Senior Scene Winter 2019 by MinotDailyNews

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Opioid use among older adults and people with disabilities LINDA MADSEN

Project Director ND Senior Medicare Patrol ND Benefits Enrollment Center NDCPD/MSU

The opioid public health emergency is affecting Americans of all ages; racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities; income classes; and geographic areas. However, older adults and persons with disabilities are among the groups most impacted by the opioid crisis because they often use prescription opioids to cope with acute pain, such as after a surgery, or ongoing pain from chronic conditions. Through the aging and disability networks, the Administration for Community Living is helping to address the opioid crisis by: Reaching people impacted by this crisis in the community (i.e., older adults, people with disabili-

ties, caregivers, grandparents raising grandchildren), and connecting them with resources. Offering resources to professionals and volunteers touching the lives of older people, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Generating new knowledge on the impact of the opioid crisis on people with disabilities and older adults, as well as their families. Fraud and abuse occur when: Medicare beneficiaries are over-prescribed medications. Medicare is billed for medications you were not prescribed. Medicare is billed for medications you did not receive.

Protect Yourself and Others Discuss non-opioid alternatives for treating chronic pain with your doctor. Properly dispose of opioid medications after treatment is finished. There are local drug take back locations where you can dispose of unused medications. To prevent drug misuse, do not share your prescription drugs with others. Review your Medicare Summary Notice for any suspicious activity. If you see anything suspicious, contact the ND SMP at ndsmp@minotstateu.edu 1-800233-1737 or 858-3580.

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SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS have a daughter who has a developmental Q. We disability. We want to leave a bequest to her in our wills, but we're told this might jeopardize her eligibility for public benefits and assistance. Our lawyer has recommended a Special Needs Trust (SNT). What are your thoughts on this?

Brad Stai, CTFA

A. Your lawyer is giving you sound advice. If your daughter were to receive her inheritance outright, the funds would be considered an available resource to her and would render her ineligible for public assistance, at least until the funds had been spent down to an acceptable level. Assets held in a SNT, on the other hand, are technically not owned by the beneficiary and therefore not considered to be an available resource to her. Money in the trust can be used broadly to supplement - and not replace - existing benefits. Your lawyer can draft your wills in such a way as to ensure that any bequest you wish to leave your daughter will not interfere with her right to receive assistance, and yet provide in many ways which that assistance will not. I would also strongly encourage you to nominate a bank Trust Department to serve as trustee of the SNT.

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Do you have story ideas?

If you have story ideas, suggestions or comments about Senior Scene, please contact Kent Olson by phone at 857-1939 or via e-mail at kolson@minotdailynews.com.

Senior Scene is published quarterly by Minot Daily News. It is coordinated by Kent Olson.

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Create a healthy plate this Christmas Christmas and New Year’s is a time of year that is filled with sweets, treats, and loved ones. This is the time of year that we seem to be constantly surrounded by every type of goodie imaginable. It is also the time of year when the average American gains 5-10 pounds. With that said, it is possible to make it through this holiday season without strapping on the pounds with a few easy steps. These simple tips will help you stay healthy and mindful of your food choices so you can enjoy this special time of year with family and friends. Christmas dinner can take hours to prepare and you and your guests may get hungry while waiting. Set out a vegetable tray with baby carrots, bell pepper strips, raw broccoli, and cauliflower for an appetizer in place of chips and dip. Lighten up Ranch dip for the vegetables by using 2 cups of plain, low-fat Greek yogurt and mixing in 1 packet of Ranch dressing powder mix. This will significantly reduce the calories, while adding extra protein. Lightly salted mixed nuts are another great

Lauren Brady MS, RD, LD Clinical Dietitian Trinity Homes

idea for a healthier appetizer option. Enjoy holiday treats in smaller portions. Christmas and New Year’s only comes around once a year, so it is okay to indulge in your favorite holiday foods in moderation. Having these treats in smaller portions will help lower your overall calorie intake and allow you to enjoy a wider variety of treats. For example, have a half of a gingerbread cookie instead of a whole gingerbread cookie. Add color to your Christmas dinner by adding a variety of fruit and vegetable side dishes. Roasting carrots and broccoli is a great way to add color, flavor, and variety to your Christmas dinner. Adding fruits and vegetables will also add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meals, which will help keep you feeling fuller longer. Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables to create a balanced and filling meal. Many foods on the Christ-

mas dinner table are packed full of sodium. Fortunately, the amount of sodium used can be easily reduced. Lower the amount of sodium used during meal preparation by using low sodium broths and other low sodium canned goods. Flavor your Christmas dishes with more herbs and spices in place of salt to help reduce sodium intake while also boosting flavor. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially since there are more higher sodium and higher sugar foods around. Drinking more water will help keep you hydrated and will also help prevent mindless snacking. Sometimes our bodies tell us we are hungry when really, we are thirsty. The holiday season is a very special time of the year, but it is important to keep your health a priority. Remember to eat sweets and treats in moderation, make half of your plate fruits and vegetables, reduce sodium by seasoning foods with herbs and spices, and remember to drink plenty of fluids. And most importantly, remember to enjoy this time with loved ones!

