working hard here at the Adult Resource Alliance to get our Meal Sites up and running again. We would like to invite you back with open arms to once again enjoy a nutritious meal and some much needed socialization.

NEW: Salad of the Month (served at Meal Sites only) June: Summer

Strawberry Chicken Salad, July: Club Salad Select activities will slowly open up this summer. Please see our Facebook page or website www.allianceyc.org for current information.

Reserve your meal 24 hours in advance.

See locations and phone numbers on next page.

THANK YOU!

MEAL SITE LOCATIONS: Billings Meal Sites Adult Resource Alliance 1505 Avenue D | 259-9666

Mon.-Fri.

Billings Community Center 360 N. 23rd St. | 259-9666

Mon.-Fri.

Billings Heights 935 Lake Elmo Dr. | 606-1170

Mon.-Fri.

South Park Community Center

Broadview Senior Center

901 S. 30th St. | 256-6413

13725 5th St. | 667-2212 Thurs.

Custer Senior Center 322 6th St. | 856-4187 Huntley Sportsman Club

Mon. & Fri.

Mon. & Thurs.

37 Minecha | 967-2671 1st Thurs.

Laurel Senior Center 720 S. 4th St. | 628-7571

Mon.-Fri.

Shepherd Community Center 5541 Haynes Road | 248-3123

Wed.

Worden Senior Center

2445 Main St. | 967-6535

Fri.

Home Helpers is Taking Care of the Greatest Generation....Yours.

You & your family deserve the best home care. From a few hours to 24/7 care, we’re there when and where you need us!

• Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Grocery Shopping • Meal Preparation • Errand Services • Prescription Pick-Up • Escort To & From Doctors • Much More!

Gardeners’ Market at South

Park

SOUTH 28 TH STREET & 7 TH AVENUE SOUTH

Choose Fresh Local Affordable Vegetables and Fruit Thursdays through October 7 l 4:30-6:30pm

406-697-4954 www.HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/Billings

Each office is independently owned & operated.

Easy access and parking l www.hbdyc.org l 406.651.6444 Accepting cash, SNAP, WIC, debit and credit cards

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 11

JUNE MENU

BILLINGS & LAUREL

MEAL SITES

BILLINGS & LAUREL

MEALS ON WHEELS Monday

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Tuesday

Wednesday

ALL MEAL SITES NOW OPEN Reserve your meal by noon the day before.

See locations below.

Thursday

Friday

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28

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Sorry we're

CLOSED for Memorial Day

Chicken Fried Chicken w/ Country Gravy Mashed Potatoes Vegetable Fruit

Pesto Pasta w/ Chicken Normandy Blend Veg. Fresh Fruit Molasse Cookie

Country Fried Steak w/ Gravy Mashed Potatoes Buttered Corn Cookie Fruit Salad

Sweet & Sour Chicken White Rice Egg Roll w/ Sauce Oriental Coleslaw Tapioca Pudding

Cheeseburger w/ Onion & Pickle Tater Tots Mixed Fruit Pudding w/ Topping

Brat on a Bun w/ Sauerkraut Baked Beans Applesauce Ice Cream

Chili Nacho Ole Tater Tots Vegetable Grape Salad Carmel Roll

Ham & Beans w/ Corn Bread Sunshine Carrots Broccoli Salad Cherry Cha Cha

Tennessee Pride Casserole Tomato Wedges Tropical Fruit Scone

Chicken & Dumplings Vegetable Tossed Salad w/ Beans Fruit

French Dip w/ Au Jus Sauce Chips Pea & Cheese Salad Turtle Bar

Chef Salad w/ Ham Turkey, Tomato Wedge, Boiled Egg, Cheese, & Ranch Fruit Cookie

Twice Baked Potato w/ Ham, Cheese, Chives, & Sour Cream Whole Green Beans Fruit Peanut Butter Bar Roasted Garlic Bone in Chicken Loaded Mashed Potatoes Brussels Sprouts Mixed Fruit Turkey Pot Pie Biscuit Harvard Beets Cucumber Salad Sliced Peaches

Lasagna Garlic Bread Italian Blend Veg. Garden Salad Chocolate Brownie

Fish Tacos w/ Coleslaw Fiesta Rice Tomato Spoon Salad Mexican Wedding Cake Hamburger Deluxe Pasta Salad Banana Strawberry Ice Cream

BBQ Glazed Meatloaf Baby Potatoes Sunshine Carrots Ambrosia Salad Peach Crisp

Lemon Pepper Cod w/ Tartar Sauce Wild Rice Stewed Tomatoes Bacon Cauli. Salad Blueberry Cake w/ Lemon Frosting Slow Roasted Beef w/ Seasoned Gravy Mashed Potatoes Key West Veggies Straw. Spinach Salad Ice Cream Floats

Swiss Steak w/ Sauce Au Gratin Potatoes Vegetable Cinn. Applesauce Magic Bar

Rosemary Pork Roast w/ Gravy Mashed Potatoes Buttered Corn Vanilla Fruit Salad Scotch Blondies

Alliance, BCC, & Meals On Wheels ����������������������259-9666

South Side Senior Center...................................... 256-6413

Billings Heights Meal Site..................................... 606-1170

Laurel Senior Center............................................628-7571

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JUNE/JULY 2021

Nutrition Program Director: Lorri

JULY MENU

Cooks: Jami, Kathy, Mary, Winter & Jake

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

ALL MEAL SITES NOW OPEN Reserve your meal by noon the day before.

Thursday

Friday

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for Independence Day

Beef & Broccoli Over Rice Peas & Carrots Fruit Tapioca Pudding

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Sweet & Sour Chicken White Rice Egg Roll w/ Sauce Oriental Coleslaw Chocolate Pudding

Sorry we're

CLOSED

Country Fried Steak w/ Gravy Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Fruit Cookie Taco Salad w/ Cheese, Tomato, Salsa & Sour Cream Dorito’s Grapes/Cookie Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce Noodles Garlic Bread Vegetable Fruit Ice Cream Sand.

