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

08/12/2022 - 08/25/2022

Topics in this Edition

  • Upcoming Programs

  • Announcements

  • Resources & Services

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Community Announcements

  • Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Fabbri-Steel Mansion - New York City - circa 1900

The Prime Time Players Present:
The Four-Flushers


The Four-Flushers, by Cleves Kinkead, is a picture of High Society in New York City in 1914.  A gentleman is encouraging a married woman to run away with him.  How will the husband and the butler react to this?  What secret is each one of them keeping?

Four Flushers - YouTube 

Subscribe to the Prime Time Players’ YouTube channel to see all of their productions.

Adultos Mayores Activos, Martes y Jueves, 9am-1pm, Seymour Ctr., 919-245-2010 (espanol)
Click to Enlarge and Download Flyer
support group - people sitting in circle

Caregiver Support Groups 

Support groups are a space to meet with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. We have resumed in-person meetings and have added a new Zoom only group.  

  • Chapel Hill Support Group
    • Contact Kendall Kopchick to join - kkopchick@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278.
    • Friday, August 12 at 10:30am at Seymour
  • Hillsborough Support Group
    • Contact Keisha Andrew to join - kandrews@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2022.
    • Thursday, August 25 at 1pm at Passmore
  • Zoom Only Support Group
    • Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - kloperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253.
    • Tuesday, August 16 at 12:30pm at via Zoom
Medicare card - sample - John Smith - Hospital Part A - Medical Part B

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. 
 
Monday August 15, 12 – 1:30 pm
Orange County Public Library
137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough NC
Register by calling 919-245-2015
 
Wednesday September 7, 6 – 7:30 pm
Online class using ZOOM
Register at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_Sep

"Coffee to Go" - paper coffee cup - steam - on grass outside

Memory Café on the Move

Join us for a free, fun, low stress social engagement opportunity for people living with dementia and their care partners. Contact Kendall Kopchick (919-245-4278 or Kkopchick@orangecountync.gov) for more information or to register.

Monday, August 15
Maple View Farm (6900 Rocky Ridge Rd. Hillsborough, NC 27278)
Register by Thursday, August 11 at 5 pm
graphic - 2 people - conversation - speech bubbles

Dementia – Let’s Talk About It:
Communication - Accomplishing a Task

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for an ONLINE 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. You may register for one or multiple sessions.

Topic: Communication - Accomplishing a Task; Fee: FREE 
Date: Tue, Aug 16; Time: 10:15 - 11:15 am; Location: Virtual 
Register by: Mon, Jul 18. To register, email or call the Aging Helpline (agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov or 919-968-2087). You will receive the meeting link/phone# after registration.

silhouettes of two jazz musicians - saxophone - trumpet - jazz notes

Jazzy Sounds of Summer

Relax and enjoy great summer sounds with lively jazz by Hammond organist & vocalist, Gary Brunotte, saxophonist, Bill Easley, tenor saxophonist, Glen Ingram and drummer, George Hindenach. They will perform classic jazz by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Oliver Nelson, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck and more. Be ready for some serious toe tapping. Min 10/ Max 50

Date: Fri, Aug 19; Time: 2 – 3 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 333291-01; Register by: Fri, Aug 12; Fee: FREE

honey bee - flower - pollen

Lunch & Learn Engaging Topics: Honey Bees

This month's topic is "Honey Bees". August 20th is National Honey Bee Day. A representative with the Orange County Beekeepers Association will give us an informative presentation about honey bees and their importance. A to-go lunch will be provided. Min: 15/ Max:22. Zoom link provided after registration to virtual attendees.

Date: Wed, Aug 24; Time: 11:30 am – 1 pm
Location: Seymour Hybrid; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 353112-07,08; Register by: Wed, Aug 17; Fee: FREE

older African-American woman - smiling

Solo Agers Interest Group

Solo agers are adults making decisions about their future independently. Come meet other solo agers, share resources and learn together. All who might consider themselves a 'solo ager' are invited to join!  This month, Lisa Anthony, a long-time resident in the Falconbridge neighborhood, will share her experience - the joys and challenges - of developing a culture of caring among neighbors.  For any questions, reach out to Lydia Arnold at 919-245-4276 or larnold@orangecountync.gov.
 
Date: Wed Aug 24; Time: 4 – 5:30 pm; Fee: Free
Register by: Fri, Aug 19, call the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070

herb infused oil - tomatoes - garlic - rosemary

Cooking with Essential Oils

Kim Petrides, doTERRA Wellness Advocate will be here to talk about the essential oils that are safe to use when cooking to add flavor to many meals. 

