Colorful Caricatures by Gary Owens

Chapel Hill artist Gary Owens, brings a vibrant and colorful art collection of caricatures to Seymour Center. A self-taught artist, his conversation starters includes political, cultural and societal movers and shakers of all types — from Mao Tse-Tung and Martin Luther King to Doc Watson and Pope John Paul II.

His show will be on exhibit from Fri, Sep 23 to Fri, Nov 11. Opening reception will be held on Fri, Oct 7 from 3 - 4 pm.

Date: Fri, Oct 7; Time: 3 – 4 pm; Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 354012-06; Register by: Prior to Event; Fee: FREE

Caregiver Education Series: Aphasia 101

Join Speech Language Pathologist, Abbe Simon to learn about what is aphasia, and how to best communicate with someone living with aphasia.  
 
Topic: Aphasia 101
Date: Monday, October 17; Time: 1:30 pm
Location: Seymour; Fee: FREE
Register by: Wednesday October 12 at 5 pm. 
Contact Kendall Kopchick (919-245-4278 or Kkopchick@orangecountync.gov) for more information or to register.

Cornhole Throwdown        

Are you ready to rumble! Let’s get to it and enjoy a little competition, fun and of course, party food at our cornhole throwdown party on the patio/ lawn area! Will share rules and tips for a great experience. Prizes await and music by a local DJ will keep the party going. Event will be co-sponsored with Peak Resources Brookshire.

Date: Wed, Oct 19; Time: 9:30 – 11:30 am; Location: Seymour
Phone: 919-968-2070 Code: 351006; Register by: Wed, Oct 12; Fee: FREE

Flicks at Passmore- Ghostbusters: Afterlife

There's something strange at the Passmore Center. Join us for the newest movie in the Ghostbuster's series, "Ghostbusters: Afterlife."

Date: Wed, Oct 19; Time: 2 pm; Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 253015-10; Register by: Wed, Oct 12; Fee: Free

Lunch & Learn Engaging Topics

This month's topic is "The History of the Chapel Hill Historical Society.” Join us and learn about the Chapel Hill Historical Society, their previous and current projects, and how you can help preserve Chapel Hill's history. A to-go lunch will be provided. Min: 15/ Max: 22. Zoom link provided after registration to virtual attendees.

Date: Thu, Oct 20; Time: 11:30 am – 1 pm; 
Location: Seymour Hybrid; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 353112 13, 14; Register by: Thu, Oct 13; Fee: FREE

Dog Costume Contest and Adoption Event

Local animal organizations will join us for a dog costume contest and adoption event. Vote on your favorite dressed up pup, and possibly find your next best friend.

Date: Tue, Oct 25; Time: 10 am; Location: Passmore
Phone: 919-245-2015; Code: 243026-01; Register by: Tue, Oct 18; Fee: FREE

Future Life Goals

At this event, participants will create a vision board. This board is a visual representation of how someone might see him/herself in the next few years.  This event is a great way to connect with your crafty side while socializing with others.  The event will be led by Sauleah Wilkinson, Recreational Therapy Intern, OCDoA Wellness Program.

Date: Tue, Nov 1; Time: 9:30 - 11 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 257021-01; Register by: Tue, Oct 25; Cost: FREE

Stay Healthy with Medicare’s
Free Preventive Services

Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage Plans all cover a large number of preventive services with no co-pays or deductibles. 

These include:

• Annual Wellness Visit (Note: this is not a full Annual Physical Exam but instead is designed to check your health status and identify important tests or services that are important for maintaining your health)
• Bone Mass Measurement
• Screening Mammogram
• Screening Colonoscopy
• Cardiovascular Screening
• Immunizations – Flu, Covid 19, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B
• And More. 

Check out the complete list.  

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.

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.

Elements of an Effective, Productive Job Search Plan

What’s your plan?  Your goal? Your strategy for achieving them?
 
Who are you?  A self-knowledge check up of your strengths, values, motivations.
 
Identifying your successes – For resumes, cover letters, interviewing, LinkedIn profiles, and networking
 
Ideal jobs / positions – Describe what you love to do.
 
Networking – More than 50% of jobs are not posted; connect with people who can help.
 
Guiding your contacts – Use a career brief that includes “how your contacts can help.”
 
Linked in – It’s often your first interview; your profile must be clear, concise, and compelling.
 
Resumes – Business leaders and hiring managers look for relevant accomplishments.
 
Cover letters – Show how you meet/exceed what the employer is looking for.
 
Interviewing – Know what interviewers want to know about you; learn about virtual, telephone, in-person; one-on-one, panel and group interviews.
 
Salary questions – Don’t give a number; ask “what have you targeted for this position?”
 
Discrimination exists – How you look and act matters. Show confidence and energy. Know how to address issues regarding age, race, disability, nationality, religion / belief, sexual orientation, and more.
 
Thank you notes – Confirm the next step; never say “i look forward to hearing from you.”
 
Business cards – Now digital. Provide key information; do’s and don’ts.
 
Information resources – Employer’s website; networking groups and contacts; LinkedIn; trade associations and newsletters; triangle business journal; chambers of commerce.

Want help on any of these? 
Contact Mike Komives at 919-616-8778
Email: skomives@orangecountync.gov or mikekomives048@gmail.com

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.