Tennessee Pride Casserole Tomato Wedges Tropical Fruit Scone

Chicken Carbonara Noodles Steamed Broccoli Breadstick Tossed Salad w/ Beans/Ice Cream Ham & Scallop Potatoes Buttered Peas Cinn. Applesauce Avalanche Crispy Treat Corn Chowder Ham & Cheese Sub w/ Lettuce & Tomato Banana Monster Cookie

Turkey Pot Pie Biscuit Harvard Beets Cucumber Salad Sliced Peaches

Pasta Salad w/ Ham Tom & Cuke Salad Boiled Egg Dinner Roll Cookie Fruit Salad

Fish Sandwich w/ Lettuce & Tomato Sweet Potato Gems Coleslaw w/ Pineapple Lemon Bar Turkey Supreme Green Beans Cranberry Salad Pumpkin Bar

Hamburger Deluxe Pasta Salad Banana Strawberry Ice Cream

Beef Enchilada Salsa & Sour Cream Refried Beans Mixed Fruit Carmelita Bar

BBQ Pork Sandwich Corn on the Cobb Creamy Coleslaw Watermelon

Orange Chicken White Rice Steamed Broccoli Chinese Cashew Salad Fruit Cocktail Cheeseburger w/ Pickles & Onions Baked Beans Chips Peanut Butter Bar

Rosemary Pork Roast w/ Gravy Mashed Potatoes Buttered Corn Pistachio Salad Scotch Blondies Oven Baked Chicken Wild Rice Mixed Vegetable Plums Carrot Cake

Stuffed Pepper Loaded Potatoes Capri Vegetable Confetti Salad Mocha Crunch Bar Pot Roast w/ Gravy Whole Potatoes Baby Carrots Fruit Roll Creamy Crunchy Breaded Pork Chop Mashed Potatoes w/ Pork Gravy Carrot Coins Applesauce Carmel Apple Cake

MEAL SITE RESERVATIONS must be made by Noon, at least 1 business day in advance. ☛ A requested donation of $4.00 per meal for adults 60 and above.

☛ Menu is subject to change

☛ Under 60 charge is $6.00.

☛ GF = GLUTEN FREE www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 13

BILLINGS MEALS ON WHEELS MOW Coordinator: Jaime • MOW Assistant: Stacy • 1505 Avenue D • 259-9666

WE ARE CELEBRATING!

After a year of serving all takeout meals to our drivers, we are now able to offer them a hot meal and comradery when they return from delivering your meals. It feels wonderful!

KIND WORDS FROM A FAMILY MEMBER

I just wanted to thank you for your services. The meals you have provided my brother have been truly life changing. He loves the meals and always eats the desserts first. He was so excited about the Pineapple Upside Down Cake!!! He said the menu calendar helps him keep track of the days. It allows my family peace of mind to know he has food each day. Thank you again for all you do.

— Artha Mae Whealon

FATHER’S DAY

What are your Father’s Day memories? My dad was a mixed bag.

I choose to remember the good. He loved country music and taught me to sing some “interesting” songs when I was very young. I laughed out loud recently when I heard one of them on an oldies station and remembered it word for word! We sometimes celebrated my birthday and his Father’s Day together and I told him I was the best gift he ever received!

One of our participants calls a few times a year to tell me he is being “dad-napped”. His daughter comes 14

JUNE/JULY 2021

Adult Resource Alliance’s Meals on Wheels Program (MOW) offers a hot nutritious meal, delivered Monday through Friday by volunteers. MOW qualifications include:

✓O ver 60 years of age ✓ Lives alone or with someone who is unable to cook 1 healthy meal per day ✓N ot driving and unable to take a cab or bus to a meal site for a healthy meal ✓H aving health issues or are unable to cook a healthy meal for self ✓M eals are available on a short-term basis for persons recovering surgery or hospital stay

to pick him up and take him somewhere fun. Norm has been a very giving person in our community. He is the "Norm" of Norm’s Island. It is so fun to be able to give back to someone who has done so much for his community.

I’m so happy that his daughter takes the time to spend quality time with her dad!

Not everyone has had the experience of being a father, but many have experienced a kind of fatherhood by mentoring a younger generation. One of our MOW’s drivers who did not have any biological children, taught school and even today continues to serve in his community mentoring a younger generation. It’s never too late to give encouragement to someone who could use a little fathering!

REMINDERS

Please have a frozen ice pack in your cooler if you will not be getting your meal right away. This is a safety issue that you must be responsible for.

Because we have lost so many of our small blue ice blocks, we will once again, be accepting medium sized white reusable ice packs. These are like those you get with medications or frozen foods. They must be clean and in good condition. We put them in zip lock bags and reuse them until they are no longer good. If you are using them also, please put your name on yours so we don’t pick them up by mistake.

Thanks for your help!

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 15

CONNECTIONS 16

JUNE/JULY 2021

“KEEPING UP WITH YOU” ACTIVITIES

Ages 60 and Better!

Better !

For More Info Call 406-294-1588

SIT AND GET FIT

Sit and Get Fit uses different seated fitness programming which focuses on low impact exercises done from a chair. Instruction is focused on empowering all ages and stages to participate in safe and effective exercise.

Instructor: Jennifer Brown Activity #

2547-A

Start Date

June 22, 2021

Time

Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-1:00pm

# Sessions-12

6/22/21 – 7/29/21

Fee

$10 Resident $20 for Non-Resident

Location

Billings Community and Senior Center

Call to Register

406-657-3050

FITNESS BY DESIGN

For those new to fitness or those who would like to add some pizazz to their fitness routine, this class offers a variety of workouts which are combined into one great series. Featuring strength training and aerobics, the instruction is tailored to fit the needs of aging adults by providing a social environment, improving strength and increasing flexibility.

Instructor: Bess Lovec

CHAIR YOGA

Achieve harmony as you relax and gain confidence from a seated position. Develop strength and balance as you slowly stretch muscles, improve circulation and reduce stress.

Instructor: Tania Stevens-Klein Activity #

2512-E

Start Date

June 24, 2021

Time

Thursdays; 1:00-1:45pm

# Sessions-8

6/24/21-8/12/21

Fee

$25 Resident $35 for Non-Resident

Locations

Alliance-Billings; 1505 Ave D

Call to Register

406-657-3050

GENTLE YOGA

Slow paced, relaxing practice that includes moving the limbs and torso in a comfortable way. Great for those new to yoga.

Instructor: Bess Lovec Activity #

2517-C

Start Date

June 24, 2021

Time

Thursdays; 1:00-1:45pm

# Sessions-8

6/24/21-8/12/21

Fee

$25 Resident $35 for Non-Resident Alliance-Billings Heights 935 Lake Elmo Dr.

