Drugs with Dr. DeLon - A Virtual Series:
What to Do After My COVID Vaccine

Am I safe to travel? Should I keep wearing a mask? Can I see my loved ones? These are all common questions after you complete your series of COVID vaccine. Dr. DeLon Canterbury, Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, will share safety tips and resources to track your symptoms after the COVID vaccine and how you can prevent the spread of COVID. Dr. Cantebury is the founder and director of GeriatRx, a pharmacist based consulting service for all adult populations with a specific interest in the well-being and quality management of elderly patients.

Register: Email Lbrown@orangecountync.gov   Phone #/Link: Provided after registration Location: Virtual    Speaker: DeLon Canterbury, PharmD, BCGP
Date: Tuesday, June 22   Time: 10 a.m.   Activity Code: (232263-06)

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  free 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. 
 
There’s no fee, but you do need to register at 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 the morning of the class that includes a link to join our Zoom Meeting. 

Register by: Calling 919-245-4274, option 2
Fee: FREE
Location: Virtual  Link/Phone#: Provided after Registration
Date: Tue, Jun 22   Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

Strong and Steady Pop-up Class 

This Evidence-Based Program* is designed to stretch and strengthen your entire body for improved movement, balance, and strength. This class includes exercises proven to improve your strength and reduce your risk for falls.  The class follows the guidelines developed by the Arthritis Foundation.  This class is an excellent way to improve joint flexibility, muscular strength and toning. The class is appropriate for all levels!!!  Instructor: Vicki Tilley, PT, Geriatric Clinical Specialist

Register by: Mon, Jun 21   Fee: FREE
Date: Thu, Jun 24   Time: 10 – 11 am   Activity Code: (252007-06)
Location: Passmore Center Parking Lot (Weather Permitting) 

Hearing Screening and Ear Wax Check

Did you know that 2 out of 3 people are affected be hearing loss? Hearing loss can also negatively affect your communication skills. A simple ear wax check and hearing screening can help change your ability to hear. Patricia O Johnson, AuD, F-AAA, ABA Certified, Doctor of Audiology and UNC Hearing and Communication Center Staff will provide the screenings. There will also be an explanation on the causes and symptoms of hearing loss.

Register by: Fri, Jun 19   Fee: FREE   Time:  9:30 – 11:30 am
Passmore Center - Date: Thu, Jun 24   Activity Code:  (252505-01)
Seymour Center - Date: Fri, Jun 25   Activity Code: (352079-05)

Interactive Games:
Fibbage, Drawful and Joke Boat

Join in for a fun-filled afternoon with Judah for a variety of virtual interactive games that you can play on your computer, tablet or phone. Come and enjoy fun games with others online. Once you get into it, you will love it and be prepared to laugh - a lot!   Min: 4/ Max: 8 Instructor:  Ainsley Kalb

Register by: Wed, Jun 23   Fee: FREE
Date: Wed, Jun 30   Time: 2-3 pm   Activity Code: (333093-01)
Phone#/Link: Link provided upon registration

Digital Privacy Workshop Series

Consumer Reports’ Digital Privacy workshop will take consumers through the most important steps of setting up and maintaining Online Security and Privacy. Attendees will learn tips and tricks to protect themselves online.  The workshop also includes some big-picture discussion about the do’s and don’ts of being online. 
 
Digital Privacy: Password Management MANAGEMENT

Protect your passwords by learning how to create stronger passwords and security      questions, as well as password management tools available. Min: 5/ Max: 15. Instructor: Russ Wiener.
    
Register by: Jun 30    Fee: FREE 
Date: Jul 7   Time: 1:30 – 3 pm      Activity Code: (344082-05)
Phone #/Link: Provided after registration

Digital Privacy: Encryption and Phishing
Protect your online data by learning how to recognize illegitimate activities and edit and update settings on mobile applications and social media platforms. Min: 5/ Max: 15. Instructor: Russ Wiener     

Register by: Jul 7   Fee: FREE 
Date: Jul 14     Time: 1:30 – 3 pm   Activity Code: (344082-06)
Phone #/Link: Provided after registration

BINGO – VIRTUAL GAMES

Get ready to play bingo. Connect with others in a virtual platform! Each person will have 2 game boards available for pick up ONE WEEK PRIOR TO EACH GAME, between 9 am- 4 pm at the Seymour Center. Our Bingo caller  will keep track of winners. Prizes sponsored by Aetna Insurance. Prizes will be available at Seymour Center for the winners. 

Fee: FREE
Register: Call 919-968-2070 1 week before game date   
Date: Tue, Jul 13   Time: 3 – 4 pm   Activity Code: (353041-16)
Join: Phone#/Link provided at registration

Meal Delivery Drivers Needed! 

We are seeking volunteers for our Community-based Services team to deliver lunches to older adults throughout the County.
 
If you miss engaging with people and want to give back to your community, then this could be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!
 
We are looking for dependable, qualified drivers to deliver lunch meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 12 pm – 1 pm.  For only an hour of your time you can provide support and assistance to older adults and add a little joy to their day.
 
Don’t delay; contact Shenae McPherson, Volunteer Connect 55+ Administrator at 919-245-4243 or via email shmcpherson@orangecountync.gov today!

Where’s My Tax Refund?

Although most returns are processed timely and refunds sent within 21 days , the IRS is facing significant delays in processing many tax returns.  At last count they are working through millions of returns that require some level of manual processing.  This might be because of a discrepancy between the taxpayer’s request for stimulus payments and IRS records, possible identity theft, or other issues.  You can check the status of your refund at  www.irs.gov/refunds or by downloading the IRS2Go app.

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.

Suggestions for Job Seekers 55+ Years of Age

 
HAVE A PLAN.  Write down what you do really well, and what you want to do.  If you are unsure about these, or how to describe your strengths, values or motivations, review the enclosed Self-Knowledge Check Up and complete the worksheets.
 
CONFIRM YOU'RE READY FOR EACH STEP. Review the enclosed Elements in a Successful Job Search, and confirm whether and how you are ready for each step.
 
EMPLOYERS LOOK AT RESUMES FOR MORE THAN EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION. Employers today want to hire candidates who have accomplishments and successes that are relevant to their business. If you need help in identifying your own, here is a suggested way to do this: Identifying Your Successes.
 
Now that you’ve identified your accomplishments and achievements, you’re ready to develop your resume and cover letter. You want these to communicate your credentials in a strong and positive manner. For this purpose, take a look at the enclosed Resumes and Cover Letters.
 
These are the basic foundation steps. As you make progress through these subjects, if you have any questions or want more information, feel free to contact me.
 
Next issue, we'll address more steps, and provide examples and guidance for each.
 
I'm here to help you, and look forward to hearing from you. Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, call 919-616-8778 or email skomives@orangecountync.gov.

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting https://getemergencybroadband.org.

Who do I call?

• To learn about and register for programs at the SEYMOUR CENTER – call 919-968-2070
• To learn about and register for programs at the PASSMORE CENTER – call 919-245-2015
• To speak with a social worker about aging-related issues and services (ex: caregiving, housing, durable medical equipment, etc.), not related to senior center happenings – email or call the AGING HELPLINE / 919-968-2087
• For questions about local transportation options –  email or call the TRANSPORTATION HELPLINE / 919-717-1853
• To volunteer with us, contact VC 55+ / 919-245-4243 

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.

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