Duke University Retirees Association Spring 2023 Newsletter

DURA

DUKE UNIVERSITY RETIREES ASSOCIATION

705 Broad Street, Suite 201

Box 90511, Durham, NC 27708

Telephone: 919-684-2808 • Fax: 919-681-7924

April 2023

Dear DURA Members,

Happy Spring everyone!

I’m sure you are looking forward to longer days and warmer weather. I know I certainly am. Spring is a great time to work in the garden, travel or just simply enjoy the sunshine.

In this edition of the DURA Spring Newsletter, we wanted to feature YOU! We asked you to share your retirement story to stay connected with the DURA community and you delivered. From being able to spend more time with loved ones since retirement, to volunteering, to writing books and traveling, retirement has not slowed many of you down!

The newsletter also invites you to add Duke to your Duke Bucket List. Whether you’ve never visited some of Duke’s sites and venues while working at Duke, or it’s been awhile, there are many unique Duke experiences that shouldn’t be missed. We invite you to visit the many wonderful cultural events and offerings at Duke this Spring and throughout the year.

I hope you enjoy the DURA Spring Newsletter, and that you and your loved ones continue to stay healthy and well.

Antwan-La’Mont Lofton

Antwan-La’Mont Lofton, Ed.D, SPHR Vice President of Human Resources Chief Human Resources Officer Duke University & Duke University Health System

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello DURA members! Spring, my favorite season of the year, is finally here. It is more than just a changing of seasons. Spring is a rebirth, a reimagining of one’s spirit, and a reset. A lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be. Additionally, how resilient one can become at any age.

As a reminder, our last in-person luncheon was held on December 9, 2019. An event of food, fellowship, and fun. The luncheon had a remarkable speaker and fantastic entertainment. Who knew COVID-19 was closely hovering and would adversely shut down everything in 2020, 2021, and 2022?

The DURA Board is pleased to announce that we have accepted an invitation from Duke to join staff and faculty at Duke’s Holiday Event this year. Additional details will be sent closer to the event. We look forward to attending an in-person event where DURA members can not only socialize with other members, but visit with current staff and faculty as well.

While in-person luncheons may not be scheduled every year, please know the DURA Board is committed to working with Duke to provide meaningful events and special member opportunities that will be offered to the DURA Community throughout the year.

Marjorie L. Lipscomb

Marjorie L. Lipscomb DURA President

MESSAGE FROM THE DURA BOARD

Hello and Happy 2023 fellow Duke Retirees!!

Your loyal DURA Board, in collaboration with Staff and Family Programs of Duke Corporate HR, remains dedicated to serving each of you! Whether it be by safely hosting a fantastic in-person DURA luncheon, or offering other DURA events and special member opportunities, we are working diligently to find ways to keep the DURA community connected to Duke.

Although volunteering is not a requirement of DURA membership, we will continue to promote volunteerism by DURA members at Duke and in the community. When volunteer opportunities arise, we will inform the DURA community through email notifications or the bi-annual DURA newsletter. We also encourage you to invite Duke retirees that have not yet joined DURA to visit the DURA website and apply online. Membership is open to ALL retirees of Duke.

The current DURA Board, under the leadership of DURA Board President, Marjorie Lipscomb, has openings. Please contact the Nominating/Membership Committee Chair at Vhopkinsgarrett1@yahoo.com to obtain guidelines and an application for consideration.

DURA BOARD MEMBERS 2023 – 2025

Virda Adams

Lillie Cannady, Past President

Veronica Hopkins Garrett, Vice President

Caroline Lattimore

Marjorie L. Lipscomb, President

Robert McRae

Linda Ward, Secretary

Cynthia Wilkerson, Advisor

GET ON BOARD

DURA NEEDS YOU!

WHAT IS YOUR RETIREMENT STORY?

We were thrilled to receive the many stories submitted when we asked what you have been doing during retirement. We are delighted to share a few of the many interesting and inspiring retirement stories we received. Thanks to everyone that took the time to submit a retirement story!

Martin Hunicutt

Retired from the Duke Clinical Research Institute’s Business Development Department in 2019

During retirement, Martin has volunteered for Duke Health’s Patient Services and has been playing clarinet in the Durham Community Concert Band, and The Rusty Pipes at Croasdaile Farms. In 2023, Martin celebrates 50 years of marriage and will be traveling to many countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Britain and Canada.

Earl Kirby

Retired from the Duke Pathology in 2004

Earl has spent most of retirement volunteering. Earl has volunteered at the Durham Center for Center Life, the Duke COVID vaccine clinics, and has served on the Adult Care Home Advisory Committee as well as on the Duke University Retiree Association Board.

