In spite of signs of fall, plenty of outdoor senior center opportunities

The mornings are cooler and the colors of autumn are beginning to show, but there are still plenty of opportunities to be outside during this invigorating time of year, whether it is hiking, visiting the Ethan Allen Homestead or participating in a birding trip.

Check out the fall programming in the October newsletter and consider attending an AARP safe drivers program, participating in a Friday morning meditation, learning a new language or attending a watercolor class. Some upcoming presentations include learning about scam prevention strategies and a walk down memory lane with the showing of a video about the senior center as told by Shirley Bean.

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

Senior center at the Shelburne Farmers Market
The Charlotte Senior Center will be at the Community Tent at the Shelburne Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. A special thank you to the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary for sponsoring the Community Corner tent that is shared with nonprofits throughout the summer at the Shelburne Farmers Market.

Presentations and trips

Latest scams and prevention strategies
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m.
The Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program is offering a presentation that will include information on consumer complaint trends, review the top 10 scams reported to their office in 2021 and take a deeper dive into imposter, free money and phishing scams. The presentation will also cover how robocalls make their way to you, how to reduce these calls and how to protect yourself. No cost but register by Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Reflections on the Charlotte Senior Center
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1 p.m.
Join us for the story of the Charlotte Senior Center as told by Shirley Bean. An unexpected bequest from the estate of Charlotte resident Walter Irish and his wife, Gertrude, Bean led a group of community members in fulfilling the requirements of the will, which would provide the funds for a senior center. This video (45 minutes) was taped on Sept. 11, 2008, at the senior center with Bob Chutter and Don and Betty Ann Lockhart.

Ethan Allen Homestead tour
Friday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.
Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum with a guided tour of the 235-year-old Allen House, visit Negöni Alnôbaakik, a reconstructed Abenaki village, view the exhibits and explore the reconstructed 18th century colonial garden. Click to register, drop by the senior center or call 802-425-6345. The tour costs $10. Registration is required.

Sucker Brook Hollow Trail
Wednesday, Oct. 5
Join Mike Yantachka for this fall hike off Route116 in Williston and enjoy all the vibrant colors of autumn. Participants should bring a walking stick, water and a snack. Meet at the senior center at 8:45 a.m. This trail leads to an overlook, 2.4 miles out and back and is a moderately challenging trail with an elevation gain of 500 feet. For questions, contact Yantachka or 802-233-5238. No cost but registration is required. The rain date is Thursday, Oct. 6.

Birding expedition
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. departure.
Please meet at the center 10 minutes prior to the 9 a.m. departure to carpool to the location for birdwatching with Hank Kaestner. Group size is limited. To register for the birding trip, email and include your name and phone number. No cost but registration is required.

New classes and programs

AARP Smart Driver course
Wednesday, Oct. 26,
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The AARP Smart Driver course is designed especially for drivers age 50 and older. It will help you refresh your driving skills and may even help you save on your auto insurance. Members can take the course at a discounted rate. Please plan to bring lunch. Register early as class size is limited to 15. Checks should be made out to AARP. The cost is $25 / $20 for AARP members. Register by Monday, Oct. 17.

Meditation
Fridays, 8-9 a.m.
Charlie Nardozzi is back, offering meditation classes at a new time. Meditation is an easy-to-learn practice that reduces anxiety, stress, pain and depression. In each class you will quiet the body and mind by doing simple breathing exercises and a seated, eyes-closed guided meditation. All are welcome, no experience necessary. The cost is $10 a class. No registration required.

Let’s paint autumn
Tuesdays, Oct. 4-Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-noon
Lynn Cummings is offering a fall-themed watercolor workshop. Explore techniques, color choices and blending, as well as painting the negative space and design. All levels are welcome. The supply list will be emailed to you upon registration. The cost of this five-week workshop is $200. Register by Monday, Sept. 26.

Italian for Total Beginners
Fridays, 10-11 a.m., Oct. 21-Nov. 18
Do you dream of traveling to Italy and ordering your morning cappuccino in a sun-drenched piazza? Are you interested in learning Italian but have never tried? Then this class is for you! Now is the time to begin your study of Italian with instructor Nicole Librandi. The cost for the five-week class is $50. Register by Friday, Oct. 14.

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.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website: charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

Monday Lunches
Served weekly. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. No registration required. Suggested lunch donation $5.

Weekly Age Well Grab & Go meals
Pick up on Thursdays 10–11a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. October menus are posted on the Charlotte Senior Center website at charlotteseniorcentervt.org. The meals are free but registration is required by Monday for the Thursday meal. To register, contact Kerrie Pughe at 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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