Spring and summer are jumping with activities at the Senior Center

Getting ready for an active summer? Ginger Lambert will help you achieve that goal on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 a.m. – 10: a.m. Using timed intervals and a series of stations this class will incorporate body weight, light weights and other cardio/strength building tools to boost strength, cardiovascular fitness, agility and flexibility. Joint and ligament issues will be taken into account. Every exercise can be modified for any ability or level of fitness. If you have been looking for a class that challenges you but doesn’t leave you in the dust, then this is for you. Registration necessary. Limit 10. Fee: $10 per class.

The first Spring Road Hike in the Champlain Valley with Marty Morrissey will be on April 25 to Little River State Park. Please meet at the Center 10 minutes prior to our 9:00 a.m. departure with water, good hiking or walking shoes, and a snack or lunch. Details of the hike are in the sign-up book at the host desk. On Tuesday, May 2, we head to Ferrisburgh State Forest. Registration required. No fee.

Now that the snow has finally left us, Hank Kaestner will take us on the first Birding Expedition of the season on Wednesday morning, April 26, at 9:00 a.m. Please meet at the Center so we can carpool together to the location Hank has scouted for spectacular bird watching. Good views are guaranteed through Hank’s “Oh my God” telescope. Register for this event, and if we have to change the date due to bird migration or weather, we will call you. Registration necessary. No fee.

Join Liz Fotouhi and Friends on Friday, May 5, beginning at 11:30 a.m. for a Spring Tea. 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, dress is casual! Registration necessary. Max. 25. Suggested donation: $4.

Pastel Painting with Shirley Reid-Thompson returns on Thursday afternoons, May 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Our emphasis will be on pastel painting techniques. Color theory will be explained and used in your paintings. We will work from real life set-ups, except for one afternoon when we will use photographs. We can do mixed media, watercolor and pastel if you want. If requested, we can do individual contrast composition with color layering. Special help for beginners is available. All levels of skill are welcome. Call Shirley at (802) 860-0666 for a materials list. Registration necessary. Limit 10. Fee: $100.

All levels of artists will enjoy Bold, Brave & Colorful—Intuitive Painting in Acrylic with Lynn Cummings, even if you haven’t made art since kindergarten! The class will be held Tuesday mornings from 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. on May 9, 16, 23 and 30. You’ll learn about color, shape, design and how to paint intuitively, as Lynn guides you through exercises designed to help tap into the creativity that you have inside. Acrylic is a forgiving medium and is a fun way to make art. You’ll also learn to use different mediums, papers and objects to create texture in your work. Be prepared to have fun and express yourself in ways you didn’t think possible! Please make sure you receive the necessary materials list at least a week prior to the first class by contacting Lynn. Registration necessary. Max. 12. Fee: $111.

Colored Pencil Shortcuts with Elizabeth Llewellyn begins Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m. – noon. Dates: May 11, 18, 25 and June 1. Coloured pencils are a very versatile medium. They can be applied to resemble watercolour, pastel, acrylic or oil paintings, but it is a slow process to layer all of those colours! This is why coloured pencil artists have developed various “shortcuts” to help speed up the process. In this four-week class we will explore blending solvents (non-toxic) and toned papers as ways of shortening the time frame for completing paintings and producing different effects. 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
Wednesday afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m. No registration or fee.

April 19. The CVU singers. For the 13th year, the CVU singers return to the Senior Center to bring a light-hearted repertoire to remind us that spring is on its way! Songs from the great American Song Book and newer offerings will be shared with our friends, and there may even be a sing-along or two!

April 26. A cello quartet, with Judy Chaves. The cello quartet returns! This time, Judy, Emily, Kristina and Elizabeth bring a springtime assortment of early and traditional music, including dance tunes from the Renaissance, haunting songs from the Sacred Harp collection, Irish jigs, Scottish laments and more. Come celebrate spring with the rich and soulful harmonies of four cellos!

May 3. From Opera to Broadway, with Helen Lyons. Internationally acclaimed soprano and native of Vermont, Helen Lyons presents an eclectic program of beloved works from the operatic, classical and musical theater genres. The sound of beautiful singing will make the walls of the Great Room ring! Come be transported through an afternoon of sublime music; a splendid time is guaranteed for all.