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Orange County Continues Phased-in Lifting of Restrictions
North Carolina moved into a into a 'Safer at Home' recommendation starting at 5:00pm on Friday, May 22. For more information, please check Orange County's 'Safer at Home' page. - Newsletter: Sign up for the COVID-19 newsletter from the Orange County Health Department.
- Text: To receive daily text updates, text ocnchealth to 888-777.
- Hotline: Questions about COVID-19? Call (919) 245-6111 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Spanish language and other languages available.
- Email: Email your questions to covid19@orangecountync.gov.
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AnnouncementsGood NewsFood & Financial ResourcesHealth & Wellness at HomeOnline Senior Center ProgramsAging Transitions ServicesHow to Help
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Northern Orange COVID-19 Mobile Testing SiteThere will be a mobile COVID-19 testing unit in Hillsborough this Friday.
When: Friday, June 5th, 1-6 pm
Where: Mt Zion AME Church, 5124 NC-86, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Call (984) 215-5895 for a testing appointment. For more information, please see flyer.
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Cancelled - Yard Sale at the Passmore CenterIt was going to be HUGE, but unfortunately this Saturday's Yard sale at the Passmore Center is cancelled due to COVID-19.
Watch for news about the rescheduled date in the future where you will find hidden treasures that you thought were gone forever. At that time, vendors will be able to reserve a table for the low price of $15. Vendor applications will be available at the Passmore Center and online at www.passmorecenterfriends.org. For information, please contact Alicia Reid at 919-418-0031.
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Cancelled - Seniors on the RoadAll Trips of the OC Department on Aging – Seniors on the Road Summer program have been cancelled to protect the safety of our participants. With the uncertainty of the pandemic and the implications of not being able to properly maintain social distancing in regards to transportation and at the venues, the Department on Aging is cancelling the trips planned for June, July and August 2020. We hope to be able to travel again in the fall. Take Care and Stay Well.
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Voting by MailAny North Carolina registered voter may request and receive a mail-in absentee ballot. No special circumstance is needed. You may request your absentee ballot NOW for the November 3, 2020 Presidential Election!
Read here for more information or visit the Board of Elections website.
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Postponed - 2020 SHARP Direct Care Worker AwardsGiven the unprecedented times we find ourselves facing, the festivities scheduled for May 14, 2020 have been postponed. However, now more than ever, the members of SHARP and Orange County Department on Aging want the community to recognize all of the wonderful Direct Care Workers. Orange County Department on Aging and SHARP plan to host the 2020 Direct Care Worker Awards in October of 2020. Read the full press release here.
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North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green: Making It Through COVID-19Listen here for an inspiring message about COVID-19 from Project EngAGE Graduate and NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green.
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Mike Komives, OCDoA's Employment Specialist, is also a co-founder and facilitator of the Jobs Network ministry at his church. On Saturday, May 30, 33 people participated in their virtual meeting - 27 job seekers and 6 members of the Jobs Network team. Contact Mike for more information.
In the past two weeks, four people have contacted Mike with their good news -- each has landed a job! Another two people are collaborating with Mike to start their own business ventures.
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Food & Financial Resources
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Grocery Delivery ServiceIf you are in need of grocery delivery, or if you know an older adult who would benefit from this service, Volunteer Connect 55+ is now offering this resource. To register for this program, complete the online request form or contact the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.
This service is being offered to Orange County residents age 60 and over. Ordering requirements apply.
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VITA Volunteers Continue to Provide Tax Assistance During the PandemicThe deadline for filing 2019 income taxes is now July 15, 2020. The Orange County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is continuing to assist low and moderate-income taxpayers . VITA services are free to those that have incomes below $65,000 for a single person or $90,000 for a household. Those with social security retirement benefits must file an income tax return if their income from other sources plus 50% of their social security benefit exceeds $24,000 ($32,000 for a married couple).
If you have internet access, an active email account, and either a computer and scanner or a cell phone with a camera, you can participate in our Virtual VITA program. Check our website www.orangecountync.gov/ocncvita or send an email to ocncvita@gmail.com for more information.
