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VIAL OF LIFE

Durham County Emergency Medical Services, 201 E Main St, Suite 660, 919-560-8285

Durham County EMS offers free Vials of LIFE (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) to anyone who wants to make sure that vital information can easily be found during emergencies. It’s a great way to help ensure that you and your loved ones are protected in times of medical emergencies.

Each Vial of Life kit is made up of one labeled bottle (approximately 3 inches tall with a screw-on cap—it looks like an oversized prescription bottle), an instruction sheet, a special business-card-sized magnet and a form to fill out with the following information: Name, address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, hospital preference, medical history (there’s a list of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, plus a blank space), other medical history/assistive devices, allergies (to medications or otherwise), doctor’s name and phone, advanced directives (like DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), etc), space for listing medications and dosages, health insurance policy info, emergency contacts (names and phone numbers), and a space for additional information.

After filling out the form, you should fold or roll it up, put it in the bottle, and screw the cap on. Then place the bottle somewhere on the top or condiment shelf of your refrigerator so it can be found easily and stick the magnet on the refrigerator door. If EMS is called to your home, they’ll know to check your refrigerator for a Vial of Life magnet, which will then lead them to the Vial of Life bottle inside. Emotions can run high, people can get confused, and it’s so important to have one place where vital information can be accessed quickly.

You can get a set for yourself and even get an extra set so you can place a bottle in your vehicle‘s glove compartment. And if you have a family or live with someone, consider getting a Vial of Life set for each person (especially for elderly members of your family).

You can pick up your free Vials of Life at the Durham County EMS office; call first to make sure they have them in stock. If you can’t stop by, you can order kits by calling Durham One Call (919-560-1200) or via the Durham One Call app, and your order will be mailed to you.

SENIOR PHARMASSIST

406 Rigsbee Ave, 2nd floor, 919-688-4772, seniorpharmassist.org

Senior PharmAssist helps Durham County residents age 60+ manage and get access to the medications they need. They’re able to find resources that make medicines available at low cost, and they help teach how to use medications safely and effectively. A staff pharmacist can take a good look at all of the medications being taken by a resident and can recommend which ones are inadvertently working against each other. (This sometimes happens when someone has multiple doctors who aren’t aware of what the others are prescribing.) Call to set an appointment.

Senior PharmAssist will host a series of Medicare Basics seminars for those who are about to turn 65 and need to learn more. In-person workshops will be held at the Durham Center for Senior Life (406 Rigsbee Ave) on Tuesday, April 8, at 6pm. Click here or call 919-688-4772 to register for one of these free seminars.

DURHAM CENTER FOR SENIOR LIFE

406 Rigsbee Ave, 919-688-8247, website

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30am–5pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am–7:30pm

Here are a few programs and activities offered by the Center; click here to read “Our Times,” DCSL’s monthly schedule, which includes activities such as Belly Dancing, Line Dancing, African Drumming/Dance, Yoga, and more.

The Center is hosting an Essentials Supply Drive all month to help seniors in need gain access to things that can make their everyday lives a little easier. If you can afford to, please make your donation(s) of any type of cleaning , hygiene, and self-care supplies and/or nonperishable food donations at the front desk. This winter, items like blankets, socks, and gloves are also needed. Please keep in mind that many struggling seniors are caring for their grandkids and/or elderly partners.
The DCSL EATS (Ease Access To food for Seniors) program is designed to help those age 55 and up stay healthy with affordable and nutritious foods:
- Food Pantry—If you’re in need, you can get one bag of food per month
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program—When you’re approved (based of age and income), you can pick up food at a certain time and place
- Shop & Grab—You can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home (this month on Tuesday, April 15, 9am–noon); call and register at ext 104
- Kitchenless Seniors EATS—Homeless seniors can get free bags of food.

