OCDOA Endless Possibilities banner

03/22/2024 - 04/04/2024

Topics in this Edition

  • Announcements

  • Community News

  • Upcoming Programs

  • Resources & Services

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Contact Us

Announcements

Public bus clipart

Provide Feedback on Short-Range Transit Plan in Orange County

Orange County is seeking feedback from community members on transit service improvements. Take the online survey any time through March 31. For more information about the Short-Range Transit Plan and upcoming engagement opportunities, please visit: www.orangecountysrtp.com. 

Deadline to respond: March 31, 2024.

DCHC MPO logo

Join Us to Update Your Local Coordinated Transportation Plan!

The DCHC MPO is in the process of updating our Coordinated Transportation Plan and we are looking for your feedback!

This plan is updated every five years and is a process of identifying transportation needs, providing strategies for meeting those needs, and prioritizing services to meet those needs for older adults (65+), those with low incomes, and those with disabilities. If your service areas extend beyond the DCHC MPO boundaries (which is the basis for this plan update) and into rural areas of North Carolina, you may also be interested in the Statewide Coordinated Plan.

Date: Wed, April 10; Time: 1 - 3:30 pm; Location: Zoom Virtual Meeting - Link (passcode: 245360); Event Page link: Eventbrite Link

Community News

Duke health What's next program flyer

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Upcoming Programs

Better Balance event flyer

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Yoga for osteoporosis flyer

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Solo Agers Book Club

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Solo Agers flyer

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Clipart of medicine bottles and cash

Prescription Medications Too Expensive?

Medicare’s Extra Help program reduces the price of medications for those who qualify.  You must have monthly income below $1700 and savings less than $17,000.  For a married couple, income must be less than $2,575 and savings below $34,500.  

For those who don’t qualify for that program, explore these options:

  • Ask your doctor and pharmacist about alternative medications that are covered on your drug plan at a lower co-pay, such as generics.
  • Look for a Manufacturer Discount Program that covers your medication at www.needymeds.org.
  • Check the current pricing of your medications using a Drug Discount Program.  In some cases, retail pricing with coupons are lower than the co-pays on your drug plan.  Be aware, however that costs won’t apply to your drug plan’s deductible. Popular options include:  www.goodrx.com, www.blinkhealth.com, www.northcarolinadrugcard.com and www.costplusdrugs.com. 

Make an appointment to meet with a certified volunteer counselor from the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to discuss your options.  We have both in-person appointments and appointments by Zoom available by visiting our website www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or calling us at 919-245-4274.

Clipart two older adults holding a health chart and cartoon heart

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.  

Monday, April 1, 5:30 -7 pm
Chapel Hill Public Library
Register at 919-968-2070

 Wednesday, April 17, 6 - 7:30 pm
Online via Zoom
Register at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_apr 

For future sessions, please visit our website www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or call us at 919-245-4274.

Clipart doing your taxes with cartoon arm and calculator

Get Help with Filing your 2023 Income Tax Return

The Orange County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is again offering income tax return preparation services at no charge to those with low and moderate incomes. You can work in person with a certified volunteer preparer at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill or the Passmore Center in Hillsborough. Schedule an appointment online at our website www.orangecountync.gov/vita or by phone at 919-245-4242.  

North Carolina Senior Games logo

SilverArts: Heritage & Visual Arts Show

SilverArts is a celebration of creative expression, and a major component of NC’s Senior Games. SilverArts unites the traditional athlete and artist in a program that recognizes discipline, dedication, and pride in one's accomplishments. Join our Senior Games Kick-Off & SilverArts Show including prizes, food, music and special Performing Arts. 
Min: 25/ Max:150. 

Date: Thu, Apr 11; Time: 4:30 pm; Location: Seymour Center; Call: 919-968-2070 Activity Code: 323057-14; Register by: Thu, Apr 4; Fee: Free


Older adults doing lunge stretches

Better Balance with Simple Exercise

Whether you are a person who is unsteady on your feet, or an athlete who wishes to enhance your performance, come learn and experience some simple touch reflexes and exercises to improve your balance and coordination. In addition, learn touch reflexes to improve mental focus, leg strength and energy. This is an interactive class.

Date: Mon, Apr 1; Time: 10 – 11 am; Location: Seymour Center; Call: 919-968-2070 Activity Code: 352117-07; Register by: Mon, Mar 25, Fee: Free

Clipart older woman doing yoga

Yoga For Osteoporosis

This course is taught by Salli Benedict, yoga instructor and health educator with over 30 years of experience teaching fitness and yoga to older women. Yoga has many benefits for our bodies, minds and spirits, but some yoga poses are not recommended for older women. Join Salli for this 4-week class to learn and practice yoga that is safe for your spine and bones!

Date: Tue, Apr 2, 9, 16, 23; Time: 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Location: Seymour Center; Call: 919-968-2070; Activity Code: 352003- 21; Register by: Tue, Mar 26, Fee: Free

Clipart of a watercolor painting of a support group

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! This month we’ll have a presentation from Alison Smith on the R Place social model respite program. Learn about respite and opportunities to get involved!

Date: Wed, Mar 27; Time: 4 - 6 pm; Location: Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd. Chapel Hill; Register by: Mon, Mar 25; Call: 919-968-2070; Fee: Free

Book club clipart with books and coffee

Solo Agers Book Club

Join the monthly book club to read, share, and socialize with other solo agers! Meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month before Solo Agers Interest Group.

Date: Wed, Mar 27; Time: 3 - 4 pm; Location: Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd. Chapel Hill Register by: Mon, Mar 25; Call: 919-968-207; Fee: Free

Three older adult women hugging and smiling

Time Matters: A Women’s Retirement Outlook

Join Cynda Beauchamp, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, as she shares perspective on financial concerns facing women in retirement; discussion on income strategies around social security, withdrawal and reliance rates; and how to prepare for the unexpected.

Date: Thu, Apr 4; Time: 10 - 11 am; Location: Passmore Center; Call: 919-245-2015
Activity Code: 254064-04; Register by: Thu, Mar 28; Fee: Free

Hidalgo movie poster

Flicks at Passmore: Hidalgo

Hidalgo is a 2004 epic biographical western film based on the legend of the American distance rider, Frank Hopkins, and his mustang, Hidalgo. It recounts Hopkins’ racing his horse in Arabia in 1891 against Bedouins riding pure-blooded Arabian horses.

Date: Wed, Apr 10; Time: 2 pm; Location: Passmore Center; Call: 919-245-2015 Activity Code: 253015-04; Register by: Wed, Apr 3; Fee: Free

Hispanic heritage flags with a globe

Passmore Hispanic Interest Group/
Grupo Para Hispanohablantes

We want to start a group for Spanish speakers at Passmore! Join us to come up with ideas for classes and activities that we can offer in Spanish.
Queremos empezar un grupo para hispanohablantes en Passmore. Acompanenos para hablar sobre actividades que pudieramos ofrecer en Espanol.

Date: Fri, Mar 22 / Viernes, Marzo 22; Time: 10 – 11 am; Location: Passmore Center Call: 919-245-2015; Activity Code: 257076-01; Fee: Free! / Gratis!

Three older adults smiling and drinking coffee

Newcomers Coffee Gathering

Want to get out of the house and meet people? Want to chat about some fun topics? We invite you to enjoy light refreshments, coffee and conversation. We provide the topics, and we welcome you to bring a friend.

Date: Wed, Apr 17; Time: 10 – 11 am; Location: Passmore Center; Call: 919-245-2015; Activity Code: 253022-04; Register by: Wed, Apr 3; Fee: Free

Clipart of a person in a suit giving a presentation to a crowd

Toastmaster Club

Toastmasters Club is an educational group that works to build confidence and teach public speaking skills.

