Fall into autumn activities with the senior center
October is a full month with hikes scheduled, a birding trip and the return of the AARP Safe Drivers program. There are several language, exercise and painting classes along with a new ukulele class. There will also be an interactive presentation by the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and a presentation about Dragonheart Vermont and the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat festival that benefits local cancer survivors.
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.
Presentations & Trips
Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m.
Back by popular demand. You will not want to miss this presentation if you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss. Join Dan Norris, director of adult services at the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, for this hour-long interactive presentation. Dan will share the variety of large-print, digital and audio resources that are available to help access print and how to access these resources through smart devices like an iPad or smartphone. No cost but register by Tuesday, Oct. 11.
Niquette Bay State Park
Wednesday, Oct. 12
Join Mike Yantachka for this fall hike 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 is a 2.4-mile loop, generally considered easy with an elevation gain of 320 feet. For questions, contact Mike or 802-233-5238. No cost but registration is required by Monday, Oct. 10. The rain date is Thursday, Oct. 13
Dragonheart Vermont
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, join Dragonheart Vermont’s executive director Nina Atkinson and board chair Pat King for an overview of the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, benefitting local cancer survivors. They will share stories from the Club Crew World Championships, and what it is like to compete representing Dragonheart Vermont and the United States. No cost but register by Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Birding expedition
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 9:00 a.m. departure.
Please meet at the center 10 minutes prior to the 9 a.m. departure to carpool to the location for bird-watching 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, will help with refreshing driving skills, and may even help save money on 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 or $20 for AARP members. Register by Monday, Oct. 17.
Coffee & Canvas — autumn inspiration
Friday, Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Unlike traditional paint and sips, Coffee & Canvas will allow for exploring and creating a unique painting. But don’t worry — there will be plenty of autumn inspiration from landscapes to still life objects from nature. No prior painting experience needed. All materials included. The cost is $25. Register by Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Meditation
Fridays, 8-9 a.m.
Meditation is an easy-to-learn practice that reduces anxiety, stress, pain and depression. Charlie Nardozzi will lead the class in techniques to 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/class. No registration required.
Italian for Total Beginners
Fridays, 10-11 a.m., Oct. 21-Nov. 18
Dreaming of traveling to Italy and ordering a morning cappuccino in a sun-drenched piazza? 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.
Ukulele
Fridays, Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, Dec. 2 and 9, 1-2 p.m.
Interested in learning to play the ukulele? Ukuleles are easy to learn, even if you have no musical background. This group is for anyone who already plays and just wants to play in a group, as well as beginners interested in learning. Join John Creech for this fun and easy-going ukulele class on Friday afternoons at the senior center. Bring a ukulele, along with an electronic clip-on tuner, and the curiosity for learning something new. If there is interest, there will be a performance at the end of this 6-week class. The cost for the six-week class is $75. 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.
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
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