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Topics in this EditionAnnouncementsGood NewsResources & COVID SupportsHealth & Wellness at HomeOnline Senior Center ProgramsAging Transitions ServicesHow to Help
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Orange County COVID-19 UpdatesOrange County, North Carolina has extended the State of Emergency through and including October 31, 2020. This extension is an important procedural action that allows governing bodies to continue to meet virtually. It also authorizes Orange County to extend emergency procurement procedures as well as request state and federal aid as needed. Read the full emergency declaration here.
For up-to-date information on coronavirus 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.
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Do you know an amazing Direct Care Worker?It’s time for the sixth annual SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards. Nominations are open through September 18, 2020. A virtual recognition ceremony will be held for award winners on Thursday, October 22, 2020. This event is in honor of Direct Care Workers (nurse aides, personal care aides, companion caregivers, etc.) who affect their clients’ lives on a daily basis and make a difference in the Orange County community.
In recognition of the outstanding service provided by direct care workers, the Department on Aging and SHARP will present awards in the following categories: Client Impact, Longevity, Leadership, Going the Extra Mile, and Rising Star. One person will be chosen as the “Direct Care Worker of the Year.”
For more information about the awards and to nominate a direct care worker, please complete the online nomination form at: http://www.orangecountync.gov/249/SHARP-Direct-Care-Worker-Awards. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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2020 Census - Did You Know?Data from the Census brings $7.4 billion in federal tax dollars every year to our communities – that’s $1,623 per person, per year in North Carolina according to a George Washington University report. Ten minutes of your time can shape your and North Carolina's future for the next 10 years. The 2020 Census impacts funding, planning & services, which all have a direct impact on jobs and the state's economy. Incomplete data today sets an inaccurate baseline for tomorrow – compounding the impact for NC for the next 10 years. We only have until September 30, 2020, to get a complete count. Approximately 4 million North Carolinians have yet to be counted. If you are one of those, please respond today by visiting my2020census.gov or by calling (844) 330-2020. Let's #MakeNCCount!
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Seymour Center Construction UpdateWe are very excited about all the new construction updates to the Seymour Center. As most of our regular Seymour Center users are aware, the major construction project was just getting underway as we began the “Stay At Home” orders due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in late March.
Currently, the new back parking lot with the additional 52 parking spaces is scheduled to be paved this week and then more work will be done to a join the new parking area and the current entrance. If you are regular curbside lunch program participant watch for changes over the next few weeks. There has already been some work done to make our main entrance area and curbside ADA compliant. We have more work to be done around the main entrance with adding 3 additional accessible parking spaces. The new addition/expansion to the Great Hall is well underway and the framing and outside walls have all been installed and once this is complete the inside work can be done. The new office expansion to expand and accommodate our Aging Transitions staff so they don’t have to share offices will provide more confidential meeting spaces with their clients is all but complete; the painting and carpet are complete and the furniture for these offices is about to be ordered. Over the next month, staff should be able to move into these offices. |
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The Seymour Center is an early voting site which starts October 15 and we hope that all the work around the front of building will be complete just prior to this date. There is still work to do but we are marching toward our goal of November 1 to have all the construction completed. |
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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 or visit our website www.orangecountync.gov/ocncshiip.
State Health Plan Changes for Retirees: NC State Government retirees with health benefits will be receiving information about changes to their State Health Plan options soon. The State has replaced the two United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans with similar plans from Humana. Benefits remain the same or better and premiums for spouses to participate are significantly lower. Those currently using either United Plan will be automatically enrolled in the Humana Base Plan for 2021, unless you take an action during the State Health Plan’s Open Enrollment Period October 15-October 31. Watch for information in your mail or visit the state’s website: www.shpnc.org.
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.
Tuesday September 1, 12-1:30pm
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.
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Information from the IRS13.9 Million Americans will receive additional small IRS payment. Taxpayers who had a refund that was not paid promptly will be receiving a separate interest payment from the IRS. The average payment will be $18 but the exact amount depends on your refund amount. If your refund was direct deposited to your bank account, this separate interest payment will come the same way, otherwise you’ll receive a check in the mail with the notation “INT Amount”. Please note that this payment is taxable income and the government will send you a 1099-INT form that you’ll need when you file your 2020 income tax in early 2021.