Pat Greybill

Retired from DUHS Nursing in 2018

In retirement, Pat found the time to focus on quilting and embroidery. During COVID, Pat made well over 300 masks, embroidering them with various themes and sharing them with friends.

Justine Strand de Oliveira

Retired from Family Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine in 2017

Justine retired as professor emeritus and moved to London joining the Barts and The London School of Medicine (Queen Mary University of London) as professor, helping establish their Physician Associate program. After retiring from Barts and The London, Justine moved to Algarve, Portugal, and published the novel, The Moon Is Backwards. Justine currently has a part-time faculty appointment at the University of Algarve School of Medicine and enjoys singing a capella as a member of a local barbershop group.

WHAT IS YOUR RETIREMENT STORY? (continue)

James P. McKelvey

Retired from the Duke Regional Business Office in 2013

James delved into research of Pilot Mountain located at Pilot Mountain State Park after retirement. The research turned into two volumes that will be titled, Faces of Pilot Mountain: Volume One & Two: Intriguing Journey into Deep Mysteries. James shares that this was an unexpected delightful journey during retirement and looks forward to sharing the release of the book and the talks that are planned.

Toni C. Shaw

Retired from the Department of MedicinePulmonary in 2009

After retirement, Toni returned to school for massage therapy and opened a practice after graduating. Toni also completed a bucket list trip to Peru with a group of Shaman students, visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, as well as other areas.

Willa Bonner

Retired from Duke Health Technology Solutions in 2020

Since retiring, Willa has become a passionate baker, making birthday cakes with love for friends, neighbors, church members and anyone that requests them. This past Christmas, Willa enjoyed teaming up with two friends from high school to make Christmas cookies.

Margaret Riley

Retired from Global Education Office for Undergraduates in 2013

Margaret, a world traveler since high school, finally reached the impressive goal of traveling to 100 countries during retirement. Margaret has also taken several classes through OLLI (The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke), learning how to create websites, use a 3D printer and ultimately, teaching a class for OLLI.

Jim Rigney

Retired from the Duke Stores in 2011

After retirement, Jim pursed farming fulltime, operating Lil Rooster Farm. The farm harvests 1250 head of 7 lettuce varieties and provides 52 harvests per year. Jim shares that experience in technology proved beneficial with managing and maintaining a highly automated hydroponic farm. The farm delivers live lettuce plants to customers in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill and Durham, and donates 10% of the harvest to the local food bank and community outreach programs.

Angela McClendon

Retired from Duke Raleigh Hospital PACU in 2022

Retirement has given Angela the freedom to travel and celebrate special occasions with family and friends. Since retirement, Angela has been able to travel with friends to Alaska, attend a family wedding in New Jersey, and visit family and friends in Alabama for an extended period of time to celebrate a birthday and the Holidays.

Visit Duke

Since your retirement, it may have been awhile since you last visited the beauty of Duke. As you know, Duke is a place rich in diversity and culture. We invite you to add Duke to your Bucket List and visit the iconic Duke Chapel, explore historic Cameron Indoor Stadium or find the perfect spot to catch the sun’s rays at Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Below are just a few places or ways to experience Duke:

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

420 Anderson St. • Durham, NC 27708 • 919-684-3698

More than 600,000 visitors from all over the world visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens annually, enjoying its 55 acres of specialized gardens in the heart of Duke University. Admission is free, and they are open from 8 a.m. to dusk 365 days a year. Visit their website for more information.

Click here for parking information.

You can also take a virtual tour of Duke Gardens and beyond.

Duke Chapel

401 Chapel Drive • Durham, NC 27708 • 919-681-6488

Duke Chapel, the icon of the university, stands 210 feet high at the center of West Campus. Built in the early 1930s, the Chapel houses 77 stained glass windows, a 50-bell carillon, a 100-voice choir, and is home to more than two dozen religious groups, including an interdenominational Christian congregation. The Chapel is open to visitors year-round and hosts numerous weekly worship services, as well as other special events, making it one of the most active university chapels in America. All are welcome! Visit their website for more information.

The Chapel is open to the public, as well as members of the Duke community, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. The Chapel is occasionally closed to the public for special events. Check their calendar before visiting. Click here for visiting information.

You can also take a virtual tour of Duke Chapel.

Duke Forest

The Duke Forest is owned and managed by Duke University. It consists of over 7,000 acres of forested land and open fields in Durham, Orange, and Alamance counties. It has been managed for teaching and research purposes since 1931. Visit their website for more information.