REPEATING EVENTS

MONDAYS
- Muscle Pump, 8:40–9:45am, in the Exercise Room
- Conversational French Club, 9:30–10:30am, in the Volunteer Room
- Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room
- Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activity Room
- Sewing, 11am–1pm, in the Art Studio; call for info at ext 110
- Low-Impact Beginning African Movement, 11:30am–12:30pm, in the Exercise Room
- Monday Matinees, 1pm; with free popcorn
  - April 7—Meet the Fockers (noon, in the Classroom)
  - April 14—80 for Brady
  - April 21—Barbie
  - April 28—Wine Country (rated R)
- Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room
- Bible Study, 12:45–2:30pm, in the Classroom
- Advanced Watercolor, 1–3pm, in the Art Studio; call for info at ext 110
- Chair Volleyball, 2–3pm, in the Exercise Room
- Life Line Dancers, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Exercise Room
- Walking Club, 3:30–5pm, meet in the Lobby
TUESDAYS
- Seniors on the Move Line Dancing, 8:35–9:30am, in the Exercise Room
- Open Art Studio, 9am–12:30pm, in the Art Studio
- Google It! Smartphone & Computer Class, 9:30–10:30am, in the Computer Lab
- Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 9:30–10:55am, in the Classroom
- Yoga Your Way, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room
- Keep It Moving Gentle Exercise, 10:15–11:15am, in the Activity Room (no class 4/15)
- American Sign Language, 11am–noon, in the Volunteer Room
- Belly Dance, 11:30am–12:45pm, in the Exercise Room
- Crocheting Club, noon–2:30pm, in the Volunteer Room
- Pinochle, noon–7pm, in the Activity Room
- Afternoon BINGO, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons
- Quilt Making, 1–3pm, in the Art Studio
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Exercise Room
- Kings in the Corner, 2:30–7pm, in the Classroom
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers, 3–4:30pm, in the Boardroom; call and register at ext 104 for this class, which will be held from May 6–June 10
- Acrylic Painting with Steve, 4–6pm; $10; call and register at ext 110
- DCSL Band Practice, 3–4:30pm, in the Theater
- Fitness Center and Tech Lab open for drop-in 5–7:30pm
- Cardio & More, 5:30–6:15pm
- Line Dancing, 6:15–7:15pm
WEDNESDAYS
- Muscle Pump, 8:40–9:45am, in the Exercise Room
- Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room
- Quick Drawing Class, 10–11am, in the Art Studio
- Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activity Room
- Hispanic Heritage Group, 10am–2pm, in the Classroom
- Super Agers Tech Class, 1–2:15pm, in the Tech Room
- Spanish, Level 2, 1–2pm, in the Volunteer Room
- BINGOcize, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons
- Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room
- Chair Volleyball, 2–3pm, in the Exercise Room
- New World New Skills Tech Class, 2:15–3pm, in the Tech Room
- Life Line Dancers, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Exercise Room
- Walking Club, 3:30–5pm, meet in the Lobby
THURSDAYS
- Seniors on the Move Line Dancing, 8:35–9:30am, in the Exercise Room
- Open Arts, 9am–noon, in the Art Studio
- Just Ask George (tech questions), 9–11am, in the Computer Lab; bring your device for one-on-one support
- Breakfast BINGO, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café
- Yoga Your Way, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room
- Taking Care with Diabetes, 10–11am, every Thursday this month in the Volunteer Room
- Keep It Moving Gentle Exercise, 10:15–11:15am, in the Activity Room (no class 4/3)
- Conversational French Club, 10:30–11:30am, in the Class Room
- Intermediate African Dance, 11:30am–12:30pm, in the Exercise Room
- Pinochle, noon–7pm, in the Activity Room
- Kings in the Corner, noon–7pm, in the Class Room
- African Drumming, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Exercise Room
- Thursday Bible Study, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room
- Afternoon BINGO, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons
- Open Art Studio, 1–3pm, in the Art Studio
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Exercise Room
- Acrylic Paintingwith Steve, 4–6pm; $10; call and register at ext 110
- Fitness Center and Tech Lab open for drop-in 5–7:30pm
- Cardio & More, 5:30–6:15pm
FRIDAYS
- Muscle Pump, 8:40–9:45am, in the Exercise Room
- Open Studio, 9am–12:30pm, in the Art Studio
- Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room
- Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activities Room
- Ladies in Fitness Training (LiFT), 11:30am–1pm, in the Fitness Center; call and register at ext 110 for this program
- Creative Writing Workshop, noon–1pm, in the Classroom (send a message to fh2508@columbia.edu to join this free workshop on Fridays in April)
- Friday Matinees, 12:30pm; with free popcorn
  - April 4—Casablanca
  - April 11—Say Anything
  - April 18—DCSL is closed for the Easter holiday
  - April 25 Alaska: Spirit of the Wild
- BINGOcize, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons
- Duke ConnecTech, 1:30–3pm, in the Lower Commons; get help with your technology.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Here are some special events for April; see more by exploring the Our Times online newsletter:

Talk Tuesdays—April 1, 9am–noon, in Office 216; counseling students from North Carolina Central University conduct one-on-one sessions and connect seniors with mental-health resources; call and register at ext 103
Durham County Veteran Services—Wednesday, April 2, 1–3pm; military veterans and their families are encouraged to find out what benefits they’re eligible to sign up for; call and register at ext 103
The Joy of Origami: FUNctional Origami—Thursday, April 3, noon–1pm, in the Boardroom; Barbara Pearl will teach how to use Japanese paper-folding techniques to create items to keep or give away as gifts; call and register at ext 110
Chinese Workshop—Thursday, April 3, 2:30–3:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; Gary Su will teach basic words and trivia about food, holidays, and more as an introduction to Chinese culture
EATS: Nutrition Today: Cooking Demo—Friday, April 4, 9:30–10:30am, in the Classroom; today’s topic, “Seasonal Cooking,” hosted by the Durham County DINE (Durham’s Innovative Nutrition Education) for Life program; call and register at ext 110
Duke Healthy Aging for America: Spring into Mental Wellness—Friday, April 4, 4–5pm, in the Classroom; Duke undergraduates will lead a workshop focused on boosting mental wellness through fun activities like games, painting exercises, and stress-relief techniques
Annual Gala & Silent Auction: A Toast to Excellence—Saturday, April 5, 6–9pm; enjoy dinner, live music, dancing, and a silent auction at this fancy event (dress in semiformal attire); tickets are $125; click here for more info

Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, April 7, 9am–noon; military veterans and their families are encouraged to find out what benefits they’re eligible to sign up for; call and register at ext 103
Alzheimer’s Association’s Monthly Talk and Support Group Meeting—Monday, April 7, 2pm, in the Classroom; topic: Alzheimer’s Awareness: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Employment Fair—Tuesday, April 8, 8:30–11am, in the Upper Commons; get resources for job hunting, including resumé reviews, help with cover letters, and interview prep
Talk Tuesdays—April 8, 9am–noon, in Office 216; counseling students from North Carolina Central University conduct one-on-one sessions and connect seniors with mental-health resources; call and register at ext 103
The Minor Solution—Wednesday, April 9, 1–2pm, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
Wondering About Alzheimer’s? Ask the Expert—Wednesday, April 9, 1–2pm, in the Theater; Dr Murali Doraiswamy from Duke University’s School of Medicine will share information on healthy brain aging and the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease
Caregiver Support Group–Thursday, April 10, 12:30pm, in the Boardroom; anyone caring for someone over age 55 can get resources and support; no need to register
The Aging Brain: What’s Normal and What’s Not—Thursday, April 10, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Theater; a representative from Humana will discuss normal memory loss and the key signs of dementia, plus lifestyle changes that can help lower the risk of dementia
NCCU and Duke Elder Law Project—Friday, April 11, 10am–1pm; seniors who are age 60+ and who also meet certain income requirements can get help making out their wills and advanced directives
Music Trio Performance—Friday, April 11, 11am, in the Upper Commons; Andrew Keesler on violin, Abby Schoenfeld on cello, and Erika Cummings on piano will perform Dvorak’s Dumky Piano Trio #4 in E Minor and Dubussy’s Sonata in G Minor for Violin and Piano, Mvmt 1, Allegro Vivo
Introduction to Chat GPT—Friday, April 11, 11am–noon; learn about artificial intelligence
Health Topics Talk—Friday, April 4, 11am–1pm, in the Volunteer Room; Duke University Hospital nurse Rebekah May will offer free blood pressure checks and will share vital health information
Boxes to Baskets: Crafting Workshop—Friday, April 11, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Art Studio; Georgete Dasilva will teach how to turn boxes into baskets just in time for Easter
What’s Happening at Duke: Parkinson’s Disease, Memory, and Brain Aging—Friday, April 11, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; presenters from Duke University’s Postdoctoral Association make presentations on the latest developments in biology, neuroscience, engineering, and technology
Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, April 11, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources

Get Prepared Now! Climate Change Preparedness Workshop—Monday, April 14, 2:30–5pm, in the Volunteer Room; Summit Environmental Resources will teach how to get ready for a hurricane, flood, extreme heat, earthquake, etc; call and register at ext 110
EATS: Shop & Grab—Tuesday, April 15, 9am–noon; You can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home; call and register at ext 104
Talk Tuesdays—April 15, 9am–noon, in Office 216; counseling students from North Carolina Central University conduct one-on-one sessions and connect seniors with mental-health resources; call and register at ext 103