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Hello seniors Trinity homes is going to have a” Holly Jolly” Christmas with many colorful decorations, dazzling our residents with beautiLOIS ful decorated trees throughout our home. ZAHN We have many different groups of entertainment coming in to perform as well as caroling down the hallways. Trinity homes always has a volunteer Christmas party Trinity Homes with goodies, door prizes and entertainVolunteer ment. Residents will also have a very nice Coordinator/Activities Christmas party with entertainment in each area and delicious goodies to eat. Christmas time is the day of giving your Christmas eve, residents will open presents time to seniors, so no one is alone on this that were placed under the Christmas tree. very special day. Christmas light tours through Oak Park From our home to yours and around Minot will also be another Merry Christmas and high light for our residents, along with visHave a Wonderful Blessed filled year! its from Santa himself. Trinity Homes, Staff & Residents

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Our holiday wish for North Dakotans During the holiday season, many of us receive greeting cards wishing us good health. But for many people, maintaining good health is becoming more and more difficult as the cost of prescription drugs continues to go higher and higher. For decades, Big Pharma has raised drug prices with impunity. In North Dakota, the average annual cost of brand name prescription drug treatment increased almost 58 percent between 2012 and 2017, while the annual income for North Dakotans increased only 6.7 percent. Prescription drugs don’t work if patients can’t afford them. For too long, drug companies have been price gouging Ameri-

while others risk their lives by rationing or skipping doses. All of us are affected by skyrockLYLE eting drug prices. We pay at the HALVORSON pharmacy counter, through higher insurance premiums, and through the higher taxes we pay to fund programs like Medicare and MediAARP North Dakota caid. Older Americans are hit espeCommunications cially hard. Medicare Part D enrollees take an average of 4-5 Director prescriptions per month, and their average annual income is around cans. Consider insulin – its price $26,000. One in three Americans nearly tripled from 2002 to 2013. has not taken a medication as preBut it isn’t a breakthrough drug. In- scribed because of the cost. sulin was invented nearly a cenAARP has launched a nationtury ago, yet modern formulations wide effort called “Stop Rx Greed” remain under patent, thanks to to rein in drug prices. A bill under drug makers manipulating the sys- consideration in the Senate (the tem. Some patients trek to Canada, Prescription Drug Pricing Reduc-

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tion Act) would cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors and crack down on drug makers whose price hikes outpace inflation. The nation clearly needs this reform: the average drug price increase in the first six months of 2019 was 10.5 percent – five times the rate of inflation. We already pay among the highest drug prices in the world. Meanwhile, Big Pharma is fighting for the status quo – and blocking needed improvements to the system that could bring relief to seniors, families, and small businesses. Drug giants Merck, Amgen and Eli Lilly actually sued the Trump administration so they could keep the list prices of their drugs secret from the public. The industry is spending record sums

to hire Washington lobbyists, and they are running ads claiming that more affordable drugs will actually harm consumers. There is rare bipartisan agreement that something must be done. North Dakota’s congressional delegation is in a position to lead on this issue and make a difference for every North Dakota resident. While there is reason to be hopeful that drug prices will come down, hope is not enough. Too much is at stake. No one should be forced to choose between putting food on the table or buying a lifesaving medication. Congress needs to act to stop Rx greed. Meanwhile, we wish you peace, health and happiness during the holidays and all year long.

Take note of the blessings With the holiday season upon us, it’s an excellent time to take note of the blessings that surround us. And undoubtedly, one of the most important blessings we should be mindful of is our health – mental and physical. Too many times, we only learn of the failing health of a family member after a catastrophic event such as a fall. And it’s important to keep in mind that for a senior, a fall isn’t as simple as “pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.” The recovery process for an aging person is far more arduous, as diminished muscle tone that is natural with aging combines with bones that become increasingly brittle as time passes. In addition to a daily lowimpact exercise program, Somerset Court offers a weekly tai chi session for its residents, taught by Ron Loctao. According to WebMD.com, Tai chi is a centuries-old Chinese tradition that involves a graceful series of movements. People