The Office of the Duke Forest typically offers tours for the general public three to four times a year. The tours each focus on one aspect of the Forest: spring flora and fauna, research, geology, management, historical or other specific topics. Tours are led by Duke Forest staff and accompanying experts. They are fun and educational for the whole family. Learn more about the Living Laboratory in your backyard. Click here for more information on tours and activities at the Duke Forest. Visitors can also bike and horseback ride on forest roads, rent a picnic shelter, or fish with a valid North Carolina fishing license.

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Visit Duke

Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

2001 Campus Drive • Durham, NC 27705 • 919-684-5135

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University fosters the understanding and appreciation of the visual arts by providing direct experiences with original works of art supported by a range of exhibitions, programs and publications for the university and the broader community. The museum draws on the intellectual resources of a great research university and serves as a laboratory of the arts dedicated to multidisciplinary approaches to learning. These strategies make the Nasher at Duke a unique cornerstone of the arts for Duke University, Durham and the Triangle community, the State of North Carolina and the greater Southeast region. Visit their website for more information.

All visitors enjoy free general admission to the Nasher Museum. Visit the Events Calendar for upcoming events. Click here for parking information.

You can also take a virtual tour of the Nasher Museum of Art.

Duke Lemur Center

3705 Erwin Road • Durham, NC 27705 • 919-401-7240

Founded in 1966 on the campus of Duke University in Durham, NC, the Duke Lemur Center is a world leader in the study, care, and protection of lemurs—Earth’s most threatened group of mammals. With more than 200 animals across 14 species, the DLC houses the world’s largest and most diverse population of lemurs outside their native Madagascar. Visit their website for more information. Visit the Duke Lemur Center onsite tours webpage for more information on availability of tours and pricing.

You can also take a virtual tour of the Duke Lemur Center.

Cameron Indoor Stadium

306 Towerview Dr. • Durham, NC 27708 • 919-684-2120

Duke Basketball Museum - Duke University (goduke.com)

Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium, the crown jewel of college basketball's classic venues, has become one of the most formidable environments for visiting teams. The Blue Devils have called the iconic venue home for 80 years and have won nearly 85 percent of the games on its hallowed hardwood. The museum and Hall of Fame honors individuals and teams, including five special displays for each of the Duke men’s basketball team’s NCAA championships. Whether attending a game or not, all sports fans should take time to see the history of campus sports at the Duke Basketball Museum and Athletics Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Hours are subject to change due to event use.

What to Do if Your Flight is Canceled or Delayed

Spring is a great time to travel but storms, system outages, delays and cancellations have made air travel very challenging so far this year. If you do arrive at the airport and find your flight is canceled or delayed, handling the disruption can be much less upsetting when you know your rights as a passenger and resources for rebooking. Here are a few tips that can help make air travel during these chaotic times as smooth as possible.

Before your trip

1 Reduce or optimize connections.

The more connections you have, the more chances there are for cancellations or delays. If it makes financial sense, book direct flights whenever possible — those extra dollars you spend may end up saving you a lot of hassle.

2 Book flights earlier in the day with a direct carrier.

If possible, book earlier flights because once a few cancellations happen, it increases the chances of later flights being delayed or canceled. Also, booking with a direct carrier (such as United or American) rather than a regional partner (United Express or American Eagle, for example), tends to get priority for staffing and airport access.

3 When at all possible, avoid checking luggage.

Changing a flight at the last minute will sometimes mean checked baggage gets left behind, trailing your new itinerary. Bringing just a roller bag small enough to use as a carry-on item makes it easier to grab a replacement flight, not to mention providing a change of clothes should you get stuck somewhere.

What to Do if Your Flight is Canceled or Delayed (continue)

4 Use travel tools.

Staying up to date on flight and weather information can help you predict and manage delays and cancellations. Download the airline’s phone app, make sure your contact information is updated with your carrier and turn on notifications on your phone.

5 Consider using a travel agent.

Should things go wrong, you can use your travel agency for support. They have ways to connect with the right people to rebook a flight that’s been canceled.

At the airport

1 Be polite to airline customer service reps.

Being polite, either in person or on the phone, is not only the nice thing to do — given the amount of stress airport and airline employees face — it may inspire them to take that extra step to help rescue your travel plans.

2 Know your rights.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to give a full refund to passengers if a flight gets canceled for any reason. Many airlines will try to offer travel vouchers for future trips, but you do not have to accept credit in lieu of cash (or a refund of frequent flier points plus taxes paid).

3 Ask your airline for help in case of delay, but be prepared for little or no compensation.

The DOT rule is that passengers are “entitled to a refund or compensation if the airline made a significant schedule change.” But what exactly constitutes “significant” has not been defined and varies widely between airlines. Airlines will typically offer meal and hotel vouchers if a flight is delayed or canceled due to staffing or mechanical issues, but they often won’t do so if they claim the delay is due to weather — even if the weather is on the other side of the country.

4 Explore all options if you need to rebook.

Phone wait times for airline customer service can be lengthy. Try a multipronged approach to rebooking: Contact your travel agent if you used one, check your airline’s website and app, and try to talk to in-person representatives at the airport customer service center and to gate agents.

If you have airline lounge privileges, talk to a customer service rep at a lounge, where the line is likely to be shorter.

Tips to Avoid the Hidden Health Hazards of Travel

Traveling can bring an element of stress with rushing to get to one place to another and trying to take in all the sites while on vacation. You never know what issues you may face when traveling. From having to walk for long periods of time, dragging and carrying heavy bags, or putting a heavy bag in an overhead compartment, these issues may create the perfect storm for injuries to occur. Below are some simple tips to help prevent injuries when travelling.

Before you go on vacation, invest in comfortable footwear. You may find you will need to walk long distances while sightseeing, catching a train or walking to your connecting flight in the airport. You may have to carry bags up many flights of stairs. Having comfortable footwear on will help prevent injuries.

If you don’t already have an exercise routine in place, it may be beneficial to you to establish one prior to traveling. If you’re routinely walking and suddenly increase your steps, the extra steps won’t bother you as much. Remember, always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

Pack extra must-have items in your carry-on bag. Always have your medications, an extra pair of glasses or hearing aids close, so don’t put them in your checked bags. It’s also a good idea to have your medical history handy.

Traveling light and using elevators when possible can help lower the risk of injury. If you notice pain from walking or carrying a suitcase, follow the RICE regimen: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. Don’t ignore the pain and push through. This may cause greater injury. If the pain doesn’t go away after a few days, it may be best to check in with a doctor.

Like some travelers that travel long flights, you may have a fear of developing deep vein thrombosis (DTV). This is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the leg. To help avoid DTV on long flights, it’s important to stay hydrated and be mobile as much as possible. Do in-seat stretches, for example. It may be good idea for you to wear compression socks to promote blood circulation in the legs. Talk to your doctor prior to traveling to discuss the best options for you if you are planning a long flight.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for a wheelchair at the airport. This may be particularly important if you have a balance, gait problem or a health issue that makes you tired with exertion. If you overdo it, it could put yourself at higher risk for a fall.

Following these tips along with talking with your health care professional prior to your trip can help you avoid injury and let you make the most out of your vacation.

Cost Saving Ideas

Tips on Saving Money at the Grocery Store

We are all struggling with the price of groceries these days but there are some ways to save money at the grocery store that only take a few minutes to do. Saving money at the grocery store is one of the easiest ways to make a limited budget stretch further. By applying the cost saving tips and tricks listed below, you may just walk away with more money left in your wallet!

1. Make a Grocery List

Make a list and use it. In fact, before you even head out to the grocery store, take a quick inventory of the items that you already have on hand and the ones that you need to get. This will help you buy the things that you need and avoid buying extra items that were not on your list.

Once you’ve taken inventory of your pantry and fridge, make another list of meals that you can currently make with the items on hand. Being able to use what you currently have in stock will save you more money as you’re using up what you already have instead of buying more items.

2. Use Loyalty Cards and Coupons

Once you’ve created the list of items that you need for the week, cross-reference store ads for items you need that may be on sale. Use coupons or the store loyalty card for extra savings.

3. Switch to Generic Items

Making the switch from branded items to generic items is also a great way to save. Store branded items often have the same ingredients as the branded items.

4. Check for a Senior Customer Day

Find out if your local grocery store offers a senior customer day. If they do, shop on that day for additional savings. Also, be sure to check the requirements such as the age requirement and if the discount is automatic. You may need to inform the casher about your age to receive the senior day discount.

5. Get a Rain Check

Did the store offer a fantastic deal that quickly sold out? Talk with the cashier or store manager and get a rain check for the item. Just because you cannot purchase the item right away does not mean you cannot come back and pick it up at a later time.

6. Compare the Price per Ounce

It may look like a great deal, but once you compare the price per ounce it may not turn out to be so great. Be sure to compare the price per ounce or if the deal requires you to buy more than you’ll be able to use.