Activity #

2599-C

Start Date

June 14, 2021

Locations

Time

Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00-10:45pm

Call to Register 406-657-3050

# Sessions-18

6/14/21-8/11/21

Fee

$35 Resident $45 for Non-Resident

Locations

Alliance-Billings Heights 935 Lake Elmo Dr.

Call to Register

406-657-3050

Other KUWY Activities are postponed until further notice. www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 17

AVP VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Become a Joiner, Commit, Connect, Flourish If the emotional long-haul of the pandemic has you feeling stuck, unable to focus, lacking drive and shy on motivation… a positive remedy is within reach. Purge stagnation and emptiness by becoming a joiner.

Get started by introducing a small way to experience a small win into your week. Commit to doing something and connecting with another person. You will find that you will begin to flourish and you will realize the beauty of the feeling.

Small attainable opportunities follow.

Alliance Phone Buddy Program

Alliance Meals on Wheels Program

Many homebound seniors continue to muddle through the day with one simple wish… a buddy to chat with.

Share stories about pets, hometowns, occupations, hobbies, favorite food, favorite movies etc. by engaging in a phone call once a week.

Billings, Billings Heights Weekdays 10:00am-12:00pm

PHONE BUDDY

Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program MARKET AMBASSADOR

Enjoy social exchanges with fans of the market, inform the curious and collect farmers’ market coupons at the close of the event.

PROGRAM BOOKKEEPER

Balance the books and compile required reporting one time each month.

MARKET PROXY

Stand-in for a senior. Wander through a local farmer’s market, purchase and deliver fresh produce to a homebound senior.

Alliance Pantry Pals Grocery Shopping Program

DELIVERY DRIVER

Delight in the long-lasting impact that comes from meeting and delivering a meal to a homebound senior citizen.

AARP Tax Aide Program TAX PREPARERS

Plan to include a brain building activity in your weekly routine later this year. Calculate basic tax returns for senior citizens. Training begins in November.

Alliance Quilters

Gather each week to share your passion for quilting with other seniors who delight in the handicraft.

Inexperienced and experienced are welcome.

Become a Joiner

PANTRY PAL

Lend a hand to a senior citizen who needs a Pal to do their grocery shopping. Make a difference by committing 2.5-3 hours of your time twice a month.

“Not sure who is happier, Billings VA Clinic for having our AVP volunteers back or the AVP volunteers coming back to serve at the VA. You just can’t wipe the smiles off our faces!"

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JUNE/JULY 2021

— MARY K., QUALITY MANAGER, BILLINGS VA CLINIC

MONTANA WORD SEARCH

ALBERTA HELENA SASKATCHEWAN BATTLE OF LITTLE BIG IDAHO SOUTH DAKOTA

BIG SKY COUNTRY MOUNTAIN RANGES WESTERN BILLINGS NORTH DAKOTA WHEAT FARMING

BRITISH COLUMBIA RANCHING WYOMING GLACIER NATIONAL ROCKY MOUNTAINS YELLOWSTONE

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 19

Connections IN OUR MIDST A SERIES OF ARTICLES ON PEOPLE, PLACES AND PERSEVERANCE IN YELLOWSTONE COUNTY Written by Judy Hughes

A Forever Home It is 5:00 am and things are starting to stir around my house, especially in the kitchen where Grandma Sandi is preparing the entrée of the day. Meatloaf, my favorite! Since it’s early and we have some time before breakfast, let me tell you a little bit about me…

I’m Ki, the gentle giant around here. I was surrendered to Help for Homeless Pets. They were doing the best that they could, but at 135 pounds, I was too big of a boy for the kennel I was in.

I walked in to Pooch’z B&B and felt like I hit the lottery. My weight is now down to a svelte 128 pounds! My smiles are genuine and my heart is filled with love for every human, dog and visitor that comes through these doors. I’m referred to as The Director of First Impressions.

We live in a house that sits on over 2 acres of fenced land on the west side of Billings. Every entrance is double gated to keep us safe so we don’t get out. All of us love the big yards and play area in the back of the property. It gives us lots of room to stretch our legs, fetch balls, and sniff to our hearts content. We have beds in every room so there is always a comfortable place to rest. We follow our humans around, so lots of exercise and work occurs throughout our day.

The best thing about life here is the unconditional love we receive from Marge, Bill, Grandma Sandi, the volunteers, and visitors. It is truly the best life possible!

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LOVE turns a bit greyer, and moves a bit slower, but love never grows old.

Ki and his friends were nice enough to show me around the place…

In January 2020, Pooch’z B&B was established as a 501c3 non-profit sanctuary for senior dogs, in need of love, protection, meals, rehab, exercise, and a permanent place to live out their final days or years. There are many reasons why these dogs were surrendered. Some have serious and expensive medical problems. Some of their humans went into assisted living, or for some other reason, couldn’t care for them any longer.

At Pooch’s B&B, these senior dogs are provided a safehaven from life’s stormy situations. All have had trauma in their lives and have struggled to be rehomed. But, unadoptable does not mean unlovable. Each of their stories is different, but now they are all living their best life in their forever home.

As I drove away from Pooch’z B & B, I felt so much joy and strangely… a sense of peace. www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 21

CELEBRATE Summer!

DOWNTOWN BILLINGS PRE-FATHER’S DAY MINI GOLF TOURNAMENT

Saturday, June 12, 2021 Event details & team registration at DOWNTOWNBILLINGS.COM

ST JOHN’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Thursday, June 24th Billings Heights Wyndstone – 1920 Wyndstone Way, Billings, MT 59105 Thursday, July 1st Laurel - The Crossings – 600 Roundhouse Dr, Laurel, MT 59044 Thursdays July 8 – August 5th St John’s Main Campus – 3940 Rimrock Road, Billings, MT 59102

SUMMERFAIR 2021

BILLINGS JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

MetraPark Parking Lot Food Trucks and Live Music

HEALTHY BY DESIGN ~ FARMERS MARKET

2nd week in June through 1st Week in October South Park – Corner of South 28th St and 6th Avenue South

2021 YELLOWSTONE VALLEY FARMERS MARKET

Beginning the 3rd Saturday of July through the 1st Saturday of October 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Downtown Billings

30TH ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

June 25-27 MSU-B Campus

July 10, 2021 Starting at 9:00 am Downtown Billings under Skypoint at 2nd Ave N. and Broadway

