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Orange County issues new standards for food-service establishments to go into effect Friday, July 10
With COVID-19 cases rising in Orange County, the county amended its emergency declaration to provide new standards for the onsite consumption of food and beverages at restaurants, private clubs and other food-service establishments.
“Cases in Orange County have tripled since Memorial Day,” said Penny Rich, Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. “These additional measures will help protect our community by reducing group settings where the virus can easily spread. We must be vigilant in practicing physical distancing and wearing masks. It is more important than ever that we look out for each other.”
See the full press release here.
For more information, please check Orange County's COVID-19 webpage. - 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.
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AnnouncementsGood NewsResources & COVID SupportsHealth & Wellness at HomeOnline Senior Center ProgramsAging Transitions ServicesHow to Help
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Census to Resume Operations in August
With much of the nation focused on the coronavirus and the upcoming Presidential election, the 2020 Census has fallen into the background. But the once a decade count of the American people has taken on even more importance in light of the once in a century (we hope) pandemic.
Through July 8, almost 70 percent of households in Orange County had filled out their survey, the second-highest rate in the state. If you haven’t responded, you don’t have to wait for the Census taker. You can still respond online at (www.my2020census.gov), via phone (844-330-2020) or by returning the paper form. The website and telephone service are available in a dozen languages. If you didn’t receive a paper form or misplaced it, you can call and request one.
When filling out the form, you must answer it with information that was correct as of April 1, 2020. If you had a baby born after April 1, he/she would not be included on the form. If you had a relative or housemate move out after April 1, include their information on your form as if they were still in the household.
The results of this once-a-decade count determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. They are also used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.
The outbreak put all Census activities on hold in March, but the Census Bureau announced in June that it would resume field operations in late July and early August. Census takers are expected to begin visiting Orange County households that have not responded in early August.
Census takers will have a Census ID badge and will wear a mask and practice social distancing. Census takers will not ask you for banking or credit card information.
Census results help determine how money is allocated for grants that support teachers and special education, programs to support rural areas, to restore wildlife, to prevent child abuse, to prepare for wildfires, and to provide housing assistance for older adults. A complete count ensures that Orange County will receive its fair share of federal funding.
If you haven’t already responded, please do so. It only takes 10 minutes, and your answers will impact Orange County, the municipalities, volunteer fire departments and school systems for the next 10 years.
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DCHC MPO Seeks Comment on 30-Year Plan for Future Transportation PrioritiesFeedback Requested by August 5
If you’re interested in the 30-year plan for future highway, bicycle, rail, pedestrian and transit projects for our region, now’s your chance to give your feedback by August 5 on how the process to identify these projects will take place.
The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) is seeking public feedback now on their proposed goals and objectives and their public engagement plan for the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The 2050 MTP will identify future highway, transit, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and other transportation projects for this region over the next 30 years. The goals and objectives will guide the selection of these transportation projects, and the public engagement plan will define the process for receiving input on the 2050 MTP as it develops.
Residents and other stakeholders are asked to provide comments by completing this online survey in English or Spanish, or visiting the DCHC MPO website and providing comments directly by email by Wednesday, August 5.
Residents and stakeholders may also directly address the DCHC MPO Board on these two items on Wednesday, August 12 beginning at 9 a.m. during their virtual board meeting. The August 12 virtual meeting will also be live streamed on the DCHC MPO’s Facebook page.
For more information about the 2050 MTP, contact DCHC MPO Principal Planner Andrew Henry at (919) 560-4366, ext. 36419 or by email.
About the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization
The DCHC MPO is responsible for planning and programming state and federal transportation projects in all of Durham County and the urbanized areas of Orange County and Chatham County. To learn more, follow the DCHC MPO Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up-to-date on news about their transportation planning efforts.
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Aging Transitions Team continues to support during COVID-19The Aging Transitions team has continued to support the older adults and caregivers of our community, even in this time of social distancing! Though we’re limiting our in-person contacts at the Seymour or Passmore Centers currently, we have explored methods of support through phone calls, emails, and video conferencing. The Aging Information Helpline has responded to over 600 phone calls and emails since the beginning of March. Many of these have been in response to COVID-related concerns – like connecting those in need to local food programs and providing accurate information about stimulus checks and the 2020 tax deadline. Other questions and needs have helped us to grow our abilities to support the community: learning to facilitate support groups and caregiver programs on virtual platforms, offering activity engagement support remotely, providing no-contact durable medical equipment drop-offs, building future programs, and supporting our other teams within the Department on Aging. As always, Aging Transitions is continuing to listen and respond to the needs of the community. Please don’t hesitate to let us know how we can support: AgingTransitons@orangecountync.gov or 919-968-2087. |
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Resources & COVID Supports
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Grocery Delivery ServiceIf 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.
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Medicare & Health InsuranceThe Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is continuing to assist Orange County residents age 55+ with questions about Medicare and ACA/Obamacare plans. All consultations are currently done over the phone or video chat. To schedule an appointment, please call 919-245-4274.