DAVE CALDWELL

Director Somerset Court performing tai chi flow between different postures in a slow and focused manner, keeping their body in constant motion and frequently challenging their balance. A modified senior-centered tai chi program reduced falls nearly a third better in a head-to-head comparison with an exercise regimen that combined aerobics, strength training and balance drills, WebMD reported. From the emotional health standpoint, keep in mind that if your senior loved one lives alone, holiday visits are very enjoyable and exciting to them. They might seem very energetic and upbeat for the sheer reason that they have been looking forward to “having company.” Everything could

have been meticulously cleaned and their wardrobe and personal hygiene could be as if they don’t have a care in the world. The everyday reality, however, could be that your senior loved one feels isolated and lonely. One of the most advantageous factors of living in a senior community such as Somerset Court is fellowship. Also, a variety of activities, especially those geared around celebrating the holidays, helps to keep seniors upbeat, positive and mentally active. Ara Bruce, Somerset Court’s activity director, keeps the schedule filled with entertainment and events such as the Children’s Christmas Party, daily Christmas movies and songs and carolers from local schools. “I look forward to seeing the smiles on (the residents’) faces when the people come in,” said Bruce, who has also been known to perform a set of Christmas favorites for not only Somerset Court residents, but residents of other facilities as well.

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Wellington residents & Park District staff create wreaths By ELOISE OGDEN

Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com Residents of The Wellington in Minot created Christmas wreaths for their homes as they worked along with Minot Park District staff on Nov. 26 to create beautiful Christmas wreaths. The project was part of a new program this year of the park district along with Hess Corporation called “Branching Out.” “The mission of the Minot Park District is to provide quality for our community, including all ages and abilities,” said Ron Merritt, Minot Parks executive director. “With the ‘Branching Out’ campaign and a great community partner like Hess Corporation, it allows us to get out into our community and connect with people that otherwise might not be able to use our facilities.” Residents learned about the park district while they worked on the Christmas wreath. “We are pleased to support programs that aim to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in the communities where we live and work,” said Brent Lohnes, Hess general manager in North Dakota. “It’s always exciting to see organizations come together, like the Minot Park District, schools, and the private sector to make a difference.” Thanks to a grant from

Residents of The Wellington create Christmas wreaths during a program called “Branching Out” held at the assisted living facility on Nov. 26. The program is done by the Minot Park District along with Hess Corporation to reach out to improve the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Submitted Photo

Hess Corporation, the park district introduced the “Branching Out” accessibility for everyone program this year. The first program was a spring planting seminar when park district personnel worked with residents at the Wellington, an assisted living facility. The residents learned about the park district’s horticulture department. Park district staff helped them create and learn about succulents. The Christmas wreathmaking project was the second “Branching Out”

program held this year. Hess Corporation provided a grant for the program. Hess is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. In the past five years the company has invested about $30 million on community initiatives to strengthen education, workforce development,

health and human services as well as support disaster relief. In 2018 Hess supported over 40 local community organizations across North Dakota, investing approximately $1 million. Elly DeLauriers, park district director of marketing and development, said they hope do another “Branching Out” program his month and continue into 2020.

Minot Commission on Aging 21 1st Ave. SE, SE, Minot • 852-0561 • www.minotcoa.com

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Annual Salute to Seniors The Minot area senior coalition has a membership of individuals representing agencies, institutions and organizations who work with the senior population their families and support groups. We organize and support events and activities that educate and enrich the lives of seniors who live in Minot and surrounding communities. We are always inviting, new member to join this fun organizing. Our annual Salute to Seniors event brings area businesses, agencies and

and social interaction in an environment the addresses the needs of the LOIS senior population in terms ZAHN of accessibility, social interaction. And safety. We are a nonprofit organizing President of the Minot so each year we look for donations, grants, door Area Senior Coalition prizes, sponsorships and also hold fundraisers to help fund this event. Our Salute to Senior is organizations together with local seniors and al- Tuesday, May 12th 2020, Minot Auditorium from 9 lows them to present ina.m. to 3 p.m. formation on their Come join us. services and products in a Have a Merry Christvery friendly environment. The event combines mas. And Blessed New Year. education, entertainment

Preventing falls starts with you BISMARCK – In North Dakota, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for people 60 years and older. In 2018, 80 seniors living in North Dakota died from a fall. The chances of falling and being seriously injured in a fall increase with age. “Falls are not a normal part of aging. We encourage seniors and their families to take proactive steps to prevent falls,” said Mandy Slag, Injury Prevention Program Director for the North Dakota Department of Health. “Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook and quick to fix.” The NDDoH recommends these tips to prevent falls:

Get some exercise:

or pharmacist review all your medications can help reduce the chance of side effects and drug interactions.

