Senior Center News: March 22

Courtesy photo

Step Aerobics with Pam Lord returns Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Dates: March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. With a portable platform (provided), you will do choreographed exercise routines up, onto, down and around the step for great cardio fitness, as well as exceptional training to shape the lower body, strengthen and tone muscle groups and improve coordination. The aerobic benefits are equally effective if you choose to do the workout without the step. Pam was previously certified with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and will show you how to perform the moves safely with the correct technique and have you stepping like a pro in no time! Registration necessary. Fee: $7 per class.

Aging Gracefully 102: Healthy Body, Healthy Brain will be the topic with life skills coach and certified yoga instructor Nancy Somers, on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Dates: March 28, April 4, 11 and 18 (please note the correct dates). Come and learn how to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling third act. Nancy will be sharing the latest research on brain health and what it takes to maintain high-level health and well-being. This program is designed to increase your personal development. Explore with Nancy how to eliminate senior moments, handle stress, get a good night’s sleep, spark your creativity and add zest to every area of your life. Nancy’s presentation style is enlightening, entertaining and joyous. Since 1974, she has been a respected teacher and lecturer featured on radio, television and in print media. Registration necessary. Max. 20. Fee: $45.

Hospice and Heart: A reading and Book Discussion with Library Director Margaret Woodruff and Alice Outwater, Ph.D. on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Dates: March 27, April 3, 10. Author and hospice mentor Pam Heinrich MacPherson opens our book series on March 27 with a reflection on end-of-life care as expressed in her book of poetry, Vigil. Following this introduction, we read and reflect on The Hummingbird, Stephen Kiernan’s 2015 novel that deals with hospice and healing. Alice and Margaret lead the discussion at the subsequent two meetings. Pam MacPherson will have copies of Vigil; copies of The Hummingbird will be available for checkout through the Charlotte Library. Registration necessary. Max. 14. No fee.

Let’s beat the mud season doldrums by jumping into some colorful Painting Glorious Spring in Watercolor with Lynn Cummings on Tuesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dates: March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2. If you haven’t painted lately, get out your supplies, dust them off, sign up for this class and come paint with us! We’ll work on new projects while supporting, encouraging and learning from one another. If you have been painting this winter, bring in a couple of your paintings to share at the first class. Please make sure you receive the materials list at least a week prior to the first class by contacting Lynn. A kit of 12 or more colors and some basic brushes is available from the instructor for a separate fee. Registration necessary. Max. 12. Fee: $154.

Spring Tea. Come join Liz Fotouhi and Friends on Thursday, April 6, beginning at 11:30 a.m. While delighting in fragrant tea, savory treats and sweet confections we will welcome and celebrate the return of the lovely lady we call spring. We will be reading and discussing poems about spring by some of our favorite writers. Bring your favorite poem to share, whether from a beloved poet or one you have penned yourself; all are welcome! Registration necessary. Max. 25. Suggested donation: $4.

Vermont Birds in Coloured Pencil with Elizabeth Llewellyn returns on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon on April 13, 20, 27 and May 4. Colored pencils are nontoxic, clean, inexpensive, portable and don’t require any complicated setup or cleanup. In this four-week class we will learn the basics of coloured pencils, including the most popular techniques: layering and burnishing. Working from the instructor’s photos, we will complete several portraits of beautiful Vermont birds. This class is open to those with some drawing experience. Please bring whatever coloured pencils you have, an HB graphite pencil and a kneaded eraser to the first class where more instruction on supplies will be provided. Registration necessary. Limit 10. Fee: $85.

A collection of lectures, performances and special events showcasing the diverse interests of our community. Wednesdays beginning at 1:00 p.m. No registration or fee.

3/22: Accessing Charlotte Library Services 24/7 with Susanna Kahn. Find out about the many online services the library has to offer, from downloading ebooks and audiobooks to learning a language to researching genealogy. Bring your own device (smartphone or tablet) for hands-on help getting started. Don’t have a library card yet? Stop by the library or Susanna can get you set up after the talk.

3/29. A Comedy Connection with Carrie Rae Shamel and Friends. Join local comedians and storytellers for an afternoon of laughter and fun. These folks have performed in various locations in Vermont, including the newly opened Vermont Comedy Club. Delighted to entertain at the Center, they believe laughter is the best medicine!

4/5. Moving Better, Living Better, with Liesje Smith, Certified Rolfer. Please join Liesje for an interesting discussion about your body in the field of gravity and discover how to relate to this pervasive force field. Liesje teaches a functional movement class that looks similar to a fitness class, using chairs, balls and light weights, only the emphasis is upon clarity of alignment and movement in space. It is easy, new and fun!