Senior Center News
As John Steinbeck wrote in Travels with Charlie, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” And sweet it is, indeed. Although now is a great time to be out and about, do take a look at what is happening at the Senior Center. You might just want to squeeze something into your active schedule.
Hurry, today (June 27) is your last chance to sign up for the AARP Driver Safety Class that takes place on Thursday, June 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This classroom defensive driving course, specifically designed for drivers aged 50 and over, may enable you to receive an auto insurance discount. Among other things covered are important issues that affect older drivers, such as physical changes and limitations, as well as the effects of medication on the motorist. Registration is necessary. Fee is $20 ($15 AARP for members), payable to AARP and collected at the beginning of class.
In July
Following the practical iPhone workshop series, the Senior Center’s collaboration with the Charlotte Library continues into July. (There should be a tunnel connecting our two buildings.) The July Book Group, with Director Margaret Woodruff, will read and discuss Serve It Forth by M.F.K. Fisher on Monday mornings, 10:30 na.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. Dates are 7/9, 7/16, 7/23. This first series of essays by the famed food writer takes readers on a journey through culinary history, beginning with the honey-loving Greeks and the immoderate Romans. Copies will be available at the Senior Center and the Charlotte Library. Registration is necessary; no fee. Don’t wait to get started.
Due to student and instructor enthusiasm, Lynn Cummings has extended her Watercolors Gone Wild! course to one more date: Tuesday, July 10, 8:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. The new subtitle is “Still Life Collage.” It’s really special when the teacher is having as much fun as the students. Cost is $40. Call or stop by to register.
The Charlotte Senior Center, Charlotte Library and King Arthur Flour are teaming up to offer Bake for Good. This baking event will be hosted at the Senior Center’s café by the Library’s Margaret Woodruff and Susanna Kahn, on Thursday, July 19, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Seniors and kids will bake rolls together and donate part of what they make to the Senior Center and the community Food Shelf. After sampling some of their own baked goods, participants will go home with a recipe booklet, dough scraper and new baking skills. Lunch will be provided, and no experience is necessary. Sign up individually or with your grand-friend! For seniors of all ages and kids age 9 and up. Registration required by July 6. Maximum is 20. No fee.
Give some thought to signing up for the visit to the Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. If it’s been a few decades since you stepped inside a fire department, the trucks are still big and red, and the gear is cool and heavy. Learn about procedures for fire and rescue. Meet at the Senior Center to walk over to the CVFD. Don’t hesitate; maximum is 12. No fee. (You get a chance to feel like a kid again—but this is intended for seniors.)
Coming to the Senior Center’s Great Room is A Performance of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, on Friday, July 27, at 1:00 p.m. The Hour-Glass Youth Theatre is back to put on another summer production. The play follows a young woman and her best friend as they flee a society in ruins from a government run on wealth and an imbalance of power. The world outside reveals a vast beauty that may be able to heal the chaos—a sort of dystopian Robin Hood tale. Registration required. No fee.
This season’s first Boat Trip with Al and Nancy Martin set sail on a perfect June day. It’s amazing that this is the 17th year that the Martins have generously devoted their time and spacious trawler to give lucky seniors (50+) a wonderful day on the water. Dream Day on Lake Champlain has a short waiting list for July 12, and a few spots are open for Thursday, Aug. 16, and Sept. 13. These all-day (9:40 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) trips are very popular, so please sign up for only one. There is no charge for these excursions except for your meal. Registration is required.
Continuing on water are the Kayaking Trips for Women with two trips in July (13 & 27), two in August (10 & 24), and two more in September (14 & 28). These trips are for active women who share a love for exploring our many local lakes, ponds and rivers. For destination information and to register your interest, please respond by email directly to Susan Hyde. Paddlers need to provide their own boats for all trips (except on 8/24). Sign up for one or any number of them. No fee.
Another outdoors option is birding. There are two more Birding Expeditions with Hank Kaestner this summer, and the next ones are July 18 and August 15. There is no fee, but be sure to call to register for one or both. We meet at the Center at 8:50 a.m. and carpool together to the location Hank has carefully scouted. Good views are guaranteed through Hank’s “Oh my God” telescope. Hank’s passion for the subject is both infectious and informative.
All About Art
The June Group Art Show is extended to July 6, and the new one will go up on July 7. Because the group show includes five artists, it fills the Great Room and gives it the feel of a museum (Louvre perhaps?).
The July Art Show will be Diane Bell’s watercolors. She says, “The landscape offers limitless possibilities, and the ever-changing light offers me much inspiration—along with the challenges associated with the medium.” The artist’s reception is Sunday, July 8, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Viewing Art Shows: The Center is utilized for many classes and events, and the best times to see the art shows are Tuesdays after 2:30p.m. Wednesdays after 3:00 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays after 12:30 p.m. Call the Center during the week to check on availability on Sundays.
Ongoing classes
Our ongoing exercise classes for all ability levels—as well as mindfulness, art and writers groups, and other activities—can be joined at any time. Many are free, and for those that do have a fee, there is the choice of paying for each class when you come or, if you wish, for the remainder of the multiclass session. (You can access the schedule online at CharlotteVT.org, or call if you have any questions.)
Once you stop by, you will find the Senior Center to be a hard place to resist. And if you don’t see what you’re hoping to find, by all means make a suggestion.
See you soon.
Happy Fourth of July! Please note the Senior Center is closed for the holiday.
Lunch menus
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. No reservations required.
July 2
Taco salad, cornbread, cherry walnut squares
July 9
“Antipasta” antipasto pasta salad, green salad, cookies & “banana dolphins”
Wednesday Lunch
All diners eat at noon. Reservations required.
June 27
Three cheese pizza, Greek salad, homemade dessert
July 4
Closed for the holiday
July 11
Seafood salad, birthday cake & ice cream
Thursday – Men’s Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Reservations required.
July 12
Menu and Topic TBA