AGING MATTERS: Medicare annual enrollment sessions

Medicare annual enrollment sessions

The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period will take place from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2025.

The open enrollment sessions will assist Medicare beneficiaries review their Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare drug plans and assist in making the necessary changes for 2026.

Annual enrollment assistance will be provided by volunteer and staff of the Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem, the Forsyth County coordinating site for the North Carolina Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).

One and a half hour appointments will be offered during the period, subject to the availability of counselors.

Certified Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors will be available to assist in the enrollment process.

Medicare beneficiaries in Forsyth County will be assisted in-person as much as possible or through telephone or other virtual means during the Annual Enrollment period.

Appointments must be made by calling the Shepherd's Center at 336-748-0217 during weekdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meals-on-Wheels volunteers needed on Friday mornings

Senior Services needs Meals-on-Wheels volunteers to deliver hot, nutritious meals to older adults on Fridays between 9:45 a.m. and noon in Winston-Salem and Kernersville. Volunteer opportunities are flexible and can be scheduled once per week, once per month, or anything in between. Delivery routes can take 60 – 90 minutes.

For more information, visit seniorservicesinc.org or contact Tyler Smith at 336-721-6961 or [email protected].

Parkinson's Forward plans to meet

Parkinson's Forward, a support group for people living with Parkinson's disease and their care partners, will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 19th from 1 to 2 p.m. at Senior Services, 2895 Shorefair Drive in Winston-Salem.

The program will be a roundtable discussion among participants focusing on PD questions and concerns.

This program is free and open to the public, and new members are welcome. For more information, contact Carol Gearhart at [email protected].

Volunteers sought for the Shepherd's Center

The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem is looking for volunteers to drive older adults to medical appointments and grocery shopping, to provide minor home repairs, and/or to visit someone who is isolated or who needs a break from caregiving.

Learn more about these opportunities at our upcoming volunteer orientation taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 18th from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., 1700 Ebert St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

To register, please contact Martina Bowen, volunteer coordinator, at 336-748-0217 or [email protected]

Williams Adult Day Center administrative volunteer

Senior Services is seeking an administrative volunteer for the Williams Adult Day Center. For Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 11:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m. Volunteers will help cover the front desk, answer calls, check in participants, and help with administrative tasks like filing, sorting, and updating files.

Submit a volunteer application at seniorservicesinc.org or reach out to Tyler Smith at [email protected] or 336-721-6961.

Special event planned for family caregivers

It's All About You! Are you a family caregiver living in Forsyth County? Could you use a break and something fun to do?

If so, join the Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem for a Holiday brunch and felt ornament class taught by Sawtooth on Thursday, Dec. 18th at 10 a.m. at The Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness, 114 30th Street Room #100 Winston-Salem, NC 27105.

RSVP required as space is limited. Please contact Meredith Brown Robbins at 336-748-0217 or [email protected].

Sponsored by The Family Caregiver Support Program, The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem, and Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Beginner's Tai Chi classes offered

8 Thursdays beginning Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. — The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem

Beginner's Tai Chi with Donna Garcia

Classes will meet at Peace Haven Baptist Church, 3364 York Road, Winston Salem.

Discover the gentle power of movement in this welcoming beginner's Tai Chi class. Learn slow, flowing exercises that improve balance, flexibility and relaxation — all at your own pace. No prior experience is needed — just comfortable clothing and a willingness to move. Each session focuses on simple, mindful movements that promote strength, stability, and peace of mind. Join us to enhance your well-being and find calm through motion!

$2 donation suggested. You must be registered to attend. Please call 336-748-0217 to register. Space is limited.

Deliver Meals-on-Wheels for Senior Services

Back to school means changing schedules for many Meals-on-Wheels volunteers. Senior Services is looking for volunteers to help fill the growing need for meal delivery drivers. Volunteering is easy and only takes about 90 minutes.

You can make a positive impact on older adults lives by sharing your time once a week, once a month, or as often as your schedule will allow.

Submit a volunteer application at seniorservicesinc.org or reach out to Tyler Smith at [email protected] or 336-721-6961.

