Charlotte Senior Center News

“To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent—that is to triumph over old age.”
~ Thomas Bailey Aldrich.  

Ah, yes, those scary words: old age. This quote seems to suggest that it might just be an attitude or a mindset more than anything. So perhaps to “triumph over old age” can also mean to change your mind about categorizing yourself—and others. Whatever the case, the concept of an “unwrinkled heart” is something I just want to savor rather than analyze.

This week’s highlights
Today, Wednesday, 10/3 at 1:00 p.m., Bill Mares, Vermont author and beekeeper, will present Bees Beseiged. He will talk about the recent collapse of many of the nation’s 2.5 million colonies, as well as the origins and evolution of beekeeping, which has spanned thousands of years! These tiny creatures (which we swat away) are extraordinarily important to agriculture; crops of blueberries and cherries are 90 percent dependent on them, and almond crops are entirely dependent on the striped ones. Sobering.

Thursday, 10/4, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. there will be an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) review session. The Senior Center has one of these devices on hand for an emergency; it is the only treatment for sudden cardiac arrest, and using it properly can save a life. Please call to register in advance. 

Also on Thursday, 10/4, from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., the Center will hold our Blood Drive with the American Red Cross in our friendly, comfortable space. Remember, what you donate will cost you nothing—but it cannot be bought at any price.

Coming next weeks
On Tuesday, 10/9, Fall Hike #3 meets at 8:30 a.m. at the Center to carpool and will head for Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park in Hubbardton. Call for more information about this hike, or stop by to read the description at the host desk. Fall Hike #4 meets on Tuesday, 10/16, at 8:30 a.m. and heads to Moosalamoo Mountain in Ripton. Registration for the hikes is required; no fee. The temperature should be perfect for a little exercise.

On Wednesday, 10/10, our recurring Foot Clinic begins at 9:15 a.m. with the kind assistance of Martha McAuliffe, R.N., Julia Jacques and Samantha Wendell. This clinic does require pre-registration, but the Blood Pressure Clinic at 11:30 a.m. welcomes walk-ins.

Going Out for a Stroll. At 10:00 a.m. on 10/10 (10/10@10), the Center will offer its first leisurely stroll—on the new Charlotte Town Link Trail. Not to worry, it will not be 7 miles and it is very comfortably flat. Experienced walker Ajat Traiyal will lead the way. Meet at the Center to carpool. No need to register for this casual event.

Why not sign up for Wednesday Luncheon on 10/10 (Black bean sweet potato pie—see menu), and then carpool for the 1:00 p.m. trip to Winooski for the Salvation Farms Tour? This is your opportunity to visit the state’s first surplus crop food hub. Be introduced to gleaning and to the basics of moving large volumes of Vermont’s surplus farm crops—cleaning, packing and processing them for distribution to food shelves and meal programs. Come and meet the staff, volunteers, and trainees who make the food hub run.

On Thursday, 10/11, at 7:30 a.m., the Center’s sunny Café is transformed into ‘man cave’ for the Gents’ Breakfast. Registration by the Tuesday before is necessary, and, believe me, they know how to cook! The last breakfast featured some really great French toast (which I got to sample as leftovers). And, aside from food, this very welcoming bunch also has interesting conversations and presentations on varied topics. 

Drumming is coming on Friday, 10/12!  Yikes—rhythm and noise! A Drumming Workshop will be held on three Friday afternoons, 10/12, 10/19 and 10/26, from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Stuart Paton of Burlington Taiko will lead a hands-on drumming class for beginners using djembes from West Africa. Drums will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own. Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome. Fee is $36; or $12 per class. This should be fun! 

Check out the free Intro to Feldenkrais on Tuesday, 10/16. This method (similar to tai chi or gentle yoga) uses mindful movement to achieve powerful effects. It’s hard to describe and not widely known, but it has been around for decades. Come to the free intro to get a taste of the experience and ask questions; then, you can decide if you would like to sign up for the series. 

On Wednesday, 10/17, meet up at 8:50 a.m. to go on a Birding Expedition with Hank Kaestner, the Pied Piper of Senior Center birding. Destinations are top secret. . . no, actually, they are decided according to weather and bird migration patterns. Hank’s savvy choices and legendary “oh-my-God” telescope will not disappoint. Registration is important; no fee. (This is the last one of this season.)

Also on 10/17 is another opportunity to sign up for Wednesday Luncheon (chicken tortellini au gratin—see menu), and then stay afterward for an unusual Dementia Simulation presented by Anika Bachofen, reflections director at the Residence at Shelburne Bay. This is a chance to “walk in someone else’s shoes” and gain empathetic insight. Volunteers use sensory-deprivation devices, try to perform simple tasks and then describe how they felt. 

Art News
October Art Exhibit. The originally scheduled art exhibit will be replaced by the oil paintings of Deborah Boutilier-Paolantonio, which will be on display in the Great Room as of 10/3. Her subjects are most often landscapes, wildlife and portraits, and she also works in watercolor, pastels and mixed media.

On 10/5, we will meet at 9:00 a.m. to carpool to Frank and Elaine Ittleman’s Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham (just past Middlebury) to view their collection of large-scale outdoor artworks. Frank will guide our walk along the one-and-a-half-mile loop in this lovely setting. The trip is already pretty full, but we can probably squeeze in one or two more. Registration necessary. No fee. Let’s hope for fine weather!

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

Every week there are events and lectures, courses in art, exercise, languages, books, as well as chances to play bridge, mahjong and other games. Be sure to check the town website for more details—or come by to pick up a fall schedule if you don’t already have one. Suggestions? We are always open to considering new possibilities.

See you soon—and may your heart remain unwrinkled. 

Please note: On Monday, Oct. 8, the Center will be open our usual hours, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

October 8
North Woods tasty soup, green salad, peanut butter cupcakes

October 15
Sweet potato salsa soup, greens, apple surprise

Wednesday Lunch
All diners eat at noon. Reservations required.

October 3
Beef Burgundy, tossed salad, birthday cake & ice cream

October 10
Black bean sweet potato pie, fiesta corn medley, apple cake

October 17
Chicken tortellini au gratin, tossed salad, homemade dessert

Thursday Gents Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Reservations required.

October 11
Menu and Topic – TBA

Keep up to date on Menus with Front Porch Forum, as they sometimes change.

Charlotte Senior Center
(802) 425-6345