Senior Center News

Monday Munch
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. No reservations required.

August 13
Corn & squash soup, couscous salad, key lime pie

August 20
Tomato, corn &
mozzarella greens, ice cream w/blueberry sauce

Wednesday Lunch
All diners eat at noon. Reservations required.

August 8
Taco salad, tres leche cake

August 15
Bacon, lettuce & tomato salad, lemon bars 

August 22
Hearty chopped ham, cantaloupe salad, lemon bars

Thursday – Gents’ Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.  Reservations required.
August 9: Eggs, cornbread and fruit. Topic – TBA

Gandalf, Dumbledore, Obi-Wan Kenobi—all old men with wrinkles—and magical powers. So, the magic makes the wrinkles acceptable? Interesting that the magic does not make them go away. Hmm. Perhaps they are (rightly) seen as a badge of honor.  

And then there is Shakespeare, more than 450 years old and still going strong. On July 27, the Hour-Glass Youth Theatre staged his play As You Like It in the Senior Center’s Great Room. It was a wonderful example of what teenaged actors and actresses can do and a marvel of invention. Founded and directed by Lauren Palmer, the production included basic—but very effective—costumes, with females often playing males and everyone playing multiple roles. Also on hand were six instrumentalists performing music written for the show by Aya Yuasa, pianist. Their amazing 8-foot-tall, constructed tree (representing a forest) and three tree stumps have found a new home in the Charlotte Children’s Center. So nice to keep it all in the neighborhood! And now, Lauren is looking to publish her first novel, A Sharper Sword. Someday, we may proudly say we saw her first…

The summer may be starting to wind down, but there is still much to choose from at the Senior Center. 

The August Book Group continues discussion of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, meeting at the Senior Center with Library Director Margaret Woodruff. Meetings are Monday mornings, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., on 8/13 and 8/20. The story is set in a near-future New England, in a totalitarian, Christian theonomy that has overthrown the United States government. Copies of the book are at the Charlotte Library and Charlotte Senior Center. Discussion takes place at the Senior Center. There is no fee. Call the Senior Center to register. There is a space for you.

There will be two more classes of Poetry by Heart, 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., on Tuesday 8/14 and 8/21. Coach Ginger Lambert will share her tips and memorization methods, as well as the reasons to learn poetry. Just like your body, you brain can benefit from a workout as well. Some poems will be provided, or you can bring your own favorites. Registration required before class; fee is $10 for each.

Collage Experiences continue on Thursdays, Aug. 16, 24 & 30, 9:30 a.m. –11:00 a.m. (The class for 8/9 has been rescheduled to 8/30.) Enjoy playing (literally) with small pieces of paper and letting your creativity take flight. Collage artist Linda Finkelstein provides direction and teaches the basics of how to juxtapose, overlap, organize and consider the interplay of negative and positive space. Some materials are provided, and you may also bring your own treasures of memorabilia, papers and artifacts. Registration is required. Each class is $10. It’s not too late to join.

On Sunday, Aug. 19, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., the Charlotte VT Shape-Noters are back at the Senior Center, as well as monthly on every third Sunday. This new group, singing the traditional, four-part, acapella style known as shape-note singing, welcome newcomers and those with experience. Rest assured, there are no auditions! Song books (1991 Dennison) are supplied, and there is no charge. Come and “find your voice”— or just listen. No need to register—just stop in and leave whenever you wish. It is worth mentioning that this style of singing is sometimes called “sacred harp,” which refers to the sound resonating through the body as an instrument.

On Friday, Aug. 17, the Senior Center’s Annual BBQ celebrates summer. Curious about the menu? Appetizers: artichoke dip, bacon/chicken sausages, shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit bowl. Main course: steak, chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, fresh tomatoes and cukes, zucchini bread. Dessert: blueberry crisp with ice cream. Drinks: lemonade, iced tea, coffee, hot tea. BYOB.

Bring your family and friends—and rain or shine—begin with appetizers at 5:00 p.m. and dinner “hot off the grill” at 6:00 p.m. Registration is necessary. Fee: $12 per person, at the door. Be sure to sign up by Aug. 15, so we can plan quantities. 

Ongoing Classes
Keep in mind that there are our ongoing exercise classes for all ability levels—as well as mindfulness, arts and writers groups, and other activities—which can be joined at any time. Many are free; for those that do have a fee, there is the choice of paying for each class when you come or for the remainder of the multi-class session. This means you can come and check something out without needing to make a commitment. Access the schedule online, or call (802) 425-6345 if you have any questions.

About art
The August Art Exhibit of Kay George’s pastels is up until the end of the month. She says she finds painting in pastels a wonderful way to relax and express herself. Kay is a prolific artist and has more than three dozen of her works here. She says she is thrilled to have them out from being stored behind her living room sofas. Her artist’s reception is being rescheduled. Check Front Porch Forum for details or call the Senior Center for the new date.

Viewing Art Shows: Since the Center is utilized for many classes and events, the best times to see art shows in the summer are: Tuesdays & Wednesdays after 3:00 p.m., Thursdays & Fridays after 12:30 p.m. Call the Center to check on Sunday availability.

See you soon.

Charlotte Senior Center
(802)425-6345