SYMPHONY IN THE PARK

LAUREL EVENTS

June 27 at 7pm Pioneer Park

AMUSEMENT PARK DRIVE-IN THEATER

Gates open at 7:30 Movies start at 8:30 7335 Mossmain Ln, Billings, MT 59106

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July 4th Celebration Activities, Entertainment throughout the day Fireworks at dark

LAUREL DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

115 W 1st St, Laurel, MT Every Saturday from July 10th to September 4th 8:00am – 12:00pm

Celebrate RE-OPENING OF ALLIANCE PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Ice Cream Social Thursday,

June 24th 2:00 pm

Adult Resource Alliance 1505 Avenue D (This event will be held outside on the lawn and will be rescheduled if weather is inclement)

Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment Showroom is now open and offering the following equipment: • • • • • • • • • •

Lifeline™ Personal Emergency Response Service Respiratory monitoring equipment Oxygen systems and supplies Tracheostomy supplies Aerosol Therapy CPAP and BIPAP systems Suction equipment and supplies Apnea monitors and supplies Respiratory therapy supplies

• • • • • • • •

Ventilators Canes Wheelchairs Walkers and other walking aids Hospital beds and accessories Bath and toilet aids Physical limitation aids Seasonal light therapy

Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment 801 N. 27th St Billings, Mt 59101 (406) 657-4400 or (406) 657-4433 billingsclinic.com www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 23

LIFE’S Observations…

By the time you read this, school will be out. Cows will be on summer pasture and Montana's Meadowlarks will be sitting quietly in their nests on the ground, anticipating a hatch of new chicks. Our conversations will include concerns about the weather, based on the last couple of

By David Mosdal days, and the most recent Guest Columnist forecast that we can recall. If time allows, we may grouse a little bit about a neighbor or a family member before we start listening to what it is we're saying and rein that in. The salient point is that, more and more, we are actually having conversations!

This is truly a reason to celebrate.

Many of you know that my wife and I are school bus drivers in the Broadview community. Cheryl has been at it for twenty-seven years and I have completed my third. Our school stayed open for the entire year but, like every community, it was not without incident. There were several families who were touched by the Corona virus. Most of them were sick for a few days and then got over it but we had several 14-day stretches of selfquarantining when there weren't as many kids on the buses as usual.

Those were uncertain days even as we were settling in for a pandemic siege with no certain outcome. To say we were nervous about all the bad things that could happen would be correct. It was akin to diving off an unfamiliar black diamond run on the ski hill, hoping we were adequately prepared: hat pulled down tight, ski pole straps around the wrists, bindings latched and checked and, if everything goes to plan, the exhilaration of safely gliding into the lift line at the bottom so we could do it again! A reason to celebrate!

As fall turned to winter, our teachers and staff were careful to adhere to safety protocols like masks, distancing and taking temperatures. The results said it was effective. When people shared COVID test results we remained at or below county and state averages. We had a Christmas program, ball games, and a spelling bee. It almost felt like an ordinary year.

This spring we even bused first through sixth graders to Billings for six weeks worth of swimming lessons. Again, that's a reason to celebrate.

Throughout all of this crazy and unprecedented last year we have seen an everyday level of human toughness and tenacity from a variety of sources, but the one I see and appreciate the most is our teachers. They have been a dependably solid and consistent touchstone for our kids. They deserve our thanks. We celebrate them.

And the school cook! Don't forget her.

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HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE

COMPASSIONATE

HOSPICE CARE FROM A NAME YOU TRUST When you or a loved one needs hospice care, St. John’s is here for you. We help patients live with the highest quality of life possible in the place they call home.

LEARN MORE (406) 655–5800 THE COMFORT THAT ST. JOHN’S UNITED PROVIDES IS SECOND TO NONE.

WWW.STJOHNSUNITED.ORG

HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 25

THE RESOURCE CENTER

RESOURCES

Program Manager: Sue • Caregiver Support Coordinator: Emily • Specialists: Joyce & Marla • Intake Specialist: Nancy For more information, please call 259-5212

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WHAT IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE? A Reverse Mortgage is a kind of home mortgage that allows the borrower to convert their home’s equity into cash without having to repay the loan while they are living in the home. The most common Reverse Mortgage is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM. This loan is insured by FHA. There are multiple options for receiving payments, with no limitations on how the money can be used. A HECM can be used to pay off a small existing mortgage, for home improvements, travel or any other living expenses.

To • • •

qualify you must: Be 62 years old or older Live in your home most of the year Complete a HECM counseling session with HUD approved HECM counselor • Have a single detached home, townhouse or 2-4 single family units with one unit occupied by borrower.

Some manufactured homes and condominiums may meet HUD/FHA guidelines As with all mortgages, a lien will be placed against your home which will

secure the HECM loan, but the loan will be repaid only when the home is sold, the borrowers no longer live in the home, or the borrowers fail to pay property taxes and insurance. A HECM loan can have considerable closing costs and may not be a good option for everyone.

Unfortunately, Reverse Mortgage can be a vehicle for fraud and scams. Some common scams are: • Charging for information about how Reverse Mortgages work, which you can get free for the HUD website and reputable Mortgage lenders.

• Requiring you to use the funds you receive to purchase investments or annuities • Getting talked into a Reverse Mortgage to pay for home improvements you may not want or need.

The Resource Center staff can help you learn more about a Reverse Mortgage and refer you to HUD approved lenders if you decide to explore this option further.

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT A LOVED ONE’S ABILITY TO MAKE FINANCIAL DECISION? 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 Transfer on Death Deeds.

The Legal Services Developer can be contacted by calling (406)444-7787. This program serves the entire state so please understand you may need to leave a message, so they can call you back as they are able.

THE RESOURCE CENTER IS BEGINNING IN-PERSON NEW TO MEDICARE PRESENTATIONS AGAIN! Our in-person attendance is limited to 20 attendees, so we will be doing 2 presentation each month on the: •

1st Tuesday of the month at the Heights Alliance Office at 935 Lake Elmo at Noon

•

3rd Tuesday of the month at the Main Alliance Office at 1505 Ave D at Noon. This presentation will also be streamed on Facebook Live. In June, we will hold the Main office presentation on June 29th due to staffing issues.

You MUST have a reservation to attend. You can make your reservation at 259-5212 between 9am and 3pm.