Financial Assistance with Medicare Costs: If your gross income (including social security benefits) is less than $1595 per month for an individual or $2155 for a married couple and you have limited savings, you may qualify for assistance with Medicare premiums and/or copays. Call Jeanne Chamberlin at 919-245-4240 to learn more.
Our popular Welcome to Medicare classes are moving online and will be available via Zoom monthly beginning in August. Watch our website for dates and times: www.orangecountync.gov/ocncshiip. If you can’t wait until August, you can view the Welcome to Medicare Presentation with Detailed Notes.
Learn about Medicare coverage of Covid 19 Services
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Information from the IRSLooking for Your Income Tax Refund? You can check the status of your federal income tax refund at www.irs.gov/refunds or download the IRS2Go App to your smart phone. The NC Department of Revenue has a similar tool at https://www.ncdor.gov/file-pay/refund-process.
Looking for Your Stimulus Check? Check the status of your $1200 stimulus check at www.irs.gov – Get My Economic Impact Payment. Payments are automatically sent to those that filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return or received social security benefits as of January 1, 2020. Others must register by October 15 to receive their check at www.irs.gov – Non Filers: Enter Payment Info Here. Note that adults who are claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return are not eligible for a stimulus check.
Can’t Pay Your Full Tax Bill? The IRS provides several options that you can learn about at www.irs.gov/payments - Can’t Pay Now section at bottom right.
Significant Changes to Retirement Plans due to Covid-19. Read the details in this IRS Tax Tip.
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 Mike Komives
Employment Specialist
Orange Co. Dept. on Aging
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Mature Job Seekers and EntrepreneursAre you searching for a job? Full-time or part-time? Working from home?
Looking for a job today is challenging. You need a compelling resume and effective cover letter. You need to know that over two-thirds of all jobs obtained are the result of productive networking. You need to guide your friends and contacts on how to best help you. You need to tell and show the results of your work – outcomes, accomplishments and achievements. You need to describe not only your ideal job, but also what work is acceptable to you. You need to know what you are worth – your value.
Mike Komives, Employment Specialist with Orange County Department On Aging can help you with all of your Job Search needs. Crafting a powerful resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. Showing you how networking is easy and productive. Guidance on preparing answers to interviewing questions. Tips on virtual, video and telephone interviewing. Helping you with what questions to ask, as well as ways to handle salary questions. Providing information on jobs available now.
Why “how you look” matters. Ways to address age discrimination. If you want to work from home, Mike can guide you on what’s needed to be considered as a candidate. And if you’re unemployed, he’ll provide a guide on how to apply and collect unemployment benefits.
Thinking about starting your own business? Mike will inform you on what is needed to develop your business plan, and connect you to the Orange County Department of Economic Development, including the small business grant/loan program.
Mike Komives, MBAEmployment Specialist Orange County Department on Aging 919.616.8778 | skomives@orangecountync.gov
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Face Covering Distribution EventsOrange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro are all offering face coverings for residents.
Orange County info on mask distribution: - Orange Grove Fire Department, Station 1: 6800 Orange Grove Road, Hillsborough
- Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. - 12 a.m
- Cedar Grove Fire Department, Station 2: 720 Hawkins Road
- Thursdays, 7-9 p.m.. Residents are asked to drive up to the front door.
- White Cross Fire Department: 5722 Old Greensboro Road
- Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Chapel Hill info on mask distribution: - Fire Station 1: 403 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
- Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2-5 p.m.
- Fire Station 3: 1615 E. Franklin Street
- Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2-5 p.m.
Carrboro info on mask distribution: - Carrboro Police Department: 100 N. Greensboro Street
- Mondays and Fridays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Fire Station 1: 301 W. Main Street
- Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2-5 p.m.
- Fire Station 2: 1411 Homestead Road
- Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2-5 p.m.
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Food Distribution Event
Carrboro High School
201 Rock Haven Road, Carrboro
Thursday, July 23; 9:30am - 11:00am
Limit of 2 households per vehicle.
Food Boxes are open to the community and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Health & Wellness at Home
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Fit SeniorsCheck out our at-home exercise options offered by OCDOA Wellness Program instructors and staff to help keep you fit and healthy. Visit Fit Seniors to connect with LIVE classes from Dianne, Judy, and Vicki, or pre-recorded videos from Charron, Salli, and Kevin!
Watch for more options in the future and get started today!
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July is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People, and People of Color) Mental Health MonthAs experts have pointed out, the COVID-19 data for Indigenous communities in the U.S. are reported inconsistently. This is partly due to racial misclassification. Some states record data for Indigenous people with the groupings: “American Indian/Alaska Native,” “Native Hawaiian,” and “Other Pacific Islanders,” while other states lump them all together under the category “Other.” This confusing way of reporting, together with the fact that the federal government does not collect data on all ethnicities and races equally across the country, makes it difficult to gauge with precision the impact that the pandemic is having on Indigenous communities in the U.S.
