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

4/23/21 - 5/6/21

Topics in this Edition

  • Upcoming Programs

  • Announcements

  • Resources & Services

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

House - Home

Home Safety Chat

Join occupational therapist, Marie Dagger, for 30 minutes of education and Q&A about staying safe at home. Bring your questions related to the day’s topic!
Fee: FREE                        
Topic: Recovering After a Fall

Date: Tuesday, April 27th   
Time: 10 – 10:30 am
Program Code: 342205-07
Join:
Contact Marie Dagger (919-245-4279). Link/phone number will be shared ahead of class.



Understanding and Moving Beyond Implicit Bias
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Becoming Better than Before Flyer
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Smartphone

Seymour Tech - Introduction to Android Smartphones and Tablets 

This 3-session class will show you how to use your Android Smartphone or Tablet. Except for phone calls, these devices work the same way. We’ll show you how to use the Home screen and Settings. Phone users will learn to make and answer calls and manage your contacts. Then we’ll explore texting and email. We’ll search the web, play with YouTube, set up calendars, tasks & alarms. We’ll use the camera for photos and videos. And, we’ll show you how to find free & fee apps -- including games -- to personalize your phone and tablet.

Date: 3 Sessions -  Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday; May 3, 4, & 5

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

Instructor: Bob Chernow


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!
Fee: FREE
Topic: Hearing Loss & Dementia

Date: Tuesday, May 4
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.


Aquarium

Virtual Tour of Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Our Aquarium Expert will lead our travels through the entire aquarium on this 45 minute virtual guided tour.
See African Penguins, exotic fish, large sharks without getting your feet wet! Your questions will be answered in real time during this aquarium adventure!
Audio & visual internet connection are needed to enjoy this virtual tour.
Register: Call 919-968-2070 to register by April 27
Fee: $5 per participant

Date: Tuesday, May 4
Time: 2pm
Join: Link will be provided one week prior for all paid participants


Transgender Health Event: A Medical Professional's Point of View
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Guitar

BLUMORA

Come listen to this talented acoustic duo with their beautiful arrangements inspired by folk, country, bluegrass and Americana. Enjoy strong melodies and harmonies, along with the sound of guitars, mandolin, and electronic foot percussion. Bring a bag lunch and a folding chair (you can also enjoy the concert from your car).
Register: Call 919-968-2070
Fee: FREE

Date: Thursday, May 6
Time: 12:30 pm 
Program Code: 353037-03 
Location: Seymour Center Parking Lot


Travel - Airplane - Globe

TRAVEL and COVID 19: THE NEW NORMAL

As we all look forward to being able to travel again, join us for a discussion with Allie Tate, AAA Travel Agent to discuss traveling safely and what changes the industry is making in response to the pandemic.
Register by: Tuesday, May 4 at 919-968-2070.
Fee: FREE

Date: Tuesday, May 11                                 
Time: 3 pm
Program Code: 322005-01
Phone#/Link: Provided after registration


Medicare - Medicines and BP Cuff

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, May 19th
Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm
Register: To 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Get Your Shot

Public Health Chat with Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart

VIDEO: On April 7, 2021 everyone ages 16 and up became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. In this video the Health Director gives an update on the COVID-19 pandemic in Orange County, NC and discusses the most important tool to end the pandemic-- vaccines. 


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.


Older Americans Month 2021 - Communities of Strength
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Pills - Medications

Prescription Medications Too Expensive?

Medicare’s Extra Help program reduces the price of medications for those who qualify.  You must have monthly income below $1610 and savings less than $13,290.  For a married couple, income must be less than $2,178 and savings below $26,520. 
 
For those who don’t qualify for that program, explore these options:

  • Ask your doctor and pharmacist about alternative medications that are covered on your drug plan at a lower co-pay, such as generics.

  • Search for Manufacturer Discount Programs that cover your medication.

  • Check the current pricing of your medications using a Drug Discount Program.  In some cases, retail pricing with coupons are lower than the co-pays on your drug plan.  Be aware, however that costs won’t apply to your drug plan’s deductible. Popular options include:  www.goodrx.com, www.blinkhealth.com, www.northcarolinadrugcard.com

Make an appointment to meet with a certified volunteer counselor from the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to discuss your options.  We have both in-person appointments and appointments by Zoom available by visiting our website www.orangecountync.gov/ocncshiip or calling 919-245-4274.


Dollar Bills

 Looking for the Third Stimulus Check?

The American Rescue Plan Act that passed Congress earlier this month includes an Economic Incentive Payment (Stimulus Check) of $1400 for most Americans.  If you qualify and you receive Social Security, Disability or Veterans’ benefits, the IRS will deposit your payment to the same account where you receive benefits.  For more information and to check on your payment status, visit www.irs.gov and choose Get My Payment.


Calculator - Taxes

Income Tax Filing Deadline Extended to May 17th

The Orange County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
The Orange County VITA program is making appointments through May 6th for our Drop Off Service.  You’ll complete some paperwork, meet briefly with a preparer and we’ll you’re your documents, then make you an appointment for a week later to pick up your income tax return. 
 
Appointments are available Wednesdays 9am-1pm at the Passmore Center in Hillsborough and Thursdays 9am-4pm at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill.   Please visit www.orangecountync.gov/ocncvita to schedule your appointment or call us at 919-245-4242.


Dollar Bills

Where’s My Tax Refund?

If your return was electronically filed and you provided bank account information for a direct deposit, you should receive your refund within 21 days.  You can check on the status of your refund at www.irs.gov/refunds or by downloading the IRS2Go app.


World Voice Day 2021 Poster

World Voice Day: Your Voice is Essential

Your voice has always been essential, but now it's more precious than ever.  You've been socially distanced, but not vocally distanced. Constant virtual meetings, talking through face masks, staying home with kids, and feeling overwhelmed can all affect your voice. 

Join Duke Voice Care Center for a live webinar to learn how to keep your voice working - for YOU.

Date: Wednesday, April 28
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Register: www.DukeHealth.org/WorldVoiceDay
Fee: FREE
For questions or more information, please email karen.stark@duke.edu.

RESOURCES & SERVICES

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 Spring 2021 Caregiver Programming.

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


Wallet - Cash - Credit Card

FEE PAYMENT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Orange County Senior Centers strive to be accessible and welcoming to all seniors.  If you want to participate in senior center fee-based activities and are unable, or unwilling, to pay a required fee, you may still participate. Furthermore, a selection of free activities and programs are available to seniors age 55 and over. Read more.


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

Job Seekers, Improve Your Search - for FREE 

Take part in Being Better Than Before, a FREE, four-part webinar on April 28 & 30 and May 5 & 7. Learn how to unlock your creativity and more. Call 919-968-2070 to register. See flyer for more information or call Mike Komives at 919-616-8778.
Acupuncture Needles in Ear

ACUPUNCTURE - VIRTUAL

Achieve optimal health naturally through the ancient art of Chinese Medicine. We see the body, emotions and spirit as an integrated system, which we strive to harmonize to maintain a balanced state of wellbeing. Acupuncture treats a myriad of issues from arthritis, insomnia, headaches, neck/back pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, varicosities, digestive and respiratory issues and more. Online consultations available. For more information, visit: http://www.nccaomdiplomates.com/celestialsea

Please contact Tamara Freedman, L. Ac. for an appointment (919-370-1375).  To register, please contact the Front Desk: 919-968-2070.

Fee: $55/ 1.5 hr session 


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.
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, 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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Copyright 2020 Orange County (N.C.) Government. All Rights Reserved.
300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278

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