• Celebrate the achievements of the past five years
• Hear results from the July 2021 MAP Survey
• Share what’s important to you
• Engage with MAP workgroup leaders
  
  

Memory Café on the Move

Memory Café on the Move is a casual, engaging, social event for people living with dementia and their care partners. This month, we’ll be participating in a free guided tour of the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. Join us to enjoy the natural beauty of this unique North Carolina attraction!

Date: Wed, Sep 29   Time: 11 am   Fee: Free
Location: NC Botanical Gardens - Chapel Hill
Register: by Fri, Sep 24, 5 pm   
Contact: Kendall Kopchick (kkopchick@orangecountync.gov, 919-245-4278) to register 

Memory Café – Passmore Center

Katie Garvey, OTRL, CAPS, is joining the Memory Cafe to help attendees spark their innate creativity and make a story together. She is a TimeSlips Certified Facilitator. TimeSlips is a collaborative creative care initiative that brings meaning and purpose into the lives of elders through creative engagement. Check out their work at www.timeslips.org. Katie has recently joined the Soltys Place, Orange County's only adult day health program, as Executive Director and she looks forward to meeting and creating with Orange County community members.

Date: Tue, Oct 5   Time: 2:30 pm    Fee: FREE
Register: by Fri, Oct, 1 at 5 pm    Contact: Kendall Kopchick (kkopchick@orangecountync.gov, 919-245-4278) to register

1 in 3 adults have Pre-Diabetes. Do You? 
A Diabetes Prevention Program Just For You!

Take the Pre-Diabetes RISK TEST. This program consists of 16-weekly classes to help people who have pre-diabetes or who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes make realistic and achievable lifestyle changes that can cut their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 50%. IT WORKS! By improving food choices and increasing physical activity, you can lose at least 5 to 7 percent of your body weight — that is 10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds.

The program starts Friday, October 15th from 12 pm - 1 pm and continues for 16 weeks. The cost for the program is $25.

Download the full details and Pre-Diabetes Risk Test here.

Flu Shots and Chat with a Nutritionist

Flu Shots Provided by Walgreens Pharmacy. Chat with the Orange County Health Department's Registered Dietitian/Nutrition Program Manager. 

Date: Thursday Oct 14   Time: 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Location: Passmore Center   Register: Please call the front desk to schedule your appointment at 919-245-2015.

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 by calling  919-245-4274 and selecting  option 2.  Leave us your name, phone and email address.  You’ll receive a confirmation email and a second email the day before the class that includes a link to join our Zoom Meeting.  

Fee: Free   Date: Thursday October 14   Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
Register: by calling 919-245-4274 opt 2

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
is October 15 - December 7

 Medicare plans change each calendar year.  Your medication costs can increase significantly if your plan changes their drug list and pricing as of Jan 1.  Many people save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by switching plans, but most can only change during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period.   The Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free and unbiased assistance.
 
Meet with a certified counselor for an Annual Medicare Review.   We will be offering in-person appointments at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill and the Passmore Center in Hillsborough as well as online using Zoom Video Chat.  We begin scheduling appointments for Open Enrollment on October 5.  Schedule online at www.orangecountync.gov/ocncSHIIP or call 919-245-4274. 

Are You Confused by all the Medicare Advertisements?  

Join our special presentation to get the facts.

Medicare Mythbusters!

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm

• Date: Mon, Oct 18    Location: Passmore Center   Register: at 919-245-2015
• Date: Wed, Oct 20    Location: Seymour Center     Register: at 919-968-2070
• Also available via Zoom

Art Exhibit Opening       

Our featured artist, Dan Eubanks graduated from NC Central Univ with a degree in Fine Art and also Visual Communication. After serving Orange County for 22 years as a Deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, he committed himself to his first love - painting. He currently teaches acrylic painting at The Passmore Center.

Date: Mon, Oct 18 – Nov 29  Location: Passmore  Register: by Appointment, call 919-245-2015   Activity #253002-03   Fee: FREE

Dementia – Let's Talk About It

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for an ONLINE 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. You may register for one or multiple sessions.

Topic: Younger Onset Dementia
Date: Tue, Oct 19   Time: 10:15 am
Fee: FREE   Contact: Marie Dagger (919-245-4279) for more information and registration

Sit to Be Fit (NEW CLASS) Starting OCT 19 

Find out how to stretch and strengthen your entire body for maximum range of motion, and endurance. This class is excellent for improving your joint flexibility, muscular strength, and toning. While seated you will learn beneficial exercises you can apply at home daily as well as healthy hints to keep you independent and moving toward 100 years of age.  Instructor: Michael Savino 

Dates: Tue & Fri, starting Oct. 19   Time: 10:30-11:20 am
Location: Seymour   Fee: Free

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert            

Theirs was the love affair of the century. First cousins who married in their prime and had nine children. However, jealous of her role as monarch, is Albert attempting to make himself co-ruler of Britain? The love story came to an end with Prince Albert's unexpected death, and Victoria will spend the remainder of her life mourning for her German prince. Presenter, Andrew O'Brien. Min: 15/ Max: 25

