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

Nov 18 - Dec 1, 2022

Topics in this Edition

  • Upcoming Programs

  • Announcements

  • Resources & Services

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Irving Berlin - Ragtime

A Tribute to Irving Berlin and His Music!

The Prime Time Players (PTP) present Tribute to Irving Berlin and His Music. The Prime Time Players are a musical theatre troupe of seasoned singers, musicians, actors and dancers ages 55+. Prime Time Players has been entertaining Orange County audiences with their talent, wit and wisdom since 2004.
 
Show Dates, Times and Locations

  • Passmore Center:
    • 2 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 30
  • Seymour Center:
    • 2 pm, Thursday, Dec. 1
    • 2 pm, Saturday, Dec. 3

Donations of $7 would be greatly appreciated at the door. For more information contact the Seymour Center at 919-968-2070.


Senior Retiree Solo

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, Linda Erickson will share on financial planning and management.
 
Date: Nov 30; Time: 4 – 5:30 pm; Fee: Free
Register by: Mon, Nov 28, please call 919-968-2070
 
For more information, check out the UNC PiAP website here!


Medicare - Part A - Part B - Part C - Part D

Check Your Medicare Plan
Before December 7


Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7 is your chance to explore your options and possibly change plans to save on Medicare costs in 2022.  While people tend to focus on the premium cost, equally important is what you pay when you pick up your prescriptions or visit your provider.  Plans change each year and costs, particularly for your medications, may change dramatically.   Many people save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by switching plans, but most can only change during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period.   The Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free and unbiased assistance to help you explore your options.

Meet with a certified counselor for an Annual Medicare Review.   We will be offering in-person appointments at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill and the Passmore Center in Hillsborough as well as online using Zoom Video Chat.  Schedule online at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or call 919-245-4274. 


sheep

Button Sheep Art       

We will use different sized buttons to make an adorable sheep that is sure to make you smile.

Date: Wed, Nov 30; Time: 10 am; Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015;
Code: 244088-01; Register by: Wed, Nov 23; Fee: $5.00


Living Long: HIV / Aids and Aging
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LGBTQ+ Dinner, Movie & Friends
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Adultos Mayores Activos, Martes y Jueves, 9am-1pm, Seymour Ctr., 919-245-2010 (espanol)
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Job Seeker Workshop
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christmas presents

Gifts for a Grandfamily

Gift Donations Needed at the Senior Centers! "Grandfamilies” are families in which grandparents are raising their grandchildren. The Intergenerational Senior Resource Team would like to honor these special families with a gift this holiday season. Giving trees will be located at both senior centers for you to drop off your unwrapped gifts for a grandchild, grandparent or both no later than Thu, Dec 15.
Gifts not to exceed $20.


Chinese Caregiver Support Program - Call 919-245-4275
Click to Enlarge or Download the Flyer
OCDOA podcast for blind/print-impaired. www.orangecountync.gov/AgingPodcast  Woman-computer-headset
Listen to the current OCDOA Upcoming Events Podcast >>

Hope Renovations trainees on building site

Hope Renovations Trades Training Program is getting a MAJOR renovation


We've learned a couple really important things over the past two years.

First, taking on a 25-hr/week training program is a BIG commitment. Second, entering a brand new industry without plenty of hands-on experience is REALLY intimidating.
So, beginning in 2023, we're doing what we do best — changing things for the better! Our Trades Training Program will now offer trainees the financial support AND the work experience they need to be successful.

Our pre-apprenticeship will consist of 9 weeks of workshop-based training that's not just free but includes a living stipend, followed by a 6-week internship with our amazing construction crew that pays a living wage!

It's a big shift for us (and a big leap of faith), and we're working hard to fundraise for it because we believe these changes are going to make all the difference for the folks who need our program the most.

The application deadline is November 18th, and applicants are first required to attend an info session. You can learn more at hoperenovations.org/training-faqs. Spread the word!

When we say we’re “building futures and transforming lives,” we mean it. And we are SO excited for you to be a part of it in 2023!

RESOURCES & SERVICES


Advance Directives 101 with notary service
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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 919-245-2010 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.

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.
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.

Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, OC Dept. on Aging
Mike Komives, Empl. Spc.

Looking for a Job? We Can Help You Succeed!


Looking for a job today is challenging. You need to know what employers, hiring managers and human resource professionals are seeking in candidates. 
 
We can help you succeed. We'll help you to develop a job search plan, compelling resume and cover letter. We'll show you how to network effectively, give you information about job seeker groups, guide you on how to answer interview questions including salary, and more. Enclosed is a list of job search subjects that we discuss in our Job Search Workshops as well as in individual meetings.
 
If you have questions or want more information, contact Mike Komives, by phone or text at 919-616-8778, or email: skomives@orangecountync.gov
 
Learn more at: www.orangecountync.gov/MatureJobSeekers


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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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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers needed for Handy Helpers and Telephone Reassurance
"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, Allie Burress by phone at 919-245-4241 or email aburress@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

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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