Department on Aging logo, "Endless Possibilities" text, url, and older couple canoeing.

1/15/21 - 1/28/21

Topics in this Edition

  • Upcoming Programs

  • Announcements

  • Resources & Supports

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Smartphone

Seymour Tech - ID Theft, Computer Security & Backup: Protect Yourself

We spend much of our day on the Internet. You will learn many of the basic ways to protect yourself in this fast-paced online world. Of course, in spite of our best efforts, things can go wrong. You need to have good computer security software and a backup method in place for your data files, email and settings. We will discuss how to use Windows Defender and give you some easy-to-use computer backup alternatives.
Click here to see reference articles used in Mike's presentation.

Date: Monday, January 18
Time: 1 - 3 PM
Register: Click here to ENROLL in this class.To see all of the Seymour Tech classes, click here.

Instructor: Mike Gilliom



Orange County CARES

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.


Bingo Cards

BINGO – VIRTUAL GAMES

You will have several ways to connect with others in a virtual platform or over the phone to shout out…Bingo!
Each person will be given 2 game boards that will be available for pick up on Fri, Jan 15, between 9am- 4pm at the Seymour Center.  Prizes sponsored by Aetna Insurance, will be ready for pick up at center for the winners one week after the game. 
Register by: 1 week before game date. Call the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070 to register.

Date: Tuesday, January 19 & February 16 
Time: 3 – 4 pm
Link: Program ID will be emailed


Documents & Signatures

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


Logo - Orange County Historical Museum

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.


Conversation Bubbles

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS via THE CLOUD

It’s a New Year and new conversation starters with Dr. Ho, conversation moderator, for six weeks. Questions posed by group leader from compiled online sources will enable you to think and converse openly and confidently.  You will find this stimulating and safe setting comfortable, inspiring and enjoyable as you share your response with peers. All participants will receive questions, link and other information via registration. Space is limited to 10.  Register by calling 919-968-2070.

Dates: Mondays, January 25 - March 1
Time: 10 am
Program Code: 333087-02
Phone #/Link: Provided at registration


Moving Boxes - Downsizing

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. 


Downtown Chapel Hill
Image Credit: Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

PARALLEL LIVES – VIRTUAL WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN CHAPEL HILL

This is a virtual “tour” for our times, addressing Chapel Hill history from a Black and a White perspective. Tour guides Missy Julian-Fox and Chris Faison differ in age, race, gender and experience… and are alike in their shared passion for education, access and opportunity, and Chapel Hill! The tour experience is presented in two parts on two different days, with group discussion after each segment.
Leaders: Missy Julian-Fox and Chris Faison   
Fee: FREE

Dates: Monday, January 25 & Wednesday, January 27
Time: 4 – 5 pm
Program Code: 313109-01
Phone#/Link: “Google Meet” link will be emailed. Contact Lisa (919-245-4251) for more information.


Home Check

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
T
opic: Bathroom Safety
Time: 10am
Join: Contact Marie (919-245-4279) for more information. Link will be emailed ahead of class.


Hot Tea

WINTER TEA SOIREE WITH CENTER STAFF

Connect with your Seymour Programming Team for a fun, relaxed evening over flavorful tea accompanied by select pantry treats. This will give you a chance to meet our team and learn what we do, answer questions you may have, and then we’ll let the good times roll as we enjoy a few games to get our New Year off to a great start while enjoying our tea. Tea & Treat Bags can be picked on Thu, Jan 21 & Fri, Jan 22, 9 am – 4 pm.
Register by: Tuesday, January 19 by calling 919-968-2070. 
Fee: FREE

Date: Tuesday, January 26                                           
Time: 6 pm
Program Code: 313110-01
Phone#/Link: Provided at registration.


Questions & Ideas

Being Better Than Before

This FREE Webinar series was designed especially for people 55+ years of age or more, and features presentations and interactive discussions led by Carl Nordgren, Don Downs, and Mike Komives. They'll engage you in interactive discussions in Creativity, Starting Your Own Business, the Job and Search Process.  

Date: Wednesdays & Fridays, January 27-29 & February 3-5
Time:
10 - 11:30 am
Join: Call 919-968-2070 to register. Zoom link will be provided.
Blanket - Quilt

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.


