2020 CENSUS

Everyone living in the United States will be asked to participate in the confidential US Census this spring.  As mandated by the US Constitution, it is held every 10 years. It is important for all residents complete the census as it determines not only the number of seats each state has in the US House of Representatives, but how Federal funds, grants and financial support is allocated to each state, county and community – including Orange County.

Communities receive the greatest benefit when the census counts everyone. Responding to the census helps our community get its fair share of more than $675 billion per year in federal funds to spend on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs, including those that assist older adults.

According to the National Council on Aging, "An accurate count of older adults will ensure that the programs that many older adults rely upon are fairly funded. For example, programs like Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, Older American Adult Title grants, Supportive Housing for the Elderly, Low Income Energy Assistance and many others all rely on an accurate census."

In March people will receive an invitation to complete the census as of April 1, 2020, for every home and group living situation.  You may complete it online, over the phone or by mail.  If you do not have access to a computer, they are available at the Passmore and Seymour Centers, the community centers and the libraries. 

For more information about the census, visit:
http://www.orangecountync.gov/2092/Census-2020

It is extremely important that people living in the United States on April 1, 2020 be counted!

Diversity in Aging Symposium focused on
Eldercare: Diverse Perspectives and Diverse Needs

The symposium will highlight issues related to caregiving for and with older adults from
diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Speakers will highlight traditions and beliefs
around caregiving, as well as pragmatic aspects of giving and receiving care through
a specific cultural lens. There will be an opportunity for interactive discussion with
the speakers.
Featuring:

• Carolina Avary, Piedmont Health
• Chasity Hunt, Carolina Compassion Care in Lumberton
• Linda Kim, Evergreen Adult Day Care
• Representatives from the Marian Cheek Jackson Center

UNC School of Social Work, 136 Tate Turner Kuralt Auditorium
March 20, 2020, 8:30 am* - 12 noon
*Breakfast at 8:30, program starts at 9 am

To Register: https://partnershipsinaging.unc.edu/event/dia2020/

Sponsored by: UNC Partnerships in Aging Program (PiAP) in collaboration with: The UNC School of Nursing; The UNC School of Social Work; The Gillings School of Global Public Health; and The Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine

Orange County Housing & Community Development Needs
YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

Orange County would like to hear from you on housing and community development needs. Your participation in this survey is vital to our ability to identify the highest need areas and direct resources to them over the next five years.

Please consider completing the questionnaire on this important issue here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020-Consolidated-Plan

The deadline is February 26. As a bonus, one respondent will win a $100 Amazon gift card.

Voter Guide

FYI: The League of Women Voters (LWV) offers an online Voter Guide at www.Vote411.org. Search by state for voter resources, information and to find non-partisan voter guides, including the upcoming March 3rd Orange County primary. 

Want to “Rev Up” Your Event or Your Employees’ Day?

Schedule a surprise OutLoud Flash Mob performance. We blend into the setting until the music starts. At a time known only to you, we “pop-up” and perform short dance routines (5 minutes up or down). We are interactive and encourage participation either sitting or standing. If you choose, we can also teach the group a short, fun line dance and then “call” the moves so all can participate.  Or separately we can even teach your people our routine so they can do it all with us at your event. It’s fun, it’s memorable – and best of all, it’s FREE. To schedule a performance, call Vicki Hill 919-280-2161.

Call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087

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 919-245-4279 ext. 1 to leave a message in Spanish.

Learn Scottish Language and Songs

Learn introductory Scottish Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, with a fluent speaker in a relaxed, informal environment. The first hour will focus on basic conversational phrases, the second hour on traditional songs from Highland tradition. Sign up for one or both hours. Min: 5/ Max: 15

Instructor: Michael Newton, PhD in Celtic Studies 
Fee: “$20 for full two hours each week we meet, or $10 for one hour”. Pay in full prior to each class.
Register: At the front desk or online at https://server4.orangecountync.gov/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html

Seymour Center
Every 2nd and 4th Saturdays (Mar 14, 28; Apr11, 25; May 9, 23)

2-3 pm: Beginner's Scottish Gaelic Conversation (354122-02)
3-4 pm: Scottish Gaelic Songs (354122-03)

Flash Mob Classes - Newcomers

Want to do something that’s energizing, good for your brain, fun, and makes others smile? Our established OutLoud Flash Mob offers classes for newcomers or those who need a review. Join your peers to learn a short line-dance routine each monthly session and train to present a surprise pop-up flash mob performance in the community (pre-arranged with the host). Instructor is fun, friendly, knowledgeable, and makes learning easy. No left vs. right foot knowledge necessary. Classes are ongoing monthly and you can start anytime. Class Min: 5. For more information: 919-280-2161.

Register and pay (required) by: Mon. prior to any class
Instructor: Linda Houser, long-time flash mob instructor
Fee: $20/session or $5/class.  Optional outfit ($42) and rehearsal package ($35/annual)

Passmore Center
Thurs, Mar 5-26   12-1 pm

 
Flash Mob Classes – Master's Level

Returning to the OutLoud Flash Mob? Here’s your chance to learn a new routine created by Debbie Ramsey, choreographer for popular hit films and movies, like Back to the Future 1 & 2 and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Focus will be on the new routine, along with polish to bring the other three routines you’ve already learned to the next level with modified steps and added moves. Class min. 5. For more information: 919-280-2161

Register and pay (required) by: Mon. prior to any class
Instructor: Linda Houser
Fee: $20/session or $5/class.  Optional outfit ($42) and rehearsal package ($35/annual)

Passmore Center
Thurs, Mar 5-26    1–2 pm

Job Fair

REMINDER: Orange County Department of Social Services, 133 Mayo Street, Hillsborough, will host a JOB FAIR on March 25. If you’re planning to go to this one or others, Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, offers suggestions on how to make a positive first impression and how to make your participation more productive. Contact Mike by calling 919-616-8778, or email skomives@orangecountync.gov and he’ll email you these tips. 
 
If you need guidance on searching for a full-time or part-time job, are thinking about starting you own business, or would like to volunteer and want help on deciding what is appropriate, you can schedule an appointment to meet with him. Mike is available at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill on Mondays and Fridays, 9 AM to 5 PM, and at the Passmore Center in Hillsborough on Wednesdays, 9 AM to 1 PM.       

BOOK CLUBS

BOOK CLUB – PASSMORE CENTER

Book clubs are the perfect way to keep reading, to talk about what you read, and to make new friends.  Enjoy a lively discussion with other book lovers.

Fee: FREE

Passmore Center 
Wed, Mar 25,     (258000-01)      10:30 am

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan (Non-fiction Historical)

THE MONDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB
Chapel Hill's Monday Night Book Club is a public book club open to participation by anyone in the Chapel Hill community. We welcome new readers/participants in our discussions. 

Fee: FREE

Chapel Hill Public Library (ask at the desk which room the club will be in that month)
Mon, Mar 16,     6:30-7:45 pm
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison