''Orange County Department on Aging Endless Possibilities'' logo and title card. Picture of older woman in a kayak

3/21/25 - 4/3/25

Topics in this Edition

  • Community News
  • Upcoming Programs
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Resources & Services
  • Contact Us
 

Community News

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Upcoming Programs

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Welcome to Medicare!

Medicare is NOT free, but this class is! We’ll cover the basics of Medicare, including how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, Medicare’s costs, benefits and options. Whether you are new to Medicare, retiring soon, or continuing to work past age 65, you’ll get valuable information on how Medicare works.

We offer monthly classes on Medicare – view future dates at our website www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare

Tuesday, March 24, 6 - 7:30 pm
Online via Zoom
Register at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_mar

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

 

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 Medicare plan at a lower co-pay, such as generics.  If you’ve tried covered alternatives and they don’t work for you, you can request that your plan cover the medication by filing a Request for Exception.  Contact the Customer Service number on the back of your card for more information or visit the plan’s website.

- 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.

Our Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) has certified volunteer counselors available by appointment at the Seymour Center, Passmore Center or vis Zoom.  Visit our website: www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or call us at 919-245-4274. 

 

Line Dancing

Join this lively line dancing class where fun meets fitness! This low-impact activity is perfect for all skill levels – no partner needed. You'll improve balance, flexibility, and heart health while making new friends along the way. The upbeat music and supportive atmosphere make staying active a joy. Come be part of our welcoming dance community and discover how movement can brighten your day!

Date: Fri, Mar 21; Apr 4, 18; May 2, 16; Time: 2:30 – 3:30 pm; Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070; Code: 354019_02; Fee: FREE

Resounding Huddle

In a world where we often put others first, The Resounding Huddle is your sanctuary. This specially curated session is dedicated to your well-being, helping you recharge and reflect on the power of self-care.

Date: Mon, Mar 24 – Apr 14; Time: 3 – 4 pm; Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070; Code: 351020_07; Fee: $8 per class

Touring the Beauty of Bluestem

Discover the peaceful beauty of Bluestem Conservation Cemetery, a sustainable resting place that blends ecological preservation with nature’s tranquility. Explore lush  landscapes, learn about green burials, and their environmental impact. This tour offers a meaningful way to learn more about honoring loved ones while connecting with nature. Hosted by the Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team. Min: 10/Max: 25.

Date: Tue, Mar 25; Time: 2 – 3:30 pm; Location: Depart from Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015; Register by: Fri, Mar 21; Fee: FREE

Solo Agers Book Club

Join the monthly book club to read, share, and socialize with other solo agers! The current book is The Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler. Meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month before Solo Agers Interest Group.

Date: Wed, Mar 26; Time: 3 – 4 pm; Location: Seymour Code: 324843_24; Register by: Tue, Mar 25; Fee: Free

Solo Agers

The Solo Agers Interest Group consists of older adults making decisions about their future independently. Join us for a presentation from Jon Wilner, former executive director of The ArtsCenter, as he shares an exciting proposal for an intergenerational art project in Orange County schools!

Date: Wed, Mar 26; Time: 4 – 6 pm; Location: Seymour Code: 324843_21; Register by: Mon, Mar 24; Fee: FREE

LGTBQ+ Death Café

Join Tsyr Han Chow as he encourages discussions of all aspects of death, dying, and mortality and offers a safe space to find self-awareness, develop compassionate connections, and identify resources. The LGBTQ+ Death Café is actively committed to broadening all end-of-life environments, increasing the possibility that all of our care receivers feel better seen and met. Co-sponsored by the Project EngAGE LGBTQ+ and End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team. Min: 6/Max: 20.

Date: Thu, Mar 27; Time: 1:30 – 3 pm; Location: Seymour Phone: 919-968-2070; Fee: FREE

NuStep Contest

Do you enjoy working out on the Nu-Step? For 6 weeks we are having a contest to see how often/long you work out on the Nu-Step. Want to know how to get started? Come see our Personal Trainer, Brandon Betts, to sign up. Prizes will be given to the top 5 participants! So don’t delay, sign up and Nu-Step your way to a healthier life! Announcing Winner on May 14.

Date: Mar 31 – May 9; Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070; Register by: Mon, Mar 24; Fee: FREE

LGBTQ Friends, Food, and Flicks

Join us for our monthly dinner & movie series! We will share good films, great company, & delicious potlucks! Each movie celebrates the joys, struggles, & journeys of the LGBTQ+ community. Contact method is required upon registration for potluck participation. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm. Co-hosted by Carolina Aging Alliance and the Project EngAGE LGBTQ Senior Resource Team. Min: 10/Max: 84.

Date: Wed, Apr 2; Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm; Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070; Register by: Tue, Apr 1; Fee: FREE

Passmore 101

This event is for those participants who want to learn more about our programs and available services. This is also a great opportunity for newcomers to meet our center and ask questions. Bagels with healthy toppings will be offered.