Covid protocols will be in place with face masks required. You can also attend the presentation by conference call. You will be given the conference call instructions when you place your conference call reservation.

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 27

CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM Emily, Caregiver Coordinator 259-5212

A Dementia Friendly Billings IS A REASON TO CELEBRATE

By Emily J., Adult Resource Alliance

There’s a lot to look forward to as our community begins to open back up. I join with all of you in celebrating the resumption of so many activities and life events that have been missed this past year, while also acknowledging there are so many still suffering the widespread impacts of Covid-19. May we continue to be mindful of those within our community who still need our help, our kindness, and our concern.

A few months ago, I had to write a credo essay for one of my school assignments. A credo (as defined on Google) is “a statement of the beliefs or aims which guide someone’s actions.” For that specific essay I was compelled to write about one credo in particular, inspired by one (of many) valuable lessons I “learned” as a caregiver, that compassion is always necessary.

I use “learned” in quotations because I don’t believe compassion is an attribute ever learned in finality. It’s a practice.

I do, however, believe in the powerful impact of compassion, especially when it comes to supporting those living with dementia and those who care for them.

Compassion is precisely the message behind Dementia Friendly Billings, a group whose mission gives us another reason to celebrate. The following story, told to me by Suzanne McKiernan (of Big Sky Senior Services and Dementia Friendly Billings), illustrates why.

A COMMUNITY OF INCLUSION In my position as Volunteer Coordinator at Big Sky Senior Services, I had a volunteer who was very dedicated to her client who she visited on a weekly basis. Her client was confined to a wheelchair and this volunteer wanted 28

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to celebrate this client’s 96th or 97th birthday. She and I put our heads together and decided that we wanted to take the client out to lunch, because she hadn’t been able to get out in months. We made arrangements with the client, and she was over-the-moon excited. We picked her up and took her out to a local restaurant.

As we were going up the sidewalk to go into the restaurant, the employee at the front desk saw us coming and held the door for us and welcomed us. We went early, and the restaurant was quiet at that time. He found us a table where we had room for the wheelchair.

Our waitress was a young woman who picked up on the fact that, first of all, it was a birthday, but second of all, that this older woman we were with was confused a little bit about the menu. A menu is something that can be challenging for folks with dementia, or any type of cognitive disorder or challenge, because they’re often large and can be overwhelming. The waitress came up and was very helpful in taking the client’s order and was very attentive.

The client ate all of her lunch and said it was the best meal she had in a very long time. When it came time to leave, we got up and I started pushing the client’s wheelchair down the narrow row of tables that were now filled with customers. As I did so, people got up to move out of the way so the wheelchair could go by. When we got to the front of the restaurant, the young man who worked there held the door open for us again as we left.

This is a perfect example of what a Dementia Friendly community looks like.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA FRIENDLY BILLINGS? Dementia Friendly Billings is a group dedicated to building understanding, respect, and inclusion for persons living with dementia, their families and caregivers.

WHAT DOES DEMENTIA FRIENDLY DO? Dementia Friendly Billings offers information and resources to anyone in our community who’s interested in becoming a Dementia Friendly partner. This is accomplished with a short, 45-minute presentation. The invitation is open to all of us, including: • Faith Communities • Businesses • Hospitals and Healthcare • Financial Services • Government and Legal Services • Emergency Planning and Response • Neighbors and Community Members • Those providing Aging Care, Home Care, and Memory Care

WHY BECOME DEMENTIA FRIENDLY? By 2030, Montana is projected to have the 5th highest population of elders in the nation. Dementia affects 1 in 10 individuals over the age of 65; 1 in 3 over the age of 85 are living with Alzheimer’s. Nationwide, there are over 5.8 million individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 21,000 in Montana, and over 4,000 in Billings (dementiafriendlybillings.org).

Suzanne’s story speaks of the hope for those in our community living with dementia, as well as their loved ones.

To experience inclusion, compassion, and understanding – such as that from an attentive waitress – allows individuals safety and assurance when living with the uncertainty of this disease. As Suzanne told me, “Dementia Friendly is just kindness.” May we as a community offer the support that is needed now more than ever.

CARETIME CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP JUNE 2021

Wednesday, June 9th 1:00 – 2:00pm The Adult Resource Alliance 1505 Avenue D Lewis & Clark Room (2nd Floor)

Topic: Mindfulness Using mindfulness to tap into your inner resources & strengthen your ability to cope with whatever the day brings. with Guest Speaker: Janet Dietrich, MD Integrative Health Coach, NBC-HWC Mindfulness Teacher, MBSR Certified

JULY 2021

Wednesday, July 14th 1:00 – 2:00pm The Adult Resource Alliance 1505 Avenue D Lewis & Clark Room (2nd Floor)

Topic: General Sharing Session PLEASE REMEMBER YOU MUST RSVP PRIOR TO ATTENDANCE & MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

Contact Emily at 406-259-5212

There is also a call-in option available for the meetings.

To learn more about Dementia Friendly and how you, your organization or business can get involved, please contact Suzanne McKiernan at 406-259-3111, or visit www. dementiafriendlybillings.org where you can view a short video for further information.

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 29

Hope From the Desk of Mike Larson

Mike Larson

Executive Director

“Nothing touches the tired spot.” That was Abraham Lincoln’s response to a White House visitor who was trying to encourage him in the wake of several battlefield defeats. No doubt, those same words ring true for the many of us who are caring for a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one. One thing that sustained President Lincoln through those dark

days was HOPE. An article entitled “The Trouble with Hope” appeared in the February/March edition of the Senior News. The article drew a fair amount of reaction, both positive and negative.

One reader, Alan Champlin, went so far as to write and submit a different point of view, not as a rebuttal, but to offer a different perspective.

Caregiving HOPE

By Alan Champlin Hope is one of those eternal qualities that exists universally. Whether a “caregiver” or a “caregivee,” a senior or not, hope is always there, like an ocean, tranquil or raging. Many deny, dismiss, ridicule hope – to no avail. Sometimes our hopes ebb and flow according to our frame of mind in our perceived circumstances – happy, depressed, scared, whatever the mood. Yet hope is always there. Hope may not always be our first instinct, but like the best of friends, it’s always waiting patiently there for us. Hope never abandons us.

