12/15/2023 - 12/28/2023

Topics in this Edition

Announcements
Upcoming Programs
Resources & Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Us

Announcements

County Seeking Input on Strategic Plan Priorities and Strategies

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will receive and adopt in January a strategic plan that addresses long-term strategies for community health, transportation, education, economic development, protecting the environment and affordable housing.

The county’s consultant, BerryDunn, has created a community engagement webpage that lays out strategic plan goals, objectives and performance measures and provides community members an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft plan.

The draft plan is available for viewing on the website (www.orangecountync.gov/OCNCplan), which also includes a short survey and an ideas wall to share thoughts about how the Board of Commissioners should prioritize the six areas.

“This plan’s success depends on input from our community members, people who know and love Orange County and have a vested interest in making it an even better place,” said Orange County Chair Jamezetta Bedford.

The website will remain open for feedback through Dec. 29, 2023.

Did You Miss Medicare’s Open Enrollment?

If you missed Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, or if you have had second thoughts, you may still be able to change. For those with a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan, you can change to another Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare one time between January 1 and March 31. (Aren’t sure whether you have an Advantage Plan? Check your insurance card. If it says “PPO” or “HMO” anywhere on the card, you do!)

Make an appointment to meet with a certified counselor from the NC Department of Insurance. Appointments available by Zoom video chat and in-person at the Seymour and Passmore Centers. Schedule online at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or call 919-245-4274.

Newsletter Change Coming Soon!

Thank you for subscribing to The Endless Possibilities e-newsletter. To bring you the best possible e-newsletter, we will be transitioning from our current e-newsletter service, CivicPlus, to MyEmma in the next few weeks. Currently, you do not need to do anything to continue receiving our newsletter, but please watch for the change and instructions coming soon.

Scoliosis Support Group Cancelled

The Scoliosis Support Group advertised in the Winter Endless Possibilities and scheduled to meet at the Passmore on Mondays, has been cancelled and will not meet.

Seymour Center Library

The Seymour Center library (located on the lower level, both alcoves) has become busy recently. Jigsaw puzzles and hardcover fiction books are especially popular. Check out is on the honor system and you may keep a book as long as needed. We do ask that borrowed books be eventually returned so that others may enjoy them.

Upcoming Programs

Bemer Demonstrations

Discover the Innovative solutions by Bemer Group, showcasing their cutting-edge products designed to enhance circulation and expedite muscle recovery. Discover the difference Bemer technology can make in optimizing overall wellbeing and performance.

Date: Tue & Thu, Dec 12 – 28; Jan 2 – 30; Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Seymour; Activity Code: 352255-02
To Register: Call 919-968-2070; Fee: FREE

Walks with Edie Alfano-Sobsey

There’s never been a better time to get active and head out on a good long walk to view the beautiful Riverwalk in Hillsborough. Join Edi and bring a couple of friends to catch a breeze and get active. Meet at the entrance to the Riverwalk next to Weaver St Market (not the Passmore Center). Be sure to bring your water bottle! To register for the season please contact the front desk: Phone 919-245-2015. For daily updates please contact Edie Alfano-Sobsey: Phone 919-906-0032 email: easobsey@gmail.com

Date: Wed, Dec 13 – 20; Jan 3 – 31; Time: 9:30 am
Location: Passmore; Activity Code: 232264-12
To Register: Call 919-245-2015; Fee: Free

Classical and Holiday Piano
Music with Jack

Join us for a concert of classical and holiday piano music with Jack Chen. He is a talented sixth grader at Smith Middle School and piano student of Ms. Ying Zhu since age 6. He was a first prize winner at the Orbetello International Piano Competition and received honorable mention at the Peter Perret Youth Talent Search concerto competition. He hopes that his music brings joy and happiness. Min: 30/Max: 80.

Date: Mon, Dec 18; Time: 10 – 11 am
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Open Registration; Activity Code: 313081-09; 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.

Date: Tues, Dec 19; Time: 10 – 11 am
Topic: Tools and Technology for Dementia Caregiving
Register: 919-968-2087 or agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov

Flicks at Passmore: While You Were Sleeping

After Lucy (Sandra Bullock) saves a man pushed in front of an L train on Christmas Day, she finds herself in quite a predicament. This is a romantic comedy rated PG.

Date: Wed, Dec 20; Time: 2 – 4 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Activity Code: 253015-12; Register by: Wed, Dec 13; Fee: FREE

Understanding Stroke and Hypertension

Understanding Stroke and Hypertension: A concise exploration of the cause, symptoms, and prevention strategies for these two closely linked health conditions, aiming to raise awareness and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Date: Thu, Dec 21; Time: 1 – 2 pm
Location: Seymour; Activity Code: 352833-05
To Register: Call 919-968-2070; Fee: FREE

Experience the World through Film & Food: Korea

Each month we will enjoy a film and food from another culture. It's a great way to hear another language, travel without leaving your chair, and taste something new! Countries selected this winter: December, Korea; January, Germany; and February, Nigeria. December’s film is the award winning, Minari, about a Korean-American family who recently moved to a farm in Arkansas in search of the American dream. Min: 10/Max: 30.

Date: Thu, Dec 28; Time: 2 - 4:30 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Register by: Thu, Dec 21; Activity Code:353010-05; Fee: FREE

Ukulele Lessons – Beginning

The ukulele is easy to learn and fun to play. Mickey Reed is the self–proclaimed Ukulele Lady of NC and has launched over 500 people up and down the East Coast in ukulele playing. You will learn simple chords and well known sing–along songs. No music reading skills are required. If you need a ukulele, please contact the instructor at mickeyreed@icloud.com. Min: 3/Max: 7.

Date: Session I: Tue, Jan 2 – 30; (no class Jan 16); Session II: Tue, Feb 6 – Feb 27
Time: 9:45 – 10:45 am; Location: Passmore; Phone: 919–245–2015
Activity Code: 214035 01, 02; Register by: Tue, Dec 19; Jan 23; Fee: $50.00

Speed Round to Friendships

This is a round of speed friendships! What? Speed dating has become popular the last several years. More and more people are finding it harder to meet that special someone. Friendships are no different! Join us in a fun, interactive round of "speed friendships.” We hope that if you walk in as strangers, you will leave as friends.

Date: Wed, Jan 3; Time: 2 pm
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Activity Code: 213083-01; Register by: Wed. Dec. 27; Fee: FREE

Moments to Moments: An Improvisation Class

Performing live captivates us because anything can happen. Through theater games, improvisation, movement, and good ol' play, students are freed from the constraints that limit spontaneity to discover the power of being in the moment. Forming bonds through shared experiences, creating community, and collaborating with others, the class will culminate in a sharing for friends and family. Instructor Danielle Fenton. Min: 6/Max: 20.

Date: Fri, Jan 5 – 26; 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070; Activity Code: 314039-08
Register by: Fri, Dec 29; Fee: $50.00 (scholarships are available)

Spanish Level 1 (Beginner)

Level 1 is a course designed for the true beginner, someone who has had no previous experience with the Spanish language. It covers basic vocabulary, the differences between ser and estar, possessives, and verbs in the present tense. The activities in Level 1 focus on helping each student speak Spanish using a controlled and limited vocabulary. For more information, contact CHICLE at Chicle@chi-cle.com or by calling 919-933-0398. Min:4/ Max:15.

Date: Session I: Fri, Jan 5-26; Session II: Fri, Feb 2-23 (No session in December)
Time: 3:45 – 4:45 pm; Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070
Register by: Fri, Dec 28; Fee: $60/month (4 weeks). Payment handled through CHICLE.

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