Senior Center News – April 30, 2020
The field-bound cattle, in the mirrors of their eyes,
Bear me up to the hunted hills and would
Follow me over the wall and the topmost rail
To hear the hillside wind go over the shed of pines
And walk in the acorn-fall on the runs of the deer.
I am lost above orchard and field, and leaves like apples
Shaken by the wand of my hand fall to a carpet of light.
I make songs out of the notes of ripe berries;
I sit at the hallowed tables of unharvested stumps
And drink from the earthy cup of the blue-sky spring.
I walk the on the round roads of fallen trees through valleys of fern
And rest on islands of ledges above the waves of moss.
I read the revelation of the day
On parchments of the silver birches
And time sits with me in the hammocks of stone.
I shall go down again to the valley of concern.
I shall return to the rage of change,
But it is today that is forever and forever,
And I can hold the sun and the moment still
In the wink of my eyes.
~ “Hill Journey,” William Mundell, Newfane poet
Will there really be a “Morning”?
Is there such a thing as “Day”?
Could I see it from the mountains
If I were as tall as they?
Has it feet like Water lilies?
Has it feathers like a Bird?
Is it brought from famous countries
Of which I have never heard?
Oh some Scholar! Oh some Sailor!
Oh some Wise Men from the skies!
Please to tell a little Pilgrim
Where the place called “Morning” lies!
~ “Morning,” Emily Dickinson
Yes, Emily, there really will be a morning. The sun is just over that hill…. The problem is that the hill is much, much further away than we thought. Even so, aren’t you glad that you didn’t know at the outset that this quarantining and social distancing would be lasting so long? In the beginning of this phase, many of us were thinking it would last only two weeks. Then gradually, reality set in and things because clearer—but they are still pretty foggy.
No, this is not a sprint. We are in the middle of a marathon—actually, an ultramarathon. Whereas a regular marathon is about 26 miles, an ultramarathon is 32 miles—or more. It can make all the difference in the world to just make that mental adjustment between “sprint” and “marathon.” Stepping aside from reacting can be helpful, even though it may not be easy. It is what it is, and the only thing we can choose is how we respond to the situation. There are many difficulties and disappointments to be sure, and the challenge is to be gentle with yourself and look for what can lighten your day. Quiet discernment can be a good skill to take away from this altered reality.
And, there are ultramarathoners who can run 100 miles in 12 hours. Think about that.
More on Zooming
The new video-conferencing Zoom classes are not just up and running, they’re thriving. With unlimited virtual space, it is not a problem to have 18 or 19 in an exercise class. Plus, there are participants who have never been part of Senior Center activities, and some who would ordinarily be at work and unable to come. And, of course, it doesn’t matter where you are located.
As with the regular exercise classes, the Zoom versions are also ongoing, which means that you are welcome to join at any time. Stay tuned, there may be more Zoom classes coming.
Ongoing Zoom Classes
Gentle Yoga (Mondays, 11:00 a.m.),
French Conversation Circle – Intermediate (Mondays, 2:30 p.m.)
Pilates Plus (Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.)
Essentrics on Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.)
Mindfulness Meditation (Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.)—no fee
Pilates (Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.)
Essentrics on Fri. (9:30 a.m.)
How to register
Please email your name, address, phone number, and name of the course(s) you want to take. You will receive a confirmation that you are enrolled.
Reduced fees
For Zoom classes, the fees for courses are suggested at $5 per class— however, classes are open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. We would love it if you tally your class participation and just send a check at the end of the month; note the class on the check. Checks should be made out to the Charlotte Senior Center and mailed to P.O. Box 207, Charlotte, VT 05445.
If you have any questions, please send an email. Do visit the Senior Center website for more information about the Senior Center and course descriptions.
Even though the parking lot is not full these days, the Senior Center remains very much a part of the Charlotte community. For the Red Cross Blood Drive on 4/16, we were able to offer the use of the building as the blood supply has dropped dramatically with the closure of many of the Red Cross’s usual donation sites. If you wish to donate blood, please visit the Red Cross website or call 1 (800) RED-CROSS.
The Senior Center’s mission is to serve those 50 and up. Residents from other communities are always welcome. There are no membership fees. Feel free to leave a message on the Center number anytime: (802) 425-6345; voicemail will be checked daily.
Be careful. Stay well. But mostly, be kind.