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.

Medicare & Health Insurance

The 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. 
 
New to Medicare?  If you’re turning 65 soon, you’re probably being bombarded by mailings about Medicare.  Join us for an online class to learn all about Medicare.  Whether you are retiring soon, already retired or continuing to work, you’ll get valuable information including how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, Medicare’s costs, benefits and options. 
 
Monday August 10; 6 - 7:30 pm
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. 

Mature Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs

SAVE THE DATE!

Don’t Be Taken In By the Scammers!

Have you gotten robocalls, text messages, or emails offering free face masks? Or maybe you've seen social media posts about free COVID-19 testing kits, "cures," or protective equipment? Don’t fall for it! 

Watch this short video and visit Medicare.gov/fraud for tips on preventing Medicare scams and fraud. If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it.

Learn common tax scams and how to avoid them with these Tax Tip from the IRS.

Fit Seniors

Check 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! 

FINANCIAL PLAN for FINAL EXPENSES

This is a basic to advanced financial education seminars with instructor, Jan. P. MBA  Transamerica (Licensed in NC; SC; VA; WI ).  In this 45 mines course, we will introduce the Financial strategy; tools and tips for the senior to plan for their final financial expenses, and final solutions. Course will meet every other Wednesday beginning August 5. For additional information, please contact Jan Pang at jan.transamerica@gmail.com or by phone at 919-667-8258. One on one virtual consultation will be available as needed. Google meet up link below.
Fee: FREE
Date: Wed, Aug 5, 19; Sept 2, 16, 30: Oct 14, 28: Nov 11 (will not meet on Nov 25 due to holiday)
Time: 3pm -4 pm
Link: https://meet.google.com/tqx-qcwx-ayk?authuser=0

The Prime Time Players present, “SHAM” by Frank G. Tompkins

Orange County Department on Aging’s in-house theatrical group, The Prime Time Players, present their latest online Zoom Theater Production, “SHAM” by Frank G. Tompkins, directed by John Paul Middlesworth, produced by Joan Ontjes, and video edited by Darryl and Mary Freedman. 
 
Sham is the story of a couple encountering a thief who’s just invaded their home. The thief, an art connoisseur, tells them they have nothing worth stealing, but he nonetheless needs to take something. A battle of wits ensues, with everyone getting pretty much what they deserve.
 
Join our Players (Bob Lauterborn, Raquel Strauss, David Cole and Christine Everhart) as they perform this 25-minute comedy on Tuesday, August 4 at 2 pm.  
 
As a new way of connecting with our audience, The Prime Time Players is offering a free virtual production every other Tuesday for you to enjoy. In the event you are not able to watch videos when posted, please know that videos are viewable at your leisure by clicking on the available link below. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our videos as they are released.
 
https://youtu.be/cvDkbJ9tTAs 

Activity Engagement Coaching

As 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).

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.

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