Senior Center News – April 18, 2019

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’”
~ Robin Williams

Returning last weekend from Seattle, it was clear the party had already started there—about a month ago. Unfortunately, the temperature had not caught up with the flowering trees, so my jacket was necessary.

This was not a vacation: it was a long overdue downsizing—actually, a donate or ship-it-out event that I am inclined to call “Storage Unit Pilates.” So, the last leg of this journey was the best—a terrific seatmate on the plane to JFK, an architect who passed on some great insights while showing me online his plein-air, charcoal studies of Seattle nightscapes. He was going to Long Island to help his 80+-year-old parents downsize and move to a one-floor condo. (Sound familiar?) Then, he asked about my work, and it was my turn to tell him about CSC.

He had trouble understanding that it is not residential and is not an adult daycare center. I just happened to have the spring schedule to show him, and we talked about community and how volunteers make it work. I got to tell him about how welcoming it is to newcomers and that people are upbeat, really care about each other—and are concerned when someone is missing from class. He thought it must be a great place to work (It is!) and that he wished his parents had something like that to go to themselves. Of course, I invited him to stop by whenever he can.

Free Wednesday afternoon events at 1:00 p.m.
Today, 4/17, everyone is invited to the CCS Music Concert directed by Monica Littlefield.
The Senior Center welcomes back middle school students from Charlotte Central School who will be performing a short concert as members of the Ukulele Band and the Concert Choir.

Identity theft, investment fraud and scams rob Americans of their hard-earned money. On 4/24, People’s United Bank joins with AARP to present Ways Con Artists Steal Your Money with Elliott Greenblott. Learn how to recognize fraud and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Registration is requested. Light refreshments provided.

On 5/1, UVM Home Health & Hospice (formerly VNA) will provide information on the expert nursing, rehabilitation and support they provide to people at home. If you, or a loved one, are recovering from illness or surgery, managing a chronic medical condition, facing a life-limiting diagnosis or need help with nonmedical tasks, they can help. Presented by Linda Le Compte, RN. (Rescheduled from 2/13.)

Outdoors
To get back outdoors, you have the option of joining Marty Morrissey on his Spring Road Hike #1, on Tuesday, 4/30, at 8:50 a.m. on the Town Link Trail. Additional dates on 5/7 and 5/14 will be to other locations.

If you’d like a later start on a Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m., consider the more informal, weekly Strolling in Charlotte. This meetup group has no official leader and is catch-as-catch-can when it comes to who shows up. The idea is to sign up for a Wednesday date and then meet to carpool to a spot on the flat, gravel Town Link Trail with the other interested folks on the list. Since it is unguided, there is no minimum number, and whether you like the weather or not is up to you. Consider giving it a try, now that it is getting a little warmer.

Other events and courses
In April, Shape Note Singing, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. monthly on the third Sunday, has been rescheduled to 4/28 since Easter falls on 4/21. Also known as Sacred Harp, participating in this traditional, four-part, acapella style does not require a “good voice” or a knowledge of how to read music. All you need is a little patience to learn the notation—and you are rewarded with the chance to make beautiful harmonies and sing at the top of your lungs. (A great stress reducer!) No auditions; songbooks provided. Stop by to listen or sing, and leave whenever you wish. No fee. [To hear it, go to YouTube and search for 344 Rainbow – Second Ireland Sacred Harp Convention; the words start at 0.39.]

Due to strong interest, on Monday, 4/29, the Book Discussion Group (Group B) is being offered again for a new four-week session that will end on 5/20. Please note that starting date has been moved up from 5/6. The book, Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Loving and Dying, is by Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush, and the group is facilitated by Pam McPherson and Charlotte Library’s Margaret Woodruff. The book’s 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.” Group meets at 10:00 a.m., no charge; however, registration is necessary. Some books are available at the Charlotte Library. It looks as though this course will be an ongoing one and will be offered again in the summer.

Art Exhibits
Continuing throughout the month of April is “Potpourri,” a variety of colorful, interesting and varied works in watercolor, acrylic and mixed media by Lynn Cummings and her students.

The May Art Exhibit will feature the nature photography of Peter Riley. On 5/8, he will also be speaking at 1:00 p.m. about how each photo was made, as well as about the natural history of his subjects. You can expect to be entertained.

The best times to see Art Exhibits in April are Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m., 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.

Coming in May
Pastel Painting, starting on 5/7, 4 weeks.
Acrylic Adventures, starting on 5/14, 3 weeks.
Play Reading, starting on 5/23, monthly.
Annual Plant Sale – Saturday, 5/25.

Also—more Birding Expeditions, Road Hikes, Wednesday Events at 1:00 p.m., great lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays, Gents Breakfasts on 2nd and 4th Thursday mornings. And a host of other ongoing courses. Please visit our website.

See you soon!

Lunch Menus
Suggested donation for all meals: $5

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

April 22
The Residence at Shelburne Bay will provide a special meal
Chicken salad with grapes in a lemon Aioli over greens, or grilled salmon over quinoa kale salad with balsamic glaze, lemon squares with fig coulis

April 29
Choose-your-own-adventure pizza, greens & carrots, ice cream with blueberry sauce

Wednesday Lunch
All diners eat at noon. Reservations required.

April 24
Kielbasa, german potato salad, bundt cake

May 1
Mom’s chop suey, birthday cake and ice cream

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

April 25
Menu: TBA. Topic: TBA

Keep up to date on menus with Front Porch Forum, as these sometimes change.

Charlotte Senior Center
(802) 425-6345