Department on Aging logo, "Endless Possibilities" text, url, and older couple canoeing.

12/04/20 - 12/17/20

Topics in this Edition

  • Upcoming Programs

  • Announcements

  • Resources & Supports

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Walking Together in the Woods

Caregiver Education Series: Activity Coaching

Join Lisa Meinert to learn about designing meaningful activities for people living with dementia.

Date: Monday, December 7
Time: 
1:30 – 2:30pm
Join: Contact Kendall Kopchick (919-245-4278) for link.
 



Home Check

Home Safety Chat

Join occupational therapist Marie Dagger on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month for 30 minutes of education and Q&A about staying safe at home. Bring your questions related to the day's topic!

Date: Tuesday, December 8
T
opic: Using Your Energy Wisely
Time: 10am
Join: Contact Marie at 919-245-4279 or mdagger@orangecountync.gov.  Link will be emailed ahead of class.


Smartphone

Seymour Tech - Introduction to the iPhone

These smartphones are amazing all-in-one tools for phone calls, email, text, photos, music & videos. They are also a camera, e-book reader, Internet browser, and gaming device. You will learn about setting up contacts, email, about Siri, iTunes, and the App Store. You can even totally replace other general-use computers with the iPhone. You can add a real keyboard; in fact, your iPhone will work with nearly any Bluetooth keyboard.
NOTE: Due to the differences in the latest software, we will NOT be covering iPad in this session.

Date: 3 Days -Wednesday, Thursday & Friday; December 9, 10 & 11
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Register: Click here to ENROLL.  To see all of the Seymour Tech classes, click here.



Medications & Blood Pressure

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 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. 

 
Date: Thursday, December 10
Time: 
6:00-7:30pm

To register, call 919-245-4274 and select option 2.  Leave us your name, phone and email address.  You’ll receive a confirmation email and a second email with a link to join our Zoom Meeting the day prior. 


Google Maps

Reminiscing with Google Maps in Orange County

Join us for a virtual walk down familiar streets in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough - using Google Maps Street View - as we share memories and thoughts about “then” versus “now.” All you will need is the GoToMeeting link we provide; our Google Maps navigator will provide the rest on-screen once we are gathered.

Fee: FREE   
Date: Friday, December 11 (Town: Chapel Hill)
Time: 1 – 2:30 pm
Activity Code: 313110-01
Phone#/Link: GoToMeeting link will be emailed.


What We've Learned About COVID
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Silver Music Concert Series - It's the Holiday Season
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Excerpts from the Suffragist Project
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Holiday Gathering - Place Settings

TED Talks at Seymour - 3 Steps to Turn Everyday Get-Togethers into Transformative Gatherings 

What are TED Talks? TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. TED is owned by a non-profit, non-partisan foundation. Its agenda is to make great ideas accessible and spark conversation. Topics are created and made available for use by TED.  Join us as we dive into TED Talks virtually including a 15 minute video/talk and follow up discussions. 

This Month: Why do some gatherings take off and others don't? Author Priya Parker shares three easy steps to turn your meetings and holidays into meaningful, transformative gatherings.(This Talk includes concepts that also apply to online gatherings!)

Facilitator: Lisa Meinert
Fee: FREE
Date: Monday, December 14                   
Time:  2 - 3 pm
Activity Code:353020-05
Link:  Contact Lisa Meinert (919-245-4251) to receive GoToMeeting link.


Orange County CARES

Dementia - Let's Talk About It

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a 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. Grab your preferred morning beverage and join us! You may register for one or multiple sessions.

Topic: Communication - Accomplishing a Task
Date: Tuesday, December 15
Time: 10:15 - 11:15 am
Join: Contact Marie Dagger at 919-245-4279 or mdagger@orangecountync.gov. Link will be emailed ahead of class.


BINGO Cards

BINGO – Virtual Games

Get ready for a new style & several rounds of bingo games. Several ways to connect with others in a virtual platform or over the phone to shout out…Bingo!  Each person will be given 2 game boards that will be available for pick up on Mon, Dec 7 – Fri, Dec 11, between 9am- 4pm at the Seymour Center. Bingo caller will keep track of winners. Prizes for winners, sponsored by Aetna Insurance, will be mailed or picked up at center. 

Date: Tuesday, December 15
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Register: Call 919-968-2070 or register online at least 1 week before game date.  Program login will be emailed. (Activity Number: 353041-09)


Carolina Theatre Durham Logo

Virtual Tour of the Historic Carolina Theatre

The Carolina Theatre of Durham’s Senior Director of Operations, Jana Woehrle, will give a Zoom virtual tour of the historic 94 year old venue, including the backstage area where the walls are covered in signatures from many of artists that have graced the stage.  The virtual tour will include a look at the newly installed historic exhibit that tells the story of Connie Moses & the volunteers who saved the Carolina Theatre from being demolished in the 1970’s.  All participants can ask questions & participate in conversations through video, microphone, & chat.
Video, audio, and microphone capabilities are required for a full experience.

Date: Thursday, December 17
Time: 2:30 pm
Fee: FREE
Register: Call 919-968-2070 or register online (Activity Number: 343084-01).  Link will be sent one week prior to the tour.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

"Stay Home," on graphic of house with family inside.

COVID-19 Recovery Survey

Your input is needed in prioritizing potential strategies for Orange County's recovery. These strategies have been developed based on input from over 100 governmental and non-governmental organizations; more than 1,500 previous survey responses from the public; and five focus group meetings with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community leaders.  To access the survey, please click the following link. 


For up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases in Orange County, visit the Orange County's COVID-19 webpage or reach out for further information:

  • 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.