We are also offering a Drive-Thru Drop-Off Service that will be available during the month of June. Taxpayers can bring us their tax documents and complete paperwork in your car. We’ll scan the documents while you wait and you will return a week later to pick up your completed return. Our IRS-certified preparers will contact you by phone as needed to prepare and electronically file your return. Planned Drop-Off times during June:
Seymour Center – Mondays 1-4pm and Fridays 1-4pm
Passmore Center – Wednesdays 1-4pm
No appointment is needed, but please call our information phone line to verify program dates & times: 919-245-4242.
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Medicare & Health InsuranceThe Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is continuing to assist Orange County residents age 55+ with questions about Medicare and ACA/Obamacare plans. All consultations are currently done over the phone or video chat. To schedule an appointment, please call 919-245-4274.
Financial Assistance with Medicare Costs: If your gross income (including social security benefits) is less than $1595 per month for an individual or $2155 for a married couple and you have limited savings, you may qualify for assistance with Medicare premiums and/or copays. Call Jeanne Chamberlin at 919-245-4240 to learn more.
Helpful Resources:
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Stimulus ChecksMost adults can receive up to $1200 one time payment. Most have already been electronically deposited, and the government is now mailing prepaid debit cards to those that did not have bank account information available. Be aware that these debit cards will come in a plain white envelope and be careful not to throw it out.
Get information about the status of your ‘Economic Impact Payment’ at www.irs.gov/eip. For those with Social Security or SSI payments, see this Guide for helpful information.
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 Mike Komives
Employment Specialist
Orange Co. Dept. on Aging
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Resources for Mature Job SeekersThere are jobs available right now. For instance, health care organizations are seeking qualified candidates. UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough are hiring. Go to https://jobs.unchealthcare.org. Duke University Health System is also hiring. Go to https://www.dukehealth.org Indeed.com lists (June 1, 2020) 277 healthcare jobs in Chapel Hill,1,672 healthcare jobs in Carrboro, and 307 healthcare jobs in Hillsborough. Other kinds of businesses and organizations are also hiring: To apply, your resume and cover letter must be compelling, and your LinkedIn profile strong. You need to be confident when interviewing – know how to reply to questions, what questions are appropriate for you to ask, and what topics to avoid. Want help in any of these areas? Mike Komives, our Employment Specialist is ready to assist you. Contact Mike Komives or call/text (919) 616-8778. If you’re already working from home, here is information you may find useful. Occupational Therapy students from the University of Toronto created a podcast: ‘We’ve gOT Your Back: The Ergo Minute.” Episodes are 5-to-6 minutes each and cover topics like setting up your work space and maintaining work-life balance. We look forward to serving you, and helping you achieve your goals.
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Health & Wellness at Home
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Mental Health ResourcesThis outbreak is impacting our daily lives and causing many people to feel worried, depressed, lonely, or stressed. It is important to seek out help and resources to support yourself and your loved ones throughout this difficult time. Please visit Mental Health America’s resource guide. They have complied a variety of resources and information on a range of topics including financial support, ways to connect with others, and support specific to caregivers and older adults.
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Alicia’s Arthritis Foundation Exercise Class (Live) This "virtual" Evidence-Based Program is designed to stretch and strengthen your entire body for maximum movement and endurance, this class is an excellent way to improve joint flexibility, muscular strength and toning. You will gain knowledge of beneficial movements that can be applied to daily living at home. Join us today!
Time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 11:00 AM
Please download and import the iCalendar (ics) file to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71070314012?pwd=SmhBSDdiQUJ5VHdWMHg2eldHT3dzUT09
Meeting ID: 710 7031 4012
Password: ARfit2020
Program supported in part by the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Funds from NCDHHS - Aging and Adult Services. As a consumer, you may make a voluntary contribution to this program. Contributions will be used to expand the program and are confidential. Services will not be reduced or terminated for failure to contribute.
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For more information about using Zoom, read here.
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Fit SeniorsCheck out our at-home exercise options offered by OCDOA Wellness Program instructors and staff to help keep you fit and healthy. Visit Fit Seniors to connect with LIVE classes from Dianne, Judy, and Vicki, or pre-recorded videos from Charron, Salli, and Kevin!
Watch for more options in the future and get started today!
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Online Senior Center Programs
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At-Home ActivitiesMissing your usual activities at the Seymour and Passmore Centers? Check out our new list of at-home activities, curated by your favorite senior center staff members!
Download our listing of online activities that mirror some of our drop in activities including crosswords, card games, reading books, painting, table tennis, DIY projects, and more. Find the updated list on the Senior Center Online Programs Page!
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Intarsia WoodcarvingDean Pricer teaches Intarsia Woodcarving at the Passmore Center and shares basic information about this craft. During this introduction you will learn what Intarsia woodcarving is, tools needed, and see examples of his work. He invites you to join the woodcarving group (once the center reopens) that meets Wednesdays at 1 pm.
Contact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tVt8PgQj6A&t=51s
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Live Music with Chuck AlfordWhat’s your pleasure, Beach Music, Oldies, Motown, Country, or maybe all of those sounds? Durham native, Chuck Alford, invites you to join him for live performances every Thursday night via Facebook. His wife, Carol Bryant Alford, is a great host and you may learn a dance step or two.
Date: Thursdays
Time: 7 pm
Time: https://www.facebook.com/carol.b.alford.7
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Being Better than Before: A Free Webinar Series for the Mature WorkerPlease join us for a four-part webinar series designed to help the Mature Worker. We’ll provide advice on how to find a job you love. We’ll share principles and practices for growing your creative capacity and developing your best entrepreneurial behaviors. And we’ll show you productive ways to think about this new world we’ll be living in from now on—the changes we will find as we step back into it will be profound, and we need to be prepared for wave after wave of changes that will continue to wash over us for years to come.
Each webinar is 90 minutes long and will be led by four folks who have been serving the 50+ community for years.
Mike Komives MBA, Employment Specialist, Orange County Department on Aging, helps mature workers improve their job finding skills.
Heidi Hackney, MC, CPCC, ACC- Owner/Coach, Dream Reach, LLC, will help you apply your values and tap into your talents to serve your job search.
Mark Tully, Partner, Being Better than Before, will help you understand the neuroscience behind your preferred business behaviors.
Carl Nordgren, Partner, Being Better than Before, will help you develop the creative and entrepreneurial qualities of those preferred business behaviors.
Between them they have helped thousands of mature workers identify the job they’ll enjoy doing most, find that job, and then perform consistently at peak levels. They’ve been revising and extending their content to suit this new world and look forward to sharing their insights with you.
Please register by calling the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070.
All registrants will receive Zoom ID and passcode via email prior to June 17th.
Zoom Webinars will be fast paced and the hosts will invite your participation.
Time: 10-11:30 am
Dates: Wednesday, June 17 Friday, June 19 Wednesday, June 24 Friday, June 26
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Mindfulness at the NC Museum of ArtConnecting with works of art can help us slow down and focus on the present moment, a skill that can help to regulate stress in our day-to-day life.
This live, interactive program will be offered in a virtual format. For info on how to join, please contact Lisa Meinert at (919) 245-4251.
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The NecklaceOrange County Department on Aging’s in-house theatrical group, Prime Time Players, present their first-ever, on-line Reader's Theater Production, The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant. This presentation is directed by John Paul Middlesworth, produced by Joan Ontjes, and audio/video edited by Darryl and Mary Freedman. Join four of their players (Carol Oleson, Betty Currier, David Smith and Raleigh Mann) as they perform from their own homes this 18 minute entertaining reading held on Tuesday, June 2nd at 2pm.
As a new way of connecting with their audience, Prime Time Players will bring a virtual production every other Tuesday for you to enjoy. In the event you are not able to watch videos when posted, please know that videos are viewable at your leisure by clicking on the available link.
Date: Tuesday, June 2nd, and every other Tuesday thereafter
Time: 2pm
Click on this link to join them.
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Pressed Flowers Canvas During this class you will learn how to create a beautiful piece of art using flowers from your garden or wildflowers. This class will show you how to use pressed flowers on a small canvas or in a frame to brighten up any room. Class is taught by Patty Meehan, Master Gardner and leader of the Passmore Garden Club. Click here to watch!
Container Gardening For Beginners
Learn how to beautify your porch, patio, or walkway with beautiful flowers throughout the summer. This class will teach you how to avoid using too much potting soil and how to design and arrange flowers to create a special look. Program will be led by Master Gardner, Patty Meehan. Click here to watch!
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Wholmmovies Video ProductionWholmmovies is a video production project of Carroll and Jay Enterkin that seeks to produce quality informative and entertaining videos. The Enterkin’s will be creating new videos covering a wide range of topics, including local history, cycling, hobbies, true crime and much more. Current series include: "The Story of Efland and Cedar Grove, NC" sharing the history of these two small, but historic communities; and "Cycling Country Roads" ride along with the Carroll and Jay as they explore backroads, byways, greenways and more by bicycle. See all their episodes on the Wholmmovies YouTube Channel!
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TED Talk - Virtual Discussion
“Why we all need to practice emotional first aid”We’ll go to the doctor when we feel flu-ish or a nagging pain. So why don’t we see a health professional when we feel emotional pain: guilt, loss, loneliness? Too many of us deal with common psychological-health issues on our own, says psychologist/author Guy Winch. But we don’t have to. He makes a compelling case to practice emotional hygiene — taking care of our emotions, our minds, with the same diligence we take care of our bodies.
When: Monday, June 15, 3:00 pm via GoToMeeting, on your computer or phone.
Register by: Tues, June 9 to receive your personal GoToMeeting instructions. Please contact Lisa Meinert at lmeinert@orangecountync.gov or (919) 245-4251.
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Aging Transitions Services
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Caregiver Education Program: Preparing for a Telehealth VisitMany health care appointments have gone virtual, so how do you get ready for a “visit”? Join Nancy Ruffner, from NavigateNC, and discover helpful tips to prepare for your next telehealth visit.
Join on June 15 via GoToMeeting at 1:30-2:30. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.
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Activity Engagement CoachingAs we all continue to spend a lot of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day.
For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations (via phone or GoToMeeting) where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are - Person-centered, i.e. tailored to your loved one’s current and past interests, likes, & preferences
- Meaningful
- Appropriately modified to current level of cognitive ability, thereby reducing frustration and stress
If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251), certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional or Marie Dagger, OTR/L (919-245-4279).
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Caregiver SupportsSupport groups, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative have all gone online and most participants have been quick to adopt this new way to gather and stay connected. For more information about these programs, please contact Kim or Lisa. Caregiver Support Group Friday, May 22 at 10:30am
Thursday, May 28 at 1pm Available via GoToMeeting. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.
Memory Cafe Tuesday, June 2 at 2:30pm Available via GoToMeeting. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.
For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter. |
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Dementia Basics on GoToMeetingA four-part series with topics around brain health, types and stages of dementia, communication, and preparing for the journey ahead. We invite those with memory concerns, caregivers, family members, friends, and other interested community members to join us!
For registration and log-in information, contact Marie Dagger (919-245-4279) by Friday, June 5.
Class will meet Tuesdays, June 9, 6, 23, & 30, from 6 - 8pm. See flyer for more information.
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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 919-245-4279 ext. 1 to leave a message in Spanish.
Aging Transitions, Senior Center programming and Volunteer Connect 55+ staff are available to meet individually by appointment, by 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.
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2020 Chapel Hill Caregivers SummitRegistration is now open for the 2020 Chapel Hill Caregivers Summit! Sign up now for a day full of respite, resolution, and practical resources for your journey as a caregiver.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020The William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education 100 Friday Center Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 275998:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Aging Transitions team members will be presenting ' Driving - Planning for Retirement.' Learning to drive is a rite of passage and closely linked with our feelings of identity and independence. However, there may come a time in our lives or the life of someone we are caring for when driving is no longer safe. During this session we will bring awareness to when driving might become a challenge, strategies for having the conversation with a loved one, and resources around alternatives to driving during driving retirement.
Visit the Caregivers Summit website to see the full conference agenda and to register!
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COVID-19 Volunteer OpportunitiesWould you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County? Leaders from Orange County’s Department on Aging and UNC’s Partnerships in Aging are creating a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults.
To volunteer, please add your name to the COVID-19 Volunteer list.
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COVID-19 Donation DriveThe Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is requesting donations to support the COVID-19 response. We know that our community members want to support this effort, and you may be able to help in a safe way. We are not asking the community to go out to shop for these items, but rather to donate materials that you already have. To learn more or to donate, visit www.orangecountync.gov/COVIDdonations or call (919) 245-6111, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
For more information about ways to help, please visit:
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103 Meadowlands Dr. (PO Box 8181)
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: 919-245-2015
Currently Closed to the Public
Typical Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 8 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 9 am - 11 am |
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2551 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone:919-968-2070
Currently Closed to the Public
Typical Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 9 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm |
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