Dementia - Let's Talk About It

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. Grab your preferred morning beverage and join us! You may register for one or multiple sessions.

Topic: Mild Cognitive Impairment
Date: Tuesday, January 19
Time: 10:15 - 11:15 am
Join: Contact Marie Dagger at 919-245-4279 or mdagger@orangecountync.gov. Link will be emailed ahead of class.

Estate Planning

Securing support for a loved one when they can no longer take care of themselves: Topics include Financial Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Revocable Trusts.
Date: Wednesday, January 20
Time: 11 am – 12 noon
Program Code: 333000-05
 
Preparing for long-term care: Topics include understanding the difference between assisted living and skilled nursing care, what benefits are available to help pay the costs; and pitfalls to avoid.
Date: Wednesday, January 27
Time: 11 am – 12 noon
Program Code: 333000-06

Register 1 week before each class by calling 919-968-2070
Fee: FREE
Instructor: Colin Austin, Attorney at Law Hillsborough Wills and Trusts
Phone #/Link: Provided at registration

ORANGE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM – LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR

Check out our local history museum’s current exhibit “Yesah, Journeys of the Occaneechi.” A guide will explain the significance of objects related to the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Region, a lineal descendant of the Saponi and related Indians who occupied the Piedmont of North Carolina and Virginia in pre-contact times – and answer our questions in real time.
Fee: FREE                       

Date: Thursday, January 21     
Time: 2 pm
Program Code:  313108-01
Phone#/Link: Zoom link will be emailed. Contact Lisa (919-245-4251) for more information.

Caregiver Education Series: Downsizing

January 25, 1:30 - 2:30pm
Perri Kersh, MAEd of Neat Freak Professional Organizing, will discuss how to "rightsize" your home and your life!

Date: Monday, January 25
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm
Register:  Please register in advance for this webinar. Contact Kendall Kopchick (919-245-4278) for more information. 

Home Safety Chat

Join occupational therapist Marie Dagger on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month for 30 minutes of education and Q&A about staying safe at home. Bring your questions related to the day's topic!

Date: Tuesday, January 26
Topic: Bathroom Safety
Time: 10am
Join: Contact Marie (919-245-4279) for more information. Link will be emailed ahead of class.

Being Better Than Before

BONDING OVER BLANKETS

This is a virtual program over two sessions. We will gather together online to make no-sew blankets for the Orange County Homeless Program. No experience needed to join this “Blanket Bee”! Supplies can be picked up at the Seymour and Passmore Centers one week before the program –  This workshop is offered by NC Cooperative Extension and the Extension & Community Association.
Register by: January 15
Leaders: Ivelisse Colon from Orange County NC Cooperative Extension, and Becky Smith from the Extension and Community Association
Fee: FREE

Dates: Thursday, January 28 & Thursday, February 11   
Time: 11 am - 12 noon
Program Code: 324091-03
Join: GoToMeeting link will be emailed. Contact Lisa (919-245-4251) for more information.

BASICS ON GEMSTONES AND JEWELRY

Gemstones are simply fascinating with their varied colors and meanings. Learn and see the difference between raw or polished form. Understand birthstones and chakra stones, including properties and use of each type of stone for healing purposes. Beautiful and mysterious, these natural creations may potentially give great energy that connects us to our spiritual journey.
Register by: Friday, January 22 by calling 919-968-2070.
Instructor: Ceresa Clarke
Fee: FREE

Date: Friday, January 29    
Time: 10 – 11 am
Program Code: 314082-01
Phone #/Link: Will be provided at registration

Virtual Tour of The Edgar Allan Poe House

The house includes exhibits on Edgar Allan Poe’s life in Baltimore, poems & short stories written, Poe’s chair, lap desk & telescope.  Our docent will answer questions during the virtual tour.  All participants can ask questions and participate in conversations through video, microphone, and the chat function.
Video, audio, and microphone capabilities are required for the full experience.
Register by: January 29.  Call the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070 to register.
Fee: $5

Date: Friday, February 5
Time: 2:30 PM
Join: Link will be sent one week prior to tour (after the fee has been received).