Date: Tue, Oct 19   Time: 10:30 am – 12 pm 
Location: Passmore    Register: by Tue, Oct 5, call 919-245-2015   
Activity # 244076-01   Fee: FREE

Free Online Carolina Performing Arts (CPA) Course with Jen Shyu or the Public and Audience Advocates

Join in the Carolina Performing Arts program Audience Advocates with Jen Shyu. A groundbreaking multilingual performing artist and creator, Jen is a 2019 Guggenheim Fellow, 2019 United States Artists Fellow, and 2016 Doris Duke Artist (https://www.jenshyu.com/).  Participants will help revisit and revise Shyu's multimedia coming-of-age story, Zero Grasses: Ritual for the Losses, a work exploring ambition, legacy, racism, sexism in the music industry, and fertility. Join us on Zoom twice a week to discuss various parts of Zero Grasses, provide valuable feedback, and get a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work of performing artists. This course is presented in partnership with UNC's Asian American Center.  

The zoom course is open to all Triangle-area adults, free of charge. It runs 5-6:30, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, October 19-November 2.  

Thank you for your continued insights and commitment to collaborative thinking and making, and for circulating the upcoming class. Sign up here: https://carolinaperformingarts.org/institute-for-performance/. If the portal is closed, please email Amanda Graham, Ph.D.
Associate Director of Engagement, Carolina Performing Arts at agraham9@email.unc.edu until Oct. 10.
 
This program offered in collaboration with the Arts Across the Ages, Carolina Seminar program of which OC Department on Aging is a partner.

Digital Privacy: Encrypting 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: 4/ Max: 6 Instructor: Russ Wiener

Date: Wed, Oct 20   Time: 1:30 - 3 pm   Location: Seymour           
Register: by Wed, Oct 13, call 919-968-2070   Activity # 354082-12   Fee: FREE

Outburst-Survey Says   

The game of Lists, based on a topic. Players compete to try to match one of the top responses to lists of survey questions. Earn points for prizes. Min 5/ max 10. Phone #/link: provided after registration. Need audio & video on your device to play.

Date: Wed, Oct 20   Date: 2 – 3 pm   Location: Seymour 
Register: by Wed, Oct 13, call 919-968-2070   Activity # 354128-02   Fee: FREE

Beatles Mania  

Remember 1964, when the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show? These attractive young men with mop-top haircuts became the new rock sensation. “Beatlemania” was born as the girls reacted by screaming and swooning over the foursome. Come enjoy Paula C Snyder, vocalist/guitarist, as she performs some of her Beatles favorites. Min:15/Max: 25

Date: Wed, Oct 20   Time: 3 – 4 pm    Location: Seymour Outdoor             
Register: Wed, Oct 13, call 919-968-2070   Activity # 343094-01    Fee: FREE

Flu Shots and Chat with a Nutritionist

Flu Shots Provided by Walgreens Pharmacy. Chat with the Orange County Health Department's Registered Dietitian/Nutrition Program Manager. 

Date: Thursday Oct 21   Time: 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Location: Seymour Center   Register: Please call the front desk to schedule your appointment at 919-968-2070.

Attic to Basement Cleanout Sale             

The Friends of Seymour Center will have an Attics to Basement Sale! Get a jump start on your Fall cleaning and donate your gently used items beginning, Monday, August 30 until the Thursday, October 21. Tax-deduction form available for your contribution. Rain or shine, join us on Saturday, October 23, from 8am- 1pm. The following donated items will be accepted: housewares, art work, jewelry, sporting goods, tools, furniture, small appliances, linens, tableware, china, glassware, knick-knacks, books and toys. We are not accepting clothing or electronics.

Date: Sat, Oct 23   Time: 8 am – 1 pm   Location: Seymour Outdoor          
Register: Not Required   Activity # 10051-01   Fee: FREE

Duke Caregiver Community Event

We are so excited to participate in the FREE online Duke Caregiver Community Event that is taking place on October 26th.  At this event you will hear from experts 20+ covering a wide range of topics that you will likely face while providing supportive care to your loved one.  You will also be able to connect to services and support systems that will assist you in your role, including those of OCDOA, so be sure to stop by our "virtual booth."

Registration is free and required.  Visit www.dukecaregivercommunityevent.org  to register today!  All of the content from this event will be available through May of 2022 so be sure to register now for access.

Download and share the Duke Caregiver Community Event flyer.

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
is October 15 - December 7

 Medicare plans change each calendar year.  Your medication costs can increase significantly if your plan changes their drug list and pricing as of Jan 1.  Many people save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by switching plans, but most can only change during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period.   The Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free and unbiased assistance.
 
Meet with a certified counselor for an Annual Medicare Review.   We will be offering in-person appointments at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill and the Passmore Center in Hillsborough as well as online using Zoom Video Chat.  We begin scheduling appointments for Open Enrollment on October 5.  Schedule online at www.orangecountync.gov/ocncSHIIP or call 919-245-4274. 