However, taking the still incomplete data concerning COVID-19 cases and deaths together with established information about social determinants of health in these communities indicates that the pandemic is hitting Indigenous people particularly hard. For example, a frequently updated report by the nonpartisan American Public Media Research Lab found that Black Americans and Indigenous Americans are taking the brunt of the pandemic throughout the country.
The report estimates that 1 in 1,500 Black Americans have died of COVID-19, followed by 1 in 2,300 Indigenous Americans.
Learn more in the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of Indigenous communities in the July 7th OC Health Department COVID-19 E-newsletter.
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UNC Trauma Talk
Making Seniors Homes Safer: Staying Safe While Social Distancing
Join UNC Trauma Center's Lindsay Bailey and OCDoA's Ryan Lavalley as they discuss the importance of home safety and modification services for seniors, as well as the role of the Orange County Home Preservation Coalition. Listen Here.
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Online Senior Center Programs
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At-Home ActivitiesMissing your usual activities at the Seymour and Passmore Centers? Check out our new list of at-home activities, curated by your favorite senior center staff members!
Download our listing of online activities that mirror some of our drop in activities including crosswords, card games, reading books, painting, table tennis, DIY projects, and more. Find the updated list on the Senior Center Online Programs Page!
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Quilting at Home with Friends on ZoomLooking to quilt with a fun group? Work on your own, or group project. Most of the group quilts are donated to charity. While we will not be meeting in person at the present time, join us for show and tell, advice on your project, or other tips. Email Susan Zeisel for further questions. Click on the link below to join the Zoom meeting.
Date: Mondays
Time: 10 am
Join Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/5399963202?pwd=b1NPUnBxTFd4TE5GUC9mK2FzNXNYUT09
Meeting ID: 539 996 3202
Password: 366382
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Orange County Roads, Ride IIIThe latest episode in our Cycling Country Roads series features horses, historic barns and buildings and lots of great scenery along the country roads in historic Efland.
See the video here.
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Mindfulness at the NC Museum of ArtConnecting with works of art can help us slow down and focus on the present moment, a skill that can help to regulate stress in our day-to-day life.
We are still in the process of gauging our community’s interest in this live, interactive mindfulness program to be offered in a virtual format later this summer (date to be determined). To be added to our sign-up list, please contact Lisa Meinert at (919) 245-4251.
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Monkey's Paw, Presented by The Prime Time PlayersOrange County Department on Aging’s in-house theatrical group, The Prime Time Players, present their latest online Zoom Theater Production, “Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs, directed by John Paul Middlesworth, produced by Joan Ontjes, and video edited by Darryl and Mary Freedman.
The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs is the story of a family who take possession of a monkey's paw which allows them three wishes. Unfortunately, the results of the wishes are not at all what they expected.
Join five of our Players (David Smith, Betty Currier, Marie VanDerbeck, Sylvia Dante and Raleigh Mann) as they perform this 30-minute comedy from their own homes on Tuesday, July 21 at 2pm. As a new way of connecting with our audience, The Prime Time Players are offering free virtual productions every other Tuesday for your enjoyment. Join them for each new production or watch at your leisure by clicking on the link below:
https://youtu.be/bj_JNS1LeMA
We hope that you enjoy the performance. Be sure to “Subscribe” to our YouTube channel, the Prime Time Players of Chapel Hill to access all of our free programs. After subscribing, click on the below the video to see all we have to offer. New videos continue to be added as time goes by.
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Aging Transitions Services
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Activity Engagement CoachingAs we all continue to spend a lot of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day.
For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations (via phone or GoToMeeting) where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are - Person-centered, i.e. tailored to your loved one’s current and past interests, likes, & preferences
- Meaningful
- Appropriately modified to current level of cognitive ability, thereby reducing frustration and stress
If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional or Marie Dagger, OTR/L (919-245-4279).
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Caregiver SupportsSupport groups, 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. For more information about these programs, please contact Kim or Lisa.
For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.
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Caregivers' Support GroupsVirtual meeting with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. For more information or to register your interest to join, please call 919-245-2015, 919-968-2070, or register online at: https://server4.orangecountync.gov/wbwsc/Webtrac.wsc/search.html?module=AR and search keyword “Caregivers’ Support.”
Register: 1 day prior to the meeting
Location: Online or by phone via GoToMeeting
Dates/Times:
2nd and 4th Thursdays; 1-2:30pm
Activity Code: 255005-02
2nd and 4th Fridays; 1-:30am - 12pm
Activity Code: 352755-03
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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 919-245-4279 ext. 1 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.
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COVID-19 Volunteer OpportunitiesWould 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.
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For more information about ways to help, please visit:
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103 Meadowlands Dr. (PO Box 8181)
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: 919-245-2015
Currently Closed to the Public
Typical Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 8 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 9 am - 11 am |
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2551 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone:919-968-2070
Currently Closed to the Public
Typical Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 9 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm |
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