Date: Thu Aug 25; Time: 2 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 232255-08; Register by: Thu, Aug 18; Fee: FREE

electric shock - personal taser

Damsel in Defense

Be prepared, not scared, is the motto of this organization. Join Personal Safety Specialist, Tina Owens, and learn how to be in control of your safety. Min:5/Max: 15

Date: Wed, Aug 31; Time: 3 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 243007-01; Register by: Wed, Aug 17; Fee: FREE

diverse workers - office setting
Click to Enlarge and Download Flyer
Dementia Where to Start - 9/9 4-5:30, Seymour, Reg by 9/7, 919-245-2070
Click to Enlarge and Download the Flyer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chinese Caregiver Support Program - Call 919-245-4275
Click to Enlarge or Download the Flyer
senior white man - sleeve rolled up - band-aid on arm
Get Your Shot

Community Spread for COVID-19 High

Orange County is currently at a high level of community spread for COVID-19, according to the CDC. To reduce the spread in our community it is helpful to mask indoors, wash your hands often, give each other a little space and, most importantly, be sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination.

If you do think you have been exposed, or are feeling ill, please get a COVID-19 test. There are test to treat sites available that will allow you to access medication should you test positive. A list of test to treat locations in Orange County: https://www.orangecountync.gov/2451/Testing 

Orange County Health Department vaccine flyers in English-Spanish, Karen-Burmese, and Chinese- Swahili.

OCDOA podcast for blind/print-impaired. www.orangecountync.gov/AgingPodcast  Woman-computer-headset
Click to Enlarge and Download Flyer
FREE Nutrition Supplements for qualifying Medicaid beneficiaries, call 919-968-2087 for info and referral.
Email the Aging Transitions Team to see if you qualify.
prescription cost - prescription pills - dollar bills
Make a FREE in-person or virtual Medicare counseling appointment.

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.

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.

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).

illustration - house with arrow to $

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:

  1. Earn no more than 30% of the area median income 
  2. Have an urgent need for housing assistance that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 
  3. 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
Click to Enlarge
wallet - credit card - dollar bills

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 - tablet - laptop - monitor

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.

photo: Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, OC Dept. on Aging

Looking for a Job?

This invites you to a Job Seekers Workshop. Join us at 10 am on Friday Sept. 2 at the Seymour Center, or at 10 am on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the Passmore Center. If you can't come in person, you can participate with us on Zoom.  
 
The first workshop will focus on your Job Search Plan, on what employers want and expect from job seekers in today's marketplace, as well as address any questions, concerns or issues you may have. 
  • Seymour Center In-Person Workshop or Virtual Zoom Option
    Date: Fri, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2
    Time: 10 – 11:30 am
    To Register, call 919-968-2070. Request the Zoom link if registering for the virtual option
  • Passmore Center Workshop or Virtual Zoom Option
    Date: Wed, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7
    Time: 10 – 11:30 am
    To Register: call 919-245-2015. Request the Zoom link if registering for the virtual option. 

Mike Komives, MBA
Employment Specialist
Orange County Department on Aging
2551 Homestead Road  I  Chapel Hill, NC 27516
919.616.8778 | www.orangecountync.gov/aging

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.

Volunteer with VITA!

Looking for a challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunity?  The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) assists low and moderate-income taxpayers with preparing their annual income tax returns.  Our tax season runs February 1 to April 15 and most volunteers work one or two 4-hour shifts per week.
 
Volunteers assist in a wide variety of roles, including:

  • Tax Preparers (requires IRS Tax Law training that starts November 1)
  • Receptionists greet clients, explain the process, and organize paperwork
  • Appointment Schedulers answer phones and return voicemails to schedule appointments using computer software
  • IT Specialists troubleshoot and maintain our Windows laptops and printers

To learn more, contact Jeanne Chamberlin at 919-245-4240 or jchamberlin@orangecountync.gov.

"Volunteer" with colorful hands lifted.

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. 



For more information about ways to help during COVID, 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

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

2022 NC Reader Service Benefit Gala, Hilton Raleigh N. Hills, 9/9, RSVP 8/31 www.ncreadingservice.org
For more information about the North Carolina Reading Service 2022 Gala >>

CONTACT US

Jerry M. Passmore Center

Location & Hours

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

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Robert & Pearl Seymour Center

Location & Hours

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

Hours: 
Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 9 pm
Friday - Saturday: 8 am - 5 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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