The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Harlem Senior Center hosted its second annual Senior Sensations event recently. The day long gathering featured presentations on everything from adult protective services to support groups for caregivers. Katy Noel, Harlem Senior Center Director, said, "I got the idea to hold a one day event last year after noticing all the 'special' days set aside for seniors in September. It seemed to make more sense to have a one-day event and use it to share information useful to seniors." Noel said she is still trying to figure ways to attract more community participation in the event, but was pleased with this year's attendance and participation.

In addition to the various presentations, participants also had an opportunity to win door prizes and some fun contests produced some good-natured competition. Noon lunch, served each weekday at the center, was attended by some additional guests involved with Senior Sensations.

Presenters had variety of topics

Development of downtown block in Harlem. Bum Stiffarm, Research and Development Officer with Island Mountain Development Group (IMDG) spoke about the recent purchases of real estate and IMDG's plans to develop them. Island Mountain is the economic development arm of the Fort Belknap community and has several major enterprises going, including an eCommerce facility in Old Hays that currently employees 125 locals. A second facility is underway, and will eventually employee 200+ new employees. Stiffarm said one of the challenges of finding and keeping that many employees was to have affordable housing and other amenities that draw people to the area.

Stiffarm said IMDG purchased the downtown block often called "Buttrey's Block" or the "Brekke Block" with an eye toward "revitalizing the community." While plans are not totally in place, he said, "Our present plan is not to demolish the block. We currently have a hazard materials study under way to determine the extent of contamination." He said the period of the construction could mean asbestos, lead paint, or both in the buildings. "Also," he added, "we are having a structural engineer evaluate the condition of the buildings." One idea under consideration is to "have new storefronts along the street level with affordable apartments on an added second floor."

He told the seniors group there were plans to seek community input regarding ideas for the development. Stiffarm said how the development proceeds depends on the hazardous materials findings and the conditions of the structures. He explained, "There's a lot to consider before any construction would begin." He added that it could be two or three years before any construction would begin.

Adult Protection Specialist Julie Anderson, based in Havre, works for Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services in the Senior and Long Term Care Division. Adult Protective Services helps protect vulnerable adults, especially seniors, from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Anderson described how financial abuse and neglect can occur when family members or outsiders control an elder persons finances, especially through the power or attorney.

She noted seniors are particularly targeted by fraudulent phone calls and schemes, like the often heard "Your grandchild is in trouble and needs you to send money to help them" call reported even in our area. In all cases where abuse, neglect or exploitation is suspected, Anderson recommends calling Protective Services and making a report. The regional number of this area is 406-268-7960. You can call Julie Anderson direct at 406-879-9001. If a suspected fraudulent scheme poses immediate harm, call 911.

Carly Vauthier, with the Harlem Library, shared ways seniors can do library related work or use library services from home. She described ways to access the library's research tools via the internet. Vauthier also explained Montana2Go, a statewide method to download digital e-books and audiobooks without having to go physically to a library.

A representative of the Bank of Harlem, Michelle Sather, shared information about the potential for seniors to be exploited financially. She explained ways seniors can monitor their financial accounts using the internet to check for fraud or financial scams. Sather said, "We know our seniors are targeted by scammers and people pushing phony schemes." She encouraged seniors to get bank officials involved when if there is a suspected problem."

Jana McPherson-Hauer, the Blaine County Health Nurse, presented "The who, what and why of adult immunizations." She noted senior adults assume they no longer need to be concerned with immunizations or vaccinations. "The problem is compounded," she added, "because not all healthcare facilities offer the types of preventive shots an older adult may need. Seniors should ask their health provider for recommendations, but may find they have to do their own research to see what is recommended for their particular situation and health condition." The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers many helpful resources and answers questions regarding immunization. Search 'vaccine prevention for adults' on the CDC's website. The Blaine County Health Nurse can also make recommendations regarding immunizations for seniors.

After lunch, Lt. John Colby with the Blaine County Sheriff's Office, did a drug dog demonstration aided by Robo, a Belgian Melanois. Colby and Robo have partnered since 2013 and are one of only 43 canine teams in the state of Montana. Robo was described as trained for 'narcotics detection and protection." While used occasionally to track down a fleeing fugitive, Robo's primary use is to detect drugs in searches of places or vehicles.

Colby explained, "Even after working with Robo for four years he still does things that surprise and amaze me. It's a constant learning curve for both of us." Colby then directed Robo to search for a previously hidden stash of marijuana. The dog found the drug and got his reward, a chance to play with a rubber ball on a short rope. Colby closed his presentation by noting, "What we used to think were drug problems only in urban areas have now reached rural Montana. The problem is here and it's not going away soon."

Steve Edwards gave a presentation on a recent trip by the Hi-Line Seniors Travel Group. Forty-six people, representing areas from Chester to Fort Peck and south to Polson, made the week long bus trip to visit the major attractions in Colorado Springs. The trip required 30 people to happen and additional senior centers along the Hi-Line were used to help recruit additional people. In September, 2018, the Hi-Line travelers will be doing a one week trip to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse monument, Deadwood and other attractions in Deadwood, SD, the home of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane. The trip is open to any adult and does have some physical requirements. See or call your local senior center for a brochure about the trip.

The last presenter was Sherry Edwards, who facilitates the Blaine and Hill County Alzheimers Support Group. Edwards said she started the group, "Because people told me they needed a place to talk about the emotional burden and challenges related to being caregivers for Alzheimers victims. We discuss current issues like medication, diagnosis, treatment and the trials caregivers face at each stage as Alzheimers develops." She said, "Simply put, the stages involve, at first, forgetting, then progress to remembering the past more than the present and, finally, the patient "doesn't know they don't know."" Edwards said the stages could take as long as 10 years to progress.

The Alzheimers Support Group meets the first and third Thursday of each month and will restart in November. Meetings are at 1:30 pm in the coffee room of the Grand Villa apartments in Chinook. All are welcome. Call Sherry Edwards at 357-4174 for more details about the group.

It was a busy day with lots of information to absorb. The day ended with a contest Katy Noel called "rolling pin bowling." It was a challenge. Best to keep the rolling pin in its intended place...the kitchen.