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

2/26/21 - 3/11/21

Topics in this Edition

  • Upcoming Programs

  • Announcements

  • Resources & Supports

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

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: Parkinson's & Dementia
Date: Tuesday, March 2
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.


Walking Outdoors

SIX-WEEK WALKING CHALLENGE

Our 6 Week Walking Challenge is designed to get you moving every day for about 20 – 30 minutes. Research has shown that walking or moving continuously for just 20 minutes a day can significantly improve your physical and emotional health.

Registration: Monday, March 1 - Friday, March 5.  Please email ocdoawellness@gmail.com.


Walking Challenge Dates: Monday, March 8 – Friday, April 16
Program Code: 332204-01


Rodin Statue

PHILOSOPHY DISCUSSION GROUP

The UNC Philosophy Department hosts a twice-monthly philosophy virtual discussion group for Triangle area residents on what ancient philosophers can teach us about life, death and everything in between.
Facilitator: Michael Vazquez and other UNC Philosophy Faculty and Doctoral students
Fee: FREE

Dates: Alternating Mondays - March 8 & 22
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Program Code: 357186-01
Phone #/Link: Provided after registration. Call the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070.


Smartphone

Seymour Tech - Introduction to the iPhone

These smartphones are amazing all-in-one tools for phone calls, email, text, photos, music & videos. They are also a camera, e-book reader, Internet browser, and gaming device. You will learn about setting up contacts, email, about Siri, iTunes, and the App Store. You can even totally replace other general-use computers with the iPhone. You can add a real keyboard; in fact, your iPhone will work with nearly any Bluetooth keyboard. NOTE: Due to the differences in the latest software, we will NOT be covering iPad in this session. 

Date: 3 Sessions - Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday; March 8, 9 & 10

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

Instructor: Glick Schultz


TED Talks Logo

TED Talk: How to let go of being a “good” person – and become a better person

What if attachment to being a "good" person is holding you back from actually becoming a better person? Social psychologist Dolly Chugh explains the psychology of ethical behavior - and shows how the path to becoming better starts with owning your mistakes.
 
Date: Monday, March 8                     
Time:  2 - 3 pm
Program Code: 353020-05
Register: Call the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070. Link to will be sent ahead of program.


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, March 9
T
opic: Sleep Hygiene
Time: 10am
Join: Contact Marie (919-245-4279) for more information. Link will be emailed ahead of class.


Stethoscope & Appointment Notes

New to Medicare? Join our Welcome to Medicare Class

If you’re turning 65 soon, you’re probably being bombarded by mailings about Medicare.  This online class will provide valuable information whether you’re retiring soon, already retired or continuing to work.  You’ll learn how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, Medicare’s costs, benefits and options. 
 
Date: Wednesday, March 10
Time: 
6:00 - 7:30pm
Register: Call 919-245-4274 and select option 2.  Leave us your name, phone and email address.  You’ll receive a confirmation email and a second email with a link to join our Zoom Meeting the day prior.  


Cyber Security

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: Thursday, March 11
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


NC Symphony

NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY - MUSIC FOR STRINGS

Join us for the virtual performance as the NC Symphony performs from Maymandi Concert Hall. This performance will include 'Music for Strings.' The Friday Favorite lasts about 45 minutes and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.
Register by: Friday, February 26
Fee: $18

Date: Friday, March 5
Time: 12 Noon
Program Code: 216001-01
Phone #/Link: Link will be provided after registration. Call the Passmore Center at 919-245-2015.


Korner's Folly Logo

Virtual Tour of Korner's Folly

Enjoy a virtual tour of Korner's Folly, constructed in 1880 as the home of Jule Körner, an artist/designer who created the structure to serve as his clients' “catalog home”. With 22 rooms, 3 levels, 15 fireplaces, and the first private little theater in the United States, this architectural treasure offers visitors a trip to the heyday of Victorian North Carolina. Immersed in beautifully restored rooms, ornate décor, and eccentric innovations, this virtual docent-guided tour focuses on Victorian architecture, 1800’s fashion, lifestyle, and the history of the industrial revolution in the North Carolina Piedmont.
Register: By Tuesday, March 9 at 919-968-2070
Fee: $5


Date: Tuesday, March 16
Time: 1:30
Join: Link will be emailed one week prior to tour. Participants need a device with audio and video capacity to enjoy the virtual tour.


Medications

Mobile Prescription Drug Drop Off at Seymour Center

Orange County Department on Aging is partnering with the Chapel Hill Police Department to provide a Mobile Drug Disposal Event. You will be able to dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted medications in a safe and easy way through a mobile prescription drug drop at Seymour Center. Just drive up in front of the Center and give an officer your bag of expired or unneeded prescription or over-the-counter medications. They will be safely destroyed without harming the environment, landfill, or water supply.
Fee: FREE

Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Seymour Center

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Scheduling:

Governor Roy Cooper announced Feb. 10 that childcare workers, educators and school personnel in pre-K through grade 12, including private and charter schools, will be eligible to receive a COVID vaccine beginning Feb. 24. Other frontline essential workers listed in Group 3 will become eligible Mar. 10.
 
