Senior Center News – Sept. 5, 2019
It’s glorious to have the lake to cuddle up to in the summer; now that the nights are getting cooler, we will soon be returning to land—and our quilts.
Outdoors
The last two Kayaking for Women trips are coming up rapidly on 9/13 and 9/27. These provide an opportunity for active women to explore our many local lakes, ponds and rivers. To find out more and to register your interest, please email Susan Hyde directly at: [email protected].
The next Birding Expedition with our friendly expert, Hank Kaestner, takes place on 9/18. Be sure to register in advance, as these trips are very popular and there is a maximum of 25 participants.
Fall Hikes in the Champlain Valley return with Mike Yantachka taking over for Marty Morrissey, who has decided to retire after many years of leading this activity. Hike #1, on 9/24, goes to Raven Ridge in Monkton and meets at 8:45 a.m. to carpool. Be sure to register, and if you would like more information, please stop by or call for details.
Potpourri
On Sunday, 9/15, Shape-Note Singing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Granted, it is an acquired taste with a bit of a learning curve, but like learning to ride a bicycle, it is a lot of fun once you have practiced a bit. The style is very downhome, and singing loud can be a great stress reducer; the beautiful harmonies and camaraderie are bonuses. A “good voice” is not required. Walk-ins are welcome.
Since we live so close to Quebec, you might give some thought to signing up for French for Travelers. It starts on 9/24 and meets at 1:00 p.m.—ideal for those who are not early birds. The series of 8 classes is $85, or $12 per class. If you are a seasoned French speaker, Alysse can engage you in the French Conversation Circle that meets at 2:15 p.m. for the same fee.
Although Italy is across the pond, even if you are not planning a trip there, you might consider Italian for Travelers (Armchair or Otherwise) with Nicole Librandi. As you can see from her title, she will also be gearing it to those who might be staying stateside and just want to be more knowledgeable about Italian food and culture. It meets at 1:00 p.m., starting on 10/4 for 6 classes. Fee is $60 for the series.
Wednesday afternoon events at 1:00 p.m.—after lunch
Last month’s event, My Affairs in Order, was standing room only, with the audience contributing useful information and asking great questions. There will be more presentations coming on related subjects in the winter and spring. Stay tuned.
This next event continues along these lines and aims to be useful to those who are more challenged by finances and recordkeeping than previously—or who may have loved ones who are. (Please note that a financial caregiver and an investment advisor are quite different.)
9/11: The Role of the Financial Caregiver with Lou Maguire, People’s United Bank. Aging can intensify the challenges of managing financial decisions, and financial caregivers can be helpful. Finding the right person and granting the appropriate authority can be a challenge. This workshop will help you to understand the role of a financial caregiver, how to establish criteria for choosing one, and how to recognize the potential risks. Registration requested. No fee.
The following workshop is perhaps the most unique offering of the fall: it is essentially crowd research—not to be confused with crowd funding. It is an opportunity to make a real contribution to scientific projects while both enjoying yourself and polishing your computer skills. If your skills are limited (or non-existent), this is a good way to get your feet wet, and Susanna is very good at helping folks get up to speed.
9/18: Citizen Scientists on Safari with Susanna Kahn, tech librarian
Duration: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Learn how to assist wildlife biologists in Africa from right here in Charlotte. Help scientists understand the diversity and dynamics of wildlife populations across South Africa by identifying animals caught on camera. Join the “Zooniverse,” the world’s largest platform for people-powered research, to learn how to classify and record animal images while improving your computer skills. No previous experience necessary. Laptops provided. Registration required; maximum 8. No fee.
Wednesdays in October
10/2: Cycling Along the Dutch Coast with Stops in Some Cities with John Hammer ~ Have a look at what a cycle-barge trip along the Dutch Coast is like.
10/9: Discerning Fact from Fiction on Egyptian Archaeology with David Lightbody ~ Learn how recent political upheaval in Egypt has impacted fieldwork and the presentation of Egyptian archaeological projects in the global media.
10/16: Annual Meeting of the Friends of Charlotte Senior Center ~ Join us to become better acquainted with the workings of our organization.
10/23: Making a Difference in Honduras with Linda Gilbert ~ Colorful images will tell the story of how international service is provided by dedicated Hands to Honduras Tela volunteers.
Art News
The 13th Annual Senior Center Community Art Show is on display for the month of September. It showcases the work of 29 local senior artists. There are 48 pieces in a wide range of media: oil, watercolor, acrylic, paper, woodcut, collage, fused glass, colored pencil, photography, ceramics and pastel. It is exciting to see how many talented people there are in this small area.
On 9/25, everyone is invited to the Artists Reception and Gathering at 1:00 p.m. Artists whose work is in the 13th Annual Senior Center Community Art Show will gather to discuss their pieces and their creative process. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Senior Center.
And later in the season, another trip to Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham is scheduled for Saturday, 10/5. The Ittlemans invite you to enjoy a magnificent rural setting dedicated to outdoor art at their private residence in Shoreham. Thjs trip is weather dependent, and please note that it does require some walking. With Frank as our guide, the 1.5-mile loop passes about a dozen large-scale outdoor artworks. Art and autumn—a great combination.
The best times to see art exhibits in September
Mondays at noon, Tuesdays after 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Thursdays after 12:30 p.m., Fridays after 12:30 p.m. 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 always welcome.
See you soon!