10/20/2023 - 11/02/2023

Topics in this Edition

Upcoming Programs
Announcements
Resources & Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Us

Upcoming Programs

Medicare Open Enrollment: Oct 15 - Dec 7

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is October 15 – December 7

Medicare plans change each calendar year. Your medication costs can increase significantly if your plan changes their drug list and pricing as of Jan 1. 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 with choosing the best plan for your needs.

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.

Are You Confused by all the Medicare Advertisements?
Join our special presentation, Medicare Mythbusters, to get the facts.

Medicare Mythbusters!

Date: Mon, Oct,16; Time: 1 – 2 pm; Location: Seymour; Register: at 919-968-2070
Date: Wed, Oct 18; Time: 1 – 2 pm; Location: Passmore; Register: at 919-245-2015

Audiology at the Seymour Center

UNC Hearing and Communication Center is now offering select Audiology services as the Seymour Center. A faculty Doctor of Audiology is available for hearing consultations, assistive technology, hearing aid repairs, and wax removal. The UNC HCC is taking new patients and those already with hearing devices. Call 919-445-6744 to make your appointment. www.uncaudiology.org. Standard billing for all services will apply.

Date: Wed, Oct 24; Nov 8, 27; Time: 9 am – 12 noon
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 324241-06; 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.

Date: Wed, Oct 25; Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Register by: Mon, Oct 23; Fee: FREE

Check out more information on solo aging here.

Memory Screening

Memory screenings are an important part of a good health and wellness routine for people of all ages. Screenings take just a few minutes, consist of a series of questions, and are conducted one-on-one with a certified screener. Min: 5/Max: 50.

Date: Thu, Oct 26; Time: 9 am – 12 noon
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 242504-01; Register by: Mon, Oct 23; 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.

Thursday October 26, 6 – 7:30 pm
Online class using ZOOM.
Register at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_oct

Community Treasures Ceremony

Chapel Hill Historical Society recognizes long-time residents whose kind hearts and good deeds have made our communities better places. Come celebrate the 13th class of Community Treasures, all individuals whose leadership and guidance have made a significant impact on the life and culture of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the surrounding area. Light refreshments to be served after the ceremony. Sponsored by the Chapel Hill Historical Society. Min: 5/Max: 75.

Date: Sat, Oct 28; Time: 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Location: Seymour Hybrid; Phone: 919-968-2070
Register by: Sat, Oct 21; Code: 313103-02; Fee: FREE

Go With the Flow Social Group

This social program is non-competitive, moves at a relaxed pace, is stress-free, and is always enjoyable. Members meet to play cards, as well as tabletop and board games on the last Monday of the month. Players are encouraged to be patient and sensitive and may need to give assistance to their peers as needed. Let's all relax and have a good time! This social group meets the last Monday of every month. Min: 4/Max 25.

Date: Mon, Oct 30; Time: 10 am – 12 noon
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Register by: Mon, Oct 23; Fee: FREE

Halloween Bingo

Dress in your Halloween costume for a spooktacular game of Bingo! Win prizes and enjoy some ghoulish goodies!

Date: Tue, Oct 31; Time: 2 – 3 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 243005-01; Register by: Tue. Oct 24; Fee: FREE

Hearing Screening

Hearing loss can negatively impact communication with loved ones, social engagement and quality of life. A simple hearing screening is the first step toward better hearing. Patricia Johnson, AuD, ABA will provide screenings, ear wax checks and consultations. A screening is a pass/fail test to detect the presence of hearing loss. It does not replace a comprehensive audiogram. Max: 15

Date: Wed, Nov 1; Time: 9 am – 12 noon
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 252505-01; Register by: Thu, Oct 21; Fee: Free

Let’s Make Tiramisu!

Come gather and learn how to make Tiramisu so that you can share with your guests over the holidays. We will get to follow it up with coffee and trial of our own creation. Everyone is a little Italian on this night!

Date: Wed, Nov 1; Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 244094-01; Register by: Wed, Oct 25; Fee: FREE

College: Getting There from Here

Cynda Beauchamp with Edward Jones Financial will share an overview of savings strategies for parents and grandparents to help establish and reach a college savings goal, and the benefits of 529 college savings plans.

Date: Thu, Nov 2; Time: 3 – 4 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 254064-11; Register by: Thu, Oct 26; Fee: FREE

Yoga For All

Experience the revitalizing effects of senior-focused yoga in our all-levels class! Enhance your strength, flexibility, and balance through easy postures and mindful breathing. Our skilled and welcoming teacher ensures safety and personalized assistance in every pose. Rekindle your mind-body-spirit connection for overall wellbeing in a supportive environment.