Hope represents the certainty that neither you, nor I, nor any of us is anything other than fallible – despite our conclusions, expert opinions, medical diagnosis or prognoses. Hope has always been an acknowledgment that at day’s end, we want the best outcome, often despite what we know is certain. Often, we place hope in certain people, products, procedures and the like – and subsequently are disappointed or become embittered when that hope fails to meet expectations. Hope remains forgiving; it is always available.

Hope is the soulmate of peace. Denying hope equals resignation which equals hopelessness, and the resultant outcome of one living their life denying the possibility of 30

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a different outcome. What rubbish! To the degree we hope, most often we discover our peace, and it is to be highly desired for anyone caring for another. Consider caregiving spouses. Upon their partner’s death, they are obviously resigned to their loss – yet both peace and hope remain. They’re just in the background as they deal with the loss. Does one really believe that having a hopeless nurse at a bedside in the hospital imparts a sense of peace and comfort? Not in my opinion. In a next life you may defend a position critical of hope, but I submit it doesn’t sell well in this life. The market for hopeless in a nursing home doesn’t exist – it is already saturated with that. Hope is kinda like fishing. Sometimes we catch ‘m and other times not. Yet, only the frailest fisherman quits when disappointed.

Hope is an attitude, a belief we can temper with adjectives like unrealistic, impossible, false and the like. One can use them, but they are fleeting. Hope always carries on, like the smile, the touch, the tray of administered pills. Hope is both critical to administer and to receive. Hope on. You and those you care for will both profit from hope and find your measure of peace through it.

SENIORS! SENIORS!

Wouldaa big big bag Would bagofofgrocery grocery goodies (at (at no toto you) goodies nocost cost you) reallyhelp help each really eachmonth? month?

FOR MOREINFORMATION INFORMATION SIGN UP AT: FOR MORE SIGN UP AT: stst Billings, MT 59101 Family Service,3927 3927 11 Ave AveS,S, Billings, MT 59101 Family Service,

Choosing the Right

ORUSE USEOUR OUR ONLINE FORM AT: AT: OR ONLINE FORM www. billingsfamilyservice.org/find-help/ www. billingsfamilyservice.org/find-help/ senior-commodity-food senior-commodity-food

SMARTPHONE

By Miranda Gilbert, Girl Geek Communications

Smartphone technology allows us to have a tiny computer in the palm of our hands! But choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here are a few things to consider in weighing your options: 1. COST. Consider not only the cost of the device, but also the cost of service. Devices run from $150-$1200, but many service providers offer monthly payment plans. You don’t need the latest technology and high cost to run basic apps like maps and email.

2. CAMERA. What’s the difference between a $500 smartphone and a $1200 one? Usually the camera. If you like features like 3D photos and slow motion video, pay for the fancy phone. But a basic smartphone will take very nice pictures without the high cost.

3. OPERATING SYSTEM (OS). Just like your computer, Smartphones usually come in one of two types, Mac (iPhone) or Android. The “best” OS is really a personal preference. If you like mac computers or iPads, you’ll probably enjoy an iPhone. Android users enjoy a variety of phone brands that fit their needs.

Looking for a companion to keep you young at heart?

The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter has a “Seniors Adopting Seniors” program!

Each year YVAS takes in many senior animals that have plenty of love left to give!

Any senior human (age 60+) will receive their age as a percentage off of the adoptions fee if they adopt a senior pet!

ANIMAL SHELTER

406-294-7387 www.yvas.org

1735 Monad Rd Billings, MT 59101

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 31

SUPPORTERS

Thank you to each one of you who made a contribution during the months of March and April!

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

Bonnie Ambuehl Donald Anderson Anonymous Bonnie Ayre Sue & Tim Bailey Timothy & Betty Ballou Ray & Jean Becker Mike & Lauretta Bentz Barbara Berg Bill & Janie Brown Rockwood Brown Ross & Joyce Brown Jan Buehler Rita Cady John & Karren Cannon Jaime Carpenter William Caton Natasha Contreraz Susan Cranston Dahl Funeral Chapel Dick & Sue DeVries Eddie & Greg Dibble Alan & Jamie Dorhauer

Marlin & Sharon Dunlap Darlene Durney Rita Emond Joan Evanson First Interstate BancSystem Foundation Teresa Fischer Bob Fitzsimmons Leigh Fox Everett & Pam Gabel Cheryl Galt Michael & Lori Gaustad Gregg & Marcia Hafner Larry & Connie Hilzendeger Tom Holt Home Helpers Gloria Horab Roy & Dolores Howerter Jim & Judy Hughes Swede Schlesinger Memorial Endowment Fund Mary Johnson James Jones Harry & Jeanette Kessner

Jan Kirk David Krueger Myrtle Lane Elaine Larimer Ben McKee Pat Mitchelll Delbert & Dina Moser Erik Neva JoAnn Ostermiller Marlin & Muriel Overstreet Michael & Lorri Pool Greg Pope Allen Rice Ella Rider Curt Sauber Mary & Patrick Schelle Beverly Schwabe Fred & Pam Scott Nancy Sinclair Donna Sitton Norma Sitton Jim & Wrenetta Stark Ralph Torrence Marti Urion Amy Wells Russell & Kathleen Wiseman Elsa Zorn Helen Zottnick Memorials in Memory of Margit Deme Ken & Margaret Peterson Wayne Ettleman Angeline Ettleman Glenn Milligan Robert Culver & Diedre Turner

“I have peace of mind that she’s being taken care of.”

– Daughter of a Resident at The Springs in Grand Park

Assisted Living I Memory Care 1221 28th St W I Billings I 406-652-6989 I TheSpringsLiving.com

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Harry Moore Huntley Senior Citizens Albert Racki Richard Sr. & Joanne Nauman David Rich Huntley Senior Citizens

Without your caring support, Meals on Wheels could not exist.

I love to visit with our Meals on Wheels participants in their homes—they enrich my life in so many ways. On a recent Friday, I met 93-year old Jack. Self-employed for most of his life, his only source of income is a small Social Security check. I was struck by Jack’s intelligence, his recall, and his humor as he began to reminisce…

It was a hot dusty late Spring morning in Buffalo, New York. Thirteen-yearold Jack and his little brother were walking down a dirt road after having decided to skip school for the day. A big black car drove slowly past them and stopped. A man with a walking stick stepped out. He approached the boys saying, “Shouldn’t you be in school?” Jack told him that it was a special occasion, as the wild strawberries in the field down the road were ripe. They just had to be picked that day! The man joined Jack and his brother picking and eating the delicious berries. When they were done, and after talking with them about the importance of school, he gave Jack his walking stick. That gentleman’s name was Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He had been in Buffalo campaigning for reelection as president of the United States.

