Senior Center News – August 26, 2021

My definition of an intellectual is someone who can listen to the William Tell Overture without thinking of the Lone Ranger.
~ Billy Connolly

I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. . . And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.
~ Ron White

Summer is winding down, and the new Fall Schedule is an insert in this issue. It covers September to November, and all courses and events will be taking place in person. There are no Zoom courses planned as of this date. There are 42 courses, gatherings, events and lectures to choose from, and hopefully, there will be several things that will speak to you.

Courses starting soon
These courses are starting very soon, so please make a note of the registration deadlines. Longer course descriptions can be found in the Fall Schedule in print or on the website. As of September, registration is only in person, by phone (802) 425-6345 or by mail: CSC, P.O. Box 207, Charlotte 05445.

Watercolor – Fall Spectacular! with Lynn Cummings
Register and pay by 9/2. Fee: $77. Two Tuesday mornings, 9–12. Dates: 9/7 & 9/14. We’ll paint fall-themed, local subjects that reflect the colors, shapes and textures of our surroundings. Some experience with watercolor necessary.

Italian For Total Beginners with Nicole Librandi
Register by 9/3. Fee: $48. (5 weeks). Tuesday afternoons, 1–2. Dates: 9/7–10/5. You’ve never studied Italian? Do you dream of traveling to Italy and ordering your morning cappuccino on the plaza? Now is the time to begin your study of Italian—and have fun along the way!

French Coffee Club with Alysse Anton
Register by 9/7. Fee: $80. (8 weeks). Friday mornings, 9:15–10:15. Dates: 9/10–10/29. Have an engaging French conversation with your morning coffee. This course is designed for high-beginner/low-intermediate French speakers who are able to carry on a basic conversation, but who would like to improve confidence and fluency. Short articles and movies will be used to facilitate conversations. Not intended for beginning French speakers.

French Book Club with Alysse Anton
Register by 9/7. Fee: $80. (8 weeks). Friday mornings, 10:30–11:30. Dates: 9/10–10/29. The classic play Cyrano de Bergerac is adapted for French learners, and is filled with duels, war, drama and romance. Students will be encouraged to read parts aloud and debate about the underlying meaning of the dialogues. Language level: High-intermediate to advanced.

Book Discussion Group: The Book of Joy with Katie Franko
Pre-registration required by 9/8; limit of 10. No fee. Monday mornings, 10:30–noon.
Dates: 9/13, 9/27, 10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22 & 12/6. We will be reading The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Join us to ponder and discuss our musings as we read through this unique book together.

Exercise & Health
These classes take place in our spacious Great Room. You’re invited to come and check out a class one time—for no charge. These are ongoing throughout the year; you can join at any time. Stop by and fill out an address form. Walk-ins are welcome.

Fees will be returning to the original pre-Zoom rates, and this means that exercise courses will no longer be $5 per class. Be sure to check the course descriptions in the Fall Schedule or see the website for details. Pay for a session series in advance and receive a discount.

Chair Yoga – Mon., 9:30 a.m.
Gentle Yoga – Mon. 11 a.m.
Pilates Plus – Tue., 8:30 a.m.
Essentrics on Wed., 8:30 a.m.
Pilates – Thur., 8:30 a.m.
T’ai Chi for Beginners – Thurs., 10 a.m.
T’ai Chi – Advanced – Thurs., 11 a.m.
Essentrics on Fri., 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Talks at 1 p.m.
All Wednesday talks and events will be in person only, and no registration is necessary. The first three events in September are a little different. All are at 1 p.m.

9/1: Music of the 50s & 60s—Oldies Revival with Peter & Helen Rosenblum
Join the musical fun as this Hinesburg duo strums and sings the hits that will forever live in our hearts and minds—from the romantic ballads of the Everly Brothers to the rockin’ rhythms of Chuck Berry.

9/8: Vermont Humor Through the Ages in Art, Words & Performance
with Bill Mares
With words and cartoons, Mares will detail the evolution of Vermont humor— from anonymous jokes told on old country store porches to stand-up performances like Vermont Vaudeville and Ground Hog Opry. Bill’s talk will help you forget your worries—just as over the years known and unknown humorists helped wipe the sweat and tedium from Vermont labor.

9/15: Greenbush—Music with John Creech & Cobey Gatos
As long-time friends and neighbors, John and Cobey draw on a lifetime of playing jazz, blues and rock, as well as years of weekly get-togethers in Cobey’s backyard studio. They’ll choose from a library of their own original pieces and from carefully selected compositions written by musical masters. They seek out a personal connection with each tune, creating a unique and evolving version each time they perform.

Lunch schedule
Right now, the schedule for meals is irregular, so it’s a good idea to call to check if lunch is served on a particular date. The information will also be posted on the CSC website. Our Café is spacious and airy, and our porch has tables with big sun umbrellas.

The next lunch will be on Sept. 13, the first Monday after Labor Day. There is no lunch scheduled for Aug. 30. There are no Wednesday lunches scheduled at this time.

If you would like to volunteer to be on a cooking team or be a team leader, please contact Lori at (802) 425-6345 or email.

Art News
Until the end of August, stop in to see the art of Deb Peate. She is exhibiting watercolors, pastels, silkscreens and five fanciful decoupage pieces; most are available for purchase. Since the space is also used for classes, the best times to view the exhibit in August is: Mon. at noon; Wed. after 1:00; Tues., Thurs. & Fri. after 12:30.

Annual Senior Art Show
September is the 14th Annual Senior Center Community Art Show. If you have registered, please drop off your artwork only between noon and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8/26, or Friday, 8/27. If you have any questions, please contact Judy Tuttle, Art Show Coordinator, at 425-2864 or email. The best times to view art in September are: Monday at noon; Tuesday & Wednesday after 2:30; Thursday & Friday after 12:30.

About Volunteering
Ever thought about becoming a volunteer? There’s a special spot for you whether you are available once a month for a couple of hours, or on a weekly basis. This is a great opportunity to meet other people, make new friends and to be part of our community. Lori would love to meet you and talk with you about the possibilities of volunteering at the Charlotte Senior Center. She can be reached at email or (802) 425-6345.

If you’d like to visit or join an activity, there are some mask requirements to keep in mind. Plus, some activities, like Bridge and Mahjong, are requiring participants to be fully vaccinated because they take place over long periods of time and in close proximity. Please do call to check.

Notes on masks
Here is where things are now at the Senior Center. If you are . . .

Fully Vaccinated: No mask required – but encouraged. No social distancing required.

Not Vaccinated: Mask required. (This would also apply to exercise classes.)
Social distancing required (6 feet). (This would also apply to exercise classes.)

Not Vaccinated & Not Wearing A Mask (for any reason): Kindly do not plan to visit at this time. We ask that you come back after the mask guidance for the Senior Center is updated.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Please visit our website for expanded course descriptions and more information. The mission of the Senior Center is to serve those 50 and up; some course enrollments are limited, and if a course is not full, younger participants are welcome to enroll. Questions? Call or stop by between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., or leave a message at (802) 425-6345.

Charlotte Senior Center
(802) 425-6345