Senior Center News – Oct. 3, 2019
“You look back on some little decision you made and realize all the things that happened because of it, and you think to yourself ‘if only I’d known,’ but, of course, you couldn’t have known.”
~ Mary Downing Hahn, The Dead Man in Indian Creek
Haven’t we all been down this road—more than once? It seems that, for better for worse, a little self-forgiveness in order. Especially so, since we will very possibly fall into this same refrain yet again.
Possibilities in October
Starting tomorrow, Friday, 10/4, is Italian for Travelers (Armchair or Otherwise) with Nicole Librandi. Even if you don’t plan to travel and just want to be more knowledgeable about Italian language, food and culture, this is for you. It meets at 1:00 p.m., 10/4—11/18; fee is $60 for the series.
On Monday, 10/7, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., tickets to the Age Well Universal Restaurant Ticket Program will be available at the Senior Center for the first time. Pat Long, nutrition coordinator, will be in to dispense tickets for this popular program. You must be 60 years old, and you will be able to register on the spot. Suggested donation for each ticket is $5, good for one year at participating restaurants on certain days. Please bring cash or check. This program will be offered on the first Monday of every month here at the Senior Center.
On Tuesday, 10/8, French for Travelers meets at 1:00 p.m. for six more weeks. There is still room for one or two more participants. It is intended for those who know little or no French but would like to be able to use it when dining or traveling. (Do you know there are more than 25 countries where French is spoken?) Of, if you can already converse in the language, the French Conversation Circle meets at 2:15 np.m. Both of these courses have fees; please call for more information and to register.
Also on Tuesday, 10/8, at 1:00 p.m. is a free Introduction to Feldenkrais® Movement with Mischul Brownstone. This is not exercise as you may know it but a series of gentle, mindful movements that aim to develop self-awareness to increase our ability to do what we want to do. “Feel greater ease and vitality. Rediscover lost abilities.” Come and see if this is might be right for you. The regular course begins on 10/15 for six sessions; fee is $90.
On Wednesday, 10/16, is the Birding Expedition’s last trip of this year. Please register and meet 10 minutes before the 9:00 a.m. carpool departure. Hanks Kaestner tells me that, so far, 100 species have been spotted during these outings, and this next one is to Bear Creek for the snow geese. Stay tuned for the date of Hank’s presentation early next year on birding in Alaska. It will be published here, in the Winter Schedule (which comes out at the end of Nov.) and on our website.
Outdoor activities
This Saturday, 10/5, at 9:30 a.m. is a carpooling trip to Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham. Frank and Elaine Ittleman’s outdoor art can be seen on the 1.5-mile loop that passes about a dozen large-scale pieces. With Frank as our guide, enjoy both the lovely scenery and the artwork. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes; head home around noon or stop in nearby Middlebury for lunch. Registration is necessary. No fee.
On Tuesday, 10/8, is Fall Hike #3, with Mike Yantachka. It starts at the Center at 8:45 a.m. for carpooling and heads to Cantilever Rock in Underhill.
Fall Hike #4, on Tuesday, 10/15, goes to Niquette Bay State Park, Colchester. Mike does not let a little light rain stop a hike—so be prepared with rain gear if there is any potential for moisture. For more information about these hikes, please call the Senior Center or drop in. Please note that Fall Hike #5 is just a makeup day in case weather has caused a prior cancellation.
At 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, 10/9, you can take the opportunity to go Strolling in Charlotte with Janet Yantachka. Sign up and meet at the Senior Center to carpool for a leisurely walk on the Town Link Trail—a flat, gravel path. In case rain is forecast, call for weather cancellation updates after 9 a.m. Registration is requested for each walk. No fee.
On Friday, 10/18, at noon, meet to carpool to the Chittenden Solid Waste District Recycling Plant—Materials Recovery Facility, Williston. See how large loads of blue-bin recycling are sorted and prepared for market, both mechanically and manually. Tours are partially indoors and partially outside, regardless of the weather. Visitors must be able to stand and walk for 30-60 minutes and will need to negotiate two flights of stairs, as well as some noisy and close spaces. Attendees must sign a waiver to participate. Tour starts at 1:00 p.m., finishes by 2:30 p.m.; return to Senior Center by 3:30 np.n. No fee. Registration required. Minimum is 5.
Wednesday Afternoon
Events at 1:00 p.m.—after lunch
10/9: Discerning fact from fiction in 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. Dr. Lightbody is an independent Scottish archaeologist and author studying the cultures of antiquity. Since settling in Vermont, he has published cutting-edge academic works and established the Journal of Ancient Egyptian Architecture. No registration required; no fee.
10/16: Annual Meeting of The Friends of Charlotte Senior Center
Join us to become better acquainted with the workings of our organization. An update of our financial position will be given, any questions will be answered, and the election of board members will take place. Hope to see you there. No registration required; no fee.
10/23: Making a Difference in Honduras with Linda Gilbert. See colorful images that tell the story of how international service is provided by dedicated Hands to Honduras-Tela volunteers. Their successful accomplishments help to improve the lives of thousands of Honduran families. “Doing good work with good people—it’s good for the soul.” No registration required; no fee.
Art news
The October & November Art Exhibit is “A Gathering of Hooked Work.” Rug hooking is both a craft and an art form using the traditional technique of wool strips that are pulled through a burlap or linen foundation. The designs, which include primitive folk art to photographs, are engaging and colorful. The beautiful finished hooked work can be used for rugs, sculpted pieces, cushions and wall hangings.
This two-month show is by 13 of the local fiber artists who come together weekly at the Senior Center and are part of a larger group that has been meeting for 20 years. The artists range from absolute beginners to experienced teachers. The 28 pieces displayed are not for sale, but commission inquiries are welcome. This show is really a feast!
The best times to see the art exhibit in October and November
Monday at noon, Tuesdays after 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (except 10/9), 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 or stop by 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.
Stop in and say hello. See you soon!
Charlotte Senior Center
(802) 425-6345