November brings a lot of things, including a crisp snap in the air, foliage changes as the trees take on a lovely array of colors -- and Thanksgiving.

Many people consider this to be their favorite holiday because of its emphasis on relationships, and yes, food.

The Orange County Senior Centers are putting on a Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Big Barn in Hillsborough. This is especially nice for those whose families live far away, or who just don't want to cook all day.

To partake of this special free event of good food, fellowship, and entertainment, call 245-2015 before Nov. 6.

Transportation will be available from the senior centers, and will leave at 9:30 a.m. If you want to be included, just mention it when you call in your reservation.

Please bring a can, or cans, of food, which will be donated to help those less fortunate. If you'd like to be on the program for this gala affair, or to help serve, call Lisa Berley at 245-2021.

Seymour Center events

The following events will be held at the Robert and Pearl Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill (for more information call 968-2070, or see The Senior Times):

•Nov. 1, noon: The Seymour Tappers and Footnotes Tap Ensemble will present a toe-tapping concert. The Footnotes Tap Ensemble is the only professional adult tap group in the Triangle and has been recognized for its varied and innovative repertoire. Enjoy an afternoon of rhythm, music, tap and refreshments. Admission is $5.

•Tuesdays, 1 p.m.: Feature films are shown in the theater. The November schedule includes "Baby Boom" (Nov. 4), "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Nov. 11), "The Jolson Story (Nov. 18) and "The Christmas Story" (Nov. 25). Free. Call 968-2070 to register.

•Nov. 8, 11:30 a.m.: The film "A Raisin in the Sun" will be shown in a special Saturday movie day. Free. Call 968-2070 to register.

•Nov. 5, 6-8 p.m.: Robert and Pearl Seymour will join the Department on Aging staff to welcome people to the Seymour Center's Family and Friends Night. If you've been coming to the Seymour Center, come on Nov. 5 and bring your family and friends. If you would like to find out more about the interesting things (and services) happening at the Seymour Center, this is the perfect opportunity. Tours of the center, music, door prizes, and light refreshments will be part of a wonderful evening when you can also meet the staff from RSVP, the Wellness Center, and Aging Transitions. Find out why the Seymour Center is one of the busiest senior centers in North Carolina. Call 968-2070 to sign up for the total number of family and friends who'll be coming with you. Everyone is welcome. Free.

•Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: A new Arts and Crafts Fair will feature handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodwork, quilts, wreaths and more. Bring your friends and get a start on your holiday shopping with these unique offerings. There will even be refreshments. If you'd like to join over 40 vendors and share the fruits of your talents, call Cydnee Sims at 969-3025 before Nov 3. Free admission.

•Nov. 17, 3-4 p.m.: A Royal Tea will honor the many people who've made our garden bloom with so much color and interest. In the short time we've had it, the Royal Tea has been an overwhelming success. Come and enjoy this elegant experience. Call 968-2070 to register. Donation requested.

•Nov. 20, 2:30 p.m.: Joy Harrington, an amateur paleontologist, will give a talk on "North Carolina Fossils" as part of the Village Elders in Dialogue with UNC Scholars series. Come and learn more about our state's beautiful and interesting treasures. Free admission.

Important Medicare decision time

Everyone should note that Nov. 15-Dec. 31 is open enrollment time for Medicare Part D Prescription plans.

These plans are provided by private companies, and are not part of the government. Each plan is unique and may change annually. Even if you have a plan for 2008, there may be changes for 2009. Unless you have a subsidy, or are on Medicaid, you can change plans only once a year during this open enrollment period.

There are several options to help you find out which plan is best for you. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day. You will need to have your Medicare number and information on your prescriptions available. After getting your information, and putting it into the Medicare computer, the representative can enroll you in the plan that will be best for you in 2009.

You can also go directly to the Medicare web site at www.medicare.gov and enter your information. The site will give you information, including costs, about numerous plans. Remember, not all plans charge the same amount for the same prescription.

If you'd prefer to sit down with a real person, trained volunteers from Seniors Health Insurance Information can help you. Call the Seymour Center at 968-2070 or the Central Orange Senior Center at 245-2015 to make an appointment.

A SHIIP volunteer will put your information into the computer, and can enroll you in an appropriate plan. People who have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan can also make a change during this period to another MA plan or switch back to original Medicare.

If you have a MA plan with prescription coverage, you must use that plan. However, if your plan doesn't have prescription coverage, you can select a separate Medicare Part D plan, as can people on original Medicare. It's important to realize that you don't have to make a change, but its wise to find out what is being offered for 2009 -- even if you were pleased with your coverage in 2008, as it may be changing.