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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.

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, June 10, 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
  - June 2—Lion
  - June 9—Fatherhood
  - June 16—Parent Trap
  - June 23—Father of the Bride
  - June 30—We Bought a Zoo
- Bible Study, 12:45–2:30pm, in the Classroom
- Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room (no class 6/16)
- 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 6/10)
- 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 (no class 6/25)
- 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 6/5 or 6/19)
- 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 (no class 6/19)
- 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
- Friday Matinees, 12:30pm; with free popcorn
  - June 6—Something’s Gotta Give
  - June 13—Akeelah and the Bee
  - June 20—Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
  - June 27—Baby Mama
- 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 June; see more by exploring the Our Times online newsletter:

Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, June 2, 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
Senior Legal Advisor Presentation—Monday, June 2, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior legal advisor Rick Messemer will talk about legal topics of special interest to seniors
Make Your Own Sensory Kit—Wednesday, June 4, 9:30–11am, in the Volunteer Room; Carmen Ruth from the Durham County Library will teach how to make sensory and aromatherapy kits; call and register at ext 110
Durham County Veteran Services—Wednesday, June 4, 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: Fashion Flair—Thursday, June 5, noon–1pm, in the Art Studio; Barbara Pearl will teach how to fold custom-design shirts, kimonos, and more; call and register at ext 110
EATS: Nutrition Today: Cooking Demo—Friday, June 6, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café; 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
Taking Charge of My Life and Health—Friday, June 6, 10–11:30am, in the Classroom; The Durham Veterans Administration hosts this health-coaching program for military veterans, their spouses, and caregivers, focusing on physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being (every Friday through July 25)
Pride Month Celebration—Friday, June 6, 1:30–3pm, in the Activity Room; senior members of the LGBT+ community can bring guests and celebrate with trivia quizzes and cold mocktails

Heal, Grow, Go Wellness Presents: ABCs of LGBTQ—Monday, June 9, noon–1pm, in the Volunteer Room; health counselor Helen Svoboda-Barber will explain LGBTQIA+ terms, share information about gender and sexuality, and will answer basic questions that can help you better understand your grandchildren or other loved-ones
EATS: Shop & Grab—Tuesday, June 10, 9am–noon; You can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home; call and register at ext 104
Introduction to the Internet and Email, pt 1—Tuesday, June 10, 9:30–11am, in the Computer Lab
Chinese Workshop—Tuesday, June 10, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; Gary Su will teach basic words and trivia about food, holidays, and more as an introduction to Chinese culture
Introduction to the Internet and Email, pt 2—Wednesday, June 11, 9:30–11am, in the Computer Lab
The Minor Solution—Wednesday, June 11, 1–2pm, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 110
DCSL Growing Gardens Club—Thursday, June 12, 11am–12:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; swap gardening tips and help plan DCSL’s raised-beds gardening project
Exploring Art Mediums: Alcohol Ink Play—Thursday, June 12, noon–1pm, in the Art Studio; Marie Crock teaches techniques for a new art medium every month; call and register at ext 110
Caregiver Support Group—Thursday, June 12, 12:30pm, in the Boardroom; anyone caring for someone over age 55 can get resources and support; no need to register
Humana Health Workshop: Mental Wellness, a Key to Well-Being—Thursday, June 12, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Theater; learn various ways of managing anxiety and depression, plus simple steps that can help you feel better
Circulation ABI Testing—Friday, June 13, 9am–3pm, in the Volunteer Room; take off your shoes and socks for Velocity Clinical Research’s Ankle Brachial Index Test, which will checked for your risk of certain artery diseases; call and register at ext 110
Taking Charge of My Life and Health—Friday, June 13, 10–11:30am, in the Classroom; The Durham Veterans Administration hosts this health-coaching program for military veterans, their spouses, and caregivers, focusing on physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being (every Friday through July 25)
Father’s Day Fun & Pool Tournament—Friday, June 13, 10–11:30am, in the Activity Room; enjoy refreshments, movies, and fun, including a Pool Tournament; call and register at ext 110
Introduction to ChatGPT—Friday, June 13, noon–1pm, in the Computer Lab; Keith Glidewell will lead a workshop and hands-on practice session on the artificial intelligence program, ChatGPT
Afternoon Tech Support—Friday, June 13, 1:30–2:30pm, in the Computer Lab; get one-on-one help with your gear
Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, June 13, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources

Elder Abuse Awareness—Monday, June 16, all day, in the Lower Commons; pick up information that will give you tips on how to protect yourself from potentially dangerous situations (feel free to show your support by wearing purple)
Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, June 16, 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
Volunteer Notary Public—Wednesday, June 18, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)—Wednesday, June 18, noon–1pm, in the Theater; learn about local volunteer opportunities at the SEEDS Urban Garden & Kitchen
Painting with Police—Wednesday, June 18, 12:30–3pm, in the Art Studio; socialize and paint with police officers; call and register at ext 110
Durham County Veteran Services—Wednesday, June 18, 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
Taking Charge of My Life and Health—Friday, June 20, 10–11:30am, in the Classroom; The Durham Veterans Administration hosts this health-coaching program for military veterans, their spouses, and caregivers, focusing on physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being (every Friday through July 25)
Juneteenth Celebration—Friday, June 20, noon–2pm, in the Lower Commons and Theater; enjoy performances by various DCSL groups with plenty of dancing; you can also watch the documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom in the Theater; call and register at ext 110

Senior Legal Advisor Presentation—Monday, June 23, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior legal advisor Rick Messemer will talk about legal topics of special interest to seniors
Monthly Member Check-in—Tuesday, June 24, 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
Chinese Workshop—Tuesday, June 24, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Volunteer Room; Gary Su will teach basic words and trivia about food, holidays, and more as an introduction to Chinese culture
Volunteer Notary Public—Wednesday, June 25, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; free notary services; call and register at ext 103
Monthly Birthday Celebration—Wednesday, June 25, 12:30pm, in the Lower Commons; celebrate your June birthday with treats and fun; call and register at ext 110
Password Management Tech Workshop—Wednesday, June 25, 1–2:30pm, in the Computer Lab; a representative from Kramden Institute will teach how to come up with passwords that are secure, unique, and easy to remember, and also how to manage them
Quarterly Volunteer Meeting: Summer Safety—Thursday, June 26, noon–1pm, in the Theater; this meeting for all active DCSL volunteers will review safety protocols and procedures, such as emergency responses and recognizing the signs of dementia
Aging with Pride Movie Matinee—Thursday, June 26, 3pm, in the Theater; watch the movie Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story (2022)
Taking Charge of My Life and Health—Friday, June 27, 10–11:30am, in the Classroom; The Durham Veterans Administration hosts this health-coaching program for military veterans, their spouses, and caregivers, focusing on physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being (every Friday through July 25)
Outdoor Extravaganza—Friday, June 27, 10am–1pm, on the Rigsbee Lawn and Lower Commons; play outdoor games and enjoy popsicles and a dance party; call and register at ext 110
Afternoon Tech Support—Friday, June 27, 1:30–2:30pm, in the Computer Lab; get one-on-one help with your gear
Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, June 27, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources

Introverts Singles Social Group—Monday, June 30, noon–1pm, in the Classroom; make new friends and connections in a small, no-pressure setting with games and conversation.

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 June:

Mental Wellness: A Key to Well-Being—Thursday, June 12, 10:30am; Humana health educator Jill Davis will share tips for managing anxiety and depression, and will describe simple steps that can help you feel better
NC Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program— Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24, 10am–noon; complete and submit applications for the program where you can save $$$ at local Farmers Markets
EATS: Nutrition Today—Thursday, June 26, 10am; a representative from the NC Cooperative Extension will lead a discussion about Food Safety.

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.