Who are frontline essential workers? 
Group 3 is made up of “frontline essential workers” such as teachers, grocery workers, restaurant workers, postal employees, firefighters, bus drivers and those that perform essential tasks, are public facing or have close contact with other people, and have to leave home to work.

If you are eligible, you may either sign up by filling out Complete the Vaccine Interest Form (VIF) at https://redcap.link/OCHDvax or by calling 919-913-8088. The call center is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call center staff are available to help register in Spanish and other languages.

Once you have either completed the vaccine interest survey or have registered by phone, you are on the waitlist and there is no need to call back to check your status. You will be contacted by Orange County staff via email or phone to schedule your appointment when a slot becomes available, but it may be weeks or months. People who are not currently in Group 1 or 2 should wait until they are eligible to register. 
 
There are many places to be vaccinated in and around Orange County, not just the Orange County Health Department. Please visit the OCHD vaccine website for a list. 
 
NCDHHS maintains a list of all the vaccination sites in North Carolina. Visit https://myspot.nc.gov.
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.

Get Your Shot - myspot.nc.gov
Click for more information.
Calculator - Taxes

Free Income Tax Preparation Services

The Orange County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) Program offers income tax return preparation services at no charge to those with low and moderate incomes.  Due to the pandemic, we are encouraging everyone to take advantage of our new and improved Virtual VITA service or our new Do-It-Yourself VITA approach.  Get the details at our website  www.orangecounync.gov/ocncvita or by phone at 919-245-4242.

If you can’t participate in these programs, please call us at 919-245-4242 and leave your name and contact information.  We will call you back to discuss options for providing assistance with limited in-person contact.


Daily Medications & Blood Pressure Cuff

Don’t Like Your Medicare Plan? You May Be Able to Change

If you missed Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, or if you have had second thoughts, you may still be able to change.  For those with a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan, you can change to another Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare one time between January 1 and March 31.  (Aren’t sure whether you have an Advantage Plan?  Check your insurance card.  If it says “PPO” or “HMO” anywhere on the card, you do!) 
 
Make an appointment to meet with a certified counselor from the NC Department of Insurance.  Appointments available by Zoom video chat and in-person at the Seymour and Passmore Centers. Schedule online at ­www.orangecountync.gov/ocncSHIIP or call 919-245-4274.


Orange County Senior Games Logo

2021 ORANGE COUNTY SENIOR GAMES

Aging Well; Living Well...Keeping Active!

Senior Games is a year-round health promotion program for adults ages 50 plus. Activities include sports and games competitions/tournaments, social activities, and the SilverArts - including visual, heritage (wood working, basket weaving, ceramic glass and etc), as well as local and state competitions.

Sports events dates: April 19 - June 1, 2021

SilverArts virtual show dates: Friday, June 9 – Wednesday, June 23 
(SilverArts entries may be viewed during this time)

Visit our website or see the flyer for more information and registration.  Registration forms are also available at both senior center locations.

For further information, contact Lee Schimmelfing or Myra Austin (919-245-2020).

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 and Spring 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

FINDING EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE YOUR IDEAL OR ACCEPTABLE JOB

  1. Using your descriptions of Ideal Jobs, go to www.mynextmove.org, www.indeed.com, or www.glassdoor.com.
    • On the mynextmove.org home page there are three headings:  A) “I want to be a…”, B) “I’ll know it when I see it.” and C) “I’m not really sure.
    • Using ‘A’, click on search careers with key words, then enter the title of your Ideal Job.  Click on the “search” link, and almost immediately a results page will pop up and list 10 or 20 “top careers” for your ideal job.  Many may have a 'bright outlook' logo before the link; these jobs are expected to grow more than 15% in the next few years.
    • Select one of these and you’ll see a new page with more information… go near the bottom of the middle column and click on ‘find jobs’.  Enter your zip code and state, then click on ‘go’ to the right of the state link. Job postings with your key words will be listed; explore the descriptions, and apply as you confirm you meet the qualifications.
    • On Indeed.com and on glassdoor.com, follow their links in a similar fashion 
  2. I recommend you consider LinkedIn, used by every Fortune 500 company as well as numerous smaller business and organizations. LinkedIn has 675 million members worldwide. Basic membership is FREE.  Employers use LinkedIn for identifying and qualifying potential candidates networking; employees and job seekers use LinkedIn for networking, research, business information, and learning.
  3. Using your networking contacts, identify people who work for an employer who is likely to have the kind of job you are seeking. Talk to them BEFORE you apply; many employers encourage and use internal referrals to identify candidates.

 Next issue: Guiding Your Networking Contacts
 
If you have any questions or wish more information, I’m available to help you.

Stay strong, be well.
Mike Komives, MBA
Employment Specialist
919.616.8778
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.
Candles

COVID-19 General Loss Support Group

Duke Hospice Bereavement Services is hosting a virtual 8-week support group, beginning in late April on Zoom. Recognizing the unique needs of those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19, we are providing a safe, supportive place to find comfort and mourn together. Registration required. To register or for more information, contact 919-644-6869 before April 1. 


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 contact Shenae McPherson (919-245-4243).


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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