Jack’s experience was just one of the many amazing stories our participants share every day. These fascinating people are our parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends who want to remain independent, but need a bit of help.

Will you be that help?

PLEASE SEND A GIFT TODAY. Your tax-deductible donation will help insure that seniors in our community receive the help they need to remain healthy, safe & independent.

For just $100 a month, you can provide seniors like Jack with a hot nutritious meal five days a week plus two frozen meals for the weekend. But, that isn’t all. You will also help them make a connection to their community that they may have thought was gone forever.

Yes I want to help

GIFT AMOUNT: ❑ $200

❑ $100

❑ $50

❑ Other $__________

ADULT RESOURCE

Alliance

a Senior in need in this community!

PLEASE DESIGNATE MY GIFT TO: ❑ Meals on Wheels ❑ Alliance Volunteer Program

PLEASE PROCESS MY DONATION BY DEBIT/CREDIT CARD:

Name on card______________________________________________________________________

❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard ❑ AmEx ❑ Discover PREFER TO MAKE YOUR GIFT ONLINE? Help a senior in need at www.allianceyc.org

❑ Resource Center

❑ Transportation

of Yellowstone County

❑ As Needed

Card #____________________________________________________________________________ Expiration________________ CVV____________________ Gift Amount $____________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ State___________________ Zip________________ Cardholder Signature________________________________________________________________ www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 33

OUR COMMUNITY 34

JUNE/JULY 2021

MEAL SITE UPDATES ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE

1505 Avenue D • Reservations: 259-9666 Monday thru Friday “Life is grey Swing open the doors; get cleaned up, and dull, so dressed up and show up for a summer of you might as merriment. Let us revel in our newfound well have a normal. May we dress bold, bright and little fun when you dress.” accessorize to the max. Let us get busy —Iris Apfel and put life back into our bodies. We’ve earned it.

Our June and July events will be filled with new ways to stay connected, balance health and go from good to great. We’re looking forward to you being a part of our community. Come on over and give us a peek. What do you have to lose? Check out the variety of menu ideas at www.allianceyc.org New to our Avenue D meal site in June is a “Tuesday Ladies Lunch Day.” You will have two choices to choose from,

Iris Apfel a delicious featured Salad Plate with all the fixings or a simmering hot meal.

Reservations due the day before by Noon, please call 259-9666.

At the present time we are NOT open to Walk In deli. Men continue to be welcome on Tuesdays as well. We don’t discriminate (lol).

—Mary Beth

HEIGHTS MEAL SITE

935 Lake Elmo Drive • Reservations: 259-9666 Great News! We are now open for our wonderful lunches Monday through Friday. Serving starts at 11:45 and runs through 12:30. No rush. Please enjoy each other’s company. It’s nice to see familiar faces and new ones.

Remember to call 24 hours in advance at (406) 606-1170 to reserve your meal.

Now you can choose our hot meal for the day, or a salad with a great selection of dressings. Dessert and milk included.

Frozen meals are still available for $2.50.

Come meet our 2nd meal site coordinator, Tim. He is a great associate to work with here at the Heights. You can see him here on Wednesdays and Fridays.

How are your gardens and flowers doing? It’s a process to keep it up, but well worth it. It makes us feel like summer is here.

Hope you get to go on a summer vacation. Don’t worry, we will be here for you to come and visit when you return.

Enjoy our glorious Montana weather.

Happy to be welcoming you back to fitness classes beginning in June.

Fitness by design and gentle yoga are returning! Please check our activities page in the Senior News for dates and times.

—Janet, Marlene, Janlyn & Tim

MEAL SITE UPDATES BILLINGS COMMUNITY CENTER

720 South 4th Street • Meal Site Coordinator: Tina Reservations: 628-7571 • Monday thru Friday A Reason to Celebrate!

With the warmth of the sun, the fresh smell of rain, and flowers blooming, every day is a reason to celebrate. The world seems to be coming alive again.

CUSTER

322 6th St Reservations: 856-4187 Things are looking up! We’re back!

Serving lunches again on Mondays and Thursdays, 12:00 at the Sr. Center in Custer!

—Linda and Juliette

We have been sharing meals together regularly.

Exercise classes are keeping us active. Billings Community Center is coming alive! Come join in the fun!

—Tina

HUNTLEY SENIOR CENTER 37 Minecha Avenue • 967-2671

There are so many reasons to celebrate each and every day, the sun and rain that helps our flowers and gardens grow. Just maybe, we can get together for Father’s Day, have picnics for July 4th, and celebrate family reunions.

Senior Centers are opening. Celebrate seeing new and old friends, visiting in person, bingo, 50/50, and lunch with friends. There might even be a hug or two.

If you had Covid and survived, you should really celebrate!

Celebrate the small things… like getting out of bed, being able to read, having food, and enjoying another wonderful day!

See you soon!

—Phyllis

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

Please spread the word that the Laurel Senior Center is open for lunch!

We serve between 11:30 and 12:15.

Just in time for summer, we will have a salad of the month option. We do ask that you still call in if you want the salad (i.e, chef, taco etc.)

Bingo will begin again starting June 4th at 12:30.

Please wear your mask upon entering the building. We will still be social distancing at the tables.

We look forward to seeing you here at the Laurel Senior Center Meal Site!

—Mary & Amy www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 35

MEAL SITE UPDATES

WORDEN

2445 Main St • 967-6535

SOUTH PARK

901 S 30th St • southparkseniors.org 256-6413 Celebrations are in order!

Our meal site is open for dine in on Mondays and Fridays. We now have the choice of a hot meal or the salad of the month. More information on that when you call for your reservation. Remember to call 256-6413 for your reservation the day before the meal.

Activities and events are happening at our center.

Summer and the celebrations that summer brings are approaching, picnics, parades, July 4th and being outside.

“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.”

—Solana

SHEPHERD MEAL SITE 5541 Haynes Road • 671-8413

We are having lunch on-site on Wednesdays again.