Keep your vision sharp: Poor vision can make it harder to move around safely. To ensure you are seeing clearly, have your eyes checked every year and wear glasses or contact lenses with the right prescription strength.

Eliminate hazards at home: A home safety check list is available from the NDDoH and can help you identify fall hazards such as clutter, rugs and poor lighting.

Lack of exercise can lead to weak legs, Register for a falls prevention which increases the chance of falling. class: Programs like Tai Chi and Stepping On There are many communities in can increase strength and improve balNorth Dakota offering classes like Stepance making falls less likely for aging ping On that build strength, improve adults. balance and educate seniors on potential hazards. Be mindful of medications: For more information about the StepCertain medicines, or combinations of ping On falls prevention workshops for medicines, can have side effects such as people 60 years and older, visit dizziness or drowsiness which can http://ndhealth.gov/injury/SteppingOn.h make falls more likely. Having a doctor tm.

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A Gift to your loved ones: New rules for Medicaid-compliant prepaid burial plans make it easier to plan for your final arrangements With only a week left until Christmas Day, do you need a last-minute gift idea? Although admittedly unconventional, I encourage you to visit with the funeral home of your choice to set up a prepaid funeral plan. During this process you will make decisions about your final arrangements and will also set aside funds to pay for those arrangements. Although not a tangible gift you can place under the Christmas tree and watch with delight as your loved one unwraps it, you will have the peace of mind that your loved ones will not be burdened by the cost and stress of hurried decision-making upon your passing. During the last legislative session in Bismarck, our lawmakers passed a new Medicaid law relaxing the rules about prepaid funeral plans and Medicaid eligibility. The law removed the dollar limit of the amount you can set aside for your funeral while still maintaining eligibility for Medicaid in the event you run out of funds to pay for the nursing home. Ben Slind of Thompson-Larson Funeral Home explains, “Before August of 2019 there was only a certain amount you could set aside for your funeral. Today you can fully fund your funeral as long as it is placed with a funeral home and that account is an irrevocable, itemized funeral contract.” When I visit with clients about the Medicaid rules and help them make decisions to protect their assets from the high cost of nursing home care, I always advise them to contact the funeral home of their choice to establish a prepaid funeral plan. This ensures money will be available to pay for their funeral even if they are in the nursing home, on Medicaid, and own no other assets at the time of their passing. It also provides important information to your loved ones about your wishes for the details of your final arrangements such as your choices for the disposition of your body, casket, vault, burial site, obituary content, and service details such as music and refreshments. Taking this step is one of the easiest and most painless parts of Medicaid planning when compared to making legal

DIANE K. LAUTT, J.D.

decisions about other Medicaid planning tools such as navigating the five-year Medicaid lookback period with life estate deeds, irrevocable trusts, and gifting. The Medicaid rules, which are set at both the federal and state levels, typically only become more restrictive as the years go by, so this recent change is unexpectedly good news. Families will no longer be left scrambling to pay the difference in cost between a Medicaid-compliant prepaid funeral plan and the actual cost of all the components of a loved one’s final arrangements. Jackie Thomas of Thomas Family Funeral Home explains, “This change in the law is very beneficial to a family who needs to spend down assets to qualify for Medicaid because the family can now pay for a complete arrangement of their choice.” You should still visit with the funeral home even if you already have a prepaid burial plan. Your plan may need to be tweaked to meet the new requirements for irrevocability and itemization. Additionally, you may be able to add funds to your plan to fully pay for your final arrangements. The funeral home can walk you through the particulars of your situation and the new rules to make a recommendation to update your plan. “Preplanning provides peace of mind and eliminates so much stress, burden and decision-making at the time of a loved one’s death. It is the most loving gift a person can leave for their family,” Thomas explains. Consider setting up or updating your prepaid funeral plan as you complete your holiday shopping this year. This article does not constitute legal advice. Each individual should consult his or her own attorney.

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Holidays in style US flu season arrives early, Christmas and New Year’s Greetings from The Wellington Independent and Assisted Living retirement community! Residents at The Wellington have been enjoying the festivities that the holiday season brings. From the Holiday Open House, wreath-making party with the Minot Park District, special music groups of all ages, to Sertoma Christmas in the Park drives, residents of the Wellington have kicked off the holidays in style. On December 4th, The Wellington hosted a very moving Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony, hosted by Those Who Served-Ministry. It was an honor to be included in such a humbling reminder that our freedom is never free. Our winter monthly activities calendars are packed full of something for everyone! Never miss the entertainment and upcoming events by calling us and let us know you would like to be added to our monthly activities calendar emailing. December special guests you won’t want to miss are the Celebration Ringers Hand bell Choir December 18th at 6:00 p.m. Afternoon coffee and conversation

