Senior Center News – March 5, 2020
“Sometimes you have to choose between a bunch of wrong choices and no right ones. You just have to choose which wrong choice feels the least wrong.”
~ Colleen Hoover, Hopeless
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
~ Theodore Roosevelt
Being able to make choices can be a wonderful, liberating thing. There are so many levels of importance regarding the choices we make – from ethical to mundane. Haven’t we all walked down the pet food aisle in the supermarket and wondered if we really, really need all those options? Or, have you looked for a light bulb recently? Laundry detergent?
Courses and Notes
Tomorrow, Fri., 3/6, the new fee-based Essentrics on Fri. begins at 9:30 a.m. It is a full-body workout that improves how you feel in your body through a dynamic combination of stretching and strengthening that works through all the joints and releases tight muscles. Fee: pre-paid $42 for 6 sessions; or $8 per class. Please bring water and your own mat. Note that because the class is limited to 15, this course does require advance registration.
The two different French classes taught by Alysse Anton, have delayed dates: now starting 3/16 and ending 5/4. French for Travelers (beginners) on Mondays at 1:15 p.m., will cover learning to navigate cities, ordering delicious food, and finding the cultural hotpots when you travel to Montréal, Québec City, or overseas. Registration required. Fee: 8-week series, $85; or $12 per class.
On eight Mondays at 2:30 p.m., beginning 3/16, French Conversation Circle (intermediate) is designed for intermediate/advanced speakers with sufficient knowledge of French to carry on regular conversations—but who want to improve their skills and confidence. (This class is not intended for beginning French speakers.) Registration required. Fee: 8-week series, $85; or $12 per class.
If you would like more practice, and are also at the high-intermediate level, there is the French Conversation Gathering which is self-directed and has no fee. This friendly group welcomes walk-ins and meets Tuesdays, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Please note that is was listed in the Spring Schedule as starting at 2:30 p.m.)
Another popular, returning instructor is Pam Long, who incorporates her health and Tai Kwon Do background in her Aerobic Spring Tune-Up class, Friday mornings from 8:15 a.m. to 9:05 a.m., starting 3/13-5/8. Wellness is the class focus: staying healthy dancing and moving to music. Beginning with warm-ups, then moving to (non-mandatory) steps. Ending with muscle toning, abs, and cool down. Registration is required. Fee: $50 for 8 weeks; or $7 per class.
Continuing along – but with newcomers welcome – is Writing Your Life Story, Part II with Laurie McMillan. This group has reveled in listening to each other’s stories – and has come to realize they each have so much more to write about. In addition to the interpersonal inspiration, you will explore storytelling techniques and utilize in-class exercises to help you move along. Fridays, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Starting 3/20. Registration required. Fee: $65 for the 6-part series; or $12 per class.
Our resident bird whisperer, Hank Kaestner is back to lead his very popular Birding Expeditions. They will be on three Wednesdays this spring: 3/18, 4/22 and 5/20. Plan to arrive about 10 min. before departure at 9:00 a.m. to carpool. There is no fee, but please register in advance as there is a limit of about 20 participants. When you sign up be sure to indicate which dates you will be participating (okay to cancel later).
Coming in April
Movie Classics Discussion Group – Happiness Series, starts 4/3 on 4 Friday afternoons, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Watercolor—Spring Color, Tuesdays, 9a.m. to noon, Tues. 4/7-5/12
Middlebury College Art Museum & Lunch, Fri., 4/10 from 9:30 a.m.
Italian Language & Culture, Fridays at 1:30, p.m. 5-classes series, starts 4/17.
Shape-Note Singing, Sun. 4/19 & 5/17, from 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday Afternoons at 1:00 p.m.
Free Events. No registration necessary
3/11. Sign Language Explained with Jody Crosby. Find out about the structure of both American Sign Language (ASL) and Sign English, and how they are used with children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, children with other communication issues, and hearing babies! You will receive an alphabet handout for fingerspelling and leave knowing with some basic signs.
3/18. Irish Music with Marty Morrissey & Robert Resnick. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our own Marty Morrissey and Robert Resnik of the Highland Weavers band. Sponsored by the Friends of the Charlotte Senior Center.
3/25. Kyoto & Beyond with Jonathan Silverman. This presentation with images of temples, cuisine, artwork, and historic sites will help illuminate the rich Japanese tradition.
Art News
The March Art Exhibit—”From Our Wake Robin Neighbors.” This month, view works by nearly a dozen artists and almost 50 representational and abstract works. There are pieces in oil, acrylics, watercolor and pencil—with some for sale. Don’t miss this interesting collection.
Winter Weather Closings
When there is iffy weather, remember that the Senior Center follows the school closures of Champlain Valley School District (CVSD). Closings are announced on local TV and radio stations, at CVSD, as well as on our website, and our phone message.
Best times to see ART in March
Mon. at noon, Tues. after 2:30 p.m.,Wed. 10:00 a.m. to noon, Thurs. & Fri. after 12:30 p.m. Please call the Center during the week to check on Sunday availability.
Do visit our website, for more details on course listings, events and current menus, and more. If you have questions, would like to register, or ask about volunteering – please call (802) 425-6345, or stop by Mon. – Fri. from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We are at 212 Ferry Rd., 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. There are no membership fees.
Stop in and say hello. See you soon!
Charlotte Senior Center
(802) 425-6345
Monday Munch
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
No reservations required.
March 9
Creamy carrot soup, zucchini fritters, greens, apple dumpling, fresh fruit
March 16
Philo Ridge, carrot/ginger soup, salad, roasted cranberry cheesecake bar
Wednesday Lunch
All diners eat at noon. Reservations suggested.
March 11
Spinach/mushroom lasagna, garlic bread, lemon bars
March 18
Beef burgundy, homemade birthday cake and ice cream
Thursday – Gents Breakfast
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Reservations required.
March 12
Menu and Topic – TBA