06/17/22 - 06/30/22

Topics in this Edition

Upcoming Programs
Announcements
Resources & Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

"Seymour Rounds" Choreographed Ballroom Dance Class, Tuesdays, 4-6p, 919-968-2070.

Read full details >>

Care Partner Collaborative, Jun 1- Aug 31, 1-3p, Seymour, 919-245-4251

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movie projector - film - rainbow background

Summer LGBTQ+ Dinner and a Movie Series

Warmer weather and longer days offer the perfect opportunity to spend the evening out. Each month will feature a new movie that celebrates the joys, struggles, and journeys of the LGBTQ+ community. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm. Co-Sponsored by SAGE of Central North Carolina and Project EngAGE LGBTQ+ SRT.

This month’s feature, Cloudburst, follows characters Stella and Dotty, an older lesbian couple from Maine who embark on a Thelma and Louise-style road trip to Nova Scotia to get married after Dotty is moved into a nursing home by her granddaughter. Along the way, they pick up Prentice, a hitchhiker travelling home to Nova Scotia to visit his dying mother, and the three bond as they travel together.

Date: Wed, Jul 6; Time: 5:30 – 8 pm
Location: Seymour Center; Register by: Fri, Jul 1
Phone: 919-968-2070; Fee: FREE

National Pollinator Week

This week is National Pollinator Week, celebrating pollinators and recognizing the importance of pollinator health. Join us for this informational presentation to celebrate pollinators and learn what you can do to protect them.

Date: Wed, Jun 22; Time: 2 – 3 pm
Location: Passmore Hybrid; Phone: 919-245-2015 Code: 223024-01; Register by: Wed, Jun 15; Fee: FREE

Image by: https://www.freepik.com/photos/mature-woman

Image by FreePix.com

Solo Agers Interest Group

UNC’s Partnerships in Aging Program, in collaboration with Orange County’s Department on Aging, invites you to join the Solo Agers Interest Group. Solo agers are adults making decisions about their future independently. Come meet other solo agers, share resources and learn together the 4th Wednesday of each month. All who might consider themselves a 'solo ager' are invited to join! For any questions, email Lydia Arnold or call 919-245-4276.

Date: Wed Jun 22; Time: 4 - 5:30 pm

Fee: Free; Register by: Mon, Jun 20, call 919-968-2070

Explore Solo Aging resources here.

Art Exhibition – A Family Affair

This art exhibit will feature three generations of artists. We welcome back artist, Jerry Smith, along with work from his son, Jeff Smith, and his grandchildren, Kallie and Lukas Smith. Join us for an art reception and an opportunity to meet these artists.

Date: Thu, Jun 23; Time: 2:30 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 253002-02; Register by: Thu, Jun 16; Fee: FREE

Aspiring Young Artists Cultural Visual Arts Show

Download and share the flier.

Read the full program description >>

Rise: An Inspirational Journey

Immerse yourself in a outstanding one-woman performance by Shamia Truitt as she tells the story of women who were dynamic trailblazers in history. Through songs, readings, skits and more, you will leave inspired and uplifted. Meet the artist for a short reception after performance. The event will be offered in hybrid format (in-person and virtual options). Link provided after registration.

Date: Sat, Jun 25; Time: 3 – 4 pm
Location: Seymour Hybrid; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 323780-01; Register by: Sat, Jun 18; Fee: FREE

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.

Wednesday June 29, 12:00-1:30pm
Orange County Public Library
137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough NC
Register by calling 919-245-4240

Wednesday July 13, 6:00-7:30pm
Online class using ZOOM
Register at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_july

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Join Orange County Wildlife Rehabilitator, Barbara Whitman, for an inspiring conversation about her work helping injured and orphaned wildlife. Outdoor event with small number of live animals, handled only by guest speaker. Min. 4.

Date: Wed, Jun 29; Time: 2 – 3 pm
Location: Seymour Outdoor; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 336021-02; Register by: Wed, Jun 22; Fee: FREE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Freedom Day - Juneteenth - June 19, 2022 - Public Holiday Mon, Jun 20.

Orange County offices, including both senior centers, will be closed on Monday, June 20, in recognition of Juneteenth Freedom Day.

Health provider giving older woman a vaccine shot

2nd COVID-19 Vaccine Booster is Available

On March 29, 2022, the CDC updated booster dose guidance to expand eligibility for some people to get a second vaccine booster

Adults age 50 and older, and some immunocompromised individuals are now eligible to get a second booster, at least four months after their first booster. Learn more at www.orangecountync.gov/GetYourShot.

Child Tax Credit

There’s still time to claim the Child Tax Credit. Get up to $3,600 for each child to spend on what you need. Most families are eligible for this credit, even if you don’t usually file taxes. Visit GetCTC.org to claim your credit.

Get FREE At-Home COVID-19 Tests

In response to the rapid rise of Omicron subvariant cases and to help slow the spread of the virus, the Biden Administration announced on May 17th a third round of free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests. U.S. household may order an additional eight free tests at COVID.gov/tests. If you need help ordering the free at-home tests call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

NC Works4Health Research Study Recruitment flier

Learn more >>

OCDOA Upcoming Monthly Events are now Available on Podcast for People who are Blind or Print Impaired

Thanks to our friends at the North Carolina Reading Service (NCRS), you can find a podcast of each monthly edition of the Orange County Department of Aging’s OCDOA Upcoming Events e-newsletter by taking the following steps:

• Go to the North Carolina Reading Service website (https://www.ncreadingservice.org/)
• Click on the “Listen" tab
• Next to "How to Listen to NCRS”, click on “Skip to Podcasts Section"
• Under the “Newsletters" column on the far right side of the page, click on "Orange County Dept. Of Aging”

About the North Carolina Reading Service (NCRS).

Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud

Using your tax dollars and Medicare premiums, the government pays over $84 billion for durable medical equipment (hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, home oxygen, etc.). Each year at least $700 Million is wasted, a significant portion due to fraud. This might include offers of free equipment which are then billed to Medicare, equipment suppliers that require you to use their doctors and then prescribe unnecessary equipment, or suppliers who deliver an off-the-shelf product but bill Medicare for a more costly product.

Here are some steps you can take to help identify and report Medicare Fraud:

Never sign a blank form from a health care provider or equipment supplier
Protect your Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security cards as you do credit cards
Do not accept services from strangers who call or knock on your door
Refuse and report anything offered for “free”, like equipment or supplies in exchange for your Medicare number
Always read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Look for charges for equipment you do not need or did not receive

Report any concerns about billing mistakes or possible fraud and abuse to the North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-855-408-1212.

Where’s My Tax Refund?

If your return was electronically filed and you provided bank account information for a direct deposit, you will usually receive your refund within 21 days. However, both the IRS and the NC Department of Revenue are experiencing delays in processing tax returns. You can check on the status of your refund at www.irs.gov/refunds or by downloading the IRS2Go app. For NC state income tax refunds, visit www.ncdor.gov/refund.

Women’s Basketball Practice to Begin

Beginning Tuesday, May 31 at Seymour Center in Chapel Hill, the Orange County Senior Women's Basketball teams (The Orange Sprots and others) will practice from 5:15 - 6:45 pm. Teams are formed at 5-year intervals (50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89. . .).

Join us for fun, exercise, and camaraderie. For more information, call or text Angela Andrews at 919 200 9887 or email at angela.andrews@alunmi.duke.edu

Your Senior Center Registration Forms – Need Updating

It's time to update your OC Dept. on Aging Senior Centers' registration. We've noticed over the last few months, we need to include some additional information on our registration forms. Beginning in July, we will ask EVERYONE to stop by the front desk at either the Passmore or Seymour Center and complete a newly revised registration from or to complete one from our website http://www.orangecountync.gov/2676/Senior-Centers-Registration.

Please help us to have the most up-to-date information for you, especially in the case of an emergency we want to have the correct up-to-date ways to get in touch with you. Thank you. OC Dept on Aging Staff

RESOURCES & SERVICES

smart phone - internet signal - signal tower

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.

Office setting-desk-computer- smiling Hispanic woman on phone.

Aging 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 919-245-4245 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.

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.

illustration: colorful 2-story house - trees - scrubs

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.

adult incontinence supplies - bed pads - disposable pads - disposable underwear

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.

illustration - blue hand - splashing water

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.

Options Counseling, is it for you? Older Hispanic couple - smiling

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three prescription pills on top of dollar bill

Prescription Medications Too Expensive?

Medicare’s Extra Help program reduces the price of medications for those who qualify. You must have monthly income below $1700 and savings less than $14,000. For a married couple, income must be less than $2,289 and savings below $28,000.

For those who don’t qualify for that program, explore these options:

Ask your doctor and pharmacist about alternative medications that are covered on your drug plan at a lower co-pay, such as generics.
Search for Manufacturer Discount Programs that cover your medication.
Check the current pricing of your medications using a Drug Discount Program. In some cases, retail pricing with coupons are lower than the co-pays on your drug plan. Be aware, however that costs won’t apply to your drug plan’s deductible. Popular options include: www.goodrx.com, www.blinkhealth.com, www.northcarolinadrugcard.com and www.costplusdrugs.com

Make an appointment to meet with a certified volunteer counselor from the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to discuss your options. We have both in-person appointments and appointments by Zoom available by visiting our website www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or calling 919-245-4274.

Mike Komives
Employment Specialist

Searching for a job? If you want help in any of the following, we're here for you.

Do you have a plan? If you don't, we can help you develop one that works.

In today's world, employers want to know about your relevant successes... we can give you an easy way to describe these. And, half of all jobs available are not posted! How do you find them? We have the answer... just ask.

Who do you know? And who do they know? We'll show you how to guide your contacts so they help you. Resumes today are looked at initially in 6-to-20 seconds! We'll tell you what employers want to see. Got questions about salary or compensation? Do you know your worth? Are you good at negotiating?

Ready for the interview? Do you know what employers and hiring managers want to hear? We do, and will be glad to inform you.We know about many resources -- Websites, networking contacts, job seeker groups, job skills training, and more.

I invite you to contact me... Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, Orange County Department On Aging... 919-616-8778, skomives@orangecountync.gov

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

Image: Older African-American - carpenter level; older Caucasian woman - phone. Text: If you are interested in becoming a Handy Helper or Telephone Reassurance Volunteer, call Alison Smith, VC 55+ Volunteer Coordinator at 919-245-4241, or email alsmith@orangecountync.gov.

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, Alison Smith by phone at 919-245-4241 or email alsmith@orangecountync.gov.