Renee Escherich

Community Relations Director The Wellington time, at 2:30 p.m. daily, is also always a great time to stop by, enjoy a fresh baked treat and visit with our wonderful resident family. If you haven’t heard, The Wellington honors all area veterans monthly with our Veteran’s Breakfast, held on the last Friday of every month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. If you are a veteran, love pancakes, coffee, and comradery, then come by and join us. The Wellington is the place to be! There are many benefits of community living: plenty of opportunity to socialize, activities galore, personal safety/security, 24/7 care staff on duty and much more! Our Wellington community offers a small town feel while enjoying city living. We are the place to be! Give us a call today, 858-9800 to schedule a tour at your convenience because Everyone Deserves a Great Life!

Independent and Enjoy our spacious private apartments, delicious home-cooked meals, caring and dedicated staff, while indulging in a wealth of fun social activities with new friends.

driven by an unexpected virus NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. winter flu season is off to its earliest start in more than 15 years. An early barrage of illness in the South has begun to spread more broadly, and there's a decent chance flu season could peak much earlier than normal, health officials say. The last flu season to rev up this early was in 2003-2004 — a bad one. Some experts think the early start may mean a lot of suffering is in store, but others say it's too early to tell. "It really depends on what viruses are circulating. There's not a predictable trend as far as if it's early it's going to be more severe, or later, less severe," said Scott Epperson, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are different types of flu viruses, and the one causing illnesses in most parts of the country is a surprise. It's a version that normally doesn't abound until March or April. That virus generally isn't as dangerous to older people — good news, since most flu hospitalizations and deaths each winter occur in the elderly. However, such viruses can be hard on children and people younger than 50. Louisiana was the first state to really get hit hard, with doctors there saying they began seeing large numbers of flu-like illnesses in October. Children's Hospital New Orleans has already seen more flu cases this fall than it saw all of last winter, said Dr. Toni Gross, the hospital's chief of emergency medicine. Last month was the busiest ever at the hospital's emergency department. Officials had to set up a triage system and add extra shifts, Gross said. "It is definitely causing symptoms that will put you in bed for a week," including fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

AP Photo

A nurse prepares a flu shot at the Salvation Army in Atlanta. The U.S. winter flu season is off to its earliest start in more than 15 years. An early barrage of illness in the South has begun to spread more broadly, and there’s a decent chance flu season could peak much earlier than normal, health officials say. But the hospital has not had any deaths and is not seeing many serious complications, she said. Health officials tend to consider a flu season to be officially underway when — for at least three weeks in a row — a significant percentage of U.S. doctor's office visits are due to flu-like illnesses. That's now happened, CDC officials said this week. The agency on Friday estimated that there have already been 1.7 million flu illnesses, 16,000 hospitalizations, and 900 flu-related deaths nationally. The most intense patient traffic had been occurring in a six states stretching from Texas to Georgia. But in new numbers released Friday, CDC officials said the number of states with intense activity rose last week to 12. Flu is widespread in 16 states, though not necessarily at intense levels in each, the CDC said. Last flu season started off as a mild one but turned out to be the longest in 10 years. It ended with around 49,000 flurelated deaths and 590,000

hospitalizations, according to preliminary estimates. It was bad, but not as bad as the one before it, when flu caused an estimated 61,000 deaths and 810,000 hospitalizations. Those 2017-2018 estimates are new: The CDC last month revised them down from previous estimates as more data — including actual death certificates — came in. In both of the previous two flu seasons, the flu vaccine performed poorly against the nasty predominant virus. It's too early to say how well the vaccine is performing right now, Epperson said. Epperson said there's a chance the flu season will peak this month, which would be unusually early. Flu season usually doesn't hit fever pitch until around February. The early start suggests a lot Americans may be sick at the same time, said Dave Osthus, a statistician who does flu forecasting at Los Alamos National Laboratory. "This could be a precursor to something pretty bad. But we don't know," he said.

WINTER 2019

Alamo Senior Center 528-4881 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, 1 p.m. Social Activities: Birthdays, monthly, last Tuesday Cards: Tuesday p.m., following lunch Senior Meals: Tuesdays, noon Foot Clinic: Odd months, Divide County Health Nurse Anamoose Senior Citizens 465-3316 Business Meeting: 1st Monday with bingo & speaker Social Meeting: 3rd Friday of month Senior Meals: Every Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chair Exercise: Every Monday & Thurs, 9:30 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Check: 1st Monday, monthly Cards & Dominoes: Every Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Berthold Senior Citizens 453-3680 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 3:45 p.m. Cards/Games/Lunch: Tuesdays & Fridays Bone Builders Exercise: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday, even months (First District Nurses)