Boost Shelf Life, Create Less Waste and Save Money

Have you considered that you may be storing certain staple items incorrectly which is leading to reduced shelf life and quality of the item? This may be causing you to spend more money on replacing the item. The shelf life of food can come down to where and how you store it. Keeping foods at the right temperature can not only help preserve quality and freshness, it can help prolong shelf life, create less waste and save you money on your grocery bill. Here are a few common mistakes that you may be making.

1. Leaving olive oil by the stove

Heart-healthy oils, like olive oil, have less saturated fat which makes it more susceptible to going rancid. Exposure to heat speeds up the degradation process, as does exposure to light and air. To maintain quality, keep olive oil in a tightly sealed, opaque container inside a cabinet away from the stove or other heat source. According to the USDA, a container of olive oil, once opened, can last three to five months when stored properly in a pantry. If you opt to keep olive oil in the refrigerator, it will solidify and need to reach room temperature before it can be measured for cooking.

2. Keeping ground coffee in the pantry

Coffee loses quality quickly at room temperature. When it is ground, coffee has a drastically higher surface area, causing its quality to degrade even faster. Keep ground coffee in an airtight container in the freezer to minimize exposure to air, light and moisture. Only remove the container from the freezer briefly to measure out what’s needed. The USDA estimates the shelf life of ground coffee after opening at two weeks in the pantry, a month in the refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer.

3. Chopping produce in advance

Pre-sliced fruit and bagged salads are convenient, but once a piece of produce is cut, it begins to degrade and the quality will decrease. Ideally for freshness, wait to chop fruits and vegetables until just before you’re ready to consume them.

4. Putting bread in the refrigerator

Fresh bread that you don’t plan to eat within a couple of days is best stored in the freezer. When left at room temperature it may grow mold and when stored in the refrigerator it may dry out and go stale. Pre-sliced whole wheat bread can typically last three to five days in the pantry, according to the USDA, but freezing will keep it fresh for three months.

5. Storing spices in a cabinet

Spices don’t go bad in the same way milk goes bad. Rather, the flavor and aroma of your spices may start to fade over time due to exposure to air, heat and humidity. Whole spices last longer in the pantry (three to four years) than ground spices (two to three years), estimates the USDA. The exception is salt, which spice maker McCormick says will last indefinitely. Preserve the flavor and aroma of spices, especially those you don’t use often, by storing them in Ziplock bags in the freezer.

6. Tossing out honey too soon

The USDA estimates that honey has a shelf life of two years in the pantry, though some people get rid of theirs earlier for the wrong reason. When honey loses moisture it crystallizes, causing an increase in the concentration of sugar. This can occur when the jar isn’t sealed properly, or when it sits on the shelf unused for too long. According to the USDA, this is not a sign the honey has gone bad or is unsafe to consume. To salvage crystallized, cloudy or solidified honey, heat the jar in the microwave or in a pan of hot water to melt the crystals.

7. Stowing flour in the cupboard

Unless you’re an avid baker, you probably don’t go through a lot of flour. You also probably keep your flour in a kitchen cabinet, which reduces its shelf life. According to the USDA, white flour lasts six to eight months in the pantry after opening, but a year if refrigerated after opening. Wheat flour lasts six to eight months if refrigerated after opening, about twice as long as it would unrefrigerated. To store flour in your refrigerator or freezer, seal it in an airtight container to block out moisture and prevent the absorption of odors. More storage information can be found on the USDA website.

Spring Recipe Ideas

Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie

This lemon meringue pie is so delicious and perfect for sharing! The sweet and tart lemon filling is thickened with cornstarch, flour, and egg yolks.

Rhubarb and Strawberry Pie

A sensational strawberry rhubarb pie filling with a sweettart flavor, baked in your favorite pie crust. Nothing tastes better with vanilla ice cream for a springtime dessert.

The Ultimate Berry Crumble

This berry crumble recipe has the perfect balance of sweet to tart, tender to crisp, and fruit to crumble.

Easter Meat Pie

Stuffed full of ham, salami, and prosciutto, as well as ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, this pie really satisfies!

Oven Roasted Red Potatoes and Asparagus

These garlicky roasted potatoes and asparagus are easy and delicious served either hot or cold. Rosemary and thyme give it a sophisticated flavor.

Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta

Chicken piccata pasta with a classic piccata sauce. The sauce also works well with veal medallions.

Vegetarian Korma

This vegetable korma recipe is an easy vegetarian curry. It’s rich, creamy, mildly spiced, and extremely flavorful. Serve with naan and rice.

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.