Senior Center News – July 11, 2019

“When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy,
And the dimpling stream runs laughing by;
When the air does laugh with our merry wit,
And the green hill laughs with the noise of it.”
~ William Blake

Do you often pay attention to the many shades of green that are part of the lushness around us? Hunter green, Kelly green, avocado, emerald, sage, olive, mint, citron, seaweed, jade, lime, etc. Imagine how different it would be if there were only one. Do you have a favorite shade? Mine is celadon.

What could be better than getting out and about in the summer? The once-postponed Boating on Lake Champlain trip with Al and Nancy Martin had a spectacular day for the first trip of this year on 6/27. These trips really are a “dream day” on the lake with beautiful scenery, stories about the lake, a stop for a fabulous lunch at Basin Harbor, and are hosted by the gracious and knowledgeable Martins. (And did I mention that Al can be very funny, too?) Please note that these popular trips all have waiting lists now, but do add your name if you wish, as iffy weather would result in rescheduling. There is no fee, and the only cost is your lunch.

The first trip of Kayaking for Women also had a wonderful day on 6/28 on the Bouquet River. The next one is tomorrow, 7/12, at the Green River Reservoir. If you are interested, contact Susan Hyde directly for details right away. Other trips are on 7/26, 8/9, 8/23, 9/13 & 9/27. There is no fee for these trips.

Writers? Poets? Where are you? The monthly Writers Group is waiting for you and will lend support for your creative efforts. It meets on 7/12 – and subsequent second Fridays, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Please register to indicate your interest while this group is forming. No fee.

If you would like more writing guidance, you could sign up for Write Now! with Laurie McMillan, which will be meeting on Monday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, on 8/5, 8/12, 8/19 & 8/26. The course will utilize writing prompts, art visuals and useful writing tips – with time for in-class writing, sharing and discussion. Registration required. Fee: $68 for the 4-week series.

Shape-Note Singing will happen again on Sunday afternoon, 7/21, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join in singing traditional, a cappella, four-part harmony – also known as Sacred Harp. It can take some getting used to, and does have a bit of a learning curve, but the “full-body, shout-it-out singing” is a real visceral experience and does not require a “good voice.” Songbooks are provided. Stop by to listen or sing—and leave whenever you wish. No fee. For some background, check out YouTube “Sacred Harp Singing,” (Awake Productions) – or in YouTube enter “I’m Going Home” (Royce Hall concert).

July: Wednesday Afternoon Events at 1:00 p.m.
7/17: Here We Go ‘Round Again. Learn about the history of Shelburne’s Museum’s famous Dentzel Carousel and its conservation over three decades. The presenter will be Richard Kerchner, conservator emeritus, Shelburne Museum.

7/24: Japanese Ceramics: The Grace of Imperfection. From 10,000-year-old funerary figures to Zen-influenced ceremonial tea bowls, you will encounter Japanese aesthetics, culture, history, geography and spirituality in the clay. Presenting is Jonathan Silverman, professor emeritus of art and aesthetic education at St. Michael’s College.

7/31: Fun with Donkeys. Invite a young friend, and meet two mini-donkeys named Chester and Ernie – pettable, huggable buddies for the afternoon. Hear about the history of donkeys and carting, and take a ride in their custom cart.

August: Wednesday Events at 1:00 p.m.
8/7: Stop the Bleed, UVM Medical Center. Learn what you can do in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.

8/14: Downsizing. Explore how to navigate the process and prepare for a life transition.

8/21: My Affairs in Order. If something should happen to you, would anyone know how to step in and manage your affairs?

8/28: Rokeby Museum Tour, Ferrisburgh. “The museum brings the Underground Railroad vividly to life.” Meet to carpool. Please register in advance; cost $9.

August Trips – just south
8/9, Fri. Middlebury College Art and Lunch with Linda Jackson. Please meet at the Center by 9:30 a.m. to carpool. This daytrip to Middlebury College’s Museum of Art will view the show “Fifty Years of Collecting Art for Middlebury.” After the museum, we will have lunch at the Middlebury Inn. Return time will be approximately 3:30. The only fee will be for the cost of your individual lunch. Preregistration required; minimum of 10.

8/17, Sat. Lemon Fair Sculpture Park with Frank and Elaine Ittleman. Please meet at the Center by 9:30 a.m. to carpool. The Ittlemans invite you to enjoy a magnificent rural setting dedicated to outdoor art at their private residence in Shoreham. With Frank as our guide, the 1.5-mile loop passes about a dozen large-scale outdoor artworks. (Be sure to bring water and wear sturdy shoes.) Head home around noon, or stop in nearby Middlebury for a leisurely lunch. Registration necessary. No fee. Maximum is 20.

Art News
The July Art Exhibit is showcasing the work of three artists: Emma Farrington, Jill Thompson and Nancy Wood. Their subjects and media are delightfully varied. Come have a look.

Don’t forget to come in to pick up the handout with everything you need to know about participating in the Annual Senior Center Community Art Show, which takes place during September. It is open to all mastery levels for ages 50 and up. Maximum is two pieces per artist. Work that has not been shown at the Center before is requested, although it need not be recent.
Questions? Call Judy Tuttle at (802) 425-2864.

About Volunteering
Do you know that volunteers are the heart of the Senior Center? There are hosts, dishwashers (men), bakers, cook teams, blood drive helpers, special events, office work, instructors, and more. Interested? We can find the right fit for you.

There are hosts, dishwashers (men), bakers, cook teams, blood-drive helpers, special events, office work, instructors and more. Interested? We can find the right fit for you.

We have flexible opportunities to fit your schedule and give you a chance to contribute to the community, meet new people, make new friends and have fun. If you would like to find out more, stop by or contact Volunteer Coordinator Peggy Sharpe at (802) 425-6345.

The best times to see art exhibits in July
Tuesdays after 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. -v11:00 a.m., Thursdays after 12:30 p.m., Fridays after 12:30 p.m. Take a quick peek at noon on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please call the Center during the week to check on Sunday availability.

Do visit our website for more details and menus. If you have questions or would like to register, please call (802) 425-6345, Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. t0 4:00 p.m. Or just stop in and say hello. We are at 212 Ferry Road, Charlotte, right across from the post office. The Senior Center’s mission is to serve those 50 and up. Residents from other communities are also welcome.

See you soon!

Charlotte Senior Center
(802) 425-6345