Duke University Retirees Association: Happy Holidays

DURA DUKE UNIVERSITY RETIREES ASSOCIATION

2021 Holiday

705 Broad Street, Suite 201 Telephone: 919-684-2808 Box 90511 Fax: 919-681-7924 Durham, NC 27708

December- 2021 Dear DURA Members,

Happy Holidays!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a joyous and happy holiday season. The holidays are about spending time with your family and loved ones. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we’ll celebrate the holidays for the foreseeable future.

Usually, we’ll hold large gatherings at our homes for the holidays and hug and kiss the family that we haven’t seen in a while. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t ended yet, so we must remain cautious when holding gatherings.

I hope this newsletter provides you with useful information to help you enjoy the holiday season.

Stay healthy and well,

Antwan-La’Mont Lofton

Antwan-La’Mont Lofton, Ed.D, PHR Assistant Vice President, Human Resources Duke University & Duke University Health System Staff and Labor Relations/Staff and Family Programs

Safer Ways to Celebrate Holidays Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. For more information visit www.cdc.gov.

Here are safer ways to celebrate the holidays: Generally:

 Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.

 Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.

 Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.  Outdoors is safer than indoors.  Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.  If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.  Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.

 If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.

 If you will be traveling in a group or family with unvaccinated people, choose safer travel options.

 Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.

Did You Know?

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke seeks to engage the minds, elevate the spirit and foster the wellbeing of our members through a wide range of educational programs and opportunities for volunteer service and social activities. We embrace Duke University’s commitment to community service and lifelong learning through our collaborative work with academic and professional groups, retirement communities, various research projects on aging, and other institutes for learning in retirement. OLLI’s efforts to move programming online received national recognition in The New York Times and Next Avenue.

Recipe Ideas

Snowman Banana Nog This snowman decoration comes together in a few minutes and makes a sweet way to serve a winter mocktail. The creamy white nog is dazzled with the wintry flavors of nutmeg and allspice. https://duke.is/ncpp2 How to Make a Charcuterie House If you're not much for sweets (or, you know, icingshellacked cookie houses), this savory display - made with all the ingredients of a charcuterie board - is for you. https://duke.is/brfyy Christmas Tree Cake No special cake pan is needed to make this impressive 3D Christmas Tree Cake: cleverly arranged and stacked squares of sheet cake are frosted and decorated with edible "lights." There's even a festive star topper. https://duke.is/ca2kv

We are a learning community of nearly 1600 members. Some of our members grew up in Durham, but many have moved here from all over the country.

Now that we are online, Duke Alumni are joining from across the world. OLLI members have a wide range of interests and passions and enjoy attending lectures and performances on campus and online.

We offer close to 160 online courses annually including art and architecture, public policy, health and wellness, hands on art, history, literature, and the sciences.

For more information visit https://learnmore.duke.edu/olli.

Fun Virtual Holiday Party Ideas for Large Gatherings Virtual holiday parties are online celebrations usually held over video conferencing platforms like Zoom, FaceTime and Google Meet. Virtual holiday party ideas are specific activities, games and themes that can be used to safely host a large holiday gathering. Below are some suggestions for online parties that you or a family member can host.

Virtual Gingerbread Wars

Virtual Holiday Photo Booth

Gingerbread Wars is fun, virtual holiday event that includes themed games, competitions and actual cookies. Before the event, send each of your attendees a gingerbread kit in the mail that includes gingerbread people, frosting, candies and more. Then, bring everyone on a video call for games like holiday trivia and gingerbread self-portraits.

During your virtual holiday party, you can gather everyone onto the screen for a video call, then use screenshots or a similar image

Virtual Holiday Bingo

capture feature to snap a photograph. Suggestions for holiday photo props:

 Holiday colored boas or garland  Colored lights  Presents  Hats, mittens, and scarves

Holiday Costume Dress-up

Once you get your shot, you can turn the photo into a virtual card and send to everyone as a memento of your virtual holiday party.

Get in the holiday spirit by attending video parties in seasonal garb. Host a costume contest and offer a prize to the winner.

Can’t-Miss Holiday Decor in The Triangle Area and Beyond

Bingo is a fun game for the holidays because it encourages interaction and competitive cheer.

Nothing can stop the holiday spirit! Visit https://duke.is/wta35 for a full list of holiday decor and events in the Triangle area proves that the holidays can be celebrated safely.

Have you moved? Has your name, home, or email address changed?

In order to keep your name on the mailing list at Human Resources, you must notify HR of any changes. Email DURA@duke.edu or call (919) 684-9040 and inform HR of any changes.