12/29/2023 - 01/11/2024

Topics in this Edition

Announcements
Upcoming Programs
Resources & Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Us

Announcements

You Can Help Stop Medicare Fraud

Did you know that $68 billion is lost to Medicare Fraud annually? The best way to stop Medicare fraud is to prevent it in the first place. Follow these 3 tips to protect yourself from scammers:

If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. Remember, Medicare will never call you unprompted and ask you for your personal information.
Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order (like a COVID-19 over-the-counter test), it may be fraud. Call the provider listed to verify.
If you suspect fraud, report it to the NC Department of Insurance at 1-855-408-1212.

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.

Robert and Pearl Seymour Center Library

Many thanks to those of you who donated books to the Robert and Pearl Seymour Center Library during this holiday season. Because of your generosity, we have a very nice selection of current fiction. I would like to personally thank you; you can leave your contact information at the front desk, or you can drop it in the book depository.

Also, a big shout-out goes to borrowers who remember to return the books they take home to read, thus making them available to other readers.

Upcoming Programs

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Flyer for Martin Luther King Jr. program

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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.

Date: Wed, Jan 10; Time: 6 – 7:30 pm; Location: Online presentation using Zoom
To Register: www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_jan ; Date: Wed, Jan 17
Time: 5 – 6:30 pm; Location: Orange County Public Library, 137 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough; Register at: 919-245-2015

Special Screening: Save the Dad Bod

Save the Dad Bod is a documentary that explores why men don't go to the doctor and how this is leading to early, unnecessary deaths. The film follows a 34-year-old cancer survivor as he learns about family health history and men's mental health and discovers how to stop men from dying too soon. Hosted by the director Michael Washington of Argyle Rebel Films. Min: 15/Max: 75.

Date: Thu, Jan 11; Time: 6 pm; Location: Seymour; Call: 919-968-2070
Activity Code: 353010-04; Register by: Thu, Jan 4; Fee: FREE

Pub Night

The “Homestead Pub” is open! Join us for an evening of pub snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and team trivia. Teams should be no larger than four people with a minimum of two. The winning team will receive a prize. It’s going to be a fun “night out” in our downstairs cafe. Min: 8/Max: 20.

Date: Tue, Jan 16; Time: 6-8 pm; Location: Seymour; Call: 919-968-2070
Activity Code: 353037-06; Register by: Jan 9; Fee: FREE

Rules of the Road for Investing

Our 10 rules of the road for investing help you learn the fundamental concepts of investing and potential strategies to help you build wealth. Instructor: Lili Engelhardt, Financial Advisor – Edward Jones. Min: 3/Max: 15.

Date: Thu, Jan 18; Time: 11 am – 12:30 pm; Location: Seymour; Call: 919-968-2070
Register by: Jan 10; Activity Code: 314058-15; Fee: FREE

Climate Change for Non-Scientists

What is climate change and do we need to be concerned about it? It is now believed by most atmospheric scientists, meteorologists, and climate scientists that man is making a measurable impact on the climate. This two-day class will explain and address some of these issues. Instructor: Russ Wiener. Min 8/Max 30.

Date: Wed, Jan 10 & 17; Time: 1:30 – 3 pm; Location: Seymour
Call: 919-968-2070; Register by: Jan 6.

Art Show Opening-Lynn Schmoock

Prepare to be amazed by the wonderful mixed-media pieces of Lynn Schmook. The many splashes of color brighten the winter months.

Date: Mon, Jan 8; Time: 2 pm; Location: Passmore Center; Activity Code: 253002-01;
Register by: Tue, Jan 2; Fee: Free

Coffee with a Cop

January 9^th is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Join us as we recognize all the local police officers who serve our community and the Passmore Center. Enjoy a morning of games and socialization. Min: 5/Max: 20.

Date: Tue, Jan 9; Time: 10 am; Location: Passmore Center
Activity Code: 251021-01; Register by: Tue, Jan 2; Fee: Free

Bird Watching Hike at Brumley Preserve

This hike will be on uneven terrain at Brumley North preserve. Hiking boots, walking stick and good mobility are recommended for this 2-hour walk along a wooded path. Our birding guide is Kayla Ebert. If you have a pair of binoculars, please bring them. Those who are able to drive, please meet in the parking lot. Transportation is not available for this event, but directions will be provided.

Date: Wed, Jan 10; Time: 9 am; Location: Brumley North Preserve
Activity Code: 213080-01; Register by: Wed, Jan 3; Fee: Free

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Join us for our annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Refreshments will be served following the program. Co-sponsored by the Orange County NC Chapter NCCU Alumni Association. Min: 15/Max: 50.

Date: Fri, Jan 12; Time: 10 am; Location: Passmore
Code: 213003-01; Register by: Fri, Jan 5; Fee: Free

It’s Cold Outside: Let’s Make Soup!

Gather all those wholesome vegetables and bunker down this winter for some soup. What to eat tonight, tomorrow night, and the next? Soup! It is easy to make in large quantities, nutritious, and quick to warm up. Join us as we prepare a bowl of soup to share with friends.

Date: Wed, Jan 17; Time: 2 pm; Location: Passmore Center
Activity Code: 213084-01; Register by: Wed, Jan 10; 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 in 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

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 well-being and performance.

Date: Tue & Thu, Jan 2-30; Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Location: Seymour; Activity Code: 352255-02
Fee: Free; Phone: 919-968-2070

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; Jan 3-31; Time: 9:30 am; Location: Passmore; Activity Code: 232264
Fee: Free; Phone: 919-245-2015

Holiday Check-Up with Brandon

Post-holiday body composition check-ups offer a comprehensive assessment of your body fat, muscle, and water levels after indulging during the festive season. These evaluations are essential to identify any imbalances and health create personalized fitness plan to regain your optimal health and wellness.

Date: Wed, Jan 3; Time: 9 am - 11 am; Location: Seymour; Activity Code: 352505-06
Fee: Free; Phone: 919-968-2070

2024 OCDOA Walking Challenge

Walk Challenge- A 6 Week walking challenge designed with you in mind. This challenge encourages daily walks tailored to your pace and comfort. Support your journey to improve mobility, vitality and overall well-being. Let’s walk towards a more vibrant you!

Date: Mon, Fri, Feb 16; Time: 10 am - 11 am; Location: Seymour
Activity Code: 332204-04; Fee: Free; Phone: 919-968-2070

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