Date: Thursdays; Time: 6 – 7 pm; Location: Passmore Center; Call: 919-245-2015; Activity Code: 258009-03; Register: Not required; Fee: Free

Clipart stacks of books

Book Club

Book clubs are the perfect way to keep reading, talk about what you read, and make new friends. Enjoy a lively discussion with other book lovers. Check for the book selections through you local library, book app, or local bookstore. Please inquire at the front desk for upcoming book selections.

Date: Wed, Mar 27; Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am; Location: Passmore Hybrid; Call: 919-245-2015; Activity Code: 258000-03; Register by: Wed, Mar 20; Fee: Free

Pencil and paper clipart

Tell Me A Story

Write about moments or events in your life to create wonderful memories for your family. You will be offered topics or can select your own to write about at home. At the next session, you can read I aloud for all to enjoy or ask for private input. Pat Darcey will lead the group. Min: 2/Max: 12.

Date: Tue, Mar 26; Time: 2:30-3:30 pm; Location: Passmore Center; Call: 919-245-2015; Activity Code: 257002-03; Register by: Tue, Mar 19; Fee: Free

Man fly fishing in misty water

Introduction to Fly Fishing: Basics

Fly fishing is neither as hard nor as complicated as many folks would have you believe. This class will introduce participants to fly fishing. We will talk about what makes fly fishing special and how it differs from “conventional” fishing. Instructor Tim Wipperman will break it down to the essential elements that let anyone go out and enjoy this wonderful sport. Min: 5/Max: 8. 

Date: Mon, Apr 8; Time: 6 – 8:30 pm; Location: Seymour Center; Call: 919-968-2070 Activity Code: 352300-11; Register by: Mon, Apr 1; Fee: Free

Cover of the shepard's calendar by clark watson holtzman

Ponder the Muse

Poet, songwriter and singer, Clark Watson (Holtzman), performs Ponder the Muse, an evening of original and classic poetry set to music. In addition, copies of his acclaimed book, The Shepherd's Calendar will be available for purchase Min: 30/Max: 80. 

Date: Tue, Mar 26, Time: 5 - 6 pm Location: Seymour Center; Call: 919-968-2070; Activity Code: 353041-05; Fee: Free

Stage with red curtain clipart

See More Mondays

An evening of open performances in which creators get five minutes to express themselves through music, poetry, sketch comedy, prose, rap, improvisation, dance, stand–up comedy – anything goes. To perform, sign in up to a half hour before show time. Cast, rehearsed, and put on stage in front of a live audience. Leave your cares, woes and critical judgement at the door. 

Date: Mon, Mar 25 & Apr 29; Time: 6 – 7:30 pm; Location: Seymour Center; Call: 919-968-2070; Activity Code: 343057-04; Register by: Mon, Mar 18 & Apr 22; Fee: Free 

Resources & Services

Advance Directives 101
WiFi - House

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.

Hispanic woman - office - phone

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).

Chinese caregiver
Aging Well Together Radio Show

Stream live or listen to the podcast.

Chinese E Life - Happy Life Column

Chinese E Life

OCDOA Podcast for the Blind

Current OCDOA Upcoming Events e-newsletter

Emergency Housing Assistance

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.

Free Nutrition Supplements
house - dollar sign

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.

incontinence supplies

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.

faucet - water - dollar sign

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

Download and share the flyer.

wallet - money

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.

computers

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

hands - hearts

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

Contact Us

Passmore Center

Location & Hours

103 Meadowlands Dr. (PO Box 8181)
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: 919-245-2015

Hours:
Tue, Wed, & Fri: 8 am – 5 pm
Mon & Thu: 8 am – 8 pm

Seymour Center

Location & Hours

2551 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone:919-968-2070

Hours: 
Mon – Thu: 8 am – 9 pm
Fri – Sat: 8 am – 5 pm


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300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278

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