07/14/2023 - 07/27/2023

Topics in this Edition

Upcoming Programs

Announcements

Resources & Services

Volunteer Opportunities

Contact Us

Upcoming Programs

Seeing, Believing and Being
Guided Interfaith Spiritual Meditation – This intentionally inclusive, multi-faith, multi-cultural group is intended to help everyone deepen their connection to their sense of the Holy in their life regardless of their beliefs. We will adapt an ancient meditative practice of Visio Divina to meet our modern needs as we seek to spiritually engage the Divine in our life through contemplation of poetry and art. This is FREE and all are welcome! No registration needed, just come and enjoy.

There will be time set aside afterwards for individual conversation as well that is open to all regardless of participation in the program. For more information, contact Will Lee at William.lee@unchealth.unc.edu.

Location, Dates & Times

SEYMOUR CENTER
Mon, July 17 & 31; 2 – 3 pm
Download and share the Seymour Visio Divina Group flyer.

PASSMORE CENTER
Mon, July 24 & Aug 7; 10 - 11 am
Download and share the Passmore Visio Divina Group flyer.

The Story Behind the Lens
Each photograph has a story to tell. Who was the photographer? What day was it taken and why? Who are the people in the photo? What were you feeling when you took the photo? Bring a photo that you would like to share with our group and we will explore how clues can tell us more about old photos. Min: 5/Max: 15

Date: Tue, Jul 18; Time: 10 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 237005-01; Fee: FREE

TED Talks at Passmore
Join us to watch and discuss, How one small idea led to $1 million of paid water bills. When a computer programmer learned that thousands of people in Detroit were facing water shutoffs because they couldn’t afford to pay their bills, she took action-in the simplest, most obvious way possible. This inspiring story shows that each of us can find our own way to help the world. TED stands for technology, Entertainment and Design and is owned by a non-profit, non-partisan foundation. Min: 5/Max: 8.

Date: Tue, Jul 18; Time: 2pm
Location: Passmore Hybrid; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 254038-07; Fee: FREE

Library Intergenerational Storytime
Intergenerational Storytime is in collaboration between Orange County Public Library, who will be bringing storytime to the Passmore Center! Preschool-aged children, with their caregivers, and local Passmore patrons are invited to this fun-filled interactive program. Enjoy stories, songs, and activities to create timeless friendships. Min: 5/Max: 30

Date: Wed, Jul 19; Time: 10:30 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 233264-01; Register by: Wed, July 12; Fee: FREE

Ngoma Self Care
Ngoma (literally meaning to give the strength of the panther) is a tradition from Central/Southern Africa. It is coming together in drumming rhythm and dance to deal with life issues and cultural stress by engaging spirituality, healing, personal growth, ethical conduct and social bonding. The activity will involve meditation, drumming, dance and discussion.

Date: 2^nd and 4^th Mondays: July 24; August 14; 28; Time: 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Seymour; To Register: Call 919-968-2070; Fee: FREE

Solo Agers Interest Group
Solo agers are older adults who are making decisions about their future independently. Come meet other solo agers, learn together, and get involved! All who might consider themselves a 'solo ager' are invited to join. This month join Ann Bradford to talk about the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) long-term care model.

Date: Wed, Jul 26; Time: 4 – 5:30 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Register by: Mon, Jul 24; Fee: FREE
Check out more information on solo aging here.

Go With the Flow Social Group
We have a new program idea that we would like to launch this Fall and we need your help to do it! In order to establish this new group, we need participants and peer leaders to help us get this cool opportunity organized. This social program is designed to be non-competitive, move at a relaxed pace, be stress free, and always enjoyable. Players are encouraged to be patient and sensitive, and may need to give assistance to their peers as needed. Games may include Mah Jongg, Scrabble, Spades and any other table game. To learn more about this unique program, please join Cyd and Samantha and enjoy a surprise table game of their choice. Hope to see you there and let’s Go with the Flow!

Date: Mon, July 31; Time: 10 am
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Registration: None needed. Drop-in; Fee: FREE

A Summer Supper with Musical Guest “Blumora”
“Blumora” is a local acoustic folk duo that sweetly serenades with their beautiful musical arrangements. Come sway to the sounds and enjoy our cold summer salad bar. Min: 15/Max: 50

Date: Wed, Aug 2; Time: 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Register by: Wed, Jul 26; Fee: FREE

Sign up to attend.

Wind Down Wednesdays
Concert Series
Unwind with family and friends while enjoying eclectic genres of music each Wednesday evening. Get ready for country, jazz, rock & roll, and much more! Bring out your lawn chairs, picnic dinner and dancing shoes. Hand held fans will be given to the first 25 people to arrive on each Wednesday. Snacks and lemonade will be served. Come on out, you'll be glad you did!

Dates: Wed, Aug 2 – 30; Time: 6 – 8 pm; Fee: FREE
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Registration: Preferred, but not required for this community-wide event.

Aug 2: Marie Vanderbeck’s Jazz Trio – Jazz, pop, folk and even some country!
Aug 9: Gray Rock Transit – Groove to Classic rock, country, R&B, and “Oldies”
Aug 16: Regina Gale and the Bradshaw Quartet – For all lovers of music; come experience the jazzy, soulful and sultry expressions of song that will delight you!
Aug 23: Penny’s Bend – Paying tribute to a wide range of popular artists from Patsy Cline, Prince and Beyoncé to Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and Madonna!
Aug 30: The Blue Moon Steppers – Country Dance Band that features classic country songs - both slow and peppy - by artists such as Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and many more standard artists.

Announcements

Chinese E Life

Don’t be fooled by Medicare Scams
Did you know that $68 billion is lost to Medicare Fraud annually? Here are some tips to avoid being taken in by Medicare scams:

Guard your Medicare card like you would a credit card
Never give out your Medicare number over the phone
Be sure that it is your doctor that orders any medical equipment you need
Never sign a blank form from your provider’s office
Refuse or report anything offered for ‘free’ in exchange for your Medicare number
Review your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits to confirm that you received all the services listed; contact your provider’s office if you have questions

Report potential fraud and abuse to the NC Department of Insurance at 1-855-408-1212.

Important Information for Those with Medicaid
MEDICARE is a federal health insurance program for those that are age 65+ or disabled for more than 2 years. MEDICAID is a state/federal program for those with low income and resources. Some people have both MEDICARE AND MEDICAID.

If you have MEDICAID (with or without Medicare), you will be required to verify your continuing eligibility. It’s important to watch your mail carefully in the next several months so you don’t miss the instructions and forms that are required. Watch for a letter from the County Department of Social Services or the NC Department of Health and Human Services and follow the instructions provided. Failing to act when you receive this notice can cause termination of your Medicaid benefits and result in a new fee of $165 per month for your Medicare coverage.

You can send documents and ask questions of your Medicaid case worker by emailing to adult.medicaid@orangecountync.gov.

Stream live or listen to the podcast.

Printer Toner Cartridge Recycling Program
Wonder what to do with your used or outdated printer toner cartridges? Recycle them! Drop them off at either the Passmore or Seymour Centers. Look for the labelled Toner Recycling Box located near the front desk at both centers. This will give you a convenient place to recycle your cartridges, and keep them out of the landfill.

Resources & Services

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.

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).

Current OCDOA Upcoming Events 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.

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.

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.

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.

Download and share the flyer.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Connect 55+

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, Rebecca Bratsch by phone at 919-245-4241 or email rbratsch@orangecountync.gov