Firesticks and the Best Streaming Services: Making the Right Choice—Tuesday, April 15, noon–1pm, in the Volunteer Room; bring your firestick and have Dell Rains teach you how to connect it, navigate apps, and watch your favorite TV shows
Easter Egg Hunt—Wednesday, April 16, all day; join the search for hidden eggs (with hidden treats)
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)—Wednesday, April 16, noon–1pm, in the Theater; learn about local volunteer opportunities at the Bull City Woodshop
Painting with Police—Wednesday, April 16, 12:30–3pm, in the Art Studio; socialize and paint with police officers; call and register at ext 110
Durham County Veteran Services—Wednesday, April 16, 1–3pm; military veterans and their families are encouraged to find out what benefits they’re eligible to sign up for; call and register at ext 103
Durham AARP Chapter #189 Monthly Meeting—Wednesday, April 16, 2pm, in the Theater
STI Screening—Thursday, April 17, 10am–noon, in the Volunteer Room; free testing available for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis-C, gonorrhea, and chlamydia
Mixed-Medium Exploration: Fraktur Painting—Thursday, April 17, noon–1pm, in the Art Studio; Marie Crock will lead a class on Pennsylvania Dutch–style brush strokes; call and register at ext 110
Music & Light Concert—Thursday, April 17, 1pm, in the Lower Commons; enjoy a spring concert of jazz classical music by young musicians from the Duke University String School Orchestra, Trinity School, and the Triangle Youth Jazz Band
Chinese Workshop—Thursday, April 17, 2:30–3:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; Gary Su will teach basic words and trivia about food, holidays, and more as an introduction to Chinese culture
Senior Prom—Thursday, April 17, 5–7pm, in the Lower Commons; dress to impress and celebrate springtime in style
Duke Healthy Aging for America: Spring into Mental Wellness—Friday, April 18, 4–5pm, in the Classroom; Duke undergraduates will lead a workshop focused on boosting mental wellness through fun activities like games, painting exercises, and stress-relief techniques

Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, April 21, 9am–noon; military veterans and their families are encouraged to find out what benefits they’re eligible to sign up for; call and register at ext 103
Talk Tuesdays—April 22, 9am–noon, in Office 216; counseling students from North Carolina Central University conduct one-on-one sessions and connect seniors with mental-health resources; call and register at ext 103

Earth Day Clothing Swap—Tuesday, April 22, 10:30am–2pm, on the Rigsbee Lawn; refresh your wardrobe by swapping clothing you no longer want with items that suit you better
Grief Support Group—Tuesday, April 22, 1–2:15pm, in the Classroom; counselor LA Cutter will share ways to help process your grief after suffering an emotional loss
Volunteer Notary Public—Wednesday, April 23, 9–11am, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
Monthly Birthday Celebration—Wednesday, April 23, 12:30pm, in the Lower Commons; celebrate your April birthday with treats and fun; call and register at ext 110
Aging with Pride Movie Matinee—Wednesday, April 23, 3:30pm, in the Theater; watch the movie Tig (2015)
Computer & Phone Security Workshop—Thursday, April 24, 9–11am; call and register at ext 110
DCSL Growing Gardens Club—Thursday, April 24, 10:30–11:30am, in the Volunteer Room; swap gardening tips and help plan DCSL’s raised-beds gardening project
Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, April 25, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources

Senior Legal Advisor Presentation: Beneficiary Designations as Part of Your Estate Plan—Monday, April 28, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior advisor and lawyer Rick Messemer will share important information on legal topics of interest to seniors
Duke DPT: Health Screenings—Tuesday, April 29, 8:30–10am, in the Lower Commons; stop by the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy table for free health screenings, including for blood pressure, strength, and balance
Talk Tuesdays—April 29, 9am–noon, in Office 216; counseling students from North Carolina Central University conduct one-on-one sessions and connect seniors with mental-health resources; call and register at ext 103
Monthly Member Check-in—Tuesday, April 29, 12:15pm, in the Theater; share your ideas and thoughts on the Center’s events and activities; feel free to bring your lunch; no need to register.

