01/28/2022 - 02/10/2022

Topics in this Edition

• Upcoming Programs

• Announcements

• Resources & Services

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Dementia – Let's Talk About It

Celebrating Black History Month: Part 1

To kick off Black History Month join us for a screening of the Freedom Riders Documentary. The film is based in part on the book Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice by historian Raymond Arsenault. Co-sponsored by Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation. Min: 10/ Max: 24

Date: Fri, Feb 4     Time: 2 pm      Location: Seymour
Activity # 313077-03     Register by: Fri, Jan 28     Fee: FREE 

Standing Guard: Protect Your Assets

Shares strategies designed to help guard valuable assets and protect pre- and post-retirement income. Discusses impact of longevity, withdrawal strategies, anticipating rising costs, reviewing insurance/LTC protection, and healthcare cost concerns. Min: 3/Max: 10. Instructor: Tom Struckmeyer, CFP®, AAMS®, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Date: Mon, Feb 7    Time: 2 pm     Location: Passmore 
Activity # 224013-01      Register by: Mon, Jan 31      Fee: FREE

Winter Bingo

It might be cold outside but it will be just right inside for a morning game of Bingo. Everyone will be a winner when they join us for this special winter Bingo.

Date: Tue, Feb 8     Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am      Location: Passmore  
Activity: 213043-01     Register by: Tue, Feb 1      Fee: FREE

OC Dept. on Aging & UNC Philosophy

The Philosophy Department at UNC is offering a new Intergenerational Philosophy program! Join UNC undergraduates and fellow community members as we read, learn, and discuss life’s most pressing questions. At its core, philosophy is about asking questions and reflecting on our beliefs and values—an activity we believe is best practiced in community. 

Participants may participate either in-person or via the computer. The lead faculty will be Michael Vazquez, PhD, Director of Outreach & Teaching Assistant Professor Department of Philosophy | Parr Center for Ethics at UNC - Chapel Hill. Register by contacting michael.vazquez@unc.edu  or the Seymour Center front desk, 919-968 - 2070.
Min. 8/Max 16

Date: Tues & Thu, Feb 8  - Apr 28     Time: 2 – 3:15 pm     Fee: FREE   
Location: Seymour     Activity: #357011     Register by: Fri,  Feb 4   

Guardianship: What You Need to Know

Guardianship, conservatorship, and power of attorney. Do they have different meanings? Join us for an informational presentation by Attorney Delores Benton Evans who practiced law in Durham, N.C. before retiring in 2019. She will cover the statutes of legal guardianship in older adults and provide you additional information around the responsibilities of guardianship. Min: 5/ Max: 25. Virtual attendees will be provided the zoom link after registration.

Date: Wed, Feb 9     Time: 10:30 am     Location: Passmore Hybrid
Activity # 214045-01, 02      Register by: Wed, Feb 2      Fee: FREE

Memory Café on the Move: Honeysuckle Tea House

Join us for a Valentine’s Tea Party! We invite people living with cognitive change, along with their care partners, to join us for a low stress, socially engaging outing in the community!

Date: Thu, Feb 10     Time: 10 am     Location: Honeysuckle Tea House     Fee: Free
Register by: Mon, Feb 7 to Kendall Kopchick (kkopchick@Orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278).

Valentine’s Day Love Song and Trivia Contest

Enjoy the smooth and mellow sounds of Steve Toll as he leads us on a musical journey of love. We don’t want to ignore St. Valentine or Cupid so be sure to read up on this holiday and bring your “A” game as you compete or cheer on the competitors in our Valentine’s trivia contest. Special Valentines treats will be given after the event. Min: 15/Max: 25

Date: Thu, Feb 10     Time: 3 pm     Location: Passmore Hybrid
Activity # 213006-01, 02      Register by: Thu, Feb 3      Fee: FREE

Celebrating Black History Month: Part 2

Join us for our next celebration of Black History Month with the talented, world renowned storyteller, Tyris Jones. Tyris will take the audience on a storytelling journey using African Tales, Folktales, Tall Tales and Just His Tales (original stories written by the teller). Co-sponsored by Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation. Min: 15/ Max: 23

Date: Fri, Feb 11     Time: 2 pm    Location: Seymour Hybrid 
Activity # 313077-04      Register by: Fri, Feb 4      Fee: FREE

Love is in the Air: Cupid Shuffle Grab and Go

Love is still in the air! This year inside seating will be determined by COVID guidelines 2 weeks prior to event. If unable to party inside, join us in the parking lot for the electric slide. Get in the groove, and show us your best cupid shuffle move. Signature event co-sponsored with Hannah Ruth Foundation. Min: 40/ Max: 100

Date: Sat, Feb 12     Time: 4 – 6 pm     Location: Seymour Outdoor
Activity # 313057-05      Register by: Sat, Feb 5      Fee: FREE

Welcome to Medicare 

If you’re turning 65, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by all the information “bombarding” you about Medicare.  The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and the Orange County Department on Aging offer FREE monthly group sessions on Medicare.  Whether you're retiring soon, already retired, or continuing to work, you’ll get valuable information including how and when to enroll,  Medicare’s costs and benefits, and your many options.  