Bottineau Senior Center 228-3339 Center is open, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m. Board Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Served daily at noon, Monday through Friday Brunch every 1st and 3rd Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. Sit & Be Fit Exercise: Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Cards & Pool played daily Potluck Brunch: 1st & 3rd Sundays Birthday Celebrations:

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lub alendar

Every 3 months Souris Basin Transit service runs daily Monday through Friday, in town. Bus goes to Minot Thursdays. Call 228-2061, for reservations

Bowbells Senior Citizens 337-2376 Business Meeting: 1st Thursday, 2:30 p.m. Social Meetings: (Coffee) Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Thursdays, 2 to 4 p.m. Senior Meals: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. Foot Clinic: 2nd Thursday, monthly Cards: Monday

evenings, 7 p.m. Bus Service to Kenmare and Minot is available.

Burlington Friendly Seniors 838-3561 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Potluck Supper Social Meetings: Coffee, Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cards: Thursdays, 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pancake Breakfast: Last Saturday, monthlyJanuary to October, 8 a.m. to noon Butte Senior Center 626-7243 Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 2 p.m., monthly, followed by cards & games Social Meetings: Every Tuesday, cards, bingo, games and programs are planned

Carpio Senior Citizens 468-5908 Business Meeting: 3rd Thursday, 4 p.m. meeting followed by potluck lunch, 6 p.m. Social Meeting: following business meeting with playing cards Senior Meals: Every Monday, Wednesday &

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Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 468-5908 or 2401150 for reservations, leave message. Foot Clinic: 2nd Wednesday morning, even months, First District Health Unit Pool: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Whist: Thursdays, 1 p.m.

Crosby Senior Center 965-6964 Business Meeting: 1st Friday, monthly, 1:30 p.m., followed by cards & bingo Social Activities: Potluck meal & cards, 4th Friday, Noon Center is open every Friday for cards, games, and speakers Senior Meals: available through the local hospital program

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Deering Senior Citizens 728-6662 Business Meeting: 2nd Thursday, monthly at City Community Center Social Meetings: Birthday Potluck, 3rd Monday, monthly (winter- noon and summer- 6 p.m.) Senior Meals: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in Country Store & Cafe Foot Clinic: 2nd Thursday, monthly Bus Trips to many events

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Douglas Nifty Fiftys 529-4431 Business Meeting: 4th Tuesday, monthly with potluck Foot Clinic: 4th Monday, even months, First District Health Nurse Social Events: Bingo and lots of visiting City meets regularly at the Center. Quilting Mission: Jan. through May, anyone is invited to help!

Drake Senior Citizens 465-3225 Business meeting: 4th Monday every month. Potluck every 4th Monday every month. Social activities: Nov.-May open to the public. Every Friday afternoon: cards, games, socializing, coffee and snacks. Foot Clinic: every 3 months, 3rd Wednesday. Call 537-5732 for appointment. Souris Basin public transportation to Minot every Thursday. Call 1800-927-8318.

Esmond Golden Age Club 249-3230 Business & Social Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 2 p.m. Activities: Potluck Meals, Bingo, and Readings

WINTER 2019

lub alendar

Fessenden Senior Citizens 547-3403 Business Meeting: 3rd Tuesday, monthly, with speakers, programs and games Social Activities: Holiday meals and potlucks Senior Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, catered by Wells & Sheridan Aging Council, (home delivered meals available) Birthdays: 1st Monday, monthly Flaxton Senior Citizens 596-3850 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly Foot Clinic: 4th Wednesday, odd months, First District Health Nurse Pincochle: Every Wednesday Annual Flu Shot Clinic: October

Glenburn Senior Citizens 362-7773 Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday: coffee starting at 10 a.m. Meals at 11:30 a.m. 1st Sunday of every month, pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center. Meeting to follow breakfast. 3rd Sunday of every month, a birthday potluck at the center starting at 12:30 p.m. Games and cards to follow. Footcare every 3rd Monday. Gatherings every Tues-

day morning at the Last Hurrah, 10 a.m. breakfast (brunch) on your own. 2nd Saturday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at a different restaurant in Minot, location to be announced at previous month’s meeting. 3rd Thursday of each month, Last Hurrah, 5:30 p.m. Meal on your own.