Still Looking 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.
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 Mike Komives
Employment Specialist
Orange Co. Dept. on Aging
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Mature Job Seekers and EntrepreneursSearching for a job? In today's environment and economy, resumes and cover letters need to be compelling, concise, to-the-point, and present valid reasons why you should be considered. To accomplish these, I can help you. Networking in this environment is much more challenging. If you want to know about job seeker groups that can help connect you with people you want and need to meet, I can help you. Interviewing today is done differently than before the coronavirus / Covid19 pandemic hit us. Telephone and virtual interviewing -- Zoom, GoToMeeting, and other applications are used, even multiple times before a face-to-face meeting takes place. If you want suggestions and practical thoughts on these, I can help you. In addition to helping Orange County mature job seekers, I facilitate the Jobs Network of St. Thomas More meetings, virtually twice a month. Last Saturday, for instance, 22 participants learned about starting their own business, with presentations and discussions led by two professionals -- Don Downs and Daniel Prendergast. If you want more information, I can help you or connect you to them. I'm Mike Komives, Employment Specialist for Orange County Department On Aging. Contact me by phone: 919-616-8778, or email: skomives@orangecountync.gov.
SAVE THE DATE!Being Better than Before, a FREE webinar series for mature workers. Presenters: Carl Nordgren, Mark Tully, Heidi Hackney and Mike Komives “Whatever you intend to do living in this new world ,you will do it more successfully, more gracefully, even more joyously, if you approach it as the most creative version of yourself, with the goal of being better than before.” September 23, 25, 30 and October 2. More details will appear in upcoming newsletters If you have questions or want more information, contact Mike Komives or call/text (919) 616-8778.
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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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AcupunctureAchieve 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, please visit: http://www.nccaomdiplomates.com/celestialsea.
Please call Tamara Freedman, L. Ac. for an appointment 919-370-1375 or email her at Celestialseacupuncture@gmail.com
To register, please contact the Front Desk: 919-968-2070
Fee: $55/ 1.5 hr session
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FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEKFalls are a leading cause of injury for people aged 65 and older, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. There are proven ways to prevent them. North Carolina will celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Week September 20 – 26. Join the OCDOA as we explore ways to prevent a fall.
5 Ways to Prevent a Fall at HomeHow can we prevent a fall? Occupational Therapist Marie Dagger and UNC Injury Prevention Coordinator Lindsay Bailey will discuss key areas to focus on as your work towards staying safer at home. Questions and discussion encouraged! Date Thu, Sep 24 Time: 1 pm Link: Program ID will be emailed BalanceA 6-week balance training class, designed to improve your balance and prevent falls, includes strength training, functional movement, and progressive balance exercises, and is for seniors with balance problems. It fills quickly, so sign up early. At the conclusion of the first class, instructor will determine appropriateness for continuation in class. INSTRUCTORS: Charron Andrews, physical therapist assisted by UNC student volunteers interested in careers working with older adults. FEE: $36 for 6 sessions DATES: Tue, Sep 8 – Oct 13 (352117-04) TIME: 10 am LINK: Program ID will be sent before class Falls Risk ScreeningAre you concerned about falling? Contact Occupational Therapist Marie Dagger for a 1:1 appointment to discuss your falls risk. Results are confidential, but can be shared with your doctor upon request. Appointments are available via phone or video call. In-home follow-up available post COVID-19. Contact 919-245-4279 or mdagger@orangecountync.gov. Home Safety ChatsJoin occupational therapist Marie Dagger for the inaugural Home Safety Chat on Tue, Sep 22 at 10 am. This 30 min program of education and Q&A will discuss grab bars in this first session with further topics on the 1 st and 3 rd Tuesdays of each month. Contact Marie for further information and registration: 919-245-4279; mdagger@orangecountync.govFee: FREE Date: Tue, Sep 22 (342205-04) Time: 10 am Link: Program ID will be emailed
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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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Monticello: Home of Thomas JeffersonOn your hour-long virtual tour, a Monticello guide will lead
you in real-time through the first floor of Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home. You will get a private, unobstructed view of the house and collections and discuss important issues such as Thomas Jefferson’s role as a nation builder and Monticello as a plantation powered by the labor of enslaved African Americans.