Endless Possibilities (formerly The Senior Times) Community Survey

Have you picked up the new and improved Endless Possibilities (formerly the Senior Times)? We hope so, and that you will provide us your honest feedback as we continue to make improvements. 

Please take the short 5-10 minute survey to tell us what you think.

Handyperson Recommendations

Have you hired a fair, helpful, and trustworthy handyperson?  We are compiling a list of individuals who assist with home repair work in our community.  If you had a positive experience with a particular person or company and would recommend them to a neighbor, please share!
Complete our online recommendation form or call the aging helpline (919-968-2087) to submit your recommendation.

Help Your Neighbors, Challenge Yourself
Volunteer with VITA this Tax Season

 The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is sponsored by the IRS and provides free tax assistance for low and moderate income taxpayers of any age.  Over 50 volunteers work together to complete over 1,500 tax returns from February to April each year.  Tax help is provided at both the Seymour Center and the Passmore Center.  
 
Volunteers assist in a wide variety of roles, including:
     • Tax Preparers (requires online IRS Tax Law training that starts in November)
     • Receptionists greet clients, explain the process, & organize paperwork
     • Appointment Schedulers answer phones & schedule appointments
     • IT Specialists troubleshoot and maintain our Windows laptops & printers
 
To learn more, contact Jeanne Chamberlin at jchamberlin@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4240.

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!

Voter Registration Events in Northern Orange

Have you moved recently? Do you need to update your voter registration? October 8th is the deadline! Need more information? You can call the Orange County Board of Elections at 919-245-2350. And don’t worry if you miss the deadline. You may same-day register and vote in person during the early voting period!
 
Visit a Voter Registration table near you for help or questions

• SportsPlex: Thu, Oct 7, 4-6 pm: 101 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough, NC 27278   
• Dollar General: Fri, Oct 8, 11 am-2 pm: 6105 US-70 W, Mebane, NC 27302

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.

Caregiver Supports

Support groups, educational programs, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative; gather and stay connected with us online or in-person, depending on the program.  For upcoming programs download our Current Caregiver Programming flyer. 

For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

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.

Employment News:
Tips and Thoughts for Job Seekers
who are 55+ Years of Age

• Resumes have changed! Is yours current?
• Age Discrimination exists. Don’t show any dates beginning with ‘19’ on your resume
• Interviewing – Know the answer to “Why Should We Hire You?”  
• Interviews – Don’t give a number first if asked “What are you making?”  Instead, answer with your own question: “what have you budgeted for this job?”
• 50% of all jobs are not posted! How do you find them? 
• LinkedIn is a very effective resource. Is your profile strong?  
• Guiding your contacts is important. Develop and use your own Networking Brief.
• Never say or write “I look forward to hearing from you.”  Learn what works better. 
• You don’t get a 2nd chance to make a 1st Impression. How you look matters. 

If you want help on any of these, or have other questions, contact Mike Komives, 2551 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516; Ph: 919- 616-8778; Email:  
 
And Save the Dates: Wednesdays / Fridays Oct. 27, 29, Nov. 3 and 5, 10:00 to 11:30 am. Becoming Better Than Before, a FREE Webinar series for the mature worker. We believe that whatever you do in this ever changing world, you will be more successful if you are the most creative version of yourself. The hosts will invite your participation. Call 919-968-2070 to register

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.

In Need of Incontinence Supplies?

Thanks to generous donations, the Department on Aging has a supply of incontinence supplies including: Bed pads, pull up briefs, adult diapers, wipes, and adult booster pads. If you are in need of any of these supplies, we may be able to provide you with up to one pack per month (depending on availability of the items requested). Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087 or Agingtransitions@Orangecountync.gov) to request supplies.

Technology Classes Available Through the  Seymour Tech Center

Seymour Tech offers FREE classes for older adults around personal computer, tablet, and smart phone use. See the full list of upcoming programs here and contact Mike Gilliom with questions.

Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County?  To volunteer, please contact Orange County Department on Aging's Volunteer Connect 55+ (VC 55+) administrator, Shenae McPherson by phone (919-245-4243) or email shmcpherson@orangecountync.gov. 

Help Your Neighbors, Challenge Yourself
Volunteer with VITA this Tax Season

 The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is sponsored by the IRS and provides free tax assistance for low and moderate income taxpayers of any age.  Over 50 volunteers work together to complete over 1,500 tax returns from February to April each year.  Tax help is provided at both the Seymour Center and the Passmore Center.  
 
Volunteers assist in a wide variety of roles, including:
     • Tax Preparers (requires online IRS Tax Law training that starts in November)
     • Receptionists greet clients, explain the process, & organize paperwork
     • Appointment Schedulers answer phones & schedule appointments
     • IT Specialists troubleshoot and maintain our Windows laptops & printers
 
To learn more, contact Jeanne Chamberlin at jchamberlin@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4240.

For more information about ways to help during COVID, 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