CHINESE NEW YEAR TALENT SHOW

Even though our celebration of the Chinese New Year will not be the same this year due to the pandemic, it will still be exciting and culturally rich as always. Watch for the sign-up opportunities and prepare your talent for this event.

Register: To receive access and/or participate in the show please register with Hong Zhou at 919-245-4275 with your talent by Saturday, January 30. Since this will be held virtually, your time will be limited to 5 minutes or less.  Anticipate many surprises!

Date: Saturday, February 13
Time: 10 - 11:30 pm
Program Code: 353045-02
Phone#/Link: Provided at registration

• Newsletter: Sign up for the COVID-19 newsletter from the Orange County Health Department.
• Text: To receive daily text updates, text ocnchealth to 888-777.
• Hotline: Questions about COVID-19? Call (919) 245-6111 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Spanish language and other languages available.
• Email: Email your questions to covid19@orangecountync.gov.

HELP US HELP YOU BY COMPLETING A SURVEY!

Did you know that it’s very important to give your feedback on our senior centers’ programs, courses and classes, the lunch program, etc. – even those happening during COVID-19?  Feedback on our activities helps the staff develop better programs, and meets funding requirements.  The surveys also show the impact our senior center programs have on participants’ lives which may influence future funding.

To get feedback on our programs, we are collecting the Senior Center Surveys now through the end of January (or any time really) for our ongoing classes/programs and any one time events.  If your program leader/instructor doesn’t give you a survey, please ask them to send you one.  If you completed a survey for one program you don’t have to do so for another program, unless it’s for the course specific.
 
View the Senior Centers Survey on our website
View the Course Specific Evaluations on our website 

Email completed surveys to: ocseniorcenters@orangecountync.gov or maustin@orangecountync.gov.

Get Ready to File Your 2020 Income Tax Return

The Orange County VITA Program will again be offering income tax return preparation services at no charge to those with low and moderate incomes, beginning in February.  Details will be posted after January 20th at www.orangecounync.gov/ocncvita or by phone at 919-245-4242.

Now is the time to start gathering your tax documents. In addition to last year’s tax return, you’ll want to watch for W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms from banks, social security, pensions, and investment accounts,  1095-A forms if you had ACA/Obamacare insurance, and the Notice 1444 that came with your stimulus check. Typically, forms start arriving by mail or are available online toward the end of January. 

Caregiver Supports

Support groups, educational programs, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative have all gone online and most participants have been quick to adopt this new way to gather and stay connected.  See below for upcoming programs or flyer for all Winter 2020-2021 Caregiver Programming.

For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

Grocery Delivery Service

If you are in need of grocery delivery, or if you know an older adult who would benefit from this service, Volunteer Connect 55+ is now offering this resource.  To register for this program, complete the online request form or contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087. 

This service is being offered to Orange County residents age 60 and over. Ordering requirements apply.

Technology Classes Available Through the  Seymour Tech Center

Fee Waivers/Financial Assistance

Did you know that fee waivers and financial assistance is available for the programs we offer at the Orange County Senior Centers, including the virtual programs?

Fee waivers/reductions are available based on assessed financial need for all classes/programs for Orange County residents. Fee waivers are not offered for in- person trips/travel programs.

Interested applicants complete the form and must provide a list and proof of income and a list of expenses. The rates of assistance are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

To apply for a fee waiver/ financial assistance for a Senior Center program call either the Passmore Center, 919-245-20150 or Seymour Center, 919-968-2070 and request a scholarship form be emailed, mailed via USPS or you may pick up at either center’s front desk. 

COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County?  Leaders from Orange County’s Department on Aging and UNC’s Partnerships in Aging are creating a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults. 

To volunteer, please add your name to the COVID-19 Volunteer list.