CBD - What it is. Should you consider it?

Join Elliot Galdy for a brief history of cannabis and focus on the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids for age related issues, i.e. arthritis, pain, insomnia and anxiety.

Location: Seymour Hybrid (in-person & virtual options)
Date: Wed, Mar 30
Time: 1 pm - 2 pm
Fee: FREE
Register by: Mon, Mar 28, call (919) 968- 2070

Hillsborough Memory Café 

After a long 2 years, Memory Café is back in full swing in Orange County! Join us for a free, fun, low stress social engagement opportunity for people living with dementia and their care partners. 

Date: Tue, Apr 5; Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Cup-A-Joe 112 W King St. Hillsborough, NC
Register by: Mon, Apr 4 at 9 am; Fee: Free
Contact: Kendall Kopchick (919-245-4278) for more information or to register

Download the Memory Café 2022 flyer for all of our Memory Cafés, dates and locations.

J.S. Bach Presentation

We all have heard the name Johann Sebastien Bach and that he is known as a great composer. But do we actually know why he is considered so great? In this musical presentation we will discover what makes him such a great composer that even Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, among others have studied his music. A superb opportunity to learn more for a greater appreciation. Min: 10/Max: 26

Date: Thu, Apr 7; Time: 10 - 11 am
Location: Seymour Hybrid; Phone: 919-968-2070
Activity #324225 01, 02; Register by: Thu, Mar 31; Fee: FREE

Magic Show with Robert White

Join us for some fun, old-fashioned entertainment – Robert White will hit the stage with plenty of magic tricks up his sleeve. Min 12 / Max 26
 
Date: Wed, Apr 13; Time: 2 - 3 pm
Location: Seymour Center; Phone: 919-968-2070
Activity #322006-01; Register by: Wed, Apr 6; Fee: FREE

Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA)

The EHA was created to help Orange County residents with low incomes prevent eviction and homelessness and secure and maintain stable housing. Assistance is available to households  in Orange County that:

1. Earn no more than 30% of the area median income 
2. Have an urgent need for housing assistance that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 
3. Do not have adequate resources to cover the cost of their housing need.

Rent, mortgage and utility payments, security deposits, application fees and other emergency housing-related expenses are eligible for reimbursement.

To learn more or to apply, call the Orange County Housing Helpline at 919-245-2655 or visit Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) Program

The program is funded by Orange County and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, along with state and federal funding.

Financial Assistance for Housing Payments

The NC Homeowner Financial Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from North Carolina homeowners whose finances were impacted by the pandemic and who need assistance with housing-related expenses.

Homeowners can learn more and apply for help by calling 1-855-MY-NCHAF (1-855-696-2423) or by visiting NCHomeownerAssistance.gov.

Prescription Medications Too Expensive?

Medicare’s Extra Help program reduces the price of medications for those who qualify.  
 
For those who don’t qualify for tthe Medicare Extra Help program, explore these options:

• Ask your doctor and pharmacist about alternative medications that are covered on your drug plan at a lower co-pay, such as generics.
• Search for Manufacturer Discount Programs that cover your medication.
• Check the current pricing of your medications using a Drug Discount Program.  In some cases, retail pricing with coupons are lower than the co-pays on your drug plan.  Be aware, however that costs won’t apply to your drug plan’s deductible. Popular options include:  www.goodrx.com, www.blinkhealth.com, www.northcarolinadrugcard.com

Make an appointment to meet with a certified volunteer counselor from the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to discuss your options.  We have both in-person appointments and appointments by Zoom available by visiting our website www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or calling 919-245-4274.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Orange County NC VITA is a program of OCDOA's Volunteer Connect 55+ that provides FREE federal and NC state income tax preparation to eligible individuals with low-to-moderate income, regardless of age or county of residence.  

In addition to our two virtual tax services options, we are now offering a free Valet Tax Preparation Service that will provide service for the remainder of March, ending the first week in April.  Taxpayers with scheduled appointments, can bring in their tax documents and complete the intake paperwork at the Seymour Center (walk-in services are not available).  Our VITA tax team members will scan and upload your documents and IRS-certified preparers will contact you by phone to prepare and electronically file your return.  Appointments will be scheduled to sign and pick-up the completed returns.    
 
VALET OPTION
Seymour Center – 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill (by appointment only)

• Thursdays, 9:30am -12:30 pm March 24, 31 and April 7
• Fridays, 9:30am – 12:30pm March 25 and April 1, 8

VIRTUAL OPTIONS
Free virtual tax preparation options: GetYourRefund.org by Code for America and MyFreeTaxes by United Way

For information on all three options, resources and help preparing your income tax return, visit Orange County NC VITA to get started.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.  Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.

Low Income Household
Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

 LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services, providing a one-time payment for eligible low-income households paid directly to the utility company. LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds are exhausted. Apply online at www.epass.nc.gov or call/visit your local County Department of Social Services. Learn more download the LIHWAP flier.

Senior Center 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.