Granville Senior Citizens 728-6888 Business Meeting: 1st Monday, monthly at 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Activities: Daily, Monday through Friday (cards, puzzles and coffee) Senior Meals: Daily, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Diner Foot Clinic: Monthly, 3rd Monday, contact First District Health Nurse Birthdays: 2nd Thursday, odd months, potluck meal at 4:30 p.m. Souris Basin Transit to Minot, weekly on Thursdays Grenora Senior Center 694-2472 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1 p.m. Social Activities: Annual Burger Fry and Membership Drive, October Cards: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, noon

WINTER 2019

Foot Clinic: odd months, morning, Divide County Health Nurse

Harvey Senior Citizens Senior Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monthly business meeting 2nd Tuesday celebrating birthdays and lunch served. Bingo at Senior Center every Friday at 1:30 p.m., also card games and visiting. Bone builders exercise Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Wells, Sheridan Aging Council serves meals Monday through Friday at noon. Supper night is once a month. Home delivered meals are available. Wells, Sheridan Aging Counci daily bus service to Harvey. Also scheduled bus rides to Minot and Bismarck – call 324-4032.

Kenmare Senior Citizens Center 385-4551 Business Meeting: Quarterly, Jan., April, July & Oct Social Meetings: Monday through Saturday, 1:30 p.m.- Games & 3 p.m.- Lunch Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m. Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Exercise: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Birthday Potluck: November through April, Saturday, noon; May through October, Friday, 6 p.m., Games & Social follows Board members meet as needed. Lansford Hi Neighbors 362-7483 Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday, monthly, 5 p.m. dinner, Lansford Mall

Social Meetings: Activities, Tours, Events as planned Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, TJ’s Diner in Lansford Mall Foot Clinic: 4th Thursday, odd months, Lansford Mall, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays, to Minot Educational activities, tours, and videos throughout the year.

Lignite Senior Citizens Club 933-2855 Business Meeting: 1st Friday, monthly Social Meetings: Card playing, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, Noon Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly, Christ Lutheran Church Makoti Senior Citizens 726-5757 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 7 p.m. Social Meetings: Potluck Supper, 6 p.m., prior to business meeting Frozen Senior Meals: Order the 1st week of the month, 726-5757

Max Over 55 Club 679-2265 Business Meeting: noon, 4th Friday monthly, except 6 p.m. in June and July, potlucks also. Other Friday potlucks coincide with the school year. Check the city calendar for changes. Mohall 1st & 3rd Friday: Noon potluck, all Invited. 3rd Friday: Business meeting Monday-WednesdayFriday: Bone builders 9:30 a.m.

SENIOR SCENE

lub alendar

Newburg Senior Citizens 272-6204 Business Meeting: As needed Social Meetings: As scheduled Senior Meal: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Coffee Cup Cafe, Newburg Mall Foot Clinic: 1st Wednesday, odd months, Community Center, First District Health Nurse

New Town Lakeside Senior Citizens - 627-2818 Business meeting: 1st Friday at noon. Senior meals every Friday at noon followed by cards, dominoes, shuffle board, puzzles etc.

Parker Senior Center 21 1st Avenue SE Minot 852-0561 website: www.minotcoa.com email: mcoapsc@srt.com Senior Meals: Lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. in Parker Center Dining Room BINGO: Mondays, 12:15 p.m. EXERCISE: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. Birthday Celebration: 3rd Wednesday Other Events: As scheduled Call: 852-0561 for more information Contact: Deb Leyrer, 852-0561 or debmcoa@srt.com

Parshall Golden Jet Set 862-3444 Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday of each Month at 11:30 am. Home cooked meal every Wednesday at noon. $5.00 Foot Clinic: 4th Wednesday; even months. Activities: Tuesday afternoons at 3:00 pm are open for suggestions by members and the public. Visiting both days; puzzles. Center is available for rent. Call: Karen O, 8623642; Judy J, 862-3852; Terri M. 862-3124 and Marilyn H. 862-3301

Plaza Senior Center 497-3320 Business Meeting: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, 3 p.m., followed by cards and potluck meal Senior Meals: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, at 11:30 a.m., in Plaza Cafe; Monday and Wednesday, Breakfast, in Plaza Cafe Foot Clinic: Every other month, Mountrail County Health Nurse Yoga/Exercise: Three times each week Computer: available for members Powers Lake Senior Citizens 464-5630 Center is open, Mon. through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Business Meeting: 3rd

Saturday, monthly, 5:30 p.m., followed by potluck supper Social Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, monthly, 1:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, noon; reservations required. Catered by “The Food Barn” Foot Clinic: 3rd Wednesday, monthly, First District Health Nurse Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Thursdays, to Minot Activities: Cards, puzzles, snooker and coffee with treats, anytime! Local papers available, books and TV

Ray Senior Center 568-3946 Business Meeting: 2nd Tuesday, monthly, 12:30 p.m. Senior Meals: 2nd Tuesday, weekly, noon Special events and activities: as planned