Date: Wed., Feb. 16    Time: 1 - 2:30 pm    Location: Virtual on Zoom
To register: www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_feb     Fee: FREE

A Very British Life: HRH Prince Philip

HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh was born in Greece as a member of the Greek and Danish royal families, how did Philip survive those early years abandoned by his father and uncared for by his mother? Like his wife, Prince Philip, is a great-great-grandchild of Queen Victoria. What was his role in navigating the royal family from Princess Diana to Meghan Markle. Presenter, Andrew O'Brien

Date: Wed, Feb 16     Time: 10:30 am     Location: Passmore Hybrid 
Activity: 244078-01,02      Register by: Wed, Feb 2      Fee: FREE

North Carolina Bird Atlas Project

The North Carolina Bird Atlas is a state-wide community science survey that is bringing together thousands of birdwatchers to map the distribution and abundance of birds from all across The Old North State. Join a volunteer from NC Bird Atlas to learn more about this project and how you can get involved – all experience levels welcome! Max. 20 Phone number/link provided after registration.

Date: Wed, Feb 16     Time: 1:30 – 2:30 pm     Location: Virtual
Activity # 313704-01      Register by: Wed, Feb 9      Fee: FREE 

Celebrating Black History Month: Part 3

Join us for the finale of our Black History Month Series. Get ready for energy-packed rhythms during this traditional Congolese drum performance led by Pline Mounzeo, a professional musician from Brazzaville, who has toured in Africa, Europe and the U.S. Accompanied by Ken Wilson from Orange County who has played for over 40 years. Co-sponsored by Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation. Min: 15/ Max: 21

Date: Fri, Feb 18    Time: 2 pm     Location: Seymour Hybrid 
Activity # 313077-05      Register by: Fri, Feb 11     Fee: FREE

Caregiver Education Series

MSW Interns Kenesha Wood, and Kimuria Snipes will discuss how caregiving differs at different levels of care, including in the home, living separately, and in long term care facilities.

Date: Wed, Feb 23    Time: 1:30 pm     Location: Virtual     Fee: FREE
Register: In advance for this meeting: https://orangecountync.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMod-Cvqj0iGdY9dyt3_Mu3Uorio_Vbp3ZF  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.  This new benefit  provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

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.

Don’t Like Your Medicare Plan?
You May Be Able to Change

If you missed Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, or if you have had second thoughts, you may still be able to change.  For those with a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan, you can change to another Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare one time between January 1 and March 31.  (Aren’t sure whether you have an Advantage Plan?  Check your insurance card.  If it says “PPO” or “HMO” anywhere on the card, you do!) 
 
Make an appointment to meet with a certified counselor from the NC Department of Insurance.  Appointments available by Zoom video chat and in-person at the Seymour and Passmore Centers. Schedule online at ­www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or call 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.  

Due to the Coronavirus, we will offer two virtual services: GetYourRefund.org by Code for America and MyFreeTaxes.com by United Way. Both services will be available in February 2022 and will be available 24/7.

To help more families get the money they’ve earned, the nonprofit Code for America partnered with the IRS VITA program to create a free digital tax prep service called GetYourRefund.org/Cash4NC. Get help filing your income taxes, including filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

EITC is the largest government benefit for workers, and one of the two most effective anti-poverty programs in the United States. To receive your EITC, you must claim it on a tax return. Unfortunately, one in five eligible households aren’t claiming this benefit.

The program is accurate and trustworthy; volunteers are IRS-certified, and each return is double-checked for accuracy. To use the service, visit GetYourRefund.org/Cash4NC. 

For more information about eligibility, FAQ's  and resources, visit the OCNC VITA website for eligibility, FAQ's and resources to get started today.

RESOURCES & SERVICES

Has your water been CUT OFF?
Is your bill over 60 days overdue?

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can help! 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.

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.

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 and contact Mike Gilliom with questions.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CONTACT US