Books

STORYTIME FOR GROWN FOLKS

Who doesn't enjoy a good story? Come join Regina Gale as she shares "Storytime for Grown Folks", a monthly series this winter.  Splashes of life that will rekindle fond memories and spark conversation. RSVP required. Register: Call 919-968-2070
Fee: FREE

Date: Thursday, January 28
Time: 3 pm
Program Code: 343045-04
Phone#/Link: Provided at registration


Gemstones

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


Poe Baltimore

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).


Pharmacist

CONVERSATIONS WITH A PHARMACIST

Concerned about the medications you’re taking? Do you have questions about how some medications can interact with each other? Come and speak to a local pharmacist. We will be holding an open forum for community members to join and ask questions about their health.  Private break-out rooms will be provided for consultations.  Program sponsored by UNC School of Pharmacy (Project Age) and Project EngAGE Falls Prevention and Health Promotion Senior Resource Team.
Fee: FREE
Register by: Friday, January 22

Date: Saturday, February 6 
Time: 10 am – 12 noon
Program Code: 312003-05
Join: Contact Shenae (919-245-4243) for more information.



A Case for Green Burial
Click to Enlarge.
Paper Lanterns

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


Hearts

LOVE IS IN THE AIR: CUPID’S GRAB & GO VALENTINE’S DINNER

Hello, Love is in the Air Party Fans! We have you in mind! This year’s event will be met with social distancing; therefore we will not gather on-site this year. However, don’t get discouraged, our awesome co-sponsor, Hannah Ruth Foundation, will once again team up with Seymour Programming Team to bring you a beautiful and well deserved curbside Valentine’s dinner. To add a little fun, we ask that you wear a mask that represents your Valentine flow.
Register by: Saturday, January 30.  Call 919-968-2070. 
Fee: FREE

Date: Saturday, February 13                                               
Time: 3 – 5 pm
Program Code: 313008-01 
Location: Seymour Center

ANNOUNCEMENTS

"Stay Home," on graphic of house with family inside.

Orange County Vaccination Plan

North Carolina has moved into Phase 1b Group 1 of COVID vaccine distribution, meaning individuals 75 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. There is no requirement to have certain qualifying chronic conditions.  If you are 75 or older, please follow the three-step process:
  1. Complete the Vaccine Interest Form (VIF)at https://redcap.link/OCHDvax.  Call 919-913-8088 if you don’t have access to a computer or would like help filling out the form. Foreign language interpreters will be available. We are anticipating very high call volume. Please be patient for a return call if you decide to leave a voicemail. 
  2. Register for the vaccine. You will receive an email with a link to an online registration form to enter your data into the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System (CVMS). It will take several minutes to complete. It is only available in English, but county staff are available to help register in other languages besides English by calling 919-913-8088.
  3. Schedule your vaccine appointment. When an individual is eligible to receive a vaccine, you will receive another email from the Orange County Health Department to schedule an appointment.
No one from Orange County or the state will ask for payment on the phone. The vaccine is free, even if you don’t have insurance. If you do have insurance, please bring your information with you to the appointment

To reduce the number of phone calls, residents in subsequent phases will be asked to register later. Eventually, the CVMS system will allow residents to register themselves. The complete list of the vaccination plan’s phases may be found on the NCDHHS website.  

UNC Health has opened registration for its local points of dispensation: https://vaccine.unchealthcare.org/get-vaccinated/.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases in Orange County, visit the Orange County's COVID-19 webpage or reach out for further information:

  • 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.

If you are 75 years of age or older, you are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
Click for more information.
Dollar Bill

Got Your Second Stimulus Check?  Be Sure to Keep the Notice 1444-B

If you received the first Stimulus Payment back in the spring, you should be getting a second payment during the month of January.  For most people, this will be direct deposited to your bank account so be sure to check your bank statements.  If you received the first payment on a paper check or debit card, you should receive the second one on either a paper check or debit card before the end of January.  You can check the status of your second Stimulus Payment at this website:  https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
 
You will also be receiving in the mail a Notice 1444-B which specifies the amount of the payment that was sent to you.  Be sure to keep this document as you’ll need it to complete your 2020 income tax return.
 
Need more information?  Check out these FAQs.



Survey Feedback Form

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.


