Senior Center News – March 7, 2019
“Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”
~ Anthony G. Oettinger (Not Groucho Marx)
Looking for quotes to use here can be rather time consuming. Considering spring was coming (soon?) and Daylight Savings Time was almost here, I searched ‘new beginnings,’ ‘anticipation,’ ‘impatience’ and ‘time’ for quotes. (And by the way, did you realize that in 1970, DST started on April 26?) So, after quite a while, this search had to end.
Familiar? Anyhow, this one made me laugh—and, hopefully, you as well.
Free Wednesday afternoon events at 1:00 p.m.
On 3/13, come with Carl and Carlanne Herzog on a photographic Tour of the Caucasus which includes the former Soviet Republics of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. This beautiful, historic and often unstable region is populated by welcoming residents. Learn more about this fascinating and complex place from the well-travelled Herzogs.
Join Marty Morrissey and Robert Resnick of the Highland Weavers Band on 3/20 for Irish Music in a slightly belated celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. They will probably sneak in some other music as well—for a fine, fun performance. Sponsored by the Friends of the Charlotte Senior Center.
Other events
Sunday, 3/17, is the monthly gathering for Shape-Note Singing from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. This a cappella, four-part harmony style is also known as Sacred Harp, but it is far from staid or ethereal. Open to newcomers and experienced singers. No auditions; songbooks provided. Stop by to listen or sing, and leave whenever you wish. No fee.
On Wednesday, 3/20, the popular Birding Expeditions with Hank Kaestner begin again with Trip #1. The destinations are carefully chosen by Hank, usually the same morning. The group will carpool and meets 10 min. before departure at 9:00 a.m. Registration is required in case of weather changes. Other dates for this season are 4/17 and 5/15. When you register please be sure to indicate all the dates you are interested in. No fee.
New and returning classes next week
Spanish Grammar Review began on 3/5 and will skip next Tuesday. It will resume at 10:00 a.m. on 3/19 and 3/26, and it is for those at the intermediate level and above. Registration is necessary, and the only fee for this multi-week class is a materials charge of $10. The informal Spanish Conversation class meets conveniently at 11:00 for those who feel comfortable at a more advanced conversational level.
Returning this year on 3/11 for eight weeks is Aerobic Spring Tune-Up on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Wellness is the class focus—staying healthy with dancing and moving to music. Begins with warm-ups, then steps, ends with muscle toning, abs, and cool down. Registration is required. Fee: $7 per class, or $50 for 8 wks.
Please remember that the Center’s eight other exercise classes all welcome participants at any time. It is possible to start whenever you wish and pay per class—or for an entire session of several weeks. Some are free, most are $8 or $10 each visit. The Center also welcomes potential students to watch or participate for one class with no charge.
Due to strong interest last season, on Monday, 3/11, the Book Discussion Group is being offered again for a new four-week session. The book is Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Loving and Dying by Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush, with Charlotte Library’s Margaret Woodruff and Pam MacPherson. The two masterful authors offer practical guidance on “how death gives us an unparalleled opening to cultivate gratitude, compassion, mindfulness, and an abiding joy in the simple beauty of living.” This group meets at 10 a.m. There is no charge, but registration is necessary. Some books are available at the Charlotte Library.
On Tuesday, 3/12, the new French For Travelers class begins at 1:00 p.m. It is intended for those who want to be able to navigate cities, order delicious food, find the cultural hotspots, and not feel lost when travelling to Montréal or Québec City. (Do you know that French is spoken in 35 countries?) Registration is required. Fee for the 8-week series is $85, or $12 per class. Note: This course offers a day-trip to Sutton, a quaint village in Quebec Eastern Townships, at the end of the course to demonstrate all your practical learning (additional cost).
Also on Tuesday, French Conversation Circle returns at 2:15 p.m. for intermediate/ advanced speakers who want to improve their skills and confidenc or just keep in practice. With a variety of discussion topics, participants will be expected to maintain the language in conversation. Note: This course is not intended for beginning French speakers. Registration required. Fee: Session I – $48, Session II – $36; or $12 per class.
Beginning on Thursday, 3/14, is Write Now! This class meets from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, (no class on 4/11), 4/18 & 4/25. We will use writing prompts, art visuals and useful writing tips. There will be time for in-class writing, sharing work, and discussion in a supportive atmosphere. Registration required. Fee: $68 for the 6-week series. Please note that these dates are accurate; unfortunately, the printed calendar omitted 3/14 and 3/21.
Some folks have been curious about the Memoir Writing Group that meets on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Meeting for more than a year, it is currently full and has no waiting list. However, perhaps another group could be formed if there is enough interest—especially after the new Write Now! course concludes.
The March Art Exhibit features photography by Cindi Robinson, who says, “My work tends to focus on that moment of light that will soon pass. Primarily working in landscape and cityscape, I strive to find the nuances of a place and the effect of light on that space.” When you plan to visit the show, please note the best times to see Art Exhibits below since the Center’s exhibition space is used for many other events and classes.
Best times to see Art Exhibits in March are: Tuesdays after 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays after 2:30 p.m. (March only), and Thursdays and Fridays after 12:30 p.m. You might also catch a quick peek at about noon on Mondays and Wednesdays Please call the Center during the week to check on Sunday afternoon availability.
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