Rolla Senior Citizens 477-6421 Business Meeting: 2nd Friday, monthly, 12:45 p.m., followed by bingo & entertainment Senior Meals: Daily, noon; home delivered and frozen meals available Foot Clinic: 3rd Thursday, monthly Exercise: Bone Builders program for seniors Transportation Van: available for rides to medical appointments, shopping and business appointments

Rugby Senior Citizens 776-2240 Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly, 1:30 p.m. Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m., Reservations required by 1:30 p.m. day prior. Bingo: Wednesdays, 1

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p.m. Souris Basin Transit Bus Service: Daily, in Rugby and Thursdays, to Minot

Ryder Happy Hours Club 758-2404 Business Meeting: 1st Monday, monthly Breakfast: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Foot Clinic: 1st Wednesday, odd months Sawyer Senior Citizens 624-5256 Potluck meals are planned periodically. Senior meals are served at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Sawyer Senior Center. Call 624-5256 for meal reservations. Pool and exercise are available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. Members’ birthdays are recognized the first Wednesday of every month at the dinner and birthday cake is served. Activity night and meetings are held the second Thursday of each month. Foot clinic is offered the second Wednesday of every even numbered month. For information on bus service to Minot, call 8528008. The club email is sawyerseniorcitizens@srt. com.

Stanley Golden Age Club 628-2101 Business meeting 2nd Friday 10 a.m. Home-cooked meal every Friday at noon. Birthday party on the 4th Friday of every month; birthday cake and special music. Senior Basin Transit Bus service every Tuesday and Thursday: call for a ride to Minot. Bus: 1-800927-8318.

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Surrey Senior Citizens Activity Center 839-8702 surreyseniors@srt.com Senior meals are served at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call center for meal reservations. Home deliveries are available on request. Foot Clinic is available at the center. Call LaVonne at 240-2679 for an appointment. Game night is held every Thursday night starting at 7 p.m. Feb. 1-April 15. Snacks are provided. Game night is open to the public. Yoga class is held every Monday night beginning at 5:30 pm. Class is open to the public. Bingo is played every Thursday starting at 1 p.m. Birthday cake and ice cream are served at 12:30

p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Board meetings are held on the Tuesday before the last Friday of each month beginning at 5:00 pm Potluck meals are held n the last Friday of each month at 6:30 pm. Tioga Senior Citizens 664-3425 Business Meeting: 2nd Monday, monthly, 12:30 pm; Board Meeting, 11:30 am Social Activity: Bingo, following monthly meetings Cards: Tuesday and Fridays, 1 pm

Towner Senior Citizens VIP Club 537-5155 Business Meeting: 1st Wednesday every other month, 10 a.m. Coffee every Monday 10 a.m. Cards and games Tues-

SENIOR SCENE

lub alendar

day 6:30 Bunco first and third Thursday of the month 1:30 Senior Meals: Summer, Monday through Friday; fall and winter, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday Foot Clinic: third Tuesday, every other month, First District Health Unit Monthly Potluck & Birthdays: Last Wednesday of the month at noon, with pinochle, whist, hand and foot, and Bunco to follow.

Upham 55+ Club 768-2581 Business Meeting: 1st Monday, alternate months Social Meetings: CardsWednesday & Saturday, 1 p.m.; both followed by coffee and snacks, 3 p.m. Foot Clinic: 1st Thursday, odd months; First District Health Nurse

Velva Star City Senior Citizens 338-2628 Business Meeting: 2nd Wednesday, noon, followed by birthday party, 2 p.m.

Senior Meals: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:30 a.m., catered by Souris Valley Care Center. Volunteers serve meals and package meals for home delivery. Exercise room available for members only. Facility is available for rental.

Westhope Senior Citizens 245-6401 Business Meeting: 3rd Monday Center is open Monday through Friday, 2 to 5 pm Senior Meals: Monday through Friday, 11:45 am at Westhope Public School Cafeteria. Home delivered meals are available. Foot Clinic: 2nd Monday, monthly at Senior Center. Wildrose Senior Citizens 539-2169 Business Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 1 p.m.

WINTER 2019

Social Meetings: Birthdays, 3rd Tuesday, 1 p.m. Senior Meals: Every Tuesday, noon. Transportation: Wildrose Public Transportation, weekly trips to Crosby, Tioga, Williston and Minot, Call for reservations. Van is also available for special events.

Willow City Senior Citizens Center Business and social meeting: first Monday of the month at 2 p.m. followed by bingo and lunch. Senior meals served at the Backwoods Cafe every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon. Card parties Jan.March every Monday at 1:30 p.m. followed by lunch Foot clinic: every odd month on the fourth Wednesday at the Senior Center. Call 228-3101 to make an appointment.

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