Welcome to Medicare workshop offered

The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem is offering a workshop for individuals turning 65 (as well as those who already have Medicare) to learn about the different insurance options available, including "Original Medicare," Medicare prescription drug programs, Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage plans.

The session will be held on Monday, Nov. 24th from 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. at The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem – 1700 Ebert St. 27103.

The session is designed to explain and clarify the Medicare sign-up process and educate attendees on how to make smart choices. Trained Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors will be available to answer general questions.

The session is provided at no cost. Because space is limited, reservations are required. Contact the Shepherd's Center at 336-748-0217 or [email protected] for more information or to reserve a seat.

Walk On! A group-based walking program at Knollwood Baptist Church

Walk On! is a 12-week walking program specifically geared toward older adults with walking difficulties, including those using a cane or walker, who want to improve their ability to walk longer and with better balance.

The program is led by experienced staff capable of adapting the activity to all abilities.

The Walk On! program will be held at Knollwood Baptist Church, located at 330 Knollwood St., Winston-Salem.

The program meets two days/week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3rd until Monday, Nov. 24.

The cost of the program is $200 for the 12-weeks.

To register or if you have any questions, please call 336-716-5628 or email [email protected]

Age-Friendly Forsyth Survey being conducted

Are you age 60 or older, or a caregiver for someone who is? We want to hear from you!

Imagine a Forsyth County where everyone, at every age, can thrive.

This is the vision of Age-Friendly Forsyth. We believe the best way to build this future is to listen to you.

Your experiences, ideas, and insights help us understand what's working well and what needs improving so all residents feel supported.

Take the Age Friendly Forsyth Survey and help inform conversations with service providers and community leaders to make sure Forsyth County is an age-friendly community.

Take the survey here bit.ly/aff_survey25.

Soul of Aging mini-retreats will be held

The Acorn Center for Wholeness will be offering a new four-session Soul of Aging series this fall and is currently registering participants.

Participants will sign up for all four sessions held Saturdays Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. — noon at 1465 Irving St., Winston-Salem.

This program offers space to uncover personal wisdom and resources in the process of growing older, spiritually, emotionally, relationally.

It is based on a way of building a trustworthy community developed by the Center for Courage and Renewal.

Participants will reflect on short essays, video clips, art, and poetry to tend their own inner teacher.

Themes will include adapting to change, seeking truth and forgiveness, and finding enlightenment in slow motion.

For more information contact [email protected]. Register at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/DDSS

Volunteer needed at the Williams Adult Day Center

Sing, dance, act, play an instrument, or perform? Senior Services would love to invite you and or your group to perform for the participants at the Williams Adult Day Center. Morning and afternoon options are available Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit seniorservicesinc.org or contact Tyler Smith at 336-721-6961 or [email protected].

Williams Adult Day Center administrative volunteer needed

Senior Services is seeking an administrative volunteer for the Williams Adult Day Center for Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 11:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.

Volunteers will help cover the front desk, answer calls, check in participants, and help with administrative tasks like filing, sorting and updating files.

Submit a volunteer application at seniorservicesinc.org or reach out to Tyler Smith at [email protected] or 336-721-6961.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP seeks help

The AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is looking for volunteers aged 55 and older, in-person and online.

Volunteer opportunities:

(1) In-person reading buddies:

(In-school setting) Petree ElementarySchool, second grade(In-school setting) Clemmons Elementary School

(2) Food Pantry Assistants:

Assist with packing food boxes: Mondays and/or Fridays—9:30 to 11:45 a.m.Assist with food distribution to clients: Noon – 3 p.m.

(3) Food Pantry Clerical Assistants:

Must have strong computer skills to input client data. Mondays and/or Fridays—noon to 2:30 p.m.

(4) Drivers:

Needed to transport senior clients to medical appointments, pharmacy and/or grocery store for partner agencies in Winston-Salem and Kernersville

For more information or to volunteer, email Jeremy Sumpter at [email protected] or call 336-757-6288.

