Prepare For 10-Digit Dialing…It’s Coming!

Our very own director, Joan Pellettier, was quoted in the News and Observer today! Read it here. The story involves the impending change in how we make local calls that takes effect on March 31st.

Due to the rapid decrease in available telephone numbers using the 919 area code another area code (984) is being added as well as 10-digit dialing. What this means is that to place a local call you must dial the area code first followed by the 7-digit local telephone number you are calling. The calls are still local with no extra charges and it does not change the way long distance calls are made (dial a “1” first).

Local telephone companies are running ad campaigns to inform customers of this change on March 31, 2012 and create awareness of some issues that might arise.

The big issue to be aware of is that life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions may require reprogramming to include the new dialing procedure.

It will also be important to update personal checks, contact information, ID tags and other items that include your telephone number to make sure the area code is included.

 10-digit dialing is already in place so that people can become accustomed to dialing 10 digits rather than 7. Start practicing now so that you are not frustrated later!

Aging Bootcamp!

The North Carolina Association on Aging is pleased to announce another session of the popular Aging Boot Camp. This is an orientation program most appropriate for brand new employees in the aging network or others wanting a basic understanding of aging issues and services.

Thursday & Friday, March 17th and 18th, 2011

The Boot Camp will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on March 17th and from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on March 18th. Lunches and refreshments are included in the registration fee. The Boot Camp will be held at:

Garner Senior Center

205 East Garner Road

Garner, NC 27529

919-779-0122

For a link to driving directions:

http://www.tjaaa.org/providerpgs/wake/rfs_srcen.html

An introduction and orientation to the world of aging services.

 

Learn the basics about:

• The demographic imperative

• Myths and misconceptions about aging

• The dynamics of the aging process

• Communication issues and older adults

• The continuum of aging services

• What the aging network is all about

• Aging advocacy

• What’s on the horizon for the nation and North Carolina

Who should attend?

• New employees in the aging network

• Veteran employees with new responsibilities

• HCCBG advisory committee, Senior Tar Heel delegates or agency board members

• Anyone interested in learning more about aging services in North Carolina

Lodging: Lodging arrangements must be made independently from the workshop registration. The following hotel arrangements are suggested based on proximity to the training site and cost: Hampton Inn Raleigh/Clayton, 100 Hampton Drive, Garner, NC 27529, 919-773-1977 or Wingate by Wyndham Raleigh South/Garner, 1542 Mechanical Blvd, Garner 27529, 919-779-7441.

Registration forms need to be received at PO Box 10341, Raleigh, NC 27605-0341 by March 11th. Register early to assure your place; only 30 slots are available. It is possible to register and bring your registration fee to the Boot Camp. If that is your plan, please indicate this on the registration form. Faxing registration forms is discouraged because we cannot guarantee they have been received; however, you may email an electronic version of the registration form to: bill_lamb@unc.edu.

UPDATE:

The Aging Boot Camp Scheduled for Thursday & Friday, March 17th and 18th, 2011 at the Garner Senior Center has reached maximum capacity and registration is now closed.  If you would like to be wait-listed should any openings occur, please email Bill Lamb at:  bill_lamb@unc.edu  with your name, email address and telephone number.