Announcing our New YouTube Channel

We are excited to announce that we have launched the Orange County Department on Aging YouTube Channel. You will find videos ranging from Caregiver Support, In Praise of Age, Project EngAGE, Senior Center Programs and more. Be sure to subscribe to get all the latest videos! 
Calculator & Budget

Get Ready to File Taxes: What To Do Before The Tax Year Ends

The Orange County VITA Program will again be offering income tax return preparation services at no charge to those with low and moderate incomes, beginning in February.  Watch our website for details in January: www.orangecountync.gov/ocncvita or 919-245-4242.

You still have time to make a 2020 Tax Deductible Charitable Contribution.  For 2020 only, taxpayers who don't itemize deductions may take a charitable deduction of up to $300.

Also for 2020 only, the required minimum distributions from IRA or retirement plan accounts can be waived, and eligible individuals can take a coronavirus-related distribution of up to $100,000 by December 30, 2020 and repay it over three years or pay the tax due over three years.


Vegetables

Farmer's Market at the Senior Centers

Mr. Emory's farm-stand has returned to the Seymour and Passmore Centers.  Stop by to pick up some locally-grown produce!

Passmore Center
Wednesdays, 10AM - 1PM

Seymour Center
Fridays, 10AM - 1PM
Pen - Paperwork

Fee Waivers/Financial Assistance

Did you know that fee waivers and financial assistance is available for the programs we offer at the Orange County Senior Centers, including the virtual programs?

Fee waivers/reductions are available based on assessed financial need for all classes/programs for Orange County residents. Fee waivers are not offered for in- person trips/travel programs.

 Interested applicants complete the form and must provide a list and proof of income and a list of expenses. The rates of assistance are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

To apply for a fee waiver/financial assistance for a Senior Center program call either the Passmore Center, 919-245-20150 or Seymour Center, 919-968-2070 and request a scholarship form be emailed, mailed via USPS, or you may pick up at either center’s front desk. 


Filming - Clap Board

IN PRAISE OF AGE TV SHOW and Other DVD’s Available for Loan

In Praise of Age (IPOA) is an award-winning television show for older adults and the community on aging issues.  Shows are sponsored by the Orange County Department on Aging, Carol Woods Retirement Community, and the Friends of the Passmore Center.  Jerry M Passmore, founding director of the Orange County Department on Aging, was instrumental in creating In Praise of Age.

Shows are broadcast on Spectrum TV, Channel 8 (Chapel Hill/Hillsborough), Channel 4 (Carrboro), and Channel 18 (Durham area).  Shows are shown on Thursdays at 9 pm, and on Friday mornings at 5 am, and the following Monday afternoons at 2 pm. The (Date) listed reflects the Original Air Date for these listings.
 
Past popular IPOA programs can be viewed online.  Go to our Department on Aging YouTube page and type In Praise of Age in the search box.  
 
You can check out In Praise of Age and other donated recent and older film DVDs from the Orange County Senior Centers for home viewing.  A list of In Praise of Age shows is available upon request by calling either Passmore Center, 919-245-2015 or Seymour Center, 919-968-2070 as well a scheduling an appointment to pickup a DVD.

RESOURCES & SUPPORTS

Orange County CARES

Caregiver Supports

Support groups, educational programs, 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.  See below for upcoming programs or flyer for all Winter 2020-2021 Caregiver Programming.

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


Caring for Ourselves Support Group
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Home fitness equipment

Fit Seniors

Check 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! 


Grocery Bag

Grocery Delivery Service

If 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.



Photo of Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, Orange County Department on Aging
Mike Komives
Employment Specialist
Orange Co. Dept. on Aging

JOB SEEKERS – How many interviews do you have on your calendar for the first few weeks of January 2021?  Here’s some actions you can take from now until the end of the year.

 
Many job seekers mistakenly believe that employers do not hire at this time of year. WRONG. Employers don’t stop hiring during the holidays. Even with the pandemic and the economic uncertainties, there is reason to act. We’ve learned that vaccines may be available soon. And some businesses are thriving, and new ones being created.
 
Companies hire and recruiting continues, for one basic reason: the needs that cause hiring go on year-round, without regard to what time of year it is – existing markets grow; new opportunities are identified; improved strategic plans are needed; competitors increase or change their activities; services, operations or manufacturing requirements expand; and employees who retire or leave, need to be replaced.
 
Review or Develop your Job Search Plan
 
Describe Your Ideal and Acceptable Jobs - Because your ideal job may not be available right now, it makes sense to know what you will and can do in the meantime
 
Confirm Your Successes - In today’s environment, business leaders and hiring managers search for candidates with relevant accomplishments, not just education or experience.
 
Develop or Improve your Networking Contacts - Businesses are relying more and more on having their employees refer qualified candidates for open positions.  A very low amount of hiring comes from people applying businesses online. And from 75-to-90% of job placements are attributed to networking.
 
If you wish help with any of these or other job search needs, contact Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, Orange County Department On Aging.
 
Stay strong and be well.
Regards,
 
Mike Komives, Employment Specialist
Orange County Department On Aging
Phone: 919-616-8778
Email: skomives@orangecountync.gov


Call the "Aging Helpline," 919-968-2087

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, 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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Hands Volunteering

COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities

Would 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.


Support

For more information about ways to help, 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

CONTACT US

Jerry M. Passmore Center

Location & Hours

103 Meadowlands Dr. (PO Box 8181)
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: 919-245-2015

Currently Open for 1:1 Appointments:
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Typical Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 8 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 9 am - 11 am

Robert & Pearl Seymour Center

Location & Hours

2551 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone:919-968-2070

Currently Open for 1:1 Appointments:
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Typical Hours: 
Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 9 pm
Fridays, 8 am - 5 pm
Saturdays, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Orange County Department on Aging - Aging Transitions Services
Orange County Department on Aging - Senior Centers
Orange County Department on Aging - Volunteer Connect 55+
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300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278

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