Samaritan Ministries needs help with meal preparation

The Samaritan Ministries Soup Kitchen has an urgent need for volunteers willing to help with meal preparation and serving. If you are willing and available during these times, your commitment would be much appreciated. Our Soup Kitchen can't serve without you.

Lunchtime: We need 12 volunteers to help serve lunch every day. Shifts are available Monday — Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dinnertime: We need 6-8 volunteers to help serve dinner every day. Shifts are available Monday — Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Grocery store pickup: We need individual volunteers to help pick up donations from our partnered grocery stores in Winston-Salem. This opportunity is available Monday — Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers must be 18 and older to sign up.

Add your name to the volunteer on-call list. We are also in need of people to call for help when we have volunteer cancelations or a shortage in numbers. This opportunity is great for those with flexible schedules and a giving spirit. Please let us know if you'd be willing to be "on-call" as a Soup Kitchen help when needed.

Volunteer as part of the Samaritan Family. Visit samaritanforsyth.org or call 336-448-2677 to sign up.

Samaritan Ministries is located at 414 E. Northwest Blvd., Winston-Salem.

Generations Center volunteer receptionist

Senior Services is seeking a volunteer receptionist for the Generations Center. Both morning and afternoon shifts are available most weekdays. Volunteers will answer incoming calls, direct calls to appropriate staff members, greet and direct visitors, answer inquiries, receive and sort mail, and maintain the appearance of the lobby.

Submit a volunteer application at seniorservicesinc.org or reach out to Tyler Smith at [email protected] or 336-721-6961.

VFW honor guard needs volunteers

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Honor Guard needs volunteers to help render military honors for deceased veterans from all branches of the military.

The honor guard is also active with color guard missions at schools, churches, retirement centers and other civic events. Uniforms and transportation are provided.

Members must be honorably discharged from military service.

For more information or to volunteer, call Cliff Harris, quartermaster, at 336-403-8756, or email [email protected].

Respite volunteers needed for visits

The Shepherd's Center needs respite volunteers to visit with an older adult to provide a break for their caregiver.

To learn more about these flexible opportunities, email [email protected] or call 336-748-0217.

Drivers needed to help older adults

The Shepherd's Center needs volunteer drivers to help older adults get to and from doctor appointments or grocery trips.

Volunteer on a schedule that works for you. Email [email protected] or call 336-748-0217.

Hospice agency needs volunteers

Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care needs volunteers to help deliver compassionate care to patients at the end of life. Mountain Valley serves 18 counties in North Carolina and Virginia.

Volunteers are needed for such activities as reading or singing to patients, caregiver respite care, running errands, being a good listener and emotional support.

There also is a need for licensed or certified volunteers to provide such specialized services as art, massage, music and pet therapies. Hairdressers and notaries also are needed.

Most volunteers must complete a training program, pass a background check and meet other requirements, depending on their volunteer role.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Heidi College at [email protected] or call 336-355-0419.

Shepherd's Center seeks visitation volunteers

The Shepherd's Center is looking for visitation volunteers to visit an older adult on a flexible schedule.

For more information or to volunteer, email Meredith Brown Robbins at [email protected] or call 336-748-0217.

Caregiver support group meetings set

The Alzheimer's Association offers a Caregiver Support Group at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem (upper level), 1700 Ebert St., Winston-Salem.

A trained facilitator provides a safe place for caregivers of people living with dementia to develop a support system, explore ways of coping, and learn about resources.

For more information or to register, go to act.alz.org/NCmonthlyprograms, or call 800-272-3900.

SECU Family House needs volunteers

The SECU Family House needs groups and volunteers to provide meals for Family House guests.

These dinners provide much-needed support to adult patients and their caregivers who are away from home for medical care. Food may be prepared in the Family House kitchen or prepared off-site and dropped off. Having the meals at the Family House allows the families to avoid going to restaurants or grocery stores.

To see details and a list of available dinner dates and to learn more about a variety of off-site and on-site volunteer opportunities, visit www.familyhousews.org/volunteer or contact [email protected] or 336-793-2822.