Singing, painting, music, kayaking or chilling out at senior center

Lori York, Charlotte Senior Center Director

With September upon us and the arrival of autumn rapidly approaching, now is the time to squeeze in those final summer experiences. There are several senior center activities that provide opportunities to spend time outside and enjoy the sun, whether it be kayaking, bird watching or spending the afternoon playing croquet on the side lawn.

The September newsletter is now available with the return of some favorite programs that took a sabbatical for the summer months. Stop by in September to view the Senior Art Show, learn about the Ethan Allen Homestead, hear more about Will Raap’s vision for Earthkeep Farmcommon, or get a booster vaccine at the walk-in clinic.

Interested in receiving a weekly reminder about what is happening at the senior center? Sign up for the email newsletters at charlotteseniorcentervt.org. The “Week Ahead” email is sent out on Friday mornings with activities, lunch menus and special programming for the upcoming week.

Activities

Senior Art Show
The September senior art show includes a wide range of artwork produced by local artists of all skill levels, ages 50 and older. An artist reception will be held on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 1-2 p.m.

Photo by Lori York From left, Cheryl Sloan, Sean Moran and Roberta Whitmore help with Age Well Grab & Go meal distribution.
Photo by Lori York. From left, Cheryl Sloan, Sean Moran and Roberta Whitmore help with Age Well Grab & Go meal distribution.

Shape note singing
Sunday, Sept. 4, 1-3 p.m.
This traditional, a cappella, four-part harmony has been called “full-body, shout-it-out singing” and is also known as Sacred Harp (1750-1850). Open to newcomers and experienced singers, it’s free. No performances, no auditions and a good voice is not required. Songbooks are provided. Stop by to listen or sing, and leave whenever you wish. Questions? Email Kerry Cullinan.

Let’s paint autumn
Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13 & 20, 9 a.m.-noon & Thursday, Sept. 29, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Lynn Cummings will provide instruction in this four-week, fall-themed watercolor workshop. All levels are welcome. The supply list will be emailed to you upon registration. The class costs $165 and registration is required by Friday, Sept. 2.

Guitar for beginners
Wednesday evenings, 7-8 p.m., starting Sept. 7
Interested in learning guitar? John Creech will teach this beginner guitar class, which is open to adults of all ages. Space is limited. Register by Friday, Sept. 2. It costs $75 for the six-week session.

Kayak trip for women
Sept. 9
Kayak the Lower Otter Creek via the Fort Cassin access with other active women who share a love for exploring lakes, ponds and rivers. To register, email Susan Hyde to be placed on a list of paddlers. An email will be sent to regarding the details of the specific kayak trips. The trip is free but registration is needed.

Ethan Allen Homestead
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 1 p.m.
The Ethan Allen Homestead is one of the oldest sites of both Native American and European occupation known in Vermont, but what makes it truly special is how the site is still being used as a center of community today. Join Angie Grove, director of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, to explore the history of the homestead and its current offerings for the community involving historic and ecological preservation, community gardens, lectures, workshops and programs. It’s free but registration needed by Monday, Sept. 12.

Earthkeep Farmcommon
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Join Will Raap as he presents his vision for Earthkeep Farmcommon on Route 7. He will share his goal of advancing a new era of regenerative, diversified farming that balances Vermont’s 150 years of dependence on commodity dairy farms. Earthkeep Regenerative Agriculture Center is a non-profit research, innovation and education hub. Earthkeep Farmers Collective offers a new legal and operational structure created to incubate farm businesses more effectively. The structure will model how many farming operations can succeed together using regenerative practices by cooperatively sharing land, facilities, equipment, as well as market access on a large, conserved ex-dairy while fulfilling Vermont’s definition of a farm. Together these organizations aim to help rebuild the health of Vermont’s working landscape and rural economy and continue to relocalize our food supply. The presentation is free, but registration is needed by Monday, Sept. 19.

Community health

COVID-19 vaccine clinic
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Free Garnet Healthcare walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic – no appointments necessary. Vaccines and boosters are available for Moderna (18+); Pediatric Pfizer (ages 5-11); and Adult Pfizer (12+). The Moderna child vaccine is also available for children ages 6 months – 5 years.

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

Volunteer opportunities
The Charlotte Senior Center is able to provide a wide variety of programming because of the support of dedicated volunteers. There are many opportunities to volunteer at the senior center ranging from welcoming and registering visitors as a reception desk host to helping out with the weekly lunch teams.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kerrie Pughe or call 802-425-6345.

Senior center contact info:
Lori York, director

Kerrie Pughe, coordinator

212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
Charlotte Senior Center

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