Fraud Alert

Help Fight Medicare Fraud

Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you, so if anyone asks you to share your Medicare Number or pay for access to the vaccine, you can bet it's a scam.

Here's what to know:

  • You can't pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
  • You can't pay to get early access to a vaccine.
  • Don't share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee.
Con artists may try to get your Medicare Number or personal information so they can steal your identity and commit Medicare fraud.  Medicare fraud results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone.

Calculator & Budget

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. 


Admission Ticket

From the Prime Time Players: The Babushka, A Russian Holiday Legend with Music

The Babushka is  a Russian legend passed from generation to generation about an old lady who appears every Christmas eve looking for a baby and distributing gifts.

“The Babushka” is from “Christmas Candles: Plays for Boys and Girls”.  It was written by Elsie Hobart Carter and Published in 1915.  It was adapted for Prime Time Players by John Paul Middlesworth.
 
View the program here. 
 
If you’re not already a subscriber, please subscribe so that you can see the productions that we’ve done in the past.  Currently, we have produced 13.  View them all here.

RESOURCES & SUPPORTS

Orange County CARES

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.


Life After Loss Grief Support Group
Click to Enlarge
Grocery Bag

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.



Photo of Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, Orange County Department on Aging
Mike Komives
Employment Specialist
Orange Co. Dept. on Aging

Elder Job Seekers!

When you are searching for a job, whether full-time or part-time, consider doing these three things first:

  1. Define the kind of work you want to do. What are you qualified to do? What are you really good at? Because your ideal job might not be available right away, you will want to confirm the kind of work you will and can do in the meantime. See more about Ideal and Acceptable Jobs.

  2. Get started with Networking. Over 50% of all jobs are not posted!  So how do you learn about them? One good way is through networking. Even if you are introverted and shy, you can do this. For more information, see Networking Thoughts and Contact List.
  3. Guide Your Networking Contacts to make it easy for them to help you. We’ve developed Networking Briefs, easy for you to make and use. It’s one-page with three essential parts – your name and contact information, a summary of you, and a section called “Here’s how you can help.”  See Networking Brief Thoughts and two examples here: (Example One and Example Two).
If you have any questions about these or any other job search needs, contact me. I’m Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, Orange County Department On Aging. You can call me at 919-616-8778, or email me: skomives@orangecountync.gov.
Computer, Tablet, & Phone

Technology Classes Available Through the  Seymour Tech Center

Seymour Tech offers FREE classes for older adults around personal computer, tablet, and smart phone use. See the full list of upcoming programs here and contact Mike Gilliom with questions.
Non-Perishable Food Items

Drive Thru Food Distributions

Hosted by Orange County Department of Social Services 


Date: Thursday, January 28
Time: 
9:30 - 11 AM or until food boxes are gone.
Location: Carrboro High School
201 Rock Haven Road
Carrboro, NC 27510

Limit 2 households per vehicle. Food boxes are open to the community and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.


Application - Fee Waiver

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. 


Call the "Aging Helpline," 919-968-2087

Aging Helpline 

Talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue. You may also email Aging Services. We try to find answers to your age-related questions and link you to the services that you need. Helpline hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Chinese & Spanish Language Helpline
Call 919-245-4275 to speak to our staff in Mandarin.
Call 919-245-4245 to leave a message in Spanish.

Aging Transitions, Senior Center programming and Volunteer Connect 55+ staff are available to meet individually by appointment, by phone or email. For more information call the Passmore Center at 919-245-2015, Seymour Center at 919-968-2070, or the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Hands Volunteering

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.


Support

For more information about ways to help, please visit:

  • Orange County Health Department - How I Can Help

  • UNC Health- Ways you can help

  • Duke Health - How you can help during COVID-19

CONTACT US

Jerry M. Passmore Center

Location & Hours

103 Meadowlands Dr. (PO Box 8181)
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: 919-245-2015

Currently Open for 1:1 Appointments:
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Typical Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 8 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 9 am - 11 am

Robert & Pearl Seymour Center

Location & Hours

2551 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone:919-968-2070

Currently Open for 1:1 Appointments:
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Typical Hours: 
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 9 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Orange County Department on Aging - Aging Transitions Services
Orange County Department on Aging - Senior Centers
Orange County Department on Aging - Volunteer Connect 55+
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300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278

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