07/28/23 - 08/10/23

Topics in this Edition

Upcoming Programs
Announcements
Resources & Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Us

Upcoming Programs

Go With the Flow Social Group
We have a new program idea that we would like to launch this Fall and we need your help to do it! In order to establish this new group, we need participants and peer leaders to help us get this cool opportunity organized. This social program is designed to be non-competitive, move at a relaxed pace, be stress free, and always enjoyable. Players are encouraged to be patient and sensitive, and may need to give assistance to their peers as needed. Games may include Mah Jongg, Scrabble, Spades and any other table game. To learn more about this unique program, please join Cyd and Samantha and enjoy a surprise table game of their choice. Hope to see you there and let’s Go with the Flow!

Date: Mon, July 31; Time: 10 am
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Registration: None needed. Drop-in; Fee: FREE

DIY Placemats

Create two placemats for your table to give it pop. Instructor: Helen Frederick. Min: 7/ Max: 10.

Date: Tue, Aug 1; Time: 1 – 3 pm
Location: Passmore Center; Code: 354018-66
Fee: $5.00; Register by: Thu, July 27

Download and share the flyer.

Wind Down Wednesdays Schedule
6 - 8 pm

Aug 2: Marie Vanderbeck’s Jazz Trio – Jazz, pop, folk and even some country!
Aug 9: Gray Rock Transit – Groove to Classic rock, country, R&B, and “Oldies”
Aug 16: Regina Gale and the Bradshaw Quartet – For all lovers of music; come experience the jazzy, soulful and sultry expressions of song that will delight you!
Aug 23: Penny’s Bend – Paying tribute to a wide range of popular artists from Patsy Cline, Prince and Beyoncé to Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and Madonna!
Aug 30: The Blue Moon Steppers – Country Dance Band that features classic country songs - both slow and peppy - by artists such as Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and many more standard artists.

Tax-Free Investing

Cynda Beauchamp with Edward Jones Financial will share an overview of tax-advantaged investments, providing information on benefits and what to consider when choosing an investment.

Date: Fri, Aug 4; Time: 10 – 11 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 254064-08; Register by: Fri, Jul 28; Fee: FREE

Walks with Edie Alfano-Sobsey

There’s never been a better time to get active and head out on a good long walk and view the beautiful Riverwalk in Hillsborough. Join Edie and bring a couple of friends to catch a breeze and get active. Meet at the entrance to the Riverwalk next to Weaver St Market (not at the Passmore Center). Be sure to bring your water bottle!

Date: Wed, Aug 2 – 30; Time: 9 am
Location: Passmore; Code: 232264-06
Fee: Free; Register by: Mon, Jul 31

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 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.

Friday, August 4, 2023 from 12 – 1:30pm
Orange County Public Library
137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Register at 919-245-2015

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Online presentation using Zoom
Register at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_aug

Click to enlarge and download flyer.

Movie: Mr. Popper's Penguins

Grandparents who participated in our Summer Reading with Grandchildren, bring your grandchildren to see the movie, Mr. Popper's Penguins, we’ll provide the popcorn! If you want to just come see the movie, all are welcome! Min: 6/Max: 20.

Date: Tue, Aug 8; Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 233023-08; Register by: Tue, Aug 1; Fee: FREE

Click to enlarge and download flyer.

Meet the Artist: Marie Crock

Join local artist on exhibit, Marie Crock, to learn more about herself, her artwork, and what motivates her. There will be additional prints and cards for purchase at these times also. Min.: 5 / Max: 20.

Date: Wed, Aug 9; Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Passmore Center; Code: 243073-02
Register by: Not required; Fee: Free

Wellness BINGO

Are you ready? ARE YOU READY? TO PLAY BINGO! Join us for a day of Wellness and stimulate your mind and body while having fun playing Wellness bingo! Min: 5.

Date: Thu, Aug 10; Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 212253-03; Fee: Free; Register by: Thu, Aug 3

Pub Night

The “Homestead Pub” is open! Join us for an evening of yummy pub snacks, flights of non-alcoholic craft beverages and team trivia! Teams should be no larger than four people with a minimum of two! The winning team will receive a prize. It’s going to be a fun “night out” in our downstairs cafe! Min: 8/Max: 20.

Date: Thu, Aug 10; Time: 6 – 8 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 353037-05; Register by: Thu, Aug 3; Fee: FREE

Create a Card

Using selections of decorative paper, get creative and make several cards to give to your family or friends. Instructor: Helen Frederick. Min: 7/Max: 10.

Date: Tue, Aug 15; Time: 1 – 3 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 354018-68; Register by: Tue, Aug 8; Fee: $5.00

Announcements

Image byrawpixel.com on Freepik

2023 Fall Health and Wellness Fair Exhibitor/Vendor Invitation

Dear Community Partner,

Orange County Department on Aging cordially invites you to participate as a vendor in our upcoming Fall Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 9 am to 1 pm. The purpose of the Fair is to share information about services and connect older adults to valuable resources in and around Orange County. Participants are encouraged to set up informational booths, and present or demonstrate on topics related to all areas of health and wellness, further promoting the well-being of our senior community.

To become a vendor, please fill out the Vendor Registration Form. Kindly note that there is a $50 fee to reserve a booth at the event. Payments can be made by check or cash, and delivered or mailed to the Robert and Pearl Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919-968-2070). Registration for the event will end on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

For those who would like to become a sponsor for this important community event, please contact Brandon Betts for more information. Brandon may be reached at (919) 245-4271 or bbetts@orangecountync.gov.

We look forward to your participation and support in making the Fall Health Fair a great success!

Stream live or listen to the podcast.

Courtesy Partner Announcement - Download the flyer.

Resources and Services

Aging Transitions Services

Talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue. Call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or 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 919-245-2010 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.

Do You Need Help Finding Transportation?

The Transportation Specialist provides information on transportation, travel training, the volunteer driver program, and advocacy.

Call the Transportation Help Line: 919-717-1853 (Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm).

Current OCDOA Upcoming Events e-newsletter

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:

Earn no more than 30% of the area median income
Have an urgent need for housing assistance that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and
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.

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.

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.

Download and share the flyer.

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.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Connect 55+

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+) Volunteer Coordinator, Rebecca Bratsch by phone at 919-245-4241 or email rbratsch@orangecountync.gov