Senior Center News – August 8, 2019

“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ’Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.”
~ Thomas Paine

We are coming to the last few weeks of the Summer Schedule, and the Fall Schedule, covering September, October and Novemer, will be out at the end of this month. Meanwhile, Center participants are active—as usual —with all sorts of courses, activities, events and lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays. But things never really stop here—we just move into another season.

Health notes
If you are reading this on Aug. 8, the Senior Center is having a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. And we have a comfortable space, friendly volunteers and great snacks.
It may seem a little early to take a look at the Fall Schedule, but there is an important course that has a signup deadline of August 29, which is not long after it is published.

If you have had chronic pain for more than 3–6 months, consider signing up for the Living with Chronic Pain Workshop that meets for 6 weeks on Fridays—a little later than usual from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is taught by peer instructors through VT Blueprint for Health Self-Management Program. It is for those with musculoskeletal (neck, shoulder, back, etc.), neuropathic and post-stroke pain, fibromyalgia and more. The workshop benefits those with Crohn’s disease, IBS, diabetic neuropathy or severe muscular pain from conditions like MS. Learn techniques to deal with frustration, isolation, fatigue, poor sleep; exercises to improve strength and endurance and to pace yourself; and tips for discussing pain. Pre-registration is required for the 6-week series. Signup deadline is 8/29. No fee.

Courses
Do you write? Memoir, short stories, poetry? Could you use some encouragement? The monthly Writers Group is waiting for you to bring your writing to share in a supportive atmosphere. The plan is to meet 8/9 and every second Friday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please register to indicate your interest while this group is getting ready to fly. No fee.

In August have some fun with Collage Experiences taught by with Linda Finkelstein on Tuesdays mornings, 9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., on 8/13, 8/20 and 8/27. Aside from just being fun, collage can be a non-stressful way to enhance your creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills. Engage with a variety of materials to create a unique composition. Each week, a theme will provide a framework to work with. Registration required. Fee: $45 for the series.

August: Wednesday after-lunch events at 1:00 p.m.

8/14: Downsizing with Suzanne Lourie. Are you contemplating downsizing/rightsizing? Even if a move isn’t imminent, simplifying your surroundings while keeping what you need or cherish most will allow you to live more comfortably in your home. We’ll explore how to navigate the process and prepare for this life transition.

8/21: My Affairs in Order with Rosemarie Cartularo. If something should happen to you, could anyone step in and manage your affairs? Most people have informed others about their wills and death arrangements, but what about your bank accounts, how you pay your bills, your investments, taxes, social security, pets, credit cards, doctors, dentist, mortgage and everything else? Organizing this information is essential, and Rosemarie will show you how to record crucial information.

8/28: Rokeby Museum Tour, Ferrisburgh, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Meet at the Senior Center to carpool at 1:00 p.m. “The Museum brings the Underground Railroad vividly to life.” The visit includes a guided, 1-hour tour of the historic house with 200 years of domestic belongings. On your own afterward visit the Free and Safe exhibit in the Welcome Center and some of the nine historic farm buildings with agricultural artifacts. Please register. Cost is $9, checks payable onsite to Rokeby Museum. Maximum 12.

Art news
The August Art Exhibit by Marni McKitrick, featuring her watercolors, mixed media and acrylics will be rescheduled for next spring due to the painting of the Great Room. After August 14, there will be pieces by different artists in various media.

The September Art Exhibit will be the 13th Annual Senior Center Community Art Show with works by multiple artists in a wide variety styles, from hyper realism to abstract. Mediums include watercolors, acrylics, oils, collage, wood and ceramics. Consider contributing your own pieces; all mastery levels are welcome for those 50 and up. The limit is two art pieces no bigger than 2×3’—and the request is that it not have been shown previously at the Senior Center. Stop by to pick up the registration form soon as the deadline for registering is Friday, 8/23. If you have any questions, please contact Judy Tuttle at (802) 425-2864 or by email. The drop-off date for artwork that has already been registered is Wednesday, 8/28, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The best times to see Art Exhibits
Tuesdays after 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 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. – 4:00 p.m. 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