Don’t let old people assumptions keep you away

“I thought the Senior Center was only for really old people. Now that I have started coming, I wish I had started coming
years earlier.”

This quote from a participant illustrates a common misconception about the Charlotte Senior Center.

Participants are age 50 and older. They join activities ranging from kayaking and hiking to birdwatching, exercise classes or art programs and board games. Come visit the Senior Center. You will be surprised about the variety of programs.

The April newsletter is on our website.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a glimpse into the activities happening at the center.

Photo by Lori York Frank Califano and Gail Martin chat during Friday Arts Group.
Photo by Lori York. Frank Califano and Gail Martin chat during Friday Arts Group.

Featured artists
Local artists Barbara Lane and Brenda Myrick are showing their works in “Together—A Mother & Daughter Show.” Barbara Lane is displaying her watercolor paintings of Vermont barns, florals and scenes from her travels. Her daughter, Brenda, works in oil and acrylic and is displaying her expressive semi-abstracts and abstracts.

Blood drive
Thursday, April 14, 2–7 p.m.
Please consider donating blood at the Charlotte Senior Center. The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the Red Cross website and enter “Charlotte” to schedule an appointment.

‘Ruth Stone’s Vast Library of the Female Mind’
Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.
A feature-length documentary with presentation by Nora Jacobson. A film about the poetry and life of Ruth Stone, who forged her art out of loss and inspired countless others to create from her hilltop home in the Green Mountains of Vermont. See the website  for more information. Co-sponsored with the Charlotte Library.

‘Wasted: The Story of Food Waste’
Wednesday, April 20, 1 p.m.
Documentary about food waste that’s produced and narrated by chef Anthony Bourdain and will be followed with a discussion led by Chittenden Solid Waste District staff. Approximately 85 minutes.

‘West Side Story’
Friday, April 8 and 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
The Senior Center is offering two screenings of the 2021 version of “West Side Story,” with Sean Moran. The 1957 musical has been reimagined with Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as the young lovers torn apart by a climate of intolerance and hate. Free but registration required because of limited seating.

Programs

Birding expedition with Hank Kaestner
Wednesday, April 13, 9 a.m.
Meet at the Center 10 minutes prior to 9 a.m. departure so the group can carpool to the location for spectacular bird watching. To register for the April trip, send an email and include your name and phone number. Free but registration required because group size is limited.

Coffee and Canvas. Sunflowers with Sherry Senior
Friday, April 15,10:30 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25, Register by Monday, April 11
Unlike traditional paint and sips, Coffee and Canvas will allow you to explore and create your own unique painting, but don’t worry—there will be plenty of inspiration and lots of instruction. No prior painting experience needed. All materials included.

Volunteers needed
The Senior Center needs your help. Do you have a couple of hours weekly or monthly to volunteer at the Senior Center? Volunteering is a great way to be of service while making new friends and connections within our community. Adults of any age are welcome.

Do you enjoy our weekly Monday lunches? Or would like to see the return of our Wednesday meals? Consider volunteering on the kitchen teams—and as a perk you will receive your lunch for free. To find out more, contact Susan about the cooking teams.

Available to help with dishes? Contact Brian.

The Senior Center is also looking for reception desk hosts to welcome visitors and help answer questions. Interested? Stop by or call 802-425-6345.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website.

Monday lunches
Served weekly. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m., or when there is no more food. Suggested lunch donation of $5.

Monthly men’s breakfast
Thursday, April 14, 7–9 a.m.
Note: change in guest speaker. The guest speaker will be Scooter MacMillan, editor of The Charlotte News.
To register, email Tim McCullough by Tuesday, April 12. Suggested breakfast donation of $5.

Weekly Grab & Go Meals
Pick up meals provided by Age Well on Thursdays 11 a.m.-noon at the Senior Center. Register by Monday for the Thursday meal by emailing director Lori York, or calling 802-425-6345.

Exercise classes
The senior center offers daily exercise programs for a wide range of fitness and activities levels. A complete list of our exercise programs is on our website.

Questions?
The Senior Center staff would love to meet with you. The center is located at 212 Ferry Road, Charlotte. Hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Call 802-425-6345 or email director Lori York.

Residents from other communities are always welcome.