Tour is limited. Call 919-968-2070 to register. For questions, contact Lisa Meinert at 919-245-4251 or Cydnee Sims at 919-245-4250.
Fee: Free
Date: Friday, Aug 28
Time: 2:30 pm
Link: Program ID to be emailed
Class ID: 343076-01
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Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED): A little Known End of Life Option As modern technology prolongs our lives, a life well-lived can often end with a long and painful struggle. Increasingly there are choices available about end-of-life options that afford greater personal control over the time and manner of death. A “good death” is more likely when medical practitioners and those supporting the dying person are more informed about these options.
The Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team proudly hosts Elliott and Susan Schaffer for a discussion of the medical, ethical and legal issues involving VSED, Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking. They will share with us the end of life story of Susan’s mother, Beatrice Belopolsky, a resident of a retirement community in New Jersey.
Presenters include: Elliott Schaffer, MD, retired geriatrician and former Medical Director at Martins Run Life Care Community in Media, Pa. Susan Schaffer, JD, retired attorney and former Senior Counsel at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
The event will take place on Thursday, Sept 22, from 4 – 5:15 pm via a virtual platform. The room will accept entry beginning at 3:45 pm to assist with any questions or issues with using the platform prior to the start of the program.
For information please contact Shenae McPherson at shmcpherson@orangecountync.gov. If technology assistance is needed, please contact Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243 by Thursday, Sept 17.
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VIRTUAL ART SHOWS – SEYMOUR CENTERfeaturing…. JOYCE SANDYJoyce Sandy, a self-taught artist from the age of 16 and
scholar of the Art Students League in New York City,
will introduce her exhibit, “Transitions”. You will enjoy
beautiful acrylics on canvas featuring butterflies and
bridges and how in many cultures, they are symbols of transition.
Date: Month of September
Time: Every day at 3 pm
View program: https://www.orangecountync.gov/236/Senior-Center-Programs
If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact Cydnee Sims at 919-245-4250 or csims@orangecountync.gov.
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Art Composition – Virtual ClassThe success of your original art depends heavily on your compositional skills. Learn the specific principles of composition through hands-on experiences using different materials and creative tricks. You will receive feedback on their projects as you work together with their instructor. You will not complete any finished painting, but you will be bubbling with ideas for your future creations. Who knew that learning composition skills could be this much creative fun! Min 4/Max 10.
Instructor: Carol Fynn, certified master teacher and professional watercolor artist.
Download the Material List
Register: 919-968-2070
Fee: $65
Date/Time: Wed, Sep 16 – Oct 21; 9 -11 am
Activity Code: (354124-01)
Join: After registering, please contact carolefynn@gmail.com to receive the Zoom class link and ID code.
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Homebound Hobbies Are you interested in starting a new hobby to fill the hours without heading out to the store? During our time together you will learn about some fun and easy hobbies that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Presenter: Michael Friedman, Neuroscience major at Washington Univ in St Louis
Date: Tuesday, Sep 1
Time: 10:30 am
Link: Will be emailed when you register
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Being Positive During the Pandemic During these socially distanced times, it can be difficult for everyone to interact in ways that we enjoy and have been accustomed to throughout our lives. Come talk about positivity, mental wellness, and finding happiness despite these difficult times.
Presenter: Michael Friedman, Neuroscience major at Washington Univ in St Louis
Date: Thursday, Sep 3
Time: 10:30 am
Link: Will be emailed when you register
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Exercising The MindOur brain is like a muscle and can be strengthened and trained with the proper mental exercises. Learn how to keep your mind healthy and active.
Presenter: Michael Friedman, Neuroscience major at Washington Univ in St Louis
Date: Tuesday, Sep 8
Time: 10:30 am
Link: Will be emailed when you register
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Intergenerational Stories There is so much to be learned from everyone’s story, and intergenerational conversations are extremely valuable to all of us. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or drink of your choice, hear some stories, and share your own.