Date: Thu, Apr 3; Time: 10 am; Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-968-2070; Code: 253251_04; Register by: Thu, Mar 27 Fee: FREE

Finding Peace with Tai Chi

Find balance, tranquility, and inner peace with instructor Marisa Menold’s Tai Chi program. Learn slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and enhance mental clarity. Embrace Tai Chi’s meditative flow and experience peace through harmonizing with your body and the world. Hosted by Project EngAGE Falls Prevention & Health Promotion and Mental Wellness Senior Resource Teams. Min: 12/Max: 30.

Date: Thu, Apr 3; Time: 4 – 5:30 pm; Location: Seymour Phone: 919-968-2070; Register by: Wed, Apr 2; Fee: FREE

Efland Cheeks Easter Egg Hunt

Join us for springtime fun as we play games and enjoy a hotdog lunch. The best part of it all: take part in the Easter Egg Hunt after a visit from the Easter Bunny himself! Hosted by the United Voices of Efland Cheeks with support from Project EngAGE Intergenerational SRT. Min: 10/Max: 250.

Date: Sat, Apr 5; Time: 11 am - 1 pm; Location: Efland Cheeks Community Center; Phone: 919-563-1130; Register by: Sat, Mar 29; Fee: FREE

Virtual Walking Tour: Philosopher’s Path

Join us in person at the Passmore Center for this virtual walking tour by Prowalk Tours that takes you through the Philosopher’s Path Cherry Blossom Walk in Kyoto, Japan. Min: 3/Max: 25.

Date: Mon, Apr 7; Time: 3 – 4 pm; Location: Passmore Phone: 919-968-2070; Code: 253021_04; Register by: Mon, Mar 31; Fee: FREE

Learning Lounge

Join us as we provide you with a unique science, history, engineering or current events article to read and/or a brief video to watch. This will be followed up with some stimulating discussion and healthy breakfast options.

Date: Mon, Apr 7; Time: 3 – 4 pm; Location: Passmore Phone: 919-968-2070; Code: 223083_04; Register by: Mon, Mar 31; Fee: FREE

Flicks at Passmore: Emma

Emma is a 2020 period romantic comedy film directed by Autumn de Wilde, from a screenplay by Eleanor Catton, based on Jane Austen’s 1815 novel of the same name. For more information www.commonsensemedia.org.

Date: Wed, Apr 9; Time: 2 pm; Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-968-2070; Code: 253015_04; Register by: Wed, Apr 2 Fee: FREE

Seymour Connect! Intergenerational Art Class

Work with students from Chapel Hill High School on a collaborative art project inspired by themes of aging, connectedness, and intergenerational relationships. Work from this class will be exhibited at the Seymour Center May 17 – June 28. Hosted by the Project EngAGE Intergenerational Senior Resource Team and sponsored with grant funding by the Strowd Roses Foundation. Instructor: Shady Kimzey. Min: 12/Max: 24.

Date: Wed, Apr 9 – 30; Time: 6:30 – 8 pm; Location: Seymour; Phone: 919-968-2070; Register by: Wed, Apr 2; Fee: FREE

 
 

Volunteer Opportunities

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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 by emailing vc55plus@orangecountync.gov.

 

Resources & Services

Advance Directives 101 flyer
 

Caregiver Support

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 resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

Scam and Fraud Prevention Resources

Protect yourself from scams and fraud with Scam and Fraud Resources. Learn to spot red flags, report scams, and safeguard your information. Looking for trusted social connections? Explore Social Bridging NC’s Virtual Events, Resources, and Social Isolation pages for more support and information.

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)

 
Aging Well Together Show flyer
Department on Aging Podcast for People who are Blind or Print Impaired flyer
Free Nutrition Supplements program fler
 

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.

 

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.

 
Options Counseling: Is It For You? 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.

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.

 

Contact Us

''Aging Helpline'' written at bottom with picture of older woman smiling and holding a phone to her ear

Aging Transitions Helpline
919-968-2087

Chinese Helpline
919-245-4275

Spanish Helpline
919-245-2010

Email us:
agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov

''Aging Transitions'' written at bottom with picture of a caretaker talking and smiling with an older woman who is also smiling
''Senior Centers'' written at bottom with an older man sitting at a computer, smiling at the camera. Other older adults are in the background also on the computer
''Volunteer Connect 55+'' written at bottom with 2 older adults and 2 younger adults talking outside, all wearing matching gray ''VOLUNTEER'' shirts
Photo of the Jerry M. Passmore Center with blue skies and clouds. The sidewalks and lush garden are in the foreground.
Photo of the Robert and Pearl Seymour Center with blue skies and clouds. An abstract art style sculpture and greenery are in the foreground.

Jerry M. Passmore Center

103 Meadowlands Dr.
Hillsborough, NC 27278 (Mailing Address: PO Box 8181)

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

Phone: 919-245-2015

Robert and Pearl Seymour Center

2551 Homestead Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516


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

Phone: 919-968-2070

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2551 Homestead Rd | Chapel Hill, NC 27516 US

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