We enjoyed the opportunity to have take-out meals, but meeting together is much better. Everyone smiles and says “Hi” as they come through the door and see familiar faces. We also have started exercising again (socially distanced, of course!)

36

JUNE/JULY 2021

A Reason to Celebrate Watching the gorgeous sunrises from my bedroom window each morning…a reason to celebrate!

Starting my 13th year with Adult Resource Alliance as meal site and meals on wheels coordinator…a reason to celebrate!

Attending my two grandsons high school graduations…a reason to celebrate!

Being able to celebrate our birthdays and gathering for lunch with close girlfriends, after a year of not seeing them…a reason to celebrate!

Blessed by not getting Covid (nor my family) …. a reason to celebrate!

Being able to attend Sunday church services… a reason to celebrate!

Having our senior citizens meal site open once again and sitting down for a hot meal with friends…a reason to celebrate!

—Phyllis

••• BUS SCHEDULE ••• CUSTER BUS TO BILLINGS

2nd and 4th Tuesday of Every Month

Call 861-4259 for Reservation

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

Call 628-4796 for Reservation

MEAL SITE MENUS CUSTER MENU

JUNE _______________________________

June 3 Pork Roast , Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Salad - Dessert June 7 Beef Stir Fry, Corn , Pears - Dessert June 10 Spaghetti, Garlic Bread , Peaches - Dessert June 14 Cook’s Choice June 17 Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Fresh Rolls Dessert June 21 Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, Mixed Vegetables Dessert June 24 Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Salad - Dessert June 28 Beef Lasagna, Garlic Bread - Pie

JULY _______________________________

July 1 Chili Casserole with all the Trimmings, Salad - Dessert July 5 Breakfast Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, Ham - Pancakes July 8 Broccoli Soup, Egg Sandwiches - Dessert July 12 Salisbury Steak with Gravy, Baked Potatoes, Vegetables, Dessert July 15 Beef Shepherd Pie, Beets, Salad - Dessert July 19 Cook’s Choice July 22 Fish Sandwiches, Fries, Salad, Dessert July 26 Meatloaf, Baked Potatoes, Corn, Salad, Peach Crisp July 29 Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Beans, Salad - Dessert

HUNTLEY MENU

JUNE _______________________________ June 3 Sloppy Joes, Coleslaw, Chips, Jello June 10 Sweet and Sour Chicken, Rice, Fruit, Roll Dessert June 17 Chicken Fried Steak, Potatoes w/gravy, Beans, Fruit, Cookie June 24 Beef Tacos, Refried Beans, Waldorf Salad, Dessert

JULY _______________________________ July 1 Pulled Pork on a Bun - Baked Beans, Fruit Salad, Poke Cake July 8 Cheeseburgers, Potato Salad, Bean Salad, Melon - Dessert July 15 Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Green Salad, Fruit July 22 Beef Tips on Noodles, Green Salad, Fruit, Roll - Cookie July 29 Sub Sandwiches, Macaroni Salad, Waldorf Salad, Chips, Brownie

SHEPHERD MENU

JUNE _______________________________ June 2 Sloppy Joes on a Bun, Coleslaw, Potato Chips, Fruited Jello June 9 Sweet and Sour Chicken w/ Veggies, Rice, Fruit, Roll - Dessert June 16 Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes w/ gravy, Green Beans, Fruit, Cookie June 23 Beef Tacos & Trimmings, Refried Beans, Waldorf Salad, Dessert June 30 Shepherd Lions Host Brats or Polish Sausage on Bun, Sauerkraut, Potato Salad, Fruit - Dessert

JULY _______________________________ July 7 Cheeseburgers w/ Trimmings,Potato Salad, Bean Salad, Melon- Dessert July 14 Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Green Salad, Fruit July 21 Beef Tips on Noodles, Green Salad, Fruit, Roll - Cookie July 28 Sub Sandwiches, Macaroni Salad, Waldorf Salad, Chips, Brownie

WORDEN MENU

JUNE _______________________________ June 4 Sloppy Joes, Coleslaw - Chips ,Jello June 11 Sweet and Sour Chicken, Rice , Fruit , Roll Dessert June 18 Chicken Fried Steak ,Potatoes w/gravy, Beans , Fruit , Cookie June 25 Beef Tacos, Refried Beans , Waldorf Salad , Dessert

JULY _______________________________ July 2 Pulled Pork - Baked Beans , Fruit Salad , Jello Poke Cake July 9 Cheeseburgers - potato salad - bean salad melon- dessert July 16 Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Green Salad , Fruit July 23 Beef Tips on Noodles, Green Salad, Fruit, Roll - Cookie July 30 Sub Sandwiches - Macaroni Salad, Waldorf Salad, Chips, Brownie

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 37

WILLS • ESTATE PLANNING GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW A trusted law firm for over 100 years . . .

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

ELDERLY/IN-HOME CARE Visiting Caregivers • Special Needs

• • • • • • •

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

PLEASE CALL 252-4677 erniescott4406@gmail.com

Helpful Handy

SERVICES

• • • • •

Painting • Lawn Care Small Home Repair • Carpet Cleaning • Window Cleaning Demolition • Office Cleaning Maintenance Licensed & Insured Rototilling FREE ESTIMATES

Shaun 670-1897

HelpfulHandyServices@gmail.com Not Licensed for Electrical, HVAC or Plumbing Work

Wendy Nelson Senior Health Plan Specialist

• Medicare Supplements • Life Insurance • Prescription Drug Plans • Annuities • Advantage Plans • Dental & Vision Plans • Final Expense Plans

3429 Central Ave, Ste A • Billings Office: (406) 969-3000 Email: wendy@justaskwendy.com

"Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."

—Henry James

38

JUNE/JULY 2021

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

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

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

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

Jacob’s

FRE E ES TIM ATE S

SERVICES

— LICENSED & INSURED — • Mowing • Window Cleaning • Power Raking

Jacob Wood Owner/Operator

• Lawn Edging • Gutter Clean Out

Box 81442 MT 406.850.7531 P.O.Billings,

WANT TO SEE YOUR AD HERE? — EMAIL —

INFO@ALLIANCEYC.ORG

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR

UPDATES & NEWS

/AdultResourceAlliance

www.allianceyc.org // Adult Resource Alliance 39

KEEPING ADULTS 60 AND ABOVE INDEPENDENT AND INVOLVED

PO BOX 20895, BILLINGS, MT 59104

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

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