Date: Thu, Nov 2 – 30; Time: 4 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 352003-20; Fee: FREE

Investing Basics & Market Linked Investments

Edward Moseley with Wells Fargo investors will review many different types of investment solutions, their risks, and when they can play a part in your portfolio. He will also review Market Linked Investments. What are they? How can they help you reduce risk? How can they be used to complement other assets (real estate, stocks, bonds, cash, etc.)?

Date: Fri, Nov 3; Time: 10 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 254064-03; Register by: Fri, Oct 27; Fee: FREE

ChairOne Fitness

This fitness class is designed to deliver a fun, musically driven, interactive full body workout that uplifts people through dance and fitness moves. All-inclusive class, regardless of ability. Min: 5.

Date: Tue, Nov 7 – 28; Time: 11 am
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 342251-02; Fee: $24

Wellness Bingo

Are you ready to play Bingo? Come and join us for a day of Wellness. Stimulate your mind and body as you have fun playing Wellness bingo! Min: 5.

Date: Thu, Nov 9; Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 212253-01; Register by: The, Nov 2; Fee: FREE

A Salute to You: Dinner and Dance Party

Let's celebrate with our Veterans! Enjoy a local live band, Popcorn Blue, dinner and dancing as a special recognition to those who served our country. All attendees must register, including one guest, to ensure we accommodate everyone for this worthy affair. Our live entertainment is sponsored by Humana. Min: 40/Max: 100.

Date: Fri, Nov 10; Time: 6 – 8 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070;
Register by: Fri, Nov 3; Code: 343069-04; Fee: FREE

Menopause

Menopause is not just hot flashes. There is so much more to understand regarding the entire body, particularly the pelvic floor, during menopause. This event features empowering discussions tailored to address the physical, emotional, and mental challenges that arise during this transitional phase of life. Attendees can meet the speaker post-session. Max: 10.

Date: Tue, Nov 14; Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Code: 322297-02; Register by: Tue, Nov 7; Fee: FREE

Dementia – Let’s Talk About It

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.

Topic: Cognitive Assessment and Disclosing a Diagnosis
Date: Nov 21; Time: 10 am; Fee: FREE; Location: Virtual
Contact: The Aging Helpline (919-968-2087 or Agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov)

Scoliosis: The Hidden Ailment

Whether you've had scoliosis since birth, discovered it during childhood, or developed it due to aging, you're not alone. I've lived with it for 61 years, and mine was found when I was 12. Interested in sharing your journey and connecting with others who've experienced scoliosis? Join our support group.

Date: Mondays; Time: 10 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 252757-09; Fee: Free

Tell Me a Story

Write essays about moments or events in your life that will eventually become wonderful memories for your family. You will be offered or can select a topic to write about at home and bring to the next session where you can read it out loud for all to enjoy or ask for private input. Pat Darcey and Aurora Johnson will lead the group. Min: 2/Max: 12.

Date: Tuesdays; Time: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: Passmore Hybrid; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 257002-09; Register by: Tue, Oct 31; Fee: FREE

Announcements

Orange County Health Department Community Health
Assessment Listening Sessions and Priority Voting Announced

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. October 11, 2023 ?Orange County Health Department (OCHD) announces the 2023 Community Health Assessment (CHA) listening sessions. During the listening sessions, health department staff will share highlights from the recent Community Health Assessment Opinion survey and other information. Listening session attendees will have the opportunity to share comments and vote on health priority areas for the county.

The listening session dates, times, and locations are as follows:

10/30/23 at 1030am at Passmore Senior Center in Hillsborough
11/2/23 at 10am Seymour Senior Center in Chapel Hill
11/4/23 at 10 am virtual
11/6/23 at 6pm virtual
11/8/23 at 6pm at Hillsborough Library
11/9/23 at 6pm at Chapel Hill Library
11/13/23 at 530pm at Efland Cheeks Community Center in Efland
11/14/23 at 11am at Cedar Grove Community Center in Hillsborough
11/16/23 at 12pm virtual

The listening sessions are free and open to the public. Please sign up for the session of your choice by following this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHAlisten23. If you are unable to attend any of these sessions but would still like to vote on priority areas, please vote using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHA2023eng (English) or https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHA2023esp (Spanish).

If you have questions or need language or other assistance, please contact Marcy Williams at 919-245-2449 or marcwilliams@orangecountync.gov. To view previous Community Health Assessments and other information, please visit the OCHD publications webpage at: https://www.orangecountync.gov/232/Publications-Statistics.

Sesión de escucha y votación prioritaria en Español.

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).

Stream live or listen to the podcast.

Chinese E Life

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