LITTLE RIVER SENIOR CENTER

The Durham Center for Senior Life also sponsors programming at the Little River Senior Center (part of the Little River Community Complex at 8305 N Roxboro Rd, in Bahama). Call 919-477-6066 for more info; you can also check out the current Our Times online schedule to see all of their classes and activities:

Coffee Talk—Monday–Friday 8:30–9am
Walking Club—Monday–Friday 8:30–10am
Free Play Gym—Monday–Friday 8:30am–1pm
Games and Quilting—Monday–Friday 9:30am–1:30pm
Group Exercise—Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10–10:30am
Bible Study—Tuesdays 10–11am
Guitar Lessons—Tuesdays and Thursdays 10–11am
Cards, Thursdays 10–11:30am
BINGO—Mondays 10:30–11:30am, Tuesdays 11–11:30am, Thursdays 10–11am, Fridays 10:30–11am
Lunch (congregate meal)—Monday–Friday, 11:30am
Bass Guitar Lessons—Tuesdays and Thursdays noon–1pm
Crocheting—Monday–Friday 12:30–1:30pm.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Here are some special events for April:

[to be announced]

Here’s a nice Spanish/English message from the Durham Center for Senior Life.

DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION: MATURE ADULTS

Durham Parks and Recreation has a Mature Adults division that provides programming and sets up special events for seniors (age 55+). Here are a few events to check out:

A new Lunch and Learn Series at the WD Hill Recreation Center (1308 Fayetteville St) starts on Wednesday, September 11, noon–1:30pm, with a talk on Home Modifications to Prevent Falls. They’ll have a talk every month (Wednesday, October 9, noon–1:30pm—Aging and Adult Services, Wednesday, November 6, noon–1:30pm—10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, and Wednesday, December 11, 11am–12:30pm—Scams, Scams, Scams!). Call Nicole Waller at 919-224-9689 for more info and to register.

Click on the DPR logo to view the

September–December issue

of Play More.

DUKE HEALTH—PACT STUDY

919-668-3154, PACTStudy@duke.edu, website

Researchers at Duke Health are conducting a study to see if Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented with cognitive training. The PACT* Study is looking for people age 65+ who would like to volunteer to participate in the study and undergo computerized training exercises that are designed to reduce that risk.

To qualify, participants should be age 65 and older, with no neurological disorders or cognitive impairments and no history of stroke or brain injury. The potential benefits of taking the computerized training exercises can include enhanced mental quickness, improved gait and balance, and protection against depression. The length of the study will be approximately 3 years, with three study visits of up to 2 hours each. The 45 1-hour computer training sessions will be done in your own home.

* PACT = Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Raleigh office, 919-277-4201, website:

The BBB wants to point out three of the most-used scams out there that are targeting seniors. Make sure that your families and friends are aware that tricksters like to prey on older adults when they’re not up with the latest scams:

Lottery and sweepstakes scams—Criminals will send you a check with a cover letter congratulating you for winning a huge amount of money. They’ll tell you to deposit the check and then wire funds to cover the cost of fees, insurance, taxes, or whatever. Even if the check looks real and has the name of an actual bank on it, it’s a fake. If you went ahead and sent funds from your account, you have lost that money. Remember, you’re not likely to win a contest you didn’t enter, and you should never pay anyone to accept a prize.
Medical alert scams—You’ll get a phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare or another government office. They’ll ask for all kinds of personal information, like bank account/credit card numbers, claiming that they’re trying to verify or update something or to fix an error. Medicare never calls and asks for information—if you’re on Medicare (or Medicaid), the government already has all the information they need.
Grandparent scams—A stranger will call you on the phone claiming to be your grandchild (sometimes saying that they have a bad connection if you don’t recognize their voice). They’ll claim that they’re in trouble or ran out of money and will beg you to wire they some money to help them out. Stay calm and ask questions you know only your grandchild would know the answer to. You can also call their number or their parents’ number after hanging up. Sometimes criminals go so far as to call, claiming to have people’s grandkids in custody and demanding a ransom. Frantic family members can lose thousands with these sick scams.

If you’d like to have someone from the local Better Business Bureau to speak to your group about senior issues, call the Raleigh office at the number listed above.

OLLI (the OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE)

Duke Continuing Studies, Box 90700, Durham NC 27708; 919-684-6259, OLLI@duke.edu:

OLLI (the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) is a Duke University–affiliated organization that offers a wide variety of classes and activities for older folks. In-person courses will be held at Judea Reform Congregation (1933 W Cornwallis Rd, in the Education Bldg). Registration for the Winter 2024 season will open on Tuesday, January 9. Annual membership is $60; click here to start an account and become a member. If you’d like to participate but need a scholarship, write to Kathy.Parrish@duke.edu and ask about “Community Membership.”

Click on the image below to view the Winter 2024 catalog.