Presenter: Michael Friedman, Neuroscience major at Washington Univ in St Louis
Date: Thursday, Sep 10
Time: 10:30 am
Link: Will be emailed when you register
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Happy News, During Trying Times Our newscasts have been filled with saddening and troubling world events recently, so come to this chat to cheer up and hear some heartwarming and happy news.
Presenter: Michael Friedman, Neuroscience major at Washington Univ in St Louis
Date: Thursday, Aug 27
Time: 11 am
Link: Will be emailed when you register
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Intro to Zentangle In this class, you’ll learn the history and philosophy of the Zentangle art method. You’ll learn how to draw at least 8 tangles (patterns), along with some basic shading techniques. You can learn in the comfort of your own home!
Instructor: Cathy Boytos
Supplies needed: Black Micron 01 pen, Pencil, Tortillion (blending tool), Good drawing paper. (Can be cut into 3.5” squares)
Register: Call 919-968-2070
Fee: $30
Date/Time: Sep 14; 1-3 pm
Activity Code: (324008-02)
Join: Zoom link will be available prior to class starting - please email cathyboytos@gmail.com for zoom log-in info
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Prime Time Players Present "August 18, 1920, the day that the 19th Amendment Passed"On August 18, 2020, women of the United States celebrate 100 years of being enfranchised as voters. A century earlier, on a hot day in Tennessee, the 72-year struggle to guarantee women the right to vote climaxed in a dramatic showdown in the Tennessee House of Representatives. A young member of the house switched his vote because of advice he had gotten from his mother, and that was the tipping point for the passage of the 19th amendment to the constitution. The amendment declared that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
Among the tools the suffragists had at their disposal was theatre, and numerous plays were produced in the decades prior to the 19th amendment that helped make the case for women’s suffrage. Unique among them was a monologue by Marie Jenney Howe that sharply lampooned an anti-suffrage speech. The Anti-Suffrage movement was, in some ways, no laughing matter: it was large and well-organized, with women leading the effort to keep women from being able to vote. View Here: https://youtu.be/kQwFh6JmM0I
As a new way of connecting with their 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. When you get to that link, you may need to click on Skip Ads to see this production.
After enjoying this production, click Subscribe to the right. It doesn’t cost. If you’re already a subscriber to our Channel, use this link to see many productions:
Prime Time Players, Zoom Theater Production
Players
Beverly Cordes
Becky Fricke
A.J. Mayhew
Production Participants
John Paul Middlesworth, Director
Joan Ontjes, Producer
Darryl and Mary Freedman, Videographers
Orange County Department on Aging, Sponsor
Prior Productions Also available on our Channel Link Above
The Necklace Sham
The Boor Fourteen
The Beggar & The King An Anti-Suffragette Monologue
The Monkey’s Paw
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Aging Transitions Services
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Caregiver SupportsSupport 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 Fall 2020 Caregiver Programming.
For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.
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Caregiver Education Series: Caring BasicsA new monthly education series designed to provide information for individuals providing care and support for a friend or family member. The program hopes to strengthen your skills and resilience, and bolster the ability to nurture and support those for whom you care. Call 919-245-4278 or email for GoToMeeting login information. Please register 1 day prior to the meeting.
Advance Directives
Date: Monday, September 21
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm
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Dementia - Let's Talk About ItJoin 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. Call 919-245-4279 or email for GoToMeeting login information. Please register 1 day prior to the meeting.
What is Dementia?
Date: Tuesday, September 1
Time: 10:15-11:15 am
Caregiver Self-Care
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 10:15-11:15 am
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Caring for Ourselves – Support GroupAre feeling worried, lonely and in-need of a safe space to explore their feelings? Our support group will include education and tips that can be used to manage feelings of stress and anxiety while promoting self-care. Group meetings offered virtually through GoToMeeting.
Register: 2 days in advance to receive a program eligibility screening and instructions on how to join. For more information and to register please call Tiffany Summers, LCSWA, and 919-245-4277.
Date: 1st and 3rd Mondays, starting September 21st
Time: 2:30-3:30 pm
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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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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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